Supervisors Modify Fast-Track Development Policy to Ensure 'Transparency'

A Riverside County policy that permits fast-tracking projects with significant community investment or job growth prospects was amended this week by the Board of Supervisors to ensure large-scale developments don’t escape the appropriate level of scrutiny.

Supervisor Kevin Jeffries introduced the amendment to policy A-32 to prevent 250,000-square-foot warehouses and distribution centers from bypassing the county planning commission.

Previously under A-32, developments over 150,000 square feet could be given fast-track status if they had the potential of creating 40 full-time jobs, generating a capital investment of $5 million or more, or netting $25 million in taxable sales.

If county officials grant a project expedited review, it can go directly to the Board of Supervisors for approval after being vetted by the Transportation and Land Management Agency and other departments.

In July, Jeffries argued that any project over 250,000 square feet should undergo analysis by the five-member planning commission before it reaches the board.

Jeffries said environmental and community quality-of-life issues could be ironed out by the commissioners before the board attempts to tackle them.

“This change will improve transparency and better include the community, allowing concerned residents to see the details of a project and express their opinions and ask questions in an environment more appropriate for detailed planning discussions than a typical Board of Supervisors’ meeting,” Jeffries wrote in his proposal.

Other board members did not agree that every proposed development over 250,000 square feet should first go before the planning commission -- particularly if there was a risk of the developer taking his or her business elsewhere.

Jeffries compromised and revised his proposal so that any project that exceeds 250,000 square feet can be reviewed directly by the board, bypassing the planning commission, if a “supermajority” -- or four-fifths -- of supervisors vote in favor of an expedited review.

“There are times when we need to have items moved (quickly) through the process,” said Supervisor John Benoit.

Benoit pointed to the Tesla Motors factory slated to be built near Sparks, Nevada, as an example. Five states had competed for the carmaker’s estimated $5 billion investment, but the company announced last week that it would settle in Nevada, thanks in part to a sizable package of economic and tax incentives.

“We sent them a proposal for a piece of land here in Riverside County,” said board Chairman Jeff Stone. “It would’ve been ideal considering our existing resources.”

Stone stressed that “time is money” and fast-tracking can be a sure means of saving time.

Supervisor Marion Ashley felt big box developments had been unjustifiably maligned.

“We’re all going to have these projects in our districts from time to time, but don’t overlook the dignity of the jobs that come with them “ Ashley said.

“They’re good jobs. Warehouses are part of us. They’re not something we can brush off. ‘Warehouse’ is not a dirty word. They bring in sales taxes, property taxes. They help us pay for schools and libraries.”

— City News Service.

(Image via Shutterstock)