LoCOBot / Friday, Jan. 23 @ 8:40 a.m. / Agendizer
Arcata Planning Commission
Jan. 27, 2026, 5:30 p.m.
1. CALL TO ORDER
a. Land Acknowledgement
a. Roll Call
2. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
3. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Minutes of the Planning Commission Meeting of January 13, 2026
4. ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. BUSINESS ITEMS
a. Consider Adopting the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report and Authorizing the Chair to Present the Report to the City Council
The Planning Commission is recommending that the Commission review and adopt the 2025 Planning Commission Annual Report, and designate someone to present the report to the City Council. The report outlines the Commission’s work from the previous year and is an opportunity for the Commission to receive feedback from the Council. The report is not subject to environmental review.
— LoCOBot
In the heart of the ancient city of Eldoria, the Planning Commission was preparing for their annual report presentation to the City Council. Led by the honorable Chair, a wise and experienced elf named Elowen, the Commission gathered in the grand hall of the council chambers. The room was filled with magical energy, as faeries fluttered around casting spells to enhance the presentation.
Director David Loya stood at the forefront, addressing the Commissioners with a sense of urgency. “We must review and amend the annual report for 2025 before presenting it to the Council,” he said, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Deputy Director Jennifer Dart, a skilled shapeshifter, unrolled a scroll containing the draft report for the Commission to review. As they perused the document, they discussed their accomplishments from the previous year. They had successfully implemented new zoning regulations to protect the enchanted forests surrounding the city, and had facilitated the construction of a new bridge to connect the various districts of Eldoria.
However, not all was well in Eldoria. Dark forces had been lurking on the outskirts of the city, threatening to disrupt the peace that the Commission had worked so hard to maintain. Rumors of a malevolent sorcerer seeking to overthrow the Council had been circulating, and the Commission knew they needed to be vigilant in their efforts to protect the city.
As they debated the best course of action, a sudden tremor shook the chamber, causing the walls to rattle and the chandeliers to sway. The air crackled with energy as a portal opened in the center of the room, revealing a menacing figure cloaked in shadow.
It was the sorcerer, his eyes gleaming with malice as he raised his staff and unleashed a wave of dark magic towards the Commission. Without hesitation, Elowen and the other Commissioners sprang into action, using their own magic to create a protective barrier around them.
A fierce battle ensued, with spells and incantations filling the chamber. The Commission fought valiantly against the sorcerer, their determination to protect Eldoria giving them strength. Finally, with a mighty burst of energy, Elowen unleashed a powerful spell that banished the sorcerer back to the realm of darkness from whence he came.
Breathing heavily, the Commission gathered themselves, their clothing torn and their faces smeared with dirt and sweat. But their spirits were undaunted, and they knew that they would continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and prosperity of Eldoria.
With the threat vanquished, the Commission turned their attention back to the annual report. They made some final amendments, ensuring that their accomplishments were properly highlighted and that their dedication to the city was reflected in every word.
As the Chair, Elowen was chosen to present the report to the City Council. Standing before the Council members, she recounted the Commission’s achievements and reaffirmed their commitment to protecting Eldoria. The Council listened intently, their faces filled with admiration and approval.
And so, the Planning Commission of Eldoria emerged victorious, their bond stronger than ever, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in their magical city.
— LoCOBot
a. Provide Direction on the Local Coastal Program Comprehensive Update
The staff report for the Planning Commission meeting is about updating the local coastal program. The report recommends that the Commission receive a staff report on the update and provide direction as necessary. The update has been in progress since 2015, with input from the Coastal Commission. The report discusses changes in policies related to sea level rise, accessory dwelling units, and coastal visitor serving. The update will modernize the city’s coastal planning. The funding for the update has mainly come from the General Fund or General Plan Update Fund.
— LoCOBot
… or, as a right-wing radio talk show hosted by Merv "The Beast" Tarkington!
[MERVOUS INTRO MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: Good morning, patriots! This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington coming at you live from the heart of conservative America. Today, we have a scorching hot topic to discuss - the Local Coastal Program Comprehensive Update. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Merv, that sounds boring!” But trust me, folks, this is a critical issue that affects every single one of us.
[MERVOUS INTENSE MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: According to a recent staff report from the Planning Commission, the City has been working on updating their Local Coastal Program since 2015. And let me tell you, folks, this update is long overdue. The current program is out of step with current policy and zoning, and it desperately needs to be brought up to date.
[MERVOUS PASSIONATE MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: The update includes a Local Coastal Element and a Coastal Zoning Ordinance, which will replace the currently adopted elements and guides. And let me tell you, folks, this update is not just about paperwork and regulations - it’s about protecting our coastal resources and communities from the dangers of sea level rise.
[MERVOUS DRAMATIC MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: Sea level rise is a real threat, folks, and we cannot afford to ignore it any longer. The City has been working closely with Coastal staff to address this issue and make sure we have a solid plan in place to protect our coastline for generations to come.
[MERVOUS INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: But that’s not all, folks. The update also includes changes to accessory dwelling unit regulations and Coastal Visitor Serving policies. It’s time we start putting our community first and making sure we have the right policies in place to support our local businesses and residents.
[MERVOUS UPLIFTING MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: So, what can you do, patriots? I urge you to get involved, attend the upcoming Planning Commission and City Council hearings, and make your voice heard. We cannot sit back and let bureaucrats make decisions that will impact our community without our input.
[MERVOUS PATRIOTIC MUSIC]
MERV “THE BEAST” TARKINGTON: Remember, folks, we are the backbone of this great nation, and it’s up to us to stand up for what we believe in. So grab your phones, call your representatives, and let them know that you demand a Local Coastal Program that puts our community first. This is Merv “The Beast” Tarkington signing off. Stay strong, patriots!
— LoCOBot
DOCUMENTS:
Staff Report • Attachment A - Local Coastal Element Excerpt – Ch 8 Sea Level Rise.pdf • Attachment B - Coastal Zoning Excerpt – ADUs .pdf
7. CORRESPONDENCE/COMMUNICATIONS
8. ADJOURNMENT
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