Plumas County Municipal Code Ch. 21 Limited Density Owner-Built Rural Dwellings with the 2021 Dixie Fire And…

The purpose of this chapter is to address the need created by the 2021 Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex Fire, and expand the applicability of Chapter 20 of Article 8 to all parcels in the 2021 Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex Fire perimeters as delineated by CAL FIRE in unincorporated Plumas County, which might not otherwise meet the parcel size requirements, and to provide minimum requirements for the protection of life, limb, health, property, safety, and welfare of the general public and the owners and occupants of low-density owner-built rural dwellings and appurtenant structures constructed pursuant to this chapter. The modifications contained in this chapter are intended to permit, under specified circumstances, the use of the ingenuity and preferences of individual owner-builders of dwellings intended for occupancy by the builder in designated areas of Plumas County. It is further intended to allow the use of substitute materials, procedures, and alternatives to the specifications prescribed by the California Building Code to the extent that a reasonable degree of health and safety is provided by these modifications. It is also the purpose of this chapter to protect the environment, improve economic viability of sustainable construction, aid affordability of construction improvements, promote lawful construction activity, and enhance owner equity in improvement of property. In applying these modifications, the Building Services Director or designee shall have the authority to exercise reasonable judgment in determining compliance with all requirements of this chapter.

(§ 1, Ord. No. 2023-1151, adopted Sep. 19, 2023)

All provisions of Chapter 20 of Title 8 of the Plumas County Code, including the CEQA exemption, shall apply to the construction, enlargement, conversion, alteration, repair, use, maintenance, and occupancy of a limited density owner-built rural dwelling and appurtenant structures in the 2021 Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex Fire perimeters as delineated by CAL FIRE in unincorporated areas of Plumas County, except as expressly noted herein.

It is the intent of this chapter that the requirements contained herein shall apply to seasonally or permanently occupied limited density rural dwellings, including additional quarters and guest houses that are solely occupied as the residence of the owner or the owner's family.

If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this chapter is, for any reason, held to be unconstitutional, or contrary to the California statutes, such ruling shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter.

For the purpose of this chapter the definition of rural is as follows, and Section 8-20.03 (d) is inapplicable:

(d) "Rural" shall mean:

(1) A legal parcel in unincorporated Plumas County in private ownership or land lease tracts in private, tribal, state, or federal ownership within the 2021 Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex Fire perimeters as delineated by CAL FIRE.

(2) No minimum parcel size.

(3) Zoned to allow for dwellings.

(4) Dwellings shall meet all other zoning standards established in Title 9, Chapter 2 of the Plumas County Code, unless otherwise modified by this chapter or as modified to the satisfaction of the Planning Director.

(§ 1, Ord. No. 2023-1151, adopted Sep. 19, 2023)

The provisions in this chapter shall take effect immediately upon adoption and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2028, unless otherwise specified herein, subject to extension or modification by the Board of Supervisors.

(§ 1, Ord. No. 2023-1151, adopted Sep. 19, 2023)