Clearlake planning commission approves Highlands Food Park at Lakeshore Drive

The Clearlake Planning Commission voted 4–0 on June 9 to approve Conditional Use Permit CUP 2025-04, clearing the way for the Highlands Food Park at 14530 Lakeshore Drive.

Staff presented the proposal as a conversion of a site previously operating under temporary permits in 2024–25. The project, presented by staff, would allow up to eight food-truck spaces (four on the right side and four on the left), scheduled to operate Monday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., with 13 parking spaces fronting the fence. Staff said two existing structures will remain on site: a 160-foot shed in the rear and an outdoor dining area of roughly 800 feet.

Commissioners focused on public-health and accessibility conditions. Staff said the permit includes standard discretionary requirements such as meeting environmental health regulations, providing accessible routes of travel, and either constructing curb, gutter and sidewalk or paying a fee in lieu determined by the city engineer. The commission was told the applicant has already replaced fencing, installed an automatic gate with a fire-department knockbox, and added a trash receptacle meeting design standards.

The applicant, introduced by staff as Mr. Reise, addressed questions about restrooms and sewer connections, saying there is currently “no sewer connection” to the property and that he plans to start with ADA-compliant portable restrooms (two units) until permanent plumbing is feasible. "Down the road, I would probably expand and put restrooms in," Mr. Reise said.

Staff and commissioners also clarified that occupancy of the four left-side truck spaces is conditioned on installing required accessible pathways: the right-side spaces may open first, and the left-side spaces (four through eight) may not be used until those accessibility improvements are completed.

With no public comments submitted in person or via Zoom on the item, a commissioner moved to approve the permit. The roll-call vote was: Commissioner Fawn Williams — yes; Commissioner Ray Silva — yes; Commissioner Derek Counts — yes; Chair Jack Small — yes. The motion carried.

The approval was made by resolution PC2026-06 and includes the conditions discussed: environmental health clearance, accessible routes, and payment or construction of curb/gutter/sidewalk per city-engineer calculations. Staff noted the applicant must complete those preconditions prior to full operation of all spaces.