60.1 SINGLE-ROOM OCCUPANCY STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES

60.1.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to provide opportunities for the development of permanent, affordable housing for small households and for people with special needs in Single-Room Occupancy (SRO) Facilities in proximity to transit and services, and to establish standards for the small units within those facilities.

60.1.2 Applicability. These regulations shall apply in all zones in which the SRO Facilities use type is permitted, and where public water is available, including but not limited to proposed expansions at existing SRO Facilities, and to proposed new facilities.

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

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60.1.3.1 Density. An SRO Facility which is a conversion of an existing hotel or motel is not required to meet density standards of the General Plan but shall comply with the occupancy standards of the adopted Airport Land Use Plan. All other SRO Facilities shall meet the density standards of the General Plan and the occupancy standards of the adopted Airport Land Use Plan.

60.1.3.2 Common Area. Four (4) square feet per living unit shall be provided, with at least 200 square feet in area of interior common space, excluding janitorial storage, laundry facilities and common hallways.

60.1.3.3 Laundry Facilities. Laundry facilities must be provided in a separate room at the ratio of one washer and one dryer for every twenty units or fractional number thereof, with at least one washer and dryer per floor.

60.1.3.4 Cleaning Supply Room. A cleaning supply room or utility closet with a wash tub with hot and cold running water shall be provided on each floor of the SRO Facility.

60.1.3.5 Common Building Site. The total area occupied by the SRO Facility shall be no more than 2 contiguous acres.

60.1.3.6.1 Facility Management. An SRO Facility with 10 or more units shall provide on-site management. An SRO Facility with less than 10 units shall provide a management office on-site.

60.1.3.6.2 Management Plan. A management plan shall be submitted with the development application for an SRO Facility and shall be approved by the County. The management plan must address management and operation of the facility, rental procedures, safety and security of residents and building maintenance.

60.1.3.7 Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided consistent with the parking regulations in §314-109.1 (Inland). Secure bicycle parking shall be provided at the ratio of one (1) space per four (4) SRO units. 60.1.3.8 Existing Structures. An existing structure may be converted to an SRO Facility, consistent with the provisions of this Section.

60.1.3.9 Exceptions. Exceptions to the Standards of Subsections 60.1.3.1 through 60.1.3.7 of this section may be approved by the Planning Commission upon making a finding that an alternative standard is in substantial conformance with the prescriptive standard where compatible with surrounding land uses.

60.1.4.1 Unit Size. An SRO unit shall have a minimum size of 150 square feet and a maximum size of 400 square feet.

60.1.4.2 Bathroom. An SRO unit is not required to but may contain partial or full bathroom facilities. A partial bathroom facility shall have at least a toilet and sink; a full facility shall have a toilet, sink and bathtub,

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

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shower or bathtub/shower combination. If a full bathroom facility is not provided, common bathroom facilities shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code for congregate residences with at least one full bathroom per floor.

60.1.4.3 Kitchen. Except as provided herein, an SRO unit is not required to but may contain partial or full kitchen facilities. A full kitchen includes a sink, a refrigerator and a stove, range top or oven. A partial kitchen is missing at least one (1) of these appliances. If a full kitchen is not provided, common kitchen facilities shall be provided with at least one full kitchen per floor.

60.1.4.5 Code Compliance. SRO units shall comply with all requirements of the California Building Code and required health and safety standards for water and sewer.

60.1.4.6 Accessibility. All SRO units shall comply with all applicable accessibility and adaptability requirements. (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2732, § 2, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2756, § 2, 3/11/2025)

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