Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) Meeting Dates and Speakers
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Monday, January 13 | Tim Cashman, TRPA Governing Board Member |
Our January 13 meeting will feature Las Vegas-native Tim Cashman, Nevada At-Large Member on the TRPA Governing Board. Tim was first appointed to the TRPA Board in December of 2008. The Nevada At-Large member is elected by the TRPA Board’s other six Nevada members. Tim serves on these TRPA Board Committees: Catastrophic Wildfire, Environmental Improvement Program & Public Outreach, and Operations & Governance.
Following graduation from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, Tim joined his family’s heavy equipment business in Reno, eventually managing operations in Reno and Elko before being named Vice-President of Cashman Equipment. He is co-owner of the Harley-Davidson dealerships in Southern Nevada and Utah.
In addition to his business endeavors, Tim has also served on the Nevada Department of Transportation’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, the Nevada Electric Energy Policy Committee, and the State of Nevada Commission on Ethics. Since 2004 he has served as a trustee of the Keyser Foundation. Tim also sits on the boards of the Tahoe Fund and the Nevada Taxpayers Association. Tim enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, and is active in fishing, motorcycle riding and boating.
Other agenda items for the LGAC meeting include an update on the Truckee General Plan and a review of rules for ADUs on smaller parcels with septic in eastern Nevada and Placer Counties.
2020 schedule of LGAC meetings with CBO or speakers
All meetings are Mondays, 4:00 PM, at the CATT office
| January 13 | TRPA Governing Board Member Tim Cashman |
| February 10 | Placer CBO Tim Wegner followed by Truckee Vice Mayor Anna Klovstad |
| March 16 | Truckee CBO Dan West |
| April 20 | TBD |
| May 18 | Placer CBO Tim Wegner |
| June 15 | Truckee CBO Dan West |
| July 20 | TBD |
| August 17 | Placer CBO Tim Wegner |
| September 21 | Truckee CBO Dan West |
| October 19 | TBD |
| November 16 | Placer CBO Tim Wegner |
| December 21 | Truckee CBO Dan West |
LGAC meetings are usually held the third Monday of the month at the CATT office and start at 4:00 PM. Exceptions to this schedule occur when federal holidays also fall on the third Monday of the month, as is the case for January and February. Any CATT member is welcome to attend LGAC meetings. Please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison at 530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com for more information about LGAC activities or issues of concern to CATT.
ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS TO TRUCKEE TRAFFIC AND FACILITIES MITIGATION FEES
The Truckee Town Council approved adjustments to the traffic and facilities mitigation fees on December 10. Traffic mitigation fees for residential construction will go down 12 cents per square foot as a result of a calculation error found by CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison when reviewing the Town formula. Non-residential traffic mitigation fees will go up by 1.36%. Facilities mitigation fees for residential and non-residential construction will also increase by 1.37%. The fee increases will be effective February 10, 2020.
Residential additions (not a second unit) less than 500 square feet shall not be assessed a traffic or facilities mitigation fee. And as a result of recent state legislation to encourage the creation of more housing, second units (aka Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs) less than 750 square feet will not be assessed mitigation fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger will be assessed mitigation fees at the full rate per square foot.
TRAFFIC MITIGATION FEES – all amounts shown are on a per square foot basis unless otherwise noted, only select non-residential types are shown here
| Residential (for all types except exempt smaller ADUs and additions) | |
| Current | $2.69 |
| New | $2.57 |
| Hotel/Motel | |
| Current | $4,330 per room |
| New | $4,388 per room |
| General Office | |
| Current | $9.22 |
| New | $9.34 |
| Light Industrial | |
| Current | $6.00 |
| New | $6.08 |
FACILITIES MITIGATION FEES – all amounts shown are on a per square foot basis unless otherwise noted
| Residential (all types except exempt smaller ADUs and additions) | |
| Current | $1.42 |
| New | $1.44 |
| Hotel/Motel | |
| Current | $209 per room |
| New | $212 per room |
| Commercial/Office | |
| Current | $1.44 |
| New | $1.46 |
| Industrial | |
| Current | $0.89 |
| New | $0.90 |
For more information about the Town’s mitigation fees, please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison 530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com
CATT MEMBER APPOINTED TO TRUCKEE PLANNING COMMISSION
Dan Fraiman has been appointed as Truckee Council Member Tony Commendatore’s Planning Commissioner. Dan is the owner and president of Daniel Fraiman Construction – a company specializing in luxury custom home building and commercial projects throughout our area. Dan has more than two decades of experience in all aspects of the construction industry. Dan has worked on many small and large projects in the Truckee-Tahoe region, including but not limited to: the Martis Camp Lodge, Family Barn, Tennis Pavilion, and the Springs Pavilion. He has also worked on over a dozen homes in Martis Camp and Lahontan, countless remodels and additions, new homes in Squaw Valley and on Tahoe’s West Shore. Dan has been a CATT member since 2016 and was part of CATT’s Affordable/Workforce Housing Solutions Group. Dan took a special interest in the prohibition of ADUs on smaller parcels with septic and did the initial research for CATT that got this issue front and center as part of the Town’s Housing Element. Congratulations Dan!
TRUCKEE PLANNING DIVISION REDUCED WINTER HOURS
The Town's Planning Division will be starting new “temporary winter hours” for Planner on Call as of Monday, December 9, 2019. The Planner on Call has traditionally been available to help with phone calls and in-person inquiries each weekday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
However, current staffing limitations in the Planning Division are making it difficult for Town staff to provide quality service to all customers. The Town hopes to be fully staffed again soon. In the meantime, the new temporary Planning Division Winter Counter Hours are: Monday – Friday, 8 AM – Noon.
Any questions should be directed to Laura Dabe, Town of Truckee Assistant Planner, 530.582.2937 or ldabe@townoftruckee.com
TRUCKEE BUILDING CODE AMENDMENTS FOR RESIDENTIAL REMODELS
Thanks to Jamie Brimer (Brimer Construction & Plumbing) and Brad Altman (Evolve Design Works) for reviewing all five fire codes (Alpine Springs, Northstar, North Tahoe, Squaw Valley, Truckee) and three building codes (Nevada County, Placer County, Truckee) on behalf of CATT.
Brad spent a lot of time analyzing the Truckee amendments to the Building Code. The amendments are designed to address fire resiliency/WUI for residential remodels. Here is Brad's summary of the code changes. Brad's summary was approved by Town Building department staff. The new Truckee code is shown in italics with Brad's summary in purple:
15.03.040 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Classification
a) For purposes of clarification and enforcement of California Building Code Chapter 7A and California Residential Code Section R337, Materials and Construction Methods for Exterior Wildfire Exposure, the Truckee Fire District adopted Ordinance 1-96 which was mandated by AB 337 in 1992 (Bates Bill); it designates all areas within the Town of Truckee a Very High Fire Severity Zone. The effective date of this code section is modified by the California Building Standards Commission to be July 1, 2008.
b) Section 701A.3 Exception 4 of the California Building Code and Section R337.1.3 Exception 4 of the California Residential Code are deleted and replaced to read as follows:
Additions to and remodels of buildings originally constructed prior to the applicable application date, other than the replacement of roofing, siding, and windows as follows:
1) If the entire roof is being replaced within any one-year period, the new roof shall comply with Sections 705A and R337.5.
For example, if a portion of your roof is damaged in a storm, you are allowed to replace that section to match existing. But, if you reroof the entire house within 1 year it has to meet R337.5
2) If the entire building is being re-sided within any one-year period, the new siding shall comply with Sections 707A and R337.7 and vents shall comply with Sections 706A and R337.6.
For example, if you repair or replace a portion of your non compliant siding you can replace it in kind, if you replace all of it, it needs to meet R337.6
3) If all the windows are being replaced within any one-year period, the new windows shall comply with Sections 708A and R337.8.
For example, if you replace an existing non compliant window you can replace it with a window that doesn't meet R337.8 (though it still has to meet energy code...) if you replace all the windows within 1 year they need to meet R337.8
Additions to a house built before July 1 2008
If you do an addition to a non compliant house the ADDITION does not have to comply with Section R337. If you re-side the entire original house as part of the addition project, all the siding, eaves and venting does have to meet R337. If you replace ALL the windows in the original house as part of the project, they need to meet R337.8
Additions to a house built after July 1 2008
This original house was already built under WUI Standards and therefore already complies and therefore the addition would also have to comply.
The key word in Items 1, 2, 3 above is "all."
For more information, please contact Brad 530.412.1328 or brad@evolvedesignworks.com
TRUCKEE BUILDING BOARD OF APPEALS
The Town is continuing its search for an architect to serve on the town’s Building Appeals Board. Here is the link to some background information and the application form. Deadline to apply is Tuesday, January 7, 2020.
NORTH TAHOE FIRE MITIGATION FEE INCREASES
CATT members should be aware of two different mitigation fee adjustments coming soon for permits submitted to North Tahoe Fire Protection District (NTFPD).
The first change is Phase 2 of a two part fee increase that occurred as a result of a new fee study. It was approved by the NTFPD Board of Directors in December of 2018. The Phase 2 fee amounts become effective on January 1, 2020 (NOTE: Phase 2 fee amounts will be superseded by the annual inflationary adjustment, probably in mid-March – see below).
Phase 2 Fee Schedule (January 1 likely to mid-March 2020) – all amounts are on a per square foot basis
| Residential | |
| 12/31/19 | $1.17 |
| 1/1/20 | $1.24 |
| Commercial | |
| 12/31/19 | $0.79 |
| 1/1/20 | $0.84 |
| Office | |
| 12/31/19 | $1.00 |
| 1/1/20 | $1.06 |
| Industrial | |
| 12/31/19 | $0.67 |
| 1/1/20 | $0.72 |
The second change is the annual inflationary adjustment applied to all mitigation fees. The NTFPD Board approved a 1.28% inflationary adjustment on December 3, 2019. The adjustment must now be approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors and then undergoes a 60 day waiting period before becoming effective. It is likely the actual increase will be in place by mid-March of 2020.
Tentative Mid-March 2020 1.28% Inflationary Adjustment
| Residential (all types) | |
| January | $1.24 |
| Mid-March | $1.26 |
| Commercial | |
| January | $0.84 |
| Mid-March | $0.85 |
| Office | |
| January | $1.06 |
| Mid-March | $1.07 |
| Industrial | |
| January | $0.72 |
| Mid-March | $0.73 |
For the first part of 2020, the Phase 2 increase applies. For the rest of 2020 (after mid-March), the Inflationary Adjustment applies. As was the case for Truckee mitigation fees, recent state legislation has exempted ADUs smaller than 750 square feet from the payment of mitigation fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger will be assessed mitigation fees at the full per square foot rate.
For more information about the NTFPD mitigation fees, please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison 530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com
ALPINE SPRINGS FIRE MITIGATION FEE INCREASES
The Alpine Springs (Alpine Meadows) County Water District Board of Directors approved a 1.28% inflationary adjustment to fire mitigation fees on December 13, 2019. The adjustment must now be approved by the Placer County Board of Supervisors and then undergoes a 60 day waiting period before becoming effective. It is expected that the actual increase will be in place by mid-March of 2020.
Tentative Mid-March 2020 1.28% Inflationary Adjustment – all amounts are on a per square foot basis
| Residential | |
| Current | $1.34 |
| Mid-March | $1.36 |
| Commercial | |
| Current | $1.69 |
| Mid-March | $1.71 |
| Office | |
| Current | $2.14 |
| Mid-March | $2.17 |
| Industrial | |
| Current | $1.50 |
| Mid-March | $1.52 |
Residential additions (not a second unit) less than 500 square feet shall not be assessed a fire mitigation fee. And as a result of recent state legislation to encourage the creation of more housing, second units (aka Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs) less than 750 square feet will not be assessed mitigation fees. ADUs 750 square feet or larger will be assessed mitigation fees at the full rate per square foot.
For more information about the Alpine Springs County Water District fire mitigation fees, please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison 530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com
NEVADA COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERS WITH QLESS TO REDUCE WAIT TIMES
The Nevada County Community Development Agency (CDA) has implemented QLess, a dynamic line-management solution, to reduce wait times for customers. QLess helps organizations of all sizes improve the customer experience with an easy-to-use app, and is used all over the world.
The most exciting benefit of using QLess is giving customers the ability to join a line remotely. Nevada County CDA customers now can join a line via the County's website, or from their mobile phones via text or the QLess app. QLess provides CDA customers with text updates on where they are in line and provides options for the customers to request more time if needed. This means that customers can join a line before they even leave the house, which will reduce the amount of time spent waiting in the lobby. With the new solution, Nevada County CDA expects to improve their customer satisfaction, reduce wait times, and cut waiting room crowds.
"We are committed to improving the experience we offer at Nevada County CDA," said Barbara McAllaster, Administrative Analyst. "Smart technology solutions like QLess are a huge benefit for our customers and our organization. By improving how customers experience wait times, we also provide a more productive and positive environment for our staff members."
This system also provides improved reporting capabilities, which will enable staff to more accurately assess the volume and flow of customers, services provided, and service duration and wait times. This allows CDA to more closely align counter staffing with customer needs and provide a more satisfactory experience for customers.
"We are pleased to partner with Nevada County CDA, helping the organization take a major leap forward with its customer service," said Dr. Alex Bäcker, founder and CEO, QLess. "We alleviate stress and improve the customer experience, and I'm proud that our software is being used in such a wonderful manner."
MOUNTAIN HOUSING COUNCIL RELEASES ADU WHITE PAPER
Click here to dowload the White Paper
In an effort to increase local understanding of housing solutions and offer ideas on how to create more housing in the North Tahoe-Truckee region, the Mountain Housing Council of Tahoe Truckee (MHC) has conducted a study on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU). CATT is a member of the MHC. The recently issued ADU White Paper highlights MHC’s research and how ADUs can be another tool to increase housing inventory throughout the region.
An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities from a property’s primary residence and is also referred to as a second unit, in-law unit, granny flat, residential unit, or guest suite.
MHC produced the ADU White Paper in order to increase understanding of ADUs and how they create housing opportunities for those who live and work in the region. It also offers ideas on ways to increase the number of ADUs being built in our region and outlines ways to offer incentives to homeowners who want to rent an ADU to a long-term tenant. Also highlighted in the study are the numerous ADU laws recently passed by the State of California that are aimed at decreasing barriers to ADU creation.
MHC recognizes that ADUs in the North Tahoe-Truckee region will help increase the diversity of housing types, accelerate solutions for achievable local housing, produce homes that are affordable by design, create more socioeconomically diverse neighborhoods, offer homeowners a solution for changing family and financial needs, and generate infill housing in existing neighborhoods without creating sprawl.
The White Paper’s recommendations draw on a survey sent in August 2019 by MHC, the Contractors Association of Truckee Tahoe, and the Truckee Chamber of Commerce, and side-by-side comparisons of how similar communities throughout the country are approaching ADUs.
Click here for a copy of the ADU White Paper or visit the MHC website for this white paper and other documents related to housing: https://www.mountainhousingcouncil.org
USE COMPLAINT FORM FOR PLAN CHECK & INSPECTION PROBLEMS
CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison created a complaint form that can be used to document a problem with plan check or building inspection. This form allows CATT to track the complaint and also gives the managing entity specific detail for remedy. The complaint outline is simple:
• Project address
• Building permit #
• Date problem occurred
• Brief description of what happened
• Your opinion – what should have happened instead
• Your name and contact info
Click here to download the form. A fillable form is also posted on the CATT webpage at http://www.ca-tt.com/lgac-issues
For more information about the complaint form and CATT involvement once the form is filed, please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison at 530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com
DONATE TO CATT "ISSUES ACTION FUND"
The Construction Industry is heavily regulated, with codes, fees, and policies changing on a regular basis at all levels of government. Many times, CATT dialogue with agency staff or elected officials can remove impediments or resolve problems.
But sometimes, CATT needs to take action to protect your industry in a different way. That's why you will hear the refrain: The World Is Run By Those Who Show Up with a call to action - comment now or attend a meeting. That's also why you will hear about CATT hiring experts or consultants to provide supporting information as a way to change the outcome of some code, fee, or policy proposal.
Consultants and experts give CATT an added boost, reinforcing a point from an outside perspective. That could make the difference between a questionable proposal getting adopted as is and one getting modified to be more reasonable.
CATT's Issues Action Fund is a dedicated fund set up to channel donations to those special issues where an expert or consultant can make a positive difference. LGAC oversees the Issues Action Fund. Please consider making a donation to the IAF today as a way to protect your tomorrow. Download the donation form here.
For more information about the CATT Issues Action Fund, please contact CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison (530.550.9999 or pat@ca-tt.com)
CATT PRIORITIES FOR 2020
Priorities for Pat and the Local Government Affairs Committee were approved by LGAC at their regular meeting December 16, 2019:
2020 PRIORITY ISSUES TO BE HANDLED BY CATT GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS MANAGER PAT DAVISON
Mitigation Fees – coordinate with LGAC as a whole
a. Alpine Springs County Water District Fire Mitigation Fees – annual update
b. Squaw Valley Public Service District Fire Mitigation Fees – annual update
c. Northstar Community Service District Fire Mitigation Fees & Martis Valley West Annexation – expect new fee study
d. North Tahoe Fire Protection District Mitigation Fees – annual update
e. Truckee Fire Protection District Mitigation Fees – annual update
f. Truckee Traffic/Facilities Mitigation Fees – annual update
g. Placer County Traffic Mitigation Fees – expect new fee study
h. Placer County Traffic Mitigation Fees Conversion to SF basis – may be part of new fee study
i. Tahoe Truckee Unified School District Mitigation Fees – biannual update
j. Truckee Donner Recreation & Park District Mitigation Fees – expect new fee study
Truckee General Plan Update – coordinate with LGAC GPU Committee
a. continual work all year
Housing – coordinate with LGAC Housing Committee
a. Achievable/locals housing incentives (large and small projects) – all jurisdictions
b. ADU programs – Town and two counties
c. Placer affordable housing requirement - request small project exemption
OTHER – Attend and provide monthly reports for the CATT Board, write articles for the CATT newsletter and CATT Weekly, prepare agendas and invite speakers for LGAC and committees, create LGAC email reminders and alerts, conduct leadership training and identify committee recruits, assist with fundraising for the Issues Action Fund, attend CATT member orientations and budget meetings, prepare content for WOW flyer, prepare Annual Report, read files for scanning, and perform other administrative duties as needed. Continue to emphasize the importance of CATT members being involved in issues to affect the outcome.
2020 PRIORITY ISSUES TO BE HANDLED BY LGAC COMMITTEE (OR POINT PERSON):
a. Placer Plan Check – Committee Chairman Pat Souza
b. North Tahoe Hydrant Flow Needs Assessment – Committee Chairman Pat Souza
c. Multi-Jurisdictional Building Working Group/Code Implementation – Committee Chairman Ryan Marsden
d. Affordable/Workforce Housing Solutions – Committee Chairwoman Kristi Thompson
e. NTFPD Schedule 80 piping requirement – Jamie Brimer
f. Truckee Tax Oversight – Craig Weaver
WHAT IS LGAC?
CATT's Local Government Affairs Committee is a permanent committee composed of members who are interested in Fees - Codes - Regulation - Policy. This is the committee that analyzes issues affecting the building industry and determines CATT position and strategy. This committee works very closely with CATT Government Affairs Manager Pat Davison.
Bring your problems or concerns to LGAC. You may think you are alone when in reality others may be experiencing the same problems. LGAC could be the place to help you find a remedy. Experience the power of numbers with CATT as your ally.
Come to the LGAC meeting and learn what is happening with TRPA, the Town of Truckee, Special Districts, and the three Counties. Find out what CATT is doing to improve conditions for you and the building industry.
WHO IS LGAC?
CATT’s Local Government Affairs Committee (LGAC) has 17 members. LGAC Chair is Craig Weaver (MOBO Law, LLP), Vice Chair is Cody Heller (Heller Construction, Inc.). Committee members are: Steve Cooper (Aegis Insurance Markets), Eric Slominski (Barrish Pelham & Associates), Jamie Brimer (Brimer Construction & Plumbing), Chip Huck (CST Holdings, LLC), Heather Rankow (Developer’s Connection), Michael Forshee (Forshee Construction), Pat Souza (Heslin Construction), John Pruyn (High West Landscape Architects), John Wood (Loverde Builders, Inc.), Ryan Marsden (Marsden Architects), Brian McEneaney (McEneaney Construction), Mitch Clarin (Mitchell T. Clarin), Kristi Thompson (MWA, Inc.), Justin Bertoli (NSM Corporation), and Christian Edwards (Timberline Construction).
If fees, regulations, codes, and policy interest you, contact LGAC Chair Craig Weaver at 530.214.8700 or weaver@mobolaw.com