CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The city of Clearlake is beginning to solicit applications from community members interested in serving on the Clearlake Planning Commission.

The duty of the Clearlake Planning Commission is to hear and act on land use applications, act as the advisory agency for the city in connection with the administration of the Subdivision Map Act of the state and city’s subdivision regulations, and act in an advisory capacity to the council on zoning, general plan and other land use issues.

“Planning commissioners play a vital role in the future success of the city of Clearlake,” said City Manager Greg Folsom. “Over the last year, the planning commission has reviewed the general plan update, reviewed development agreements, recommended council approval of various land use ordinances, and approved several use permits.”

Applicants must be residents of the city of Clearlake and be available to meet the first and third Tuesday evening of each month.

Planning commissioners receive a stipend of $25 per month.

City Clerk Melissa Swanson said there is one vacancy on the commission, with the retirement of Commissioner Cheryl Hutchinson, with the seats now held by Carl Webb and Russ Cremer – who are expected to apply for reappointment – due to expire in March.

All of the upcoming appointments would extend through March 2021, city officials reported.

The deadline to apply for the Clearlake Planning Commission is 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16.

Swanson said an ad hoc committee of the planning commission chair, mayor and vice mayor will review the applications in order to make a recommendation to the council. The council will then make the appointments during a public meeting, the date of which is yet to be announced.

Commissioners serve at the will of the city council, are designated filers under the Fair Political Practices Commission and must file periodic statements of economic interest disclosing financial interests within the jurisdiction of the city.

Applications are available at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive; on the city’s Web site at  www.clearlake.ca.us ; or by contacting City Clerk Melissa Swanson at 707-994-8201, Extension 106, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .