To: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
From: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams
Meeting Date: February 3, 2026
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Haschak |
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707-463-4221 |
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Department Contact: |
Supervisor Williams |
Phone: |
707-463-4221 |
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Item Type: Regular Agenda |
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Time Allocated for Item: 45 Minutes |
Agenda Title:
title
Discussion and Possible Action Including Providing Updated Direction to Staff Regarding an Ordinance Adopting Regulations for Low Intensity Camping in Accordance with State Assembly Bill (AB) 518
(Sponsors: Supervisor Haschak and Supervisor Williams)
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Recommended Action/Motion:
recommendation
Direct staff to prepare an Ordinance incorporating the provisions of AB 518 establishing a new use type of Transient Habitation: Low Intensity Camping and a framework for permitting said use type within the inland (Division I) section of the Mendocino County Zoning Code.
End
Previous Board/Board Committee Actions:
On June 8, 2022, the Board of Supervisors provided direction to staff on the Inland Zoning Code Update regarding potential regulations for temporary camping for profit.
On September 10, 2024, the Board of Supervisors adopted the Inland Zoning Code Update. At that time the Board directed staff to bring back a separate ordinance amendment to establish regulations for a new use type that would regulate temporary camping for profit on properties subject to the Inland Zoning Code.
On February 11, 2025, the Board of Supervisors provided additional Direction to staff to begin preparing an ordinance amendment that would allow Low Intensity Camping as a possible Transient Habitation-type use following Planning Commission review on November 7th, 2024.
On September 9, 2025, the Board of Supervisors reviewed the results of stakeholder meetings and surveys regarding Low Intensity Camping, and gave further direction to staff regarding framework for an ordinance and CEQA scoping.
Summary of Request:
At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, the Planning and Building Services Department has been developing a draft ordinance and related environmental document that would allow temporary camping for profit on privately owned parcels in the inland areas of the County. Simultaneously, the State developed and recently approved AB 518, which provides a streamlined permitting pathway for Low Impact Campsites by exempting any owners with 9 or fewer sites that meet specified criteria from special occupancy park permitting requirements of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). AB 518 does not require a county to authorize low-impact camping, but states that it establishes minimum standards if a county elects to adopt an ordinance authorizing low-impact camping. This establishes a ‘baseline’ set of regulations but would allow local jurisdictions to develop more restrictive standards if so desired. AB 518 defers many requirements to those of the local government including zoning, permitting, lot size and setback requirements. This request would update current direction to staff, given at the September 9, 2025 meeting, to remove all discretionary permitting requirements, include a limitation of 7 sites per operation (not to exceed a density of 1 site per acre per AB 518), a total cap of 100 operations countywide, and to otherwise adopt the standards set by AB 518. Adoption of an ordinance would allow many of the currently operating sites to come into compliance and contribute TOT revenue under Measure D and subject to the advisory provisions of Measure E. A Business License would be required for every operation. .
A copy of AB 518 is included as an attachment to this agenda item.
Alternative Action/Motion:
Retain the existing direction to staff given at the September 9, 2025 Board of Supervisors meeting.
Strategic Plan Priority Designation: An Effective County Government
Supervisorial District: All
Vote Requirement: Majority
Supplemental Information Available Online At: N/A
Fiscal Details:
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source of funding: N/A |
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current f/y cost: N/A |
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budget clarification: Staff time and resources will be saved using a streamlined approach. |
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annual recurring cost: N/A |
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budgeted in current f/y (if no, please describe): Yes |
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revenue agreement: N/A |
AGREEMENT/RESOLUTION/ORDINANCE APPROVED BY COUNTY COUNSEL: N/A
CEO Liaison: Darcie Antle, CEO
CEO Review: Yes
CEO Comments:
FOR COB USE ONLY
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Executed By: Atlas Pearson, Senior Deputy Clerk |
Final Status: Direction Given to Staff |
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Date: February 3, 2026 |
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