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Planning Commission

September 4, 2025 ·6:00 PM Final ·Regular Meeting - Hybrid

825 Fifth Street Board of Supervisors Chambers Eureka, California

Agenda PDF 📹 Watch video Official record ↗

Agenda — 31 items

  1. 1 The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access to all county programs, services and activities through the provision of accommodations for individuals with qualified disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act. With 72 hours prior notice, a request for reasonable accommodation or modification can be made. Please contact the Clerk of the Board Office at 707-476-2390 or by email cob@co.humboldt.ca.us or the ADA Coordinator at 844-365-0352 or by email at ada@co.humboldt.ca.us. Please note: Those not able to attend the Planning Commission meeting in person will have the opportunity to provide public comment via Zoom; however, the County of Humboldt cannot guarantee that the Zoom system will be available for the entirety of every meeting. The only ways to guarantee that your comment is received and considered by the Planning Commission are to attend the meeting in person or submit your comment in writing in advance of the meeting.
  2. 2 HOW TO LISTEN OR WATCH THE PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING: 1. https://zoom.us/j/87544807065 Password: 200525 2. Call in via telephone at 346 248-7799, enter meeting id 875 4480 7065 Password: 200525 3. A live stream of the meeting can be found by using the following link: https://humboldt.legistar.com or by watching Access Humboldt on cable 1. In Person Public Comment: Any person may appear and present testimony for an item on this agenda at the hearing located in the Board of Supervisors' Chamber, Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 Fifth Street, Eureka, California. The Planning Commission needs 15 COPIES of any materials submitted at the meeting. 2. Zoom Public Comment: When the Planning Commission announce the agenda item that you wish to comment on, call the conference line, enter the Meeting ID and press star (*) 9 on your phone, this will raise your hand. You’ll continue to hear the Planning Commission meeting on the call. When it is your turn to speak, you’ll hear a prompt to unmute, press star (*) 6. Please turn off your TV or live stream to avoid delays. If you encounter any issues, please use the call-in option below. 3. Phone call using cellphone or landline: When the Planning Commission meeting begins, call in on the conference line. When the Planning Commission Chair starts to discuss the item you wish to comment on, Press *9 to raise your hand. When you are called upon to speak, you will be prompted to unmute, press *6 to unmute. You may access the live stream of the meeting by using the following link: https://humboldt.legistar.com SUBMITTING PUBLIC COMMENT PRIOR TO THE MEETING: Public comments may be submitted via email to Planningclerk@co.humboldt.ca.us. Please provide the project title, record or case number and date of the hearing. The deadline for submitting written comments is 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 03, 2025. After the deadline, written comments may be submitted to the commission in person during the meeting (15 copies). Comments can be found at the “Attachments” section of the “Meeting Details” link next to the posted Agenda at: https://humboldt.legistar.com and will be included with the administrative record. If you do not have access to email, contact the Planning Clerk at 707-267-9409. ▶ jump to 21:10
  3. A. CALL TO ORDER / SALUTE TO FLAG ▶ jump to 24:45
  4. B. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT ▶ jump to 24:47
  5. C. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS ▶ jump to 27:27
  6. D. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS: ▶ jump to 30:36
  7. E. CONSENT AGENDA ▶ jump to 31:11
  8. 3. Barnum Timber and Abidi General Plan Amendment, Zone Reclassification and Lot Line Adjustment Assessor Parcel Numbers: 404-101-013 and 404-101-046 Record Number: PLN-2025-19252 Application Date: 05/08/2025 Jacoby Creek Area A General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the designation of approximately 1.2 acres of Barnum Timber Company property from Timber (T) to Residential Agriculture with a density of one unit per 5-20 acres (RA5-20). Also included is a Zone Reclassification to rezone this land from Timberland Production Zone (TPZ) to Residential One-Family with a one-acre minimum parcel size (R-1-B-4). A 1.3-acre portion of APN 404-101-046 will also be rezoned from Unclassified (U) to R-1-B-4. This will allow for a Lot Line Adjustment (LLA) of the two parcels resulting in two parcels of approximately 5.05 acres and 4.05 acres to accommodate an encroachment of existing development of the property to the north of the Barnum Timber land. The parcel to the north (Abidi) is developed with a residence and a cabin and served by an onsite wastewater treatment system and an onsite water supply. The Barnum timber Company land is vacant resource land. A petition to change the General Plan designation and Zone classification (PLN-2024-18909) was accepted by the Board of Supervisors on March 12, 2024. 25-1073 recommended for approval
  9. 1. Humboldt Flavor, LLC. Conditional Use Permit and Special Permit Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 210-074-008-000, 210-074-007-000 Record Numbers: PLN-12935-CUP Larabee Valley area 25-1069 continued
  10. 2. Heavenly Rooted Estate Special Permit for Short Term Rental Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 312-071-050 Record No.: PLN-2024-18884 Glendale area A Special Permit for a short-term rental located in an Agricultural General zone on a parcel between 2.5 and 10 acres not operated as a farm-stay, and a Special Permit to exceed the Neighborhood Concentration 20% density limit for short-term rentals on an access road. The parcel is approximately 4 acres in size and is currently developed with a single-family residence, accessory structures, and recreational areas such as a basketball court and bocce ball court. A maximum occupancy of 14 is proposed for gatherings. The parcel is served with on-site water and an on-site wastewater treatment system, and power is supplied by PG&E. Parking is provided in multiple locations including adjacent to the residence, two locations along the driveway, and adjacent to the basketball court. 25-1072 continued Pass
  11. 3. Barnum Timber and Abidi General Plan Amendment, Zone Reclassification and Lot Line Adjustment Assessor Parcel Numbers: 404-101-013 and 404-101-046 Record Number: PLN-2025-19252 Application Date: 05/08/2025 Jacoby Creek Area A General Plan Amendment (GPA) to change the designation of approximately 1.2 acres of Barnum Timber Company property from Timber (T) to Residential Agriculture with a density of one unit per 5-20 acres (RA5-20). Also included is a Zone Reclassification to rezone this land from Timberland Production Zone (TPZ) to Residential One-Family with a one-acre minimum parcel size (R-1-B-4). A 1.3-acre portion of APN 404-101-046 will also be rezoned from Unclassified (U) to R-1-B-4. This will allow for a Lot Line Adjustment (LLA) of the two parcels resulting in two parcels of approximately 5.05 acres and 4.05 acres to accommodate an encroachment of existing development of the property to the north of the Barnum Timber land. The parcel to the north (Abidi) is developed with a residence and a cabin and served by an onsite wastewater treatment system and an onsite water supply. The Barnum timber Company land is vacant resource land. A petition to change the General Plan designation and Zone classification (PLN-2024-18909) was accepted by the Board of Supervisors on March 12, 2024. 25-1073
  12. 4. Orick Community Services District CDP Extension and Modification Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 519-311-027-000, 520-031-024-000 Record No.: PLN-2024-19051 Prairie Creek area A two-year extension to a previously approved Coastal Development Permit (CDP), Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and Special Permits (SP) for Orick Community Services District. The project proposes to replace an existing leaking 100,000-gallon redwood water tank with a new 100,000-gallon, welded steel tank with a concrete foundation. A PG&E power pole upslope of the tank would be replaced with a taller pole and a 40-foot-tall communications tower would be constructed at the water tank. The applicant is also proposing a modification to the approved permits. The proposed modification includes a different alignment of the overhead powerline and installation of one additional PG&E power pole; tree removal is proposed to provide PG&E required fire clearance from the overhead electrical facilities. 25-1075 approved
  13. E. CONSENT AGENDA approved Pass ▶ jump to 35:29
  14. 5. Southern Trinity Joint Unified School District General Plan Conformance Review Assessor Parcel Number: 207-152-011 Record Number: PLN-2025-19283 Carlotta area General Plan Conformance Review for the Southern Trinity Joint Unified School District (District). The District intends to sell the real property located at 7 Maple Avenue in Carlotta (APN 207-152-011). 25-1076 approved
  15. 6. Draft Request for Reasonable Accommodation for Residential Accessibility Ordinance – Updating Zoning Ordinance to match State and Federal Codes that enable and require issuance of reasonable accommodations for residential accessibility. Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2023-18374 Countywide Amendments to the Zoning Regulations to amend Section 312-42 to update the regulations managing Residential Accessibility such that they are consistent with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Government Code Section 11135, the Federal Fair Housing Act, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (referred to in this staff report and the proposed code as the “Acts”). 25-1077 recommended for approval
  16. F. OLD BUSINESS ▶ jump to 36:14
  17. 1. U-Haul Building Signage, Conditional Use Permit Modification Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) 508-061-010 and 508-061-008 Record No.: PLN-2024-19002 McKinleyville area A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Modification to authorize additional signage on two existing U-Haul buildings in McKinleyville. The proposed signage is allowable under the original Master Sign Plan for the development of the Mill Creek Marketplace for the Anchor Tenant, which was approved by the Planning Commission in 1992 (CUP-27-912), but requires a Modification under Humboldt County’s Sign Ordinance. The U-Haul South building (APN 508-061-010, former Kmart building) is approximately 100,000 square feet on a 7.72-acre parcel and twelve (12) signs totaling approximately 2,370 square feet of additional signage are proposed. The U-Haul North building (APN 508-061-008, former Ray’s market) is approximately 45,000 square feet on a 5.32-acre parcel and four (4) signs totaling approximately 425 square feet on the east façade and six (6) signs totaling 500 square feet on the north façade of additional signage are proposed. 25-1078 continued Pass ▶ jump to 79:04
  18. 1. U-Haul Building Signage, Conditional Use Permit Modification Assessor Parcel Numbers (APNs) 508-061-010 and 508-061-008 Record No.: PLN-2024-19002 McKinleyville area A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) Modification to authorize additional signage on two existing U-Haul buildings in McKinleyville. The proposed signage is allowable under the original Master Sign Plan for the development of the Mill Creek Marketplace for the Anchor Tenant, which was approved by the Planning Commission in 1992 (CUP-27-912), but requires a Modification under Humboldt County’s Sign Ordinance. The U-Haul South building (APN 508-061-010, former Kmart building) is approximately 100,000 square feet on a 7.72-acre parcel and twelve (12) signs totaling approximately 2,370 square feet of additional signage are proposed. The U-Haul North building (APN 508-061-008, former Ray’s market) is approximately 45,000 square feet on a 5.32-acre parcel and four (4) signs totaling approximately 425 square feet on the east façade and six (6) signs totaling 500 square feet on the north façade of additional signage are proposed. 25-1078 approved Fail ▶ jump to 60:29
  19. 2. Santos Subdivision Extension Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 508-391-045 Record No.: PLN-2025-19208 McKinleyville area A two-year extension to a previously approved Final Map Subdivision (PLN-2022-17846) of an approximately 10.51-acre parcel into 45 residential lots ranging in size between approximately 5,000 square feet to 7,800 square feet in size, including a proposed 11,850 square foot parcel (Lot "B”) for park purposes. An exception to the solar shading requirements was approved for Lots 36 and 40. The project will be served with community water and sewer provided by the McKinleyville Community Services District. This includes a Coastal Development Permit due to a small portion of the property being located in the coastal zone and a Special Permit due to the location within an Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazard Zone. 25-1079 approved Pass ▶ jump to 88:11
  20. G. PUBLIC HEARINGS
  21. 1. Ridgefield Events; Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Number: 500-011-024 Record Number: PLN-2024-18885-MOD1 Arcata area A modification to PLN-2024-18885- for the CUP to allow for up to 14 guests to stay overnight in the existing residence and to increase the maximum number of events to 40 events per year and the maximum number of guests to 175 per event. The current CUP allows use of the property as a seasonal venue for special events (primarily weddings) between April and October with a maximum of 30 events per year and a maximum of 120 guests per event. Elopement events are scheduled Monday through Thursday (typically between 2-20 guests max) and weddings on Friday through Sunday (typically between 30-120 guests). Hours of operations are 9:30am to 9:30pm, with guests on site generally from 1pm to 9:30pm. Events are centered in the terrace area in front of the existing residence. Portable toilets are used during events and on-site parking is available. Food for events is provided through off-site catering. 25-1080 approved as amended Pass ▶ jump to 180:47
  22. 2. Empress Farms, LLC Special Permits, Zoning Clearance Certificates, and Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Numbers: 104-291-005 and 104-321-001 (one separate legal parcel) Record Numbers: PLN-2020-16224 and PLN-12698-ZCC Petrolia Area A Special Permit for 33,560 square feet of new outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation and 43,560 square feet of outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation under the Retirement, Remediation and Relocation program (PLN-12698-ZCC) for a proposed total addition of 77,120 square feet. The project parcel already contains 10,000 square feet of approved outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation under PLN-11418-ZCC. With approval of the Special Permit, the total cultivation would be 87,120 square feet. The project also includes a Conditional Use Permit for a 7,600 square foot commercial nursery, and non-flammable cannabis manufacturing located on a road that is not paved to Category 4 standards. The project site already contains an ancillary nursery that serves the previously approved onsite cultivation in addition to a nearby cultivation site operated by the same entity (PLN-12694-CUP on APN 104-311-019). With the approval of the Special Permit, an additional 8,712 square feet of ancillary nursery will be added, bringing the total ancillary nursery space to 14,068 square feet. Water use is projected to be 824,276 gallons per year. The irrigation source is an existing 1,097,350-gallon rainwater catchment pond. An on-site permitted well and spring may be used for the manufacturing activities. PGE provides electricity. 25-1081 approved Pass ▶ jump to 187:08
  23. 3. Walford Zone Reclassification and General Plan Amendment Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN): 017-015-034, 017-041-008 Record No.: PLN-2024-18886 Eureka area Zone Reclassification (ZR) for the removal of the Qualified (Q) combining zone from APNs 017-015-034 and 017-041-008, that make up one legal parcel. The Q-zone currently restricts all development to those associated with medical, dental and other health related offices and facilities, per Ordinance 2078. Removing the Q-zone would allow for non-medical development (e.g. residential) to potentially move forward onsite. No change to the principal zoning (R-4) or the General Plan Land Use designation (RM) is proposed although a text amendment is also required to remove the Q zone provision that is embedded in Section 2620.15 of the Eureka Community Plan. The parcel is currently developed with medical offices. 25-1083 continued Pass ▶ jump to 205:11
  24. 4. LCI Parcel Map Subdivision Record No.: PLN-2025-19169 APN: 301-052-036 Eureka area A Parcel Map Subdivision of APN 301-052-036 resulting in (3) parcels of the following sizes: Parcel 1- 13,450 sf, Parcel 2- 6,000 sf, and Parcel 3- 6,900 sf. The parcel is currently developed with a single-family residence, a garage, and a new single-family residence under construction which will remain on proposed Parcel 1. Proposed Parcel 2 and Parcel 3 will be vacant and suitable for residential development. Pursuant to Humboldt County Code Section 325-9, the applicant has submitted an exception request to the right-of-way width, the minimum travelled way width, the required vehicle turnaround and the required road surface. The parcel is served with community water and sewer provided by the Humboldt Community Services District. 25-1084 continued Pass
  25. 5. Alves Residential Subdivision Parcel Map Subdivision and Coastal Development Permit Record No.: PLN-2025-19199 APN: 511-031-018 McKinleyville area A Parcel Map Subdivision (PMS) to divide an approximately 1.09-acre parcel into four parcels and a Remainder, ranging in size from 5,702 square feet (net) to 14,367 square feet (net). The parcel is currently developed with two single-family residences which will remain on proposed Parcels 1 and 2. Proposed Parcel 3 will be created as a flag lot. The parcel is within the Coastal Zone; therefore, a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required. The parcel is served with community water and sewer provided by the McKinleyville Community Services District. 25-1086 continued Pass
  26. 6. Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and CEQA GHG Emissions Thresholds. Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2019-15593 Countywide Continuation of a Public Workshop on the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan (RCAP) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Thresholds. The RCAP includes strategies, measures, and actions addressing Countywide GHG emissions across unincorporated and incorporated Humboldt County and establishes a target of a 40 percent reduction in GHG emissions below 1990 levels by 2030 and a longer-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2045. 25-1087 continued Pass
  27. H. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT
  28. I. REPORT FROM PLANNER
  29. J. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS
  30. K. ADJOURNMENT
  31. L. NEXT MEETINGS: September 18, 2025 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting - Hybrid