Clearlake panel backs 75‑room hotel, recommends mitigated negative declaration for Eighteenth Avenue extension

The Clearlake Planning Commission on Dec. 13 voted to approve a conditional use permit, design review and to recommend a mitigated negative declaration for a proposed ±75‑bedroom hotel with a meeting hall and on-site alcohol sales at 6356 Armijo Avenue.

Staff said the hotel use is allowed in the general commercial zoning district but the CUP is required for on-site alcohol sales (ABC Type 47) and for the environmental review associated with extending Eighteenth Avenue as part of the project. The environmental analysis reviewed the hotel, the associated ABC license and the extension of Eighteenth Avenue; staff reported that agency comments from Caltrans, environmental health and the local water district had been incorporated as mitigation measures or conditions of approval.

Commissioner Williams asked whether EV parking spaces shown in the concept plan include active chargers or are only reserved stalls; staff said the concept currently shows EV parking and that staff will confirm with the developer whether chargers will be installed or only parking spaces are reserved. Williams also questioned architectural plans that listed a 53‑foot height while the code limit is 50 feet; staff said final plans must comply with the 50‑foot height limit and that this will be handled in final submittal reviews.

Commissioner McCarrick raised a consistency issue in the CEQA documents and conditions of approval: the initial study referenced "tribal cultural resources" in one section but the proposed conditions omitted the term "tribal." Staff agreed to correct the conditions to read "cultural/tribal resources" where appropriate. Staff also said water‑supply and conservation requirements will be addressed through the applicant's coordination with the local water district and through conditions of approval for connection requirements.

The motion to adopt Resolution PC 2022-26 (approving CUP 2022-02, design review and recommending adoption of a mitigated negative declaration based on IS 2022-06) passed by roll-call vote with Commissioners Stewart, Williams, McCarrick, Vice Chair Coker and Chair Wilson voting aye.

Caltrans' comments were noted; staff said specific encroachment concerns will be handled when encroachment permits are sought. The commission did not receive in‑person or written public comment on the item.