Board declines to send opposition on state bill loosening rules for small private campgrounds

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on June 24 declined to send a letter opposing Assembly Bill 518, which would establish a regulatory pathway for small private campgrounds and short-term outdoor stays on private property. The final board action was to take no formal position (stay neutral), passing 4-1.

Supervisor Wilson introduced concerns about AB 518's draft language, which he said lacks strong transparency and local-notification provisions and could affect agricultural fragmentation, natural-resource protection and public-safety oversight in high-wildfire areas. He recommended 'opposed unless amended' to press for added requirements such as host-on-site rules and platform transparency.

Public comment included two regional tourism representatives who urged support of the bill. Shannon Hughes, president of the Willow Creek Chamber of Commerce, and Laura Lassiter of the Southern Humboldt Business and Visitor Bureau said their rural areas lack campgrounds and that the bill would provide a lawful, lower-cost path for small landowners to host visitors. Lassiter told the board AB 518 'would make it easier and more affordable for local landowners to offer just a few campsites,' arguing local governments would retain control and that small hosts already provide TOT and business licenses in many cases.

Board members split on the trade-offs. Some supervisors said the measure could support agritourism and bring revenue to rural owners; others said the bill as written lacks sufficient protections for neighbors and emergency response. After several procedural votes, the board voted 4-1 to take no position and requested county staff continue work on a local ordinance that would create a county-controlled pathway for small private-hosted camp sites.