45.2 COTTAGE INDUSTRY

45.2.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to establish development standards and limitations for the operation and maintenance of cottage industries in the Coastal Zone of Humboldt County. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(A))

45.2.2 Applicability. The provisions of these regulations shall apply in all zones in which the cottage industry use type is permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(B))

Cottage

Industries allowed as a principally permitted appurtenant and accessory use to the residential use shall comply with all the following performance standards in addition to the applicable Industrial Performance Standards of Section 313-103.1: (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.1 The cottage industry shall conform with the development standards in the applicable zoning district; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(a); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.2 The dwelling on the site shall be occupied by the owner of the cottage industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(b); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.3 The Cottage Industry shall occupy no more than twenty-five percent (25%) or one thousand (1,000) square feet (whichever is less) of the floor area of the dwelling or accessory structure; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(c); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.4 The cottage industry shall not produce evidence of its existence in the external appearance of the dwelling or premises, or in the creation of noise, odors, smoke or other nuisances to a degree greater than that normal for the neighborhood; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(d); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.5 There shall be no structural, electrical or plumbing alterations necessary for the Cottage Industry which are not customarily found in dwellings or residential accessory structures; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(e); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.6 No persons other than residents of the dwelling shall be employed to conduct the Cottage Industry; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(f); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.7 There shall be no articles sold on the premises; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(g); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.8 All noise generating operations shall be buffered so that they do not exceed the exterior ambient noise level anywhere on the site by more than 5 dB(a), or an equivalent standard which achieves comparable results; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(h); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

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

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45.2.3.9 All lights shall be directed on-site and shielded to reduce glare to adjacent areas; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(i); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.10 The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that normal in the neighborhood in which it is located; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(j); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.11 No perceptible vibrations shall be permitted off the building site; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(k); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.12 No visual or audible interference of radio or television reception by operations shall be permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(l); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.13 A business license shall be required for the Cottage Industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(m); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.3.14 The cottage industry shall not significantly increase demand for, or require significant amounts of additional services including water, sewer, septic, or wastewater treatment. (Ord. 2167, § 24, 4/7/1998)

45.2.4 No coastal development permit is required for cottage industries that conform with the performance standards in the preceding section (313-45.2.3) if established in an existing permitted residence or accessory structure. A coastal development permit will be required for a new accessory structure or enlarged residence in which such cottage industry is to be located that is not otherwise exempt from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 13250(b).

Development Permit. Cottage Industries that meet all the following performance standards in addition to the applicable Industrial Performance Standards of Section 313-103.1, may be permitted as accessory uses to any residential use with a Coastal Development Permit: (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.5.1 The cottage industry shall conform with the development standards in the applicable zoning district; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(a))

45.2.5.2 There shall be no articles sold on the premises. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(b); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.5.3 One nameplate, attached to the structure, is permitted advertising the cottage industry, not exceeding two (2) square feet, that is non-moving, and which has illumination, if any, which is indirect and non-flashing. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(c))

45.2.5.4 The total land area occupied by the cottage industry shall not exceed two (2) acres, including portions of the lot occupied by buildings, storage areas, and work places devoted to the cottage industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(d))

45.2.5.5 A business license shall be approved for the Cottage Industry. (Former Section

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

Page 212 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

CZ#A314-12(D)(e); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.6.1 At a minimum, the Hearing Officer shall set the following operational standards as conditions of the Coastal Development Permit for a cottage industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

The Hearing Officer may also condition the Coastal Development Permit as permitted by Chapter 2, Procedures, of this Code. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)

45.2.6.1.1 Number of employees; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E)(1))

45.2.6.1.2 Hours of operation. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E)(2))

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