Board denies explosives-storage appeal in UC2 zone, directs staff to draft permitting pathway

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors denied an appeal from Timberland Short (operating as West Coast Blasting Services) seeking a determination that storing explosives is allowed in a UC2 upland conservation/resource-management zoning district.

Planning staff told the board the county’s zoning ordinance lists manufacturing or storage of explosives in industrial zoning (M, M2) but is silent for UC2, so the planning director determined storage was not permitted in UC2. Applicant Tim Shorts told the board he does not manufacture explosives but stores ATF‑approved magazines on site for use in forestry and power-plant work, carries $5 million in liability insurance, and that the magazines are secured and inventoried weekly. “We do not manufacture anything. We store explosives,” Shorts said.

Neighbors opposed the storage, citing proximity to residences, fire risk and concerns about property values. William Roberts, whose property is roughly 800 feet from the site, said he did not feel safe on his own property with the magazines nearby.

Several supervisors said a conditional-use pathway would be preferable because it allows notice to neighbors and case-by-case conditions; planning staff noted there is currently no established county procedure for a discretionary use permit for explosives storage in UC2. The board voted to deny the appeal on the basis that the use is not listed in UC2, and simultaneously directed staff to prepare amendments (special or general provisions) to create a permitting process that would allow public notice and conditions for future applications.

Next steps: Planning staff will draft ordinance language or a special provision to allow consideration of explosives-storage use under a conditional permitting process and return to the planning commission and board for consideration.