Board approves resolution waiving appeal for Humboldt 23 livestock expansion at Site 23

Humboldt County officials approved Resolution 2025-12-15 on Dec. 15, waiving the county's right to appeal the Humboldt 23 application so the operator can proceed with a previously approved non-construction expansion at Site 23.

An unidentified board member introduced the resolution, saying the applicant wanted to begin work before the 14-day appeal window had closed. "We're waiving our right to appeal," said an unidentified speaker who summarized the staff recommendation and the applicant's request. Board members moved to approve the resolution for Site 23; the motion was seconded and the chair called for a vote. Several board members voiced "aye" and the motion was carried.

The expansion was described in the meeting as adding roughly 500 head of livestock under the farm's existing permit classification. Participants noted this was a non-construction change to an operation the board already approved the previous week.

Other actions recorded during the same meeting included a vote to formally appoint Ben Ulrich to the Midas executive board and a motion to reinstate a resident's homestead credit; both were approved by the board by voice vote. The homestead reinstatement was handled after the resident produced identification and a motion to reinstate the credit carried.

The resolution does not itself change permit conditions; it waives the county's procedural right to file an appeal within the statutory window, allowing the applicant to proceed to whatever next step is required under state and local permitting processes. The board noted that planning and zoning is still working on an updated comprehensive plan and related zoning ordinance work that could address wind-energy and other land-use concerns.

The exact roll-call tally for Resolution 2025-12-15 was not specified during the meeting; the chair declared the motion carried after members voiced their support. The county did not provide additional written materials during the meeting detailing the operator's timeline for Site 23 work; planning staff indicated they will continue to coordinate with the applicant and with the planning and zoning board as appropriate.