22.2 GO - GREENWAY AND OPEN SPACE

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

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22.2.1 Purpose/Findings. The Greenway and Open Space (GO) Combining Zone is intended to be applied within the urban limits of the Eureka Community Planning Area in sensitive habitat areas historically known as gulches. These regulations are intended to set forth standards for the development of areas containing gulches and to retain the lush vegetation and habitat values for numerous wildlife species such as birds, fish and small mammals. The Board of Supervisors finds that Greenway and Open Space areas serve an important function as natural drainage channels and represent a unique scenic asset to the community. Retaining Greenway and Open Space areas in a relatively undeveloped state is intended to help maintain a high quality of living environment as the community develops. (Former Section INL#315-10.1; Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.1.1 The policies of this division shall only be imposed within those areas which are identified as Greenway and Open Space areas mapped as part of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan or as identified on a “Detailed Development Plan Map” as provided by subsection 314-22.2.3, Specific Determination of Greenway and Open Space Boundary. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(A)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/ 25/95)

22.2.2.1.2 For the improvement of parcels existing prior to the adoption date of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan, principally permitted uses allowed in the underlying primary zone shall be allowed within Greenway and Open Space areas. No discretionary planning permits will be required for principally permitted improvements on these parcels. Parcels which existed prior to the adoption date of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan, and for which a Development Plan has been prepared, shall conform with that Development Plan. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(A)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.1.3 All subdivisions which create parcels after adoption of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan shall utilize a “Detailed Development Plan Map” requiring all structures to be located outside of Greenway and Open Space areas consistent with the provisions of this ordinance. Submittal of subdivision applications shall include the “Detailed Development Plan Map” as described in subsection 314-22.2.3, Specific Determination of Greenway and Open Space Boundary. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(A)(3); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.2 Identification Criteria. Greenway and Open Space areas were mapped utilizing two (2) categories. The following two (2) categories define the Greenway and Open Space areas: (Former Section INL#315-10.2(B); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.2.1.1 A Streamside Management Area (SMA) of 100 feet for perennial streams and 50 feet for intermittent streams, measured as the horizontal distance from the centerline of the stream as mapped pursuant to the County Greenway and Open Space regulations. These Streamside Management Areas are mapped along blue line streams as identified on the largest scale U.S.G.S. topographic maps, or as conditions exist on the ground, and; (Former Section INL#315-10.2(B)(1)(a); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

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

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22.2.2.2.1.2 Slopes of 30% or greater on lands adjacent to the perennial and intermittent streams identified in subsection 22.2.2.2.1.1, and all streams and level areas below those slopes. (Former

Section INL#315-10.2(B)(1)(b); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.3 Compatible Uses. The following uses are permitted within a designated Greenway and Open Space area:

22.2.2.3.1 Vegetation removal for streamside management purposes. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(C)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.3.2 Management and maintenance of trees, shrubs, and other plant life. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(C)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.3.3 Fencing, so long as it would not impede the natural drainage or would not adversely effect the stream environment or wildlife, consistent with the policies of the Framework Plan. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(C)(3); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.4 Compatible Uses Requiring Special Permit. The following uses are deemed compatible but require approval of a Special Permit and may require approval from other concerned agencies: (Former Section INL#315-10.2(D); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.4.1 Road crossings, street crossings and utility crossings. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(D)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.4.2 Creekside bikeways, trails, and parks. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(D)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.4.3 Timber operations conducted in accordance with an approved timber harvest plan. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(D)(3); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.2.4.4 Any grading or fill exceeding 50 cubic yards and associated vegetation removal. (Former Section INL#315-10.2(D)(4); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.3.1 Detailed Development Plan Map Required. For those parcels which have been designated with a Greenway and Open Space Combining Zone, all applications for subdivisions shall submit a “Detailed Development Plan Map.” The “Detailed Development Plan Map” must identify the Greenway and Open Space areas as defined in subsection 314-22.2.2.2, Identification Criteria, must be prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor, and must show existing slope percentages and Streamside Management Areas. (Former Section INL#315-10.3(A); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.3.2 Detailed Development Plan Map Not Required. A “Detailed Development Plan Map” is not required for projects and improvements requiring no discretionary approval on parcels which existed prior to the adoption date of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan. Parcels which existed prior to the adoption date of the 1995 Eureka Community Plan, and for which a Development Plan has been prepared, shall conform with

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

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that Development Plan. The implementation of this section shall be consistent with the County’s General Plan. (Former Section INL#315-10.3(B); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.1 Definition. Within several Greenway and Open Space areas, there exist greenway benches. A greenway bench is defined as a contiguous area within a Greenway and Open Space Zone containing at least 4,000 square feet of undisturbed slope less than 30% and located outside of Streamside Management setbacks. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(A); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.2 Applicability. Subdivision of greenway benches shall be permitted, consistent with other requirements of this ordinance, in designated Greenway and Open Space areas in the Eureka Community Planning Area where a licensed surveyor or engineer demonstrates the following findings: (Former Section INL#315-10.4(B); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.2.1 That each building site contains a greenway bench of at least 4,000 square feet of contiguous area with less than 30% undisturbed slope. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(B)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.2.2 The building site is located in conformance with the Streamside Management Area setbacks described in subsection 314-22.2.2.2, Identification Criteria. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(B)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.3.1 One building site may be permitted on every 4,000 square feet of undisturbed slope subject to the limitations of the base zone with which the Greenway and Open Space Zone is combined. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(C)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.3.2 Each parcel must meet the minimum lot size requirements of the applicable zoning district. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(C)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.3.3 A building site may be allowed outside the greenway bench area on a slope of 30% or greater, if the building site remains outside all Streamside Management Areas. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(C)(3); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.3.4 No Accessory Dwelling Units shall be allowed within a determined greenway bench area. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(C)(4); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.4.1 An undisturbed slope is defined as a slope in its natural state which has never been filled or graded, except where such grading has been granted previous County or State approval. Any greenway bench which had been created by grading prior to adoption of the Eureka Community Plan shall be eligible for development, consistent with the provisions of this ordinance, if the grading was approved

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

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through a County issued permit (such as a Use Permit) or State issued permit. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(D)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.4.4.2 The intent of allowing greenway bench development only on undisturbed slopes is to discourage people from grading their hillsides in an attempt to establish a bench area of less than 30% slope. (Former Section INL#315-10.4(D)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1 General Provisions. It is the intent of this section to provide a density bonus for property owners whose parcel, or portion thereof, is designated Greenway and Open Space. These density bonus provisions will compensate property owners for not developing within a gulch, and are intended as an incentive to locate structures outside of Greenway and Open Space areas. These provisions will also work to keep housing affordable by decreasing lot sizes and land costs. The following density bonus provisions shall apply on lots within designated Greenway and Open Space areas: (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.1 The minimum lot size for new lots, when it can be shown that building sites are outside of the Greenway and Open Space area, including greenway benches as defined in Section 314-22.2.4.1 may be reduced by 20%; however, no new lot may be created which is less than 4,800 net square feet in size. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.2 The minimum lot width may be reduced by 20%; however, no lot shall be created with less than a 40 foot lot width. This section does not preclude the creation of flag lots. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(2); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.3 The total number of lots which can be reduced shall be calculated by dividing the total land area of a parcel by the minimum lot size of the applicable zone. The minimum lot size shall never be reduced by more than 20% regardless of the calculated total number of lots eligible for reduction under these provisions. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(3); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.4 Accessory Dwelling Units shall not be allowed on parcels created by these provisions. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(4); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.5 These density bonus provisions shall not be used as an addition to any affordable housing density bonus provisions. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(5); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6 Zero Lot Lines. The side yard setback requirements may be reduced or eliminated for newly created lots utilizing the density bonus provisions of this Section. Where the regulations herein conflict with the regulations included in the individual base zoning districts (with which the Greenway and Open Space Zone is combined), the regulations included herein shall control. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

The principal purposes of the Zero Lot Line concept area: (1) a more flexible use of land; and, (2) permitting the outdoor space to be grouped and utilized to its maximum benefit. All applications for a

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

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Zero Lot Line development shall comply with the following provisions: (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.1 Dwelling Unit Setback. Interior side yard. For new residences on lots less than 6,000 net square feet in size, any interior side yard may be reduced to zero (0) provided that the other interior side property line shall be a minimum of ten (10) feet. Dwelling units utilizing the Zero Lot Line may be sited on a common lot line. Accessory buildings and structures shall observe setback requirements of the base zoning district with which the Greenway and Open Space Zone is combined. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(a); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.2 Development Plan. All subdivisions which utilize Zero Lot Line development provisions shall identify building sites on an approved Development Plan. The Development Plan shall indicate the zero lot lines and easements appurtenant thereto. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(b); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.3 Maintenance Easements. For the purpose of upkeep and repair of structures located on a zero lot line, a perpetual four (4) foot maintenance easement shall be provided on the lot adjacent to the zero lot line. The maintenance easement is defined as an area which enables the upkeep and repair of structures located on a zero lot line, including but not limited to, general maintenance, painting, roof and gutter repairs, structural repairs and foundation repairs. This easement shall be shown on a Development Plan and incorporated into each deed transferring title to the property. There shall be no structures allowed within the easement. Roof overhangs may penetrate the easement on the adjacent lot a maximum of twenty-four (24) inches. The roof shall be designed so that water runoff from the dwelling placed on the lot line is limited to half the easement area (two (2) feet). (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(c); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.4 Maximum Lot Coverage. The total lot coverage for all buildings on the site shall not exceed fifty (50) percent of the lot area. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(d); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.5 Openings Prohibited on the Zero Lot Line. To protect privacy, the wall of the dwelling located on the zero lot line shall have no windows, doors or other openings. Atriums or courts shall be permitted on the zero lot line side when the court or atrium is enclosed by three walls of the dwelling and a solid wall of at least eight (8) feet in height is provided on the zero lot line. Said wall shall be constructed of the same material as exterior walls of the unit. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(e); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.6 Parking. No required parking shall be allowed within the side yard setback opposite the zero lot line. A maximum of two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit on each zero lot line parcel, even if the road serving the parcel is not paved or graveled to forty (40) feet in width. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(f); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

.5.1.6.6 Parking. No required parking shall be allowed within the side yard setback opposite the zero lot line. A maximum of two (2) off-street parking spaces shall be provided for each dwelling unit on each zero lot line parcel, even if the road serving the parcel is not paved or graveled to forty (40) feet in width. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(f); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.7 Alleys. Alleys shall be permitted in Zero Lot Line developments. Said alleys shall provide auto access to individual units and provide service access for trash collection and other

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

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public and private services. Alleys shall not be used as storage or calculated as required parking areas. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(g); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.8 Common Open Space. Common open space is not required but may be permitted. If common open space is provided, provisions shall be made to ensure that non-public areas and facilities for the common use of occupants of zero lot line developments shall be maintained in a satisfactory manner, without expense to the general taxpayer of Humboldt County. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(h); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

22.2.5.1.6.9 Underlying Base Zoning District. All other provisions of the underlying base zoning district (with which the Greenway and Open Space Zone is combined) shall apply to development of applicable zero lot line parcels. (Former Section INL#315-10.5(A)(6)(i); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/ 25/95) (Ord. 2650, § 4, 9/1/2020)

314-23 “H” Combining Zone Designations

(Section Reserved for Future Use)

314-24 “I” Combining Zone Designations

(Section Reserved for Future Use)

314-25 “J” Combining Zone Designations

(Section Reserved for Future Use)

314-26 “K” Combining Zone Designations

(Section Reserved for Future Use)

314-27 “L” Combining Zone Designations