Paradise’s town council convenes in Chico this evening as elected leaders consider next steps on the long road to rebuilding.
Among other issues, the thorny question of where one may park and live in a recreational vehicle or trailer is back before the council as officials weigh safety and comfort against appearances.
An earlier iteration called for allowing residents who lost their homes to park in and live on their properties, but only if the parcel was larger than two-thirds of an acre. Critics pounced on the rule calling it arbitrary.
The rule was meant to limit returnee’s exposure to toxic ash. But critics said that the configuration of lots, neighboring lots and terrain make the rule nonsensical in some cases.
Officials are trying to accommodate those who wish to live on their properties until their homes are rebuilt, while being responsive to those concerned about trailers depressing the value of homes left standing.
The town council is also expected to implement their plan to encourage locals to sign up for business licenses by waiving fees until July first. Following that date, a new license will cost $40 along with a $25 annual renewal fee.
The town council will also hear a report from two potential consulting firms about soliciting ideas and priorities for the future of Paradise in terms of land use and planning, consider hiring a lobbyist, formally request the state provide an amount equal to what Paradise would have collected in property taxes if the fire had not occurred.
The council will also hear briefings from the irrigation district, chamber of commerce and from state officials about debris removal.
The Paradise Town Council meeting gets underway at the Chico City Council Chambers on Main Street between 4th and 5th streets this evening at six.