Memorandum
3
'
Item # 6
9:30 AM
August 25, 2022
STAFF REPORT
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Mary Darby, Community Development Director
Eric Porter, Associate Planner
DATE: August 25, 2022
SUBJECT: MET Wind Towers; Major Use Permit, UP 22-06 and Categorical Exemption CE 22-12. Location: 25650 Morgan Valley Road, Lower Lake, CA. APNs: 012-014-02 and 012-014-08
Supervisor District 1
ATTACHMENTS: 1. Vicinity Map
2. Site Map, Elevations
3. Agency Comments
4. Proposed Conditions of Approval
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On February 15, 2022, the applicant submitted a Major Use Permit, UP 22-06, to ask consideration for four (4) 197' tall temporary meteorological towers on the two subject sites. The towers are considerably taller than the height allowed by the County of Lake for accessory structures in the RL zoning district. The functionality of these proposed towers relies on height to obtain accurate weather readings.
These towers can be permitted pursuant to Article 42, Sections 42.12 and 42.14 "Height Exceptions" if they meet all applicable standards and criteria for a major use permit. These sections allow structures in excess of accessory structure allowable heights in the Agriculture and Rural Lands zoning districts subject to a major use permit.
Therefore, the applicant is now requesting approval of the Major Use Permit, UP 22-06 to allow four (4) over-height, unmanned 197 foot tall temporary meteorological towers. The total footprint for each tower is .03 acres, or about 1,307 sq. ft. in area. Given the small footprint size coupled with the large acreage of the two properties, the County has agreed to categorically exempt the project from CEQA review under CEQA section 15303(e) as a Class 3 exemption.
The project site is accessible from Mor...
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