MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Marysville City Council reported on March 18 that it authorized nuisance abatement actions at 530 4th St. and 615 F St. during a closed session. 

During the regular meeting, City Council considered the approval of the Yuba Water Agency’s revised 2025 Yuba Sub-basins Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), which must be updated every five years as required by state law, to ensure that groundwater is not overdrawn in the region over the next 20 years. 

Over-reliance on groundwater in many parts of California can impact both water supply and water quality. The Groundwater Sustainability Plan ensures the health of the groundwater sub-basin, and the report from the Yuba Water Agency shows the region has rebounded from drought years and is currently at sustainable levels. 

Marysville Mayor Chris Branscum said the plan is very important because Marysville relies on groundwater: “Water matters and we know it.”

City Council voted unanimously to approve the 2025 Groundwater Sustainability Plan. 

The council then considered amendments to the General Plan, which was last updated in 1985. The General Plan Update used input from the community through various meetings and outreach events over the last few years.

The General Plan will guide future development through the year 2050, with policies on land use and community development, transportation, open space, conservation and recreation, infrastructure modernization and environmental standards. Some of the main goals in the plan include identifying areas for potential reinvestment, supporting economic development and ensuring fiscal sustainability. 

Marysville is designated as a disadvantaged community so, as required by state law, the General Plan includes a new chapter on environmental justice to ensure the protection of vulnerable groups.

Also new in the General Plan are Historic Design Standards, which will guide infill development as well as the preservation, protection and enhancement of historic buildings. The goal is to ensure that future projects are compatible with Marysville’s unique character and history while still accommodating growth and modernization. 

A new specific plan was also considered to cover the development of downtown, Medical Arts District, Ellis Lake District and the E Street Corridor. The Downtown Specific Plan will guide policies to enhance social, cultural and recreational opportunities in the city’s urban core. Through land use updates and development standards, the specific plan allows for a mix of uses (retail, office and residential), which will improve economic development and increase housing opportunities. 

Also under consideration was a minor amendment to the zoning map for the property at 1120 J St., which has an existing use as a community center. The property is currently zoned as single-family residential, so the requested amendment would allow a rezone to Public/Quasi Public to allow for civic use under the General Plan.

An environmental impact report (EIR) found that policies in the plans could have a significant impact on air quality and noise levels, as well as cultural and tribal impacts. However, the staff report contends that the benefits to the city will outweigh those impacts, as these plans provide the vision for revitalization in Marysville over the next 20 years.

City Council voted unanimously to adopt the General Plan 2050 update, the Downtown Specific Plan and the Zoning Code update, along with all related ordinances and resolutions. Councilmember Stuart Gilchrist said that over time, the General Plan “will grow. It is a living document.” 

The next Marysville City Council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 1.