Town of Paradise Weekly Recovery Update 8-18-21

CURRENT STATISTICS

BUILDING UPDATES

Single Family Homes in Development

1,854 Building Permit Applications Received

1,268 Stick Built / 586 Manufactured

1,700 Building Permits issued

981 Homes Rebuilt (certificate of occupancy issued)

Multi-Family Homes in Development

347 Multi-Family Unit Applications Received

Breakdown*:

57 Duplexes
1 Triplex
7 Developments with 4-9 units
5 Developments with 10-30 units

329 Multi-Family Unit Permits Issued

176 Multi-Family Unit Permits Rebuilt (certificate of occupancy issued)

*Each “unit” represents a home for a family in Paradise.

If you are a multi-family housing developer and wish to meet with the Town, please call Kate Anderson, Housing Program Supervisor, at 530.872.6291 x 122, or email kanderson@townofparadise.com.

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Provided by the Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce: Every week, we will spotlight a business in Paradise to encourage shopping locally and supporting economic recovery in Paradise – and maybe uncover a business you haven’t heard of before!

This week we’re highlighting Elements of Health. Elements of Health is ready to help you feel like your best self once again. Melissa Illingworth is a primary Healthcare Provider, Board Certified Licensed Acupuncturist, Massage therapist and Medical Hypnotherapist in the state of California, meaning she’s more than qualified to assist you! Elements of Health offers acupuncture, natural pain and stress relief, and special stress management techniques to help you live your best life.

You can book an appointment for a service at one of their two offices in Chico and Paradise through their website at www.Paradisecommunityacupuncture.com or call (530) 451-6700.

Thinking of opening a business in Paradise? The Town of Paradise offers Business Development meetings for prospective business owners to go over the process of opening a business in Paradise. Call Susan Hartman at (530) 872-6291 x417 or email her at shartman@townofparadise.com to schedule an appointment.

WHAT’S NEW

Housing Urgency Ordinance (RV Ordinance)

At their regular meeting on Aug. 10th the Paradise Town Council gave direction to staff to bring back changes to the Housing Urgency Ordinance for action at the September 14th Council meeting. The changes they directed include the following:

Residents living in RVs on property with a current Temporary Use Permit (including renters) will be allowed to stay on their property until April 30, 2023.
All “thresholds” regarding steps towards rebuilding will be waived, meaning residents will not be required to show steps towards rebuilding in order to stay.
Residents living in RVs with a Temporary Use Permit must resolve any Code Enforcement Violations and be in compliance with the requirements of the Temporary Use Permit by September 30, 2021.
A committee will be established by Town Council to review cases where exceptions to these rules may need to be considered.

This direction will be written into the Ordinance and brought back to Council at their Sept. 14th meeting, and if approved, would go into effect immediately.

Survey: Bicycling and Walking Network

Last week, the last of the Town’s Transportation Master Plan community meetings covered ideas for expansion to the Town’s Walking and Bicycling Network. Share your thoughts by taking the survey!

Take the Survey: tinyurl.com/ParadiseATP
Watch the meeting here: youtu.be/pJOjYTZZCsw
For more information click here.

Dixie Fire Update

There are still no evacuation orders or evacuation warnings for the Town of Paradise. The Town continues to monitor the Dixie Fire closely with Cal Fire and Butte County. However, it is important to be prepared and have a plan for your family, animals, and home. If you feel unsafe at any time, you should leave. Visit the CalFire/Butte County Facebook page and Butte County Sheriff Facebook page for current updates.

Be Ready, Butte!

Preparing for wildfires is part of our new normal, so Butte Fire Safe Council, Butte County Fire, and Cal Fire have partnered to help you get Ready, Set, Go when wildfire strikes. Keep an eye out for fire-safe tips and resources when you see “Be Ready, Butte”! Visit buttefiresafe.net for more information.

Hazard Tree Removal Program Update

As the Hazard Tree Removal Program winds down to a close, the Town of Paradise, CalOES, and FEMA are working together to create the next tree program that may help residents with remaining hazardous trees on their properties. To be notified when more information about this program is available, please contact the Tree Advocates at (530) 872-6291 x162 or x163 or subscribe to the newsletter found at makeitparadise.org.

Free Eye Exam August 20, 12 p.m.-4 p.m.

The Paradise Host Lions Club is putting on a Free eye exam event on Friday, August 20, at First Baptist Church, 6500 Clark Road, Paradise.

Fit Kids 6 Week Fitness Program Starts August 24

Beginning Tuesday, August 24th, children ages 8-12 are invited to join “Fit Kids,” a program of Paradise Stronger. The program runs for 6 weeks, every Tuesday & Thursday from 3:00-3:45 p.m. Games, Fun Workouts, Friendly Competitions (Plank Challenge!). $69. Register at paradisestronger.org.

Kayak Rentals Now Available at Paradise Lake

Ready to enjoy a few hours in nature? Paradise Recreation and Park District is now renting single and double kayaks by the hour. Kayaks are available at Boat Launch #2 of the North Lake Blvd between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday; life vests and paddles included. $15.00 for single and $18.00 for the double kayak per hour. Subject to closure for smoke or weather. Call 530-872-6393 Monday-Friday for updates and availability.

Free Guitar Workshop, Saturday, August 21

Guitar Gear Garage is offering a free beginner guitar workshop for youth ages 10-17. The event will be held at the Magalia Community Center from 11:00 a.m.-11:45 a.m. Bring your own guitar or borrow one for the session. RSVPs required: email Dave and Emi Wilson at guitargeargarage1@gmail.com or call 530.520.2667 to register or for more information.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Paradise Recreation and Park District is looking for volunteers to help with trail work at Paradise lake and Lower Bille lookout.

Dates:

Lower Bille Lookout trail: Mon./Tues. 8am – 12pm.
Paradise Lake trail: Wed./ Thurs. 9am – 1pm.

Pastel, Pottery, Acrylic, Drawing, and Wearable Art Classes at Paradise Art Center

The Paradise Art Center has a variety of ongoing classes and studio times for residents interested in exploring their creative sides. Visit paradise-art-center.com for information on fees, dates & times, supply lists, and class availability.

New Dates! Free Residential Green Waste Disposal, August 28 and September 11 & 22

How it works:

Butte County residents living in the wildland-urban interface may dispose of green waste for free on the above-designated days.
Haul and unload your green waste (no more than 3-yards per trip), to the Neal Road Recycling and Waste Facility. Bring proof of ID and residence in the Wildland Urban Interface area of Butte County.

For more information, visit buttecounty.net/publicworks.

Wildland Urban Interface map: buttecounty.opennrm.org/maps/11349

Save the Date! Johnny Appleseed Days Is October 2nd and 3rd

Mark your calendars for California’s oldest harvest festival, a beloved tradition since 1888! Held on Saturday & Sunday, October 2 & 3, at the Terry Ashe Park, the event will host vendors, artisans, entertainment, and more. More information on the Chamber website.

RESOURCES

Home Builders Resource Connection Online Plan Room

The Rebuild Paradise Foundation (RPF) and Valley Contractors Exchange (VCE) have partnered to launch Home Builders Resource Connection Online Plan Room! This FREE tool is intended to connect the dots between those looking to rebuild after the devastating fires Butte County has experienced in 2018 and 2020 and contractors that can perform this work. To learn more about the Online Plan Room, please visit https://vceonline.com/HBRC/ or contact VCE at (530) 343-1981.

Shop Local Online! Paradise Ridge Marketplace Available

The Paradise Ridge Chamber of Commerce has provided the Paradise Ridge Marketplace to keep your shopping local. Purchase some of your favorite Ridge items, such as Ridge Rising apparel and other fun member products. New items are added frequently. Learn more at www.ShopParadiseRidge.com.

Funding Options for Those Rebuilding after the Camp Fire

NEW – Grants Up to $200,000 Available for those Rebuilding after the Camp Fire

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) recently announced the Disaster Housing Assistance Survey for survivors of the 2018 wildfire disasters is now open. Homes damaged or destroyed by the Camp Fire may be eligible for up to $200,000; and low- to moderate-income households will receive priority.

If you are a disaster survivor and wish to see if you qualify for the ReCoverCA Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Program (OOR Program), start by taking the 2018 Disaster Housing Assistance survey available at https://recover.hcd.ca.gov/. If you need assistance with the survey, contact Butte County OOR Case Managers Brittney Murray or Glen Johnson at (916) 202-1764.
Up to $150,000 in low-interest, deferred Loans for homeowners (can be used even if insurance funds and/or FEMA funds have been spent)

The Town of Paradise offers deferred, low-interest loans to low and moderate income households rebuilding after the Camp Fire. For more information on eligibility and how to apply, click here or call the Town’s Housing Department at (530) 872-6291 x122. We are happy to answer any questions you might have.

Town Hall and the Building Resiliency Center Open to the Public

Town Hall and the Building Resiliency Center (BRC), both on Skyway are open to the public. Town Hall and Town Meetings are open to the public with limited seating and social distancing procedures in place. The BRC is accepting walk-ins and individuals are requested to ring the bell located by the front doors to enter. This will ensure social distancing requirements can be met.

The Town is also available by phone. Please call (530) 872-6291 for existing appointments or to schedule a new appointment.

Below are the extensions for assistance:

Business and Housing x126 or x130
Code Enforcement x110
Finance Department x121
Tree Advocates x162 or x163
Building Resiliency Center x411
General Information x101

Have questions regarding your rebuild? Rebuild Advocates are here to help!

If you need help navigating the rebuild process, the Town of Paradise has Rebuild Advocates available to assist. They can help with the following: Navigating insurance, FEMA or SBA, understanding additional financing options, selecting a contractor, submitting plants, or any part of the rebuild process. They are available at the Building Resiliency Center by appointment only. Please call 530.872.6291 x429 x430 to make an in-person (depending on COVID status) or phone appointment today!

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