Vaughn Lakebed Encroachment Permit PL-25-417
Summary
SCH Number
2025121193
Public Agency
Lake County
Document Title
Vaughn Lakebed Encroachment Permit PL-25-417
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
12/30/2025
Document Description
The project proposes the demolition and replacement of an existing 10-foot by 20-foot wooden deck supported by six (6) 6x6-foot pressure-treated wood posts, all of which will be removed. A new 10-foot by 20-foot steel-frame deck will be constructed, supported by two (2) new 8-inch steel piles with a steel header beam. The new deck will be installed lakeward of the existing seawall, which was previously permitted and constructed under a separate project. Additionally, two (2) 4-inch steel piles will be installed to support and lift the gangway when not in use. This system is designed to prevent damage to the gangway ramp during periods of rough wave action. The proposed work is a like-for-like rebuild, maintaining the same footprint, dimensions, and function as the existing deck.
No vegetation removal is proposed. Construction activities will include pile installation (as the only lakebed disturbance), while framing and decking work will occur above water and will not cause additional disturbance. All work will be performed from land using standard marine construction/ pile driving equipment. All other existing structures will remain. The floating docks are not part of this project, but a gangway will connect all structures together upon completion. A CDFW Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement (LSAA) application has been submitted, and other required permits with the City of Lakeport are being coordinated. Best management practices (BMPs) will be implemented throughout construction to prevent debris, sediment, or materials from entering Clear Lake.
Contact Information
Name
Michelle Irace
Agency Name
County of Lake
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Name
Everado Chavez
Agency Name
EC Docks, LLC
Job Title
Contractor
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Cities
Lakeport
Counties
Lake
Regions
Citywide
Cross Streets
Esplanade St; E St
Zip
95453
Total Acres
0.46
Jobs
2
Parcel #
025-565-04
State Highways
HWY 29
Railways
n/a
Airports
n/a
Schools
Lakeport Christian Academy
Waterways
Clear Lake
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Section 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction
Reasons for Exemption
The project qualifies for Categorical Exemption under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Section 15302, Replacement or Reconstruction, of the CEQA Guidelines. Consistent with this exemption, the project consists of replacement or reconstruction of existing structures where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. A Habitat Evaluation that was prepared by the County’s Water Resources Department, notes the lakebed has a moderate lakeward slope from the seawall. The evaluation notes that tules are present within and adjacent to the project area. The project has been designed to avoid the tules as an avoidance measure; no tules are proposed for removal. The previous seawall installation demonstrated that native vegetation (tules) remained intact, and the same BMPs will be applied for this project to ensure continued protection of the habitat. As a part of the Lake and Streambed Alteration Agreement, all lakebed disturbance would take place between October 15 and December 31 to protect the Clearlake hitch, unless otherwise approved by CDFW.
In accordance with California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Section 15300.2, there would be no cumulative impacts related to the project; there are no known unusual circumstances that would have a significant effect on the environment; the project would not be located within an officially designated state highway; no trees, rock outcroppings or historic buildings would be removed or damaged; and there are no hazardous waste sites within 1,000 feet of the project site. The County is unaware of any significant tribal cultural resources on-site, but has included the local Native American Tribes during the application process to provide any relevant information related to such resources; no information related to the project impacting such resources has been received. Based on the aforementioned, the Lake County Community Development Department has determined that the project will not have a significant effect on the environment and is, therefore, exempt from the provisions of CEQA.
County Clerk
Lake
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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