Recommended Action: Staff recommends the Planning Commission take the following actions:
A. Find that the Major Use Permit (UP 24-17/ PL-25-51) for Creekside Caravans is categorically exempt from CEQA under the California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities with the following findings:
1. Operation of Existing Facilities: The project consists of the continued operation of existing RV units currently located on-site. As these units are already in place, the request represents a standard permitting of an existing land use rather than the introduction of a new environmental stressor.
2. No Expansion of Use: The proposal involves no expansion of the existing use beyond that which currently exists. There are no additional units, increased floor area, or physical extension of the project boundaries proposed that would result in new environmental footprints.
3. Existing Infrastructure: All necessary supporting infrastructure, including utilities and access ways, is already installed and currently serving the site. No new construction of significant ground-disturbing activities are required to maintain the current level of service.
4. No Significant Impacts: Based on the current site conditions and the “as-is” nature of the application, there is no reasonable possibility that the activity will have a significant effect on the environment. The project does not involve any of the “exceptions” to categorical exemptions (such as cumulative impacts or sensitive locations) defined in CEQA Section 15300.2.
B. Approve Major Use Permit UP PL-25-51, Harbin Hot Springs with the following findings:
1. That the establishment, maintenance, or operation of the use applied for would 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, location, 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, Middletown Area Plan, and Lake County Zoning Ordinance.
6. No violation of Chapter 5, 17, 21, 23 or 26 of the Lake County Code currently exists on this property, with a condition of approval implemented.
Sample Motions
Environmental Review
A. I move that the Planning Commission find the Major Use Permit (UP 24-17/ PL-25-51) located at 18424 Harbin Springs Road, Middletown (APN 013-009-24) is categorically exempt from CEQA under the California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Article 19, Section 15301, Class 1, Existing Facilities with the findings in the staff report dated February 12, 2026.
Major Use Permit (UP 24-17/ PL-25-51)
B. I move that the Planning Commission find that the Major Use Permit (UP 24-17/ PL-25-51) by Harbin Hot Springs for property located at 18424 Harbin Springs Road, Middletown (APN 013-009-24) does meet the requirements of Section 51.4 and Articles 15, 41, 43, and 53 of the Lake County Zoning Ordinance and that the Major Use Permit be granted based on the findings and subject to the conditions included in the Staff Report dated February 12, 2026.
NOTE: The applicant or any interested person is reminded that the Zoning Ordinance provides for a seven (7) calendar day appeal period. If there is disagreement with the Planning Commission’s decision, an appeal to the Board of Supervisors may be filed. The appropriate forms and applicable fee must be submitted prior to 5:00 p.m. on or before the seventh calendar day following the Planning Commission’s final determination.