Memorandum
Date: October 23, 2025
To: The Lake County Planning Commission
From: Mireya G. Turner, Director and Mary Claybon, Senior Planner
Subject: Consideration of proposed Major Use Permit (PL-25-48, UP 25-03) and CEQA Categorical Exemption (CE 25-03) for Esther Formula USA Corporation to amend Major Use Permit (UP 19-47) to discontinue the permitted Commercial Cannabis Manufacturing and Distribution and commence Processing, Manufacturing, and Distribution of Dietary Supplements at property located at 4615 Work Right Circle, Lakeport, CA (APN 008-032-51)
Executive Summary:
The applicant, Esther Formula USA Corporation, is proposing an amendment for Major Use Permit (PL-25-48, UP 25-03) to the existing Major Use Permit (UP 19-47) to discontinue the approved use of commercial cannabis manufacturing and distribution and to commence processing, manufacturing, and distribution of dietary supplements including orally dissolving film (ODF).
The project site was developed and operated as a shower door assembly plant by Work Right Products, Inc. under approved Major Use Permit (90-1), Parcel Map (PM 90-2) and Initial Study IS (90-3). Use Permit (UP 92-5) and Initial Study (IS 92-16) allowed for the modification to building elevations. The business included 105 employees. When the business closed, the original use permit expired due to inactivity. More recently, Major Use Permit (UP 19-47) was approved on April 22, 2021, for Commercial Cannabis manufacturing, processing, and distribution with 13 employees. The project site was sold in 2022 to Esther Formula USA Corporation and is currently operating under existing Major Use Permit (UP 19-47) which was transferred to the new owners with the purchase of the property on June 27, 2022. The amendment of the major use permit will not include Commercial Cannabis uses; however, the incorporation of cannabidiol (CBD, a nonpsychoactive compound derived from hemp) products within the product line is proposed. CBD derived from hemp is not regulated by the County of Lake, rather the manufacturers are required to register with the California Department of Public Health for testing and labeling requirements of CBD products.
Recommended Action:
Staff recommends the Planning Commission find that the proposed manufacturing business, located at 4615 Work Right Circle, Lakeport, CA 95453, is in conformance with the major use permit requirements and is exempt from California Environmental Quality Act under the California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301 (Class 1) “Existing Facilities”.
Staff recommend the Planning Commission take the following actions:
A. Find that this project is exempt from CEQA under California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301 (Class 1) “Existing Facilities”.
B. Approve Major Use Permit (PL-25-48, UP 23-05) with the following findings:
1. That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use applied for will not under the circumstances, 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 are reasonably adequate to safely accommodate the proposed use.
4. There are adequate services to serve the project.
5. This project is consistent with the Lake County General Plan, Kelseyville Area Plan, and Lake County Zoning Ordinance.
6. That no violation of Chapter 5, 17, 21, 23 or 26 of the Lake County Code currently exists on this property.