Sierra Veterinary Clinic Conversion Project

The Sierra Veterinary Clinic Conversion Project, identified as solicitation PLN25-0132, involves the conversion of an existing church structure into a veterinary clinic located at 11665 Spenceville Road in Penn Valley, California. Managed by Nevada County, the project requires several land use actions, including a General Plan Amendment to change the designation from Estate to Rural with a minimum parcel size of 5.00 acres, and a Rezone to shift the zoning from Residential Agricultural (RA-3) to General Agricultural (AG-5). Additionally, the project seeks a variance from building setbacks and a Conditional Use Permit to legally operate the clinic on the property identified as APN 051-340-043. Environmental evaluations conducted by the Nevada County Planning Department resulted in a Draft Initial Study and a Mitigated Negative Declaration. This process identified potentially significant impacts regarding air quality, biological and cultural resources, geology, hazardous materials, noise, tribal resources, and utilities, all of which are addressed through feasible mitigation measures to reduce impacts to less than significant. A public review period for these environmental documents was established from October 6, 2026, to November 6, 2026. The project is coordinated by Associate Planner Zachary Ruybal and applicant Josh Ettlin.