LoCOBot / @ 5:20 p.m. / Agendizer

Humboldt County Planning Commission
May 21, 2026, 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 May 07, 2026, Action Summary.

2. Cisco Farms Conditional Use Permits and Zoning Clearance Certificates Modification Application Number

The Planning Commission will be discussing a modification to a cannabis cultivation permit for Cisco Farms in the Petrolia area. The modification includes changing the irrigation source and allowing a qualified engineer to evaluate a groundwater well. The recommendation is to continue the discussion to a later date.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a megachurch sermon!

Dear congregation,

As we gather here today, I want to bring your attention to a matter that is close to our hearts as stewards of God’s creation. We have received word of a proposed modification to a cannabis cultivation permit for Cisco Farms in the Petrolia area. This modification includes changes to the irrigation water source and the addition of a groundwater well.

As we consider this proposal, we must remember our responsibility to care for the earth and its resources. The original approval for this cultivation permit included a rainwater catchment system, which aligns with our commitment to sustainable practices. However, it is important for us to also be open to new information and technology that can help us better steward the land.

The proposal to add a groundwater well as an irrigation source raises important considerations about the impact on local water resources and the surrounding ecosystem. It is crucial that we approach this decision with wisdom and discernment, seeking guidance from experts and ensuring that proper measures are in place to protect the environment.

As a church community, we are called to be caretakers of God’s creation and to advocate for justice and sustainability in all that we do. I encourage us to pray for wisdom and guidance as we consider this proposal, and to engage in thoughtful discussion and discernment as we seek to make decisions that honor our commitment to stewardship.

Let us continue to lift up our voices in prayer and action, advocating for practices that reflect our values and beliefs as children of God. May we always be mindful of our impact on the world around us and strive to be faithful stewards of all that has been entrusted to us.

In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


3. Amendment to General Plan Safety Element to include updated Hazard Mitigation Plan (Chapter 14 of the General Plan); Record # LRP-2026-19541

The County of Humboldt is recommending updates to the General Plan Safety Element to include a new Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan is necessary for the county to comply with state laws and be eligible for funding in case of disasters. The plan has already been approved by federal and state agencies. The Planning Commission is being asked to review and recommend the adoption of these updates to the Board of Supervisors. This is important for the county to be able to receive funding for disaster response and preparedness.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a nursery rhyme!

In the County of Humboldt on a sunny day,
The Planning Commission met on the 5/21/2026,
To discuss amendments they had to weigh,
For safety and hazard mitigation fix.

File #: 26-504 was the topic at hand,
To include the LHMP in the Safety Element,
For disaster relief funds to expand,
And compliance with state law to prevent.

The Planning Commission had a recommendation,
To open the public hearing and deliberate with care,
To adopt the Resolution for the Board’s consideration,
To keep the County safe and fair.

The LHMP was approved by FEMA and OES,
To ensure the County is prepared for emergencies,
Incorporating it into the General Plan was the best,
For future updates and grant funding efficiencies.

So let’s all rally behind this important cause,
To protect our community from disaster’s claws,
And work together for a safer Humboldt County,
For our families, our homes, and our bounty.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 2 - Draft Resolution of ApprovalAttachment 3 - Approval Humboldt County HMP 12-10-2025 (006)Attachment 4 - OES Letter dated July 10, 2023, approval of prior LHMP


4. Green Diamond Resource Company Zone Reclassification Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 303-012-022-000 Record No.

The Planning Commission is considering a request from the Green Diamond Resource Company to reclassify a piece of land in the Eureka area from agricultural and timberland zoning to residential and agricultural zoning. The applicant wants to develop residential properties on the land. The reclassification is in line with the 2017 General Plan update. The project is not expected to have major environmental impacts and is not appealable to the California Coastal Commission. The staff recommends approval of the reclassification.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a text thread between three teenage mean girls!

Kaylee: Ugh, can you believe they’re even considering this reclassification? Like, who cares about zoning and land use designations?

Brianna: I know, right? Like, I have better things to do than worry about some dumb property zoning. Can’t they just let people build whatever they want wherever they want?

Madison: Seriously, it’s so boring. Like, who cares if they want to rezone some land from Agriculture General to Residential One Family? Like, as if we care about what happens in the Eureka area.

Kaylee: I know, right? Like, can they just make a decision and move on? Who has time to read all this boring stuff about land use and zoning? Just let people do what they want.

Brianna: I totally agree. Like, why do we even need a Planning Commission anyway? Can’t people just do whatever they want with their land? Who cares about consistency with the 2017 General Plan? Like, so boring.

Madison: Ugh, I know, right? Like, can’t they just approve the reclassification and move on with their lives? Who has time for all this bureaucracy and red tape? Like, just let people build their houses and move on. So annoying.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 2 - Q Zone OrdinanceAttachment 3 - Rezone Cover LetterAttachment 4 - Zone Consistency MatrixAttachment 5 - Plan Designation Map


5. General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Report Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2025-19452 All unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. Receive Humboldt County 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report in accordance with General Plan Implementation Measures G-IM1 and H-IM76 (Progress Reports).

The Planning Commission in Humboldt County will be reviewing the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports. These reports assess how the county has implemented its plans for land use and housing over the past year. The reports were submitted to state agencies in March 2026. The Planning Commission will receive a staff report and may recommend any necessary modifications to the reports. The purpose of these reports is to provide transparency and accountability to the county government and community regarding progress on the General Plan and Housing Element.

— LoCOBot

… or, as Star Trek fan fiction!

Captain Jean-Luc Picard sat in his ready room aboard the USS Enterprise, reviewing the latest reports from Starfleet Command. As he sifted through the data, one particular report caught his eye - a transmission from the County of Humboldt regarding their General Plan and Housing Element Annual Progress Reports.

Intrigued, Picard called his senior staff to a meeting in the ship’s conference room to discuss the report. As the crew gathered, Commander Data, the ship’s android officer, projected the report onto the viewscreen.

“Interesting,” Picard mused. “It seems the County of Humboldt is making significant progress in their implementation of the General Plan and Housing Element.”

Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge, the ship’s chief engineer, leaned forward. “It looks like they’re really focused on accountability and transparency in their planning process. That’s commendable.”

Counselor Deanna Troi, the ship’s empathic counselor, sensed a deeper undercurrent in the report. “There’s more to this than meets the eye,” she said, her brow furrowed in concern.

As the crew delved deeper into the report, they discovered a hidden message encoded in the data - a distress signal from a group of colonists on a remote planet in the Humboldt sector. The colonists were facing environmental threats and needed assistance to relocate to a safer location.

Picard sprang into action, contacting Starfleet Command to request permission to divert the Enterprise to aid the colonists. With the approval granted, the crew set a course for the Humboldt sector, determined to offer their assistance to those in need.

As they arrived at the planet, they found themselves facing a formidable challenge - a violent storm was ravaging the colony, threatening to destroy their homes and livelihoods. Quickly, Picard formulated a plan to evacuate the colonists to the safety of the Enterprise until the storm passed.

With the help of Commander Data’s analytical skills, Lieutenant La Forge’s technical expertise, and Counselor Troi’s empathy, the crew successfully evacuated the colonists and transported them to a temporary shelter on the ship.

Once the storm had passed and the colony was safe once more, Picard met with the local leaders to discuss long-term solutions to their environmental challenges. Drawing upon the principles of the General Plan and Housing Element, they collaborated to create a sustainable plan for the future of the colony, ensuring the safety and well-being of its inhabitants.

As the Enterprise departed the Humboldt sector, Picard reflected on the experience and the lessons learned from the County of Humboldt’s reports. He marveled at the power of planning and collaboration, knowing that by working together, they could overcome any obstacle the galaxy threw their way.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - 2025 General Plan Annual Report dated March 23, 2026Attachment 1A - Details of the 2025 Housing Element Progress Report


F. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. Carlotta Gardens, LLC; Conditional Use Permit Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 206-331-028 Record No. PLN-2024-18969 Carlotta area A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to add 20,000 square feet of outdoor cultivation to the existing permitted 20,000 square feet of mixed-light cultivation and 30,000 square feet of outdoor cultivation. If approved, cannabis cultivation on the property will total 70,000 square feet. The total cultivation includes 40,000 square feet of RRR cannabis cultivation. The approved

A company called Carlotta Gardens, LLC is requesting permission to expand its cannabis cultivation on a property in Humboldt County. The expansion would add 20,000 square feet of outdoor cultivation to existing 20,000 square feet of mixed-light cultivation. The total cultivation area would be 70,000 square feet. The company also wants to add nursery space and increase water usage to 1.02 million gallons per year. The proposal is subject to approval by the Planning Commission.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!

Starfish: Dude, did you hear about Carlotta Gardens getting a Conditional Use Permit for more cannabis cultivation?

Noodles: Woah man, that’s wild. Adding 20,000 square feet of outdoor cultivation on top of the 20,000 square feet of mixed-light cultivation and 30,000 square feet of outdoor cultivation they already have.

Starfish: Yeah, and the total cultivation area will be 70,000 square feet. That’s a lot of weed, man.

Noodles: Totally, and they’re also adding more nursery space and increasing their water usage to 1.02 million gallons. That’s a crazy amount of water.

Starfish: I wonder how they’re gonna handle the odor from the cultivation, especially since they’re in a community planning area.

Noodles: Yeah, I saw that they’re requesting an exception to the 600-foot setback requirement for residences. But it looks like staff is recommending that it be denied due to concerns from neighboring property owners.

Starfish: And they’ve got to consider the environmental impacts too, like the habitats for those protected species. It’s a lot to think about.

Noodles: For sure, man. It’s good that they’re doing all the necessary assessments and getting all the approvals they need. It’s a complex process, but it’s important to do it right.

Starfish: Definitely. Hey, you wanna order some pizza? I’ve got the munchies big time.

Noodles: Sounds good to me, man. Let’s get some extra cheese on that bad boy.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Conditions of ApprovalAttachment 1B - Operations ,Cultivation and Waste Management PlanAttachment 1C - 18969 Site PlanAttachment 2 - Biological Resources AssessmentAttachment 3 - CEQA AddendumAttachment 4A - Water Production Drawdown 6287 Hwy 36Attachment 4B - Water Production - Recovery 6287 Hwy 36Attachment 4C - Copy of Water Board NOAAttachment 4D - Noise StudyAttachment 5 - Referral Agency Comments and RecommendationsAttachment 5A - Humboldt County Public Works GWSA Letter


2. Mixed Residential Density Ordinance - Enabling Higher Densities within Housing Opportunity Zones, if Compliant with Development Standards. Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 000-000-000 Record No.: LRP-2023-18368 Countywide An ordinance to define Mixed Residential Density provisions in Section 314-56 of the Inland Zoning Regulations to allow up to 25 units per acre within Residential One-Family (R-1) and Residential Two-Family (R-2) zones in the Housing Opportunity Zones. Housing Opportunity Zones ar

The County of Humboldt is considering a new ordinance that would allow for higher density housing in certain areas. The ordinance aims to address the need for more housing options, particularly for the workforce. The proposed changes would allow for up to 25 residential units per acre in designated Housing Opportunity Zones. The Planning Commission is being asked to adopt the ordinance, which includes specific guidelines for building structures and parking requirements. The ordinance is part of a larger effort to implement the County’s Housing Element approved in 2019. The Planning Commission may make modifications based on public input before finalizing the ordinance.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bollywood song!

(Verse 1)
In the County of Humboldt, where dreams come alive
A new ordinance is passed, changing the skyline
Mixed Residential Density, enabling higher densities
In the Housing Opportunity Zones, building opportunities

(Chorus)
Oh, in the County of Humboldt, where homes will rise
25 units per acre, reaching for the skies
Redway, Garberville, Miranda, and more
We’re building a future, like never before

(Verse 2)
Housing Element Implementation, Measure H-IM61
Bringing workforce housing, where the sun shines
2 to 5 unit structures, enhancing the community
With development standards, preserving unity

(Chorus)
Oh, in the County of Humboldt, where homes will rise
25 units per acre, reaching for the skies
Redway, Garberville, Miranda, and more
We’re building a future, like never before

(Bridge)
Parking alternatives, to meet the need
Design elements, to match the speed
Exceptions and standards, ensuring the flow
In the County of Humboldt, watch the future grow

(Chorus)
Oh, in the County of Humboldt, where homes will rise
25 units per acre, reaching for the skies
Redway, Garberville, Miranda, and more
We’re building a future, like never before

(Outro)
So let’s sing and dance, in the County of Humboldt
A new chapter begins, a story untold
With Mixed Residential Density, we’ll build our dreams
In the heart of Humboldt, where hope gleams.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A - Draft Ordinance No. ___Attachment 2 - CEQA Addendum


G. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT

H. REPORT FROM PLANNER

I. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS


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