LoCOBot / @ 4:40 p.m. / Agendizer

Humboldt County Planning Commission
June 6, 2024, 6 p.m.

A. CALL TO ORDER / SALUTE TO FLAG

B. COMMISSIONERS PRESENT

C. AGENDA MODIFICATIONS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS:

E. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Review and approval of the April 04, 2024, Action Summary.

2. Review and approval of the April 18, 2024, Action Summary.

3. Geck-Moeller; Coastal Development Permit Record Number

The County of Humboldt is considering a request for a Coastal Development Permit for the construction of a new 2,024 square foot two-story residence in the Loleta area. The recommendation is to postpone the decision on the permit to a later date, to be noticed for the July 18, 2024 Planning Commission Meeting.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a World War I infantryman's letter home to his sweetheart!

June 6, 1917

My Dearest Jane,

I write to you from the trenches, where the sound of German artillery is deafening and the ground shakes beneath my feet. The war rages on around me, but thoughts of you keep me going.

I long for the day when I can hold you in my arms again, away from the horrors of battle. I dream of a future where we can build a home together, far from the dangers of this war-torn land.

Please know that you are always in my heart, giving me the strength to face each day. I pray for our safe return to each other, when this nightmare is finally over.

With all my love,

Charles

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


4. RPL Investors, LLC; Coastal Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and Special Permit Extension Record Number

The County of Humboldt is considering a fifth two-year extension for a development project in the Orick area. The project involves building a transient habitation facility, including RV sites, tent camping sites, cabins, a lodge, a gas station, and other amenities. The project will also include special events and wetland mitigation. The Planning Commission is being asked to approve the extension, as the project has not changed since its initial approval in 2014.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between Beavis and Butt-head!

Beavis: Uh huh huh huh huh…transient habitation facility…that sounds cool.

Butt-head: Yeah, like a campground or something. I bet we could like, hang out there and stuff.

Beavis: Yeah, and there’s gonna be an RV park, tents, cabins…we could totally crash in one of those cabins, Butt-head.

Butt-head: And they even have a gas station there. Cool, we can buy nachos and stuff.

Beavis: Yeah, and they’re gonna have special events too, like weddings and stuff. We could like, crash a wedding, Butt-head.

Butt-head: Yeah, and there’s gonna be a gas station there. We could buy nachos and stuff.

Beavis: Uhh, Butt-head, you already said that.

Butt-head: Oh yeah. Uhh, let’s just like, go check it out when it’s done. It sounds cool.

Beavis: Yeah, we need to find out where this place is. Like, Orick…where the hell is that?

Butt-head: Who cares, Beavis. Let’s just go and like, hang out and stuff.

Beavis: Yeah, nachos and weddings, huh huh huh. Cool.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Original Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 2 - Planning Commission Resolution 14-31Staff Report


5. Cottrell Ranch, LLC Zone Reclassification Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 208-163-003-000, 210-072-003-000, 210-072-004-000, 210-073-001-000, 210-105-003-000, 210-105-004-000, 210-106-014-000, 210-106-015-000, 210-106-016-000, 210-121-002-000, 210-122-001-000, 210-122-003-000, 210-122-004-000, 210-126-001-000, 210-250-006-000 Record No.

The Planning Commission is considering reclassifying a large parcel of land in the Larabee Valley area to be used for timber production. The applicant wants to rezone 15 parcels totaling 3,140 acres from Agricultural Exclusive and Unclassified zoning to Timberland Production Zone. The project has been reviewed and approved by various agencies and is believed to have no significant environmental impact. The recommendation is to approve the reclassification based on evidence provided.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a bildungsroman!

Title: Roots of the Redwoods

Chapter 1: The Proposal

Growing up in the small town of Larabee Valley, Emily had always been surrounded by nature. Her family owned a small farm on the outskirts of town, and she spent her days exploring the forests and fields that surrounded their property. So, when the news broke that a large portion of the nearby Cottrell Ranch was being considered for reclassification into a Timberland Production Zone, Emily was intrigued.

As a member of the Planning Commission, Emily was tasked with reviewing the proposal put forth by Cottrell Ranch, LLC. The reclassification would encompass approximately 1,557 acres of land that had been used for timber harvesting since the 1950s. The idea of turning these lands into a dedicated timber production zone sparked a debate in the community, with some arguing for the economic benefits and others expressing concerns about the impact on the environment.

Chapter 2: The Decision

After carefully reviewing the proposal and listening to the arguments presented by both sides, Emily found herself torn. On one hand, she understood the importance of sustainable timber production and the potential for economic growth in the area. On the other hand, she couldn’t shake the feeling that reclassifying such a large swath of land would forever alter the landscape she had grown to love.

In the end, Emily made the difficult decision to vote in favor of the reclassification. She believed that with proper oversight and management, the land could continue to thrive and support both the community and the environment. But as the votes were tallied and the resolution passed, Emily couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness for the loss of what once was.

Chapter 3: The Journey

Over the following months, Emily watched as the Cottrell Ranch was transformed into a Timberland Production Zone. She saw the logging trucks come and go, heard the sound of chainsaws in the distance, and felt the earth shift beneath her feet. And with each passing day, she felt a growing sense of unease.

Determined to understand the impact of the reclassification, Emily threw herself into research and exploration. She visited the Cottrell Ranch, spoke with residents of the area, and even attended a meeting of the Forestry Review Committee. What she discovered opened her eyes to the complexities of land management, the importance of sustainable practices, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation.

Chapter 4: The Reflection

As the one-year anniversary of the reclassification approached, Emily found herself standing in the heart of the Cottrell Ranch, surrounded by towering redwoods and the scent of pine. The land had changed, that much was clear, but so had she.

Through the process of reviewing and supporting the reclassification, Emily had grown in ways she never could have imagined. She had learned to listen, to question, and to stand up for what she believed in. And as she looked out at the expanse of trees before her, she knew that while the land may have been altered, the roots of the redwoods ran deep – just like her own journey of growth and self-discovery.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Zone Reclassification MapAttachment 2 - Zone Reclassification PetitionAttachment 3 - Referral Agency Comments and RecommendationsAttachment 3A - Forestry Review Committee Minutes


6. Eel River Family Farms, LLC; Conditional Use Permit Assessor’s Parcel Numbers: 211-151-017, 211-151-018 Record Numbers

The Planning Commission is considering giving a Conditional Use Permit to Eel River Family Farms, LLC for a cannabis cultivation operation in the Myers Flat area. The project involves water usage, processing, power sources, and safety measures. The project has been reviewed for environmental impact and consulted with various agencies. The recommendation is for the Planning Commission to approve the permit with certain conditions.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

In the year 2024, the county of Humboldt was buzzing with excitement as the Planning Commission prepared to review a Conditional Use Permit for Eel River Family Farms, LLC. The project, located in the Myers Flat area, involved a large-scale mixed light cannabis cultivation operation with a small nursery.

As the meeting date of 6/6/2024 approached, rumors began to circulate about the true nature of the project. Some claimed that the cannabis cultivation was merely a front for a much more intriguing operation, while others dismissed the rumors as nothing more than idle gossip.

On the day of the meeting, the Planning Commission gathered to discuss the project. The presentation detailed the square footage of the cultivation area, the anticipated water usage, and the proposed storage tanks. Everything seemed to be in order, with no major concerns raised during the presentation.

However, as the meeting continued, strange occurrences began to unfold. Mysterious figures appeared in the room, casting a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of the project. Whispers of secret experiments and hidden agendas filled the air, causing unease among the commission members.

Just as the tension reached its peak, the lights in the room flickered and dimmed. A hush fell over the crowd as a voice echoed through the room, declaring the true purpose of Eel River Family Farms, LLC. It was revealed that the project was not just about cannabis cultivation, but rather a cover for a groundbreaking scientific endeavor.

The project, it turned out, was a top-secret research facility tasked with exploring the possibilities of interdimensional travel. The cultivation operation served as a front to conceal the true nature of the project, allowing the scientists to conduct their experiments in secrecy.

As the shocking revelation unfolded, the commission members were left speechless. The implications of such a discovery were staggering, opening up a world of possibilities and dangers alike. The future of humanity hung in the balance, as the potential for interdimensional travel promised both incredible advancements and unforeseen consequences.

In the end, the Planning Commission approved the Conditional Use Permit for Eel River Family Farms, LLC, knowing that they had just set in motion a series of events that would change the course of history forever. And as the project moved forward, the county of Humboldt became the epicenter of a scientific revolution that would challenge the very fabric of reality itself.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - 11165 Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 1B - Operations Plan 3.20.2024Attachment 1C - Site Plan 3.25.2024Attachment 2 - Location MapsAttachment 3 - CEQA AddendumAttachment 4 - Applicant's Evidence in Support of FindingsAttachment 4A - Site Management PlanAttachment 4B - Well Completion Report 11.12.2020Attachment 4C - RPF Timber Conversion ReportAttachment 4D - 11165 Final LSA 12.18.2017Attachment 4E - Setback Reduction Consent LetterAttachment 4F -11165 Road EvaluationAttachment 5 - Referral Agency CommentsAttachment 5A - Building Inspection DivisionAttachment 5B - Code Enforcement UnitAttachment 5C - DEHAttachment 5D - Public Works Land UseAttachment 5E - CDFW Referral Responses 4.22.2024Attachment 5F - CALFIREAttachment 5G - CALFIRE_2Attachment 5H - PGEAttachment 6 - Watershed Map


7. Scott Roberts; Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 107-054-014 Record No.

The County of Humboldt is considering a proposal from Scott Roberts for a Conditional Use Permit to allow commercial cannabis cultivation in the Honeydew area. The proposal includes specific details about water usage, electricity sources, and project location. The Planning Commission is recommended to approve the permit with certain conditions. The project has undergone environmental review and consultation with relevant agencies. There are discussions about water resources, public trust resources, tribal consultation, and consistency with county resolutions. The Planning Commission has the option to make changes to the conditions or deny the permit. The proposal includes various attachments such as a draft resolution and applicant evidence. For more information, contact the Associate Planner listed in the document.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Twitter thread!

🌿🌱 COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING THREAD 🌱🌿

File #: 24-958
Subject: Scott Roberts; Conditional Use Permit for commercial cannabis cultivation in Honeydew area

1/ A Conditional Use Permit is being considered for 18,462 sq ft of cannabis cultivation and 1,840 sq ft nursery, with water sourced from rainwater catchment and a well. Solar panels provide electricity with backup generator. Project site: 1051 Heidi Lane, Honeydew.

2/ The project complies with the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Water usage, storage, and management plans outlined in detail, with environmental considerations and Tribal Consultation addressed. The proposed project is in line with County regulations.

3/ The project’s water resources, waste discharge, and environmental impact have been thoroughly reviewed. The applicant has engaged with Tribal entities for consultation and received necessary approvals. The project aligns with County’s cultivation permit limits in Cape Mendocino Planning Watershed.

4/ Alternatives to staff recommendations exist but are not currently recommended. Planning Commission may choose to add or delete conditions of approval or deny the permits based on findings. However, staff is confident in the evidence presented and recommended conditions.

5/ Overall, the project presents a comprehensive plan for sustainable cannabis cultivation with minimal environmental impact and compliance with County regulations. The applicant, Scott Roberts, and agent Shannon Gibson have provided detailed plans for review.

For more information or questions, please contact Augustus Grochau, Associate Planner, at agrochau@co.humboldt.ca.us or 707-268-3749.

End of thread. #HumboldtCounty #PlanningCommission #CannabisCultivation #EnvironmentalImpact #TribalConsultation #SustainableDevelopment

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 1B - Operations Plan 12.04.2023Attachment 1C - Site Plan 12.08.2023Attachment 2 - Map SetAttachment 3 - CEQA AddendumAttachment 4 - Applicant Submitted InformationAttachment 4A - Notice of ApplicabilityAttachment 4B - Site Management Plan 08.2019Attachment 4C - Well PermitAttachment 4D - Road Evaluation 107-054-014Attachment 4E - Well Connectivity Assessment 05.03.2023Attachment 5 - Referral Agency CommentsAttachment 5A - Building InspectionAttachment 5B - Public WorksAttachment 5C - DEHAttachment 5D - CALFIREAttachment 5E - Mattole Union School DistrictAttachment 5F - CDFWAttachment 6 - Watershed Map


8. Mikes Farm, LLC; Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 221-021-003 Record No.

The Planning Commission is considering a Conditional Use Permit for Mikes Farm, LLC to operate a cannabis cultivation facility in Humboldt County. The project includes outdoor cultivation with two harvest cycles per year, rainwater irrigation, and energy from generators and solar panels. The project has been reviewed for environmental impact and involves conditions to protect wildlife and water resources. The Commission is recommended to approve the permit with certain conditions.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

In the County of Humboldt, the small community of Ettersburg is buzzing with excitement as Mikes Farm, LLC has been granted a Conditional Use Permit for their cannabis cultivation operation. The farmers of Mikes Farm, LLC are known throughout the region for their high-quality crops and dedication to sustainable farming practices. However, not everyone in the region is pleased with the expansion of the farm’s operations.

As adventurers passing through the area, you find yourself caught up in the tensions between the residents of Ettersburg and the farmers of Mikes Farm, LLC. Rumors swirl about the environmental impact of the farm’s water usage, the potential disruption to local wildlife, and the increased traffic on the small country roads.

As you delve deeper into the conflict, you discover that there is more to the story than meets the eye. The farm’s owners, Dimo Folev and his agent Vanessa Valare, are hiding a dark secret about the true source of their power generators. It seems that the energy powering the farm is coming from a magical artifact hidden deep within the forest, causing disturbances in the natural balance of the land.

Your party must navigate the complex web of alliances and betrayals in the community of Ettersburg, uncover the truth behind Mikes Farm, LLC’s operations, and ultimately decide the fate of the farm and its inhabitants. Will you choose to support the farmers in their quest for prosperity, or will you stand with the residents of Ettersburg in defense of the land?

Embark on a quest filled with intrigue, magic, and moral dilemmas as you explore the County of Humboldt and uncover the secrets of Mikes Farm, LLC. The choices you make will shape the future of the region and determine the outcome of this gripping campaign. Are you ready to take on the challenge?

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - DRAFT ResolutionAttachment 1A - Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 1B - Cultivation Operations PlanAttachment 1C - Site MapAttachment 2 - Location MapsAttachment 3 - CEQA AddendumAttachment 4 - Applicant's Evidence in Support of Required FindingsAttachment 4A - Notice of ApplicabilityAttachment 4B - Site Management Plan UpdatedAttachment 4C - LSAAAttachment 4D - Road Evaluation FormAttachment 4E - Erosion Remediation Technical MemorandumAttachment 5 - Referral Agency Comments and RecommendationsAttachment 5A - Building Inspection DivisionAttachment 5B - Division Environmental HealthAttachment 5C - Public Works Land Use DivisionAttachment 5D - California Department of Fish and WildlifeAttachment 6 - Watershed Map


F. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Humboldt Heritage Farm Management, LLC Special Permits, Zoning Clearance Certificates, and Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Number 216-281-015 Record Numbers

The County of Humboldt is considering permits for a cannabis farm in the Alderpoint area. The farm will have a total of 82,500 square feet of mixed-light cannabis cultivation in hoop greenhouses, along with an 8,000 square-foot commercial nursery. The farm will also have space for employees to live on-site, and will use irrigation water from rain catchment and a well. The farm plans to use solar power and a generator as back-up. The project has been reviewed for environmental impact and meets the requirements of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance. If approved, the farm will be monitored to ensure compliance with regulations.

— LoCOBot

… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!

Listen up, Planning Commission! Humboldt Heritage Farm Management, LLC is coming for you with a total of 82,500 SF of mixed-light cannabis cultivation and a 8,000 SF commercial nursery. We’ve got Special Permits, Zoning Clearance Certificates, and a Conditional Use Permit ready to roll. And don’t forget about our two-story employee bunkhouse and 1.2 million gallons of irrigation water annually sourced from rain catchment. We’re ready to rumble, so get on board or get left in the dust. Email Rodney Yandell if you dare!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 1B - Operations PlanAttachment 1C - Site PlanAttachment 2 - Location MapsAttachment 3 - CEQA AddendumAttachment 4 - Applicant’s Evidence in Support of the Required FindingsAttachment 4A - Hydrological Isolation of Existing Well from Surface WatersAttachment 4B - Site Management PlanAttachment 4C - Lake or Streambed Alteration AgreementAttachment 4D - Culvert Work Completion ReportingAttachment 4E - Biological Resource AssessmentAttachment 4F - Botanical SurveyAttachment 4G - Invasive Species Control PlanAttachment 4H - Wetland AssessmentAttachment 4I - Road EvaluationAttachment 4J - Engineering-Geologic Prime Agricultural Soils Exploration Letter-ReportAttachment 4K - Sound Evaluation ReportAttachment 5 - Referral Agency Comments and RecommendationsAttachment 6 - Watershed Map


G. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT

H. REPORT FROM PLANNER

1. Cooks Valley Special Events (2023-2027) Mateel Community Center, Inc.; Conditional Use Permit and Annual Monitoring Report Application Number PLN-2023-18108 Cooks Valley area Assessor’s Parcel Number(s): (APN’s): (Humboldt County): 033-271-007, 033-271-009, 033-271-008, 033-271-004, 033-271-005, and 033-271-015 (Mendocino County): 053-020-011, 053-020-010, 053-020-012, 053-020-013, 053-020-014, 053-020-016, 053-020-015 Review of the Annual Report for the approved Conditional Use Permit authorizi

The Planning Commission is reviewing a report on events held by the Mateel Community Center in 2023 at Cooks Valley. The report includes details on music festivals and the use of cannabis-related concessions. The commission has the authority to adjust attendance levels based on the report. The report shows that the events ran smoothly with no complaints from agencies. The Mateel Community Center is only planning one event for 2024 and is not seeking to increase attendance levels. The commission is recommended to receive the report and make any necessary adjustments to the permit.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Scooby Doo!

Title: Scooby-Doo and the Reggae on the River Mystery

[The gang is driving through the lush forests of Humboldt County, on their way to investigate a mysterious occurrence at the Reggae on the River event. As they approach the festival grounds, they notice a sense of unease in the air.]

Velma: Jinkies, this place gives me the creeps.

Daphne: Yeah, it’s like there’s something not quite right about this music festival.

Fred: Let’s split up and see if we can find any clues. Shaggy and Scooby, you guys check out the concert stage. Velma, Daphne, and I will investigate the camping area.

[Shaggy and Scooby head towards the stage, where they see people dancing to the reggae music. Scooby sniffs around and picks up a strange scent.]

Shaggy: Like, what do you smell, Scoob?

Scooby: Ruh-roh, it smells like… something fishy, Shaggy.

[Meanwhile, Velma, Daphne, and Fred are talking to festival attendees in the camping area, trying to gather information.]

Velma: Excuse me, have any of you noticed anything unusual happening at the festival?

Attendee: Well, now that you mention it, there have been rumors of strange sightings at night near the river.

Daphne: That’s interesting. We’ll have to check it out. Thanks for the tip.

[As the sun sets, the gang regroups and shares their findings.]

Fred: It seems like there’s something fishy going on near the river. Let’s go investigate.

[They head towards the river, where they find a hidden passage leading underground. They cautiously enter, only to discover a secret operation involving illegal activities.]

Velma: This must be why there’s been so much secrecy surrounding this festival. It’s a cover-up for something illegal.

Daphne: Look, there’s the mastermind behind it all.

[The gang confronts the villain, who tries to escape but is ultimately caught and unmasked.]

Fred: Let’s see who this villain really is.

[They remove the mask to reveal the festival organizer, who was using the event as a front for his illegal activities.]

Velma: He was trying to use the festival to hide his shady operations.

Shaggy: Like, that’s one way to ruin a good time.

Scooby: Reah, reah.

[The police arrive to arrest the organizer, and the gang leaves the festival grounds, knowing that they have solved another mystery.]

Fred: Another mystery solved, gang. Let’s hit the road and see where it takes us next.

[The Mystery Machine drives off into the night as the moon shines brightly overhead.]

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 Location MapAttachment 2A - Mateel Operations Plan (2023-2027)Attachment 2B - MCC Wrap up 2023 (03-29-24)Attachment 3 - Referral Agency Comments and Recommendations


2. Analysis of Wells Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Countywide Discussion of County Well Permitting and County Practice of Reviewing Existing and Proposed Wells

DOCUMENTS:

Well Report 6.6.24


I. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS


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