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Title:
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Consideration of Proposed Major Use Permit and Categorical Exemption (PL-25-15), for The Derna Group to change the use of an existing 55-foot-tall tower for use as telecommunications tower. Project location: 1135 Watertrough Road, Clearlake Oaks (APN: 628-120-04).
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Memorandum
Date: November 17, 2025
To: Lake County Planning Commission
From: Mireya G. Turner, Director, Community Development
Max Stockton, Associate Planner
Subject: Consideration of Proposed Major Use Permit and Categorical Exemption (PL-25-15), for The Derna Group to change the use of an existing 55-foot-tall tower for use as telecommunications tower. Project location: 1135 Watertrough Road, Clearlake Oaks (APN: 628-120-04).
Executive Summary: Consideration of proposed Major Use Permit and Categorical Exemption (PL-25-15), for The Derna Group, for an existing 35-foot-tall lattice style wireless communication tower with existing equipment as tall as 55 feet. The proposed equipment is being requested to be installed below the 35-foot height of the lattice tower within the leased area containing a 35-foot by 40-foot support equipment building. The project site is enclosed by an approximately 8-foot-tall chain-link fence. Construction is expected to last up to three months, occurring Monday through Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The proposed project involves co-locating wireless communication equipment and includes necessary site work to establish equipment as outlined in the provided plans, re-establish PG&E power, and improve the building to support operations. This project minimizes environmental impacts by utilizing an existing structure, thereby avoiding the need for a new tower in a previously undisturbed location. Approval of this Major Use Permit will allow the facility to operate as a wireless communication hub, improving cellular service to address coverage gaps between Clearlake Oaks and Williams.
Recommended Action:
A. Adopt Categorical Exemption (PL-25-15) with the following findings:
1. This project will not result in significant environmental impacts as the proposed use involves existing buildings that have historically been used for communications, and no new development is proposed.
2. Any changes to the project will require either an amended Use Permit and/or a new Use Permit unless the Community Development Director determines that any changes have no potential increased environmental impacts.
B. Approve Major Use Permit (PL-25-15) with the following findings:
1. That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use applied for with the change to the license type described herein will not under the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort and general welfare of the persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, or be detrimental to property and improvements in the neighborhood or the general welfare of the County.
2. The site is adequate in size, shape, locations, and physical characteristics to accommodate the type of use and level of development proposed.
3. The streets, highways and pedestrian facilities can be mitigated to be reasonably adequate to safely accommodate the proposed use.
4. There are adequate public or private services, including but not limited to fire protection, water supply, sewage disposal, and police protection to serve the project.
5. That the project is in conformance with the applicable provisions and policies of this Code, the General Plan and the Shoreline Area Plan.
6. That no violation of Chapters 5, 17, 21, 23 or 26 of the Lake County Code currently exists on the property.