Confusion abounds in Yuba County on Measure T memo

Yuba County's Community Development and Services Agency has posted a memo on the effects from Measure T, but opponents said the memo isn't going to provide much clarity.

The memo, which county officials posted Wednesday morning, was meant to answer a number of questions county officials have gotten on how the measure will affect development if it passes, agency director Kevin Mallen said at Tuesday night's supervisors meeting.

Measure T, which Supervisor Hal Stocker helped put on the Nov. 6 ballot, would require voters to decide whenever a development proposal such as rezoning would require changing land designated for natural resources in the county's General Plan.

Yuba County Alliance for Property Rights, a group formed to oppose the measure, has said its language would make it far more restrictive than at first glance, and take away private property rights.

The county's memo, which Mallen stressed does not take a position for or against the measure, states in a frequently asked questions portion the measure wouldn't affect someone who wants to build or remodel a home, for example.

"Even though the vast majority of development is anticipated to occur with the County's urban and rural community land use designations, the General Plan allows up to one primary residence and one second unit within the Natural Resources Land Use Designation," the memo states, also explaining getting such approvals is usually relatively simple.

As well, Measure T wouldn't affect agriculturally related improvements, or conditional-use permits, under most circumstances, the memo states.

Other developments such as a commercial business or a lot split could be affected, again depending on the situation.

But Dan Kruger, a member of the anti-T group, said the FAQ portion of the memo gives conflicting answers.

"It seems as if they've gone through as if the first answer is 'no', and as you read through it's a 'yes,'" said Kruger, who is also president at timber company Soper-Wheeler Co. in the county foothills. "It's just left up to interpretation."

Under the response over whether conditional-use permits are affected, for example, the memo states a permit could require a vote if it exceeds certain parameters on building sizes or uses as defined in the General Plan.

"It's a big question why they say 'no,' then say it could require a vote," Kruger said. "That's misleading."

But Stocker, who has said the claims by Measure T's opponents aren't factual, said when the memo was introduced it should help voters.

"There's a lot of misinformation out there," he said.

CONTACT Ben van der Meer at bvandermeer @appealdemocrat.com or 749-4786. Find him on Facebook at /ADbvandermeer or on Twitter at @ADbvandermeer.