RPC approves 165-foot wireless communications tower permit off Kelly Creek Road

The Humboldt County Regional Planning Commission voted to approve Conditional Use Permit UH-24-09, allowing placement of a 165-foot wireless communications tower, a diesel backup generator and associated equipment on a 900-square-foot leased portion of parcel 07-0191-02 off Kelly Creek Road.

Applicant Dena Manas, representing Epic Wireless on behalf of Everest Infrastructure, told the commission "the tower will provide a wider range of services" and said lighting "is up to the FAA; Verizon will check on this and comply." She told commissioners the backup generator would be tested quarterly and that federal requirements could extend the project timeline — she estimated up to two years for full deployment.

Several residents asked questions during public comment. Tom Hoss asked whether the Historical Society had been contacted about potential cultural resources; commissioners noted cultural-resource review would apply. Donnie (Donald) Frakes questioned possible effects on air traffic and whether construction would create a dust hazard; Manas said construction would involve a small crew, take "2–3 months" to build with a crane on-site for "1–2 days," and that an existing dirt road from Kelly Creek Road would be used to access the site.

After board questions and public comment, Commissioner Lyndsee Jimenez moved to approve the application and Chair Demarah Gray seconded. The motion was recorded as passing. The commission's action is a local land-use decision; any subsequent building permits or federal reviews (including FAA lighting determinations) remain subject to separate approvals.