87.3 SIGNS AND NAMEPLATES

87.3.1 Purpose and Applicability. The purpose of these regulations is to ensure: (1) that signs within Humboldt County will not impair the public health, safety, and welfare by being excessively intrusive, and, (2) that any permitted signs will maintain visual quality and will be compatible with nearby development. These regulations shall apply to the placement of any sign within the unincorporated area of Humboldt County. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(A))

87.3.2 Permitted Signs. Signs may be permitted in conformity with the following regulations: (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B))

87.3.2.1.1 Shall be limited to a statement of the name, address and location of the occupant. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(1))

87.3.2.1.2 One (1) nameplate, not illuminated and not exceeding two(2) square feet, appurtenant to any permitted use, shall be permitted in any residential zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(1))

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

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87.3.2.1.3 One (1) nameplate, not illuminated and not exceeding twenty (20) square feet, appurtenant to any permitted use, shall be permitted only in AE, TPZ and TC Zones. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(1))

87.3.2.2.1 Two (2) signs, not illuminated, to advertise the sale of property on which it is displayed, and not exceeding six (6) square feet each, shall be permitted in any zone. Two (2) such signs, not exceeding fifteen (15) square feet, shall be permitted in any Commercial Zone. Two (2) such signs, not exceeding twenty (20) square feet, shall be permitted in any Industrial Zone. The Director may approve a Special Permit for additional signs if the applicant demonstrates a need, based upon site-specific physical conditions. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(2)(a))

87.3.2.2.2 Signs, not illuminated and not exceeding one hundred (100) square feet in the aggregate, to advertise the sale of lots in the subdivision in which they are displayed shall be permitted with a Use Permit in any zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(2)(b))

87.3.2.3 Appurtenant Signs. Signs appurtenant to any permitted use which are not illuminated, are not over seventy-five (75) square feet in the aggregate, and not divided into more than three (3) single-faced or double-faced signs shall be permitted with a Use Permit in any zone except Residential Zones, in which such signs are not permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(3))

87.3.2.4.1 Signs, appurtenant to any permitted use, which do not exceed three (3) square feet per linear foot of the front lot line, shall be permitted in any commercial or industrial zone, subject to the limitations of this paragraph. Any lawfully existing lot shall be permitted to have a sign of at least fifty (50) square feet in size. The permitted sign(s) shall not exceed three hundred (300) square feet in the aggregate, and shall not be divided into more than six (6) single-faced or double-faced signs. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(4)(a))

87.3.2.4.2 Signs, whether appurtenant to a permitted use or not, and not limited as to size or number, may be permitted with a Special Permit in any commercial or industrial zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(4)(b))

87.3.2.5.1 Signs Permitted. Directional signs and/or guide signs may be located in any zone to indicate directions to public recreational areas, visitor serving facilities, and any other facilities for which the Director has determined that such a sign is necessary for the public convenience and/or safety. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(a))

87.3.2.5.2 Location. Signs shall be located only along arterial roadways and higher order streets. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(b))

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

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Title III Land Use and Development | Humboldt County Code

87.3.2.5.3.1 Directional signs shall contain only the name of the use(s), a directional arrow or a directional statement, and the approximate distance to the use(s). (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(c)(1))

87.3.2.5.3.2 Where feasible, directional signs shall be designed to accommodate more than one use. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(c)(2))

87.3.2.5.3.3 The display surface of any such sign shall not exceed twenty-four (24) by twenty-four (24) inches for each use, with a maximum aggregate area of display surface not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(c)(3))

87.3.2.5.4 Permit Required. A Special Permit is required for placement of a directional sign in any zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(d))

87.3.3 General Prohibitions on Signs. The following signs shall be prohibited in all zones except as provided in this Section. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C))

87.3.3.1 No sign shall endanger the public health and safety by causing distractions to operators of motor vehicles on public rights-of-way, such as may be caused by signs employing motion, sound, mechanical devices, blinkers, flashing lights, animation or unusual lighting. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(1))

87.3.3.2 No sign shall be erected adjacent to any right-of-way in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of operators of motor vehicles, or at any locations where, by reason of position, shape or color, such sign may interfere with, obstruct the vision of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words “stop,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse motor vehicle operators. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(2))

87.3.3.3 No red, green or amber lights or illuminated signs shall be placed in such a position that they could be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(3))

87.3.3.4 No sign shall be erected in such a manner as to obstruct free and clear vision of pedestrian traffic on rights-of-way or to otherwise endanger pedestrians. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(4)) (Ord. 2167, § 30, 4/7/ 1998; Ord. 2717, § 4, 6/27/2023)

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