Government Arcata

Arcata Planning Commission Approves "Hounds of Humboldt" Dog Park and Tavern

The Arcata Planning Commission approved a use permit for Hounds of Humboldt, a new commercial dog park and tavern, during their July 22nd meeting. The approval comes with conditions addressing noise, waste management, and accessibility. Public comment was overwhelmingly supportive.

Arcata Planning Commission Approves "Hounds of Humboldt" Dog Park and Tavern

The Arcata Planning Commission gave its approval to a new commercial dog park and tavern, "Hounds of Humboldt," at its regular meeting on July 22nd, 2025. The decision, reached after a robust public hearing, comes with several conditions aimed at mitigating potential impacts on the surrounding neighborhood.

The meeting, which was accessible both in-person and remotely via Zoom, began with a land acknowledgement recognizing the Wiyot Tribes ancestral connection to the land. Public comment preceding the main agenda allowed for residents to address concerns not formally listed. Joann McGary highlighted the need for improved bicycle parking and charging stations for e-bikes in future development projects, a suggestion the commission noted for future planning consideration.

The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the July 8th meeting before proceeding to the main item: the use permit application for Hounds of Humboldt. Senior Planner Joe Matteir presented a detailed staff report, outlining the project's specifics, including location, operating hours, and anticipated daily customer volume. The report also included site and floor plans. Gloria Baker, the applicant, further detailed her vision for the establishment.

Public support for the project was widespread. Hailey, a local dog owner and Humboldt County Animal Shelter volunteer, enthusiastically endorsed the project, emphasizing its potential to connect shelter dogs with potential adopters. Support was also voiced by Tim Lorenzo, a nearby property owner, and Amy Bonner, a neighboring business owner, who both confirmed the lack of existing parking and noise issues. Rachael Smith, another local dog owner, highlighted the need for more dog-friendly spaces in Arcata. Even remote participant Carly voiced her support, while also expressing concern about the lack of sidewalks on South G Street.

While the overall sentiment was positive, the commission did address concerns regarding noise management, waste disposal, and accessibility. These issues, including potential barking and music levels, proper management of dog waste, and ensuring adequate access and wayfinding, were incorporated into the conditions of approval. The commission also required revisions to the fencing to meet compliance standards. The applicant will need to secure necessary permits from the California Alcoholic Beverage Control before opening and fully address the conditions of approval.

The commission's decision to approve the use permit signals a positive step for dog owners and those seeking a unique social experience in Arcata. The projects implementation hinges on the applicant fulfilling the stipulated conditions. While the specific vote count wasn't included in the video transcript, it's clear that the project had garnered significant community support.

The next regular Arcata Planning Commission meeting will be held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. For more information, including meeting agendas and video recordings, please visit the official City of Arcata website.