Planning commission approves Pine Knott retail‑residential project; multiple items continued to April 23

The Big Bear Lake Planning Commission on April 16 approved a plot plan review for a new two‑unit retail building with a manager’s residential/office unit at 684 Pine Knott Avenue and continued several other agenda items to a special meeting April 23.

Nathan Castillo, senior principal planner for the city, told commissioners the proposal would demolish an existing structure and replace it with a three‑story building containing two ground‑floor retail spaces, mezzanines, and a third‑floor manager’s unit that can be converted to long‑term residential use. "The project does comply with all five findings for approval," Castillo said, citing consistency with the general plan, the village specific plan and development code standards, and a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) exemption for infill development (Section 15332).

Why it matters: The vote clears the way for construction of mixed commercial and residential space in the village core, a location where commissioners and speakers said encouraging pedestrian‑oriented retail plus housing is a priority. The commission approved the resolution 3–0; the decision will take effect in 10 days unless an appeal is filed with the planning division.

Project details: Staff described the proposal as a two‑unit retail complex with roughly 1,200 square feet of ground‑floor retail per unit, about 250…