Modification of Use Permit authorizing Motorcycle Racing and Concert Events at Humboldt County Fairgrounds
Summary
SCH Number
2022040045
Lead Agency
Humboldt County
Document Title
Modification of Use Permit authorizing Motorcycle Racing and Concert Events at Humboldt County Fairgrounds
Document Type
MND - Mitigated Negative Declaration
Received
Present Land Use
Institutional / Public Facility
Document Description
*See https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2020070478/3 for past submission.
Humboldt County Fair Association (HCFA) is seeking to modify a Conditional Use Permit which authorizes five (5) concerts and two (2) motorcycle racing events to be held each year at the Humboldt County Fairgrounds. The approved permit places limitations on event-related noise levels, including a 63-decibel limit on composite noise measured by averaging noise readings collected during a 24-hour period surrounding each event, as well as a 90-decibel instantaneous noise limit applied to all motorcycles participating in racing events. In their modification request, HCFA is seeking authorization to raise the 90-decibel motorcycle noise limit to 99 decibels to be consistent with common national testing standards for competition established by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA). Analysis of the proposal’s effect on composite noise levels has been performed by Whitchurch Engineering and has determined that composite noise will remain at or below the 63-decibel limit, even with the requested increase. HCFA is proposing: 1. creation of two (2) sound barriers during racing events, fashioned by temporarily placing tractor trailers or strawbales (or some combination thereof) adjacent to motorcycle acceleration zones; and 2. acoustic treatment of the internal wall of the grandstands using special materials designed to decrease reverberation. Under the approved permit, each "event" occurs within the course of a single day, and concerts cannot last longer than 2 consecutive days. An additional day of racing can be allowed if all the racing on that day is by electrical motorcycles, but in no case can the total amount of motorcycle racing exceed 4 days per year. Other types of motorsports events are prohibited, including (but not limited to): Tractor Pulls, 4x4 Trucks, Go Carts, and Monster Trucks.
Contact Information
Name
Steven Lazar
Agency Name
Humboldt County Planning & Building Department
Job Title
Senior Planner
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Address
Phone
Email
Name
Johanna Rodoni
Agency Name
Humboldt County Fair Association
Job Title
2nd Vice President
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Name
Jeff Laikam
Agency Name
Whitchurch Engineering
Job Title
Engineering Manager, Fortuna Branch
Contact Types
Consulting Firm
Address
Phone
Location
Coordinates
Cities
Ferndale
Counties
Humboldt
Regions
Unincorporated
Cross Streets
5th Street between Arlington and Van Ness Avenues
Zip
95536
Total Acres
60
Parcel #
030-071-001, 030-011-003, 030-021-003, 030-112-017, 030-112-020, 030-081-006, and 100-181-003
State Highways
211
Schools
Ferndale High School
Waterways
Salt River, Eel River, Francis Creek
Township
02N
Range
02W
Section
2
Base
HB&M
Other Location Info
The project site is located in the Ferndale area, on the east side of 5th street between Van Ness and Arlington Ave., on the property known as 1250 5th Street. The majority of the Fairgrounds is located within Ferndale city limits and outside of the Coastal Zone, including the dirt racetrack, grandstands, and primary parking areas used during events.
Notice of Completion
State Review Period Start
State Review Period End
State Reviewing Agencies
California Air Resources Board (ARB), California Department of Conservation (DOC), California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northern and Eureka Region 1 (CDFW), California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), California Department of Parks and Recreation, California Department of Transportation, District 1 (DOT), California Department of Water Resources (DWR), California Highway Patrol (CHP), California Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), California Natural Resources Agency, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, North Coast Region 1 (RWQCB), California State Lands Commission (SLC), Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of Historic Preservation, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water, State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Water Quality
Development Types
Recreational (Special Events held at County Fairgrounds)
Local Actions
Use Permit
Project Issues
Noise
Local Review Period Start
Local Review Period End
Attachments
Draft Environmental Document [Draft IS, NOI_NOA_Public notices, OPR Summary Form, Appx,]
Notice of Completion [NOC] Transmittal form
Disclaimer: The Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) accepts no responsibility for the content or accessibility of these documents. To obtain an attachment in a different format, please contact the lead agency at the contact information listed above. You may also contact the OPR via email at state.clearinghouse@opr.ca.gov or via phone at (916) 445-0613. For more information, please visit OPR’s Accessibility Site.