Lakeport >> The Lake County Planning Commission approved the environmental impact report for a proposed parcel split in the Cobb Vista subdivision in Middletown. At the same time, however, they denied the planning permit.
The decision came down to curbs, gutters and sidewalks. The subdivision of the property would have reduced the lot sizes to under one acre, and increased the total number of parcels to seven, making them subject to a regulation in the county’s general plan requiring them to have those items for public safety.
The applicant, Damon Fanucchi of Middletown, had requested that provision be waived and the subdivision approved without the necessity of installing the curb, gutters and sidewalks. Although county staff sided with the applicant, several of the commission members spoke out against it.
District I commissioner and chair Joseph Sullivan was the most vocal opponent to approving the subdivision. He expressed concern over what precedence would be established if the commission approved the plan. He cited the potential for surrounding parcels to subdivide in the future, and the compounding problem that would have on the enforceability of the regulations. “Every time we all this, we’re making it harder,” he said.
He suggested Fanucchi withdraw his application and re-apply with something to address the pedestrian and traffic concerns the curbs and gutters regulation is meant to address.
Fanucchi objected, stating that installing curbs and gutters would ruin the “rural” appeal of the lots. Further, he argued, the Board of Supervisors under a previous appeal in 2005 had allowed him to continue with a subdivision without the installation of those items. It was truly an issue, he said, it should have been brought up earlier. He also queried if he would be required to install curbs and gutters for the entire subdivision, as none are currently in place, to which Sullivan said yes.
Commissioners Gil Shoux and Bob Malley also offered their opinions on the matter.
“If you want to live in a neighborhood with curb, gutter and sidewalk move to Napa. If you don’t want curb and gutter move to Middletown,” said Shoux.
“I can see your [Sullivan’s] argument, and I can see the applicant’s argument. I think because of past actions — the applicant had a hearing before the Board of Supervisors saying he’s allowed to do it,’ said Malley. “I’m of the opinion that since the Board of Supervisors thought it was unnecessary at the time of development, we should continue on as they requested.”
When put to vote, the environmental impact passed, with Commissioners Malley, Don Deuchar and Schoux voting in favor and Commissioners Sullivan and Gladys Rosehill voting against; and the the approval of the subdivision failed, with Commissioners Malley and Schoux voting for and Commissioners Sullivan, Deuchar and Rosehill voting against. Fanucchi now has the opportunity to appeal directly to the Board of Supervisors.
