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Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS

§ 155.104 INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS.

Eureka Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Eureka

§ 155.104.010 TITLE.

Chapter 155 of the Municipal Code will be known and cited as the “Eureka Zoning Code” and referred to in this title as the “Zoning Code.”

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.020 EFFECTIVE DATE.

The Zoning Code takes effect and is in force from and after June 20, 2019.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.030 AUTHORITY.

The Zoning Code is adopted pursuant to the authority in the City Charter, Cal. Gov’t Code § 65850 and all other relevant laws of the State of California. Whenever the Zoning Code refers to a section of state law that is later amended or superseded, the Zoning Code will be deemed amended to refer to the amended section or the section that most nearly corresponds to the superseded section.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.040 PURPOSE OF THE ZONING CODE.

(A) General. The purpose of the Zoning Code is to implement the General Plan and to protect the public health, safety and welfare.

  • (B) Specific. The Zoning Code is intended to:

  • (1) Preserve and enhance Eureka’s unique sense of place, small city charm, livability and sense of community;

  • (2) Support a pedestrian-friendly built environment, increase transportation choices and expand opportunities for residents to walk, bike and take transit to destinations;

  • (3) Maintain and expand the variety of housing types to serve a diverse population;

  • (4) Encourage and incentivize a diversity of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use developments;

  • (5) Encourage pedestrian-friendly urban development through a streamlined approval process;

  • (6) Where appropriate, encourage vertical mixed-use development with upper story residential units above ground floor commercial uses;

  • (7) Protect and enhance the distinctive character of Eureka’s neighborhoods and commercial districts;

  • (8) Enhance the appearance, economic vitality and livability of Eureka’s neighborhoods and commercial districts;

  • (9) Encourage active and inviting streetscapes, buildings and public spaces;

  • (10) Realize the full development potential of Eureka’s industrial and commercial waterfront areas;

  • (11) Enhance the vitality of Downtown and Old Town as the core of the community with a diversity of land uses and pedestrian-oriented urban design;

  • (12) Encourage infill development and the reuse of existing structures to strengthen established neighborhoods;

  • (13) Establish flexible performance-based standards to encourage design creativity and address unique circumstances;

  • (14) Protect Eureka’s natural beauty and conserve valuable natural resources; and

  • (15) Enhance the urban/wildland interface zones around the edges of the city and promote recreation opportunities within these zones.

  • (Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.050 RELATIONSHIP TO THE GENERAL PLAN.

The Zoning Code implements the General Plan by establishing detailed regulations for land uses, structures and activities in Eureka. All land uses, structures and activities in Eureka must be consistent with the General Plan. (Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.060 APPLICABILITY AND JURISDICTION.

(A) General. The Zoning Code applies to all lots, land uses, structures and development in Eureka unless an exemption is specifically provided by the Zoning Code.

(B) Coastal zone. The applicability of the Zoning Code in the coastal zone is described in § 155.104.070 (Relationship to the Local Coastal Program).

(C) Compliance required. All lots, land uses, structures and development in Eureka, including existing and proposed development, must comply with the Zoning Code.

  • (D) Approvals required. A land use may be established and a structure may be constructed, altered or moved only after:

  • (1) All applicable development review processes have been followed;

  • (2) All applicable approvals have been obtained; and

  • (3) All required permits and/or authorizations to proceed have been issued.

(E) Administrative responsibilities. City roles and responsibilities in the administration of the Zoning Code are as provided in § 155.404 (Administrative Responsibilities).

(F) Subdivisions. All subdivisions of land, lot line adjustments, and other actions under Municipal Code Ch. 154 (Subdivision Regulations) and the California Subdivision Map Act that are proposed after June 20, 2019, must comply with the Zoning Code.

(G) Governmental activities. The Zoning Code applies to special districts and state or federal governmental agencies to the extent legally permissible. The Zoning Code does not apply to public projects of the City of Eureka. Private projects on leased lands owned by the city are not public projects of the city.

(H) Public utilities. Public utilities are subject to the requirements of the Zoning Code, except to the extent provided by Cal. Gov’t Code § 53091 and the California Public Utilities Code.

(I) Emergency powers. The City Council may authorize deviations from the Zoning Code during a local emergency declared in accordance with the California Emergency Services Act (Cal. Gov’t Code §§ 8550 et seq. ), by resolution without notice or public hearing.

(J) Other regulations. Compliance with the Zoning Code does not relieve an applicant from compliance with other federal, state and city regulations that also apply to the property.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 916-C.S., passed 7-6-21)

§ 155.104.070 RELATIONSHIP TO THE LOCAL COASTAL PROGRAM.

(A) Implementation plan separate from Zoning Code. Eureka’s Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan (“Implementation Plan”) is separate from the Zoning Code. The Implementation Plan, found in Municipal Code Ch. 156 (Coastal Zoning), establishes regulations that apply in Eureka’s coastal zone to implement the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan in accordance with the California Coastal Act of 1976. The Implementation Plan contains:

(1) Coastal zoning districts with allowed land uses and development standards that apply to zoning districts within the coastal zone;

(2) Additional regulations needed to implement the Land Use Plan; and

(3) Procedures for the approval of coastal development permits and other permits and approvals in the coastal zone.

(B) Implementation Plan limited to Ch. 156. The Implementation Plan is limited exclusively to Municipal Code Ch. 156. No contents of the Zoning Code, irrespective of its applicability in the coastal zone, are considered a part of the Implementation Plan.

(C) Applicability in coastal zone. The Zoning Code and Implementation Plan both contain requirements that apply in the coastal zone, as follows.

(1) Implementation plan requirements. Implementation Plan requirements apply fully to all uses, structures and activities in the coastal zone in accordance with the California Coastal Act. In case of conflict between the Implementation Plan and the

Zoning Code, the Implementation Plan governs.

(2) Requirements in both Zoning Code and Implementation Plan. Certain topics are addressed in both the Zoning Code and the Implementation Plan (e.g., parking, signs). For these topics, the Implementation Plan requirements govern in the coastal zone. All Zoning Code requirements superseded by the Implementation Plan are identified in the Zoning Code with notes in their respective sections.

(3) Zoning code content not in the Implementation Plan. Zoning Code requirements that are not specifically addressed in the Implementation Plan fully apply in the coastal zone. For example, Zoning Code requirements for the processing of permit applications, which is not addressed in the Implementation Plan, apply to all development projects. While these Zoning Code requirements may apply in the coastal zone, they are not considered a part of the Implementation Plan. (Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.104.080 NUMBERING AND REFERENCING.

(A) The numbering system used in the Zoning Code reflects the numbering system of other chapters in the Municipal Code.

(B) The numbering system and outline levels used in the Zoning Code is as follows:

Chapter 155 - Zoning Code

Subchapter - Subchapter Title

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▸ Contents — Eureka Zoning Code
Eureka Zoning Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND SEAL; FORM OF GOVERNMENT; BOUNDARIES; MUN…
  2. Article II — ELECTIONS
  3. Article III — CITY COUNCIL
  4. Article IV — MAYOR
  5. Article V — ORDINANCES
  6. Article VI — ADMINISTRATION
  7. Article VII — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  8. Article VIII — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
  9. Article IX — FRANCHISES
  10. Article X — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  11. Article XI — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  12. Chapter 10 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  13. Chapter 30 — CITY COUNCIL
  14. Chapter 31 — CITY OFFICIALS
  15. Chapter 32 — CITY DEPARTMENTS
  16. Chapter 33 — BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
  17. Chapter 34 — PERSONNEL POLICIES
  18. Chapter 35 — FINANCE, REVENUE AND TAXATION
  19. Chapter 36 — HEALTH FACILITY REVENUE BONDS
  20. Chapter 37 — ELECTIONS
  21. Chapter 38 — CIVIL EMERGENCIES
  22. Chapter 39 — CITY POLICY
  23. Chapter 40 — TRANSFERS OF CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY
  24. Chapter 50 — SEWERS
  25. Chapter 51 — SOLID WASTE
  26. Chapter 52 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
  27. Chapter 53 — WATER
  28. Chapter 54 — STORM WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONT…
  29. Chapter 55 — ENERGY
  30. Chapter 56 — STREETS
  31. Chapter 70 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  32. Chapter 71 — TRAFFIC RULES
  33. Chapter 72 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  34. Chapter 73 — BICYCLES
  35. Chapter 75 — MOBILE VENDORS OPERATING UPON A STREET
  36. Chapter 90 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  37. Chapter 91 — ANIMALS
  38. Chapter 92 — FIRE PREVENTION
  39. Chapter 93 — PARKS AND RECREATION
  40. Chapter 94 — HEALTH AND SANITATION
  41. Chapter 95 — MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
  42. Chapter 96 — PARADES AND ASSEMBLIES
  43. Chapter 97 — SMOKING
  44. Chapter 98 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  45. Chapter 99 — TRAINS AND RAILROADS
  46. Chapter 100 — HARBOR REGULATIONS
  47. Chapter 101 — FILMING
  48. Chapter 102 — BEEKEEPING
  49. Chapter 103 — PRIVATE SECURITY AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
  50. Chapter 104 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
  51. Chapter 110 — BUSINESS LICENSES
  52. Chapter 112 — AMBULANCES
  53. Chapter 113 — AMUSEMENTS
  54. Chapter 114 — CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
  55. Chapter 115 — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS
  56. Chapter 117 — MASSAGE PARLORS
  57. Chapter 118 — SOLICITORS, CANVASSERS, AND SIDEWALK VENDORS
  58. Chapter 119 — SECOND-HAND DEALERS
  59. Chapter 120 — TAXICABS AND LIMOUSINES
  60. Chapter 121 — OTHER VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  61. Chapter 122 — FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE
  62. Chapter 130 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY
  63. Chapter 131 — PROPERTY OFFENSES
  64. Chapter 132 — DRUG OFFENSES
  65. Chapter 133 — WEAPONS OFFENSES
  66. Chapter 134 — ABATEMENT OF CHRONIC NUISANCE PROPERTIES
  67. Chapter 150 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
  68. Chapter 151 — AIRPORT ZONING
  69. Chapter 152 — PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATION
  70. Chapter 153 — FLOOD HAZARD AREA REGULATIONS
  71. Chapter 154 — SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
  72. ▸ Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS
    Overview
    1. § 155.104 INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS.
    2. Section 155.104 - Section Title
    3. § 155.108 INTERPRETATION.
    4. § 155.112 RULES OF MEASUREMENT.
    5. § 155.116 ZONING DISTRICTS AND MAPS.
    6. § 155.204 RESIDENTIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
    7. § 155.208 MIXED-USE ZONING DISTRICTS.
    8. § 155.212 INDUSTRIAL ZONING DISTRICTS.
    9. § 155.216 PUBLIC ZONING DISTRICTS.
    10. § 155.220 RESOURCE-RELATED ZONING DISTRICTS.
    11. § 155.224 OVERLAY ZONES.
    12. § 155.304 SUPPLEMENTAL USE REGULATIONS.
    13. § 155.308 GENERAL STANDARDS.
    14. § 155.312 DESIGN STANDARDS.
    15. § 155.316 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS.
    16. § 155.320 FENCES AND WALLS.
    17. § 155.324 PARKING.
    18. § 155.328 LANDSCAPING.
    19. § 155.332 RESIDENTIAL SUBDIVISION ALTERNATIVES.
    20. § 155.336 TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES.
    21. § 155.340 SIGNS.
    22. § 155.344 DENSITY BONUS.
    23. § 155.404 ADMINISTRATION.
    24. § 155.408 PERMIT PROCEDURES.
    25. § 155.412 SPECIFIC PERMITS AND APPROVALS.
    26. § 155.416 APPEALS AND REVIEWS.
    27. § 155.420 POST-APPROVAL PROVISIONS.
    28. § 155.424 NONCONFORMITIES.
    29. § 155.428 ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES.
    30. § 155.432 ZONING CODE AND GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENTS.
    31. § 155.504 LAND USE CLASSIFICATIONS.
    32. § 155.316 (Accessory Dwelling Units). An accessory dwelling un…
    33. § 155.508 DEFINED TERMS.
  73. Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS (old)
  74. Chapter 156 — COASTAL ZONING REGULATIONS
  75. Chapter 157 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  76. Chapter 158 — CANNABIS
  77. Chapter 159 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

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