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Planning Commission approves Harbin Hot Springs permit to convert 15 RVs to short-term rentals
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Summary
Commissioners found a use permit for Harbin Hot Springs exempt from CEQA under the existing-facilities exemption and approved conversion of 15 temporary staff RVs to short-term guest units, subject to conditions and required as-built utility documentation to be provided to oversight agencies.
The Lake County Planning Commission on Feb. 12 approved a major use permit allowing Harbin Hot Springs to convert 15 existing temporary staff recreational vehicles into short-term guest rental units.
County staff presented Use Permit PL-2551/UP-2417 for the Creekside Caravans at Harbin Hot Springs, 18424 Harbin Springs Road, Middletown (APN 013-009-24). The staff report said the RVs sit on a previously disturbed site with utilities already installed and that no new construction is proposed. Staff recommended a Class 1 CEQA categorical exemption for existing facilities and approval with standard conditions. The staff presentation noted the Middletown Rancheria had been notified and responded on Nov. 26, 2024, that it had no concerns regarding this RV conversion.
The county presenter described the project and compliance with local rules, saying the proposal "consists of the continued operation of existing RV units currently located on-site" and does not expand the existing footprint. Commissioners asked about required as-built utility plans and whether the units would remain the same; staff said state oversight and professionally stamped as-built plans are required as a post-approval condition.
Applicant Leah Jennings said Harbin has invested in fire safety and local staffing, noting the resort uses grazing to reduce fuels: "We graze 600 to 800 sheep a year to help with the surrounding area," Jennings said. Commissioners and staff also discussed ongoing county work on short-term rental regulations, which this permit will not change.
A commissioner moved to find the project categorically exempt from CEQA under CCR Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Section 15301 (existing facilities), and to approve Major Use Permit UP24-17/PL25-51 with the conditions in the Feb. 12 staff report; both motions passed on oral votes.
What happens next: The permit is subject to a seven-calendar-day appeal period to the Board of Supervisors; required as-built documentation and state inspection approvals must be completed as conditions of final permits.
