9.2 MU2: MIXED USE (RURAL)

The purpose of the Mixed Use (Rural) or MU2 Zone is to provide for small-scale mixed use development (commercial, office, and residential) for smaller population bases. 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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314-9.2 MU2: MIXED USE (RURAL)
Use Type Principal Permitted Use
Residential Use Types Two (2) Family Dwellings
Single-Family Residential
Accessory Dwelling Unit
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
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
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The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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314-9.2 MU2: MIXED USE (RURAL)
Noncommercial Recreation
Industrial Use Types Cottage Industry; Subject to the Cottage Industry Regulations
Agricultural Use Types General Agriculture
Use Type Conditionally Permitted Use
Residential Use Types Multiple Dwellings Containing Four (4) or Fewer Units per Building
Manufactured Home Parks
Tiny House Villages
Dependent Unit Villages
Emergency Dependent Unit Villages
Alternative Lodge Parks
Commercial Use Types Heavy Commercial
Transient Habitation
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 Five thousand (5,000) square feet.
Minimum Lot Width Fifty feet (50').
Minimum Yard Setbacks*
Front Fifteen feet (15').
Rear Ten feet (10').
Interior Side Five feet (5').
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The Humboldt County Code is current through Ordinance 2784, passed March 10, 2026.

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314-9.2 MU2: MIXED USE (RURAL)
Exterior Side Same as front or one-half (1/2) the front if all parts of the main building
are more than twenty-five feet (25') from the rear lot line, and the exterior
side yard does not abut a collector or higher order street. (In
questionable cases, the Public Works Director shall classify the subject
street.)
Maximum Ground Coverage Fifty percent (50%).
Maximum Building Height Fifty feet (50').
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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.

9.2.1.1 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.

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

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

9.2.1.2 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:

9.2.1.2.1 All lighting shall be designed and located so as to confine direct lighting to the premises;

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

9.2.1.2.3 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.

9.2.1.3 Parking. Parking requirements are as specified in Section 314-109.1, Off-Street Parking, except that Section 314-109.1.2.6, Multiple Uses, 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

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

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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.

9.2.1.4 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.

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

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

9.2.1.5.2 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).

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

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

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

9.2.1.6 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. (Ord. 2635, § 6, 8/27/2019; Ord. 2693, § 8, 6/7/2022; Ord. 2721, § 8, 7/11/2023; Ord. 2732, § 8, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2742, § 4, 8/20/2024; Ord. 2743a, § 4, 8/20/2024)

314-10 through 314-14 (Sections Reserved for Future Use)

SECTION A: REGULATIONS FOR THE ZONING DISTRICTS