Chapter 18.90 — G GEOTHERMAL COMBINING DISTRICT

Note: Prior ordinance history: Ord. 467.

The intent of the "G" combining district is to facilitate orderly geothermal development in recognized known geothermal resource areas (KGRAs), and other geothermal resource areas identified in the Lassen County general plan, in such a manner that the resource is closely monitored, efficiently used, and protected to preserve its long-term viability. (Ord. 467-B-1, 1986; Ord. 467-Y § 1, 1999)

This district may be applied to geothermal resource areas identified in the Lassen County general plan, and combined with the principle zoning district that may overlay the geothermal resource.

(Ord. 467-B-1, 1986; Ord. 467-Y § 2, 1999)

Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, lands in a "G" combining district shall be subject to the provisions of the zoning district with which it is combined, and shall also be subject to the provisions of Chapters 18.102 through 18.108 of this title. (Ord. 467-B-1, 1986)

• (a) All uses allowed by right in the principle zoning district with which the "G" district is combined.

(b) Other uses of a similar character to those enumerated above in this section. (Ord. 467-B-1, 1986; Ord. 467-E § 1, 1987; Ord. 467-Y § 3, 1999)

• (a) Uses allowed by use permit in the principle zoning district with which the "G" district is combined.

• (b) Exploration, development or use of geothermal resources.

• (c) Other uses of a similar character to those enumerated above in this section.

In each case, prior to approving a use permit, the decision-making body must make the findings set forth in Section 18.90.070 .

(Ord. 467-B-1, 1986; Ord. 467-E § 3, 1987; Ord. 467-Y § 5, 1999)

To ensure compliance with the intent of this chapter, prior to the approval of any use permit in the "G" district, the planning commission or the board of supervisors as appropriate must make the following findings in addition to any other findings of approval:

• (1) Required findings for projects that include development or use of geothermal resources (all findings must be made):

  • (A) The geothermal resource is an integral component of the proposed use;

  • (B) The project will result in or facilitate direct, efficient and economical use of the geothermal resource;

  • (C) The project design provides that waste water and discharge associated with the proposed use is properly managed to avoid degradation of the geothermal resource, local geologic stability, nongeothermal ground water, surface water and wetlands and the local biological community. Re-injection is the preferred method of discharge management unless other methods are determined to be more beneficial to the resources of concern, and has been considered in the design of this project; and

  • (D) The project design incorporates a geothermal resource monitoring plan, which includes scheduled reports to the county, to help assess and ensure the long-term viability of the resource.

• (2) Required findings for projects that do not include development or use of geothermal resources:

  • (A) Based on the evidence in the record, the project is not likely to interfere with existing or future development or use of the geothermal resource.

(Ord. 467-B-1, 1986; Ord. 467-Y § 8, 1999)

• (a) Notwithstanding any other section of this title, minimum parcel size in any "G" combining district shall be forty acres. A variance from this standard may be allowed by the planning commission or the board of supervisors upon first making the following findings:

  • (1) A use permit has been granted by the county which allows for a specified use which does not require forty acres of land for the operation of such use; and

  • (2) Such a variance would not be inconsistent with the county general plan or be adverse to the intent of the "G" combining district.

• (b) Setbacks in "G" districts shall be as follows for the principal district with which the "G" district is combined.

• (Ord. 467-E § 5, 1987)