9.1 MU1: MIXED USE (URBAN)

The purpose of the Mixed Use (Urban) or MU1 Zone is to provide for pedestrian-oriented, mixed use development (commercial, office, and higher density residential). The permitted uses and other regulations may be modified through community specific planning by the application of the appropriate Special Area Combining Zone, such as a D – Design Control or Q – Qualified Combining Zone.

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314-9.1 MU1: MIXED USE (URBAN)
Use Type Principal Permitted Use
Residential Use Types Two (2) Family Dwellings and Multiple Dwellings and Dwelling Groups
Single-Family Residential
Accessory Dwelling Unit
Tiny House Villages and Dependent Unit Villages With Connection to
Public Water and Wastewater
Emergency Dependent Unit Villages
Supportive and Transitional Housing Subject Only to Restrictions That
Apply to Other Residential Dwellings of the Same Type in the Same Zone
Guest House
Emergency Shelter
Commercial Use Types Neighborhood Commercial
Retail Sales and Retail Services
Transient Habitation
Office and Professional Service
Bed and Breakfast Establishment; Subject to the Bed and Breakfast
Establishment Regulations
Commercial and Private Recreation
Civic Use Types Minor Utilities
Essential Services Conducted Entirely Within an Enclosed Building
Community Assembly
Public and Parochial Parks, Playgrounds and Playing Fields
Noncommercial Recreation
Industrial Use Types Cottage Industry; Subject to the Cottage Industry Regulations
Use Type Special Permitted Use
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The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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314-9.1 MU1: MIXED USE (URBAN)
Residential Use Types Tiny House Villages and Dependent Unit Villages Without Connection to
Public Water and Wastewater
Use Type Conditionally Permitted Use
Civic Use Types Public Recreation and Open Space
Minor Generation and Distribution Facilities
Natural Resource Use Types Fish and Wildlife Management
Watershed Management
Wetland Restoration
Coastal Access Facilities
Use Types Not Listed in This Any use not specifically enumerated in this division, if it is similar to and
Table compatible with the uses permitted in the MU Zone.
Development Standards
Minimum Lot Area Two thousand (2,000) square feet.
Minimum Lot Width Twenty-five feet (25').
Minimum Yard Setbacks*
Front None, except that where frontage is in a block which is partially in a
residential zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) the front yard shall be the same as
that required in such residential zone.
Rear Fifteen feet (15'), except that where a rear yard abuts on an alley, such
rear yard may be not less than five feet (5').
Side None, except that a side yard of an interior lot abutting on a residential
zone (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4) or agricultural zone (AE, AG) shall be not less
than the front yard required in such residential zone or agricultural zone.
Maximum Ground Coverage One hundred percent (100%).
Maximum Structure Height Seventy-five feet (75').
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*** Note:** Setbacks may be modified by other provisions of this Code or State law. For example, see Section

314-22.1, “G - Alquist-Priolo Fault Hazard,” and the “Fire Safe” Regulations at Division 11 of Title III.

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

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9.1.1.1 Landscaping. All new residential and commercial projects shall use landscaping to enhance the appearance of neighborhoods, control erosion, conserve water, improve air quality and improve pedestrian and vehicular safety.

9.1.1.1.1 Landscaping shall be required for new development which creates five (5) or more new parking spaces.

9.1.1.1.2 The landscaping policies shall be accomplished by the submittal of a landscaping plan.

9.1.1.2 Outdoor Lighting. New outdoor lighting shall be compatible with the existing setting. Exterior lighting fixtures and street standards (both for residential and commercial areas) shall be fully shielded, and designed and installed to minimize off-site lighting and direct light within the property boundaries. New development and projects that would make significant parking lot improvements or add new exterior lighting are required to submit a lighting plan consistent with these regulations. Lighting designs should address:

9.1.1.2.1 All lighting, exterior and interior, shall be designed and located so as to confine direct lighting to the premises.

9.1.1.2.2 A light source shall not shine upon or illuminate directly on any surface other than the area required to be lighted.

9.1.1.2.3 No lighting shall be of the type or in a location such that constitutes a hazard to vehicular traffic, either on private property or on abutting streets.

9.1.1.3 Parking. Parking requirements are as specified in Section 314-109.1, Off-Street Parking, except that Section 314-109.1.2.6, Multiple Uses and Joint Use, shall not apply when mixed residential and nonresidential uses are proposed within a single parcel. With approval of a special permit a mixed use project may reduce the required vehicle parking by up to fifty percent (50%) of the spaces for the residential use, and off-street parking facilities for one (1) mixed use may provide parking facilities for other proposed uses within the same development site when the demand for the parking spaces does not result in conflicts. Approval of reductions in required parking and sharing of parking shall be based on substantial evidence provided by the applicant documenting the adequacy of fewer spaces. Documentation may include but is not limited to customer traffic, location within one-half (1/2) mile of a transit stop and connection With appropriate pedestrian and bicycle facilities, available public parking, surrounding land use mix, or peak parking demand of adjacent uses.

9.1.1.4 Outdoor Trash Storage (Nonresidential Only). All outside trash storage and collection facilities shall be enclosed by a solid masonry wall or view-obscuring fence at least one (1) foot higher than the trash container.

9.1.1.5 On-Site Performance Standards. On-site performance standards are as follows:

• 9.1.1.5.1 Odors. No use shall create objectionable odors readily detectable beyond the property line.

9.1.1.5.2 Dust and Smoke. No use shall create dust or smoke that is readily detectable beyond the property line (in addition to meeting all air pollution requirements).

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

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• 9.1.1.5.3 Vibration. No use shall create vibration detectable without instruments at the property line.

9.1.1.5.4 Electromagnetic Interference. No use shall produce electromagnetic interference with normal radio or television service beyond the property line.

9.1.1.5.5 Glare. No use shall create intense light or glare that causes a nuisance or hazard beyond the property line.

9.1.1.6 Applicable Standards. Noise, atmospheric emissions, toxic or noxious matter, radiation, heat and humidity, fire and explosive hazards, or liquid and solid wastes shall be regulated by applicable County, State or Federal standards.