Articles

Court Says Grading Needed Local Permit Despite State Approval, Federal Funding
Court Says Grading Needed Local Permit Despite State Approval, Federal Funding

Oct 24, 2008

CP&DR Staff, Legal Digest, Riverside County, Vol. 23 No. 11 Nov 2008, Wetlands

A Riverside County property owner needed to get a county grading permit to repair a seasonal stream's spillway, even though the state Department of Fish and Game had apparently approved the project and the Federal Emergency Management Agency had funded it. So ruled the Fourth District Court of Appeal, Division Two, in 2 1/2-year-old litigation over a $500 fine.
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SB 375: It's An Incremental Change, Not A Revolution
SB 375: It's An Incremental Change, Not A Revolution

Oct 23, 2008

California, Insight, Legislation, Vol. 23 No. 11 Nov 2008, William Fulton

Supporters and opponents alike are touting SB 375 as the most significant land use reform bill in recent California history. When he signed it in September, Gov. Schwarzenegger called it the biggest bill since the California Environmental Quality Act 38 as approved years ago. Meanwhile, the hilariously over-the-top Orange County Register has called the bill "one of the most authoritarian, far-reaching and elitist bills that has ever made it to the governor's desk." In fact, it is neither.

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Council Resolution Doesn't Affect Property Rights, Court Rules
Council Resolution Doesn't Affect Property Rights, Court Rules

Oct 22, 2008

CP&DR Staff, Legal Digest, Los Angeles County, Takings, Vol. 23 No. 11 Nov 2008

A property owner's challenge of a Sierra Madre City Council resolution directing a committee to consider stricter regulation of hillside development has been thrown out by the Second District Court of Appeal.

The unanimous three-judge appellate panel upheld a trial court judge who had ruled that the situation was not "ripe" for judicial review. Although the resolution might lead to less potential development, the resolution itself had no binding implications for the property owner's land, the Second District determined.
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