Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lassen County public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
5 issues in zoning
Alpaca classification under county livestock code
A Milford property with roughly 70 alpacas plus llamas, goats and other animals triggered a county code question: are alpacas small or large livestock? Classifying them as large cuts allowed density from seven per acre to two, which will force the herd to shrink. Supervisors noted Title 18's animal-density rules need a broader overhaul.
Herlong off-sale alcohol license
The new owner of the Herlong Market wanted the board to override the state's denial of an off-sale liquor license. The board said no, 4-1, finding no public convenience or necessity — Herlong already has one license and the census tract is at its cap.
Blue Water Recycling facility at Diamond Crest Road
A 12,000-square-foot indoor CRV redemption center sparked a neighborhood appeal over noise, truck traffic on a single access road, groundwater, and property values. The Board sided with the project, approving the use permit 3-0 after denying the appeal.
Explosives storage zoning and the Short appeal
A blasting contractor wants to store explosives near Westwood, but the county's U-C-2 zoning doesn't clearly allow it. The board denied his appeal but directed staff to rewrite the ordinance with a use-permit process so neighbors get notice — the neighbor at the hearing said he doesn't feel safe.
Online zoning maps (GIS portal)
The county's zoning map books haven't been updated in 25 years; a new ordinance replaces them with an online GIS portal anyone can use from a phone. It should also help emergency services coordinate.