Chico sued over Simplicity Village

Frank Solinsky of Payless Building Supply has filed a lawsuit against the city for its approval of Chico Housing Action Team’s plan to erect tiny homes on Notre Dame Boulevard.

Solinsky alleges that the city violated land-use laws when it approved Simplicity Village in September. Solinsky demands that, at minimum, the project undergo a use permit process and California Environmental Quality Act review. He also is asking for attorneys’ fees.

The city has maintained that Simplicity Village is allowed as a temporary emergency facility under city code, which hinges on the shelter crisis declaration the council made last October. The lawsuit argues that the designation is inappropriate because the project is not a public facility or on public land. The city has argued that is not required.