Lassen County Board of Supervisors May 12, 2026

The Lassen County Board of Supervisors held a meeting on May 12, 2026, which included significant discussion on a proposed indoor recycling center project requiring a use permit. The project, located in the Johnsonville area, involves a 12,000 square foot facility with reverse vending machines and recycling operations. The board reviewed environmental and zoning considerations, including noise levels, traffic impacts, and neighborhood compatibility. Public comments featured both support and opposition, with concerns raised about noise, traffic safety, groundwater protection, and the industrial nature of the project in a primarily residential area. The board debated whether further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) was necessary. A motion to remand the project back to the planning department for additional environmental review failed for lack of a second, and the board ultimately approved the use permit with conditions. Additionally, the board received an update on a local wolf management plan aimed at protecting ranchers and managing grey wolf populations, which was approved as a living document to be amended as needed. Other agenda items included fair updates and minor courthouse repairs.