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Title III›Division 1 — PLANNING›Part 2 — STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES

87.2 SHORELINE PROTECTION STRUCTURES

Humboldt County Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-07-09 · Humboldt County

87.2.1 Purpose. The purpose of these regulations is to provide for the construction of shoreline protection structures consistent with the maintenance of adjacent shoreline areas and with maintenance of off-shore sand transport. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(A))

87.2.2 Applicability. The Shoreline Protection Structures Regulations shall apply to development proposing shoreline protection structures. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(B))

87.2.3 Limitations. Shoreline protection structures, including revetments, breakwater bulkheads, graving yards, groins, seawalls, and other such construction, that alter natural shoreline processes may only be permitted as follows: (Former Section CZ#A314-32(C))

87.2.3.1 To protect existing principal structures or public facilities in areas subject to damage from wave action where relocation of the structures is not feasible; (Former Section CZ#A314-32(C)(1))

87.2.3.2 When required to serve coastal-dependent uses; (Former Section CZ#A314-32(C)(2))

87.2.3.3 To reconstruct existing bulkheads; (Former Section CZ#A314-32(C)(3))

87.2.3.4 In areas planned exclusive agriculture, to protect existing dikes, consistent with the regulations on modification and repair of dikes in Transitional Agricultural Lands. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(C)(4))

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

Page 318 of 1183

Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

87.2.4 Comprehensive Study Required. Permanent shoreline structures, other than revetment of existing dikes, shall be permitted only when based on a comprehensive study of area wide shoreline processes which study assesses long-term effects of the structures on sand transport, down drift beaches, circulation patterns and flow rates, including effects such as erosion, shoaling, or reflection of wave energy on adjacent shorelines. Projects other than placement of revetment on existing dikes, must be designed by a Registered Civil Engineer with expertise in shoreline processes. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(D))

87.2.5 Consultation with Department of Boating and Waterways.

The County shall request the Department

of Boating and Waterways to review plans for construction of shoreline protective structures. The Department may recommend measures to mitigate adverse effects on shoreline processes. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(E))

87.2.6 Required Findings. Shoreline protection structures shall be permitted only if the applicable Public Safety Impact Findings in Chapter 2, Procedures, Supplemental Findings, are made. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(F))

87.2.7 Required Mitigation. Shoreline protection structures shall be constructed such that adverse impacts on shoreline sand supply and public access have been eliminated or minimized by the project’s design or through other mitigation measures such as providing alternate access. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(G))

87.2.8 Temporary Shoreline Structures. Consistent with the Emergency Provisions in Chapter 2, Procedures, temporary shoreline structures may be permitted in emergencies as determined by the Director, provided that any such temporary structure is either: (Former Section CZ#A314-32(H))

87.2.8.1 Removed; (Former Section CZ#A314-32(H)(1))

87.2.8.2 Incorporated into a permanent structure; or (Former Section CZ#A314-32(H)(2))

87.2.8.3 Removed upon construction of a permanent structure. (Former Section CZ#A314-32(H)(3))

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▸ Contents — Humboldt County Zoning Code
Humboldt County Zoning Code
  1. ▸ Title III
    Overview
    1. ▸ Division 1 — PLANNING
      Overview
      1. Chapter 2 — ADMINISTRATION, PROCEDURES, AMENDMENTS AND ENFORCE…
      2. Chapter 1
      3. Chapter 2
      4. Chapter 3
      5. Part 1 — PRINCIPAL ZONES
      6. Part 2 — SPECIAL AREA COMBINING ZONES
      7. Part 1 — USES AND ACTIVITIES
      8. ▸ Part 2 — STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES
        Overview
        1. 69.05 ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
        2. 69.1 ACCESSORY STRUCTURES
        3. 71.1 COUNTY HISTORIC STRUCTURES
        4. 73.1 ELECTRICAL TRANSMISSION LINES, MAJOR
        5. 74.1 FENCES
        6. 83.1 OIL AND GAS PIPELINES
        7. 87.1 REPEALED BY ORD. 2717
        8. 87.2 SHORELINE PROTECTION STRUCTURES
        9. 87.3 SIGNS AND NAMEPLATES
        10. 88.1 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES
        11. 91.1 WIND-GENERATING FACILITY
      9. Part 3 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
      10. Part 4 — REGULATIONS THAT APPLY IN SENSITIVE HABITATS AND HAZA…
      11. Part 5 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
      12. Part 1 — CLASSIFICATION OF USE TYPES
      13. Part 2 — GLOSSARY OF USE TYPES
      14. Part 1 — PRINCIPAL ZONES
      15. Part 2 — REGULATIONS FOR THE COMBINING ZONES
      16. Part 1 — USES AND ACTIVITIES
      17. Part 2 — STRUCTURES AND FACILITIES
      18. Part 3 — DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
      19. Part 4 — (SECTION RESERVED FOR FUTURE USE)
      20. Part 5 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES
      21. Part 1 — CLASSIFICATION OF USE TYPES
      22. Part 2 — GLOSSARY OF USE TYPES
  2. Title III — LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT

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