Commission approves two conditional use permits to add public parking near Bartlett lot

The Big Bear Lake Planning Commission on April 15 approved two conditional use permits to expand public parking adjacent to the Bartlett parking lot in the village area.

Staff planner Nathan Castillo presented two separate conditional use permit applications for contiguous city‑owned parcels intended to be developed as public parking that will tie into the existing Bartlett lot. Staff described the proposal as providing two new parking areas (presented initially as a combined 134 spaces but corrected during discussion to 54 and 80 spaces for the two permits), new sidewalks, approximately 30,000 square feet of landscaping and open space, bike racks, benches, lighting consistent with village standards, and maintenance by the City of Big Bear Lake. The project was described as budgeted in the city’s 2025 capital improvement program and evaluated as categorically exempt under CEQA (Class 32, infill projects) with staff concluding the five findings for a conditional use permit can be met.

Castillo said the site currently has evidence of prior unauthorized parking, disturbed grading and a structure proposed for removal; the city purchased the parcels with the goal of increasing public parking and improving village circulation. The staff presentation noted a proposed tree management plan: of approximately 116 native trees on site, 34 trees of greater than 12 inches diameter will be preserved and 47 large trees would be removed and mitigated via replacement plantings; a final landscaping plan and irrigation details will be submitted with building permits.

Commissioners asked detailed implementation questions. Commissioner Jim asked whether the project would include public restrooms; staff replied the scope was intentionally minimal and that restroom expansion is expected as part of a future Bartlett parking overhaul, but the new lots are intended to provide parking while Bartlett improvements are phased. Miguel Cabanas, the city’s engineering manager, answered engineering questions: some site stairs may be removed to maximize parking and a continuous north‑south sidewalk will be provided; fill of roughly 24–30 inches may be used in places; the site was not suitable for infiltration so engineered biofiltration basins and outfalls to public rights of way on Badger, Cottage and Bieber will be used to manage runoff.

A public hearing was opened and closed with no public speakers. Commissioners corrected a typographical error in the packet and clarified the two parking counts should be 54 and 80 spaces rather than repeating 134 for each CUP. The commission then moved and seconded the recommended motions and approved both conditional use permits by a 4–0 roll call vote, adopting resolutions numbered 2026‑03 and 2026‑04; the decisions take effect in 10 days unless appealed to the Planning Division.

The adopted permits include conditions addressing landscaping and tree mitigation, adherence to the village specific plan and development code standards, and submittal of final landscape and construction documents before building permits are issued. Staff said the city intends to solicit construction bids after council authorization and aim to begin construction in late July or early August with completion intended before winter.

Next steps: staff will finalize landscape and tree mitigation plans as part of building permits, proceed with council authorization to bid the contract, and return construction contracts to council in July as planned.