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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title XV — LAND USAGE›Chapter 155 — Zoning Code

Eureka Municipal Code § 155.220 Resource-Related Zoning Districts

Eureka Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-03 · Eureka

Cite as: Eureka Municipal Code § 155.220 · Text as of 2026-10-03

§ 155.220.010 PURPOSE OF RESOURCE-RELATED ZONING DISTRICTS.

(A) General. The purpose of the resource-related zoning districts is to protect agricultural lands, open space and natural habitats with important economic, cultural and environmental value to Eureka and the broader region.

(B) Specific.

(1) Agricultural (A). The purpose of the A Zoning District is to protect and conserve agricultural lands and to support agricultural activities as an important contributor to the local and regional economy. The A Zoning District allows the production of crops, livestock grazing, animal and poultry raising, apiaries, dairies, stables and associated residences and farmworker housing. The A Zoning District is intended to protect land, including farmed or grazed wetlands, that is primarily suitable for long-term agricultural and wildlife habitat uses and to ensure adequate separation from adjacent development.

(2) Natural Resources (NR). The purpose of the NR Zoning District is to protect and restore land-based habitats and natural resources in Eureka. The NR Zoning District protects land that is primarily suitable for permanent habitat preservation, compatible resource-related uses, nature study and natural resource-related recreation. Public access, passive recreation, active recreation and visitor-related facilities are allowed to the extent such activities do not negatively impact or degrade natural resources. The NR Zoning District aims to protect surface water resources, riparian habits, ground water and water quality, sensitive biological resources and open space.

(3) Coastal zoning districts.

(a) The following resource-related zoning districts are located exclusively in Eureka’s coastal zone:

    1. Agricultural - Coastal (A-CZ);
    1. Natural Resources - Coastal (NR-CZ);
    1. Water Development - Coastal (WD-CZ); and
    1. Water Conservation - Coastal (WC-CZ).

(b) Purpose statements, allowed land uses and development standards for coastal zoning districts are found in Municipal Code Ch. 156 (Coastal Zoning).

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

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 155.220.020 ALLOWED LAND USES.

(A) General. Table 220-1 identifies allowed land uses and required permits in the resource-related zoning districts.

Table 220-1: Allowed Land Uses in Resource-Related Zoning Districts P = Permitted Use M = Minor Use Permit Required C = Conditional Use Permit Required - = Prohibited

Land Use Zoning District Zoning District Additional Standards
Land Use Agricultural A Natural Resource NR Additional Standards

Table 220-1: Allowed Land Uses in Resource-Related Zoning Districts P = Permitted Use M = Minor Use Permit Required C = Conditional Use Permit Required - = Prohibited

Land Use Zoning District Zoning District Additional Standards
Land Use Agricultural A Natural Resource NR Additional Standards
Residential Residential Residential Residential
Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) P - 155.316
Farmworker housing P -
Single-family detached home P -
Commercial - Service and Office Commercial - Service and Office Commercial - Service and Office Commercial - Service and Office
Kennel-animal boarding P -
Outdoor commercial recreation - -
Agricultural and Natural Resource Agricultural and Natural Resource Agricultural and Natural Resource Agricultural and Natural Resource
Agricultural processing C -
Agriculture P P [1]
Resource protection and restoration P P
Timber production and harvesting - C
Civic and Recreation Civic and Recreation Civic and Recreation Civic and Recreation
Parks and playgrounds - C [2]
Infrastructure and Utilities Infrastructure and Utilities Infrastructure and Utilities Infrastructure and Utilities
Public utility C -
Other Uses Other Uses Other Uses Other Uses
Accessory uses See 155.304.020 See 155.304.020
Animal keeping See Municipal Code Ch. 91 See Municipal Code Ch. 91
Cannabis uses See Municipal Code Ch. 158 See Municipal Code Ch. 158
Home occupation See 155.304.070 See 155.304.070
Temporary uses See 155.336 See 155.336
Wireless telecommunication facilities C - Municipal Code Ch. 159
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Limited to grazing-related uses only. [2] Only recreation with limited improvements is permitted. Allowed improvements include informational kiosks, parking areas, play structures and other similar improvements.

(B) Additional permits. In addition to permits identified in Table 220-1, proposed projects in the natural resource zoning districts may require additional permits and approvals as described in § 155.412 (Specific Permits and Approvals).

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

Exceptions & meaning →

§ 155.220.030 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

(A) General. Table 220-2 identifies development standards in the resource-related zoning districts.

Table 220-2: Development Standards - Resource-Related Zoning Districts

Standard Zoning District Zoning District Additional Standards
Standard Agricultural A Natural Resource NR Additional Standards

Table 220-2: Development Standards - Resource-Related Zoning Districts

Standard Zoning District Zoning District Additional Standards
Standard Agricultural A Natural Resource NR Additional Standards
Minimum lot area [1] 20 acres No min. 155.308.010
Maximum density (du/acre) 2 units per 20 acres [2] N/A
Maximum building height 155.308.020
Residential structures 35 ft. N/A
Non-residential structures 50 ft. 50 ft. 155.220.030 (B)
Minimum setbacks 155.308.030
Front 30 ft. No min.
Exterior side 30 ft. No min.
Interior side 30 ft. No min.
Rear 30 ft. No min.
NOTES TO TABLE: [1] Minimum lot area standard applies only to new lots created through the subdivision process after June 20, 2019. [2] Excludes allowed farm worker housing.

(B) Height exceptions for non-residential structures.

(1) With Director approval of an administrative adjustment, water tanks, agricultural processing equipment and silos, aggregate processing equipment, granaries, barns, pole buildings, electronic towers, antennas and similar structures associated with agricultural and natural resource uses may exceed 50 feet in height.

(2) To approve the administrative adjustment, the Director must make the findings in § 155.412.030(F) (Findings for Approval) and find the structure does not exceed the maximum height necessary to perform its intended function.

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

Exceptions & meaning →

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