CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council this week will consider the final reading of an updated marijuana cultivation ordinance, and updated rules for animal control and camping.
The council will convene at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 11, in the council chambers at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive, following a closed session to discuss an existing case of litigation and a performance evaluation of City Manager Greg Folsom.
On the agenda is the second and final reading of an updated medical marijuana cultivation ordinance.
Key items in the proposed ordinance include a six-plant limit on parcels of all sizes; prohibitions on areas in the city where the plant can be grown – with limits with regard to distance from parks, schools, daycare centers, water bodies, and certain scenic and beautification zones; and the establishment of a permitting system.
The council held a second reading at its Jan. 28 meeting, but due to revisions, including the need to correct the setback distance – it was 10 feet but had been mistakenly changed by staff to 5 feet – and an added requirement to have all outstanding fines paid before issuance of new cultivation permits, City Attorney Ryan Jones said the updated version of the document would need to undergo a second reading.
In other business on Thursday, Folsom will present to the council an ordinance prohibiting camping on private property, which is meant to address the problem of homeless encampments on private properties throughout the city.
The proposed ordinance would only make it legal to camp on private property in certain circumstances, including in a yard with the property owner's consent; on a private property that is properly zoned and permitted as a campground and has adequate restroom facilities and garbage removal; and with a temporary permit in connection with a special event permit, Folsom reported.
Folsom also will take to the council an ordinance regarding animal control. With the city resuming control of full animal control services, Folsom said the city's existing animal control ordinance lacks the ability to adopt out animals to either individuals or rescue operations.
“Now that the City of Clearlake has resumed full control of the Animal Control function, the ability to adopt out as many animals as possible is paramount,” said Folsom in his report.
“This ordinance clarifies and updates the regulations regarding impounds, redemptions, and adoptions,” he said.
The meeting also will include consideration of a new sign that names the softball field at Redbud Park in honor of Mr. and Mrs. Dale Valentine, a presentation marking Black History Month, and consideration of an ad hoc committee to review and recommend a committee and commission appointment policy.
On the meeting's consent agenda – items considered noncontroversial and usually accepted as a slate on one vote – are warrant registers; minutes of the Jan. 28 council meeting; minutes of the Dec. 9 Lake County Vector Control District meeting; and consideration of Resolution No. 2016-07 authorizing submittal of application for payment programs and related authorizations.
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Ordinances for marijuana cultivation, animal control, camping go to Clearlake City Council
- Elizabeth Larson
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