Skip to content

Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS

§ 155.336 TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES.

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

§ 155.336.010 PURPOSE.

This § 155.336 establishes standards for temporary uses and structures to allow for appropriate short-term events and activities while limiting impacts on neighboring properties and the general public.

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

§ 155.336.020 APPLICABILITY AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS.

  • (A) Applicability. This section applies to all temporary uses and structures in Eureka.

  • (B) Permit requirements. Specific types of temporary uses and structures are allowed either:

  • (1) By-right without Department approval (see § 155.336.040); or

  • (2) With a zoning clearance (see § 155.336.050).

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

§ 155.336.030 GENERAL STANDARDS.

(A) Standards for all temporary uses and structures. All temporary uses and structures must comply with the following standards.

(1) Encroachment permit. Temporary uses and structures may not be located in the public right-of-way without an encroachment permit.

(2) Business license required. Any person engaging in commercial activity or conducting a business in any manner as part of a temporary use must obtain a City of Eureka business license.

(3) Nuisance. A temporary use or structure may not constitute a public nuisance as defined in Municipal Code § 150.163 (Public Nuisance Specified).

(4) Obstructions. A temporary use or structure may not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular traffic or block a driveway or alleyway.

(5) Trash and litter. Temporary uses must provide on-site trash receptacles as needed to keep the site free of trash and debris.

(6) Site condition after use. Upon completion and removal of a temporary use, the site must be cleaned of debris and litter and returned to its original state. Temporary uses and structures may not result in permanent alterations to the site.

(7) Other applicable requirements. Temporary uses and structures must comply with all other applicable standards in the Zoning Code and Municipal Code, including, but not limited to:

  • (a) Lighting standards in § 155.308.050 (Outdoor Lighting);

  • (b) Sign standards § 155.340.090 (Temporary Signs); and

  • (c) Noise limitations in Municipal Code §§ 94.01 et seq. (Noise).

(B) Applicant agreement. An applicant requesting approval of a temporary use or structure requiring a zoning clearance must agree in writing to comply with all applicable standards as provided in this section.

  • (Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19)

§ 155.336.040 TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES ALLOWED BY-RIGHT.

The following temporary uses and structures are allowed without a zoning clearance or any other form of Department approval:

(A) On-site construction yards and equipment. A construction yard on the same site as an approved construction project, including a trailer or modular unit used for security personnel, storage, office or other similar temporary use, dumpsters and other

construction equipment. Construction yards, trailers and equipment must be removed within ten days of completion of the construction project, or the expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first;

(B) Garage sales. Garage sales for individual residences limited to three, one- to two-day events per calendar year. One block or neighborhood sale per calendar year is allowed in addition to individual sales;

(C) Portable moving and storage containers. Moving and storage containers delivered to a home, loaded by residents and delivered to another location, for a maximum of two weeks on private property. Containers placed in a street must comply with the City of Eureka Traffic Code Ch. 72 (Stopping, Standing and Parking);

(D) Dumpsters. Dumpsters used to collect and store debris from building demolition and property clean-up activities are allowed on private property for the duration of the building permit or 30 days;

(E) Outdoor fundraising events. Outdoor fundraising events on commercial sites when sponsored by a non-profit organization directly engaged in civic or charitable efforts. Outdoor fundraising events are limited to two days each month for each sponsoring organization;

(F) Catering. Mobile food vendors operating as caterers to private events when food or beverages are not sold to the general public; and

(G) Recreational vehicles (RVs).

(1) A recreational vehicle (RV), motor home, camper or other similar vehicle as follows:

(a) Used for living and sleeping purposes on a site with an active building permit for a construction project associated with an existing, or proposed single-family home. Vehicles may be occupied only by the property owner and the property owner’s family. Vehicles must be removed within ten days of completion of the construction project, or the expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first.

(b) Used for temporary living and sleeping purposes when associated with a single-family home (e.g., visiting relatives) for a maximum of 14 consecutive days and a maximum of 45 days per calendar year.

(c) Used for emergency housing during a declared shelter crisis on city-owned or -leased properties specifically designated as safe parking facilities under the city's shelter crisis declaration.

(2) A recreational vehicle (RV), motor home, camper or other similar vehicle located outside of a legally established recreational vehicle park may not be used for living or sleeping purposes, except as allowed in division (G)(1) above. (Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22)

§ 155.336.050 TEMPORARY USES AND STRUCTURES ALLOWED WITH A ZONING CLEARANCE.

The following temporary uses and structures require a zoning clearance.

(A) Seasonal sales. Seasonal sales (e.g., Christmas trees, pumpkins) for a maximum of 60 days, no more than four times per year on a single property.

(B) Outdoor sales events. Outdoor sales events conducted by a permanent on-site use for a maximum of 30 days in any 180-day period.

(C) Traveling sellers. Temporary outdoor retail sales not associated with a permanent on-site use conducted in a fixed location as follows.

(1) A traveling seller may conduct sales for a maximum of 14 days and no more than four times per year on a single property. After 14 days, a traveling seller must move to a new location 1,000 feet or more from the previous location.

(2) Traveling sellers may locate only on commercial property, and only with approval of the property owner. Sales activities are not permitted in the public right-of-way.

(3) Retail sales from a vehicle are not subject to these limitations. See § 155.304.090 (Mobile Vendors).

(D) Metal shipping containers. Metal shipping containers (e.g., CONEX boxes) in residential and mixed-use zoning districts, not to exceed 30 days.

(E) Expansion or replacement facilities. Temporary work space for employees during construction or remodeling of a permanent building. Temporary space may be provided in trailers or transportable buildings that are pre-constructed and arrive at the site ready for occupancy and are readily removed and installed at other sites. Structures must be removed within ten days of completion of the construction project, or the expiration of the building permit, whichever occurs first.

(F) Tiny houses on wheels. Tiny houses on wheels when permitted as an accessory dwelling unit in a residential zone district pursuant to § 155.304.130 (Tiny Houses on Wheels).

(G) Other temporary uses. Other temporary uses compatible with the applicable zoning district and surrounding land uses as determined by the Director.

(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 902 C.-S., passed 8-18-20; Am. Ord. 938-C.S., passed 11-1-22)

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
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
  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

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.