A public hearing was held to discuss a major use permit for a commercial cannabis cultivation project proposed by Joel Michaeli Grow LLC and Nicholas Tex. The project, located at multiple parcels on Morgan Valley Road in Lower Lake, aims to develop approximately 502.39 acres, with an initial stage involving 25 acres of outdoor cultivation and a subsequent conversion to a mixed light canopy.

The project is structured in two stages: Stage 1 will establish 25 acres of outdoor cultivation with various facilities, including water storage tanks, greenhouses, and a drying management storage facility. Stage 2 will transition this area into 12.6 acres of mixed light cultivation, featuring additional greenhouses and a processing facility.

The proposal includes a Type 6 non-volatile manufacturing license and a Type 13 self-distribution transport license. The cultivation site will be equipped with a security perimeter and ADA-compliant facilities, and it will also incorporate fire suppression measures, including 32,000 gallons of water storage.

The project is situated within a rural agricultural zone, approximately 1,325 feet from the nearest community growth boundary. It is expected to create five permanent jobs and up to 25 seasonal positions during peak planting and harvest periods, contributing to the local economy.

The planning commission emphasized the importance of community input, with notifications sent to nearby property owners and a public comment period held earlier this year. Tribal consultation was also conducted, resulting in mitigation measures to protect cultural resources.

The hearing concluded with a mitigated negative declaration proposed for the environmental review, indicating that potential impacts from the project can be reduced to less than significant levels through the incorporation of mitigation measures. The commission will further deliberate on the permit application in upcoming sessions.