LoCOBot / @ 4:50 p.m. / Agendizer

Humboldt County Planning Commission
Aug. 21, 2025, 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 August 07, 2025, Action Summary.

2. Ridgefield Events, Conditional Use Permit Modification Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 500-011-007 Record Number PLN-2025-18885-MOD01 Arcata Area A modification to PLN-2024-18885-CUP to allow for up to 14 special event guests to stay overnight in the existing residence. The current CUP allows for the use of the property as a seasonal venue for special events (primarily weddings) between April and October with a maximum of 30 events per year. The project is exempt from environmental review per Sec


3. Santos Subdivision Extension Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 508-391-045 Record No.

The Planning and Building Department in Humboldt County is considering extending a previously approved subdivision project in the McKinleyville area. The project involves creating 45 residential lots on a 10.51-acre parcel, including a park area. The extension is being recommended with certain conditions. No major concerns have been identified, and the project has already been reviewed for environmental impact. The extension would allow the completion of the remaining phases of the subdivision project. The project was previously approved in 2011 and modifications have been made since then. The extension would last for two years. The owner of the property is Domingo Santos, and the agent is Schillinger Engineering.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Twitter thread!

🏠 Exciting news for the McKinleyville area! The Santos Subdivision Extension is up for a two-year extension to create 45 residential lots and a park parcel. #HumboldtCounty

🌳 The proposed extension includes a mix of lot sizes and community amenities, with a focus on residential low density in line with the McKinleyville Community Plan. #planningcommission

🌊 As a portion of the property is located in the coastal zone, a Coastal Development Permit is required for this project. It’s great to see development plans that prioritize environmental considerations! #sustainability

🏞️ The project will be served by community water and sewer, ensuring essential services for residents. Plus, with a park parcel included, there will be plenty of green space for the community to enjoy. #communitydevelopment

🌟 The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the Extension, citing no changes to the original project and meeting all necessary criteria. It’s fantastic to see thoughtful, sustainable development in our county! #progress

📧 Have questions about the Santos Subdivision Extension or want to learn more? Reach out to Michael Kein at the Planning and Building Department. Let’s continue to support responsible growth in #HumboldtCounty! 🌲 #communityengagement

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft Resolution PLN-2025-19208Attachment 1A - Tentative MapAttachment 2 - Location MapAttachment 3 - Planning Commission Resolution 23-017 (PLN-2022-17846)Attachment 4 - Referral Agency Comments & Recommendations


4. Mitchell Minor Subdivision Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 511-141-017 Record No.

The Mitchell Minor Subdivision in McKinleyville is requesting a two-year extension for dividing an 8.12-acre parcel into three smaller parcels. The Planning Commission is recommended to adopt the resolution for the extension, as there have been no changes to the project since its initial approval. The extension would allow the project to continue until July 21, 2027. The project has been found exempt from environmental review and has received approval from relevant agencies. The proposed parcels will have access to community water service and will use individual wastewater treatment systems. If the extension is approved, the conditions of approval from the original permit will remain the same.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Rodney Dangerfield joke!

I told the Planning Commission I wanted to extend my property and they said, “Sure, it’s like a Minor Subdivision, just make sure the road is at least 20 feet wide.” I said, “No problem, I’ll just pave it with cheese, I hear that’s pretty a-gouda option.”

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Draft ResolutionAttachment 1A- Tentative MapAttachment 2 - Location MapAttachment 3 - Planning Commission Resolution 23-756 PLN-2020-16281Attachment 4 - Referral Agency Comments & Recommendations


F. ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT

G. WORKSHOP

1. Workshop on McKinleyville Town Center Assessor Parcel Numbers (APN) 508-251-060, 510-133-013-000, 508-251-008,508-251-061, 508-251-040, 508-251-051, 508-251-052, 508-251-034, 508-251-035, 508-251-023, 508-251-024, 510-133-006, 510-411-031, 510-133-032, 510-133-028, 510-411-025, 510-411-014, 510-411-006, 510-411-016, 510-401-027,510-401-026, 510-401-022, 510-401-011, 510-401-028, 510-401-003, 510-341-015, 510-341-019, 510-341-039, 510-341-017, 510-341-041, 510-132-013, 510-132-031, 510-132-007, 5

A workshop is being held to discuss changing the zoning of the McKinleyville Town Center to Mixed Use with specific regulations. The workshop will address concerns such as wetland preservation and building design standards. The Planning Commission will review the ordinance and hear public comments. The goal is to create a distinctive town center that promotes a mix of commercial, civic, and residential uses. The workshop will also cover the potential environmental impacts of the changes.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a science-fiction story!

The year is 2050, and the small town of McKinleyville in the County of Humboldt has undergone a dramatic transformation. The once quaint town center has now been reimagined as a bustling hub of activity, with futuristic buildings and cutting-edge technology at every turn.

The McKinleyville Town Center Ordinance, which was enacted in 2025, reshaped the landscape of the town, zoning it as a mixed-use area with a Q-Zone overlay. This new zoning allowed for a mix of commercial, civic, and residential uses, with an emphasis on sustainable transportation options like biking and walking.

One of the most significant changes brought about by the ordinance was the integration of advanced technology into the town center. Smart buildings now dotted the landscape, equipped with AI systems that controlled everything from lighting to energy consumption. Pedestrians strolled down streets that were lined with interactive displays and holographic advertisements, creating a truly immersive experience.

But amidst all the progress and development, there were whispers of dissent. Some residents had expressed concerns about the rapid pace of change and the potential impact on the environment. The reconfiguration of Central Avenue had sparked controversy, with some arguing that it disrupted the town’s historical charm.

One of the most contentious issues was the treatment of wetlands in the area. While the ordinance allowed for the relocation of wetlands to facilitate development, environmentalists were up in arms, claiming that it posed a threat to the fragile ecosystem. The debate raged on, with both sides digging in their heels and refusing to compromise.

As tensions simmered, a group of activists known as the “Green Guardians” emerged, determined to protect McKinleyville’s natural beauty at all costs. They staged protests and rallies, demanding that the town center be preserved and that alternative solutions be explored.

Meanwhile, the Planning Commission found themselves caught in the middle, with the weight of the town’s future on their shoulders. They grappled with the competing interests and tried to find a balance between progress and sustainability.

In the end, the fate of McKinleyville hung in the balance, torn between the promise of a bright future and the specter of environmental destruction. As the debate raged on, the town’s residents were left wondering what would become of their beloved McKinleyville and whether it could truly be a town that embraced both innovation and nature.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - PC Workshop Draft.8.21.2025Attachment 4 - MTCO Issues and Responses 6.24.25Attachment 5 - Survey Results 2-14-2020Attachment 6 - Letter from Marianne Tan


H. REPORT FROM PLANNER

I. PLANNING COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS


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