To: Planning Commission
From: Planning and Building Department
Agenda Section: Workshop
SUBJECT:
title
A Public Workshop on the Draft Inland Low-Impact Camping Area Ordinance to allow small-scale low-impact camping on private rural lands. The ordinance has been written to be in line with minimum requirements of Assembly Bill 518.
Assessor Parcel Numbers: (APN) 000-000-000
Record No.: LRP-2025-19172
Unincorporated areas of Humboldt County.
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RECOMMENDATION(S):
Recommendation
That the Planning Commission:
1. Request that staff present the staff report;
2. Receive public comment;
3. Deliberate and comment on the Draft Inland Low-Impact Camping Area Ordinance; and
4. Provide guidance to Planning & Building Staff on any desired amendments to the Draft Inland Low-Impact Camping Area Ordinance prior to a public hearing.
Body
DISCUSSION:
Executive Summary:
Assembly Bill 518 was passed in October of 2025, which allows counties to permit small-scale low-impact camping areas on private rural lands without requiring a costly state permit for a Special Occupancy Park. The Low-Impact Camping Area (LICA) Ordinance has been drafted to meet the minimum requirements of AB 518 and address concerns that are specific to Humboldt County. The inland LICA ordinance (Attachment 1) is being presented for this workshop, and a coastal LICA ordinance will be presented when this reaches the public hearing stage. The Commission is being asked to consider comments from the public and provide Staff guidance on any desired amendments to the draft inland ordinance.
Background:
Assembly Bill 518
The purpose of AB 518 and the LICA ordinance is to increase affordable camping options in the County, reduce pressure on crowded campgrounds, and strengthen California's outdoor recreation economy while providing potential income for property owners located in rural areas. Policy CO-P10 of the Conservation and Open Space Element in the Humboldt County General Plan encourages priva...
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