Planning Commission Approves Modified U-Haul Signage, Recommends Controversial Eureka Rezone
The Humboldt County Planning Commission navigated a packed agenda on Thursday, October 2, ultimately approving a modified signage plan for the McKinleyville U-Haul and recommending a controversial rezoning on Walford Avenue in Eureka, both despite vocal public opposition.
A quorum of four commissioners was present for the meeting, with three members absent.
U-Haul Signage in McKinleyville Approved with Changes
Returning to the commission after a 2-2 deadlock at a previous meeting, the conditional use permit for U-Haul's signage at the McKinleyville Shopping Center was approved on a 3-1 vote. The approval came after the applicant presented a revised plan in response to community feedback.
Planner Alice Fasterling reported that the applicant had agreed to remove most of the proposed new signage on the former Ray's Market building, which faces School Road. The original plan for numerous signs and images on that facade was scaled back to a single 5-by-9-foot backlit sign. The dozen signs proposed for the larger, former Kmart building facing Central Avenue remained in the proposal.
During public comment, several residents voiced strong opposition. One speaker argued that McKinleyville residents "overwhelmingly oppose new signs for U-Haul," stating the business is already highly visible and its industrial feel is out of place in a residential community. Another commenter echoed these sentiments, referencing the McKinleyville Town Plan and calling the visual impact of the business a "chore."
In response to the public testimony and the applicant's revisions, the commission crafted a compromise. Commissioner McFarland, seconded by Commissioner O'Neal, moved to approve the permit with the condition that the directional signs on the main building be reduced in size to be more consistent with other lettering on the building. The motion passed 3-1, with Commissioner Moulder dissenting.
Walford Avenue Rezone Recommended for Approval
In another contentious 3-1 vote, the commission recommended that the Board of Supervisors approve a general plan amendment and zone reclassification for an 11-acre property at 3200 Walford Avenue, near Redwood Acres in Eureka.
The project proposes removing a restrictive 'Q' (Qualified) overlay zone that currently limits the property's use to medical and professional offices. Removing the overlay would allow for a wider range of uses consistent with its underlying R4 (Apartment Professional) zoning, including multi-family housing.
Planner Cliff Johnson noted that an environmental review analyzed a potential 105-unit residential project and found its impacts would be less than a full build-out of the currently permitted medical offices. He also confirmed an active code enforcement case on the property for unpermitted storage containers and debris, with the owner having until early November to clean the site.
Public comment was entirely opposed. One neighbor argued the environmental analysis was flawed, using a "ridiculously low traffic count." Another resident, whose property abuts the site, raised concerns about increased traffic in the area, which serves Hospice of Humboldt and Planned Parenthood. She also spoke of ongoing issues with homeless individuals on the unkempt property.
Representing the applicant, planners from North Point Consulting stated the owner, Dr. Stokes, has a vision for the property and is committed to resolving the code enforcement violations. They emphasized that the rezone would open up a prime, infill location for much-needed housing.
Commissioner Moulder made a motion to recommend approval to the Board of Supervisors, but with a crucial suggestion: that the Board withhold final action until the property's code enforcement violations are fully resolved. The motion passed 3-1, with Commissioner O'Neal voting no.
Other Business
In other actions, the commission voted to continue a hearing for the Daniels coastal development permit to its November 6 meeting. Several other projects were approved as part of the consent calendar, including the Alves residential parcel map, which was moved from the main agenda after the applicant came to an agreement with the Public Works department.
The commission also approved a coastal development permit for the Chan accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on Wellington Street in Eureka. The item was moved from the consent calendar at a neighbor's request for a hearing regarding infrastructure, but staff clarified that state law limits the county's ability to require such improvements for ADU projects.