The Nevada City City Council has passed an urgency ordinance banning Bed and Breakfast establishments in residential areas. At last night’s council meeting Attorney Rob Schulman, replacing Hal DeGraw because of a conflict of interest on the matter, explains the purpose of the urgency ordinance.

Click here to listen to Attorney Rob Schulman

The second purpose it ensure that due process is conducted if an existing B and B wants to re-open after being closed for a period of time exceeding a year.

Click here to listen to Attorney Rob Schulman

Basically, it requires a city hearing if a residence that once operated as a B-and-B shut down, and later wants to re-open.

The third purpose is to update the definition of the term “non-conforming use.”
The urgency ordinance stemming from the recent approval of the reopening of a B and B that had been in non-operation for over one year.
Potential litigation is taking place regarding that case, but the city is attempting to mediate the issue with the neighborhood group that filed the complaint.

The urgency ordinance required a super majority- or four of five votes- to pass. It passed unanimously.