Lake County planning commission denies Little High Valley cannabis permit over road, safety and setback concerns

The Lake County Planning Commission on March 27 denied a major use permit for an outdoor cannabis operation at 17870 Little High Valley Road, voting 3–1 after lengthy public comment and staff briefings.

Staff senior planner Mary Clabon told commissioners the county initially recommended denial but reversed that advice after the California Supreme Court depublished a Court of Appeal decision that staff had relied on. "Consequently, staff is now recommending approval of the project as it meets the findings required for major use permit approval," Clabon said during the hearing.

The project drew sustained scrutiny from neighbors and commissioners over road safety under California Public Resources Code standards, water supply, and the meaning of “school” for cannabis-setback rules. County counsel explained the effect of the court action: the depublished decision "is not legally binding throughout the State of California," and therefore would not control the commission’s determination.

Commission discussion focused on whether the private access and existing…