Courtesy: City of Cloverdale
Map showing potential movement of
Cloverdale's UGB and Sphere of Influence.

Cloverdale officials last week stopped short of agreeing to ask voters to move the city's urban growth boundary...though it's far from off the table. 

Maps flashed on the screen during a presentation during Wednesday's council meeting showing areas under city control doubling.

That's by moving Cloverdale's Urban Growth Boundary west of town. That wouldn't affect the city's boundaries. At least not yet, and county zoning rules would still be in place.

Even if city voters eventually agree, it doesn't mean development will come quickly---the area isn't served by water or sewer infrastructure.

And most new development would require annexation, something that requires approval from the county's LAFCO, or Local Area Formation Commission.

What's sparking the concept is Clearwater Ranch, a care facility outside the city's growth boundary.

The owners are seeking annexation to gain access to city water and sewer services so it can expand. Under county zoning, Clearwater is maxed out, according to assistant city manager Kevin Thompson.

In exchange, Clearwater conceptually agreed to donate 50-acres of the property to the city as future open space, likely to eventually become a city or regional park. Several adjacent landowners want to follow suit.

City councilmember Brian Wheeler wondered at Wednesday's meeting if Cloverdale has the staff and resources to maintain more park space.

"We've got Porterfield Creek, the new Lighter Ranch, Soda Springs...my big concern with that is we just don't have the people, we keep adding to this we're going to have to hire some folks," Wheeler said.

City Manager David Kelley said he largely agreed.

 "There's no question, it does put an additional burden on the city," Kelley said.

But the move does have fiscal advantages, said Kelley. The city would save about $4,000 a year in property taxes it currently pays the county. Though that's hardly a king's ransom, Cloverdale would gain some tax revenue through annexation.

Kelley says the city could theoretically control development if the area were brought under city jurisdiction, by designating it rural residential---a zone with a minimum 30-acre lot size---much more than the county requires.

That seemed to appeal to councilmember Gus Wolter,

"I'm all in favor of doing whatever we have to do to get control of the westerly hills," Wolter said. "We want to be in charge of what's developed there."

Concerns were raised that an affordable housing proposal might emerge if the growth boundary were moved. But city officials say they believe the steep, forested terrain makes that unlikely.

City Attorney Jose Sanchez told the council the city could cite health and safety in attempting to block such a plan, presumably due to fire risk.

While the county does allow dozens of different types of businesses in the area now, Cloverdale city officials tell the council little new activity is likely as the area lacks water and sewer service.

City staffers are now tasked with refining the proposal further.