Department of Planning and Development staff used commission reports on Jan. 17 to flag a surge of so-called builder’s remedy applications, to update the panel on a planned general-plan update timetable, and to report staffing shortages and permit-process transformation work.

Deputy director Lisa McCall said the county currently has “around 38 current builder’s remedy applications.” She said some of those are preliminary vesting applications, several have been formally submitted, and at least two applications—one on North Diana and another at the Mountain Winery site—are either deemed complete or nearing a completeness determination. McCall said the projects likely will require environmental impact reports and noted that when large subdivisions are proposed they generally come before the planning commission for review.

Commissioners asked how many of the 38 are major subdivisions; McCall said almost all are subdivisions and several involve multifamily projects. Staff noted two recent withdrawals and described the rest as subdivision or multi-family applications.

Deputy director Lisa Mikhail and other staff discussed the county’s longer-term planning work. The department said it aims to select a consultant for a comprehensive general-plan update by the end of 2025 and expects outreach and advisory-body work (including possible citizen advisory groups) in 2026. Staff said the environmental-justice element and broader general-plan work will likely shape later area-specific efforts, such as any focused San Martin updates.

Jacqueline Anciano, director of planning and development, said the department is operating with roughly a 10% vacancy rate across divisions and is recruiting for senior planner positions and other vacancies. She said the department has hired an outside consultant, Barry Dunn, to help transform and document permit processes and improve consistency for staff and the public.

Staff did not present new regulatory actions during the report; items described are at early stages and will return to the commission as required by project type and CEQA.