Santa Cruz County · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Santa Cruz County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance update
The Board debated two housing tools: letting ADUs be sold as condos (AB 1033) and a San Diego-style bonus program rewarding deed-restricted affordable ADUs with extra market-rate units. A divided Board chose to wait — monitoring other communities and pending state legislation — rather than commit staff time now. Critics worried about investor-driven projects and $1.3 million price tags on 'starter' units.
Battery energy storage facility at 90 Minto Road
Roughly 30 residents, most from Watsonville-area neighborhoods, urged the board to ban or restrict lithium battery energy storage facilities, citing the Moss Landing fire, proximity to schools and farmland, and Measure J protections. No battery item was on the agenda; the chair clarified no decision was being made that day.