Board approves modified permit conditions for Kernan yard after creek impacts, orders berm setback and noise steps

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on April 15 approved changes to the conditional use permit (CUP) for Kernan Construction’s Glendale rock-aggregate yard after staff found unpermitted grading and a berm within the streamside management area along Noisy Creek.

The board voted 4-1 to adopt modified permit conditions that include relocating portions of a berm away from the creek, restoring vegetation along the riparian edge and new noise-reduction measures for on-site operations. The action follows complaints that parts of the Northern Yard were regraded and a stormwater detention feature was created without prior permits.

The vote came after a lengthy hearing in which county planning staff described a sequence of complaints and site inspections going back to 2023. Planning Director John Ford told the board: “This is not a recommendation or consideration to at all remove the ability for Kernan to operate.” Ford said staff’s approach was to stop the unpermitted elements in the Northern Yard, bring the site back toward its originally approved footprint and add conditions to prevent future impacts.

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