LAKEPORT — The Lake County Board of Supervisors (BOS) was updated on projects from the Planning Division of the Community Development Department on Tuesday.
Community Development Director Richard Coel, Principal Planner Emily Minton and Planner Kevin Ingram, delivered a PowerPoint presentation updating the BOS on Planning Division projects such as fixing zoning issues with the Lakeport Area Plan maps, future zoning ordinance amendments and the Lake County Energy Watch.
Coel said the Lakeport Area Plan mapping update is needed because differing land-use zonings need to be corrected. Coel said an example of this would be many residences in north Lakeport along Lakeshore Boulevard exist in an area that is zoned for resort usage, not residential. This could be problematic for owners because the different zonings could create the potential for conflict.
The Planning Division recommended drafting zoning and general plan map updates to make them consistent with actual development patterns. Updates would also allow for consistent land-use principles for determining appropriate density and correction of errors. Coel said after mapping revisions are completed the division intends to send out legal notices to any owners who would be affected by the proposed revisions. A public workshop will be scheduled followed by an initial public hearing before the Lake County Planning Commission. Staff”s intent is to get revisions before the BOS as quickly as possible. Coel expects the mapping revisions and the public workshop to be completed by the fall.
Planning staff members are processing two revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. One pertains to economic development and permit streamlining for wineries and wine-related special events, farmers” markets and agricultural service establishments. A planning commission hearing was held in March on and it will be brought before the BOS next Tuesday.
A planning commission hearing regarding medical marijuana dispensaries is scheduled for April 28. A medical marijuana cultivation ordinance is coming soon, Coel said.
Minton provided an update on the Lake County Energy Watch program. She said the program is a partnership between PG&E and the county that funds energy efficient retrofits and awareness. The program runs through the Community Development Department. Planning staff members are the first contact regarding energy efficient retrofits available through the program. According to Minton, since the program”s introduction last July, a total of 82 inquiries from local businesses and non-profit organizations for assistance through the program have been handled. Minton said staff anticipates returning before the BOS in May to get direction on the county”s strategic plan for energy management. Free classes for energy professionals are offered through the program. The next event, called “Energy Careers and Business Opportunities,” will be held from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on April 28 at the Calpine Geothermal Visitor Center in Middletown.
Kevin N. Hume can be reached at kevin.n.hume@gmail.com or call directly at 263-5636 ext. 14.
