Arcata planning commission continues sauna-manufacturing permit hearing to Aug. 11 amid wood‑burning emissions concerns

The Arcata Planning Commission voted to continue consideration of a minor use permit for contrast-therapy and sauna manufacturing at 40 South G Street to Aug. 11 so the applicant can provide additional information about emissions from proposed wood-burning stoves.

Staff told the commission the item had been continued from a prior meeting because commissioners had requested more data on the emissions expected from the stoves proposed to be used and manufactured on-site. Staff recommended the commission take public comment and then continue the hearing to a date certain to allow the applicant to supply the requested information.

Joel Yoder West, a property and business owner in Arcata, told commissioners he supported the staff recommendation and raised the city's general plan restriction on wood burning. "What strikes me as most significant in this matter is the general plan requirements, particularly the prohibition of wood burning in the city," West said, arguing that manufacturing or on-site use of wood-burning appliances in Arcata would "violate the spirit" of that policy and shift emissions to other, potentially more permissive, jurisdictions.

The proponent in the room, identified by staff as Zachary Vondrak, asked for more time to collect the data staff requested. "I would like to continue to collect a little bit more information to present to the board. I'm hoping around early August," the applicant said; staff and the applicant's agent subsequently confirmed August 11 as the first available date in August for a continued hearing.

A commissioner also asked the applicant to clarify a technical claim from an earlier presentation that the proposed stoves were efficient enough that "4 lb of wood would heat the sauna." The chair suggested containing detailed back-and-forth questions for the continued hearing when the applicant returns with the requested technical and emissions information.

Votes at a glance: the commission approved the consent calendar (minutes for May 26 and June 9) on a voice vote (three recorded "I" responses recorded in the transcript) and later voted to continue the public hearing on the minor use permit to Aug. 11 by voice vote (two recorded "I" responses recorded in the transcript).

Staff also noted that a written communication on the item had been received, that copies were provided to commissioners, and that the document was uploaded to the city's website for public review. With no further business, the commission adjourned.

The hearing will resume on Aug. 11, when the commission will consider the applicant's emissions information and any additional public comment.