Title
HEARING - Consider recommendations regarding the confirmation and supersession of Emergency Rule No. 1 by adopting an Urgency Ordinance to authorize Public Works Director to temporarily issue special encroachment permits for operations by businesses and community entities in County roadway rights-of-way during the COVID-19 pandemic response, as follows: (4/5 Vote Required) (EST. TIME: 15 MIN.)
a) Confirm and supersede Emergency Rule No. 1 of the Director of Emergency Services issued on May 20, 2020 by adopting an Urgency Ordinance amending Chapter 28 of the Santa Barbara County Code to add Chapter 28B, sections 28B-1 through 28B-12, which authorizes the Public Works Director to issue special encroachment permits for operations by businesses and community entities in County roadway rights-of-way until December 16, 2020 or the proclaimed Santa Barbara County Local Emergency from the COVID-19 virus is terminated, whichever is earlier, pursuant to Government Code sections 8634, 25123, and 25131 and California Governor Newsom’s Executive Orders N-33-20 and N-60-20;
b) Find that the temporary waiver of the encroachment permit fees in the Urgency Ordinance is in the public interest as it facilitates the local economy in a way that allows businesses and community entities to comply with social distancing and other COVID-19 response requirements;
c) Determine that confirmation of Emergency Rule No. 1 and adoption of the Urgency Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15269(c), 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c); and
d) Waive the Notice of Exemption 6-day posting requirement for good cause pursuant to County CEQA Guidelines section V.D.2.
COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION: APPROVE