November 2007
Despite Court Decision, Water Uncertainty Is The Rule
By Paul Shigley on 30 November 2007 - 4:45pmThe development side has won one in the ongoing fight over water availability in the Santa Clarita Valley, California’s hot-spot for litigation regarding water and planning.
Let me explain: In October, the Second District Court of Appeal issued a ruling for Los Angeles County in a suit filed by Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment (SCOPE) over Newhall Land and Farming Company’s proposed 2,500-unit West Creek project. The environmental group contended the environmental impact report for the project was inadequate. The court ruled otherwise.
Reliance on Inclusionary Zoning Rises
By Susan Klipp on 29 November 2007 - 12:22pmWith about half of the cities and counties in California facing a June 30, 2008, deadline to file updated housing elements, the often-controversial policy of inclusionary zoning is receiving renewed interest. Already, one-third of cities and counties have inclusionary zoning policies, and now other local governments — including Los Angeles, San Jose and Oakland — are considering the idea.
SD County Zoning Ordinance Survives 2 Suits Mostly Intact
By Susan Klipp on 29 November 2007 - 11:39amSan Diego County’s adult business ordinance has mostly survived two federal court challenges. In separate rulings, the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that the ordinance’s zoning provisions pass constitutional muster.
Reform or Regulation? Year of the Election Might Have a Split Personality
By Susan Klipp on 29 November 2007 - 11:23amCall it the Year of the Election.
Every time you turn around during 2008, Californians are going to be voting on something. February. June. November. And, on the local level, probably some dates in between.
9th Circuit Cracks Door Open For Out-Of-State Property Owners
By Susan Klipp on 27 November 2007 - 2:30pmThe Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has issued two takings decisions from outside California favorable to property owners.
Reluctant Remand Ruling Depublished
By Susan Klipp on 27 November 2007 - 2:10pmThe state Supreme Court and the Third District Court of Appeal appear to be feuding over a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) case concerning the water analysis for a 20,000-housing unit project in Rancho Cordova.
High Desert City Confronts Both Past, Future Growth Issues
By Susan Klipp on 27 November 2007 - 1:54pmNearing the 20th anniversary of its incorporation, the high desert city of Hesperia is simultaneously confronting its past and future. The city continues to install infrastructure that was never provided in the first place and is working on a plan to create what would be the first real downtown in a city of 86,000 people. At the same time, Hesperia is considering plans from two developers that would open up a whole new part of town for growth and potentially increase the city’s population by two-thirds.
Big-Box Store, Road Realignment Constitute 1 Project, Court Rules
By Susan Klipp on 27 November 2007 - 12:25pmDevelopment of a home improvement store and realignment of an adjacent road in Sonora constituted one project, and the combined activities should have been subject to a single environmental analysis, the Fifth District Court of Appeal has ruled.
No, Seriously: Golf Course Saves Fresno
By Susan Klipp on 27 November 2007 - 11:13amWhy is Trump asking the city to get involved in his purchase of Running Horse?
Sensitive Sites In 4 Counties Acquired For Conservation
By Paul Shigley on 21 November 2007 - 6:13pmEnvironmental groups and land trusts have completed four major land acquisitions in four different parts of the state. To varying degrees, the acquisitions were intended to prevent development and preserve or enhance natural resources. The acquisitions occured in Sonoma, Placer, Tehama and San Diego counties.