County approves setback reduction to 50 feet for Covelo cannabis site on 45.7-acre parcel

The Mendocino County Zoning Administrator on June 12 approved an administrative permit reducing the required property-line setback for cannabis cultivation from 100 feet to 50 feet for a 45.7-acre parcel at 74000 Dobie Lane in Covelo, the zoning administrator said.

Jamie Henry, the staff planner for the item, said the reduction would allow continued use of existing infrastructure and avoid new land disturbance. Henry described the parcel as developed with two residences, five greenhouses, harvest storage facilities, and utilities including a private well, septic and electrical service. The project qualifies for a categorical CEQA exemption, Henry said, because the proposal relies on existing infrastructure and avoids new ground disturbance.

Henry noted Turner's Creek, a Class I stream that borders the site, requires greenhouses to maintain a 150-foot setback from its banks per guidance from the Mendocino cannabis department. He also said the parcel lies in a moderate fire hazard severity zone and receives fire service from the Covelo Fire Protection District.

Applicant Alexander Cummings, who joined the hearing, said he was in agreement with the staff recommendations: "No. We're in agreeance with all the recommendations." The zoning administrator closed the public hearing after noting there were no public comments and stated, "I will approve the project subject to the findings and conditions contained in the resolution."

The county cited Mendocino County Code sections 20.052 and 20.242 as relevant to the proposal. Staff recommended conditions to ensure continued compliance with local development and environmental standards; the approval formalizes the existing cultivation footprint under the reduced setback but does not address operational licensing, which remains within the Mendocino County cannabis department's purview.