Plumas County officials are considering ending emergency housing ordinances established after the 2021 Beckwourth and Dixie fires.
The ordinances temporarily allowed people displaced by the fires to live in recreational vehicles and other temporary housing without usual restrictions.
Ending the emergency would reinstate limits on where and how long residents can live in RVs, trailers, or fifth-wheelers.
Supervisor Kevin Goss, whose district was hardest hit, said the county must move forward. He referenced similar rules in Butte County after the 2018 Camp Fire, where emergency housing lasted too long.
Residents voiced concerns at a public meeting in Greenville. They said the county’s notice was poor and the plans lack workable solutions for those still in temporary housing, including people experiencing homelessness unrelated to the fires.
In 2021, the Board of Supervisors declared states of emergency as fires destroyed hundreds of homes. The emergency ordinances aimed to speed up housing for displaced residents by relaxing zoning rules.
Officials say it’s difficult to know how many people still rely on these allowances. A team from multiple county departments formed to help transition residents from temporary to permanent housing.
If the emergency ends, people living in RVs or trailers on private land will need to find permanent housing by July 1. After that, living in such units without proper hookups and permits would violate county code.
Code enforcement will begin with courtesy notices before pursuing penalties. Officials plan to work closely with residents to explore options and provide information sessions as needed.
Some residents criticized the county for poor maintenance of public properties and infrastructure issues hindering recovery. Officials said limited insurance payouts restrict available funds but emphasized their commitment to address problems within budget constraints.
County leaders discussed options like grace periods or soft enforcement to ease the transition. Supervisor Jeff Engel stressed the goal of supporting fire survivors.
Chair Mimi Hall called ending the emergency ordinances an example of good governance and signaled the time to return to standard regulations.
The Board of Supervisors will continue the discussion on June 16. You may want to ask how you or your community can participate or prepare if you’re affected by these changes. What housing solutions do you think the county should prioritize for displaced residents?
