RIO DELL, Calif. — Humboldt County officials are addressing concerns about light pollution from cannabis cultivation in the City of Rio Dell.
The county’s cannabis ordinance mandates that artificial light must not escape beyond the grow area. If a violation occurs, property owners have 10 days to rectify it.
“We contact the property owner; they have 10 days to correct it, and typically they do,” said Humboldt County Director for Planning & Building Department John Ford.
Although the county has received a few complaints, Ford believes the light may originate from outside the county.
“I did some research on that, and the person who has the cultivation site that is west of Rio Dell has not been cultivating there,” said Ford.
The City Manager of Rio Dell noted that the City hasn’t received any complaints, but encourages residents to report any issues.
“We would welcome any information from the county, or if people wanted to complain directly to the city, they’re more than welcome to do so,” said the City Manager, Kyle Knopp.
A Rio Dell City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday night at 6 p.m. at Rio Dell City Hall, 675 Wildwood Ave.
Residents can report light pollution by contacting the county at (707) 441-7541.
