[{"_1":2,"_110":-5,"_111":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,98],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5971300,"mediaKeyId","5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639","parentId",5911363,"title","Richvale residents and ag pilots press commission on proposed 100‑foot cell tower; commission continues to allow more study","audioSeconds",3316,"startMs",810000,"endMs",4126000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639&start=810&end=4126","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639/thumbnail_810000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5971300/Butte-County/California/Richvale-residents-and-ag-pilots-press-commission-on-proposed-100foot-cell-tower-commission-continues-to-allow-more-study","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5971300-f7ced92f6ffb502983b3a7b6dbd233a2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514394&Signature=GWljxp~6aykBtzeAKqIYseeLZztrWKCUCvo5wkc~xkJH234fpKr5xeJlDTb17qBE-A-BsVgTzZZ8JgJK~vCcZzGP7IMIU5UmFZuSjRt9iXFZVUY1VniNcsAHYtoJ4XkqaF~hzI3iJ3Oyy6~oaThDBH5SMakPIvlkd~oFHtD5RKUCVXm5I1bqSzovYXBwVpoZAjDBCh~hQBMR~F8no5zrSoTrI3tV4KP1Qvq3CJDvIEErATYVofqwE85N0zAoekV0KNJiYge8CoBvyMqOzl2B7PgEvlBd8DcRs-J68-QoLQES3vhWBxW7ZhYTQ~rl-P-g-Xj~OYA7xKyiyGE7tWdbig__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Butte County, IL","date","2025-09-25T00:00:00Z","article","The Planning Commission opened public comment on a conditional use permit for a proposed wireless communications facility (UP25‑2) near the northeast corner of Richvale Highway and Colony Road and heard multiple neighbors and agricultural operators object on safety and notification grounds. Mark Michellena of the Development Services Department summarized the application, saying the project would include a 100‑foot monopole plus a 5‑foot lightning rod, antennas, radio units, ground equipment in a 2,500‑square‑foot fenced compound, and a backup diesel generator. He said staff prepared an initial study and a mitigated negative declaration that includes measures for giant garter snake habitat.

Nearby ag pilots and airport operators told the commission they had not received adequate notice and that the tower would sit in an intensive agricultural flight corridor used for low‑altitude aerial application and helicopter operations. A pilot who identified himself as an agricultural operator said he gathered opposition from about 47 operators and the Mosquito Abatement district and said several pilots learned of the project only after a nearby neighbor received a postcard. \"No matter what the FAA is saying, this is a very intense corridor for agriculture aircraft, helicopters and airplanes that fly on very low visibility,\" the pilot told the commission, saying a tower in the proposed location would present an additional obstacle during low‑altitude operations.

Craig Compton, who identified himself as owner/operator of the nearby airstrip, told the commission the strip is FAA recognized and used daily by many helicopters and other operators. Other speakers who live near the site described frequent low flights over their homes during planting season and said the tower would be visible from private yards and potentially hazardous.

The applicant’s representative, Bill Lewis of Assurance Development, said the company obtained an FAA review that found no hazard to flight and offered to pursue voluntary mitigation after hearing community concerns. \"We are willing to do aviation painting at the pole, as well as lighting of the structure,\" Lewis said, and he said his team had provided a noise study showing compliance with the county noise ordinance for daytime and nighttime emergency generator operation. Lewis also said the applicant was open to shifting the tower location on the parcel about 370 feet farther from residents and to reexamining other parcel locations.

Staff noted the zoning (AG‑80) requires a use permit for a wireless facility and that Article 26 of the county telecommunication code governs siting, setbacks and maximum height (100 feet with an additional 5 feet for a lightning rod when needed). Michellena said the project area includes rice fields and that the nearest residences are roughly 190–215 feet from the proposed compound. The mitigation package in staff’s recommended mitigated negative declaration includes measures for giant garter snake habitat and other standard construction‑era protections.

After public comment and discussion, commissioners expressed a mix of views. Several commissioners said they wanted more information on co‑location possibilities and whether nearby grain silos and other structures had been approached for antenna placement. Commissioners also said agricultural operators and airport representatives should have more time to weigh in. Planning staff advised that the commission may continue the hearing to allow the applicant to return with alternatives or may decide the matter based on the record.

The applicant agreed to investigate co‑location options, to provide a clearer record on why certain structures would not work for antennas and to present determinations and a potential relocated site on the same parcel if feasible. The commission then voted to continue the matter to allow the applicant to pursue those follow‑up items and to give the community time to respond. The vote directed staff and the applicant to return with findings on co‑location outreach, an analysis of the silo and building alternatives, and a refined proposal if the applicant wishes to shift the tower on the parcel.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Planning Commission - September 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A proposed 100‑foot wireless communications tower near Richvale drew strong objections from agricultural pilots and nearby residents who said notification was poor and the tower could be hazardous to low‑altitude farm flights; the Planning Commission continued the item to allow further study.","taxTitle","Butte County, California","taxId",4123,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5971305,"Planning commission recommends supervisors approve Maidu Mountain Line housing project in East Oroville",674,112000,786000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639&start=112&end=786","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639/thumbnail_112000.jpg","/articles/5971305/Butte-County/California/Planning-commission-recommends-supervisors-approve-Maidu-Mountain-Line-housing-project-in-East-Oroville","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5971305-07665dc82e938b0eef1ea7abd3985643/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514394&Signature=b9xiLUP6yRVi4-2ZYEOnb3BsY3eam1e66XMYN~4WSvdiuyBg~COYhxOzxOdHePGCTI8EpXy3NzpX9vEzM~fK3fJtQ5VqpzCwtWadA3qgFnefbYAKnXWAkXD5yA8r91vGHX7ltGC57Zd1LXI22e6RuhO0yjlyk0jRulfoB5sdj26zCcW0iQo7OgiCbxeEvQ~gI2Atq0oPr54JF2WsybknrKz8brP1Sd4qUdDmBlK0mTXLO4PL1aUysc4NpZqT1vB~hOp389fnzXIwOaB6wo6qNbH4w2TeiLqTsw5d-mVs63jCMf6nhLGkRyXbFyNxFz0KguDf56llQecRMYYpAbpCMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Butte County Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve the Maidu Mountain Line housing development in East Oroville, including a General Plan amendment, a rezone to Planned Development and a tentative parcel map. Roland Hickel, Senior Planner with the Development Services Department, told commissioners the applications propose 22 residential units on a 7.6-acre site at 4001 Hilldale Avenue and that staff recommended the commission adopt two resolutions with findings for the Board's consideration.

Hickel said the project would be built in two phases and remain below the existing medium-density residential zoning's potential density. \"The applicant is proposing only residential development, 22 units,\" Hickel said, adding the first phase would create 12 single-family homes on a 4.5-acre parcel and the second phase five duplexes on 2.8 acres. He told the commission the project parcel now contains a vacant single-family home and a detached shop that would be demolished and that the site is served by the South Feather Water and Power Agency and the Loafer Creek/Oroville Area Public Utility District.

The application package paired two resolutions: one recommending the Board approve the General Plan amendment, the planned development rezone and development plan; the other recommending approval of the tentative parcel map. Hickel also told the commission staff determined the project was exempt from further environmental review under CEQA Guidelines Section 15.183 and that a site-specific biological resources assessment found only low potential habitat for three species; no individuals were detected on site. He said the project would replant about 47 oak trees and be consistent with the county’s oak woodland management plan. The development would include three new access roads built to county standards, on-site stormwater retention and roof-mounted solar on the homes.

Commissioners asked logistical questions about how the planned development structure would be handled in the future and whether individual lots could be split later. Hickel said landowners would have to return and amend the planned development to change that structure. No public comment was offered on the item.

Commission action: a commissioner moved to adopt the two staff resolutions recommending the Board of Supervisors exempt the project under CEQA Section 15.183, approve the General Plan amendment, approve the planned development rezone and development plan, and approve the tentative parcel map. A second was given and the chair called for the vote; commissioners voiced assent and the motion carried with no opposition. The commission’s recommendation forwards the project to the Board of Supervisors for final action.

The Board will consider the commission’s recommendation at a future meeting; the Planning Commission record includes staff reports and the biological resources assessment for the Board’s review.","The Planning Commission voted to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve a general plan amendment, rezone to planned development and a tentative parcel map for a 22-unit housing project in East Oroville, finding it exempt from further CEQA review under Section 15.183.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":93,"_51":94,"_53":95,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":96,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":97,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5971291,"Butte County outlines new limits on county service areas, rescinds earlier wastewater requirement",0,5135000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639&start=5135&end=5135","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639/thumbnail_5135000.jpg","/articles/5971291/Butte-County/California/Butte-County-outlines-new-limits-on-county-service-areas-rescinds-earlier-wastewater-requirement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5971291-3f5e8c6768e955affe7bf784616b6a92/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514394&Signature=nDHd~Vl6fwQ~8Rk3LuUN8YjaOw-3DukrrA8JNSlZLW6WSSHljRBpzqAsiZNn0mZ-2zWhV6grxD8Cy9wAyLH-vZRnKy~I6b1GwtxcTe04Njb1dpM4WKHJJrgx8TX6f097wxI2cELwTiGHfJ1n8kCEnZcoKjfMsvm8PtJax18Lx-Vzdyoig7rCbEzrj529i7ukUrFDy8~Msdwd7Nqiw5OiTUVrdVRhId8bXgI4AjK2~jLwxZn-QImcWhVDDuPHjWtaRrs3~cYyr0ufa4x~S5oV3Nauo-WfQJaOuVE-Hh8Q2pGwqO4MJQwAOdLolida7auaz97lhcf-ydaZGrEMC8kScg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Kim Hunter, Deputy Director of Land Development in Butte County Public Works, briefed the Planning Commission on a county policy the Board of Supervisors adopted June 10, 2025, that changes how the county will form and manage County Service Areas (CSAs) and Permanent Road Divisions (PRDs).

Hunter said the policy was developed after a multi‑year review of CSA finances, statutory changes (including Proposition 13 and Proposition 218) and operating experience. She told the commission the county currently manages 79 unique CSAs and PRDs, and that the patchwork of independently organized CSAs in some areas had created funding, maintenance and equity concerns. \"CSAs are dependent special districts governed by the Butte County Board of Supervisors,\" Hunter said, and she described the differences between CSAs — which are subject to LAFCO review and may fund many services — and PRDs, which are created under the Streets and Highways Code and are specific to roads and related services.

Hunter said the Board directed staff to limit formation of new CSAs and PRDs to core public‑works services — primarily road maintenance, stormwater and drainage — and to require that non‑core services such as wastewater, community water, fire protection and landscaping be handled by other entities (for example, homeowners associations, mutual water companies, or privately managed entities) except in extraordinary circumstances. The policy rescinded a 2013 resolution that had required CSAs to manage community wastewater systems and set a five‑year policy review period.

Public Works and other county departments will address existing CSAs and PRDs on a case‑by‑case basis, Hunter said, prioritizing fiscal problems and health‑and‑safety concerns. She noted the county will look at consolidation options for some small districts — for example, consolidating multiple small lighting districts into a larger lighting district — to achieve economies of scale. Hunter also discussed the constraints Prop. 218 places on increasing assessment rates and explained the county may provide limited short‑term funding for elections or transition efforts but that general fund subsidies for ongoing CSA operations are not the county's standard approach.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about which existing approved projects the policy would affect and how residents would be informed; staff said the policy applies to projects that have not yet formed CSAs and that detailed financial records for CSAs are public information. Staff also said LAFCO can be used to dissolve or reorganize districts that are inactive or lack funding. The presentation did not require commission action but provided context for several agenda items, including the map extension considered earlier in the meeting.","Public Works staff briefed the Planning Commission on a Board‑adopted policy that narrows future county service area (CSA) and permanent road division (PRD) formations to core public‑works services, rescinding a 2013 resolution that had required CSAs to manage community wastewater systems.",{"_33":99,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":100,"_41":101,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5971295,"Commission approves six‑year extension for Hayes Family Trust subdivision map, with revised conditions replacing CSA wastewater management",718,4232000,4950000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639&start=4232&end=4950","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5911363-edde01905460a7c434c480cf89a2b639/thumbnail_4232000.jpg","/articles/5971295/Butte-County/California/Commission-approves-sixyear-extension-for-Hayes-Family-Trust-subdivision-map-with-revised-conditions-replacing-CSA-wastewater-management","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5971295-4c47d8990afa43169d48de7de9f7265c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770514394&Signature=JwIZcKy0PilPuESg36aacV8TS4ntDZldtUa~R6OwUy3cFp0AYZ33FUOGxRMRsgIZexftV2X5oeR~WXbPco8UjrRm1SsyxiOy4AbkXkw9KVqOo20tEKCQwkV-~XlqazrrnhXhdd9O7-ScoqgSxGwA2q90NwDH-F0vb~51r17ucIHZIk9Q5p-QBuC2wEqOxgy4dbvWqZwlrx8KNQJmkUh-QLYsPDQI5Z84q3oCCu7lpcc-e0jgjsqFGc~DZihIbQWHtkWHe7XuIq1nk73wAf5yIOpU6o034jNunirHuRRs2GrRFv7qdVWYnMYuC3t7h0TR7veHSTwA~eL31JkHUVUgnQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Planning Commission voted to approve a six‑year extension for the Hayes Family Trust tentative subdivision map (TSM 20‑0002), extending the map expiration to Sept. 28, 2031. Mark Michellena of the Development Services Department told the commission the extension is requested because the original map was set to expire on Sept. 28, 2025, and county policy changes required revisions to conditions related to county service areas and permanent road divisions.

Michellena said the revised conditions (attachments B–D in the staff packet) remove required use of a county service area for a proposed community wastewater facility and instead require an improved maintenance entity — for example a homeowners association (HOA) or other county‑approved entity — to operate and maintain the community wastewater system and associated infrastructure. He said the changes stem from a county policy update meant to limit future CSA formation and focus CSAs on core public‑works services.

Several nearby residents testified on water supply, traffic and emergency access concerns. John Asarian, who lives one property west of the subdivision, told commissioners he and neighbors worry about groundwater supply and drought resilience if additional wells are drilled and about increased traffic at nearby Kiefer Road and Garner Lane. Lori Asarian told the commission evacuation routes and flood/fire risk were concerns because parts of the area had been subject to evacuation during recent wildfires and heavy rain.

Michellena clarified that the proposed lots would have individual domestic wells for household supply and that a community well would be used only for fire protection; the map extension’s revised conditions address wastewater and fire department and public works requirements. Commissioners discussed the county’s new CSA policy and whether current general plan guidance limited CSAs; staff said the policy applies to projects that have not yet formed a CSA and that the revised conditions were consistent with the board‑adopted policy.

A commissioner moved to adopt the resolution approving map extension MEXT 2056 and extending the map expiration to Sept. 28, 2031. The motion was seconded and carried by voice vote; the staff packet identifies the revised conditions and provides specific language to replace prior CSA references with HOA or other county‑approved maintenance entities.","The Planning Commission approved a six‑year extension of a previously approved subdivision map for the Hayes Family Trust, extending the tentative map expiration to Sept. 28, 2031, and accepted revised conditions replacing a county service area (CSA) wastewater approach with an HOA or other approved maintenance entity.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Richvale residents and ag pilots press commission on proposed 100‑foot cell tower; commission continues to allow more study

Planning commission recommends supervisors approve Maidu Mountain Line housing project in East Oroville

Butte County outlines new limits on county service areas, rescinds earlier wastewater requirement

Commission approves six‑year extension for Hayes Family Trust subdivision map, with revised conditions replacing CSA wastewater management