By SDCN Editor
San Diego, CA–Responding to the aftermath of the devastating storm that hit the region, the County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting on Tuesday to implement crucial measures aimed at assisting residents in flood-hit areas.
With further rain expected, the supervisors approved a series of actions, allocating $10 million to support flood survivors and safeguarding those affected from unjust evictions.
Key decisions made during the special meeting include:
- Approval of an ordinance preventing evictions without just cause for individuals impacted by the floods, extending protection to affected cities.
- Allocation of $10 million in funds to provide regional assistance to flood survivors.
- Granting planning and environmental health permit fee waivers for residents in unincorporated areas engaged in rebuilding efforts.
- Waiving plan check, building, septic system, and well system permit fees for damaged or destroyed homes in unincorporated communities for up to five years or as long as funding allows.
- Exempting hazmat or restaurant establishments affected by the storms from plan check fees.
- Launching community outreach meetings to assess the diverse needs of communities during emergencies and aid in long-term recovery planning.
In addition to these actions, county emergency services land use, and environment staff briefed the board on the current status of flooding, recovery efforts, and ongoing preparations.
Officials reported that the storm on January 22 was the fourth wettest single day in San Diego since 1850, causing severe flooding, erosion, debris flows, mudslides, road closures, power outages, and significant damage to public and private infrastructure. In an update on recovery efforts:
- The county has received nearly 2,800 reports of damage from public surveys, categorizing 525 as major damage, with approximately 1,000 from individuals without insurance.
- A local emergency was declared on the day of the storm, making the region eligible for state and federal assistance.
- The Local Assistance Center, operational since January 28 at the Spring Valley Library, has assisted 777 households representing more than 2,000 people.
- Residents can access information on recovery services, rebuilding permits, and vital records replacement from nearly 20 County and state departments at the Local Assistance Center.
- Initial damage assessments to public infrastructure are estimated at $90 million regionwide, with $4.1 million attributed to the County’s unincorporated communities.
- County crews are actively clearing debris from flooded unincorporated areas to ensure public safety.
- Damaged county parks and trails will remain closed as staff conduct inspections.
For further information and updates on emergency response and preparedness, residents are encouraged to visit the county’s Alertsandiego.org website.
