Clearlake council authorizes sale of vacant lot at 3578 Redwood Street

Clearlake City Council voted unanimously on Feb. 17 to authorize the sale of a vacant lot located at 3578 Redwood Street, with staff directed to move forward under the terms discussed.

City staff said the sale is part of an effort to dispose of multiple surplus single-family lots to reduce maintenance burdens and generate property tax revenue. "We've been acquiring a few here and there, but trying to get rid of as many as possible," staff said, and described negotiations that produced an accepted offer and counter-offer for the Redwood Street parcel.

Council members pressed staff on whether the sale requires the buyer to build a single-family home. Staff said the proposed sale agreement for this lot does not require immediate construction and that buyers could "flip" lots unless the city adds deed restrictions or contractual build timelines. Councilmembers discussed the option of including deed restrictions or using the city's homestead program to secure a commitment to build; staff said the homestead program application was expected to be ready in March.

Vice Mayor Perdock moved to authorize the sale and allow the city manager to execute the sale agreement; Councilmember Kramer seconded the motion and the council approved it unanimously. No special building requirement was included in the authorization; council discussed options for adding restrictions on future sales.

The authorization transfers authority to the city manager to proceed with the sale under the terms discussed and staff said they will pursue homestead-program and deed-restriction options on future sales.