Growth cap debate Thursday

Residents and commissioners could approve the much-debated growth ordinance at a special meeting 5 p.m. Thursday, at the Douglas County administration building in Minden.

A 2-percent compounded growth cap was approved by Douglas County commissioners by a 3-1 vote April 5, with the caveat that the approval be subject to more scrutiny and adjustments in the coming months.

John Garvin, cochair of the Sustainable Growth Initiative Committee, lauded county officials for their hard work.

"I think we've made some real progress toward a workable ordinance, but it's still a work in progress and there will likely be further changes," he said. "From the SGI standpoint, there are issues we would like to see resolved."

Rob Wigton, of Century 21 Clark Properties, said the 2 percent compounded growth cap is both attainable and realistic.

"I want something in place so all of us, not just the rich, can live here. I'm hoping this (growth ordinance) will play into that," he said. "I couldn't live with a strict 2 percent cap, but as long as the individual homeowner and smaller builder gets some protection, this is something I can live with."

The 12-page ordinance encompasses many aspects of growth control, from the calculation of allocations to the banking and borrowing of permits for larger developments.

If approved as written, the base year for determination of population growth would be the 2000 national census. The ordinance is restricted to permits outside the Tahoe Basin.

Approved subdivisions, planned developments and specific plans included under the permit cap would be incorporated into the total number of permits allowed for any given year.

The proposed number of permits for the first year is reduced by 137, bringing the total available for other projects to 148.

Amortized over 50 years, the plan would allow a total of 26,828 building permits through the year 2056. About 4,778 building permits previously approved through development agreements and vested parcels are included in that figure, according to county information.

In other business:

-- Commissioners could approve an $8,000 grant to the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Authority for a feasibility study to consider a performing arts center at the Copeland Lumber building in Minden.

-- Commissioners could approve a 3.43 percent rate increase for many services provided by the Douglas County Community Development department, everything from minor modification applications to master plan text amendments. If approved, the latter fees would increase from $4,639 to $4978.

Susie Vasquez can be reached at svasquez@recordcourier.com or 782-5121, ext. 211.

What: Board of County Commissioners meeting and a special hearing to consider the growth ordinance

When: 1 p.m. Thursday for the meeting and 5 p.m. for the growth ordinance hearing

Where: Douglas County Administration Building, 1616 Eighth St. in Minden