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Frequently Asked Questions

Latest FAQs

A: No. The property owner who enrolled in the debris removal or hazard tree removal program included insurance information when completing the Right-of-Entry form, and the County is responsible for preventing a duplication of benefit by collecting insurance proceeds based on the policy insuring the property for debris and/or tree removal. In short, the County will collect from either the insurer of the property at the time of the fire or from the property owner if those funds were already paid directly to the property owner. This prevents duplication of benefit by making sure tax payer dollars are not used to fund activities for which a private property owner received proceeds, such as insurance payments.

If the property changed hands before the program was complete, the new property owner was asked to sign a Right-of-Entry form and both the original owners and the new owner sign a transfer affidavit. The new owner typically indicates he or she is not insured when completing the Right-of-Entry form since most new owners are not insured for damage that occurred in the past. In this case, the County will collect based on the original policy as submitted on the original property owner’s Right-of-Entry form.

If the property changed hands after the program was complete, the County will collect based on the original policy as stated on the original property owner’s Right-of-Entry form.

A: Contact your neighbor and explain your concerns. Ensure your neighbor is enrolled in a hazardous tree removal program. If your neighbor is unavailable check the status map: https://buttecountyrecovers.org/private-property-tree-removal-map/. For those enrolled in the Government Program, trees threatening a standing structure or home under construction will be prioritized for removal. The those enrolled in the Private Program, trees must be cut and certified cleared from the property by December 4, 2020.

Q: I have enrolled in the Private Hazard Tree Removal Program and received an email from the Town stating my property has hazard trees or could not be assessed from the roadside. What is my next step?

A: The Town of Paradise conducted courtesy roadside assessments at over 7,000 properties in Paradise. Over 3,600 parcels were found to be clear of hazardous trees. Property owners found to have hazardous trees or whose properties were unable to be assessed from the roadside were notified by the Town via email.  After you have removed any hazard trees on your property, please call or email the ROE Center at 530-552-3030 or treeROE@buttecounty.net to schedule an on-site assessment. (Email may be an easier option due to current call volume)  Or, visit buttecountyrecovers.org to enroll in the Government Hazard Tree Removal Program. You can also search for the status of your property on the public-facing map.

Q: I have enrolled in the Private Hazard Tree Removal Program and received an email stating I have hazard trees on my parcel. The trees are not marked as this was a roadside assessment. What is my next step?

A: If you received an email from the Town stating hazardous trees are on your property and you are enrolled in the private program, please hire an arborist to assess and remove your trees then schedule an onsite compliance inspection to certify your property is clear of these hazard trees with the Butte County Tree Removal ROE Processing Center at 530-552-3030 or email TreeROE@buttecounty.net. Or, you may enroll in the government program. Visit buttecountyrecovers.org for more information.

Q: I am not enrolled in either Hazard Tree Removal program and received an email from the Town stating I have hazard trees.  What do I do?

A: If you received an email from the Town stating you have hazard trees on your property and you are not enrolled in any program, please visit buttecountyrecovers.org for options including enrollment in the government hazard tree removal program.

Q: I am actively working on my property or I have hired someone to do the work, but it won’t be completed until after the 30 days has passed. Can I get an extension?

A: Send an email to defensiblespace@townofparadise.com stating the expected completion date. Be sure to include your name, phone number, Paradise property address, and who you hired to do the work. The inspection date will remain the same. If work has not been completed, we will contact you.

A: Compliance is required on the CHECKED ITEMS in your letter

Example: If your property is less than 1.5 acres and Box Y is checked, the entire property must be cleared of weeds, brush and dying vegetation

Example: If your property 1.5 acres or more and Box Z and/or Box ZZ are checked, clearance is required a minimum of 10 feet from edge of the roadway and 30 feet from the property lines. Example: Clearance must be maintained within 100 feet of all structures on your property as well as any neighboring property. This includes structures under construction and temporary housing such as RV’s.

A: Send an email to defensiblespace@townofparadise.com stating who you have hired and when the expected completion date is. Be sure to include in the email your name, your phone number, and the address in Paradise that the notice is for. The inspection date will remain the same. If work has not been completed, we will contact you. 

A:  The Town’s Private Hazard Tree Removal Program began on July 7th. Arborists with Tetra Tech, the Town’s contractor, are conducting inspections of enrolled parcels and assessments of unenrolled parcels and will contact property owners if hazard trees are identified that require removal. The State is finalizing their contracts for the State Hazard Tree Removal Program and expect to begin inspections and tree felling in August. 

It is the responsibility of property owners to remove any hazardous trees. If you have not enrolled in either program you must do so now. If hazardous trees are not removed, the Town will abate the property (remove the hazardous trees) at the property owner’s expense. 

To enroll contact the Tree ROE Center at 530.552.3030 or by email treeroe@buttecounty.net.

 

A:  All hazardous trees in Paradise need to be removed, to comply all property owners need to choose one of the following options:

  1. Enroll in the State Tree Removal Program:  This program will identify and remove eligible trees on your property, with the removal paid for through insurance proceeds.  For more information and to download a Tree Right of Entry Form (ROE), click here.

  2. Enroll in the Private Program:  If you have trees that need to be removed but you want to remove them yourself, or you have already removed them, fill out an Inspection Access Form.  A Town inspector will determine if there are any hazardous trees remaining to be removed and if not, will certify the property as being clear of hazardous trees.  Any hazardous trees found will need to be removed by the property owner.  Click here for more information and to download an Inspection Access Form.

  3. Have your arborist or forester certify your property.  If you had an arborist or forester remove trees on your property, they can fill out a form certifying the property has been cleared of hazardous trees.  Click here for more information and to download an arborist/forester certification form.

A:  Starting January 1, 2021 you may live on your property in an RV only if your house is under construction or you are in actively in a rebuild process. You will have to have an active building permit (not just a temporary use permit) to live in an RV on property.  RVs are not meant to be permanent housing.  If you need help with financial resources to rebuild or with the rebuilding process, our Rebuild Advocates are here to help.  Contact them at (530) 872-6291 x429 or x420 or psavage@townofparadise.com and eclemens@townofparadise.com

A:  Call the Rebuild Advocates!  They are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at the Building Resiliency Center to walk through the rebuilding process for you.  Not only can they help with the rebuilding process, they can also help navigate insurance and can connect you with financial assistance available for Camp Fire Survivors.  You can call them at (530) 872-6291 x429 and x430 or email at eclements@townofparadise.com and psavage@townofparadise.com.  

A:  The letter describes what needs to be done on the property. There are 3 different categories: General, Developed, and Undeveloped. Each of these has a subcategory that will have a check mark next to the violation that is to be corrected. Most of the notices require the grasses and/or brush to be cut.  30 Calendar days are given to complete the work.  An inspection will be conducted after the 30 days and if the corrections are not made to ensure compliance.  If the actions described in the letter have not been completed, administrative citations will be issued, and ultimately the Town can abate the property at the owner’s expense.  Find a list of weed abatement companies with Paradise Business Licenses here.  

A. Yes. The Building Resiliency Center (BRC) remains open to the public by appointment only.  Permits are being issued and inspections are being done.  Our rebuilding effort has not stalled, though we are maintaining strict social distancing to keep us all safe.  

We ask that you only bring necessary individuals with you during your appointment as social distancing is essential to our employees and the community’s health and wellbeing. Thank you.

A:  In 2020, the Town of Paradise will continue to focus on bringing our residents back home.  To do that, we will work on removing obstacles, and on improving the safety of our community.  Debris removal is nearly complete, with about 200 properties in the private program that still need to be cleared.  The deadline for those properties to be cleared is February 29, 2020. The State Hazard Tree Removal Program has begun and is expected to be completed in 9 months.  The Town continues to work with Paradise Irrigation District to support its efforts to lift all no drink advisories in Town. They expect to clear all standing homes by March 2020.  Next year the Town will also work on several vital recovery projects, including an early warning system and evacuation route study.  

2019 was a year of response and recovery for the Town of Paradise, and 2020 will be a year of continued recovery, rebuilding and revitalization. 

A:   Hazard Tree removal is required on all private property where Hazard Trees pose a threat of falling on a public right-of-way (road) or other public improved property (such as the Yellowstone Kelly Trailway).  Property owners may sign up for:

  1. The Government Hazard Tree Removal Program; or

  2. The Private Hazard Tree Removal program.  

Property owners who have already removed Hazard Trees must complete an Inspection Access Form so an inspector can confirm Hazard Tree removal is complete. 

A: Yes, the water in Paradise is safe. The source of our water (Paradise Lake), and the treatment plant were untouched by the fire. As a result, the water is clear and clean. There was some contamination in some of the distribution system (pipes), which caused testing done early on to show contamination. Paradise Irrigation District has tested and cleared 993 standing homes as of early December and has about 500 standing homes left to test. They expect to be completed with standing homes by March 2020. As for those who are rebuilding, when a building permit application is issued, the Town contacts PID to let them know we are working towards a new home. PID, in turn, begins their testing and clearance process to make sure that by the time the Town issues the Certificate of Occupancy, there is clean water available at the property. PID spoke on this issue during the Town Press Conference available here: https://www.facebook.com/townofparadise/videos/488900238413443/

A: The Town did a study of the condition of public roads before and after debris removal for the purpose of documenting the damage done by all the heavy trucks through the debris removal process. Now that we have that information, the Town will prioritize the road repairs that are needed, and we have applied for funding to make those repairs. We do not have a time frame yet, as we have not yet received the funding for repairs. Once that funding is received, we will make a public announcement about when to expect road repairs in the Town of Paradise.

A:  Cars that have been burned on private property should be removed with the structural debris.  There are several hundred properties that opted to utilize the private debris removal program that still have not been cleared yet, the deadline for those properties to be cleared is February 2020.  For cars on public rights of way, most have been removed by CHP. If there are still cars on public right of way in the Town of Paradise, please notify our Code Enforcement Officer at (530) 872-6291 ext. 124.

A:   Trees on adjacent or neighboring properties must be addressed by the property owner.  The property owner is responsible for submitting an ROE or enrolling in the private program for tree removal, if they have qualifying hazard trees that could fall into a public right of way.   The Town of Paradise and Butte County have sent letters out to eligible property owners to notify them that they need to enroll in the program.  For more information on the tree program, visit https://buttecountyrecovers.org/private-property-tree-removal/.  

A:  Hazard Tree removal is required on all private property where Hazard Trees pose a threat of falling into a public right of way or other public improved property.  If you’re not sure if your property has hazard trees that fit this criterion, fill out an inspection access form to have an inspector determine if there are any qualifying trees on your property.  Property owners may sight up for:

  1.  The Government Hazard Tree Removal Program; or

  2. The Private Hazard Tree Removal Program.

Property owners who have already removed their hazard trees must complete an Inspection Access Form so an inspector can confirm Hazard Tree removal is complete.

A:  The Ice Rink is open through January 20, 2020.  

Hours:

Sunday – Thursday 12 – 8 pm

Friday –   12 – 8pm (9pm – 11pm Teen Skate)

Saturday – 12pm – 10 pm (11am – 12 pm Skate Lessons)

Skate Lessons Group lessons are offered with regular admission during each Saturday from 11:00 am to Noon.
Friday Teen Nights Special activities for teens every Friday Night 9:00-11:00 pm. $5 admission with school ID.
Coffee Club Special times for Adult skaters—18 years of age and older are offered with regular admission every Saturday from 10:00-11:00 am.
Stroller Skating Special Times for parent and baby in stroller with one regular admission are on November 18, December 9 and December 30 from 10:00-11:00am.
Santa’s Arrival & Truck Parade December 7, 2019—starting at 2 pm Start your Holiday Season with Paradise Recreation & Park District as we welcome Santa with song, dance and more seasonal cheer! Santa will be taking requests from 4-6 pm. After visiting Santa, stick around for the fantastic Truck Parade going down Skyway!

A:  The Town is working on opening the BRC in early December.  Like most buildings in Paradise that survived the fire, there was some work to be done to make it ready for occupancy, and our staff is hard at work making those repairs.  As soon as we have an opening date, we will announce it and make plans for a Grand Opening event.  

A: Due to the lack of a town sewer, the State Regional Water Quality Control Board authorized the Town as a Wastewater Management Zone in 1993. An ‘operating permit’ fee was adopted and charged on every septic system in town to fund that district. Regardless of use, each septic system installed in town is part of that wastewater district and the Town is responsible for tracking and reporting on each of those systems annually to the State. Paradise Municipal Code section 13.04.220.B.3 states:

“Each owner of a private wastewater disposal system shall pay fees to the town as adopted by resolution of the town council. All fees collected under this section shall be used for the following purposes: 

a. Activities of the onsite wastewater zone; 

b. Processing and record keeping;

c. Stream and subsurface water monitoring;

d. Investigations;

e. Informational programs concerning on-site disposal systems.”

A: Funds donated to the Butte Strong Fund through the North Valley Community Foundation (NVCF) are granted to groups and agencies that apply for specific Camp Fire recovery activities that help survivors recover. The Town of Paradise applied for funding to get the Building Resiliency Center (BRC) up and running. The BRC will help many Camp Fire survivors recovery as it will be a one-stop-shop for rebuilding and housing information. For more information on how the Butte Strong Fund allocates its resources, visit https://buttestrongfund.org/.

A: All the events are free and open to the public. We do ask that you RSVP to the evening event at Paradise Alliance Church. This does not reserve a space for an individual as this event is a first come first served event, but we expect a large turn out so we encourage you to arrive early.

A: Milestone events after a disaster, like the one-year anniversary of the Camp Fire, can be a difficult time for survivors.  Fortunately, there are resources available for those needed some assistance.

The Disaster Distress Helpline

A 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1.800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

California HOPE of Butte County

Through outreach and education, California HOPE empowers and restores stability to fire survivors and fire-affected communities of Butte County. HOPE Counselors meet with fire survivors and their families on the survivor’s schedule, wherever they’re most comfortable. HOPE counselors facilitate educational and support group meetings for survivors and provide support at community events. Call 530.966.7382 or email calhopebutte@gmail.com to connect with a HOPE Counselor today. Also, find them on Facebook @CalHopeButte.

A: The Paradise Town Council and the Butte County Board of Supervisors passed ordinances requiring the removal of hazard trees damaged by the Camp Fire from private property that may fall into public roadways. Property owners may enter the Government Tree Program to have the trees removed by the State at no out-of-pocket cost. Enrollment in the Government Tree Program requires a Right-of Entry form. Property owners may also identify and remove hazard trees themselves but must submit an inspection form so an inspector may verify the removal of the hazard trees from the property. Property owners may also call the Tree ROE Center directly at (530) 552-3030 or submit Tree ROEs by email at TreeROE@buttecounty.net. The Tree ROE is available for download online at www.ButteCountyRecovers.org/treeremoval. ROE forms may also be picked up at the Tree ROE Centers when they open. 

    • Three Tree ROE Centers open Monday, October 28th at the following locations:

      • Community Employment Center: 78 Table Mountain Boulevard, Oroville Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 am – 5 pm

      • Butte County Library, Paradise Branch Community Room: 5922 Clark Road, Paradise Hours: Mon.- Fri. 9am – 5pm

Butte County Library, Chico Branch: 1108 Sherman Avenue, Chico Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 10 am- 6 pm, Friday-Saturday 10 am – 5 pm

A: With all the rebuilding that is going on in Town, having someone to enforce Town Ordinances is very important. We currently have one full-time Code Enforcement Officer and one Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer who are actively following up on complaints and reaching out to residents to bring them into compliance with Town rules. As we see their workload increase, we will hire more Code Enforcement Officers to ensure we are able to keep up.

A:  Yes.  The Town is offering a program where properties with standing homes can get financial assistance to remove hazardous trees.  There are income and other guidelines that must be met for this program, you can find more information about them here: https://www.townofparadise.com/index.php/our-government/departments/housing/owner-occupied-housing-rehabilitation.  

Cal OES recently announced a program that will remove trees on private property that may fall into the public right of way.  Properties with standing homes are included in this program. Guidelines for this program are being worked out right now, however, we know it will work in a similar way as the debris removal program where property owners must sign a Right of Entry Form (ROE) to register for the program.  More information on this program will be available soon.

A:  The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce has a list of events surrounding the anniversary of the Camp Fire.  You can find this list here: http://www.paradisechamber.com/.  The Town is holding three events to commemorate November 8th:  

    • 10:30 am: Building Resiliency Center Grand Opening – 6295 Skyway

    • 11:08 am:  85 seconds of silence for the 85 lives lost

    • 11:15 am: Unveiling of the “Key Phoenix” at Building Resiliency Center – 6295 Skyway

    • 12:00 pm: Ground Breaking of Hope Park – 6148 Skyway

    • World Kitchen will host a free community meal beginning at 2:30 pm – – Paradise Alliance Church 6491 Clark Rd. 

    • 6:30 pm: Paradise Commemoration Ceremony – Paradise Alliance Church 6491 Clark Rd.  While the event is free, we do ask for you to RSVP so we may plan accordingly here http://bit.ly/2oJpcB9

A: Properties that are using the alternative program for debris removal submitted their plans to Butte County during the ROE sign up period. Property owners are working with their private contractors to remove debris and are subject to their contractor’s availability to get the work completed. As of now, there is no deadline for the cleanup of their property.

A: Yes. The Town has done two surveys of our roads, one before debris removal began and one now that it is largely completed, to assess the damage done by the debris removal process. Using that information, the Town will now work on bringing public roads back to their pre-fire condition. The Town is in the process of applying for funding through FEMA for this purpose.

A:  Public assistance funding has been approved for a Hazard Tree Removal Program to remove trees on private property that may fall on public roads. More information about the program, which parcels are eligible, and how to enroll will follow in the next few weeks. The Town is also applying for funding through FEMA for hazard mitigation which will assist with tree removal. We should find out about whether than funding has been awarded in the next few months.  The Butte County Fire Safe Council has also announced a new program to address hazard trees on private property. View the guidelines at https://makeitparadise.org/grants
The deadline to enroll is October 25th, 2019. This program will be conducted on a first come, first serve basis and help cannot be guaranteed to all qualified landowners.
To enroll, contact:
Taylor Nilsson at the Butte County Fire Safe Council
Phone – (530) 966-1620
Email – taylorn@buttefiresafe.net

A:  Information on Insurance was presented at the last Community Meeting on October 1st, although insurance for manufactured homes was not part of that meeting.  You can watch that meeting here: https://www.facebook.com/townofparadise/videos/2451256524991143/.  The Rebuild Paradise Foundation is putting together more information on manufactured home insurance and they will present it at a future community meeting.  The California Department of Insurance is a good resource for questions on insurance. Contact them through their website: http://www.insurance.ca.gov/.  

A: The State debris removal program is set to be done with structural debris removal in the next week or so. Out of the 10,892 properties that submitted an ROE, 10,794 have been cleared of debris, leaving 98 remaining. The Town has completed abatement on 35 properties. Properties that are removing debris through the alternative program using private contractors may still have debris on-site as contractors work their way through the remaining properties.

A:  Commercial properties that chose the state program will have their structural debris cleared by the end of this month.  Many commercial properties chose the alternative program and hired their own contractors. They are following their work plans and are subject to the availability of the contractor they hired.  Some commercial properties faced longer cleanup timelines due to insurance requirements and hazard testing and mitigation.  

Also, it is important to note that there are several property owners that have opted to go with a private contractor for debris removal that has NOT yet submitted a work plan. If your contractor has not yet submitted a work plan, your property is non-compliant and subject to a warranted abatement. If your property is in the Town of Paradise, and you would like to confirm your work plan has been submitted by your contractor, please call Rachel at (530) 872-6291 x122.

A: Northstate Aggregate is assisting PG&E by removing excess dirt from PG&E work areas. Residents may contact Northstate Aggregate at (530) 877-5357 for free soil delivery. This limited service is a first-come, first-serve, non-guaranteed free service and at this time is expected to continue to the life of the rebuild project. The resident is responsible for working with Northstate Aggregate to acquire the dirt and is responsible for the placement of the material.

A: Right now the Town does not have plans for a pet memorial, however, the Town is working with the Rotary Club of Paradise on a Camp Fire memorial proposed to be constructed at Skyway and Foster Rd. A pet memorial sounds like a nice idea, and the Town will look into having the Animal Shelter take the lead on the initiative.

A: There are several mental health resources for Camp Fire Survivors:  

The Disaster Distress Helpline

A 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories. Stress, anxiety, and other depression-like symptoms are common reactions after a disaster. Call 1.800.985.5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

California HOPE of Butte County

Through outreach and education, California HOPE empowers and restores stability to fire survivors and fire-affected communities of Butte County. HOPE Counselors meet with fire survivors and their families on the survivor’s schedule, wherever they’re most comfortable. HOPE counselors facilitate educational and support group meetings for survivors and provide support at community events. Call 530.966.7382 or email calhopebutte@gmail.com to connect with a HOPE Counselor today. Also, find them on Facebook @CalHopeButte.

A: Yes. One of the recovery projects identified in the Long-Term Recovery Plan is a siren system or other non-technology reliant system to early warning for emergencies. The Town has applied for funding through FEMA for such a system. Once the funding has been confirmed, the Town will issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and construction of an early warning system. This is one of the highest priorities identified in the plan, and we are working to make it happen as soon as possible.

A: The Town is currently compiling a list of insurance companies that are writing policies in Paradise. The upcoming community meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 6 pm at the Paradise Alliance Church will focus on insurance. There will be several insurance companies at the meeting that are currently writing in Paradise on hand to answer questions. Once we have the list completed, we will make the list available to the public.

A: The Rebuild Paradise Foundation is working to get a selection of master plans (for home rebuilds) that are pre-approved by the Town. This way people who are rebuilding could select one of the master plans and begin the rebuilding process, streamlining the design process. The Town is supporting Rebuild Paradise in their efforts to create this library. It is important to note that while the plans would be pre-approved by the Town, there would still be site-specific items that would need to be approved by the Town in the permitting process. The details for the library are still being worked out, which is why we are looking for input from our local building community at the Contractor’s Discussion on Sept. 20th from 3-4:30 pm at Town Hall. Once the details are worked out, we will help Rebuild Paradise get the word out about the program.

A: Paradise Irrigation District is working hard to lift the advisory on standing homes and on properties that have building permits issued. That means, you can apply for your building permit and the Town will notify PID to begin testing and clearing the main and service line to your property. That way, by the time a new home is ready to occupy, it will have clean potable water provided by PID. So far, PID has lifted the advisory on 200 properties.

Make it Paradise Newsletter

This newsletter is designed to keep you informed of the ongoing recovery efforts as we rebuild Paradise.  Each week you will receive a newsletter with events, current numbers (building permits, etc.), current topics and a weekly Q&A.

Occasionally, we may send out an extra newsletter pertaining to an upcoming event or important information.