Clearlake Planning Commission unanimously approves two donated lots, cites CEQA exemptions

The Clearlake Planning Commission on Nov. 16 unanimously approved two resolutions accepting small vacant parcels conveyed to the city and finding the conveyances consistent with the Clearlake general plan.

Assistant Planner Mike Taylor told the commission the first parcel, commonly known as 3332 Sixth Street (Assessor’s Parcel No. 038292150000), is roughly 50 by 100 feet, on relatively flat ground with unimproved public roads, a water main in the street, and no public sewer; a prior septic permit was on file from 1986. Taylor said staff determined the project qualifies for a categorical/common-sense CEQA exemption and recommended adoption of Resolution PC 2022-19. When Commissioner Stewart asked whether the parcel was being transferred to the city, Taylor responded, “It’s been quit claim deeded to the city.”

The commission moved to adopt Resolution PC 2022-19 and approved it by roll-call vote: Commissioners Stewart, Williams and McCarrick and Chair Wilson all voted Aye.

The second parcel, referenced as 16331 Sixth Avenue (Assessor’s Parcel No. 042362100000), is also a small (roughly 50-by-100-foot) lot at the south end of the city with unimproved roads. Taylor said the nearest 6-inch water main would require a tie‑in about 200 feet west and that the nearest power pole is about 500 feet away. Staff recommended adoption of Resolution PC 2022-20 and again cited the common-sense CEQA exemption. Commissioners asked whether the city was receiving the lot as a donation; Taylor confirmed the parcel had been quitclaimed to the city. The commission adopted PC 2022-20 by a unanimous roll-call vote.

Both items drew no public comment in person, by Zoom, or by email. The meeting record shows staff repeatedly characterized the transactions as conveyances to the city, and each resolution formally finds the conveyance “in conformance with the City of Clearlake general plan.”

City staff also reported several items at the meeting’s end: staff expects to bring an additional cannabis permit before the planning commission at its Dec. 13 meeting; the city is processing business-license applications through a new online portal and has been lenient on late fees during the transition; the city has received a subdivision map application for a proposed 22‑lot subdivision; and staff continues coordination with the Koi Nation on the Burns Valley Sports Complex, which was removed from the current agenda and is expected to return in January.

Procedure and next steps: both resolutions were adopted on Nov. 16, 2022; any follow-up (development, permitting, utility tie-ins) will proceed through standard permitting channels and are subject to separate review and approvals.