LAKEPORT — The Lake County Planning Commission granted a major use permit for the Church of Shambhala Vajradhara Maitreya Sangha to establish a retreat and a monastic residence for up to 16 monks and nuns.
The church will consist of one pyramid and six white dome buildings that Kathy Ord of the church said the head of the monastery, H.H. Tulku Buddha Maitreya, designed to be self-supporting for energy, water and food.
The Buddhist church will also offer meditation retreat services, group meditations of up to 20 people and quarterly teaching weekends with up to 40 guests.
The church is located at 9977 Bottle Rock Road in Kelseyville.
Commissioner Michael van der Boon said he visited the church and encouraged other commissioners to take a tour.
“It”s really like stepping into another world,” van der Boon said.
Commissioners granted a use permit for Last Mile Auto Dismantlers for the continued operation of the dismantling facility at 1205 W. Highway 20 in Upper Lake.
The commission continued an appeal by Houser Holdings Ca, LLC for an expired permit violation by U Wanna Camp at 2699 Scotts Creek Road in Lakeport.
Theresa Thurman of Houser Holdings asked to continue the appeal so that her lawyer, Steven Brookes, can review information. She will return to the commission 9:05 a.m. Feb. 25.
Commissioners also continued an appeal of a violation by El Dorado Motel for partially converting into a permanent living establishment at 3955 Lakeshore Blvd. in Lakeport.
The issue will come back before the commission at 10 a.m. March 11.
Contact Katy Sweeny at ksweeny@record-bee.com or call her directly at 263-5636, ext. 37.
