Hank Sims / @ 10:33 a.m. / Agendizer

A New Jack in the Box in the Target Parking Lot? Plus: More From Tonight’s Eureka Planning Commission Meeting

She rises! Graphic from the planning commission staff report.

Out with Bless My Soul Cafe, in with Jack in the Box!

Tonight the Eureka Planning Commission will hear from some people who are eager to build a new Jack in the Box fast food stand in the parking lot of Eureka’s Target store. This would be a new-style kind of fast food joint — one where no one but the employees are allowed inside. There’ll be a drive-thru and a walk-up window, but no interior seating. Apparently it’ll be open 24 hours a day.

According to the staff report, the city already approved a drive-thru restaurant on the site in December 2021. But now the restaurant in question has been nailed down as Jack in the Box — “the best burger joint famous for its tacos,” according to a large purple sign that will adorn the building, if approved — and project developers coming before the planning commission again to alter the permit they’ve already received. The building will be much smaller than originally anticipated.

Meanwhile, on the other end of the downtown corridor, a cannabis dispensary called “Humboldt Highness” wants to open up a new dispensary at 29 Fifth Street, site of the old, beloved Bless My Soul Cafe, once Humboldt’s home of Southern cuisine. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on that project.

Apart from those things, you’ve got the county asking for the city’s OK on a couple of parcels it wants to buy and develop. One of them is that rundown single-family home on Fourth Street, near Raliberto’s, that Ryan wrote about a few months ago. Apparently the county doesn’t yet know what it wants to do with the property — or at least it isn’t telling the city — but it promises not to turn the thing into a parking lot.

The other thing the county wants to do is build a new Public Health Laboratory on I Street near Harris, out by the old hospital campus that currently houses the coroner and the planning department. They want to build a two-story office building, about 10,000 square feet in size, at 3007 I Street, where a single-family home currently stands. Basically the county is asking the city: You cool with this?

All that, plus the ongoing update of the Coastal Land Use Plan. Tonight we’re gonna be talking about disasters! Tsunamis, earthquakes, sea level rise, dangerous chemical releases — all that fun stuff.

The Eureka Planning Commission meets at 5:30 p.m. at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street, Eureka. Remote participation instructions here. Full agenda below.


Eureka Planning Commission
Jan. 9, 2023, 5:30 p.m.

A. ROLL CALL

B. SALUTE TO THE FLAG

C. ELECTION OF OFFICERS

1. a. Chair b. Vice-Chair


D. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

1. Planning Commission Meeting Minutes

DOCUMENTS:

Meeting Minutes


E. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS

F. PUBLIC HEARINGS - CONTINUED

G. PUBLIC HEARINGS - NEW

1. Humboldt Highness Cannabis Retail Facility Location: 29 5th Street; APN: 001-072-008 Project: Conditional Use Permit CUP-22-0008

Humboldt Highness Cannabis Retail Facility
Project No: CUP-22-0008

A company, Humboldt Highness, LLC, is requesting approval to use a portion of an existing building for a cannabis retail facility. The facility will have a maximum of five employees, and the shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. The Planning Commission is recommending that the project is exempt from CEQA and should be approved with conditions. A public hearing will be held to discuss the proposal.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

Humboldt Highness Cannabis Retail Facility
Project No: CUP-22-0008

The year is 2023 and the city of Eureka is in the midst of a transformation. With the legalization of recreational cannabis in California, entrepreneurs have flocked to the city to set up their cannabis-related businesses. One such business is Humboldt Highness, LLC, a cannabis retail facility that is looking to open a shop at 29 5th Street.

Humboldt Highness applied for a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the City of Eureka to open their cannabis retail facility. After months of review, the Planning Commission finally convened for a public hearing to consider the permit. At the hearing, the Commission heard from Millisa Smith, the Assistant Planner assigned to the case, who presented a detailed staff report on the project.

The report outlined the details of the project, including the square footage of the facility, the hours of operation, the security measures to be implemented, and the details of their planned odor control system. The Commission also heard from local area Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, who recommended measures to ensure any ground disturbance would not harm any cultural artifacts. The Commission also heard from the public, both in favor and opposed to the project.

Ultimately, the Commission unanimously approved the CUP, finding that the project was exempt from CEQA, and that it would not be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare, or materially injurious to the properties or improvements in the vicinity.

Now that the permit has been granted, Humboldt Highness will move forward with their plans to open their cannabis retail facility. With its prime location and state-of-the-art security and odor control systems, the facility is sure to become a popular spot for cannabis enthusiasts in the city of Eureka.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - ResolutionAttachment 2 - Site Plans


H. OLD BUSINESS

I. NEW BUSINESS

1. Jack in the Box Location: 2525 4th Street APN: 002-201-008 Project: Design Review AA-21-0004 (mod)

Jack in the Box
Project Nos: AA-21-0004 (mod)

A company is proposing to build a drive-through restaurant near 2525 4th Street in Eureka, California. The restaurant will include parking, landscaping, a drive-through trellis, a patio, lighting, and signage. The Planning Commission is reviewing the proposal and will decide whether to approve it. The proposal will need to be in harmony with the surrounding area and not have a negative effect on nearby properties. If approved, the restaurant will have a maximum height of 34’ 8” and seven parking spaces, including two ADA-accessible spaces. There will also be landscaping, signage, and a patio.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a horror story!

Jack in the Box
Project Nos: AA-21-0004 (mod)

It had been a long day in the small town of Eureka, and the sun had just set behind the hills. The locals had all gone home, and the streets were eerily quiet.

Suddenly, a loud rumbling filled the air. It seemed to be coming from just down the street, and it was getting louder by the second.

As the rumbling grew closer, a large truck came into view, followed by a long line of cars. They all stopped in front of the new Jack in the Box restaurant that had just opened.

The locals had been wary of the new restaurant. It had been built in a hurry, and the construction seemed to be cursed. People had reported strange noises coming from the building at night, and the workers had all fled in terror.

But the locals were more worried about the new drive-through trellis, patio, lighting, and signage that had just been installed. The bright lights and loud music emanating from the restaurant seemed to be calling out to something in the darkness.

As the locals watched in horror, they saw a figure emerge from the shadows. It was large and shrouded in darkness, and it seemed to be heading straight for the restaurant.

The figure slowly made its way to the drive-through window and began to pound on the glass. The locals could hear a muffled voice coming from the figure, but they couldn’t make out what it was saying.

Suddenly, the figure stopped pounding on the window and stepped back into the shadows. Then, as quickly as it had appeared, it was gone.

The locals were left in stunned silence. What had just happened? Who was that figure? And why had it come to the Jack in the Box?

They may never know the answers to these questions, but one thing is for sure: the locals will never forget the night they encountered the mysterious figure at the Jack in the Box.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 -ResolutionAttachment 2 -December 31, 2012 Planning Commission Staff Report and ResolutionAttachment 3 -Site Plan


2. General Plan Conformance Review for 1017 4th Street Location: 1017 4th Street APN: 011-174-008 Project: General Plan Conformance GPC-22-0001

General Plan Conformance
Project No: GPC-22-0001

The County of Humboldt is requesting a determination from the City of Eureka as to whether their proposed acquisition of an approximately 0.1-acre property located at 1017 4th Street and the demolition of the existing single-family residential structure on the site is in conformance with the City’s 2040 General Plan. The report must analyze the location, purpose and extent of the proposed acquisition and subsequent building demolition to allow future development of the site by the County. The Planning Commission must determine if the proposed project is consistent with the City’s General Plan, but the County is not obligated to adhere to any recommendations made.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Seinfeld!

General Plan Conformance
Project No: GPC-22-0001

EPISODE OF SEINFELD

The episode opens with Jerry and George in Jerry’s apartment discussing the latest news.

Jerry: “Hey George, did you hear about the General Plan Conformance Review for 1017 4th Street?”

George: “No, what’s that?”

Jerry: “Well, the County of Humboldt wants to acquire the land and demolish the existing residential structure. But they need the City of Eureka to approve the project first.”

George: “Seems like a lot of bureaucracy!”

Jerry: “Yeah, but it’s necessary to make sure the project is in line with the City’s 2040 General Plan. Plus, the County needs to replace the 64 off-street parking spaces that will be lost when the project is completed.”

George: “I guess that makes sense. So, did the City approve it?”

Jerry: “Not yet. The Planning Commission needs to approve the project first. They’re meeting tomorrow to discuss it.”

George: “Maybe we should go check it out. It could be interesting!”

Jerry: “Yeah, let’s do it!”

The next day, Jerry and George arrive at the Planning Commission meeting. They take their seats in the back of the room as the Commission begins to discuss the project.

Commissioner: “So, what is the recommendation for this project?”

Assistant Planner: “We recommend receiving the report and adopting a Resolution finding the conformance review is exempt from CEQA and determining acquisition of the land and demolition of the existing residential structure located at 1017 4th Street is not in conformance with the City’s 2040 General Plan.”

Commissioner: “What is the net benefit to the public?”

Assistant Planner: “Unfortunately, without a clear understanding or plan of what future development will be, future benefit to the public cannot be weighed.”

The Commission continues to debate the merits of the project, with Jerry and George looking on in amusement. Finally, the Commission votes to approve the project, with Jerry and George cheering in the back of the room. The episode ends with Jerry and George walking out of the meeting, talking about the project.

Jerry: “That was interesting!”

George: “Yeah, it was. I’m glad they approved the project!”

Jerry:

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - ResolutionAttachment 2 - County LetterAttachment 3 - Historic Preservation Memo


3. General Plan Conformance Review for 3007 and 3015 I Street Location: 3007 and 3015 I Street APNs: 011-063-001 and 011-063-006 Project: General Plan Conformance GPC-22-0002

General Plan Conformance
Project No: GPC-22-0002

The County of Humboldt is asking the City of Eureka to review the proposed acquisition and building of a public health laboratory facility on two adjacent parcels (3007 and 3015 I Streets) to make sure it is consistent with the City’s 2040 General Plan. The Planning Commission must decide if the acquisition and development of the land is in conformity with the City’s General Plan. They will receive a report from the staff and then may adopt a resolution finding the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and if it is in conformance with the City’s General Plan.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bedtime story!

General Plan Conformance
Project No: GPC-22-0002

Once upon a time, in a small city by the sea, there was a county that was in need of a new public health laboratory facility. The county wanted to modernize and consolidate existing laboratory operations into a single, efficient facility, but they needed land to do it. After a long search, the county finally found two adjacent parcels, located on I Street, which they thought would be perfect for the new facility.

The county went to the Planning Commission to request approval for the acquisition and development of the parcels. After careful consideration, the Planning Commission determined that the project was in accordance with the City’s 2040 General Plan and granted approval.

The county set to work acquiring the land, demolishing the existing single-family residence, and merging the two parcels. Everyone in the city was excited for the new facility, as it would bring much needed improvements and upgrades to the area.

Once the construction of the new facility was complete, the people of the city were amazed. It was a two-story office building with an associated parking lot. It was modern, efficient, and exactly what the county had envisioned. Everyone was so proud of the new facility, and thankful for the hard work of the county and the Planning Commission for making it all possible.

The people of the city were so happy to have the new facility that they decided to throw a celebration. Everyone gathered together in the city square to celebrate the completion of the project. They shared stories, ate food, and listened to music. It was a truly joyous occasion that no one would ever forget.

The moral of the story is that hard work and dedication can make great things happen.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - ResolutionAttachment 2 - Letter and Plan


4. Draft Bylaws

DOCUMENTS:

2023 Draft Bylaws


J. DIRECTORS REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

1. Coastal Land Use Plan, Document Review Session 5

The Planning Commission is reviewing the Coastal Land Use Plan for the City of Eureka to update the city’s plan. They are now reviewing the Coastal Zone Hazards Chapter, which includes sections about seismic and geologic hazards, tsunamis, flooding and erosion with sea level rise, and hazardous material contamination. The Commission is seeking feedback on the draft chapter and will be incorporating comments from the public before submitting it to the Coastal Commission for certification.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bruce Springsteen song!

Verse 1:
Down the coast of Eureka, I can see the changes all around,
The planning commission’s staff report, all the changes they have found.
It’s time to update the coastal plan, it’s time to make it real,
With new policies and regulations, it’s time to make a deal.

Chorus:
Make a plan for the coast,
Find a way to make it work,
Update the land use plan,
For all the people of Eureka.

Verse 2:
The seismic and geologic hazards, they need to be accounted for,
The tsunamis, flooding, and erosion, it’s time to keep the score.
Hazardous material contamination, we need to keep that in check,
It’s time to take a stand and plan, so that we all can be safe.

Chorus:
Make a plan for the coast,
Find a way to make it work,
Update the land use plan,
For all the people of Eureka.

Bridge:
Down the coastal line of Eureka,
It’s time to make a change,
Protect the people and the land,
We must act now and arrange.

Chorus:
Make a plan for the coast,
Find a way to make it work,
Update the land use plan,
For all the people of Eureka.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft LUP Hazards ChapterAttachment 2 - Coastal Commission Comments on Earlier Draft.pdf


K. OTHER REPORTS AND COMMUNICATIONS

L. ADJOURNMENT

M. NOTICES


Lately on LoCO

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