Council renews temporary road closures to limit illegal dumping and protect public health

The Clearlake City Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 2026-14, extending temporary road closures that staff said have reduced illegal dumping, encampment activity and local environmental hazards.

City staff presented maps and photos of several closure areas — identified in the presentation as the Gobi Desert, flats north of Dam Road, and portions of Oleander, Mint, Peony, Toyon and Oregon Streets — and cited California Vehicle Code section 21101.4 as the statutory authority underlying the temporary closures. Staff said the closures have included gates, K-rail barriers and other access controls and that enforcement and cleanup operations by Public Works and code enforcement produced measurable improvements.

The staff presentation said the closures were first implemented beginning in 2020 and recommended combining three separate closure actions into a single renewal to streamline future renewals and management. Staff noted that emergency access would remain available (fire, law enforcement and property owners with demonstrated need) and that the city maintains gates and key-holder access for legal residents and services.

A resident who owns property on 4th Avenue spoke during public comment about homelessness and property impacts; other commenters and council members expressed support for closures because of observed reductions in trash and hazards. After questions about specific access points and barrier types, the council moved and voted to adopt the resolution.

The resolution renews city authorization to maintain temporary roadway closures in the identified areas and directs staff to continue coordination on access for legal property owners, enforcement, and cleanup operations.