The Amador County Planning Commission has announced they will hold two public hearings May 20 related to amendments to Title 19 of the Amador County Code. On May 16, 2006, the code was amended to include regulations relating to sea-land storage containers to encourage appropriate locations and uses for such containers and protect the visual quality of the county.  Since the adoption of the ordinance, existing and potential situations have surfaced that suggested the ordinance may need to be updated. Because this matter has proven to be of great interest and concern to the community, the planning commission invites all interested persons to attend and participate in the public hearing. The meeting is seen as another opportunity for the public to voice concerns and offer possible solutions to the issues regarding the use of sea-land storage containers.

The second item is intended as a public workshop, but may result in a public hearing if the commission feels prepared to make a recommendation on the matter to the board of supervisors.  Staff will present a proposed new county code to establish a design review process and associated standards for development of commercial, high-density multi-family residential and manufacturing zone districts.  In other words, the design guidelines are intended to provide project developers and property owners with an understanding of Amador County’s goals for aesthetically compatible and appropriate development projects that fit the unique and storied character of Amador County.  The hearings will be held at the County Administration Center's Board of Supervisors Chambers located at 810 Court Street in Jackson. The hearings are scheduled for 7 p.m. or as soon thereafter as can be heard.  Copies of both proposals are available on the planning department's Web site at www.co.amador.ca.us/depts/planning or by contacting the department at 223-6380. Anyone unable to attend but wishing to comment on either of these items may submit written statements to the Planning Commission.