Humboldt County adopts coastal sign ordinance with Coastal Commission modifications in 3-2 vote

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 7 adopted a coastal sign ordinance modified and certified by the California Coastal Commission, approving staff recommendations and the commission’s changes in a 3-2 roll call vote.

The ordinance, originally approved by the board earlier this year, was returned by the Coastal Commission with several specific edits the commission said were needed to ensure consistency with state coastal law. Planning department staff summarized the changes during the public hearing and described them as largely technical and limited in scope.

Why it matters: The ordinance sets county rules for outdoor signage in the coastal zone and clarifies where and how signs may be repaired, replaced or prohibited, including new language meant to protect public views and coastal public access. The Coastal…