Shasta County supervisors primed to extend Carr Fire recovery ordinance

Shasta County supervisors are moving forward with plans to extend an ordinance meant to help Carr Fire victims rebuild.

Some 80 property owners who lost their homes in the 2018 wildfire — the worst in county history — are facing a May 1 deadline to either move or rebuild on their property.

But on Tuesday night, after hearing from three residents who urged the county to give them more time, Supervisor Tim Garman — whose District 2 was hit hard by the Carr Fire — made a motion to revisit the issue at a later meeting with the possibility of extending the ordinance at least one year. It would be the second time the county has extended the deadline.

The motion passed unanimously.

A Keswick resident told supervisors that her family has tried to rebuild but financial challenges and other obstacles have prevented them from doing so as they continue to live in a temporary dwelling.

“We have no place to go. … We really need help” if the ordinance ended May 1, she said.

Under the ordinance, the use of RVs, manufactured homes, mobile homes and moveable tiny homes as temporary residences are permissible while the property owner rebuilds.

In late February, the county notified residents still living under the terms of the ordinance that it would expire May 1.

Garman said that gave those residents about two months.

“I don’t know if that’s going to be enough (time),” Garman said before making his motion.

District 1 Supervisor Kevin Crye pointed out that interest rates have gone up and the economy could be headed for a recession.

“I can’t personally support stopping this in May,” Crye said, adding that with so much economic uncertainty, it’s not fair to ask people to hurry up and rebuild.

Garman told those in the chamber Tuesday night that this was difficult because he’s talked to many people in his district affected by the ordinance and has heard both sides.

The ordinance, called Title 19, was enacted Sept. 11, 2018, nearly two months after the Carr Fire erupted. It was initially scheduled to expire on Aug. 9, 2021, but supervisors extended to May 1, 2023.

More: Survivors of the Carr Fire tornado tell harrowing stories

The Carr Fire, which started in late July 2018, destroyed 817 homes in the unincorporated parts of Shasta County and 266 in Redding.

Of the 1,200 mailers sent in late February to residents in Keswick, Shasta, French Gulch and the Lower Springs Road area west of Redding, about 30 responses were from people who want the ordinance to expire and six from people who want it extended, Assistant Director of Resource Management Adam Fieseler told supervisors.

Fieseler said at least 12 properties that have temporary dwelling permits are blighted.

But county code enforcement acts on complaints.

“We need written complaints,” Fieseler said.

Garman told Fieseler that he has heard from residents who fear retribution if they make a complaint.

“You should not hesitate to file a complaint because we do not tell people who complained for their own safety,” Fieseler said.

To date, 211 single-family homes destroyed by the Carr Fire have been rebuilt in unincorporated Shasta County and currently 43 building permits have been issued to rebuild.

It is not known when the decision to extend the ordinance will be brought back to supervisors.

But Fieseler said that if it’s after May 1, the county will not be going out to residents and telling them to move.

Also, residents who have a building permit or apply for one before the deadline are not affected.

David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly "Buzz on the Street" column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Shasta County primed to extend Carr Fire recovery ordinance