The Big Bear Lake Planning Commission voted 5-0 to approve a major special event permit for the 2025 Turkey Trot, finding the event categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

City staff described the Turkey Trot as a three-mile, holiday-themed community run first organized in 2013 that drew more than 600 participants in 2024. For 2025 the organizer is requesting to use a vacant lot at 42630 Moonridge Road as headquarters, the Moonridge Corridor multi-use trail and portions of city sidewalks and streets including Rathbun Drive, Moonridge Road, First Street and Sonoma Drive. Staff estimated approximately 750 participants and about 250 spectators, with setup on Nov. 26 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., course setup beginning at 7 a.m. on Nov. 27, the run starting at 9:30 a.m., an awards ceremony at 10:30 a.m., and cleanup by noon.

Staff told the commission no road closures were requested, runners would follow rules of the road, and course marshals would be placed at key crossings. The applicant, Matt Smith (doing business as Open Air Big Bear), told the commission organizers notify the sheriff and fire departments through the Development Review Committee process and that Bear Valley Community Hospital provides an on-site first-aid tent. The applicant also said ham radio communications are used for event coordination.

Staff reported the event meets criteria in the Big Bear Lake development code for use of city-owned property and recommended the commission adopt the attached resolution, find the project exempt from CEQA under section 15304 (Class 4), and approve Major Special Event Application 25-029. Commissioner Beveridge moved to adopt Resolution PC 2025-12 approving the permit; the motion was seconded by Commissioner Biss and passed by a roll-call vote of 5-0.

According to the resolution language read at the meeting, the approval is subject to standard conditions for special events, including provisions for public safety, equipment installation, and site restoration. Staff indicated the Rathbun parking area would be used for participant and spectator parking.

The resolution will take effect in 10 days unless an appeal is filed with the planning division.

Clarifying details provided in the staff presentation include the event headquarters address (42630 Moonridge Road), participant and spectator estimates (approximately 750 participants; approximately 250 spectators), schedule (setup Nov. 26 4–8 p.m.; event Nov. 27, 9:30 a.m. start; awards 10:30 a.m.; cleanup noon), and the CEQA exemption citation (Class 4, section 15304). The commission’s motion was recorded as Resolution PC 2025-12 and passed 5-0.

Sources: Staff presentation and resolution read into the record; applicant comments by Matt Smith; roll-call vote recorded during the Planning Commission meeting.