Frequently Asked Questions

All interested parties are encouraged to attend said hearing or to submit written communication to express their opinion for or against the issue. Written communication should be submitted to the City Clerk at  4477 Main Street, Shasta Lake, CA 96019.

You can either: Sign up in person at: 4477 Main Street Shasta Lake, CA 96019 Sign up over the phone at: 530-275-7400 *you must have a Visa or Master Card for this method

Yes, in the allowed zoning.  

The City does not distinguish between volatile and non-volatile.  Manufacturing is allowed in the designated cannabis zoned areas with appropriate permits from the City and Fire District.  

There are no changes at this time to current outdoor cultivation regulations. With the passage of the AUMA (Proposition 64) by voters on November 8, 2016, adults 21 years of age or older may cultivate up to 6 plants for personal use indoors or outdoors at their residences. Agencies may enact and enforce reasonable regulations to regulate this activity.   Any commercial cultivation requires a business permit.  Indoor, permanent structures only.

According to the application and permit fees approved by the City Council on June 6, 2017, the fee schedule are as follows: Link to Cannabis Related Application and Fees

Please visit here:  https://www.cityofshastalake.org/1082/Cannabis-Special-Business-Tax 

This depends on many factors, including the following:

• Funding requirements:  Some funding sources can only be used in certain areas or on certain streets (i.e. on Federal Aid System streets, on streets within US Census Bureau Census Tracts, etc.), and when those funds are used for projects, streets are selected accordingly based on the requirements of the funding source.
• High-Priority Repairs:  Streets may be prioritized where recognized problems exist (i.e. failed culverts, structural problems, etc.) that could potentially endanger the travelling public.
• Upcoming utility projects:  Street repair is prioritized such that areas that are slated for underground utility work are not be repaired until AFTER the utility work is completed.
• ADA Compliance:  Street repair work may be prioritized to incorporate ancillary work as required to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Economy of Scale:  Due to the construction cost unit price increase that occurs when smaller projects are completed instead of larger projects, street projects are typically completed when larger amounts of funding have been accumulated.  By funding larger projects at lower unit prices, more streets can be paved during a given project and available funding is spent in the most efficient manner.
• Pavement Condition Index (PCI) Rating:  The City maintains an AASHTO-compliant pavement management system, which includes a visual assessment rating of every street segment in Shasta Lake.  This rating, called a PCI Rating, is made on a 100-1 scale, with 100 being best.  PCI Ratings are reevaluated and updated every five years  and can be used when comparing streets to determine which street is more in need of repairs.

Typically, several of these factors combine for a single project, which leads to focused projects that meet the funding source requirements.  Final determination of which streets are included in a given project is made by the City Engineer, under the supervision of the City Manager.

The following are the dedicated Street Maintenance revenue sources that the City receives:

• Gas Tax (Ongoing State Revenue):  $257,757 for FY 20-21
• Senate Bill 1 (RMRA; State Revenue, expires in 2028):  $176,593 for FY 20-21

Total annual dedicated revenue:  $434,350

Average annual cost of general street maintenance completed by Public Works (pothole repair, culvert replacement, and pavement patching labor, equipment, and materials):  $130,000

Remaining annual revenue available for street paving projects:  ~$300,000

The City’s available annual revenue available for street paving ($300,000) is vastly outstripped by both the cost to maintain a PCI Rating of 58 ($2.4M) and the overall deferred maintenance backlog ($26M).  Because of this, City staff diligently searches and applies for every additional revenue source that can be located.

For FY 20-21 and FY 21-22, the City Council allocated an additional $700,000 per year for street maintenance projects.  This additional allocation, in combination with the dedicated revenue sources listed above and any other funding that the City is successful in obtaining will allow the City to move forward with several paving projects in the next several years.

Due to the City’s inability to adequately maintain the streets that are currently paved due to the revenue shortfalls discussed above, residents currently living in areas with unpaved streets should not expect those streets to be paved in the foreseeable future.  Alternative solutions exist, such as neighborhoods entering into an assessment district with the express intent being to reconstruct the street.  The costs for work completed by these types of districts are borne by the residents.

Unfortunately, bringing an unpaved street into the City’s maintained street inventory is not as simple as simply laying down asphalt.  In a typical application, the street structural section must be completely reconstructed to City standard to provide a final paved surface that will last for many years.  This typically means excavating and removing about 12” of material throughout the entire area and replacing it with compacted engineered fill prior to asphalt application.   Street reconstruction activities can cost nearly ten times as much simply rehabilitating an existing street.

Costs vary depending upon what work is required to rehabilitate the street segment.  On a typical residential street project, the work will include traffic control, pavement grinding and patching to replace failed pavement, application of pavement reinforcing fabric, hot-mixed asphalt overlay, installation of shoulder backing material, adjustment of traffic boxes and manholes to grade, and installation of new striping.  Although costs are highly variable, based on recent projects and estimates the cost of this type of rehabilitation work ranges between about $110 and $175 per linear foot (or between about $33,000 and $52,500 per 300’ long street block).

Street funding has never kept up with the needs of Shasta Lake.  The City’s average PCI Rating was 58 (out of 100) in 2019, and at that time the City had a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $26M.  In order to maintain a PCI Rating of 58, it is estimated that the City would need to spend approximately $2.4M per year on street maintenance work.

There are no additional noticing requirements for this public hearing. The required noticing was sent directly to the effected property owners along with their ballot.

EBU method per acre is typically utilized because the properties with greatest acres benefit from the improvements the most. All assessments are based on benefit of the improvements per the 1972 Act.  The Equivalent Benefit Unit or EBU method utilizes the single-family home acreage as a basic unit of assessment.  The average acreage of a single-family home in the City is 0.2555.  Using this method, 4 single-family homes fit on average onto 1 acre of commercial property in the City making per each commercial property assessed at 4.0 EBU per gross acre.  This is the ensure larger properties pay their share and the smaller properties will not be paying the same amount. Pages 6 and 7 of the Engineer’s Report discusses the benefit analysis per the 1972 Act.  

Note:  Since the park's inception, SGIP Owners have been previously paying fees based on gross acreage, some property owners were in favor of per parcel and some were in favor of keeping gross acreage.  The consultant recommended the EBU, which is typically used.

The City provided the consultant an estimate on costs based on either quotes from licensed qualified contractors or actual costs.   

The reason the first-year budget is higher than expected is due to the CIP projects as well as the 50% reserve collection. This amount is estimated on a recommended 50% reserve collection due to the property tax installment dates and when the City will receive their funds.

Please see page 12 of the report for the District Budget.

The City is dedicated to maintaining affordable rates by maintaining lean staffing levels and utilizing reserves when necessary. However, similar to other utilities such as wastewater, electricity, and gas, the expenses associated with purchasing, pumping, treating, and delivering water, as well as maintaining the water system infrastructure, are continually increasing. To mitigate the impact on water utility customers, the City has actively pursued grant funding for essential capital projects. Recently, the City secured over $6.3 million in grants to construct a new water tank at Centimudi.  As a result, the City has not increased rates on our customers since 2021, even though inflation has increased 18% during the three-year period.   Failure to adjust rates could lead to a deficit in the water fund by 2026, necessitating support from the General Fund, potentially resulting in cuts to vital services like law enforcement and parks.

If adopted, the water rates will take effect on the first bill where the entire service period is July 1, 2024, or later. These bills will be sent to customers beginning in August 2024. 

Often confused with flat rates, the big difference is that a uniform rate uses water meters. A set (uniform) fee is charged to all customers based on how much water they consume. Unlike a Flat rate that would charge a customer a set rate regardless of how much water they consumed.

Only the Residential customer class. All other customer classes (Multi-Family, Mobile Home Park, Commercial, Industrial, Government, and Schools) are already billed under a Uniform Rate structure. The current rate chart below supports this:

Yes, please view our Rent and Utility Programs Flyer or call Customer Service at 530-275-7400.Rent and Utility Assistance Flyer

A water capital improvement project involves significant investments to upgrade or expand water infrastructure, such as treatment plants, pipelines, and pumping stations. These projects aim to improve water quality, reliability, and efficiency in supplying water to communities.

The 2024 Water Rate Study is planning a 5-year capital improvement program that includes the following projects:

Proposition 218, also known as the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act," is a California ballot proposition that was approved by voters in November 1996. This proposition amended the state constitution to impose requirements for local governments regarding the imposition, increase, or extension of various taxes, assessments, and fees.

Key provisions of Proposition 218 include:

1. Voter Approval for Taxes: It requires that local governments obtain approval from a majority of voters before imposing or increasing general taxes, special taxes, or certain assessments.
2. Assessment and Fee Limitations: Proposition 218 limits the ability of local governments to impose assessments or fees on property owners without their consent. Assessments must be proportional to the special benefit received by the property, and property owners must be given the opportunity to protest such assessments.
3. Property Owner Consent: Before imposing or increasing a fee or charge for a property-related service, such as water, sewer, or refuse collection, local governments must obtain the consent of affected property owners through a vote or a protest process.
4. Requirement for Special Elections: Proposition 218 mandates that taxes or assessments proposed by local governments be submitted to voters during a general election or a special election, rather than being decided by a vote of the local government's governing body.

Overall, Proposition 218 aims to increase transparency and accountability in local government finance by giving voters more control over tax and fee increases and ensuring that property owners have a say in the imposition of assessments and fees related to property services.  The 2024 Water Rate Study requires Prop 218 to be implemented.

An ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family or multi-family residential lot. Commonly known as “granny flats,” “in-law units,” or “backyard cottages,” ADUs can be either attached to the main home or detached. They usually include a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making them fully livable.

The Predesigned ADU Plans can be accessed within each plan set's webpage. These plans are not for construction and not complete with all the materials you will need for a building permit. When you are ready for an official plan set.

No. You can not make modifications to the pre-designed ADU plans or field revisions during construction. If alterations are noticed, the building division may order a stop work and charge for a reinspection fee. Once the structure is complete and you received a building final approval, you are free to modify with a separate building permit.

• Design and Planning: Consulting with a professional to design your ADU according to local and state guidelines.  The City of Shasta Lake offers pre-designed ADU plans at no cost.  
• Submitting Plans: Plans must be submitted to your local planning department for approval.
• Building Permit: Once approved, a building permit is required before construction begins.
• Inspections: Inspections will be required during the construction phase to ensure code compliance.

Yes, ADUs are generally permitted in the City of Shasta Lake.  Please contact the Planning Department early in the process.  

In certain situations you may need to upgrade the utilities on site to accommodate the installation of your new ADU. An increase in the sewer lateral size, an increase in the size of the main electrical panel, and the installation of PV Solar may all be requirements which can add to the expense of building an ADU. Be sure to contact the Development Services Department as early in the process as possible to assist you.

ADUs offer several benefits:

• They provide additional housing options for family members or as rental units.
• ADUs can increase property value.
• They contribute to California’s housing supply, addressing the housing shortage.

California generally permits three types of ADUs:

• Detached ADUs: Stand-alone units separate from the main dwelling.
• Attached ADUs: Units that are attached to the main home.
• Conversion ADUs: Converting existing spaces, like garages, basements, or attics, into livable units.

Under California state law, the maximum size for a detached ADU is typically:

• 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit.
• 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. For attached ADUs, the size can’t exceed 50% of the main residence’s size, up to a maximum of 1,200 square feet.

Coming soon

Coming Soon

Yes, ADUs can be rented out as long-term rentals.   Permitted ADUs are not allowed to be used as short-term rentals.