Chapter 1

GENERAL PROVISIONS

CHAPTER 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• 311-1 Title and Purpose 311-2 These Zoning Regulations Are to Be Consistent with the Humboldt County General Plan, Including the Local Coastal Program Plans

• 311-3 Where the Zoning Regulations Apply

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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311-1 Title and Purpose

1.1 This division shall be known and cited as the “Humboldt County Zoning Code.” Permissible synonyms are “Zoning Code,” “Zoning Regulations” and “Code.” (Former Section INL#311-1; CZ#A311-1; Ord. 519, Sec. 101, 5/11/ 65; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

1.2 This division is adopted pursuant to Title 7 of the California Government Code and Section 30500 of the California Public Resources Code. Its purpose is to: (Former Section INL#311-2; CZ#A311-2 (A); Ord. 519, Sec. 101, 102, 5/11/65; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

1.2.1 promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare;

1.2.2 promote sound and orderly development;

• 1.2.3 assure social and economic stability within the various zones hereby established;

1.2.4 implement the General Plan and Local Coastal program of the County; and

1.2.5 accomplish these objectives with the fewest possible restrictions on freedom of citizen’s use of their property and maximum concern for economic disruption caused by delays and uncertainties inherent in the permit review process.

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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1.3 It is the intent of this Board of Supervisors that the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program be administered in full conformity with the provisions of the California Coastal Act (Public Resources Code Section 30000, and following). (Former Section CZ#A311-2 (B) ; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85)

1.4 For the purpose of State certification of the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program, and assumption of Coastal Development Permit jurisdiction, the regulations contained in this Code will become effective in the Humboldt County Coastal Zone upon certification by the California Coastal Commission pursuant to applicable provisions of State Law and Regulations, including but not limited to Public Resources Code Sections 30513 and 30519, and Section 13544 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, or any successor provisions thereto. (Former Section CZ#A311-2 (C) ; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85)

311-2 These Zoning Regulations Are to Be Consistent with the Humboldt County General Plan, Including the Local Coastal Program Plans

It is the intent of the Board of Supervisors that the Regulations contained herein are consistent with and are adequate to implement the policies and designations of all elements of the Humboldt County General Plan, including the Local Coastal Program Plans. If these Zoning Regulations become inconsistent with or inadequate to implement the General Plan by reason of adoption of any Plan amendments, these Regulations shall be amended to be consistent with the amended Plan. All Zoning Regulation amendments shall maintain reasonable compatibility with the adopted General Plan. (Former Section CZ#A311-3; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

311-3 Where the Zoning Regulations Apply

These Zoning Regulations shall be applicable to all of the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. Any development shall conform to all regulations applicable to the zone in which the land is located. (Former Section CZ#A311-4; INL#311-3; Ord. 519, Sec. 101, 102, 5/11/65; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

311-4 Interpreting the Regulations If a Provision Is Unclear

4.1 If ambiguity is found in the content or application of the Zoning Regulations, the Hearing Officer shall ascertain all relevant facts, consider the ambiguity and interpret the regulations. Interpretations by the Hearing Officer in making a decision on a discretionary permit are subject to appeal, pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 312-2.13, of these regulations. Interpretations by the Director, or designee, in making decisions on zoning clearance certificates are not subject to appeal. However, where the zoning regulations are unclear, a Special Permit may be submitted and processed to a decision for any proposed use or development. (Former Section CZ#A311-5; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

4.2 The Director of the Community Development Services Department shall maintain a written record of all such interpretations, which interpretations shall be maintained as public records and shall be referenced to the code

The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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section which they interpret. The Director shall, within budget constraints, take action as soon as possible to amend the code and eliminate the ambiguity. (Former Section CZ#A311-5; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

311-5 Interpreting the Regulations If Provisions Conflict

5.1 In interpreting and applying the provisions of these Regulations, the Hearing Officer or Director shall consider that the minimum requirements of this Code are for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. (Former Section CZ#A311-6; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85)

5.2 It is not the intent of these Regulations to interfere with or supersede any easement, covenant or other agreement between private parties except as otherwise specified. However, where these Regulations impose any greater requirements or restrictions, including but not limited to the use of buildings or land, the height of buildings, or the requirement for larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other provisions of this Code, or any other government rules and/or regulations, or by any private easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of these Regulations shall control. (Former Section INL#314-1; CZ#A311-6; Ord. 519, Sec. 401, 5/11/ 65; Ord. 1705, 9/10/85; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

311-6 The List of Principal and Combining Zones Which Are Established and Designated by These Regulations