Good morning, everyone! It’s a pleasure to see all of you here today. We have an important topic to discuss, one that has the potential to impact our community in significant ways. Before we dive into it, let us pray.

Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts and minds, seeking wisdom and guidance as we navigate the decisions that lie ahead. We ask for your presence to be with us and for your wisdom to lead us in the right direction. May our words and actions be in line with your will, and may they bring about positive change and prosperity in our community. In your name, we pray. Amen.

Today, we gather to discuss the proposed amendment of the Inland and Coastal Zoning Ordinance sections regulating Signs and Nameplates. This amendment aims to provide a uniform set of standards for the development, siting, size, and installation of signs and billboards in Humboldt County. The goal is to protect aesthetic values along scenic highways, coastal views, and scenic areas, while also ensuring compatibility with the Caltrans Outdoor Advertising Act requirements. Additionally, this amendment seeks to create standards that manage the size and locations of signs.

The proposal includes changes to various sections of the County Code, both for the inland and coastal areas of Humboldt County. These changes have undergone multiple revisions and drafts to adhere to the General Plan, address public concern, incorporate recommendations from the Planning Commission, and conform to state requirements.

It is important to note that this amendment aligns with the goals, policies, and standards laid out in the Humboldt County General Plan. This plan prioritizes the protection of scenic resources and high-value areas that contribute to the beauty and enjoyment of our county. It also seeks to implement measures for off-premise billboards and ensure community compatibility.

Throughout the process, stakeholders and county counsel have been consulted to address legal concerns and incorporate feedback from the community. The proposed signage regulations aim to strike a balance between protecting the natural environment, ensuring public safety, and supporting the economic development of our county.

Now, I understand that there may be differing opinions and perspectives on this matter. It is natural for us to have diverse viewpoints, and it is imperative that we approach these discussions with respect and a willingness to listen to one another. We are all invested in the well-being of our community, and it is through open dialogue and constructive conversations that we can find common ground and make decisions that benefit everyone.

As we move forward, let us remember the importance of unity and collaboration. Let us seek solutions that not only comply with legal requirements but also promote the well-being of our residents and the preservation of our scenic and environmental resources. Together, we can create a community that thrives and continues to be a place of beauty and inspiration for generations to come.

In closing, I want to encourage each and every one of you to stay engaged in the decision-making process. Your opinions and insights matter, and they play a crucial role in shaping the future of our county. Let us approach this topic with an open mind, a spirit of cooperation, and above all, a commitment to serving the best interests of our community.

May God bless each and every one of you, and may He guide our collective efforts towards a brighter, more prosperous future. Thank you.

— LoCOBot