16.2 A: SPECIAL ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE AREA REGULATIONS FOR SHELTER COVE

16.2.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure that reasonable mitigation measures be required where development might have an adverse impact upon archaeological and paleontological resources in Shelter Cove. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(A))

16.2.2 Applicability. These regulations for Shelter Cove shall apply to lands designated “A” on the Zoning Maps in Shelter Cove, which include areas with significant archaeological and paleontological value as identified by the State Historic Preservation Officer. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(B))

These regulations for Shelter Cove shall be in addition to regulations imposed by the principal zone, development regulations, and other Special Area Combining Zone regulations. Wherever the provisions of these regulations conflict with or are inconsistent in application with any other regulations, the regulations most protective of archaeological resources shall apply. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(C))

16.2.4 Required Mitigation. Measures to mitigate adverse environmental effects of development within Special Archaeological Resources Areas for Shelter Cove shall include, but are not limited to, the following: (Former Section CZ#A314-53(D))

16.2.4.1 Site planned improvements to avoid or mitigate impacts on archaeological sites; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(D)(1))

16.2.4.2 Provide protective cover for sites that cannot be avoided; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(D)(2))

16.2.4.3 Where appropriate and with concurrence of responsible agencies, the removal or transfer of culturally significant material by professional archaeologists shall be permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(D)(3))

16.2.5.1 Prior to final development approval or authorization, the County shall condition the Coastal Development Permit to include an agreement to stop work in the event of discovery of any archaeological resources during construction. Said agreement shall provide for work stoppage on the affected resource area until a qualified archaeologist can determine the significance of the resource and suggest appropriate mitigation measures. The agreement shall not require an applicant to stop work for a period in excess of five (5) days, but shall provide an assurance that opportunity for reasonable mitigation to be carried out will be provided in the event significant archaeological resources are encountered. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(1))

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

Page 147 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

16.2.5.2 The stop work agreement requirement (see subsection 16.2.5.1) may be waived where responsible referral agencies have indicated such an agreement is not necessary or appropriate. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(2))

16.2.5.3 On lands designated “A” on the Shelter Cove Coastal Zoning Maps, the County shall, prior to authorization or approval of development, consult with representatives of the Northwest Information Center of the California Archaeological Inventory (NICCAI), Department of Anthropology, Sonoma State University, the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), any known interested Native Americans, and the Bureau of Land Management staff archaeologist assigned to the King Range Area. Such consultation shall be directed at determining whether or not the proposed project would adversely affect significant archaeological or cultural heritage resources. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(3))

16.2.5.4 Where the response to the above consultation provides substantial information which indicates that significant archaeological resources would be adversely affected, the County, where feasible, shall require the project to avoid the significant resources and to allow for permanent protection of such resources. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(4))

16.2.5.5 Where avoidance of such resources is not feasible, a plan of excavation shall be required to be prepared and carried out for the portions of the site that would be disturbed or covered by improvements such as foundations, drive-ways, and utility hookups. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(5))

16.2.5.6 The plan of excavation shall:

16.2.5.6.1 Be prepared by a qualified archaeologist; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(a))

16.2.5.6.2 Be compatible with preservation and recovery work on adjacent lots; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(b))

16.2.5.6.3 Be based on a review of area specific literature; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(c))

16.2.5.6.4 Be peer reviewed by the above-mentioned referral agencies; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(d))

16.2.5.6.5 Be a brief summary of the excavation proposed as part of a mitigation plan; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(e))

16.2.5.6.6 List and briefly discuss the important information the archaeological resources contain or are likely to contain; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(f))

16.2.5.6.7 Explain how the information should be recorded to be useful in addressing scientifically valid research questions and other concerns identified in the plan prepared pursuant to this section; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(g))

16.2.5.6.8 Explain the methods of analysis and, if feasible, display of excavated materials; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(h))

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

Page 148 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

16.2.5.6.9 Provide for final report preparation and distribution; (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(i))

16.2.5.6.10 Explain the estimated cost of and time required to complete all activities undertaken under the plan; and (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(j))

16.2.5.6.11 Be available for review only on a “need-to-know” basis. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(6)(k))

16.2.5.7 Where the cost of carrying out the excavation is neither feasible nor reasonable, the County shall determine the appropriate limits on mitigation in accordance with California Environmental Quality Act guidelines, as may be applicable at the time of project review. (Former Section CZ#A314-53(E)(7))