Agenda packet — Sonora City Council, October 20, 2025 (part 1 of 3)

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Agenda
Monday, October 20, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on October 20, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

Written comments can be submitted to be included as part of the administrative record; they will not be read during the meeting. All comments must be received by 3:00 pm on the day of the noticed meeting and can be submitted to the City Clerk at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370, or via email to [email protected].

Public Access Audio and Video Live Streaming
The Public will not have access to give public comments via public access audio and video live streaming; they are available for audio and visual only; and can be accessed via our website at www.sonoraca.com.

Remote viewing of the meeting via live streaming is provided to members of the public as a courtesy. If the live streaming connection malfunctions for any reason and no Council Members are attending via teleconference, the City Council will continue the public meeting in Chambers without remote access.

CITY COUNCIL appreciates your interest and encourages participation. Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

The numerical order of the items on this agenda is for convenience of reference. Items may be taken out of order upon request of the Mayor or Council Members. All questions shall be directed to the Mayor who, at their discretion, will refer to Staff.
___________________________________________________________________________________________ Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Council Members Bess Levine, Stephen Opie, Mark Plummer City Administrator Melissa Eads
City Attorney Douglas White
___________________________________________________________________________________________ 1 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
CLOSED SESSION - 4:00 PM

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ROLL CALL

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS

4. ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency Designated Representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator; Employee Organization: Sonora Fire Fighters Association (SFFA).

B. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency Designated Representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Employee Organization: Sonora Police Officers' Association (SPOA).

5. RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM

6. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

7. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

8. ROLL CALL

9. CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING

10. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

11. PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation.

12. PRESENTATIONS
A. Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn; Melisa Eads, City Administrator.
2 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation

13. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be voted on in one motion unless a Council member or member of the public has a question or wishes to discuss an item. In that case, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately.

A. Consider Approval of the Meeting Minute from September 15, 2025; Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk.

B. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for September 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator C. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $198,612.86 and $195,840.14 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.

D. Consider Approval of Resolution No.10-20-2025-A Amending and Restating the Joint Powers Agreement of the CSJVRMA and Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute the Agreement; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.

E. Consider Approval of a Proclamation Condemning Violence and Promoting Respectful Dialogue; Stephen Opie, Councilmember.

F. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt Ordinance No. 910 of the Sonora City Council Repealing and Replacing Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Section 8.40, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Align with Ordinance No. 906; Douglas White, City Attorney.

G. Consider Recommendation to Formally Dissolve Four (4) City Commissions/Committees:

1. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Chapter 12.20, Shade Trees and Shrubs, of Title 12, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the City Tree and Landscaping Board.

2. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 2.36.040, Management and Supervision, 2.36.060, Superintendent – Purchases; City Council Approval, and 2.36.130, Grave Markers – Requirements, of Chapter 2.36, Cemeteries, Of Title 2, Administration and Personnel, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Cemetery Committee.

3. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Repealing Chapter 10.24, Parking and Traffic Commission, of Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission. 3 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation

4. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 17.33.050 Administration, and 17.33.030, Land Use Plan, of Chapter 17.33, Commercial Specific Plan, of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code; Douglas White, City Attorney.

H. Consider Approval of Resolution Number 10-20-2025-B, Authorizing the Closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and Certain City Streets and Designating Temporary “No Parking” Zones for the 42nd Annual Historic Downtown Christmas Parade; Release the Three-Hour Parking Restrictions from Monday, November 17, through Friday, January 2, 2026, within the Downtown Corridor; and Request the Mayor or Vice Mayor Represent the City in the Christmas Parade; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

I. Consider Approval of the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, with All Exhibits, to California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (Cal-Waste) for Subscription Based Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services; Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.

14. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Clarifying Ordinance No. 905; Repealing Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services; and Repealing and Replacing Chapter

2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved) of the Sonora Municipal Code; Douglas White, City Attorney.

B. Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 10-20-2025-C - Amending the City’s General Plan to Approve the 2024-2029 Housing Element, Including Adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

1. Adoption of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the Appropriate Level of Environmental Review in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines;

2. Adoption of Findings of Fact for Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as Presented in the Staff Report; and,

3. Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as Included in the Agenda Materials.

15. QUARTERLY REPORTS
A. Receive the Sonora Community Development Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September of 2025; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

B. Receive the Sonora Engineering Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025; Mike Pugh, City Engineer, Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.

C. Receive the Sonora Fire Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025; Gary Carlson, Interim Fire Chief.
4 Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
D. Receive the Sonora Police Departments Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025.

E. Receive the Sonora Public Works Department Quarterly Report for July, August, and September 2025; Mike Lagomarsino, Public Works Supervisor.

16. COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS

17. ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

Materials related to an item on this Agenda submitted to the City Council after distribution of the agenda packet are available for public inspection in the City Administrator’s Office at 94 N. Washington Street, Sonora, CA 95370 during normal business hours (8:00 am - 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays). The agenda and supporting public documents are also available on our City website www.sonoraca.com listed under the agenda/minutes link on the Government page.
5 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
SUBJECT: Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn.

RECOMMENDATION:

Receive an Update from the President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce Katie Dunn will Present an Update on the Chamber Activities to the City Council.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

There are no Core Council Priorities.
6 Item A.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stacy Enos-Del Razo, Deputy City Clerk
SUBJECT: Meeting Minutes from September 15, 2025.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of the Meeting Minute from September 15, 2025.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

Staff Recommends the City Council Approve the Meeting Minutes from September 15, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund.

ATTACHMENTS:

Meeting Minutes from September 15, 2025.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan, Homelessness Issues, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention
7 Item A.

CITY OF SONORA
City Council Regular Meeting
Minutes
Monday, September 15, 2025
5:00 PM
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Sonora City Council will have their regular meeting on September 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the City of Sonora Council Chambers located at 94 N. Washington Street Sonora, CA 95370.

This meeting is physically open to the Public and citizens who wish to provide public comment during the meeting will be invited to do so by the Mayor.

CITY COUNCIL appreciates your interest and encourages participation. Regularly scheduled meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.

CALL TO ORDER
Called to order at 4:00 PM.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer

PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comment.

ADJOURN INTO CLOSED SESSION

1. Conference with Labor Negotiators (Gov. Code Section § 54957.6): Agency Designated Representatives:

Melissa Eads, City Administrator; Chris Gorsky, Administrative Services Director; Employee Organization: Sonora Fire Fighters Association (SFFA).

2. Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation - Initiation of Litigation Pursuant to Gov. Code, § 54956.9(d)(4): One (1) Potential Case; Douglas White, City Attorney, Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

3. Conference with Legal Counsel – Liability Claim - Pursuant to Gov. Code, § 54956.95: One (1) Potential Case, Claimant: Tourte; Agency Claimed Against: City of Sonora; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator.

RECONVENE INTO OPEN SESSION
OPEN SESSION - 5:00 PM
Called to order at 5:00 PM.

REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Ann Segerstrom stated direction was given to staff.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Bess Levine led the Pledge of Allegiance. 9 Item A.

ROLL CALL

PRESENT
Mayor Ann Segerstrom
Vice Mayor Andy Merrill
Councilmember Bess Levine
Councilmember Stephen Opie
Councilmember Mark Plummer
CITY CLERK’S REPORT ON AGENDA POSTING
The Agenda was posted on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Councilmember Stephen Opie requested a moment of silence.

Motion made by Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Seconded by Councilmember Bess Levine. Voting Yea: Mayor Ann Segerstrom, Vice Mayor Andy Merrill, Councilmember Bess Levine, Councilmember Stephen Opie Mayor Ann Segerstrom called for a moment of silence.

PUBLIC COMMENT (NON-AGENDA ITEMS)
The public may address the Council on any item of public interest not otherwise on the agenda that is within the jurisdiction of the City. No action may be taken. Matters to be addressed may be referred to City Staff or placed on a subsequent meeting Agenda. Speakers are limited to a three (3) minute presentation.

Karl Rodefer addressed the Council.

Melissa Compton from Foothill Pregnancy Center addressed the Council.

Katie Dunn President of the Sonora Chamber of Commerce informed those in attendance the Chamber Mixers are the third Tuesday of each month; the next Mixer is hosted by Black Oak Casino at Seven Sisters; and the 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale is Saturday September 27th from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Councilmember Mark Plummer made a statement during public comment.

Councilmember Stephen Opie, City Administrator Melissa Eads and Doug White City Attorney discussed protocol.

Vice Mayor Andy Merrill made additional comments.
10 Item A.

PRESENTATIONS

4. Receive a Presentation from the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch (SNEW) Program Staff Outlining Benchmarking completed for the City of Sonora; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

Tyler Summersett Community Development Director introduced Christina Weldon, Climate and Energy Technician from the Sierra Business Council; the presentation included the Sierra Nevada Energy Watch Program (SNEW); City of Sonora Electricity Analysis; Average Annual Electricity Usage and Costs; Annual Electricity Usage Trends; Electricity Cost Trends; Rate Comparison 2023 Usage; and Mono Way Electricity Rate Fluctuation.

Councilmembers asked questions and made comments.

A member of the public addressed the Council.

Christina Weldon Climate and Energy Technician presented the last slide, Next Steps.

Councilmembers made comments and asked additional questions.

Tyler Summersett Community Development Director thanked the Sierra Business Council.

Councilmembers continued to discuss.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom asked if the public had anything else to comment, a member of the public made additional comments.

5. Receive an Introduction of Brittan Gregory, Sonora Fire Chief; Interim Fire Chief Gary Carlson.

Gary Carlson Interim Fire Chief introduced Brittan Gregory as the new City of Sonora Fire Chief.

Mayor Ann Segerstrom informed those in attendance that she, the new Fire Chief and the Interim Fire Chief will be at Knox Coffee Tuesday the 23rd from 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM to Meet the Mayor.

CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be voted on in one motion unless a Council member or member of the public has a question or wishes to discuss an item. In that case, the item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately.

6. Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for August 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report; Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator 11 Item A.

7. Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $207,352.57, and $198,018.54 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay; Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer/City Clerk.

8. Consider Approval of Resolution 09-15-2025-A, Authorizing the Closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and Certain City Streets for the 2025 Sonora Union High School Homecoming Parade; Turu VanderWiel, Police Chief.

9. Consider Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Between the City of Sonora and CAL FIRE to Allow the Use of Conservation Camp Crews for Fuels Management, Hazard Reduction, and Conservation Projects Within the City of Sonora; Melissa Eads, City Administrator.

Councilmember Mark Plummer commented on the MOU between the City of Sonora and CAL FIRE.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

10. Receive an Update on the City of Sonora Solid Waste Franchise Agreement Negotiations with California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC for Subscription-Based Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services with Direction to Proceed with Proposition 218 Compliance Procedures, and Provide Direction on the Distribution of the Modified Recycling Revenue Share Program; Carlye Buchholz, City Engineer.

Carlye Buchholz City Engineer gave an update on negotiations; residential garbage rates; commercial garbage rates; modified recycling revenue sharing; commercial recycling rates; and additional negotiations with Cal-Waste.

Melissa Eads City Administrator and the Councilmembers made additional comments and asked questions.

Casey Vaccarezza Cal Waste addressed the Council.

Carlye Buchholz City Engineer reviewed frequently asked questions including the value added services; cost comparison between Cal Waste and Waste Management; the time frame for Cal Waste to coordinate the transition; the types of trucks Cal Waste has to provide service to the City; and the next steps.

Councilmembers discussed with Melissa Eads City Administrator. 12 Item A.

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Councilmembers unanimously gave direction to staff to begin public outreach and Proposition 218 outreach.

No vote was taken.

Councilmember Mark Plummer thanked Waste Management.

A member of the public shared he is happy with the outcome.

Councilmember Mark Plummer thanked staff and Cal Waste.

NEW BUSINESS

11. Consider Allowing Alcohol Vendors at the Sonora Farmers Market for the Remainder of the 2025 Market Season and for Future Market Years; Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director.

Tyler Summersett Community Development Director addressed the Council on allowing alcohol vendors at the Sonora Farmers Market.

Councilmembers made comments and asked questions.

Katie Dunn asked a question about Certified Organic.

Councilmembers continued to discuss with Tyler Summersett Community Development Director.

Lieutenant Hannula addressed the Council on ABC rules for Farmers Market.

Councilmembers continued to discuss.

No Vote was taken Councilmembers unanimously agreed to allow Alcohol Vendors at the Farmers Market.

COUNCIL MEMBER REPORTS
Councilmember Stephen Opie attended TCTC/TCTA (Tuolumne County Transportation Council/Tuolumne County Transit Agency) for Vice Mayor Andy Merrill; YES Council; and the Reagan Dinner.

Councilmember Bess Levine attended Visit Tuolumne County Marketing meeting.

Vice Mayor Andy Merrill thanked the Councilmembers for filling in while he was away.

Councilmember Mark Plummer attended the TCTC meeting (Tuolumne County Transportation Council); and the Tuolumne County Airport Land Use Commission was cancelled. 13 Item A.

Mission Statement: To foster a safe, vibrant, and prosperous community that enhances the quality of life for all
Vision Statement: With leadership and integrity, the City of Sonora commits to excellent service through collaboration and innovation
Mayor Ann Segerstrom attended the final Parking and Traffic Committee meeting; LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission); elected official training; harassment training; Solid Waste Committee for Vice Mayor Andy Merrill; Coffee with Cops is at the Aronos Club October 2nd; September 23rd at Knox Coffee Meet the Mayor, Interim Fire Chief and new Fire Chief from 8:00 - 10:00 am; the Sidewalk Sale is coming up; and the Quilt Show is September 19th and 20th.

ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned at 6:46 PM.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at City Hall (209) 532-4541, [email protected]. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR

35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for September 2025 Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Acceptance of an Informational Report for September Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void Report.

BACKGROUND:

The Administrative Services Department manages the payment processing for all City disbursements. The City has three main types of payments which includes the following:

1. Vendors – These payments are associated with goods received and contractual services provided to the City and payroll benefits paid by the City on behalf of City employees.

2. Refunds – These payments are associated with refunds issued for deposits collected and have been authorized to be released for business licenses, building permits, rental agreements, etc.

3. Employees – These payments are associated with City-related travel advances and reimbursements related to training events or City business reimbursements.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

On a monthly basis, Administrative Services Staff prepare a monthly warrant report of vendors receiving payment from the City. The informational report for the monthly payments provides Council the oversight and ability to review all spending activity for the City.

FISCAL IMPACT:

No fiscal impact will result from this informational report on the September Accounts Payable Payment Register and Void report. Expenditures are tracked according to budget authority.

All payments have been approved for payment through the adoption of the fiscal year budget or by an additional item passed by Council.
15 Item B.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP ATTACHMENTS:
 Accounts Payable Warrants Report
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention 16 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203292 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200005 Amazon Business 86.52 Check No203293 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 201.36 Check No203294 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200028 General Plumbing Supply 29.19 Check No203295 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200032 Mountain Oasis Water 25.95 Check No203296 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200033 ODP Business Solutions, LLC 132.45 Check No203297 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200036 O'Reilly Auto Parts 19.55 Check No203298 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200038 Safeguard Pest Control 408.00 Check No203299 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200043 Sonora Lumber Company 8.82 Check No203300 VOID - Tuolumne Utilities District - Overflow 0.00 Yes203301 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200047 Tuolumne Utilities District 8,459.44 Check No203302 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200069 Signal Service 345.00 Check No203303 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200101 Pine Alley Saw Shop 3,290.34 Check No203304 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200263 Hunt & Sons LLC 2,565.95 Check No203305 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200266 Quick Start Fitness Equipment Services 597.04 Check No 203306 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200283 California Peace Officers' Association 175.00 Check No203307 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200413 CSG Consultants 124.00 Check No203308 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200487 Standard Insurance Company 174.00 Check No203309 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200522 Empire Insignias 485.00 Check No203310 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200610 Ann Segerstrom 700.00 Check No203311 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200637 Industrial Electrical Co., Inc. 1,296.44 Check No203312 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200685 Trace Analytics, LLC 95.00 Check No203313 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200750 Jessica Hodge 540.00 Check No203314 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2031 Jennifer Hannula 644.83 Check No203315 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2077 Kimberly Hofmann 391.72 Check No203316 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2001 Mourad Cherif (Hummus Heaven) 18.00 Check No203317 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2004 Sunny Pence dba Pence Farm Sourdou 46.00 Check No 203318 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2005 Sally J Oliver Trial dba Bon Appetit 43.00 Check No203319 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2007 Tyson Hill Farm LLC 23.00 Check No203320 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2008 J&J Ramos Farms, Inc. 37.00 Check No203321 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2017 Columbia Kate's Teahouse & Bakery 44.00 Check No203322 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2018 Joseph Horat 10.00 Check No203323 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2019 Sunshine Organic 93.00 Check No 17 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203324 9/4/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2020 That Garlic Stuff 12.00 Check No203325 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200011 AT&T Calnet 3 621.97 Check No203326 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200035 Pacific Gas and Electric 42.38 Check No203327 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200043 Sonora Lumber Company 3.91 Check No203328 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200066 Muni Sevices / Avenu 191.16 Check No203329 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200080 JTM Cleaning Co. 1,350.00 Check No203330 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200086 NORMAC 1,144.75 Check No203331 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200207 Sonora Police Officers Association 1,024.82 Check No203332 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200209 VALIC 25.00 Check No203333 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200210 Operating Engineers #3 260.00 Check No203334 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200216 Franchise Tax Board 0.88 Check No203335 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200216 Franchise Tax Board 332.00 Check No203336 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200216 Franchise Tax Board 238.89 Check No203337 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200226 Rebecca Howard 1,234.34 Check No203338 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200263 Hunt & Sons LLC 350.39 Check No203339 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200265 Tuolumne County Public Works Departm 74.25 Check No 203340 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200287 Ross' Ladder Service 2,198.00 Check No203341 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200303 Pat Perry 211.18 Check No203342 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200402 Viking Shred 119.98 Check No203343 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200505 Valley Strong Credit Union 2,106.00 Check No203344 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200531 California State Disbursement Unit 258.92 Check No203345 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200535 Toshiba Financial Services 2,204.42 Check No203346 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200640 Diamond Digital Marketing Co. 3,400.00 Check No203347 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200728 MR. Diesel Repair LLC 1,859.58 Check No203348 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200740 Softchoice Corporation 2,390.38 Check No203349 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200755 Selman & Company, LLC 94.80 Check No203350 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2077 Kimberly Hofmann 391.72 Check No203351 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2001 Mourad Cherif (Hummus Heaven) 10.00 Check No203352 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2002 Dambacher Family Farms 3.00 Check No203353 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2003 Jonathan Anderson dba Tuttletown Far 93.00 Check No203354 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2004 Sunny Pence dba Pence Farm Sourdou 43.00 Check No203355 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2008 J&J Ramos Farms, Inc. 96.00 Check No 18 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203356 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2009 Bulk Farms Inc dba Oakdale Cheese 6.00 Check No203357 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2011 Oscar A Campos dba Salsa 4 All Seaso 13.00 Check No 203358 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2016 Sweet Water Farm & Ranch Co 25.00 Check No203359 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2018 Joseph Horat 3.00 Check No203360 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200016 Tuolumne County Public Power Agency 4,106.56 Check No 203361 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200282 Employee Relations, Inc. 12.50 Check No203362 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200303 Pat Perry 209.79 Check No203363 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200581 Regional Government Services 3,480.60 Check No203364 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200005 Amazon Business 477.40 Check No203365 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200008 CDW-G LLC 0.00 Check No203366 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200011 AT&T Calnet 3 423.39 Check No203367 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 163.42 Check No203368 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200027 Galls, LLC 904.81 Check No203369 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200032 Mountain Oasis Water 16.75 Check No203370 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200033 ODP Business Solutions, LLC 3.44 Check No203371 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200035 Pacific Gas and Electric 688.29 Check No203372 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200036 O'Reilly Auto Parts 185.80 Check No203373 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200043 Sonora Lumber Company 25.43 Check No203374 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200047 Tuolumne Utilities District 1,837.81 Check No203375 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200048 The Union Democrat 157.50 Check No203376 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200053 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore 2,965.00 Check No203377 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200058 Unum Life Insurance Company of Amer 2,726.88 Check No203378 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200060 Combined Benefits Administrators 168.00 Check No203379 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200074 Vision Service Plan (CA) 846.72 Check No203380 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200084 Hi-Tech Emergency Vehicle Service, In 12,229.44 Check No203381 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200094 Sierra Instant Print 946.13 Check No203382 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200095 Sonora AIRCO Gas & Gear 80.00 Check No203383 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200096 General Supply Company 21.63 Check No203384 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200102 George Reed Inc. 169.02 Check No203385 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200117 Verizon Wireless 38.01 Check No203386 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200263 Hunt & Sons LLC 465.63 Check No203387 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200352 Quadient Leasing USA, Inc. 231.20 Check No 19 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203388 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200413 CSG Consultants 124.00 Check No203389 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200423 Bear Electrical Solutions (BES), LLC 250.00 Check No203390 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200496 Victoria Arduengo 578.90 Check No203391 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200499 Axon Enterprise, Inc. 38,891.38 Check No203392 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200735 Przybyla Advisors 4,375.00 Check No203393 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200745 ICC International Code Council 1,771.45 Check No203394 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200755 Selman & Company, LLC 47.40 Check No203395 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200767 Judith Stoltenberg 760.00 Check No203396 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200773 Sunrun Instalation Services, Inc 528.00 Check No203397 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200774 CVH Networks 309.94 Check No203398 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2077 Kimberly Hofmann 391.72 Check No203399 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2003 Jonathan Anderson dba Tuttletown Far 58.00 Check No 203400 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2004 Sunny Pence dba Pence Farm Sourdou 94.00 Check No203401 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2006 Rosa's Portuguese Bakery, Inc. 26.00 Check No203402 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2007 Tyson Hill Farm LLC 47.00 Check No203403 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2008 J&J Ramos Farms, Inc. 56.00 Check No203404 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2013 Gold Country Honey Farms 28.00 Check No203405 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2014 Schnoogs Cafe 24.00 Check No203406 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2019 Sunshine Organic 95.00 Check No203407 9/12/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200055 Keenan Associates 84,140.25 Check No203408 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200005 Amazon Business 538.02 Check No203409 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200018 U.S. Bank Corporate Payment System 16,360.59 Check No203410 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200020 AT&T Mobility (FirstNet) 2,256.44 Check No203411 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200020 AT&T Mobility (FirstNet) 66.28 Check No203412 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 784.13 Check No203413 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 352.51 Check No203414 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 162.17 Check No203415 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200025 Debco Automotive (NAPA) 65.25 Check No203416 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200035 Pacific Gas and Electric 835.38 Check No203417 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200036 O'Reilly Auto Parts 27.14 Check No203418 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200060 Combined Benefits Administrators 2,902.65 Check No203419 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200075 Waste Management 33.39 Check No 20 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203420 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200084 Hi-Tech Emergency Vehicle Service, In 1,976.45 Check No203421 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200091 Adventist Health Sonora 417.00 Check No203422 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200094 Sierra Instant Print 996.15 Check No203423 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200108 CISCO Fire Sprinklers, Inc. 1,100.00 Check No203424 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200113 Nate's Tree Service 13,400.00 Check No203425 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200207 Sonora Police Officers Association 1,024.82 Check No203426 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200209 VALIC 25.00 Check No203427 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200210 Operating Engineers #3 260.00 Check No203428 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200216 Franchise Tax Board 238.89 Check No203429 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200246 Tuolumne-Stanislaus Integrated Region 200.00 Check No 203430 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200263 Hunt & Sons LLC 3,759.45 Check No203431 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200505 Valley Strong Credit Union 2,106.00 Check No203432 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200531 California State Disbursement Unit 258.92 Check No203433 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200552 Jay's Tires 1,681.57 Check No203434 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200574 Citygate Associates, LLC 8,288.97 Check No203435 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200598 Top Dog Police K9 Training & Consultin 250.00 Check No203436 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200616 Granite Peak Alarms LLC 146.25 Check No203437 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200675 iWorQ 791.67 Check No203438 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200731 Polaris 32,836.88 Check No203439 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200737 TransUnion Risk and Alternative 350.00 Check No203440 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200775 WECO INDUSTRIES LLC 337.84 Check No203441 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2044 Ronald Watson 40.00 Check No203442 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2077 Kimberly Hofmann 391.72 Check No203443 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2002 Dambacher Family Farms 8.00 Check No203444 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2004 Sunny Pence dba Pence Farm Sourdou 44.00 Check No 203445 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2006 Rosa's Portuguese Bakery, Inc. 5.00 Check No203446 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2007 Tyson Hill Farm LLC 38.00 Check No203447 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2008 J&J Ramos Farms, Inc. 44.00 Check No203448 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2009 Bulk Farms Inc dba Oakdale Cheese 4.00 Check No203449 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2010 Engler Ag Enterprises 26.00 Check No203450 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2013 Gold Country Honey Farms 50.00 Check No203451 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2014 Schnoogs Cafe 15.00 Check No 21 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? 203452 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2016 Sweet Water Farm & Ranch Co 11.00 Check No203453 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2019 Sunshine Organic 80.00 Check No203454 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2020 That Garlic Stuff 27.00 Check No203455 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200005 Amazon Business 497.30 Check No203456 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200013 JS West Propane Gas 91.32 Check No203457 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 201.36 Check No203458 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200024 Comcast Business 186.07 Check No203459 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200026 Department of Justice 281.00 Check No203460 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200032 Mountain Oasis Water 12.25 Check No203461 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200035 Pacific Gas and Electric 6,641.54 Check No203462 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200043 Sonora Lumber Company 51.85 Check No203463 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200047 Tuolumne Utilities District 1,568.29 Check No203464 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200059 Cal.Net Motherlode 54.01 Check No203465 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200232 Kevin Anderson 35.00 Check No203466 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200413 CSG Consultants 14,201.25 Check No203467 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200500 Nathan Morales 35.00 Check No203468 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200536 Power Business Technology 779.75 Check No203469 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200699 Linda Emerson 35.00 Check No203470 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200700 Thad Waterbury 35.00 Check No203471 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200701 Thomas Miller 35.00 Check No203472 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200776 Twain Harte Community Services Distri 19,401.88 Check No203473 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200777 Chicken Ranch Rancheria Fire Departm 50,096.91 Check No 203474 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher Emp2031 Jennifer Hannula 25.00 Check No203475 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2001 Mourad Cherif (Hummus Heaven) 20.00 Check No203476 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2003 Jonathan Anderson dba Tuttletown Far 25.00 Check No 203477 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2004 Sunny Pence dba Pence Farm Sourdou 27.00 Check No203478 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2005 Sally J Oliver Trial dba Bon Appetit 47.00 Check No203479 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2012 Jamestown Ranch, Inc. 6.00 Check No203480 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2014 Schnoogs Cafe 24.00 Check No203481 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2017 Columbia Kate's Teahouse & Bakery 30.00 Check No203482 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2018 Joseph Horat 16.00 Check No203483 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher FM2019 Sunshine Organic 144.00 Check No 22 Item B.

City of Sonora
A/P Register
September 2025
Check Number Effective Date Document Description ID Payee Check Amount Payment Type VOID ? ACH252 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200600 Dewberry Engineers Inc. 1,499.41 Voucher NoACH253 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200600 Dewberry Engineers Inc. 18,038.84 Voucher NoACH254 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200600 Dewberry Engineers Inc. 1,177.28 Voucher NoACH255 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200600 Dewberry Engineers Inc. 258.36 Voucher NoACH256 9/25/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200600 Dewberry Engineers Inc. 29,401.58 Voucher NoACH282 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 5,492.17 Voucher NoACH283 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 743.33 Voucher NoACH284 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 3,303.98 Voucher NoACH285 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 133.25 Voucher NoACH286 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 2,864.88 Voucher NoACH287 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 8,326.48 Voucher NoACH288 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 1,998.75 Voucher NoACH289 9/5/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200004 White Brenner LLP 133.25 Voucher NoACH290 9/11/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200608 Enterprise FM Trust 35,967.07 Voucher NoACH291 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200010 American Tower 1,549.60 Voucher NoACH292 9/18/2025 System Generated Check/Voucher 200301 RingCentral 574.90 Voucher NoReport Total 511,400.95 23 Item B.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tracy Skelly, Administrative Services Officer
SUBJECT: Disbursements in the Amount of $198,612.86 and $195,840.14 for Payroll RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Disbursements in the Amount of $198,612.86 and $195,840.14 for Payroll, Including Employee Salaries, Employer and Employee Taxes, Retirement Contributions, Miscellaneous Voluntary Employee Deductions, Holiday Pay, and Other Adjustments, Including Retro-Pay.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

This was the 2
nd payroll for September, and the 1st payroll for October, which were the expected amounts.

These were the 6
th and 7th payrolls of 26 for FY25-26; we would have expected to expend 32.57% of the current fiscal year budgeted amount. In total, we have expended 26.92% of the Salaries and Wages for the FY25-26 budget.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Disbursements are part of the approved FY25-26 Budgets.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention 24 Item C.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Chris Gorsky, Assistant City Administrator
SUBJECT: Consider Approval of Resolution No. 10-20-2025-A Amending the Joint Powers Agreement of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA).

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Resolution No.10-20-2025-A Amending and Restating the Joint Powers Agreement of the CSJVRMA and Authorizing the City Administrator to Execute the Agreement.

BACKGROUND:

The Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) is a California Joint Powers Authority (JPA) established in 1979 for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage for its member cities.

Pursuant to California Government Code 990.8, the City of Sonora is a member of the CSJVRMA. The CSJVRMA consists of 53 California Cities.

Each year the CSJVRMA reviews, revises, and approves goals for the JPA and one of the current goals was to review the governing documents to ensure they continue to reflect the CSJVRMA’s practices, legal requirements, and operational needs. The Joint Powers Agreement, last updated in 1994, was revised to define the terms more clearly, language has been added to satisfy the provisions of Government Code Section §6509, this code section was enacted to prevent a local public entity from exercising powers inconsistent with its own charter, ordinance, or resolution simply by becoming a member of a JPA, and member city responsibilities have been clarified.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The City of Sonora participates in the CSJVRMA for risk pooling and risk management services specific to public entity risk, including general liability, automobile liability, property coverage, cyber security coverage, and worker’s compensation coverage. The Executive Committee of the CSJVRMA reviewed and updated the Joint Powers Agreement, which provides the general parameters of the Joint Powers Authority (JPA). To become effective, the revised and restated Agreement must be approved by at least 2/3 of the participating 53 cities via resolution of the individual governing bodies.

Staff is recommending approval of the revised and restated Agreement. 25 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP FISCAL IMPACT:

No additional fiscal impact. CSJVRMA costs are funded in the adopted FY2025/26 Budget (approved June 16, 2025); no budget amendment is required.

ATTACHMENTS:
 Amended and Restated CSJVRMA Joint Powers Agreement
 Resolution No.10-20-2025-A Approving the Amendment to the Joint Powers Agreement CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

RESOLUTION 10-20-2025-A

APPROVING AMENDMENT TO JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK

MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (CSJVRMA) is a California Joint Powers Authority created and operated pursuant to California Government Code 6500 et. seq. for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage; WHEREAS, the City of Sonora is authorized pursuant to California Government Code 990.8 to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement for the purposes described above; WHERAS, the City of Sonora is a member of the CSJVRMA;
WHEREAS, the Joint Powers Agreement which was created establishing the CSJVRMA allows for amendment of the agreement upon approval by the City Council of two thirds of the members of the CSJVRMA; WHEREAS, the CSJVRMA desires to amend the Joint Powers Agreement as set forth in the Agreement dated July 1, 1994, and as amended July 1, 2025, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein; The City hereby resolves:

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Sonora approves the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement, dated July 1, 1994, as amended and restated on July 1, 2025, and in the form as attached hereto, and it is FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Administrator is authorized and directed to execute such agreement.

The forgoing resolution was adopted this 20th day of October, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES: ______________________________
NOES: ______________________________
ABSTAIN: ___________________________
ABSENT: ____________________________
_________________________________
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
27 Item D.

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY

RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT
AS AMENDED JULY 1, 20251994
28 Item D.

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I ......................................................................................................................................... 3 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................... 3 ARTICLE II ........................................................................................................................................ 4 PURPOSES ....................................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE III ....................................................................................................................................... 4 CREATION OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY ..................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE IV ....................................................................................................................................... 5 PARTIES TO AGREEMENT ................................................................................................................ 5 ARTICLE V ........................................................................................................................................ 5 MEMBERSHIP .................................................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE VI ....................................................................................................................................... 6 TERM OF AGREEMENT .................................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE VII ...................................................................................................................................... 6 POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY .......................................................................................................... 6 ARTICLE VIII ..................................................................................................................................... 7 BOARD OF DIRECTORS .................................................................................................................... 7 ARTICLE IX ....................................................................................................................................... 8 BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS ........................................................................................................... 8 ARTICLE X ........................................................................................................................................ 8 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ................................................................................................................. 8 ARTICLE XI ....................................................................................................................................... 9 OFFICERS ......................................................................................................................................... 9 ARTICLE XII ...................................................................................................................................... 9 JOINT PROTECTION PROGRAMS ..................................................................................................... 9 ARTICLE XIII ................................................................................................................................... 10 RESERVE FUNDS ............................................................................................................................ 10 ARTICLE XIV ................................................................................................................................... 10 OPERATING FUND ......................................................................................................................... 10 29 Item D.

ARTICLE XV .................................................................................................................................... 10 BUDGET ......................................................................................................................................... 10 ARTICLE XVI ................................................................................................................................... 10 FUNDING AND PROCEDURES FOR CALCULATING ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS ............................. 10 Joint Powers Agreement
Table of Contents

Page 2 ends

ARTICLE XVII .................................................................................................................................. 10 RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY ................................................................................................ 11 ARTICLE XVIII ................................................................................................................................. 11 RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER CITIES .......................................................................................... 11 ARTICLE XIX ................................................................................................................................... 12 WITHDRAWAL ............................................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XX .................................................................................................................................... 12 INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION ...................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XXI ................................................................................................................................... 12 CONTINUED LIABILITY ................................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XXII .................................................................................................................................. 12 REFUNDS UPON WITHDRAWAL OR INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION ............................................. 12 ARTICLE XXIII ................................................................................................................................. 13 TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY ...................................................................................................... 13 ARTICLE XXIV ................................................................................................................................. 13 AUDIT ............................................................................................................................................ 14 ARTICLE XXV .................................................................................................................................. 14 ARBITRATION ................................................................................................................................ 14 ARTICLE XXVI ................................................................................................................................. 14 BINDING EFFECT OF BYLAWS, MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS, AND MEMORANDA OF COVERAGE14 ARTICLE XXVII ................................................................................................................................ 14 ENFORCEMENT ............................................................................................................................. 14 ARTICLE XXVIII ............................................................................................................................... 14 AMENDMENTS .............................................................................................................................. 14 30 Item D.

ARTICLE XXIX ................................................................................................................................. 15 NOTICES ........................................................................................................................................ 15 ARTICLE XXX .................................................................................................................................. 15 COUNTERPARTS ............................................................................................................................ 15 31 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 1 Amended July 1, 20251994

AMENDED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT

FOR INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES
THIS AMENDED AGREEMENT, dated for convenience this 1st day of July, 20251994, made and entered into by, between, and among those Member Cities which become parties to this Agreement by action of their governing boards adopting a resolution agreeing to participate in the joint powers entity created by the terms and conditions of this Agreement; RECITALS:

WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 6500, et. seq. provides that two or more public agencies may, by agreement, exercise any power common to the contracting parties; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Sections 990 and 990.4 provide that a local entity may self-insure, purchase insurance through an authorized insurer, purchase insurance through a surplus line broker, or any combination thereof; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 990.8 provides that two or more local public entities, by a joint powers agreement, may provide insurance for any authorized purpose by any one or more of the methods specified in Section 990.4; and WHEREAS, Article XVI, Section 6, of the California Constitution provides that insurance pooling arrangements under joint exercise of powers agreements shall not be considered the giving or lending of credit as prohibited therein; and
WHEREAS, each of the cities which are parties to this Agreement desires to join together with other cities in order to collectively self-insure or pool their losses and to jointly purchase insurance and administrative services in connection with Joint Protection Programs for said cities; and
WHEREAS, the Tulare-Kings Municipal Risk Management Authority, a public entity, was created by an initial Agreement dated April 1, 1979, among various cities within the Counties of Tulare and Kings; and
WHEREAS, the name of the organization was changed to the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority on July 1, 1981; and
WHEREAS, the initial Agreement was amended on January 1, 1985 and July 1, 1994 by a two-thirds vote of the Member Cities' city councils; and 32 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 2 Amended July 1, 20251994
WHEREAS, said Member Cities have determined that it is again appropriate and in the public interest to make certain technical corrections and additions to this Agreement which will provide clarification and will permit the governing body to meet a minimum of two times a year to conduct that business which only the governing body may act upon; and WHEREAS, it is therefore necessary to amend said Joint Powers Agreement; and WHEREAS, said Agreement provides that amendments to the Agreement may be made by a vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities by resolution of the City Councils of said Cities:

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the execution of this Agreement by twothirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, each of the Member Cities which are parties hereto does hereby adopt this amended Agreement, dated July 1, 20251994, which concurrently supersedes that certain Agreement creating the Authority, dated April 1, 1979, and all amendments thereto. 33 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 3 Amended July 1, 20251994

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS
The following words, when typed in bold print within the provisions of this Agreement, shall have the following definitions:
"Administrator" shall mean that person or group appointed by the Executive Committee and given responsibility for the management, administration, and operation of the Authority.
“Agreement” shall mean the Joint Powers Agreement creating the Central San Juoaquin Valley Risk Management Authority.
"Authority" shall mean the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority, aka the RMA.
"Board of Directors" or "Board" shall mean the governing body of the Authority. "Broker" shall mean the insurance broker hired by the Executive Committee to acquire insurance coverage.
"Claims" shall mean demands made against the Authority arising out of occurrences which are claimed to be within one of the Authority'sJoint Protection Programs as developed by the Board.
"Deposit Premium" shall mean the annual dollar amount determined by the Board of Directors payable by each Member City for the purpose of self-insurance coverage, excess insurance premiums, and administrative costs, charged for the purpose of carrying out the powers of the Authority. those funds charged for the purpose of self-insured coverage. "Executive Committee" shall mean the elected officers and the representatives appointed by each region to represent that region.
"Fiscal Year" shall mean the period July 1 to June 30 of each year. "Insurance" shall mean any commercial insurance coverage. "Insurance Premium" shall mean those funds charged for the payment of group purchased insurance.
"Joint Protection Programs" shall mean any program to provide risk sharing or insurance coverage under this Agreement and shall include a determination as to the amount of initial Insurance Premiums and/or Deposit Premiums, a precise allocation plan and formula, and a determination of the amount and type, if any, of excess insurance to be purchased. .

Included within the term Joint Protection Program is the identification of exposures to accidental loss, the reduction or limitation of losses to Member City properties and from injuries to persons or property caused by the operations of Member Cities and the funding 34 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 4 Amended July 1, 20251994
of those risks, together with any other functions appropriate or necessary to the functioning of the Joint Protection Program.
"Master Plan Document" shall mean the document, formally adopted by the Executive Committeeparticipating Member Cities, containing the provisions setting forth the operations, policies, and provisions of a self-insured or pooled coverage program, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The scope of the program;

2. The procedures to be followed;

3. Who may participate;

4. Any limits or restrictions;

5. How Deposit Premiums are determined;

6. How refunds, if any, are determined;

7. Commitments required by participants; and

8. How the document may be amended.
"Member City" shall mean a city which is an incorporated municipality organized with a council, City Manager/Administrator form of government, which has been approved for participation in the Authority by the Executive Committee in accordance with applicable provisions of the Agreement and the Bylaws, and has signed the Agreement. "Operating Fund" shall mean the fund established by the Authority for the purpose of paying just demands submitted to the Authority. ;
"Representative" shall mean the person, normally the City Manager/Administrator of the Member City , who has been designated in writing by the Member City to represent and act for and on behalf of the Member City regarding any matter before the Authority's Board or Executive Committee. The Representative must be either: (a) the City Manager/Administrator or (b) a person designated by the City Manager/Administrator who holds a management/organizational position with the Member City and whose responsibilities include all or part of the Member City’s risk management functions (i.e., finance, human resources, claims/losses, insurance, and safety/risk control). "Self-Insurance" shall mean the process whereby the Authority maintains sufficient reserves to pay all claims and associated expenses of a risk exposurearea without purchasing insurance to cover the risk or a portion of the risk.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide joint powers common to each Member City for insurance purposes; to pool self-insured claims and losses, to purchase or participate in excess pooling or excess insurance coverage, and to provide related administrative services including risk management, consulting, actuarial services, claims adjusting and legal defense services;and share risks; to implement risk management principles; and to provide for the future inclusion of additional incorporated municipalities desiring to become parties to the Agreement. 35 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 5 Amended July 1, 20251994

ARTICLE III

CREATION OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
A.

Pursuant to Section 6500, et. seq. of the California Government Code, the Authority is a public entity separate and apart from the parties to this Agreement. Pursuant to Government Code Section 6508.1, the debts, liabilities, and obligations of this joint powers authority shall not constitute debts, liabilities, or obligations of any party to this Agreement.

B. It is the express understanding of all parties that the Authority created originally on or about April 1, 1979, is the same Authority continued under this Agreement, even though some powers and procedures may be changed by this Agreement.

C. The Authority, its Board, officers, membership, and staff shall be governed by this Agreement, the Bylaws, Master Plan Documents, Memoranda of Coverage, and other documents duly adopted by the Authority.

ARTICLE IV

PARTIES TO AGREEMENT
A. Each city which has applied to and been accepted as a member of the Authority is a party to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement. . Each party to the Agreement shall be bound by this Agreement when two-thirds (2/3rds) of the city councils of the Member Cities have adopted this amended Agreement. . A party to this Agreement certifies that it intends to and does contract with the Authority and with all other Member Cities which have signed this Agreement and, in addition, with each city which may hereafter be added as a party to and may sign this Agreement. . Each city which has or may hereafter sign this Agreement also certifies that the deletion of any city from the Authority by voluntary withdrawal, involuntary termination, or otherwise, shall not affect this Agreement nor each Member City's intent to contract as described above with the then remaining Member Cities.

B. Each city which is a member of the Authority at the time this amended Agreement is adopted by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, certifies that it intends to and does hereby contract with the Authority and with all other current Member Cities, and in addition, with each city which may hereafter be added as a party to and may sign this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP
A. ELIGIBILITY
36 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 6 Amended July 1, 20251994
To be a member of this Authority, a city must be an incorporated municipality which is characterized by having professional management as typified by a bona fide Council Manager/Administrator form of government and must be approved for participation in the Authority in the manner provided by the Bylaws.

B. NEW MEMBERS
Eligible incorporated municipalities may become a party to this Agreement pursuant to the Bylaws of the Authority.

ARTICLE VI

TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement, as amended, shall become effective when approved by two thirds (2/3rds) of the respective City Councils of the Member Cities. . When effective, this Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, shall continue thereafter until terminated as herein provided. . This Agreement shall become effective as to any new Member City in accordance with the Bylaws and Master Plan Documents of the Authority.

ARTICLE VII

POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY
A. The Authority shall have all of the powers common to Member Cities and all additional powers set forth in Section 6500, et. seq. and Section 989, et. seq. of the Government Code and other applicable law. The Authority shall have all of the rights, immunities, privileges, and defenses afforded each Member City and peculiar to the particular Member City being sued or against which there has been a claim.

Pursuant to and to the extent required by Government Code section 6509, the Authority shall be restricted in the exercise of its powers in the same manner as the City of Ripon is restricted in the exercise of its powers. In the event the City of Ripon shall cease to be a Member of the Authority, then the Authority shall be restricted in the exercise of its powers in the same manner as the City of Madera.

The Authority is hereby authorized to do all acts necessary or appropriate for the exercise of said powers, including, but not limited to any or all of the following:

1. to mMake and enter into contracts;

2. to iIncur debts, liabilities, and obligations, but no debt, liability, or obligation of the Authority is a debt, liability, or obligation of a Member City which is a part of this Agreementexcept as otherwise provided;
37 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 7 Amended July 1, 20251994

3. to aAssess Member Cities as deemed appropriate for good cause as determined by the Executive Committee;

4. to aAcquire, hold, or dispose of real and personal property;

5. to rReceive contributions and donations of property, funds, services, and other forms of assistance from any sources;

6. to sSue and be sued in its own name;

7. to eEmploy agents and employees;

8. to aAcquire, construct, manage, and maintain buildings;

9. to lLease real or personal property, including propertythat of a Member City; and

10. to exercise all powers necessary and proper to carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement or otherwise authorized by law.

B. Whenever in this Agreement any consent or approval is required, the same shall not be unreasonably withheld. This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

ARTICLE VIII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. STRUCTURE
The Authority shall be governed by a Board composed of one Representative from each Member City, each serving in an individual capacity as a member of the Board. . Each Member City shall appoint one Representative. . Appointments shall be limited to the City Manager/Administrator of each Member City or his/her authorized delegate. . Each Member City shall also appoint one alternate Representative. . The alternate Representative may attend and may participate in any meeting of the Board. . When the regular Representative for whom he/she is an alternate is absent from the meeting, the alternate Representative may vote. . Each Representative serves at the pleasure of the Member City being represented. . Each Representative has one vote as the member of the Board. . Representatives are not entitled to compensation. . However, the Executive Committee may authorize reimbursement for expense incurred by a Representative in connection with his/her duties for the Authority.

B. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board shall hold at least two meetings each year. . The Executive Committee shall determinefix by resolution the date upon which and the hour and place at which each regular meeting is to be held.

The President may call for a special meeting of the Board in compliance with open meeting laws in the State of California or a majority of the Representatives may call for a special meeting by filing a written request with the Secretary. . The President must then set a date, time, and place for the meeting to be held within 30 days and must make provision for Commented [JW1]: Meetings will continue to
be adopted by the EC, but in a less
formal manner than by resolution.
38 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 8 Amended July 1, 20251994
notice of the special meeting being given.

Each meeting of the Board, and each meeting of the Executive Committee, including, without limitation, regular, adjourned regular, and special meetings, shall be called, noticed, held, and conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Section 54950 et. seq. of the Government Code).

The Authority shall have minutes of regular and special meetings kept. . As soon as possible after each meeting, copies of the minutes shall be forwarded to each Member City.

A majority of the members of the Board is a quorum for the transaction of business. .

However, less than a quorum may adjourn from time to time. . A vote of the majority of a quorum at a meeting is sufficient to take action, unless otherwise specified.

C. POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board shall provide policy direction for the Executive Committee, the officers, and the Administrator. . The Board may delegate any and all of its authority to the Executive Committee except the following:

1. Amendments toTo change the Bylaws, which requires at least a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board;

2. To creation ofe any new Joint Protection Program;

3. To termination of ae any Joint Protection Program;

4. To expulsion ofel a Member City;

5. To adoption of an operating budget for the Authority;

6. To change or reviseAmendments to the Authority's Conflict of Interest Code; and

7. To Aauthorization for e the issuance, modification, or defeasance of bonds.

ARTICLE IX

BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS
The Board shall adopt Bylaws and general regulations not inconsistent with State law and this Agreement.

ARTICLE X

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Board shall establish an Executive Committee and delegate functions not otherwise reserved to the entire Board. . The Executive Committee shall be appointed, have the powers, and hold meetings as set forth in the Bylaws.
39 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 9 Amended July 1, 20251994

ARTICLE XI

OFFICERS
The officers of the Authority shall consist of an elected President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President, and an appointed Administrator, Secretary, and Treasurer. . Other offices may be created by the Bylaws, Master Plan Documents, or the Administrator, subject to the approval of the Board or the Executive Committee, as applicable. . All offices shall be filled and have the powers and responsibilities as prescribed in the Bylaws or Master Plan Documents.

The president shall appoint someone other than the treasurer to perform the functions of auditor/controller of the Authority shall be performed by the Authority’s contracted administration firmofficers or employees or in-house staff, or the president may assume these functions as a collateral duty of the presidency. The auditor/controller must be a member of the Board. The Ttreasurer and auditor/controller have the powers, duties, and responsibilities specified in Government Code Section 6505.6. The Board shall require the treasurer and auditor/controller to file with the Authority an official bond in the amount to be fixed by the Board. The Authority shall pay the cost of bond premiums required by this section. The Authority shall purchase a bond which includes coverage for the duties performed by the Treasurer and the auditor/controller.

ARTICLE XII

JOINT PROTECTION PROGRAMS
A. The Executive Committee may at any time, and from time to time, offer to the Board for adoption such Joint Protection Programs as may be deemed desirable. . All Member Cities shall participate in those mandatory Joint Protection Programs as set forth in the Bylaws. .

All other Joint Protection Programs shall be optional. . The Board shall establish the amount of Deposit Premium, determine the amount of loss reserve contribution, provide for the handling of claims, and otherwise establish the policies and procedures necessary to provide a particular Joint Protection Program for Member Cities.

B. Each Joint Protection Program shall remain separate and distinct from every other Joint Protection Program and the liability and obligations of each program, and its participating Member Cities shall not be a liability or obligation of another program or participating Member City of another program. . A Member City's participation in one program shall not obligate it or its funds on deposit with the Authority, to the debts, obligations, or liabilities of any other program. . Separate accounting shall be maintained for each Joint Protection Program.

ARTICLE XIII

RESERVE FUNDS
The Authority may establish a fund for the purpose of paying the losses and establishing a reserve Commented [JR2]: Staff conformed this
section to reflect current
practices/align with 6505.6.
40 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 10 Amended July 1,
20251994
to cover the retained portion of losses that may be insured against by the Authority or the Member Cities. . The funds treasurer shall be invested and reinvest the funds in compliance with the Authority's Investment Policy and relevant Sstate laws. and in the same manner as if they were Member City funds.

Refunds shall be made in accordance with the Master Plan Document for each program.

ARTICLE XIV

OPERATING FUND
The Authority shall establish an Operating Fund. The Operating Fund is for the purpose of paying insurance premiums, broker's fees, adjusting fees, consultant and legal fees, and such other items as are appropriate. . Just demands for payment shall be made by warrants in compliance with the adopted budget. . The warrants shall be paid as directed by the Executive Committee. . The Board may establish such other funds as it considers appropriate which shall be maintained and invested in the same manner as the Operating Fund.

ARTICLE XV
BUDGET
The Board shall adopt a budget annually.

ARTICLE XVI

FUNDING AND PROCEDURES FOR CALCULATING

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
The provisions for funding and calculating annual contributions shall be as set forth in the Bylaws and the Master Plan Documents for each program.

ARTICLE XVII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY
The Authority may perform or have performed the following functions in discharging its responsibilities under this Agreement:

1. assist Member Cities in developing their risk management programs ;

2. participate in risk management advisory committees formed by Member Cities;

3. provide loss prevention, safety, and security services;

4. provide all program services as required by program Master Plan Documents ;

5. provide loss analysis control by use of statistical analysis, data processing, and Commented [JR3]: This change is to allow
for the potential formation of a captive
entity, and investment under other state
laws.

Commented [JR4]: The MPD will be amended to
provide for flexibility in the payment
of refunds. Recall board action to
ratify decisions of executive committee
in withholding refund amounts.
41 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 11 Amended July 1,
20251994
record and file keeping services. . The purpose of this information is to identify high exposure operations and to evaluate proper levels of self-retention and deductibles;

6. conduct risk management audits to review the participation of each Member City in the program; and

7. perform other functions as required by the Board for the purpose of accomplishing the goals of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XVIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER CITIES
The Member Cities have the following responsibilities:

1. pay all financial obligations to the Authority within the time prescribed;

2. appoint an individual to be responsible for coordinating the risk management activities of his/her Member City with the Authority;

3. conduct its operations in a manner which enhances safety and loss control consistent with recommendations by Authority staff;

4. adopt a risk management program ;carry out the duties and responsibilities as assigned or mandated by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee which may include, but are not limited to, adherence to and/or adoption of policies and procedures, support of initiatives deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the Authority, and timely execution of tasks deemed necessary for the operation and governance of the Authority;

5. establish a risk management advisory committee to work with the risk manager of the Authority;

6. maintain an active safety committee;

7. report to the risk manager during the development stages the addition of new programs or the significant reduction or expansion of existing programs;

8. permit and assist the Authority in conducting on-site safety and loss control inspections and/or safety or risk management audits as required by the Board;

9. submit DE3-DPs to the Authority concurrent with the submission dates established by the State of California;

10. submit underwriting information requested by the Authority on a timely basis;

11. provide accurate statistical data concerning the Member City to the Authority when requested;

12. cooperate fully with the Authority in determining the cause of losses and in the settlement of losses;

13. cooperate to the fullest extent with the Authority's Litigation Manager on matters of claims and the conduct of defense of claims; and

14. comply with risk management requirements established under the authority of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XIX
Commented [JW5]: This will be included in
the program master plan document
42 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 12 Amended July 1,
20251994

WITHDRAWAL
Any Member City, at their sole discretion, may voluntarily withdraw from membership in the Authority only at the end of any fiscal year by notifying the Authority in writing six (6) months prior to the end of any fiscal year, or at any other time which is agreed to by the Board, unless otherwise prohibited in the Master Plan Document of any program. . A notice of withdrawal shall be final and irreversible upon its receipt by the Authority unless the Board authorizes it to be rescinded by the Member City.

ARTICLE XX

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION
A Member City may be removed from this Agreement by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board for non-compliance with any provision of the governing documents. . Such involuntary termination shall proceed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE XXI

CONTINUED LIABILITY
Upon any withdrawal or involuntary termination of a Member City, the said Member City shall continue to be responsible for any unpaid insurance premiums, deposit premiums, surcharges, administration costs, and claims and for any debts and assessments in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, the Bylaws, Resolutions, and the Master Plan Documents of Joint Protection Programs in which the Member City has participated.

ARTICLE XXII

REFUNDS UPON WITHDRAWAL OR INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION
A. In the event a Member City withdraws from the Authority or its membership is involuntarily terminated, said Member City shall thereafter be entitled to receive its unobligated share of monies held by the Authority, less any and all amounts owed the Authority whether contingent or not, by the said withdrawing or terminated Member City. . The remainder of any funds held by the Authority for the withdrawing or terminating Member City subject to any retention amount as provided below, shall be the unobligated share and shall be refunded to the Member City and shall be accepted in full settlement and satisfaction against any claims the Member City may have against the Authority. . The Authority shall require that sufficient funds are retained on deposit with the Authority to completely pay any and all unpaid insurance premiums, deposit premiums, surcharges, administration costs, or claims, including any amounts for unreported claims and maturity of claims against said withdrawing or terminating Member City, and the amount to be retained on deposit shall be determined by the Authority. . Any and all rights, entitlements, benefits, and obligations after withdrawal or termination shall be subject to ongoing obligations and responsibilities agreed to by a Member City by agreeing to 43 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 13 Amended July 1,
20251994
participate in any pooled Joint Protection Programs.

ARTICLE XXIII

TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY
The Authority may be terminated at any time if two-thirds (2/3rds) of the respective city councils of the then-Member Cities adopt a resolution requesting termination of the Authority; provided, however, that this Joint Powers Agreement and the Authority shall continue to exist for the purpose of disposing of all claims, concluding any pending litigations, for the liquidation and distribution of assets, and for all other functions necessary to conclude the affairs of the Authority. . The Board shall take whatever action is necessary or appropriate to cause these ongoing responsibilities to be discharged and to effectively close out the affairs of the Authority. . Upon completion of the liquidation and dissolution of the Authority, the Authority shall pay to each city which was a member of the Authority at the time of termination its pro rata share based on a city's contribution to the Authority, as determined by an independent Certified Public Accountant which has audited the financial records of the Authority, of the remaining assets of the Authority and shall pay to each Member City all monies held by the Authority in the reserve funds of that Member City.

ARTICLE XXIV
AUDIT
A. The Authority shall obtain an annual certified audit of its accounts and financial records which shall be made by a Certified Public Accountant and shall conform to generally accepted auditing standards.
44 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 14 Amended July 1,
20251994

ARTICLE XXV

ARBITRATION
Any controversy between the parties hereto arising out of this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration, and such arbitration shall comply with and be governed by the provisions of the California Arbitration Act, Sections 1280 through 1294.2 of the California Code of Civil Procedure.

ARTICLE XXVI

BINDING EFFECT OF BYLAWS, MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS,

AND MEMORANDA OF COVERAGE
Each party to this Agreement by the execution hereof agrees to be bound by and to comply with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Bylaws, the Master Plan Documents, Memoranda of Coverage, and any resolution adopted by the Authority, the Board of Directors, or the Executive Committee as they now exist or may hereafter be adopted or amended.

ARTICLE XXVII

ENFORCEMENT
The Authority is hereby granted authority to enforce this Agreement. . In the event action is instituted by the Authority to enforce any term of this Agreement, the Bylaws, or the Master Plan Document of any program against any Member City, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred because of said action, in addition to other appropriate relief.

ARTICLE XXVIII

AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may be amended by written resolution approved and signed by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the respective city councils of the Member Cities that are parties to this Agreement. . Upon signature of any amendment by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, any Member City failing or refusing to abide by such amendment may be involuntarily terminated as a party to this Agreement as provided herein.

ARTICLE XXIX

NOTICES

Notices under this Agreement shall be sufficient if delivered to the office of the Clerk or Secretary of the respective jurisdictions.
45 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 15 Amended July 1,
20251994

ARTICLE XXX

COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be as fully effective as though executed in one document.

Dated:

MEMBER CITY
BY:
46 Item D.

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

AS AMENDED AND RESTATED
EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2025
47 Item D.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AMENDED AND RESTATED

JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (CSJVRMA) ARTICLE I – DEFINITIONS ................................................................................................................. 2 ARTICLE II – PURPOSES ................................................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE III – CREATION OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY ................................................................ 4 ARTICLE IV – PARTIES TO AGREEMENT ........................................................................................... 4 ARTICLE V – MEMBERSHIP .............................................................................................................. 5 ARTICLE VI – TERM OF AGREEMENT ............................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE VII – POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY ................................................................................... 5 ARTICLE VIII – BOARD OF DIRECTORS ............................................................................................. 6 ARTICLE IX – BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS ...................................................................................... 7 ARTICLE X – EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ............................................................................................. 7 ARTICLE XI – OFFICERS .................................................................................................................... 8 ARTICLE XII – JOINT PROTECTION PROGRAMS ............................................................................... 8 ARTICLE XIII – RESERVE FUNDS ....................................................................................................... 8 ARTICLE XIV – OPERATING FUND .................................................................................................... 9 ARTICLE XV – BUDGET ..................................................................................................................... 9 ARTICLE XVI – FUNDING AND PROCEDURES FOR CALCULATING ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS ........ 9 ARTICLE XVII – RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY .......................................................................... 9 ARTICLE XVIII – RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER CITIES ................................................................ 10 ARTICLE XIX - WITHDRAWAL ......................................................................................................... 10 ARTICLE XX – INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION ................................................................................ 11 ARTICLE XXI – CONTINUED LIABILITY ............................................................................................ 11 48 Item D.

CSJVRMA Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement
Table of Contents

Page 2 ends

ARTICLE XXII – REFUNDS UPON WITHDRAWAL OR INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION ..................... 11 ARTICLE XXIII – TERMINATION OF AUTHORITY............................................................................. 11 ARTICLE XXIV – AUDIT ................................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XXV - ARBITRATION ......................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XXVI – BINDING EFFECT OF BYLAWS, MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS, AND MEMORANDA OF COVERAGE .................................................................................................. 12 ARTICLE XXVII - ENCORCEMENT ................................................................................................... 12 ARTICLE XXVIII - AMENDMENTS ................................................................................................... 13 ARTICLE XXIX - NOTICES ................................................................................................................ 13 ARTICLE XXX - COUNTERPARTS ..................................................................................................... 13 49 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 1 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT

FOR INSURANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES
THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT, dated for convenience this 1st day of July 2025, made and entered into by, between, and among those Member Cities which become parties to this Agreement by action of their governing boards adopting a resolution agreeing to participate in the joint powers entity created by the terms and conditions of this Agreement; RECITALS:

WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 6500, et. seq. provides that two or more public agencies may, by agreement, exercise any power common to the contracting parties; and WHEREAS, California Government Code Sections 990 and 990.4 provide that a local entity may self-insure, purchase insurance through an authorized insurer, purchase insurance through a surplus line broker, or any combination thereof; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 990.8 provides that two or more local public entities, by a joint powers agreement, may provide insurance for any authorized purpose by any one or more of the methods specified in Section 990.4; and WHEREAS, Article XVI, Section 6, of the California Constitution provides that insurance pooling arrangements under joint exercise of powers agreements shall not be considered the giving or lending of credit as prohibited therein; and
WHEREAS, each of the cities which are parties to this Agreement desires to join together with other cities in order to collectively self-insure or pool their losses and to jointly purchase insurance and administrative services in connection with Joint Protection Programs for said cities; and
WHEREAS, the Tulare-Kings Municipal Risk Management Authority, a public entity, was created by an initial Agreement dated April 1, 1979, among various cities within the Counties of Tulare and Kings; and
WHEREAS, the name of the organization was changed to the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority on July 1, 1981; and
WHEREAS, the initial Agreement was amended on January 1, 1985, and July 1, 1994, by a two-thirds vote of the Member Cities' city councils; and WHEREAS, said Member Cities have determined that it is again appropriate and in the public interest to make certain technical corrections and additions to this Agreement which will provide clarification and will permit the governing body to meet a minimum of two times a year to conduct that business which only the governing body may act upon; and 50 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 2 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 WHEREAS, it is therefore necessary to amend said Joint Powers Agreement; and WHEREAS, said Agreement provides that amendments to the Agreement may be made by a vote of two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities by resolution of the City Councils of said Cities:

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the execution of this Agreement by twothirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, each of the Member Cities which are parties hereto does hereby adopt this amended and restated Agreement, dated July 1, 2025, which concurrently supersedes that certain Agreement creating the Authority, dated April 1, 1979, and all amendments thereto.

ARTICLE I

Joint Powers Agreement Page 3 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 "Fiscal Year" shall mean the period July 1 to June 30 of each year. "Insurance" shall mean any commercial insurance coverage. "Insurance Premium" shall mean those funds charged for the payment of group purchased insurance.
"Joint Protection Programs" shall mean any program to provide risk sharing or insurance coverage under this Agreement and shall include a determination as to the amount of initial Insurance Premiums and/or Deposit Premiums, a precise allocation plan and formula, and a determination of the amount and type, if any, of excess insurance to be purchased. Included within the term Joint Protection Program is the identification of exposures to accidental loss, the reduction or limitation of losses to Member City properties and from injuries to persons or property caused by the operations of Member Cities and the funding of those risks, together with any other functions appropriate or necessary to the functioning of the Joint Protection Program. "Master Plan Document" shall mean the document, formally adopted by the Executive Committee, setting forth the operations, policies, and provisions of a self-insured or pooled coverage program, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

1. The scope of the program;

2. The procedures to be followed;

3. Who may participate;

4. Any limits or restrictions;

5. How Deposit Premiums are determined;

6. How refunds, if any, are determined;

7. Commitments required by participants; and

8. How the document may be amended.
"Member City" shall mean a city which is an incorporated municipality organized with a council, City Manager/Administrator form of government, which has been approved for participation in the Authority by the Executive Committee in accordance with applicable provisions of the Agreement and the Bylaws and has signed the Agreement. "Operating Fund" shall mean the fund established by the Authority for the purpose of paying just demands submitted to the Authority.
"Representative" shall mean the person, designated in writing by the Member City to represent and act for and on behalf of the Member City regarding any matter before the Authority's Board or Executive Committee. The Representative must be either: (a) the City Manager/Administrator or (b) a person designated by the City Manager/Administrator who holds a management/organizational position with the Member City and whose responsibilities include all or part of the Member City’s risk management functions (i.e., finance, human resources, claims/losses, insurance, and safety/risk control). 52 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 4 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 "Self-Insurance" shall mean the process whereby the Authority maintains sufficient reserves to pay all claims and associated expenses of a risk exposure without purchasing insurance to cover the risk or a portion of the risk.

ARTICLE II

PURPOSES
The purpose of this Agreement is to provide joint powers common to each Member City for insurance purposes; to pool self-insured claims and losses, to purchase or participate in excess pooling or excess insurance coverage, and to provide related administrative services including risk management, consulting, actuarial services, claims adjusting and legal defense services; to implement risk management principles; and to provide for the future inclusion of additional incorporated municipalities desiring to become parties to the Agreement.

ARTICLE III

CREATION OF JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
Pursuant to Section 6500, et. seq. of the California Government Code, the Authority is a public entity separate and apart from the parties to this Agreement. Pursuant to Government Code Section 6508.1, the debts, liabilities, and obligations of this joint powers authority shall not constitute debts, liabilities, or obligations of any party to this Agreement.

It is the express understanding of all parties that the Authority created originally on or about April 1, 1979, is the same Authority continued under this Agreement, even though some powers and procedures may be changed by this Agreement.

The Authority, its Board, officers, membership, and staff shall be governed by this Agreement, the Bylaws, Master Plan Documents, Memoranda of Coverage, and other documents duly adopted by the Authority.

ARTICLE IV

PARTIES TO AGREEMENT
Each city which has applied to and been accepted as a member of the Authority is a party to the Joint Exercise of Powers Agreement. Each party to the Agreement shall be bound by this Agreement when two-thirds (2/3rds) of the city councils of the Member Cities have adopted this amended and restated Agreement. A party to this Agreement certifies that it intends to and does contract with the Authority and with all other Member Cities which have signed this Agreement and, in addition, with each city which may hereafter be added as a party to and may sign this Agreement. Each city which has or may hereafter sign this Agreement also certifies that the deletion of any city from the Authority by voluntary withdrawal, involuntary termination, or otherwise, shall not affect this Agreement nor each Member City's intent to contract as described above with the then remaining Member Cities.
53 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 5 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 Each city which is a member of the Authority at the time this amended and restated Agreement is adopted by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, certifies that it intends to and does hereby contract with the Authority and with all other current Member Cities, and in addition, with each city which may hereafter be added as a party to and may sign this Agreement.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP
A. ELIGIBILITY
To be a member of this Authority, a city must be an incorporated municipality which is characterized by having professional management as typified by a bona fide Council Manager/Administrator form of government and must be approved for participation in the Authority in the manner provided by the Bylaws.

B. NEW MEMBERS
Eligible incorporated municipalities may become a party to this Agreement pursuant to the Bylaws of the Authority.

ARTICLE VI

TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement, as amended and restated, shall become effective when approved by two thirds (2/3rds) of the respective City Councils of the Member Cities. When effective, this Agreement, as may be amended from time to time, shall continue thereafter until terminated as herein provided.

This Agreement shall become effective as to any new Member City in accordance with the Bylaws and Master Plan Documents of the Authority.

ARTICLE VII

POWERS OF THE AUTHORITY
Pursuant to and to the extent required by Government Code section 6509, the Authority shall be restricted in the exercise of its powers in the same manner as the City of Ripon is restricted in the exercise of its powers. In the event the City of Ripon shall cease to be a Member of the Authority, then the Authority shall be restricted in the exercise of its powers in the same manner as the City of Madera.

The Authority is hereby authorized to do all acts necessary or appropriate for the exercise of said powers, including, but not limited to any or all of the following:

1. Make and enter into contracts;
54 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 6 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

2. Incur debts, liabilities, and obligations, but no debt, liability, or obligation of the Authority is a debt, liability, or obligation of a Member City except as otherwise provided;

3. Assess Member Cities as deemed appropriate by the Executive Committee;

4. Acquire, hold, or dispose of real and personal property;

5. Receive contributions and donations of property, funds, services, and other forms of assistance from any source;

6. Sue and be sued in its own name;

7. Employ agents and employees;

8. Acquire, construct, manage, and maintain buildings;

9. Lease real or personal property, including property of a Member City; and

10. To exercise all powers necessary and proper to carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement or otherwise authorized by law.

This Agreement shall be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

ARTICLE VIII

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
A. STRUCTURE
The Authority shall be governed by a Board composed of one Representative from each Member City, each serving in an individual capacity as a member of the Board. Each Member City shall appoint one Representative. Appointments shall be limited to the City Manager/Administrator of each Member City or his/her authorized delegate. Each Member City shall also appoint one alternate Representative. The alternate Representative may attend and may participate in any meeting of the Board. When the regular Representative for whom he/she is an alternate is absent from the meeting, the alternate Representative may vote. Each Representative serves at the pleasure of the Member City being represented. Each Representative has one vote as the member of the Board.

Representatives are not entitled to compensation. However, the Executive Committee may authorize reimbursement for expense incurred by a Representative in connection with his/her duties for the Authority.

B. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD
The Board shall hold at least two meetings each year. The Executive Committee shall determine the date upon which and the hour and place at which each regular meeting is to be held.

The President may call for a special meeting of the Board in compliance with open meeting laws in the State of California or a majority of the Representatives may call for a special 55 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 7 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 meeting by filing a written request with the Secretary. The President must then set a date, time, and place for the meeting to be held within 30 days and must make provision for notice of the special meeting being given.

The Authority shall have minutes of regular and special meetings kept. As soon as possible after each meeting, copies of the minutes shall be forwarded to each Member City.

A majority of the members of the Board is a quorum for the transaction of business.

However, less than a quorum may adjourn from time to time. A vote of the majority of a quorum at a meeting is sufficient to take action, unless otherwise specified.

C. POWERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board shall provide policy direction for the Executive Committee, the officers, and the Administrator. The Board may delegate any and all of its authority to the Executive Committee except the following:

1. Amendments to the Bylaws, which requires at least a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board;

2. Creation of any new Joint Protection Program;

3. Termination of any Joint Protection Program;

4. Expulsion of a Member City;

5. Adoption of an operating budget for the Authority;

6. Amendments to the Authority's Conflict of Interest Code; and

7. Authorization for the issuance, modification, or defeasance of bonds.

ARTICLE IX

BYLAWS AND REGULATIONS
The Board shall adopt Bylaws and general regulations not inconsistent with State law and this Agreement.

ARTICLE X

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
The Board shall establish an Executive Committee and delegate functions not otherwise reserved to the entire Board. The Executive Committee shall be appointed, have the powers, and hold meetings as set forth in the Bylaws.
56 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 8 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

ARTICLE XI

OFFICERS
The officers of the Authority shall consist of an elected President, First Vice President, and Second Vice President, and an appointed Administrator, Secretary, and Treasurer. Other offices may be created by the Bylaws, Master Plan Documents, or the Administrator, subject to the approval of the Board or the Executive Committee, as applicable. All offices shall be filled and have the powers and responsibilities as prescribed in the Bylaws or Master Plan Documents.

The functions of auditor/controller of the Authority shall be performed by the Authority’s officers or employees. The Treasurer and auditor/controller have the powers, duties, and responsibilities specified in Government Code Section 6505.6. The Authority shall purchase a bond which includes coverage for the duties performed by the Treasurer and the auditor/controller.

ARTICLE XII

JOINT PROTECTION PROGRAMS
A. The Executive Committee may at any time, and from time to time, offer to the Board for adoption such Joint Protection Programs as may be deemed desirable. All Member Cities shall participate in those mandatory Joint Protection Programs as set forth in the Bylaws.

All other Joint Protection Programs shall be optional. The Board shall establish the amount of Deposit Premium, determine the amount of loss reserve contribution, provide for the handling of claims, and otherwise establish the policies and procedures necessary to provide a particular Joint Protection Program for Member Cities.

B. Each Joint Protection Program shall remain separate and distinct from every other Joint Protection Program and the liability and obligations of each program, and its participating Member Cities shall not be a liability or obligation of another program or participating Member City of another program. A Member City's participation in one program shall not obligate it or its funds on deposit with the Authority, to the debts, obligations, or liabilities of any other program. Separate accounting shall be maintained for each Joint Protection Program.

ARTICLE XIII

RESERVE FUNDS
The Authority may establish a fund for the purpose of paying the losses and establishing a reserve to cover the retained portion of losses that may be insured against by the Authority or the Member Cities. The funds shall be invested in compliance with the Authority's Investment Policy and relevant state laws.

Refunds shall be made in accordance with the Master Plan Document for each program. 57 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 9 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

ARTICLE XIV

OPERATING FUND
The Authority shall establish an Operating Fund. The Operating Fund is for the purpose of paying insurance premiums, broker's fees, adjusting fees, consultant and legal fees, and such other items as are appropriate. Just demands for payment shall be made by warrants in compliance with the adopted budget. The warrants shall be paid as directed by the Executive Committee. The Board may establish such other funds as it considers appropriate which shall be maintained and invested in the same manner as the Operating Fund.

ARTICLE XV
BUDGET
The Board shall adopt a budget annually.

ARTICLE XVI

FUNDING AND PROCEDURES FOR CALCULATING

ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
The provisions for funding and calculating annual contributions shall be as set forth in the Bylaws and the Master Plan Documents for each program.

ARTICLE XVII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF AUTHORITY
The Authority may perform or have performed the following functions in discharging its responsibilities under this Agreement:

1. Assist Member Cities in developing their risk management programs;

2. Participate in risk management advisory committees formed by Member Cities;

3. Provide loss prevention, safety, and security services;

4. Provide all program services as required by program Master Plan Documents;

5. Provide loss analysis control by use of statistical analysis, data processing, and record and file keeping services. The purpose of this information is to identify high exposure operations and to evaluate proper levels of self-retention and deductibles;

6. Conduct risk management audits to review the participation of each Member City in the program; and

7. Perform other functions as required by the Board for the purpose of accomplishing the goals of this Agreement.
58 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 10 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

ARTICLE XVIII

RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBER CITIES
The Member Cities have the following responsibilities:

1. Pay all financial obligations to the Authority within the time prescribed;

2. Appoint an individual to be responsible for coordinating the risk management activities of his/her Member City with the Authority;

3. Conduct its operations in a manner which enhances safety and loss control consistent with recommendations by Authority staff;

4. Carry out the duties and responsibilities as assigned or mandated by the Board of Directors and/or the Executive Committee which may include, but are not limited to, adherence to and/or adoption of policies and procedures, support of initiatives deemed necessary for the proper functioning of the Authority, and timely execution of tasks deemed necessary for the operation and governance of the Authority;

5. Report to the risk manager during the development stages the addition of new programs or the significant reduction or expansion of existing programs;

6. Permit and assist the Authority in conducting on-site safety and loss control inspections and/or safety or risk management audits as required by the Board;

7. Submit underwriting information requested by the Authority on a timely basis;

8. Provide accurate statistical data concerning the Member City to the Authority when requested;

9. Cooperate fully with the Authority in determining the cause of losses and in the settlement of losses;

10. Cooperate to the fullest extent with the Authority's Litigation Manager on matters of claims and the conduct of defense of claims; and

11. Comply with risk management requirements established under the authority of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XIX

WITHDRAWAL
Any Member City, at their sole discretion, may voluntarily withdraw from membership in the Authority only at the end of any fiscal year by notifying the Authority in writing six (6) months prior to the end of any fiscal year, or at any other time which is agreed to by the Board, unless otherwise prohibited in the Master Plan Document of any program. A notice of withdrawal shall be final and irreversible upon its receipt by the Authority unless the Board authorizes it to be rescinded by the Member City.
59 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 11 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

ARTICLE XX

INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION
A Member City may be removed from this Agreement by a two-thirds (2/3rds) vote of the Board for non-compliance with any provision of the governing documents. Such involuntary termination shall proceed in accordance with the provisions set forth in the Bylaws.

ARTICLE XXI

ARTICLE XXII

REFUNDS UPON WITHDRAWAL OR INVOLUNTARY TERMINATION
In the event a Member City withdraws from the Authority or its membership is involuntarily terminated, said Member City shall thereafter be entitled to receive its unobligated share of monies held by the Authority, less any and all amounts owed the Authority whether contingent or not, by the said withdrawing or terminated Member City. The remainder of any funds held by the Authority for the withdrawing or terminating Member City subject to any retention amount as provided below, shall be the unobligated share and shall be refunded to the Member City and shall be accepted in full settlement and satisfaction against any claims the Member City may have against the Authority. The Authority shall require that sufficient funds are retained on deposit with the Authority to completely pay any and all unpaid insurance premiums, deposit premiums, surcharges, administration costs, or claims, including any amounts for unreported claims and maturity of claims against said withdrawing or terminating Member City, and the amount to be retained on deposit shall be determined by the Authority. Any and all rights, entitlements, benefits, and obligations after withdrawal or termination shall be subject to ongoing obligations and responsibilities agreed to by a Member City by agreeing to participate in any pooled Joint Protection Programs.

ARTICLE XXIII

Joint Powers Agreement Page 12 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025 The Board shall take whatever action is necessary or appropriate to cause these ongoing responsibilities to be discharged and to effectively close out the affairs of the Authority. Upon completion of the liquidation and dissolution of the Authority, the Authority shall pay to each city which was a member of the Authority at the time of termination its pro rata share based on a city's contribution to the Authority, as determined by an independent Certified Public Accountant which has audited the financial records of the Authority, of the remaining assets of the Authority and shall pay to each Member City all monies held by the Authority in the reserve funds of that Member City.

ARTICLE XXIV
AUDIT
The Authority shall obtain an annual certified audit of its accounts and financial records which shall be made by a Certified Public Accountant and shall conform to generally accepted auditing standards.

ARTICLE XXV

ARTICLE XXVI

BINDING EFFECT OF BYLAWS, MASTER PLAN DOCUMENTS,

ARTICLE XXVII

ENFORCEMENT
The Authority is hereby granted authority to enforce this Agreement. In the event action is instituted by the Authority to enforce any term of this Agreement, the Bylaws, or the Master Plan Document of any program against any Member City, the prevailing party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney fees and costs incurred because of said action, in addition to other appropriate relief.
61 Item D.

Joint Powers Agreement Page 13 Amended and Restated July 1, 2025

ARTICLE XXVIII

AMENDMENTS
This Agreement may be amended by written resolution approved and signed by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the respective city councils of the Member Cities that are parties to this Agreement. Upon signature of any amendment by two-thirds (2/3rds) of the Member Cities, any Member City failing or refusing to abide by such amendment may be involuntarily terminated as a party to this Agreement as provided herein.

ARTICLE XXIX

NOTICES

Notices under this Agreement shall be sufficient if delivered to the office of the Clerk or Secretary of the respective jurisdictions.

ARTICLE XXX

COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts and shall be as fully effective as though executed in one document.

Dated:

MEMBER CITY
BY:
62 Item D.

RESOLUTION APPROVING AMENDMENT TO JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE

CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
WHEREAS, the CENTRAL SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY RISK MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY (CSJVRMA) is a California Joint Powers Authority created and operated pursuant to California Government Code 6500 et. seq. for the purpose of pooling funds to provide coverage for indemnification and defense and to purchase excess insurance for certain civil claims involving general liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage; WHEREAS, the City of ____ is authorized pursuant to California Government Code 990.8 to enter into a Joint Powers Agreement for the purposes described above; WHERAS, the City of ____ is a member of the CSJVRMA;
WHEREAS, the Joint Powers Agreement which was created establishing the CSJVRMA allows for amendment of the agreement upon approval by the City Council of two thirds of the members of the CSJVRMA;
WHEREAS, the CSJVRMA desires to amend the Joint Powers Agreement as set forth in the Agreement dated July1, 1994, and as amended July 1, 2025, a copy of which is attached hereto and incorporated herein;
The City hereby resolves:

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council of ______________________ __________________________ approves the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority Joint Powers Agreement, dated July 1, 1994, as amended and restated on July 1, 2025, and in the form as attached hereto, and it is FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager/Administrator is authorized and directed to execute such agreement.

The forgoing resolution was adopted this _____ day of ___________, 20__ by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

MAYOR/CITY MANAGER
ATTEST:
_______________________________________

CITY CLERK
63 Item D.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Stephen Opie, Councilmember
SUBJECT: Consider Approval of a Proclamation Condemning Violence and Promoting Respectful Dialogue
RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of a Proclamation Condemning Violence and Promoting Respectful Dialogue.

BACKGROUND:

The City of Sonora is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all residents.

Violence—whether political, religious, racial, ethnic, or based on sexual orientation—undermines the values of liberty, dignity, and self-governance upon which our nation was founded.

The Constitution of the United States guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to all individuals. Among these rights is the freedom to hold and express differing beliefs, so long as such beliefs do not incite or rely on violence. As a community, we also recognize that while freedom of speech allows for offensive or vulgar language, respectful communication remains essential to maintaining civility and mutual understanding.

By adopting this proclamation, the City Council will publicly affirm its stance against all forms of violence, encourage respectful dialogue, and emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of all individuals within our community.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The proposed proclamation recognizes that:
 The City of Sonora condemns violence in all forms, regardless of its motivation.  The City is committed to upholding the constitutional rights of all individuals.  A self-governed nation and community require mutual respect and the preservation of each individual’s liberty.
 Civil dialogue, even when disagreements remain, strengthens community bonds and promotes unity.

This proclamation is not intended to limit free speech but to encourage a community standard of respectful engagement and discourage demonization based on differences. 64 Item E.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP FISCAL IMPACT:

No Fiscal Impact to the General Fund
ATTACHMENTS:
 Proclamation Condemning Violence and Promoting Respectful Dialogue 65 Item E.

A PROCLAMATION

OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA

CONDEMNING VIOLENCE AND PROMOTING

RESPECTFUL DIALOGUE
WHEREAS, the City of Sonora recognizes that violence in any form—whether political, religious, racial, ethnic, or based on sexual orientation—has no place in our community; and WHEREAS, all individuals within the community of Sonora are protected by the Constitution of the United States of America, which guarantees the fundamental right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness; and
WHEREAS, we are a nation of individuals who share the inalienable right of self-governance and are bound by common law to treat one another with dignity; and WHEREAS, our freedoms are exercised responsibly only when we refrain from taking away the liberties of others; and
WHEREAS, a nation of self-governance requires that we respect the right of individuals to hold different beliefs, provided those beliefs do not use violence as a means to an end; and WHEREAS, the City of Sonora acknowledges that while freedom of speech protects expressions, including vulgar or offensive language, we ask as a community that dialogue be conducted with mutual respect; and
WHEREAS, demonization and platitudes based on political differences serve only to divide, while open dialogue helps bridge differences and fosters understanding, even when agreement cannot be reached; and
WHEREAS, respect for one another’s right to life, liberty, and differing perspectives is essential to the path of a united nation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the City of Sonora condemns all forms of violence, affirms its commitment to uphold the constitutional rights of all individuals, and calls upon all members of the community to engage in open, respectful dialogue as the cornerstone of a stronger, more united Sonora.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City to be affixed this 20th day of October of the year two thousand and twenty-five.

Signed ___________ Attest ___
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor Tracy Skelly, City Clerk
66 Item E.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y

H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

RECOMMENDATION
Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Repealing and Replacing Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Section 8.40, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Align with Ordinance No. 906.

BACKGROUND
During the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on June 16, 2025, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 906, which adopted the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City recommended by the California State Fire Marshal. However, Ordinance No. 906 did not update the section of the Sonora Municipal Code that addresses fire hazard severity zones. As currently written, section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of the Sonora Municipal Code references a map dated September 2, 2008.

DISCUSSION
Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of the Sonora Municipal Code designates a very high fire severity zone as designated on a map dated September 2, 2008. Ordinance No. 906 adopted a new fire hazard severity zone map for 2025, and section 8.40.010 should be updated to reflect the current map.

The proposed Ordinance amends section 8.40.010 of the Sonora Municipal Code to reflect the 2025 fire hazard severity zone map.

DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Repealing and Replacing Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Section

8.40, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Align with Ordinance No. 906
67 Item F.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed Ordinance. The 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map was already adopted by Ordinance No. 906, and the proposed Ordinance aligns section 8.40.010 of the Sonora Municipal Code with the current map.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance No. 910

2. Ordinance No. 906

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness.
68 Item F.

ORDINANCE NO. 910

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA REPEALING AND REPLACING SECTION 8.40.010, FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES, OF SECTION 8.40, FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES, OF TITLE 8, HEALTH AND SAFETY, OF THE SONORA MUNICIPAL CODE TO ALIGN WITH ORDINANCE NO. 906
WHEREAS, section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of the Sonora Municipal Code references the very high fire hazard severity zones on a map dated September 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, during the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on June 16, 2025, the City Council passed Ordinance No. 906 adopting the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map; and WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 906 did not amend section 8.40.010 to reflect the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map; and
WHEREAS, section 8.40.010 of the Sonora Municipal Code should be repealed and replaced to remove the reference to the map dated September 2, 2008, and instead refer to the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map adopted by Ordinance No. 906.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Section 8.40.010, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Chapter 8.40, Fire Hazard Severity Zones, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code, shall be repealed in its entirety and replaced with a new section that shall read as follows:

8.40.010 - Fire Hazard Severity Zones
The City Council hereby adopts the fire hazard severity zones designated by the California State Fire Marshal for the City’s service area as outlined on the 2025 Fire Hazard Severity Zone Map for the City of Sonora, adopted by Ordinance No. 906 and retained on file at 94 North Washington Street, City Hall, and at 201 South Shepherd Street, the City's fire station, in the City of Sonora.

SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
69 Item F.

SECTION 3. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at leastfive (5) days priorto adoption and again at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage. 70 Item F.

SECTION4. CERTIFICATIONOF COUNCIL ADOPTIONANDAPPROVAL. This Ordinance wasintroduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on September XX, 2025, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. XXX at a regular meeting of the City Council held on October XX, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES: _
ABSENT OR ABSTAIN: _
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
Approved as to Form:

Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Publish: The Union Democrat, Sonora
, 2025
71 Item F.
72 Item F.
73 Item F.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y

H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

RECOMMENDATION
Consider Recommendation to Formally Dissolve Four (4) City Commissions/Committees:

4. Waive the Second Reading, Read by Title Only, and Adopt an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 17.33.050 Administration, and 17.33.030, Land Use Plan, of Chapter

17.33, Commercial Specific Plan, of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code.

DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
Josh Varinsky, City Attorney’s Office
SUBJECT: Consider Recommendation to Formally Dissolve Four (4) City Commissions/Committees 74 Item G.
4922-5282-8781, v. 1

BACKGROUND
During the City Council meeting on August 18, 2025, the Council discussed the proposed dissolution of four City commissions and committees, including (1) Tree and Landscaping Board, (2) Cemetery Committee, (3) Parking and Traffic Commission, and (4) The Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee. The Council directed staff to prepare the necessary ordinances to dissolve the commissions and committees, in the interest of streamlining City operations and reducing bureaucracy. The City Council retains the discretion to establish standing or ad-hoc committees in the future, as needed.

Formal ordinances are required to dissolve three of the four committees as they are codified in the Municipal Code. These three committees are the (1) Tree and Landscaping Board, (2) the Cemetery Committee, and (3) the Parking and Traffic Commission.

The remaining committee, the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee, may be dissolved by resolution because it was not established through codification in the Municipal Code. However, since the City’s Zoning Ordinance contains several references to this committee, an ordinance is required to remove those references from the Municipal Code.

The four ordinances and accompanying resolution will dissolve the four committees and commissions, remove all references to them from the Municipal Code, and reassign their responsibilities to City staff or, where applicable, the City Administrator or their designee.

DISCUSSION
(1) City Tree and Landscaping Board
Established under Sonora Municipal Code Section 12.20.030, this board is comprised of members of the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification subcommittee and public appointees selected by the Mayor. Its responsibilities include developing and administering plans for the care and management of public trees and shrubs. Upon dissolution, the responsibilities of the Tree and Landscaping Board will be assumed by the City Administrator or their designee.

To dissolve the Tree and Landscaping Board, the proposed Ordinance would repeal and amend various sections of Chapter 12.20 of the Municipal Code (Shade Trees and Shrubs).

All references to the Tree and Landscaping Board in this chapter would be replaced with “the City Administrator or their designee.” The amendments would transfer all authority and functions of the Tree and Landscaping Board to the City Administrator or their designee.

Chapter 12.20 in the Municipal Code also references the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee, which is being dissolved by resolution. For consistency, references to this committee in the Municipal Code will also be removed in the attached ordinance.
75 Item G.
4922-5282-8781, v. 1
This board appears to have originally been adopted in 1956. There is no record of the board’s recent meetings or activity. There are currently no members assigned to this board. (2) Cemetery Committee
Created under Sonora Municipal Code Section 2.36, this committee includes the cemetery superintendent (the City Administrator) and two (2) councilmembers. The committee is responsible for the administration of City cemeteries. Upon dissolution, the responsibilities of the Cemetery Committee will be assumed by the cemetery superintendent (the City Administrator).

To dissolve the Cemetery Committee, the proposed ordinance will amend three sections of Chapter 2.36.

Management and supervision of cemeteries will be left to the cemetery superintendent. Other references to the Cemetery Committee were removed and, where applicable, replaced with the cemetery superintendent.

Additionally, the purchasing authority of the cemetery superintendent is modified to be the City Administrator’s purchasing authority. The previous purchasing authority of the cemetery superintendent was $25.00.

The earliest date referenced in the applicable Cemetery Ordinance is 1929, when, according to the ordinance, the first cemetery map was adopted. The date of the committee’s last meeting is unknown.

There are currently no members assigned to this committee. (3) Parking and Traffic Commission
Sonora Municipal Code Section 10.24.010 establishes the parking and traffic commission, comprised of eight (8) members. This Commission is responsible for the orderly planning of the City’s parking and traffic.

Since the establishment of the Commission, it has been supported by the Engineering Staff and Clerk Functions. By engaging a full-time engineering staff, the City is taking a proactive approach to the comprehensive planning, maintenance, and construction of its roadway infrastructure.

To dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission, the proposed ordinance revokes and reserves the entirety of Chapter 10.24 as all provisions relate to the functions and administration of the Parking and Traffic Committee. The responsibilities of the Parking and Traffic Commission will be assumed by the City Administrator and engineering staff.

It appears this ordinance was first adopted in 2000. According to City records, the last commission meeting was held on April 16, 2024. Current members are two Councilmembers, an alternate Councilmember, the Police Chief, the Fire Chief, the Public Works Supervisor, a Vacant Planning Commissioner Representative, a Vacant Business at Large Representative, and a Vacant Resident at Large Representative. (4) Parks, Recreation, & Beautification Committee (not codified in Municipal Code) This committee was formed to meet on an as-needed basis to address issues related to parks, recreation, and beautification. Because this committee was not codified, the Council is able to dissolve it through resolution. The responsibilities of the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Commission will be assumed by City Staff, specifically Community Development.
76 Item G.
4922-5282-8781, v. 1
In addition, references to the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee were found in Chapter

17.33, Commercial Specific Plan, of Title 17 Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code. The proposed ordinance would eliminate three references to the Parks, Recreation, and Beautification Committee within Chapter

17.33 and, where applicable, be replaced with the ‘City Administrator or their designee.’ Under the proposed amendment, the City Administrator or their designee would be responsible for approving a final landscape plan and final lighting plan for a commercial-specific plan site.

The date of the committee’s last meeting is unknown. Current members are two Councilmembers, an alternate Councilmember, the Community Development Director, and the Public Works Supervisor.

FISCAL IMPACT
Preparation of the necessary ordinances and resolutions required City Attorney time.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Chapter 12.20, Shade Trees and Shrubs, of Title 12, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the City Tree and Landscaping Board.

2. Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 2.36.040, Management and Supervision,

2.36.060, Superintendent – Purchases; City Council Approval, and 2.36.130, Grave Markers – Requirements, of Chapter 2.36, Cemeteries, Of Title 2, Administration and Personnel, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Cemetery Committee.

3. Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Repealing Chapter 10.24, Parking and Traffic Commission, of Title 10, Vehicles and Traffic, of the Sonora Municipal Code to Dissolve the Parking and Traffic Commission.

4. Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Amending Sections 17.33.050 Administration, and

17.33.030, Land Use Plan, of Chapter 17.33, Commercial Specific Plan, of Title 17, Zoning, of the Sonora Municipal Code.

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Fiscal Responsibility and Stability, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Staffing - Salary, Benefits, Training, and Retention.
77 Item G.
78 Item G.
79 Item G.
80 Item G.
81 Item G.
82 Item G.
83 Item G.
84 Item G.
85 Item G.
86 Item G.
87 Item G.
88 Item G.
89 Item G.
90 Item G.
91 Item G.
92 Item G.
93 Item G.
94 Item G.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Turu VanderWiel, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Resolution Number 10-20-2025-B, to Establish Road Closures, and Temporary Parking Modifications Along State Route 49 for the 42nd Annual Historic Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade.

RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of Resolution Number 10-20-2025-B, Authorizing the Closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and Certain City Streets and Designating Temporary “No Parking” Zones for the 42nd Annual Historic Downtown Christmas Parade; Release the Three-Hour Parking Restrictions from Monday, November 17, through Friday, January 2, 2026, within the Downtown Corridor; and Request the Mayor or Vice Mayor Represent the City in the Christmas Parade.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The City of Sonora’s 42nd Annual Christmas Parade will be held on Friday, November 28, 2025. The City has been responsible for organizing and staffing this community event since 1996. This City event has become an annual tradition for our community and thousands of visitors to Sonora. The number of entries typically ranges from 65 to 100, and the parade lasts approximately one and a half hours, beginning at 6:00 pm.

The parade will start on School Street, then turn south (left) onto Snell Street. It will travel south on Snell Street to State Route 49 (Washington Street). The parade will then enter southbound State Route 49 (Washington Street) and will travel to the intersection of S. Washington Street and Restano Way where participants will disembark and disperse.

Due to the size and duration of the parade, and the interruption of a State Highway for the parade, a resolution is required from the City Council authorizing the temporary closure of State Route 49 (Washington Street) and specific City streets. Parking along the parade route will be restricted starting at 4:00 pm to accommodate the parade entries and pedestrians safely. Tuolumne County Transit will provide trolley service from the Junction Shopping Center to Lyons Street from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and it is free to the public.

Three-hour parking restrictions are historically lifted to encourage and accommodate holiday shopping in the downtown corridor.
95 Item H.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP FISCAL IMPACT:

Costs associated with the Christmas Parade have been included within the respective 2025/2026 departmental budgets.

ATTACHMENTS:

Resolution 10-20-2025-B
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Infrastructure and Engineering, Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan
96 Item H.

Resolution Number: 10-20-2025-B

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF HIGHWAY 49 AND CERTAIN CITY STREETS AND PARKING LOTS TO

ACCOMMODATE THE HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SONORA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND OTHER RELATED

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES
WHEREAS, the City will be holding the Historic Downtown Sonora Christmas Parade on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 6:00 p.m. sharp; and
WHEREAS, the parade route will start at Washington Street/Highway 49 and Elkin Street and continue along Washington Street, ending at Restano Way; and
WHEREAS, several streets and other city facilities will need to be closed for the event; and WHEREAS, the City must obtain an encroachment permit from Caltrans; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Sonora that the following streets and parking lots will be closed on Friday, November 28, 2025, as indicated below:

The following street closures shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. School Street between North Washington and Snell Street.

2. Snell Street between N. Green Street and Bonanza between N. Washington and N. Green St.

The following parking lot closures and no parking locations shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. The Sonora High School parking lots located on School Street.

2. City Parking Lot at Snell/Wyckoff Streets, including the bus parking spaces on Snell Street.

3. School Street, between Snell Street and N. Washington Street/ SR 49.

4. East side of Snell Street, between Wyckoff Street and N. Washington Street/ SR 49.

The following parking lot closures shall commence at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. The Fire Museum parking lot on N. Washington Street.

2. The Fountain Parking Lot, across from the Sonora Opera Hall to be used for ADA accessible parking only.

3. The first floor of the Terzich Parking Lot to be closed.

4. Second floor of the Terzich parking lot to be used for ADA accessible parking and viewing only.

The following street closures shall commence at 5:30 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.
97 Item H.

1. N. Washington Street/ SR 49 between Elkin and Stockton Road.

2. S. Washington St. between Stockton Road and Hospital Road.

3. State Route 49/Stockton Road between S. Washington Street/SR 49 and 70 W. Stockton Street (Yoshoku Restaurant).

4. The following streets between Washington Street/ SR 49 and Stewart Street:

Dodge Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Theall Street, Church Street, Gold Street, William Street, Lytton Street, and Restano Way.

5. The following streets between Washington Street/ SR 49 and Green Street: Dodge Street, Yaney Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street and Church Street. Toby Street between S. Washington Street and McGowan Street.

6. Lytton and Bulwer Streets between S. Washington Street and Olive Street.

7. June Street between S. Washington and Church Street.

8. Wyckoff Street between N. Washington Street (SR-49) and Snell Street.

9. The left turn lane from SR 49 (Stockton Road) to eastbound Hwy 108.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that no parking will be allowed at the following locations on Friday, November 28, 2025, as indicated below:

The following no-parking locations shall commence at 4:00 p.m. and continue until 8:30 p.m., or until the parade is finished.

1. N. Washington Street/SR 49 between Elkin Street and Toby Street.

2. State Route 49/Stockton Street between Washington Street and 70 W. Stockton Street (Yoshoku Restaurant).

3. Elkin Street between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Shepherd Street.

4. Stewart Street between Elkin Street and Dodge Street.

5. Church Street between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and June Street.

6. The following streets between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Stewart Street:

Elkin Street, Dodge Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street, Theall Street.

7. The following streets between S. Washington Street and Stewart Street:

Church Street, Gold Street, William Street and Lytton Street.

8. The following streets between N. Washington Street/ SR 49 and Green Street:

Dodge Street, Yaney Street, Jackson Street, Bradford Street, Linoberg Street, and Toby Street between S. Washington Street/ SR 49 and McGowan Street.

9. Lytton and Bulwer Streets between S. Washington Street and Olive Street.

10. June Street, commencing at Church Street and extending south 100 yards.

The following no-parking location shall commence at 3:00 p.m. and continue until 9:00 p.m. (For trolley stop location)

1. North side of Lyons Street between Stewart and Shepherd Street. (2 spaces) 98 Item H.

The three-hour parking restrictions within the downtown corridor shall be released from Monday, November 17, through Friday, January 2, 2026.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Sonora that all of the above is hereby approved, subject to all conditions as required by the California Department of Transportation.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED as a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Sonora, California, at a regular meeting of said City Council held on October 20, 2025, by the following:

AYES: ________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
NOES: ________________________________________
________________________________________
ABSENT: ________________________________________
Dated: October 20, 2024
___________________________________
Ann Segerstrom
Mayor of the City of Sonora
ATTEST: ___________________________________
Tracy Skelly
Sonora City Clerk
Resolution Number: 10-20-2025-B
99 Item H.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Carlye Buchholz, P.E., P.L.S. – City Engineer
SUBJECT: Consider Approval of the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, with All Exhibits, to California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (Cal-Waste) for Subscription Based Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services
RECOMMENDATION:

Consider Approval of the Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, with All Exhibits, to California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (Cal-Waste) for Subscription Based Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services.

BACKGROUND:

Effective solid waste collection is essential for maintaining public health, preventing pollution, and ensuring a clean and attractive environment. The average household generates between 60-90 gallons of trash, 30-60 gallons of recyclables, and 30-90 gallons of green waste per week. A well-managed waste collection system reduces illegal dumping, minimizes fire hazards, and controls pests, all of which contribute to a safer community.

As the City of Sonora (City) approaches the expiration of its current contract with Cal Sierra Disposal, a Waste Management (WM) Company, for solid waste (i.e., garbage and recyclables) collection, City staff have been evaluating ways in which to maximize the City’s benefits associated with solid waste management.

On July 22, 2025, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit competitive bids and proposals for solid waste, recycling, and green waste collection and management services in the City of Sonora. On August 11, 2025, the City received three proposals from companies interested in providing these services within the City.

On September 2, 2025, City Council issued approval to negotiate with the highest ranked proposer, California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC (Cal-Waste), for subscription-based solid waste, recycling, and green waste collection and management services.

On September 15, 2025, the City Council reviewed the negotiated rates proposed by Cal-Waste and provided direction to: (1) begin public outreach regarding the new contract; (2) proceed with the transition of Cal-Waste as the City’s solid waste provider; (3) authorize the City Administrator to negotiate additional service options; (4) initiate the Proposition 218 process; and (5) establish a dedicated fund to account for franchise fee revenues generated under the new agreement. Staff recommended naming this fund the Solid Waste Franchise Fund to ensure transparency and facilitate tracking of revenues associated with the contract. 100
Item I.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP On October 6, 2025, the City Council reviewed and approved the contract language of the Sonora Solid Waste Franchise Agreement.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

After approval of the attached Sonora Solid Waste Franchise Agreement, inclusive of all exhibits, the contract will be executed, and service will begin on November 1, 2025.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The new contract with Cal-Waste will increase the franchise fee rate from 2% to 6% of gross revenue for garbage, recycling, and green waste services. This adjustment is projected to raise the City’s annual franchise fee revenue from approximately $50,000 to $148,000. The additional revenue will be deposited into the General Fund and will be available to support general municipal operations.

ATTACHMENTS:

Sonora Solid Waste Franchise Agreement with Exhibits
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT
Page1
Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste, Recycling and Green Waste Collection Between the City of Sonora and California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC
This Franchise Agreement for Solid Waste, Recycling and Green Waste Collection ("Agreement") is entered into as of _________ 2025, by and between the City of Sonora, a California municipal corporation ("City"), and California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC, a California Limited Liability Company ("Franchisee"). The City and Franchisee may hereafter be individually referred to as a "Party'' or collectively referred to as the "Parties." There are no other parties to this Agreement.

RECITALS
A. Authorization under State and Local Law. Pursuant to state law (Cal. Pub. Res.

Code § 40059) and the City's Solid Waste Management Ordinance (City Code, Title 7), the City may generally determine the means and terms, including levels of service, charges and fees, and the conditions by which solid waste handling services are provided, and the City may enter into this Agreement to provide an exclusive franchise for solid waste handling services to Franchisee.

B. Public Health. Public health, safety, and well-being demand the orderly and periodic collection and disposal of solid waste from properties within City. The Solid Waste Management Ordinance establishes ordinances and procedures to provide for the storage, collection, and removal of all recyclables, garbage, rubbish, and waste materials generated or accumulated within the City. In addition to this Agreement, Franchisee must comply with any and all state regulations and local requirements, including collection frequency and schedule, container specifications and maintenance, truck maintenance and markings, safe operations, and inspections by the Local Enforcement Agency (“LEA”). The City may revise Title 7 of the City Code from time to time as required to protect the public health, safety, and welfare of the City.

C. 50% Waste Diversion I Commercial Recycling & Organics Diversion.

1. AB 939 Diversion Mandate: The Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) mandates, among other things, that the City divert 50% of its waste from landfill disposal and implement its Source Reduction and Recycling Plan ("SRRE"); and

2. Mandatory Commercial Recycling & Organics Diversion: Since the passage of AB 939 the California Legislature has enacted other measures including, without limitation,
a. AB 32: increases State of California's recycling goal to 75%, sets goals to reduce greenhouse gases;
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b. AB 1826 Mandatory Organic Recycling: implements AB 32, reduces greenhouse gases by diverting materials from landfills; c. AB 341: Mandatory Commercial Recycling: multi-family residences and commercial businesses must recycle by themselves or by subscribing to services from a hauler;
d. City Reporting: AB 341 and AB 1826 require local governments to develop programs for the recycling of commercial and organic waste and report information on participation and diversion to CalRecycle; and
e. SB 1383 Organic Waste Methane Emissions Reductions: requires diversion of 75% of organic waste by 2025; implementation of greenhouse gas reduction goals.

D. Diversion Mandates. The City and the Franchisee have determined that entering into this Agreement will help the City comply with state law and economically provide for collection and recycling services for City residents, businesses, and property owners, as well as the periodic capital expenditures incurred by the Franchisee in order to provide such services.

E. Request for Proposals. On July 21, 2025 the City issued a Request for Proposal for Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste Collection and Management Services (“RFP”), and F. Representations.

1. The Franchisee warrants that the company has the resources and capabilities to provide all services specified herein in a professional and reliable manner;

2. Both Parties find that entering into this Agreement is in the mutual interest of both the Franchisee and the City.

3. The City finds it is within the public interest to enter into this Agreement to fulfill AB 939 and the above-referenced statutory mandates.

4. This Agreement is predicated on the Franchisee using its best efforts for which the Franchisee is reasonably compensated hereunder to assist the City in meeting all statutory waste requirements for landfill diversion of solid waste and green waste.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the Parties agree as follows:
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AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.01 DEFINITIONS
For purposes of this Agreement and any notice required hereunder, the following terms shall be construed as follows:

A. "AB 32”, “AB 939”, “AB 1826”, “SB 1383”, and "AB 341" shall mean those statutes enacted by the State of California which are commonly referred to by such titles and include significant mandates or goals affecting Solid Waste management in the state.

B. “Best efforts" shall mean serious and sizeable efforts that a reasonable person would take in the same (or similar) circumstances to meet its obligations. It will be presumed that the person intends to meet its obligations in honesty and good faith.

C. "Change in Control" of the Franchisee shall mean a change in the ownership or control of more than fifty percent (50%) of the voting stock of Franchisee (excluding transfers to revocable trusts).

D. “City” shall mean the City of Sonora, a California municipal corporation.

E. "Council" shall mean City's Council.

F. "Breach" is defined in Section 1.15.

G. “CC” or "Code" shall mean City Code of the City of Sonora.

H. "Days" shall mean calendar days.

I. "Effective Date" shall mean the date in which this Agreement shall commence, which is hereby deemed to be November 1, 2025.

J. "Franchisee" shall mean California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC.

K. “Green Waste” means any compostable materials including grass cuttings, weeds, leaves, prunings, branches, dead plants, brush, tree trimmings (under 3 feet in length and 6 inches in diameter).

L. "Including" shall mean "including, without limitation".

M. “Primary Recyclables" shall mean marketable glass containers, aluminum containers; plastic and tin containers, cardboard, newspapers, mixed paper, telephone books, and magazines. This definition may be modified by the parties in the manner described in the definition of Recyclable Materials herein.
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N. "Reasonable Business Efforts" means effective efforts that a prudent business person would make under the same (or similar circumstances) using its business judgment. It will be presumed that the person intends to meet its obligations in honesty and good faith.

O. "Recycle" shall mean the disposition of the materials in such a manner that will qualify as diversion of Solid Waste within the meaning of Public Resources Code Section 41780, et seq.

P. "Recyclable Materials" or "Recyclables" are those materials which may be collected, processed, and reused including, but not limited to, newspaper, mixed paper (including, but not limited to, white and colored paper, magazines, telephone books, chipboard, junk mail, and high grade paper), glass bottles and jars, metal cans (ferrous, non-ferrous, and bi-metal containers, including empty aerosol containers), aluminum foil and trays, all narrow neck rigid plastic containers, non-bottle rigid plastics, corrugated cardboard, and other materials that may be collected and processed for reuse by the Franchisee.

The City and the Franchisee may adjust this definition from time to time temporarily, or for such longer period as the Parties may decide, to include additional materials or remove materials on this list and the parties shall adjust the definition in the event of a change in the ability (other than a change which is expected to be temporary) of the Franchisee to sell or otherwise transfer the material to a third party for beneficial reuse.

Q. "Solid Waste" shall mean all putrescible and non-putrescible solid, semisolid, and liquid wastes, including garbage, trash, refuse, paper, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, construction and demolition wastes, discarded home and industrial appliances, manure, vegetable or animal solid and semi-Solid Wastes, and other organic waste, including organic waste not defined as Green Waste, food waste and other discarded solid and semi-solid wastes as defined in California Public Resources Code Section 40191, as that section may be amended from time to time, but does not include source-separated Recyclable Materials, abandoned vehicles and parts thereof, and materials that cannot be disposed of in Class II landfills.

R. "Uncontrollable circumstances" is defined in Section 1.15.

1.02 INTERPRETATIONS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF AGREEMENT
A. Headings. The headings set forth in this Agreement are for ease of reference only and shall not be construed to modify, limit, or restrict the provisions contained in one, or all, of the sections of this Agreement.

B. Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with any attachments, constitutes the entire agreement between the City and the Franchisee and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations, or agreements, whether written or oral.

C. Procedure for Amendment, Modification, Extension, or Renewal. If, during the term of this Agreement, as defined discussed in Section 1.03, there are statutory, regulatory, or other changes that significantly affect the services provided by the Franchisee pursuant to this Agreement or the cost thereof, the terms of this Agreement shall be subject to the rate adjustment protocols provided herein, upon initiation by either Party in accordance with the extraordinary 105
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review provisions of Section 3.03. Any change, amendment, modification, extension, or renewal shall be in writing and shall be executed by duly-authorized representatives of both the City and the Franchisee.

D. Implementation Schedule. All services provided by this Agreement shall be implemented by the Franchisee on the Effective Date. Unless otherwise specified herein, any new requirements agreed to by the Parties in writing after the Effective Date shall be fully implemented within six (6) months from the written agreement providing therefor. 106
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1.03 TERM
A. Commencement. All rights, privileges, obligations and duties granted and mandated under this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date.

B. Expiration. This Agreement shall expire on November 1, 2033 unless it is terminated earlier pursuant to Section 1.17 below; or extended pursuant to Subsection 1.03.C below.

C. Extension:

1. Long-term. Within two (2) years of the expiration of the Agreement, the Franchisee may request an eight-year extension of the Agreement, twice, for a total of sixteen (16) years. Such request must be submitted more than six months prior to the expiration of the Agreement. The City shall approve such request if the City reasonably determines that the Franchisee is not in default or breach hereunder and the City finds, in its reasonable discretion, that the Franchisee has provided satisfactory services to the City.

2. Short-term: Provided the City is not in default or breach hereunder, the City may extend this Agreement at its sole discretion for up to six (6) months, in any increment of time or times, upon giving Franchisee one (1) months' notice before any such extension is to take effect.

For example, the City could extend this Agreement for one six (6) month extension; or for two three-month extensions, or for only one two-month extension.

1.04 INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR
In its performance under this Agreement, the Franchisee is and shall be considered an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the City. The Franchisee, not the City, will make arrangements with customers for services, and the City will not direct or supervise the Franchisee's performance of services. The Franchisee, its officers, officials, staff, employees, and agents shall not be entitled to salary, pension, health, or retirement benefits provided by the City.

1.05 REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE
Each Party shall designate an officer, employee, or other authorized representative to act on that Party's behalf with respect to this Agreement. This representative shall be available between 8a.m. and 5p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding City holidays, and as often as may be required to render decisions and to furnish information in a timely manner. Each Party has the right to change its representative at any time provided that a Party wishing to change its designated representative shall endeavor to notify the other Party in writing not less than ten (10) days before making any such change. Any notices of breach, default, or termination (''Notices") must be made in writing to the addresses listed below.

At the time this Agreement is executed, the Parties' designated representatives shall be as follows:

Franchisee:

City:

Casey Vaccarezza, California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC Melissa Eads, City Administrator
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All Notices shall be deemed to have been given when made in writing and delivered or mailed to the respective representatives of either the City or the Franchisee at their respective addresses as follows:

To Franchisee: California Waste Recovery Systems, LLC
175 Enterprise Ct STE A,
Galt CA 95632
Attn: Casey Vaccarezza
Copy To: Jasun Molinelli, Esq.

Jackson Legal
1630 N. Main St. #83
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
To City: City of Sonora
94 N. Washington St.

Sonora, CA 95370
Attn: Melissa Eads, City Administrator
Copy To: White Brenner LLP
1608 T Street
Sacramento, CA 95811
Attn: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Either Party may change the address to which such communications are to be given by providing the other Party written notice of such change at least ten (10) days prior to the date of the change.

All Notices shall be effective upon receipt. Notices shall be deemed received upon delivery if served in person or, if sent by first class mail, on the fifth day following deposit in the mail.

1.06 PARTIAL INVALIDITY
If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void, or unenforceable, all remaining and severable portions of this Agreement shall continue in full force without being impaired or invalidated in any way.

1.07 WAIVER
The waiver by the City or any of its officers, agents, or employees or the failure of the City or its officers, agents, or employees to take action with respect to any right conferred by, or any breach of any obligation or responsibility of this Agreement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such obligation or responsibility, or subsequent breach of same, or of any terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement.

1.08 PUBLIC LIABILITY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE, INSURANCE
During the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee shall, at all times and at its own expense, 108
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maintain Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, Workers' Compensation and Employers' Liability insurance as required by the State of California, and Automobile Liability Insurance. The City may review and require certain coverage amounts and other policy requirements and the Franchisee shall thereafter modify the insurance coverages and policies in accordance with the City's requirement if such modifications are commercially available. If the Franchisee incurs material additional costs asthe result of the City-directed modifications, itshall be able to recover such additional costs as part of the annual or an extraordinary rate adjustment. The City may request confirmation from the Franchisee's insurance agent that the additional costs are due to the City-directed modifications and not due to the claims record, actions, or inactions of the Franchisee. The Comprehensive General Liability insurance shall include broad form property damage insurance. The limits of such insurance shall be no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence / $2,000,000 in the aggregate for the Comprehensive General Liability Insurance, $1,000,000 for the Workers' Compensation I Employers' Liability insurance per accident for bodily injury or disease, and $1,000,000 combined single limit for each accident for the Automobile Liability Insurance.
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A. The following requirements apply to all insurance to be provided by the Franchisee:

1. Coverage shall be by an admitted California surety.

2. Said policies shall remain in force through the life of this Agreement and shall be payable on a "per occurrence" basis.

3. The City, its elected representatives, officers, agents, employees, contractors, and volunteers shall be named as additional insured.

4. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to and are subject to the approval of the City's representative.

5. Each insurance policy shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be suspended, voided, canceled by either Party, reduced in coverage or in limits except after thirty (30) days prior written notice by certified mail (return receipt requested) has been given to the City's representative.

6. Insurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A-: VII, unless otherwise approved by the City's representative.

7. Any insurance maintained by the City shall apply in excess of, and not contribute with, insurance provided by the Franchisee's liability insurance policy.

B. Prior to commencing services pursuant to this Agreement, the Franchisee shall furnish the City's representative with original endorsements reflecting coverage required by this Agreement. The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All endorsements are to be received by and are subject to the approval of the City's representative before work commences.

C. During the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee shall furnish the City's representative with original endorsements reflecting renewals, changes in insurance companies and any other documents reflecting the maintenance of the required coverage throughout the entire term of this Agreement. The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by that insurer to bind coverage on its behalf.

D. The Franchisee shall provide Workers' Compensation coverage as required by state law and shall, prior to commencing services pursuant to this Agreement, file the following statement with the City's representative in a form substantially as set forth below:
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WORKERS' COMPENSATION CERTIFICATE
I am aware of the provisions of Section 3700 of the Labor Code which require every employer to be insured against liability for workers' compensation or to undertake self-insurance in accordance with the provisions of that code and I will comply with such provisions before commencing any services required by this Agreement. The person executing this certificate on behalf of the Franchisee affirmatively represents that he orshe hasthe requisite legal authority to do so on behalf of the Franchisee and both the person executing this Agreement on behalf of the Franchisee and the Franchisee understand that the Cityisrelying on thisrepresentation in entering in this agreement Full Name:

Title
Signature:

Date:

E. The City's approval of the Franchisee's insurance shall not relieve or decrease the extent to which the Franchisee may be held responsible for payment of damages resulting from the Franchisee's services or operations pursuant to this Agreement.

1.09 INDEMNIFICATION
The Franchisee agrees to and shall indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to the City, and hold harmless the City, its officers, officials, employees and agents ("City Agents") from and against any and all damages (whether special, general, or punitive), loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, claims, demands, actions, proceedings, or suits (whether administrative or judicial), in law or in equity, of every kind and description (including, but not limited to, injury and death of any person and damage to property, strict liability, product liability, or for contribution or indemnity claimed by third parties), arising or resulting from or in any way connected with: (i) the Franchisee and its agents, employees, affiliates, and subcontractors in performing or failing to perform any material obligation pursuant to this Agreement; (ii) any failure of the Franchisee, its agents, employees, affiliates, and subcontractors to comply in all respects with any federal or state laws, local ordinances, administrative regulations, permits, or licenses; and (iii) any negligent, grossly negligent, or intentional acts or omissions of the Franchisee, its officers, employees, agents, affiliates, and subcontractors in performing the services under this Agreement. The obligations of the Franchisee under this section 1.09 shall not apply to the extent and proportion in which the event giving rise to the City's claim for indemnification is caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of the City.

The Franchisee's indemnity obligations shall also include defense against (1) any and all fines or penalties imposed on the City by an agency of the State of California if any waste diversion goals are not met by the City with respect to the Solid Waste collected by the Franchisee under this Agreement, provided that Franchisee shall be entitled to reimbursement for any costs of such defense, if Franchisee is not in default hereunder, and such reimbursement shall not be paid by the City; and (2) any claims involving Franchisee's handling of hazardous waste, either knowingly or under circumstances in which a reasonable person would orshould have known that hazardous waste was being handled.
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If the defense right is exercised, the City Council shall have the absolute right to approve any and all counsel reasonably employed to defend the City. To the extent the City uses any of its resources to respond to such claim, action or proceeding, or to assist the defense, the Franchisee will reimburse the City upon demand if the claim involves any allegation of default hereunder against the Franchisee. Such resources include, but are not limited to, staff time, court costs, City Counsel's time at its regular rate for non-City agencies, or any other direct or indirect cost associated with responding to, or assisting in defense of, the claim, action, or proceedings.

1.10 REPRESENTATIONS
A. Covenant Against Contingent Fees. The Franchisee represents that it has not employed or retained any company or person, other than a bona fide employee working for the Franchisee, to solicit or secure this Agreement, nor has it paid or agreed to pay any company or person, other than a bona fide employee, any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or any other consideration, contingent upon or resulting from the award or making this Agreement.

For breach or violation of this warranty, the City shall have the right to annul this Agreement without liability or, at its discretion, to otherwise recover the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or contingent fee.

B. Pending Actions. The Franchisee represents that there are no suits or threatened suits which might impair the financial or legal ability of the Franchisee to perform its obligations under this Agreement and that by its entering into this Agreement, the Franchisee will not in any way constitute a breach of any other agreement entered into by the Franchisee with other parties, or constitute a violation of any law.

1.11 NON-DISCRIMINATION
The Franchisee will not discriminate against existing or potential customers based on color, race, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual preferences; or physical or mental disability in accordance with all applicable federal, state and City laws and regulations. For the purpose of this Agreement, distinctions on the grounds of color, race, creed, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual preferences, or physical or mental disability include, but are not limited to, the following:
denying a participant any service or benefit or providing any service or benefit which is different, or is provided in a different manner or is provided at a different time from that provided to other participants under this Agreement.

1.12 EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
The Franchisee shall not refuse to hire, employ, nor bar or discharge from employment, or otherwise discriminate against any person in compensation, or in terms or conditions of employment because of age, gender, race, creed, color, national origin, disability, religious or political affiliation or belief.
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1.13 PUBLIC RECORDS ACT
Upon its execution, this Agreement, including all exhibits and attachments, shall be subject to disclosure upon any request by the public, pursuant to the California Public Records Act.

1.14 APPLICABLE LAWS AND VENUE
A. In the performance of the services required by this Agreement, the Franchisee shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and localstatutes, ordinances, regulations, directives, and laws. Violation of City ordinance or code shall be considered a violation of this Agreement.

B. This Agreement shall be deemed to be executed within the State of California and construed in accordance with and governed by the laws of the State of California. The Franchisee and the City expressly stipulate that this Agreement is entered into and is to be performed in City and, therefore, venue shall be in County of Tuolumne.

1.15 BREACH
A. "Breach" means any failure by the Franchisee to meet one or more of its obligations under this Agreement.

B. Cure. The Franchisee must cure any remediable breach as soon as possible, but in any event within seven (7) days following Notice by the City, unless the cure reasonably takes longer than seven (7) days, in which event the Franchisee shall be given additional time to cure provided that it commences such cure as soon as is practicable and continues its best efforts to cure. Unless otherwise agreed by the Parties, no cure period shall extend for more than six (6) months from the City Notice.

1. Examples of remediable breaches include missing a customer collection, customer billing errors, and submitting late reports.

2. Examples of irremediable breaches are actions that cannot be undone (or unsaid), or omissions that can no longer be addressed, such as unjustified disposal of Recyclable Materials, fraud, misrepresentation, and breach of warranties.

C. Liquidated Damages. Pending the Franchisee's cure of any breach, the City, acting through its City Administrator, may impose liquidated damages pursuant to Section 1.16. If the City imposes liquidated damages, the Franchisee must pay liquidated damages within ten (10) days after the end of any month in which such damages have been assessed, although the Franchisee may contest whether the payment of such damages was justified under the procedures outlined in this section.

D. Uncontrollable Circumstances. The Franchisee must notify the City of an event of Uncontrollable Circumstances as soon as possible after the occurrence thereof and no later than 113
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24 hours. The Franchisee must describe the nature of the uncontrollable circumstance and what it plans to do in response to the uncontrollable circumstance. "Uncontrollable Circumstances" means events or circumstances which are beyond the control of the Franchisee and which materially hinder the Franchisee's ability to perform its services hereunder, or which cause a material adverse effect on the Franchisee's costs or revenues (provided that in such event, the Franchisee must use reasonable efforts to mitigate such material adverse effect), including an event or circumstance described in Section 6.03 hereof, a Change in Law and also including, without limitation the following:

1. riots, war, or emergency affecting the City declared by the President of the United States, Congress of the United States, the Governor of California, or the City Council;

2. sabotage, civil disturbance, insurrection, explosion;

3. natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides, and fires that are not reasonably anticipated weather conditions in the City;

4. a change in law as defined below except for a change in law that meets both of the following conditions:
a. It is enacted by the City (including the City's change in franchise fees); and
orstate law.
b. The City is not required to enact it in order to comply with federal

5. the failure of any public or private utility provider to provide water or electricity to the Franchisee office or maintenance facility. "Uncontrollable Circumstances" specifically excludes:

1. Strikes, lockouts, and other labor disputes;
2 Increased fuel costs;

3. Damaged, broken, or otherwise inoperable equipment, such as trucks;

4. Termination of the Franchisee's agreements for services or goods by service provider or vendor;

5. Communication error, such as misaddressed email or letter. 'Change in Law" means any or all of the following that relate to services under this Agreement:

1. the adoption, promulgation, modification, or change in law (including the City's change in or addition of franchise fees) or in judicial or administrative interpretation of the law occurring after the franchise date, except with respect to the following:
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a. income or business taxes,
b. employment or payroll taxes, or
c. franchise fees (other than franchise fees levied by the City); or

2. any order or judgment of any regulatory authority issued after the franchise date if both of the following conditions are met:
a. the order or judgment is not also the result of the willful misconduct or negligent action or inaction of either of the following:

1. the Party relying thereon, or

11. anyone for whom that Party is directly responsible; and b. the Party relying on the order or judgment makes reasonable business efforts to contest that order or judgment, unless the other Party excuses it from contest; or

3. a regulatory authority imposes any new or different material conditions in connection with the issuance, renewal, or modification of any permit after the franchise date; or franchise date:

4. a regulatory authority does either or both of the following after the a. fails to issue or renew permit,
b. suspends, interrupts, or terminates any permit and the regulatory authority's actions is not also the result of the willful misconduct or negligent action or inaction of either or both of the following:

1. the Party relying thereon, or

11. anyone for whom that Party is directly responsible.

The following breaches are not subject to Uncontrollable Circumstances:

1. Payment of Money: Failure to pay the City any amounts under this Agreement within thirty (30) days of the City's request, including the payment of franchise fees;

2. Violation of Law: Material violations of law that the Franchisee does not remedy within thirty (30) days, or repeated violations of any law;

3. Maintain Insurance: Failure to meet one or more obligations with respect to insurance or performance bond under this Agreement;

4. Insolvency or Bankruptcy: (a) Franchisee becomes insolvent or files a voluntary petition to declare bankruptcy, (b) a receiver or trust is appointed for Franchisee; or (c) Franchisee executes an assignment for the benefit of creditors.

Franchisee is deemed to be "insolvent" if it has ceased to pay its debts in the ordinary course of business or cannot pay its debts as they become due, whether or not Franchisee has committed an act of bankruptcy and whether or not Franchisee is insolvent within the meaning of the federal bankruptcy law or not.
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The Franchisee shall notify the City as soon as the Franchisee has reasonable grounds or suspicions of any insolvency issues that may arise.

5. Fraud, Misrepresentation, Breach of Warranties: During the procurement of this Agreement or after the date of this Agreement, Franchisee does any of the following with respect to this Agreement or the City: (a) committed, or commits or attempts to commit, any fraud or deceit; (b) made, or makes, any intentional or material misrepresentations; (c) breaches any warranties; or (d) made, or makes, any false or misleading statement, representation, or warranty.

E. Remedies. If the City determines that a dispute is irremediable, not subject to Uncontrollable Circumstances, or not timely cured, it may exercise any or all remedies under at law or equity (including injunctive relief) in its sole discretion, unless the breach was due to Uncontrollable Circumstances. If the City determines in its sole discretion that the Franchisee has repeatedly breached this Agreement, whether or not the Franchisee has previously cured a specific instance of breach, the City may also exercise those remedies.

F. Disputes. The Franchisee acknowledges that providing services under this Agreement is a matter of protecting public health, safety, and the environment. The Franchisee shall therefore continue providing all services set forth pursuant to this Agreement pending the resolution of any disputes.

The Franchisee may dispute whether or not a breach occurred under the Agreement, or was remediable, cured, or subject to Uncontrollable Circumstances. It may also dispute whether or not the imposition of liquidated damages was justified. The Franchisee must describe its dispute and ask the City to hold a hearing. At least seven (7) days prior to the date scheduled for the hearing, the City's representative shall notify the Franchisee of the time and place for the hearing.

At the hearing, the City's representative shall hear any persons interested or concerned with the alleged breach. He or she shall determine whether or not the Franchisee's dispute is valid. If the City's representative determines the dispute is valid, the City will take appropriate action such as withdrawing its notice of the alleged breach or repay liquidated damages.

The Franchisee may appeal the decision of the City's representative to impose liquidated damages to the City by filing a written appeal with the clerk of the City Council. To be considered, such appeal shall be submitted within ten (10) days of the decision that upheld the liquidated damages and shall set forth the particular errors alleged to have been made by the City's representative. The City Council shall commence the hearing of the appeal within 45 days of the filing of the appeal.

On appeal, the standard of review shall be whether there is substantial evidence on the record of the proceedings before the City's representative that supports the decision of the City's representative. The City Council shall affirm or deny the appeal and may modify any action by the City's representative.

G. Late Fees. If the Franchisee fails to make a payment due the City hereunder by the date on which such payment is due, and the Franchisee shall not reasonably dispute the amount or justification for such payment, it shall pay to the City a late fee equal to one percent (1%) of the amount past due for each month or partial month by which the payment is late. For the 116
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avoidance of doubt, for example, if the payment is due on the first of a month and it is received by the last day of the month, the late fee shall be 1%. If it is received on the first day of the succeeding month, the late fee shall be two percent (2%) etc.

H. Dispute Resolution

1. Independent Expert. The Franchisee and the City shall agree upon an independent expert by exchanging a list of three (3) candidates that have experience in solid waste management within five (5) days of either Party requiring dispute resolution. The candidate that appears highest on both lists is the independent expert. If the lists do not contain the same candidate, then the City and the Franchisee will each appoint a professional that has experience in solid waste management to select the independent expert within ten (10) days of appointment.

The independent expert shall not have been retained by either the City or the Franchisee within five (5) years of his or her appointment. The Parties shall split the cost of the independent expert but such costs may be recovered through an augmentation to the rate increase otherwise arrived or in any other manner agreed upon by the Parties.

2. Consideration and Resolution. The City and the Franchisee must give the independent expert with any additional information they wish the expert to consider within fifteen (15) days of either Party's request for dispute resolution. The independent expert will consider the information that the Franchisee gave the City and any additional information and meet with either or the City and the Franchisee together. The independent expert may request additional information, which Parties must provide within ten (10) days of request. Within forty-five (45) days after being requested to resolve the dispute, the independent expert will issue a written resolution to both Parties, including the adjusted rate, if any.

REQUESTS FOR CHANGES IN

SPECIFICATIONS /RATES

SCHEDULE

1. Franchisee proposal or City request Day 1

2. Franchisee provides the City with
information
Within 30 days after Day 1

3. The Franchisee provides the City
additional requested information
Within 10 days after City request (40 days
total)

4. City consideration, Party negotiations
Within 30 days (70 days total)
5A. Parties reach agreement and the
Franchisee implements changes as proposed
5B. Parties do not reach agreement:
(1) The Franchisee or the City requires
dispute resolution by independent expert and
provide record of requests/responses; or
(2) The City arranges for 3
rd party to provide
requested change

6. The Franchisee or the City give
independent expert additional information
Within 15 days from request for dispute
resolution/ 5B (85 days total)
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7. Independent expert considers submissions
and meets with the City and the Franchisee,
together; issues resolution
Within 45 days from request for dispute
resolution (130 days total)

8. (1) if binding...
(2) if non-binding ...
(1) ... The Franchisee implements changes
and the City makes rate changes per the
resolution; or
(2) ... Either the City or the Franchisee
may terminate this Agreement within 60
days or other mutually agreed date

1.16 LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
The Parties agree that in the event that the Franchisee violates the provisions of Title 7 of the City Code, or any other applicable law, or the terms of this Agreement, the resulting damages will be impracticable or extremely difficult to determine. Subject to the procedures set forth below, the Parties agree that the Franchisee shall pay liquidated damages up to $100.00 per day per customer or per occurrence, as reasonably determined by the City in its sole and absolute discretion, for any of the following:

A. For substantial failure by the Franchisee to provide Solid Waste collection service within its franchise area as required herein or to comply with the provisions of the City Code; B. The Franchisee has offered to assign or has assigned, either voluntarily or by operation of law its rights and obligations under this Agreement without the prior consent of the City for any assignment or transfer;
C. For failure by the Franchisee to maintain an office or keep the office open, or to maintain a local telephone number for calls within the franchise area, or to maintain a log of customer complaints, as required by this Agreement; or
D. For charging or collecting rates not approved by the City for any service subject to this Agreement.

E. The Director of Public Works finds that the vehicles or other equipment used or proposed to be used by the Franchisee for the collection and transportation of refuse are insufficient, unfit, or violate the provisions of City Code Title 7 or the regulations adopted in accordance with City Code Title 7 provided that in such event, the Franchisee shall have a reasonable time to replace said vehicles or equipment before imposition of liquidated damages.

F. If the City gives Notice to the Franchisee of its intent to impose liquidated damages, the Franchisee shall have the right to contest such imposition at a hearing in the same manner as set out in Section 1.15.F above. The Franchisee shall continue to perform services pursuant to this Agreement pending the resolution of such dispute.
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G. Any liquidated damages imposed pursuant to this section shall be in addition to any other penalties or remedies otherwise provided by law or in accordance with this Agreement, including termination of the Agreement as provided in Section 1.17 below.

1.17 TERMINATION
A. All terms and conditions of this Agreement are material and binding. Failure by either Party to perform in accordance with this Agreement, or in accordance with any covenants and conditions described herein, shall be considered a breach of this Agreement.

B. In the event Franchisee breaches this Agreement in any manner and Franchisee fails to remedy said breach pursuant to Section 1.15, the City Administrator may terminate this Agreement upon providing further written notice. If the City, acting through its City Administrator, terminates this Agreement pursuant to this Section 1.17, the Franchisee shall thereafter have no further rights, powers, or privileges against the City under or arising out of this Agreement. The provisions of this section shall not be exclusive but shall be cumulative and in addition to any other remedies provided herein or pursuant to law.

C. In the event the City gives notice of termination to the Franchisee as provided herein, the Franchisee shall have the right to a hearing in the same manner as set out in Section

1.15.F above and no termination shall be effective in such event until and unless the City shall have ratified the decision of the City Administrator to terminate the Agreement.

D. If this Agreement is terminated prior to its expiration, the exclusivity provisions of this Agreement shall be of no further force and effect.

1.18 FAITHFUL PERFORMANCE BOND OR LETTER OF CREDIT
The Franchisee shall provide to the City within ten (10) business days after execution of this Agreement, but in no case later than November 11, 2025, a cash or surety bond or an irrevocable letter of credit issued in an amount not less than $10,000 provided by: (a) a bond or surety company with a best rating of "A" or better and licensed to do business in the State of California; or (b) a letter of credit, by a qualified financial institution reasonably acceptable to the City, conditioned upon the full faithful performance of all covenants and conditions of this Agreement and any extensions or amendments thereto and Title 7 of the City Code. Said surety bond or letter of credit, including the terms for drawing on same, must be approved by the City prior to the performance of any work under this Agreement.

1.19 ADMINISTRATIVE FEE
The Franchisee shall provide to the City, within ten (10) business days after the execution of this Agreement, payment of Ten Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($10,500) to cover the City's administrative and legal costs in preparing this Agreement. 119
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1.20 NOTICE OF FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT
The Franchisee shall promptly notify the City within thirty (30) calendar days of any involvement in state or federal enforcement actions or alleged regulatory violations.

1.21 INTEGRATED AGREEMENT
The Agreement contains all of the agreements of the Parties and all previous understandings, negotiations, and agreements are integrated into the Agreement.

1.22 SEVERABILITY
In the event that any one or more of the phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections contained in this Agreement are declared invalid or unenforceable by a valid judgment or decree of a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect any of the remaining phrases, sentences, clauses, paragraphs, or sections of this Agreement, which are hereby declared as severable and shall be interpreted to carry out the intent of the Parties herein.

1.23 COUNTERPARTS
This Agreement may be executed simultaneously and, in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but which together shall be deemed one and the same instrument.

1.24 AUTHORITY
All Parties to this Agreement warrant and represent that they have the power and authority to enter into this Agreement and the names, titles, and capacities herein stated on behalf of any entities, persons, states, or firms represented or purported to be represented by such entities, persons, states, or firms and that all former requirements necessary or required by the state or federal law in order to enter into this Agreement have been fully complied with.

1.25 DOCUMENT PREPARATION
This Agreement will not be construed against the Party preparing it, but will be construed as if prepared by all Parties.

1.26 ADVICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL
Each Party acknowledges that it has reviewed this Agreement with its own legal counsel and based upon the advice of that counsel, freely entered into this Agreement.

1.27 ATTORNEY’S FEES AND COSTS
If any action at law or in equity, including action for declaratory relief, is brought to enforce or interpret provisions of this Agreement, the prevailing Party shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs, which may be set by the court in the same action, or in a separate action brought for that purpose, in addition to any other relief to which such Party may be entitled. 120
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ARTICLE 2. SOLID WASTE COLLECTION FRANCHISE

2.01 GRANT OF FRANCHISE
A. Pursuant to Ciy Code Title 7 the City hereby grants to the Franchisee an exclusive franchise to collect Solid Waste, Recycling and Green Waste Solid Waste from residential, commercial, and industrial premises within the City limits, from those customers who request such collection services and who choose not to self-haul.

B. Such grant of franchise shall also give the Franchisee the right and privilege to operate Solid Waste and recyclable collection vehicles and equipment on such streets, public ways, rights-of-way, or easements of the City.

2.02 EXCLUSIVITY
A. The City will not grant another franchise for Solid Waste, Recycling and Green Waste Collection and hauling from residential, commercial, and industrial customers prior to the expiration or termination of this Agreement.

B. Recycling centers shall be allowed under this Agreement within the City's jurisdiction for use by residents and businesses that deliver recyclables thereto themselves or using their own employees, provided that the City shall prohibit commercial haulers other than the Franchisee from hauling recyclables or delivering recyclables to recycling centers.

C. To the extent allowable by law, the Franchisee shall have the exclusive right to provide curbside recycling for its Solid Waste collection customers.

D. Exceptions to Exclusive Rights:

1. Donated recyclables.

2. Solid Waste which is removed from any premises and which is transported personally by the owner or occupant of such premises (or by his or her employees) in their own vehicle to any permitted processing or disposal site.

3. Removing and transporting materials related to sales or purchases by the owner or occupant of residential, commercial, or industrial premises, such as appliances or furniture by the seller of such items as part of the sales transaction.

4. Solid waste generated on a residential, commercial, or industrial premises by a property management, maintenance, or cleanup service such as a tree trimmer, gardener, or 121
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landscaping service provider and removed by such entity in a fixed body vehicle as an incidental part of the total on-property cleanup or maintenance service offered by the service provider rather than as a hauling service.

5. School districts, the State of California, and any other entity excluded by law from franchise requirements.

6. Tuolumne County-occupied facilities within City limits. The exclusive right of collection and disposal of solid waste is hereby waived for Tuolumne County-occupied facilities within City limits. A list of County-occupied facilities is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit C.

E. Once Solid Waste and Recyclable Materials are placed at the curbside or elsewhere for collection by the Franchisee, they are the property of the Franchisee.

2.03 FRANCHISE FEES
In consideration of the City's grant of exclusive rights under this Agreement to the Franchisee, the Franchisee shall pay to the City a franchise fee in the amount of six percent (6%) of the Franchisee's annual gross collection revenues received by the Franchisee from all residential and commercial accounts within City limits. The Franchisee shall pay such fees to the City within forty-five (45) days after the end of each calendar quarter. The franchise fee is an obligation of the Franchisee, not any of the Franchisee's customers, and is part of the Franchisee's cost of doing business.

2.04 RECYCLING REVENUE SHARE
An initial Recyclable Base amount of Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($95,000) has been allocated for Commercial rate reduction in the initial service rates.

Beginning with calculations for the rates effective November 1, 2026, this initial Recyclable Base Amount shall be adjusted annually using the methodology in Article 3. This adjusted Recyclable Base Amount shall be used to compute the City’s Recycling Revenue Share.

Franchisee shall pay to the City on an annual basis (measured July to June) an amount equal to ninety percent (90%) of the revenues exceeding the Adjusted Recyclable Base Amount that are received from the sale of Recyclable Materials collected by the Franchisee in performance in this Agreement. Franchisee shall be entitled to retain the remaining ten percent (10%) of such revenues. Franchisee shall pay the City no later than December 31st of each year.

In the event that the City’s share of the revenues received from the net sale of Recyclable Materials is less than the Recyclable Base Amount in any calendar year, Franchisee shall bear the cost of reaching the applicable minimum Recyclable Base Amount and shall not request an adjustment in the rates contemplated in Article 3 to reflect the difference.

However, if the City’s share of the revenues received from the net sale of Recyclable Materials is less than the Recyclable Base Amount in two calendar years, City and Franchisee shall meet and confer about potential amendments to the Agreement.
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2.05 TERM OF FRANCHISE
Franchisee's rights, privileges, obligations, duties and exclusive franchise shall run concurrently with the term of this Agreement.

2.06 ASSIGNMENT
A. Transfer. In no event shall this Agreement or Franchisee's exclusive franchise be sold, transferred, leased, assigned, mortgaged, pledged, hypothecated, or otherwise encumbered or disposed of (for the purposes of this Section 2.07, a "Transfer"), in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, whether voluntarily or by operation of law, or through any stock transfer, transfer in trust, Change in Control, consolidation, or merger of any company or corporation, without the prior written consent of the City. The City may grant or deny such a request and may impose such conditions as it may deem to be in the public interest. Any attempted disposition made without such consent shall be void. The City in its discretion may transfer the Agreement to any public entity provided that such entity shall have all the powers necessary to carry out the obligations of the City hereunder. Notwithstanding the other provisions of this section 2.07, the provisions of this section shall not apply to a Transfer which does not result in a Change in Control of the Franchisee.

B. The Franchisee shall notify the City's representative in writing forty-five (45) days in advance of any proposed assignment, sale, subcontract, or transfer or of any Change in Control or ownership of the Franchisee. In the event that the City approves of any assignment, sale, subcontract, or transfer, said approval shall not relieve the Franchisee of any of its obligations or duties under this Agreement unless this Agreement is modified in writing to that effect.

C. If the Franchisee requests the City's consideration of and consent to an assignment, the City may deny or approve such request at its sole discretion. The City will not unreasonably withhold its consent to any assignment, sale, subcontract, or transfer. However, the Franchisee acknowledges that this Agreement involves rendering a vital service to City residents and businesses and that the City is concerned about the possibility that assignment could result in significant changes in the quality of service. Accordingly, the following standards have been set to ensure that assignment will result in continued quality service. No request by the Franchisee for consent to an assignment need be considered by the City unless and until the Franchisee has met the following requirements:

1. The Franchisee shall undertake to pay the City its reasonable expenses for attorney's fees and investigating the suitability of any proposed assignee, and to review and finalize any documentation required as a condition for approving any such assignment;

2. The Franchisee shall furnish the City with audited financial statements of the proposed assignee's operations for the immediately preceding three (3) operating years;

3. The Franchisee shall furnish the City with satisfactory proof:
a. That the proposed assignee has at least ten (10) years of Solid Waste management experience on a scale equal to or exceeding the scale of operations conducted by the Franchisee under this Agreement;
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b. That in the previous five (5) years, the proposed assignee or affiliates has not suffered any significant citations or other censure from any federal, state, or local agency having jurisdictions over its waste management operations due to any significant failure to comply with state, federal, or local environmental laws and that the assignee has provided the City with a complete list of such citations and censures;
c. That the proposed assignee has, at all times, conducted its operations in an environmentally-safe and conscientious fashion as determined by the City; d. That the proposed assignee conducts its Solid Waste management practices in accordance with sound waste management practices in full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws regulating the collection and disposal of Solid Waste, including hazardous wastes; and
e. Of any other information required by the City to ensure the proposed assignee can fulfill the terms of this Agreement in a timely, safe and effective manner.

Under no circumstances shall the City be obliged to consider any proposed assignment by the Franchisee if the Franchisee is in default at any time during the period of consideration.

ARTICLE 3. CUSTOMER RELATIONS

3.01 SERVICE RATES
A. Rates for Solid Waste and Recycling Collection. A rate schedule is attached hereto and incorporated herein as Exhibit A, which specifies the rates that Franchisee may charge customers within City limits for services provided pursuant to this Agreement, commencing on the successfully completion of any necessary Proposition 218 proceedings. The Franchisee shall charge City customers according to the rate schedule shown on Exhibit A until the City successfully completes any additional and necessary Proposition 218 proceedings. City customer charges shall include tipping fees and all other costs attributable to the services. In no event shall Franchisee charge any City customer an amount that exceeds the rate schedule shown on Exhibit A, unless such charges are memorialized by an amendment to Exhibit A, as approved by the City Council.

B. City Services. Franchisee agrees to provide services free of charge to the City in accordance with Section 5.05 below, and Exhibit B.

C. Fees, Adjustment. Any adjustment in fees for services that the Franchisee provides, either directly or indirectly, shall be determined and adjusted pursuant to this Agreement and approved in advance by the City Council. The Franchisee shall notify the City, and request an amendment to this Agreement by the City Council, in the event an unplanned rate increase is needed.

D. Unpaid Rates and Franchisee Billing Practices. The Parties acknowledge that the Franchisee's revenues pursuant hereto are derived from rates charged customers within the City.

Franchisee shall be responsible for billing customers and the collection of unpaid charges, and the 124
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City shall have no responsibility in the enforcement of collections. The Franchisee may develop and apply standard business practices for payment collection methods, credit card fees, lien rights, and other generally acceptable billing methods.

E. Development of Low-Income Program. The Franchisee and the City shall jointly develop a low-income rate assistance program, to provide up to a ten percent (10%) discount on monthly rates to very low-income residential customers within the City. Very-low income residential customers may be defined as customers with annual household incomes of less than thirty percent (30%) of the Tuolumne County median, or qualified participants of the PG&E CARE Program. The low-income rate assistance program, once developed, shall be applicable to eligible City customers on an annual basis only, subject to renewal for each customer, and annual review and renewal of the program by the Franchisee and the City. City staff will be solely responsible for determining program eligibility of each customer, and for providing the annual list of eligible City customers to the Franchisee.

3.02 MONTHLY SERVICE RATES; INFLATIONARY ADJUSTMENTS
A. Full and Entire Rate Schedule. The Franchisee's compensation for performance of all its obligations under this Agreement shall be service rates that the Franchisee shall have the right to charge to City customers at the rates set out in Exhibit A hereto, and such compensation shall be the full, entire and complete compensation due to the Franchisee pursuant to this Agreement for all labor, equipment, materials and supplies, processing and disposal fees, fees due to the City, taxes, insurance, bonds, overhead, operations, profit, and all other costs necessary to perform services required by this Agreement in the manner and times prescribed.

B. Inflationary Rate Adjustments.

1. Annual Inflationary Adjustment. Beginning on November 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, subject to compliance with all provisions of this Article, the Franchisee may adjust the monthly rates contained in Exhibit A according to the change in U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers: Water and sewer and trash collection services Series CUSR0000SEHG (the "Adjustment Index"). The Adjustment Index percentage shall be calculated as follows: the Adjustment Index percentage shall be the percentage change in the Adjustment Index based on changes between the annual average of the base 12 months ending on June 30, which shall be the prior preceding 12-month period, to the annual average of the preceding 12-month period. Therefore, the first Adjustment Index percentage for purposes of this Section will be based on the annual average percentage change in the Adjustment Index between the 12-month period beginning on July 31, 2025, and the 12-month period ending on June 30, 2026.

If data for the 12-month period ending on June 30 is not available from the US Department of Labor - Bureau of Labor Statistics in time to comply with the September 1 filing deadline, then the Franchisee shall use data for the most recently available 12-month period. Once calculated, the Adjustment Index percentage, expressed as a decimal, shall be added to one and multiplied by the then-applicable monthly rates. The product of this calculation shall be used to establish the new monthly rates. The Franchisee shall notify the City and all City customers of the Franchisee at least thirty (30) days prior to such new monthly rates taking effect. 125
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2. Minimum and Maximum Increase. The Franchisee and the City agree that the monthly rate adjustments allowed under this Article shall not be below Zero Percent (0.00%) or above Five and One-Half Percent (5.5%). No change below Zero Percent (0.00%) or above Five and One-Half Percent (5.5%) shall carry forward to the next annual inflationary adjustment.

3. Extraordinary Inflation. If the Adjustment Index calculations over a twoyear period result in calculations that exceed annual increases of greater than Twelve Percent (12%), in such case, the Franchisee may request a monthly rate adjustment pursuant to Section

3.03 below, if the Franchisee's costs have actually increased during such period by more than the amount otherwise increased pursuant to this Section 3.02.

3.03 OTHER RATE ADJUSTMENTS
A. Adjustment for Uncontrollable Circumstances. In the event any Uncontrollable Circumstances arise, the Franchisee may propose to the City a change in service or an adjustment in rates, or both, that in the Franchisee's opinion would enable the Franchisee to continue performance of this Agreement for the remainder of the Agreement term.

B. Adjustment for Change in Service Specifications. The City may request a change in service specifications for any reason, including adding a new program required by CalRecycle under a Local Implementation Plan or change in law. In addition, at any time during the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee may determine there is a need for a service rate for a particular service or container size that does not appear on the City-approved schedule in Exhibit A. If either circumstance would result in changes to the monthly rates, the Franchisee shall immediately notify the City and request the establishment or amendment to the monthly rates in accordance with the proposed service change, and in accordance with this Section 3.03.

C. Rate Adjustments for Franchise and Other City Fees. Franchisee shall be entitled to a rate adjustment at any time that the City increases its franchise fee or imposes new fees, provided that the Franchisee has provided documentation of such increase and its projected impact on rates. Once such documentation is provided, the City shall agree to amend this Agreement to allow such changes to the monthly rates.

D. Proposals. Following its proposal under subsection A or within thirty (30) days of the City's request under subsection B (unless the City request or service change to be designed shall reasonably take longer than thirty (30) days to prepare), the Franchisee must demonstrate to the City's satisfaction that the Franchisee's direct costs of service have increased or decreased due to an Uncontrollable Circumstance, or as provided in this Section 3.03. The Franchisee will provide additional documentation within ten (10) days of the City's request. If the Franchisee does not provide requested information, the City is not obligated to extend the time of its consideration.

E. City Consideration. The City Council shall consider the Franchisee's proposal for any monthly rate adjustments pursuant to this Section 3.03. Such proposals shall include provision for recovery of costs by the Franchisee from the date such costs are actually incurred.

1. Franchisee Request. If the Franchisee has requested an adjustment due to Uncontrollable Circumstances but does not reach agreement with the City within thirty (30) days of providing the City with information that the City requested, the Franchisee may in its sole 126
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discretion require dispute resolution pursuant to Section 1.15.F and give the independent expert the record of its request and the City's and the Franchisee's response. a. City Request. If the City has requested a change in specifications and does not reach agreement with the Franchisee within thirty (30) days of receiving from the Franchisee information that it requested, the City may at its sole discretion either:Arrange for a third party to provide the requested changes, such as a new program, provided that such arrangement shall not impact the Franchisee's compensation or exclusive rights under this Agreement; or
b. Require dispute resolution under Section 1.15.E and give the independent expert the record of its request and the Franchisee's response.

3.04 BILLING STATEMENTS
Franchisee's residential and commercial billing statements shall clearly list the customer's level of service, the monthly rate, a telephone number to call the Franchisee with questions, and the telephone number of the City representative if the customer is unable to resolve his or her problem with the Franchisee. The Franchisee must reimburse the City, at the fully weighted hourly salary of any City employee responding to complaints, if the time reasonably incurred by the City in such responses exceeds five (5) hours per week. The Franchisee shall issue to the City representative, annually, a sample residential bill and a sample commercial bill, and the Franchisee cannot itemize any franchise, permit, or other fees or charges imposed on the Franchisee by the City on its bills to customers or otherwise convey those fees or charges to its customers.

3.05 CUSTOMER COMPLAINTS
Throughout the term of this Agreement, the Franchisee shall maintain a complete record of all written and verbal complaints received pertaining to the performance of services subject to this Agreement. This record shall be provided to the City upon the City's request. Said record shall contain, at a minimum, the following information:

A. Names, addresses, and telephone numbers of complaining Parties; B. Customer names, service addresses, and telephone numbers, if different than above;
C. Descriptions of problems/complaints and related dates and times, if applicable; D. Dates received; and
E. Dates and descriptions of the Franchisee's responses and actions taken.

Complaints received from customers or the City shall be acted upon immediately and the Franchisee shall make every reasonable effort to resolve said complaints within seventy-two (72) hours of notification. Complaints lodged with the City shall be transferred to the Franchisee for correction, and such correction shall occur within ten (10) business days.

The City may, at its discretion, record and investigate public complaints made regarding the 127
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Franchisee's performance under the terms of this Agreement. The City will determine whether such complaints are substantiated. If substantiated, the Franchisee shall resolve the complaint ina manner satisfactory to the City. Substantiated and unresolved complaints are subject to the provisions of Section 1.15 and may be the basis for termination of this Agreement by the City.

3.06 PUBLIC EDUCATION AND OUTREACH
A. The Franchisee shall cooperate with the City in waste-diversion and public education activities to further local implementation of the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989 and such other mandated programs, including but not limited to outreach in accordance with the Mandatory Commercial Recycling Plan and Organics Plan that the City filed with CalRecycle. The Franchisee shall encourage its customers to actively participate in waste diversion programs, and shall perform site visits to and waste audits of commercial customers and report to the City all information that the City is obligated to give to CalRecycle B. New and existing customers shall be provided with information by the Franchisee regarding available services, as described below:

1. The Franchisee will prepare customer service information, based on programs provided by the Franchisee, that describes the complete range of services available to residential and commercial customers by the Franchisee. At a minimum, the Franchisee shall provide customers the following information: a list of Solid Waste and Recyclables eligible for collection; proper material preparation and handling practices; a list of unacceptable materials and proper disposal options; holiday collection schedule; Large-Item and Handy Hauler collection information; rates; other recycling opportunities; complaint procedures; and company contact information including billing address, office hours, location, and telephone numbers.

2. The Franchisee shall provide the City with updated information for any public outreach materials the Franchisee wishes to prepare or maintain as necessary to reflect any changes therein, and the City shall have the right to review all materials provided to customers generally and to the public.

3. The Franchisee shall display on its website the customer service information and the Franchisee's employees and agents shall inform customers that said information is available.

4. The City will assist in these matters as follows:
a. On an ongoing basis, the City may distribute the Franchisee's brochure at the City's Solid Waste transfer stations within the franchise area. On an ongoing basis, the City may distribute the Franchisee's brochure with “Welcome Wagon" packets of Solid Wasterelated information that may be requested by new customers.

C. The City may perform a City-wide mailing with regard to Solid Waste services provided in the City, which may include information about the Franchisee's collection services.The Franchisee shall provide customers receiving debris box service written notification regarding applicable diversion programs and associated cost incentives and unacceptable materials and appropriate disposal options. 128
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ARTICLE 4. CUSTOMER SERVICES

4.01 FREQUENCY OF SOLID WASTE COLLECTION
A. The Franchisee shall provide weekly collection of Solid Waste for all customers of Franchisee within the City, pursuant to this Agreement and any addendum thereto.

B. The Franchisee shall provide collection services to each customer of Franchisee within seven (7) days of the customer's request for service, unless the customer requests a later date.

4.02 COLLECTION SCHEDULE
The Franchisee shall establish a collection schedule for each City customer and provide notice to City customers of any changes to the collection schedule. When a regular collection day occurs on a holiday, the Franchisee shall either provide collection on the holiday or one calendar day before or after the holiday and may adjust the remaining schedule for that week accordingly. The Franchisee shall notify all City customers of their respective holiday collection schedules.

4.03 NON-COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE
In the event the Franchisee refuses to collect any item or container of Solid Waste for any reason, the Franchisee shall securely attach a tag to that item or container specifying the reasons for noncollection. The tag shall contain the Franchisee's name and telephone number. Acceptable reasons include:

A. Waste not properly containerized as specified in the Franchisee's customer service information;
B. Items or containers that exceed the weight limitations specified in the Franchisee's customer service information;Items or containers that contain prohibited material as specified in the Franchisee's customer service information; and
C. Collection of an item or container would violate any applicable law, regulation, or this Agreement, or would cause possible safety issues, or is set out in inaccessible areas.

4.04 EXTRA COLLECTION OF SOLID WASTE
A. The Franchisee shall be allowed to provide extra and special services, at rates approved by the City Council, in addition to normally-scheduled collection services. The Franchisee shall quote to the customer the rate for such services prior to performing said services.

B. The Franchisee shall provide on-call service to part-time or temporary residents.

On-call service shall include Recyclables collection.

C. Large-item and Handy-Hauler collection. The Franchisee shall be required to provide on-call, Large-item and Handy-Hauler pickup service such as mattresses, tires, 129
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appliances, etc. to both single-family and multi-family customers, including customers receiving bin service. The Franchisee shall be compensated for Large-item and Handy-Hauler collection at rates established in the rate sheet contained inExhibit A as those rates may be periodically adjusted hereby.

4.05 SOLID WASTE COLLECTION PRACTICES AND STANDARDS
A. Service Standards. The Franchisee shall, at all times during the term of this Agreement, provide efficient, effective, prompt, courteous, and professional service to all residential and commercial customers to the reasonable satisfaction of the City. The Franchisee shall not litter premises while collecting Solid Waste or allow waste to blow or fall from any collection vehicle. All collection activities shall be conducted in such a manner that public and private property will not be damaged. Premises shall be left in a neat and clean condition and containers shall be handled in a manner that will prevent their damage. The Franchisee shall replace containers and covers where found and shall not place them in the street or on adjoining property.

B. Waste Accumulation. The Franchisee shall direct its drivers to note the addresses of premises at which they observe piles or other significant amounts of Solid Waste accumulating and not being removed, where such accumulation clearly represents a significant risk to public health or risk of combustion and fire. The Franchisee shall refer such information to the City, which shall thereafter as necessary, enforce its ordinances or the provisions of this Agreement to address any health and safety concerns caused thereby.

C. Additional Services. The Franchisee and the City agree and acknowledge that the provisions and requirements of various statutes and mandates of the State of California cited in the recitals hereof, and other statutes and regulations of the State of California will require additional programs and rates for the processing and reuse of organic materials to be implemented by the Franchisee. The Franchisee and the City agree to work diligently to develop and adopt City-wide programs, implementation schedules, and rate adjustments consistent with the goals of the City and state law, as such regulations and any local ordinances are adopted.

ARTICLE 5. SCOPE OF SERVICES

5.01 SCOPE
The Franchisee agrees to perform all necessary services to administer the following programs:

Program Materials Service Frequency Additional
Requirements
Residential curbside Primary/
Recyclables Bi-weekly1
Residential green
waste
Green waste Bi-weekly1
Multi-family
residential
Primary/
Recyclables Weekly As needed or required
by AB 341
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Hotels and Resorts Primary/
Recyclables Weekly As needed or required
by AB 341
Commercial/business Primary/
Recyclables Weekly As needed or required
by AB 341.

Schools Primary/
Recyclables Weekly
Governmental and
other public facilities
Primary/
Recyclables Weekly
Special Events Primary/
Recyclables As requested
Used Oil Collection
Motor oil; filters;
auto batteries;
antifreeze
Franchisee to notify
City customers of
disposal sites
1Bi-weekly shall mean every other week

5.02 AVAILABILITY
A. "Recycling Programs" identified pursuant to this Article 5 shall be made available to all of the Franchisee's City customers. Unless otherwise stated herein or unless specifically declined by the customer, the Franchisee shall provide, at a minimum, a sufficient number and appropriate type of recycling containers wherever garbage bins are provided and serviced. Service shall be of sufficient frequency to accommodate program needs and to avoid exceeding the capacity of collection containers.

B. All residential customers shall be provided with Solid Waste, recycling, and green waste collection service.

5.03 RESIDENTIAL GREEN WASTE
The Franchisee shall provide curbside yard waste and green waste collection and shall provide the necessary collection containers. The Franchisee shall instruct customers to exercise reasonable care to minimize contamination with objectionable items, such as rocks, metal, and trash. The Franchisee shall instruct customers to bring yard waste to the curb in waste carts placed by the curb in accordance with the most acceptable method to the Franchisee.

5.04 OTHER RECYCLING PROGRAMS
The Franchisee agrees to work in cooperation with the City to assist with other recycling and landfill diversion programs, upon the reasonable request of the City.

5.05 CITY FACILITIES
Franchisee shall, without expense to the City or its customers, perform Solid Waste and Green 131
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Waste collection services at all the City owned and operated facilities, as shown on Exhibit B, at no additional charge to the City.

5.06 REPLACEMENT RECEPTACLES
The Franchisee shall, without expense to the City or any customer, replace outdated or dilapidated receptacles within five (5) days after receipt of a customer's reasonable request for replacement.

5.07 VALUE-ADDED SERVICES
 Education & Outreach: Required in Section 1 of RFP and stated in Section 3.06 of this Agreement
 Contamination Education & Outreach: Required in Section 1 of RFP and stated in Section

3.06 of this Agreement
 Included Additional Recycling Volume: 95 gallon capacity is part of standard service  Additional Service offerings and mix and match options: More and increased options for service; 1-6 yard Commercial services offered
 Low-income discount: Required in Section 1 of RFP and stated in Section 3.01 E of this Agreement
 Two Residential Large Material Pick-Ups: Required in Section 3A of RFP and stated in Section 4.04 of this Agreement
o Large-Item
o 3.5 Cubic Yard Handy-Hauler
 Two Christmas Tree Drop-Off Locations in the City to be determined by the City  On-Site/Virtual School Education: Required in Section 1 of RFP

5.08 CITY ADMINISTRATOR APPROVAL OF COMMERCIAL SERVICE

MODIFICATIONS
The City Administrator may review and approve new services and associated rates, service levels, and service modifications proposed by the Franchisee that are intended to improve operational efficiency, reduce customer costs, or enhance diversion and recycling performance. The City Administrator may approve, such modifications in writing and provide notification of the approval to the City Council within thirty (30) days for the new services.

5.09 POTENTIAL FUTURE TRANSFER STATION
In the event the Parties agree to the development and construction of a new solid waste transfer station located on City owned property, the term of this Agreement may be extended to coincide with the term of a Transfer Station Lease Agreement.

5.10 SB 1383 COMPLIANCE
California’s SB 1383, adopted in November of 2020, requires local governments to reduce landfill disposal of organic waste by 75% by 2025 and to increase edible food waste recovery by 20%, subject to certain rural jurisdiction waiver(s). Contractor shall collaborate with City to implement a program under SB 1383 and/or seek a waiver or Rural Jurisdiction Exemption 132
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pursuant to 14 CCR §§ 18984.11 and 18984.12 or SB 613. If a waiver or exemption is obtained and valid until December 31, 2028, or if extended by the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery, the Parties shall collaborate to implement an Education and Outreach Program and Reporting Program, and any other requirement in compliance with SB 1383 requirements not subject to waiver and/or exemption, and shall collaborate to prepare a strategic plan for compliance with the full extent of the law in the event the Rural Jurisdiction Exemption expires or is not extended.

ARTICLE 6. SPECIAL CONDITIONS

6.01 USE OF "CITY" BY HAULER FORBIDDEN
Franchisee shall in no case use a firm name containing the word "City".

6.02 HOURS OF COLLECTION
No Solid Waste collection shall be made before 5:00 a.m. or after 6:00 p.m., unless otherwise authorized by the City. Upon request, the City may authorize collection at other times.

6.03 DISPOSITION OF RECYCLABLES
The Franchisee shall not cause properly-prepared, marketable Primary Recyclables to be buried in a landfill or otherwise be disposed of at locations other than those where this material can be remanufactured or otherwise reused, unless an event of Uncontrollable Circumstance occurs which would give rise to the ability of the Franchisee to request a review of rates pursuant to Section 3.03 hereof, or any other event or circumstance which prevents the processing, sale or gift of Recyclable Materials, in which case the Franchisee shall be relieved of the obligation of this Section 6.03. In such event, the Franchisee shall notify the City and the Parties will meet and confer as to the disposition of the Recyclables. If in the circumstances described in this section 6.03, the Franchisee shall have to pay a third-party for the disposition of Primary Recyclables, and such payment eliminates any Recyclable Revenue Share received for such Recyclables as that term as contemplated in Section 2.04, the Franchisee may be reimbursed through the Franchisee's monthly rates for any additional costs of such disposition including, without limitation, the cost of paying a third party to take the materials in question if the Parties decide on such a disposition of one or more materials.

Other than as provided above, the Franchisee shall use reasonable business efforts to recycle all materials collected as Recyclables pursuant to this Agreement. The Franchisee agrees to certify that all collected Recyclables have been processed for re-use other than as provided herein.

6.04 RESPONSIBILITY FOR COLLECTED MATERIAL
All material removed by the Franchisee from the premises where produced, generated, or accumulated pursuant to this Agreement shall be the responsibility of the Franchisee. However, the Franchisee shall be entitled to return prohibited material to the customer who generated it, if the customer can be identified. Any hazardous waste or medical waste that the Franchisee collects shall be the responsibility of the Franchisee. The Parties expressly agree that in no event shall the 133
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ownership of any Solid Waste, hazardous waste, medical waste, or any other waste be construed to be the property of the City, either explicitly or implicitly.

6.05 RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING
A. Subject to reasonable prior notice, the Franchisee will allow the City access to review and inspect the Franchisee's customer lists, including commercial customer names and addresses. The City acknowledges and agrees that the information contained in the Franchisee's customer lists is proprietary trade secret information and further agrees that the City will not disclose or distribute any customer list information to any person.

B. The Franchisee shall keep and maintain written records of the number of residences and businesses participating in its recycling programs, quantities of Recyclable Materials collected, the quantities of Recyclable Material sold and stored, and such other matters as may be required by the City. The Franchisee shall provide a written quarterly report to the City documenting the quantities of Recyclable Material collected, recycled, sold, and stockpiled. The volumes of each type of material collected shall be reported separately for each recycling program. Quarterly reports shall be in a format approved by the City or County and shall include supporting documentation as may be required by the City. The report shall be submitted to the City within thirty (30) days of the end of each calendar quarter. The City may request that the Franchisee provide such additional information in the reports as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate to meet the information needs required by the California Integrated Waste Management Act of 1989.

6.06 ACCESSIBILITY AND CONVENIENCE
A. Office. The Franchisee shall notify customers of its office location where customers may arrange for service, pay bills and file complaints. Said office shall be equipped with a telephone and two-way radio. All collection vehicles shall also be equipped with two-way radios to communicate with the Franchisee's office. The Franchisee shall, for at leastsix (6) hours between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays, have responsible personnel with whom City customers may communicate. The Franchisee's office shall be open to the public during normal business hours.

B. Service Yard. The Franchisee shall maintain a service yard for the storage of trucks, collection equipment and other equipment.

6.07 EQUIPMENT
A. Construction. All vehicles, conveyances, or containers used by the Franchisee for hauling or storing Solid Waste or Recyclables within the City shall be constructed to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations. All equipment used for the collection and transportation of residential and commercial Solid Waste shall be non-absorbent, water-tight, vector-resistant, durable, easily-cleanable, covered, and designed for safe handling.

The Franchisee shall maintain a fleet of collection trucks sufficient in number and capacity to efficiently perform the work required in the Agreement in strict accordance with the terms of this Agreement. On collection days, the Franchisee shall have available sufficient back-up vehicles for each type of collection vehicle typically in service (e.g., rear loader, front loader, roll-off, etc.). 134
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B. Maintenance. Said equipment shall be maintained in good condition. Said equipment shall be cleaned and disinfected on a frequency and in such manner to prevent the propagation or attraction of flies, rodents, or other vectors and the creation of nuisances.

C. Containment. All vehicles, conveyances, or containers used by the Franchisee in the collection, transfer or transportation of Solid Waste or Recyclables shall be designed to prevent leakage, spillage, or overflow. Such conveyances or containers shall be completely covered when in route from the last collection station to a disposal area or processing facility to prevent spillage, overflow, blowing, or similar releases. Any material dropped or spilled in collection, transfer, or transport shall be immediately cleaned up by the Franchisee. Appropriate equipment for this purpose shall be carried at all times on each vehicle.

D. Vehicle-Markings. All vehicles used by Franchisee shall be identified with the name and telephone number of the Franchisee. Such name and telephone number shall be displayed on both sides of the vehicle in letters not less than four (4) inches in height.

E. Container Identification. Containers of one (1) cubic yard or more which are owned by the Franchisee shall be identified with the name and telephone number of the Franchisee servicing the container, in legible letters and numbers. All such containers will be labeled to clearly identify prohibited materials and safety hazards.

F. Safety. Said equipment shall be operated in a safe manner consistent with industry standards and applicable safety regulations. Vehicles and equipment used in the transport of Solid Waste shall be constructed and maintained in such a manner as to minimize the health and safety hazards to collection personnel and the public.

G. Vehicle Parking. To prevent nuisance and vector problems, uncleaned Solid Waste collection vehicles containing putrescible materials shall not be stored on public streets or roads except under emergency conditions. All vehicles used in collection activities shall be kept on property with proper zoning within a building or fenced yard. The Franchisee must designate a location where the vehicles will be parked when not in service.

H. Franchisee Responsibility. Where the Franchisee furnishes storage containers, the Franchisee shall be responsible for maintaining the containers in good condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted) unless they are furnished under other terms, conditions, or agreements. The Franchisee shall coordinate with the property owner or occupant as to placement of storage containers to minimize traffic, aesthetic and other problems, both on the property and for the public.

I. Inspection. Equipment used for Solid Waste collection shall be made available by the Franchisee for inspection annually as requested by the City. The time of inspection is to be by mutual agreement. The City shall determine the suitability of such equipment in accordance with these provisions.

6.08 TRAFFIC AND NOISE PROBLEMS
The Franchisee shall conduct all operations in accordance with City Code and in a manner that 135
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minimizes obstruction or disruption to the peace and quiet of the areas in which collections are made.
[Signatures on following page]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement as of the abovereferenced Effective Date.

CITY: FRANCHISEE:

City of Sonora, a California municipal
corporation
By:

NAME
By:
137
Item I.

EXHIBIT A
RATES
138
Item I.

EXHIBIT B
Services Provided to City
139
Item I.

EXHIBIT C
Tuolumne County Occupied Facilities
140
Item I.

CPI Adj.

5.39%
Description Quantity Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1 - 35 Gallon Cart 1 $31.56 $1.70 $33.26
2 - 35 Gallon Cart 2 $62.07 $3.35 $65.42
3 - 35 Gallon Cart 3 $92.58 $4.99 $97.57
1 - 64 Gallon Cart 1 $48.35 $2.61 $50.96
2 - 64 Gallon Cart 2 $95.70 $5.16 $100.86
3 - 64 Gallon Cart 3 $143.02 $7.71 $150.73
1 - 96 Gallon Cart 1 $63.38 $3.42 $66.80
2 - 96 Gallon Cart 2 $125.69 $6.77 $132.46
3 - 96 Gallon Cart 3 $188.05 $10.14 $198.19
Description Quantity Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1 - 35 Gallon Cart 1 $41.66 $2.25 $43.91
2 - 35 Gallon Cart 2 $82.27 $4.43 $86.70
3 - 35 Gallon Cart 3 $122.94 $6.63 $129.57
1 - 64 Gallon Cart 1 $58.51 $3.15 $61.66
2 - 64 Gallon Cart 2 $115.97 $6.25 $122.22
3 - 64 Gallon Cart 3 $173.46 $9.35 $182.81
1 - 96 Gallon Cart 1 $73.51 $3.96 $77.47
2 - 96 Gallon Cart 2 $146.01 $7.87 $153.88
3 - 96 Gallon Cart 3 $218.48 $11.78 $230.26
Description Quantity Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
64 Gallon Recycle Cart 1 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Each Additional Recycling Cart 1+ $6.43 $0.35 $6.78
Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
$5.78 $0.31 $6.09
$15.09 $0.81 $15.90
* Trip Charge for Non Service Day + Charge Per Bag
Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
$0.00 $0.00 $0.00
Overage Charge - Lid Lifted 6" or greater $10.90 $0.59 $11.49 $23.02 $1.24 $24.26
$17.94 $0.97 $18.91
$53.72 $2.90 $56.62
$114.52 $6.17 $120.69
Contamination (after 2nd notice) $22.54 $1.21 $23.75
Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
$31.82 N/A $31.82
Late Fee 1.5% or $3.00 Min N/A 1.5% or $3.00 Min
City of Sonora
Annual Rate Increase
Effective 8/31/2024
Residential
Side Yard Service - Qualified Frail/Disabled
Description
Cart Service (Within 10 feet from curb or roadside)
Sideyard Cart Service (More than 10 feet from curb or roadside) Misc Services
Extra Pick Up - Non Service Day *
Bad or Returned Check
Administration Charges
Description
New Service Activation - Residential
Service Restart w/o Delivery
Service Restart w Delivery
Equipment: Lost or Stolen
Recycle Service
Extra Pickup Fees
Description
Extra Pick Up Charge - Same Day Per Bag
141
Item I.

CPI Adj.

5.39%
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1 Yard - 1x Week $152.43 $8.22 $160.65
1 Yard - 2x Week $278.34 $15.00 $293.34
1 Yard - 3x Week $404.15 $21.78 $425.93
1 Yard - 4x Week $530.08 $28.57 $558.65
1 Yard - 5x Week $655.95 $35.36 $691.31
1 Yard - 6x Week $781.75 $42.14 $823.89
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate

1.5 Yard - 1x Week $215.42 $11.61 $227.03

1.5 Yard - 2x Week $404.15 $21.78 $425.93

1.5 Yard - 3x Week $592.98 $31.96 $624.94

1.5 Yard - 4x Week $781.75 $42.14 $823.89

1.5 Yard - 5x Week $970.81 $52.33 $1,023.14

1.5 Yard - 6x Week $1,159.45 $62.49 $1,221.94
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
2 Yard - 1x Week $278.34 $15.00 $293.34
2 Yard - 2x Week $530.08 $28.57 $558.65
2 Yard - 3x Week $781.87 $42.14 $824.01
2 Yard - 4x Week $1,033.46 $55.70 $1,089.16
2 Yard - 5x Week $1,285.18 $69.27 $1,354.45
2 Yard - 6x Week $1,536.95 $82.84 $1,619.79
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1x Week $35.97 $1.94 $37.91
2x Week $71.95 $3.88 $75.83
3x Week $107.92 $5.82 $113.74
City of Sonora
Commercial
Effective 8/31/2024
Annual Rate Increase
1 or 2 Yard Commingle Service
1 Yard Commercial Service

1.5 Yard Commercial Service
2 Yard Commercial Service
142
Item I.

City of Sonora
Commercial
Effective 8/31/2024
Annual Rate Increase
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1 - 35 Gallon Cart $45.14 $2.43 $47.57
2 - 35 Gallon Carts $90.27 $4.87 $95.14
3 - 35 Gallon Carts $135.40 $7.30 $142.70
1 - 64 Gallon Cart $60.17 $3.24 $63.41
2 - 64 Gallon Carts $120.34 $6.49 $126.83
3 - 64 Gallon Carts $180.52 $9.73 $190.25
1 - 96 Gallon Cart $70.91 $3.82 $74.73
2 - 96 Gallon Carts $141.84 $7.65 $149.49
3 - 96 Gallon Carts $212.73 $11.47 $224.20
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
1 Yard $29.29 $1.58 $30.87

1.5 Yard $43.78 $2.36 $46.14
2 Yard $58.45 $3.15 $61.60
Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
First Recycling Cart (Per Month Charge) $4.80 $0.26 $5.06 Second and Each Add'l Recycling Cart $6.61 $0.36 $6.97
Extra PU Cart Charge - Same Day $5.97 $0.32 $6.29
Extra PU Cart Charge - Non Service Day $15.56 $0.84 $16.40 New Service Activation - Commercial $39.57 $2.13 $41.70 Service Restart w/o Delivery $18.52 $1.00 $19.52
Service Restart with Delivery $55.34 $2.98 $58.32
Walk In Service - 10 to 50 Feet $14.40 $0.78 $15.18
Overage Charge $28.17 $1.52 $29.69
Cart Contamination (after 2nd notice) $22.54 $1.21 $23.75 Bin Contamination (after 2nd notice) $54.51 $2.94 $57.45 Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate
Bad or Returned Check $31.82 N/A $31.82
Late Fee 1.5% or $3.00 Min N/A 1.5% or $3.00 Min
Commercial Curbside Cart Service
Extra Pick Up Charges
Misc Charges
Administration Charges
143
Item I.

CPI Adj.

5.39%
Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate Weekly Rate $454.02 $24.47 $478.49
Monthly Rate N/A N/A N/A
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $8.60 $0.46 $9.06
Tonnage rate (charged over 1.4 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $682.79 $36.80 $719.59
Monthly Rate $803.12 $43.29 $846.41
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $8.60 $0.46 $9.06
Tonnage rate (charged over 2.8 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $932.40 $50.26 $982.66
Monthly Rate $1,100.57 $59.32 $1,159.89
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $12.00 $0.65 $12.65
Tonnage rate (charged over 4.2 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $1,162.31 $62.65 $1,224.96
Monthly Rate $1,330.82 $71.73 $1,402.55
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $12.00 $0.65 $12.65
Tonnage rate (charged over 5.6 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 *Weights over allowable maximum tons will be charged at the current transfer station rates **Empty and Return loads will also be charged current transfer station disposal rates per ton ***Additional Days: For Weekly Service, Per day charge if customer has box more than 7 days ***Additional Days: For Monthly Service, Per day charge if customer has box more than 30 days Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate Weekly Rate $583.50 $31.45 $614.95
Monthly Rate N/A N/A N/A
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $8.55 $0.46 $9.01
Tonnage rate (charged over 2.5 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $940.99 $50.72 $991.71
Monthly Rate $1,107.04 $59.67 $1,166.71
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $8.55 $0.46 $9.01
Tonnage rate (charged over 5 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $1,158.34 $62.43 $1,220.77
Monthly Rate $1,325.56 $71.45 $1,397.01
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $11.96 $0.64 $12.60
Tonnage rate (charged over 6.3 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 Weekly Rate $1,679.86 $90.54 $1,770.40
Monthly Rate $1,836.86 $99.01 $1,935.87
Empty and Return Rate** $196.63 $10.60 $207.23
Additional Day *** $11.96 $0.64 $12.60
Tonnage rate (charged over 5.6 tons)* $104.90 N/A $104.90 *Weights over allowable maximum tons will be charged at the current transfer station rates **Empty and Return loads will also be charged current transfer station disposal rates per ton ***Additional Days: For Weekly Service, Per day charge if customer has box more than 7 days ***Additional Days: For Monthly Service, Per day charge if customer has box more than 30 days City of Sonora
Annual Rate Increase
Roll Off
30 Yard 4.2 tons*
Garbage and Refuse
10 Yard 1.4 tons*
20 Yard 2.8 tons*
Effective 8/31/2024

5.6 tons*
10 Yard 2.5 tons*
20 Yard 5 tons*
C&D
40 Yard 10 tons*
30 Yard 6.3 tons*
40 Yard
144
Item I.

City of Sonora
Annual Rate Increase
Roll Off
Effective 8/31/2024
Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate Weekly Rate $226.04 $12.18 $238.22
Extra Empty & Return $226.04 $12.18 $238.22
Additional Day $8.55 $0.46 $9.01
**Disposal per Yard $7.00 N/A $7.00
Weekly Rate $260.43 $14.04 $274.47
Extra Empty & Return $260.43 $14.04 $274.47
Additional Day $8.55 $0.46 $9.01
**Disposal per Yard $7.00 N/A $7.00
Weekly Rate $293.45 $15.82 $309.27
Extra Empty & Return $293.45 $15.82 $309.27
Additional Day $12.02 $0.65 $12.67
**Disposal per Yard $7.00 N/A $7.00
Weekly Rate $323.21 $17.42 $340.63
Extra Empty & Return $323.21 $17.42 $340.63
Additional Day $11.96 $0.64 $12.60
**Disposal per Yard $7.00 N/A $7.00
*Brush, Branches, tree limbs, and pine needles only
**Disposal charges are in addition to the haul rate
Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate Monthly Rate $132.77 $7.16 $139.93
Extra Empty & Return $132.77 $7.16 $139.93
Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate Rate per empty $197.19 $10.63 $207.82
Disposal Per ton $112.33 N/A $112.33
Size Weight Limit Description Current Rate CPI Adj New Rate N/A N/A Avoidable Delays - Trip Fee - per hour $94.03 $5.07 $99.10 Waste Management and Customer Owned Compactors - Roll Off Misc Fees - Roll Off
Cardboard Recycle - Roll Off
20 Yard N/A

N/A N/A
30 Yard N/A
40 Yard N/A
20 Yard N/A
Brush*
10 Yard N/A
145
Item I.

PAGE
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES; MONTHLY RATES A.1.1
RESIDENTIAL SERVICES; SPECIALS, EXTRAS, ON-CALL, MISC. A.1.2 COMMERCIAL TRASH RATES; 35 GALLON TO 2 CUBIC YARD A.2.1 COMMERCIAL TRASH RATES; 3 CUBIC YARD TO 6 CUBIC YARD A.2.2 COMMERCIAL RECYCLE RATES; 35 GALLON TO 2 CUBIC YARD A.3.1 COMMERCIAL RECYCLE RATES; 3 CUBIC YARD TO 6 CUBIC YARD A.3.2 COMMERCIAL SPECIALS, EXTRAS, ON-CALL, MISC. A.3.3-A.3.4 ROLLOFF SERVICES A.4.1
HANDY-HAULERS AND BULKY WASTE A.5.1

EXHIBIT A

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Rates Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
146
Item I.
$33.26
$50.96
$66.80
EXHIBIT A.1.1

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Monthly Rates For Residential Service in City of Sonora Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
One 35 gallon trash cart serviced weekly; One 95 gallon recycling cart serviced biweekly; One 65 gallon greenwaste cart serviced bi-weekly One 65 gallon trash cart serviced weekly; One 95 gallon recycling cart serviced biweekly; One 65 gallon greenwaste cart serviced bi-weekly One 95 gallon trash cart serviced weekly; One 95 gallon recycling cart serviced biweekly; One 65 gallon greenwaste cart serviced bi-weekly 147
Item I.

Rate Unit
$29.03 per Service
$29.03 per Service
$29.03 per Service
$14.52 per Service
$14.52 per Service
$14.52 per Service
$29.03 per Service
$29.03 per Service
$29.03 per Service
$58.07 per Service
$58.07 per Service
$58.07 per Service
$5.28 per Month
$5.28 per Month
$5.28 per Month
$3.96 per Month
$19.79 per Month
$19.79
per Month +
additional
$15/mile after 1st
mile (1-way)
$23.75 per Cart
$197.95 per Restart
$158.36 per Each
Greenwaste Cart
EXHIBIT A.1.2

RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
Monthly Rates For Residential Service in City of Sonora Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
Monthly Cart Rent for On–Call Services
Special Charges (On an unscheduled service day)
Trash Cart
Recycle Cart
Greenwaste Cart
Extra Charges (On a scheduled service Day)
Trash Cart
Recycle Cart
Greenwaste Cart
On-Call Charges (on an unscheduled service day for that route area) Trash Cart
Recycle Cart
Greenwaste Cart
On-Call Charges (on a scheduled service day for that route area) Trash Cart
Recycle Cart
Deposit to Restart Service after stopped for non-payment Lost Cart/destroyed Cart or Can
Each Additional Recycle Cart (must be kept for 6 months minimum) Each Additional Greenwaste Cart (must be kept for 6 months minimum) Walk-In / Backyard Service
Drive-In/Long Driveway Service (Calculated from where leaving Countymaintained road Cart Steam Cleaning
Cart equipped with Locking Lid
148
Item I.

Cart Size
Gals Cart Count 1 2 3 4 5 6
1 $49.47 $108.82 $180.55 $232.49 $284.42 $331.42
2 $103.88 $228.53 $379.15 $488.22 $597.29 $695.97
3 $163.23 $359.12 $595.81 $767.20 $938.60 $1,093.67
4 $217.65 $478.82 $794.41 $1,022.94 $1,251.47 $1,458.23 5 $262.16 $576.76 $956.90 $1,232.17 $1,507.45 $1,756.50 1 $65.94 $145.07 $240.68 $309.92 $379.15 $441.79
2 $138.47 $304.64 $505.43 $650.82 $796.22 $927.77
3 $217.60 $478.72 $794.24 $1,022.72 $1,251.20 $1,457.92 4 $290.13 $638.29 $1,058.99 $1,363.63 $1,668.27 $1,943.90 5 $349.48 $768.85 $1,275.60 $1,642.55 $2,009.51 $2,341.51 1 $77.71 $170.95 $283.63 $365.22 $446.81 $520.63
2 $163.18 $359.00 $595.61 $766.95 $938.29 $1,093.32
3 $256.43 $564.14 $935.96 $1,205.21 $1,474.46 $1,718.07 4 $341.90 $752.19 $1,247.95 $1,606.95 $1,965.95 $2,290.76 5 $411.84 $906.05 $1,503.21 $1,935.65 $2,368.08 $2,759.32 Container
Size, CY
Container
Count
1 2 3 4 5 6
1 CY 1 $167.03 $367.47 $609.67 $785.05 $960.43 $1,119.11 2 $302.79 $666.14 $1,105.18 $1,423.11 $1,741.04 $2,028.69 3 $551.20 $1,212.65 $2,011.90 $2,590.66 $3,169.42 $3,693.07 4 $734.94 $1,616.87 $2,682.53 $3,454.21 $4,225.90 $4,924.09 5 $885.27 $1,947.59 $3,231.23 $4,160.76 $5,090.29 $5,931.29 2 CY 1 $305.00 $671.00 $1,113.26 $1,433.51 $1,753.76 $2,043.51 2 $640.50 $1,409.11 $2,337.84 $3,010.37 $3,682.89 $4,291.37 3 $1,006.51 $2,214.31 $3,673.74 $4,730.57 $5,787.40 $6,743.58 4 $1,342.01 $2,952.41 $4,898.32 $6,307.43 $7,716.54 $8,991.45 EXHIBIT A.2.1

COMMERCIAL TRASH SERVICES
Trash Cart Pickups per week
Trash Container Pickups per week
Monthly Rates For Commercial Trash Service Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26 35 Gallon
Cart
65 Gallon
Cart
95 Gallon
Cart
149
Item I.
5 $1,616.51 $3,556.32 $5,900.25 $7,597.59 $9,294.92 $10,830.60 Container
Size, CY
Container
Count
1 2 3 4 5 6
3 CY 1 $442.87 $974.31 $1,616.47 $2,081.48 $2,546.49 $2,967.21 2 $930.02 $2,046.05 $3,394.58 $4,371.10 $5,347.63 $6,231.15 3 $1,461.46 $3,215.22 $5,334.34 $6,868.88 $8,403.41 $9,791.80 4 $1,948.62 $4,286.96 $7,112.45 $9,158.50 $11,204.55 $13,055.74 5 $2,347.20 $5,163.84 $8,567.27 $11,031.83 $13,496.39 $15,726.23 4 CY 1 $580.87 $1,277.91 $2,120.17 $2,730.08 $3,339.99 $3,891.82 2 $1,219.82 $2,683.61 $4,452.36 $5,733.17 $7,013.99 $8,172.82 3 $1,916.87 $4,217.11 $6,996.56 $9,009.27 $11,021.98 $12,843.01 4 $2,555.82 $5,622.81 $9,328.75 $12,012.36 $14,695.98 $17,124.01 5 $3,078.60 $6,772.93 $11,236.90 $14,469.44 $17,701.97 $20,626.65 5 CY 1 $691.55 $1,521.41 $2,524.16 $3,250.29 $3,976.41 $4,633.39 2 $1,452.26 $3,194.96 $5,300.73 $6,825.60 $8,350.47 $9,730.11 3 $2,282.12 $5,020.65 $8,329.72 $10,725.94 $13,122.16 $15,290.17 4 $3,042.82 $6,694.20 $11,106.29 $14,301.25 $17,496.22 $20,386.89 5 $3,665.22 $8,063.47 $13,378.03 $17,226.51 $21,074.99 $24,556.94 6 CY 1 $824.30 $1,813.46 $3,008.70 $3,874.21 $4,739.73 $5,522.81 2 $1,731.03 $3,808.27 $6,318.26 $8,135.84 $9,953.42 $11,597.90 3 $2,720.19 $5,984.42 $9,928.69 $12,784.89 $15,641.09 $18,225.27 4 $3,626.92 $7,979.22 $13,238.26 $17,046.52 $20,854.79 $24,300.36 5 $4,368.79 $9,611.34 $15,946.08 $20,533.31 $25,120.54 $29,270.89 EXHIBIT A.2.2
Trash Container Pickups per week

COMMERCIAL TRASH SERVICES
Monthly Rates For Commercial Trash Service Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26 150
Item I.

Cart Size
Gals Cart Count 1
1 $8.30
2 $16.60
3 $24.90
4 $33.20
5 $41.50
Container
Size, CY
Container
Count
1 2
1 CY 1 $59.74 $109.49
2 $119.48 $218.98
3 $179.22 $328.47
4 $238.96 $437.96
5 $298.70 $547.45
2 CY 1 $61.66 $113.33
2 $123.32 $226.66
3 $184.98 $339.99
4 $246.64 $453.32
5 $308.30 $566.65
EXHIBIT A.3.1

COMMERCIAL RECYCLE SERVICES
Recycle Cart Pickups per week
Recycle Container Pickups per week
Monthly Rates For Commercial Recycling Service Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
95 Gallon
Cart
151
Item I.

Container
Size, CY
Container
Count
1 2
3 CY 1 $77.50 $162.74
2 $155.00 $325.49
3 $232.49 $488.23
4 $309.99 $650.98
5 $387.49 $813.72
4 CY 1 $103.33 $216.99
2 $206.66 $433.99
3 $309.99 $650.98
4 $413.32 $867.97
5 $516.65 $1,084.97
5 CY 1 $131.43 $276.00
2 $262.86 $552.00
3 $394.28 $828.00
4 $525.71 $1,104.00
5 $657.14 $1,379.99
6 CY 1 $144.99 $304.48
2 $289.98 $608.96
3 $434.97 $913.44
4 $579.96 $1,217.92
5 $724.95 $1,522.40
EXHIBIT A.3.2

COMMERCIAL RECYCLE SERVICES
Recycle Container Pickups per week
Monthly Rates For Commercial Recycling Service Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
152
Item I.

Rate Unit
Special Charges (On an unscheduled service day)
Trash Cart $29.03 per Cart
Recycle Cart $29.03 per Cart
Trash Container
1 CY $33.27 per Service
2 CY $66.53 per Service
3CY $106.46 per Service
4 CY $144.72 per Service
5 CY $179.65 per Service
6 CY $216.24 per Service
Recycle Container
1 CY $19.35 per Service
2 CY $29.05 per Service
3CY $90.49 per Service
4 CY $123.01 per Service
5 CY $143.25 per Service
6 CY $183.81 per Service
Extra Charges (On a scheduled service Day)
Trash Cart $14.52 per Cart
Recycle Cart $14.52 per Cart
Trash Container
1 CY $21.95 per Service
2 CY $43.91 per Service
3CY $70.25 per Service
4 CY $95.50 per Service
5 CY $118.54 per Service
6 CY $142.69 per Service
Recycle Container
1 CY $12.77 per Service
2 CY $19.16 per Service
3CY $59.71 per Service
4 CY $81.17 per Service
5 CY $94.52 per Service
6 CY $121.29 per Service
On-Call Charges (on the scheduled service day for that route area) Trash Cart $29.03 per Service
Recycle Cart $29.03 per Service
Trash Container
1 CY $33.27 per Service
2 CY $66.53 per Service
3CY $106.46 per Service
4 CY $144.72 per Service
5 CY $179.65 per Service
6 CY $216.24 per Service
EXHIBIT A.3.3

COMMERCIAL SPECIALS, EXTRAS, ON-CALL, MISCELLANEOUS
Rates Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
153
Item I.

Rate Unit
Recycle Container
1 CY $19.35 per Service
2 CY $29.05 per Service
3CY $90.49 per Service
4 CY $123.01 per Service
5 CY $143.25 per Service
6 CY $183.81 per Service
Cart $19.79 per Month
$19.79 per Month + additional $15/mile
after 1st mile (1-way)
Monthly Rent for On–Call Accounts
Cart $5.28 per Month
Container $26.39 per Month
Locks and Lock Bars
Cart equipped with Locking Lid $3.96 per Month
Container unlocking service $10.56 per Month
Steam Clean
Cart $23.75 per Cart
All container sizes $85.78 per Container
EXHIBIT A.3.4
Deposit to Restart Service after stopped for nonpaymentComputed value of three (3) times monthly service rate
Walk-In Service
Drive-In/Long Driveway Service (Calculated from where
leaving County-maintained road

COMMERCIAL SPECIALS, EXTRAS, ON-CALL, MISCELLANEOUS
Rates Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
154
Item I.
10-CY Bin
Haul Charge
per Load
20-CY Bin Haul
Charge per
Load
30-CY Bin Haul
Charge per
Load
Transfer
Station Charge
per Ton
All Areas City of Sonora $613.64 $818.18 $1,029.33 $83.14 Rate Unit
$100.00 per Hour (time
spent)
10-20 CY Bins $130.00 per Month
30 CY Bins $150.00 per Month
Rate Unit
Unacceptable Materials Charges when found in Rolloff Loads; Appliances $49.49 per Each
Tires-Small $4.95 per Each
Tires-Small on Rim $9.90 per Each
Tires-Truck $15.84 per Each
Tires-Truck on Rim $19.79 per Each
Electronic Waste (E-Waste) $13.20 per Each
EXHIBIT A.4.1
Unacceptable Materials Charges
Rates Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26

ROLLOFF SERVICES
Roll Off Trip Charge and Monthly Rent
Trip Charge (Assessed whenever work scheduled is not accessible) Total Customer Charge is sum of Appropriate Haul Charge plus tons hauled multiplied by Transfer Station Charge per Ton
Monthly Rent (Assessed whenever a permanently placed bin is not serviced for 30 days) Rolloff rates include 14 days on customer's site, not including day of delivery or day of removal. Per-day rental charge after 14 days on customer's site is $12.00 per day. 155
Item I.

Trash
Green
Waste C&D

3.5 CY $110.85 $100.29 $121.41

5.0 CY $217.75 $204.55 $237.54
Rate Unit
$26.39 per Item
$49.49 per Each
$4.95 per Each
$9.90 per Each
$15.84 per Each
$19.79 per Each
$13.20 per Each
Tires-Small on Rim
Tires-Truck
Tires-Truck on Rim
Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Bulky Waste Cleanup
Special Materials Charges when setout with Bulky Waste Loads; Appliances
Tires-Small
Bulky Waste Charges

HANDY-HAULERS AND BULKY WASTE
Rates Effective 11/1/25 Through 10/31/26
Handy-Haulers
EXHIBIT A.5.1
Handy-Hauler rates include 7 days on customer's site, not including day of delivery or day of removal. Per-day rental charge after 7 days on customer's site is $12.00 per day. 156
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EXHIBIT B
List of City Facilities
Outdoor Solid Waste, Recycling, and Green Waste receptacles at the following locations:
• All of Washington Street
• Bowling Alley Parking Lot (Stewart/Lyons)
• Farmers Market Parking Lot (Stewart/Theall)
• Intersection of Stewart Street and Mehun Street
• Coffill Park
• Fire Museum
• Grigsby Park
• Rotary Park
• Prospector Park
• City Hall (behind building)
• Two Bus Stops on Stockton Street
Cart and Bins
• City Hall (94 N. Washington Street)
• Sonora Police Department (100 South Green Street)
• Sonora Fire Department (201 S. Shepherd Street)
• Sonora Public Works Department (111 School Street)
• Sonora Opera Hall (250 S. Washington Street)
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Item I.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP

RECOMMENDATION
Waive first reading, read by title only, and introduce Ordinance No. 909 clarifying Ordinance No. 905; repealing Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services; and repealing and replacing Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved) of the Sonora Municipal Code.

BACKGROUND
During the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Resolution 07- 21-2025-C, which adopted the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan. The Resolution’s recitals indicate that Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services, will replace Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code.

During the same City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 905. The recitals of Ordinance No. 905 state, “[T]he City Council wishes to adopt the updated Emergency Operations Plan by replacing 8.30 and adding Chapter 2.28 of the Sonora Municipal Code to reflect current standards, procedures, and organizational structures for emergency management.” The proposed text for Chapter 2.28 was included as Appendix 2 in the agenda packet for the City Council meeting on July 21, 2025.

DISCUSSION
The proposed Ordinance provides clarification about the changes that Ordinance No. 905 intended for the Sonora Municipal Code. First, the proposed Ordinance repeals Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code. Second, the proposed Ordinance repeals the current Chapter 2.28, Emergency DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Douglas L. White, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Waive First Reading, Read by Title Only, and Introduce an Ordinance of the Sonora City Council Clarifying Ordinance No. 905; Repealing Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services; and Repealing and Replacing Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved) of the Sonora Municipal Code
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Services (Reserved), and replaces the current Chapter 2.28 with a new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services. The proposed Ordinance also provides the language for the new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services.

FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the proposed Ordinance. Resolution 07-21-2025-C already adopted the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan, and the proposed Ordinance updates the Sonora Municipal Code to align with the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance No. 909

2. Resolution 07-21-2025-C

3. Ordinance No. 905

CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness.
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ORDINANCE NO. 909
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA CLARIFYING ORDINANCE NO. 905; REPEALING CHAPTER 8.30, EMERGENCY SERVICES; AND REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 2.28, EMERGENCY SERVICES (RESERVED), OF THE SONORA MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, during the City of Sonora (“City”) Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution 07-21-2025-C adopting the City’s updated 2025 Emergency Operations Plan; and
WHEREAS, during the City Council meeting on July 21, 2025, the City Council also adopted Ordinance No. 905; and
WHEREAS, the recitals for Ordinance No. 905 state, “[T]he City Council wishes to adopt the updated Emergency Operations Plan by replacing 8.30 and adding Chapter 2.28 of the Sonora Municipal Code to reflect current standards, procedures, and organizational structures for emergency management;” and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 905 does not explicitly state that Chapter 8.30 should be repealed; and
WHEREAS, this Ordinance repeals Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of the Sonora Municipal Code; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance No. 905 states that Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services, is “hereby added,” but Chapter 2.28 already exists in the Sonora Municipal Code; and WHEREAS, this Ordinance repeals the current Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved), and replaces the repealed chapter with the new Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services; and
WHEREAS, the text of the new Chapter 2.28 is not included in Ordinance No. 905; WHEREAS, this Ordinance provides the language for the new Chapter 2.28 that was not included in Ordinance No. 905.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY OF SONORA CITY COUNCIL DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 8.30, Emergency Services, of Title 8, Health and Safety, of the Sonora Municipal Code, shall be repealed in its entirety.
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SECTION2. Chapter 2.28, Emergency Services (Reserved), of Title 2, Administration and Personnel, of the Sonora Municipal Code shall be repealed in its entirety and replaced to read as follows:

Chapter 2.28 Emergency Services
Sections:

2.28.010 Purposes.

2.28.020 Definitions.

2.28.030 Disaster Council Membership.

2.28.040 Disaster Council Powers and Duties.

2.28.050 Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.060 Powers and Duties of the Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.070 Emergency Organization.

2.28.080 Compliance with the California Emergency Services Act.

2.28.090 Emergency Operations Plan.

2.28.100 Expenditures.

2.28.110 Violations; Penalty.

2.28.120 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.

2.28.010 Purposes.

The declared purposes of this section are to provide for the preparation and carrying out of plans for the protection of persons and property within the City in the event of any emergency; the direction and form of the City's emergency organization; and the coordination of the emergency functions of this City with all other public agencies, corporations, organizations, and affected private persons.

2.28.020 Definitions
As used in this section, the following terms shall mean:
a. COUNCIL – Shall means the City of Sonora City Council. b. EMERGENCY or LOCAL EMERGENCY – Shall mean the actual or threatened existence of conditions of disaster or of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property within this City caused by such conditions as air pollution, toxic release, fire, flood, storm, epidemic, riot, earthquake, cyberterrorism, or other conditions, including conditions resulting from war or imminent threat of war, but other than conditions resulting from a labor controversy, or other acts of civil unrest which are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of this City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to resolve.
c. DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES – Shall mean the City Administrator, and if 163
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unavailable or unable to respond, the Director of Emergency Services will be either the Police or Fire Chief. The Director of Emergency Services reports directly to the City Council and is over the Director of the Emergency Operations Center. d. ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES – At the discretion of the Director of Emergency Services, an Assistant Director of Emergency Services may be appointed. The employee shall be from the Fire Chief, or the Police Chief, or Administration Departments, or other City employees as determined suitable by the Director of Emergency Services. e. EMERGENCY SERVICES COORDINATOR – The Director of Emergency Services shall appoint an Emergency Services Coordinator to be responsible for the Emergency Operations Plan described in section 2.28.090.
f. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER – Shall mean the primary facility for directing and responding to situations of an emergency nature as described above or similar in nature, including communications and the allocations of personnel and equipment needed to respond to the situation.
g. EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER DIRECTOR – Shall mean the individual responsible for the City's coordinated operational efforts to respond to the emergency situation. The Director of the Emergency Operations Center is in charge of the functional response divisions and reports to the Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.030 Disaster Council Membership
The City of Sonora Disaster Council is hereby created and shall consist of the following:
a. The Director of Emergency Services, who shall be chair. b. The Assistant Director of Emergency Services, who shall be vice chair. c. The Emergency Services Coordinator.
d. Such chiefs of emergency services as are provided for in a current emergency plan of this jurisdiction, adopted pursuant to this ordinance.
e. Such representatives of civic, business, labor, veterans, professional, or other organizations having an official emergency responsibility, as may be appointed by the Director of Emergency Services with the advice and consent of the governing body.

2.28.040 Disaster Council Powers and Duties
It shall be the duty of the City of Sonora Disaster Council, and it is hereby empowered, to develop and recommend for adoption by the governing body, emergency and mutual aid plans and agreements and such ordinances and resolutions and rules and regulations as are necessary to implement such plans and agreements. The Disaster Council shall meet at least once per year, upon call of the chair or, upon call of the vice chair (in the absence of the chair). 164
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2.28.050 Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services.

The City Administrator shall be the Director of Emergency Services, and has the discretion, in periods of declared disasters, to create and staff the position of Assistant Director of Emergency Services. The Director of Emergency Services may also, at the discretion of the City Council, staff the position of Assistant Director in non-emergency periods to continue to assist the City in emergency preparedness, as well as the recovery and reconstruction efforts following an emergency.

2.28.060 Powers and Duties of the Director and Assistant Director of Emergency Services. a. The Director of Emergency Services is hereby empowered to:

1. Request, within ten (10) days after the actual occurrence of a disaster if assistance will be requested, that the City Council proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency, if the City Council is in session, or to issue such proclamation if the City Council is not in session. Whenever a local emergency is proclaimed by the Director of Emergency Services, the City Council shall take action to ratify the proclamation within seven (7) days thereafter or the proclamation shall have no further force or effect. The City Council shall take action to review the need to continue the proclamation at least once every sixty (60) days until terminated.

2. Request that the Governor proclaim a state of emergency when, in the opinion of the Director of Emergency Services, the locally available resources are inadequate to cope with the emergency situation.

3. Supervise and direct the City emergency organization and efforts to respond to the emergency situation, as provided for in this chapter and the City's Emergency Operations Plan.

4. Supervise and direct the cooperation between the coordination of services, resources and staff of the City's emergency organization; and resolve questions of authority and responsibility that may arise between them.

5. Represent the City in all dealings with public or private agencies on matters pertaining to the City's preparedness planning, response, and recovery from an emergency. b. In the event of a proclamation of a local emergency as provided in this chapter, the proclamation of a state of emergency by the Governor or the Director of the State Office of Emergency Services, or the existence of a state of war emergency, the Director of Emergency Services is hereby empowered to:
a. Appoint the Director of Emergency Operations Center, based on available personnel and the nature of the declared emergency;
b. Make and issue rules and regulations on matters related to the protection of life and property as affected by the emergency, or other actions that would assist in the City's 165
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response to the situation. These actions must be approved by the City Council at the earliest practicable time, but no later than thirty (30) days, or the actions will be considered invalid;
c. Procure vital supplies, equipment and other materials and property deemed necessary for the protection of life and property; to bind the City for the fair value of such materials, and if required, commandeer those materials for public use; d. Require the emergency services of any City officer or employee and, in the event of a proclamation of a state of emergency in Tuolumne County, or the existence of a state of war emergency, to command the aid of as many citizens of this community as deemed necessary in directing the City response efforts. Such persons shall be entitled to all privileges, benefits, and immunities as are provided by State law for registered disaster service workers;
e. Requisition of any necessary personnel, equipment, or resources from any City department or agency as deemed necessary and appropriate for the direction of the City's response efforts; and
f. Direct and implement actions as requested by the City Council, whose superseding authority remains in effect.
c. The Director of Emergency Services shall designate the order of succession to that office, to take effect in the event the Director of Emergency Services is unavailable to perform the duties of that office in the event of an emergency. The order of succession shall be approved by the City Council.
d. The Assistant Director of Emergency Services shall, if the position is staffed in periods where there is no emergency proclamation in effect, under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services and with the assistance of emergency personnel, develop emergency plans and manage the emergency programs of this City; and shall have such other powers and duties as may be assigned by the Director of Emergency Services.

2.28.070 Emergency Organization.

All officers and employees of this City, together with those volunteers enrolled to aid them during an emergency, and all groups, organizations, and persons who may by agreement or operation of law, including persons impressed into service under the provisions of this section, charged with duties incident to the protection of life and property in this City during such emergency, shall constitute the emergency organization of the City of Sonora.

2.28.080 Compliance with the California Emergency Services Act.

This City of Sonora Disaster Council shall comply with the California Emergency Services Act.

2.28.090 Emergency Operations Plan.
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The City of Sonora Emergency Services Coordinator shall be responsible for the development of the Emergency Plan, which plan shall provide for the effective mobilization of all of the resources of this jurisdiction, both public and private, to meet any condition constituting a local emergency, state of emergency, or state of war emergency; and shall provide for the organization, powers and duties, services, and staff of the emergency organization. Such a plan shall take effect upon adoption by resolution of the governing body.

2.28.100 Expenditures.

Any expenditures made in connection with emergency activities, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City.

2.28.110 Violations; Penalty.

It shall be a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment not to exceed six (6) months, or both, for any person, during an emergency, to:
a. Willfully obstruct, hinder, or delay any member of the emergency organization in the enforcement of any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, or in the performance of any duty imposed upon him by virtue of this chapter. b. Do any act forbidden by any lawful rule or regulation issued pursuant to this chapter, if such act is of such a nature as to give or be likely to give assistance to the enemy or imperil the lives or property of inhabitants of this city, or to prevent, hinder, or delay the defense or protection thereof.
c. Wear, carry, or display, without authority, any means of identification specified by the emergency agency of the State.

2.28.120 Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances.

It is the intent of the City Council in enacting this chapter that it shall be considered a revision and continuation of the chapter repealed by this chapter, and the status of volunteers shall not be affected by such repeal; nor shall plans and agreements, rules and regulations, or resolutions adopted pursuant to such repealed chapter be affected by such repeal until amended, modified or superseded as provided in this chapter.

SECTION 3. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this Ordinance is, for any reason, held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct, and independent provision, and such holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.
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SECTION 4. PUBLICATION AND EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage and adoption, provided it is published in a newspaper of general circulation at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage or a summary of the Ordinance is published in a newspaper of general circulation at leastfive (5) days priorto adoption and again at least within fifteen (15) days after its passage. 168
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SECTION 5. CERTIFICATION OF COUNCIL ADOPTION AND APPROVAL. This Ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council held on October 20, 2025, and passed and adopted as Ordinance No. 909 at a regular meeting of the City Council held on November XX, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:
_

ABSENT OR
ABSTAIN:
_
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:

Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
Approved as to Form:

Douglas L. White, City Attorney
Publish: The Union Democrat, Sonora
, 2025
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP DATE: October 20, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Tyler Summersett, Community Development Director
SUBJECT: Consider Adoption of the 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element of the City’s General Plan, Including Adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Consider Adoption of Resolution No. 10-20-2025-C - Amending the City’s General Plan to Approve the 2024-2029 Housing Element, Including Adoption of an Initial Study/Negative Declaration in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, which Includes the Following Actions:
a. Adoption of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the Appropriate Level of Environmental Review in Accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; b. Adoption of Findings of Fact for Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as Presented in the Staff Report; and,
c. Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as Included in the Agenda Materials.

BACKGROUND:

State law requires housing elements to be updated at least every five years (unless otherwise extended by State law) to reflect a community’s changing housing needs. A critical measure of compliance with the State Housing Element Law is the ability of a jurisdiction to accommodate its “fair share” of the regional housing needs as established in the Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP). The term “fair share” refers to the fair and equitable distribution of growth between cities and unincorporated areas as well as the fair and equitable diversity of different income groups within a community.

As part of the review process, the City of Sonora conducted a public open house regarding the housing element update, to gather input from the community and present the updated element. The City made a concerted effort to outreach the special-needs populations in the City throughout the housing element update process. In addition to noticing the Housing Element Update open house via the City’s website, City staff invited the following community organizations to attend the outreach event: Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (Fair Housing Information Provider), Area 12 Agency on Aging, Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living, Mother Lode Job Training Center, Sonora Chamber of Commerce, Tuolumne County Blue Zones Project, Tuolumne County Business Council, Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce, Tuolumne County Commission of 174
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP Aging, Tuolumne County Department of Public Health, Tuolumne County Transportation Council, and Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau.

The 2024 – 2029 Housing Element provides for the identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and articulates the City’s official policies for the preservation, conservation, improvement, and production of housing within the City of Sonora.

The Planning Commission considered the 2024-2029 Housing Element at its August 25, 2025, Planning Commission meeting. After receiving a presentation of the plan from Michael Baker Inc and CSG consultants, who prepared the plan and receiving public comment, the Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council adopt the Final Draft 2024-2029, City of Sonora Housing Element as presented (Attachment 2 – Final Draft 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element).

The Final Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element has been reviewed by the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) as being compliant with State Housing Element law contingent upon implementation of Program 3.1 – Ensure adequate sites to meet the RHNA are provided throughout the 7th RHNA cycle. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone is an HCD requirement for HCD Certification of the City’s 2024-2029 Housing Element (See HCD’s June 9, 2025, correspondence in Attachment 3). HCD Certification is necessary to ensure compliance with Housing Element law (Article 10.6) of the Government Code and qualifies the City to apply for and receive state funding (e.g. REAP, CalHome, CDBG, etc).

Staff had originally anticipated bringing Program 3.1 forward at the same time as the Housing Element itself, since they are related. However, the ordinance associated with this item was not properly agendized when it went to Planning Commission. As a result, the ordinance will be re-visited by Planning Commission (which did not recommend it to City Council after initial hearing) prior to returning to City Council for consideration.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

As noted in the Planning Commission Staff Report, except for Program 3.1 (page 3-148), HCD’s comments are minor editorial changes that do not materially affect the draft Housing Element nor commit the City to a program, policy or objective that was not already initially proposed. Many of the programs require the City to update its zoning code to be consistent with State law. Program 3.1 requires the City to rezone the Lemke Property by June 30, 2025, to permit a by-right (i.e. without discretionary review and CEQA) use for development 175
Item B.

CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

C I T Y H A L L
CITY OF SONORA 94 N. WASHINGTON STREET, SONORA, CA 95370 P: (209) 532-4541

SERVICE, INNOVATION, INTEGRITY, COLLABORATION, RESPECT, LEADERSHIP in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households. Program 3.1 complies with Government Code Section 65583.2 et. seq.

It should be noted that the City is not rezoning to meet the RHNA and no rezoning to residential use is necessary.

However, as noted in Housing Element Program 3.1 and consistent with HCD’s correspondence dated June 9, 2025, the 5th and 6th Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) candidate site(s) (Lemke) are to be rezoned to accommodate by-right housing pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2 (c). Specifically, Program 3.1 requires the City to amend the City’s Municipal Code by adding Chapter 17.21 entitled Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone (RHNAOZ) to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone (RHNAOZ) applies solely to the Lemke Property (APN: 044-430-055). The rezone to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone does not authorize land uses not otherwise permitted currently in the R3 Zone, it merely provides full disclosure via zoning that a bi-right process is afforded a developer should 20 percent of the units be reserved for lower income households (50 to 80 AMI)($81,300 for a family of four). Accordingly, the Lemke Property will remain in the R3 Zone with an RHNA Overlay Zone.

FISCAL IMPACT:

Preparation of the 2024-2029 Housing Element was completed under contract with Michael Baker International in consultation with CSG Consultants. The document was prepared at the same time as the Safety Element and includes an environmental document for both projects as well as a Hazard Mitigation Plan for the City. This project is included within existing budgets and does not require any additional funding. State funding was also received to complete these projects and helped to offset the overall cost of delivering the Housing Element and the aforementioned additional plans.

EXHIBITS AND ATTACHMENTS:

Exhibit A – Planning Commission Staff Report dated August 25, 2025, with the following Attachments:

Attachment 1 – Resolution No. 10-20-2025-C – Adopting the 2024-2029 Housing Element Attachment 2 – Final Draft 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element Attachment 3 – HCD Correspondence dated June 9, 2025
Attachment 4 – Initial Study and Negative Declaration
Attachment 5 – Comments on Initial Study and Negative Declaration Attachment 6 – Response to Comments
CORE COUNCIL PRIORITIES:

Public Safety and Disaster Preparedness, Economic Development/Growth and General Plan 176
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2024-2029 Housing Element Update
Community Development Department

PLANNING COMMISSION
Staff Report
MEETING DATE: August 25, 2025 GENERAL
PLAN:

City-Wide
TO: Planning
Commissioners
ZONING: City-Wide
APPLICANT/ OWNER: City of Sonora
PROJECT: 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element Update

PROJECT
DESCRIPTION:

Planning Commission recommendation to the City Council of a General Plan Amendment adopting the 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element.

RECOMMENDATION:

The Planning Commission recommends that the City Council take the following actions:

1. Adopt Resolution No. 08-25-2025 A - Amending the City’s General Plan Adopting the 2024-2029 Housing Element, which includes the following actions (Attachment 1):
a. Adoption of the Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the appropriate level of environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; b. Adoption of Findings of Fact for approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as presented in the Staff Report; and,
c. Approval of the 2024-2029 Housing Element as presented in the Staff Report.

2. Introduce by Title Only and Waive full reading of Ordinance No. 908 Rezoning the Lemke Property to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone District and adding Chapter 17.21 Entitled Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay (RHNAO) Zone District to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code (Attachment 4).

BACKGROUND:

The term “fair share” refers to the fair and equitable distribution of growth between cities and 177
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unincorporated areas as well as the fair and equitable diversity of different income groups within a community.

Public participation in the preparation of the Housing Element is required pursuant to Government Code Section 65588(c). This Housing Element was developed through the combined efforts of City staff, the City’s Planning Commission, and the City Council.

The Housing Element also outlines the official City response to addressing the community’s housing needs in relation to availability, adequacy, and affordability. The Housing Element is a five-year plan for the 2024-2029 planning period, which differs from other General Plan elements that are intended to govern the long-term development of the City. The Housing Element serves as an integrated part of the General Plan but is updated more frequently to ensure their relevancy and accuracy. Government Code Section 65583 requires a jurisdiction’s Housing Element including the following components:
• A review of the previous Element’s goals, policies, objectives, and programs to ascertain the effectiveness of each of these components, as well as the overall effectiveness of the Housing Element;
• An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints related to meeting these needs;
• A statement of goals, policies, and quantified objectives related to the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing; and
• A policy program that provides a schedule of actions that the City is undertaking or intends to undertake in implementing the policies set forth in the Housing Element.

The 2024-2029 Housing Element has been prepared in compliance with the State of California Government Code Section 65302 et. seq. and in conformance with the Housing Element Guidelines as established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This Housing 178
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Element sets forth the City’s overall housing objectives in the form of goals, policies, and programs and is the only General Plan Element that requires review and certification by HCD.

The California Government Code requires internal consistency among the various elements of a General Plan. Section 65300.5 of the Government Code states that the General Plan’s various elements shall provide an integrated and internally consistent and compatible statement of policy.

City staff have reviewed the other elements of the General Plan and have determined that this Housing Element provides consistency with the other elements of the General Plan. The City will maintain this consistency as future General Plan amendments are processed by evaluating proposed amendments for consistency with all elements of the General Plan.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

The attached Final Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element is an amendment to the former 2018-2024 Housing Element and adoption of the 2024-2029 Housing Element (Attachment 2 – 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element). Overall, most of the changes in Section 3.2 include updated data provided by HCD.

In general, the Planning Commission should focus most of its attention on the Housing Plan Section 3.6 since this section provides the programs and actions the City will need to implement through the 2024- 2029 planning period. The following is a summary of each section in the Final Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element:

Section 3.1 – The section provides information on the purpose of the Housing Element, State requirements, and a summary of the process. Section 3.1 includes an analysis of how the Housing Element is consistent with the other elements of the City’s General Plan.

Section 3.2 – This section analyzes the demographic, household, employment and housing stock statistics and trends of Sonora. It forms the basis for the City’s housing goals, policies, and programs as it identifies housing issues, needs and opportunities as required by State law. Specifically, the information presented summarizes population, demographic and employment trends, household characteristics, housing overpayment analysis, housing stock characteristics, affordable and assisted housing, special housing needs, analysis of opportunities for energy conservation, and projected housing need, including the City’s share of regional housing needs, progress toward Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and documenting affordability based upon rents, sales prices, and other mechanism that ensure affordability.

Section 3.3 – This section provides an analysis of the resources and constraints that impacts the ability to meet the City’s identified housing needs. One of the most critical sections is the availability of land suitable to meet future housing needs. This analysis concludes that there is sufficient land zoned for residential purposes that also has access to key infrastructures services. The development of these properties will provide adequate opportunities for the City to achieve its RHNA numbers.

Section 3.4 – This section evaluates various factors that may constrain residential development in Sonora. Land costs, construction costs, and market financing can potentially hinder production of new residential projects. Residential development constraints have been identified and categorized as either government constraints, non-governmental constraints, or environmental constraints. 179
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Section 3.5 – This section contains an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with Assembly Bill (AB) 686, requiring an analysis of barriers that restrict opportunity access and a commitment to specific meaningful actions that counter discrimination and overcome patterns of segregation. The analysis includes a summary of fair housing issues, an assessment of fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity, an analysis of segregation patterns, and disparities in access to opportunities, and an identification of fair housing goals and actions.

Section 3.6 – This section includes the policies and programs for meeting the City’s future housing needs. The section begins with an evaluation of the City’s achievements reached during the City’s 2019- 2024 Housing Element planning period. These include a list of specific actions, based on adopted housing policies, programs and objectives, the City implemented since 2019. As noted previously, the Planning Commission should focus most of its attention on this chapter (Section 3.6) since this includes commitments the City will need to work towards during the next five (5) years. Most of these programs are similar to those found in the previous 2019-2024 Housing Element and reflect State law.

DISCUSSION / ANALYSIS:

The Community Development Department received comments from HCD on the draft 2024-2029 Housing Element. The Community Development Department provided the requested revisions to HCD in response to the comments. Based upon the City’s responses, HCD determined the City of Sonora’s 2024-2029 Housing Element met the statutory requirements of State housing element law subject to final adoption by the City (Attachment 3 – HCD Correspondence dated June 9, 2025). Accordingly, the Final Draft of the 2024-2029 Housing Element constitutes the State Certified Housing Element in accordance with housing element law (Article 10.6 of the Government Code).

Review by HCD included twenty-two (22) specific recommendations. Each of the twenty-two (22) recommended edits are identified in the Final Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element and are summarized in the following table on Page 6. The table includes section/topic edited, corresponding page number and comment provided.

Except for Program 3.1 (page 3-148), HCD’s comments are minor editorial changes that do not materially affect the draft Housing Element nor commit the City to a program, policy or objective that was not already initially proposed. Program 3.1 requires the City to rezone the Lemke Property by June 30, 2025, to permit a by-right (i.e. without discretionary review and CEQA) use for development in which at least 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households. Program 3.1 complies with Government Code Section 65583.2 et. seq. That is, the City is required to rezone the Lemke to allow a ministerial permit process, subject to City objective design standards, that allows an applicant to process improvement plans/building plans administratively provided 20 percent of the units are affordable to lower income households.

It should be noted, that the City is not rezoning to meet the RHNA and no rezoning to residential use is necessary. However, as noted in Housing Element Program 3.1 and consistent with HCD’s correspondence dated June 9, 2025, the 5th and 6th Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) candidate site(s) (Lemke) are to be rezoned to accommodate by-right housing pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2 (c). Specifically, Program 3,1 requires the City to amend the City’s Municipal Code by adding Chapter 17.21 entitled Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone District (RHNAOZD) to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment 180
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2024-2029 Housing Element Update
Overlay Zone District (RHNAOZD) applies solely to the Lemke Property (APN: 044-430-055). The rezone to the RHNAOZD does not authorize land uses not otherwise permitted currently, it merely provides full disclosure via zoning that a bi-right process is afforded a developer should 20 percent of the units be reserved for lower income households (50 to 80 AMI)($81,300 for a family of four). Accordingly, the Lemke Property is to be rezoned to the R3 with an RHNAOZD Overlay Zone (Attachment 4 – Ordinance No. 908 Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone).

The Lemke site (APN: 044-430-055) is 9.19 acres
of a vacant, 11.05 acre parcel in the R3 zone. The
R3 zone has a maximum density of 21.75 du/acre,
making the zone suitable for lower-income housing.

The realistic capacity of the site is 106 lowerincome units. This projection is based on taking the developable portion of the site (9.19) at the average
density of multi-family developments in the City
(11.6 du/acre), which is slightly lower than the 13.8
du/acre of the recent projects. Based upon recent
projects and average densities in the City, 11.6 is a
realistic density for the site.

Though the parcel is larger than 10 acres, only 9.19
acres of the parcel are identified as the RHNA site
for housing. Based on the site constraints and the topography of the area, the portion of this parcel that falls within the range of 0-15% slope and would be developable is 9.19 acres. The rest of the parcel has a slope greater than 15%. Thus, the RHNA site is effectively less than 10 acres and is appropriate for lower-income housing.

The R3 zone allows densities up to 21.75 du/acre. The state identified default density for the City of Sonora is at least 15 du/acre thus, the site meets the density standards for lower- income housing.

Program 3.1 – Update No Net Loss Inventory as necessary to maintain adequate RHNA sites. Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2, the City commits to amending the zoning ordinance to require by-right approval of any “reuse” 5th and 6th Cycle sites being used to meet the 7th Cycle RHNA at appropriate densities to accommodate lower-income households, if 20 percent of the units in the development are affordable to lower income households by June 30, 2025.

To comply with Government Code Section 65583.2, the City is establishing by Ordinance the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone District (RHNAOZD) covering those 5th and 6th cycle reused sites to allow development by-right when 20% or more of the residential units are affordable to lower income households
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2024-2029 Housing Element Update
No. Section/Topic Page# Comment

1. 3.25/Affordable and Assisted
Housing
3-21 Kelso Court has been added to Table 3-19 Inventory of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing with further description provided.

2. 3.25/Affordable and Assisted
Housing
3-22 Housing Preservation Options and discussion of Replacement Costs along with Table 3-20 have been added.

3. 3.2.6/Special Housing Needs
Assessment Analysis
3-24 Table 3-21 Inventory of Services for Special Needs Populations and discussion of Special Population Needs is discussed.

4. 3.2.6 3-25
Extremely low-income households is defined and discussed. Table 3-22 has been added illustrating Extremely Low-Income Overcrowding Trends.

5. 3.2.6 3-34 Table 3-24 a and b has been added with discussion of Farmworkers and housing needs in Tuolumne County.

6. 3.2.7 3-36 Discussion of AB 2634 has been added for extremely low-income households.

7. 3.2.8/Public Participation 3.39
Discussion of additional stakeholder engagement has been provided outlining the additional public engagement that was provided by the City.

8. 3.3.1/Site Inventory Analysis and
Zoning 3-42
Discussion has been added regarding the HCD June 9, 2025 letter regarding rezoning of the Lemke Property.

9. 3.3.1/Residential Land Inventory
3-46
Further discussion of environmental status has been provided noting that there are no environmental clean up sites that precludes housing.

10. 3.4/Constraints 3-54
Further discussion regarding updating the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance is provided in accordance with Program 2.4.

11. 3.4/Emergency Shelters 3-57 Further discussion of Emergency Shelters and Program 5.3 is provided consistent with State law.

12. 3.4/Development Permit
Procedures 3-61
Further discussion of the City’s Development Permit Procedures has been provided with specific examples to ensure that the City is processing applications timely.

13. 3.4/Site Improvements,
Development Fees, and
Exactions
3-63 A discussion of on and off-site improvements has been provided to illustrate that the City’s improvements standards hinder development.

14. 3.4/Reasonable Accommodation
Procedures 3-67 A discussion of the City’s Disabled Access Appeals Board has been provided to ensure compliance with Americans with Disability Act and Program 7.2

15. 3.4.2/Non-Governmental
Constraints 3-69
Further analysis of Building Valuation Data has been provided to illustrate that construction costs in the Sonora community are not a deterrent to housing construction.

16. 3.5/Public Outreach 3-75
Discussion of additional public outreach has been provided to further illustrate the public engagement provided by the City.

17. 3.5.2/Persons with Disabilities
3-93
Discussion of accessible improvements have been provided to show an increase in safety and mobility for nonmotorized users in the City.

18. 3.5.2/Disproportionate Housing
Needs 3-110
Further discussion of substandard housing has been provided together with Program 2.1 to pursue grant funding for New Housing Production and Housing Rehabilitation.

19. 3.5.2/Substandard Housing 3-116 Further analysis of homelessness in the City is discussed.

20. 3.5.2/Displacement 3-120 Further discussion/analysis of the City’s Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFSA) is provided noting that the VHFSA is not a constraint to the development of housing.

21. Table 3-42 AFFH Actions Matrix 3-122 Fair Housing Issues, Contributing Factors, and Meaningful Action table has been updated.

22. 3.6.2/Housing Programs 3-
148/155
Programs have been updated reflecting State law and HCD’s Comments. 182
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PUBLIC OUTREACH:

Public participation in preparation of the Housing Element is required under Government Code Section 65588(c). This Housing Element was developed through the combined efforts of City staff, the City’s Planning Commission, and the City Council. The City conducted an online community survey between May 3, 2023, and May 23, 2023, garnering input from 521 respondents. The full discussion of Public Participation can be found on pages 3-37 through 3-40.

CEQA DETERMINATION:

An Initial Study and Negative Declaration (IS/ND) was prepared for the 2024-2029 Housing Element Project. Based upon the Initial Study, the City determined that preparation of an EIR to address the potential environmental impacts associated with the project consistent with CEQA Guidelines Section 15161 and 15168 was not required. The Initial Study evaluated several potential environmental effects of the proposed project. These resource categories were determined to be less than significant or have no impact based upon site and project specific impacts, including Aesthetics, Air Quality, Biological Resources, Geology/Soils, Hydrology/Water Quality, Noise, Recreation, Utilities/Service Systems, Agriculture and Forestry Resources, Cultural Resources, Land Use/Planning, Population/Housing, Wildfire, Energy, Mineral Resources, Public Services, Tribal Cultural Resources and Vehicle Miles Traveled.

Based upon the Initial Study and proposed Negative Declaration prepared for the 2024-2029 Housing Element and incorporated by reference herein, there are no substantial changes proposed by the Project or under the circumstances in which the RHNAOZD would be undertaken that would require major revisions to the City of Sonora Housing Element Initial Study or General Plan EIR.

It should be noted that rezoning of the Lemke property consistent with Housing Element Update is exempt from CEQA.

PUBLIC AND AGENCY COMMENTS:

Public Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration and Notice of Public Hearing for the project as prepared and posted pursuant to the CEQA Guidelines and State law. The Negative Declaration was circulated through the Office of Planning & Research for a 30-day public review period commencing on period from July 11, 2025, through close of business on August 11, 2025 (Attachment 5 – Initial Study/Negative Declaration).

Comment letters on the project at in Attachment 6 – Comments on Initial Study/Negative Declaration.

FINDINGS:

1. The City’s existing Housing Element was adopted in 2019 and runs through 2024. State law requires the City to update the Housing Element for a five-year planning period.

2. On June 9, 2025, the City received comments on the draft element from the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

3. The Community Development Department modified the draft element and provided revisions to the State Department of Housing and Community Development in response to HCD’s comments. 183
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4. On June 9, 2025, the State Department of Housing and Community Development determined the City of Sonora’s 2024-2029 Housing Element met the statutory requirements of State housing element law subject to rezoning and final adoption by the City.

5. The Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the draft Housing Element on August 25, 2025, and recommended the City Council adopt the Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

6. On ________, the City Council conducted a public hearing on the draft Housing Element and associated General Plan Amendment and directed staff to submit the draft element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

7. On ________, the Community Development Department submitted the Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.

8. The City has determined, based upon the Initial Study and Negative Declaration, that the Housing Element will not result in the need to change any land use designations in the City, or create new policies, programs or objectives that may result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment that the project will not have a significant impact in the environment.

9. The final 2024-2029 Housing Element was prepared in compliance with California Government Code Section 65580 et. seq. and is consistent with the City’s General Plan as outlined in Chapter 3.1 of the 2024-2029 Housing Element.

Attachments:

1. Resolution No. 08-25-2025 A - Adopting the 2024-2029 Housing Element

2. Final Draft 2024-2029 City of Sonora Housing Element

3. HCD Correspondence dated June 9, 2025

4. Ordinance No. 908 Rezoning the Lemke Property to the Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay (RHNAO) and adding Chapter 17.21 Entitled (RHNAO) Zone District to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code

5. Initial Study and Negative Declaration

6. Comments on Initial Study/Negative Declaration
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Resolution 10-20-2025-C

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SONORA
ADOPTING THE 2024-2029 CITY OF SONORA HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE CITY’S GENERAL

PLAN AND AN INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE

CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT
WHEREAS, the City’s 2019-2024 Housing Element was adopted in 2019, and State housing law requires the City to update the Housing Element every 5 years; and, WHEREAS, on February 22, 2024, the City Council convened a Housing Element Update Open House meeting to introduce the public to the Housing Element update process and to initiate the public outreach process to assist in the identification of housing issues in the City; and WHEREAS, in 2024, the City conducted additional stakeholder meetings. The additional engagement included a number of targeted stakeholder interviews focusing on lower-income households, special needs housing, and service providers; and
WHEREAS, The City of Sonora Community Development Department submitted the draft 2024- 2029 Housing Element to the State Department of Housing and Community Development for its 60-day review; and
WHEREAS, The City received comments on the draft element from the State Department of Housing and Community Development; and
WHEREAS, the City revised the draft element, made the document available for public review and provided the modified Housing Element to HCD responding to their comments; and WHEREAS, on June 9, 2025, the State Department of Housing and Community Development determined the City of Sonora’s 2024-2029 Housing Element met the statutory requirements of State housing element law subject to rezoning and final adoption by the City; and WHEREAS, the City has determined, based upon the Initial Study/Negative Declaration prepared for the 2024-2029 Housing Element that the Housing Element will not result in the need to change any land use designations in the City, or create new policies, programs or objectives that may result in a direct or indirect physical change in the environment, and that the Initial Study and Negative Declaration is the appropriate level of environmental review in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, on August 25,2025, the Planning Commission conducted a public hearing on the final Housing Element, and by a 5-0 vote, recommended the City Council adopt the Initial Study and Negative Declaration as the appropriate level of environmentalreview and adopt the Final Draft 2024-2029 Housing Element; and,
WHEREAS, on October 20, 2025, the City Council conducted a public hearing on the final 2024- 2029, Housing Element; and
185
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Resolution 10-20-2025-C
WHEREAS, the final 2024-2029 Housing Element was prepared in compliance with California Government Code Section 65580 et. seq., and is consistent with the City’s General Plan; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE SONORA CITY COUNCIL HEREBY ADOPTS the 2024-2029 Housing Element attached herewith and incorporated by reference.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED as a Resolution by the Sonora City Council at a meeting held by the City Council on the 20th day of October, 2025 by the following vote:

AYES: ________________________________________________
NOES: ________________________________________________
ABSENT: _______________________________________________ ABSTAINING: ___________________________________________ Dated: _________________
________________________________
Ann Segerstrom, Mayor, City of Sonora
ATTEST:_______________________________
Tracy Skelly, City Clerk, City of Sonora
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City of Sonora
2024-2029 Housing Element
Adopted by City Council: Draft
City of Sonora
Community Development Department
94 N. Washington
Sonora, CA 95370
www.sonoraca.com
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Table of Contents

3.1 Introduction .......................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.1 Purpose and Content of Housing Element................................................................................3-1

3.1.2 State Requirements..................................................................................................................3-1

3.1.3 General Plan Consistency..........................................................................................................3-1

3.2 Needs Assessment ..............................................................................................................3-2

3.2.1 Population Characteristics........................................................................................................3-2

3.2.2 Household Characteristics........................................................................................................3-8

3.2.3 Overpayment..........................................................................................................................3-11

3.2.4 Housing Stock Characteristics.................................................................................................3-14

3.2.5 Affordable and Assisted Housing............................................................................................3-18

3.2.6 Special Housing Needs Assessment Analysis..........................................................................3-20

3.2.7 Regional Housing Needs.........................................................................................................3-28

3.2.8 Energy Conservation and Public Participation Requirements................................................3-29

3.3 Site Inventory Analysis and Zoning ....................................................................................3-33

3.3.1 Residential Land Inventory .....................................................................................................3-33

3.3.2 Non-Vacant Site Analysis........................................................................................................3-38

3.3.3 Financial Resources for Housing .............................................................................................3-38

3.4 Constraints.......................................................................................................................3-40

3.4.1 Governmental Constraints......................................................................................................3-40

3.4.2 Non-Governmental Constraints..............................................................................................3-54

3.4.3 Environmental Constraints.....................................................................................................3-55

3.5 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ................................................................................3-58

3.5.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................3-58

3.5.2 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment.................................................................3-62 188
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3.5.3 Conclusion.............................................................................................................................3-100

3.6 Housing Plan...................................................................................................................3-109

3.6.1 Housing Goals and Policies...................................................................................................3-109

3.6.2 Housing Programs.................................................................................................................3-113

3.6.3 Quantified Objectives...........................................................................................................3-123 Appendix A: Public Participation
Appendix B: Housing Accomplishments – Evaluation of 2014 Housing Element Appendix C: Map of Sites
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3.1 INTRODUCTION
The 2024 - 2029 Housing Element provides for the identification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs and articulatesthe City’s official policiesfor the preservation, conservation, improvement, and production of housing within the City of Sonora. The Housing Element has been prepared in compliance with the State of California Government Code Section 65302 and in conformance with the Housing Element Guidelines as established by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This Housing Element sets forth the City’s overall housing objectives in the form of goals, policies, and programs and is the only General Plan Element that requires review and certification by the State of California.

3.1.1 Purpose and Content of Housing Element
The Housing Element describes and analyzes the housing needs of Sonora residents and the issues confronted by the City. This Housing Element also outlines the official City response to addressing the community's housing needs in relation to availability, adequacy, and affordability. The Housing Element is a five-year plan for the 2024 - 2029 period, which differs from other General Plan elements that are intended to govern the long-term development of the City. The Housing Element serves as an integrated part of the General Plan, but is updated more frequently to ensure its relevancy and accuracy.

California Government Code Section 65583 requires a jurisdiction’s Housing Element include the following components:
• A review of the previous Element’s goals, policies, objectives, and programs to ascertain the effectiveness of each of these components, as well as the overall effectiveness of the Housing Element; • An assessment of housing needs and an inventory of resources and constraints related to meeting these needs;
• A statement of goals, policies, and quantified objectives related to the maintenance, preservation, improvement, and development of housing; and
• A policy program that provides a schedule of actions that the City is undertaking or intends to undertake in implementing the policies set forth in the Housing Element.

3.1.2 State Requirements
State law requires housing elements to be updated at least every five years (unless otherwise extended by State law) to reflect a community's changing housing needs. A critical measure of compliance with the State Housing Element Law is the ability of a jurisdiction to accommodate its "fair share" of the regional housing needs as established in the Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP). The term "fair share" refers to the fair and equitable distribution of growth between cities and unincorporated areas as well as the fair and equitable diversity of different income groups within a community.

3.1.3 General Plan Consistency
The California Government Code requires internal consistency among the various elements of a General Plan.

Section 65300.5 of the Government Code states that the General Plan’s various elements shall provide an integrated and internally consistent and compatible statement of policy. City staff has reviewed the other elements of the 190
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General Plan and has determined that this Housing Element provides consistency with the other elements of the General Plan. The City will maintain this consistency as future General Plan amendments are processed by evaluating proposed amendments for consistency with all elements of the General Plan. The City of Sonora is not recognized as having a disadvantaged population base.

3.2 NEEDS ASSESSMENT
This section analyzes the demographic, household, employment and housing stock statistics and trends of Sonora.

It forms the basis for the City’s housing goals, policies and programs as it identifies housing issues, needs and opportunities as required by State law. Specifically, the information presented in this section summarizes the following:

1. Population, demographic and employment trends;

2. Household characteristics analysis;

3. Overpayment analysis;

4. Housing stock characteristics;

5. Affordable and assisted housing;

6. Special housing needs analysis;

7. Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation in residential development;

8. Projected housing need, including the City’s share of the regional housing needs, progress toward Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and documenting affordability based on rents, sales prices, or other mechanisms that ensure affordability.

The Housing Needs Assessment is completed in conformance with Housing and Community Development (HCD) guidelines. The information provided in this analysis is based on the most up-to-date data available from the following sources: Housing and Community Development (HDC) 6th Cycle Data Package; US Census; California State Department of Finance, California Employment Development Department; and the City’s Community Development Department. The City of Sonora is the only incorporated area of Tuolumne County. The City and unincorporated areas of Tuolumne County make up Tuolumne County as a whole. Data for Tuolumne County as a whole relies on the sum or weighted averages of data for the City of Sonora and unincorporated Tuolumne County.

3.2.1 Population Characteristics
The type and amount of housing needed in a community are largely determined by population growth and various demographic variables. Factors such as age, occupation, and income level of the residents combine to influence the type of housing needed in a community and the affordability of housing provided.

Population Trends
The City's population has been relatively consistent throughout history in comparison to other areas of the State.

During the California Gold Rush of the mid-1800s, the population of Sonora peaked at approximately 5,000 people.

The population steadily decreased from the 1870s through the 1890s, until the lumber industry and the Sierra Railroad came to Sonora. This resulted in a steady population increase throughout the 1900s. In 2010, Sonora's population reached 4,903 people, where it has remained relatively consistent. The population in 2020 was 5,003 and as of 2021 the population is estimated to be 4,940. 191
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Table 3-1, Population Growth Trends, compares the 2010, 2020 and 2021 populations in Tuolumne County. The City of Sonora and Tuolumne County have experienced minimal population changes (less than 1 percent) between 2010 and 2021. From 2020 to 2021, the City experienced a 1.26 percent decrease while the county experienced a small decrease (0.68 percent).

Table 3-1: Population Growth Trends
2010 2020 2021 2010-2021
%Change
2020-2021
%Change
Sonora 4,903 5,003 4,940 +0.75 -1.26
Unincorporated Tuolumne
County 50,462 50,617 50,303 -0.32 -0.62
Total Tuolumne County 55,365 55,620 55,243 -0.22 -0.68
Sources: US Census Bureau, 2010: Redistricting Data (PL 94-171). US Census Bureau, 2020: DEC Demographic and Housing Characteristics.

American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates.

Age Characteristics
Housing needs in the community are determined in part by the age characteristics of current and future residents.

Each age group tends to have distinct lifestyle, family type and size, income levels, and housing preferences. As people move through each stage, housing needs and preferences also change. For instance, a higher proportion of young adults generally indicates a need for rental units and first-time homebuyer or first move-up opportunities, including condominiums, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes. Middle-aged residents are usually at the peak of their earning power and typically occupy larger homes. Senior residents are generally homeowners who have resided in their single-family homes for an extended period of time and may be in need of making home adaptation improvements to facilitate aging in place or transitioning to smaller living spaces or assisted living facilities. As a result, evaluating the age characteristics of a community is important in determining and addressing housing needs.

Table 3-2A, Population by Age (2021), summarizes the age characteristics of Sonora, unincorporated Tuolumne County and Tuolumne County as a whole.

Table 3-2A: Population by Age (2021)
Total Percent
Sonora Unincorporated
Tuolumne
Tuolumne
County Sonora UnincorporatedTuolumne
Tuolumne
County
Total
Population 4,940 50,303 55,243 100 100 100
Median Age
(years) 38.3 -- 48.6 -- -- --
Under 18 1,162 8,226 9,388 23.5 16.4 17.0
18 and over 3,778 42,077 45,855 76.5 83.6 83.0
21 and over 3,606 40,709 44,315 73.0 80.9 80.2
62 and over 1,355 16,273 17,628 27.4 32.3 31.9
65 years and
over 1,166 13,282 14,448 23.6 26.4 26.2
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates.

The Sonora age demographic includes 23.5 percent of the population below the age of 18 and 23.6 percent 65 years and over. Comparatively, unincorporated Tuolumne County has a 16.4 percent population below 18 years old and 192
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26.4 percent population 65 years and over. The City of Sonora shows a much higher congregation of children under the age of 18, compared to the county at large. The distribution of senior citizens aged 65 years or older is more equally distributed between the City and unincorporated Tuolumne County.

A majority of the residents of Sonora are adults between the ages of 18 and 65; this constitutes 52.9 percent of the population. The median age for the City is 38.3 years old. Tuolumne County has a 56.8 percent population of residents between the ages of 18 and 65 years old with a median age of 48.6 years old. On average, the City has a younger population than that of the county. The City also has marginally lower percentages of adults between the ages of 18 and 65 and residents 65 and older.

Table 3-2B, Sonora Population by Age 2010 - 2021, summarizes the age characteristics of Sonora in 2010 and 2021, highlighting the changes in age demographics over that time period.

Table 3-2B: Sonora Population by Age 2010 - 2021
2010 2021 Change 2010 - 2021
Total Population 4,914 4,940 26 0.5%
Median Age (years) 43.5 38.3 -5.2 -12.0%
Under 18 834 1,162 328 39.3%
18 and over 4,080 3,778 -302 -7.4%
21 and over 3,875 3,606 -269 -6.9%
62 and over 1,172 1,355 183 15.6%
65 years and over 1,025 1,166 141 13.7%
Adults 18-65 years 3,055 2612 -443 -14.5%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2010 5 year estimates, DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates.

American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates.

From 2010 to 2021, the City of Sonora experienced very minor changes in total population of less than one percent.

However, significant percentage changes are recorded for certain age demographics. Overall, the age distribution of Sonora diverged from 2010 to 2021 shown by an increase in younger populations but also senior populations, and a decrease in adults between the ages of 18 - 65 years old. Median age decreased from 43.5 years to 38.3 years old – a decrease of 12 percent, which ultimately shows the overall population has skewed younger. Additionally, the population of children under the age of 18 significantly increased by nearly 40 percent. At the same time, the population of seniors 65 years and over increased by 13.7 percent. Although adults between the ages of 18 and 65 continue to account for the largest percentage of the population, between 2010 and 2021 this group decreased by over 14 percent.

Table 3-3, Households by Tenure and Age (2021), shows the distribution of households by tenure and age. 193
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Table 3-3: Households by Tenure and Age (2021)
Owner Occupied Renter Occupied
Sonora Unincorporated
Tuolumne
Tuolumne
County Sonora Unincorporated Tuolumne
Tuolumne
County
Householder
aged 15-34 195 1,154 1,349 356 1,356 1,712
Householder
aged 35-64 387 7,836 8,223 427 2,295 2,722
Householder
aged 65 and
over
463 7,227 7,690 269 1,138 1,407
Total 1,045 16,217 17,262 1,052 4,789 5,841
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S2501: Occupancy Characteristics.

Sonora has more households living in renter occupied (51 percent) housing than owner occupied (49 percent).

Comparatively, the rest of the Tuolumne County housing market is dominated by homeowners (77 percent owners compared to 23 percent renters). Compared to the County, the City of Sonora median age as reported in Table 3-2A is 38.3 whereas the median age in Tuolumne County is reported as 48.6. The age demographics in the City trend much younger compared to the County, and younger residents tend toward rental instead of homeownership.

Further, the housing stock in the City of Sonora is more diverse compared to the County allowing for more rental opportunities closer to job and other economic opportunities.

Homeowners within the City trend to be older in age, with nearly 44 percent of owners documented to be 65 years or older. While the younger cohorts are more likely to be renters in Sonora, there is a number of householders aged 65 or older renting within the City (approximately 26 percent of all renters). Senior households who rent may be more susceptible to changes in the housing market. Retired residents on fixed incomes could be less likely to accommodate rent increases.

Race and Ethnicity
Understanding the racial/ethnic makeup of the City and surrounding area is useful in determining housing needs and implementing effective housing policies and programs. Table 3-4, Race/Ethnicity (2021), summarizes the racial/ethnic makeup of Sonora and Tuolumne County.
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Table 3-4, Race/Ethnicity (2021)
Total Percent
Sonora Tuolumne County Sonora Tuolumne County
White (non-Hispanic) 3,981 43,713 80.6% 79.1%
Asian 154 774 3.1% 1.4%
Black of African American 18 934 0.4% 1.7%
American Indian and Alaskan
Native 65 597 1.3% 1.1%
Native Hawaiian and Other
Pacific Islander 14 133 0.3% 0.2%
Other Races 20 304 0.4% 0.6%
Two or More Races 123 1,656 2.5% 3.0%
Hispanic or Latino (of any
race)1 565 7,132 11.4% 12.9%
Total 4,940 55,243 100% 100%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP05: ACS Demographic and Housing Estimates. 1 Hispanic or Latino persons are not counted as a separate racial or ethnic category; persons who identify as Hispanic or Latino are also included in other racial or ethnic categories. Totals may vary slightly due to rounding.

The largest group in the City isthe non-Hispanic White population, which accounts for 80.6 percent of the City’s total population. The remainder of the City’s population includes Hispanic or Latino persons (of any race) at 11.4 percent, Asian at 3.1 percent, Black or African American at 0.4 percent, American Indian and Alaskan Native at 1.3 percent, and Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander at 0.3 percent. Persons identifying as Other Races account for 0.4 percent of the population, while those reporting two or more races make up 2.5 percent of the City’spopulation.

The racial/ethnic makeup of Tuolumne County consists of White at 79.1 percent, Asian at 1.4 percent, Black or African American at 1.7 percent, American Indian and Alaskan Native at 1.1 percent, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander at 0.2 percent and Hispanic or Latino persons of any race at 12.9 percent of the population. Persons identifying as “other race” account for 0.6 percent of the population, while those reporting two or more races make up 3.0 percent of the population.

The City of Sonora racial/ethnic makeup is generally similar to Tuolumne County. The Sonora population includes a higher distribution of Asian residents, 3.1 percent of the population in Sonora compared to 1.4 percent of the population in Tuolumne County. Whereas Tuolumne County population includes a higher distribution of Black or African American residents, 1.7 percent of the population in Tuolumne County compared to 0.4 percent of the population in Sonora.

Employment Market
Employment has an important impact on housing needs. Different occupations and associated income levels determine the type and size of housing different households can afford. In addition, employment growth is a major factor affecting the demand for housing in a community.

Table 3-5, Employment by Industry (2021), provides an employment profile of Sonora residents compared to Tuolumne County.
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Table 3-5: Employment by Industry (2021)
Sonora Tuolumne County
Total Employed Population (16 and over) 1,975 100% 21,541 100% Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining 8 0.41% 511 2.37% Construction 141 7.14% 1,724 8.00%
Manufacturing 78 3.95% 1,148 5.33%
Wholesale trade 7 0.35% 106 0.49%
Retail trade 167 8.46% 1,676 7.78%
Transportation and warehousing and utilities 45 2.29% 1,216 5.65% Information 35 1.77% 275 1.28%
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and
leasing 56 2.84% 1,030 4.78%
Professional, scientific, and management and
administrative 168 8.51% 2,323 10.8%
Educational services, and health care and social
assistance 723 36.6% 5,081 23.6%
Arts, entertainment, and recreation and
accommodation 316 16.0% 3,402 15.8%
Other services, except public administration 85 4.30% 1,195 5.55% Public Administration 146 7.39% 1,854 8.61%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP03: Selected Economic Characteristics.

The Sonora job market tends to be varied, with workers in a wide variety of jobs. As of 2021, educational/health/social services occupations employed the largest share of City residents (36.6 percent). These jobs typically are higher paying which would provide Sonora residents engaged in those occupations with a higher income. The next largest share of employment is arts/entertainment/recreation/accommodation at 16.0 percent of the City workforce, followed by professional/scientific/management/administrative (8.51 percent) and retail trade (8.46 percent). These categories are generally comparable with the employment distribution in Tuolumne County, with educational/health/social services, arts/entertainment/recreation/accommodation and the professional/scientific/management/administrative as the top three categories for employment. Table 3-6, Annual Wage Profile 2021, below provides an annual wage profile for the above-mentioned employment categories. 196
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Table 3-6: Annual Wage Profile (2021)
Occupational Title Median Annual Wage
City of Sonora Tuolumne County State of California
Total all Occupations $38,003 $40,384 $46,224
Management Occupations $50,104 $48,150 $90,944
Business and Financial Operations $51,000 $76,189 $76,657 Computer and Mathematical
Occupations - $89,219 $113,177
Architecture and Engineering
Occupations $49,612 $83,600 $103,559
Life, Physical, and Social Science
Occupations - $56,761 $81,000
Community and Social Services
Occupations $49,291 $47,525 $52,136
Legal Occupations - $57,188 $106,896
Educational Instruction and Library
Occupations $35,167 $49,018 $50,814
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports
and Media - $13,906 $54,346
Healthcare Practitioners and
Technical Occupations $89,746 $87,188 $80,923
Healthcare Support Occupations $21,929 $34,410 $26,587
Protective Service Occupations $93,933 $61,771 $60,234
Food Preparation and ServingRelated Occupations $8,875 $13,305 $19,835 Building and Grounds Cleaning and
Maintenance $33,292 $36,025 $26,930
Personal Care and Service
Occupations $14,097 $21,667 $18,612
Sales and Related Occupations $33,393 $37,854 $34,514
Office and Administrative Support
Occupations $42,875 $33,634 $38,896
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Occupations - $48,906 $24,358
Construction and Extraction
Occupations $80,880 $56,196 $42,479
Installation, Maintenance and
Repair Occupations - $40,718 $50,751
Production Occupations $14,857 $32,992 $36,525
Transportation Occupations $38,179 $42,329 $41,364
Material Moving Occupations $21,375 $22,896 $26,858
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S2411: Occupation by Sex and Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months (In 2021 Inflation Adjusted Dollars) for Civilian Employed Population 16 Years and Over.

The average annual wage in Sonora for all occupations at $38,003 is slightly lower compared to that of Tuolumne County and California at $40,384 and $46,224 respectively. Certain categories of wage data in the City of Sonora are not reported, as these categories have a small number of individuals engaged with this type of work within the City.

Generally, mean wages vary between the City, Tuolumne County and the State of California depending on occupation. In many cases the variances are not substantial but there are some categories with notable differences in mean annual wage. Architecture and engineering operations mean wages in Sonora are $49,612 compared to 197
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Tuolumne County and California at $83,600 and $103,559, respectively. Protective service operations in Sonora report a relatively high average wage of $93,933, versus $61,771 in Tuolumne County and $60,234 in California.

Similarly, Construction and extraction occupations report an average wage of $80,880, whereas average wages for Tuolumne County and California are significantly less at $56,196 and $42,479. Such discrepancies can likely be attributed to the smaller sample size within the City of Sonora, compared to the larger region.

An analysis of Table 3-5 shows that the category with the most jobs in Sonora is educational services, and health care and social assistance jobs. Table 3-6 identifies the mean annual wage for these job categories ranging from $35,167 to $89,746. Table 3-7, Unemployment Rates 2023, below reports the region’s unemployment data.

Table 3-7: Unemployment Rates (2023)
Tuolumne County 4.8%
Sonora 5.0%
Jamestown 5.1%
Columbia 7.2%
Mi Wuk Village 7.0%
California 4.5%
Source: California EDD, Labor Market Information Division, May 2023.

According to the California Employment Development Department, Sonora's unemployment rate in May 2023 was

5.0 percent. The statewide unemployment rate was 4.5 percent, and the Tuolumne County unemployment rate was at 4.8 percent. While the local unemployment rate in Sonora was slightly higher compared to the state of California, it is generally on-par with local unemployment data. Unemployment rates in Sonora are lower compared to nearby unincorporated communities of Jamestown, Columbia, and Mi Wuk village.

3.2.2 Household Characteristics
There are a variety of sources for the number of households within the city of Sonora, including the US Census, California Department of Finance, California Department of Housing and Community Development and the City of Sonora Housing and Income Survey. Each source was generated on a specific date with information reflecting the status at that time, and reports a different level of detail and specific analysis. The following information and tables utilize information from this variety of housing sources to give the most inclusive analysis and information.

Therefore, the number of households may differ from table to table depending on the source of the information, but each source is noted, and the information is accurate as to what that source reported.

The term “household” is defined by the US Census as any group of people occupying a housing unit, which may include related family members and unrelated people. A household can be a family, a person living alone, or unrelated persons living together. Household type and size, income level, the presence of special needs populations, and other household characteristics determine the type of housing needed by the residents. The following discussion details the various household characteristics affecting housing needs.

Household Type
Household type refers to information about the residents of housing units and how they are related. Household types are identified as either family households or non-family households. Families are comprised of married couples with or without children, as well as other family types such as male- or female-headed families where no spouse is 198
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present (with or without children). Non-family households include householders living alone and householders not living alone. Table 3-8, Household Characteristics 2021, displays household types for the City of Sonora and Tuolumne County according to the 2021 Census Bureau Population Estimations based on the American Community Survey (ACS).

Table 3-8: Household Characteristics (2021)
Sonora Tuolumne County
Household Type Number Percentage Number Percentage
Total Households 2,097 100% 23,103 100%
Family Households 1,029 49.1% 13,932 60.3%
Married-Couple Family Household 558 26.6% 11,143 48.2%
Other Family Household 471 22.5% 2,789 12.1%
Non-Family Households 1,068 50.9% 9,171 39.7%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S2501: Occupancy Characteristics.

As of 2021, Sonora contains 2,097 total households. Family households make up 49.1 percent and non-family households make up 50.9 percent of total households. Married couple families make up 54.2 percent of family households or 26.6 percent of total households and the other family category makes up 45.7 percent of family households or 22.5 percent of total households. The City has about ten percent less family households and ten percent more non-family households than the county. Married couple families make up nearly 80 percent of family households in the county, as opposed to the 54.2 percent married couple family households in the City. The City has a higher percentage of other family households (i.e., households where no spouse is present) than thecounty.

Household Size
Household size has a direct relationship to type of housing. The larger the household, the larger the house needed.

Table 3-9, Household Size by Tenure (2021), shows the household sizes for owner- and renter-occupied housing units in the City of Sonora and Tuolumne County.

Table 3-9: Household Size by Tenure (2021)
Sonora Tuolumne County
Household Size OwnerOccupied
Renter
Occupied
Total
Units
OwnerOccupiedRenter
Occupied
Total
Units
1-person household 299 504 803 4,942 2,647 7,589
2-person household 346 359 705 7,883 1,340 9,223
3-person household 133 108 241 1,660 957 2,617
4-person household 126 81 207 1,663 442 2,105
5-person household 112 - 112 752 326 1,078
6-person household 4 - 4 274 117 391
7 or more 25 - 25 88 12 100
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, B25009: Tenure by Household Size.

The most common household size in the City of Sonora is the 1-person household with 803 total units, followed by the 2-person household with 705 total units. Together, the 1- and 2-person households make up over 70 percent of housing units in the City. Of the remaining households, the pattern continues with each larger household size being less common than the one before. For 1- and 2-person households in the City, renter-occupied housing units are greater than owner-occupied units. For 4-person households and large households, households of five or more persons, owner-occupied units are more common.
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Across Tuolumne County, the most common household size is the 2-person household with 9,223 total units, followed by the 1-person household with 7,589 total units. These household sizes account for nearly 73 percent of total housing units. For the remaining households in the county, each consecutively larger household size is less common than the next. The number of owner-occupied housing units is greater than the number of renter-occupied units for each household size in the county.

Household Income
Household income is potentially the most important factor affecting housing opportunity, determining a household's ability to purchase or rent housing and balance housing costs with other basic necessities. Income levels can vary considerably among households, affecting preferences for tenure, location and housing type. Median incomes for Sonora and Tuolumne County as well as surrounding counties and the State of California are shown in Table 3-10, Median Household Income (2021).

Table 3-10: Median Household Income (2021)
Jurisdiction Median Income
Sonora $56,279
Tuolumne County $66,846
Stanislaus County $73,982
Calaveras County $70,119
State of California $84,907
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S1901: Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2021 Inflation Adjusted Dollars).

Sonora has a median household income of $56,279, which is roughly 16 percent less than the median household income throughout Tuolumne County of $66,846. Surrounding counties and the State of California report higher median household incomes than either Tuolumne County or the City. Lower median household incomes throughout the City and county may indicate a need for low-cost housing in the area. Median household income is used to analyze the burden of housing overpayment, housing cost and affordability below.

Overcrowding
When housing becomes unaffordable to residents in a community overcrowding can occur. Overcrowding can lead to accelerated deterioration of the housing stock and infrastructure. For purposes of the Housing Element, a housing unit is overcrowded when occupied by more than one person per room, counting bedrooms, living, and dining rooms but excluding bathrooms and kitchens. A housing unit is considered severely overcrowded at 1.5 or more persons per room.

Overcrowding is more likely to occur when housing costs are so high relative to income, and families need to double up in a housing unit to afford rents and pay for other basic needs. Overcrowding tends to result in accelerated deterioration of homes, increased parking needs, and additional traffic. Thus, maintaining a reasonable level of occupancy and alleviating overcrowding are critical to enhancing the quality of life in a community. Table 3-11, Overcrowding, shows the total number and percentage of overcrowded and severely overcrowded households in Sonora and Tuolumne County according to the 2017-2021 ACS data. 200
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According to the 2017-2021 ACS Table B25014 data, overcrowding affects 5.4 percent of households in Sonora. In Tuolumne County, nearly 3 percent of households were overcrowded. Severe overcrowding affected 4.2 percent of households in Sonora and less than one percent of households in the county. 77.8 percent of households experiencing overcrowding in Sonora are severely overcrowded, renter-occupied households. Overcrowded owneroccupied households make up 1.2 percent of households, and none of them experience severe overcrowding. In general, the percentage of households in Sonora experiencing overcrowding, particularly severe overcrowding, is nearly twice that of the county and primarily impacts renters. 201
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Table 3-11: Overcrowding (2021)
Sonora Tuolumne County
Number of
Households Percent Number ofHouseholds Percent
Total Households 2,097 100% 23,103 100%
Owner Occupied Overcrowded
(> 1 occupants per room) 25 1.2% 294 1.3%
Renter Occupied Overcrowded
(> 1 occupants per room) 88 4.2% 374 1.6%
Total Overcrowded 113 5.4% 668 2.9%
Owner Occupied Severely Overcrowded
(> 1.5 occupants per room) - - 20 <1%
Renter Occupied Severely Overcrowded
(> 1.5 occupants per room) 88 4.2% 134 <1%
Total Severely Overcrowded 88 4.2% 154 <1%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S2501: Occupancy Characteristics.

3.2.3 Overpayment
Households Overpaying for Housing
Housing is generally the greatest single expense for families in Sonora. Current standards measure housing cost in relation to gross household income: households spending more than 30 percent of their income (including utilities) are generally considered to be overpaying or “cost burdened.” The State and Federal governments classify household income into several groupings based upon the relationship to the Area Median Income (AMI), adjusting for household size. The State of California utilizes the following income groups:
• Extremely Low 0-30% AMI
• Very Low 31-50% AMI
• Low 51-80% AMI
• Moderate 81-120% AMI
• Above Moderate over 120% AMI
For purposes of evaluating housing affordability, housing need and eligibility for housing assistance, income levels are defined by guidelines adopted each year by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). In estimating FY 2023 median family incomes, HCD uses median family income data from the 2021 ACS. For Tuolumne County, the area median income (AMI) for each household size isincluded in Table 3-12, Tuolumne County Income Limits 2021. Income categories were determined using the AMI for each household size; the income limits identified in Table 3-12 are the upper limit of each income category. 202
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Table 3-12: Tuolumne County Income Limits 2021
Household Size
Income Category 1 person 2 person 3 person 4 person 5 person 6 person 7 or more Extremely Low $9,359 $23,804 $25,953 $34,963 $34,764 $31,424 $44,438 Very Low $15,598 $39,674 $43,255 $58,271 $57,940 $52,373 $74,063 Low $24,957 $63,478 $69,207 $93,234 $92,704 $83,796 $118,500 Median $31,196 $79,347 $86,509 $116,542 $115,880 $104,745 $148,125 Moderate $37,435 $95,216 $103,811 $139,850 $139,056 $125,694 $177,750 Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, B19019: Median Household Income in the Past 12 Months (In 2021 Inflation Adjusted Dollars) by Household Size.

Based on the Tuolumne County income limits presented in Table 3-12, a formal analysis of overpayment by household size and income category is presented below. Table 3-13, Overpayment by Income Category, provides household characteristics, income category and overpayment data from the Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R).

Of the total households in the City, 21.4 percent of renter households and 13.4 percent of homeowner households are overpaying on housing, as defined by spending more than 30 percent of household income on housing. There are 690 households defined as lower income within the City paying more than 30% of household income on housing, which equates to approximately 31.8 percent of households within the City. The majority of lower income households overpaying for housing are renters (455 households), compared to homeowners (225 households).

Comparatively, lower income households in other parts of Tuolumne County show a similar overpayment data between renters and homeowners.

Households spending more than 50 percent of income on housing are considered to be severely overpaying. The dataset above shows a similar burden on renters compared to homeowners. There are 355 households within the City of Sonora severely overpaying on housing, approximately 16.4 percent of all households within the City. The majority of lower income households severely overpaying for housing are renters (260 households), compared to homeowners (85 households).

Housing affordability is an urgent issue in the City of Sonora, regionally and throughout the State. It is a complex issue with multiple factors including demographic factors such as, retirees with fixed incomes and increased health costs, young people burdened with student loan debt and unable to save for down payments, low wage service sector jobs, etc. From the perspective of developers and home builders, the lack of Federal or State funding and / or subsidies to support housing that low income and moderate-income families can afford make construction costs prohibitive.
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Table 3-13: Overpayment by Income Category
Sonora Tuolumne County
Total Households
Characteristics Number Percent of TotalHouseholds Number Percent of TotalHouseholds Total occupied units
(households) 2,170 100.0% 22,500 100.0%
Total Renter households 1,145 52.8% 6,465 28.7%
Total Owner households 1,025 47.2% 16,040 71.3%
Total lower income (0-80% of
HAMFI) households 1,210 55.8% 9,235 41.0%
Lower income renters (0-80%) 830 38.2% 4,085 18.2%
Lower income owners (0-80%) 380 17.5% 5,150 22.9%
Extremely low income renters
(0-30%) 360 16.6% 1,425 6.33%
Extremely low income owners
(0-30%) 70 3.23% 1,810 8.04%
Lower income households
paying more than 50% 355 16.4% 3,155 14.0%
Lower income renter HH
severely overpaying 260 12.0% 1,465 6.51%
Lower income owner HH
severely overpaying 85 3.92% 1,690 7.51%
Extremely Low Income (0-30%) 225 10.4% 2,070 9.20%
ELI Renter HH severely
overpaying 200 9.22% 1,005 4.47%
ELI Owner HH severely
overpaying 20 0.92% 1,065 4.73%
Income between 30%-50% 115 5.30% 710 3.16%
Income between 50% -80% 15 0.69% 375 1.67%
Lower income households
paying more than 30% 690 31.8% 5,870 26.1%
Lower income renter HH
overpaying 455 21.0% 2,775 12.3%
Lower income owner HH
overpaying 225 10.4% 3,090 13.7%
Extremely Low Income (0-30%) 265 12.2% 2,535 11.3%
Income between 30%-50% 230 10.6% 1,545 6.87%
Income between 50% -80% 195 8.99% 1,790 7.96%
Total Households Overpaying 755 34.8% 7,720 34.3%
Total Renter Households
Overpaying 465 21.4% 2,964 13.2%
Total Owner Households
Overpaying 290 13.4% 4,750 21.1%
Source: Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html, accessed July 20, 2023. 204
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Overpaying by Lower and Extremely Low Income Households Overpaying for housing is a major issue for the extremely low- and low-income households in Sonora. Table 3-14, Lower and Extremely Low Income Household Characteristics, provides overpayment data on these households.

Table 3-14: Lower and Extremely Low Income Household Characteristics Sonora Tuolumne County
Number Percent Number Percent
Total Lower Income Households
(0-80% of HAMFI) 1,210 55.8% 9,235 41.0%
Renters 830 38.2% 4,085 18.2%
Owners 380 17.5% 5,150 22.9%
Paying more than 30%
Low Income Renters 455 21.0% 2,775 12.3%
Extremely Low Income Renters 240 11.1% 1,190 5.29%
Low Income Owners 225 10.4% 3,090 13.7%
Extremely Low Income Owners 20 0.92% 1,345 5.98%
Paying more than 50%
Low Income Renters 260 12.0% 1,465 6.51%
Extremely Low Income Renters 200 9.22% 1,005 4.47%
Low Income Owners 85 3.92% 1,690 7.51%
Extremely Low Income Owners 20 0.92% 1,065 4.73%
Source: Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), 2015-2019 Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data, https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html, accessed July 20, 2023.

Lower income households make up 55.8 percent of the households in the City. Lower income renters and lower income homeowners make up 38.2 percent and 17.5 percent of the households in the City respectively. Generally, the percent of renters overpaying and severely overpaying for housing is proportionately higher than that of homeowners. Lower income renters overpaying for housing make up 21 percent and lower income renters severely overpaying for housing accounts for 12 percent of total households in the City. Lower income homeowners overpaying for housing make up 10.4 percent and lower income homeowners severely overpaying for housing accounts for about 4 percent of total households in the City.

The percentage of extremely low income (0-30 percent AMI) households overpaying for housing in Sonora is 12 percent of total households. That 12 percent of extremely low income households overpaying for housing is primarily renters (11.1 percent of total households) with less than 1 percent of total households being extremely low income households overpaying. Extremely low income households severely overpaying accounts for just over 10 percent of total households; renters account for 9.22 percent and homeowners account for 0.92 percent.

3.2.4 Housing Stock Characteristics
This section addresses various housing characteristics and conditions that affect the well-being of Sonora residents.

Housing factors evaluated include: housing stock and growth, tenure and vacancy rates, age and condition, housing costs, and affordability, among others. The following analysis contains a variety of time horizons (annual and decade). With the variations in the housing market, the growth may be averaged over a time period when the timeline is expanded to match the Census data horizons. 205
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Housing Growth, Type and Vacancy
Housing growth and housing vacancy can be good indicators of general housing availability. Growth in housing stock can indicate an increase in demand and/or be a response to low housing stock supply. Housing growth data, coupled with population changes and vacancy rates, can be used to derive trends in housing availability and affordability.

Table 3-15, Housing Growth 2015-2023, shows the change in number of housing units by type and change in vacancy for Sonora, Tuolumne County, and unincorporated Tuolumne County from 2015 to 2023.

Table 3-15: Housing Growth 2015-2023
Total Units Single Multiple Mobile
Homes
Vacant
Units Vacancy Rate
Sonora 2023 2,524 1,544 956 24 211 8.4%
Sonora 2015 2,460 1,494 944 22 290 11.8%
Unincorporated
Tuolumne County 2023 29,065 24,044 1,698 3,323 8,316 28.6% Unincorporated
Tuolumne County 2015 28,946 23,823 1,716 3,407 8,924 30.8% Tuolumne County 2023 31,589 25,588 2,654 3,347 8,527 27% Tuolumne County 2015 31,406 25,317 2,660 3,429 9,214 29.3% Sources: State of California, Department of Finance, E-5 Population and Housing Estimates for Cities, Counties and the State — January 1, 2015- 2023.

The housing stock in Sonora increased by about 2.6 percent between 2015 and 2023. Comparatively, housing stock in unincorporated Tuolumne County and Tuolumne County as a whole increased by 0.4 percent and 0.6 percent respectively in the same time frame. Over the same period, the population of Sonora increased by 4.2 percent while the unincorporated and total population of Tuolumne County experienced negligible decreases of less than one percent. The City of Sonora has experienced housing growth at a rate that corresponds with population growth and the City has experienced a larger housing and population growth rate than the county.

As of 2023, single family detached homes were the most common housing type in the City accounting for 61 percent of the housing stock in Sonora, which is consistent with that of 2015. Multi-family structures made up approximately 38 percent of the housing stock, which is also the same as in 2015. The number of mobile homes in the City has effectively remained the same from 2015 to 2023. The City had a housing vacancy rate of 8.4 percent in 2023, which is a decrease from 11.8 percent in 2015.

The county as a whole experienced housing growth of about 0.6 percent from 2015 to 2023. That includes an overall increase in single family homes of roughly 1.1 percent and effectively no change in multi-family structures. The number of mobile homes decreased by nearly 2.4 percent from 2015 to 2023. The county experienced a similar decrease in vacancy as that of the City; the county vacancy rate dropped from 29.3 percent in 2015 to 27 percent in 2023. Although, vacancy rates have changes congruently between the City and county, the county has not experienced the same level of housing growth as the county has. 206
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Housing Age and Condition
Housing age is an important indicator of housing condition and quality within a community. If not properly and regularly maintained, housing can deteriorate over time, discouraging reinvestment, depressing neighboring property values and eventually impacting the quality of life in a neighborhood. Thus, maintaining and improving housing quality is an important goal for the City. Table 3-16, Year Units Built, provides a breakdown of the housing stock by the year built for Sonora and Tuolumne County.

Table 3-16: Year Units Built
Sonora Tuolumne County
Period Built Number of Units Percent Number of Units Percent 2020 or later 0 0% 17 0.05%
2010 to 2019 40 1.76% 349 1.11%
2000 to 2009 256 11.2% 2,942 9.37%
1990 to 1999 222 9.75% 4,281 13.6%
1980 to 1989 187 8.22% 7,453 23.7%
1970 to 1979 409 18.0% 7,204 22.9%
1960 to 1969 239 10.5% 3,996 12.7%
1950 to 1959 318 14.0% 2,449 7.80%
1940 to 1949 174 7.64% 942 3.00%
1939 or earlier 431 18.9% 1,780 5.67%
Total 2,276 100% 31,413 100%
30 years or older 1,758 77.2% 23,824 75.8%
50 years or older 1,162 51.1% 9,167 29.2%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, B25034: Year Structure Built.

As of 2021, approximately 77 percent of housing units in Sonora were over 30 years old and 51 percent were over 50 years old. Approximately 23 percent of Sonora homes have been built since 1990. Data reported generally indicates an aging housing stock across the jurisdiction. A general rule in the housing industry is that structures older than 30 years begin to show signs of deterioration and require reinvestment to maintain the quality. Unless properly maintained, homes older than 50 years require major renovations to remain in good working order.

As indicated in Table 3-16, Year Units Built, 51 percent of the housing stock is older than 50 years. Maintaining these older homes is an important part of the housing stock in Sonora. The City conducted a housing survey in 2019 and found that most of the housing stock included in the survey did not need repair; refer to Table 3-17, Housing Condition Survey Results, below.

Minor repairs were identified in a variety of categories for approximately 15 percent of the units. However, these are common conditions typical of an older housing stock and would not require significant rehabilitation or replacement. Housing units in need of significant rehabilitation or replacement typically accounts for only two percent of housing. Based on the 2,524 total housing units as of 2023 identified in Table 3-15, it is estimated that approximately 51 units in the City are in need of significant rehabilitation or replacement. 207
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Table 3-17: Housing Condition Survey Results (2019)
Number of Units by Housing Condition (% of Total Units – Completed Surveys) Window Condition
No Repair Needed 487 67%
Minor Repair 134 19%
Replacement Needed 98 14%
Roof Condition
No Repair Needed 514 72%
Minor Repair 114 16%
Replacement Needed 80 11%
Home Exterior Siding / Stucco
No Repair Needed 426 60%
Minor Repair / Needs Re-Painting 253 36%
Replacement Needed 30 4%
Home Plumbing
No Repair Needed 528 74%
Minor Repair 137 19%
Replacement Needed 46 6%
Home Electrical
No Repair Needed 549 76%
Minor Repair 125 17%
Replacement Needed 42 6%
Home Walls and Ceilings
No Repair Needed 516 72%
Needs Repainting 94 13%
Needs to be Patched / Repainted 77 11%
Needs Replacement and Painting 22 3%
Home Flooring
No Repair Needed 503 70%
Minor Repair 201 28%
Floor Coverings Needed 2 1%
Structural Repairs Needed 8 1%
Housing Costs and Affordability
The cost of housing may cause housing problems in a community. If housing costs are relatively high in comparison to household income, there will be a correspondingly higher prevalence of cost burden and overcrowding. As discussed previously, nearly 35 percent of the households in Sonora overpay for housing costs. This section summarizes the cost and affordability of the Sonora housing stock to residents.

Sales and Rental Survey
In 2023, there were 14 single-family residential homes for sale for an average amount of $381,107. Table 3-18, Market Home Sales and Apartment Rates, provides a summary of asking prices and rentalratesfor housing in Sonora.

These listings included resale homes.
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Table 3-18: Market Home Sales and Apartment Rents
Housing Type Bedrooms Units Listed Range Average
Homes 1 0 - -
2 6 $289,000 - $459,000 $356,250
3 5 $265,000 - $399,000 $314,800
4 3 $425,000 - $634,999 $541,333
Apartments 1 1 $1,500 $1,500
2 3 $1,850 - $2,150 $1,975
3 2 $2,200 - $2,995 $2,597
4 1 $2,700 $2,700
Source: Trulia.com accessed September 2023.

According to a popular real estate website, Trulia.com, the average asking price for a single-family home was $356,250 for a two-bedroom unit, $314,800 for a three-bedroom unit, and $541,333 for a four-bedroom unit.

Apartment rents vary by location as well as the quality and level of amenities available. The average asking rents for market-rate apartment units in Sonora are as follows: $1,500 for a one-bedroom unit, $1,975 for a two-bedroom unit, $2,597 for a three-bedroom unit and $2,700 for a four-bedroom unit. Based on these rents, rental housing on the market is primarily affordable to above moderate income households, as compared to the affordable housing costs later shown in Table 3-19, Inventory of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing.

3.2.5 Affordable and Assisted Housing
Development of Affordable At-Risk Conversions
Government assistance programs may provide affordable housing in the form of rental housing. Housing that received public assistance typically must be affordable to lower- and moderate-income households for a certain period. Government assistance programs and publicly assisted rental housing can be critical in accommodating lower- and moderate-income households; therefore, it is important to monitor, maintain and promote these programs and public assistance. This section identifies publicly assisted rental housing in Sonora, evaluates the potential of such housing to convert to market rates during a ten-year planning period (2024 - 2034), and analyzes the cost to preserve those units.

Assisted Housing Inventory
Table 3-19, Inventory of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing, shows the publicly assisted rental housing projects in Sonora as reported by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. A total of 260 assisted rental units are provided within 7 developments, including units assisted through a variety of federal programs.

These programs include HUD Section 8 (project-based)1
, Section 515 (rural rental housing and rural cooperative housing), US Department of Agriculture housing programs, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit, and previous redevelopment set-aside funds. Assisted rental housing in Sonora is geared towards a variety of target populations 1 This is project-based Section 8 rental assistance that is tied to the units. It is different from the tenant-based Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers which is portable with the voucher recipients. For example, a household assisted by the project-based Section 8 program will lose the rental assistance if he/she moves out of the assisted unit. However, a Section 8 voucher recipient can take the voucher and use it to rent different housing units as long as the owners are willing to accept it. 209
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including seniors, disabled individuals, families, and those with special needs. None of the publicly assisted rental housing are at risk of converting to market-rate units during this planning period.

The units with the closes affordability end date are the Tuolumne County MHSA units, which are funded and operated by Tuolumne County. These units are slated to expire after this planning period in 2032. The City will continue to monitor the status of at-risk units and support acquisition efforts of units at-risk of conversion through Program 1.3. The City has not received any notice from the County that these units will cease to be affordable at the 2032 date.

Additionally,the City received correspondence in July 2024 froman agency applying for LIHTC funding to rehabilitate and extend the affordability covenant of the Sonora Terrace Apartments, which expire in 2039.

Table 3-19: Inventory of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing Name Affordable
Units
Target
Population Funding Estimated Affordability End Year/Date Blackberry Oaks
Apartments 41 Seniors LIHTC; USDA 2069
Greenwood Village
Apartments 47 Non-Targeted LIHTC; HUD; USDA 2059
Sierra Village Apartments 80 Family USDA 5/17/2035
Sonora Garden
Apartments 33 Family LIHTC; USDA 2075
Sonora Terrace 46 Large Family USDA 2039
Tuolumne County MHSA 6 Family/Individual,
Special Needs CalHFA 10/1/2032
Stewart Street
Apartments 7 Non-Targeted CDBG 2046
Kelso Court 6 Persons with
Disabilities HUD 2034
Total 260
Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, Housing Element Data Package – Sonora City, Tuolumne County – California. Tuolumne County; Watch Resources. Estimated dates based on available data.

Loss of Assisted Housing
Covenants and deed restrictions are the typical mechanisms used to maintain the affordability of publicly assisted housing, ensuring that these units are available to lower and moderate-income households in the long term. Over time, the City may face the risk of losing affordable units due to the expiration of covenants and deed restrictions.

Currently, none of the publicly assisted affordable housing units will increase rent to market-rate during this planning period. However, as the housing market continues to put upward pressure on market rents, property owners are more inclined to discontinue public subsidies and convert the assisted units to market-rate housing. Upon maturity of the estimated affordability end year for assisted housing units, the City will continue to monitor assisted housing units and establish policies to preserve affordable housing.

Estimate of Replacement vs Preservation Costs
The loss of affordable rental housing reduces housing for lower-income individuals, families and households.

Therefore, affordable rental housing should be preserved and/or replaced whenever possible. Typically, it is more cost-effective to preserve existing affordable housing rather than replace it with newly constructed units. As no 210
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housing units are at risk until 2032, it is difficult to estimate preservation versus replacement costs. Additionally, it is difficult to anticipate what governmental programs will be in place and estimate replacement costs into the future.

To maintain the existing affordable housing stock, the City will continue to preserve the existing assisted units and facilitate the development of new units. State Government Code Section 65863.10 requires owners of federally and state funded affordable housing projects to provide at least a twelve-month notice of contract termination or prepayment of Federal assistance to tenants and public agencies. Depending on the circumstances of at-risk projects, different options may be used to preserve or replace the units. Preservation options typically include: 1) transfer of project to non-profit ownership; 2) provision of rental assistance to tenants using non-federal funding sources; and 3) purchase of affordability covenants. Based on current housing trends, it is assumed to be cheaper to preserve the existing housing units than it would be to build new units.

Preservation Options
A variety of programs exist to assist cities to acquire, replace, or subsidize at-risk affordable housing units. The following summarizes financial resources available to the City of Sonora.

Replacement Costs
The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee’s 2020 report provides estimates and data on the cost of building assisted units. It estimates that the average cost of an assisted unit in the State of California is $439,827.60. Table 32 summarizes the estimated replacement costs per unit using construction cost estimates from the UC Berkeley Terner Center and average unit sizes in the City of Sonora from Apartments.com. Combined, they provide an estimate for replacement costs by unit size specific to Sonora. It ranges from $184,680 for a one-bedroom unit to $695,780 for a three-bedroom unit which are largely single family homes. These replacement cost estimates use data from 2018. As such the replacement costs are likely to be higher than those shown here as costs have been steadily rising since 2018 and have not been adjusted for inflation.

Table 3-20: Replacement Cost
Unit Size Construction Cost per
Square Foot1
Average Square Foot/
Unit2
Replacement Cost per
Unit
1 bedroom $380 486 $184,680
2 bedroom $380 990 $376,200
3 bedroom $380 1,831 $695,780
Sources:
1 UC Berkeley Terner Center, 2020, The Hard Costs of Construction: Recent Trends in Labor and Materials Costs for Apartment Buildings in California, 15. https://ternercenter.berkeley.edu/wpcontent/uploads/2020/08/Hard_Construction_Costs_March_2020.pdf. 2 Apartments.com, https://www.apartments.com/sonora-ca/min-3-bedrooms/?bb=rso4muwvoOpq64iF, accessed on October 15, 2024
Transfer of Ownership
Transfer of ownership from a private owner to a nonprofit housing organization is another potential way to preserve at-risk units.

Extension of Affordability Covenant
In some cases, affordability can be preserved by providing financial incentives to the project owner to maintain the affordability of the project.
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Rent Subsidy
Tenant-based subsidies could be used to preserve the affordability of housing. The Stanislaus Regional Housing Authority administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to lower-income households. These agencies could request funding form the City to provide vouchers for residents if additional sources of revenue were available.

Qualified Entities
Under Government Code Section 65863.11, owners of federally assisted projects must provide a “Notice of Opportunity to Submit an Offer to Purchase” to qualified entities that agree to preserve the long-term affordability if they should acquire at-risk projects at least one year before the sale or expiration of use restrictions. Qualified entities have first right of refusal for acquiring at-risk units. Qualified entities are nonprofit or for-profit organizations with the legal and managerial capacity to acquire and manage at-risk properties that agree to maintain the longterm affordability of projects. The following is a list of qualified entities from HCD for Tuolumne County and the surrounding counties in the region:
• ACLC, Inc
• Eskaton Properties Inc.
• Housing Authority of the County of Stanislaus
• Modesto Redevelopment Agency
• ROEM Development Corporation
• Self-Help Enterprises
• Volunteers of American National Services
Identification of Policies to Preserve Affordable Housing In an effort to preserve all 260 affordable housing units the City will retain Policy 1.4 and 1.6 from the 2014 Housing Element. Additionally, this Housing Element establishes the following new policies in support of unitretention. • Policy 1.2 Continue to monitor Units At-Risk. No units are currently at risk in the City of Sonora. All units are guaranteed to remain affordable through 2028. The City will monitor annually the units that are at risk in the 2030 decade to ensure that they remain affordable. • Policy 1.5 Work with Potential Purchasers. Establish contact with public and nonprofit agencies interested in purchasing and / or managing units at-risk in the 2028 timeframe to inform them of the status of these projects. Where feasible, provide technical assistance and support to these organizations with respect to acquisition. Consider reducing or waiving development fees associated with preservation or replacement of at-risk units. Assist property owners with grant applications for funding for mortgage refinancing, acquisition, rehabilitation and gap funding for affordable development.

Quantified Objectives
Housing Element law requires that cities establish a maximum number of units that can be converted over the planning period. During the planning period, zero rent-restricted housing units are at risk of being converted to market rate (see Table 3-19).
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3.2.6 Special Housing Needs Assessment Analysis
Certain groups have greater difficulty in finding decent, affordable housing due to their unique needs and/or circumstances. Special circumstances may be related to one's household characteristics, disability, employment and income, among others. As a result, certain segments of the Sonora residents are more likely to be lower income and face housing cost burden, overcrowding, and/or other housing problems.

The State Housing Element law identifies the following "special needs" groups: senior households, disabled persons, large households, single parent headed households, families and persons in need of emergency shelter, and farmworkers. Table 3-21, Special Needs Groups, provides the populations of special needs groups in Sonora. The following discussions detail the housing and supportive services needs of each particular group, as well as the major programs and services available to address their needs.

Table 3-21: Special Needs Groups
Special Needs Group Number % of Households / Population Total Households 2,097 100%
Extremely Low Income Households 416 19.8%
Owner-occupied Senior-Headed
Households (65+) 463 22.1%
Renter-occupied Senior-Headed
Households (65+) 269 12.8%
Single-Parent Households 166 7.9%
Female-headed households
with children 135 6.4%
Male-headed households
with children 31 1.5%
Large Households 141 6.7%
Persons with Disability including
persons with developmental disabilities 995 20.2%
Unsheltered Households 77 3.7%
Farmworkers 8 >1%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, DP05: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States.

American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, B25007: Tenure by Age of Householder.

United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, People Experiencing Homelessness, January 27, 2022.

Table 3-22 show the services currently providing support for the special needs populations in Sonora. Services and housing options for seniors include Tuolumne County Senior Center as well as Blackberry Oaks Apartments which provides 42 low-income units for persons 65 and older.

Table 3-22: Inventory of Services for Special Needs Populations Services/Programs Population Served Details # of Units
Tuolumne County Senior
Center Elderly Persons
• Variety of in-person
activities
• Sonora location for
the Senior Lunch
Program
NA
Sierra Senior Providers Elderly Persons
• Meals on Wheels
• Senior Lunch
Program served
NA
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Table 3-22: Inventory of Services for Special Needs Populations every Monday
through Friday from
noon to 1:00 p.m.

Blackberry Oaks
Apartments Elderly Persons
•
•
•
Seniors 62 and older
1 and 2 Bedroom
Low-Income units
42 Forest View Senior
Apartments Elderly Persons •
•
Senior 55+
1 and 2 Bedroom 60
• Supported living
• Social and
Tuolumne County WATCH Persons with Disabilities •
recreational events
Supported NA
employment
• Job training
Valley Mountain Regional
Center Persons with Disabilities
• A variety of
educational, medical,
advocacy and
supportive programs
and services for
individuals with
development
disabilities.

NA
• Homeless Prevention
ATCAA Homeless •
Rental Assistance;
Homeless Rapid Re- NA
Housing Assistance.

Extremely Low Income
Extremely low income households are those earning 0 – 30 percent of the Area Median Income (AMI). Extremely low income households are a subset of very low income households and qualify as a special needs group as they have a specific need for affordable housing. Table 3-13, Overpayment by Income Category, established that 19.8 percent of occupied households were extremely low income based on Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R), Consolidated Planning/CHAS Data. Based on the 2021 US Census American Community Survey, 19.8 percent of the 2,097 total households in Table 3-20, corresponds to 416 extremely low income households in the City.

Extremely low income households may look to affordable housing units orsmaller units to meet their housing needs.

Table 3-19, Inventory of Publicly Assisted Rental Housing, identified 260 affordable housing units in the City of Sonora. None of those housing units will lose their affordable housing status during this housing cycle and Policies

1.2, 1.4, 1.5, and 1.6 are included to preserve affordable housing. Additionally, Section 3.3, Site Inventory Analysis and Zoning, proposes 106 units identified as affordable to low- and very low-income households. These strategies ensure housing availability for the extremely low income special needs group.

Extremely low-income households in Sonora are defined as households with income less than 30 percent of the Tuolumne County AMI. The provisions of Government Code Section 65583 (a)(1) require quantification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs of extremely low-income households. In 2021, about 11 percent of Sonora households were within the extremely low-income category. 214
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The table below provides a summary of overcrowding rates experienced by extremely low-income households in Sonora compared to the County. An overcrowded housing unit is defined by the US Census Bureau as a housing unit occupied by more than one person per room (excluding bathrooms, kitchen, hallway, and closet space). Occupancy by more than 1.5 persons per room constitutes severe overcrowding. Overcrowding can affect public facilities and services, reduce the quality of the physical environment, and create conditions that contribute to deterioration of the housing stock.

No extremely low income households in Sonora experience overcrowding. Overcrowding at the County level is also very low.

Table 3-23: Extremely Low-Income Overcrowding Trends
Sonora Tuolumne County
# % # %
Total Extremely Low Income Households 519 - 6,239 -
Overcrowding >1 Person per Room 0 0% 140 2.2%
Overcrowding >1.5 Person per Room 0 0% 30 0.5%
Extremely Low Income Owners 49 - 3,370 -
Overcrowding >1 Person per Room 0 0% 30 0.9%
Overcrowding >1.5 Person per Room 0 0% 30 0.9%
Extremely Low Income Renters 470 - 2,869 -
Overcrowding >1 Person per Room 0 0% 110 3.8%
Overcrowding >1.5 Person per Room 0 0% 0 0%
Source: HUD CHAS data 2017 – 2021
The table below provides a summary of cost burden experienced by extremely low-income households in Sonora.

Extremely low-income households in Sonora experience overpayment at a comparable rate to the County. Generally, extremely low income households in Sonora experiences cost burden at a lower rate than Countywide, with the exception of extremely low income owners. These percentages are skewed due to the very small population of extremely low income owners in Sonora. According to 2017–2021 HUD CHAS data, over 72 percent of extremely low-income households experience cost burden. The needs of extremely low-income households include housing units designed for unhoused persons, multifamily rental housing, factory-built housing, mobile homes, housing for agricultural employees, supportive housing, single-room occupancy units, and workforce housing.

Sonora is including a number of programs to address cost burden for extremely low income households. This includes Program 4.1 to Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households and Program 5.2 to waive fees for extremely low, very low- and lowincome housing projects with long-term affordability covenants. Increasing affordable housing stock in the City will create opportunities for the extremely low income population to live in housing that will not be a cost burden. 215
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Table 3-24: Extremely Low-Income Cost Burden Trends
Sonora Tuolumne County
# % # %
Total Extremely Low Income Households 213 - 2,832 -
Cost Burden <30% 154 72.3% 2,459 86.8%
Cost Burden <50% 139 65.3% 2,085 73.6%
Extremely Low Income Owners 14 - 1,464 -
Cost Burden <30% 14 100% 1,325 90.5%
Cost Burden <50% 14 100% 1,095 74.8%
Extremely Low Income Renters 199 - 1,368 -
Cost Burden <30% 140 70.4% 1,134 82.9%
Cost Burden <50% 125 62.8% 990 72.4%
Senior Households
Source: HUD CHAS data 2017 – 2021
Senior households typically have special housing needs due to three primary concerns: fixed income, high health care costs, and higher likelihood of an identified disability. As shown in Table 3-20, approximately 22 percent of owner-occupied households and 13 percent of renter-occupied households in Sonora were headed by persons aged 65 and older. Because of physical and/or other limitations, senior homeowners may have difficulty performing regular home maintenance or repair activities. In addition, because many seniors have fixed or limited income, they may have difficulty in making monthly mortgage or rent payments.

Various programs can assist senior needs, including but not limited to congregate care, supportive services, rental subsidies, shared housing, and housing rehabilitation assistance. For the frail elderly or those with disabilities, housing with architectural design features that accommodate disabilities and senior housing with supportive services can help to ensure continued or extended independent living. Assisted living facilities represent another housing option for seniors in Sonora. These facilities are typically for the elderly in need of daily assistance with personal and household tasks.

There are existing facilities within the City of Sonora that serve the senior population, including Blackberry Oaks Apartments with 41 affordable units specifically for those aged 65 or older. The Tuolumne County Senior Center is located on Greenley Road next to the County Library, and also provides space and resources for senior citizens.

Single-Parent Households
Single-parent households require special considerations and assistance because of their greater need for daycare, health care and other facilities. Approximately 8 percent of the Sonora households were headed by single parents in 2021; the majority of which were headed by females. Female-headed households with children often require special consideration and assistance as a result of their greater need for affordable housing, accessible daycare, health care and other supportive services. Because of their relatively lower income and higher living expenses, such households usually have more limited opportunities for finding affordable and decent housing.

Sonora was home to 135 female-headed households with children in 2021, representing 6.4 percent of households in the City. In 2021, 35.5 percent of female-headed families with children lived in poverty, compared to the 16.6 percent of all families with children below the poverty level. Domestic violence survivors with children typically comprise a sub-group of female-headed households that are especially in need. 216
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Large Households
Large households are defined as households with five or more members residing in a housing unit. These households constitute a special need group because the supply of adequately sized, affordable housing units in a community is often limited. In order to save for other basic necessities such as food, clothing and medical care, it is common for lower income large households to reside in smaller units, resulting in overcrowding. A total of 141 large households lived in Sonora in 2021, all of which were owner-occupied housing units. Large households represented approximately 6.7 percent of households in the City.

Housing needs of large households are typically met through larger units with three or more bedrooms, which could reasonably accommodate large families without overcrowding. To address overcrowding, communities can provide incentives to facilitate the development of larger apartments and condominiums with three or more bedrooms for large households or to accommodate multiple roommates. A shortage of large rental units may also be alleviated through the provision of affordable ownership housing opportunities. Financial assistance for room additions may also help to relieve overcrowding.

Persons with Disabilities, Including Persons with Developmental Disabilities Persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, have special housing needs because of fixed income, the lack of accessible and affordable housing, and the higher health costs associated with disabilities.

Disabilities are defined as mental, physical or health conditions that last over six months. Table 3-21 above shows a total of 995 persons with disabilities constituting 20.2 percent of the population. Table 3-25, Disabilities Tallied, reports persons with disabilities by disability type and age group.

Table 3-25: Disabilities Tallied
Total Disabilities Tallied 995 100%
Total Disabilities Ages 18-64 350
Hearing Difficulty 56 5.63%
Vision Difficulty 28 2.81%
Cognitive Difficulty 164 16.48%
Ambulatory Difficulty 77 7.74%
Self- Care Difficulty 15 1.51%
Independent Living Difficulty 156 15.68%
Total Disabilities for Over Age 65 492
Hearing Difficulty 270 27.14%
Vision Difficulty 124 12.46%
Cognitive Difficulty 263 26.43%
Ambulatory Difficulty 348 34.97%
Self- Care Difficulty 111 11.16%
Independent Living Difficulty 268 26.93%
Source: American Community Survey (ACS), 2017-2021 5 year estimates, S1810: Disability Characteristics.

An estimated 20 percent of Sonora’s adult population has one or more disabilities. The majority of those reported with disabilities are aged 65 or over. Cognitive difficulty was the most common type of disability among persons aged 18 to 64, followed closely by independent living difficulty. Ambulatory difficulty (serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs) was the most common disability among persons over the age of 65. Hearing difficulty, independent living difficulty, and cognitive difficulty were also common among persons with disabilities over the age of 65. 217
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Several factors limit the supply of housing for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities; such factors include affordability, accessibility, location, and discrimination. The most obvious housing need for persons with disabilitiesincluding persons with developmental disabilities is housing that is adapted to their needs. Most single-family homes are inaccessible to people with mobility and sensory limitations. Housing may not be adaptable to widened doorways and hallways, access ramps, larger bathrooms, lowered countertops, and other features necessary for accessibility. The cost of retrofitting a home often prohibits homeownership, even for individuals or families who could otherwise afford a home. Location of housing is also an important factor for many persons with disabilities including persons with developmental disabilities, as they often rely upon public transportation.

Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Senate Bill 812 (SB 812, Ashburn, 2010) requires the City to include in its analysis of “Special Needs Groups” the needs of those with a developmental disability within the community. According to Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, “developmental disability” means a disability that originates before an individual attains 18 years of age, continues, or can be expected to continue, indefinitely, and constitutes a substantial disability for that individual.

It includes intellectual disability/general learning disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and other types of autism. This term also includes disabling conditions found to be closely related to intellectual disabilities or to require treatment similar to that required for individuals with intellectual disabilities, but does not include other conditions that are solely physical in nature. Table 3-26, Developmental Disabilities by Age, shows the number persons with a developmental disability by age in Sonora.

Table 3-26: Development Disabilities by Age
Age Group 0-17 18 and over Total
Number of Persons 102 181 283
Percent 36% 64% 100%
Source: California Department of Developmental Services, Consumer Count by California ZIP Code and Residence Type, December 2021.

The California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) reports a total of 283 persons with a developmental disability in the City. Of this group, 36 percent are below the age of 18 and the remaining 64 percent are 18 years or older.

Many developmentally disabled persons can live and work independently within a conventional housing environment. More severely disabled personsrequire a group living environment where supervision is provided. The most severely affected persons may require an institutional environment where medical aid and physical therapy are provided. Because developmental disabilities exist before adulthood, the first issue in supportive housing for the developmentally disabled is the transition from the person’s living situation as a child to an appropriate level of independence as an adult. Table 2-27, Developmental Disabilities by Residence Type, shows the living arrangements for persons with a developmental disability in Sonora.
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Table 3-27: Developmental Disabilities by Residence Type Number of Persons Percent
Home of Parent / Guardian 179 64%
Independent / Supported Living 73 26%
Community Care Facility 26 9%
Intermediate Care Facility 0 0%
Foster/ Family Home 0 0%
Total 278 100%
Source: California Department of Developmental Services, Consumer Count by California ZIP Code and Residence Type, December 2021.

The California DDS identified residence types for a total of 278 persons with a developmental disability in Sonora.

Roughly 26 percent have an independent or supported living arrangement, while 64 percent live in the home of a parent or guardian and 9 percent live in a community care facility.

Tuolumne County WATCH
WATCH serves developmentally disabled individuals and has clients in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties. This organization provides work and life skills training, sheltered employment, transportation, and social activities. These services help developmentally disabled individuals to remain as independent as possible.

Valley Mountain Regional Center
The California DDS currently provides community-based servicesto persons with developmental disabilities and their families through a statewide system of twenty-one regional centers, four developmental centers, and two community-based facilities. The Valley Mountain Regional Center provides point of entry services for people with developmental disabilities within the counties of Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne. The center is a private, non-profit community agency that contracts with local businessesto offer a wide range ofservices to individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

County of Tuolumne Behavioral Health Department
The County of Tuolumne Behavioral Health Department operates supportive housing for people with mental illness in a downtown location which was opened in 2012. The County Behavioral Health Department successfully utilized California Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) funding to purchase two homes in downtown Sonora to serve 6 people with mental illness. All of the beds are occupied. They provide case management and off-site services, activities and referrals.

There are a number of housing types appropriate for people living with a development disability: rent subsidized homes, licensed and unlicensed single-family homes, inclusionary housing, Section 8 vouchers, special programs for home purchase, HUD housing, and SB 962 homes. The design of housing-accessibility modifications, the proximity to services and transit, and the availability of group living opportunities represent some of the types of considerations that are important in serving this group’s need. Incorporating “barrier free” design in all new multifamily housing (as required by California and Federal Fair Housing laws) is especially important to provide the widest range of choices for disabled residents. Special consideration should also be given to the affordability of housing, as people with disabilities may be living on a fixed income. 219
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In order to assist in the housing needs for persons with development disabilities, the City will implement programs to encourage housing providers to designate a portion of new affordable housing developments for persons with disabilitiesincluding persons with developmental disabilities, especially persons with developmental disabilities, and funding sources designated for persons with special needs and disabilities.

Homeless
A person is considered homeless who lacks a fixed, regular, and adequate night-time residence; and an individual who has a primary nighttime residence that is:

A) A supervised publicly or privately operated shelter designed to provide temporary living accommodations (including welfare hotels, congregate shelters, and transitional housing for the mentally ill); or B) An institution that provides a temporary residence for individuals intended to be institutionalized; or C) A public or private place not designed for or ordinarily used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings. Homeless individuals do not include individuals imprisoned or otherwise detained pursuant to an Act of the Congress or a state law (U.S. Code Section 11302).

Homeless individuals within the City include, but are not limited to: victims of domestic violence, persons with mental illness, personssuffering from addiction disorders, those with inadequate incomes, families with single heads of households, and unaccompanied minors.

The Central Sierra Continuum of Care oversaw the preparation of the Central Sierra 2022 Point-in-Time Homeless Census for Tuolumne County (as part of a multi-county effort). According to the Count, Tuolumne County has 266 homeless people both sheltered and unsheltered. Of this amount, approximately 40 percent are categorized as chronically homeless individuals. Of the three counties involved, Tuolumne County has the most homeless people reported compared to Amador (184 individuals), Calaveras (122 individuals), and Mariposa (46 individuals) Counties.

According to the Police Chief, the majority of the unsheltered homeless people counted within Tuolumne County are in the area of the City. As a regional issue, it is difficult to determine the exact amount within the City as there are homeless encampments along the city limits on both sides of the boundary. The City of Sonora Unsheltered Point-In-Time County in 2022 reports 92 unsheltered individuals, 49 of which are reported to be chronically homeless individuals.

Many individuals and families move in and out of homelessness and shelters over the course of a year. Generally, three types of facilities provide shelter for homeless individuals and families: emergency shelters, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing:
• Emergency Shelter: A facility that provides overnight shelter and fulfills a client’s basic needs (such as food, clothing, and medical care) either on-site or through off-site services. The permitted length of stay can vary from one day to six months, depending upon whether the shelter is short-term orlong-term. • Transitional Housing: A residence that provides housing for up to two years. Residents of transitional housing are usually connected to rehabilitative services, including substance abuse and mental health care interventions, employment services, individual and group counseling, and life skills training. 220
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• Permanent Supportive Housing: Permanent housing that is affordable in the community orservice-enriched housing that is linked with on-going supportive services (on-site or off- site) and is designed to allow formerly homeless clients to live at the facility on an indefinite basis.

Additionally, Rapid Re-Housing programs can be utilized to provide housing relocation, stabilization services, and short- to medium-term assistance to help individuals and families experiencing homelessness move as quickly as possible into permanent or more stable housing.

The most common service needs identified (but unable to obtain) were identified as housing assistance or shelter and employment or employment training. Similarly, the top three services that would have helped prevent homelessness were identified as employment or employment training, housing assistance or shelter and legal assistance.

Table 3-28: Homeless Facilities*
Facility Type Family Units Family Beds Adult Only
Beds Seasonal
Emergency Shelter 28 102 74 0
Transitional Housing 13 41 17 NA
Permanent Supportive Housing 13 35 47 NA
Rapid Rehousing 6 17 24 NA
Total 60 195 162 0
Source: Continuum of Care or HUD; CoC_HIC_State_CA_2017 *Note: Numbers are provided for the Tuolumne, Amador, Calaveras, Mariposa Counties Continuum of Care for which Tuolumne County is a participating member. Numbers represent homeless needs for the total Continuum of Care area.

Across the homeless facility types, there are 60 family units, 195 family beds, and 162 adult only beds. Emergency shelter has the most family units (46.7 percent), family beds, (52.3 percent) and adult only beds (46.7 percent). None of the facility types are seasonal.

Homeless Support Services
David Lambert Community Center/Drop-in Center
This facility provides a place forsocialization for the mentally ill and other homeless individuals. The center is located at 347 W. Jackson St., Sonora.

American Red Cross
The Tuolumne County office of the American Red Cross assists residents with temporary housing, food, and clothing in response to disasters. In addition to assisting individual households, the American Red Cross has played an important role in the county in response to county disasters, in particular, wildfires.

Churches/Salvation Army/Food Pantries/Clothing/Computer Other organizations within the City have limited funds set aside for 1-2 night motel accommodations for the homeless (e.g., St. Patrick’s Church, the Salvation Army). Free community meals are provided at the St. James Episcopal Church (locally known as the Red Church), St. Patrick’s Church and at a local coffee house, the Heart Rock Café. Food pantries are available in the City limits at: the Red Church, Sonora Baptist Church, and St. Patrick’s Church.

Clothing, linens, and toiletries are also available at these locations. Computer accessis available at the David Lambert 221
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Drop in Center in the City and at the main branch of the Tuolumne County Library in Sonora. The Salvation Army Reach program also provides auto repair, assistance with energy and utilities, minor home repairs, transit tickets and related services.

Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA)
ATCAA offices are based in the cities of Sonora (for Tuolumne County) and Jackson (for Amador County). ATCAA also works with the Calaveras-Mariposa Community Action Agency to implement programs in Calaveras County. ATCAA operates a homeless shelter in the City of Sonora. ATCAA has assisted the homeless in Sonora and Tuolumne County since 1981 and obtained its first shelter in 1984. ATCAA successfully worked with the City to acquire ownership of the existing homeless shelter and undertake shelter rehabilitation. ATCAA provides adults and children with emergency and transitional shelter in Tuolumne County, Homeless Prevention rent and utility assistance and Housing and Budget Counseling.

ATCAA provides a deposit assistance program that provides funding for individuals and families covering the necessary funds required for security deposits on rental units. The program provides an opportunity for people to enter into rental housing who are not able to afford the initial investment of a security deposit and first month rent payment.

ATCAA operates the county food bank, based in Jamestown. The food bank solicits, transports,stores and distributes emergency and supplemental foods to individuals and families. The food bank assists community church pantries with emergency food supplies. ATCAA also implements a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) assisting with energy-saving home improvements such as home weatherization, appliance replacement, and providing education on reducing energy costs.

Center for a Non-Violent Community
The Center for a Non-Violent Community (CNVC, formerly known as the Mountain Women’s Resource Center) provides services and resources (including shelter) to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. The City previously owned the CNVC Shelter rent free. The City recently transferred ownership of the facility to CNVC, to streamline facility operation and management. The CNVC Shelter provides 11 beds for women and children, and the stay length is 30-days. The reported average client profile is a white married woman under 30, with at least one child under the age of six, in the very low income category. CNVC offers counseling services, life skills classes, and other resources to those staying in the shelter. The principal funding sources for the shelter are the Office of Criminal Justice Planning, Community Development Block Grants, and private fundraising.

Farmworkers
Farmworkers are traditionally defined as persons whose primary incomes are earned through permanent orseasonal agricultural labor. Permanent farm laborers work in the fields, processing plants, or support activities on a generally year-round basis. When workloads increase during harvest periods, the labor force is supplemented by seasonal labor, often supplied by a labor contractor. For some crops, farms may hire migrant workers.

According to the Census American FactFinder, there were 42 people employed in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining occupations – less than 1 percent of the City’s employed population. Given the extended distance between the City and agricultural destinationsfor workers, and that migrant and seasonal workers are often without private transportation; farmworker housing units should be located along primarily public transportation 222
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routes which provide regular service to Twain Harte and higher elevations so that workers may meet with other workers to be transported to work sites by their employers. Implementation of Program 7.2 (Facilitate the Provision of the Employee Housing Act) establishes the City’s strategy and implementation program removing governmental constraints to the provision of farm worker housing.

Table 3-29a: Farmworkers in Tuolumne County
City of Sonora Tuolumne County State of California
Total Employment 1,992 20,829 18,729,798
Agriculture, forestry, fishing
and hunting, mining
9 498 394,937
Percent Total 0.5% 2.4% 2.1%
Source: US Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Data (2022), Table DP03.

Table 3-29b shows the 2012 to 2017 estimates of farmworkers for Tuolumne County, as reported in the US Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture. As indicated, there were an estimated 355 farmworkers in the County in 2017 which was a 33.5 percent increase of farmworkers in the County from 2012. Similarly, the number of farms employing workers increased 9.3 percent. Additionally, during the same period the number of workers working 150 days or more increased by 136 percent which indicates there are more permanent farmworkers.

Table 3-29b: Farmworker Employment by Workers in Tuolumne County Farm/Worker Type Farmworkers % Change Farms % Change
2012 2017 2012 2017
Farm Size
Farms with less than 10
employees
187 187 0% 71 75 5.6%
Farms with 10 or more
employees
79 168 112.7% 4 7 75.0%
Total 266 355 33.5% 75 82 9.3%
Length of Employment of Workers
Permanent 66 156 136.4%
Seasonal (less than 150 days) 131 199 51.9%
Source: 2012 and 2017 Census of Agriculture, Table 7, Tuolumne County, https://www.nass.usda.gov/Quick_Stats/CDQT/chapter/2/table/7/state/CA/county/099/year/2017.

According to a 2023 study by the UC Merced Community and Labor Center, farmworkers across California are facing serious health challenges. The study suggests that farmworkers generally experience substandard housing (e.g., older homes, apartments, mobile homes, motels, garages, or other similar spaces), often requiring repairs such as new roofs, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, and termite clean-up. Poor ventilation and crowded spaces put farmworkers at increased risk for respiratory illnesses as well.

This low percentage of agricultural employment, combined with the lack of farms or farm labor housing in or near Sonora, indicates that the number of actual farm workers in Sonora is very small and, therefore, the City has no specialized housing programs targeted to this group beyond overall programs for housing affordability. 223
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3.2.7 Regional Housing Needs
Future housing need refers to the share of the regional housing need that has been allocated to the City. The State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) provides a regional housing goal number. In allocating the region’s future housing needs to jurisdictions, the following factors must be taken into consideration pursuant to Section 65584 of the State Government Code:
• Market demand for housing;
• Employment opportunities;
• Availability of suitable sites and public facilities; • Commuting patterns;
• Type and tenure of housing;
• Loss of units in assisted housing developments;
• Over-concentration of lower-income households; and
• Geological and topographical constraints.

The RHNP addresses housing issues that are related to future growth in the region. The RHNP allocates to each city and county a “fair share” of the region’s projected housing needs by household income group. The Plan covers an

8.5-year period.

The major goal of the RHNP is to assure a fair distribution of housing among cities and counties, so that every community provides an opportunity for a mix of housing affordable to all economic segments. This share of regional housing needs is known as Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA). RHNA targets are not building requirements, but goals for each community to accommodate through appropriate planning policies and land use regulations. RHNA targets are intended to assure that adequate sites and zoning are made available to address anticipated housing demand during the planning period and that market forces are not inhibited in addressing the housing needs of all economic segments of a community.

The RHNA allocates future (construction) needs by each income category in a way that meets the State mandate to reduce the over-concentration of lower-income households in one community versus another community.

According to the RHNP, Sonora’s RHNA is a total of two (2) new units for the 2024 – 2029 period. This allocation is distributed into four income categories, as shown in Table 3-30, Projected Needs (RHNA).

Table 3-30: Projected Needs (RHNA)
Jurisdiction Very Low Low Moderate Above-Moderate Total City of Sonora 1 1 0 0 2
% of Total 50% 50% 0% 0% 100% 50.0%
Unincorporated Tuolumne
County
1 1 0 0 2
% of Total 50% 50% 0% 0% 100% 50.0%
Tuolumne County Region
Total
2 2 0 0 4
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Pursuant to AB 2634, local jurisdictions are also required to project the needs of extremely low-income households (0–30% of AMI). Fifty percent of the very low-income households are presumed to qualify as extremely low-income households. However, Sonora’s RHNA for very low income households is 1 unit, so there is no projection for extremely low income units.

Of the two (2) units needed, one (1) new unit is needed for very low income and one (1) for low income. This is half of the need of Tuolumne County where two (2) units are needed for very low income and two (2) for low income.

This brings the total area of the City and Tuolumne County to six (6) units needed.

3.2.8 Energy Conservation and Public Participation Requirements Opportunities for Energy Conservation
State law requires local government, in preparing a housing element, to address energy conservation measures with respect to residential developments within their jurisdiction. The City of Sonora has taken several measures to implement energy conservation programs in residential projects. The building orientation, street layout, lot design, landscaping, and street tree configuration of all residential projects are reviewed to maximize solar access and energy conservation.

Energy conservation is achieved through implementation measures on different levels. The first level includes requiring new residential development to meet applicable energy standards of Title 24 of the California Administrative Code. Building additions or alterations must also meet Title 24 standards if they increase the heated or cooled floor space of the building. Builders of these units may achieve compliance either by calculating the energy performance in a prescribed manner or by selecting from alternative component packages that prescribe a fixed method of energy compliance. The City’s Building and Code Compliance Division checks all proposed residential units for design and construction compliance with Title 24 energy standards.

The level of energy conservation implementation occurs during review and approval of residential subdivisions to ensure they are designed to maximize passive or natural heating and cooling opportunities. This can be achieved by encouraging the incorporation of techniquesto maximize use ofsolar energy. Passive cooling opportunities are listed and included in the design of lots to allow the appropriate orientation of a structure to take advantage of prevailing breezes or available shade. Passive heating opportunities include design of lots to allow structures to be aligned in an east-west direction for southern exposure. Section 66473.1 of the State Subdivision Map Act requires that the design of a subdivision for which a tentative map is required shall provide, to the extent feasible, for future passive or natural heating or cooling opportunities in the subdivision. Although no precise standards are given, the State Attorney General issued an opinion in 1981 that “a tentative map of a subdivision must be disapproved if it fails to meet the design requirement of Government Code Section 66473.1.” Another way to advance energy conservation is through implementation of various programs that encourage weatherization of residential structures (i.e., to improve conditions of existing structures and to decrease their energy demand). The most common techniques for increasing building efficiency are: insulation of ceilings; heatingventilating air conditioning ducts and hot water heaters; weather stripping and caulking; thermostats at night; lowflow shower heads; window treatment to provide shade; and furnace efficiency modifications. The Department of Energy, Weatherization Assistance Program (DOE WAP) has long served as the core program for delivering energy conservation services to lower-income Californians. The Weatherization Assistance Program reduces the heating and cooling costs for lower-income families by improving the energy efficiency of their homes and ensuring their 225
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health and safety. Among low-income households, the program focuses on those with elderly residents, individuals with disabilities, and families with children. The City will look at opportunities to help homeowners with weatherization. In addition, each new residential unit built must have solar included in the build.

Pacific Gas & Electric provides electricity to residential consumers in Tuolumne County, including the City of Sonora.

PG&E also participates in several other energy assistance programs which help qualified homeowners and renters conserve energy and control costs. These include:
• The California Alternate Ratesfor Energy Program (CARE) provides a 20 percent monthly discount on energy rates to income qualified households, certain non-profits, facilities housing agricultural employees, homeless shelters, hospices, and other qualified non-profit group living facilities. Participants qualify through income guidelines or if enrolled in certain public assistance programs. • The Relief for Energy Assistance through Community Help (REACH) Program is administered by the Salvation Army and provides one-time energy assistance to lower-income customers. Those who have experienced an uncontrollable or unforeseen hardship may receive an energy credit up to $500, credit amount based on the past due amount of the bill. REACH assistance may be available only once within a 12-month period, but exceptions can be made for seniors, the physically challenged, and the terminally ill. • Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) provides a monthly discount of 18 percent on electric bills for income qualified households of three or more people.
• Medical-Baseline provides help if you’re a customer with special energy needs related to a medical condition. Customers on life-support or other medical equipment may be eligible for additional energy at the lowest price through the Medical Baseline program. This program is not based on income. • The Green Saver Program enables income-qualified residential customers in select communities to save 20% on their electricity bill on top of any applicable CARE or FERA discounts by subscribing to 100% solar energy. Eligibility requirements include customers who live in disadvantaged communities (DAC) and are eligible for CARE of FERA among other requirements.
• The Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program run by the California Department of Community Services and Development (CSD) to provide heating, cooling and weatherproofing help to lower income families. This program prioritizes families who spend a large part of their income on energy, families with elderly or disabled members and families with children under age three.

Public Participation
Public participation in preparation of the Housing Element is required under Government Code Section 65588(c).

This Housing Element was developed through the combined efforts of City staff, the City’s Planning Commission, and the City Council. The City conducted an online community survey between May 3, 2023, and May 23, 2023, garnering input from 521 respondents. The City conducted additional, targeted stakeholder interviews in December 2024. In an effort to achieve public participation of all economic segments in the community, this survey was widely distributed through the following methods:
• Hard copy surveys available during business hours at City Hall • Survey links on the City website and social media accounts • Advertisement through local news sources, including the Union Democrat and MyMotherLode.com 226
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This distribution allowed for participants to engage with survey content through preferred methods (hard copy vs. electronic) and use of different noticing techniques garnered attention from a variety of community members. As the population of Sonora is at approximately 5,000 individuals, approximately 10 percent of the City wasrepresented in these survey findings. The City also conducted an online survey for City employees in May 2023 and performed stakeholder interviews collecting input as part of a strategic planning effort.

The community survey collected data on resident’s occupancy characteristics as well as City housing, development, infrastructure, population growth, homelessness and perception of City operations and services. About 36 percent of respondents said they live in the incorporated City of Sonora, and 49.9 percent of respondents said they own a home in the City of Sonora. A majority of survey respondents (58 percent) said that they either “agree” or “strongly agree” with the statement that vacant properties downtown should be a top priority. Similarly, a majority (60.6 percent) indicated that they either “agree” or “strongly agree” with the statement that the City needs to make homelessness a top priority. Roughly 30 percent of respondents said they were either “very dissatisfied” or “dissatisfied” with community housing programs. About 48 percent of respondents indicated that they were “very concerned” about housing challenges and the impact on the City.

The employee survey collected information from 30 City employees; information was primarily related to their experience working for the City but also asked about certain challenges in the community including housing and homelessness. Over 53 percent of surveyed employees responded that they were “very concerned” with the challenge of homelessness in the City of Sonora. Homelessness was also listed among the biggest challenges in the community by employees surveyed. Stakeholder interviews also revealed homelessness and, to a lesser extent, vacant properties as priorities. Results of the community survey, employee survey, and stakeholder interviews were discussed at a strategic planning workshop held on July 9th, 2023.

This Housing Element was published for public review on February 13, 2024, until March 14, 2024. Notice of the public review period was published via the City’s website and comment card handouts; documentation of this outreach process is included in Appendix A.

To present the draft Housing Element Update to the public, the City hosted an open house at City Hall on February 22nd, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The purpose of this outreach event was to discuss proposed housing policies and programs as presented in the updated Housing Element. This open house was noticed to the public via the City’s website, and City staff distributed invitations to participate to the following agencies:
• Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (Fair Housing Information Provider) • Area 12 Agency on Aging
• Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living
• Mother Lode Job Training Center
• Sonora Chamber of Commerce
• Tuolumne County Blue Zones Project
• Tuolumne County Business Council
• Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce
• Tuolumne County Commission on Aging
• Tuolumne County Department of Public Health
• Tuolumne County Transportation Council
• Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
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The outreach event was facilitated open-house style, with a series of boards available for the public to review and comment. City staff and CSG Consultants were available during the outreach event to answer questions or provide furtherinformation/context about the housing element update. A total of eight individuals attended the open house; documentation of the open house sign-in sheet is included in Appendix A. Comment cards were available at the open house for interested parties to provide feedback on the Housing Element, however none were returned to City staff at the end of the outreach process.

The City reached out to 5 individuals and organizations who represent a diverse range of agencies and interest groups to participate in stakeholder interviews regarding housing needs and issues in Sonora. The interviews were conducted on the following dates:
• December 2, 2024 at 2:30 PM
• December 2, 2024 at 3:30 PM
• December 10, 2024 at 2:30 PM
Stakeholders included representatives from Area 12 Agency On Aging, a social services organization in Tuolumne County, the Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency, and local representatives from Habitat for Humanity.

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• High cost of housing construction (Program 2.1, pursue grant funding for new housing production to offset high construction costs, Program 5.2, fee waivers for lower income projects to offset high construction costs, Expanded constraints analysis)
• Lack of middle-income / workforce housing (Program 2.3, support infill development, Program 2.4, encourage affordable ADU development, Program 4.1, assist in the development of moderate-income housing, Program

2.2, employee down-payment assistance)
The participants had varying perspectives informed by their involvement and familiarity with Sonora, but lack of housing at a variety of income levels and financial support for rehabilitating substandard housing stock were the issues mentioned the most.

Several programs may create opportunities for more housing across all income levels, as well as assist in funding housing rehabilitation, including:
• Program 2.3: Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all IncomeCategories • Program 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • Program 4.1: Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households
• Program 2.1: Pursue Grant Funding for New Housing Production and Housing Rehabilitation The City will actively engage the community in the progress of the Housing Element implementation, including specifically working with developers, service providers and other community interests to accomplish the various implementing programs.
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3.3 SITE INVENTORY ANALYSIS AND ZONING

3.3.1 Residential Land Inventory
This residential site inventory identifies parcels suitable for residential use, to meet the RHNA allocation. Staff utilized a recent aerial photo, the parcel inventory form the 2014 Housing Element, and staff knowledge to create an updated map and table with up-to-date vacant land which can accommodate residential development. All parcels are located in developed areas within the City with access to water and sewerservice.

RHNP Requirement
California General Plan law requires that a community provide a fair share of sites to allow for and facilitate production of the regionalshare of housing. To determine whether a jurisdiction hassufficient land to accommodate its share of regional housing needs for all income groups, that jurisdiction must identify “adequate sites.” As defined under California Government Code Section 65583(c)(1), adequate sites are those with appropriate zoning and development standards, with services and facilities to encourage and provide for the development of a variety of housing for all income levels.

Under the Regional Housing Needs Plan (RHNP), Sonora has been assigned a housing need target or its share of regional housing needs. This housing target refers to the City’s share of new housing needed to accommodate population and employment growth in the region. As discussed previously, State law requires each community to play a role in meeting the region’s housing needs. As such, the City of Sonora housing production goals between 2024 and 2029 is to establish two (2) units. Table 3-31, Capacity to Meet RHNA Requirement, shows the RHNA requirement of two units and incorporates the unit capacity of the available vacant sites the proposed for development.

State Housing Law requires jurisdictions to identify zones that accommodate housing needs of lower-income households. The law allows jurisdictions to rely on default densities to demonstrate zoning that encourages lowerincome housing development. The R-3 Zone allows for multi-family dwelling units with no maximum density and the General Plan Land Use Designation has a maximum density of 21.75 dwelling units per acre, are both consistent with the default density under State Housing Law for Sonora that allows a minimum of 15 units per acre to accommodate the housing needs of lower-income households.

Ability to Meet the RHNA
The City has adequate land with appropriately densities to meet its RHNA. The City is identifying two sites (Lemke and Cuesta Heights) that are available for housing development to meet the RNA. Using the minimum density for these sites, the City could achieve a surplus of 152 units beyond the RHNA requirement, as shown in the table below.

Additional detail on both sites is provided below to further detail for how Sonora will provide adequate residential site capacity within the community to accommodate its share of regional housing needs during the planning period.

As shown in Table 3-31, the City has adequate sites with appropriate densities to meet the current Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements. State law (SB 1019) requires the City to zone an adequate number of sites that permit multi-family residential uses without a conditional use permit to meet its housing need for very-low and low income households. Multifamily units are permitted by right in the R-3 district. Likewise, state law (Government Code 65583.2(c)(3)) requires sufficient vacant land for lower-income households. The site included in theinventory 230
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is large enough to accommodate 154 units, far in excess of the City’s RNHA allocation of two (2) new units. In total the City has sufficient vacant property that once developed would result in units across all income categories beyond this cycle’s requirement. Thus, the City is not rezoning to meet the RHNA and no rezoning to residential use is necessary. However, as noted in Housing Element Program 3.1 and consistent with HCD’s correspondence dated June 9, 2025, the 5th and 6th Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) candidate site(s) are to be rezoned to accommodate by-right housing pursuant to Government Code Section 65583.2 (c). Specifically, Program 3,1 requires the City to amend the City’s Municipal Code by adding Chapter 17.21 entitled Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone District (RHNAOZD) to Title 17 of the City of Sonora Municipal Code. The Regional Housing Needs Assessment Overlay Zone District (RHNAOZD) applies solely to the Lemke Property (APN: 044-430- 055) as described herein.

There is a substantial amount of undeveloped land in Sonora; however not all land has access to appropriate infrastructure for residential development. As part of this Housing Element update, the City identified two sites designated for residential development; refer to Exhibit 3-3, Opportunity Sites, for the location of both sites. Both sites have access to water and sewer.

Table 3-31: Capacity to Meet RHNA Requirement
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total
RHNA Requirement 1 1 0 0 2
RHNA Sites
Lemke 53 53 0 0 106
Cuesta Heights 0 0 24 24 48
Total Capacity 53 53 24 24 154
Surplus 52 52 24 24 152
Table 3-32, Available Vacant Sites for Residential Development, lists both sites and identifies the zoning, acreage, and unit potential (number of units that can be accommodated) to establish an available sites inventory demonstrating that assigned RHNA numbers can be accommodated. The two sites have a total capacity for 154 units, including 106 lower income units, 24 moderate, and 24 above moderate units. The sites were chosen due to their zoning, size, capacity for development, vacant uses, and the ability to provide infrastructure. Existing zoning is listed in Table 3-32, below. No rezoning is proposed for either site, except in accordance with Government Code Section 65583.2 (c) as described above.

Recent Multi-Family Project Densities
To project the realistic unit potential for the multi-family site (Lemke), a review of a recently proposed multi-family housing development was conducted. The City has received two recent project applications for multi-family housing.

One project on Snell Street includes 44 units on approximately 4 net developable acres. This 19-acre parcel contains mainly areas of steep slopes (greater than 30%) and thus the project is proposed on the net developable portion.

The project has a net density of approximately 11 du/acre. The second project on Oregon Street is a mixed-use commercial and residential project on a total of 0.72 acres. The project includes 12 residential units of a density of

16.7 du/acre. Calculating the average density of the two recent projects yields a density of 13.8 du/acre, which establishes a trend for recent development that can be used on the RHNA site. 231
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Table 3-32: Available Vacant Sites for Residential Development Site Name APN Existing
Zoning/
General Plan
Approx.

Acreage
Maximum
Density
Unit
Potential
Affordability
Lemke 044-430-055 R3/HDR 11.05** 21.75 du/acre 106 Low / Very Low
Cuesta
Heights 035-070-055 R1/SFR 21.78 7.2 du/acre 48
Moderate /
Above
Moderate
** Based on the site constraints and the topography of the area, the portion of this parcel that falls within the range of 0-15% slope and would be developable is 9.19 acres.

Lemke (044-430-055)
The Lemke site is 9.19 acres of a vacant, 11.05 acre parcel in the R3 zone. The R3 zone has a maximum density of

21.75 du/acre, making the zone suitable for lower-income housing. The realistic capacity of the site is 106 lowerincome units. This projection is based on taking the developable portion of the site (9.19) at the average density of multi-family developments in the City (11.6 du/acre), which is slightly lower than the 13.8 du/acre of the recent projects. Based on recent projects and average densities in the City, 11.6 is a realistic density for the site.

Though the parcel is larger than 10 acres, only 9.19 acres of the parcel are identified as the RHNA site for housing.

Based on the site constraints and the topography of the area, the portion of this parcel that falls within the range of 0-15% slope and would be developable is 9.19 acres. The rest of the parcel has a slope greater than 15%. Thus, the RHNA site is effectively less than 10 acres and is appropriate for lower-income housing.

The City has previously met and discussed this site with a developer. Project alternatives were identified would allow a multi-family project. Further, this is part of a limited number of sites within the City with easy access to both sewer and water. The site is within one-half mile of existing services in the City include the Tuolumne County library, Tuolumne County senior center, healthcare services, a park and playground, and Sonora Elementary School.

Exhibit 3-1: Lemke Opportunity Site
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Cuesta Heights
The Cuesta Heights site is a 21.78 vacant parcel in the R1 zone. The R1 zone allows densities up to 7.2 du/acre. The projected capacity for the site is 24 moderate and 24 above moderate income units.

This is a density of approximately 2.8 du/acre, which is reasonable given the site size, slope, and single-family zoning. It is below the maximum density of the zone as it takes into consideration sitespecific constraints.

Note that this site is not needed to meet the RHNA, as the City was not assigned any units in the moderate or above moderate income categories. This site is being identified as an additional opportunity for housing development in the City beyond the assigned RHNA.

Exhibit 3-2: Cuesta Heights Opportunity
Site
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Exhibit 3-3: Opportunity Sites
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Availability and Adequacy of Public Services and Infrastructure Infrastructure necessary to support future development is in place within the City of Sonora. All vacant land designated forsingle-family, medium-high, or high-density residential use isserved by sewer and water lines,streets, storm drains, telephone, electrical lines, or they can be extended to serve the properties. Many parcels in the City still rely on septic systems, and the sites in the inventory were selected in part because of their ability to access existing sewer lines.

To ensure the availability and adequacy of public facilities and services for future development, the City, along with other providers of public services, will continue to carry out regular infrastructure improvements and upgrading.

Environmental Constraints
There are no known environmental constraints on either parcel that would preclude the development of housing.

The sites inventory analysis takes into account any environmental constraints such as habitat, noise hazards, easements, airport compatibility, Williamson Act contracts, environmental overlays, property conditions and steep slopes. Any environmental constraints that would lower the potential yield have already been accounted for in the site/unit capacity analysis through a reduction of the developable acreage of the site. The sites are all appropriate and regular in shape. There are no environmental cleanup sites on any of the RHNA sites per the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s EnviroStor database. Neither site is in a flood hazard zone.

The vast majority of the City is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone (VHFHSZ). As such, both sites are located in a VHFHSZ. Thus, the City is familiar with managing development across the jurisdiction that mitigates wildfire risk to the greatest extent feasible. The location of the sites in the VHFHSZ will not preclude or pose a constraint to the development of housing. The City has adopted the California Building Code, including the California Fire Code, which includes most recent standards to mitigate wildfire risk. The City’s Municipal Code Section

14.01.170 prohibits any public nuisance that creates a fire hazard within the community, including the accumulation of grass, stubble, brush, litter, or other flammable material that endangers public safety. The City’s Fire Chief and code enforcement staff has the authority to enforce this ordinance. In addition, the City’s Hillside Preservation Ordinance also includes provisions applicable to mitigate wildfire hazards to development by allowing for flexible design solutions, such as:
• Clustering structures where clustering results in reduced roadway surfacing and/or increased vegetation retention and open spaces.
• Concentrating development on hillsides and preserving the hilltop. • Clustering structures in existing clearings to reduce vegetation removal. • Preserving seventy-five percent or more of the on-site vegetation.

Accessory Dwelling Units
The City is not utilizing accessory dwelling unit (ADU) trends to meet the RHNA. Any ADU production would be providing for additional housing beyond the RHNA.

The City sees development of about 1 – 2 ADUs throughout the City annually, for an estimated projection of between 5 – 10 ADUs throughout the planning period. Program 2.4 is included to encourage and increase ADU development throughout the City.
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Exhibit 3-4: Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone
CEQA: Likely Level of Environmental Review Required for Each Vacant Parcel Sites located within the City of Sonora would likely be subject to an exemption, negative declaration or mitigated negative declaration. Additionally, affordable housing projects may be exempt from CEQA. Both sites are located within the VHFHSZ, and neither site is located within any FEMA mapped flood zones. None of the vacant parcels are subject to pending litigation on environmental grounds that could impact the availability for development over the next eight years.

3.3.2 No Non-Vacant Sites
Government Code Section 65583.2 (g) (2) states that housing elements relying on non-vacant sites for more than 50 percent of their lower-income RHNA units must demonstrate that the existing uses of these sites do not impede additional residential development.

The site inventory does not include any non-vacant sites. One hundred percent of the RHNA will be met on vacant sites. All sites in the inventory are vacant, as shown above.

3.3.3 Financial Resources For Housing
Sonora has accessto a variety of existing and potential funding sources available for housing activities. These include programs from local, State, federal and private resources. The following section describes the primary housing 236
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funding sources available to the City of Sonora for housing production, rehabilitation, or preservation including HUD CDBG funds, and the Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers program.

Housing And Urban Development (HUD)/Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds
The HUD CDBG program provides funds for a range of community development activities. The program is flexible in that the funds can be used for a range of activities. The eligible activities include, but are not limited to: acquisition and/or disposition of real estate or property, public facilities and improvements, relocation, rehabilitation and construction (under certain limitations) of housing, homeownership assistance, and also clearance activities.

The City will have to submit a competitive grant application to the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for CDBG funding through the Small Cities program.

Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federal program that provides rental assistance to very lowincome persons in need of affordable housing. The program offers a voucher to income-qualified tenants that pays the difference between the payment standard (an exception to fair market rent) and what a tenant can afford to pay (e.g., 30 percent of their income). A voucher allows a tenant to choose housing that may cost above the payment standard, with the tenant paying the extra cost.

Habitat For Humanity
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, faith-based private, non-governmental organization dedicated to building affordable housing and rehabilitating homes for lower-income families. Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes with partner families and the help of volunteers. Homes are sold to partner families at no profit with affordable, no-interest loans. Volunteers, churches, businesses, and other groups provide most of the labor for the homes. Government agencies or individuals usually donate land for new homes.

No Place Like Home
The No Place Like Home (NPLH) program funds permanent supportive housing development for persons in need of mental health services who are either experiencing homelessness or chronic homelessness or are at risk of chronic homelessness. Counties with or without a housing development sponsor are eligible applicants and counties must commit to provide mental health services and to help coordinate access to other community services. Available funds include competitive and noncompetitive allocations. The noncompetitive allocation is based on the county’s homeless population with a minimum allocation of $500,000 per county. For a competitive allocation, counties compete for funding among counties or similar size. Tuolumne County would compete for funds with other small counties (population less than 200,000).

HOME Investment Partnerships Program
The HOME program provides assistance to create and retain affordable housing. Eligible entities include cities, counties, developers, and nonprofit Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO). The program would provide grants to cities and counties and low-interest loans to developers and nonprofit CHDOs. Eligible activities 237
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include rehabilitation, new construction, and payment and rental assistance for multifamily projects and singlefamily projects. Eligible activities must benefit low-income renters, homebuyers or homeowners. 238
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3.4 CONSTRAINTS
Various factors can constrain residential development in a community. Land costs, construction costs, and market financing can potentially hinder the production of new residential projects. Residential development constraints have been identified and categorized as either governmental constraints, non-governmental constraints, or environmental constraints and analyzed below. Although many factors limiting housing production are market driven, jurisdictions have some control in instituting policies and programs to address the residential development constraints or limiting factors.

3.4.1 Governmental Constraints
Local policies and regulations can impact the price and availability of housing and in particular, the provision of affordable housing. Land use controls, site improvement requirements, fees, and exactions, permit processing procedures, and various other issues may present constraints to the maintenance, development and improvement of housing. This section discusses potential governmental constraints in Sonora.

Land Use Controls
The Land Use Element of Sonora’s General Plan sets forth City policies for guiding local residential development.

These policies, together with existing zoning regulations, establish the amount and distribution of land allocated for different uses. These policies are implemented through several types of ordinances, including the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. Zoning regulations establish the amount and distribution of land uses within the City, while the Subdivision Ordinance regulates the division and improvement of land. The Land Use Element identifies eight residential specific land use categories as outlined in Table 3-33, Land Use Categories Permitting Residential Use, below. Corresponding zoning districts and densities are applied. The City of Sonora does not have an inclusionary provision in the Zoning Ordinance for low income housing.

Table 3-33: Land Use Categories Permitting Residential Use General Plan Designation Zoning District Density
Estate Residential - ER Agricultural/Residential - AR
Residential Estate - RE
1 unit / acre
Single-Family Residential - SFR Single-Family Residential - R-1 7.26 units / acre (1 unit / 6,000 sq.ft.)
Medium Density Residential - MDR Limited Multifamily Residential - R-2 10.9 units / acre (1 unit / 4,000 sq.ft.)
High Density Residential - HDR Multifamily Residential - R-3 21.8 units / acre (1 unit / 2,000 sq.ft.)
Historic Mixed Use - HMU
Historic Mixed Density Residential
- HMR
Single-Family Residential - R-1 7.26 units / acre
(1 unit / 6,000 sq.ft.)
Limited Multifamily Residential - R-2 10.9 units / acre (1 unit / 4,000 sq.ft.)
Multifamily Residential - R-3 21.8 units / acre
(1 unit / 2,000 sq.ft.)
Mixed Use - MU Planned Development - PD Varies
Commercial Commercial No limit on the number of
units above the ground floor
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Both the Historic Mixed Use (HMU) and Historic Mixed Density Residential (HMR) General Plan Designations are intended to preserve historic character in portions of the City with large concentrations of structures aged 50 years or older. Historic Mixed Use designation is primarily applicable in the City’s historic core, with development dating back to the City’s founding in the late 1800s. Historic Mixed Density Residential is applied to areas outside of the City’s designated historic core and used primarily for residential purposes.

These designations allow for a broad range of land uses that are compatible with maintaining the integrity of individual structures, landscapes, and overall neighborhood characteristics. The maximum land use density for both HMU and HMR is listed as 21.75 dwelling units per acre. There is no additional historic design review or standards residential development must demonstrate compliance within this designation. The intent of both districts is not to create additional review or standards, but build in flexibility for parking, landscaping, and setbacks while allowing for adaptive re-use of historic structures.

Residential Development Standards
The City regulates the type, location, density, and scale of residential development primarily through the Zoning Ordinance. Zoning regulations are designed to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of residents as well as implement the policies of the General Plan. The Zoning Ordinance also serves to preserve the character and integrity of existing neighborhoods. The Ordinance sets forth specific residential development standards, which are summarized in Table 3-34, Parking Zoning Requirements, and Table 3-35, Residential Development Standards, below.

Generally, development standards can limit the number of units that may be constructed on a particular piece of property. These include density, minimum lot and unit sizes, height, and open space requirements. By limiting the number of units that could be constructed, the per unit land costs would necessarily be higher and, all other factors being equal, result in higher development costs that could impact housing affordability.

Table 3-34: Parking Zoning Requirements
Residential Use Type Parking Requirements
Single Family (AR, RE, R-1)
Limited Multi Family (2 – 4 units) (R-2)
Two stalls per Dwelling Unit
Multifamily Dwelling with (5+ units) (R-3) 1.5 stalls per Dwelling Unit for studio, 1- and 2- bedroom units 2 stalls per unit for 3- or More Bedrooms, no guest parking is required
Roominghouse, Boardinghouse, Motel, Hotel One stall for Each Unit Parking requirements may be met through a variety of options, including garages, carports, single stalls, or tandem stalls. Carports meeting standards as outlined in Section 17.40.080 qualify for reduced setbacks if specific criteria are met. Flexibility in methods and approaches to parking limits governmental constraints related to this topical area. The 1.5 stalls per dwelling unit for a studio can pose a potential constraint to housing development by increasing development costs and reducing the potential land available for project amenities or additional units.

Program 5.3 will reduce the parking requirement for studios in Sonora.

Enforcing off-street parking standards are critical for public health and safety in the City of Sonora, considering the majority of the City is located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone. Many residential roadways in Sonora were established in the 1800s, and are narrow due to constraints with the local topography. On-street parking in specific 240
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areas can substantially limit ingress/egress in residential neighborhoods, by constraining narrow roads even further.

To ensure adequate ingress/egress in the case of emergency, along with adequate emergency vehicle access, enforcing off-street parking standards will remain relevant for the City into the future. This issue is discussed further under non-governmental constraints, as related to City topography and natural hazard threats (primarily wildfire).

Overall, development standards in Sonora are comparable to similar communities. To facilitate affordable housing development, the City offers a variety of incentives, including reduction/waiver of parking requirements. Specifically, for apartment units that are affordable to lower income households, the requirement for two spaces per unit and visitor parking is waived at the request of the applicant. Pursuant to State Density Bonus law (SB 1818), projects meeting the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 17.56, Density Bonuses or Other Incentives, are eligible to receive density increases, use of State parking standards, and may also receive additional regulatoryconcessions.

The state legislature passed density bonus laws in 2018 and 2021. The Town will incorporate these provisions by amending the zoning ordinance to update density bonuses to meet current state requirements Assembly Bill (AB) 2345, Senate Bill (SB) 1763, and SB 1227 with Program 5.3.

Table 3-35: Residential Development Standards
Zoning
District
Maximum
Building Height
Minimum Lot
Area
Minimum Lot
Width
Setbacks (ft);
Front, Side, Rear,
Maximum Lot
Coverage
AR 35ft/2 stories 5 acres 150 feet 50, 20, 50 None
RE 35ft/2 stories 1 acre 100 feet 20, 10, 30 35%
R-1 35ft/2 stories 6,000 sq.ft. 60 feet 10, 10% or 10 ft, 20 35% R-2 35ft/2 stories 5,000 sq.ft. 50 feet 10, 10% or 10 ft, 15 50% R-3 35ft, higher 6,000 sq.ft. 60 feet 10, 5, 10, +5 ft for additional 50% with stories over 2 stories
conditional use
permit
PD Varies Varies Varies Varies Varies
Note: Multifamily residential is also allowed in the CO-Tourist and Administrative zone and the C-Commercial zone.

PD: The underlining combining district regulations apply.

Minimum setback regulations for R-2 and R-3 zones are less restrictive for residential development, providing potential for more units on a parcel. Maximum building height is standardized across all residential zones, but can be increased beyond 35 feet in height within the R-3 zone with a conditional use permit following a finding of necessity and desirability from the planning commission. The 2 story height limit in the R-3 zone may present a constraint to multifamily residential development to achieve the maximum density. Program 5.3 will amend the zoning ordinance to increase the maximum stories to 3 to remove potential constraints to achieving the maximum densities. Residential zones have various requirements for minimum lot size, ranging from 5 acres to 6,000 square feet. Minimum lot sizes were established due to topographic constraints and lack of urban facilities and services in parts of the City. The City has approved smaller or adjusted lotsizesthrough the planned development process, refer to flexibility in development standards below.

The cumulative effect of residential development standards is not likely to constrain the ability of developers to achieve maximum densities on site development.
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Flexibility in Development Standards
The City offers various mechanisms to provide relief from development standards that are typically required of all residential projects under the Zoning Ordinance. These mechanisms include the Density Bonus, Planned Development (PD) Zone, nonconforming uses, and variances.

Density Bonuses and Other Incentives: To facilitate the development of housing for lower- and moderate-income households, the City offers the Density Increase Incentive Program (Municipal Code Section 17.56). The City may offer a density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density of a location. Additional incentives may also be provided, including the use of federal and State funds when available. SB 1818 and SB 435 changed the State Density Bonus Law to allow a bonus of up to 35 percent and other incentives at the request of applicants who restrict a portion of proposed units for lower- or moderate-income households consistent with State law. The Density Bonus ordinance does not include allowances beyond state law.

Planned Development or PD Zone / Mixed Use Areas: The PD zone was adopted in order to provide for the efficient and economical use of existing buildings, structures, and land. It is intended that the PD zone be combined with other districts to allow for flexibility in the enforcement of land use regulations. Various land uses may be combined in a planned development zone, including combinations of residential, commercial, industrial, utility, institutional, education, cultural, recreational, and other uses. The practical (i.e., likely) density of development on multi-family residential land (or land designated Planned Development used for multi-family residential developments) in the City of Sonora can be estimated to be: 13.7 dwelling units per acre. In general, older apartment complexes have higher densities (11-81 du/acre) and more recent apartment complexes have lower densities (10-13 du/acre). Older apartment complexes tend to have relatively narrow ingress and egress that may present constraints under current safety standards. Older complexes may also have on-street parking—another potential constraint. Therefore, the most likely yield is projected to be somewhat lower than 13.7 dwelling units per acre, or 11.6 dwelling units per acre (based on those projects most recently approved). Based on calculations for single-family residential yields and these high-density multi-family yields, medium-density multi-family yields are expected to be approximately 7.7 dwelling units per acre.

The General Plan Land Use Element also has a designation for Mixed Use. This designation was developed to encourage development which creates a diverse, walkable, compact, and vibrant project with integrated design compatible with the physical characteristics of the property. Because Sonora is located in a rural area and has a diverse topography, this land use designation provides for a greater range of development and density with a reduction in lot area, setbacks, lot width and an increase in lot coverage and building height. The current implementing district for this designation is the Planned Development or PD Zone.

Nonconforming Use: A legal, nonconforming use or structure is one that was once established with permits but would no longer be allowed and could not be replaced under currentzoning regulations. The Sonora Municipal Code, Section 17.58, includes exceptions for the reconstruction, restoration and repair of legal conforming residential uses, so long as such structures can continue to provide safe housing.

Variances: The Planning Commission may approve variances from the strict application of zoning regulations. The purpose of a variance is to enable property owners to achieve reasonable use of property, if the property is unable to comply with zoning standards due to unique property conditions (such as size, shape, topography, location, or surroundings). Variances are only issued for projects that would normally be allowable within the zoning district and are subject to conditions that do not create special privileges for the subject property. 242
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Provisions for a Variety of Housing
Housing element law specifies that jurisdictions must identify adequate sites to be made available through appropriate zoning and development standards to encourage the development of a variety of housing types for all economic segments of the population. This includes single-family homes, multi-family housing, second units, mobile homes, emergency shelters and transitional housing, among others. Table 3-36, Housing Types Permitted by Zone, below summarizes the various housing types permitted within the City’s zoning districts. Besides single-family homes, the City provides for various other housing types to meet the special needs of the community, including persons earning lower income, seniors, the disabled, the homeless, and agricultural workers, among others.

Table 3-36: Housing Types Permitted by Zone
Single-family**, including manufactured homes AR, RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, PD, CO Secondary Unit AR, RE, R-1, R-2, R-3, PD
Single Room Occupancy Units CO, R-2, R-3, PD
Mobile Home Parks C, PD
Child Care Facilities 7+ persons* C, CG, CO
Duplexes R-2, R-3, PD
Apartments R-2, R-3, CO, C, PD
Rest Home, Convalescent Home, Senior Housing Facilities CO, C, CG, R-3, PD Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing R-3, C
**Community Care Facilities and Transition Housing are permitted in the same areas as other similar residential uses. *Family Daycare Homes are permitted uses within single-family residences in all zoning districts in accordance with Sonora Municipal Code Section 17.63.040.

Single Family Homes
Single family homes are permitted within all residentialzones. As discussed below, manufactured homes are likewise permitted in all zones that allow single family homes and are permitted as single family homes.

Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a permitted use in all zoning districts that allow single-family and multi-family dwelling residential, subject to compliance with the development standards of the underlying zoning district for the primary dwelling units. There are significant opportunities for both attached and detached ADUs, and junior ADUs by right throughout the community. The City adopted an ADU ordinance on October 3, 2022. The ordinance repealed the previous Chapter 17.55 “Second Dwelling Units on Residential Parcels” in its entirety, and replaced with a Chapter 17.55, Accessory Dwelling Units. The City is committed to updating the ordinance as necessary. Per correspondence with HCD, the department will send over a review of the City’s ADU Ordinance with areas of noncompliance. As a part of Program 2.4, the City will respond to HCD and revise its ADU as necessary within six months of receipt of comments from HCD.

Mobile Home Parks
Mobile homes offer an affordable housing option to many low- and moderate- income households. According to the State Department of Finance (2023), less than 1 percent of Sonora’s housing stock consists of mobile homes. Mobile home parks are permitted in the CO and C zones, subject to the following criteria:
• A minimum of 3 acres
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• Minimum area of 3,000 square feet per mobile home site, exclusive of the roadway • One community open space of a minimum 200 square feet per mobile home site • Mobile home should be set back a minimum of 5 feet from the interior roadway • Solid wall or fence six feet high on project boundaries • No structure within 6 feet of the mobile home
• Roadway and public utilities provided to the mobile home sites.

Manufactured Housing/Mobile Homes
Manufactured housing units/mobile homes are permitted within all single-family residential districts and should comply with all of the following criteria:
• Only be used as a single-family residence
• Subject to provisions of zoning applicable to a residentialstructure • Attach to a permanent perimeter foundation system
• Minimum width of twenty feet
• Compatibility with the architectural design of two-thirds of conventional homes within two hundredfeet:
o Pitched roof
o Eave overhangs
o Roofing material
o Siding material
o Number of stories
Community Care Facilities
Sections 5115 and 5116 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code declare that mentally and physically disabled persons are entitled to live in normal residential surroundings. The use of property for the care of six or fewer disabled persons is a residential use for the purpose of zoning. A State-authorized, certified, or licensed family care home, foster home, or group home serving six or fewer disabled persons or dependent and neglected children on a 24-hour-a-day basis is considered a residential use that is permitted in all residentialzones.

The City of Sonora does not currently define group quarters (or group homes for the disabled) nor does it specify zoning districts for the location of these facilities, including group homes for seven or more people. Currently, the City does not distinguish between these uses and other residential uses in residential districts. Further, the City specifically permits “rest homes, convalescent homes, tri-level senior communities, senior housing facilities” within the R-3, CO, C, and CG zones. The City will continue to comply with State law with regard to group homes and State licensed community care facilities and group home residency among unrelated persons.

Multifamily Housing
According to the State Department of Finance (2023), multi-family housing made up approximately 37 percent of the existing housing stock in Sonora. The Zoning Ordinance expressly permits multifamily residential in the R-2, R-3, CO, C and PD zones. Multifamily units are also allowed above the ground floor in the downtown area. The downtown area consists of the area designated as the Historic Area which is all property between Elkin Street, Church Street, Stewart Street and Green Street. This area includesthe historic multi-story buildingsfacing North Washington Street.

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structures in this area have space on the second floor for residential units that is used for office space or is currently vacant. Approximately 75 buildings are located within this Historic Area that could have residential units on the upper floor.

New multi-family residential projects require a site plan review. Applications for a site plan review would be submitted to the Community Development Department along with a site plan fee of $2,372. The Community Development Director would then schedule the site plan for consideration by the City Planning Commission at a public hearing. The commission may approve, approve with conditions, or disapprove the site plan. Disapproved plans may be resubmitted after revision within one year. Appeals to the Planning Commission’s decision may be submitted to the Community Development Department. Single family residences, accessory dwelling units, and construction of a duplex, triplex, or other multi-family structure of three or fewer units on a parcel zoned for that use are exempt from a site plan review. However, site plan reviews are required for any new commercial or industrial buildings and expansions of any existing commercial or industrial building. Therefore, unlike in many other cities, the public meeting and public review process for development projects is a common occurrence and does not bring undue focus to multi-family projects.

Additionally, multi-family residential projects in the downtown area are subject to a design review process.

Applications for design review approval are submitted to the Community Development Department along with a fee of $805. The application, along with copies of exterior elevations and other design elements, would be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Appeals to the Planning Commission’s decision may be filed in writing, along with the one hundred dollar appeals fee, to the community development department. The City's site plan and design review (where applicable) processes do not change the density of a project that would be allowed, but instead focus on the integration of the project with historic context of the overall City to ensure that new projects fit within the aesthetics of the community. Given the City’s success in providing multi-family housing, development standards and permit processing procedures are not unduly onerous or serve to constrain multi-family housing development.

Farmworker Housing
Despite the limited number of farmworkers in the City and surrounding area, the City allows employee housing, including housing for farmworkers, consistent with Health and Safety Code Section 17021.5 and 17021.6. The City has no agricultural only land use designation. Correspondingly, the Zoning Ordinance does not expressly address housing for agricultural workers. According to the Housing Survey, 2.3 percent of Sonora residents were employed in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining. The majority of farmworkers in Tuolumne County are employed in reforestation after timber harvesting. Reforestation activities generally occur in the county's higher elevations (above 3,000 feet) and are often seasonal. As a result, the demand for farm worker housing for those employed in reforestation activities is normally greatest at elevations of 3,000 feet and above.

In contrast, many of the county’s non-forest agricultural crops can be found below 3,000 feet, but not necessarily within the City limits. Therefore, the primary emphasis on farm worker housing in the City of Sonora is focused on the provision of housing for farm workers employed in the production of non-forest crops and farm commodities (e.g., grapes, apples, turkeys). Within the City limits, households associated with agricultural workers are most likely to have large households. The City does provide opportunities for multifamily housing and a variety of housing types for the larger family households.
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Emergency Shelters
California Health and Safety Code Section 50801 defines an emergency shelter as “housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or households may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.” The City’s Zoning Ordinance permits emergency shelters ministerially by right in the C zone and R-3 zone. Currently, there is approximately 22 acres of vacant land available in the R-3 zone (6 parcels), 11 acres of which include the Lemke Opportunity Site; additional vacant land within the R-3 zone is distributed throughout the City along several public transportation routes (Highway 49 and Greenley Rd) and near the Adventist Health Center for convenient access. There is approximately

2.2 acres of vacant land available in the C zone (2 parcels) also located along public transportation routes (Mono Way) and Adventist Health Center. This vacant land is more than adequate to meet the community’s need for emergency shelters, including the 2022 PITC of 92 persons. These facilities would be located in areas with access to supportive health, welfare, social, employment, and transportation services.

To ensure compliance with State law, Program 5.3 is included to review current development standards for emergency shelters and process a Code amendment to ensure that permit processing, development, and management standards for emergency shelters are objective and encourage and facilitate the development of, or conversion to, emergency shelters, and are subject to the same development and management standards applicable to residential or commercial development within the same zone except for those standards prescribed by Government Code section 65583 (a)(4)(A).

AB 139 (2019) revised State law regarding parking standards for emergency shelters. To ensure that City development standards and procedures continue to provide adequate sites for emergency shelters, Program 5.3 includes a Zoning Code amendment to revise definition and parking requirements for emergency shelters to comply with Government Code Section 65583.

Low-Barrier Navigation Centers, Transitional and Supportive Housing AB101 requires that Low-Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNC) are a use by right and permitted in a ministerial process when located in areas zoned for mixed use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. To be considered a Low-Barrier Navigation Center, projects must meet the following thresholds:
• Provide access to permanent housing.
• Use of coordinated entry system.
• Use of a Housing First according to the Welfare and Institutions Code Section 8255 (Government Code Section 65662).

An LBNC is defined as a Housing First, low barrier, temporary, service-enriched shelter focused on helping homeless individuals and families to quickly obtain permanent housing. Low barrier includes best practices to reduce barriers to entry, such as allowing partners, pets, storage of personal items, and privacy. (Gov. Code, § 65660.). Jurisdictions are required to notify applicants of Low-Barrier Navigation Centers whether the application is complete within 30 days of receipt. Within 60 days of receipt of a completed application, the local jurisdiction shall act upon its review of the application.

The City of Sonora does not currently explicitly allow LBNCs in any zone. Although this does not prevent their development, it could discourage or prove difficult to submit an application. The City will implement Program 5.3 to 246
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amend its Zoning Ordinance to explicitly allow the development of LBNCs, by right, in residential use and mixed-use zones, as well as nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses.

Supportive housing means housing with no limit on length of stay, as set forth in Government Code Sections 65582 and 65650, and SB 2 and SB 745, that is occupied by low-income individuals who will receive, as part of their residency, supportive services designed to assist the individual in retaining housing, improving health, or enhancing other life functions. The target population includes homelessfamilies, homeless youth, and persons with disabilities.

According to the City’s Zoning Ordinance, transitional and supportive housing are considered residential uses and are subject only to those requirements and restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.

AB 2162 requires affordable housing projects with supportive housing components to be permitted through a ministerial process when located in areas zoned for multi-family and mixed use, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses. To qualify, all units within the affordable housing project must be affordable, and at least 25 percent of units must be supportive housing.

The City does not currently explicitly allow transitional and supportive housing in any zone but allows for transient residential use in the C and R-3 zone with a Transient Use Permit. The City has added Program 5.3 which will amend its Zoning Ordinance pursuant to Government Code Section 65651 to allow supportive housing by-right in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted.

Single Room Occupancy Units (SROs)
An SRO unit is a one-room unit intended for occupancy by a single individual. It is distinct from a studio or efficiency unit, in that a studio is a one-room unit that must contain a kitchen and bathroom. Although an SRO unit is not required to have a kitchen or bathroom, many SROs have one or the other. This housing type, along with the Transitional and Supportive Housing and multifamily units, address the housing needs of extremely low-income households. Even prior to AB2634, Sonora has a long history of providing SROs thorough the use of roominghouses and boardinghouses which are permitted in the Limited Multifamily Residential (2), Multifamily Residential (R3) and Tourist and Administrative (CO) zones. While SRO units are not specifically defined or explicitly listed as permitted uses or unit types in the City’s Zoning Code, Sonora does not have a minimum unit size. Program 7.1 in the Housing Plan includes a commitment to explicitly allow SRO units as well as developing definitions and standards forSROs.

Transient Use Ordinance
The City of Sonora allows for the transient use of either rooms or whole units. The City currently has 19 transient use permits. At this time there is not a limitation on the number of permits that are issued. Some of the permits are for individual rooms within a shared house and others are for the entire unit. At this time, the City does not see this as having a negative impact on available housing due to the low number of units. However, the City will continue to monitor the permits and reevaluate if the number of permit requests increase substantially.

Locally Adopted Ordinances
The City does not have locally adopted ordinances such as inclusionary or affordable ordinances that impact the cost or supply of housing. The City does have a Transient Use Ordinance that regulates the use and distribution of short247 Item B.

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term rental properties. Regulations include operator responsibilities, health/safety considerations (smoke/carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, trash collection, and similar) along with an inspection schedule.

Short-term rentals are not seen as a constraint to development in Sonora. Short-term rentals are prohibited for all ADUs within the City, to maximize housing supply for long-term renters. The City has fewer than twenty Transient Use Permits active at the time of this writing, which represents less than 0.01 percent of the City’s total housing stock.

Development Permit Procedures
Development review and permit processing are necessary steps to ensure residential development and construction proceeds in an orderly manner. The processing time needed to obtain development permits and required approvals is commonly cited as a contributor to the high cost of housing. The City review process is typically asfollows:

1. Application Submittal.

2. Application is routed to the Community Development Department. Additional routing is done for Public Works Department, Fire Department, Police Department, and other outside agency preliminary comments, depending on the scope of the project.

3. The Community Development Department provides the applicant with an application status letter commenting on the completeness of the application within 30 days of application submittal. a. Letter will identify if the application is complete or what items are required to determine a complete application.
b. Resubmittal in response to the completeness letter will re-start the 30-day review process cycle.

4. If necessary, Design Review occurs.

5. California Environmental Quality Act Review. Environmental Review can be initiated during the application review process.
a. CEQA Exemptions/Consistency Analysis requires 1 – 5 months. b. Negative/Mitigated Negative Declarations (ND/MND) require 6 – 9 months. c. Environmental Impact Reports (EIR) require 9 – 12 months to process, including public review and response to comments.

6. Planning Commission hearing is scheduled based on the level of environmental review needed, consistent with requirements under CEQA.

7. City Council (if required) public hearing is scheduled 30 – 45 days after the Planning Commission public hearing.

For multi-family projects and planned development projects which plan to vary the regulations, a hearing before the Planning Commission or City Council is required. Staff meets with the applicant to discuss the staff recommendation and schedule the public hearing. The City of Sonora'sfees are nominal and do not create an obstacle to development.

Projects that have been determined to have potential environmental impacts (i.e., not exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) will not be scheduled for a public hearing until after the appropriate environmental document has been prepared, circulated for public review, and finalized. The applicant or a designated representative must be present at any hearing to explain requests and to answer questions. A favorable decision frequently includes conditions of approval that are necessary to carry out the provisions and intent of the Zoning Ordinance.
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If an application included a tentative subdivision or parcel map that was approved during the public hearing process, the applicant can submit the final map, grading plans, and final improvement plans to the Engineering Division for plan check. The Engineering Division reviews the plans for compliance with City engineering standards and to ensure that all relevant Planning Commission or City Council conditions imposed on the project have been included. The map and plans are also routed to other appropriate departments such as fire and utility agencies for review and comment as applicable.

After the public hearing for a building project, the applicant’s architect and/or engineer can submit working drawings to the Community Development Department for plan check. The Community Development Department is responsible for routing the plans to other appropriate departments for review and comment. Developers are permitted to submit building plans to the Community Development Department prior to the public hearing; however, they do so at their own risk as the reviewing body may reject the proposal or require revisions to the plan set.

Once the necessary permits have been obtained from the Community Development Department and construction commences, the staff is responsible to inspect the development for the following:
• Compliance with conditions of approval imposed by the City Council and Commission; • Compliance with the Zoning Ordinance;
• Compliance of architectural detail, materials and colors as approved; • Compliance with requirements for screening of mechanical equipment, outdoor lighting fixtures, landscape completion, parking requirements and signage; and • Compliance with environmental mitigation imposed on the project.

When the permitted work is complete, the applicant requests a final inspection from the Community Development Department. A staff planner will visit the project to ensure that all Planning provisions have been completed. A similar Fire Department and Engineering Division inspection may also be required. Once completed, final clearance for issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy is given.

As indicated in Table 3-37, Development Review Process, the planning processing time is approximately four to six months for apartments. These are reasonable timeframes, especially compared to communities where it could take years to process and approve multi-family developments. Sonora’s development permit procedures are necessary to ensure proposed projects meet the City’s established standards and regulations and do not unduly constrain or delay the development of housing.

Table 3-37: Development Review Process
Entitlement Processing Time Discretionary or Ministerial General Plan Amendment 2-3 months Discretionary
Zone Change 2 months Discretionary
Tentative Subdivision Map 2-6 months Discretionary
Site Development Permit 2-5 months Discretionary
Final Subdivision Map 2 months Ministerial
Design Review Permit 1 month Discretionary
Conditional Use Permit 1-3 months Discretionary
Plan Check / Building Permit 1-3 days Ministerial
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A Site Plan approved by the Commission shall expire and become null and void one year after the date of approval unless the authorized use is carried out, a building permit has been issued for the use by the date of expiration, or an extension has been issued by the city.

Analysis of time periods between planning approvals and an application for a building permit show that the period varies greatly depending on a variety of powerful external influences and circumstances beyond the control of the city. These include:
• Preparation of detailed site and building construction plans; • Whether the applicant intends to develop the property themselves or must market the entitled property for sale to a builder;
• The cost and availability of construction materials and labor; • The need to obtain permits from other regulatory agencies; • The ability to obtain project and construction financing;and • Changes in market conditions.

Time periods typically range from 3 months to two years, and sometimes longer, depending on the size and complexity of the project and the external factors. These external, non-governmental factors determine the time between project approval and requests for construction permits. There is no evidence or suggestion that Sonora’s processes create an unreasonable or significant hindrance on the construction of the city’s share of the RHNA.

Examples of Permit Processing Timeline
The following are examples of permit processing timeline of residential development projects that have received planning entitlements. The examples range from 77 to 223 days from submittal to approval, averaging 150 days, illustrating the relatively quick timeline for approval of housing. 16 S. Poplar: Duplex (223 days)

1. Application submitted December 8, 2022

2. Application deemed complete and fees paid, permit # B22-0115 December 13, 2022

3. Received Plan Check comments #1 on January 9, 2023

4. Revised Plans received on January 23, 2023

5. Submitted for Plan check review on January 25, 2023

6. Received Plan Check comments #2 on February 1, 2023

7. Revised Plans received on February 6, 2023

8. Received Plan Check Approval February 17, 2023

9. Applicant notified that Permit ready to be issued on March 16, 2023

10. Permit issued on July 19,2023
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576 Maple Street: ADU (77 days)

1. Application submitted for ADU conversion on June 3, 2024

2. Request for plans in digital format June 10, 2024

3. Received digital plans and send out for review to Tuolumne Utilities District on June 24, 2024

4. Comments received from Tuolumne Utilities District and City on July 11, 2024

5. Revised plans received by City on July 30, 2024

6. Permit issued on August 19, 2024
Findings of Approval
The City includes findings of approval for zone changes, site development permits, and design review. The findings are utilized to ensure compliance with City standards. Typical findings of approval from recent projects include the following:
• The use is consistent with the City of Sonora General Plan; • The project has been reviewed in compliance with CEQA; • The project is consistent with the objectives, policies, general land uses and programs specified in the General Plan;
• The project is compatible with, and physically suited for, the uses authorized in, and the regulations prescribed for, the proposed zoning district in which the real property is located; • The use is consistent with Title 17 of the Sonora Municipal Code and with the purposes of the zone in which it is located;
• The site is adequate in size and shape to accommodate the proposed uses; • The proposed changes reflect the traditional architectural characteristics of the community and is consistent with the applicable design standards in the General Plan and Sonora Municipal Code (applicable to projects located in the Historic District)
Typical approval findings for permitting do not pose an additional constraint on development.

SB35
SB35 provides provisions for streamlining projects based on a jurisdiction’s progress towards its RHNA goal and timely submittal ofthe Housing Element Annual Progress Report. Sonora hastimely submitted their Housing Element Annual Reports, however, there has been a very limited number of housing units built in the last decade. When jurisdictions have insufficient progress toward their above moderate income RHNA, these jurisdictions are subject to the streamlined ministerial approval process (SB35, Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017, streamlining) for proposed developments with at least 10 percent affordability. However, since the majority of the City of Sonora is within the Very High Fire Risk Area as designated by the State, only the very small portion of the City (primarily the already developed Downtown core) is eligible for this streamlining.

Site Improvements, Development Fees, and Exactions
For large subdivisions, the City requires the construction of reasonable on- and off-site improvements as permitted by the Subdivision Map Act. Typical improvements required of a developer include:
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• Grading and improvement of public and private streets including surfacing, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, street lighting, street name signs, and necessary barricades or traffic safety devices; • Storm drainage and flood control facilities within and outside of the subdivision (when necessary) to carry storm runoff both tributary to and originating within the subdivision; • A public sewage system that meets public sewer system standards; • A water supply system providing an adequate supply of potable water to each lot and fire hydrant within the subdivision;
• Fire hydrants and connections of the type and at locations specified by the Fire Department;and • Public utility distribution facilities including gas, electric, telephone and cable television necessary to serve each lot in the subdivision.

Specific standards for design and improvements of subdivisions must be in accordance with the applicable sections of the General Plan, Specific Plans, Zoning Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, other requirements of the City Engineer and each applicable utility provider.

Although requirements for on- and off-site improvements do add to the overall cost of development, they are necessary to ensure provision of vital infrastructure services to residents. The City’s on- and off-site requirements are found in Section 16.04.040 of the Municipal Code. The following are minimum requirements forstreets thatshall be upgraded or constructed to serve proposed subdivisions. Reasonable additional on-site and/or off-site public improvements and dedications may be required depending on the development project. The City’s on- and off-site requirements are typical of development standards and do not add significant and unnecessary cost to project development.

Typical sections of various classes of streets (local, collector or arterial) shall be in accordance with the standard drawings entitled "Typical Street Sections" which are adopted by resolution of the city council and maintained by the city engineer. Minor deviations from said "Typical Street Sections" may be approved by the city engineer.

1. The basis for requirements for street and roadway widths and design shall be the topography of the land and density of development in terms of the proposed number of dwellings to be served by said street or roadway on an ultimate basis. Reduced right-of-way width shall, in all cases, be sufficient to accommodate utility facilities within the right-of- way.

2. Improvements required for subdivisions which abut upon public streets or highways shall be installed within the half of an existing street adjacent to the subdivision boundary. Substandard existing improvements shall be removed and replaced as directed by the city engineer. Where such existingstreet has not previously been paved, required street width shall be as determined by the city engineer.

3. No highway or street shall have a grade of more than twelve percent, except for short stretches where the topography makes it impractical to keep within such grade.

4. Street name signs which meet the approval of the city engineer shall be installed at every intersection within the boundaries of the subdivision and may be required off-site adjacent to access routes serving the subdivision.

5. Traffic control signs as required by the city engineer and/or Caltrans may be required to be installed on or off of the project site.

6. Street lighting shall be required and shall be installed in accordance with design specifications which shall be part of the subdivision improvement plans and/or agreement approved by the city engineer.

7. If an existing or proposed state highway or county road abuts or crosses a proposed subdivision, the subdivider shall secure all pertinent road data and specifications and permits from Caltrans or the county 252
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department of transportation and engineering services and shall provide that the design of the proposed subdivision is compatible with the use of such state highway or county road.

8. The design of a proposed subdivision shall include such bridges as are necessary for efficient internal circulation of traffic within the proposed subdivision.

9. The subdivider shall offer for dedication all rights-of-way for streets or portions of streets as necessary at the time the final map or parcel map is filed for approval.

Off-site improvements are applicable for large scale subdivisions. Typical off-site improvements ensure the provision and improvement of necessary infrastructure to ensure the project. They are minimal in nature and necessary for project implementation. Off-site improvements include the installation of sewer, water, and storm drain lines. The installation of curbs, gutters, sidewalks, and landscaping/tree removal may also be required for the proposed subdivision.

In addition to improvements and dedication of public land, residential developers are subject to a variety of fees and exactions to process permits and provide necessary services and facilities as allowed by State law. In general, these development fees can be a constraint to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing because the additional cost borne by developers contributes to overall increased housing unit cost. However, the fees are necessary to maintain adequate planning services and other public services and facilities in the City.

The City’s development impact fees are summarized in Table 3-38, Development and Mitigation Fees. These fees are levied to offset the cost of serving new development with parks, roadways, drainage, and public facilities. Certain fees are set by regional agencies and are beyond the control of the City. Table 3-39, Sonora City Planning Fees, summarized the planning fees the City of Sonora charges for the processing of development projects. The City has adopted a three year implementation plan for full cost recovery.

All fees, zoning, and development standards are available on the City’s website. The City complies with all transparency requirements for posting such information, including AB 1483.

The City’s fees are evaluated annually and adjusted as necessary to reflect the costs ofservices, consistent with State law. The City recognizes the financial impact of development fees on affordable housing development. As available, affordable housing funds from various federal, state and local funding sources may be used to reduce or offset fees and assist in the construction and/or acquisition/rehabilitation of affordable housing. 253
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Table 3-38: Development and Mitigation Fees
Name of Fee Single-Family Residential Multi-Family Residential/unit Mobile Home Second Unit TUD Water $1,465.00 $1,268.00 $1,465.00 $1,268.00
TUD Sewer $3,800.00 $3,068.00 $3,800.00 $3,068.00
County Services
Impact
Mitigation Fee
$988.06 $988.06 $988.06 $988.06
Traffic Impact
Mitigation Fee
$3,724.00 $2,697.00 $3,724.00 $2,697.00
Encroachment
Permit
$100.00 $100.00 $100.00 $0.00
Building Permit $3,564.00 $2,858.00 $2,000.00 $2,300.00 School Fee* $5,640.00 $2,008.00 $2,008.00 $4,512.00**
Total $18,264.06 $12,056.06 $13,644.06 $12,647.06
Based on $300,000 valuation
*School fees are $3.20 per square foot and are collected by the School District **Based on 1,200 square feet second unit
Table 3-39: Sonora City Planning Fees
Fee Name Current Fee (2023)
General Plan Amendment (Text) $1,705
General Plan Amendment (Map) $2,057
Zoning Amendment $1,898
Planned Development (PD) $2,980
Planned Development Review $2,374
Conditional Use Permit $2,149
Variance $2,057
Site Plan $2,372
Design Review $805
Development Agreement $5,175, plus cost of City Attorney and City Engineer
Landscape Plan Review $600 plus Landscape Arch. fee
Tentative Parcel Map (4 parcels or less) $2,615 - 2 lots $2,665 - 3 lots
$2,880 - 4 lots
Tentative Subdivision Map $4,547
Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map $5,517
Final Map (Parcel) $1,094
Final Map (Subdivision) $1,433
Boundary Line Adjustment (Lot Line
Adjustment)
$1,423
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Consultant charge, plus 10% fee Building permit fees already are adjusted forthe size ofthe home. Based on these factors, permit fees and mitigation fees in the City are not considered a constraint to the development of housing for all income levels. 254
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Building Codes and Enforcement
The California Building Codes establish standards and require inspections at various stages of construction to ensure code compliance and minimum health and safety standards.

The City’s Community Development Department carries out code enforcement and inspection activities as a means to preserve and maintain the livability and quality of neighborhoods. City staff investigates violations of property maintenance standards as defined in the Municipal Code as well as other complaints. Although these standards and the time required for inspections increase housing production costs and may impact the viability of rehabilitation of older properties which are required to be brought up to current code standards, the intent of the codes is to provide structurally sound and safe housing.

Housing for Persons with Disabilities Including Persons with Developmental Disabilities Both the federal Fair Housing Amendment Act (FHAA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act direct local governments to make reasonable accommodations (i.e., modifications or exceptions) in local zoning laws and other land use regulations when such accommodations may be necessary to afford disabled persons an equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

Building Code and Enforcement
The City enforces the 2019 California Green Building Codes, which is based on the International Building Codes and other model codes (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, etc.). The City Community Development Division and the Fire Department are responsible for enforcing regulations governing the maintenance of all buildings and property. Due to the City’s minimal staffing levels, code enforcement is primarily complaint-based with the exception of fire hazards, which City staff proactively identifies any fire hazard conditions within the City.

The City’s building code requires new multi-family residential construction to comply with FHAA, which specifies that ground floor dwelling units in new developments must be adaptable to the physically disabled. The requirements include: 1) adaptive design features for the interior of the units; 2) accessible public use and common use areas; and 3) sufficiently wider doors to allow wheelchair access.

There are no local amendmentsto the adopted building code. Revised editions ofthe organizationalregulatory codes are automatically adopted by the city on January 1, following the date which the state of California Department of Housing and Community Development, Building Standards Commission and state Fire Marshal’s office adopts said regulatory code.

Reasonable Accommodation Procedures
Pursuant to the FHAA, a disabled person or representative may request reasonable accommodation relating to the various land use, zoning, or building codes, rules, and policies, practices, and/or procedures. For rehabilitation projects, such as installation of ramps or interior modifications, the City processes these requests for reasonable accommodation over the counter. No special review is required and therefore, will not constrain the rehabilitation of housing. Some projects require modifications to development standards to accommodate persons with disabilities including persons with developmental disabilities. The City reviews requests for reasonable accommodation at the staff level, according to adopted policy. All requests to City staff are handled according to adopted policy and every individual who seeks guidance, help or service from staff are treated equally, equitably, 255
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and expeditiously as a small team can deliver Often requests are processed within one week. Furthermore, the City provides zoning flexibility for rehabilitation of existing nonconforming housing. Some requests for reasonable accommodation may be processed under these provisions. Making reasonable accommodation is printed on all City Council agendas, and City hall is ADA accessible. Staff strives to deliver gold standard service over the phone and in person.

The City will continue to place literature regarding the extent of and procedures for requesting reasonable accommodation at public counters. The City will also continue to monitor its development codes and procedures to ensure that no conditions exist to unduly constrain the development of housing for persons with disabilitiesincluding persons with developmental disabilities. When constraints are identified, the City will work to mitigate or eliminate such constraints.

The City has created a Disabled Access Appeals Board to hear appeals to actions taken by the city and to provide reasonable interpretations of the California Access Laws, procedures are set forth in Section 15.08.280 of the municipal code. However, the City has not developed procedures for reasonable accommodation requests with respect to zoning, permit processing, and building laws. While the City complies with the intent of reasonable accommodation requirements, as a part of the Housing Element implementation, the City will establish a codified reasonable accommodation procedure and standards to better facilitate objective review and approval of any future accommodation requests (Program 7.2).

Zoning Ordinance
The enforcement of the Sonora Zoning Ordinance complies with the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act in addressing community residential care facilities for persons with disabilities including persons with developmental disabilities. Community care facilities serving six or fewer residents are permitted by right in all residential zones. However, the Zoning Ordinance will be revised to specifically list this as a permitteduse.

Definition of Family
Local governments may restrict accessto housing for householdsfailing to qualify as a “family” by definition specified in the Zoning Code. A restrictive definition of “family” that limits the number of and/or differentiates between related and unrelated individuals living together may illegally limit the development/siting of group homes for persons with disabilities (including persons with developmental disabilities) but not for housing families that are similarly sized or situated.2 The City of Sonora will amend its Zoning Ordinance to amend the definition of “family” as part of Program 7.5 (Remove ”Family" Definitions and Qualifiers in Zoning Code). 2 California court cases (City of Santa Barbara v. Adamson, 1980 and City of Chula Vista v. Pagard, 1981, etc.) have ruled an ordinance as invalid if it defines a “Family” as (a) an individual; (b) two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption; (c) a group of not more than a specific number of unrelated persons as a single housekeeping unit. These cases have explained that defining a family in a manner that distinguishes between blood-related and non-blood related individuals does not serve any legitimate or useful objective or purpose recognized under the zoning and land use planning powers of a municipality, and therefore violates rights of privacy under the California Constitution. 256
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Conclusion
The amendments to the City’s Zoning Ordinance related to persons with disabilities including persons with developmental disabilities and the removal of the definition of family would enable the policies to be less restrictive to the development of housing.

Programs which Reduce Government Constraints
• Program 7.3 Facilitate the Provision of Farm Working Housing • Program 7.5 Remove “Family” Definitions and Qualifiers in Zoning Code 257
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3.4.2 Non-Governmental Constraints
Requests to Develop Below the Anticipated Density
Requests to develop housing at densities below those anticipated in the Housing Element act as a potential constraint to housing development. Over the last housing cycle, the City received 0 requests to develop below densities.

Development Costs
Construction costs vary widely according to the type of development, with multi-family housing generally less expensive to construct than single-family homes. However, there is wide variation within each construction type, depending on the size of unit and the number and quality of amenities provided, such as fireplaces, swimming pools, and interior fixtures among others.

One indicator of construction costs is Building Valuation Data, compiled by the International Code Council (ICC). The unit costs compiled by the ICC include structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, in addition to interior finish and normal site preparation. The data are national and do not account for regional differences, nor include the price of the land upon which the building is built. The Building Valuation Data, dated August 2022, reports the national average for development costs per square foot for apartments and single-family homes asfollows:
• Residential Multifamily: $149.80 to $223.61 per square foot • Residential One- and Two-Family Dwelling: $167.37 to $211.77 per square foot • Residential Care/Assisted Living Facilities: $189.67 to $264.93 per square foot California building costs tend to be higher than national levels.

Land costs in Sonora are generally less than in other parts of the State. Data gathered from Trulia.com in September 2023 indicates that land in Sonora ranges from $29,000 for 0.23 acres to $165,000 for 0.33 acres (Table 3-40, 2023 Land Costs). Generally, land costs can vary wildly in Sonora and can be affected by a range of factors. For example, the 0.33 acre lot for $165,000 includes permitted floorplans with a building pad already constructed, and easily accessible utility hook-ups (water/sewer) in the street. Other lots listed below include non-entitled raw land, with varying levels of utility accessibility.

Table 3-40: 2023 Land Costs
Lot Size (ac) Listing Price

0.23 acre $29,000

0.31 acre $35,000

0.33 acre $165,000

0.35 acre $49,000

0.60 acres $60,000

0.34 acre $97,000

0.70 acre $29,500

0.23 acre $30,000

0.18 acre $30,000

0.18 acre $30,000
Source: Trulia.com, September 2023
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Mortgage And Rehabilitation Financing
The availability of financing affects a person’s ability to purchase or improve a home. Under the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA), lending institutions are required to disclose information on the disposition of loan applications by the income, gender, and race of the refinancing, whether financed at marketrate or with government assistance.

Table 3-41, Home Loans in Tuolumne County, summarizes the disposition of loan applications submitted to financial institutions for home purchase, refinance, and home improvement loans within Tuolumne County in 2022. Included is information on loans for home improvements, home purchase and refinancing. It is noted that the three census tracts reported in the table below include land outside of the Sonora city boundary. Components of the data reported by the HMDA includes mortgage and rehabilitation data financing occurring outside of the City of Sonora.

Table 3-41: Home Loans in Tuolumne County*
Loan Purpose Property Type Number
Home Improvement 1-4 family dwelling 31
Home Purchase 1-4 family dwelling 163
Refinancing 1-4 family dwelling 61
Source: Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data 2022
*Census Tracts that include the city limits of Sonora
In 2022, a total of 163 households applied for loans to purchase homes in Tuolumne County within the Census Tracts where Sonora is located. To be eligible for government backed loans such as FHA and VA loans, residents must meet the established income standards and the home prices must not exceed a certain limit. The data was provided on the Census Tract level and was unavailable at the more specific City level so some of these households could be located outside of the city limits of Sonora.

A total of 31 households applied for home improvement loans in 2022. Home improvement loans are less common as the loan is unsecured, and thus are considered riskier to lenders. To address potential private market lending constraints and expand home improvement opportunities, the City of Sonora offers and / or participates in a variety of programs. Such programs assist lower and moderate income residents by increasing access to favorable loan terms to improve their homes.

3.4.3 Environmental Constraints
A community’s environmental setting affects the feasibility and cost of developing housing. Environmental issues range from the availability of water and preservation of oak trees to the suitability of land for development due to potential exposure to seismic, flooding, wildfire and other hazards. This section summarizes these potential constraints in Sonora. Refer to the Safety Element and Open Space, Conservation and Recreation Element of the General Plan for more detailed analyses and mitigating policies that address environmental issues or hazards within the Sonora area.

Water Supply
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) provides potable water to the City of Sonora. Water service in the City of Sonora is provided by TUD; a copy of this Housing Element was provided to TUD for their review and comment. TUD maintains three water storage and treatment facilities within or adjacent to the City limits:
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• Greenley Road water tank adjacent to Sonora Hills – 2.7 million gallons storage • Sonora Water Treatment Plant water storage tanks on Bald Mountain Road - Storage capacity 2 million with potential expansion to 3 million gallons
• Sonora Reservoir at the end of Reservoir Road – 60,000 gallons TUD obtains more than 95 percent of potable water as surface water through the South Fork of the Stanislaus River from a 1983 purchase agreement with PG&E. Sonora’s water supply travels from Lyons Reservoir, fed by the Stanislaus River, to Phoenix Lake which is the nearest water storage body serving Sonora. From Phoenix Lake, water travels to TUD’s Sonora Water Treatment Plant (located within the Sonora City Limits) by underground pipe.

Between Lyons Reservoir and Phoenix Lake, water is transported by numerous miles of ditch. Annual water supply is dependent upon natural flow of the South Fork of the Stanislaus River, which yields 100,000± acre feet including 24,000± acre feet of combined storage in Strawberry (Pinecrest) and Lyons Reservoirs. Historically, the amount of water supplied through the system has been more than twice the amount of water consumed.

Groundwater provides approximately 5 percent of domestic or treated water annually. Limited use of recycled water is purchased by private landowners for irrigating 700± acres of farm and pastureland. Per TUD, available water suppliesfor new development are currently dependent upon when water isrequested. Presently, there is a sufficient volume of water available to supply existing needs for the City of Sonora.

The Public Facilities and Services Element includes policiesto facilitate water conservation to help maintain adequate water supply for the community.

Sewer Capacity
TUD provides public sewer service to the majority of the City. TUD operates a sewer treatment plant in the southwestern corner of the City adjacent to City-owned property. The facility currently provides service to 23,000± people with a design capacity of 2.6 million gallons per day (mgd). The average dry weather flow at the facility is approximately 1.7 mgd. The plant produces secondary treated and disinfected effluent is discharged to a large storage reservoir, Quartz Reservoir, prior to distribution for reclamation by agricultural end-users.

Private septic systems are regulated through the Tuolumne County Environmental Health Department and are of limited distribution. Private systems are concentrated southwest of J.S. West and Symons and near the northern City limits with limited numbers scattered in areas outside the public sewer service areas. Thin soils and porous rock (e.g., limestone) are two identified hazards associated with failed septic systems within the City’ssphere of influence.

However, age has been the primary reason for septic system failure within the City according to the Tuolumne County Environmental Health Department. Most of these older failing systems have been replaced with public sewer service from TUD.

Topography
Topography in the foothills restricts the overall density of housing units that can be accommodated both physically and economically. Within the City limits, slopes vary from 0 percent to in excess of 30 percent. To address this issue, the City of Sonora has adopted a Hillside Preservation Ordinance that includes slope/density requirements and flexible standards for hillside development. Topography also provides challenges for sidewalk construction and meeting grade requirements for wheelchair accessibility. 260
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In addition, the General Plan has assigned land use designations to lands based on topography. Specifically, land with fewer topographic constraints were designated for higher density development or as Mixed Use to allow for increasing densities on portions of the site with gentle topography and limiting density on the steepest slopes while achieving an overall density of at least 15 dwelling units per acre.

Landscape Requirements
Sonora’s oak woodlands are an important part ofthe City’s heritage and constitute a valuable naturalresource within the community. The oak woodlands provide habitat for wildlife, contribute to the City's beauty and varied scenery, provide shade in parks as well as in developed areas, and enrich soils and protect watersheds and streams from erosion. To address the decline of oak woodlands due to urbanization, the City adopted landscaping requirements that strives to balance preservation with the social benefits of private property ownership and development. The City’s regulations, offer incentives for tree preservation, and provide feasible alternatives and options to removal where practicable, consistent with the Sonora General Plan Conservation and Open Space and Recreation Elements of the Sonora General Plan.

Seismic Safety
The Sonora area issubject to moderate to strong ground shaking from large earthquakes on active faults in the Mono Lake and the Coast Ranges/San Francisco Bay area. The City is located within the Foothills Fault Zone, and could produce stronger ground shaking due to the close proximity to Sonora. The Foothills Fault Zone is considered potentially seismically active. Historically, seismic activity in the San Joaquin Valley has been slight in comparison to the rest of California. Throughout recorded history, no major movement has occurred. Earthquakes felt locally are from seismic disturbances to the west of the valley and include the San Andreas, Calaveras, and Haywardfaults.

Flooding
Flood threats exist within the Sonora area on occasion. Perennialstreams flowing through the Sonora area, including Sonora Creek, Woods Creek and several ditches, do not ordinarily carry large volumes of water. During major rain events, flooding becomes a serious concern, particularly within the mapped 100-year flood zone. The City requires new development to detain drainage to maintain peak flow runoff at pre-development levels. Detention can be provided either on or off-site, provided it can be demonstrated that the detention facility will effectively meet City adopted goals and policies with respect to drainage.

Wildfire and Fire Protection
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), the majority of the City is located within a very high fire hazard severity zone. Areas where homes are located near dense vegetation and forest land (also known as the Urban-Wildland Interface) are known to have higher risks from wildfires. Fire danger is especially high in the summer months in these areas, and vulnerability is increased during strong wind events. Several wildland fires have occurred within Tuolumne County in recent years. While the Rim Fire in 2013 occurred outside of the City boundaries, the City was impacted by the heavy smoke and the loss of tourism revenue.

Residential sites within the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone are known to contribute additional costs for design and building clearance to be fire safe. The Sonora Fire Department and TUD are responsible for reviewing all development proposals within the City to ensure the proper sizing of infrastructure, provision of adequate access 261
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for firefighting equipment, and identification of fire hazard areas. The City encourages the restriction of construction of new buildings within 100 feet of designated fire hazard areas unless fuel modification measures are included in the design.

ISO Rating
The Insurance Services Office (ISO) is an independent organization that serves insurance companies, fire departments, insurance regulators, and others by providing information about risk. ISO’s Public Protection Classification (PPC) service gauges the quality of local fire departments by collecting information on a community’s public fire protection and then analyzing the data using a Fire Suppression Rating Schedule (FSRS). ISO then assigns a PPC from 1 to 10. Class 1 represents the best public protection and Class 10 indicates no recognized protection.

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3.5 AFFIRMATIVELY FURTHERING FAIR HOUSING

3.5.1 Introduction
All General Plan Housing Elements due on or after January 1, 2021, must contain an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with Assembly Bill (AB) 686, requiring an analysis of barriers that restrict opportunity access and a commitment to specific meaningful actions that counter discrimination and overcome patterns of segregation. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) analysis includes a summary of fair housing issues, an assessment of fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity, an analysis of segregation patterns and disparities in access to opportunities, and an identification of fair housing goals and actions.

This requirement must:
• Include a program that affirmatively furthers fair housing and promotes housing opportunities throughout the community for protected classes (applies to housing elements beginning January 1, 2019). • Assess fair housing that includes summary of fair housing issues, an analysis of available federal, state, and local data, and local knowledge to identify contributing factors to fair housing issues. • Prepare the housing element land inventory and identification of sites through the lens of Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing.

In accordance with AB 686, the City has completed the following AFFH outreach and analysis, below. Much of the fair housing analysis is based on data provided at the census tract level. The City of Sonora includes three census tracts in Tuolumne County; Census Tract 11, Census Tract 12, and Census Tract 41 comprise the City. All three of these census tracts extend beyond the boundary of the City and include portions of the surrounding unincorporated areas of Tuolumne County. As a result, demographic information for these tracts includes not only the City of Sonora, but also reflects neighboring communities.

Public Outreach
As part of the public review process, the City of Sonora conducted a public open house regarding the housing element update, in order to gather input from the community and present the updated element. The City made a concerted effort to outreach to the special-needs population in the City throughout the housing element update process. In addition to noticing the Housing Element Update open house via the City’s website, City staff invited the following community organizations to attend the outreach event:
• Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (Fair Housing Information Provider) • Area 12 Agency on Aging
• Disability Resources Agency for Independent Living
• Mother Lode Job Training Center
• Sonora Chamber of Commerce
• Tuolumne County Blue Zones Project
• Tuolumne County Business Council
• Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce
• Tuolumne County Commission on Aging
• Tuolumne County Department of Public Health
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• Tuolumne County Transportation Council
• Tuolumne County Visitors Bureau
The outreach event was facilitated open-house style, with a series of boards available for the public to review and comment. City staff and CSG Consultants were available during the outreach event to answer questions or provide furtherinformation/context about the housing element update. A total of eight individuals attended the open house; documentation of the open house sign in sheet is included in Appendix A. Comment cards were available at the open house for interested parties to provide feedback on the Housing Element, however none were returned to City staff at the end of the outreach process.

One comment letter was received electronically on February 20, 2024, relating to the Housing Element Update. This letter was co-signed by the following local organizations: Tuolumne County Business Council, Tuolumne County Association of Realtors, Tuolumne County Building Industry and Tuolumne County Chamber of Commerce. A representative from the Tuolumne County Building Industry also attended the February 20, 2024, City Council meeting where comments outlined in the letter were read into the public comment session. The letter received was dated October 2023 and was addressed to the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors. Many comments included are specific to the regional housing element update prepared by Tuolumne County; those relevant to the City of Sonora were considered for this Housing Element Update process. Several programs relate to concerns found in this comment letter, including:
• PROGRAM 2.3: Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all Income Categories • PROGRAM 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • PROGRAM 5.2: Continue to Waive or Reduce Certain Fees for Extremely Low, Very Low- and Low-Income Housing Projects
The City conducted a housing survey in 2019 and found that most of the housing stock included in the survey did not need repair. Survey results indicated that 51 percent of the housing stock is older than 50 years. Maintaining these older homes is an important part of the housing stock in Sonora. Several programs relate to concerns found in the community survey, including:
• PROGRAM 1.2: Pursue Projects Promoting Neighborhood Improvements in Conjunction with Housing Rehabilitation and New Construction
• PROGRAM 1.4: Coordinate with the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) to Promote Energy Conservation for Housing Rehabilitation Projects • PROGRAM 1.7: Support the Reduction of Contamination Hazards in Older Buildings • PROGRAM 1.8: Energy Efficient Programs and Weatherization The City reached out to 5 individuals and organizations who represent a diverse range of agencies and interest groups to participate in stakeholder interviews regarding housing needs and issues in Sonora. The interviews were conducted on the following dates:
• December 2, 2024 at 2:30 PM
• December 2, 2024 at 3:30 PM
• December 10, 2024 at 2:30 PM
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Stakeholders included representatives from Area 12 Agency On Aging, a social services organization in Tuolumne County, the Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency, and local representatives from Habitat for Humanity.

These interviews influenced the development of the following programs, based on discussion on priorities with the local stakeholders. The stakeholder interviews discussed a variety of topics, and the following key themes were identified. The identified programs were influenced by the noted public comment:
• Need for funding to rehabilitate substandard housing stock (Program 2.1, pursue grant funding for housing rehabilitation)
• Lack of community support for multifamily or lower-income housing (Program 6.1, increased outreach goals)
• High cost of housing construction (Program 2.1, pursue grant funding for new housing production to offset high construction costs, Program 5.2, fee waivers for lower income projects to offset high construction costs, Expanded constraints analysis)
• Lack of middle-income / workforce housing (Program 2.3, support infill development, Program 2.4, encourage affordable ADU development, Program 4.1, assist in the development of moderate-income housing, Program 2.2, employee down-payment assistance) The participants had varying perspectives informed by their involvement and familiarity with Sonora, but lack of housing at a variety of income levels and financial support for rehabilitating substandard housing stock were the issues mentioned the most.

Several programs were revised or incorporated based on the consideration of stakeholder comments. These programs may create opportunities for more housing across all income levels, as well as assist in funding housing rehabilitation, including:
• Program 2.3: Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all IncomeCategories • Program 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • Program 4.1: Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households
• Program 2.1: Pursue Grant Funding for New Housing Production and Housing Rehabilitation City Overview
Sonora is the county seat of Tuolumne County, and many of the County’s services are based in Sonora. The City is located in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, 50 miles west of Yosemite National Park. Much of the fair housing analysis is based upon census data provided at the census tract level. Sonora has a total of three census tracts. Exhibit 3-5 displays the census tracts in the City and the RHNA sites within those census tracts; however, all of the census tracts are not solely in Sonora and have portions in neighboring jurisdictions. As a result, demographic information for these census tracts reflects neighboring communities, as well as Sonora.

Most of the census tracts in Sonora contain housing and a significant amount of open space, with the majority of the City being zoned for single-family neighborhoods or Agriculture. The Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) section also considers the effects that the selected RHNA sites may have on fair housing. 265
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Exhibit 3-5: Census Tracts and RHNA Sites
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Table 3-42: Comparison of Fair Housing with Respect to Location Census Tract 11 Census Tract 12 Census Tract 41
RHNA Units 48 31% 106 69% 0 0%
Low 0 106 0
Moderate/Above Moderate 48 0 0
Total HH 1,627 1,590 1,108
Total Population 1,346 1,048 1,160
TCAC Composite Category Moderate Resource Low Resource High Resource Median Income $77,269 $42,378 $83,400
% with Disability 21.3% 22.1% 20.6%
% of Children in FHH 13.9% 23.6% 28.0%
CES Percentile 35.2% 56.8% 47.7%
% Non-White 20.3% 22.0% 14.3%
R/ECAP Present No No No
Fair Housing Enforcement and Outreach Capacity
Fair housing enforcement and outreach capacity refers to the ability of a locality and fair housing entities to disseminate information related to fair housing laws and rights and provide outreach and education to community members. Enforcement and outreach capacity also includes the ability to address compliance with fair housing laws, such as investigating complaints, obtaining remedies, and engaging in fair housing testing.

Federal Fair Housing Laws prohibit housing discrimination based upon race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, ancestry, familial status, source of income, disability, veteran or military status, or genetic information. California’s Fair Housing Laws also prohibit discrimination in housing based on occupation, age, or protected characteristic; method of financing; orthe intended occupancy by lower or moderate income people.
• To the best of its knowledge, based on information provided to the City, the City Attorney determined that the City is in substantial compliance with all of the following: California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Part 2.8 (commencing with section 12900) of Division 3 of Title 2);
• California Government Code sections 8899.50, 65008, and 11135; • Civil Code section 51 (the Unruh Civil Rights Act); and • FEHA regulations in California Code of Regulations, title 2, sections 12005-12271 • Density Bonus Law (Gov. Code, § 65915.)
• Housing Accountability Act (Gov. Code, § 65589.5.)
• No-Net-Loss Law (Gov. Code, § 65863)Density Bonus Law • Least Cost Zoning Law (Gov. Code, § 65913.1)
• Excessive subdivision standards (Gov. Code, § 65913.2.) • Limits on growth controls (Gov. Code, § 65302.8.)
• Housing Element Law (Gov. Code, § 65583, esp. subds. (c)(5), (c)(10).) Any legal matters and litigation in the City since the beginning of the 6th Cycle have not been related to fair housing.

The City of Sonora encourages fair housing through housing sales and rentals. The City also has an in house Fair Housing Coordinator, who residents may contact in cases of discrimination or violation of fair housing law. The 267
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Coordinator will provide information, counseling, and referral to the appropriate agency. Residents may also seek information by contacting the Amador-Tuolumne Community Action Agency. Specific data on the number and nature of fair housing issues annually is unavailable at this time.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) enforces fair housing by investigating complaints of housing discrimination. From 2013-2022 there were 12 fair housing inquiries and 1 fair housing case filed with FHEO on behalf of the City of Sonora. Inquiries can be based on multiple identities. Five (5) inquiries referenced disability concerns, one (1) inquired on retaliation, one (1) inquired on sexbased discrimination, and the remaining 7 were found to have no identity-based inquiries. The one case was on the basis of sex. To the best of its knowledge, based on information provided to the City, the City Attorney determined that there are no outstanding lawsuits or complaints regarding fair housing in the City.

3.5.2 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Assessment
Integration and Segregation
Race and Ethnicity
Exhibit 3-6 shows the racial and ethnic majority by census tract in the City of Sonora. As illustrated, the entire City has a sizeable (10-50%) White majority. This trend extends beyond the City boundaries. Sonora has comparable racial trends to the County as a whole. Regionally, there is a significant amount of open space and forestry, which affect trendsin the area. The City has a slightly smaller Hispanic population (8.5 percent) in comparison to the County (12.9 percent). Sonora has a slightly higher non-Hispanic White population (84.2 percent) than the County (79.2 percent).

The racial and ethnic makeup of a jurisdiction is critical in analyzing housing demand and determining fair housing needs, as there is typically a nexus between racial/ethnic composition and other housing characteristics such as household size, mobility, and locational preferences. The City’s ethnic makeup is relatively similar between tracts with no strong concentrations within the City. The racial/ethnic composition for all census tracts within the City is predominantly White alone, not Hispanic or Latino. This racial/ethnic group accounts for 81.1 percent of Census Tract 11, 80.6 percent of Census Tract 12 and 88.1 percent of Census Tract 41. There are no areas of non-White concentration within the City. Both the Cuesta and Lemke Opportunity sites are located outside of identified Areas of Non-White Concentration. As shown in Exhibit 6 there is a very little variation in the concentration of the nonwhite population in the City.

While less than 16 percent of the population in Sonora is non-White, About 20 percent of the County is non-White, so the proportions are comparable to the region as a whole. The cities directly surrounding Sonora also have a similar ethnic makeup to Sonora. As shown in Exhibit 3-7, there is little differentiation between racial and ethnic makeup between tracts, placement of RHNA sites in certain areas is unlikely to cause any further patterns of segregation as they follow the current patterns of the City acreage. The two sites are not in any areas that have a concentrated non-White population.
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Exhibit 3-6: Racial and Ethnic Majority (2021)
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Exhibit 3-7: Percentage of the Population that is Non-White (2020) 270
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Exhibit 3-8: Percent Non-White Comparison of RHNA Units and City Acreage Dissimilarity Index – Race and Ethnicity
Segregation is defined by the census as the spatial distributions of different groups among units in a metropolitan area. Segregation can be quantified by using the dissimilarity index. The dissimilarity index measures the distribution of two groups in a city and assigns a score between 1 and 100. The level of segregation is determined by assessing what percentage of residents of a census block would have to move for each block to have the exactsame population of said group. A score of zero (0) reflects a fully integrated environment; a score of 100 (or 100%) reflects full segregation. Therefore, a higher dissimilarity index indicates higher concentrations of the indicated ethnic groups in areas of the City, when compared to the White population distribution. A lower dissimilarity index implies higher integration, and a more even distribution of each ethnicity when compared to the White population. The formula for this calculation is provided by the HCD AFFH Guidance Document.

The categories for the dissimilarity index on a scale of 1-100 are as follows:
• <30: Low Segregation
• 30 – 60: Moderate Segregation
• >60: High Segregation
Ethnic and racial composition of an area is useful in analyzing housing demand and related fair housing concerns, as these factors illustrate the relationship with other characteristics such as household size, locational preferences, and mobility.
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Exhibit 3-9 provides the dissimilarity index values in Sonora, indicating the level of segregation between White residents and residents who are non-White, Black, Hispanic, or Asian. In 2022, there was low segregation between the Non-White and White populations, moderate segregation between the Hispanic and White, and Asian/Pacific Islander and White populations, and high segregation between Black and White populations. A low dissimilarity index of 24.3 in the exhibit below means that 24.3 percent of Sonora’s Non-White or White residents would need to move to a different census block to create balanced integration between Non-White and White residents. Levels of segregation have remained relatively consistent since 2017. The dissimilarity indices for each of the non-White populations are likely heavily skewed due to the very small populations for each ethnic group.

The County has moderate levels of segregation between Non-White and White, Hispanic and White, and Asian and White populations, and high segregation between Black and White populations. Segregation is more prevalent countywide than in the City of Sonora.

Exhibit 3-9: Racial/Ethnic Dissimilarity Index (2017-2022) Income
The dissimilarity index can also be used to calculate income segregation, using the same scale as above. In the City of Sonora, the dissimilarity index for income is 4.4, with indicates very low segregation. In Tuolumne County as a whole, the dissimilarity index for income is 9.9, which is also very low.

Identifying low to moderate income (LMI) geographies and individuals is important to overcome patterns of segregation. HUD defines an LMI area as a Census tract or block group where over 51 percent of the households are LMI (based on HUD income definition of up to 80 percent of the area median income (AMI). 272
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Exhibit 3-10 and 3-11 show the distribution of RHNA units by low to moderate income population. Exhibit 3-10 shows the percentage of RHNA units compared to the percent of each tract that isin the low- to moderate-income category.

As shown, the entire City is within the same range of percent low to moderate income population (25 to 50%).

Therefore, the RHNA site distribution is unlikely to exacerbate or create any conditions ofsegregation.

Exhibit 3-11 shows the percentage of RHNA units compared to the percent of each tract that is in the low- to moderate-income category. There are no areas within the City where more than 50 percent of the population is in the low- to moderate-income population. The County as a whole follows this correlation, with every tract in the County having 25 to 50 percent of the population in the low to moderate income range. The median income for the City of Sonora is $60,492, and the County median income is $70,432. 100 percent of RHNA units fall in areas where 25 to 50 percent of the population is Low to Moderate income, as the entire City acreage falls into the 25 to 50 percent category. Local stakeholders noted a lack of housing stock for a variety of income levels, including lowerincome housing and middle-income workforce housing.

Several programs may create opportunities for more affordable housing, including:
• PROGRAM 2.3: Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all Income Categories • PROGRAM 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • PROGRAM 4.1: Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households
The City will also continue to work with the county to encourage waiving the Tuolumne County Services Impact Mitigation Fee for extremely low, very low- and low-income housing projects with long-term affordability covenants.

Exhibit 3-12 shows the number of households with income levels similar to the income ranges provided by HCD Income Limits. The extremely low income category has the largest percentage of the population, while the very lowincome category has the smallest population. The remaining income categories have a more comparable distribution.
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Exhibit 3-10: Low to Moderate Income Population and RHNA Sites 274
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Exhibit 3-11: Low to Moderate Income Population Comparison of RHNA Units and City Acreage Exhibit 3-12: Households per Income Level, 2022
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According to US Census 2022 American Community Survey estimates, the median household income for Sonora was $60,492. This is lower than the Tuolumne County median household income of $70,432.

Exhibit 3-13 shows median household income by census tract. In Sonora, there are not distinct areas with concentrations of higher median incomes. The central area of the City has a slightly lower median income than the northwest area of the City. This is likely due to the large amounts of open space surrounding the City, whose data is included in the tracts.

Several programs may create opportunities for more3-18, including:
• PROGRAM 2.3: Support Infill Development to Facilitate Housing Development Across all Income Categories • PROGRAM 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • PROGRAM 4.1: Assist in the development of adequate housing to meet the needs of extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income households
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Exhibit 3-13: Median Household Income, 2021
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Poverty Status
Poverty is defined by incomes falling below the annually defined thresholds for family size by the US Census. There is a strong nexus between income level and fair, affordable housing. Effective fair housing considers low-income households and households below the poverty level. Exhibit 3-14 depicts the percentage of population whose income in the past 12 months is below poverty level.

Based on the 2017-2021 American Community Survey data, Census Tract 11 and Census Tract 41 have less than 10 percent of the population below the poverty level and Census Tract 12 shows a poverty status for between 10 and 20 percent of the population. Census Tract 41 has the lowest poverty status of 4.9 percent, followed by Tract 11 with

8.2 percent and Tract 12 with 19.8 percent. Upon further research, Census Tract 12 is also shown to have a high population ofseniors aged 65 or older. As senior citizens are more likely to be retired or live on fixed incomes, higher poverty rates are often associated with this age group.

According to the American Community Survey ACS 5-Year Estimates (Table S1701, 2022), approximately 20 percent of the Sonora population experienced poverty in the past twelve months. Based on the distribution maps provided by the AFFH data viewer above, this population is somewhat concentrated in Census Tract 12 but is distributed in the other two census tracts as well. The Lemke Opportunity Site is located within Census Tract 12, projected to provide affordability at the low/very low level – a demonstrated need within this census tract.

Exhibit 3-14: Poverty Status (2010-2014 and 2017-2021)
Exhibit 3-15 shows housing choice voucher (HCV) recipients by tract in the City. The HCV program is a 100 percent federally funded rental subsidy for low-income households living in privately owned rental units. HCV recipients are 278
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most concentrated in the central area of the City. The Stanislaus County Housing Authority administers the HCV program in Tuolumne County. Tracts in the northwestern City have low levels of HCV recipients. Concentrations of HCV recipients generally correlate with concentrations of overpaying renters.

Exhibit 3-15: Housing Choice Voucher Recipients by Tract (2021) Familial Status
Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers may not discriminate because of familial status. Familial status covers the following: the presence of children under the age of 18, pregnant persons, and any person in the process of securing legal custody of a minor child (including adoptive or foster parents). Examples of familial status discrimination include refusing to rent to families with children, evicting families once a child joins the family (e.g., 279
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through birth, adoption, or custody), or requiring families with children to live on specific floors or in specific buildings or areas. Single-parent households are also protected by fair housing law.

As shown in Exhibit 3-16, the tracts with the highest concentrations of children living in married-couple households are primarily in northwestern Sonora, where incomes are generally higher. In Sonora, 20.9 percent of households are married-couple households with children present, compared to 21.9 percent countywide. RHNA sites are not expected to impact fair housing concerns based on familial status.

Exhibit 3-16: Percent of Children in Married Couple Households by Tract (2015-2019) Consistent with Exhibit 3-16, Exhibit 3-17 illustrates that more children in the central area of Sonora live in singleparent female-headed households compared to the northwest area of the City. In 2022, 197 households, or 20.1 280
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percent of the total households in Sonora, were female-headed households with children, which is about 13 percent higher than in the County, at 6.8 percent.

As shown in Exhibit 3-18, about 68 percent of RHNA units are located in tracts where 20-40 percent of children are living in female-headed households with no spouse. A comparable 64 percent of the City’s land area falls to the same designation. For this reason, RHNA sites are not expected to impact fair housing concerns based on familial status.

Exhibit 3-17: Percent of Children in Female-Headed Households and RHNA Sites by Tract (2017-2021)
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Exhibit 3-18: Female Headed Households Comparison of RHNA Units Persons with Disabilities
The US Census Bureau provides information on the number of persons with disabilities of varying types and degrees.

According to the US Census Bureau, a person is considered to have a disability if they have difficulty performing certain functions or difficulty with certain social roles. Affordability of appropriate housing and access, both within the home and to/from the home site, are the primary challenges for persons with disabilities. Access often requires specially designed dwelling units. Additionally, housing locations near public facilities and public transit are important for these special needs group. The 2022 American Community Survey estimates that 23.9 percent of Sonora and 21.3 percent of Tuolumne County has a disability.

The types of disabilities included in the Census are:
• Hearing difficulty: deaf or has serious difficulty hearing • Vision difficulty: blind or has serious difficulty seeing even with glasses • Cognitive difficulty: has serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Ambulatory difficulty: has serious difficulty walking or climbing stairs • Self-care difficulty: has difficulty dressing or bathing • Independent living difficulty: has difficulty doing errands alone,such as visiting a doctor’s office orshopping The City planned and initiated transit, pedestrian and bicycle improvements at Stockton and Washington Streets to enhance accessibility in downtown Sonora. Included in this work effort isinstalling new bus stops and ADA complaint crosswalks and sidewalks to establish a public transit hub. Implementation of these improvements increase the safety and mobility of non-motorized users, and enhances access to services in Sonora’s commercial core. 282
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Exhibit 3-19 shows an estimate of the number of Sonora residents with disabilities by type of disability and age group. The most prevalent types of disability are ambulatory, cognitive, and independent living difficulty. Note that individuals may have more than one type of disability.

Ambulatory issues are the highest reported disability countywide. A large population with walking difficulty creates a need for single-story housing, elevators, transit access, wheelchair access, larger homes for live-in help, and proximity to health facilities. For many in need of live-in help or living assistance, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) may serve as a caregiver unit. Several programs serve the needs of the disabled population:
• PROGRAM 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • PROGRAM 6.1: Provide Housing Assistance Information and Fair Housing Outreach • PROGRAM 7.3: Fair Housing Act
Exhibit 3-19: Disability Characteristics by Age Group, Sonora (2022) Exhibit 3-20 shows the population of persons with disabilities by tract in the City. There is no clear pattern to the current areas with higher concentrations of the population with a disability. Health care facilities are evenly distributed throughout the City.
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Exhibit 3-20: Population of Persons with Disability by Tract (2010-2014 and 2017-2021) 284
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Exhibit 3-21: Population with a Disability Comparison of RHNA Units Findings
The AFFH data generally indicates racial and economic trends do not vary in the City of Sonora. There are no census tracts of non-white concentration, and poverty status is not significantly concentrated within one census tract. The City is including a number of programs to address the results of the integration and segregation analysis, listed below:
• PROGRAM 2.4: Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units(ADUs) • PROGRAM 6.1: Provide Housing Assistance Information and Fair Housing Outreach • PROGRAM 7.3: Fair Housing Act
Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence and/or Poverty R/ECAPs
HUD defines R/ECAPs as areas where the percentage of the population that is non-White is over 50 percent and the percentage of households with incomes below the poverty line is over 40 percent. Alternatively, a neighborhood can be a R/ECAP if it has a poverty rate that exceeds 40 percent or is three or more times the average tract poverty rate for the metropolitan/micropolitan area, whichever threshold is lower. There are no R/ECAPs in Sonora or anywhere within 45 miles of the City. RHNA sites selection is not anticipated to result in the creation or exacerbation of R/ECAP conditions.

The City regularly identifies Capital Improvement Projects for implementation within the community. A recent example is the Stockton-Washington Transit Project, using a Caltrans Grant and General Fund to construct bus 285
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terminal improvements within Downtown Sonora. Included in this project were ADA sidewalk approaches, bus stops on each side of Stockton west of Green Street, and sidewalk improvements along Stockton Road between the intersection and bus stops. The total budget for this project was $3.6 million.

At the time of this writing, the City is working with a consultant to prepare the FY 24/25 capital improvement plan, where additional neighborhood investments would be identified. In addition, the City is in the process of adopting a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan that identifies several capital improvement projects eligible for FEMA grant mechanisms for future investment in the City.

Exhibit 3-22: R/ECAPs in the City and Vicinity
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Exhibit 3-23: Presence of a R/ECAP Comparison of RHNA Units Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs) HUD defines Racially Concentrated Areas of Affluence (RCAAs) as areas where the percentage of the White population in a tract is over 1.25 times the average percentage of the White population in the given Council of Government (COG) region and the median income is 1.5 times higher than the COG or State AMI, whichever is lower.

At the time of this analysis, there are no RCAAs in Sonora. 287
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Exhibit 3-24: RCAAs in the City and Vicinity
Disparities in Access to Opportunities
TCAC Block Group Opportunity Designations
The California Tax Credit Allocation Committee’s (TCAC) Opportunity Area scores can be used to analyze disparities in access to opportunities. This tool was prepared by TCAC and HCD to identify areas statewide whose economic, educational, and environmental characteristics support positive outcomes for low-income families. Opportunity maps are updated annually and provide a separate economic score, environmental score, and educational score.

Each score is compiled using several indicators, and the composite map combines all three designations to provide a single score for each block group.
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The top 20 percent of overall scores in a county are labeled as highest resource and the next 20 percent of scores are labeled as high resource. Any areas that are considered segregated and that have at least 30 percent of the population living below the federal poverty line are labeled as an area of High Segregation and Poverty. There are no areas of High Segregation and Poverty identified in the City.

Economic Indicators
Exhibit 3-25 shows the TCAC economic scores for Sonora by census tract. The economic indicators used include poverty, adult education, employment, job proximity, and median home value. Census Tract 11 and Census Tract 41 both show economic scores between 0.8 and 1 indicating more positive economic outcomes. Census Tract 12 has an economic score between 0.2 and 0.4 leaning towards less positive economic outcomes. 289
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Exhibit 3-25: TCAC Economic Score
Education Indicators
Education indicators include math and reading proficiencies of fourth graders, high school graduation rates, and the student poverty rate. There 6 school districts serving residents of Sonora. This includes 16 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 12 high schools. Greatschools.org is a nonprofit organization that rates schools across the country. The Great Schools Summary Rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating. Ratings at the lower end of the scale (1-4)signal that the school is “below average,” 5-6 is “average,” and 7-10 is “above average.” The schools in Sonora range from below average to above average, with scores between 2 and 7. School scores are on average 290
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slightly higher in the northern and western areas of the City. As shown in Exhibit 3-26, tracts in Sonora have generally no variation in economic opportunity resource scores within the City.

Exhibit 3-26: TCAC Opportunity Areas - Education by Tract (2021) Environmental Indicators
The environmental domain utilizes CalEnviroScreen (CES) 3.0 pollution indicators and values. As shown in Exhibit 3- 27, the majority of the tracts have scores between 0.25 and 0.75, indicating there are average environmental scores throughout the City. Ozone and lead are amongst the highest scoring pollutants in the area. 291
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Exhibit 3-27: TCAC Opportunity Areas - Environmental by Tract (2021) TCAC Composite Score
Exhibit 3-28 displays the 2023 TCAC composite score for the City. There is high variation in resource categories within the City, with moderate resource areas in the northwest, low resource areas in the central City, and high resource areas in the southeast. The areas with lower opportunity scores have a generally lower median income and more cases of poverty. Program 2.4, Expedite Planning Review of Accessory Dwelling Units, would allow for lower income housing in higher resource areas.

Exhibit 3-28 displays the TCAC Composite Scores and Resource Category for each census tract in the City. The resource categories across the City range from low resource to high resource. Census Tract 11 is categorized as 292
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moderate resource, Census Tract 12 is categorized as low resource and Census Tract 41 is categorized as high resource. As noted above, there are no areas in the City identified as an area of High Segregation and Poverty.

Exhibit 3-28: TCAC Composite Score
Table 3-43, TCAC Opportunity Characteristics, shows the individual domain scores of each census tract including the economic, environmental, and education scores, as well as the composite index score and resource category. 293
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Table 3-43: TCAC Opportunity Characteristics
Census Tract 11 Census Tract 12 Census Tract 41
Economic Domain Score 1.00 0.33 0.89
Education Domain Score 0.11 0.22 0.67
Environmental Domain Score 0.44 0.22 0.11
Opportunity Score 3.00 2.00 4.00
Opportunity Category Moderate Resource Low Resource High Resource Source: California Department of Housing and Community Development, AFFH 2.0 Data Viewer, accessed September 14, 2023.

Opportunity scores for each tract are representative of respective economic, education and environmental domain scores. The census tracts that make up the City have opportunity categories that range from low resource to high resource. Census Tract 41 islisted as high resource, but this census tract consists of the smallest geographic footprint within the City of Sonora. The majority of the City is included in Census Tract 11 and 12, listed as moderate resource and low resource respectively.

The Lemke Opportunity Site is located within a low resource census tract (Census Tract 12) and the Cuesta Opportunity Site is located within a moderate resource census tract (Census Tract 11). Census Tract 11 reports the highest economic domain score in the City. Education and Environmental Domain Scores for both Census Tract 11 and 12 are similar in nature. Both census tracts represent land uses and populations outside of the City of Sonora boundaries, and thus opportunity characteristics for each tract is likely influenced to varying degrees by the conditions of surrounding unincorporated areas. As the majority of the City is categorized as either moderate or low opportunity, the distribution of opportunity sites does not exacerbate any fair housing issues.

As shown in Exhibit 3-29, the RHNA units are distributed with a relatively same proportion as the City makeup as a whole. As there is high variation in the City, distributing RHNA units across the opportunity categories is unlikely to exacerbate any conditions or make any negative changes to the resource designation. 294
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Sonora City CouncilOctober 20, 2025

Sonora City Council
October 20, 2025