San Mateo County: Task force critics say community members weren't represented San Mateo County: Task force critics say community members weren't represented (June 29, 2005)

By Marion Softky

Almanac Staff Writer

The Committee for Green Foothills concurred with some of the recommendations to strengthen the San Mateo County planning staff, but worried that the task force making the recommendations was made up almost entirely of people seeking building permits.

"The 'clients' of the Planning Division are not just applicants, as there is a strong interest in most permit items by neighbors, community members and environmental representatives," wrote Lennie Roberts of Ladera, legislative advocate for the local environmental group.

Several representatives of the Coastside communities of El Granada, Moss Beach and Montara pointed to possible pitfalls in over-streamlining the permit process.

There are no representatives from the Coastside on the task force, noted Karen Wilson, chair of the elected Mid-Coast Community Council, which advises on issues for communities subdivided into small lots long before modern zoning.

"We're at 50 percent build-out; we need to look at public safety," she said.

Ms. Wilson and others cited problems to building on the Mid-Coast, such as parking requirements, and lack of infrastructure in a community with substandard lots, narrow streets, geological problems, and no storm drains. "All the easy lots have been developed," said Catherine Slater-Carter.

Ms. Slater-Carter noted that sometimes permits take a long time because applicants don't follow the rules. Also, seemingly minor changes can be major, she said; for instance, adding a bedroom can create parking and safety problems on a narrow street. "Removing a tree can change a neighborhood. This is not a small deal.

"The community does deserve a voice."

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