LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Lake County reopened additional business sectors on Thursday, and businesses in the cities and unincorporated areas of the county are taking special precautions to provide services while keeping their customers safe, in light of ongoing and serious threats posed by COVID-19.
Accommodations include different use of space, both inside and outside of business facilities, in order to promote public health and safety.
To help local business owners comply with health orders by promoting social distancing while maintaining their operations to the greatest possible extent, Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin, in his capacity at the county’s director of emergency services, has issued a directive authorizing temporary use of county-owned and private properties for modified business operations.
In practice, this means businesses may “spill out” beyond the normal footprint of their facility, under certain conditions.
Martin’s order will be effective Tuesday, May 26, at 8 a.m., and must be ratified by the Board of Supervisors at its special Tuesday meeting.
Interested business owners in Unincorporated Lake County must obtain a no-cost temporary use permit from the Department of Public Works.
The county reported that it is seeking to make this process as pain-free as possible for businesses, but there are some basic requirements, including:
– A description of the proposed use and drawing/depiction of the proposed location and layout must be provided.
– Proposed use must not significantly affect the operations of businesses in close proximity.
– Additional public or private property used must be kept clean, free of litter and spills.
– Businesses must hold a valid seller’s permit from the State Board of Equalization, and comply with local, state and federal laws, industry-specific regulations and licensing requirements, as well as Public Health orders.
– No permanent structures can be installed under this temporary use permit.
– Businesses will assume liability for any damage to public assets, such as sidewalks and utilities, and name the county of Lake as additional Insured party.
– Use of state highways (such as Highway 20) will remain under the purview of state authorities.
– The county may suspend or interrupt approved temporary uses for needs such as street repairs.
– Vehicle and pedestrian traffic must not be impeded, and properties must remain accessible, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
As a consequence of ongoing emergency conditions, the Public Works director, or designee, has been granted the authority to approve and issue these temporary permits without observing customary use permit noticing and hearing requirements.
Determinations regarding proposed uses will be made on a case-by-case basis, and the county may impose conditions of approval, where necessary, to ensure property is safely used, and compatible with surrounding land use requirements.
The Temporary use permit application is available here.
For more information, please contact the Department of Public Works, at 707-263-2341.
Sheriff issues order expanding temporary use of county-owned property for business owners in unincorporated areas
- LAKE COUNTY NEWS REPORTS
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