Chapter XVIII — ZONING REGULATIONS

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 2 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 3 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 4 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• 18-19.270 Bed and Breakfast Businesses.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 5 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 6 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 7 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 8 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• 18-40 NATIVE TREE PROTECTION 18-40.010 Purpose.

  • 18-40.020 Protected Trees.

  • 18-40.030 Exemption From Protection and Removal Regulations.

  • 18-40.040 Tree Protection Regulations.

  • 18-40.050 Removal Regulations.

  • 18-40.060 Heritage Trees.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 9 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• 18-43.050 Commercial Cannabis Permitting and Applications. 18-43.060 General Operating Requirements. 18-43.070 Cultivation Operating Requirements. 18-43.080 Manufacturing Operating Requirements. 18-43.090 Distribution Operating Requirements. 18-43.100 Testing Laboratory Operating Requirements. 18-43.110 Violations – Enforcement. 18-43.120 Severability.

• 18-44 ENFORCEMENT 18-44.010 Delegation of Authority. 18-44.020 Violations.

• 18-45 DEFINITIONS 18-45.010 Definitions.

This chapter shall be known and cited as the “Zoning Regulations of the City.” (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

These regulations are intended to guide the development of the City of Clearlake in an orderly manner based on the adopted Clearlake General Plan, to protect and enhance the quality of the natural and built environment and to promote the public health, safety and general welfare by regulating the use of land and buildings and the location and basic form of structures. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Applicability. It is expressly declared that all of the provisions of this chapter shall apply to all property within the incorporated territory of the City whether owned by private persons, firms or corporations or by the government of the United States of America or any of its agencies or by the State of California or any of its political subdivisions or agencies, unless the Federal or State activity is specifically exempted from local review or by any county, including the County of Lake, town or municipal corporation or any of its or their agencies or by any district formed under the laws of the State of California. No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed or

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 10 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

structurally altered in any manner, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose, other than as permitted by and in conformance with the provisions of this chapter and all other laws or maps referred to herein.

• b. Exemptions.

  1. Development by the Federal government or an agency of the Federal government acting in its governmental capacity.

  2. Development by the State of California or an agency of the State acting in its governmental capacity.

  3. Development by local agencies exempt from City of Clearlake Zoning Ordinances pursuant to Government Code Section 53091.

  4. Development undertaken by the City of Clearlake. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Ambiguity. The Director shall interpret these regulations, subject to the appeal procedures of Article 18-36. Written requests for interpretation shall be responded to in writing within twenty (20) days and shall become part of the permanent files of the Community Development Department.

• b. Zoning District Boundaries.

  1. Boundaries between zoning districts generally follow lot lines or their extensions, physical features or contour lines, as noted on the official Zoning Map. Boundaries adjoining streets shall be assumed to follow the centerlines of streets if such location becomes an issue in the use of private property, such as when a street is abandoned. Zones which meet a street centerline shall not be considered “adjacent.”

  2. The location of boundaries which are not readily determined by inspection of the official Clearlake General Plan Zoning Map shall be determined by the Director.

c. Conflict With Public Provisions. These regulations are not intended to interfere with or annul any other law or regulation. Where these regulations impose a restriction different from any other law or regulation, the more restrictive shall apply.

d. Conflict With Private Provisions. These regulations are not intended to interfere with or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between private parties. Where these regulations impose a restriction different from a private agreement, the provisions which are more restrictive, or which impose higher standards, shall control. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 11 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The regulations codified in this chapter shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent with the Clearlake General Plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Severability. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this chapter. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase hereof irrespective of the fact that any one (1) or more sections, subsections, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.

b. Reference. Reference in this chapter to any section hereof by number is intended to include any and all subsections of the numbered section cited. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The City of Clearlake is divided into the nine (9) base zoning districts that are established by Table 1. The creation of these zoning districts is consistent with the land use and community character designations used in the Clearlake General Plan.

Table 1. Clearlake Base Zoning Districts

==> picture [504 x 191] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
District Principal
Abbreviation Character Description
Name Function
Residential Zoning Districts
RR Rural Low Density The Rural Residential District is intended to provide for lower
Residential Single-Family density residential development, such as single-family homes
Homes on larger sized lots with a density not to exceed 1 unit to the
acre. For larger parcels, exceeding 1 acre in size, agricultural
uses are permitted. This zoning district is consistent with the
Low Density Residential Land Use Designation in the General
Plan.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 12 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 1. Clearlake Base Zoning Districts

==> picture [504 x 635] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
District Principal
Abbreviation Character Description
Name Function
LDR Low Variety of The Low Density Residential District is intended to provide for
Density Residential a variety of residential products ranging from single-family to
Residential Products multifamily with an urban character with a density not to
exceed 8 units to the acre.
MDR Medium Medium The Medium Density Residential District is intended to provide
Density Density with for medium density single-family attached and detached and
Residential Single- and some multiple-family products not exceeding 15 units per
Multiple-Family acre. This zoning district is consistent with the Medium Density
Products Residential Land Use Designation in the General Plan.
HDR High Higher Density The High Density Residential District is intended to provide for
Density Multifamily higher density multifamily products with a minimum of 10 to a
Residential Residential maximum of 25 units per acre. This zoning district is
Products consistent with the High Density Residential Zoning
Designation of the General Plan.
Mixed-Use and Commercial Zoning Districts
MUX Mixed-Use Medium and The Mixed-Use District is intended to allow a mixture of
High Density residential and commercial uses which can be made
Residential compatible with each other. This district provides a balanced
and Low mix of residential and employment opportunities to create
Impact focal points of activity in the form of mixed-use centers, nodes,
Commercial or corridors. The Mixed-Use Districts support service
Uses commercial, employment, and housing needs of a growing
community. The maximum allowed density in the MUX Zone is
25 units per acre. This Zoning District is consistent with the
Mixed-Use Designation of the General Plan.
DC Downtown Low-Impact The Downtown Commercial Mixed-Use District is intended to
Commercial Commercial, provide for low-impact commercial uses in a downtown setting
Mixed-Use Administrative, with limited residential uses. It allows the adaptive re-use of
Commercial and existing buildings and may allow for some residential if located
Residential on upper floors. This zoning district is consistent with the
Uses Commercial Land Use Designation of the General Plan.
GC General Variety of The Commercial District is intended to provide for a broad
Commercial Commercial range of retail, restaurant, entertainment, office institutional
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 13 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 1. Clearlake Base Zoning Districts

==> picture [504 x 380] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
District Principal
Abbreviation Character Description
Name Function
and and service uses. Buildings are scaled commensurate with
Administrative their respective site, with independent sites and centers that
Uses are appropriate of SR 53 and other major corridors. Smaller
scaled buildings are located in commercial subdivisions or in
areas that are transitions to downtown. This zoning district is
consistent with the Commercial Land Use Designation of the
General Plan.
Other Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
IN Industrial Variety of The Industrial District is intended to provide for more intensive
Industrial and industrial and commercial uses and airports. This zoning
Heavy district is consistent with the Industrial Land Use Designation
Commercial of the General Plan.
Uses
Open Space Zoning Districts
O Open Space Open Space The Open Space and Parks District is intended to preserve
and Parks open space that may include parks and recreation areas. This
zoning district is consistent with the Open Space Land Use
Designation of the General Plan.
----- End of picture text -----

==> picture [504 x 380] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
District Principal
Abbreviation Character Description
Name Function
and and service uses. Buildings are scaled commensurate with
Administrative their respective site, with independent sites and centers that
Uses are appropriate of SR 53 and other major corridors. Smaller
scaled buildings are located in commercial subdivisions or in
areas that are transitions to downtown. This zoning district is
consistent with the Commercial Land Use Designation of the
General Plan.
Other Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts
IN Industrial Variety of The Industrial District is intended to provide for more intensive
Industrial and industrial and commercial uses and airports. This zoning
Heavy district is consistent with the Industrial Land Use Designation
Commercial of the General Plan.
Uses
Open Space Zoning Districts
O Open Space Open Space The Open Space and Parks District is intended to preserve
and Parks open space that may include parks and recreation areas. This
zoning district is consistent with the Open Space Land Use
Designation of the General Plan.
----- End of picture text -----

Notes: Certain public assembly and institutional uses are permitted within the Mixed-Use and Commercial Districts listed above.

(Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Combining zoning districts are used in combination with the nine (9) base zoning districts to address special needs or characteristics of the areas of the City to which they are applied, including but not limited to potential hazards, scenic areas, special use considerations, such as mobile homes, adult entertainment and commercial cannabis, special areas of consideration, such as the Avenue neighborhood, and special planning treatment, such as specific plans and planned developments.

These combining districts are established that can combine with the base zoning district to address specific needs listed as follows:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 14 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• a. SP – Specific Plan;

• b. SC – Scenic Corridor;

• c. AV – Avenue;

• d. PD – Planned Development;

• e. AE – Adult Entertainment;

• f. CB – Commercial Cannabis Business.

In the event of any conflict between these combining district regulations and the base zoning district regulations, the combining district regulations shall control. A summary of function and characteristics for the various combining districts is referenced in Table 2 below.

Table 2. Clearlake Combining Zoning District

==> picture [482 x 430] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Abbreviation District Name Principal Function Character Description
Combining Zoning Districts
SP Specific Plan Application to Specific The SP Combining Zoning District is
Plans per California intended to translate the provisions of
Government Code an adopted specific plan into
Sections 65450 to 65451 regulations for the subsequent
development of land. It will be applied
to areas for which a specific plan has
been adopted or where the General
Plan calls for a specific plan prior to
development, generally within
residential expansion areas.
SC Scenic Corridor Sensitive Review of The SC Combining Zoning District is
Projects Along Highway created to preserve the scenic quality
53 of the land immediately visible from
State Highway 53. This zone is
intended to be combined with other
zones adjacent to scenic highways
and roads.
AV Avenue District Rural and Urban The AV Combining Zoning District is
intended to provide for maximum
flexibility for developing a broad
range of single-family residential
products including manufactured
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 15 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 2. Clearlake Combining Zoning District

==> picture [482 x 643] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Abbreviation District Name Principal Function Character Description
Combining Zoning Districts
homes to low density, more
traditional single-family homes on
small lots. Development standards
are flexible to encourage innovative
design and character in the building
product.
PD Planned Rural and Urban The PD Combining Zoning District is
Development intended to provide for flexibility in
the application of the zoning
standards to proposed development.
The purpose is to allow consideration
of innovation in site planning and
other aspects of project design and
more effective design responses to
site features, land uses on adjoining
properties and environmental
impacts than the development
standards of the underlying zone
would produce without adjustment.
The City expects each planned
development project to be of
significantly higher design quality,
including more effective and
attractive pedestrian orientation,
environmental sensitivity, energy
efficiency and the more efficient use
of resources, than would be achieved
through conventional design practices
and standards.
AE Adult Urban The AE Combining Zoning District is
Entertainment intended to regulate adult-oriented
businesses which could have serious
secondary effects on the community.
CB Commercial Rural and Urban The CB Combining Zoning District is
Cannabis Business intended to regulate activities
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 16 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 2. Clearlake Combining Zoning District

==> picture [482 x 113] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Abbreviation District Name Principal Function Character Description
Combining Zoning Districts
and Commercial involved with cannabis which could
Cannabis Retail have secondary effects on the
Dispensary community.
----- End of picture text -----

Notes: Certain public assembly and institutional uses are permitted within the Mixed-Use and Commercial Districts listed above.

(Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

All areas within the City shall be designated within a zoning district. The official Zoning Map, which shall depict all duly adopted zoning districts, is as much a part of these regulations as if it were fully contained in this document. The official Zoning Map shall be maintained by the Community Development Department and for convenience in more easily identifying zone boundaries may be divided into parts. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

In accordance with California Government Code Section 65960, the Zoning Code shall be consistent with the General Plan. For the Land Use Element, this means that the base zoning districts, referenced in the Zoning Map, need to be consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map. For example, a commercial zoning district needs to be located within areas designated in the General Plan Land Use Map as being in a Commercial Land Use Designation. Table 3 provides a land use/zoning consistency matrix for the Zoning Code:

Table 3. Land Use Zoning Matrix for Zoning Code

==> picture [504 x 113] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
General Plan Land Use Designation
High Medium Low
Mixed Open
Zoning District Industrial Commercial Density Density Density
Use Space
Residential Residential Residential
RR, Rural Residential X
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 17 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 3. Land Use Zoning Matrix for Zoning Code

==> picture [504 x 394] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
General Plan Land Use Designation
High Medium Low
Mixed Open
Zoning District Industrial Commercial Density Density Density
Use Space
Residential Residential Residential
LDR, Residential Low X X
Density
MDR, Residential X X
Medium Density
HDR, Residential High X X
Density
MUX, Mixed-Use X X X X X
DC, Downtown X
Commercial Mixed
Use
CG, General X
Commercial
I, Industrial X
O, Open Space X
----- End of picture text -----

(Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The RR Zone is intended primarily to provide housing opportunities for lower density residential development, such as single-family homes on larger sized lots with a density not to exceed one (1) unit to the acre. This zone shall be applied to areas designated “low density residential” on the Clearlake General Plan Zoning Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 18 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The property development standards for the RR Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: one (1) dwelling unit per net acre (refer to “acre” in definitions, Article 18-45)

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum height: Structure: twenty-five (25') feet; up to thirty-five (35') feet if the Director approves an administrative use permit.

• d. Minimum lot size: one and one-quarter (1.25) acres.

• e. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The LDR Zone is intended primarily to provide housing opportunities for people who want private open space associated with individual dwellings. It is intended to preserve existing single-family neighborhoods, provide for compatible infill development in such areas and prescribe the overall character of newly subdivided low density areas. This zone shall be applied to areas designated “low density residential” on the Clearlake General Plan Zoning Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the LDR Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: eight (8) units per net acre (also see Section 18-20.020).

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum height: Structure: twenty-five (25') feet; up to thirty-five (35') feet if the Director approves an administrative use permit.

• d. Maximum coverage: forty (40%) percent (see also Section 18-20.050).

• e. Standard Lot Dimensions.

  1. Minimum lot area: five thousand (5,000) square feet;

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 19 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. Minimum lot width: fifty (50') feet;

3. Minimum lot depth: ninety (90') feet;

4. Minimum street frontage: twenty (20') feet.

• f. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The MDR Zone is intended primarily to provide housing opportunities for smaller households desiring little private open space and to provide various types of group housing. These areas are generally close to commercial and public facilities serving the whole community and generally committed to this type of development. The MDR Zone will be applied to areas designated “medium and high density residential” on the Clearlake General Plan Zoning Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the MDR Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: fifteen (15) density units per net acre (see also Section 18-20.020).

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum coverage: sixty (60%) percent (see also Section 18-20.050).

• d. Maximum height: Structure forty-five (45') feet (see also Section 18-20.060

• e. Minimum lot area: five thousand (5,000) square feet.

• f. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 20 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The HDR Zone is intended to provide housing opportunities for smaller households desiring little private open space and to provide various types of group housing. It is further intended to allow for concentrations of housing close to concentrations of employment and college enrollment, in areas largely committed to high density residential development. It will be applied to areas designated “High Density Residential” on the Clearlake General Plan Zoning Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the HDR Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: twenty-five (25) density units per net acre (see also Section 18-20.020)

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum height: Structure: forty-five (45') feet (see also Section 18-20.060).

• d. Maximum coverage: sixty (60%) percent (see also Section 18-20.050).

• e. Minimum lot area: five thousand (5,000) square feet.

• f. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The MUX Zone allows for a mix of residential and nonresidential uses, such as commercial uses, on the same site, where mixed-use development would otherwise be optional.

The MUX Zone is intended to allow greater flexibility of development alternatives, especially attractive higher density residential development and live-work buildings, in appropriate areas of the City. More specifically, the intent of the MUX Zone is to accomplish the following objectives:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 21 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Encourage mixed-use projects that combine residential with nonresidential uses in the same building or building site area as a means to create an active street life, enhance the vitality of businesses and reduce the need for automobile travel;

b. Provide a meaningful blend of residential and nonresidential uses that enhance and build upon the City’s commercial base; the mixed-use overlay zone is not intended to simply act as a loophole in the Zoning Code for residential development;

c. Provide additional housing options for people, including, but not limited to, young professionals and older people, who want to live near their workplace and/or near retail and other nonresidential uses;

• d. Encourage consolidation of small parcels into viable, block-size mixed-use development in designated areas;

• e. Ensure on-site compatibility of residential and nonresidential uses; and

• f. Ensure compatibility of mixed-use projects with surrounding uses and development patterns. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the MUX Zone are as follows:

a. Maximum Density. Except when the underlying General Plan Land Use Designation for the property is less (such as Medium Density Residential, which is a maximum of fifteen (15) units per acre), the twenty-five (25) density units per acre shall apply, including dwelling units, such as single occupancy units, in hotels and motels, but not including other hotel or motel units (also see Section 18-20.020).

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum height: thirty-five (35') feet (also see Section 18-20.060). Additional building height up to sixty-five (65') feet may be approved as provided under CGC and DC Zoning Districts below.

  1. Performance Standards for Buildings Taller than Thirty-Five (35') Feet (All Required).

(a) The project shall include housing at a minimum residential density unit value of twelve (12) units per acre.

(b) For projects on sloping sites, the height limit on the downhill portion of the site shall be defined by a line seventy-five (75') feet above the average between the highest and lowest points of the site grade prior to development and seventy-five (75') feet above the lowest point.

(c) No more than fifty (50%) percent of the site area at the property frontage may be used for private parking facilities.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 22 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(d) The maximum height may be increased by ten (10') feet above the maximum allowed height when residential uses are provided above the ground floor except for properties abutting a residentially designated district. The building height increase for residential uses applies only if the top floor is residential and does not apply to buildings that have variance approval to exceed the permitted height.

• d. Maximum coverage: eighty (80%) percent.

• e. Minimum lot area: three thousand (3,000) square feet.

• f. Parking. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The DC Downtown Commercial Mixed-Use Zone is intended to provide for a wide range of retail sales, service and entertainment uses meeting community-wide and regional market demands and a variety of housing types including affordable workforce housing. The DC Zone is intended to be applied within the City’s main commercial district. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the DC Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: twenty-five (25) density units per acre, but not including other hotel or motel units (also see Section 18-20.020).

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

c. Maximum height: Structure: thirty-five (35') feet (see also Section 18-20.060). Additional building height up to sixty-five (65') feet may be approved as provided under subsection (c)(1) of this section.

1. Performance Standards for Buildings Taller than Thirty-Five (35') Feet (All Required):.

   • (a) The project should include housing.

(b) No more than thirty (30%) percent of the site area at the storefront level may be used for private parking facilities.

• (c) Site is not on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive, where the lake is visible to the public.

• d. Minimum lot area: three thousand (3,000) square feet.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 23 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

e. Vehicle Access. Although residential uses are encouraged in the DC Zone, it is not the intent of the City to ensure that parking is provided on site for residential uses. Therefore, there is no guarantee of parking availability, either on site or off site, for downtown residential projects. On-site parking may be considered inappropriate at certain downtown locations where the pedestrian experience would be harmed by vehicle ingress and egress across the sidewalk. In order to maintain pedestrian orientation and the continuity of sidewalks within the DC Zone, an administrative use permit must be approved to permit the installation of new driveway approaches proposed.

• f. Parking. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The purpose of this district is to provide sites for general commercial uses which are diverse, visually pleasing, convenient in terms of parking and access, attractive and used by citizens of Clearlake as well as visitors to the area. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Maximum density: no maximum density.

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum height: Structure: thirty-five (35') feet and up to fifty (50') feet with a conditional use permit (also see Section 18-20.060), except when the development is on the lake side of Lakeshore Drive, where the lake is visible to the public (building shall not exceed thirty-five (35') feet in height).

• d. Maximum coverage: no maximum coverage.

• e. Minimum lot area: three thousand (3,000) square feet.

• f. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 24 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The purpose of this district is to provide locations for wholesale and heavy commercial uses and services in Clearlake which are not suited for other commercial zones. It provides areas for industrial types of activities which manufacture, assemble or package products within a building and do not emit fumes, odor, dust, smoke or gas beyond the confines of the building. Performance standards have been established to allow for more intense industrial activities and to protect Clearlake residents and the environment. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the IN Zone are as follows:

• a. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• b. Maximum height: Structure: thirty-five (35') feet (may go higher with conditional use permit. Also see Section 18-20.060).

• c. Maximum coverage: no maximum lot coverage.

• d. Minimum lot size: three thousand (3,000) square feet.

• e. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. The O Zone generally will be applied to areas which are most suitable for open space uses because of topography, geology, vegetation, soils, wildlife habitat, scenic prominence, agricultural value or flood hazard.

b. The O Zone is intended to prevent exposure of urban development to unacceptable risks posed by natural hazards and to protect natural resources from disruptive alterations. To these ends, it is further intended to prevent the subdivision of such lands.

c. It will be applied as a permanent zone to areas designated “open space” or “park” on the Clearlake General Plan Land Use Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 25 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The property development standards for the O Zone are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: no maximum density required.

• b. Yards.

  1. Front: thirty-five (35') feet;

  2. Side: fifteen (15') feet except on a corner lot where the street side yard shall have a setback of thirty (30') feet.

  3. Rear: twenty (20') feet; except as otherwise specified there shall be no rear yard setback on properties which abut Clear Lake or Cache Creek.

• c. Minimum Lot Area.

  1. Federal or State lands: forty (40) acres.

  2. City, county, or other special district or government owned lands: five thousand (5,000) square feet.

  3. Privately owned lands: existing parcel size at time of reclassification to this zone. (Ord. #271-2025, S2

  • (Exh. A))

The SP Zone is intended to translate the provisions of an adopted specific plan into regulations for the subsequent development of land. It will be applied to areas for which a specific plan has been adopted or where the Clearlake General Plan calls for a specific plan prior to development, generally within residential expansion areas. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Prior to adoption of a specific plan, areas in the SP Zone may be used in conformance with the provisions of the underlying zone or as otherwise provided within the specific plan. Once a specific plan has been adopted, uses shall be as provided in the specific plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 26 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• a. Residential density shall be as provided in the specific plan.

• b. Height, yards, coverage and parking shall be as provided in the specific plan. If the specific plan does not contain explicit provisions on these items, they shall be as provided in the underlying zone.

c. Other development features explicitly contained in the specific plan, such as landscaping, building siting and form and circulation, shall be as provided in the specific plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The purpose of the SC, Scenic Corridor, Combining Zone is to preserve the scenic quality of the land immediately visible from State Highway 53 (refer to definition of “viewshed”). This zone is intended to be combined with other zones adjacent to scenic highways and roads. This district shall be combined with base zones that are within three hundred (300') feet of the edge of right-of-way of State Highway 53. For any parcel, of which any portion is within the SC Combining District, the entire parcel shall be subject to the regulations and standards of the SC Zone. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

All permitted uses allowed in the base zone. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. The siting of transmission lines (fifty (50) kV and over) shall avoid interfering with scenic views to the greatest extent possible, taking into account the design and size of the transmission towers, the nature of the landscape and the placement of the transmission towers in the landscape. New high voltage transmission facilities (fifty (50) kV lines and above) shall not be sited along a foreground view (up to one-quarter (1/4) to one-half (1/2) mile) of existing and potential State, County or City scenic highways as designated in the Clearlake General Plan, designated residential areas or major resorts unless no feasible alternatives exist. In situations where no feasible alternatives exist, undergrounding or other visual mitigation measures shall be imposed.

b. Grading and cut/fill shall be kept to a minimum and shall be prohibited whenever such activities will have an adverse impact on the scenic resources of the State highway.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 27 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

c. Any exposed slopes resulting from grading shall be stabilized by plantings of compatible vegetation. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose. The purpose and intent of this section is to provide guidance in protecting the scenic quality of the City for visitors and residents ensuring that future improvements and/or developments are compatible with existing landforms, including but not limited to hillsides, ridgelines, green belts, lake views, local streets, minor arterials and major collectors roadways.

b. Scenic Resource. While there is no comprehensive list of specific features that automatically qualify as scenic resources, certain characteristics can be identified which contribute to the determination of a scenic resource, including but not limited to:

1. A unique, or massive rock formation(s);

2. A historic building and/or location in accordance with the California Office of Historic Preservation;

3. A feature identified in applicable planning documents and/or reports/assessments as having special scenic value;

4. A feature integrated with its surroundings or overlapping scenic elements to form a panorama view, such as waters, Clear Lake or Mount Konocti;

5. A vegetative or structural feature that has local, regional, or statewide importance;

6. An area or feature(s) determined by the City Council, Planning Commission and/or the Community Development Director at time of application submittal.

c. Visual Impact Avoidance Guidelines. If determined to be in a viewshed and/or scenic corridor, depending on the type and characteristic of development and level of impact the development should incorporate measures to lessen visual impacts such as:

1. Limit the extent of grading, tree removal, amount of cuts and fills, length of roadways, height of retaining walls and areas for building envelopes. Conservation easements may be appropriate to protect viewsheds and sensitive visual resources.

2. Building envelopes may need to be adjusted or moved back to avoid the most visible locations and/or reduced in size to protect vegetation that may screen the structures. Structures could be limited in their size or height to reduce bulk and contrast.

3. Color and texture of building materials should be consistent with the surrounding environment. Nonreflective surfaces and darker colors should be utilized to avoid glare and contrast.

4. Provide screening vegetation and landscape plans subject to design review.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 28 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

5. Provide viewshed sensitive exterior lighting that is low mounted, downward casting and fully shielded to prevent glare. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The AV, Avenue, Combining Zoning District is intended to provide for maximum flexibility for developing a broad range of residential products, ranging from manufactured homes to single-family homes at varying densities. Development standards are flexible to encourage innovative design and character in the building product. Also, these regulations provide basic access and fire protection for older subdivided lands by setting minimum public health and safety standards. This district shall be applied to predominantly undeveloped older subdivided properties of urban or suburban densities, known as “paper subdivisions,” which are substandard in relationship to existing zoning and subdivision regulations with design, size, or physical improvements not meeting City standards. Such lots should be characterized by steep slopes, limited access and/or lack of adequate public services and facilities such as streets, fire, sewer or water services. Nonresidential uses are also permitted. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The uses within the AV Combining Zoning District shall be provided as described in the Tables in Section 18-18.010 (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The property development standards for the AV District are flexible and permissive to encourage a range of residential product types. The property development standards for the AV Combining Zoning District are as follows:

• a. Maximum density: eight (8) units per net acre (see also Section 18-20.020)

• b. Yards. See Section 18-20.040.

• c. Maximum coverage: sixty (60%) percent (see also Section 18-20.050).

• d. Maximum height: forty-five (45') feet (see also Section 18-20.060).

• e. Minimum lot area: five thousand (5,000) square feet (see subsection (g) of this section).

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 29 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• f. Parking Requirements. See Section 18-20.090.

• g. Water and Sewer Service. All lots shall meet at least one (1) of the following requirements:

  1. The lot is served by existing water and sewer connections; or

  2. The lot is fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet in area and is served by either an existing public water or public sewer connection; or

  3. The applicable public water or sewer agency has entered into a written agreement to provide water or sewer service as required in subsections (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this section; or

  4. The lot is at least forty thousand (40,000) square feet in area which may or may not be served by public water or public sewer connections.

h. Fire Service. The applicant shall provide written evidence in a form acceptable to the Director that the agency responsible for fire protection has certified that existing fire protection facilities meet the requirements of the Uniform Fire Code for access roads and water supply.

i. Streets. The street(s) serving the lot and the lot frontage(s) within the AV District shall meet or exceed a street surfacing standard of double chip seal or another surface as approved by the City Engineer. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The PD overlay zone is intended to provide for flexibility in the application of zoning standards to proposed development. The purpose is to allow consideration of innovation in site planning and other aspects of project design and more effective design responses to site features, land uses on adjoining properties and environmental impacts than the development standards of the underlying zone would produce without adjustment. The City expects each planned development project to be of significantly higher design quality, including more effective and attractive pedestrian orientation, environmental sensitivity, energy efficiency and the more efficient use of resources, than would be achieved through conventional design practices and standards. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Timing of Rezoning. PD rezoning shall occur simultaneously with the approval of a specific project through the planned development process.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 30 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• b. Where Allowed. The PD Zone may be applied to any parcel or contiguous parcels of at least one (1) acre.

• c. General Plan Compliance. The preparation, review and approval of a PD overlay zone shall require strict compliance with the Clearlake General Plan and any applicable specific plan.

• d. Relationship of PD Overlay to Primary Zoning District.

  1. Allowable Land Uses. Any use or combination of uses allowed by Section 18-18.010 (Uses Allowed by Zones) within the underlying zoning district may be established within the PD overlay zone, subject to any additional limitations on specific land uses provided by the overlay as adopted. No PD overlay shall allow a land use that is not allowed in the primary zoning district or by the General Plan or any applicable specific plan. However, those identified as land uses listed as limited and subject to use permits in Article 18-18 may be permitted in the planned development if the plan identifies those on the final development plan.

  2. Planning Permit Requirements. Development and new uses within the PD overlay district shall obtain the permits in the underlying zone.

3. Site Planning and Project Development Standards. Development and new land uses within the PD overlay shall comply with all applicable development standards of the underlying zone, except as specifically modified, waived or augmented by the PD overlay. A planned development may include supplemental procedures, design standards and guidelines to provide administration of implementing the planned development as long as these components are in compliance with Section 18-15.100 and are consistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code and any related applicable specific plan.

4. A planned development may include amendments to the base zoning map as long as the new zoning created is substantially consistent with the General Plan (refer to Table 3, Section 18-2.040, General Plan Land Use Consistency).

e. Scope of Approval. The application of the PD overlay to property may include the adjustment or modification, where necessary and justifiable, of any applicable development standard of these zoning regulations (e.g., building height, floor area ratio, parcel size, parking, setbacks, etc.) or of the City’s subdivision regulations. The maximum density as allowed by cross-slope percent may be adjusted but shall not exceed the maximum density allowed in the average cross-slope category zero (0%) to fifteen (15%) percent for the applicable zoning district. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

An application for a planned development shall be made to the Community Development Department and shall consist of a preliminary development plan, to include:

• a. A legal description of the total site involved.

• b. A statement of the objectives to be achieved by the planned development through the particular approach to be used by the applicant.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 31 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

c. A schedule indicating the approximate dates when construction of the development or stages of the development are to be started and completed.

d. A quantified description of the total number and type of dwelling units, parcel sizes, coverage, modified and natural open space, grading, residential densities and areas devoted to nonresidential uses.

e. Identification of portions of the development which would otherwise require a variance and reason for the deviation from normal standards.

• f. A site plan and supporting maps, drawn to a suitable scale and clearly labeled, showing, if applicable:

  1. Existing site conditions, including contours, vegetation and water courses;

  2. Proposed lot designs;

  3. Location and floor area of existing and proposed buildings or outlines of areas within which buildings may be located;

  4. Location and size of all areas to be conveyed or reserved as common open spaces or for public or semipublic uses;

  5. Existing and proposed circulation system of arterial, collector and local streets; off-street parking, loading and emergency access areas; points of access to public rights-of-way; proposed ownership of circulation routes;

  6. Existing and proposed sidewalks and paths;

  7. Existing and proposed utility systems, including sanitary sewer, storm drainage, water, electricity, gas and telephone;

  8. A general landscape plan; and

  9. A general grading plan.

g. Information on land area adjacent to the proposed development, indicating important relationships between the proposal and surrounding land uses, circulation systems, public facilities and natural features.

h. Any additional information which may be required by the Director to evaluate the character and impact of the planned development. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

After giving notice as provided in Section 18-28.030, the Planning Commission shall hold a public hearing on the application. The Planning Commission may approve, approve subject to conditions and certain modifications or deny the application. The decision of the Planning Commission shall be in the form of a recommendation to the

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 32 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Council and shall be rendered in writing, stating all modifications or conditions to be reflected in the final development plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

After giving notice as provided in Section 18-28.030 the Council shall hold a public hearing on the application and the recommendations of the Planning Commission. The Council may approve, approve subject to certain modifications, or deny the proposal with findings. The decision of the Council shall include conditions and/or modifications that shall be reflected in the final development plan. If it approves or conditionally approves the preliminary development plan, the Council shall approve the rezoning, and the official zone map shall be amended to indicate approval of the planned development. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Following a public hearing, the Commission may recommend, and the Council may approve or disapprove, a rezoning to apply the PD overlay zoning district in compliance with this section.

• a. Mandatory Project Features. The review authority may recommend or approve a rezoning to apply the PD overlay zoning district only for a project that incorporates a minimum of two (2) of the following four (4) features:

  1. A minimum of twenty-five (25%) percent of the residential units within the project are affordable to households of very low, low or moderate income (Article 18-31, Density Bonuses) for incentives provided for affordable housing development, including density bonuses and possible fee waivers;

2. The project will achieve greater energy efficiency than standard developments through the incorporation of green building techniques, scoring at least a silver rating on the LEED or other equivalent rating system or achieving a minimum of thirty (30%) percent greater energy efficiency than the minimum required by California Code of Regulations Title 24;

3. The project will preserve, enhance, and/or create a significant natural feature or features with a minimum area of one-half (1/2) acre; or

4. The project will provide a substantial public amenity, for example, a significant public plaza, a public park or a similar improved open space feature, including provisions for guaranteed long-term maintenance not at the expense of the City.

b. Required Findings for Approval. The review authority may approve a rezoning to apply the PD overlay zoning district only after first making all of the following findings:

1. The project is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan and the proposed land use is allowed within the applicable primary zoning district;

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 33 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. The project complies with all applicable provisions of these Zoning Regulations other than those modified by the PD rezoning;

3. The project has been approved in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act and the City’s Environmental Review Guidelines;

4. The approved modifications to the development standards of these Zoning Regulations are necessary and appropriate to accommodate the superior design of the proposed project, its compatibility with adjacent land uses and its successful mitigation of environmental impacts;

5. The project complies with City Design Review Manual;

6. All affected public facilities, services and utilities are adequate to serve the proposed project;

7. The location, size, site planning, building design features and operating characteristics of the project are highly suited to the characteristics of the site and surrounding neighborhood and will be compatible with the character of the site and the land uses and development intended for the surrounding neighborhood according to the General Plan;

8. The site is adequate for the project in terms of size, configuration, topography and other applicable features and has appropriate access to public streets with adequate capacity to accommodate the quantity and type of traffic expected to be generated by the use; and

9. The establishment, maintenance or operation of the proposed project will not, in the circumstances of the particular case, be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working in the vicinity of the proposed use or detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood or to the general welfare of the City. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

No land division may be undertaken and no construction begun within an area zoned PD until a final development plan has been approved by the Director or as determined by the City Council in the preliminary development plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Within two (2) years of approval or conditional approval of the development plan, the applicant shall file with the Community Development Department a final development plan. The Director may extend the time for filing the final development plan for a period or periods not exceeding a total of three (3) years or two (2) extensions approved by the Planning Commission.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 34 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

b. The final development plan shall include those items from Section 18-15.030 (Preliminary Development Plan) which describe the proposal, including division of land, type and location of all buildings and improvements and so on, but it need not include information on existing conditions.

c. The Director shall review and take action on the final development plan within thirty (30) days of filing. The Director may approve it upon finding that it is in substantial compliance with the preliminary development plan as approved or modified by the Council. Upon approval of the final development plan, the Director shall add the number of the planned development to the official zone map (for example, PD (9999)). Subsequently, all grading, construction and landscaping shall comply with the approved final development plan.

d. The final development plan may consist of final subdivision maps, building construction plans, grading plans and so on, that would normally be submitted in the course of development and need not be a separate submittal. The Director shall determine the extent to which any additional documentation of development plans is required. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

If the construction of the planned development is to occur in phases, the open space and common facilities shall be developed and made available in proportion to the number of dwelling units or nonresidential floor area occupied during any given stage. At no time during construction of the project shall the density of developed land exceed the overall density established in the final development plan unless an amendment to the planned development is approved as described in Section 18-15.100(c). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Minor changes to an approved planned development may be needed either before or after construction, or establishment and operation of one (1) or more of the approved uses. The Director may authorize minor changes to the planned development’s final development plan if the changes meet all the following standards:

1. The changes are consistent with the applicable provisions of this chapter, the Zoning Code and the General Plan.

2. The changes do not involve a feature of the project that was specifically addressed or was a:

   • (a) Basis for findings in an environmental document under CEQA, such as a mitigated negative declaration or environmental impact report;

   • (b) Basis for condition of approval for the project;

   • (c) Specific consideration by the granting authority in the approval of the project.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 35 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

3. The changes do not result in an expansion of the approved project, other than as necessitated by building code requirements. Expansion of a use precluded by this subsection may be defined to include a greater intensity of use, including uses that require increased parking and/or occupancy loads, or that require environmental review.

4. The changes do not allow revised access to existing and/or additional roads beyond that originally allowed.

5. The changes do not allow an increase in heights by more than ten (10%) percent above the building heights approved in the final development plan or, if building heights are not shown in the final plan, building heights that are greater than the height requirements of the Zoning Code.

b. The Director shall inform the City Council and/or Planning Commission of the minor differences between the approved development plan and construction plans that may be allowed by the Director.

c. Written requests for amendments to a final development plan may be approved by the Planning Commission after a public hearing, notice of which has been given as provided in Section 18-28.030. Amendments shall be limited to changes in the size and position of buildings; the number, area or configuration of lots; landscape treatment; phasing and the like.

d. Amendments may not include changes in proposed use, overall density or overall configuration of the land uses and circulation features. Changes to these aspects may be accomplished only by reapplication and submittal of a new preliminary development plan.

e. These procedures apply whether or not all or part of the development has been built. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

If the planned development has not been implemented substantially in accordance with the final development plan, the City Council may remove the PD designation upon receiving recommendations from the Planning Commission in accordance with Article 18-27. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The purpose and intent of this article is to regulate adult businesses which, unless closely regulated, tend to have serious secondary effects on the community, including, but not limited to, the following: depreciation of property values; increase in vacancies in residential and commercial areas in the vicinity of adult businesses; interference

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 36 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

with residential property owner’s enjoyment of their properties when such properties are located in the vicinity of adult businesses, as a result of increases in crime, litter, noise and vandalism; higher crime rates in the vicinity of adult businesses; and blight conditions such as inadequate maintenance of commercial premises and parking lots, which thereby have a deleterious effect upon adjacent areas. Special regulation of these businesses is necessary to prevent these adverse effects and the blighting or degradation of the neighborhoods in the vicinity of adult businesses.

It is neither the intent nor the effect of these regulations to impose limitations or restrictions on the content of any communicative material. Similarly, it is neither the intent nor the effect of these regulations to restrict or deny access by adults to communicative materials or to deny access by the distributors or exhibitors of adult business to their intended lawful market.

Nothing in these regulations is intended to authorize, legalize or permit the establishment, operation or maintenance of any business, building or use which violates any City ordinance or any statute of the State of California regarding public nuisances, unlawful or indecent exposure, sexual conduct, lewdness, obscene or harmful matter or the exhibition or public display thereof. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

For the purposes of this article the following terms shall be defined as follows:

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS shall mean those businesses as defined as follows:

1. ADULT BOOKSTORE, ADULT NOVELTY STORE OR ADULT VIDEO STORE is an establishment with more than twenty-five (25%) percent of: (a) its floor area devoted to; or (b) stock-in-trade consisting of; or (c) gross revenues derived from and offering for sale for any form of consideration, any one (1) or more of the following:

(a) Books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, photographs, drawings, motion pictures, slides, films, tapes, video cassettes, records or other visual or audio representations which are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas.”

• (b) Instruments, devices or paraphernalia which are designed to be used in connection with “specified sexual activities”; or

(c) Goods which are replicas of or which simulate “specified anatomical areas,” or goods which are designed to be placed on or in “specified anatomical areas” or to be used in conjunction with “specified sexual activities.”

2. ADULT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THEATER means any place, building, enclosure or structure, partially or entirely used for “live adult entertainment” performances or presentations characterized by an emphasis on depicting, exposing, displaying, describing or relating to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” for observation by patrons or customers therein.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 37 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

3. LIVE ADULT ENTERTAINMENT means any physical human body activity, whether performed or engaged in alone or with other persons, including but not limited to singing, walking, speaking, dancing, acting, posing, simulating, wrestling or pantomiming, in which the performer or performers expose to public view without opaque covering “specified anatomical areas” for entertainment value for any form of consideration.

4. ADULT MOTION PICTURE OR VIDEO ARCADE means any business wherein coin, paper, note or token operated or electronically, electrically or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to four (4) or fewer persons per machine, at any one (1) time and where the predominant character or theme of the images so displayed is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis on matter depicting or relating to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas”.

ontrolled still or motion picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to four (4) or fewer persons per machine, at any one (1) time and where the predominant character or theme of the images so displayed is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis on matter depicting or relating to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas”.

5. ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER means any business, other than a hotel or motel which provides closed circuit viewing to each individual room as a secondary service to its motel customers, with the capacity for five (5) or more persons where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or similar photographic reproductions in which the predominant character and theme is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis on matter depicting or relating to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” as defined in this section. This includes, without limitation, showing any such slides, motion pictures or videos by means of any video tape system which has a display, viewer, screen or a television set.

6. Exceptions. An “adult entertainment business” shall not include:

(a) Bona fide medical establishments operated by properly licensed and registered medical and psychological personnel with appropriate medical or professional credentials for the treatment of patients.

• (b) Persons depicting “specified anatomical areas” in a modeling class operated:

  • (1) By a college, junior college or university supported entirely or partly by public revenue;

(2) By a private college or university which maintains and operates educational programs in which credits are transferable to a college, junior college or university supported entirely or partly by public revenue; or

• (3) In a structure operated either as a profit or not-for-profit facility:

(A) Which has no sign visible from the exterior of the structure and no other advertising that indicates a nude person is available for viewing; and

(B) Where in order to participate in a class a student must enroll at least three (3) days in advance of the class.

(C) The practice of massage in compliance with Section 51030 et seq. of the California Government Code.

ESTABLISH shall mean and include any of the following:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 38 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. The opening or commencement of any adult entertainment business as defined in this section; or

2. The conversion of an existing business, whether or not an adult entertainment business, to any adult entertainment business as defined in this section; or

3. The relocation of any adult entertainment business; or

4. The addition of any of the “adult entertainment businesses” defined herein to any other existing adult entertainment business.

OPERATE shall mean to own, lease (as lessor or lessee), rent (as landlord or tenant or as agent for the purpose of representing a principal in the management, rental or operation of the property of such principal), manage, conduct, direct or be employed in an adult entertainment business.

OPERATOR shall mean and include the owner, custodian, manager or person in charge of any adult entertainment business.

PARCEL OF LAND means any quantity of land capable of being described with such definiteness that its location and boundaries may be established, which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit or which has been used or developed as a unit.

PERSON shall mean an individual, proprietorship, partnership, corporation, association or other legal entity.

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION shall mean any church, synagogue, mosque, temple or building which is used primarily for religious worship, religious education incidental thereto and related religious activities.

RESIDENTIAL ZONE shall mean property which has a zoning designation of RR, LDR, MDR, HDR or such other residential zones as may be created by ordinance, or a mobile home park as defined in this Code.

SCHOOL shall mean any public or private educational facility primarily attended by minors, including, but not limited to, large family day care homes, nursery schools, preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools, primary schools, intermediate schools, junior high schools, middle schools, high schools, secondary schools, continuation schools and special education schools, and includes school grounds.

SENSITIVE USES shall include religious institutions, residential zones and schools.

SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS shall include the following:

1. Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock, anus, and/or the female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and

2. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES shall include the following:

1. Actual or simulated sexual intercourse, oral copulation and intercourse, oral-anal copulation, bestiality, direct physical stimulation of unclothed genitals, flagellation or torture in the context of sexual relationship or

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 39 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

the use of excretory functions in the context of a sexual relationship and any of the following sexually oriented acts or conduct: anilingus, buggery, coprophagy, coprophilia, cunnilingus, fellation, necrophilia, pederasty, pedophilia, piquerism, sapphism, zooerasty; or

2. Clearly depicted human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation, arousal or tumescence; or

3. Human or animal masturbation, sodomy, oral copulation, coitus, ejaculation; or

4. Fondling or touching of nude human genitals, pubic region, buttocks or female breast; or

5. Masochism, erotic or sexually oriented torture, beating or the infliction of pain; or

6. Erotic or lewd touching, lewd fondling or other lewd contact with an animal by a human being; or

7. Human excretion, urination, menstruation, vaginal or anal irrigations. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. No person shall operate or establish an “adult entertainment business,” as defined in this Code, in any area of the City, except as noted in subsection (b) of this section.

b. No building permit or zoning clearance, business license or other permit or entitlement for business use shall be legally valid unless it is operated within the AE, Adult Entertainment Combining Zone.

• c. Any adult entertainment business proposed to be operated or established in the AE, Adult Entertainment Combining Zone shall be subject to the following restrictions:

  1. The establishment or operation of an adult entertainment business shall be subject to the locational criteria setting forth minimum distances from the sensitive uses and zones as follows:

     • (a) Seven hundred (700') feet from any parcel of land which is located in a residential zone.

     • (b) Seven hundred (700') feet from any parcel of land upon which a religious institution or school is located.

(c) Adult entertainment businesses shall not be located closer than seven hundred (700') feet from each other.

2. For the purpose of this chapter, all distances shall be measured in a straight line, without regard for intervening structures, using the closest property lines of the parcels of the land involved. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 40 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The establishment or operation of an adult entertainment business shall comply with the applicable fees and site development standards, including, but not limited to, parking and design review and the requirements of the Uniform Codes adopted pursuant to Chapter IX. An adult entertainment business shall comply with the City’s applicable business tax requirements. In addition, adult entertainment businesses shall comply with the following design and performance standards:

a. Signs, advertisements, displays or other promotional materials depicting or describing “specified anatomical areas” or “specified sexual activities” or displaying instruments, devices or paraphernalia which are designed for use in connection with “specified sexual activities” shall not be shown or exhibited so as to be discernible by the public beyond the walls of the building or portion thereof in which the adult entertainment business is conducted.

b. Each adult entertainment business shall have a business entrance separate from any other nonadult business located in the same building.

c. All building openings, entries and windows for an adult entertainment business shall be located, covered or screened in such a manner as to prevent a view into the interior of an adult entertainment business from any area open to the general public.

d. No adult entertainment business shall be operated in any manner that permits the observation by the public of any material or activity depicting, describing or relating to “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” from any public way or from any location beyond the walls of the building or portion thereof in which the adult entertainment business is conducted.

e. The building entrance to the adult entertainment business shall be clearly and legibly posted with a notice indicating that minors are precluded from entering the premises.

f. No loudspeakers or sound equipment shall be used by adult entertainment businesses for amplification of sound to a level discernible by the public beyond the walls of the building or portion thereof in which the adult entertainment business is conducted.

g. Each adult entertainment business shall be provided with a manager’s station which shall be used for the purpose of supervising activities within the business. A manager shall be on the premises during all times that the adult entertainment business is open to the public.

h. The interior of the adult entertainment business shall be configured in such a manner that there is an unobstructed view from a manager’s station of every area of the adult entertainment business to which any patron is permitted access for any purpose, excluding restrooms. If the adult entertainment business has two (2) or more manager’s stations designated, then the interior of the adult entertainment business shall be configured in such a manner that there is an unobstructed view of each area of the adult entertainment business to which any patron is permitted access for any adult purpose, excluding restrooms, from at least one (1) of the manager’s stations. The view required in this subsection must be by direct line of sight from the manager’s station.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 41 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

i. No individual viewing area may be occupied by more than one (1) person at any one (1) time. “Individual viewing area” shall mean a viewing area designed for occupancy by one (1) person. Individual viewing areas of the adult entertainment business shall be operated and maintained without any hole or other opening or means of direct communication or visual or physical access between the interior space of two (2) or more individual viewing areas.

j. Off-street parking shall be provided for the adult entertainment business as specified in accordance with the parking provisions of Section 18-20.090.

• k. An off-site security program shall be prepared and implemented including the following items:

1. All off-street parking areas and building entries serving the adult entertainment business shall be illuminated during all hours of operation with a lighting system which provides a minimum maintained horizontal illumination of one (1) footcandle (ten (10) lux) (one (1) candlepower) of light on the parking surface and/or walkway.

2. All interior portions of the adult entertainment business, except those areas devoted to mini-motion or motion pictures, shall be illuminated during all hours of operation with lighting system which provides a minimum maintained horizontal illumination of not less than two (2) footcandles (twenty (20) lux) (two (2) candlepower) of light on the floor surface. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

If any section, subsection, paragraph, subparagraph or provision of this article or the application thereof to any person, property or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the article and the application of such to other persons, properties or circumstances shall not be affected thereby. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

It shall be unlawful to establish or operate an adult entertainment business in violation of this article. Any person who violates any provision of this article shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Nothing in this article shall be deemed or constituted to prevent the City from commencing any civil proceeding otherwise authorized by law for the declaration or abatement of a public nuisance. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 42 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Commercial Cannabis Business Combining Zone (CB) is intended to provide for commercial cannabis activities as defined and provided for in Article 18-43. The Commercial Cannabis Dispensary Combining Zone (CBR) is intended to provide for commercial cannabis dispensaries within limited areas referenced as CBR on the Zoning Map. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Commercial cannabis activities, allowed subject to obtaining a use permit from the Planning Commission, may be allowed as defined and provided for in Section 18-19.150. Commercial cannabis dispensary activities, allowed subject to obtaining a use permit from the Planning Commission, may be allowed as defined and provided for in Section 18-19.140. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Commercial cannabis activities, allowed subject to obtaining a use permit from the Planning Commission, shall be subject to certain performance standards as defined and provided for in Article 18-43. Commercial cannabis dispensary activities shall be subject to certain performance standards as defined and provided for in Article 5-20 (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Status of Uses. Uses within zones shall be as provided in Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7 subject to subsections (b) through

• (f) of this section. In Tables 4, 5, 6 and 7, symbols shall have these meanings:

  1. P = The use is allowed, including meeting all applicable Federal, State and local agency requirements/ design standards.

  2. ZP: Zoning Permit = The use is subject to a zoning permit (limited uses) in accordance with Article 18-28, subject to:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 43 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (a) The standards for permitted uses that are set out in this Zoning Ordinance.

• (b) The applicable limited use standards for the specified use.

• (c) All applicable Federal, State, and local agency requirements and design standards.

3. AU = The use is subject to an administrative use permit (limited use) as provided in Article 18-28, approved by the Director and subject to:

   • (a) The standards for permitted uses that are set out in this Zoning Ordinance.

   • (b) The applicable limited use standards for the specified use.

   • (c) All applicable Federal, State, and local agency requirements and design standards.

4. CU = The use is subject to a Conditional Use Permit by the Planning Commission in accordance with Article 18-28. If the Planning Commission approves a conditional use permit the use shall be subject to:

   • (a) Standards for permitted uses that are set out in this Zoning Ordinance.

   • (b) The applicable limited use standards for the specified use.

   • (c) The conditional use standards of Section 18-28.030, which apply to all conditional uses.

   • (d) All applicable Federal, State, and local agency requirements and design standards.

5. “–” means that the use is prohibited in the specified zoning district.

6. Special notes affecting the status of uses are indicated by number that may be found at the end of the table.

b. Interpretation of Use Listing. These regulations are intended to permit similar types of uses within each zone. The Director, subject to the appeal procedures of Article 18-36, shall determine whether uses which are not listed shall be deemed allowed or allowed subject to use permit approval in a certain zone. This interpretation procedure shall not be used as a substitute for the amendment procedure as a means of adding new types of uses to a zone.

• c. Principal and Accessory Uses. Listed uses are principal uses. Accessory uses are allowed with principal uses.

d. Production and Sales. Where manufacturing is allowed, incidental sale of items made on the premises is allowed. When sale of a particular type of item is allowed, craftsman-type production of such an item for sale on the premises is allowed.

• e. Prohibition of Mineral Extraction. Commercial mining is prohibited in City limits.

f. Specific Plan Consistency. Some land subject to City zoning is also subject to one (1) of several specific plans, which are intended to provide additional direction for the development of those areas. Land within specific plans,

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 44 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

designated by the SP zoning, may be subject to further restrictions. The list of uses and permit requirements in the specific plan shall prevail. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Residential, Agricultural and Institutional Land Use Table. Residential, agricultural and institutional uses are allowed in each zoning district as provided in Table 4:

Table 4. Residential, Agricultural and Institutional Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [502 x 462] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Residential Uses
Single-Family Detached Dwelling P P CU CU AU AU CU P
Accessory Structure(s) on a – – – – – – – –
Vacant Parcel Without an
Established or Primary Use
Collector’s Permit AU AU AU – – AU – –
Manufactured Home (see P P CU CU AU AU CU P
subsection (g) of this section)
Live-Work AU AU – – AU AU CU –
Micro Primary Dwelling (400 – AU AU AU – – – – –
749 sf.)
Accessory and Junior Accessory P P P CU P P CU P
Dwelling Units
Multifamily/Multi-Dwellings AU P P CU P P CU CU
Developments (such as
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 45 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 4. Residential, Agricultural and Institutional Uses

==> picture [502 x 616] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU
= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
apartment, condos, duplexes,
triplexes, fourplexes, etc.). Refer
to Multifamily/Multi-Dwellings
Developments Definition
Employee/Farm Worker Housing P P P – – – – P
(see subsection (j) of this section)
Residential Neighborhoods (Requires a minimum area for the parcel proposed for development. See
Article 18-20, residential development area and density standards.)
Mixed-Use Housing – AU CU CU P P CU –
Cohousing (see subsection (d) of P P P – AU AU CU –
this section for HDR District)
Manufactured Home Park CU CU CU – – CU – –
Agricultural Uses
Agriculture, Support/Rural P P – – – – P P
Services (see subsection (h) of
this section)
Greenhouses, Hothouses CU – – – – – AU AU
Institutional Uses
Assisted Living AU AU AU P AU CU – –
Facilities/Congregate Care
College/University/Vo-Tech CU CU – P AU CU CU CU
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 46 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 4. Residential, Agricultural and Institutional Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

==> picture [502 x 607] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Emergency Shelter CU CU P CU CU CU – CU
Low Barrier Navigation Center – CU P P P P P –
(see subsection (i) of this section)
Hospital/Walk-In Clinic/Birthing – – – CU CU CU CU –
Center/Surgical Facility
Nursing Home AU AU AU AU AU CU – –
Personal Marijuana Cultivation AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU
Police or Fire Station P P P P P P P P
Prison/Protective Care – – – – – – CU –
Private Club CU CU CU P AU CU CU AU
Public Assembly (preschools; AU AU AU AU AU CU CU CU
elementary, middle and high
schools; libraries; community
centers)
Church/Places of Worship Refer to Section 18-19.370
Child/Adult Daycare 14 Patrons AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU
and Greater
Recreational Vehicle Park See Table 5
Safe Parking CU CU CU AU CU CU AU CU
Senior Independent Living Center AU AU – AU AU AU CU –
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 47 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

***** To comply with California Government Code Section 65583.2(c) to allow residential uses by right for housing developments where at least twenty (20%) percent of the units are affordable to lower income households on vacant sites that were identified in the two (2) previous housing elements as referenced in Table 8.39 (or equivalent Table) of the General Plan Housing Element.

b. Production and Sales. Where manufacturing is allowed, incidental sale of items made on the premises is allowed.

c. Dwelling Units on the First Floor. Dwelling units that are proposed for the first floor of any building located in the DC District shall not be established unless a conditional use permit has been granted.

d. Minimum Dwelling Unit Sizes. Except as required for accessory and junior accessory dwellings, per Section 18-19.320, single-family detached dwellings, including manufactured homes, shall have a minimum seven hundred fifty (750) square foot floor area (exclusive of garages and carports), including meeting all requirements in the adopted design standards (i.e., minimum dwelling width, foundation, driveway, roofing pitch/design, etc.). A primary dwelling unit size from four hundred (400) to seven hundred forty-nine (749) square feet (micro primary dwelling) may be approved in any residential zoning district with approval of an administrative use permit. Duplexes, townhomes, and multiplex/multiple-family dwellings shall have a minimum four hundred fifty (450) square feet of floor area.

• e. Residential Care Facilities.

  1. Small Residential Care Facilities. A small residential care facility is permitted in the same district as a single-family or multifamily use; provided, that:

     • (a) It meets all of the regulations of this Zoning Code that apply to the type of housing that is proposed for the care facility; and

     • (b) It is duly licensed by the State of California.

  2. Large Residential Care Facilities. All large residential care facilities are a conditional use in the same districts as a single-family or multifamily use; provided, that:

     • (a) A conditional use permit has been granted by the City of Clearlake;

     • (b) It meets all regulations of this Zoning Code that apply to the type of housing that is proposed for the care facility; and

     • (c) The facility is duly licensed by the State of California.

  3. Supportive Housing and Transitional Housing. Supportive housing and transitional housing are permitted in the same district as a single-family or multifamily use; provided, that:

     • (a) It meets all regulations of this Zoning Code that apply to the type of housing that is proposed for the facility; and

     • (b) The facility is duly licensed by the State of California.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 48 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(c) In accordance with Government Code Section 65583 supportive and transitional housing shall be considered a residential use of property and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

4. Multiplex and Multifamily Housing in the HDR District.

(a) Multiplex and multifamily housing is limited use in the HDR District; provided, that it is a minimum of sixteen (16) dwelling units per acre.

(b) Multiplex and multifamily housing that is less than sixteen (16) dwelling units per acre shall not be permitted unless a conditional use permit has been granted by the City.

(c) Housing other than multifamily housing is not permitted in the HDR District, unless a conditional use permit has been issued. Such developments are limited to the following types:

• (1) Mixed-housing cluster; or

• (2) Traditional neighborhood development.

f. Personal Cannabis Cultivation. Personal cannabis cultivation, typically conducted in residential zones, shall comply with regulations concerning cannabis uses established by Ordinance 200-17, 2017, and incorporated into this Zoning Code as Article 18-41, in order to avoid adverse effects that may result from the use, as set forth in more detail in the ordinance and associated ordinance provisions that remains in full force and effect.

g. Older Mobile Homes. Mobile homes that were constructed more than ten (10) years from the date of proposed installation shall be prohibited.

• h. Agricultural Operations.

  1. Definitions.

     • (a) “Adult” refers to an animal over six (6) months of age. Offspring are not counted up until this point.

     • (b) “Livestock” includes but is not limited to:

       • (1) Small: poultry (including ducks, chickens), rabbit;

       • (2) Medium: sheep, mules, goats;

       • (3) Large: horse, cow, swine.

  2. Growing and harvesting of trees, vines, vegetables, field crops, grains, pasture and other agricultural commodities.

3. Sale of agricultural products, including sale at roadside stands, if the products are produced on the property where the sale is conducted.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 49 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

4. Raising of small livestock (up to four (4) adults per five thousand (5,000) square feet in LDR and MDR when occupied with a single-family dwelling; otherwise up to fifty (50) per acre), excluding roosters in LDR and MDR.

5. Beekeeping (one (1) beehive per half acre, no less than twenty (20') feet from property lines in LDR and MDR when occupied with a single-family dwelling; otherwise unlimited as long as no more than two (2) hives within one (1) mile of a populated area).

6. 4-H/FFA projects permitted without limitation with a minimum of one-half (1/2) acre.

7. Excluding LDR and MDR:

(a) Agricultural service establishments primarily engaged in performing agricultural animal husbandry or horticultural services including but not limited to large animal veterinary practices, blacksmiths, farm management offices, custom meat cutting, and other agriculturally dependent uses which are of a similar character and not substantially different from the list above.

(b) Agricultural processing such as fruit dehydrators and packing sheds not exceeding a use area of five thousand (5,000) square feet.

(c) Open space uses including but not limited to wildlife habitat, wetlands and game preserves but not including hunting clubs.

• (d) Raising of medium livestock, up to ten (10) adults per acre.

• (e) Raising of large livestock, up to two (2) adults per acre.

i. Low Barrier Navigation Center. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65662, this use is considered to be a use allowed by right in all mixed-use and nonresidential zones. In MDR and HDR Zones, this use is permitted by right subject to permitting multifamily uses if it meets the specified requirements.

j. Temporary Employee and Farmworker Housing. In accordance with California Government Health and Safety Code Section 17021.6 any employee housing consisting of no more than thirty-six (36) beds in a group quarter, or twelve (12) units or spaces designed for use of a single family or household shall be deemed an agricultural land use designation and be allowed by right. All employee and farmworker housing shall adhere to the California Building Code. If the employee and farmworker housing exceed thirty-six (36) beds in a group quarter(s) or twelve (12) units or spaces, shall be subject to obtaining a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Commercial, recreation and amusement use table: Commercial, recreation and amusement uses are allowed in each zoning district as provided in Table 5.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 50 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 5. Commercial, Recreation and Amusement Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [504 x 578] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business
Mixed- Open
Residential and Industrial
Use Space
Land Use Commercial
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Commercial Uses
Adult-Oriented Businesses (see – – – – – – – –
subsection (a) of this section)
Alcoholic Beverage Regulations Refer to Section 18-19.110 (Special Uses)
Automobile Repairs – – – CU CU – AU –
Automobile Sales – – – CU CU CU CU –
Auto Sound Installation (see subsection – – – AU AU – AU CU
(c) of this section)
Bed and Breakfast Inn AU AU – P P P AU –
Campground CU – – – – CU CU CU
(RR
Only)
Cannabis Dispensary (includes delivery – – – CU* CU* – CU* –
and non-delivery and microbusinesses)
(see subsection (b) of this section)
Commercial Retail/Business – – – P P P P –
Services/Personal Services/Shopping
Centers
Event Facility/Banquet Hall/Dance Hall/ – – – C AU CU – –
Lodge
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 51 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 5. Commercial, Recreation and Amusement Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

==> picture [504 x 607] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use
Zoning Districts
Business
Mixed- Open
Residential and Industrial
Use Space
Land Use Commercial
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Commercial Uses
Gas Station/Light Automobile Service/Car – – – AU A CU AU –
Wash (except for electrical vehicle
charging stations)
General Professional, Medical Office – – – P P CU P –
Heavy Retail, Home Center – – – CU P CU P –
Hotels, Motels – – – P P CU AU –
Restaurant; No Drive-Through – – – P P AU AU –
Restaurant; With Drive-Through – – – AU AU AU AU –
Recreational Vehicle Park CU – – CU – CU – –
(RR
Only)
Secondhand Dealers and Pawn Brokers, – – – AU AU CU AU –
Including Thrift Stores
Small Animal Veterinarian – – – AU P AU AU –
Tattoo Parlor – – – CU CU CU CU –
Tobacco Sales – – – CU CU CU CU –
Truck Stop/Truck Wash – – – CU CU CU CU –
24-Hour Commercial Retail – – – AU P CU AU –
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 52 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 5. Commercial, Recreation and Amusement Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [504 x 496] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business
Mixed- Open
Residential and Industrial
Use Space
Land Use Commercial
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Commercial Uses
24-Hour Restaurant; No Drive-Through – – – AU P CU AU –
24-Hour Restaurant; With Drive-Through – – – AU AU CU AU –
Indoor Commercial Amusement – – – P P CU AU CU
Indoor Recreation/Personal Fitness AU AU AU P P CU CU –
Indoor Shooting Range – – – CU CU CU CU –
Other Outdoor Commercial Amusement – – – CU CU CU CU CU
Outdoor Recreation (excludes camping) P P P P P P P P
and RV parks)
Outdoor Shooting or Archery Range – – – – – CU CU CU
Stadiums/Amphitheaters/Arenas/Outdoor – – – CU CU CU CU CU
Performing Arts Facilities
Vacation Rentals ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP ZP
Wholesale Business – – – AU AU – CU –
----- End of picture text -----

a. Adult Oriented Businesses. Regulations concerning adult oriented businesses are addressed in Article 18-16, in order to avoid adverse effects that may result from the operation of such businesses, as set forth in more detail in the ordinance that has been incorporated. Minor sales of adult merchandise, books, periodicals, magazines, photographs, drawings, sculptures, motion pictures, videos, slides, films in IN, GC and DC Zones, not exceeding twenty-five (25%) percent of the floor area of the business, may be allowed.

d adverse effects that may result from the operation of such businesses, as set forth in more detail in the ordinance that has been incorporated. Minor sales of adult merchandise, books, periodicals, magazines, photographs, drawings, sculptures, motion pictures, videos, slides, films in IN, GC and DC Zones, not exceeding twenty-five (25%) percent of the floor area of the business, may be allowed.

• b. Cannabis Dispensaries.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 53 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. Delivery only cannabis dispensaries must be located within the CBR Combining District. Regulations concerning cannabis uses established by Ordinances 200-17 and 229-2019 incorporated into this Zoning Code, and Article 5-20, are set forth to avoid adverse effects that may result from the operation of such businesses, as set forth in more detail in the ordinance that adopted the CBR combining zoning district and associated ordinance provisions, which remain in full force and effect.

2. Retail only cannabis dispensaries and cannabis microbusinesses must be located within CBR Combining District. Regulations concerning cannabis uses in accordance with Section 18-19.140, and as set forth in more detail in Article 5-20, are established in order to avoid adverse effects that may result from the operation of such businesses.

c. Auto Sound System Installation. Auto sound installation services may be approved only as an accessory use to the retail sales of auto sound systems on the same site subject to approval of an administrative use permit. Administrative use permit review shall consider parking space displacement, noise from the operation and the appearance and visibility of the installation area. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Industrial, communications and transportation land use table. Industrial, communications and transportation uses are allowed in each zoning district as provided in Table 6.

Table 6. Industrial, Communications and Transportation Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [502 x 255] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Industrial Uses
Broadcasting Center/Satellite – – – AU – – P –
Farm/Server Farm/Switching
Facility
*Commercial Cannabis (see
subsection (a) of this section)
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 54 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 6. Industrial, Communications and Transportation Uses

==> picture [502 x 612] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU
= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Disposal-Composting Facility CU – – – – – CU –
(RR
Only)
Disposal – – – – – – CU CU
Extraction – – – – – – CU CU
Heavy Industry – – – – – – CU –
Heavy Retail, Lumberyards and – – – CU – – CU –
Equipment
Light Industry – – – AU – AU P –
Power Generation, Fossil Fuel – – – – – – AU –
Power Generation, Renewable CU CU CU AU AU AU P P
Fuel
Recycling Centers – – – C C C C –
Reverse Vending Machines Inside – – – ZP ZP ZP ZP –
or Outside a Building When
Associated With Active
Commercial Use
Small Recycling Center – – – CU CU CU CU –
Large Recycling Center – – – – – – CU –
Recycling Processing Center – – – – – – CU –
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 55 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 6. Industrial, Communications and Transportation Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [502 x 593] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Research/Testing Laboratory – – – AU AU P P –
Salvage Yard – – – – – CU P –
Storage Yard – – – – – AU P –
Trucking – – – – – AU P –
Waste Transfer Station – – – – – CU P –
Transportation and Storage Uses
Airport – – – – – – CU CU
Bus Depot – – – CU CU CU P –
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations AU AU AU P P P P P
Helicopter Facilities (except for – – – CU CU – CU CU
emergency service facilities) –
Refer to Section 18-19.353, and
Definitions Section Regarding
Helicopter Facilities
Emergency Service Helicopter P P P P P P P P
Facilities That Consist of Rooftop
Emergency Facilities, Emergency
Medical Services Helicopter
Landing Areas, Temporary
Helicopter Landing Sites, and
Emergency Use Facilities – Refer
to Section 18-19.353, and
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 56 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 6. Industrial, Communications and Transportation Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to a Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU

= Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [502 x 389] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Definitions Section Regarding
Helicopter Facilities
Commercial Impound/Tow Yard – – – CU – – P –
Self-Storage – – – AU – – P –
Warehousing and Logistics/ – – – – – P P –
Distribution Centers
Wireless Telecommunications Facilities
Attached Facilities – – – AU AU CU P P
Non-Stealth Freestanding – – – – CU CU CU CU
Facilities
Stealth Freestanding Facilities – – – AU AU AU AU AU
----- End of picture text -----

a. Commercial Cannabis Business Uses. Cannabis business uses must be located within the CB Combining District which is referenced on a separate Zoning Map. Regulations concerning cannabis uses in accordance with Section 18-19.150 are established in order to avoid adverse effects that may result from the operation of such businesses, as set forth in more detail in the ordinance that adopted the combining zone and associated ordinance provisions, which remain in full force and effect.

b. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations. Section 18-19.230 provides for expedited permit processing for electric vehicle charging stations.

c. Manufacturing and production uses in the MUX Zone are limited to uses less than five thousand (5,000) square feet with a retail outlet. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 57 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• a. Temporary Land Use Table. Temporary uses are allowed in each zoning district, as provided in Table 7.

Table 7. Temporary Uses

P = Use Allowed; ZP = Subject to Zoning Permit; AU = Subject to Administrative Permit; CU = Subject to Conditional Use Permit From Planning Commission; – = Not an Allowable Use

==> picture [502 x 416] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zoning Districts
Business and Mixed- Open
Residential Industrial
Commercial Use Space
Land Use
RR
and MDR HDR GC DC MUX IN O
LDR
Temporary Uses
Asphalt or Concrete Plant – – – – – – AU –
Farmers’ Markets – – – ZP ZP ZP – ZP
Farm Stand ZP – – ZP ZP ZP – ZP
Model Homes/On-Site Real Estate AU AU AU – – AU – –
Offices
Portable Classrooms AU AU AU AU AU AU – –
Temporary Construction Yard AU AU AU AU AU AU AU AU
Tent Sale/Outdoor Sales Event – – – AU AU AU AU AU
Temporary Use of a Recreational Refer to Section 18-19.010
Vehicle, Travel Trailer, Truck
Camper and/or similar vehicle
----- End of picture text -----

b. Uses Not Listed. If a proposed use is not listed in this section and the Director has made a determination that the use is either a subcategory of a permitted, limited or conditional use or a use that is functionally similar to a permitted, limited or conditional use, the Director will authorize a proposed use. If the Director determines that a proposed use is not a subcategory of or functionally similar to a permitted, limited or conditional use, then the use is a prohibited use. The Director may refer a proposed use to the Planning Commission for determination.

c. Older Mobile Homes. Mobile homes that were constructed more than ten (10) years from the date of proposed installation shall be prohibited. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 58 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. The provisions codified in this article provide for certain temporary and intermittent uses. They establish standards and procedures to assure that such uses are compatible with their surroundings and the intent of these regulations.

In approving a temporary or an intermittent use, the Director may establish requirements related to, but not limited to, days and hours of operation, parking, temporary structures and site planning, in addition to performance standards specified below. The Director shall determine the extent to which any permanent on-site parking and other facilities may satisfy the requirements for the proposed use. A temporary use approval is not intended to allow a land use that is not allowed in the primary zoning district, other than in the specific cases listed in subsection (c) of this section.

The Director may refer any proposed temporary or intermittent use to an administrative hearing or to the Planning Commission for action.

b. Definitions. A temporary use is one which is established at a particular location for less than one (1) year. An intermittent use is one which occurs no more than ninety (90) days in a (calendar) year, but which may continue from year to year. Temporary and intermittent uses for businesses shall consist of activities that represent a variation from the normal business operations, e.g., parking lot sales, benefits and special events. Temporary and intermittent uses are not intended to serve the primary purpose of allowing flexibility from sign regulations or other City codes.

c. Specific Cases.

1. Real Estate Sales Offices in Residential Tracts. A temporary real estate sales office may be established in a residential development for the initial sale of property in that development, upon written approval by the Director. Such an office may be located within a residence or a common or temporary building. If a temporary building is used, it shall be removed upon termination of the use.

2. Portable Buildings Used for Construction Offices.

(a) Temporary Office. A zoning permit is required to allow a mobile home to be used as a temporary office at a construction site when associated with an active building permit. Said zoning permit shall not be valid for more than six (6) months and shall be subject to any conditions deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public. The mobile home must be properly connected to municipal utilities or have other safe means of waste/water disposal. Upon written request received prior to expiration, the use may be continued for six (6) month periods, not to exceed a total of eighteen (18) months, by the Director.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 59 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(b) Temporary On-Site Caretaker/Resident Guard for a Construction Site. A zoning permit is required to allow a mobile home to be used as a temporary on-site caretaker/resident guard when associated with an active building permit. Said zoning permit shall not be valid for more than six (6) months and shall be subject to any conditions deemed necessary to protect the health, safety and general welfare of the public. The mobile home must be properly connected to municipal utilities or have other safe means of waste/water disposal. Upon written request received prior to expiration, the use may be continued for six (6) month periods, not to exceed a total of eighteen (18) months, by the Director.

3. Temporary Use of a Recreational Vehicle (RV), Travel Trailer, Camper or Similar Vehicle.

(a) Temporary use of a recreational vehicle, travel trailer and/or similar vehicle may be lawfully operated in a mobile home park, travel trailer park, recreational vehicle park or campground.

(b) Parking of vehicles for purposes of overnight camping or sleeping within City streets, areas of the public right-of-way and City-owned parking areas, is prohibited unless otherwise specifically allowed in this code, such as safe parking provisions of Section 18-19.350.

(c) Temporary Dwelling During the Construction of Primary Residence. A zoning permit is required to allow one (1) travel trailer, recreational vehicle, truck camper or similar vehicle to be used as a temporary dwelling in six (6) month intervals, not to exceed a total of eighteen (18) months when associated with an active building permit to construct a single-family dwelling. Said temporary use shall adhere to the following conditions:

• (1) Shall be placed on the lot where the residence will be constructed.

• (2) Shall be placed where it will not interfere with development of the parcel.

(3) Shall not be placed with the public right-of-way, within easements and/or block emergency access.

(4) Property owner shall secure and maintain an active building permit to construct a single-family dwelling(s) and complete the construction in a timely manner. If the building permit expires and/or the applicant fails to make building progress, including passing inspections, the zoning permit shall become null and void and the temporary dwelling shall be removed from the site.

(5) The temporary dwelling shall be connected to the sanitary sewer/water system, or a well or be self-contained. If self-contained, the unit must have a contract with a disposal agency to service the unit on a regular basis. A copy of the agreement must be provided to City representatives upon request.

(6) Upon securing temporary occupancy and/or final inspection, the recreational vehicle, travel trailer, truck camper or similar vehicle shall be disconnected from all utilities and stored on site as accessory to the primary established use and/or stored off site at an appropriate storage facility.

(7) The City may require and/or impose additional requirements as necessary, including revoking the zoning permit if found in violation of City Municipal Code Standards.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 60 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(d) Recreational Vehicle as a Guest Residence. A zoning permit may allow a recreational vehicle to be parked in a residential parking space and/or driveway of a parcel with an established residential dwelling for a period not to exceed seven (7) days, for the purpose of housing guests. Said temporary use shall adhere to the following conditions:

(1) The temporary guest recreational vehicle shall not be parked to prevent residents of any dwellings on the site from using their assigned parking spaces.

(2) The temporary guest recreational vehicle shall not be placed with the public right-of-way, within easements and/or block emergency access.

(3) The temporary guest recreational vehicle shall not discharge waste or sewage into the sanitary sewage system.

(4) No hose, electrical cord, pipe, wire, or other device extending from the vehicle may be permitted to encroach on any access easement or sidewalk.

(5) Upon expiration of the zoning permit (seven (7) days from date of issuance), the temporary guest recreational vehicle shall be removed and stored in compliance with all applicable codes and requirements.

(6) The City may require and/or impose additional requirements as necessary, including revoking the zoning permit if found in violation of City Municipal Code Standards.

(e) Vacant/Undeveloped Parcels. No recreational vehicle, motorhomes, travel trailers, camper shells, automobiles, or similar vehicles and equipment shall be placed, stored and/or used for living or sleeping quarters on undeveloped/vacant parcels, except in subsection (c)(3)(c) or (c)(3)(d) of this section.

4. Construction Activities. Construction and demolition, including fabrication of building components and other activities normally associated with property development and maintenance, may be conducted in any zone, provided they are pursued according to plans and procedures approved by the Building Official.

5. Parades, Carnivals, Fairs and Festivals. Use of privately owned property for parades, carnivals, fairs and festivals requires approval of an administrative use permit. Where these events involve public property, coordination with the City Clerk’s office is required.

6. Other Temporary or Intermittent Uses. Upon approval of a zoning permit or administrative use permit, the Director may approve other temporary or intermittent uses, including but not limited to: musical events, auctions, estate sales, clothing outlet sales, nonprofit benefits, parking lot sales and car shows. At the discretion of the Director, certain small-scale events with limited duration, consisting of activities with no potential to detrimentally affect those working and living in the vicinity, may be allowed through administrative action without a public hearing. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 61 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Sales of Christmas Trees and Other Agricultural Products. Upon written approval by the Director, premises within nonresidential zones may be used for the sale of Christmas trees, pumpkins, flowers or seasonal produce, subject to the following requirements and any other conditions that the Director deems necessary to improve land use compatibility and/or assure the public’s health and safety.

1. Sales shall be limited to Christmas trees, pumpkins or seasonal produce and related accessory items only, as specified in the letter of approval.

2. Sales of Christmas trees shall not be conducted before Thanksgiving or after December 26th. The duration of pumpkin and seasonal produce sales shall be subject to Director approval.

3. The site shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner at all times. All sales items, sales equipment, temporary power poles, other temporary structures and signage shall be kept behind a ten (10') foot setback from all street rights-of-way and they shall be removed within ten (10) days after the close of the sale. Trash and recycling receptacles shall be provided in a convenient location for customers.

4. A camper or trailer for overnight security may be parked on site, subject to the approval of the Director, for the duration of the permit, if kept more than ten (10') feet back from the street right-of-way.

5. A sign permit shall be obtained for any proposed signage. Maximum sign area shall not exceed thirty-two (32) square feet. No bunting strips, banners, flags, whirligigs or other attention-getting devices shall be displayed on site without Director approval.

6. When the use is temporary or intermittent, the applicant may be required to post a refundable deposit, set by the Director to assure site cleanup, if necessary. Deposit shall be in the form of a cashier’s check to the City and shall be made prior to occupying the site.

7. Outdoor sales lots are subject to all fire safety measures, including location of fire extinguishers, subject to approval by the Fire Chief.

8. Any Christmas trees sold for use in public facilities shall be flame proofed with a State Fire Marshal approved material by a State licensed application.

9. Applicant shall obtain a City business tax certificate. A copy of the Director’s approval and the business tax certificate shall be posted in a conspicuous location at all times when the use is in operation.

10. The applicant shall secure a building permit for any structure requiring a permit associated with the use. The plan shall include a site plan that shows the proposed vehicular circulation pattern, parking layout and location of structures. Plans shall also demonstrate compliance with Title 24 requirements for disabled accessibility.

11. The use shall comply with all requirements of the County Environmental Health Department.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 62 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

12. Restroom facilities shall be provided either on site or on a nearby property, subject to approval of the Director.

13. No sales or display shall take place in the public right-of-way.

14. Upon written receipt of complaints from the public or the Police Department, the Director’s approval may be scheduled for administrative hearing review. At the public hearing, the Hearing Officer may add, delete or modify conditions of approval or may revoke the approval.

b. Other Outdoor Sales. Outdoor sales of nonagricultural products, such as mobile food facilities, barbecues and swap meets, shall be limited to the types of retail sales allowed in the location’s zone. “Outdoor sales” may be temporary, intermittent or permanent. “Outdoor sales” do not include incidental outdoor display of merchandise associated with a business occupying a building on the site, nor sale of things usually sold outdoors, such as boats, vehicles and building or landscape materials. (See also Articles 6-4, Sidewalk Vendors; License Required; Regulations, and 6-9, Itinerant Businesses; Permits; Regulations.)

1. Other outdoor sales require approval of an administrative use permit, except in cases where the Director determines a Planning Commission use permit would be more appropriate. Parking requirements, setbacks to sales or storage areas, safety and aesthetic screening and other development standards usually related to buildings shall be established by use permit approval.

• c. Garage and Yard Sales. On residentially developed parcels, garage or yard sales are allowed a maximum of four (4) times within a twelve (12) month period subject to the following requirements:

  1. Each garage or yard sale may not exceed three (3) consecutive days.

  2. Each unit within multifamily or condominium projects and common interest subdivisions may have up to four (4) garage/yard sales in approved common areas with the permission of the homeowner’s association for sales within common areas, property owner or property manager.

  3. Items shall consist of normally accumulated household items (clothing, furniture, etc.).

  4. One on-site sign not to exceed four (4) square feet shall be permitted during the sale. No other signs are permitted in the area and no signs may be displayed in the public right-of-way. On-site signs shall be consistent with applicable sign regulations.

  5. Garage/yard sales are not permitted on vacant lots. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Distribution facilities may be located in any zone; provided, that equipment on the ground in residential zones shall be screened by landscaped visual barriers.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 63 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

b. Transmission lines may be located in any zone, provided the route is approved by the Planning Commission. Where feasible, transmission lines shall be located underground.

c. Other unmanned public utility structures may be located in any zone, provided an administrative use permit is approved by the Director. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

Commercial mining, including geothermal activities, is prohibited within City limits. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of gas stations and automobile repair in commercial zones. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise, idling vehicles and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit Required. Gas stations and automobile repair are permitted subject to a conditional use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations, subject to certain performance standards.

c. Performance Standards. All gas stations and automobile repair shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Premises adjoining residential zones shall be screened from gas stations and automobile repair by a six (6') foot high landscaped visual barrier, subject to the limitations of Section 18-20.070, Fences, Walls, Trash Enclosures and Hedges.

2. Street frontage between driveways shall have a low wall or other landscape barrier to prevent vehicles from being driven or parked on the sidewalk.

3. Bells or other sound signals shall be turned off between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. if the gas station and/ or automobile repair is located next to a residential zone or next to a residence.

4. Pump islands shall be located at least fifteen (15') feet from any street right-of-way line or setback line, except that roofs may extend to a point at least five (5') feet from such lines.

5. Repair work shall be conducted and dismantled vehicles shall be stored inside a building or area screened so that it is not visible from off the premises. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 64 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that have car wash facilities in commercial zones. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise, idling vehicles and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit Required. Car washes are permitted subject to a conditional use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations, subject to the following standards:

c. Performance Standards. All car washes shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Automated Car Washes.

(a) No automated car wash building or structure shall be located within twenty-five (25') feet of any public street right-of-way or within twenty-five (25') feet of a residentially zoned or developed property.

(b) Walls. Other than along a street frontage, an automated car wash facility shall be separated from an adjacent property by a masonry wall of not less than five (5') feet nor more than six (6') feet in height. If the location of the ingress and egress areas of the site may hinder or obstruct vehicular visibility to and from the subject site, the Planning Commission may allow the wall to be reduced to a minimum of three (3') feet in height for a maximum distance of eighteen (18') feet from the street frontage property line. Materials, texture, colors and design of all walls shall be compatible with the design of the principal structures on the subject site.

(c) No automated car wash building can exceed twenty (20') feet in width, fifty (50') feet in depth and twenty (20') feet in height.

2. Manual and Automated Car Washes.

(a) Queuing of Vehicles. An on-site queuing plan shall be approved by the City Engineer. Traffic circulation shall be designed to ensure efficient circulation on and off the subject site and ensure that the car wash will not obstruct the use of the service station gasoline dispensers, drive aisles, back-up areas or parking spaces. Furthermore, vehicles should not queue onto a public street, alley or driveway.

(b) Water Recycling. Recycling of water used for vehicle washing shall be maximized. The use of recycling water systems and the disposal of water fluids and solids shall comply with applicable State and Federal guidelines/standards and must be approved by Lake County Special Districts (if located within District).

(c) Noise. All car washes must comply with the City’s noise ordinance. The use of outdoor loudspeakers or public address systems is prohibited. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 65 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that have drive-through facilities in commercial zones. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise, idling vehicles and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit Required. Drive-through facilities are permitted subject to a conditional use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations, subject to the following performance standards.

c. Performance Standards. All drive-through facilities shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Entries and/or exits to drive-through facilities should be a minimum of one hundred (100') feet from any intersection or from another drive-through facility on the same side of the street, except within a shopping center. Shorter distances from road intersections may be approved if the City Engineer determines that public safety and/or the efficiency of traffic circulation will not be compromised.

2. Drive-through stacking lanes should be a minimum of one hundred (100') feet from any residential zoned lot.

3. Sound attenuation walls, landscaping or other mitigation measures may be required as necessary to mitigate drive-through speaker and traffic noise on nearby residential uses.

4. Drive-through aisles should have a minimum twelve (12') foot width on curves and a minimum eleven (11') foot width on straight sections.

5. Drive-through aisles should provide sufficient stacking area behind the menu board to accommodate a minimum of six (6) cars (approximately one hundred fourteen (114') feet).

6. No drive-through aisles should exit directly into a public right-of-way. Aisles should be integrated with the on-site circulation and should merge with the driveway.

7. Drive-through aisles should be separated from landscaping areas by a six (6") inch high, poured in place, concrete curb or other suitable protective device meeting City approval.

8. Landscaping should screen drive-through aisles to the extent feasible. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 66 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that sell secondhand goods, including antiques and pawn shops. Also, in accordance with California Business and Professions Code Sections 21300 and 21641, these regulations provide for licensing of these types of businesses by the City. These regulations, by their nature, have some objectionable characteristics and when concentrated, can contribute to the blighting or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhood. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit and Clearances Required. Any retail sales of secondhand goods, including antique stores, secondhand or thrift shops, and/or pawn shops shall require clearance from the Police Department and a seller’s permit from the California Board of Equalization. Secondhand, thrift shops, and/or pawn shops shall require a use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations (refer to Table 5), subject to the following performance standards:

c. Performance Standards. All retail sales of secondhand goods shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment. Where applicable donation drop-off activities shall either take place inside the building with donators entering the building and leaving items with an employee or if done outside the building the items must be directly given to a store employee.

1. All donations at retail storefront sites are to be accepted during normal business hours as there are to be no donations accepted or left outside the facility after normal business hours. Donation drop-off activities shall either take place inside the building with donators entering the building and leaving items with an employee or if done outside the building the items must be directly given to a store employee.

   2. All storage and sales of secondhand goods, including drop-off items, shall be within an enclosed building.

• d. Unattended Donation Boxes.

  1. Definitions for donation box facilities are referenced in Article 18-45 under donation box facilities.

2. Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to promote the health, safety, and/or welfare of the public by providing minimum blight-related performance standards for the operation of unattended donation/ collection boxes (UDCBs). This includes establishing criteria to ensure that material is not allowed to accumulate outside of the UDCBs, the UDCBs remain free of graffiti and blight, UDCBs are maintained in sanitary conditions, and residents and/or users are fully informed of those who operate the UDCBs so that they can be contacted if there are any blight-related questions or concerns.

3. Responsibility. The parcel owner and the UDCB operator (operator) have joint and several liability for blight-related conditions and/or compliance with this section, including fees, administrative citations, civil actions, and/or legal remedies relating to a UDCB. The parcel owner remains liable for any violation of duties

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 67 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

imposed by this section even if the parcel owner has, by agreement, imposed on the operator the duty of complying with the provisions of this section.

4. Maintenance.

(a) No blight shall be within twenty (20') feet of the UDCB including but not limited to donation/ collection overflow, litter, debris, and dumped material.

(b) UDCBs shall be maintained and in good working order. Items to be repaired, removed, and/or abated include, but are not limited to, graffiti, removed or damaged signs and notifications, peeling paint, rust, and broken collection operating mechanisms.

(c) UDCBs shall be serviced not less than weekly between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekends. This servicing includes the removal of donated/collected material and abatement of the blight described in this section.

(d) The operator shall maintain an active email address and a twenty-four (24) hour telephone service with recording capability for the public to register complaints.

(e) UDCBs cannot be used for the collection of solid waste and/or any hazardous materials.

5. Standards and Requirements.

(a) A UDCB is only permitted on a lot that also contains a principal building that contains at least one (1) operating business.

• (b) UDCBs are prohibited within any of the following locations:

  • (1) Fifty (50') feet from lots that lie in a residential, detached unit residential, or mixed housing type residential zone as designated in the City’s Zoning Maps;

  • (2) The public right-of-way and twenty (20') feet of the public right-of-way;

  • (3) Five (5') feet from any property line; or

  • (4) Landscaping.

• (c) UDCBs cannot block or impede access to:

  • (1) Required parking or driveways;

  • (2) Pedestrian routes;

  • (3) Emergency vehicle routes;

  • (4) Building ingress and egress;

  • (5) Required handicapped accessibility routes;

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 68 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (6) Required easements; or

• (7) Trash enclosure areas or access to trash bins/trash enclosures.

(d) No more than one (1) UDCB is permitted per parcel unless documented evidence is submitted to the Director that a second bin is required due to the volume of items delivered to the site. A UDCB must be operating at a site for at least ninety (90) days in order to establish that a second bin is required. Both UDCBs shall have the same operator. No fee is required to submit an application for this second bin.

(e) The donation/collection area must be visible from the principal building and be no more than ten (10') feet from a continually operating light source of at least one (1) footcandle.

6. Contact Information Required. The UDCB must have the following information conspicuously displayed on at least two (2") inch type visible from the front of the UDCB:

(a) The name, address, twenty-four (24) hour telephone number, and, if available, the internet web address, and email address of the owner and operator of the UDCB and the parcel owner/owner agent;

• (b) Address and parcel number of the site;

(c) Instructions on the process to register a complaint regarding the UDCB to the City Code Enforcement Division;

• (d) The type of material that may be deposited;

• (e) A notice stating that no material shall be left outside the UDCB;

• (f) The pickup schedule for the UDCB;

(g) The parcel containing the UDCB shall display a sign with text in at least two (2") inch typeface stating that no material shall be left outside the UDCB. This sign shall be installed at a visually conspicuous location within a radius of twenty (20') feet from the UDCB. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that are agritourism in any zone. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit Required. Agritourism businesses must be five (5) acres in size or greater, and are subject to a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. Those less than forty (40) acres are subject to an administrative use permit from the Director. In both cases, agritourism businesses shall comply with the performance standards.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 69 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

c. Performance Standards. All agritourism businesses shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Hours of operation shall be limited to 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

2. Provide sufficient parking in compliance with the City’s parking requirements (see Section 18-20.090)

3. Parking areas and access roads shall have an active dust control program.

4. All uses shall be accessory and supplemental to permitted agricultural use on site. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of wineries in any zone. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit Required. Wineries are permitted subject to a conditional use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations, subject to the performance standards.

c. Performance Standards. All wineries shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Provide sufficient parking in compliance with the City’s parking requirements (see Section 18-20.090).

2. Access roads to winery structures shall meet State and local fire safe standards as determined by the Fire District. Alternative design allowances and/or requirements may be determined on a case-by-case basis for modification to the standards, dependent upon anticipated level of use, site constraints, turnout opportunities, road length, slope and other site-specific issues.

3. If a winery is accessed from a County, City or State maintained road/highway, an encroachment permit may be required to address ingress, egress and sight-distance requirements.

4. If a winery is accessed by a private road, the applicant shall provide reasonable proof of access rights as determined by the City Engineer.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 70 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

5. If the winery is served by well water and there are more than twenty-five (25) people on site in a sixty (60) day period, employees and guests shall be provided with bottled water for consumption, unless otherwise approved by the County Environmental Health Division. Well water shall meet potable water standards for the purposes of dishwashing and hand washing.

6. All solid waste shall be stored in a manner that prevents the propagation, harborage or attraction of flies, rodents, vector or other nuisance conditions. Pomace, culls, lees and stems may be recycled on site in accordance with the report of waste discharge approved for each individual winery by the Regional Water Quality Control Board.

7. Standards for waste disposal shall be set, where applicable, by the regional water quality control board and shall be stipulated in the report of waste discharge.

8. If public sanitary sewer is not available, then the on-site sewage disposal system shall be designed in compliance with City Code and sized to accommodate employee, tasting room and commercial sewage flows. Portable toilets may be approved by the City for temporary and promotional events.

9. The primary focus of the tasting area shall be the marketing and sale of the wine and grape products produced at the winery. Incidental sales of wine-related merchandise and food shall be allowed subject to the requirements of the California Retail Food Code. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that sell alcohol for on-sale or off-sale consumption in commercial zones. Also, in accordance with California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Act, as may be amended from time to time, these regulations provide for licensing of these types of businesses by the City. It is recognized that these establishments, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics and when concentrated, can contribute to the blighting or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhood. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation and review of these uses is necessary.

b. Permit and Clearances Required. Alcoholic beverage sales, including adding to the capacity, floor area or shelf space devoted to alcoholic beverages, may be permitted once applicants have secured clearances from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control Department, the Clearlake Police Department, and upon securing the appropriate use permit defined in Table 8.

Table 8. Alcoholic Beverage Sales and On-Site Consumption Uses

==> picture [482 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Sales Activity Required Permit
Alcoholic beverage sales and on-site consumption Permitted
when associated with a sit-down restaurant
Sells and serves beer and wine only Administrative Use Permit
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 71 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 8. Alcoholic Beverage Sales and On-Site Consumption Uses

==> picture [482 x 71] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Sales Activity Required Permit
Sells or serves alcoholic beverage (except beer and Conditional Use Permit
wine alone)
----- End of picture text -----

c. Performance Standards. All alcoholic beverage sales shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

Table 9. Alcoholic Beverage Performance Standards

Performance Standards for Alcoholic Beverage Sales NSB – On-Site Alcoholic Beverage Sales FSB – Off-Site Alcoholic Beverage Sales

==> picture [482 x 382] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Applicable to: Performance Standard
NSB/FSB All servers within 90 days of employment receive “responsible beverage service
training,” and the City have documentation of this training, retained on the
premises.
NSB/FSB All graffiti shall be removed on any part of the property within 48 hours of its
appearance.
NSB/FSB A sign concerning the California law prohibiting minors to drink alcohol and a sign
prohibiting loitering or public drinking must be posted on the site at all times.
NSB/FSB A copy of the conditions of approval must be kept on premises and available upon
request.
NSB/FSB Trash receptacles shall be located at convenient locations outside the
establishment and operators of the business shall remove all trash on a daily basis.
NSB/FSB If any of the conditions are found to be disregarded, the use permit for alcohol
sales may be revoked and this aspect of the business operation may be
immediately suspended.
NSB No sale of alcohol for off-site consumption.
NSB Establish and maintain a “complaint response/community relations” program with
the Police Department.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 72 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 9. Alcoholic Beverage Performance Standards

d. Criteria for Approving an Alcoholic Beverage Use Permit. When approving a use permit for alcoholic beverage sales, the following circumstances related to public convenience or necessity shall be considered by the decisionmaking body:

1. The number of businesses having authority to sell alcoholic beverages in the census tract of applicant;

2. The extent to which crime reporting has been experienced within the project vicinity neighborhood or area;

3. The extent to which the ratio of on-sale retail establishments or off-sale retail establishments, including consideration of the size of those establishments, of the census tract in which the project is located exceeds the population ratio of on-sale or off-sale, respectively, of County;

4. The concentration of other similar liquor-related businesses within the project vicinity or area;

5. The proximity of the project to schools, parks, playgrounds, recreational centers, day cares or similar

use;

6. Other criteria that may come under consideration when reviewing the application for the use permit, including, but not limited to:

(a) The proposed establishment will promote the City’s economic health, contribute to Clearlake General Plan policies or further district purposes;

(b) The economic benefits associated with the establishment could not reasonably be achieved without the proposed alcohol sales;

(c) The applicant has not operated a licensed establishment which has been the subject of verified complaints or violations regarding alcohol, public safety or nuisance statutes or regulations;

(d) The Police Department has reported that the proposed establishment would not be expected to add to crime in the area;

(e) The extent to which products other than alcoholic beverages are sold by applicant and the extent to which alcoholic beverages are incidental to the other products; and

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 73 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(f) The extent to which the particular alcohol products being sold may be subject to abuse. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation of businesses that sell tobacco in commercial zones. It is recognized that these establishments, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics and when concentrated, can contribute to the blighting or downgrading of the surrounding neighborhood. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation and review of these uses are necessary.

b. Permit and Clearances Required. Tobacco product sales, including adding to the capacity, floor area or shelf space devoted to tobacco products, may be permitted upon securing clearances from the Police Department, a cigarette and tobacco products retailer’s license from the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration in accordance with Section 22971 of the Business and Professions Code, and upon securing either a use permit from the Planning Commission or may be permitted by right depending on the specific sales activity as defined in Table 10 (as defined in Section 22971(p) of the Business and Professions Code) must have a cigarette and tobacco products retailer’s license.

Table 10. Tobacco Products Use

==> picture [482 x 128] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Sales Activity Required Permit
Tobacco product Allowed by right within commercial zoning and mixed-use zoning districts
nonspecialized retail (subject to compliance with performance standards referenced in subsection
sales (c) of this section)
Tobacco product Conditional use permit
specialized retail sales
----- End of picture text -----

c. Performance Standards. All tobacco retail sales shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. No self-service displays or vending machines for tobacco products, paraphernalia or electronic smoking devices shall be allowed.

2. Tobacco product retail sales shall be located within a fixed location within an enclosed building.

3. No tobacco product specialized retail sales shall be located within six hundred (600') feet of any public school as measured from the closest point on the property line of the parcels containing the tobacco sales and the school. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 74 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of the City to regulate personal cultivation of cannabis within the City in order to preserve the public peace, health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Clearlake.

b. Applicability. Personal cultivation of cannabis within the City is subject to the provisions of Article 18-41 (Cannabis Personal Cultivation). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of the City to regulate cannabis dispensaries within the City in order to preserve the public peace, health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Clearlake.

b. Applicability Limitation. Cannabis dispensaries and cannabis microbusinesses may be allowed in the CBR Combining District, but shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) cumulatively within the City.

c. Cannabis Business Use Permit Required. Cannabis business use permits, which may be revocable, conditional or valid for a term period, may be issued by the Planning Commission for any of the uses or purposes for which such permits are required or permitted by, and subject to all of the provisions of, Article 5-20. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of the City to regulate commercial cannabis businesses, such as commercial cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and testing, within the City in order to preserve the public peace, health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Clearlake.

b. Applicability. Commercial cannabis businesses, such as commercial cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, testing laboratories, microbusinesses, dispensaries and delivery-only dispensaries, may be allowed in certain zones in accordance with the City’s use regulations (Article 18-18). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of the City to regulate adult oriented entertainment businesses in order to preserve the public peace, health, safety and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Clearlake. b. Applicability. Adult entertainment may be allowed in certain areas within the IN-AE Industrial Base Zoning District, Adult Entertainment Combining District in accordance with the City’s use regulations, Article 18-18 and

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 75 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

subject to the provisions of Article 18-16 (Adult Entertainment (AE) Combining District regulations). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of the City are to make redemption and recycling of reusable materials convenient to the consumer in order to reduce litter and to increase the recycling of reusable materials and to regulate the construction, installation, location and activities of recycling facilities and to adopt a comprehensive and easily understood program of permitting and regulating such uses. However, it is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise and traffic conflicts, that require special consideration. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, special regulation and review of these uses are necessary.

b. Exempt Facilities. Exemptions to the provisions of this section shall be granted by the City subject to the provisions of State law. Recycling facilities intended for use by the City are exempt from the regulations of this section. Reverse vending machines located within an existing commercial or industrial building are commercial or industrial accessory uses and are exempt subject to compliance with performance standards.

c. Permit Required. Unless exempt from this section, recycling facilities may be permitted subject to a use permit as specified in the zoning district regulations, subject to the performance standards referenced in Table 11; provided, that the Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment as referenced in the following table. Reverse vending machines located outside a building shall be subject to a use permit.

Table 11. Recycling Facilities Performance Standards

RVM – Reverse Vending Machines (outside a building)

SRC – Small Recycling Centers LRC – Large Recycling Centers RPC – Recycling Process Centers

==> picture [482 x 140] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Applicable to: Performance Standards
RVM Shall be located within 30 feet of the entrance to the commercial structure and shall
not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation.
RVM, SRC Shall not occupy parking spaces required by the primary use.
RVM Shall occupy no more than 50 square feet of floor area per installation, including
any protective enclosure and shall be no more than 8 feet in height.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 76 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 11. Recycling Facilities Performance Standards

RVM – Reverse Vending Machines (outside a building) SRC – Small Recycling Centers LRC – Large Recycling Centers RPC – Recycling Process Centers

==> picture [482 x 571] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Applicable to: Performance Standards
RVM Shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof and rustproof
material.
RVM Shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited, operating
instructions and the identity and phone number of the operator or responsible
person to contact if the machine is inoperative.
RVM Machines shall be maintained in good appearance and condition and kept clean.
RVM Shall be in operation at least during the operating hours of the host use.
RVM Shall be illuminated to ensure comfortable and safe operation if operating hours
are between dusk and dawn. All illumination shall require prior City authorization.
SRC Shall accept only glass, metals, plastic containers, papers and reusable items. Used
motor oil shall not be accepted in commercial zoning districts.
SRC Shall not use power-driven processing equipment except for reverse vending
machines.
SRC/LRC/RPC Shall use containers that are constructed and maintained with durable waterproof
and rustproof material, covered when the site is unattended, secured from
unauthorized entry or removal of material and shall be of a capacity sufficient to
accommodate materials collected and collection schedule.
SRC Shall store all recyclable material in containers or in the mobile unit vehicle and
shall not leave materials outside of containers when attendant is not present.
SRC/LRC Shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials; mobile
facilities, at which trucks or containers are removed at the end of each collection
day, shall be swept at the end of each collection day; containers shall be maintained
in good appearance and condition and be kept clean.
SRC/LRC Recycling facilities shall not be located within 50 feet of a residential property;
attended facilities located within 100 feet of a residential property shall operate
only during the hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m.
and 5:00 p.m. on weekends.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 77 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 11. Recycling Facilities Performance Standards

RVM – Reverse Vending Machines (outside a building) SRC – Small Recycling Centers LRC – Large Recycling Centers RPC – Recycling Process Centers

==> picture [482 x 564] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Applicable to: Performance Standards
SRC/LRC Containers for the 24-hour donation of materials shall be at least 50 feet from any
property zoned or occupied for residential use unless there is a recognized service
corridor and/or acoustical shielding between the containers and the residential use.
SRC Containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material which may be
deposited; the facility shall be clearly marked to identify the name and telephone
number of the facility operator and the hours of operation and display a notice
stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling enclosure or containers.
SRC Shall be landscaped for screening purposes as determined by the Planning
Commission.
SRC Shall operate at least 30 hours per week between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00
p.m., of which 5 hours must be on Saturday.
LRC/RPC Does not abut a property zoned or planned for residential use or is at least 150 feet
from property zoned or planned for residential use.
LRC Shall be screened from the public right-of-way by operating in an enclosed building
or located within an area enclosed by a screening fence or wall between 6 to 8 feet
in height with landscaping.
LRC All exterior storage of material shall be in sturdy containers which are covered,
secured and maintained in good condition. Storage containers for flammable
material shall be constructed of nonflammable material. Oil storage must be in
containers approved by the City Official. No storage, excluding trailers and
transport containers, will be visible above the height of the fencing. Trailers and
transport containers shall not be stacked on top of each other.
RPC Shall operate in a wholly enclosed building except for incidental storage or within
an area enclosed on all sides by a screening fence or wall not less than 8 feet in
height and landscaped on all street frontages; such fences or wall shall be set back
a minimum of 20 feet from the front property line.
RPC Power-driven processing shall be permitted, provided all noise level requirements
are met. Recycling processing centers shall be limited to baling, briquetting,
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 78 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 11. Recycling Facilities Performance Standards

(Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to allow limited use and/or installations of cargo containers (containers that were originally designed as an intermodal freight container that could be transported by ships, trains, cargo planes and trucks) with reasonable standards to preserve neighborhood character and quality of appearance.

b. Permit Required. Temporary cargo containers (those used for no more than six (6) months for construction projects) are subject to zoning permit approval by the Director and subject to certain performance requirements provided in this section. Permanent cargo container installations within the Industrial Zoning designations shall require approval of an administrative use permit. Permanent cargo containers are prohibited in LDR, MDR, HDR, MUX, DC, RR, and Open Space.

c. Performance Standards. All cargo containers shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Temporary Storage for Industrial Uses. Cargo containers may be permitted as temporary storage for industrial uses and shall be subject to the following standards:

   • (a) Shall be visually screened from residential areas if located within one hundred (100') feet of a residential zone;

   • (b) Shall not be stacked;

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 79 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (c) Shall not occupy any required parking spaces, landscaped area or pedestrian access (may occupy parking areas if there is sufficient parking and they do not preclude safe access);

• (d) Shall be painted a uniform color approved by the Director;

• (e) Shall not incorporate any signs or advertising;

• (f) Shall be maintained free of graffiti;

• (g) Shall not be used for any human occupancy; and

• (h) Shall be removed within thirty (30) days of completion of project (i.e., final sign off, occupancy, etc.).

Temporary cargo containers that do not comply with these performance standards may be approved with a use permit from the Planning Commission.

2. Permanent Storage for Industrial Uses. Any other installation of cargo containers (other than temporary storage) shall be considered permanent structures, shall only be permitted in the IN Zone and shall be subject to all zoning requirements and design review, including installation on a permanent foundation. Cargo containers as permanent installations shall be subject to the following standards:

• (a) Shall be visually screened from residential areas if located within one hundred (100') feet of a residential zone or if located within a known scenic corridor. Said screening includes but is not limited to buildings, fencing, landscaping, walls, wood/decorative siding/cladding and a roof;

• (b) Shall not be stacked;

(c) Shall not occupy any required parking spaces, landscaped area or pedestrian access (may occupy parking areas if there is sufficient parking and they do not preclude safe access);

• (d) Shall be painted a uniform color on the project site approved by the Director;

(e) Shall be equipped with a mechanical latch to hold the door in the open position or equipped with a mechanism to unlock the door from the inside when the structure is occupied;

• (f) Shall be maintained free of graffiti;

• (g) Shall not be used for human habitation; and

• (h) Shall not have separate sewer, water or electrical services except for needed lighting purposes.

Permanent cargo containers that do not comply with these performance standards are subject to design review in accordance with Article 18-33 and may be approved with a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 80 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to allow limited use and/or installations of vending machines with reasonable standards to preserve neighborhood character and quality of appearance.

• b. Allowed and Performance Standards. Indoor vending machines are accessory to allowed uses. Outdoor vending machines are allowed in all commercial, mixed-use and industrial zones subject to the following performance standards:

  1. Shall be located along the face of a building or against a structure designed to accommodate them;

  2. Shall be visible from access drives or public streets;

  3. Shall occupy not more than ten (10%) percent of the length of the wall facing the street or access drive or twenty (20') feet, whichever is less;

  4. Shall not obstruct private pedestrian walkways; a minimum of forty-four (44") inches shall be kept clear of obstructions or more if pedestrian traffic volume warrants. They are not allowed on public sidewalks.

Vending machines that do not comply with these performance standards are subject to design review approval in accordance with Article 18-33. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of these regulations are to encourage energy sustainability by allowing the development of small residential solar energy systems for the production of electricity in order to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the community.

b. Permit Required and Expedited Processing. Small residential solar energy systems may be allowed in all zones subject to design review in accordance with Article 18-33 subject to certain performance standards referenced in this section. The permit process for residential rooftop solar systems shall be expedited consistent with the most current version of the California Solar Permitting Guidebook adopted by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research.

c. Performance Standards. All small solar energy systems shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, Design Review Board, Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. They shall meet applicable health and safety standards and requirements imposed by the City and the State of California.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 81 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. Systems that heat water shall be certified by an accredited listing agency as defined by the California Plumbing and Mechanical Code.

3. Systems that produce electricity shall meet all applicable safety and performance standards established by the California Electrical Code, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and, where applicable, rules of the Public Utilities Commission regarding safety and reliability. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of these regulations are to encourage energy sustainability by allowing the development of small wind energy systems for the production of electricity in order to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the community. These systems consist of a wind turbine, a tower and associated control or conversion electronics, which have a rated capacity of not more than ten (10) kW of power.

b. Permit Required. Small wind energy systems may be allowed in all zones subject to design review in accordance with Article 18-33 subject to certain performance standards referenced in this section.

c. Performance Standards. All small wind energy systems shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, Design Review Board, Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. They must have been approved by the California Energy Commission (CEC) as qualifying under the Emerging Renewables Fund of the Commission’s Renewables Investment Plan or certified by a national program recognized and approved by the Energy Commission.

2. A minimum parcel size of five thousand (5,000) square feet is required for the placement of any small wind energy system. The maximum rated capacity for lots less than one-half (0.5) acre is two (2) kW and less. The maximum rated capacity for lots greater than one-half (0.5) acre is ten (10) kW and less.

3. No part of a small wind energy system shall be located within or over drainage, utility or other established easements.

4. A maximum of one (1) small wind energy system per parcel is permitted on parcels less than one (1) acre in size. A maximum of one (1) small wind energy system per acre is permitted on parcels greater than one (1) acre in size.

5. They shall comply with the minimum setbacks for the zoning district. The location may be modified as part of the design review process to place the wind energy system as far as possible from the property lines. The small wind energy systems shall not be allowed in the front yard or a side yard with frontage.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 82 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

6. The maximum height of a small wind energy system for lots less than one-half (0.5) acre is thirty (30') feet and forty (40') feet for lots greater than one-half (0.5) acre. “Tower height” shall mean the height above grade of the fixed portion of the tower, excluding the wind turbine itself.

7. No portion of the turbine or tower shall be illuminated.

8. Any climbing foot pegs or rungs below twelve (12') feet of a freestanding tower shall be removed to prevent unauthorized climbing. For lattice or guyed towers, sheets of metal or wood may be fastened to the bottom tower section so it cannot readily be climbed.

9. Each small wind energy system shall be equipped with both manual and automatic controls to limit the rotational speed of the blade within the design limits of the rotor. An external, manual shut-off switch shall be included with the installation. The minimum distance between the ground and any protruding blades utilized on a small wind energy system shall be ten (10') feet as measured at the lowest point of the arc of the blades.

10. No small wind energy system or combination of small wind energy systems on a single parcel shall create noise that exceeds a maximum of sixty (60) CNEL (Community Noise Equivalent Level), as measured at the closest neighboring dwelling. These levels, however, may be exceeded during short-term events such as utility outages and severe wind storms.

11. The system’s tower and supporting structures shall be painted a single neutral, nonreflective, nonglossy color that visually blends with the surrounding natural and built environments.

12. Electrical Wires. All electrical wires leading from the tower to electrical control facilities shall be located underground.

13. They shall be maintained in good repair, as recommended by the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance or industry standards and shall be free from rust.

14. Signs/Labels. All signs, with the exception of manufacturer’s, installer’s identification, appropriate warning signs or owner identification, are prohibited.

15. They shall comply with applicable FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) regulations, including any necessary approvals for installations.

16. If found to be unsafe by the Building Official they shall immediately cease operation upon notification by City and shall be repaired by the owner to meet Federal, State and local safety standards or be removed within six (6) months.

17. Small wind energy systems that are not operated for a continuous period of twelve (12) months shall be removed by the owner of the small wind energy system.

18. When a small wind energy system is removed from a site, all associated and ancillary equipment, batteries, devices, structures or support(s) for that system shall also be removed. For the purposes of this section, nonoperation shall be deemed to include, but shall not be limited to, the blades of the small wind

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 83 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

energy system remaining stationary so that wind resources are not being converted into electric or mechanical energy. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Purpose and Intent. To establish regulations which regulate the installation of dish-type satellite antenna to help protect public safety and preserve view corridors and neighborhood character.

• b. Residential Performance Standards. The installation of dish-type satellite antenna may be permitted in all residential zones subject to the following criteria:

  1. Antenna Size. Maximum diameter to be ten (10') feet.

  2. Setback. No part of a satellite dish antenna may be located in any required street or other yard. Antennas located outside a street yard setback but between the residence and the street are prohibited.

3. Height. Maximum antenna height to be thirteen (13') feet. All satellite dishes higher than side or rear yard fences shall be screened from neighboring properties. Roof-mounted installations or pole-mounted installations attached to eaves are prohibited except by use permit. Any antenna that may block significant views from neighboring buildings or from public areas shall be subject to design review.

   4. Number. One (1) dish-type satellite antenna is allowed per site, in addition to normal television and radio antennas.

• c. Commercial Performance Standards. The installation of dish-type satellite antenna may be permitted in the office, commercial and industrial zones subject to the following criteria:

  1. Installation shall be subject to design review in accordance with the adopted Design Review Committee ordinance and guidelines.

  2. Installations shall not be permitted within a street yard.

  3. Installations shall be located so as to minimize visibility from adjoining properties and rights-of-way.

• d. Exceptions.

  1. Dish-type satellite antenna installations that are less than one (1) meter in diameter are exempt from these regulations unless proposed on a historic building.

2. Dish-type satellite antenna installations that cannot meet the performance standards included in subsections (c) and (d) of this section may be considered if an administrative use permit is obtained. Conditions imposed as part of use permit approval would typically include requirements to minimize the visibility of the installation, including blockage of significant public and private views of hillsides, city vistas or open space areas. Acceptable techniques to reduce the visibility of dish installations include use of alternative

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 84 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

materials (wire mesh instead of solid surface), painting the dish in a subdued or natural color and landscaped screening.

e. Open Space/Conservation Standards. The installation of dish-type satellite antennas may be permitted in the Open Space/Conservation Zone subject to an administrative use permit and subject to design review in accordance with Article 18-33 or design review manual/committee guidelines.

f. Building Permit Required. All satellite dish installations require issuance of a building permit. This is to ensure that dishes are structurally sound and properly grounded. Plans submitted for a building permit for a roofmounted or pole-mounted installation require certification by a registered engineer. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose and intent of these regulations are to encourage energy sustainability by allowing the development of electric vehicle charging stations for the production of electricity in order to balance the need for clean, renewable energy resources with the protection of the health, safety and welfare of the community.

b. Permit Required and Expedited Processing. Electric vehicle charging stations may be allowed in all zones subject to design review in accordance with Article 18-33 subject to certain performance standards. Consistent with Government Code Section 65850.7, the process of reviewing an electric vehicle charging station shall be expedited consistent with the “Zero-Emission Vehicles in California: Community Readiness Guidebook” as published by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research. For larger commercial level electric vehicle charging stations that are a single and primary use, a separate use permit may be required (see Table 5).

c. Performance Standards. All electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the applicable criteria and standards as required by this section or any other regulation of the City; provided, that the Director, Design Review Board, Planning Commission or City Council, as the case may be, may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code, the Society of Automotive Engineers, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association and accredited testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and rules of the Public Utilities Commission or a municipal electric utility company regarding safety and reliability.

2. Shall meet the electrical code requirements of Article 625 and all applicable provisions of the California Electrical Code.

3. Shall be incorporated into the load calculations of all new or existing electrical services and shall meet the requirements of the California Electrical Code. Electric vehicle charging equipment shall be considered a continuous load.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 85 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

4. Shall be anchored by either floor-mounted or wall-mounted electric vehicle charging stations shall meet the requirements of the California Building or Residential Code as applicable per occupancy and the provisions of the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Mounting of charging stations shall not adversely affect building elements. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose. To establish standards for the development, siting and installation of wireless telecommunications facilities; to protect and promote public health, safety and welfare; and to preserve view corridors and avoid adverse visual and environmental impacts. These standards are not intended to be all-inclusive. Projects may be subject to additional standards deemed appropriate through design review and use permit application processing to address site-specific conditions.

• b. Exempt Facilities. The following wireless telecommunications facilities are exempt from the requirements of this section:

  1. Government-owned communications facilities used primarily to protect public health, welfare and safety.

  2. Facilities operated by providers of emergency medical services, including hospital, ambulance and medical air transportation services, for use in the provision of those services.

  3. Satellite dish antennas for residential and commercial use, solely for the use of the occupants of the site, subject to compliance with development standards set forth in Section 18-19.220 et al.

  4. Any facility specifically exempted under Federal or State law.

• c. Planning Applications and Approvals Required.

  1. Installation of a new wireless telecommunications facility, or significant modification as determined by the Director, of an existing installation shall require administrative use permit approval and design review.

  2. The co-location of a new wireless telecommunications facility with an existing approved installation or minor modification of an existing installation shall be subject to design review approval.

  3. The applicant shall submit application materials and fees as required by the Community Development Department.

• d. Building Permit Required. Wireless telecommunications facilities shall not be constructed, installed or modified prior to obtaining a City building permit.

• e. Site Development and Performance Standards.

  1. Setbacks. All facility towers and accessory structures shall comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 86 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. Height. The height of any antenna or support equipment shall be determined as part of the use permit on a case-by-case basis. All facilities shall be designed to the minimum necessary functional height.

3. Site Access. Telecommunication facilities should use existing roads and parking whenever possible. New and existing access roads and parking shall be improved and surfaced where necessary to the satisfaction of the Director.

4. Aesthetics and Visibility. Facilities shall be creatively designed to minimize the visual impact to the greatest extent possible by means of placement, screening and camouflage. The applicant shall use the smallest and least visible antennas possible to accomplish the coverage objectives. Each installation shall be designed to blend into its surroundings so that the antenna(s) and equipment are not apparent to the casual observer.

(a) Building-mounted facilities shall appear as an integral part of the structure. Equipment and antennas shall be compatible and in scale with existing architectural elements, building materials and site characteristics. Wall-mounted antennas shall be integrated architecturally with the style and character of the structure. If possible, antennas and equipment shall be located entirely within an existing or newly created architectural feature so as to be effectively unnoticeable.

(b) Ground-mounted support equipment shall be undergrounded or otherwise screened from view so as to be effectively unnoticeable.

(c) All connections and conduits between the base of the antenna(s) and support equipment shall be undergrounded. Connections and conduit above ground shall be fully enclosed to the satisfaction of the Director. Electrical and telephone service to the support equipment shall be undergrounded.

(d) Ground-mounted antennas, poles, structures, equipment or other parts of a telecommunications facility which would extend above a ridgeline so as to silhouette against the sky shall be discouraged. Where allowed, they shall be designed to be indistinguishable from the natural surroundings.

5. Lighting. All telecommunication facilities, not otherwise required to have lighting pursuant to Federal Aviation Administration rules, shall be unlit, except when authorized personnel are present at night and except for exempt facilities.

6. Equipment Upgrades. It shall be the responsibility of the owner/operator of a telecommunications facility to provide the City with a notice of intent to modify site equipment in any way. At the time of modification, colocation or upgrade of facilities, existing equipment shall be replaced with equipment of equal or greater technical capacity and modified to reduce aesthetic impacts by reducing the size of the facility or introducing camouflaging techniques to the satisfaction of the Director. Unused or obsolete equipment or towers shall be removed from the site within ninety (90) days after their use has ceased.

7. Number of Facilities per Site. The City shall retain the authority to limit the number of antennas with related equipment and providers to be located at any site and adjacent sites to prevent negative visual impacts associated with multiple facilities.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 87 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

8. Co-location. All facilities shall provide co-location opportunities to other operators to the extent technically feasible without significant impairment to broadcast or reception capabilities. All applicants shall demonstrate reasonable efforts in developing a co-location alternative for their proposal. Facilities shall also provide co-location opportunities to accommodate governmental emergency communication equipment and operation to the extent that such communication equipment and related operations will not adversely affect broadcast or reception capabilities of the applicant’s facility. Failure to comply with co-location requirements may result in the denial of a permit request or revocation of an existing permit.

9. Noise. Each facility shall be operated in a manner that minimizes any possible disruption caused by noise to people working and living in the vicinity. At no time shall equipment noise from any source exceed an exterior noise level of fifty-five (55) dB at the property line or within twenty (20') feet of such equipment, whichever is less. This requirement may be modified at the discretion of the Director where typical ambient noise levels exceed fifty-five (55) dB. Outdoor noise producing construction activities shall take place only on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. unless a different schedule is approved as part of the use permit.

10. Backup Generators. Unless specifically exempt by the Planning Commission, all facilities shall use a temporary backup generator that can provide backup power for a minimum for seventy-two (72) hours. These generators shall be required to meet or exceed Air Pollution Control District standards. All generators shall be fitted with approved air pollution control devices. Projects that propose to include backup generators shall require review and approval from the Air Pollution Control District. Project plans shall indicate location, size, horsepower and type of fuel used for any proposed generator. Generators shall only be operated during power outages and for testing and maintenance purposes. Testing and maintenance shall only take place on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

11. Biological Impacts. Wireless telecommunications facilities shall minimize potential impacts to biological resources.

12. Cultural Impacts. Wireless telecommunications facilities shall minimize potential impacts to cultural resources (including Native American resources).

13. Radio Interference. Interference with municipal radio communication is prohibited. Any telecommunication facility that the City has reason to believe is interfering with municipal radio communication shall cease operation immediately upon notice from the City and shall be subject to use permit review and possible revocation. Testing shall be done prior to any permanent installation and frequencies shall be monitored at regular intervals after installation established by the use permit, at the expense of the facility owner/operator.

14. Radio Frequencies and Electromagnetic Exposure.

(a) Wireless telecommunications facilities operating alone or in conjunction with other telecommunication facilities shall not produce radio frequency radiation in excess of the standards for permissible human exposure as adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Applications for facilities shall include a radio frequency radiation (RFR) report that measures the

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 88 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

predicted levels of RF radiation emitted by the proposed facility. The radio frequency radiation report shall compare proposed project levels to levels allowed by the FCC and shall show output of the proposed facility in combination with other facilities located or proposed in the vicinity.

(b) The City may require one (1) or more post-construction RFR reports as a condition of project approval, to verify that the actual levels of RFR emitted by the approved facilities, operating alone or in combination with other approved facilities, substantially conform to the pre-approval RFR report and do not exceed current standards for permissible human exposure to RFR as adopted by the FCC.

15. Signs. Explanatory warning signs shall be posted at all access points to cellular telecommunication facilities in compliance with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C95.2 color, symbol and content conventions.

16. Nuisance. Facility generators, mechanical equipment, construction, testing and maintenance shall be operated or performed in such a manner that no nuisance results. At the discretion of the Director, upon receipt of written complaints, the use permit allowing a telecommunications facility may be scheduled for public review. At the hearing, conditions of approval may be added, deleted or modified or the use permit may be revoked.

17. Interference With Public Services and Facilities. Telecommunication facilities within public parks shall not interfere with park operations or limit public use of park facilities. Installations in conjunction with other public facilities shall be held to a similar standard.

18. City Inspection. The City shall have the right to access facilities after twenty-four (24) hours’ written or verbal notice.

f. Abandonment. It shall be the responsibility of the owner/operator of a telecommunication facility to provide the City with a notice of intent to vacate the site a minimum of thirty (30) days prior to ceasing operation. Any wireless telecommunications facility that is not operated for a continuous period of ninety (90) days shall be removed within ninety (90) days of the date upon which the operation ceased.

g. Revocation of a Permit. Wireless telecommunication service providers shall fully comply with all conditions related to any permit or approval granted under this section. Failure to comply with any condition shall constitute grounds for revocation. If a condition is not remedied within a reasonable period, the Director may schedule a public hearing before the Director to consider revocation of the permit. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The provisions set forth in this section are intended to allow the conduct of a home occupation as an accessory activity of a nonresidential nature which is performed within a living unit or within a garage or accessory building reserved by an occupant of the living unit and which is customarily incidental to the residential use of the living unit. These uses are intended to be incidental to and compatible with surrounding residential neighborhood. A “home occupation” is gainful employment engaged in by the occupants of a dwelling.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 89 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

b. Permit Required.

1. The conduct of home occupation requires the approval of a home occupation permit from the Director, who may establish additional conditions to further the intent of this section. A permit is required when a person does business in his/her home, or uses his/her home address as a business address on business licenses and tax certificates. Home occupations may be conducted from dwellings located in residential zones or from dwellings located in commercial zones where dwellings are an allowed or conditionally allowed use. Home occupation permits are not required for employees telecommuting.

2. State licensed child day care centers for fourteen (14) or fewer children are exempt from home occupation regulations or as provided under applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code.

• c. General Requirements.

1. Home occupations shall not involve customer access or have other characteristics which would reduce residents’ enjoyment of their neighborhoods. The peace and quiet of residential areas shall be maintained.

2. There shall be no customers or clients except for:

(a) Private instruction, such as education tutoring, music or art, on an individual basis, provided there are not more than eight (8) visits in any one (1) day.

(b) Physical therapists, including massage or other therapists, who shall have no more than one (1) client on site at any time and no more than eight (8) visits in any one (1) day.

(c) Attorneys, accountants and other low visitation consultants who shall have no more than one (1) client on site at any time (except for overlapping appointments) and no more than eight (8) visits in any one (1) day.

(d) Businesses with customer access shall maintain at least one (1) on-site customer parking space in addition to their required residential parking. For the purposes of this section only, parking in a driveway that has a minimum depth of twenty (20') feet from the back of sidewalk or street right-of-way

(whichever is more restrictive) and is made available to customers during business hours of operation shall meet the definition of a parking space.

3. Activities shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit or an enclosed accessory building and shall not alter the appearance of such structures. (Horticultural activities may be conducted outdoors.)

4. There shall be no sales, rental or display on the premises (internet and phone sales allowed).

5. There shall be no signs other than address and names of residents.

6. There shall be no advertising of the home occupation by street address except that the street address may be included on business cards and business correspondence originating from the home.

7. No vehicle larger than a van or three-quarter (3/4) ton truck may be used in connection with a home occupation. A marked commercial vehicle used in conjunction with the occupation shall have no more than

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 90 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

two (2) square feet of advertising. Licensed vehicles and trailers used in connection with a home occupation are limited to one (1) additional vehicle and/or trailer.

8. The home occupation shall not encroach on any required parking, yard or open space area.

9. Parking for vehicles used in connection with the home occupation shall be provided in addition to parking required for the residence.

10. Activities conducted and equipment or materials used shall not change the fire safety or occupancy classifications of the premises, nor use utilities in amounts greater than normally provided for residential use.

11. No use shall create or cause noise, dust, vibration, smell, smoke, glare or electrical interference or other hazard or nuisance.

12. No employees other than residents of the dwelling shall be allowed to work on site. (Visitors, babysitters or domestic servants are not considered employees of a home occupation.)

13. Clients or customers shall not visit the home occupation between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

14. If the home occupation is to be conducted from rental property, the property owner’s written authorization for the proposed use shall be submitted to the Director.

15. No delivery or commercial pick-up shall be by vehicles larger than a typical delivery van (FedEx, UPS, etc.). Direct customer pick-up is prohibited.

d. Prohibited Uses. The following uses by their operation or nature may interfere with residential welfare and diminish the convenience intended for commercial zones and therefore shall not be permitted as home occupations; however, off-site work is permitted:

1. Automotive repair (body or mechanical) or detailing, sound systems, upholstery or painting of automobiles, when performed on the same site as the home occupation.

2. Personal services, such as beauticians and estheticians.

3. Carpentry or cabinet making.

4. Welding or machining.

5. Medical offices, clinics, laboratories, except that counseling is permitted, when no more than one (1) client visit or group session is held at one (1) time.

6. Appliance, radio or television repair.

7. Print shop or photograph development; digital photo production is permitted.

8. Gun or ammunition sales, except for off-site sales (subject to approval by the Police Chief).

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 91 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

9. Storage, repair or reconditioning of motorized vehicles, boats or recreation vehicles or large equipment, repair or reconditioning of major household appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, stoves, heating and air conditioning equipment when performed on the same site as the home occupation.

10. Tow truck and ambulance services. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The provisions set forth in this section are intended to enable child and adult day care opportunities throughout the City, to ensure that day care facilities will be compatible with residential uses and to comply with applicable sections of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California.

• b. Permits Required.

  1. Adult day care facilities serving six (6) or fewer clients on site at one (1) time and small family day care homes for eight (8) or fewer children are considered residential uses for the purposes of zoning regulation. They may be established in all zones where dwellings are allowed. No use permit is required.

2. Adult day care facilities serving seven (7) to twelve (12) clients on site at one (1) time and large family day care homes for children may be established in any zone where dwellings are allowed, subject to performance standards listed below. These facilities require written approval by the Director, consistent with the following review procedures:

(a) Public Notice. Mailed notice of the proposed use shall be given to all property owners within no more than a one hundred (100') foot radius of the exterior boundaries of the proposed facility site, no fewer than ten (10) days prior to the Director’s action to approve or deny an application for a day care facility serving seven (7) to twelve (12) adults or nine (9) to fourteen (14) children. If no written request for hearing is received by the Community Development Department within ten (10) days from the mailing of these notices, the Director may approve the requested use upon submission of all required information and without further notice or public hearing.

(b) Public Hearing. A public hearing shall be required if requested in writing by the applicant or any other affected person.

(c) Approval. The Director is authorized to approve day care facilities serving seven (7) to twelve (12) adults or seven (7) to fourteen (14) children. In accordance with applicable sections of the California Health and Safety Code, the Director shall approve the use when the Director determines that the proposed facility:

• (1) Complies with all applicable provisions of the Fire Code regarding health and safety; and

• (2) Complies with property development standards, Article 18-20, and with sign regulations, Article 18-21; and

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 92 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (3) Has been issued a day care license from the State of California, Department of Social Services; and

• (4) Will satisfy performance standards of this section relating to noise, traffic and parking.

(d) City Regulatory Authority for Family Day Care Homes. In accordance with the California Health and Safety Code, the City cannot deny an application for a large family day care home, but can apply standards or conditions of approval to address concentrations of these types of uses within a neighborhood, traffic control and parking and noise control. Also, in accordance with State law, the City may not impose fees for small or large family day care home applications or business licenses.

3. Day care facilities serving more than twelve (12) adults or more than fourteen (14) children require approval of an administrative use permit where not otherwise allowed or prohibited, consistent with Section 18-18.010, Uses Allowed by Zone, and Article 18-28, Use Permits. These facilities are subject to the performance standards outlined below.

• c. Performance Standards for Day Care Facilities Serving More than Six (6) Adults or More than Fourteen (14) Children.

  1. Noise. The day care facility shall be subject to all applicable provisions of the City’s noise regulations and General Plan noise element. Where the day care facility is adjacent to housing in a residential zone, outdoor play and activities shall be prohibited prior to 9:00 a.m.

  2. Traffic. Designated delivery and pick-up areas shall not pose any traffic or safety hazards. Operators of day care facilities shall provide carpool-matching services to all clients.

  3. Parking.

(a) Day care facilities with seven (7) to twelve (12) adults or nine (9) to fourteen (14) children, one (1) on-site parking space is required, in addition to parking required for the residence, except when the Director finds that adequate on-street parking exists for dropping off and picking up clients.

(b) Day care centers with more than twelve (12) adults or more than fourteen (14) children must provide two (2) spaces per facility and one (1) space for each twelve (12) day care clients (based on the facility’s license), rounded to the nearest whole number, in addition to any spaces required for the residential use.

d. Day Care as an Accessory Use. When day care facilities are accessory to another use requiring a permit, only one permit application need be filed and acted on. As accessory uses to schools and churches and where an employer provides on-site child care to fourteen (14) or fewer children for the exclusive use of employees, day care is allowed by right, providing the primary use meets City parking standards.

e. Exceptions. Nothing in this section shall prohibit applicants from requesting exceptions or variances from the strict interpretation of the Zoning Regulations to the extent allowed by said regulations. The Director may authorize minor exceptions to performance standards upon finding that:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 93 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. The modification is in accordance with the intent and purpose of the Zoning Regulations and consistent with City day care policy.

• f. Nonconforming Status. All day care facilities licensed by the State at the time of ordinance adoption (2020) shall be considered legal nonconforming uses, consistent with Article 18-23, except that nonconforming day care facilities may not be changed to another nonconforming use. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. To establish standards for the development and operation of bed and breakfast establishments within all residential zones of the City upon conforming to set criteria and conditions. The intent of these standards is to ensure that the location, concentration and design of bed and breakfast establishments is consistent with or does not negatively affect the character or function of the neighborhood and surroundings. Bed and breakfast businesses located in mixed-use and commercial zoning districts are considered hotels and not subject to the criteria of this section.

b. Applications and Approvals Required. A bed and breakfast inn is allowed as specified in Section 18-18.030. In addition to the applicable use permit requirement, review by the Design Review Committee may be required depending upon the type of changes proposed to any structure intended for use as a bed and breakfast inn.

• c. Performance Standards. These standards apply to all bed and breakfast homes or inns.

  1. The use permit is subject to review at any time and may be revoked after a hearing by the Planning Commission and a finding by the Planning Commission that the use has become detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood.

  2. A bed and breakfast inn must comply with all other provisions of the zone in which it is located and must comply with all other ordinances of the City.

  3. A City business license is required and remittance of transient occupancy tax and short-term rentals is required.

  4. Any other conditions deemed essential and desirable by the Planning Commission may be imposed on such a use.

  5. The home shall not be used by the public or paying guests for the hosting of receptions, private parties or the like.

  6. Meals, if provided, shall be served only to residents and overnight guests of the bed and breakfast home.

  7. There shall be no separate or additional kitchen facility for the guests.

  8. No alteration shall be allowed to the exterior of the dwelling or yard that alters the residential characteristics of the premises.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 94 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

9. Any signage for a bed and breakfast establishment shall comply with the City’s sign regulations (refer to Article 18-21).

10. The main building of the bed and breakfast establishment must be the “primary residence” of the owner or manager of the bed and breakfast use.

11. Accessory buildings and structures may also be used for bed and breakfast guest rooms.

12. Factors used in determining the appropriate number of guest rooms that may be permitted in any location shall include the relationship of the site to parking, access, character, size and scale of surrounding uses.

13. All bed and breakfast facilities shall maintain garbage and recycling services from City’s selected service agency.

14. Provision of parking in compliance with Section 18-20.090(w) (Required Parking for Special Uses). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. To establish standards for the development and operation of vacation rentals within all residential and mixed use zones in the City as described in Section 18-18.030 (Table 5). The purpose of these regulations is to allow rental of a residential dwelling unit as a vacation rental (as that term is defined in Article 18-45: A dwelling/room that is rented or leased for compensation for less than 30 consecutive days. Such rentals are referred to as transient rentals, short-term vacation rentals and resort dwelling units) in the City with reasonable standards to preserve the residential neighborhood character and quality of life.

b. Violation – Nuisance – Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to all vacation rentals except where there is a primary owner in residence. It is unlawful and a violation of this section, and is hereby declared a public nuisance, for any person or entity owning, renting, leasing, occupying, or having charge, control or possession of any real or improved property within the City of Clearlake to cause, permit, maintain or allow any violation of this section to exist thereon. Any violation of this section is punishable as a misdemeanor and/or as otherwise permitted by this Code. Each violation of this section that exists constitutes a separate and distinct violation as does each and every day or portion thereof that any violation exists. Vacation rentals shall not be permitted in nonhabitable structures. Vacation rentals shall also not be permitted within secondary, accessory or junior accessory dwelling units, nor in structures or dwellings with City covenants or agreements restricting their use including but not limited to affordable housing units, agricultural employee units, farmworker housing, farm family units, or on lands under a Williamson Act Contract. Tents, yurts, RVs, and other provisions intended for temporary occupancy are not allowed as a part of a vacation rental.

c. Permits Required. Vacation rentals that meet the standards outlined in this section shall be allowed as provided by the underlying zone, subject to issuance of a vacation rental permit through a zoning permit by the Director, who may add, delete or modify conditions to further the intent of this section.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 95 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

d. Term of Permit. Zoning permits shall run with the landowner and shall automatically expire upon sale or transfer of the property.

• e. Permit Requirements.

1. Maximum Number of Guest Rooms. Vacation rentals may have a maximum of five (5) guest rooms or sleeping rooms. Vacation rentals with more than five (5) guest rooms or sleeping rooms may only be allowed if adequate sewage disposal capacity exists and neighborhood compatibility can be demonstrated to be determined by the approval of a use permit from the Planning Commission. For purposes of determining the appropriate level of permit required, the actual number of bedrooms in the structure plus any additional rooms intended or used for sleeping shall be used.

2. Maximum Overnight Occupancy. Maximum overnight occupancy for vacation rentals shall be up to a maximum of two (2) persons per sleeping room or guest room, plus two (2) additional persons per property, up to a maximum of twelve (12) persons, excluding children under three (3) years of age. Vacation rentals with larger overnight occupancies may only be allowed subject to the granting of a use permit. For homes on a conditional or nonstandard septic system, or those with capacity limited by a voluntary repair, the maximum overnight occupancy for vacation rentals shall be equal to the design load of the septic system. The property owner shall ensure that all contracts and online listings and advertisements clearly set forth the maximum number of overnight guests permitted at the property.

3. Maximum Number of Guests and Daytime Visitors. The maximum number of total guests and visitors allowed at any time in a single vacation rental shall not exceed the maximum overnight occupancy plus six (6) additional persons per property during the daytime, or eighteen (18) persons, whichever is less, excluding children under three (3) years of age. Daytime visitors shall not be on the property during quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.).

4. Owner Occupancy. All vacation rentals shall be owner occupied which means that the owner of the vacation rental unit shall occupy the rental dwelling unit at least fifty-one (51%) percent of the time during the year.

5. Parking. Parking shall be provided in compliance with the City’s parking requirements (see Section 18-20.090).

6. Noise Limits. All activities associated with the vacation rental shall meet the general plan noise standards contained below. Quiet hours shall be from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. The property owner shall ensure that the quiet hours and limits on outdoor activities are included in rental agreements and in all online advertisements and listings.

7. Amplified Sound. Outdoor amplified sound shall not be allowed at any time associated with a vacation rental.

8. Pets. Pets, if allowed by owner, shall be secured on the property at all times. Continual nuisance barking by unattended pets is prohibited.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 96 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

9. Trash and Recycling Facilities. Recycling and refuse storage bins shall not be stored within public view unless in compliance with neighborhood standards. Recycling and trash receptacles shall be returned to screened storage areas within twenty-four (24) hours of trash pick-up.

10. Outdoor Fire Areas. Outdoor fire areas, when not prohibited by State or local fire bans, may be allowed but shall be limited to three (3') feet in diameter, shall be located on a noncombustible surface, shall be covered by a fire screen, and shall be extinguished as soon as they are no longer in use or by 10:00 p.m., whichever is earlier. No fire or fire area shall be located within twenty-five (25') feet of a structure or combustible material.

11. Septic Systems and Sewer Connections. The owner shall maintain a properly functioning septic system or sewer connection. In some cases, a per-room sewer fee may be applied.

12. Transient Occupancy Tax. The vacation rental owner or authorized agent shall maintain a transient occupancy tax certificate and remain current on all required reports and payments. Owner or authorized agent shall include the certificate number on all contracts or rental agreements, and in any advertising or websites.

13. Twenty-Four (24) Hour Property Manager. All vacation rentals operating within the City must have a verified property manager who is available twenty-four (24) hours per day, seven (7) days per week during all times that the property is rented or used on a transient basis. Verified property managers may be professional property managers, realtors, property owners, or other designated person; provided, that the individual is identified on the property’s permit application, all contracts or rental agreements and in any advertising or websites. Property managers must be located within a thirty (30) mile radius of the vacation rental and must be available to respond to complaints at all times during the rental period. Any requested change to the property manager for a vacation rental property shall be made through submittal of a new vacation supplemental application or similar form provided by the City and shall include the signature of the property manager and the desired effective date of the change. In no case may a vacation rental operate without a current verified property manager. Operation of a vacation rental without a verified property manager shall be considered a violation of this section. The name and twenty-four (24) hour contact information of the verified property manager shall be provided to any interested party upon request. Owner occupancy requirements under subsection (e)(4) of this section will require owner to also comply with this provision.

14. Emergency Access. The owner of any vacation rental located behind a locked gate or within a gated community shall provide gate code or a lockbox with keys (“Knox Box” or similar) for exclusive use by law enforcement or fire services departments.

15. Posting and Neighbor Notification of Permit and Standards. Once a vacation rental permit has been approved, a copy of the permit listing all applicable standards and limits shall be posted within the vacation rental property. The owner shall post these standards in a prominent place within six (6') feet of the front door of the vacation rental and include them as part of all rental agreements. At the permit holder’s expense, the City shall provide mailed notice of permit issuance to property owners and immediate neighbors of the vacation rental unit using the standard three hundred foot (300') property owner mailing list. All advertising

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 97 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

handouts, flyers, internet listings, or any other information provided for vacation rentals shall conform to the approved occupancy limits and standards as stated on the vacation rental permit. Advertising may only be conducted for properties operating under a valid permit. Advertising for a particular property inconsistent with the approvals for that property shall be considered a violation of these performance standards.

16. Requirements for All Internet Advertisements and Listings. All online advertisements and/or listings for the vacation rental property shall include the following:

• (a) Maximum occupancy, not including children under three (3);

• (b) Maximum number of vehicles;

• (c) Notification that quiet hours must be observed between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.;

• (d) Notification that no outdoor amplified sound is allowed; and

• (e) The transient occupancy tax certificate number for that particular property.

• f. Enforcement Process.

1. Initial complaints on vacation rentals shall be directed to the property manager identified in the zoning permit or use permit, as applicable. The certified property manager shall be available twenty-four (24) hours during all times when the property is rented and shall be available by phone during these hours. Should a problem arise and be reported to the verified property manager, the property manager shall be responsible for contacting the tenant to correct the problem within sixty (60) minutes, or within thirty (30) minutes if during quiet hours, including visiting the site if necessary to ensure that the issue has been corrected. The property manager shall complete the online reporting form to report any such complaints, and their resolution or attempted resolution(s), to the City within twenty-four (24) hours of the occurrence. Failure to respond to complaints or report them to City shall be considered a violation of this section and shall be cause for revocation of certification status.

hat the issue has been corrected. The property manager shall complete the online reporting form to report any such complaints, and their resolution or attempted resolution(s), to the City within twenty-four (24) hours of the occurrence. Failure to respond to complaints or report them to City shall be considered a violation of this section and shall be cause for revocation of certification status.

If the issue reoccurs, the complaint will be addressed by City code enforcement who may conduct an investigation to determine whether there was a violation of a zoning or use permit condition. Police reports, online searches, citations or neighbor documentation consisting of photos, sound recordings and video may constitute proof of a violation. If code enforcement verifies that a zoning or use permit condition violation has occurred, a notice of violation may be issued, and a penalty may be imposed in accordance with the Clearlake Municipal Code.

At the discretion of the Director, the zoning permit may be revoked. If the permit is revoked, a zoning permit for a vacation rental may not be reapplied for or issued for a period of at least one (1) year after revocation.

2. Enhanced Penalty for Nonpermitted Rentals. A vacation rental that is determined to be operating without the necessary permit required under this section shall be subject to a penalty of ten (10) times the normal application fee.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 98 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

3. Three (3) Strikes Penalty. Upon receipt of any combination of three (3) administrative citations, verified violations, or hearing officer determinations of violation of any of the permit requirements or performance standards issued to the owner or occupants at the property within a two (2) year period, the vacation rental zoning permit is summarily revoked, subject to prior notice and to appeal, if requested within ten (10) days. Should such a revocation occur, an application to reestablish a vacation rental at the subject property shall not be accepted for a minimum period of two (2) years.

4. Violation of Performance Standards – Administrative Citations. In addition to all other legal remedies, criminal or civil, which may be pursued by the City to address any violation of the City Code, this subsection provides for administrative citations.

   • (a) Use of administrative citations shall be at the sole discretion of the City.

(b) This subsection is adopted pursuant to the authority conferred by the Government Code, including Section 53069.4.

(c) Violations of the following permit requirements and performance standards may be deemed infractions for the purposes of this subsection, and are subject to administrative citation:

• (1) Conduct of a cultural event, special event, party, wedding or other similar activity exceeding the allowable maximum occupancy;

(2) Exceeding the maximum permitted occupancy, not including children under three (3) years of age;

(3) Noise violations, as set forth in subsection (f)(1) of this section, including the use of outdoor amplified sound;

• (4) Violations of quiet hours (10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.);

• (5) Exceeding maximum number of vehicles;

• (6) Exceeding fire limits, including lighting fires during bans;

• (7) Unsecured pets and/or nuisance barking;

• (8) Operation of a vacation rental without a certified property manager;

(9) Failure of the property owner to include the specified limits in rental agreements and online listings or advertisements;

(10) Failure to include the individual property’s transient occupancy tax certificate number in all contracts, advertising and online listings;

(11) Failure of the property owner to maintain current transient occupancy tax status.

• g. Monitoring and Enforcement Fee.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 99 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. An annual fee may be adopted by the City Council and collected by the City to pay for monitoring and enforcement of vacation rentals. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to allow operation of emergency shelters and low barrier navigation centers in the City to help people in need of housing that are temporarily homeless. Reasonable standards have been established to preserve the neighborhood character and quality of life in Clearlake. Low barrier navigation centers may be permitted for the time determined valid under Government Code Sections 65660 through 65668.

b. Application and Permit Required. Emergency shelters are allowed by right subject to approval of an administrative permit from the Director, within the Urban High Density (HDR) Zone subject to the below standards. These standards may be applied to an emergency shelter proposed in any other zoning district with a use permit from the Planning Commission. Emergency shelters which require use permit approval may be subject to conditions of approval with requirements that vary from and supplement these standards. Low barrier navigation centers meeting the requirements of Government Code Section 65662 are allowed by right in areas zoned for mixed use and nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses.

c. Standards for Emergency Shelters and Low Barrier Navigation Centers. All emergency shelters and low barrier navigation centers shall be subject to the following standards:

1. The emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center shall be operated by a responsible social service provider.

2. The emergency shelter or low barrier navigation center shall provide at least one (1) qualified on-site supervisor at all times, plus one (1) attendant for each fifty (50) occupants.

3. An emergency shelter shall not be approved when another emergency shelter exists within three hundred (300') feet of the proposed site. This requirement may be modified by obtaining a use permit from the Planning Commission.

4. Emergency shelters proposed in residential neighborhoods shall require design review to ensure the shelter design provides for adequate privacy between uses and minimizes potential impacts of the proposed shelter to adjacent residences.

5. Parking shall be supplied in accordance with Sections 18-20.090 and 18-20.100.

6. Each emergency shelter shall be limited to a maximum occupancy of two hundred fifty (250) persons (in total), including warming shelters and daytime facilities.

7. A management plan shall be required to address how the immediate sheltering needs of individuals who may be turned away from the shelter will be handled. The management plan shall establish a maximum length of time which clients may be accommodated.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 100 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

8. Low barrier navigation center applications shall be processed in accordance with Government Code Section 65664 providing timelines for action; the City must notify the developer within thirty (30) days if the application is complete under Government Code Section 65493 and then must act on the application within sixty (60) days from the date the application has been deemed complete. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of these regulations is to allow temporary operation of a warming shelter in the City to help people in need to stay warm during inclement weather. Reasonable standards are hereby established to preserve the neighborhood character and quality of life in Clearlake.

b. Application and Permit Required. Warming shelters are subject to approval of an administrative use permit from the Director within the Industrial (I) Zone, and may be established in any other zoning district with a use permit. Warming shelters which require use permit approval may be subject to conditions of approval with requirements that vary from these standards.

• c. Standards for Warming Shelters.

  1. No more than one (1) warming shelter shall be permitted within the City temporarily on an annual basis.

  2. Maximum operation time shall not exceed two (2) months, unless an extension is approved by the Police Chief. Extensions shall not exceed thirty (30) days.

  3. Use permits for warming shelters may be denied based on past performance and experiences that the City has had that have exceeded the City’s expectations for public services, such as police and fire services and impacts on the neighborhood.

  4. Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with Sections 18-20.090 and 18-20.100.

  5. There shall be adequate space inside the structure such that prospective and current users are not required to wait on sidewalks or any other public rights-of-way.

  6. Lighting shall be provided for appropriate surveillance subject to approval of the Police Department.

  7. A management plan shall be provided to address management experience and good neighbor issues. Such plan shall be submitted to and approved by the City. Minimum standards and practices in the plan shall be as follows:

(a) The shelter shall be operated by a responsible agency or organization with experience in managing or providing social services.

(b) The shelter shall have an identified administrator and representative to address community concerns.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 101 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(c) A minimum of one (1) staff member per fifteen (15) beds shall be awake and on duty when the facility is open. Facility staff shall be trained in operating procedures, safety plans, and assisting clients. The facility shall not employ staff who have been convicted of a felony or who are required to register as a sex registrant under Penal Code 290.

(d) The shelter shall be maintained in a safe and clean manner and free from refuse or discarded goods.

• d. Appeal. Appeal procedures for this section shall be as provided by Article 18-36.

e. Revocation of a Permit. Upon receipt by the Director of substantiated written complaints from any citizen, Code Enforcement Officer or Police Department Officer, which includes information and/or evidence supporting a conclusion that a violation of the permit or of City ordinances or regulations applicable to the property or operation of the facility has occurred, the Director may set a permit review hearing before the Planning Commission. At the time of permit review, to ensure compliance with applicable laws and conditions of the permit, conditions of approval may be added, deleted, modified or the permit may be revoked. Review by the Planning Commission shall be subject to a public review process as provided under Section 18-28.030. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the development of accessory and junior accessory dwelling units as an accessory use (allowed by right) to a residential unit based on the following criteria:

1. This section is intended to implement Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.150, which allow the City to perform administrative design review and apply specific development standards to accessory and junior accessory dwelling units in all zones where allowed.

2. The City intends to regulate accessory dwelling units as permitted by California Government Code Section 65852 and other applicable sections.

3. The City recognizes opportunities to implement certain policies and programs of the City’s Housing Element of the Clearlake General Plan by providing for, encouraging the development of and regulating accessory and junior accessory dwelling units.

4. Implementation of this section is meant to expand housing opportunities for low-income and moderateincome or elderly households by increasing the number of rental units available within existing neighborhoods. Accessory and junior accessory dwelling units are intended to provide livable housing at lower cost while providing greater security, companionship and family support for the occupants.

b. Requirements. Accessory and junior accessory dwellings shall be allowed and created in all zones, including mixed use zones, that allow single family and multiple family residential uses including all related development

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 102 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

and design standards in accordance with California Government Code Sections 65852.1 and 65852.2 as may be amended from time to time except the following additional local standards shall apply:

1. For sites within a flood hazard area on the adopted Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Map, the finished floor of any new or legalized accessory dwelling unit shall be elevated at least one (1') foot above the base flood elevation as “new construction” under Chapter XVII, Floodplain Management. The applicant shall submit an elevation certificate based on construction drawings with the building permit plans and a final elevation certificate shall be required prior to project final.

2. The Building Official and the Lake County Fire Protection District shall confirm that side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire safety.

3. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65852.2(c), fire sprinklers shall not be required for accessory or junior accessory units if they are not required for the primary unit.

c. Administration. Unless otherwise provided by State law, any person proposing to create or construct an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall submit a building permit application to the Building Department with a site plan, elevations, color and materials samples, and any other information deemed necessary to administer this chapter, even if no construction is proposed. The City shall consider the building permit application ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing. The City shall act on the application to create an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit within sixty (60) days from the date the City receives a complete application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot. If the permit application to create an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit is submitted with a permit application to create a new single-family dwelling on the lot, the City may delay acting on the permit application for the accessory dwelling unit or the junior accessory dwelling unit until the City acts on the permit application to create the new single-family dwelling, but the application to create the accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be considered without discretionary review or hearing. If the applicant requests a delay, the sixty (60) day time period shall be tolled for the period of the delay.

d. Costs for Processing Permits and Development Impact Fees. Unless otherwise provided by State law, except for accessory and junior accessory dwelling units that are less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet, the City may authorize a fee for development impact fees, conditional use permits, variances, and the ministerial review of accessory and junior accessory dwelling units. Also, the City may only collect development impact fees for accessory dwelling units (not junior accessory dwelling units) that exceed seven hundred fifty (750) square feet, proportionate in relation to the size of the primary dwelling unit square footage (e.g., the floor area of the primary dwelling, divided by the floor area of the accessory dwelling unit, times the typical fee amount charged for a new dwelling). For the purposes of this subsection, impact fees do not include any connection fee or capacity charge for water or sewer service, nor do they include charges for garbage or recycling service. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 103 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. Guest quarters consist of attached or detached building space which contains bathroom facilities including toilets, bathing facilities, showers or sinks but does not contain a kitchen. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the development of guest quarters as an approved accessory use to a primary residential unit based on the following criteria:

1. Regulations on guest quarters are established to prevent conversion of guest quarters into unpermitted living space to ensure that such structures are not used as separate dwelling units.

2. Unpermitted conversion of guest quarters could result in effects detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare of the community, including but not limited to fire and life safety threats, adverse neighborhood parking, traffic congestion and noise impacts and creation of nuisances related to increased, unpermitted residential density without appropriate permit conditions and mitigations and the maintenance of unsafe or unsanitary permanent living quarters not permitted or intended to support primary residential uses.

b. General Requirements. Upon meeting the requirements of this section, guest quarters may be established in the LDR, MDR and MUX Zones, when the primary use on the site is a single-family dwelling and shall be subject to the following requirements. The Director may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. This section does not apply to legally established accessory structures permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

2. Guest quarters shall conform to all applicable zoning regulations such as height, yards, parking, building coverage.

3. Density and Size. The structure must be consistent with density provisions and development standards of the underlying zone. For the purposes of calculating density in multifamily zones, guest quarters will be considered an additional bedroom, accessory to the primary unit. The structure may not exceed four hundred fifty (450) square feet.

4. Areas Prohibited. Guest quarters shall not be allowed on nonconforming lots. Guest quarters shall not be established in any condominium or planned development project unless specifically addressed in the planned development ordinance as adopted or amended or any mobile home subdivision or trailer park.

5. Owner Occupancy. The property must be occupied by the property owner as the owner’s primary place of residence. If a property can no longer be occupied as the owner’s primary place of residence, the guest quarters may continue to be used as habitable space (e.g., office, pool house, art studio) but can no longer be used as overnight sleeping quarters.

6. No Separate Rental. Guest quarters may not be rented separately from the primary dwelling unit.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 104 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

7. No Kitchen Facilities. Kitchens may not be installed and plumbing shall be provided for bathroom use only.

8. Design Review Required. All requests shall be reviewed for consistency with the City’s Design Review Manual. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose, Intent and Applicability. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations related to the development of housing projects in compliance with Government Code Sections 65940 to 65950 regarding the review process for residential developments.

1. The City’s design procedure outlines the requirements for the ministerial review and approval of housing development (Article 18-33).

2. If the project constitutes an affordable housing development, it shall not be subject to discretionary review, including environmental review. Otherwise, the project shall be processed in accordance with the Housing Accountability Act of 2019 as amended, California Government Code Section 65940 (until the Act’s expiration).

3. If the project is considered a streamlined housing development project, the project shall be subject to the submittal of a complete application as required by California Government Code 65913.4 and shall comply with the objective design standards the City adopts by resolution of the City Council which are in accordance with California Government Code Section 66300(b)(1)(C) that limits design approval to objective criteria that involves no personal or subjective judgment.

4. The Community Development Department shall maintain a required checklist of information for submittal for a complete application in accordance with California Government Code Section 65940; this list shall be limited to only those items noted by law as being required.

5. In accordance with California Government Code Section 65905.5 the City may not conduct more than five (5) public hearings on a housing development project if the project complies with objective general plan and zoning standards in effect at the time the application is deemed complete. Public hearings include workshops and reviews by the Planning Commission and/or City Council. They do not include legislative hearings to address general or specific plan or zoning amendments that may be needed to accommodate the project. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. These regulations address the particular operational characteristics of campground uses and recreational vehicle parks. The provisions set forth in this section enable these uses in various zoning districts in the City subject to specific performance standards and permit requirements. It is the purpose and intent of this

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 105 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

section to provide for the orderly regulation of campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks in the City. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise, smoke, and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare, these special regulations are necessary. These standards and requirements are intended to ensure that campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks will be compatible with surrounding uses. Refer to Section 18-19.010 regarding using a recreational vehicle as dwelling unit which is different from the uses outlined in this section.

b. Permit Required. The establishment of a campground and/or recreational vehicle park in various zone districts shall require a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission as reflected in Tables 4 and 5 of this chapter in addition to the applicable use permit requirement.

• c. Performance Standards.

1. Access to Site. Access to campgrounds or recreational vehicle parks shall be by means of a paved road with a minimum width of twenty-five (25') feet and two (2) four (4') foot native shoulders, designed and constructed to County standards. A recorded legal easement not less than forty (40') feet wide shall be established from a City- or County-maintained road to the campground or recreational vehicle park.

2. Number of Spaces. Two (2) spaces per lot or campsite. Four (4)spaces at or near each comfort station on a roadway shall also be provided, which may be counted as part of the overall number of spaces required for the campsites. Parking shall be provided at the park entrance for guest registration.

3. Screening Required. Parking areas and campsites shall be screened from public roads, or roads that serve other properties.

4. Location of Parking. When parking is proposed adjacent to roadways, the spaces shall be in addition to the required width of the roadway so as to not restrict traffic movement.

5. Public Improvements. Improvements to a City or County road may be required along the frontage of the project. Off-site improvements may be required to provide safe and adequate access.

6. Numbering. Campsites shall be numbered, with the numbers visible on each campsite.

7. Commercial Uses. A campground or recreational vehicle park may contain commercial uses for the convenience of campers; provided, that such uses shall not occupy more than five hundred (500) square feet for each fifty (50) spaces.

8. Manager’s Quarters. Living quarters may be provided for the use of a caretaker or manager and employee housing.

9. Density for RV Parks. A maximum of fifteen (15) units per acre, or lower density as required by the approval body. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 106 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. Safe parking provides homeless individuals and families with vehicles a safe place to temporarily park overnight in order to facilitate the transition to permanent housing. The provisions set forth in this section enable safe parking in various zoning districts in the City subject to specific performance standards and permit requirements. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation for safe parking in the City. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise and traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare these special regulations are necessary. These standards and requirements are intended to ensure that safe parking facilities will be compatible with surrounding uses and effective at facilitating participants’ transition to permanent housing.

b. Permit Required. The establishment of a safe parking use in various zone districts shall either require an administrative use permit from the Director or a use permit from the Planning Commission as reflected in Table 4 of this chapter. In addition to the applicable use permit requirement, review by the Design Review Committee may be required depending upon the type of changes proposed to the parking lot and any structures intended for use in a safe parking facility.

• c. Performance Standards. These standards apply to all safe parking uses.

  1. The use permit is subject to review at any time and may be revoked after a hearing by the original approval body (Director, Planning Commission, or City Council) and a finding is made by that body that the use has become detrimental to the surrounding neighborhood.

  2. The use/facility shall be managed by a qualified social service provider.

  3. Participants must be paired with a case manager and enrolled in a self-sufficiency program to facilitate the transition to permanent housing.

  4. Prospective participants shall submit to a criminal history background check. Participant exclusion shall be determined by the social service provider on a case-by-case basis.

  5. Restroom, water and trash facilities shall be provided, maintained and accessible to participants during safe parking facility hours.

  6. Monitoring and oversight shall be provided by the social service provider during safe parking facility hours.

  7. The social service provider shall give preference to those with proof of residency in Lake County for a minimum period of six (6) months within the last two (2) years. Evidence of residency may include, but is not limited to, items such as rental agreements, mortgage, utility, hotel and medical facility bills, paystubs and intake from homeless service programs.

  8. Participant vehicles shall maintain a minimum buffer of fifty (50') feet from any property that contains a residential use. Buffers less than fifty (50') feet may be permitted through the use permit application review

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 107 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

process on a case-by-case basis when determined to be compatible with the neighborhood. Buffers greater than fifty (50') feet may be necessary for neighborhood compatibility, which will be determined on a case-bycase basis as part of the use permit review process.

9. The social service provider shall ensure that only vehicles registered in the program are parked overnight during program hours. A parking permit shall be provided to all participants to be displayed in vehicle windows in a form to be approved by the Police Chief.

10. At all times, the social service provider shall maintain a roster of the names and vehicle license numbers of each participant who is authorized to park overnight.

11. A neighborhood relations plan shall be provided for each safe parking facility location to address any complaints in a timely manner, including consistency with any adopted good neighbor policy.

12. Only participants who have entered into a written agreement with a social service provider shall be allowed to use parking spaces overnight. The written agreement between the social service provider and participant must include, but not be limited to, the following terms and conditions:

• (a) Only one (1) vehicle is allowed per participant.

(b) At least one (1) participant per vehicle shall possess a current driver’s license, vehicle registration, and insurance for the vehicle that will be parked overnight. The social service provider shall keep a copy of all three (3) on record.

(c) Vehicles may only be occupied by participants and approved registered household members. Guests shall not be allowed.

(d) Participants shall not use or possess any illegal drugs or alcohol either on their person or in their vehicle.

(e) Participants shall not use or possess any weapons or firearms of any kind in program vehicles.

• (f) No fires of any kind shall be permitted.

• (g) No music may be played that is audible outside participants’ vehicles.

(h) No cooking or food preparation shall be performed outside of the participants’ vehicles. Cooking inside vehicles is prohibited unless the vehicle was manufactured with cooking appliances.

• (i) Camping tarps or equipment beyond the participant’s vehicle are prohibited.

(j) Participants shall maintain control of animals. Animals shall be kept on a leash at all times and animal waste shall be picked up immediately and disposed of properly.

(k) Participants shall not dump sewage or other waste fluids or solids, deposit excreta outside a vehicle, or park vehicles that leak excessive fluids (i.e., gasoline, transmission or radiator fluid, or engine oil). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 108 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. Helicopter facilities provide necessary transportation for community services and public and private entities (refer to definitions section regarding helicopter facilities). The provisions set forth in this section enable helicopter facilities in various zoning districts in the City subject to specific performance standards and permit requirements. It is the purpose and intent of this section to provide for the orderly regulation for heliports in the City. It is recognized that these facilities, by their very nature, have some objectionable characteristics, such as noise and air traffic conflicts. In order to protect and preserve public health, safety and welfare these special regulations are necessary.

b. Helicopter Facilities Allowed. As referenced in Table 6 of this chapter, helicopter facilities including heliports, helistops, hospital heliports, rooftop emergency heliports, temporary helicopter landing sites, and similar emergency use facilities are subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission as reflected in Table 6 of this chapter.

1. A general aviation permitted heliport;

2. A hospital heliport;

3. A rooftop emergency facility, with the authorization of the Fire Chief;

4. An emergency medical services helicopter landing site established in conformance with the state regulations and subject to approval by the Fire Chief/Marshal;

5. A temporary helicopter landing site established in conformance with the state regulations and with the prior authorization of the Fire Chief;

   6. An emergency use facility under the direction of the Fire Chief/Marshal.

• c. Performance Standards. These standards apply to helicopter facilities:

1. All terms and conditions of approval for the heliport or helistop required by the California Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics, the Federal Aviation Administration, or any other State or Federal agency are conditions of approval of the conditional use permit.

2. Each use permit, if required, shall be conditioned on the owner and operator of the heliport or helistop complying at all times with the rules and regulations governing airports and heliports issued by the California State Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics (21 California Code of Regulations Section 3525 et seq.), including the recommendations contained in the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advisory Circular AC 150/5390-2C and all other ACs referenced by or incorporated into the rules and regulations governing airports and heliports issued by the California State Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics.

3. General Aviation Heliports. General aviation heliports are subject to and shall be designed to conform with all applicable State regulations, including, but not limited to, AC 150/5390-2B Chapter 2.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 109 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

4. On buildings supporting a helistop construction of the touchdown area shall be noncombustible. The surface of the touchdown and adjacent area shall be covered with an impervious and noncombustible material. Surfaces must be properly drained.

5. Hospital Heliports. Hospital heliports are subject to and shall be designed to conform with all applicable State regulations, including, but not limited to, AC 150/5390-2B Chapter 4.

6. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, heliports shall be subject to and conform with the fire safety operational requirements for the protection of persons, aircraft, and other property contained in the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for Heliports (NFPA 418 (2001 Edition)) to the satisfaction of the Fire Chief.

7. No refueling or repairing is to be accomplished at an elevated helistop or rooftop emergency facility except in extreme emergency, and then only as approved by the Fire Chief.

8. Rooftop emergency facilities touchdown and lift-off area (TLOF) and any TLOF supporting structures of elevated heliports and rooftop emergency facilities shall be subject to and conform with the construction standards contained in the state regulations, including, but not limited to, AC 150/5390-2B Chapter 8.

9. The TLOF and any TLOF supporting structures of elevated heliports and rooftop emergency facilities shall be subject to and conform with the surface characteristics standards contained in the state regulations, including, but not limited to, AC 150/5390-2B Chapters 2 and 4.

10. Rooftop emergency facilities, emergency medical services helicopter landing areas, temporary helicopter landing sites, and emergency use facilities are not heliports, and are allowed in any zone subject to compliance with all related performance standards of this section. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for the development of accessory structures, other than accessory dwelling units and guest quarters, such as a garage, storage shed or shop, approved as an accessory use based on the following criteria:

1. Regulations on accessory structures are established to provide a distinction between nonhabitable accessory structures (e.g., garage, storage shed, shop building) and accessory living spaces (e.g., accessory dwelling units, guest quarters, office, pool house, etc.). These regulations establish standards which prevent the conversion of accessory structures into unpermitted living space to ensure that such structures are not used as separate dwelling units.

2. Unpermitted conversion of accessory structures is detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare of the community.

b. General Requirements – Accessory Structures. Accessory structures are located upon the same site as the structure or use to which they are accessory. Accessory structures shall be subject to the following requirements.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 110 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Director may relax such standards or impose stricter standards as an exercise of discretion upon a finding that such modifications are reasonably necessary in order to implement the general intent of this section or to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public, community and the environment.

1. Accessory Structure Use and Size. Accessory structures may consist of detached structures or additions to primary structures. The use of an accessory structure is incidental and subordinate to the use of the principal structure or to the principal land use of the site.

2. This section does not apply to legally established dwellings or accessory dwelling units and guest quarters.

3. This section does not apply to legally established accessory structures permitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter.

4. Accessory structures shall conform to all applicable zoning regulations such as height, yards, parking, building coverage, etc.

5. No Kitchen Facilities. Kitchens may not be installed and plumbing shall be provided for bathroom use only.

6. Design Review Required. All requests shall be reviewed for consistency with the City’s Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33. The Director shall determine, upon receiving a complete application, whether the project shall be forwarded to the Design Review Committee for review.

7. Owner’s Agreement With the City. Prior to the issuance of construction permits, the Director may require that a covenant agreement shall be recorded which discloses the structure’s approved floor plan and status as an “accessory structure” which cannot contain living space, including bathing facilities or a kitchen. This agreement shall be recorded in the office of the County Recorder to provide constructive notice to all future owners of the property. The covenant agreement also may contain authorization for annual inspections and to allow the City, upon reasonable time and notice, to inspect the premises for compliance with the agreement and to verify continued compliance with requirements of this section and health and safety codes. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this section is to establish regulations for addressing uses not defined specifically in this article, but that possess characteristics of unique and special form as to make their use acceptable in any district under certain specific conditions, compatible with the neighborhood. Conditions may be established through the use permit process by the Planning Commission to avoid life safety threats, adverse neighborhood parking, traffic congestion and noise/vibration impacts, characteristics and avoid the creation of nuisances.

b. General Requirements. Uses not otherwise identified in this article, such as Section 18-19.010, as determined by the Director, may be allowed in any zone subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission as follows:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 111 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. Airport, landing field, heliport.

2. Geothermal development.

3. Hospital, convalescent hospital, sanitarium.

4. Cemetery, columbarium, crematory, mausoleum.

5. Marinas and similar facilities.

6. Community clubs, private clubs or fraternal organizations.

7. Churches, schools, colleges, except those that are exempt under this chapter.

8. Country clubs and golf courses.

9. Utility and communication buildings unless specifically referenced in this Code.

10. Public and quasi-public uses of an administrative, public services or cultural type including special district, City, County, State or Federal facilities. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Development of property within the City may be subject to provisions of this code not contained in this section or chapter, including, but not limited to, the following:

1. Building Codes and Regulations, Chapter IX;

2. Sanitation Regulations, Chapter XI;

3. Storm Water Management Ordinance, Chapter XIV;

4. Floodplain Management Regulations, Chapter XVII

5. Environmental Review Guidelines, adopted by Council Resolution 2016-67.

b. Where provisions of this chapter conflict with provisions of other applicable laws, the more restrictive provision shall prevail. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 112 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• a. Determination of Allowed Development.

1. “Density” is the number of dwellings per net acre, measured in density units. A dwelling unit, including single-family, studio apartment, one (1) to four (4) bedroom apartment, counts as a density unit. Accessory and junior accessory dwelling units are not included when calculating density.

2. The following procedure shall be used to determine the maximum development allowed on a given lot or land area:

(a) Determine the Average Cross-Slope of the Site. “Average cross-slope” is the ratio, expressed as a percentage of the difference in elevation to the horizontal distance between two (2) points on the perimeter of the area for which slope is being determined. The line along which the slope is measured shall run essentially perpendicular to the contours.

(1) Where a site does not slope uniformly, average cross-slope is to be determined by proportional weighting of the cross-slopes of uniformly sloping sub-areas, as determined by the Director.

(2) Cross-slope determinations shall be based on the existing topography of the net site area after subtracting the area for any future on-site grading necessary to accommodate proposed right-ofway improvements and other on-site improvements.

(3) Cross-slope shall be calculated only for the net area as defined in subsection (a)(2)(b) of this section.

(4) When the calculation of cross-slope results in a fractional number, it shall be rounded to the next highest whole number if the fraction is one-half (1/2) or more; otherwise it shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number.

(5) No slope-rated density reduction is required in the MUX, DC, GC and IN Zones.

(6) The maximum development allowed for each average cross-slope category is referenced in Table 12.

Table 12. Maximum Cross-Slope Density

==> picture [441 x 151] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Maximum Density Allowed (density units per net acre)
Average Cross-Slope
in % MUX*,
RR LDR MDR HDR C, IN
DC
0 – 15 1 8 15 25 25 18
16 – 20 1 6 9 12 25 18
21 – 25 1 4 6 8 25 18
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 113 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 12. Maximum Cross-Slope Density

==> picture [441 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Maximum Density Allowed (density units per net acre)
Average Cross-Slope
in % MUX*,
RR LDR MDR HDR C, IN
DC
26+ 1 2 3 4 25 18
----- End of picture text -----

***** In the MUX Zone, the maximum allowed density is twenty-five (25) units per acre except when the underlying General Plan land use designation for the property is less (such as Medium Density Residential, which is a maximum of fifteen (15) units per acre). Accessory and junior accessory dwellings shall not be included in maximum density requirements.

(b) Determine the Net Area of the Site. “Net area” is all the area within the property lines of the development site, excluding the following:

• (1) Street right-of-way dedicated and proposed to be dedicated to the City;

(2) Habitat occupied by species listed as “endangered” or “threatened” by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or the California Fish and Wildlife Service or as “plants of highest priority” by the California Native Plant Society, unless the Director determines there is no “practical alternative”;

(c) Multiply the resulting area (in whole and fractional acres) by the maximum density allowed (in density units per acre) according to Table 12 of this section.

(d) The resulting number (in density units, carried out to the nearest one hundredth unit) will be the maximum residential development potential. Any combination of dwelling types and numbers may be developed, so long as their combined density unit values do not exceed the maximum potential.

b. Density Transfer.

1. Development potential may be transferred within the area covered by a Planned Development (PD) Zone, in conformance with the requirements of Article 18-15.

2. Where a portion of a lot is within a zone or zones that allow residential use and the rest of the lot is in an O Zone and the portion within the O-P Zone is not large enough to allow one (1) dwelling, the fractional dwelling unit potential from the O Zone may be transferred to the other portion of the lot, without planned development rezoning.

c. Density Averaging. Where portions of a lot are within two (2) or more different zones that allow different maximum densities and any portion is not of the size required for a lot in that zone, density may be averaged over the whole lot, with each portion contributing to the overall maximum development potential in proportion to its area and maximum allowed density.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 114 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

d. Density Bonus for Low Income and Moderate Income Housing. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 65915, the City may negotiate a density bonus or other benefits in exchange for provision of housing affordable to households with low or moderate income, as defined in the Government Code and as stipulated in Article 18-31 (Density Bonus).

e. Exceptions for Dwellings Rebuilt After Involuntarily Destroyed. Residences in RR, LDR, MDR, HDR, DC, GC and MUX Zones, which have been involuntarily damaged or destroyed by fire, other catastrophic event or the public enemy by more than fifty (50%) percent of their predamaged value, may be rebuilt at the same density and up to the same size, under the following circumstances:

1. All construction must conform to current building codes, zoning regulations and architectural guidelines, except that the previously existing number of dwelling units and size of buildings will be allowed.

2. A building permit for the replacement structure(s) must be obtained within three (3) years of the date of the damage or destruction. This time limit may be extended by the Director on a case-by-case basis.

3. Notwithstanding the above provisions, application for replacement structures of the same density and size may be denied if the Director makes one (1) of the following findings:

   • (a) The reconstruction, restoration or rebuilding will be detrimental or injurious to the health, safety or general welfare of persons living or working in the neighborhood.

(b) The reconstruction, restoration or rebuilding will be detrimental or injurious to property and improvements in the neighborhood.

(c) The existing nonconforming use of the building or structure would be more appropriately moved to a zone in which the use is permitted.

(d) There no longer exists a zone in which the existing nonconforming use is permitted. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Definitions and Purpose.

  1. A “yard” is an area along a property line within which no structures, parking spaces or parking backup spaces may be located, except as otherwise provided in these regulations. Yards are intended to help determine the pattern of building masses and open areas within neighborhoods. They also provide separation between combustible materials in neighboring buildings. Yards are further intended to help

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 115 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

provide landscape beauty, air circulation, views and exposure to sunlight for both natural illumination and use of solar energy.

2. These regulations provide for two (2) types of yards:

   • (a) “Street yard” means a yard fronting and/or adjacent to a local street or State highway. Frontages on Highway SR 53 are not street yards.

   • (b) An “other yard” is any yard other than a street yard (i.e., side and rear yards).

b. Measurement of Yards. Street yards shall be measured from the right-of-way line to the nearest point of the wall of any building. Other yards shall be measured from the property line to the nearest point of the wall of any building.

• c. Yard Standards.

  1. Street yards shall comply with Table 13, as follows:

==> picture [221 x 343] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Table 13. Minimum Street Yards
Zone Minimum Street Yards
RR 20 feet
LDR 20 feet
MDR 15 feet
HDR 15 feet
MUX As provided in zone of adjacent
lot*
DC As provided in zone of adjacent
lot*
GC As provided in zone of adjacent
lot*
IN As provided in zone of adjacent
lot*
O 20 feet
----- End of picture text -----

***** Notes:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 116 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

If the zone of adjacent lot does not have its own standard, no street yard is required. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one (1) zone is adjacent, the largest yard shall be required.

2. Other yards shall comply with Tables 14, 15, 16 and 17 as follows:

Table 14. Minimum Other Yards In RR, LDR, MDR, and HDR Zones

==> picture [481 x 82] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Rear Yard Side Yard
10' 5'
Except for accessory and junior accessory dwellings in accordance with Section 18-19.320.
----- End of picture text -----

Table 15. Minimum Other Yards In

MUX, GC, DC, O and IN Zones

==> picture [221 x 155] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zone Minimum Other Yard
MUX As provided in zone of
adjacent lot*
GC As provided in zone of
adjacent lot*
IN As provided in zone of
adjacent lot*
----- End of picture text -----

***** Notes:

If the zone of adjacent lot does not have its own standard, no street yard is required. Lots separated by streets or other rights-of-way are not considered adjacent. If more than one (1) zone is adjacent, the largest yard shall be required.

3. Yards with City-required landscape plans and storm water facilities shall be landscaped and maintained in accordance with approved plans.

• d. What May and May Not Occupy Yards.

  1. Prohibited Encroachments. Table 16 summarizes what may not occupy yards.

Table 16. Prohibited Encroachments Within Yards

==> picture [481 x 87] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Description Prohibited Encroachments
A. Intersection visibility At the intersections not controlled by a stop sign or
traffic signal, no plant, structure or other solid
object over 3 feet high which would obstruct
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 117 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 16. Prohibited Encroachments Within Yards

==> picture [481 x 373] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Description Prohibited Encroachments
visibility may be located within the area indicated in
Figure 1. At controlled intersections, the Public
Works Director may determine visibility
requirements for proper sight distance.
B. Front yard paving (See Figure 2) No more than 50% of any residential front yard (see
definition of “front yard”), not to exceed 26 feet in
width, may be covered by concrete or any other
impervious material, including driveways, patio
areas, walkways and other landscape features (see
Table 18(F) for exceptions).
C. Vehicles parked in front yard areas of residential Vehicles may only be parked in areas within the
lots (See Figure 3) driveways leading to garage parking or other
approved parking spaces allowed in accordance
with the City’s Parking and Driveway Standards.
Vehicle parking on pavement or other surfaces
outside the driveway area that do not meet the
definition of Figure 3 shall be prohibited. Vehicles
may be parked in tandem (one (1) behind another)
provided there is sufficient space that no part of the
vehicle overhangs the property line or sidewalk.
----- End of picture text -----

Figure 1

==> picture [361 x 217] intentionally omitted <==

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 118 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Figure 2

==> picture [361 x 268] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 3

Examples of allowed front yard parking for typical two (2) car garage and side-loaded two (2) car garage. Vehicles are parked in driveway within area leading to approved parking in garage.

==> picture [221 x 165] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [220 x 142] intentionally omitted <==

2. Allowed Encroachments. Table 17 summarizes what may occupy yards. Upon approval of an administrative use permit or in conjunction with tandem parking approval, the Director may approve reductions in yard standards as provided for in Table 18.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 119 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 629] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
All Yards
A. Awnings without To the lot line Generally, 2 ft.; 0 ft. in Generally, not
supports that extend to DC permitted; 10 ft. in DC
ground, not less than 8 over a sidewalk or
feet above sidewalk, and pedestrian area or on
no interference with sites with frontage along
traffic flow the downtown fringe
streets, but not closer
than 5 ft. from back of
curb [1 ]
B. Steps, 4 feet or less Permitted as necessary Permitted as necessary Permitted as necessary
above grade, which are for pedestrian access for pedestrian access for pedestrian access;
necessary for access to shall not interfere with
a building, or for access vehicular traffic
to a lot from a street or
alley
C. Chimneys 2 ft. – Not permitted
D. Arbors and trellises – 5 ft. Not permitted
E. Flagpoles – 5 ft. Not permitted
F. Fences, walls and – – Not permitted
hedges. Fences, walls
and hedges may occupy
yards to the extent
provided in Section
18-20.070.
G. Signs in conformance – – Refer to Adopted
with the Sign Housing Design
Regulations in Article Standards by Council
18-21 may occupy yards Resolution
to the extent provided
in those regulations.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 120 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 612] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
H. Trash enclosures – – No part of the enclosure
which have been is less than 3 feet from
approved by the any right-of-way.
Director or Design
Review Committee.
I. Unenclosed vehicle – – Not permitted
parking and loading
spaces in conformance
with Section 18-20.100.
J. Tandem Parking – – Not permitted
Spaces. Except for
accessory and junior
accessory dwelling units
where tandem parking
is allowed by right
tandem parking for
single-family dwellings
may be approved by the
Director when
determined to be safe
and compatible with the
surrounding
neighborhood (see
Section 18-20.100(b)(2).
K. On corner lots in the – – Not permitted
RR and LDR Zones, the
street yard along the lot
frontage having the
longer dimension shall
be not less than 10 feet,
as in Figure 4 (unless
subsections L and M
below apply).
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 121 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 632] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
L. Street yards on corner – – Not permitted
lots where each corner
lot has its longer
frontage along the cross
street. In the LDR and
MDR Zones, when each
corner lot on a cross
street has its longer
frontage along the cross
street, as in Figure 5, the
street yard along the
longest frontage shall be
not less than 10 feet
(unless subsection K or
M applies).
M. Street yard averaging – – Not permitted
(developed areas).
Where these regulations
require street yards and
where buildings have
been erected on at least
1/2 of the lots in a block
as of the effective date
of the regulations
codified in this section,
the minimum required
street yard shall be the
average of the street
yards of the developed
lots, but in no case less
than 10 feet nor more
than would otherwise
be required.
N. Discretionary – – –
Exceptions. Upon
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 122 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 630] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
approval of an
administrative use
permit the Director may
approve reductions in
yard standards as
provided for in Table 18.
Front Yard
O. Overhanging eaves 2.5 ft. – Generally not permitted;
and gutters permitted in DC or on
sites with frontage along
downtown streets but
shall not interfere with
vehicular traffic in the
roadway or with
pedestrian traffic along
the sidewalk
P. Outdoor dining area To the lot line in DC and 0 ft. in DC and along Generally not permitted;
in conjunction with an along downtown streets downtown streets 10 ft. in DC over a
existing restaurant sidewalk or pedestrian
area and along
downtown streets, but
not closer than 5 ft.
from back of curb
Q. Patios or decks, 15 ft. 5 ft. Not permitted
provided that decks are
not more than 6 feet
above grade
Side Yard
R. Overhanging eaves 2 ft. 1 ft. Generally not permitted;
and gutters 5 ft. in DC or on sites
with frontage along
downtown streets over
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 123 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 630] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
a sidewalk or pedestrian
area and along the
downtown fringe
streets, but not closer
than 5 ft. from back of
curb
S. Air conditioning units 6 ft. if screened from 2.5 ft. Not permitted
view by a fence, wall, or
hedge that is 1 foot
taller than the
equipment
T. Decks, less than 6 feet – 3 ft.; 0 ft. if located Not permitted
above grade adjacent to permanent
open space
U. Decks, 6 feet or more Generally, 6 ft.; 0 ft. in Generally, 2 ft.; 0 ft. in Not permitted
above grade DC and on sites with DC
frontage along
downtown streets
Rear Yard
V. Overhanging eaves 2.5 ft. 1 ft. Generally, not
and gutters permitted; 5 ft. in DC or
on sites with frontage
along downtown streets
over a sidewalk or
pedestrian area and
along the downtown
fringe streets, but not
closer than 5 ft. from
back of curb
W. Air conditioning units 6 ft. if screened from 5 ft. Not permitted
view by a fence, wall, or
hedge that is one foot
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 124 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 17. What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [481 x 198] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Permitted Encroachments
Location/Projection
(A) Into Yard (B) From Lot Line (C) Into Right-of-Way
taller than the
equipment
X. Decks, less than 6 feet – 10 ft. Not permitted
above grade
Y. Decks, 6 feet or more 15 ft. 5 ft.; 0 ft. if located Not permitted
above grade adjacent to permanent
open space
----- End of picture text -----

1 Notes:

Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit Required. If a structure/encroachment or portion thereof is permitted to project into the right-of-way in this section, then a right-of-way encroachment permit as provided in the City of Clearlake Municipal Code shall be required prior to installation of the projection.

Figure 4

==> picture [361 x 106] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 5

==> picture [361 x 129] intentionally omitted <==

3. Discretionary Encroachments. Upon approval of an administrative use permit or in conjunction with tandem parking approval, the Director may approve reductions in yard standards as provided for in Table 18.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 125 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 18. Discretionary Exceptions to What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [483 x 592] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Description Permitted Encroachments
A. Reduced street yards Street yards may be reduced to 10 feet for structures
including carports. Reductions may be approved for
garages when the driveway is long enough to
accommodate a parked car that does not overhang
the sidewalk (18 feet minimum).
B. Variable street yards in new subdivisions In new residential subdivisions, the entity approving
the subdivision may approve variable street yards, to
be noted on the approved map, provided the average
of the yards on a block is at least 15 feet and no yard
is less than 10 feet. Garages or carports which back
directly onto the public right-of-way shall maintain a
minimum setback so that a parked car does not
overhang the sidewalk (18 feet).
C. Variable other than street yards in new In new residential subdivisions, the entity approving
subdivisions the subdivision map may approve exceptions to the
other yard standards, with the exceptions to be
noted on the map, provided a separation of at least
10 feet between buildings on adjacent lots will be
maintained and an acceptable level of solar exposure
will be guaranteed by alternative yard requirements.
D. Other yard variations in previously subdivided Other yards may be reduced to zero under either of
areas the following circumstances:
i. When there exists adequate recorded
agreement running with the land to maintain at
least 10 feet of separation between buildings on
adjacent parcels; or
ii. When the reduction is for either a minor
addition to an existing legal structure which is
nonconforming with regard to yard
requirements or for a detached single-story
accessory structure; provided, that the Director
makes the following findings:
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 126 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 18. Discretionary Exceptions to What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [483 x 642] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Description Permitted Encroachments
1. In the case of a minor addition, that the minor
addition is a logical extension of the existing
nonconforming structure;
2. In the case of a detached single-story
accessory structure, that the accessory structure
is consistent with the traditional development
pattern of the neighborhood and will have a
greater street yard setback than the main
structure;
3. That adjacent affected properties will not be
deprived of reasonable solar exposure;
4. That no useful purpose would be realized by
requiring the full yard;
5. That no significant fire protection, emergency
access, privacy or security impacts are likely
from the addition; and
6. That it is impractical to obtain a 10-foot
separation easement pursuant to subsection
(D)(i) above.
All such minor additions and new accessory
structures shall comply with applicable provisions of
the City’s adopted Building Code.
E. Other yard exceptions Except for accessory and junior accessory dwellings,
exceptions may be provided to the standards
referenced in Tables 14, 15, 16 and 17. Such
exceptions may be granted in any of the following
and similar circumstances, but in no case shall
exceptions be granted for less than the minimum
yard required:
i. When the property that will be shaded by the
excepted development will not be developed or will
not be deprived of reasonable solar exposure,
considering its topography and zoning;
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 127 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 18. Discretionary Exceptions to What May Occupy Yards

==> picture [483 x 533] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Description Permitted Encroachments
ii. When the exception is of a minor nature, involving
an insignificant portion of total available solar
exposure;
iii. When the properties at issue are within an area
where use of solar energy is generally infeasible
because of landform shading;
iv. When adequate recorded agreement running
with the land exists to protect established solar
collectors and probable collector locations;
v. When the property to be shaded is a street;
vi. Where no significant fire protection, emergency
access, privacy or security impacts are likely to
result from the exception.
F. Front yard paving of more than 50% in Exceptions to this requirement may be approved
residential front yards (see Table 16, Section B) subject to appropriate conditions and upon finding
that:
i. The exception will not constitute a grant of
special privilege inconsistent with the driveway
or parking limitations upon other properties in
the vicinity;
ii. The exception will not adversely affect the
health, safety or general welfare of persons
working or residing in the vicinity; and
iii. The exception is reasonably necessary for the
applicant’s full enjoyment of uses permitted
upon his/her property.
----- End of picture text -----

(Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 128 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Definition. “Coverage” means the area of a lot covered by the footprint of all structures, as well as decks, balconies, porches and similar architectural features, expressed as a percentage of the total lot area. Uncovered decks or porches which are thirty (30") inches or less from the ground shall not be included in the determination of coverage. (See Figures 6 and 7).

Figure 6

==> picture [220 x 243] intentionally omitted <==

Figure 7

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 129 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

==> picture [360 x 313] intentionally omitted <==

b. Application and Exception. Maximum coverage shall be as provided in the specific property development standards for the various zones in this article inclusive, except that the Planning Commission may grant exceptions to maximum coverage for public assembly and institutional uses, in any zone, subject to approval of a use permit. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. The height of a building is the vertical distance from the average level of the ground under the building to the topmost point of the roof, including parapets. The average level of the ground is determined by adding the elevation of the lowest point of the part of the lot covered by the building to the elevation of the highest point of the part of the lot covered by the building and dividing by two (2) (see Figure 8). Height measurements shall be based on existing topography of the site, before grading for proposed on-site improvements.

Figure 8

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 130 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

==> picture [360 x 277] intentionally omitted <==

• b. Maximum building height shall be provided by zoning district in accordance with Table 19, as follows:

Table 19. Maximum Height by Zone

==> picture [482 x 262] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Zone Maximum Height
RR and LDR 35 feet (up to 45 feet with approval of an
administrative use permit)
MDR 35 feet
HDR 35 feet
MUX 35 feet
DC 35 feet (maximum 25 feet on lake side of Lakeshore
Drive)
GC 45 feet (maximum 25 feet on lake side of Lakeshore
Drive)
IN 35 feet
----- End of picture text -----

c. Components of solar energy systems, chimneys, elevator towers, screening for mechanical equipment that is not integral with building parapets, vents, antennas and steeples shall extend not more than ten (10') feet above the maximum building height.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 131 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

d. Commercial and governmental agency antennas may exceed the height limits for the zone in which they are located if such an exception is approved by the Director.

• e. Any other exception to the height limits requires approval of a variance as provided in Article 18-29.

• f. For height limits of signs, see Article 18-21. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Application.

1. The purpose of these regulations is to achieve a balance between concerns for privacy and public concerns for enhancement of the community appearance, visual image of the streetscape, overall character of neighborhoods, contain trash and recyclables, and to ensure the provision of adequate light, air and public safety.

2. These regulations apply to any type of visible or tangible obstruction which has the effect of forming a physical or visual barrier between properties or between property lines and the public right-of-way, including but not limited to: any type of artificially constructed barriers of wood, metal or concrete posts connected by boards, rails, panels, wire or mesh and any type of natural growth such as hedges and screen plantings. Refer to the City’s Fencing Design Standards which are adopted by separate resolution by the City.

• b. Fences, walls or hedges may be placed within required yards, provided:

  1. The maximum height in any street yard shall be as shown in Figure 9.

  2. The maximum height in any other yard shall be six (6') feet.

  3. Arbors, trellises and other lightweight ornamental landscape elements are allowed within a required yard, subject to the same height limits that apply to fences and hedges.

Figure 9

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 132 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

==> picture [360 x 277] intentionally omitted <==

• c. Fences or walls may be placed outside required yards, provided:

  1. The maximum height is eight (8') feet.

  2. Arbors, trellises and other ornamental features are allowed within a required yard, subject to the same height limits that apply to fences and hedges except as provided below.

3. Arbors. Up to one (1) such feature per street frontage may be allowed with a maximum height of nine (9') feet and an area of not more than forty (40) square feet as measured by the perimeter formed by the vertical projection to the ground of the outermost elements of the feature and no horizontal dimension shall exceed eight (8') feet in length. Any portion of such a feature wider than eighteen (18") inches and that exceeds the usual fence height requirements of this section shall be of an open design such that a person standing on the adjacent public right-of-way can see completely through at least fifty (50%) percent of the structure to the depth of the required street yard (Figure 10). Such features within required yards shall not be connected to a building and shall comply with intersection visibility requirements in Figure 4.

Figure 10

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 133 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

==> picture [361 x 248] intentionally omitted <==

4. Decorative pilasters, statuary, flower pots and similar ornamental elements attached to or incorporated into the design of conforming fences or walls may exceed the required height limit up to eighteen (18") inches; provided, that the decorative element is not wider than eighteen (18") inches and that such elements are used to define a gateway or other entryway or are otherwise at least four (4') feet apart.

d. Fence Height. Fence height is measured from the adjacent grade along the lower side of the wall or fence, directly at the base of the wall or fence.

• e. Measurement of height where fences or walls are located on retaining walls.

  1. Where fences or walls are located on front yard retaining walls, the height of the retaining wall shall be considered as part of the overall height of the fence or wall. Walls or fences must have a minimum spacing of five (5') feet to be considered separate structures for purposes of measuring overall height.

  2. Where fences are located on a berm or mound the height of fence shall include the berm or mound directly beneath the fence and above natural grade in the overall height measurement.

3. Where fences are located on retaining walls within other yards (excluding front yards), fences not to exceed six (6') feet as measured from the uphill side may be erected or replaced on top of the retaining walls provided no modification of grade has occurred from the original subdivision improvements and/or design approvals. A building permit is required for the combined fence and retaining wall height that exceeds six (6') feet and if there is evidence that a modification to the grade has occurred from the original subdivision/ design approvals the height must be authorized through a fence height exception.

f. Exceptions. The Director may grant exceptions to these standards subject to a finding that no public purpose would be served by strict compliance with these standards.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 134 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

g. Public Notice Required. A public notice shall be posted at the site of each proposed fence height exception. If anyone informs the Community Development Department of a reasonable objection concerning the proposed fence height exception within five (5) days of the posting, the Director shall schedule a hearing for the application as provided for administrative use permits. If no questions or objections are received by the Community Development Department within five (5) days after posting, the Director may issue a letter of approval upon submission of all required information and without further notice or public hearing.

h. Fence Design Standards. Fencing design and installation shall comply with the requirements of the City’s Fencing Design Standards adopted by Council resolution.

i. Trash/Recycling Enclosure Requirements and Standards. Trash and/or recycling enclosures shall be provided, designed and installed in accordance with the City’s Trash and Recycling Enclosure Design Standards adopted by Council resolution. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. A swimming pool shall not be located in a required front or side yard unless an administrative use permit is approved by the Director.

• b. A swimming pool shall not be located within five (5') feet of a property line.

c. Pool equipment shall not be located in a required front yard. To minimize the potential impact of noise, equipment shall be located not less than ten (10') feet from any window or other opening into a dwelling or other habitable building on an adjacent property.

d. Pool equipment shall be enclosed or screened from street and adjoining property view. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Intent. This section is intended to ensure provision of adequate off-street parking, considering the demands likely to result from various uses, combinations of uses and settings. It is the City’s intent, where possible, to consolidate parking and to minimize the area devoted exclusively to parking and driveways when typical demands may be satisfied more efficiently by shared facilities. Varying standards apply to the downtown area in accordance with subsection (h) of this section.

• b. Parking and Driveway Design and Exceptions.

  1. Parking and driveway design and requirements for permits shall be as provided in the parking standards adopted by Council resolution.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 135 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. The Director may grant exceptions to the standards subject to appropriate conditions and upon finding that:

   • (a) The exception will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the driveway or parking limitations upon other properties in the vicinity;

(b) The exception will not adversely affect the health, safety or general welfare of persons working or residing in the vicinity; and

• (c) The exception is reasonably necessary for the applicant’s full enjoyment of uses permitted upon his/ her property.

c. Shared Parking Reduction. Where two (2) or more uses share common parking areas, the total number of parking spaces required may be reduced by up to ten (10%) percent, with approval of an administrative use permit. Where shared parking is located on more than one (1) parcel, affected parties must record an agreement governing the shared parking, to the satisfaction of the Director.

d. Mixed-Use Parking Reduction. By approving an administrative use permit, the Director may reduce the parking requirement for projects sharing parking by up to twenty (20%) percent, in addition to the shared parking reduction, for a total maximum parking reduction of thirty (30%) percent, upon finding that the times of maximum parking demand from various uses will not coincide.

e. Automobile Trip Reduction. By approving an administrative use permit, the Director may reduce the parking requirement for projects implementing non-auto travel, particularly for commuting, when it can be demonstrated that reduction of on-site parking will be safe and will not be detrimental to the surrounding area or cause a decline in quality of life. The applicant shall provide reasonable justification for the reduction, including innovative project design, transportation demand management (TDM) or incentives, which will reduce single-occupant vehicle travel to and from the site. These may include, but are not limited to, programs such as carsharing, employer-paid transit passes (i.e., trip reduction incentive plans) or off-peak work hours.

. The applicant shall provide reasonable justification for the reduction, including innovative project design, transportation demand management (TDM) or incentives, which will reduce single-occupant vehicle travel to and from the site. These may include, but are not limited to, programs such as carsharing, employer-paid transit passes (i.e., trip reduction incentive plans) or off-peak work hours.

f. Off-Site Parking. The Director may, by approving an administrative use permit, allow some or all of the required parking to be located on a site different from the use. Such off-site parking shall be within a zone where the use is allowed or conditionally allowed or within commercial or industrial zones. It shall be within three hundred (300') feet of the use and shall not be separated from the use by any feature that would make pedestrian access inconvenient or hazardous. The site on which the parking is located shall be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the party controlling the use.

g. Bicycle and Motorcycle Spaces. Each use or development, which requires ten (10) or more spaces, shall provide facilities for parking bicycles and motorcycles as follows:

1. Motorcycle Spaces. Parking for motorcycles shall be provided at the rate of one (1) space for each twenty (20) car spaces. Projects that provide more motorcycle spaces than required may reduce the required car spaces at the rate of one (1) car space for each five (5) motorcycle spaces, up to a ten (10%) percent reduction, subject to the approval of the Director.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 136 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

2. Bicycle Spaces. Parking for bicycles shall be provided in accordance with Table 20. All bicycle spaces shall be located at the ground floor level. Additional City standards and guidelines for bicycle parking can be found in the City’s Parking Standards and Design Review Manual. Projects which provide more bicycle and/or motorcycle spaces than required may reduce the required car spaces at the rate of one (1) car space for each five (5) bicycle spaces, up to a ten (10%) percent reduction, subject to the approval of the Director. All bicycle parking that exceeds the required number of spaces shall be apportioned between short-term and long-term bicycle spaces as stipulated by Table 20.

Table 20. Bicycle Parking Space Requirements

==> picture [481 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Number of bicycle spaces as a percentage of
Zone
required auto spacesab
MDR, HDR, MUX 5%
DC, GC, IN 15%
----- End of picture text -----

Notes:

a All parking shall be provided on site.

b Requirements apply to uses that require ten (10) or more vehicle parking spaces. When less than one-half (1/2) space is calculated, one (1) space is required.

• h. Downtown Area. Within the Downtown Commercial (DC) Zone the following parking standards and incentives shall apply:

1. Parking space reductions noted in subsections (b) through (e) of this section shall not be applicable in the DC Zone, as the reduced parking rates established herein are intended to provide flexibility in meeting parking requirements and rely on the consolidation of parking.

2. Restaurants, sandwich shops, take-out food, bars, taverns, night clubs, other food service or entertainment establishments, theaters, auditoriums, convention halls and churches: one-half (1/2) that required in Table 23; provided, however, that in no case the requirement shall exceed one (1) space per three hundred fifty (350) square feet gross floor area.

3. Dwellings, motels, hotels and bed and breakfast inns: one-half (1/2) that required in Table 22. In order to support and encourage residential uses in the DC Zone, additional options for meeting parking requirements for residential uses are available as listed in subsection (h)(7) of this section.

4. All other uses: one (1) space per five hundred (500) square feet gross floor area.

5. In determining the total number of required spaces, all fractions shall be rounded to the nearest whole number. Fractions of one-half (1/2) or greater shall be rounded to one (1); fractions less than one-half (1/2) shall be rounded to zero (0).

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 137 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

6. For existing buildings, only the parking needed for additions thereto or for changes in occupancy which increase parking requirement relative to prior uses shall be required.

7. The parking space requirement may be met by:

   • (a) Providing the required spaces on the site occupied by the use;

(b) The Director may, by approving an administrative use permit, allow some or all of the parking to be located on a site different from the use. Such off-site parking shall not be within a residential zone. It shall be within reasonable walking distance and no greater than five hundred (500') feet of the use and shall not be separated from the use by any feature that would make pedestrian access inconvenient or hazardous. The site on which the parking is located shall be owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the party controlling the use;

(c) Participating in a commonly held and maintained off-site parking lot where other businesses maintain their required spaces;

(d) Participating in a parking district that provides parking spaces through a fee or assessment program;

(e) Participating in an in-lieu fee program as may be established by the City Council. Any parking agreement approved prior to adoption of the parking standards contained in subsections (h)(1) through (h)(3) of this section may be adjusted to conform with those standards, subject to approval by the Director and City Attorney;

(f) In order to facilitate housing development in the downtown, the Director may reduce the parking requirement for any residential element of a project in the DC District by ten (10%) percent or one (1) space, whichever is greater. In allowing this reduction, the Director may require a vehicle trip reduction plan to be submitted for approval and such other conditions deemed necessary to reduce parking demand. Requests for parking reductions greater than ten (10%) percent shall be reviewed by the Planning Commission and shall require a use permit. In granting such additional reduction, the Commission must find that the increased demand for parking in the downtown resulting from the project is not significant due to such considerations as the project’s design, location, size or other features. The Commission may require a trip reduction plan and other conditions deemed necessary to reduce parking demand.

i. Requirements by Type of Use.

1. Except as otherwise provided in these regulations, for every structure erected or enlarged and for any land or structure devoted to a new use requiring more spaces according to the schedule set out in this subsection, the indicated minimum number of off-street parking spaces located on the site of the use shall be provided.

2. The right to occupy and use any premises shall be contingent on preserving the required parking and maintaining its availability to the intended users, including residents, staff, and/or customers.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 138 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

3. Parking, in addition to these requirements, may be required as a condition of use permit approval.

• j. Uses Not Listed. The Director shall determine the parking requirement for uses which are not listed. His/her determination shall be based on similarity to listed uses and may be appealed to the Planning Commission.

• k. Parking Calculations.

  1. The parking requirement is based on the gross floor area of the entire use, unless stated otherwise.

  2. When the calculation of required parking results in a fractional number, it shall be rounded to the next highest whole number if the fraction is one-half (1/2) or more; otherwise it shall be rounded down to the next lowest whole number.

3. Where there has been a reduction in required parking, all resulting spaces must be available for common use and not exclusively assigned to any individual use. In mixed-use projects, required residential parking may be reserved, but commercial parking must be made available for guests or overflow from residences.

• l. Tandem Parking.

1. For residential uses when parking spaces are identified for the exclusive use of occupants of a designated dwelling, required spaces may be arranged in tandem (that is, one (1) space behind the other) subject to approval of the Director. Tandem parking is intended to allow for needed flexibility on constrained lots or where tandem parking is consistent with the existing neighborhood pattern. Tandem parking shall not be used to provide for the conversion of garage spaces. However, tandem parking is allowed by right for accessory and junior accessory units which may not be denied by the Director.

2. Hotel and Restaurant Projects (New and Existing). Tandem parking may be used for hotel and restaurant development in the DC Zone where parking service is provided, subject to the approval of a parking management plan by the Director and Public Works Director. A parking management plan is a document that outlines how site parking will be regulated and includes provisions to reduce parking demand, including, but not limited to, availability of transit in close proximity, access to a car share program and access to information regarding alternative transportation programs.

3. Tandem parking may be considered in commercial office development if all of the following requirements are satisfied:

   • (a) With review of the location and design by the Design Review Committee, where adequate maneuverability and access arrangements are provided; and

   • (b) When the tandem spaces are set aside for the exclusive use of on-site employees; and

(c) Where the total number of tandem spaces does not exceed thirty (30%) percent of the total parking provided for projects that require ten (10) vehicle parking spaces or less and fifteen (15%) percent of the total parking provided for projects that require eleven (11) or more vehicle parking spaces; and

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 139 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (d) With the approval of a parking management plan by the Director and Public Works Director to ensure that proper management and oversight of the use of the proposed tandem spaces will occur.

4. For existing office development where there is a desire to upgrade or modify the parking layout to increase efficiency or better meet standards and review by the Design Review Committee would not be required, the approval of new tandem parking spaces would require the approval of an administrative use permit, where adequate maneuverability and access arrangements are provided.

m. Senior or Elderly Housing Parking. Housing occupied exclusively by persons aged sixty-two (62) or older may provide one-half (1/2) space per dwelling unit or one (1) space per four (4) occupants of a group quarters.

n. Low-Income Housing Parking. Housing occupied exclusively by very low or low-income households, as defined by the State, may provide for reduced parking requirements of one (1) car and one (1) bicycle space per dwelling unit.

• o. Additions and Changes in Use for Existing Uses or Structures Which Do Not Meet Current Parking Standards.

1. Minor Additions. Minor additions to existing legal structures or uses, which are nonconforming because they do not meet current parking standards, may be permitted if they meet the following requirements:

(a) The parking spaces required for the addition are provided in conformance with this chapter, in addition to all parking spaces already provided for the existing use or structure; and

• (b) All existing parking shall be in substantial compliance with parking and driveway standards; and

(c) The addition is not more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the existing gross floor area or one thousand (1,000) square feet, whichever is greater; and

(d) For residential projects, at least one (1) legally conforming space is provided for each existing unit except that in accordance with California Government Code Section 65863.3(a) additional parking may not be required by the City for remodels, renovations, and/or additions to single-family units.

2. Larger Additions. Existing legal structures or uses which are nonconforming because they do not meet current parking standards may be expanded more than twenty-five (25%) percent of the existing gross floor area or one thousand (1,000) square feet, subject to the following:

• (a) All existing parking shall be in substantial compliance with parking and driveway standards; and

(b) All required parking for the existing use or structure plus that required for the addition is provided; or an administrative use permit is obtained and parking is provided pursuant to Table 21:

Table 21. Parking Requirements for Larger Building Additions

==> picture [462 x 71] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking for Addition in Parking Provided for Existing
Increase in Gross Floor Area
Existing Lot Use or Structure Is at Least:
25 – 49% 100% 50%
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 140 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 21. Parking Requirements for Larger Building Additions

==> picture [462 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking for Addition in Parking Provided for Existing
Increase in Gross Floor Area
Existing Lot Use or Structure Is at Least:
50 – 74% 100% 75%
>75% 100% 100%
----- End of picture text -----

Notes:

For residential projects, at least one (1) legally conforming space is provided for each existing unit, in addition to all parking required for the addition itself.

3. Use Changes. Changes in use, which increase the total parking demand from existing legal uses which are nonconforming because they do not meet current parking requirements, may be permitted so long as the number of spaces equal to the difference between the number required by the previous use and the number required by the new use is provided, in addition to all spaces already provided for the previous use.

_ Changes in use, which increase the total parking demand from existing legal uses which are nonconforming because they do not meet current parking requirements, may be permitted so long as the number of spaces equal to the difference between the number required by the previous use and the number required by the new use is provided, in addition to all spaces already provided for the previous use.

• p. Electrical Charging Stations. Electric charging stations for vehicles shall be provided in accordance with the City’s Building Codes as adopted.

q. Required Parking for Residential Uses. The parking requirements for residential uses are set out in Table 22, Required Parking for Residential Uses.

Table 22. Required Parking for Residential Uses

==> picture [482 x 290] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Standard Development
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Accessory and Junior Accessory Refer to Section 18-20.100(b)(2) N/A
Dwelling Units
Single-Family Detached 2 covered spaces/dwelling unit N/A
except for AV Zone which
requires 2 spaces 1 of which
must be covered. Relaxation of
this requirement is provided for
accessory and junior accessory
dwellings, senior housing, and
other types of housing in
accordance with State law.
Single-Family Attached 2 spaces/dwelling unit. N/A
Relaxation of this requirement is
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 141 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 22. Required Parking for Residential Uses

==> picture [482 x 633] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Standard Development
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
provided for accessory and junior
accessory dwellings, senior, low
income housing, and other types
of housing in accordance with
State law.
Multiplex and Multifamily Spaces per the bedroom N/A
configuration:
1.5 spaces for 1 and 2 bedroom
units
2 spaces for 3 to 4 bedroom units
2.5 spaces for 4 plus bedroom
units
In addition to the following:
0.5 spaces for guest
space/dwelling unit
1 space for recreation vehicle per
5 dwelling units as may be
required by Director or Planning
Commission.
Parking requirements of no more
than 1 space per dwelling for
multifamily development that
complies with low-income criteria
of the State’s housing code
Additional relaxation of this
standard is proved for accessory
and junior accessory units, senior
housing, and other types of
housing in accordance with State
law.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 142 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 22. Required Parking for Residential Uses

==> picture [482 x 519] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Standard Development
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Manufactured Home (outside Same as for Single-Family N/A
manufactured home park or Detached
subdivision)
Manufactured Home (inside 2 spaces per dwelling unit + 1 N/A
manufactured home park or guest space per 4 dwelling units.
subdivision) Relaxation of this standard is
provided for accessory and junior
accessory dwelling units, senior
housing, and other types of
housing in accordance with State
law.
Senior Independent Living Center 1 space per dwelling unit or as N/A
provided by State law.
Emergency Shelters and Warming 1.5 spaces per employee during 1 space per shared kitchen
Shelters maximum occupancy at shelter. facility; not required if kitchen
facilities are not shared. In
accordance with Government
Code Section 65583(a)(4)
sufficient parking shall be
provided to accommodate all
staff working in the emergency
shelter; provided, that the
standards do not require more
parking for emergency shelters
than other residential or
commercial uses within the same
zone.
----- End of picture text -----

r. Required Parking for Institutional Uses. The parking requirements for institutional uses are set out in Table 22.1, Required Parking and Loading for Institutional Uses.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 143 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 22.1. Required Parking and Loading for Institutional Uses

==> picture [482 x 637] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Cemetery Greater of: Sum of 1 space per 1 space per building with a floor
100 sf. of indoor assembly space area of 50,000 sf. or greater
+ 3 spaces per 1,000 sf. of office
floor area; or 20 spaces per acre
of grave sites
College/University/Vocational 1 space per 200 sf. of floor area 1 space per building with a floor
Technical Schools (except auditoriums, theaters, area of 50,000 sf. or greater
gymnasiums and stadiums) + 1/3
space per person times the
capacity (persons) of
auditoriums, theaters,
gymnasiums and stadiums
Hospitals 1 space per 2 beds + parking 1 space per building with a floor
required for medical offices for area of 50,000 sf. or greater
outpatient serving areas
Institutional Residential 1 space per 3 beds or as provided 1 space per 30 beds
by State law
Place of Public Assembly: Adult 1 space per 300 sf. N/A
Day Care
Places of Public Assembly 1 space per 100 sf. or special N/A
Including Day Care/Preschool parking study by licensed traffic
engineer or as required by
Director
Places of Public Assembly: 3 spaces per classroom or as 1 space per 40,000 sf.
Elementary School provided in accordance with
State law
Places of Public Assembly: Middle 4 spaces per classroom or as 1 space per 40,000 sf.
School provided in accordance with
State law
Places of Public Assembly: High Special study by licensed traffic 1 space per building with a floor
School engineer or as required by area of 50,000 sf. or greater
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 144 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 22.1. Required Parking and Loading for Institutional Uses

==> picture [482 x 625] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Director or as provided in
accordance with State law
Places of Public Assembly: Library 1/3 space per person times 1 space per 75,000 sf. of floor
or Museum building capacity (in persons) area
Places of Public Assembly: Other Greater of: 1 space per 6 seats in N/A
auditorium; or 1 space per 250 sf.
of floor area
Private Club: No Food Service 1 space per 250 sf. of floor area Over-the-curb loading allowed
used for assembly during off-peak hours, otherwise
1 space per building
Private Club: With Food Service 1 space per 100 sf. of floor area 1 space per 25,000 sf.
used for assembly
Protective Care: Jail or Prison 1 per 5 cells 1 per 30 cells
Protective Care: Other 1 space per 4 beds 1 space per 20 sleeping rooms
Public Service: Fire Station 4 spaces per emergency vehicle N/A
bay
Public Service: Police Station 1 space per 250 sf. 1 space per 60,000 sf. if the
building is larger than 40,000 sf.
Public Service: Post Office 1 space per 200 sf. + 1 space per 1 space per 10,000 sf.
postal vehicle stored on-site or as
provided in accordance with
Federal law
Public Service: Other 1 space per 300 sf. or as provided N/A
in accordance with State law
Residential Eldercare Facilities: 1 space per dwelling unit + 1 1 space per site
Assisted Living space per 3 beds in shared living
facilities or as provided in
accordance with State law
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 145 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 22.1. Required Parking and Loading for Institutional Uses

==> picture [482 x 156] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Residential Eldercare Facilities: 1 space per dwelling unit or as N/A
Congregate Care provided in accordance with
State law
Residential Eldercare Facilities: 1 space per 3 beds or as provided 1 space per 20 sleeping rooms
Nursing Home in accordance with State law
----- End of picture text -----

s. Required Parking for Commercial Uses. The parking requirements for commercial uses are set out in Table 23, Required Parking and Loading for Commercial Uses. Relaxed parking requirements are provided for the downtown parking area (refer to subsection (h) of this section).

Table 23. Required Parking and Loading for Commercial Uses

==> picture [482 x 377] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Agricultural Support/Other Rural 1 space per 300 sf. of office + 1 1 space per 75,000 sf.
Services: Equipment Dealers and space per 750 sf. of other use
Feed Stores
Agricultural Support/Other Rural 1 space per 500 sf. of floor area 1 space per 15,000 sf.
Services: Crop Storage/Packing
Agritourism 1 space per 3 persons of the N/A
maximum capacity
Alcoholic Beverage Sales: 1 space per 200 sf. 1 space per 15,000 sf.
Package
Alcoholic Beverage Sales: Other, See Restaurants and Bars, below See Restaurants and Bars, below
See Restaurants and Bars, below
Boarding or Rooming House 1 space per 12 beds N/A
Car Wash 3 spaces + 2 spaces per bay or N/A
stall
Commercial Cannabis Refer to Table 27
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 146 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 23. Required Parking and Loading for Commercial Uses

==> picture [482 x 591] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Commercial Lodging: Full Service 1 space per guest room + 2 1 space + 1 space per 50,000 sf.
Hotel spaces per 10 guest rooms + 1 meeting rooms, restaurants and
space per 100 sf. of meeting shops
space + 1/2 of required parking
for accessory retail, restaurant
and alcoholic beverage sales uses
Commercial Lodging: Other 1 space per guest room + 2 1 space per 75 rooms
spaces per 10 guest rooms
Commercial Retail: 0 to 2,000 1 space per 250 sf. 1 space per 25,000 sf.
structure’s square feet of floor
area
Commercial Retail: 2,001 to 5,000 8 spaces minimum requirement 1 space per 25,000 sf.
structure’s square feet of floor or 1 per 300 sf.
area – greater of minimum
requirement or space per floor
area
Commercial Retail: 5,000 plus 17 spaces minimum requirement, 1 space per 25,000 sf.
structure’s square feet of floor or 1 per 400 sf.
area greater of minimum
requirement or space per floor
area.
Gas Stations With Convenience 1 space per 200 sf. N/A
Store
Heavy Retail: Home Center 1 space per 500 sf. of floor area 1 space per 50,000 sf.
Heavy Retail: Lumberyard 1 space per 500 sf. of office + 1 1 space per 50,000 sf. of area put
space per 1,000 sf. yard space to the heavy retail use
Kennel 1 space per 250 sf. 1 space if the use is larger than
10,000 sf.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 147 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 23. Required Parking and Loading for Commercial Uses

==> picture [482 x 643] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Light Automobile Service 4 spaces + 1 space per service 1 space
bay (pump stations are not
counted)
Marijuana Dispensary
a. Retail 1 space per 200 sf. N/A
b. Delivery Only 2 spaces per delivery vehicle N/A
Mixed-Use As approved by special study 1 space per 25,000 sf. of
nonresidential uses
Office: Financial Institutions 1 space per 300 sf. 1 space per 33,000 sf.
Office: Medical 1 space per 250 sf. 1 space per 33,000 sf.
Office: Call Center 7 spaces per 1,000 sf. 1 space per 33,000 sf.
Office: Other 3 spaces per 1,000 sf. 1 space per 33,000 sf.
Restaurant: Drive-In or Drive- 1 space per 60 sf. 1 space
Through
Restaurants and Bars, With or 1 space per 60 sf. of dining space 1 space
Without Dancing + 1 space per 100 sf. of kitchen
space + 1 space per 500 sf. of
outdoor dining
Services: Beauty or Nail Salon, 4 spaces per 1,000 sf. N/A
Barber Shop, Spa
Services: Dry Cleaner 3 spaces per 1,000 sf. 1 space if dry cleaning is done off
site
Services: Other 3 spaces per 1,000 sf. + 1 space 1 space per 75,000 sf.
per stored company vehicle
Vehicle Sales, Rental and Service 1 space per 400 sf. of office +1 1 space + 1 space per 25,000 sf.
space per 600 sf. of showroom + of service area
1 space per 500 sf. of service area
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 148 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 23. Required Parking and Loading for Commercial Uses

==> picture [482 x 613] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Veterinarian 1 space per 250 sf. N/A
Warehousing, Mini-Storage 1 space per 300 sf. of office; but N/A
in no case less than 2 spaces
visitor parking + 1 space per
caretaker unit
Required Parking for Recreation and Amusement Uses. The parking requirements for recreation and amusement
uses are set out in Table 24, Required Parking and Loading for Recreation and Amusement Uses.
Table 24. Required Parking and Loading for Recreation and Amusement Uses
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Adult Entertainment Uses Greater of 4 spaces per 5 seats; 1 space
or 1 space per 150 sf. of floor
area
Campgrounds 2 spaces per campsite. 4 spaces N/A
at or near each comfort station
on a roadway shall also be
provided, which may be counted
as part of the overall number of
spaces required for the
campsites. Parking shall be
provided at the park entrance for
guest registration.
Indoor Commercial Amusement: 5 spaces per lane 1 space
Bowling Alley
Indoor Commercial Amusement: 1 space per 3 seats + 3 spaces 1 space
Movie Theaters per screen
Indoor Commercial Amusement: 1 space per 100 sf. of rink surface 1 space
Skating Rinks
----- End of picture text -----

t. Required Parking for Recreation and Amusement Uses. The parking requirements for recreation and amusement uses are set out in Table 24, Required Parking and Loading for Recreation and Amusement Uses.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 149 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 24. Required Parking and Loading for Recreation and Amusement Uses

==> picture [482 x 627] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Indoor Commercial Amusement: 6 spaces per 1,000 sf. 1 space
Other
Outdoor Commercial 1 space per 3 seats 1 space per 500 seats
Amusement: Outdoor Arenas
Outdoor Commercial Per approved parking study Per approved parking study
Amusement: Other
Indoor Recreation: Swimming 1 space per 2 persons capacity 1 space
Pool
Indoor Recreation: Tennis, 2 spaces + 1 space per court + 1 1 space
Racquetball; Handball space per 5 courts
Indoor Recreation: Community 1 space per 400 sf. 1 space per 50,000 sf.
Recreation Center
Indoor Recreation: Other 1 space per 400 sf. 1 space
Outdoor Recreation: Athletic Greater of: 1 space per 4 seats N/A
Fields (spectator); or 30 spaces per
athletic field
Outdoor Recreation: Day Camp 1 space per 4 campers N/A
Outdoor Recreation: Driving 3 spaces per 4 stations N/A
Range
Outdoor Recreation: Mini Golf 4 spaces per hole N/A
Outdoor Recreation: Golf Course 4 spaces per hole N/A
Outdoor Recreation: Playgrounds 12 spaces per acre N/A
Outdoor Recreation: Swimming 1 space per 250 sf. of pool N/A
Pool
Outdoor Recreation: Tennis 2 spaces per court + 1 space per N/A
Courts 250 sf. of clubhouse or pro shop
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 150 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 24. Required Parking and Loading for Recreation and Amusement Uses

==> picture [482 x 460] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Outdoor Recreation: Other Active 12 spaces per acre N/A
Recreation
Outdoor Recreation: Passive 2 spaces per acre N/A
Recreation
Recreational Vehicle Parks 2 spaces per lot. 4 spaces at or N/A
near each comfort station on a
roadway shall also be provided,
which may be counted as part of
the overall number of spaces
required for the campsites.
Parking shall be provided at the
park entrance for guest
registration.
Wineries
Areas for use by or for patrons, 1 space per 300 sq. ft. N/A
including tasting rooms and
reception areas and office or
administration areas
Production, storage or 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. N/A
warehousing areas
Promotional event parking 1 space per 2.5 persons N/A
----- End of picture text -----

u. Required Parking for Industrial Uses. The parking requirements for industrial uses are set out in Table 25, Required Parking and Loading for Industrial Uses.

Table 25. Required Parking and Loading for Industrial Uses

==> picture [482 x 109] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Disposal 5 spaces per 4 disposal vehicles 1 space per disposal vehicle
Heavy Industry Per approved parking study Per approved parking study
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 151 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 25. Required Parking and Loading for Industrial Uses

==> picture [482 x 340] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Light Industry: Laboratories, 1 space per 300 sf. 1 space per 20,000 sf.
Research and Development,
Testing
Light Industry: Other 1 space per 750 sf. or in 1 space per 20,000 sf.
accordance with a special study
prepared by a licensed traffic
engineer or as required by the
Director
Recycling/Salvage Per approved parking study Per approved parking study
Utilities, Community Per approved parking study Per approved parking study
Utilities, Neighborhood 1 space (may be grass) N/A
Warehousing and Transportation 1 space per 300 sf. of office + 1 Greater of: 1 space per 20,000 sf.,
space per 1,000 sf. of warehouse or 1 space per loading bay
+ 1 space per loading dock
----- End of picture text -----

v. Required Parking for Agricultural Uses. The parking requirements for agricultural uses are set out in Table 26, Required Parking and Loading for Agricultural Uses.

Table 26. Required Parking and Loading for Agricultural Uses

==> picture [482 x 224] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Agriculture or Forestry 2 spaces per dwelling unit used N/A
as a farm residence
Agritourism 1 space per 3 persons of the N/A
maximum capacity.
Commercial Stables 1 space per 6 stalls 1 space per 24 stalls
Nursery or Greenhouse: 3 spaces per 1,000 sf. of office or 2 spaces per 5 acres
Wholesale sales floor area + 10 spaces per
acre of outdoor nursery area
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 152 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 26. Required Parking and Loading for Agricultural Uses

==> picture [482 x 282] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Nursery or Greenhouse: Retail 1 space per 250 sf. of enclosed 3 spaces per 5 acres
floor area + 15 spaces per acre of
outdoor nursery area
Wineries (as follows:)
Areas for use by or for patrons, 1 space per 300 sq. ft. N/A
including tasting rooms and
reception areas and office or
administration areas
Production, storage or 1 space per 1,500 sq. ft. N/A
warehousing areas
Promotional event parking 1 space per 2.5 persons N/A
----- End of picture text -----

w. Required Parking for Special Uses. The parking requirements for special uses are set out in Table 27, Required Parking and Loading for Special Uses.

Table 27. Required Parking and Loading for Special Uses

==> picture [482 x 282] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
Airports Per approved parking study or as Per approved parking study
provided in accordance with
State law
Bed and Breakfast 1 space per guest room N/A
Establishments and vacation
rentals
Commercial Cannabis
a. Distributor or Manufacturer 1 space per 800 sf. processing 1 space per 20,000 sf.
area and 300 sf. of office area.
b. Nursery/Cultivation 1 space per 1,000 sf. nursery or 1 space per 20,000 sf.
cultivation area and 1 space per
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 153 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 27. Required Parking and Loading for Special Uses

==> picture [482 x 309] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Parking and Loading
Use
Required Parking Spaces Required Loading Spaces
300 sf. of office or processing
floor area
c. Testing Lab 1 space per 300 sf. 1 space per 20,000 sf.
Parking and Transit Facilities: N/A N/A
Stand Alone Parking Lot
Parking and Transit Facilities: Per approved parking study Per approved parking study
Transit Facility
Self-Storage Facilities 1 space per 20 storage units + 1 N/A
space per on-site caretaker
residence
Wireless Telecommunications 1 per freestanding facility (may N/A
Facilities be grass)
----- End of picture text -----

• (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Parking and driveway design and requirements for permits shall be as provided in the parking standards adopted by Council resolution.

• b. The Director may grant exceptions to the standards subject to appropriate conditions and upon finding that:

  1. The exception will not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the driveway or parking limitations upon other properties in the vicinity;

2. The exception will not adversely affect the health, safety or general welfare of persons working or residing in the vicinity; and

3. The exception is reasonably necessary for the applicant’s full enjoyment of uses permitted upon his/her property. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 154 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Screening shall be required for all outdoor sales and storage. Such screening shall consist of a solid fence, wall or mature hedge or other screen planting at least six (6') feet high. The Director may waive the screening

requirement when the use customarily is not screened from public view, such as auto sales or displays at gas stations. The Director may defer the screening requirement where the sales or storage is adjacent to vacant land and where it is not visible from a public street. Such waiver or deferral may be by approval of whatever type of use permit may be required for the use. If no use permit is required, the waiver or deferral shall be in writing and shall set forth the circumstances justifying the action. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Purpose and Intent. To establish outdoor lighting regulations that encourage lighting practices and systems that will:

  1. Permit reasonable uses of outdoor lighting for nighttime safety, utility, security and enjoyment while preserving the ambience of night;

  2. Curtail and reverse any degradation of the nighttime visual environment and the night sky;

  3. Minimize glare and obtrusive light by limiting outdoor lighting that is misdirected, excessive or unnecessary;

  4. Help protect the natural environment from the damaging effects of night lighting;

  5. Meet the minimum requirements of the California Code of Regulations for Outdoor Lighting and Signs (Title 24, Chapter 6);

  6. Compliance with other laws or ordinances may require minimum illumination levels for specific applications and may conflict with these regulations. In such cases, those laws or ordinances shall govern.

b. Application Requirements. Whenever a person is required to obtain a building permit, electrical permit for outdoor lighting or signage, and/or approval of any development project, the applicant shall, as a part of said application, submit sufficient information to enable the Community Development Department to determine whether the proposed lighting will comply with the provisions of this section. The application shall include information determined appropriate by the Community Development Department that accurately describes projected illumination levels which shall include working drawings and details as described in the City’s Lighting Checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. The application fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this section shall be collected at the time the application is filed.

c. Operational Standards. Outdoor lighting shall be designed, installed and maintained to prevent nighttime sky light pollution, preserve and enhance visibility of stars and use energy efficiently by lighting only those areas or

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 155 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

objects necessary for safety and security. Outdoor lighting design and requirements are also referred to in the City’s Lighting Design Standards that are adopted by Council resolution. All outdoor lighting shall conform to the following regulations:

1. Outdoor lighting shall be directed downward and away from adjacent properties and public rights-ofway.

2. No lighting on private property shall produce an illumination level greater than two (2) maintained horizontal footcandles at grade on any property within a residential zoning district except on the site of the light source.

3. The maximum light intensity on a residential site shall not exceed a maintained value of ten (10) footcandles, when measured at finished grade.

4. The maximum light intensity on a nonresidential site, except auto sales lots, ATMs and sports fields, shall not exceed a maintained value of ten (10) footcandles, when measured at finished grade.

5. The maximum light intensity on an ATM shall not exceed a maintained value of twenty (20) footcandles, when measured at finished grade.

6. The maximum light intensity on an auto sales lot shall not exceed a maintained value of forty (40) footcandles, when measured at finished grade.

7. The maximum light intensity on a sports field shall not exceed a maintained value of fifty (50) footcandles, when measured three (3') feet above grade. Baseball field lighting and lighting for other recreational uses may be increased to a maintained value of one hundred (100) footcandles with approval of the Director.

   8. Outdoor lighting shall be completely turned off or significantly dimmed at the close of business hours unless lighting is essential for security or safety (e.g., illumination of parking areas, ATMs and plazas).

   9. Outdoor lighting shall not blink, flash or rotate.

   10. Outdoor flood light projection above the horizontal plane is prohibited, unless exempted by subsection (e) of this section.

   11. All upward directed sign lighting, including illumination of billboards, is prohibited, unless exempted by subsection (e) of this section.

   12. Outdoor sports fields shall not be illuminated after 11:00 p.m. except to conclude a scheduled recreational or sporting event in progress prior to 11:00 p.m.

• d. Lighting Standards. Lighting shall comply with the requirements of the City’s Lighting Design Standards adopted by Council resolution.

• e. Exemptions. The following lighting fixtures are exempt from the requirements of this section:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 156 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. Neon and other low intensity outdoor lighting fixtures used for signage or architectural decoration that are approved through design review.

2. Outdoor lighting fixtures on public rights-of-way; provided, that measures have been taken to mitigate impacts on surrounding properties and the night sky.

3. Emergency lighting operated by public agencies or for the purpose of aviation safety.

4. All temporary lighting used for the construction or repair of roadways, utilities and other public infrastructure.

5. Non-electric lighting such as gas lamps or kerosene lanterns.

6. Temporary lighting equipment and seasonal lighting equipment; provided, that individual lamps are ten (10) watts or less.

7. Accent lighting for architectural features, national flags, statues, public art, signage or other objects of interest provided the fixture emits a very narrow cone of light for the purpose of confining the light to the object of interest and minimizing spill-light and glare. Accent lighting is subject to Director’s approval. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose and Intent. To establish water efficient landscaping regulations in compliance with State law and enhance the appearance of the community through the development of attractive landscapes throughout the City.

• b. Applicability. The provisions of this section shall apply to the following landscape projects:

  1. New construction and rehabilitated landscapes for institutional, commercial and multifamily development projects with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development review.

2. Developer-installed single-family residential landscapes and common areas of a project with a landscape area equal to or greater than two thousand five hundred (2,500) square feet which are otherwise subject to a building permit or development review. Where model homes are included, the developer shall install at least two (2) model homes with landscapes that comply with the requirements of this chapter and include signs and printed materials explaining design strategies and plant materials for water conservation.

3. New construction landscapes which are homeowner-provided and/or homeowner-hired in single-family residential projects with a total project landscape area equal to or greater than five thousand (5,000) square feet requiring a building permit or development review.

4. Homeowners associations’ and common interest developments’ architectural guidelines (i.e., CC&Rs) shall not prohibit or include conditions that have the effect of prohibiting the use of low water-using plants as

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 157 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a group. Further, the guidelines shall not prohibit the removal of turf, nor restrict or prohibit the reduction of turf in lieu of more water-efficient alternatives (Civil Code Section 1353.8).

• c. Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines. Landscaping design and installation shall comply with the requirements of the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines adopted by Council resolution.

• d. Applicable Projects. Projects that fall under the applicable thresholds cited shall submit the following:

  1. Landscape design plan which meets the maximum applied water allowance calculation and design criteria in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation; and

  2. Irrigation design plan which meets the design criteria in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

• e. Exempt Activities. The provisions of this section shall not apply to the following activities:

  1. Registered local, State or Federal historical sites;

  2. Ecological restoration projects that do not require a permanent irrigation system; or

  3. Plant collections, as part of botanical gardens and arboretums open to the public.

• f. Submittal Requirements.

1. Landscape Design Plan. For the efficient use of water, a landscape shall be designed and planned for the intended function of the project. For each landscape project subject to this section, applicants shall submit a landscape design plan as described in the City’s Landscaping and Design Standards and Guidelines.

2. Irrigation Design Plan. The irrigation system and its related components shall be planned and designed to allow for proper installation, management and maintenance. For each landscape project subject to this section, applicants shall submit an irrigation design plan that is designed and installed to meet irrigation efficiency criteria as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.

3. Soils Management Report. In order to reduce runoff and encourage healthy plant growth, soil amendment, mulching and soil conditioning recommendations shall be prepared by a licensed landscape architect, licensed landscape contractor, licensed civil engineer or licensed architect as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.

4. Grading Design Plan. For the efficient use of water, grading of a project site shall be designed to minimize soil erosion, runoff and water waste as described in the City’s Landscaping Design Standards and Guidelines.

5. Storm Water Management. Storm water management practices minimize runoff and increase infiltration which recharges groundwater and improves water quality. Implementing storm water best management practices into the landscape and grading design plans to minimize runoff and to increase on-site retention and infiltration are required. Project applicants shall refer to Chapter XVII and the City’s Design and Construction Standards Engineering Standards.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 158 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

g. Implementation Procedures. For projects that require development review (tentative parcel map, tentative tract, development plan or conditional use permit), project applicants shall submit the following documentation:

1. A completed maximum applied water allowance for the conceptual landscape design.

2. A conceptual landscape design plan which demonstrates that the landscape will meet the landscape design specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

3. A conceptual irrigation design plan which notes the irrigation methods and design actions that will be employed to meet the irrigation specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

4. A grading plan which demonstrates the landscape will meet the specifications of the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

• h. Building Application. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, project applicants shall submit the following:

  1. A completed maximum applied water allowance form (appendices, City Engineering Standards) based on the final landscape design plan.

2. A final landscape design plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

3. A final irrigation plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

4. A soils management report that includes at a minimum the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

5. A final grading plan that includes all the criteria required in the City Engineering Standards uniform design criteria for landscaping and irrigation.

6. A hydrozone table (refer to City’s Landscaping and Irrigation Standards City Engineering Standards).

i. Project Completion. Upon completion of the installation of the landscape and irrigation system and prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, the project applicant shall submit the following:

1. A certification of completion (appendices, City Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines) signed by the professional of record for the landscape and irrigation design certifying that the project was installed per the City-approved landscape design, irrigation and grading plans and meets or exceeds an average landscape irrigation efficiency of 0.71. The City reserves the right to inspect and audit any irrigation system which has received an approval through the provisions of this section.

2. A project applicant shall develop and provide to the owner or owner’s representative and the City an irrigation schedule that assists in the water management of the project and utilizes the minimum amount of water required to maintain plant health. Irrigation schedules shall meet the criteria in the City’s Landscape Design Standards and Guidelines.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 159 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

3. A regular maintenance schedule shall be submitted by the project applicant with the certificate of completion that includes: routine inspections, adjustment and repairs to the irrigation system, aerating and dethatching turf areas, replenishing mulch, fertilizing, pruning and weeding. The maintenance schedule will be provided to the owner or owner’s representative. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Purpose. Establish pedestrian safe corridors by providing a uniform procedure for the installation of curbs, gutters, and sidewalks; to impose a reasonable public property improvement requirement as a condition of construction of buildings or other improvements for the orderly development and improvement of public property consistent with public health, safety and enhancing the appearance of the City.

• b. General Provisions.

1. Property Improvements. When property improvements exceed fifty thousand ($50,000.00) dollars on a parcel, the installation of curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements shall be required to applicable road standards. If the existing right-of-way improvements are damaged or in a state of disrepair they shall be reconstructed to comply with the current standards. This requirement shall apply to all land use zoning designations within the City.

2. Discretionary/Entitlement Permits. The installation of curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements shall be a standard condition of approval for all discretionary land use permits/entitlements (administrative use permits, conditional use permits, parcel/subdivision maps, rezones, General Plan amendments, planned development projects, etc.).

3. Exemptions. The following property improvements are exempt from these requirements:

(a) Repairs made to comply with State or local health and safety regulations to assure safe living conditions.

(b) Repairs made to restore a structure to its preexisting condition when the damage has been caused by a natural disaster (such as fires, earthquakes, floods, slides, and/or strong wind events).

(c) Routine property maintenance such as re-roofing, replacement of heating/cooling equipment, sewer/water line repairs, electrical/plumbing repairs, existing foundation repair, and required upgrades to bring a structure into compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act (ADA).

• (d) Improvements to elevate structures within a floodplain to current FEMA and local agency requirements.

• c. Submittal and Completion Requirements.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 160 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

1. Plan Requirements. All curb, gutter and sidewalk improvement plans shall be prepared and stamped by a California licensed civil engineer and prepared in accordance with all applicable Federal, State, and local agency requirements, including the City of Clearlake Municipal Code and Design/Construction Standards.

2. Inspection of Right-of-Way Improvements. The City Manager or designee shall have the power to appoint qualified persons to inspect construction of the work specified in this section. If the inspection requires a licensed special inspector, it shall be the responsibility of the applicant to secure such inspection.

3. Permit Requirements. Prior to installation, the applicant shall apply for and secure all required Federal, State and local agency permits, including an encroachment permit with the City.

4. Installation Requirements. All curb, gutter and sidewalk improvements shall be installed on all street frontages prior to final inspection and/or occupancy.

• d. Construction Requirement Waiver.

  1. A waiver from requiring curb, gutter, and sidewalk to be installed in conjunction with the improvements to the abutting property may be granted under the following circumstances:

(a) Where upon request by application the City Manager or designee finds and determines there are circumstances applying to the project site, such as size, shape or topography, which do not apply generally to land within the vicinity. Such circumstances shall not constitute a grant of special privilege/ entitlement inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity; or

(b) If the project parcel is located within a City roadway improvement project, in lieu of installing such improvements, as normally required, the applicant shall pay a fee to the City equal to the cost of installing the improvements to the City. Said fee shall be determined by the City Engineer; or

(c) Enter into an improvement deferral agreement approved by the City Attorney which shall contain required timelines for installation among other provisions determined by the City, agreement by applicant to furnish improvement security by cash deposit or bond(s) duly authorized corporate surety with the City. The amount of said improvement security shall be determined by the City Engineer and shall be equal to the City Engineer’s estimate of the cost of the improvement to be deferred, plus ten (10%) percent. The security shall run with the land and shall be binding upon successors in interest to the property receiving deferral. Said improvement deferral agreement shall be recorded at the Lake County Assessor/Recorder’s Office. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 161 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Purpose and Intent. It is the purpose and intent of this article to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, aesthetics and public welfare and safety by regulating and controlling the type, size, number, design, quality of materials, construction, illumination, location and maintenance of all signs in the City of Clearlake.

• b. Adoption of Sign Regulations. By adopting this article, the City intends to balance several competing interests, including:

  1. To regulate signs in a constitutional manner, with rules that do not regulate protected noncommercial speech by content or favor commercial speech over noncommercial speech;

  2. To provide adequate opportunity for persons to express themselves by displaying an image or message on a sign;

  3. To preserve and enhance the aesthetic, traffic safety and environmental values of our community;

  4. To minimize distraction, obstruction or other impediments to traffic circulation which would be caused by excessive or inappropriately placed signage;

  5. To safeguard and preserve the health, property and public welfare of Clearlake residents by regulating the physical design, location and maintenance of signs;

  6. To provide a method for abatement of illegal and abandoned signs; and

  7. To implement the Clearlake General Plan. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Regulatory Scope. This article regulates signs on City property, regulates signs, as defined herein, which are located on or displayed from private property located within the City, as well as signs located on public property owned by public agencies other than the City over which the City has land use regulatory authority.

b. Owner’s Consent. No sign may be displayed on private property without the consent of the property owner or person holding the present right of possession and control of the property, except that a landlord’s consent is not required for a tenant to display signs as specified in Civil Code Section 1940.4.

c. Noncommercial Messages. There is no location criterion for noncommercial messages that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and/or the corollary provisions of the California Constitution.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 162 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

d. Message Substitution. Any constitutionally protected noncommercial message may be substituted for any duly permitted or allowed commercial message or any duly permitted or allowed noncommercial message; provided, that the sign structure or mounting device is legal without consideration of message content. Such substitution of message may be made without any additional approval or permitting.

e. Permit Generally Required. Unless exempted from the sign permit requirement, all signs shall be installed or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit issued by the City. It is unlawful for any person, association, corporation or other entity to erect in any manner within the City a sign, except in conformance with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules and regulations, and policies.

f. Discretionary Approvals. Whenever a sign or a proposed sign is subject to any discretionary review, permit or approval, such discretion may be exercised only as to the compatibility of the sign within its location and other structural, architectural and locational factors and consistency with the City’s Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

g. Administrator Interpretations. All interpretations of this article shall be exercised in light of message neutrality and message substitution policies. Where a particular type of sign is proposed and the type is neither expressly allowed nor prohibited by this article or whenever a sign does not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the Building Code, as adopted by the City, then the Planning Commission or Director or his/her authorized representative, as applicable, shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type, using physical and structural similarity, that is expressly regulated by this article.

icle or whenever a sign does not qualify as a “structure” as defined in the Building Code, as adopted by the City, then the Planning Commission or Director or his/her authorized representative, as applicable, shall approve, conditionally approve or disapprove the application based on the most similar sign type, using physical and structural similarity, that is expressly regulated by this article.

h. Compatibility Factors. In determining compatibility of a sign with its surrounding environment, the following criteria may be considered: (1) style or character of existing improvements upon the site and properties adjacent to the site; (2) visual elements such as construction materials, physical design details and the number and spacing of signs in the area; (3) the sign’s height, size and location, in relation to its proposed location and use; (4) potential effect of the proposed sign on driver and pedestrian safety; (5) potential blocking of view (whole or partial) of a structure or façade or public view of natural, historical or architectural significance; (6) potential obstruction of views of users of adjacent buildings to side yards, front yards, open space or parks; (7) potential negative impact on visual quality of public spaces, including but not limited to recreation facilities, public squares, plazas, courtyards and the like; (8) whether the sign structure will impose an aesthetically foreign or inharmonious element into the existing skyline or local viewscape. In addition, in accordance with Article 18-33, sign review must include evaluation for consistency with certain standards and guidelines contained in the City’s Design Review Manual.

i. Federally Registered Marks. The provisions of this article shall not require alteration of the display of any registered mark or any trademark, service mark, trade name or corporate name that may be associated with or incorporated into a registered mark, where such alteration would require the registered mark to be displayed in a manner differing from the mark as exhibited in the certificate of registration issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. However, the City does have discretion of the size of the display in relation to compatibility factors. It is the responsibility of the applicant to establish that a proposed sign includes a registered mark. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 163 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. All sign permit applications shall be consistent with the provisions of this article. All signs that are not expressly exempted from the sign permit requirements may be installed, erected or displayed only pursuant to a sign permit. There are three (3) types of sign processes that require City review, including: (1) review of some exempt signs that do not require permits; (2) sign installation permits; and (3) comprehensive sign package permits. The following addresses sign installation and comprehensive sign package permits:

1. Sign Installation Permit and Fee. Application for a sign installation permit may be filed with the City upon forms furnished by the City. The application shall include working drawings and details as described in the City’s sign application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.

2. Comprehensive Sign Package and Fees. Buildings or building complexes containing three (3) or more uses or separately leasable spaces shall be required to submit a comprehensive sign package to the City on forms furnished by the City prior to the issuance of the first sign permit for the building complex. Such sign package shall include a sign program and other information as described in the City’s comprehensive sign package application checklist as provided and maintained by the Director. Fees commensurate with the costs of processing and reviewing applications and administering this article shall be collected at the time the application is filed in accordance with Article 18-37.

b. Approving Authority. The following persons, departments, advisory or legislative bodies are entitled to approve or deny sign requests as follows:

1. Sign Installation Permit. The Director, or his/her authorized representative, is authorized to issue a sign installation permit if said application complies with the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, procedures, design guidelines and standards and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the sign installation permit may also be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer sign installation permit to the Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a sign installation permit if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:

• (a) The proposed sign(s) conforms to the criteria set forth in this article;

• (b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

• (c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

• (d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

• (e) The proposed sign(s) is consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 164 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

The Director or authorized representative may approve a sign installation permit application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Committee and/or Commission deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article.

2. Comprehensive Sign Package. The Director or authorized representative shall consider and either approve or deny comprehensive sign packages according to the provisions of this article and all other applicable laws, rules, regulations and policies, including all applicable health and safety codes. The Director or authorized representative may approve a comprehensive sign package application subject to such conditions, modifications or limitations as the Director or authorized representative deems appropriate to carry out the purposes and goals of this article. In accordance with the City’s design review procedures, the comprehensive sign package may be subject to review by the Design Review Committee and/or the Planning Commission. The Director or authorized representative may also refer comprehensive sign packages to the Design Review Committee and/or Planning Commission if he/she finds that the proposal may conflict with the purposes and criteria set forth in this article. The Design Review Committee, Planning Commission or Director or authorized representative, as the case may be, may approve a comprehensive sign package if, on the basis of the application, plans, materials and testimony submitted, it finds:

   • (a) The proposed sign(s) conforms with the criteria set forth in this article;

   • (b) The proposed sign(s) is/are compatible with other signs on the site and in the vicinity;

   • (c) The proposed sign(s) will not adversely impact traffic circulation in adjacent right-of-way or create a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic;

   • (d) The proposed sign(s) will not have an adverse visual impact on adjoining land uses; and

   • (e) The proposed sign(s) is/are consistent with the Design Review Manual in accordance with Article 18-33.

3. Time Required Between Substantially Similar Applications. In accordance with Article 18-34, the City shall not accept any application that is substantially similar to an application that was denied within the six (6) months from the date the application is denied.

4. Public Hearing Process. Any application for a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package which was denied is appealable in accordance with the provisions in Article 18-36.

5. Installation and Expiration. Signs shall be installed substantially consistent with the plans approved by the approval authority within six (6) months of the approval or the sign approval will be deemed to have expired and become null and void. Prior to sign installation, a sign building permit shall be obtained as required by the Uniform Sign Code and/or related City regulations. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 165 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

a. Sign Installation and Maintenance. The installation of signs and their supports shall be in accordance with applicable provisions of the California Building Standards Code, as adopted and applied by the City pursuant to Section 9-1.4 and the California Electrical Code, as adopted, and other applicable codes, statutes, ordinances and regulations. The owner of any parcel on which a sign is located shall properly maintain, or cause to be maintained, in good condition and repair every sign and its parts, structure, supports and surrounding landscape areas, if any.

b. Exempt Signs. An exemption from a sign installation permit or comprehensive sign package shall not be deemed to grant authorization for the installation of any sign not in compliance with all requirements of this article or consistent with the Design Review Manual, nor any provisions of the codes of the City. All signs that have an electrical system shall require an electrical permit issued by the Building Department. Some signs that may qualify to be exempt from permit requirements may be subject to approval by the Director. However, if after initial review of a sign that may be listed as exempt, the sign is found not to be in compliance with this article and/or not consistent with the Design Review Manual, the Director may qualify the sign as subject to a sign installation permit. Signs that have been deemed subject to a sign installation permit are then subject to all provisions of Section 18-21.030. Sign types that are generally exempt from the sign permit requirement, but are still subject to all other applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies and approvals are as shown below in Table 28:

Table 28. Exempt Signs and Level of Review

==> picture [496 x 340] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Subject to
No Clearance
Description of Sign Director
Required
Approval
1. Temporary signs (see Section 18-21.080) X
2. Window signs (see Section 18-21.060(a)(4)) X
3. Feather banners (see Section 18-21.060(a)(8)) X
4. Commercial mascots (see Section 18-21.060(a)(9)) X
5. Address numerals and other such devices not exceeding one square X
foot in area and bearing only property numbers, post box number,
names of occupants or other similar identification on a site.
6. Official flags of national, state or local governments or nationally X
recognized fraternal, public service or religious organizations,
provided the length of the flag shall not exceed one-fourth the height
of the flagpole and the flag is not used for commercial advertising.
7. Legal notices, identification, informational or directional/traffic X
controlling devices erected or required by government agencies.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 166 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 28. Exempt Signs and Level of Review

==> picture [496 x 618] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Subject to
No Clearance
Description of Sign Director
Required
Approval
8. Decorative or architectural features of buildings, (not including X
lettering or trademarks or moving parts) which do not perform a
communicative function (examples include color stripes around an
office building or retail store).
9. Holiday and cultural observance decorations displayed in season, X
including inflatable objects, on private residential property which are
on display for no more than 45 calendar days per year (cumulative,
per dwelling unit) and which do not include commercial messages.
10. Aerial banners towed behind aircraft. X
11. Kiosks, including automated teller machines (ATMs), when not used X
for general advertising.
12. Historical monuments, plaques and tablets. X
13. Signs or displays located entirely inside of a structure and not clearly X
visible from public view.
14. California State Lottery signs, approved by the Lottery Commission X
for display by lottery game retailers, in accordance with the California
Government Code.
15. Symbols embedded in architecture: symbols of noncommercial X
organizations or concepts, including but not limited to religious or
political symbols, when such are permanently integrated into the
structure of a permanent building which is otherwise legal; by way of
example and not limitation, such symbols include stained glass
windows on churches, carved or bas-relief doors or walls, bells and
religious statuary.
16. Directional signs less than 4 square feet in size. X
17. Accessory signs not exceeding 4 square feet in area within non- X
residential zones.
18. Real estate signs. X
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 167 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 28. Exempt Signs and Level of Review

==> picture [496 x 635] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Subject to
No Clearance
Description of Sign Director
Required
Approval
a. Residential Zones. One nonilluminated real estate sign not more
than 8 square feet in area, including riders, advertising, the lease,
rent or sale of a parcel or structure, may be located on the
property it advertises.
b. Nonresidential Zones. One nonilluminated real estate sign not
more than 32 square feet, with a maximum height for
freestanding signs of 8 feet, for each parcel street frontage.
19. Subject to the provisions of Section 18-21.120 regarding signs on X
public property, government signs posted by the City on City property
to express its own message(s) to the public; traffic control and traffic
directional signs erected by the City or other governmental entity;
official notices required or authorized by law or court order; signs
placed in furtherance of the City’s governmental functions.
20. Grave markers, gravestones, headstones, mausoleums, shrines and X
other markers of the deceased.
21. Subject to the provisions of Section 18-21.120 regarding signs on X
public property, “picketing,” the personal carrying of signs displaying
protected noncommercial speech messages, is allowed in traditional
public forum areas, except in the roadway when it is open to normal
vehicular traffic; picketers may not interfere with public ingress or
egress or free use of sidewalks or public rights-of-way. For safety
reasons, picketing is allowed from sunrise until 10:00 p.m. In order to
serve the City’s interests in traffic flow and safety, persons displaying
signs under this section may not stand in any vehicular traffic lane
when a roadway is open for use by vehicles and persons displaying
signs on public sidewalks must give at least 3 feet width clearance for
pedestrians to pass by. Persons holding signs may not block the view
within the clear corner area.
22. Fuel pump accessory signs that do not exceed 4 square feet for each X
side of a pump.
23. Gas station island advertising signs that do not exceed 8 square feet X
for each side of a gas island.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 168 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

Table 28. Exempt Signs and Level of Review

==> picture [496 x 633] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Subject to
No Clearance
Description of Sign Director
Required
Approval
24. Menu signs that do not exceed 12 square feet for each drive-through X
lane.
25. Gas station price signs required by State law, not exceeding the X
number and area required by State law and subject to review by the
City.
26. Wall or freestanding signs not exceeding 10 square feet each for sales X
of food sales from produce primarily grown on the same site.
27. A-frame or T-frame signs in commercial zones that comply with X
Section 18-21.060(a)(7).
28. Replacement or change of a changeable copy sign. X
29. Small off-site signs on vehicles in all nonresidential zones in the City, X
subject to the following conditions and regulations:
a. Signs shall be painted on, placed on or affixed to a vehicle. No
more than one sign per location permitted.
b. Signs shall be placed only on operable vehicles with current
California Department of Motor Vehicles registration.
c. No sign shall exceed 32 square feet in size. Double-sided signs
shall be permitted, in which case each side shall not exceed 32
square feet in size.
d. All vehicles with signs parked in the City shall comply with all
applicable State and City vehicle stopping and parking
regulations.
e. No vehicle with a sign permitted by this section shall be parked in
any manner that the vehicle or sign or both will or reasonably
may be expected to: (a) obstruct the free flow of vehicular and
pedestrian traffic; (b) obstruct the view of motorists and/or
pedestrians; (c) obstruct the view of or conflict with any traffic
sign, signal or device; or (d) otherwise be detrimental to public
safety.
----- End of picture text -----

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 169 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• c. Prohibited Signs.

  1. Types of Prohibited Signs. All signs not expressly allowed by this article shall be prohibited.

  2. Examples of Prohibited Signs. Examples of prohibited signs include the following:

     • (a) Flashing, rotating, moving, blinking, reflecting and/or fluorescent painted signs or signs which emit smoke, fumes, flashes, sparks or sound.

     • (b) Signs on trees, shrubs, stones, fences or utility poles.

(c) Any sign erected in such a manner that it will or reasonably may be expected to obstruct the view of or conflict with any traffic sign, signal or device, obstruct the view of pedestrian or vehicular traffic or otherwise be detrimental to public safety.

(d) Animated signs, including electronic message display signs and variable intensity, blinking or flashing signs, balloons, inflatable signs or other similar attention-getting devices or signs that emit a varying intensity of light or color (except for commercial mascot signs).

• (e) Roof signs, excepting therefrom signs permitted explicitly in this chapter.

• (f) Abandoned signs.

• (g) Illegal signs.

• (h) Signs displayed without permission of owner or lessee.

• (i) Signs that are hazardous or unsafe by virtue of their physical condition.

• (j) Search lights used for advertising or attention getting.

• (k) Signs that are activated by air, forced air, forced gas or wind.

• (l) Signs that interrupt or encroach into the corner clear zone.

• (m) Private party signs placed on City property without consent.

(n) Digital display/electronic message signs, excepting therefrom signs permitted explicitly in this chapter.

• (o) Flags, except as specifically allowed under Section 18-21.080.

• (p) Inflatable or tethered signs or devices.

• (q) Obscene signs, such as graphic images of human anatomical areas or specified sexual activities as more completely described in Section 18-19.160.

• (r) Off-premises signs, except as permitted under the provisions of this section.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 170 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

  - (s) Except for cannabis dispensaries and cannabis microbusinesses, which shall have a sign program approved as a component of a use permit for the microbusiness, there shall be no signage or markings on the premises or off site which in any way evidence that commercial cannabis operations are occurring on the property. Interior building signage is permissible provided the signage is not visible outside of the building. 

• d. Illumination of Signs. Sign illumination shall be from an interior light source contained within the sign cabinet. Indirect exterior illumination shall be permitted provided the light source is entirely shielded from view. Such signs shall comply with the following provisions:

  1. No sign shall be illuminated by an exposed light source visible from any public street or residential property. Neon tubing shall be allowed on a limited basis, subject to Director or authorized representative approval, if it is made an integral part of the sign design and computed within the sign area.

  2. No sign shall employ the use of mirrors or any other highly reflective surfaces so as to direct or reflect any natural or artificial light onto any public right-of-way or adjoining property.

  3. Halo or back lighting shall not count toward the total sign area.

  4. The light illuminating a sign shall not be of a brightness or intensity that will interfere with the reasonable enjoyment of residential properties. Refer to Section 18-20.120 for specific sign illumination requirements.

  5. Sign illumination shall not blink, flash, flutter or change light brightness, color or intensity.

6. Permanently installed illuminated panels, visible tubing and strings of lights outlining all or a portion of a structure, other than lighting that is primarily for indirectly illuminating architectural features, signs or landscaping, shall be deemed “signs” subject to this article and shall be counted as part of the allowed maximum sign area. Each line of tubing or lights shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least six (6") inches for the purpose of calculating sign area.

ing all or a portion of a structure, other than lighting that is primarily for indirectly illuminating architectural features, signs or landscaping, shall be deemed “signs” subject to this article and shall be counted as part of the allowed maximum sign area. Each line of tubing or lights shall be deemed to have a minimum width of at least six (6") inches for the purpose of calculating sign area.

7. Neon lighting tubing for signs or architectural elements shall be allowed in commercial zones only.

8. Neon tubing shall not exceed one-half (1/2") inch in diameter.

9. Neon signs and linear tubing shall be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed with a maximum thirty (30) milliamps per circuit and be designed to accommodate a dimmer in order to reduce the brightness of the neon.

• e. Sign Maintenance.

  1. Each sign and supporting hardware, including temporary signs, shall be maintained in good repair and functioning properly at all times.

  2. A repair to a sign shall be of equal or better quality of materials and design as the original sign.

  3. A sign that is not properly maintained and is dilapidated and has been deemed a public nuisance and may be abated in compliance with this Code.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 171 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

4. When an existing sign is removed or replaced, all brackets, poles and other supports that are no longer required shall be removed.

5. Unpainted areas of a sign and supporting structure and hardware shall be painted to match the adjacent portion of the structure or the sign support structure.

• f. Sign Relocation. A permanent sign may be relocated only pursuant to a new permit. Relocated signs must comply with all rules that apply to the new location.

g. Flags. Flags are considered signage meeting the definition of “flag” in Article 18-45. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

a. Signage for Residential Uses. Signage for residential uses is allowed, unless specifically prohibited by this chapter, if complying with the following standards:

1. Signs on Single- and Multifamily Residences (Individual Dwelling Units). Single-family residential units may display signs as stated in this section, subject to the rules stated in this section.

(a) Sign Area. At all times, the total display area of all signs shall not exceed five (5) square feet; in the case of freestanding signs, area shall be measured on all sides and shall count separately. However, during the pre-election period, this allowable display area may be increased by eight (8) square feet.

(b) Height. Signs in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height and shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other traffic or pedestrian hazard.

• (c) Number of Signs. Not limited.

(d) Location. Not on public property or public right-of-way or mounted on utility structures or poles or trees or vegetation.

(e) Prohibited Signs. A-frame signs, digital displays, interior illuminated signs, feather banners and roof signs are prohibited in residential zones.

2. Project Entrance Signs. New housing developments may display signs as authorized by this section, subject to the rules stated in this section. The signs authorized by this section are in addition to those authorized for individual dwelling units.

(a) Number of Signs. Two (2) signs per each main vehicular traffic entrance. The signs must be placed within a maintained landscaped area within an acceptable easement or open space lot authorized for signage.

(b) Location. Near the main entrance to the project, on private land. The signs must be placed at the main street intersection of the major entrances to the project in such a location as to not obstruct sight

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 172 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

distance. Signs may not be located within a public right-of-way. Signs located in the corner clear zone shall not exceed thirty (30") inches in height, nor create a traffic sight obstruction or other pedestrian or traffic hazard.

• (c) Size and Height. Maximum twenty-four (24) square feet (per side); maximum four (4') feet high.

3. Tourist-oriented directional signs in compliance with Section 18-21.060(a)(10).

4. Bed and Breakfast Establishment Signs. One (1) noninternally illuminated sign may be erected on the property not to exceed ten (10) square feet in size per street frontage. Lighting level shall comply with City sign regulations for the zoning district. The sign shall complement the nature of the use and shall be architecturally integrated into the architecture of the main building; the sign shall contain no information other than identification of the premises as the named bed and breakfast establishment.

• b. Agricultural or Open Space Signs. The following signs are allowed in agricultural or open space zones or easements:

1. Wall Signs. Wall sign area shall not exceed forty (40) square feet.

   2. Monument Signs. Monument signs shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet or five (5') feet in height. Monument signs shall be placed within a landscaped area.

   3. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs in compliance with Section 18-21.060(a)(10). (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))

• a. Permanent Signs. The following types of signs may be mounted, erected, installed and displayed on commercial, institutional and industrial uses in the DC, GC, MUX and IN Zones, subject to the rules stated in this section. All commercial messages shall be on site only.

  1. Freestanding Signs. Freestanding sign types include pole signs, ground signs or monument signs.

     • (a) Pole or Ground Signs. A pole or a ground sign may be permitted if all of the following design standards are met:

       • (1) Frontage Requirement. The site shall have a street frontage of at least two hundred (200') feet.

(2) Number of Signs. The identification of a single use not located within a building complex will be limited to one (1) freestanding pole or ground sign. The identification of uses located within a building complex will be limited to one (1) freestanding pole or ground sign per each one thousand (1,000') feet of street frontage; provided, that complexes with multiple street frontages may be allowed one (1) secondary ground sign with a maximum height of fifteen (15') feet provided the total allowable sign area is not exceeded. No individual use located within a building complex will be

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 173 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

permitted to have its own freestanding pole or ground sign. Off-site retail center signs may exceed this requirement.

(3) Sign Area. The total sign area of all freestanding pole or ground signs for a single building or a building complex shall not exceed that shown in Table 29. Off-site retail center signs may exceed this requirement.

Table 29. Sign Area Allowances for Freestanding Signs

==> picture [441 x 189] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Total Building(s) Area (s.f.) Total Sign Area (s.f.)
0 – 10,000 50
10,001 – 20,000 100
20,001 – 50,000 150
50,001 – 100,000 200
100,001 – 200,000 250
Over 200,000 300 max.
----- End of picture text -----

(4) Sign Height. The height of a freestanding pole or ground sign shall not exceed that shown in Table 30.

Table 30. Sign Height Allowances for Freestanding Signs

==> picture [441 x 182] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Total Building(s) Area (s.f.) Maximum Allowable Height (feet)
0 – 20,000 20
20,001 – 75,000 25
Over 75,000 30
Height Exception 25% increase in height for signs incorporating
City logo or City reference on the top section of
sign – design subject to approval by the
Planning Commission.
----- End of picture text -----

(5) Location. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall not be placed within a corner clear zone and shall be located so as to not create a pedestrian or traffic hazard.

(6) Setback. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall be set back a minimum five (5') feet from a street or interior property line and a minimum ten (10') feet from the edge of a driveway.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 174 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(7) Readability. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall have a minimum letter size of four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than one-half (1/2) of the letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(8) Landscaping. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one (1) face of the sign or seventy-five (75) square feet, whichever is greater. For example, a forty (40) square foot sign will need to provide at least eighty (80) square feet of landscaped area. The review authority may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis to take into account existing site conditions.

(9) Address. Freestanding pole or ground signs shall incorporate the street address to assist emergency response personnel in locating the site.

(b) Monument Signs. Freestanding monument signs may be permitted subject to the following design standards:

(1) Building Complexes. Limited to one (1) monument sign per each one hundred fifty (150') feet of street frontage.

(2) Frontage Requirement. No more than one (1) monument sign shall be allowed per street frontage.

(3) Sign Area. For the purposes of computing the area of a monument sign and to encourage better design, a border or frame shall not be counted as sign area provided such border or frame does not exceed an additional twenty-five (25%) percent of the sign area. The sign area of a monument sign shall not exceed that shown in Table 31:

Table 31. Sign Area Allowances for Freestanding Signs

==> picture [441 x 109] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Total Building(s) Area (s.f.) Total Sign Area (s.f.)
0 – 10,000 20
10,001 – 25,000 30
Over 25,000 40 max.
----- End of picture text -----

(4) Sign Height. No monument sign including a frame, border or base shall exceed six (6') feet in height as measured from existing grade.

(5) Sign Location. A minimum distance of seventy-five (75') feet must be maintained between monument signs. The sign shall be set back a minimum of five (5') feet from a street or interior property line and a minimum of ten (10') feet from the edge of a driveway. The sign shall not be placed within a corner clear zone and shall be located as to not create a pedestrian or traffic hazard. No portion of the sign shall project over public property, vehicular easements or rights-of-way.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 175 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(6) Sign Structure. The base of a monument sign shall be designed to be an integral part of the sign design, not merely a support. The base of a monument sign shall be solid.

(7) Address. To assist emergency personnel, monument signs shall incorporate the street address. Numbers shall be a minimum of six (6") inches in height, but may not be included in the calculations for allowed maximum sign area.

(8) Readability. To ensure the readability of the sign, the minimum letter size allowed shall be four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than half-letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(9) Landscaping. Landscaping with automatic irrigation shall be provided at the base of the supporting structure equal to twice the area of one (1) face of the monument style sign or seventyfive (75) square feet, whichever is greater. For example, a forty (40) square foot monument sign would need to have at least eighty (80) square feet of landscaping area. The review authority may waive or modify this requirement on a case-by-case basis to take into account existing site conditions.

2. Wall Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to wall signs:

(a) Sign Area. The maximum size of a wall sign, including a logo, shall be two (2) square feet of sign area for each lineal foot of primary tenant frontage and one-half (1/2) additional square foot for each linear foot of secondary tenant frontage or ten (10%) percent of the area of the building façade on which the sign is mounted or painted, including the area of windows, doors and recesses, whichever is less. The total area of all signs on a primary frontage shall not exceed one hundred (100) square feet and total area of all signs on a secondary frontage shall not exceed fifty (50) square feet. Wall signs for second story tenants shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. Frontage is computed on an individual basis in multitenant buildings. Building frontage shall be measured along that side of the building for which the sign is proposed.

(b) Sign Copy and Readability. Wall signs shall be limited to a maximum of two (2) lines of copy. The maximum letter height and/or sign face height shall be measured as the combination of both lines of copy, including the space between or the distance between the top of the sign face and the bottom of the sign face. To ensure the readability of the sign, the minimum letter size allowed shall be four (4") inches. Sign copy shall not be located closer than one-half (1/2) of the letter height to the sign edge or other line of copy.

(c) Location. The top of the sign shall not project above the intersection of the wall and roof or parapet line. Wall signs shall be limited to two (2) sides of a building.

(d) Projection. A wall sign shall not project more than twelve (12") inches from the surface to which it is attached.

3. Projecting, Canopy or Suspended Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to projecting, overhead and suspended signs:

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 176 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

(a) Sign Area. A projecting sign shall not exceed thirty (30) square feet. Signs that are suspended from a canopy or other roof structure over the sidewalk or building entrance shall not exceed twelve (12) square feet. Projecting, canopy, and/or suspended signs shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

(b) Number of Signs. Only one (1) sign per use is allowed and shall only be allowed if the wall it is projecting from does not have any wall signs. (Exception: If a canopy is over the entrance to a use, a projecting sign may be allowed under the canopy at each entrance provided such sign does not exceed eight (8) square feet and the total projecting signage for the use does not exceed thirty (30) square feet).

• (c) Sign Clearance. The bottom of any projecting sign shall be at least eight (8') feet above the walkway.

(d) Horizontal Distance. The minimum horizontal clearance between a sign and the curb line shall be two (2') feet. The maximum projection over a public sidewalk shall be two-thirds (2/3) of the width of a public sidewalk below or six (6') feet, whichever is less. Any projection over a public right-of-way shall require an encroachment permit.

4. Window Signs. The following specific design standards shall apply to window signs:

(a) Sign Area. Permanent window signs shall not occupy more than fifteen (15%) percent of the total window area. Window sign area shall count towards the maximum allowable sign area.

(b) Sign Location. Signs shall be allowed only on windows located on the ground level and second story of a structure frontage.

(c) Sign Materials. Signs shall consist of individual letters, logos or symbols applied on, stenciled on or etched into the glass surface; however, neon signs with transparent backgrounds may be hung inside the window glass.

5. Directional Signs. Directional signs shall be no more than three (3') feet high and three (3) square feet. They are not limited by number or location.

6. Awning Signs. The following specific design standards apply to awning signs:

   • (a) Signs on awnings are limited to ground level or second story occupancies only.

(b) Awnings or awning signs shall not be internally illuminated. Direct exterior lighting may be allowed.

7. A-Frame Signs (also T-Frame Type Signs). The following specific standards apply to A-frame and other portable signs:

   • (a) Sign Area. An A-frame sign must not exceed six (6) square feet in area on each side.

   • (b) Timing. A-frame signs must be removed at the end of each business day.

(c) Location. A-frame signs must be located at ground level on site of the business and located as closely as possible to the building face so as to leave the maximum available clear area for pedestrian traffic. Signs may not be located in the City street right-of-way, they cannot block the sidewalk or

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 177 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

interfere with traffic, either pedestrian or vehicular, and they must be anchored or weighted to keep them safely in place.

• (d) Number of Signs. One (1) per business.

8. Feather Banners. Feather banners authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. Feather banners shall be maintained in good condition at all times, without faded, frayed or torn fabric. The following specific standards apply to feather banners:

(a) Location. Feather banners may only be installed on private property and shall not extend over the public right-of-way. Minimum spacing between feather banners shall be eight (8') feet. Signs shall not create a traffic sight obstruction or other pedestrian or traffic hazard and shall comply with applicable engineering design standards.

(b) Height. Maximum height for feather banners shall be the lesser of fifteen (15') feet or the height of the building.

• (c) Number of Signs. Two (2) per business.

• (d) Illumination. Feather banners may not be illuminated.

9. Commercial Mascots. Commercial mascots authorized by this section are in addition to the maximum allowable signage which is otherwise permitted. The following specific standards apply to commercial mascots:

(a) Private Property. No more than one (1) commercial mascot may be allowed on private property per business location only within commercial zones.

(b) Public Property. On public sidewalk areas during the daytime hours between sunrise and sunset, as specified by the United States Naval Observatory (USNO) data. Commercial mascots may not interfere with public ingress or egress or free use of sidewalks or public right-of-way. In order to serve the City’s interests in traffic flow and safety, persons displaying signs on public sidewalks must give at least three (3') feet width clearance for pedestrians to pass by. Persons holding signs may not block the view within the clear corner area. No more than one (1) commercial mascot shall be allowed to occupy a street intersection corner area. No more than one (1) commercial mascot shall be allowed for each business and the business must be within three hundred (300') feet from the location where the commercial mascot is performing. A ten (10') foot minimum separation shall be maintained between commercial mascots. The total sign area displayed shall not exceed twenty (20) square feet. Sign display exhibits involving airborne signage shall not be permitted.

(c) Illumination. Commercial mascots shall not utilize any form of illumination or lighting.

10. Tourist-Oriented Directional Signs. Tourist-oriented directional signs are allowed in all zones subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission and subject to the following requirements:

• (a) The signs shall be smaller in size, each not exceeding five (5) square feet in area.

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 178 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

• (b) The signs shall be nonilluminated in order to be compatible with their generally rural surroundings.

• (c) The signs shall be hand crafted, generally made of wood or other natural materials.

• (d) The signs shall be subject to the issuance of an encroachment permit.

11. Off-Site Retail Center Signs. Additional off-site freestanding signs for providing improved visibility for retail centers located within five hundred (500') feet of the retail center premises off site may be allowed in all zones subject to a use permit from the Planning Commission and subject to the following requirements:

• (a) Maximum size, height and design of signs shall comply with Tables 29 and 30 of this article.

(b) Property owner shall approve of the sign. This shall include a covenant on the property, that includes the City, that can transfer ownership and long term maintenance of the sign. An agreement or other system shall be provided to ensure proper maintenance of the sign and any accompanying landscaping.

(c) Prior to installation, a bond or other financial security approved by the Director shall be posted with the City for the total cost of removal and disposal of the sign if it becomes nonconforming in accordance with Section 18-21.110.

(d) The sign may only identify the retail center and related businesses that occupy the retail center which it is intended to identify except for minor identification of events to be held at the retail center or to identify City and other public events that may be approved by the Director.

(e) If the sign is located near Highway 53, within Caltrans jurisdictional area, the sign review and installation shall be subject to the provisions of the Outdoor Advertising Act (Business and Professions Code Sections 5200 through 5486), and no sign permit shall be issued until after any necessary permit has been issued by the Director of Transportation of the State of California or his/her authorized agent.

12. Message Center Signs. Message center signs may be approved in all mixed-use and nonresidential zones subject to design review approval and subject to certain performance standards. Message center signs may also be approved with a use permit issued by the Planning Commission in any residential zone, also subject to the certain performance standards as provided as follows:

• (a) If the sign includes any illuminated features it shall comply with the following standards:

(1) The lighting shall not shine onto a street in such a way as to threaten to cause distractions or glare for passing motorists.

(2) All light sources shall be directed or covered with a translucent cover or other suitable measure to prevent the actual source of the lighting (such as the filament of an incandescent bulb) from being visible from another lot or a street.

(3) In residential zones, the sign shall incorporate measures to minimize the production of glare that is perceptible beyond the property line of the lot on which the operation is situated, through

The Clearlake Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 286-2026, passed April 2, 2026.

Page 179 of 324

Ch. XVIII Zoning Regulations | Clearlake Municipal Code

the use of shielding, luminaire reflectors or other suitable measures minimizing the intensity of lighting. No more than one-half (1/2) footcandle of light from lighting or signs shall fall upon any residentially used lot between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.

• (b) If the sign contains any digital display it shall comply with the following standards:

(1) The message displayed shall be static and nonanimated and shall remain fixed for a minimum of ten (10) seconds. Fading or dissolving images are permitted.

(2) It shall not display any message that moves, appears to move, scrolls, or changes in intensity during the fixed display period.

(3) The transition time between changes in the sign face or message shall be less than one (1) second.

(4) It must be equipped with brightness controls which shall be used to reduce the intensity of the light based on outside ambient light levels.

• (5) It shall include an automatic shut-off system in case of failure.

(6) The digital LED display shall not have lighting that would compete with or distract from traffic signal lighting. (Ord. #271-2025, S2 (Exh. A))