County to Measure Land Use Metrically

The Board of Supervisors has approved expanding the county’s metric conversion program to cover the subdivision process, including parcel maps, grading permits and other official documents.

The county is one of numerous government agencies slowing moving from the inches-pounds system to meters and liters. Caltrans already uses the metric system for most projects, and the federal government plans to adopt the system by 2000.

Beginning in 1997, plans and specification for projects handled by the county Public Works Department will use the metric system. In 1998, survey and tract maps will go metric. The changes will affect contractors and developers but will probably not be noticed by the general public.

The board approved the proposal on a 4-1 vote, with Supervisor Jim Silva voting no.