County May Alter Building Laws

Sonora, CA — The Tuolumne County Supervisors may soon amend the General Plan so that contractors have more flexibility on housing projects.

The proposals will go to the numerous planning commissions in the coming weeks and then return to the Supervisors for a vote.

Members of the building industry have been urging the Supervisors to increase the allowable floor area ratio on substandard lots and increase the allowable size of a secondary home from 850 square feet to 1,200 square feet.

Mark Banks representing the Tuolumne County Building Industry spoke to the Supervisors Tuesday, asking that the changes be implemented.

A third proposal garnered resistance from Board members and will not be sent to the planning commissions. It would have allowed guest homes to be built on all properties zoned residential. A special permit is required to build a second home on a residential lot.

Written by bjhansen@mlode.com.