Before and after photos of local code enforcement improvements made to keep up with public safety and aesthetics. 

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - Yuba City is growing.

That was the message at the March 19 Yuba City Council meeting, where Ashley Potocnik, development liaison, detailed the descriptive new changes since her last report on Development Services, which include building, code enforcement, planning, housing, and community development block grants, as well as public works.

"All of this is part of the You Can City Initiative," says Potocnik, adding that the business support action is meant to facilitate and help commerce and development in town.

Existing and new businesses benefit from the initiative based on the four c's.

"It's kind of dorky," Potocnik said of the acronym. "But it's by prioritizing connection, customer service, communication, and collaboration."

A new significant development includes the Harter Marketplace project, a mixed-use residential/commercial project on the west side of the Walmart center that will have an ARCO gas station, Raising Canes, and Dutch Brothers. 

"We recently put up this development banner; maybe some of you have seen it," Potocnik said, adding that another commercial development underway is the Raley's Shopping Center. "I am sure you have seen it since they have been constructing a new façade or front."

According to the development liaison, there is "a lot" of single-family housing being built, with some purchases and occupancy already in place. The four complexes under construction are Harter South, Henson Ranch, Dunn Ranch, and Domain. Johnson Ranch Estates has site work pending.

Multi-family housing includes a small apartment complex on B Street, with 12 units under construction, and "then there is a 24-unit apartment complex under planning review right now along Pluma Street," Potocnik said.

She said that development applications are on the rise, adding, "We are on track to be close to 30 single-family homes in the first quarter, and last year we had 32, so you can see there is development happening.

Another key development is Merriment Village Apartments on Walton Avenue, comprised of 79 income-based units being constructed with $24 million in Homekey grant funds. When it comes to keeping up existing structures, Potocnik said code enforcement is looking good, showing before and after pictures of local improvements.

There are more improvements to be made, with Potocnik asking council members and the public to submit a form on the city website for city officials to record them.

"Or you can get a little mobile app if you are into maps and submit it," Potocnik said.

Other projects under review include a two-story career training center on Harter Parkway, a car wash on the southwest corner of Franklin and Walton, and a Quick-Serve Restaurant in Franklin Plaza on the northwest corner of Franklin and Walton.

Lastly, the public works department has significant infrastructure projects, including $30 million in private and public upgrades in South Yuba City, improving Bogue Road from SR99 to Railroad Ave.

"You might not think they (infrastructure projects) are important, but infrastructure is key in order for business and development to thrive," Potocnik said.

The public works department will remain busy, starting green space projects this summer, beginning with the Sutter Bike Path connecting to Harter Parkway, new bocce ball courts at Sam Brannan Park, and a play structure at Shanghai Garden Park.

Potocnik said the quarterly updates are not only important to let the council know what is going on, but "the big piece is to let the community know what is going on." Potocnik encouraged residents to attend the "Shop Talk" meetings with business owners and developers.

Mayor Shon Harris said t’s exciting to see the great things happening in Yuba City.

“The ‘You Can with Yuba City’ initiative is at work to build a thriving community,” Mayor Harris said.

To learn more about Yuba City's development, visit the city website.