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Chapter 156 — COASTAL ZONING REGULATIONS

§ 156.053 NATURAL HAZARDS STANDARDS.

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

  • (A) Development. Development in the city's coastal zone shall:

(1) Minimize risks to life and property in areas of high geologic and flood hazard;

  • (2) Assure stability and structural integrity;

(3) Neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion, geologic instability, or destruction of the site or surrounding area.

(B) High density development in flood hazard areas. High density residential and other high occupancy development, including new hospitals, schools, residential development with a gross density of eight units per acre or more, office buildings 10,000 square feet in size or larger, or visitor-serving structural developments 5,000 square feet in size or larger, shall not be located in flood hazard areas, as designated on the Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Rate Maps, dated June 1, 1982, unless they are constructed with a finished foundation that extends above the 100-year flood level and meet all applicable drainage requirement of the Local Coastal Program. Other development in flood hazard areas shall incorporate mitigation measures that minimize the potential for flood damage, including development siting and use of flood proofing techniques and materials, consistent with other land use plan policies.

(C) Elk River, Humboldt Bay, Eureka Slough. Development on or near the shoreline of Elk River, Humboldt Bay, and Eureka Slough shall neither contribute significantly to, nor be subject to, high risk of damage from shoreline erosion over the life span of the development. The city shall establish a benefit assessment district for all property adjoining and protected from flooding by the Jacobs Avenue dike. A repair and maintenance program shall be developed and implemented, consistent with Policy 5.8 and Policy 5.14.

(D) Development in areas of liquefaction. For all high density residential and other high occupancy development, as defined in Policy 7.2, located in areas of significant liquefaction potential, the city shall, at the time of project application, require a geology and soils report which conforms to the following requirements:

(1) The report shall be prepared by a registered geologist, professional civil engineer with expertise in soil mechanics or foundation engineering, or by a certified engineering geologist, and shall consider, describe, and analyze the following:

(a) Geologic conditions, including soil, sediment, and rock types and characteristics in addition to structural features, such as bedding, joint and faults;

(b) Evidence of past or potential liquefaction conditions, and the implications of such conditions for the proposed development;

(c) Potential effects of seismic forces resulting from a maximum credible earthquake;

(d) Any other factors that might affect the development.

(2) The report shall also detail mitigation measures for any potential impacts and outline alternative solutions. The report shall express a professional opinion as to whether the project can be designed so that it will neither be subject to nor contribute to

significant geologic instability throughout the life-span of the project. The report shall use a currently acceptable engineering stability analysis method and describe the degree of uncertainty of analytical results due to assumptions and unknowns.

(E) Cliffs, bluff tops, gulch faces. Alteration of cliffs, bluff tops, and gulch faces or bases by excavation or other means shall be prohibited except to protect existing structures. Permitted development shall not require the construction of protective devices that would substantially alter natural landforms.

  • (F) Shoreline erosion areas. For all development proposed within areas subject to significant shoreline erosion, the city shall, prior to project approval, require a geology and soils report which conforms to the following requirements:

  • (1) The report shall be prepared by a registered geologist, professional civil engineer with expertise in soil mechanics of foundation engineering, or by a certified engineering geologist, and shall consider, describe and analyze the following:

(a) Site topography, extending the surveying work beyond the site as needed to depict unusual conditions that might affect the site;

(b) Historic, current and foreseeable shoreline erosion, including investigation of recorded land surveys and tax assessment records in addition to the use of historic maps and photographs where available and possible changes in shore configuration and sand transport;

  • (c) Geologic conditions, including soil, sediment and rock types and characteristics in addition to structural features, such as bedding, joint and faults;

  • (d) Impact of construction activity on the stability of the site and adjacent area;

  • (e) Potential for erosion of site and mitigating measures to be used to ensure minimized erosion problems during and after construction;

  • (f) Effects of marine erosion on shoreline areas;

  • (g) Potential effects of seismic forces resulting from a maximum credible earthquake; and,

  • (h) Any other factors that might affect slope stability.

(2) The report shall evaluate the off-site impacts of development and the additional impacts that might occur due to the proposed development. The report shall also detail mitigation measures for any potential impacts and outline alternative solutions. The report shall express a professional opinion as to whether the project can be designed so that it will neither be subject to nor contribute to significant geologic instability throughout the lifespan of the project. The report shall use a currently acceptable engineering stability analysis method and describe the degree of uncertainty of analytical results due to assumptions and unknowns.

('63 Code, § 10-5.2943) (Ord. 417-C.S., passed 12-6-84; Am. Ord. 519-C.S., passed 8-26-90) Penalty, see § 150.999

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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
  73. Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS (old)
  74. ▸ Chapter 156 — COASTAL ZONING REGULATIONS
    Overview
    1. § 156.001 TITLE.
    2. § 156.002 OBJECTIVES AND PURPOSES.
    3. § 156.003 NATURE OF COASTAL ZONING REGULATIONS.
    4. § 156.004 INTERPRETATION.
    5. § 156.005 APPLICATION; DEVELOPERS TO COMPLY; EXCEPTIONS.
    6. § 156.006 DEFINITIONS.
    7. § 156.007 INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE.
    8. § 156.008 DISTRICTS.
    9. § 156.009 DISTRICT BOUNDARIES.
    10. § 156.010 CONFORMITY REQUIRED.
    11. § 156.011 ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS BY MAP.
    12. § 156.012 DIVISION OF LAND USE AND ZONING MAP.
    13. § 156.013 DRAINAGE REQUIREMENTS; PURPOSES.
    14. § 156.014 DESIGNATION OF DRAINAGE CONTROL AREA.
    15. § 156.015 REQUIRED CONDITIONS.
    16. § 156.016 DRAINAGE CONTROL PLAN TO BE APPROVED.
    17. § 156.017 DRAINAGE CONTROL PLAN TO BE SUBMITTED.
    18. § 156.018 REFERRAL TO AND ACTION OF DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
    19. § 156.019 ACTION OF CITY COUNCIL.
    20. § 156.020 STATUS OF APPROVED DRAINAGE CONTROL PLAN.
    21. § 156.021 DRAINAGE CONTROL, MINIMUM FLOOR ELEVATION, AND SITE …
    22. § 156.030 BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL DISTRICTS.
    23. § 156.031 EXTENSIONS OVER PROPERTY LINES AND EASEMENTS.
    24. § 156.032 SITE AREA AND DIMENSIONS; REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTION…
    25. § 156.033 FRONT YARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS.
    26. § 156.034 SIDE AND REAR YARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS.
    27. § 156.035 TRAFFIC SIGHT OBSTRUCTIONS.
    28. § 156.036 PROJECTIONS INTO YARDS.
    29. § 156.037 HEIGHT LIMITS.
    30. § 156.038 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES.
    31. § 156.039 USABLE OPEN SPACE.
    32. § 156.040 SCREENING AND LANDSCAPING.
    33. § 156.041 EMERGENCY SHELTERS.
    34. § 156.050 APPLICATION.
    35. § 156.051 PUBLIC ACCESS STANDARDS.
    36. § 156.052 ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE STANDARDS.
    37. § 156.053 NATURAL HAZARDS STANDARDS.
    38. § 156.054 VISUAL RESOURCES STANDARDS.
    39. § 156.055 PUBLIC WORKS STANDARDS.
    40. § 156.056 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.
    41. § 156.065 WC — CONSERVATION WATER DISTRICT.
    42. § 156.066 WD — DEVELOPMENT WATER DISTRICT.
    43. § 156.067 NR — NATURAL RESOURCES DISTRICT.
    44. § 156.068 AC — COASTAL AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT.
    45. § 156.069 RS — ONE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
    46. § 156.070 RM — MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
    47. § 156.071 OR — OFFICE AND MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS.
    48. § 156.072 CW — WATERFRONT COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
    49. § 156.073 CN — NEIGHBORHOOD COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
    50. § 156.074 CS — SERVICE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
    51. § 156.075 CP — PLANNED SHOPPING CENTER COMMERCIAL DISTRICTS.
    52. § 156.076 MC — COASTAL DEPENDENT INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
    53. § 156.077 ML — LIMITED INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
    54. § 156.078 MG — GENERAL INDUSTRIAL DISTRICTS.
    55. § 156.079 P — PUBLIC DISTRICTS.
    56. § 156.080 PF/M — PUBLIC FACILITY/MARINA.
    57. § 156.081 PD — PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT COMBINING DISTRICTS.
    58. § 156.082 AR — ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW COMBINING DISTRICT.
    59. § 156.083 Q — QUALIFIED COMBINING DISTRICT.
    60. § 156.095 PURPOSES.
    61. § 156.096 APPLICABILITY; PERMIT REQUIRED.
    62. § 156.097 EXEMPTIONS; NOTICE OF EXEMPT DEVELOPMENT.
    63. § 156.098 CATEGORICAL EXCLUSIONS; NOTICE OF EXCLUDED DEVELOPME…
    64. § 156.099 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; FEES.
    65. § 156.100 ACTION ON COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT.
    66. § 156.101 PUBLIC HEARING ON DEVELOPMENTS; NOTICE.
    67. § 156.102 NOTICE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTION WHERE HEARING CONT…
    68. § 156.103 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE; COASTAL ZONE PROCEDURES.
    69. § 156.104 NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENTS NOT APPEALABLE TO THE COASTAL…
    70. § 156.105 RESERVED.
    71. § 156.106 DETERMINATION OF APPLICABLE NOTICE AND HEARING PROCE…
    72. § 156.107 REQUIRED FINDINGS.
    73. § 156.108 APPEALS.
    74. § 156.109 FINALITY OF CITY ACTION.
    75. § 156.110 FINAL CITY ACTION; NOTICE.
    76. § 156.111 FAILURE TO ACT; NOTICE.
    77. § 156.112 LOCAL GOVERNMENT ACTION; EFFECTIVE DATE.
    78. § 156.113 EXHAUSTION OF LOCAL APPEALS.
    79. § 156.114 EMERGENCY COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT.
    80. § 156.115 AMENDMENTS TO COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMITS.
    81. § 156.116 LAPSE OF COASTAL DEVELOPMENT PERMIT.
  75. Chapter 157 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  76. Chapter 158 — CANNABIS
  77. Chapter 159 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

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