Mendocino’s Camping ordinance
Mendocino County’s Low-Intensity Camping Ordinance: What You Need to Know Right Now
Mendocino County is developing a new Low-Intensity Camping ordinance that could finally allow rural property owners — including those with former cannabis parcels — to host small-scale, short-term camping legally. But the ordinance isn’t final yet, and the details matter.
What’s Allowed Today
Personal, non-commercial camping on private land with the owner’s consent.
Commercial camping (paid or advertised stays) still requires a Major Use Permit, specific zoning, and compliance with extensive regulations.
Public land camping is prohibited outside designated areas.
What the County Is Considering
Draft concepts include:
A limited number of campsites (up to 9)
Short stay limits
Fire and sanitation rules
Inland-only applicability
Minimum lot size
Road access requirements
The biggest unresolved issue? Dirt roads.
Why Dirt Roads Matter
Most rural Mendocino parcels — including many ideal for low-impact camping — are accessed by dirt roads. Some commenters want all dirt-road parcels excluded due to fire and access concerns.
But a blanket ban would eliminate opportunity for most rural landowners.
A Fair Solution
A balanced, sensible approach is to allow low-intensity camping on county-maintained dirt roads, while temporarily excluding private or non-maintained roads.
This:
Expands opportunity
Supports rural economic diversification
Ensures emergency access
Reduces neighborhood conflict
Your Voice Matters
The Board of Supervisors has not finalized the ordinance. Now is the time to participate.
If you care about rural tourism, property rights, or opportunities for small landowners, follow the upcoming BOS meetings closely and speak up.
Need Guidance?
Buchanan Land Use Consulting – Petra Buchanan
📞 707-972-5880
📧 petra@buchananlanduseconsulting.com
🌐 buchananlanduseconsulting.com
📅 Book a consultation: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=24681565
Send an email to the BOS regarding allowing this on county maintained dirt roads.
