How Many...Is Too Many?

Planning Commission Poll Question

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A group continues to look into whether Tuolumne County should eliminate some of its planning commissions and committees.

The group, spearheaded by Supervisor Evan Royce, is still working to finalize its formal proposal. One thing that has been decided is that the group will recommend that the county supervisors disband the four design review committees (Muller Subdivision, Phoenix Lake, Twain Harte and Tuolumne).

Next Thursday the group will have a debate about the future of the planning commisisons. Tuolumne County has a main Planning Commission, Jamestown Area Planning Commission, Columbia Area Planning Commission, and Southern Tuolumne County Planning Commission.

On Thursday the group will compare Tuolumne County to others across the state. Community Development Director Bev Shane requested information from other counties so that it can be used for comparison. A total of 13 counties responded and the results are listed below:

-Alpine County has one planning commission and no advisory committees

-Contra Costa County has one planning commission and 11 advisory committees

-Lake County has one planning commission and no advisory committees

-Mono County has one planning commission and seven adivsory committees

-Monterey has one planning commission and 13 advisory committees

-Napa County has one planning commission and no advisory committees

-Placer County has one planning commission and 14 advisory committees

-San Diego County has one planning commission and 28 advisory committees

-San Luis Obisbo has one planning commission and 11 advisory committees

-Shasta County has one planning commission and one advisory committee

-Sonoma County has one planning commission, one Zoning Board and two advisory committees

-Ventura County has one planning commission and seven advisory committees

-Yolo County has one planning commission and 13 advisory committees.

Another idea being looked at is whether to expand the main Tuolumne County Planning Commission from seven members to nine in order to have representation from more areas of the county.

On a related note, a recent myMotherLode.com poll asked the question, "Should All Tuolumne County Planning Commissions be Consolidated."

Around 550 voted and 76% were in favor, 10% against and 13% don't know.

Written by BJ Hansen