Where’s My Permit?

R1

The BOS should communicate quarterly with their associated Senior Center representatives in order to address specific concerns. (F1)

R2

Install correct or additional signage to direct patrons to the Senior Centers. (F2)

R3

The County should ensure that the Clearlake Oaks Senior Centers’ handicap entrance functions properly. (F3)

R4

The County should repair the sidewalks in front of the Lucerne Alpine Senior Center. (F4) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.  Board of Supervisors (R1,R2,R3) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:  County Code Enforcement (R1,R2) (60 days)  County Fire Marshall or appropriate Fire Chiefs(R1,R2) (60 days)  County Building Inspections Department (R1,R2) (60 days)  County Community Development Department (R4) (60 days)  County Public Works Department (R4) (60 days)  County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) (R3) (60 days) 35 Planning and Public Works Lake County Quilt Trail “Home Sweet Home” 1002 11th Street, Lakeport, California 36 37 Where’s My Building Permit? Summary: Between 2015 and 2017 Lake County suffered many devastating wildfires. The county had never experienced such a large emergency and therefore did not have an updated comprehensive emergency plan in place. The Lake County Community Development Department failed to meet the greater needs of the public. The Grand Jury found there needs to be more cooperation between the County and the various communities and city directors. Background: In the past three years, our beautiful Lake County has suffered many devastating wildfires. Elements of the Lake County government were unprepared to respond appropriately to the sudden greater needs experienced by the public. After final containment of the Valley fire, it became apparent that the Lake County Building and Planning Department is significantly understaffed and unprepared for the unprecedented increase in workload. This led to a backlog of inspection and plan approvals, frustrating the public with lengthy delays. The Building and Planning Department did not have an emergency fund. The County found it necessary to hire outside contractors to perform planning approvals and inspections. One County Supervisor was performing inspections (and a second County Supervisor was being trained) to support the Community Development Department due to staffing issues within that department. This may not have been necessary had the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) existing between Lake County and the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake been activated. The MOU, had it been activated, could have allowed the cities to provide the needed personnel to expedite plan approvals and inspections. The cities confirmed that they were not contacted by the Lake County Community Development Department for help during or after the catastrophes. Methodology: The Grand Jury began this investigation from a complaint regarding poor management and inspection procedures in the County’s Community Development Department. The Grand Jury interviewed the pertinent persons from the County and cities. Discussion and Analysis: Problems within the Lake County Community Development Department were more extensive than first appeared. The Clearlake and Lakeport City Building and Planning Departments were performing well and could serve as a model for Lake County.

R5

Establish yearly Countywide Community Development/Building and Inspection Department meetings to include the representatives from the cities of Lakeport and Clearlake Building and Planning Departments. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code §933(c), the following response is required.  Board of Supervisors (R1,R4) (90 days) The Grand Jury invites the following individuals to respond:  Head of Lake County Community Development Department (R2,R3,R4,R5) (60 days)  Head of Clearlake Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days)  Head of Lakeport Building and Planning Department (R3,R5) (60 days) 40