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Planning commission approves U‑Haul signage with limits after neighbor outcry
Summary
After public opposition in McKinleyville, the commission approved a conditional use permit for U‑Haul building signage but required removal of orange 'door' graphics and smaller directional signs to better fit the center's master sign plan and community character.
The Humboldt County Planning Commission approved a modified conditional use permit for expanded U‑Haul signage in McKinleyville on Oct. 2, requiring removal of the orange "fake door" signs and reduced directional signage sizes after extensive public comment.
Planner Alice Festerling summarized the history: the project appeared twice earlier and staff received 19 written contacts (two supportive, 17 opposed) regarding visual impact and perceived advertising. The applicant revised the proposal to remove some large balcony signs and an image panel along School Road but continued to request multiple new signs along long building facades.
Residents said the site is already highly visible and that additional signage would create an industrial aesthetic they do not want in the town center. Charles Perkins told the commission, "McKinleyville residents overwhelmingly oppose new signs for U Haul," and urged denial.
Commissioners debated options including conditional approval with specific sign removals and leaving final size standards to staff. Commissioner McFarland moved to approve the permit with the caveat that all orange 'fake door' signs facing Central Avenue be removed and that directional signage be reduced to a size staff will develop to align with the 24/7 self‑storage sign; the roll call reflected a 3–1 approval (Scavdahl yes; Mulder no; O'Neill yes; McFarland yes).
Director Ford advised the applicant that an appeal to the Board of Supervisors is available within 10 days.
What happens next: Staff will work with the applicant to produce specific sign-size recommendations and the permit conditions will be enforced at permitting and inspection stages. The applicant may appeal to the Board of Supervisors within the statutory timeframe.
