🌳 Shasta County Planning Commission, August 24, 2023

The Planning Commission met to discuss, among other topics, whether the owners of Hawes farm, Greg and Nikola Hawes, should be granted zoning changes for almost 200 acres of land to allow continued development of the Farm for agritainment. Staff reports presented to the Planning Commission noted that the Hawes have been out of compliance with current zoning for their land for about ten years despite repeated efforts for them to come into compliance. More than a dozen community members spoke against the plan due in large part to concerns about current lack of compliance with zoning. A few public speakers also supported the Hawes expansion. Planning Commission members eventually decided, in a unanimous three-member vote, to recommend the project for approval by the Shasta County Board of Supervisors who will issue a final decision after a second public hearing in the months ahead. Planning Commissioners noted significant concerns with the current operation but said they didn’t want to penalize the Hawes for their current lack of compliance or slow their progress and would move the project forward since their decision was not the final word on the matter. Staff emphasized that some of the rides historically operated by Hawes without appropriate permitting will not be allowed to operate this fall unless they are permitted, to ensure the public’s safety. More reporting from Scout on the complexities of this story, coming soon.

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