The Judicial Council of California is moving forward with construction of a new two-courtroom courthouse in Quincy. The project, estimated to cost $100.9 million, has entered its environmental review phase, and officials are seeking public input.
Quincy is the seat of Plumas County and is currently served by the superior court’s historic courthouse building. The building, constructed in 1919, fails to meet modern-day standards and is substantially out of compliance with safety and accessibility codes. It is also rated as a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) High-Risk seismically deficient building, making it a top priority for the Judicial Council.
The current facility, according to officials, also lacks adequate holding space for detainees as well as judicial space and modern security features. Officials cite additional deficiencies including an undersized lobby, screening area and juror deliberation areas, along with a lack of public parking.
Between 2010 and 2014, three branch court locations in Portola, Greenville and Chester closed due to budget reductions and staff shortages. The closures left the Quincy building overcrowded and unable to meet the demands of daily operations.
The new single-story, 23,000-square-foot courthouse will replace all operations at the existing building, which serves all case types in the county. The facility includes secured judicial parking and will also provide:
- A controlled single entrance point for enhanced security
- Interior pathways that keep public areas, employee zones and detainee spaces clearly separated
- Sufficient entry area space for security checks and visitors
- Private attorney-client meeting spaces, including both secured and unsecured options
- Appropriately sized public waiting areas
- A dedicated resource area for self-service needs
- Jury facilities to accommodate standard-sized jury pools, with separate spaces for deliberations and assembly
- Full accessibility throughout the building
- Reliable building systems and infrastructure
- An appropriate number of secure detention areas
Officials held public hearings to discuss two potential sites. In June, the State Public Works Board approved a 2.86-acre site currently occupied by Feather Publishing as the preferred location. The Judicial Council is coordinating real estate negotiations with Feather Publishing for the site. The alternative site considered was the Stone House property on State Route 70 and Mill Street in East Quincy.
Officials are accepting public comments until Nov. 14 on both the scope of the project and the environmental analysis. Construction is expected to begin in December 2029, with estimated completion in early 2032.
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