Commission grants 2‑year extension for Orick resort project but removes gas‑station allowance amid tsunami concerns

The Humboldt County Planning Commission granted a two‑year extension of a previously approved coastal development/conditional‑use/special‑permit for a tourism‑oriented project in Orick that originally received approvals in 2014. The project has included RV accommodations, campsites, cabins, a lodge and a commercial center in earlier approvals.

Planner Michael K summarized the permit history and the project’s previous conditions, including on‑site evacuation signage, staff training and constraints tied to tsunami‑ready planning. The staff report noted two public commenters: one raising tsunami evacuation and environmental/habitat concerns, and another urging the county to approve lodging capacity to support visitation to Redwood National and State Parks.

Applicant comments and scale changes: The applicant’s representative (Bogart LC) told commissioners the project has changed hands and the new ownership intends to pare the previously approved scale down substantially, with phase‑one work focused on parking, encroachment permits and entry access. The applicant said they hope to develop a smaller‑scale plan (they estimated a potential 50–75% reduction from the original approval) and expected to have a firmer design within months.

Commissioner concerns and action: Commissioners pressed applicant and staff on tsunami evacuation timing, noting the site lies on or near the mapped tsunami zone. Staff explained the previously adopted project required onsite evacuation information and recommended signage and training. Given the applicant’s stated intent to downsize and absent final revised plans, the commission approved a two‑year extension but added a condition explicitly removing the gas‑station component from the permitted scope. The vote carried 3–2.

Next steps: The extension preserves the applicant’s ability to return with a revised, smaller plan; commissioners requested a clearer proposal and noted public‑safety and environmental concerns that staff will continue to review on resubmission.