Lake County 2050 Update on Survey Responses

Director Turner shared Cobb Mountain LAPAC’s recommendations to repurpose the area for future housing, adjusting land use designations for additional amenities, such as a cafeteria and retail space at the community pool, and allowing for residential development at the former Hoberg resort. These recommendations stem from the community rebuilding since the devastation of the 2015 Valley Fire.

Similarly, the Middletown LAPAC suggested a shift to community commercial zoning to allow more diverse commercial development to the south. Likewise, the Lower Lake LAPAC recommended changing several current rural residential parcels to suburban reserves, creating the possibility for future housing.

Turner also shared the public's excitement for creating innovative communities. For example, the Seigler’s Springs Community Revitalization Association proposed blending homes and commercial spaces. The community “want[s] to retain the rural character,” she said, “but like[s] the idea of bringing housing closer to commercial areas, creating a holistic, walkable neighborhood.” Kelseyville aims to strategically develop higher-density housing near schools, supporting Safe Routes to Schools. In the Rivieras, the LAPAC community proposes prioritizing areas for housing development and a public park.

Several LAPACs are committed to preserving rural land and the environment. The Lakeport LAPAC seeks to return the former Crystallago project to rural land. The Shoreline Community LAPAC prioritizes wetland preservation to protect nesting herons and maintain agricultural parcels for vineyards, while proposing resource conservation status for all creeks and streams. In Upper Lake-Nice, the LAPAC advocates reverting Kelly’s Camp, once owned by Bob Kelly, to rural land.

Director Turner highlighted LAPAC recommendations for planning area boundary amendments, shifting the planning areas to reflect updated community identities. She clarified, “These boundaries, distinct from school, fire or supervisorial districts, guide a LAPAC community’s planning area for the next 20 years without impacting funding.” For instance, public input may shift part of Cobb Mountain along Highway 175 to Kelseyville and reassign Lucerne to the Upper Lake-Nice planning area.

In anticipation of land use designation amendments, Director Turner announced upcoming open houses to inform property owners about potential land use changes. Public comments echoed the importance of informing property owners, especially emphasizing informing them of any potential impacts on rural and agricultural lands. Community members expressed concern that “without careful planning, once agricultural and rural lands are lost, it becomes nearly impossible to restore them to productive use.” Paper parcels, long misunderstood to have development potential, would also change to reflect their best use for open space.

LAPAC recommendations are based on past lessons and forward-thinking. In a future meeting, Director Turner will present housing, circulation, safety and climate adaptation elements, already incorporated. Strategies to address climate change, including green belts and fire containment measures, have been considered, given Lake County’s climate-related challenges. The Board continues to encourage public participation as the community visioning process continues.

To view the presentation, click here.

To visit the Lake County 2050 website, click here.