Settlement reached in Colusa residential development case

Robert Summa, Appeal-Democrat, Marysville, Calif.
·2 min read

Oct. 27—A settlement was reached last week in litigation initiated by Colusa County against the city of Colusa in relation to the Colusa Industrial Park residential development project, according to officials.

On Jan. 20, 2022, Colusa County initiated litigation against the city in an effort to seek an injunction on the expanded Colusa Industrial Park residential development project, the Appeal previously reported. With Colusa Industrial Properties named as a real party of interest, the county's filing requested a temporary restraining order on development activity until an injunction hearing could be held to determine the need for an additional environmental review in lieu of the project's expansion.

In 2007, the expanded Colusa Industrial Park residential development project planned for 151 acres of land north and northwest of Colusa County Airport, the Appeal previously reported. It was to include a mixed-use community with 286 residential units, improvements to the existing golf course, and various commercial and office uses, according to the county.

Officials with the city of Colusa said the project was fully reviewed by the city, including environmental compliance and multiple public hearings before the city's planning commission and the city council from 2016 to 2018. During that public input period, there were no comments from the county.

The county, however, claimed that the city approved a series of additional changes to the project during this time without further environmental review.

With a settlement now reached, officials said Colusa Industrial Properties has agreed to apply for city approval on a number of changes to the project and the city has agreed to a timely and lawful application process.

"We are pleased to have reached a mutual settlement that removes us from the litigation process," Colusa County Supervisor and Chair Kent Boes said in a statement. "Going forward, Colusa County is committed to addressing and resolving issues before they reach the point of litigation."

Officials with the county said if the city approves the project amendments within 30 days of the project application, then the county will dismiss litigation with prejudice.

"The project changes include a General Plan Amendment and rezoning for lots 157-180 to a low intensity industrial/commercial use, and a General Plan Amendment and rezoning to open space for lots 34-37," county officials said. "In order to prevent and avoid further disputes between the city and county, the parties have also entered into an agreement with respect to the processing of projects within the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan area of influence."