Part 5 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES

313-131 Nonconforming Uses

131.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of these regulations is to establish the rights associated with nonconforming uses, and to establish conditions under which nonconforming uses may be expanded. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(A))

131.2 APPLICABILITY

These regulations shall apply to all nonconforming uses which were in conformance with the regulations applicable at the time the use commenced. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(B))

131.3 RIGHT TO CONTINUE AS A NONCONFORMING USE

A nonconforming use which is in existence on the effective date of these zoning regulations, or of any amendment thereto which makes such use nonconforming, may be continued indefinitely, except as otherwise specified in these regulations. Expansion or change to a use type that is not permitted by the County Zoning Regulations shall not be allowed, except as expressly provided by law, or expressly provided herein. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(C))

131.4 RIGHTS PERTAINING TO THE USE ITSELF

The rights pertaining to a nonconforming use shall be deemed to pertain to the use itself, regardless of the ownership of the land on which such nonconforming use is conducted, or the nature or the tenure of the occupancy thereof. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(E))

131.5 SPECIAL PERMIT REQUIRED FOR THE SUBSTITUTION OF NONCONFORMING USES

The Hearing Officer may approve a Special Permit for the substitution of a proposed nonconforming use for an existing nonconforming use if the substituted nonconforming use does not increase the degree of nonconformity and if the Hearing Officer makes all of the required findings in this Code. Substituted nonconforming uses approved pursuant to this section shall occupy the same area that is occupied by the existing nonconforming use. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(F))

131.6 TERMINATION OF NONCONFORMING USE

If any nonconforming use ceases for any reason for a continuous period of two years (2yr) or more, or is changed to or replaced by a conforming use, the land previously devoted to such nonconforming use shall become subject to all the current land use regulations for the zone in which such land is located, in the same way as it would if the nonconforming use had been expressly abandoned. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(I))

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

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131.7 NON-APPLICATION TO USE INITIATED OR CONSTRUCTED IN VIOLATION OF LAW

All of the foregoing provisions pertaining to nonconforming uses shall apply to all nonconforming uses existing on the original effective date of the regulations governing such nonconforming uses, and to all uses that become nonconforming by reason of any amendment thereof. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any use established in violation of law. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(J))

313-132 Nonconforming Structures

(See also, Section 313-131, Nonconforming Uses.)

132.1 PURPOSE

The purpose of these regulations is to establish the rights associated with nonconforming structures, and to establish conditions under which nonconforming structures may be expanded or structurally altered. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(A))

132.2 APPLICABILITY

These regulations shall apply to all nonconforming structures which were constructed in conformance with the County Building Regulations applicable at the time of initial construction, and/or subsequent alteration or modification. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(B))

132.3 RIGHT TO CONTINUE TO USE A NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE

A nonconforming structure which is in existence on the effective date of these zoning regulations, or any amendment thereto which makes such structure nonconforming, may be used and maintained indefinitely, except as otherwise specified in these regulations. No structural alterations to a nonconforming structure shall be allowed, except as expressly required by law or as expressly provided herein; unless the structural alterations conform with the applicable development standards of these zoning regulations. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(D))

132.4 RIGHTS PERTAINING TO THE STRUCTURE ITSELF

The rights pertaining to a nonconforming structure shall be deemed to pertain to the structure itself, regardless of the ownership of the land or of such nonconforming structure, or the nature or the tenure of the occupancy thereof. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(E))

132.5 EXPANSION, RECONSTRUCTION, STRUCTURAL ALTERATION OR REPLACEMENT OF NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES AND MANUFACTURED HOMES

132.5.1 Structural Alterations, Reconstruction, and Expansion to Existing Nonconforming Structures. The

Director or Hearing Officer may approve the structural alteration of an existing structure not conforming with development standards. Approval of a variance or other discretionary permit shall not be required for “one-forone” structural alterations. A structural alteration changing a flat roof to a pitched roof where no expansion of floor area is involved is determined to be a “one-for-one” structural alteration. A variance will be required for the

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total replacement or expansion of structures where such replacement or expansion of structures would not conform with development standards. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(G)(1))

132.5.2 Reconstruction of a Nonconforming Structure that is Damaged by any Casualty. The Director may

approve a Special Permit for the reconstruction of a nonconforming structure that is damaged by any casualty if application is made within two (2) years after such destruction or damage and if the Director makes all of the required findings in Chapter 2 of this Code. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(G)(2))

132.5.3 Replacement of Nonconforming Manufactured Homes. The Director may approve a Special Permit for the replacement of an existing nonconforming manufactured home by a newer manufactured home. The replacement manufactured home shall be set up on a standard foundation as required by the County Building Regulations, and the currently effective version of the Uniform Building Codes. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(G)(3))

132.6 SPECIAL PROVISIONS CONCERNING NONCONFORMING MANUFACTURED HOMES

132.6.1 Existing Manufactured Homes. Each existing manufactured home placed on an individual lot in accordance with the then applicable laws and Code sections may remain at the existing location without the construction of a foundation. The Use Permit for such manufactured home shall run with the land and shall be transferable to subsequent purchasers. If such manufactured home is moved to another individual lot not within a manufactured home park it must be placed upon a foundation. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(H)(1))

132.6.2 Replacement in Flood-Prone Area. If a nonconforming manufactured home or recreational vehicle is removed from an area which is subject to the Flood Hazard Area Regulations, the same manufactured home or recreational vehicle may be relocated on the same site within six (6) months and installed in accordance with the applicable regulations in effect at the time of the unit’s original installation. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(H)(2); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 28, 4/7/98)

132.7 NON-APPLICATION TO STRUCTURE CONSTRUCTED IN VIOLATION OF LAW

All of the foregoing provisions pertaining to nonconforming structures shall apply to all nonconforming structures existing on the original effective date of the regulations governing such nonconforming structures (unless otherwise indicated), and to all buildings that become nonconforming by reason of any amendment thereof. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any structure erected in violation of law. (Former Section CZ#A314-25(J))

313-133 through 313-134 (Sections Reserved for Future Use)

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C

313-135 General Rules for Construction of Language

135.1. The meaning and construction of words and phrases as set forth shall apply throughout the Zoning Regulations, except where the context of such words or phrases clearly indicates a different meaning or construction. Definitions contained in the Uniform Building Code shall be applicable except when in conflict with definitions contained in these Zoning Regulations, in which case the Zoning Regulations definition shall prevail. The following general rules of construction shall apply to the textual provisions of the Zoning Regulations: (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.1. Headings. Section and subsection headings contained herein shall not be deemed to govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of any provision of the Zoning Regulations. (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.2. Illustrations. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of any provision and any illustration, the text of the provision shall control. (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.3. Shall, May, and Should. “Shall” is always mandatory and not discretionary. “May” is permissive or discretionary. “Should” is advisory, in that it, like “may,” is not mandatory, but “should” indicates a policy preference of the County. (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.4. Tense, Number and Gender. Words used in the present tense include the past and future tense. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. The masculine gender includes the feminine and neuter gender, and neuter includes the masculine and feminine, and feminine includes masculine and neuter. (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.5. Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows: (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.5.1. “And” indicates that all connected items or provisions shall apply.

135.1.5.2. “Or” indicates that the connected items or provisions may apply singly or in any combination.

135.1.5.3. “Either...or” indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.

135.1.6. “Used” includes “arranged for,” “designed for,” “occupied,” or “intended to be occupied for.” (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

135.1.7. All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which reference is made are those of Humboldt County unless otherwise indicated. (Former Section CZ#A312-1)

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135.1.8. References to other laws and regulations. Whenever this Code refers to sections of this Code, State Law, or other statutes or regulations, the reference shall be construed to include any successor or amended provisions which have been adopted to replace, renumber, or otherwise change the section(s) reference from that which is contained in this Code.

313-136 Definitions (A)

Abutting: Land having a common property line or separated only by any alley, easement or private road. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Access: The place or way by which pedestrians and/or vehicles have usable ingress and egress to a property or use. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Access, Coastal Lateral: A recorded dedication or easement granting to the public the right to pass and repass over the dedicator’s real property generally parallel to the mean high tide line. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Access, Coastal Public: Public rights-of-way to and along coastal beaches and tidelands. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Access, Coastal Vertical: A recorded dedication or easement granting the public the privilege and right to pass and repass over the dedicator’s real property from a public road to the mean high tide line. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Accessory Building: (See, Building, Accessory)

Accessory Dwelling Unit: An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete

independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons, that includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same lot where a single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes a manufactured home, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007; and a tiny house or moveable tiny house as defined in this code. (See Residential Use Types, Accessory Dwelling Unit, in Section 313-139: Use Types; Tiny House, Section 313-155, Definitions (T); and Moveable Tiny House, Section 313-148, Definitions (M)).

Accessory Use: (See, Use, Accessory)

Acreage: Land customarily measured in terms of acres rather than square feet. The number of acres, extent in acres.

Address of Convenience: Nonresidential activities associated with any profession, occupation, or hobby, having no employees, receiving no deliveries at the address, and utilizing a private residence only for receiving mail, phone calls, or related record keeping (typically a mobile business). No more than one (1) truck or other motor vehicle of no larger than three-fourths (3/4) of a ton shall be permitted in conjunction with any Address of Convenience. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

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Additional Incentives: Means such regulatory concessions as specified in California Government Code Subsections 65915 (d) and (b). These include, but are not limited to, the reduction of site development standards or zoning code requirements, direct financial assistance, approval of mixed-use zoning in conjunction with the Housing Development, or any other regulatory incentive resulting in identifiable cost avoidance or reductions offered in addition to a Density Bonus. See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion. (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(1); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Adequate Off-Street Parking: Parking facilities sufficient to meet anticipated parking demand generated by a use or activity. (See, Section 313-109.1, Off-Street Parking, for parking requirements.)

Administrative Official: The Director of Community Development Services and/or other Planning Division employee designated by the Director. (From Section INL#312-5; Ord. 519, Sec. 205, 5/11/65)

Administrative Services: (See, Civic Use Types, Administrative, in Section D: Use Types.)

Affordable Rent: Means monthly housing expenses, including a reasonable allowance for utilities, for rental Target Units reserved for Very Low or Lower Income Households, not exceeding the following calculations:

a. Very Low Income: Fifty percent of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size, multiplied by thirty percent (30%) and divided by twelve (12). (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(2)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

b. Lower Income: Sixty percent of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size, multiplied by thirty percent (30%) and divided by twelve (12). (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(2)(b); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

(See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(2); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Affordable Sales Price: Means a sales price at which Lower or Very Low Income Households can qualify for the purchase of Target Units, calculated on the basis of underwriting standards of mortgage financing available for the development. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(3); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Aggrieved Person: Any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a public hearing, held by Humboldt County in accordance with these Zoning Regulations, or who, by other appropriate means prior to action on a development permit, or variance, informed the County of his or her concerns about the application for such permit or who, for good cause, was unable to do either, and who objects to the action taken on such permit and wishes to appeal such action to a higher authority. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Agricultural Activities: (See, Agricultural Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.)

Agricultural Land, Boundary of Transitional: (See, Section 313-35.1, Transitional Agricultural Lands.)

Agricultural Land: “Agricultural Land” shall mean all real property within the boundaries of Humboldt County which is designated in the General Plan, Local Coastal Program, or any plan element (in these regulations,

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“designations” or “planned”) and/or zoned for agricultural use. Such designations or zones shall include, but not be limited to Timber Production Zones (TPZ), Agricultural General (AG), Agricultural Exclusive (AE), and any other agricultural designations of zones which may exist or be established by the County in the future. (From Section INL#316.2-1(a); Added by Ord. 1662, Sec. 1, 11/27/84; Amended by Ord. 2138b, Sec. 1, 1/14/97)

Agricultural Land, Non Prime: Agricultural lands that are now in use for crops, grazing, or that are suitable for agriculture, other than Prime Agricultural Land, as defined in these regulations. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Agricultural Land, Prime: Per California Government Code Section 51201(c), or any successor provision thereto, with which it is intended that the following definitions be consistent: (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

a. All land which qualifies for rating as Class I or Class II in the Soil Conservation Service land use capability classification;

• b. Land which qualifies for rating 80-100 in the Storie Index Rating;

c. Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one (1) animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture;

d. Land planted with fruit or nut bearing trees, vines, bushes or crops which have a non-bearing period of less than five (5) years and which will normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than $200.00 per acre.

Agricultural Land, Transitional: A wetland that has been altered for production of crops, including pasture, hay, or other forage, but where hydrophytes typical of non-farmed wetlands will predominate if farming is discontinued. In Humboldt County, these areas are typically diked former tidal marshes or clearly defined nontidal sloughs used for hay or pasture. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Agricultural Operation: “Agricultural Operation” shall mean and include, but not be limited to, the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the production, irrigation, frost protection, cultivation, growing, harvesting, and processing of any agricultural commodity, including viticulture, horticulture, timber or apiculture, the raising of livestock, fur bearing animals, fish or poultry, and any commercial operations, including preparation for market, delivery to storage or to market, or to carriers for transportation to market. (From Section INL#316.2-1(b); Added by Ord. 1662, Sec. 1, 11/27/84; Amended by Ord. 1138b, Sec. 1, 1/14/97)

Agricultural Use Types: (See, Agricultural Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Airports: (See, Civic Use Types, Extensive Impact Civic Uses, in Section D: Use Types.)

Alley or Lane: A public or private way permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting properties and not intended for general traffic circulation. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Ambulance Services: (See, Civic Use Types, Essential Services, in Section D: Use Types.)

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Amendment: Any change, modification, deletion, or addition to the wording, text or substance of the Zoning Regulations or any change, modification, deletion, or addition to the application of the Zoning Regulations to property within Humboldt County, including any alteration in the boundaries of a zone, when adopted by ordinance passed by the Board of Supervisors in the manner prescribed by law. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Anadromous Fish Stream: (See, Streams, Anadromous Fish)

Animal Hospital: A building where animals are given medical or surgical treatment for compensation, and boarding of animals is incidental to such treatment. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Animal and/or Fish Product Processing: The preparation for wholesale distribution of animal and/or fish products, including but not limited to, slaughtering, fat rendering, fertilizer production, tanning, seafood packing and canning, and distillation of bones. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Animal and/or Fish Waste Product Processing: The processing of animal or fish waste and by-products including but not limited to animal manure, animal bedding waste, by-products from fish packing and a similar byproduct of an animal raising agricultural operation, or commercial fishing or fish processing operation, for use as a commercial fertilizer or soil amendment and including composting operations. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Aquaculture: The culture and husbandry of aquatic organisms, including, but not limited to, fish, shellfish, mollusks, crustaceans, kelp, and algae. “Aquaculture” does not include the culture and husbandry of commercially utilized inland crops, including, but not limited to, rice, watercress, and bean sprouts. (See also, Industrial Use Types, Aquaculture, in Section D: Use Types.) (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Automobile Repair:

a. Major: General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, including removal of same; motor vehicle, truck or trailer collision service, including body, frame or fender straightening or repair; over-all painting or body shop. (Former Section CZ#A312-3(a))

b. Minor: Upholstering, replacement of parts and motor service, not including removal of the motor, to passenger cars and trucks not exceeding one and one-half (1 1/2) tons capacity, but not including any operation under “automobile repair, major.” (Former Section CZ#A312-3(b))

Automobile Service, Gas or Filling Station: A commercial activity which provides servicing, washing and/or fueling of operating motor vehicles, including minor repairs, and the sales of merchandise and supplies incidental thereto. (Former Section CZ#A312-3)

Automobile Wrecking: The dismantling or wrecking of used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, or sale, or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts. The presence of five (5) or more non-operating vehicles on any lot or parcel of land for a period exceeding 30 days, and from which parts have been or are to be removed for reuse or sale shall constitute prima facie evidence of an automobile wrecking yard. (See also, “Wrecking and Salvage Yard.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-3) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023)

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313-137 Definitions (B)

Bankfull, Channel: The water surface elevation attained by a stream flowing at capacity, i.e., at a stage above which banks are overflowed. When the water fills the channel to the bankfull stage, its surface is level with the flood plain. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Barn: A building used for the shelter of livestock raised on the premises, the storage of agricultural products produced or consumed on the premises, or the storage and maintenance of farm equipment and agricultural supplies used for the agricultural operations on the premises. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Beach: A shore consisting at least partly of unconsolidated material deposited by the motion of waters. Most often that material is sand, but may be cobbles or shingle, such as a boulder or rocky beach. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Bedload, Average Annual: The average amount of gravel that is carried downstream in a normal year and deposited during the high water season. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Berm, Earthen: A mound or embankment of earth, together with necessary retaining structures. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Block: All property fronting upon one side of a street between intersecting and intercepting streets, or between a street and a right-of-way, waterway, terminus of dead end street, or city boundary. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of the street which it intercepts. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Bluff or Cliff Areas: A bluff or cliff is a scarp or steep face of rock, decomposed rock, sediment, or soil resulting from erosion, faulting, folding or excavation of the land mass. The cliff or bluff may be simple planar or curved surface, or it may be step-like in section. For the purposes of this ordinance, “cliff” or “bluff” is limited to those features having vertical relief of ten (10) feet or more, and “sea cliff” is a cliff whose toe is or may be subject to marine erosion. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Bluff Edge or Cliff Edge: The upper termination of a bluff, cliff or sea cliff. When the top edge of the cliff is rounded away from the face of the cliff as a result of erosion processes related to the presence of a steep cliff face, the edge shall be defined as that point nearest the cliff beyond which the downward gradient of the land surface increases more or less continuously until it reaches the general gradient of the cliff. In a case where there is a step-like feature at the top of the cliff face, the landward edge of the topmost riser shall be taken to be the cliff edge. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Bluff, Coastal: Those bluffs, the toe of which is now or was historically (generally within the last 200 years) subject to marine erosion; and those bluffs, the toe of which is not now or was not historically subject to marine erosion, but the toe of which lies within an area otherwise identified as a State Coastal Commission appeals area. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Board of Supervisors: The Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County, California. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

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Boarding House: A dwelling or part thereof where meals and/or lodging are provided for compensation, by agreement for definite periods of time, for three or more persons who do not constitute a family. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Boating Facilities: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, Boating Facilities, in Section D: Use Types.)

Borrow Pit: An excavation created for the surface mining of rock, unconsolidated geologic deposits or soil which is used off-site. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Boundary of Transitional Agricultural Land: (See, Transitional Agriculture Land Regulations at Section 313-35.1, Transitional Agricultural Lands.)

Boundary of a Wetland: (See, Wetland, Boundary of)

Building: Any roofed structure intended for use as human shelter, or shelter or enclosure of animals or property. When such a structure is divided into separate parts by one (1) or more unpierced walls extending from the ground or foundation up, each part is deemed a separate building (does not count towards minimum size yard requirements). (See also, “Structure”) (Former Section CZ#A312-4; INL#312-15; Ord. 519, Sec. 215, 5/11/65)

a. Accessory: A detached subordinate building located on the same lot as the building or use to which it is accessory. The accessory building is incidental and subordinate to the use of the principal building or to the principal use of the lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

b. Detached: Any accessory or main building that does not share at least ten (10) feet of a common wall with any other accessory or main building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

c. Height: Heights of buildings and structures shall be measured from the average elevation of the ground covered by the structure to the highest point on the roof. Other objects projecting from or attached to the roof, such as chimneys, stacks, air conditioning equipment, parapet walls, and conventional television antennae are not included in calculating the highest point. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

d. Main: A building in which the principal use of the building site is conducted. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

e. Site: One lot, or two or more lots when used in combination for a building or permitted group of buildings, together with all yards and open spaces as required by these regulations. (See also, Lot.) (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Building Type: The structural types and arrangements of buildings, and the arrangement of uses within them. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Building Type, Mixed Residential-Nonresidential: A group of building types that comprise the following:

a. Limited: A building containing one (1) or more dwelling units (1+du) in any vertical or horizontal arrangement and in which principal nonresidential use types are located only at the ground level, or at any level below the ground level of the building or structure. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

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b. Unlimited: One (1) or more buildings containing one (1) or more dwelling units (1+du) in any vertical or horizontal arrangement and in which principal nonresidential use types may be located on any level of the building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Building Type, Nonresidential: A group of building types that comprise the following:

a. Detached: A single main building, freestanding and structurally separated from other accessory buildings, located on a lot or building site which contains no other main building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

b. Attached: Two or more main buildings placed side-by-side with at least ten (10) feet of common wall, located on a lot or building site or portion thereof which may be either occupied or unoccupied by other main buildings. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

c. Multiple/Group: Two or more main buildings, which may be attached, freestanding or both, located on a lot or building site or portion thereof, which may be either occupied or unoccupied by other main buildings. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Building Type, Residential: A group of building types that comprise the following:

a. Single Detached: One (1) dwelling unit, freestanding and structurally separated from any other dwelling unit or building, located on a lot or building site which is unoccupied by any other dwelling unit or main building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

b. Duplex: Two (2) dwelling units with at least ten (10) feet of a common wall, structurally separated from any other dwelling unit or building and located on a lot or building site which contains no other dwelling unit or main building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4; Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 1, 4/7/98)

c. Multiple Unit: A building containing at least three (3) dwelling units in any vertical or horizontal arrangement, located on a lot or building site which contains no other dwelling unit or main building. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

d. Manufactured Home: A structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight (8) feet or more in width, or forty (40) feet or more in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities; except that a manufactured home constructed to the standards required by the County Building Regulations for a Single Detached Residential Building Type shall be classified as a Single Detached Residential Building Type. The manufactured home building type includes mobile homes. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

e. Ancillary Residential: A dwelling which is not the principal residence or main building on a lot or parcel, such as an accessory dwelling unit, guest house, caretaker’s residence, farm laborers’ residence, etc. (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Bus Depots: (See, Civic Use Types, Extensive Impact, in Section D: Use Types.) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023; Ord. 2733, § 3, 3/5/2024)

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313-138 Definitions (C)

Camp, Labor: (See, Residential Use Types, Labor Camp, in Section D: Use Types.)

Camping Party: “Camping Party” as used in this Code has the same meaning as stated in Sec. 18203.2 of the California Health and Safety Code (Camping Party), which is a person or group of not more than 10 persons occupying a campsite for not more than 30 days annually. (Ord. 2167, § 2, 4/7/1998)

Campground, Public: (See, Commercial Use Types, Visitor Serving Facilities in Section D: Use Types. (See also, use type descriptions for: Recreational Vehicle Park.)

Cannabis Farm Stay: (See, Farm Stay.)

Caretaker’s Residence: (See, Residential Use Types, Caretaker’s Residence, in Section D: Use Types.)

Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including, but not limited to, columbariums, crematories, mausoleums, mortuaries and chapels when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of the cemetery. Cemetery also includes any activity or business designed for the benefit, service, convenience, education or spiritual uplift of property owners or persons visiting the cemetery, if the activity or business is operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of the cemetery, and is both compatible with the purpose of the cemetery and incidental thereto. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

CEQA: The California Environmental Quality Act, commencing with Section 21000 of the Public Resources Code, or any successor provisions thereto. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

City: Any incorporated city in Humboldt County. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Civic Use Types: (See, Civic Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Clinic: Any place, establishment, or institution which operates under the name or title of clinic, dispensary, health center, medical center, or any other word or phrase of like or similar import. Such clinics may operate either independently or in connection with any other use, and shall be for the purpose of furnishing at such clinics advice, diagnosis, treatment, appliances or apparatus to persons who are not residing or confined in the clinic, and who are afflicted with bodily or mental disease or injury. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

CNEL-Ldn: Means “Community Noise Equivalent Level - Day-Night Average Level.” (See, California Government Code Section 65302.)

Coach, Commercial: A structure transportable in one (1) or more sections, designed and equipped for human occupancy for industrial, professional or commercial purposes, which is required to be moved under permit, and shall include a trailer coach. (See, Section 18218, Health and Safety Code, or any successor provision thereto). (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

Coastal Access: (See, Access, Coastal Public)

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

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Coastal Access Program: Includes the policies of the Land Use Plan for acquiring, improving and managing access within the Coastal Zone.

Coastal Commission: The California Coastal Commission, formerly known as the California Coastal Zone Conservation Commission, or any successor agency thereto. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

Coastal-Dependent Development or Use: (See, Development or Use, Coastal-Dependent)

Coastal-Dependent Recreation: (See, Commercial Use Types, Coastal-Dependent Recreation, in Section D: Use Types.)

Coastal-Related Development: (See, Development, Coastal-Related)

Coastal-Development Permit: (See, Permit, Coastal-Development)

Coastal Streams: (See, Stream, Coastal)

Coastal View: (See, View, Coastal)

Coastal View Area: (See, View Area, Coastal)

Coastal Zone, Humboldt County: The portion of the California Coastal Zone, as defined in the Public Resources Code, which lies within the jurisdiction of the County of Humboldt and as mapped by the California Legislature on 7.5-minute USGS quadrangle maps. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

Collector Road: (See, Classification of streets in Division 2, Section 4 of Title III of the Code.)

College: A college, junior college or university supported by public funds, or a private college, junior college or university which gives comparable general academic instruction and degrees. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

Commercial Coach: (See, Coach, Commercial)

Commercial Recreation Facilities: (See, Commercial Use Types, Commercial Recreation, in Section D: Use Types.)

Commercial Timber Use Types: (See, Commercial Timber Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Commercial Uses, General Description of: (See, Commercial Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Communication Equipment Building: (See, Building Type, Nonresidential, Communication Equipment)

Communication Transmission Facilities: (See, Civic Use Types, Generation and Transmission Facilities, Minor; and Civic Use Types, Electric Distribution Lines, Major, in Section D: Use Types.)

Community Care Facility Use Type: (See Residential Use Types, Community Care Facility, in Section D: Use Types.) (See also, “Family Day Care Center” and “Family Day Care Home”)

Conditional Use: (See, Use, Conditional)

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

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Consolidated Play Surface: Any impervious area, including but not limited to irrigated turf, or open space land suitable for informal recreation opportunities and/or informal sports activities. (Also see, “Useable Open Space”.) (From Section INL#312-21.3; Added by Ord. 2103, Sec. 1, 1/9/96)

Construction, On-Site: Actual construction of the permitted development. “Construction” also includes earth moving activities, such as excavation, compaction and the creation of fills and embankments which are required to prepare a site for construction of structures, roads, landscaping and other improvements. Excavations, fills, grades or embankments which of themselves constitute engineered works such as dams, road cuts, fills, catchment basins or levees are on-site construction. Roads are improvements. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

avation, compaction and the creation of fills and embankments which are required to prepare a site for construction of structures, roads, landscaping and other improvements. Excavations, fills, grades or embankments which of themselves constitute engineered works such as dams, road cuts, fills, catchment basins or levees are on-site construction. Roads are improvements. (Former Section CZ#A312-5)

Convalescent Home: (See, Private Institution or Rest Home)

Corner Lot: (See, Lot, Corner)

Cottage Industry/Cottage Industry Use Type: (See, Industrial Use Types, Cottage Industry, in Section D: Use Types.)

County: The County of Humboldt. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Court: An open, unoccupied space, not including a yard. The space shall be on the same lot with a building or group of buildings that are bound on two or more sides. (From Section INL#312-19; Ord. 519, Sec. 219, 5/11/65)

Coverage, Ground: (See, Lot Coverage) (Ord. 2733, § 3, 3/5/2024)

313-139 Definitions (D)

Day: A continuous 24 hour period, commencing at 1-minute past midnight unless otherwise specified.

De Minimus Waiver: The waiver of some Coastal Development Permit requirements for development that 1) is consistent with the certified LCP, and 2) involves no potential for any adverse effect; either individually or cumulatively on coastal resources or public access to coastal resources where acquired through use or legislative authorization. (Ord. 2167, § 3, 4/7/1998)

Density: A means of describing population distribution over an area of land. Density is typically expressed as a number of dwelling units or uses allowed on a given amount of acreage (for example: one to seven units per acre (1-7du/a); one dwelling per twenty acres (1du/20a)). Density does not set minimum parcel size; that is done by the zoning. Other types of densities include: (From Section INL#312-22.1(a); Former Section CZ#A312-6)

a. Density, Minimum Parcel Size: The smallest parcel size allowed by the plan or the zone (example: 40-acre minimums or, 20 through 160 acres per parcel). (From Section INL#312-22.1(c))

b. Density, Planned: The density anticipated to be achievable and appropriate for a given area; the density specified for the area in the General Plan, Community Plan, or Local Coastal Program Plan. (From Section INL#312-22.1(b))

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

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Density Bonus: Means a minimum density increase of at least twenty-five percent (25%) unless a lesser percentage is elected by the applicant over the otherwise Maximum Residential Density under the certified LCP. The amount of density bonus to which the applicant is entitled shall vary according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing units exceeds the percentage established in Section 313-111. For each 1 percent increase above 10 percent in the percentage of units affordable to lower income households, the density bonus shall be increased by 1.5 percent up to a maximum of 35 percent. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(4); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Density Bonus Housing Agreement: Means a legally binding agreement between a developer and the County to ensure that the requirements of the Residential Density Bonus Section are satisfied. The agreement, among other things, shall establish: the number of Target Units, their size, location, terms and conditions of affordability, and production schedule. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(5); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Density Bonus Unit: Means those residential units granted pursuant to the provisions of the Residential Density Bonus Section that exceed the otherwise Maximum Residential Density for the development site. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(6); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Developed Lot: A lot on which development has occurred. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Development: On land, in or under water:

a. the placement or erection of any solid material or structure; discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid, solid or thermal waste; (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

• b. grading, removing, dredging, mining or extraction of any materials; (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

c. change in the density or intensity of use of land, including, but not limited to, subdivision pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (commencing with Section 66410 of the Government Code), and any other division of land, including lot splits, except where the land division is brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for public recreational use; (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

d. change in the intensity of use of water, or of access thereto; construction, reconstruction, demolition or alteration of the size of any structure, including any facility of any private, public or municipal utility; and (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

e. the removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes, kelp harvesting and timber operations which are in accordance with a timber harvesting plan submitted pursuant to Public Resources Code Section 4511 and following. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Development or Use, Coastal-Dependent: Any development or use in the Coastal Zone which requires a site on, or adjacent to, the sea to be able to function at all. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Development, Coastal-Related: Any use in the Coastal Zone that is dependent on a Coastal-Dependent development or use. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

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

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Development Regulations: Those elements of the zoning code which regulate aspects of physical development; including, but not limited to density, lot size, building type, building height, lot coverage and setback requirements. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Dike: A bank constructed to control or confine tidal waters. (See, “Levee” for banks which control non-tidal waters.) (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Diking: The construction, maintenance and repair of dikes. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Distance Between Structures: The shortest horizontal distance measured between the vertical walls of two structures. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Division: The Planning Division of Humboldt County Community Development Services.

Drainage Course, Natural: Any well-defined channel, other than a coastal or non-coastal stream, with a distinguishable bed and bank showing evidence of having contained flowing water indicated by deposit of rock, sand, gravel, or soil, including, but not limited to, an ephemeral stream which flows only in direct response to precipitation. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Drainage Works: Any combination of dikes, levees, tidegates, floodgates, spillways, or natural or artificial drainage channels which are constructed, operated, or maintained for the purpose of preventing or reducing tidal or surface water inundation of land. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Dredging: The removal, from a body of water, a wetland, or a drainage course, of either original or recently deposited bottom material, or any other excavation in a body of water, a wetland, or a drainage course. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Dune: A low hill or bank of drifted sand. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

Duplex: (See, Building Type, Residential, Duplex)

Dwelling: (See, Building Type, Residential)

Dwelling Unit: A room or combination of rooms including one and only one kitchen (unless otherwise specified in these regulations), and designed or occupied as living or sleeping purposes for a person or family. (Former Section CZ#A312-6)

313-140 Definitions (E)

Earthen Berm: (See, Berm, Earthen)

Easement: A recorded right or interest in the land of another, which entitles a holder thereof to a use, privilege or benefit over said land. (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Emergency Vehicle: (See, Vehicle, Emergency)

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

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Employee, Farm: (See Farm Employee)

Energy Facility: Any public or private processing, producing, generating, storing, transmitting, or recovering facility for electricity, natural gas, petroleum, coal, or other source of energy. (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Environmental Impact Report (EIR): A report which analyzes the environmental effects of a proposed project pursuant to the CEQA. (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas: (See, Habitat Areas, Environmentally Sensitive)

Equivalent Financial Incentive: Means a monetary contribution, based upon a land cost per dwelling unit value, equal to one (1) of the following:

a. A Density Bonus and an Additional Incentive(s); or (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(7)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

b. A Density Bonus, where an Additional Incentive(s) is not requested or is determined to be unnecessary. (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(7)(b)); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

(See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(7); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Expansion: An alteration of a structure that results in an increase in size, either in extent or bulk, or an increase in area or volume. (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Exploration or Prospecting: The search for minerals by geological, geophysical, geochemical or other techniques, including but not limited to, sampling, assaying, drilling, or any surface or underground works needed to determine the type, extent or quality of the minerals present. (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Exterior Side Yard: (See, Yard, Side, Exterior)

Exterior Wall: (See, Wall, Exterior)

Exterior Lot Line: (See, Lot Line, Exterior)

Extractive Use Types: (See Extractive Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

313-141 Definitions (F)

Family: A person living alone or a group of persons living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit. “Family” does not include a group occupying a boarding house, lodging house, motel or hotel, fraternity or sorority house. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Family Day Care Center: (See Residential Use Types in Section D: Use Types.) (See also, “Community Care Facility” and “Family Day Care Home.”)

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Family Day Care Home: (See Residential Use Types, Family Day Care Home, in Section D: Use Types.) (See also, “Community Care Facility” and “Family Day Care Center.”)

Farm Employee: Any person who derives more than half of his total livelihood as an “agricultural employee” as defined by the Alatorre-Zenovich-Dunlap-Berman Agricultural Labor Relations Act of 1975, (California Labor Code Sec. 1140.4(b). (Former Section CZ#A312-7)

Farm Employee Housing Use Type: (See, Residential Use Types, Farm Employee Housing, in Section D: Use Types.)

Farm Stay: Farm stays are a form of short-term rental that provides activities and experiences that educate guests about local agriculture and are located on parcels where the primary use of the land is agriculture and where the owner, or farm tenant, reside on the property.

Farming: The management or cultivation of land for the production of crops, livestock, or timber. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Farmed Wetland: (See, Agricultural Land, Transitional)

Feasible: Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Federal or Federal Government: The Government of the United States of America. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Feed Lot: A large yard with pens or stables, other than those part of a typical livestock ranch, where cattle, sheep, or similar animals are kept for finishing, shipment or slaughter. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Fill: A deposit of earth or other material by artificial means. (See also, Fill of Wetlands.) (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Fill of Wetlands: Earth or other substance or material, including piling, placed for the purpose of erecting structures thereon, placed in a wetland or a submerged area. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Finding: A specific determination made relative to a given set of circumstances upon which a subsequent decision will be predicated. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Finished Grade: (See, Grade, Finished)

Fire Station: Any structure used for the purpose of housing fire trucks, fire-fighting personnel and related equipment owned and operated by a district providing fire protection, or a fire protection entity organized pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 14825 and following. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Fish Waste Processing: (See, Animal and/or Fish Waste Product Processing)

Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, Fish and Wildlife Habitat Management, in Section D: Use Types.)

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

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Flag Lot: (See, Lot, Flag)

Flea Market: (See, Swap Lot.)

Flood: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas as a result of the overflow of inland or tidal water and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation or run-off of surface waters from any source. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Flood, 100-Year (or Base Flood): A flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Flood Hazard Areas or 100-Year Flood Plain: Those areas subject to inundation within the 100-year floodway and flood plain as identified on the Federal Insurance Administration’s Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Humboldt County. Tsunami runup areas identified on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 100-year recurrence maps, by other scientific or historic studies and other known areas of tsunami risk. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

ood Plain:** Those areas subject to inundation within the 100-year floodway and flood plain as identified on the Federal Insurance Administration’s Federal Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) for Humboldt County. Tsunami runup areas identified on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 100-year recurrence maps, by other scientific or historic studies and other known areas of tsunami risk. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Flood Plain: The area subject to inundation by a 100-year or base flood. (See also, Flood Hazard Areas.) (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Flood Plain Fringe: The part of the flood plain outside of the floodway. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Floodgate: A structure located within a levee or dike with a valve designed to permit one way drainage of surface water from land to a wetland, river, or estuary and to prevent inundation of the land. (See also, Tidegate) (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Floodway (or Regulatory Floodway): The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Floor Area: The total of the gross horizontal areas of all floors, including usable basements and cellars, below the roof and within the outer surfaces of the exterior walls of principal or accessory buildings. (Former Section CZ#A312-8)

Front Lot Line: (See, Lot Line, Front)

Front Yard: (See, Yard, Front)

Frontage: The length of any property line of a lot, which lot line abuts a legally accessible street or other right-ofway. (Former Section CZ#A312-8) (Ord. 2749, § 3, 10/1/2024; Ord. 2733, § 3, 3/5/2024)

313-142 Definitions (G)

Garage, Private: An accessory building or a portion of a building designed for the storage of operating motor vehicles, camping trailers or boats belonging to owners or occupants of the site and their guests, including a covered parking space or carport. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

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

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Garage, Public: Any building or portion thereof or premises, except those herein defined as a private garage, used for the storage or care of operating motor vehicles, trailers and/or boats or where any such are equipped for operation or repair or kept for remuneration and hire. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Garage, Storage: Any structure or portion thereof or premises, except those herein defined as private garages, used exclusively for the storage for remuneration or hire of self-propelled vehicles, trailers and boats.

General Plan: The Humboldt County General Plan. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Generator, Wind: (See, Wind Generator)

Geologic Hazards: Any of the following: (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

• a. Seismic hazard areas delineated on fault maps as subject to potential surface rupture, on soil maps indicating materials particularly prone to shaking or liquefaction and in local and regional seismic safety plans;

• b. Landslide hazard areas delineated on slope stability maps and local and regional geologic or safety plans;

• c. Beach areas subject to erosion; and

• d. Other geologic hazards such as expansive soils and subsidence areas.

Grade: The average of the finished ground level at the center of all walls of a building. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Grade, Finished: The finished surface of the ground after grading for development. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Grade, Natural: The surface of the ground prior to the grading for development. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Greenhouse: A facility for indoor propagation of plants, constructed with transparent or translucent panels. (See, Section 313-69.1, Accessory Structures. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Ground Level: Ground level shall mean and include the natural or finished grade, surface or contour of a site. (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

Guest House/Guest House Use Type: The Guest House Use Type refers to living quarters within a detached accessory building for the sole use of persons employed on the premises or for temporary use by guests of the occupants of the premises, which living quarters have no kitchen facilities and are not otherwise used as a separate dwelling. (See also, Residential Use Types, Guest House, in Section D: Use Types.) (Former Section CZ#A312-9)

313-143 Definitions (H)

Habitable Room: (See, Room, Habitable)

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

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Habitat Areas, Environmentally Sensitive: Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments, including: (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

• a. Areas of special Biological Significance as identified by the State Water Resources Control Board;

• b. Rare and endangered species listed in Sections 670.2 or 670.5 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, or Sections 17.11 or 17.12 of Title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, pursuant to the Federal Endangered Species Act as rare, threatened or endangered;

• c. All coastal wetlands and lagoons;

• d. Tidepools and near-shore reefs;

• e. Sea caves, islets and offshore rocks;

• f. Kelp beds;

• g. Indigenous dune plant habitat;

• h. Federally designated wilderness and primitive areas;

• i. Rivers, creeks, and associated riparian habitats; and

• j. Rookeries for herons and egrets.

Hazard Area, Flood: (See, Flood Hazard Areas or 100-Year Flood Plain)

Hazard Areas, Geologic: (See, Geologic Hazard Areas)

Hazardous Industrial Use Type: (See, Industrial Use Types, Hazardous Industrial, in Section D: Use Types.)

Heavy Commercial Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Heavy Industrial Use Type: (See, Industrial Use Types, Heavy Industrial, in Section D: Use Types.)

Hearing Officer: The Director of Community Development Services or the designee of the Director, Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, or other designee of the Board of Supervisors. (Former Section CZ#A312-2; Ord. 946, Sec. 2, 10/2/73)

Height, Building and Other Structures: Heights of buildings and structures shall be measured vertically from the average ground level of the ground covered by the building to the highest point of the roof. Chimneys, stacks, vents, flagpoles, conventional television reception antennas, elevator, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment, solar water heating equipment, parapet walls and similar architectural and mechanical appurtenances shall be excluded in calculating the measurement. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Higher Order Street: (See, Classification of streets in Division 2, Section 4 of Title III of the Code.)

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

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Home Occupation: An accessory use of a nonresidential nature which is performed within a dwelling unit, by an occupant of the living unit and which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling unit. Home occupations are subject to the Home Occupation Regulations in this Chapter. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Home, Rest: (See, Rest Home)

Home-Share Rental: Short-term rental of a portion of a dwelling unit where the caretaker remains in residence.

Horse Keeping: (See, Stable, Private and Stable, Public)

Hospital: An institution which specializes in giving clinical, temporary and emergency services of a medical or surgical nature to injured persons and which maintains and operates 24-hour inpatient services for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Any hospital shall be properly licensed by all applicable local, State and/or Federal agencies. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Hospital, Animal: A building where animals are given medical treatment for compensation and where the boarding of animals is incidental to such treatment. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

Hotel: Any building or portion thereof containing living quarters or dwelling units and designed for or intended to be used by transient guests, whether the compensation or hire be paid directly or indirectly, and shall include resort hotel, lodging house, rooming house, dormitory, residence club, fraternity, sorority and other similar uses. (Former Section CZ#A312-10)

House, Boarding: (See, Boarding House)

Housing Cost: Means the sum of actual or projected monthly payments for all of the following associated with forsale Target Units: principal and interest on a mortgage loan, including any loan insurance fees, property taxes and assessments, fire and casualty insurance, property maintenance and repairs, homeowner association fees, and a reasonable allowance for utilities. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(8); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Units: principal and interest on a mortgage loan, including any loan insurance fees, property taxes and assessments, fire and casualty insurance, property maintenance and repairs, homeowner association fees, and a reasonable allowance for utilities. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(8); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Housing Development: Means construction projects consisting of five (5) or more residential units, including single family, multifamily, and manufactured homes for sale or rent. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(9); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Humboldt County Coastal Zone: (See, Coastal Zone, Humboldt County)

Hydrophytic Plant: (See, Plant, Hydrophytic) (Ord. 2733, § 3, 3/5/2024)

313-144 Definitions (I)

Incidental Public Service Purposes: Includes, but is not limited to, burying cables or pipes or inspection of piers and maintenance of existing intake and outfall lines, that temporarily impact the resources of a habitat area. (Former Section CZ#A312-11)

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

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Industrial Use Types: (See, Industrial Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Industry, Coastal-Dependent: (See, Industrial Use Types, Coastal-Dependent, in Section D: Use Types.)

Industry, Coastal-Related: (See, Industrial Use Types, Coastal-Related, in Section D: Use Types.)

Industry, Cottage: (See, Industrial Use Types, Cottage Industry, in Section D: Use Types.)

Industry, Hazardous: (See, Industrial Use Types, Hazardous Industrial, in Section D: Use Types.)

Institution, Private: (See, Private Institution)

Instruction, Commercial: Schools or classes operated within a building to give instruction in any art, profession, trade or business, for compensation, and including but not limited to, instruction in cosmetology, hairdressing, barbering, bartending, music, dancing, typing, shorthand or other business skills, electronics or engineering. (Former Section CZ#A312-11)

Intensive Agriculture: (See, Agricultural Use Types, Intensive Agriculture, in Section D: Use Types.

Interior Side Yard: (See, Yard, Side, Interior)

313-145 Definitions (J)

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit: An attached unit that is no more than five hundred (500) square feet contained entirely within a single-family residence that may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure and that includes an efficiency kitchen.

Junk Yard: (See, Wrecking and Salvage Yard) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023)

313-146 Definitions (K)

Kennel: Any premises, except those accessory to an agriculture use, where five (5) or more small domestic animals, not sick or injured, are boarded for compensation or cared for or trained for hire, or are kept for sale or breeding purposes. (Former Section CZ#A312-13; Ord. 519, Sec. 237, 5/11/65)

Kitchen or Kitchenette: Any space used or designated to be used for cooking and preparing food, whether the cooking unit be permanent or temporary and portable. (Former Section CZ#A312-13)

313-147 Definitions (L)

Labor Camp/Labor Camp Use Type: (See, Residential Use Types, Labor Camp, in Section D: Use Types.)

Land, Non Prime Agricultural: (See, Agricultural Land, Non Prime)

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

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Land, Prime Agricultural: (See, Agricultural Land, Prime)

Land, Transitional Agricultural: (See, Agricultural Land, Transitional)

Landforms, Natural: Bluffs, cliffs, rock outcrops and other geomorphic features. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lateral Access: (See, Access, Coastal Lateral)

LCP: (See, Local Coastal Program)

Levee: A bank constructed to control or confine non-tidal flood waters. (Also see, “Dike” for banks which control tidal waters.) (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Licensed Premises: Premises licensed by the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for the sale and consumption on the premises of alcoholic beverages. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Living Quarters: One (1) or more rooms in a building designed, intended for or used by one (1) or more individuals for living or sleeping purposes, but which does not have cooking facilities. (From INL#312-42; Ord. 519, Sec. 241, 5/11/65)

Loading Space: An area, other than a street or alley, on the same lot with a building or group of buildings which is permanently reserved and maintained for the temporary parking of commercial vehicles while loading or unloading merchandise or materials. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Local Coastal Program (LCP): The land use plans, zoning ordinances, and zoning district maps of a local governmental entity, which, when taken together, meet the requirements of, and implement the provisions and policies of, the California Coastal Act at the local level. (Reference: Section 30108.6, Public Resources Code.) (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot: Either of the following:

a. A parcel of contiguous real property shown as a delineated parcel of land with a number or other designation on a map of subdivision recorded in the Humboldt County Recorder’s office; or (Former Section CZ#A312-14(a))

b. A parcel of real property, not described in (a) above, that qualifies for a certificate of subdivision compliance pursuant to Government Code Section 66499.35. (Former Section CZ#A312-14(b))

Lot Area: (See, Lot Size)

Lot, Corner: A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection, or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135 degrees, but not less than 45 degrees. The front of a corner lot shall be the portion of the lot adjacent to the shorter street frontage. (Former Section CZ#A312-14; INL#312-43(b); INL#312-76(b))

Lot Coverage: The percentage of lot size covered by the vertical projection of any structure, excluding any structure not extending above grade. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

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

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Lot Depth: The horizontal distance between the rear lot line and the midpoint of the front lot line, measured back from said midpoint in the mean direction of the side lot lines. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot, Double Frontage: A lot, other than a corner lot, with more than one lot line abutting a road right-of-way. (See also, Lot, Through) (Former Section CZ#A312-14; Added by Ord. 1853, 12/20/88)

Lot, Flag: Lots with narrow street frontage and a long driveway or strip of land connecting with the street. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot Line: Any property line bounding a lot. When the specific lot line definitions are not applicable due to irregularity in the shape of the lot, lot lines shall be determined by the Administrative Official subject to review by the Planning Commission. When a road, street or highway does not have a right-of-way of record, either by deed or map, the lot line shall be deemed to be twenty-five (25) feet from the centerline of the traveled way. When a State highway does not have a right-of-way of record either by deed or map, the lot line shall be deemed to be thirty (30) feet from the centerline of the traveled way. (Former Section CZ#A312-14; Added by Ord. 1853, 12/20/ 88)

Lot Line, Exterior: A property line abutting a public or private road or street. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot Line, Front: The line separating the front of the lot from the street right-of-way. The front of a corner lot shall be the portion of the lot adjacent to the shorter street frontage. When a lot or building site is bounded by a public street and one (1) or more alleys or private easements or private streets, the front lot line shall be the lot line that is nearest to the public street. Where a lot fronts on a public road which does not have a right-of-way of record, see the definition of “Lot Line” to determine the location of the front lot line. In the case of a flag lot, the front lot lines shall also include the lines or portion of lines necessary to ensure adequate vehicular turnaround, as determined by the Director in conjunction with the Department of Public Works. (Former Section CZ#A312-14; INL#312-43(b); INL#312-76(b); Amended by Ord. 1853, 12/20/88)

Lot Line, Rear: The record lot line most distant from and generally opposite the front lot line. Exception: In the case of an interior triangular or wedge-shaped lot, it shall mean a straight line ten (10) feet in length which: (a) is approximately parallel to the front lot line; and (b) intersects the two other lot lines at points most distant from the front lot line. Where the rear lot line abuts a street which does not have a right-of-way of record, see the definition of “Lot Line” to determine the location of the rear lot line. (Former Section CZ#A312-14 ; Amended by Ord. 1853, 12/20/88)

n (10) feet in length which: (a) is approximately parallel to the front lot line; and (b) intersects the two other lot lines at points most distant from the front lot line. Where the rear lot line abuts a street which does not have a right-of-way of record, see the definition of “Lot Line” to determine the location of the rear lot line. (Former Section CZ#A312-14 ; Amended by Ord. 1853, 12/20/88)

Lot Line, Side: Any lot line which is not a front lot line or rear lot line. Where the side lot line abuts a public road which does not have a right-of-way of record, see the definition of “Lot Line” to determine the location of the side lot line. (Former Section CZ#A312-14 ; Amended by Ord. 1853, 12/20/88)

Lot, Manufactured Home: (See, Manufactured Home Lot)

Lot, Mobilehome: (See, Manufactured Home Lot)

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Lot Size (includes “Lot Area”): The total area of a lot. For lots less than one acre (1a) in size, lot size shall be the total area of a lot, exclusive of any street, measured horizontally between bordering lot lines. (See also, Density, Minimum Parcel Size) (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot, Substandard: A lot which has been lawfully separated from adjoining property by map or a metes and bounds description, as on a deed, but which does not meet the standards required by the current zoning for a lot or building site. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot, Through: A lot fronting on two parallel or approximately parallel streets. (See also, Lot, Double Frontage) (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot Width: The mean of the horizontal distances between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at points distant thereon twenty (20) feet from the front lot line and twenty (20) feet from the rear lot line. (Former Section CZ#A312-14)

Lower Income: Sixty percent of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size, multiplied by thirty percent (30%) and divided by twelve (12). (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(2)(b); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Lower Income Household: Means households whose income does not exceed the lower income limits applicable to Humboldt County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(10); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

313-148 Definitions (M)

Main Building: (See, Building, Main)

Maintenance: To support, keep and continue in an existing state or condition without decline or deterioration. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Manufactured Home: A structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight (8) feet or more in width, or forty (40) body feet or more in length, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities; except that a manufactured home constructed to the standards required by the County Building Regulations for a Single Detached Residential Building Type shall be classified as a Single Detached Residential Building Type. The manufactured home building type includes mobilehomes. (See, Health and Safety Code Sections 18000 and 18200 and following.) (Also see, Manufactured Home Park Development, in Section D: Use Types.) (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Manufactured Home Lot: An area or tract of land or portion of a manufactured home park designated or used for the occupancy of one manufactured home. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

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Manufactured Home Park Development Use Type: (See, Residential Use Types, Manufactured Home Park Development, in Section D: Use Types.)

Manufacturing: (See, Industrial Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.)

Marine Petroleum Transfer Facility: Any facility that handles, stores, transfers, ships, or receives oil, petroleum products, or natural gas liquids from or to waterborne carriers or offshore production facilities. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Maximum Residential Density: Means the maximum number of residential units permitted by the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance at the time of application, excluding the provisions of this Section. If the housing development is within a planned development overlay zone, the maximum residential density shall be determined on the basis of the general plan and the maximum density of the underlying zone. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(11); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Mean Sea Level (MSL): Tidal datum that is the arithmetic mean of hourly water elevations observed over a specific 19-year Metonic cycle (the National Tidal Datum Epoch). Shorter series are specified in the name, for example “monthly mean sea level” and “yearly mean sea level.” For purposes of this ordinance, the MSL shall be considered to be equal to National Geodetic Vertical Datum. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Mesophytic Plant: (See, Plant, Mesophytic)

Metallic Mineral Extraction: (See, Extractive Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Mined Lands: Includes the surface, subsurface and groundwater of an area in which surface mining operations will be, are being or have been conducted, including private ways and roads appurtenant to any such area, land, excavation, workings, mining waste and areas in which structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools or other materials or property which result from, or are used in, surface mining operations, are located. (See also, Section 313-61.2, Surface Mining and Reclamation.) (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Mineral: Any naturally occurring chemical element or compound, or groups of elements and compounds, formed from inorganic processes and organic substances, including but not limited to sand, gravel, stone, coal, peat and bituminous rock, but excluding geothermal resources, natural gas and petroleum. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Mineral Extraction: (See, Extractive Use Types, Metallic Mineral Extraction, in Section D: Use Types.)

Mini-Storage: One (1) or more buildings used for the storage of goods and materials within self-contained compartments by various users. Also referred to as self-storage.

Minimum Parcel Size: (See, Density, Minimum Parcel Size).

Mining Waste: Includes the residual of soil, rock, mineral, liquid, vegetation, equipment machines, tools or other materials or property directly resulting from, or displaced by a surface mining operation. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

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Minor Development: A development which the County determines satisfies all of the following requirements:

• (1) Is consistent with the certified LCP, as defined in Coastal Act Section 30108.6;

• (2) Requires no discretionary approvals other than a coastal development permit; and

• (3) The project as proposed has no adverse effect either individually or cumulatively on coastal resources or public access to the shoreline or along the coast.

(Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 18, 4/7/98

Mobilehome: (See, Manufactured Home.) (Also see, Manufactured Home Park Development Use Type, in Section D: Use Types.)

Mobilehome Lot: (See, Manufactured Home Lot)

Mobilehome Park: (See, Manufactured Home Park.) (Also see, Manufactured Home Park Development Use Type, in Section D: Use Types.)

Modification: An alteration which introduces new, or eliminates old, elements in the details of a land use or structure, but leaves the general purpose and effect of the structure or use intact. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Motel: A building or group of buildings comprising individual living quarters or dwelling units for the accommodation of transient guests which is designed so that parking is on the same building site and is conveniently accessible from the living units without necessarily having to pass through any lobby or interior court. This definition includes auto court, tourist court and motor hotel, but does not include accommodation for recreational vehicles. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

lling units for the accommodation of transient guests which is designed so that parking is on the same building site and is conveniently accessible from the living units without necessarily having to pass through any lobby or interior court. This definition includes auto court, tourist court and motor hotel, but does not include accommodation for recreational vehicles. (Former Section CZ#A312-15)

Moveable Tiny House: A structure no larger than four hundred (400) square feet intended for separate, independent living quarters, designed as a permanent, year-round residence for one (1) household that meets these six (6) conditions:

1. Is licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles and meets National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) RV 1192 standards, or if certified after January 1, 2021, meets American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 119.5 Park Model standards. Certification must be made by a qualified third-party inspector accredited through American Society for Testing and Materials;

2. Is towable by a bumper hitch, frame-towing hitch, or fifth-wheel connection, and is not designed to move under its own power;

3. Is no larger than allowed by California State law for movement on public highways;

4. Has at least one hundred twenty (120) square feet of first floor interior living space;

5. Is a detached self-contained unit that includes basic functional areas that support normal daily routines such as cooking, sleeping, and sanitation; and

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6. Substantially complies with local building, health, and safety codes as set forth in this code so that it qualifies as a permanent dwelling.

Multiple Group Building Type: (See, Building Type, Nonresidential, Multiple/Group)

Multiple Unit Dwelling: (See, Building Type, Residential, Multiple Unit Dwelling) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023; Ord. 2749, § 3, 10/1/2024)

313-149 Definitions (N)

Nameplate: (See, Section 313-87.3, Signs and Nameplates.)

Natural Drainage Course: (See, Drainage Course, Natural)

Natural Grade: (See, Grade, Natural)

Natural Landforms: (See, Landforms, Natural)

Natural Resource Use Type: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.)

Neighborhood Commercial Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.)

Nonconforming Structures and Uses: All or a portion of a building, structure or facility, or a use thereof, which was lawfully erected, altered, established or maintained, but which, because of the application of these regulations to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located. (See, Section 313-131, Nonconforming Uses, and Section 313-132, Nonconforming Structures, in this Chapter, Section B: Regulations That Apply In All Or Several Areas.) (Former Section CZ#A312-16)

Non-Farmed Wetland: (See, Wetland)

Non-operating Vehicles, Storage of: (See, Vehicle Storage, Non-operating Vehicles)

Non-Prime Agricultural Land: (See, Agricultural Land, Non-Prime)

Non-Restricted Unit: Means all units within a Housing Development excluding the Target Units. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(12); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Non-Tidal Sloughs: (See, Sloughs, Non-Tidal)

Nurseries: (See, Greenhouse)

Nursing Home: (See, Private Institution and Rest Home)

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

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313-150 Definitions (O)

Office,

a. Business: An office which has as its main function the arrangement of business transactions, the holding of sales meetings and administrative conferences, the receiving of clients and/or payments, and the keeping of records and accounts pertaining to the particular business. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

b. Professional: An office from which and at which a doctor or other practitioner of healing arts, a dentist, lawyer, engineer, architect, accountant or similar professional person may offer services, and including medical or dental laboratories. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

Office and Professional Service Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Oil and Gas Drilling and Processing: (See, Extractive Use Types, Oil and Gas Drilling and Processing, in Section D: Use Types.)

One-Hundred Year Flood: (See, Flood, 100-Year)

Open Space: (See, Civic Use Types, Public Recreation and Open Space, in Section D: Use Types.)

Open Space Easement: An easement established pursuant to Government Code Section 51050 or 51080, or an easement which ensures the retention of land as open space. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

Open Space Maintenance Zone: An assessment district, formed by entities with recreational authority, under the provisions of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972, or other similar authorizing statute, to fund the maintenance of lands donated to the entity for recreational uses. (From Section INL#312-54.1; Added by Ord. 2103, Sec. 2, 1/9/ 96)

Open Space, Useable: Useable Open Space describes a consolidated play surface, excluding buildings, streets, parking, landscape strips, and setbacks, dedicated permanently for recreational opportunities and/or informal sports activities through public ownership. (From Section INL#312-73; Added by Ord. 2103, Sec. 3, 1/9/96)

Operator, Surface Mining: Any person who is engaged in surface mining operations, or who contracts with others to conduct operations on that person’s behalf, except a person who is engaged in surface mining operations as an employee with wages as his sole compensation. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

Overburden: Soil, rock or other materials that lie above a natural mineral deposit or in between deposits, before or after their removal by surface mining operations. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

Owner, Property: The person or persons, firm, corporation, or partnership holding legal or equitable title or recorded contract of purchase of property, or any person authorized by written instrument to act on behalf of an owner. (Former Section CZ#A312-17)

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

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313-151 Definitions (P)

Parcel: (See, Lot.) (See also, Density, Minimum Parcel Size)

Parking Area: An open area, other than a street or alley, that contains parking spaces. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Parking Space: An unobstructed space or area other than a street or alley which is permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one motor vehicle. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Parkland Dedication: (See Section 313-110.1, Parkland Dedication.)

Path: A dedicated public way intended for pedestrian movement. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Permit: Any license, certificate, approval, or other entitlement for use granted or denied by any public agency. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Permit, Coastal Development: A permit for any development within the Coastal Zone that is required under Public Resources Code Section 30600(a) and issued pursuant to Chapter 2 of these regulations. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Permitted: A use, facility or activity which is allowed, subject to applicable permit requirements and all other applicable regulations. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Person: Any individual, organization, partnership, corporation, city, county, district, or the state or any department or agency thereof. (See, Public Resources Code Section 4525). (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Piling Fence: A wooden barrier, such as a groin or revetment, designed to prevent erosion of a river bank. Piling fences typically consist of vertical piles placed within and adjacent to the channel with horizontal or diagonal crossties of cable or wood. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Plan, Timber Management: (See, Timber Management Plan)

Planned Unit Development: An integrated development located on a single building site, or on two or more building sites which may be separated only by a street or other right-of-way. This development technique permits variable parcel sizes but limits the overall density so it is consistent with the gross densities permitted in the zone. The purpose of Planned Unit Developments is to provide development compatible with environmental, geologic or topographic features of a parcel. Such developments shall be carried out in accordance with a detailed, comprehensive plan encompassing such elements as the location of structures, the circulation pattern, parking facilities, open space, and utilities. The comprehensive plan shall further provide a program for provision, operation and maintenance of all areas, improvements, facilities and services provided for the common use of the persons occupying or utilizing the property. Planned Unit Developments are subject to the Planned Unit Development Regulations and the Planned Unit Development Permit Procedure. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Planning Commission: The Planning Commission of Humboldt County as established by the Board of Supervisors. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

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Plant:

a. Hydrophytic: Any plant growing in water or on a substrate that is at least periodically deficient in oxygen as a result of excessive water content (i.e., plants typically found in wet habitats). (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

b. Mesophytic: Any plant growing where moisture and aeration conditions lie between extremes (i.e., plants typically found in habitats with average moisture conditions, not usually dry or wet.) (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

c. Xerophytic: Any plant growing in a habitat in which an appreciable portion of the rooting medium dries to the wilting coefficient at frequent intervals (i.e., plants typically found in very dry habitats). (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Pool, Swimming: (See, Swimming Pool)

Prime Agricultural Land: (See, Agricultural Land, Prime)

Principal Permitted Use: (See, Use, Principal Permitted)

Private Garage: (See, Garage, Private)

Private Institution Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types, Private Institution, in Section D: Use Types.)

Private Recreation Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Processing, Animal and Fish Products: (See, Animal and Fish Product Processing)

Processing, Animal and Fish Waste Products: (See, Animal and Fish Waste Product Processing)

Processing, Timber Products: (See, Industrial Use Types, Timber Products Processing, in Section D: Use Types.) Project: (See, Development)

Psychiatric Facility: An institution in which care or treatment is given to persons suffering from mental illness, disease, disorder or ailment. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, psychiatric hospitals, day treatment hospitals, long-term care facilities, residential treatment centers, family homes (for the mentally ill), alcoholism hospitals, and facilities for admission of drug addicts all as defined in Article 2 of Subchapter 1 of Title 9 of the California Code of Regulations, or any successor provision thereto. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Public Coastal Access Facilities: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, Public Coastal Access Facilities, in Section D: Use Types.)

Public Garage: (See, Garage, Public)

Public Road: (See, Street, Public)

Public Stables: (See, Stables, Public)

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Public Use: A use operated exclusively by a governmental agency or public agency which has the purpose of serving the public health, safety, convenience or general welfare, and including but not limited to such uses as schools, parks, playgrounds, educational, recreational and social facilities, libraries, museums, firehouses, courthouses, hospitals and administrative service facilities. Public use shall also include the operation of any foster home or shelter care home licensed by the County Department of Social Services or designated by the County Probation Department or any court. (See also, Civic Use Types in Listing of Use Type Classifications in Section D: Use Types.) (From Section INL#312-58; Ord. 519, Sec. 254, 5/11/65)

Public Utility: A company or corporation regulated by the California Public Utilities Commission. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

Public Works: All production, storage, transmission, and recovery facilities for water, sewage, telephone, and other similar utilities owned or operated by any public agency or by any utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, except for energy facilities. Public Works shall further include: (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

a. All public transportation facilities, including streets, roads, highways, public parking lots and structures, ports, harbors, airports, railroads, and mass transit facilities and stations, bridges, trolley wires, and other related facilities. (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

b. All publicly financed recreational facilities, all projects of the State Coastal Conservancy, and any development by a special district; (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

c. All community college facilities. (Reference: Public Resources Code Section 30114.) (Former Section CZ#A312-18)

313-152 Definitions (Q)

Qualifying Resident: Means senior citizens or other persons eligible to reside in Senior Citizen Housing. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(13); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Quasi-Public Use: A use operated by a private nonprofit educational, religious, recreational, charitable, fraternal, or medical institution, association or organization. Quasi-Public Uses include, but are not limited to churches, private school, universities, community recreational, educational and social facilities, meeting halls, private hospitals and other similar facilities. (See also, Civic Use Types in Section D: Use Types.) (From INL#312-59; Ord. 519, Sec. 256, 5/11/65)

Quimby Act: (See Section 313-110.1, Parkland Dedication.)

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313-153 Definitions (R)

Rear Lot Line: (See, Lot Line, Rear)

Rear Yard: (See, Yard, Rear)

Reclamation: The combined process of land treatment that minimizes water degradation, air pollution, damage to aquatic or wildlife habitat, flooding, erosion and other adverse effects from surface mining operations, including adverse surface effects incidental to underground mines, so that mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition which is readily adaptable for alternate land uses and creates no danger to public health or safety. The process may extend to affected lands surrounding mined lands, and may require backfilling, grading, resoiling, revegetation, soil compaction, stabilization or other measures. (See also, Section 313-61.2, Surface Mining and Reclamation.) (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Recreation, Commercial: (See, Commercial Use Types, Commercial Recreation, in Section D: Use Types.)

Recreation, Private: (See, Commercial Use Types, Private Recreation, in Section D: Use Types.)

Recreational Facilities, Commercial: Facilities serving recreational needs but operated for private profit, including, for example, special occupancy parks, tent camps, chartered fishing boats, tourist attractions and amusement or marine parks. (See also, Commercial Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.) (Former Section CZ#A312-20; Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 4, 4/7/98)

Recreational Off-Road Vehicle: (See, Vehicle, Recreational Off-Road)

Recreational, Resource-Related: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, Resource-Related Recreational, in Section D: Use Types.)

Recreational Vehicle: “Recreational Vehicle” as used in this Code has the same meaning as stated in Sec. 18010 of the California Health and Safety Code (recreational vehicle). “Recreational Vehicle” is a motor home, travel trailer, truck camper or camping trailer, with or without a motor, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, with a living area less than 320 square feet, excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, bath and toilet rooms. (See also, “Vehicle, Recreational OffRoad” and “Manufactured Home.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-20; Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 4, 4/7/98)

th or without a motor, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, with a living area less than 320 square feet, excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, bath and toilet rooms. (See also, “Vehicle, Recreational OffRoad” and “Manufactured Home.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-20; Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 4, 4/7/98)

Recreational Vehicle Park: “Recreational Vehicle Park” as used in this ordinance has the same meaning as stated in Sec. 18215 of the California Health and Safety Code (Recreational Vehicle Park), which is any area or tract of land or a separate designated section within a manufactured home park where one (1) or more lots are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease to owners or users of recreational vehicles or tents, and which are occupied for temporary purposes subject to the Special Occupancy Park Regulations in Section 313-113.1, Special Occupancy Parks. (See also, definition of “Special Occupancy Park.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-20; CZ#A313-7(N); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 12, 4/7/98)

Refuse Disposal Site: (See, Civic Use Types, Solid Waste Disposal, in Section D: Use Types.)

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Repair: To restore to a sound state after decay, dilapidation, or partial destruction, and to restore to the original existing structure that which is lost or destroyed. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Replacement: Providing, within an existing structure, a substitute for some component, where the substitution is of the same character and extent as that which it is replacing. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Residential Use Types: (See Residential Use Types, in Section D: Use Types.)

Resource Protection Maps: Maps which designate certain natural resources and resource values within the Humboldt County Coastal Zone, such as coastal view areas, coastal scenic areas, wetlands, dunes and beaches, which together with the land use maps and plan text for each planning area constitute the Land Use Plan Element of the Humboldt County Local Coastal Program. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Rest Home: Any place or institution which makes provisions for bed care or convalescent care for one (1) or more persons, exclusive of relatives, who by reasons of illness or physical infirmity are unable to care for themselves. Rest home does not include any facility in which persons suffering from contagious or communicable disease are kept, and in which surgical or other primary treatments such as are customarily provided in sanitariums or hospitals are performed. Rest homes shall include all places defined in Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations, or any successor provision thereto, and licensed as nursing or convalescent homes. (See also, Private Institution) (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Retail Sales: (See, Commercial Use Types, Retail Sales, in Section D: Use Types.)

Retail Service: (See, Commercial Use Types, Retail Service, in Section D: Use Types.)

Revetment: A facing of rock or rubble to prevent erosion of a shore or river bank. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Right-of-Way: An area or strip of land, either public or private, on which an irrevocable right of passage has been recorded for the use of vehicles or pedestrians or both. (See also, Easement) (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Riparian Vegetation: Vegetation commonly occurring adjacent to stream banks and including, but not limited to such plants as willows, alders, cottonwood, wax myrtle, big leaf maple, California laurel, red elderberry, etc. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Road: (See, Street)

Roadside Stand: A temporary structure designed or used for the display or sale of agricultural products primarily produced on the premises upon which such a stand is located, or produced upon other sites under the same ownership as that of the premises on which the stand is located. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Rock Hard Point: A groin constructed of rock or rubble to prevent erosion of a riverbank. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

Room, Habitable: Any room in a main or accessory building, except a bathroom, water closet, hall, storage space, utility room, foyer, communicating hall, pantry, laundry, or unfinished attic, basement or cellar. (Former Section CZ#A312-20)

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

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Rooming House: (See, Hotel)

313-154 Definitions (S)

Sanitarium: (See, Private Institution and Rest Home)

Sea: The Pacific Ocean and all harbors, bays, channels, estuaries, salt marshes, sloughs, and other areas subject to tidal action through any connection with the Pacific Ocean, excluding non-estuarine rivers, streams, tributaries, creeks, and flood control and drainage channels. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Sea Cliff: For the purposes of this ordinance, “cliff” or “bluff” is limited to those features having vertical relief of ten (10) feet or more, and “sea cliff” is a cliff whose toe is or may be subject to marine erosion. (See also, “Bluff” and “Cliff.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-4)

Seawall: An upright structure designed to prevent erosion of a sea cliff by wave attack. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Secondhand Merchandise/Goods: Used common household items including clothing, personal effects, household furnishings, appliances, and office equipment and furnishings.

Section: A Section of the Zoning Regulations unless otherwise indicated. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Semi-Detached: (See, Building Type, Residential, Semi-Detached)

Senior Citizen Housing: Means a housing development consistent with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code Section 12900 et. seq., including 12955.9 in particular), which has been “designed to meet the physical and social needs of senior citizens,” and which otherwise qualifies as “housing for older persons” as that phrase is used in the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (PL 100-430) and

ans a housing development consistent with the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code Section 12900 et. seq., including 12955.9 in particular), which has been “designed to meet the physical and social needs of senior citizens,” and which otherwise qualifies as “housing for older persons” as that phrase is used in the federal Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (PL 100-430) and

implementing regulations and as that phrase is used in California Civil Code Sections 51.2 and 51.3. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(14); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Sensitive Habitat Areas: (See, Habitat Areas, Environmentally Sensitive)

Service Station, Auto: (See, Automobile Service, Gas or Filling Station)

Setback: A required specified distance between buildings or structures or structures and a lot line or lines, measured perpendicularly in a horizontal plane extending from the complete length of said lot line or lines. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Setback, Front Yard: The setback applicable in the front yard of a lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Setback, Rear Yard: The setback applicable in the rear yard of a lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Setback, Side Yard: The setback applicable in the side yard of a lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

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Setback, Stringline Method of Development: In a developed area where new construction is generally infilling and is otherwise consistent with the provisions of this ordinance, no part of a proposed new structure, including decks, shall be built closer to a wetland than a line drawn between the most seaward portions of the adjacent structures on adjacent lots. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Short-Term Rental: Permitted or legal nonconforming dwelling units, rented to guests for thirty (30) consecutive days or fewer.

Short-Term Rental Caretaker: The person or persons that lives in the subject dwelling unit, attends to day-to-day operations associated with the maintenance of the short-term rental and who is the point of contact for neighborhood concerns.

Short-Term Rental Permit Holder (“Permit Holder”): The person or persons that has control and responsibility for the short-term rental of a dwelling unit and that is responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.

Side Lot Line: (See, Lot Line, Side).

Side Yard: (See, Yard, Side).

Sign: A structure whether located inside or outside a building, which is visible from any lot line, and the primary purpose of which is the conveyance of an idea, advertisement, endorsement, identification, or information, by means of visual symbols, lettering, illustration, or any other means of directing attention or communication. A sign includes display surfaces together with such improvements as are utilized in supporting, maintaining, and illuminating the display surfaces, and is subject to the Sign Regulations of this Code. (See also, Section 313-87.3, Signs and Nameplates.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Sign, Area: The display surface space within a single continuous perimeter which contains or could contain words, letters, figures or symbols together with any frame, material or color forming an integral part of the display, but excluding support structures, faces of buildings, and incidental parts not drawing attention to the subject matter. The area of a sign shall be calculated by multiplying the maximum vertical dimension by the maximum horizontal dimension of such display surface space. With respect to double-faced signs, the area of both display surfaces shall be included in the total sign area. (See also, Section 313-87.3, Signs and Nameplates.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Slough, Nontidal: Any portion of a slough which is not inundated with sea water by the daily ebb and flow of the tides. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Snag: A standing dead tree or part thereof, regardless of species. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Solid Waste Disposal Site: (See, Civic Use Types, Solid Waste Disposal, in Section D: Use Types.)

Special Area: A designated area, subject to the provisions of the Special Area Regulations, as indicated by an alphabetical letter shown on the zoning maps. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

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Spillways: An alteration of a dike or levee above the level of mean high water for the purpose of drainage of flood waters. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Stable:

(a) Private: A detached accessory building for the shelter of horses or similar hoofed animals for the use of the residents and their non-paying guests. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

(b) Public: A stable other than a private stable where horses and other animals, used for recreational riding, performing, packing or similar purposes, are available for hire, or are sheltered or fed for compensation. Facilities for privately owned horses not sheltered or fed for compensation, horses less than 1 year of age, public horses kept exclusively for grazing purposes in open pasture, and horses used for breeding purposes are not public stables. (See, Agricultural Use Types, Stables and Kennels, in Section D: Use Types.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Ag Zone Amendments approved by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on 2/9/ 99)

State: The State of California. (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

State Board: The State Mining and Geology Board, in the Department of Conservation of the State of California. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Storage Garage: (See, Garage, Storage)

Storage of Non-operating Vehicles: (See, Vehicle Storage, Non-operating)

Stream, Anadromous Fish: Natural watercourse, largely located in the Coastal Zone, providing habitat for salmon, steelhead, coastal cutthroat trout and, in the Coastal Zone, limited to the following: In the North Coast Planning Area: McDonald Creek, Maple Creek; In the Trinidad Planning Area: Mill Creek, Luffenholtz Creek; In the McKinleyville Planning Area: Little River, Patrick Creek, Strawberry Creek, Widow White Creek, Mill Creek; and in the South Coast Planning Area: Telegraph Creek. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Stream Bed Skimming: All or any part of the process involved in the removal by any method of sand, gravel, rock or other earthen material from stream beds or stream channel bars normally subject to inundation during winter flows. Stream bed skimming includes, but is not limited to: (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

(a) On-site processing of extracted material, including screening, washing, crushing, stockpiling or batching.

• (b) . The production and disposal of mining waste.

• (c) . Processing and exploratory activities.

Stream Channel: That portion of a drainage course which extends to the stream transition lines on both sides.

(Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Stream, Coastal: In the Coastal Zone, a natural water course as designated by a solid line or dash and three dots symbol shown on the largest scale United States Geological Survey map most recently published, or as corrected

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to reflect conditions as they actually exist on the ground as provided in the Streams and Riparian Corridors Protection regulations applicable in the Coastal Zone. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Stream Transition Line: That line closest to a stream where riparian vegetation is permanently established. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Street: A public or private right-of-way, not less than ten (10) feet in width, which provides a primary means of vehicular access to abutting property. When a road, street or highway does not have a clearly delineated right-ofway of record, either by deed or map, the boundary between the street and the abutting lots shall be deemed to run parallel to the centerline of the street, at a distance of twenty-five (25) feet from both sides of the centerline. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Ord. 519, Sec. 261, 5/11/65)

Street, Centerline of: The center of an existing or planned road right-of-way, or as otherwise defined by the Humboldt County map of publicly maintained road systems. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Street, Public: A road open to the general public which is: (a) in the State or County road system; or (b) a road on which a public agency has a deeded, unlimited easement. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Street Line: The boundary between a street right-of-way and abutting property. (From Section INL#312-65; Ord. 519, Sec. 262, 5/11/65)

Stringline Method of Development Setback: (See, Setback, Stringline Method of Development)

Structural Alterations: Any change in the supporting members of a building such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joists, girders or rafters, or changes in roof or exterior lines. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Structure: Anything constructed, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground, including swimming pools and signs. Recreational vehicles used for human occupation are considered structures. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Amended by Ord. 1875, Sec. 1, 9/26/89; Amended by Ord. 2167, 4/7/98)

(a) “Structure” does not include decks and platforms thirty (30) inches or less in height, signs three (3) feet or less in height, driveways, patios, or parking spaces where the area is unobstructed from the ground up, or fences seven (7) feet or less in height. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Amended by Ord. 1875, Sec. 1, 9/26/89)

(b) For zoning setback purposes only, retaining walls six (6) feet or less in height are not considered structures. (Building permits may be required for retaining walls.) Decks and platforms thirty (30) inches or less in height must conform with setback standards of this code. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Amended by Ord. 1875, Sec. 1, 9/26/89)

(c) Structures, unless exempt, may require a Coastal Development Permit in the Coastal Zone. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Amended by Ord. 1875, Sec. 1, 9/26/89)

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(d) It should be noted that placement of buildings, structures and vegetation along public roads is also regulated by Chapter 1 of Division 4 of this Title III of the Code (Visibility Obstruction Regulations), at Section 341 and following. (Former Section CZ#A312-21; Amended by Ord. 1875, Sec. 1, 9/26/89)

Structure for Human Occupancy: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy, which is expected to have a human occupancy rate of more than 2,000 person-hours per year. The number of person hours is calculated by adding all hours spent by all persons who will be occupying the premises during any one typical 12-month period. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Structure, Nonconforming: All or a portion of a building, structure or facility, or a use thereof, which was lawfully erected, altered, established or maintained, but which, because of the application of these regulations to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located. (See, Section 313-131, Nonconforming Uses, and Section 313-132, Nonconforming Structures.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

of a building, structure or facility, or a use thereof, which was lawfully erected, altered, established or maintained, but which, because of the application of these regulations to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located. (See, Section 313-131, Nonconforming Uses, and Section 313-132, Nonconforming Structures.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Structure, Shoreline Protection: Revetments, breakwaters, bulkheads, graving yards, groins, seawalls, and other such construction which alters natural shoreline processes. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Subdivision: The division, by any subdivider, of any unit or units of improved or unimproved land or any portion thereof, shown on the latest equalized county assessment roll as a unit or as contiguous units, for the purpose of sale, lease or financing, whether immediate or future, except for leases of agricultural land for agricultural purposes. Property shall be considered as contiguous units, even if it is separated by roads, streets, utility easements or railroad rights-of-way. “Subdivision,” includes a condominium project, as defined in Section 1350 of the Civil Code, a community apartment project, as defined in Section 11004 of the Business and Professions Code, or the conversion of five (5) or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative, as defined in Section 11003.2 of the Business and Professions Code. Any conveyance of land to a governmental agency, public entity or public utility shall not be considered a division of land only for purposes of computing the number of parcels; such conveyances are subject to all other land division requirements. As used in this section, “agricultural purposes” means the cultivation of food or fiber or the grazing or pasturing of livestock. See, Government Code Section 66424. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

It should be noted that any division, by lease or otherwise, of agricultural or timber production lands may be subject to state or local laws, or land conservation contracts (see, for example, Government Code Section 51100 and following (timberland generally), Section 51119.5 relating to division of timber lands, and Section 51230 relating to agricultural preserves).

Subordinate: Subordinate, in the context of defining a subordinate structure, means a structure of lesser bulk and less prominence, as determined by considering the combined effect of yard setbacks, ground coverage, height and form. (From Section INL#312-67.1; Ord. 1633, Sec. 5, 3/13/84)

Substitution of Use (Activities): The replacement of an existing use by a new use, or a change in the nature of an existing use, but not including a change solely of ownership, tenancy, or management, where the previous business activity or other type of use is substantially unchanged. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

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

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Surface Mining: (See, Extractive Use Types, Surface Mining, in Section D: Use Types.) (See also, other various definitions of words and phrases related to surface mining operations, and Section 313-61.2, Surface Mining and Reclamation, in this Chapter.)

Surface Mining Operations: (See also, Section 313-61.2, Surface Mining and Reclamation.) Surface mining “operations” mean: (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

(a) All or any part of the process involved in the mining of minerals on mined lands by removing overburden and mining directly from the mineral deposits, open-pit mining of minerals naturally exposed, mining by the auger methods, dredging and quarrying or surface work incidental to an underground mine. Surface mining operations shall include, but are not limited to:

• (1) Inplace distillation, retorting or leaching.

• (2) The production and disposal of mining waste.

• (3) Prospecting and exploratory activities.

(b) Borrow pitting, stream bed skimming, segregation and stockpiling of mined minerals and recovery of same.

c. Earth moving activities which result in excavations, fills, grades, or embankments which will not be beneficially modified by the construction of structures, landscaping, or other land improvement, and which do not of themselves constitute engineered works.

Swap Lot: A building, structure, enclosure, lot or other area into which persons are admitted to display, exchange, barter, sell or bargain for new or used merchandise. (Also called “Flea Market” or “Flea Mart.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Swap Meet: The activity carried on in a swap lot. (Former Section CZ#A312-21)

Swimming Pool: Any confined body of water which exceeds two (2) feet in depth, which is located either above or below the existing finished grade of the site, and which is designed, used or intended to be used for swimming, bathing or therapeutic purposes. (Former Section CZ#A312-21) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023; Ord. 2749, § 3, 10/1/ 2024; Ord. 2733, § 3, 3/5/2024)

313-155 Definitions (T)

Target Unit: Means a dwelling unit within a Housing Development that will be reserved for sale or rent to, and affordable to, Very Low or Lower Income Households, or Qualifying Residents. In determining the maximum Affordable Rent or Affordable Sales Price of Target Units the following household and unit size assumptions shall be used, unless the Housing Development is subject to different assumptions imposed by other governmental regulations: (See below table.)

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==> picture [434 x 162] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
SRO (residential hotel) unit 75% of 1 person
0 bedroom (studio) 1 person
1 bedroom 2 persons
2 bedroom 3 persons
3 bedroom 4 persons
4 bedroom 6 persons
----- End of picture text -----

(See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(15); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Through-lot: (See, Lot, Through)

Tidegate: A structure with a valve and located in a dike designed to permit the one way drainage of surface water from land to a wetland or estuary and to prevent tidal inundation of the land. (See also, Floodgate (non-tidal waters). (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Timber, Commercial Timber Use Types: See Commercial Timber Production Use Types in Section D: Use Types.)

Timber Harvest: The cutting and removal of timber or other solid wood forest products from timberlands for commercial purposes, together with all of the work incidental to the harvest. The incidental work includes, but is not limited to fire hazard abatement, and construction and maintenance of roads, fuel breaks, fire breaks, stream crossings, landings, skid trails, and beds for the falling of trees. “Timber Harvest” does not include cutting or removal of timber for creating building pads or access to a legal building site, when such cutting or removal is approved as a part of the building and/or encroachment permit. “Timber Harvest” also does not include the removal of diseased or dangerous trees that have no commercial value. Removal or harvest of incidental vegetation from timberlands such as berries, ferns, greenery, mistletoe, herbs, and other products, which action cannot normally be expected to result in a threat to forest, air, water, or soil resources, does not constitute timber harvesting or production. (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Timber Management: The cutting or removal of the timber, other solid forest wood products, or other vegetation from timberlands for the purpose of improving the productivity of commercial species on the site, together with all of the work incidental to this activity, such as construction and maintenance of roads, fuel breaks, fire breaks, stream crossings, and fire hazard abatement. Timber management activities include, but are not limited to, precommercial thinning, removal of non-preferred species (release), pruning, site preparation, protection practices, and incidental follow-up treatments. Pruning, protection practices (including such activities as placement of protective devices around trees and trappings), and incidental follow up treatments do not constitute development as defined by the Coastal Act of 1976. (See the definition of “Development.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

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Timber Management Plan: A written plan for development and utilization of timber resources and compatible uses which assures the continued viability of the timberland, and which includes reasonable rotation and harvest cycle data. (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Timber Product Processing: (See Industrial Use Types, Timber Products Processing, in Section D: Use Types.)

Timber Production: (See, Timber Management.)

Timberland: Land, other than land owned by the Federal government and land designated by the Board of Forestry as experimental forest land, which is available for, and capable of growing a crop of trees of any commercial species used to produce lumber and other forest products, including Christmas trees. (See, Public Resources Code Section 4526) (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Tiny House: A structure intended for separate, independent living quarters, designed as a permanent, year-round residence for one (1) household that:

1. Is built or installed on a permanent foundation or anchored with a foundation system meeting Stateapproved requirements for manufactured housing, or that is designed by a licensed architect or engineer to meet those requirements;

2. Is no larger than four hundred (400) square feet;

3. Has at least one hundred twenty (120) square feet of first floor interior living space;

4. Is a detached self-contained unit that includes basic functional areas that support normal daily routines such as cooking, sleeping, and sanitation.

Trailer: Any vehicle without a motor or designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and to be used as a selling or advertising device, or used for storage or conveyance of tools, equipment, or machinery, and so designed that it is mounted on wheels and may be used as a conveyance on highways and streets. Trailers may be moved upon a public highway without a Special Permit or chauffeur’s license or both. The term trailer does not include the terms “camp trailer,” “trailer coach,” “travel trailer,” “automobile trailer,” or “house trailer.” (See also, “Recreational Vehicle.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Trailer Park: (See, Recreational Vehicle Park)

Transient Habitation: (See, Commercial Use Types, Transient Habitation, in Section D: Use Types.)

Transient Services: When used in conjunction with boarding or lodging, it means services that are charged for in units of less than one month and where the majority of people utilizing such services remain for periods of less than three months. (Former Section CZ#A312-22)

Transitional Agricultural Land: (See, Agricultural Land, Transitional)

Transitional Agricultural Land, Boundary of: (See, Agricultural Land, Boundary of Transitional)

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Treatment Works: “Treatment Works” shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Title 33 of the U.S. Code, Section 1251 and following) and any other Federal Act which amends or supplements the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. (Former Section CZ#A312-22) (Ord. 2717, § 5, 6/27/2023)

313-156 Definitions (U)

Urban Limit Line: Generally found in the Coastal Land Use Plans, these are a delineation of lands where urban use types, densities, and intensities of development may be permitted. (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

Use: The purpose or activity for which land, a building, or a structure is occupied, arranged, designed, or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained. Uses are generally segregated into the following types: (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

a. Accessory: A use legally permitted in the zone, which use is customary and incidental to and subordinate to the principal use of the site or of a main building on the site and serving a purpose which does not change the character of the principal use. (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

b. Conditional: A use type subject to a Use Permit, which use may be essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in one (1) or more zones, but which may also impair the integrity and character of the zone or adjoining zone, or be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare unless additional restrictions on location and extent of use are imposed and enforced. Such use shall be permitted when all specific additional restrictions are completed and permanently satisfied in conformance with an approved Use Permit. Should such restrictions be of a continuing nature, the use will remain conditional so long as the restrictions are complied with, but shall become an illegal use whenever and so long as the restrictions are not complied with. (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

c. Nonconforming: A use, which was lawfully established or maintained, but which, because of the application of these regulations to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located. (See Section 313-131, Nonconforming Uses, and Section 313-132, Nonconforming Structures.) (Former Section CZ#A312-21, CZ#A312-23)

d. Principal Permitted: The specific and primary use of land or of a main building which use is compatible with the purpose of the zone and which is permitted in the zone. If a use is listed in a specific zone as a principal permitted use, it means that the owner, lessee or other person who has legal right to use the land, has a right to conduct such principal permitted use subject to the procedural requirements of Chapter 2, of these Regulations. (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

Use Type: A category or class of land uses which share common functional, product or compatibility characteristics and which have been classified under a discreet use type in these regulations. The Use Types for each zone district are listed in Section A: “Regulations for Zoning Districts.” Use Types are defined and described in Section D: Use Types. (Former Section CZ#A312-23)

Useable Open Space: (See, Open Space, Useable)

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Used: Includes “arranged for,” “designed for,” “occupied,” or “intended to be occupied for.” (Former Section CZ#A312-2)

Utilities: (See, Civic Use Types, including, e.g.: Extensive Impact Uses; Electrical Distribution Lines, Major; Generation and Distribution Facilities, Minor; Oil and Gas Pipelines; and/or Utilities, Minor; in Section D: Use Types.) (Also see, definition of “Public Utility.”)

313-157 Definitions (V)

Vegetation, Riparian: (See, Riparian Vegetation)

Vehicle, Emergency: A motorized vehicle or trailer used for fire prevention and control, policing, sanitation, sewage, drainage, flood control, and public utility maintenance and service. Responsible users may include public districts, agencies, or departments or privately owned public utilities. (From Section INL#312-25; Ord. 519, Sec. 225, 5/11/65)

Vehicle, Recreational: (See, Recreational Vehicle.)

Vehicle, Recreational Off Road: Recreational off road vehicle includes all four (4) wheel drive motor vehicles or other vehicles suitable for off road use, including but not necessarily limited to, automobiles, sand buggies, dune buggies, all terrain vehicles, motorcycles, motor-driven cycles, motor-driven three-wheel cycles, motor scooters, trail bikes, and mini-bikes. (Former Section CZ#A312-24)

Vehicle Storage, Non-operating Vehicles: The storage of non-operating motor vehicles shall not include automobile wrecking. The presence on any lot or parcel of land of five or more motor vehicles, which for a period exceeding 30 days have not been removed, or which are to be removed for reuse or sale, shall constitute prima facie evidence of the storage of non-operating motor vehicles. (Former Section CZ#A312-24)

Vertical Access: (See, Access, Coastal Vertical)

Very Low Income: Fifty percent of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size, multiplied by thirty percent (30%) and divided by twelve (12). (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(2)(a); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

Very Low Income Household: Means households whose income does not exceed the very low income limits applicable to Humboldt County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code. (See, Section 313-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (Former Section CZ#A314-12.1(B)(16); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 25, 4/7/98)

View, Coastal: Views of the beach and ocean from the public roads and parks. (Former Section CZ#A312-24)

View Area, Coastal: View areas designated by the Coastal Land Use Plan and Resource Protection Maps and designated D-Design Review view area on the zoning maps for the Coastal Zone. (Former Section CZ#A312-24)

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

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Visitor-Serving Facilities: (See, Commercial Use Types, Visitor-Serving Facilities, in Section D: Use Types.)

313-158 Definitions (W)

Wall, Exterior: Any wall or element of a wall or any member or group of members, which defines the exterior boundaries or courts of a building and which has a slope of 60 degrees or greater from the horizontal plane. (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Warehousing, Storage and Distribution Use Type: (See, Commercial Use Types: Warehousing, Storage and Distribution, in Section D: Use Types.)

Water, Watercourse: (See, Drainage, Natural.) (See also, Drainage Works.)

Water Distribution: (See, Civic Use Types, “Essential Services,” and “Utilities, Minor.”)

Watershed Management: (See, Natural Resource Use Types: Watershed Management, in Section D: Use Types.)

Well: A shaft or hole sunk to obtain water. (See also, Civic Use Types, Essential Services.) (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Wetlands: Lands within the County Coastal Zone that may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow waters, including salt marshes, freshwater marshes, swamps, mudflats, fens, and transitional agricultural lands. The County will use the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Classification of Wetland and Deepwater Habitats of the United States as a guide to wetland identification. In general, lands which meet the classification’s definition of subtidal estuarine aquatic beds, estuarine intertidal flats and emergent habitats, and palustrine emergent and non-riparian palustrine shrub-scrub and forested habitats will be considered wetlands. (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Wetland Farmed: (See, Agricultural Land, Transitional)

Wetland, Boundary of: Either: (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

a. The boundary between land with predominately hydrophyticplant cover and land with predominantly mesophytic or xerophytic plant cover;

• b. The boundary between soil that is predominately hydric and soil that is predominately nonhydric;

c. In the case of wetlands without vegetation or soils; the boundary between land that is flooded or saturated at some time of the growing season during years of normal precipitation and land that is not; or

• d. The boundary between wetland and riparian habitats.

• e. Areas with drained or filled hydric soils which are no longer capable of supporting hydrophytes are not considered wetlands, unless such areas were drained or filled in violation of this Code, or other local, State or Federal law.

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

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Wetland Buffer Area: (See, Section 313-125, Wetland Buffer Areas.)

Wetland, Farmed: (See, Agricultural Land, Transitional)

Wetland, Farmed, Boundary of: (See, Agricultural Land, Boundary Of, Transitional)

Wetland, Functional Capacity: The ability of the wetland or estuary to be self-sustaining and to maintain species diversity. (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Wetland Restoration: (See, Natural Resource Use Types, Wetland Restoration, in Section D: Use Types.)

Wildlife Management: Manipulation of habitats to produce some level of a desired species or manipulating animal populations to achieve a desired end. (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Wind Generator: Any machine that converts kinetic energy in the wind into a usable form of electrical or mechanical energy (commonly known as a wind mill or wind turbine). (Former Section CZ#A312-25)

Wrecking and Salvage Yards: A wrecking and salvage yard is any aggregate area of more than 200 square feet within any parcel, lot or contiguous lots of real property which is used as a place where imported waste, inoperable machinery, inoperable motor vehicles, or discarded or salvaged materials are disassembled, handled, placed, processed, baled, packaged or stored. The term “wrecking and salvage yard” includes, but is not limited to, auto and trailer wrecking yards, other wrecking yards, scrap metal yards, used lumber yards and places or yards for storage of salvaged house wrecking and structural steel material and equipment. Any of the activities or conditions that would otherwise be a wrecking and salvage yard shall not constitute a wrecking or salvage yard if conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building. The term “wrecking and salvage yard” does not include areas used for the sale or storage of operable automobiles, tractors, farm machinery, house trailers or boats. The term “wrecking or salvage yard” also does not include areas used for the salvaging of materials incidental to and used in manufacturing or farm operations, providing such salvaging of materials takes place where the manufacturing or farming is done. (See also, “Automobile Wrecking.”) (For more information on wrecking and salvage yards, see Chapter 1 of Title III, Division 7 of these regulations.) (Former Section CZ#A312-12; From Section 371-1)

313-159 Definitions (X)

Xerophytic Plant: (See, Plant, Xerophytic)

313-160 Definitions (Y)

Yard: An open space other than a court, which is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except for landscaping or as specified elsewhere in this Code, but not including any portion of any street, alley or road right-of-way except as specified elsewhere in this Code. (See also, “Lot” and “Setback.”) (Former Section CZ#A312-27)

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

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• (a) Front A yard measured into a lot from its front lot line or lines.

• (b) Rear A yard measured into a lot from its rear lot line.

• (c) Side A yard measured into a lot from its side lot lines. A required side yard shall extend between the required front or rear lot lines where no front yard or rear yard is required.

  • (1) Yard, Side, Exterior: A side yard abutting a street, which yard shall extend from the front yard to the rear yard, or the front or rear lot lines where no front yard or rear yard is required.

  • (2) Yard, Side, Interior: Any side yard other than an exterior side yard.

Yard, Salvage: (See Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

Yard, Wrecking: See Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

313-161 Definitions (Z)

Zone: A mapped portion of the territory of the County of Humboldt within which uniform regulations and requirements, or combinations thereof, apply under the provisions of this Code. (Former Section CZ#A312-28; INL#312-77; Ord. 519, Sec. 274, 5/11/65)

• a. Principal. The first zone designation applied to a lot or piece of property, which designates the principally permitted uses on the property. The zoning designations are found on the zoning maps.

b. Combining. This is an additional zoning designation applied to some (but not all) properties. Combining zones are indicated on the zoning maps. A combining zone modifies the allowed land use in some way when necessary for sound and orderly planning. For example, lot area and yard requirements of any Principal Zone may be modified by addition of the “B” Combining Zone.

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

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D

SECTION D: USE TYPES