Kern County planning commission approves 110-foot broadcast tower permit and mine life extension on consent

The Kern County Planning Commission approved two consent items Wednesday, voting to grant a conditional use permit for a 110-foot broadcast communications tower near McKittrick and to approve a modification extending life and changing reclamation requirements at the Twissleman Clay Pit.

At the start of the meeting, Mr. Murphy, planning staff, told commissioners that the two items were on the consent calendar and "are being recommended for approval by staff. The applicant has been informed of any special conditions and has no objection." The commission approved both items on a voice vote recorded as "5 ayes, motion carries."

The first consent item, listed as CUP 20 map 117, is an application from AGM California for a conditional use permit to construct and operate a 110-foot broadcast communications tower on a portion of an approximately 75.97-acre parcel zoned A. The parcel is on the north side of Reword Road, about 4,430 feet north of the intersection of Highway 58 and Reword Road in the McKittrick area. Staff recommended approval "in accordance with the recommended conditions of approval and adopt the suggested findings as set forth in the attached draft resolution," Mr. Murphy said.

The second consent item is Modification No. 1 to Conditional Use Permit No. 2, map 95, for the Twissleman Clay Pit. The modification would allow an extension of the life of existing mine operations and changes in reclamation requirements related to revegetation on a site located roughly 2 miles north of State Route 58 and approximately 10 miles northwest of McKittrick, in an A zone district. Staff recommended approval of the modification, again with conditions and findings described in the draft resolution, Mr. Murphy said.

No members of the public asked to speak on either consent item; the chairman asked if anyone in the audience wished to comment and, seeing none, the items remained on the consent calendar. Commissioner Brooks was welcomed at the start of the meeting; roll was called before the consent vote.

The commission's action on these matters is final at the planning commission level but subject to appeal to the Kern County Board of Supervisors. Ms. Murphy, planning department staff, explained appeal procedures: "Both items are actually final and so both are subject to appeal. ... That appeal may be filed to the Kern County Planning and Natural Resources Department. We're located at 2700 M Street, Suite 100 in Bakersfield with a filing of $562 on forms we have available at the department and that are also on the department website. That filing must be made within 14 days of and including the date of today's hearing. If no appeal is received, the action of your commission is final."

With no other public presentations, the commission adjourned after the consent vote.