City Council

Oroville Planning Commission Monday, December 17, 2018 The meeting was called to order at 4:35 by Arnie Marchand. Commissioners Present: Arnie Marchand, Valorie Johnston, Suzie Seger Absent: Sue Edick, Luis Perez, and Alternate Paul Neir Staff present: Deanna Rowton and Christian Johnson It was reported that the Council approved Luis Perez to serve another term. Arnie called for any corrections to last meeting’s minutes and, hearing none, approved the minutes for the October meeting. Having reviewed and revised elements of the Comprehensive Plan, Christian asked if the Commission was ready to put the matter out for public comment and ready for the hearing process to begin. The members were affirmative and the following motion was made by Suzie, “I move to put our current draft updates to the Land Use Designation Descriptions and related maps, Transportation/Circulation Plan Element, and Park and Recreation Element out for the 60 day public comment period and conduct a public hearing on the matter during our next scheduled meeting March 18, 2019.” Valorie seconded the motion and it passed. There was discussion regarding the Zoning Code as it relates to horticulture / agriculture. First, Christian explained that, the Comprehensive Plan will need a minor amendment such as including “Indoor horticulture such as but not limited to vertical farming and hydroponics practices may be allowed in industrial districts where the use can be shown not to adversely affect adjoining properties with the release of excessive pollens and/or odors, and not pollute the groundwater.” Christian explained that even if the Commission chooses not to include the revision to the Comprehensive Plan, he does recommend a couple of text amendments to provide better clarity with respect to agriculture and horticulture practices in the city. He suggested to amend the definition of Agriculture found in 17.08.050 as follows: “Agriculture means the tilling of soil, raising of crops and horticulture, except, accessory and permitted community vegetable gardens occupying less than five thousand square feet and/or ten fruit trees or less are not included in this definition.” Also to provide a definition for nurseries and greenhouses: “Nurseries and greenhouses means where the operator grows trees, bushes, ornamentals and seasonal starts for landscaping and gardening or where such plants are shipped in and sold at lumber supply stores and at market retail stores.” There was a motion by Valorie and seconded by Suzie to amend the Comprehensive Plan as recommended. The motion passed. Christian requested that all members continue the homework of reviewing the County Shoreline Master Program. The meeting was adjourned at 5:05. The next meeting will be March 18, 2019. 1