Part 5 — NONCONFORMING USES AND STRUCTURES

314-131 Nonconforming Uses

131.1 QUALIFICATION OF NONCONFORMING USE

Notwithstanding any other provision, a building or use shall not be deemed a nonconforming use if: (Former Section INL#317-61; Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

131.1.1 Such use would otherwise be a conforming use under the current provisions of this Code section except that it does not meet the lot size or yard requirements of the zone in which it is located. Such a use may be continued, altered, added to, or enlarged provided that any addition or enlargement shall comply with all of the regulations of the zone in which it is located; or (Former Section INL#317-61(a); Ord. 1104 Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

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

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131.1.2 Such use is allowed in the zone in which it is located as a conditional use. However, no such use shall be enlarged, increased or structurally altered, nor be extended to occupy a greater area than that existing on the effective date of the application of these regulations to the subject property until a Special Permit for such use is first obtained. (Former Section INL#317-61(b); Ord. 1104 Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

131.2 REGULATIONS CONTROLLING OTHER NONCONFORMING USES

131.2.1 No accessory use to a principal nonconforming use shall continue after such principal use shall cease or terminate. (Former Section INL#317-63(g); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

131.2.2 The rights pertaining to a nonconforming use shall be deemed to pertain to the use itself, regardless of the ownership of the land or building on or in which such nonconforming use is conducted. (Former Section INL#317-63(h); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

131.2.3 All of the foregoing provisions relating to nonconforming uses shall apply to all nonconforming uses existing on the effective date of these regulations and to all uses that become nonconforming by reason of any Amendment thereof. However, any use established in violation of law, regardless of the time of establishment, is not a nonconforming use and shall not benefit from the provisions in this section. (For nonconforming buildings, see Section 314-132, Nonconforming Structures.) (Former Section INL#317-63(i); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76))

314-132 Nonconforming Structures

132.1 QUALIFICATION OF NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE

Notwithstanding any other provision, a structure shall not be deemed a nonconforming structure if: (Former Section INL#317-61; Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

132.1.1 Such structure would otherwise be a conforming structure under the current provisions of this Code section except that it does not meet the lot size or yard requirements of the zone in which it is located. Such a structure may be continued, altered, added to, or enlarged provided that any addition or enlargement shall comply with all of the regulations of the zone in which it is located; or (Former Section INL#317-61(a); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

132.1.2 Such structure is allowed in the zone in which it is located as a conditional use. However, no such structure shall be enlarged, increased or structurally altered, nor be extended to occupy a greater area than that existing on the effective date of the application of these regulations to the subject property until a Special Permit for such structure is first obtained. (Former Section INL#317-61(b); Ord. 1104 Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 12, 9/26/89)

132.2 ENLARGEMENT OF NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES

132.2.1 Notwithstanding any other provisions, the Hearing Officer may approve a Special Permit for the enlargement, alteration or remodeling of the following nonconforming structures: (Former Section INL#317-62(a); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

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132.2.1.1 A one (1) family detached dwelling in a Commercial (C) or Industrial (M) Zone; or (Former Section INL#317-62(a)(1); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.1.2 Any commercial structure located in any commercial zone in which either a principal use, permitted use or a conditional use is conducted; or (Former Section INL#317-62(a)(2); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.1.3 Any commercial structure located in an Unclassified (U) Zone where the General Plan designates the area for commercial development. (Former Section INL#317- 62(a)(3); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.2 Approved enlargements of nonconforming structures specified in subsection 314-132.2.1 may not exceed: (Former Section INL#317-62(b); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.2.1 Twenty-five percent (25%) of the area of land occupied by such nonconforming structure; or (Former Section INL#317-62(b)(1); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.2.2 Twenty-five percent (25%) of the gross floor area of the existing nonconforming structure; or (Former Section INL#317-62(b)(2); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.2.3 The maximum ground coverage prescribed for the zoning district in which the nonconforming structure is located, whichever is less. (Former Section INL#317-62(b)(3); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.3 The fair market value of approved enlargements, structural alterations or remodeling of a nonconforming structure specified in subsection 132.2.1 may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of its current appraised value according to the records of the Assessor’s Office. (Former Section INL#317-62(c); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.4 One (1) family detached dwellings remodeled, extended, expanded or enlarged in accordance with the provisions of Sections 314-132.1 through 314-132.3 shall not be used to accommodate a greater number of dwelling units than such structure accommodated prior to any such work. (Former Section INL#317-62(d); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86)

132.2.5 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. Replacement manufactured homes in Residential Zones (RS, R-1, R-2, R-3 and R-4) without a T Combining Zone shall have: (Former Section INL#317-62(e); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86; Amended by Ord. 1738, Sec. 4, 5/20/86)

132.2.5.1 A roof overhang of not less than six (6) inches for the entire exterior perimeter; and (Former Section INL#317-62(e)(1); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86; Amended by Ord. 1738, Sec. 4, 5/20/86)

132.2.5.2 A roof of composition shingles, wood shingles or shakes or other materials compatible with the majority of dwellings in the neighborhood; and (Former Section INL#317-62(e)(2); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86; Amended by Ord. 1738, Sec. 4, 5/20/86)

132.2.5.3 An exterior wall covering of natural or man-made materials of a non-reflective nature. (Former Section INL#317-62(e)(3); Ord. 1726, Sec. 6, 3/4/86; Amended by Ord. 1738, Sec. 4, 5/20/86)

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

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132.3 REGULATIONS CONTROLLING OTHER NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES

132.3.1 Any nonconforming structure, except as permitted by Section 314-132.2 shall not be enlarged or extended where an intensification or increase in the nonconformity would result. The 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-for-one” 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 total replacement or expansion of structures where such replacement or expansion would not conform with development standards. (Former Section INL#317-63(a); Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 21, 9/13/88)

132.3.2 If a structure in which a nonconforming use is conducted is moved for any distance whatever, for any reason, then any future use of such structure shall be in conformity with Sections 314-132.1 through 314-132.3 (Former Section INL#317-63(b); (Ord. 1104, § 3, 10/5/1976)

132.3.3 If any structure in which any nonconforming use is conducted is hereafter removed, the subsequent use of land on which such structure was located and the subsequent location and use of any structure thereon shall be in conformity with the regulations specified by Sections 314-132.1 through 314-132.3. (Former Section INL#317-63(c); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.4 Nothing in Sections 314-132.1 through 314-132.3 shall be deemed to prevent keeping in good maintenance and repair a nonconforming structure or a structure in which a nonconforming use is conducted, but no such structure that is declared by any authorized County official to be a public nuisance by reason of physical condition shall be restored, repaired or rebuilt. (Former Section INL#317-63(d); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1234, Sec. 4, 6/13/78)

132.3.5 A nonconforming structure or a structure in which a nonconforming use is conducted that is destroyed or damaged by any casualty to an extent not exceeding sixty percent (60%) of its current appraised value according to the records of the Assessor’s Office, exclusive of foundations, may be restored within two (2) years after such destruction or damage but shall not be enlarged except as provided in Section 314-132.2 of this Code. If any such structure is so destroyed or damaged to an extent exceeding sixty percent (60%) of its value as above, it shall not be reconstructed except: (Former Section INL#317-63(e); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.5.1 For a conforming use; (Former Section INL#317-63(e)(1); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.5.2 If the structure is used for agricultural purposes and the floors and foundation walls are of concrete and/or other masonry and are not practical to move; or (Former Section INL#317-63(e)(2); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.5.3 If the nonconforming location is necessary to meet any requirement or regulation of the Health Department. (Former Section INL#317-63(e)(3); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.5.4 If the total floor area of the structure to be restored does not exceed that of the damaged or destroyed structure by more than ten percent (10%) and the sewage disposal system is in compliance with all applicable State and local standards. (Former Section INL#317-63(e)(4); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 32, 4/7/98)

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

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132.3.6 If any nonconforming structure ceases to be used for any reason for a continuous period of two (2) years or more, or is changed to or replaced by a conforming structure, the land and nonconforming structure shall become subject to all the regulations as to use for the zone in which such land and structures are located as if such nonconforming structure had been expressly abandoned. (Former Section INL#317-63(f); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1234, Sec. 4, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 13, 9/26/89)

nged to or replaced by a conforming structure, the land and nonconforming structure shall become subject to all the regulations as to use for the zone in which such land and structures are located as if such nonconforming structure had been expressly abandoned. (Former Section INL#317-63(f); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1234, Sec. 4, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 13, 9/26/89)

132.3.7 The rights pertaining to a nonconforming structure shall be deemed to pertain to the structure itself, regardless of the ownership of the land on which such nonconforming structure is located or the nature or the tenure of the occupancy thereof. (Former Section INL#317-63(h); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.8 All of the foregoing provisions relating to nonconforming structures shall apply to all nonconforming structures existing on the effective date of these regulations and to all structures that become nonconforming by reason of any amendment thereof. However, any structure erected in violation of law, regardless of the time of erection, is not a nonconforming structure and shall not benefit from the provisions in this section. (Former Section INL#317-63(i); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76)

132.3.9 If a nonconforming manufactured home or recreational vehicle is removed from a designated flood-prone area of the County, 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 INL#317-63(j); Ord. 1104, Sec. 3, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 32, 4/7/ 98)

132.3.10 Special Provisions Concerning Nonconforming 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. (For more information on Manufactured Homes, see Section 314-81.1, Manufactured Homes and Recreational Vehicles.) (Former Section INL#316-11; Ord. 1092, Sec. 1, 8/10/76)

C

314-135 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: (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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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. (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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.

(From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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. (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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. (From Section CZ#A312-1; INL#312-1; Ord. 519, Sec. 201, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

135.1.5. Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows: (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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”. (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

135.1.7. All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which reference is made are those of Humboldt County unless otherwise indicated. (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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. (From Section CZ#A312-1; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

135.2. Additional definitions can be found in State Law in the Subdivision Map Act (see, Government Code Section 66414 and following), the Permit Streamlining Act (see Government Code Section 65925 and following), and in other related provisions which regulate planning and land use issues. If the definitions of this County Code are different from the State Law definitions, generally the State Law will govern, unless the provisions of this Code are more restrictive and limiting, in which case the more restrictive provisions apply. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

Act (see Government Code Section 65925 and following), and in other related provisions which regulate planning and land use issues. If the definitions of this County Code are different from the State Law definitions, generally the State Law will govern, unless the provisions of this Code are more restrictive and limiting, in which case the more restrictive provisions apply. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

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

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135.3. This set of definitions is separate from, and less comprehensive than, the definitions applicable in the Coastal Zone, which are set out in Chapter 3, Section C. This is because the coastal and non-coastal regulations were adopted at different times. It is the goal of the Board to eventually merge the two (2) sections and have one set of definitions that apply county wide. When that is done, some definitions will change, and environmental review of any changes will be required under California law. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

135.4. To the extent that the definitions in this non-coastal section are different from those in the coastal section, the differences may result in a different meaning. If so, it is the intention of the Board that the differences remain when this version of the Code is adopted. Minor wording differences which do not change the meaning are the result of oversights at the different times at which sections of the code were adopted, and it should not be assumed that any difference in meaning is intended. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

135.5. If a definition is not included in this section, standard rules of statutory construction should be used, and the words and phrases should be given their customary and ordinary meaning, unless that causes a clearly unintended and erroneous result. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

314-136 Definitions (A)

Abutting: Land having a common property line or separated only by an alley, easement or private road. (Former Section INL#312-2; Ord. 519, Sec. 202, 5/11/65)

Access Drive: A private drive connecting a street or alley with a parking or loading area or space and of sufficient width to permit safely the passage of all vehicles, equipment, machinery, trailers, manufactured homes and pedestrians which may normally or reasonably be expected to seek access to the parking or loading area or space. Whenever the size, location or use of the parking or loading areas is such as to reasonably necessitate the use of such drive by emergency vehicles, the drive shall be of adequate width and design to permit the passage of such emergency vehicles in order to be considered as an access drive within the meaning of these regulations. (Former Section INL#312-3; Ord. 519, Sec. 203, 5/11/65)

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 Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code; and a Tiny House or Moveable Tiny House as defined in this Code. (See: Residential Use Types, Accessory Dwelling Unit, in Section 314-163.1.8: Use Types; Tiny House, Section 314-155, Definitions (T); and Moveable Tiny House, Section 314-148, Definitions (M)).

Acreage: Land which is customarily measured in terms of acres rather than front feet or square feet. (Former Section INL#312-4; Ord. 519, Sec. 204, 5/11/65)

Additional Incentives: “Additional incentives” means such regulatory concessions as specified in California Government Code Section 65915(d). 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

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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 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion.

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 (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 INL#312-4.1; Added by Ord. 1848, Sec. 1, 9/13/88)

Adequate Off-Street Parking: “Adequate off-street parking” is hereby defined as parking facilities sufficient to meet the level of anticipated parking demand generated by a use or uses. (See, Section 314-109.1, Off-Street Parking, for parking requirements.) (From Section INL#316-13.1; Added by Ord. 1668, Sec. 3, 1/15/85)

Administrative Official: The Director of the County of Humboldt and/or such other Planning Commission employee as may be designated by the Planning Commission. (Former Section INL#312-5; Ord. 519, Sec. 205, 5/11/ 65)

Affordable Housing/Affordable Housing Unit: A housing unit which is available for sale to Moderate Income Households or for rent to Low and/or Very Low Income Households, as those terms are defined in this section.

Affordable Rent: Monthly rent charged to Low and Very Low Income Households for housing units as calculated in accordance with section 50053 of the Health and Safety Code. (Modified by Ord. 2472, Sec. 1, 2/14/12)

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 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion. (From Section INL#316.4-2(c); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98)

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 (“designations” or “planned” in these regulations) 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. (Former 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 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. This definition shall include both commercial and noncommercial activities in the designated areas or zones defined as “Agricultural Land” in this Chapter. (Former Section INL#316.2-1(b); Added by Ord. 1662, Sec. 1, 11/27/84; Amended by Ord. 1138b, Sec. 1, 1/ 14/97)

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Agriculture, General: Farming, dairying, pasturage, timber production, tree farming, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, apiaries, and animal and poultry husbandry, but not including stockyards, slaughterhouses, hog farms, fur farms, turkey farms, frog farms, fertilizer works or plants for the reduction of animal matter. General Agriculture also includes large-scale employee housing, as defined in subsection 314-47.3.8. (Former Section INL#312-6; Ord. 519, Sec. 206, 5/11/65)

Alley or Lane: A public or private way not more than thirty (30) feet wide affording only secondary means of access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation, except when such terms are modified by the word “bowling”. (Former Section INL#312-7; Ord. 519, Sec. 207, 5/11/65)

Alternative Lodge Park: Provides spaces for occupancy for persons experiencing homelessness. allowing a broad range of housing types during a local emergency housing crisis. The range of allowable dwelling types includes manufactured and mobile homes, recreational vehicles, travel trailers, tiny houses and moveable tiny houses.

Animal Hospital: A building where animals are given medical or surgical treatment for compensation and where the boarding of animals is incidental to such treatment. The designation “small animal hospital” shall indicate that such treatment shall be limited to dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and similar small animals. (Former Section INL#312-8; Ord. 519, Sec. 208, 5/11/65)

Animal Products Processing Plants: Buildings and premises for the preparation for wholesale distribution of animals or animal products, including but not limited to slaughter houses, fat rendering, tallow works, fertilizer plants, tanneries, seafood packing and canning, and distillation of bones. (Former Section INL#312-9; Ord. 519, Sec. 209, 5/11/65)

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 paint shop. (Former Section INL#312-10(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 210, 5/11/65)

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 2) tons capacity, but not including any operation under “automobile repair, major”. (Former Section INL#312-10; Ord. 519, Sec. 210(b), 5/11/65)

Automobile Service, Gas and/or Filling Station: A place which provides for the servicing, washing and/or fueling of operating motor vehicles, including minor repairs, and the sales of merchandise and supplies incidental thereto. (Former Section INL#312-11; Ord. 519, Sec. 211, 5/11/65) (Ord. 2166, § 31, 4/7/1998; Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2650, § 3, 9/1/2020; Ord. 2742, § 3, 8/20/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025; Ord. 2781, § 5, 1/13/2026)

314-137 Definitions (B)

Board of Supervisors: Board of Supervisors of the County of Humboldt. (Former Section INL#312-12; Ord. 519, Sec. 212, 5/11/65)

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Board of Zoning Adjustment: “Board of Zoning Adjustment” means the office of Zoning Administrator. (Former Section INL#312-13; Ord. 519, Sec. 213, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 946, 10/2/73)

Boarding House: A dwelling or part thereof where meals or meals and lodging are provided for compensation for three (3) or more persons, not transient. Also referred to as “Rooming House” in this Code. (Former Section INL#312-14; Ord. 519, Sec. 214, 5/11/65)

Building: Any roofed structure intended for use as human shelter, or shelter or enclosure for 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)

nded for use as human shelter, or shelter or enclosure for 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; INL#312-16(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 218, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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. (From Section CZ#A312-4; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

c. Main. A building in which the principal use of the building site is conducted. (Former Section CZ#A312-4; INL#312-16(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 218, 5/11/65)

d. Site. One lot, or two (2) 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; INL#312-16(c); Ord. 519, Sec. 218, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00))

314-138 Definitions (C)

Campground: (See Section 314-113.1, Special Occupancy Parks. See also, Camping Party.)

Camping Party: “Camping Party” has the same meaning as stated in Section 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. (Former Section INL#312-17.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 1, 4/7/98)

Cannabis Farm Stay: See “Farm Stay.”

Caretaker’s Residence: A Caretaker’s Residence refers to living quarters which are incidental to and under the same ownership as the principal use which is a nonresidential use. (Former Section INL#312-17.2; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 1, 4/7/98)

Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes and including, but not limited to, columbariums, crematories, mausoleums, mortuaries and chapels when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery, and any activity or business designed for the benefit,

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

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service, convenience, education or spiritual uplift of property owners or persons visiting the cemetery when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of the cemetery and which is compatible with the purpose of the cemetery and is incidental thereto. (Former Section INL#312-18; Ord. 519, Sec. 218, 5/11/65)

Childcare Facility: A facility that provides non-medical care and supervision of minor children for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours and is licensed by the California State Department of Social Services, further subject to the definition in California Government Code Section 65915(h)(4). This includes, but is not limited to, infant centers, preschools, extended daycare facilities, and school-age childcare centers, but excludes family daycare homes.

Collector Road/Street: A medium order class of street designed to provide through-transit for moderate to large volumes of vehicles. In the hierarchy of street type classifications, collectors convey traffic from sub-collectors and local streets to arterial streets that in turn connect to highways or other regional controlled-access road facilities. (Also see, “Classification of Streets” in Division 4 of Title III of this Code.)

Combining Zone: (See Zone, Combining.)

Commercial Coach: 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). (From Section CZ#A312-5; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Commercial Residential: Commercial residential is a development that either consists of dwellings or a mixture of dwellings and commercial uses in accordance with Section 314-56.5.

Commission, Planning: The Planning Commission of the County of Humboldt, State of California. (Former Section INL#312-20; Ord. 519, Sec. 220, 5/11/65)

Community Care Facility: Community Care Facility includes all the use types defined in State law as community care facility (currently at Chapter 3 of the Health and Safety Code, commencing with Section 1500) and refers to any facility, place or building licensed by the State Department of Social Services, which is maintained and operated to provide nonmedical residential care, day care, or home-finding agency services for children, adults, or children and adults, including, but not limited to, the physically handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent persons and abused or neglected children. Community care facilities providing these services for six (6) or fewer individuals shall be considered a residential use of the property for the purpose of zoning, except that supportive and transitional housing as defined in this Code are considered residential uses regardless of the number of individuals served. (See also, “Family Day Care Homes” and “Family Day Care Center”)

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. (See also, Open Space, Useable) (Former Section INL#312-21.3; Added by Ord. 2103, Sec. 1, 1/9/96)

Correlated Color Temperature: (Abbreviated “CCT”) In lighting refers to the warmth or coolness of a light source, measured in Kelvin (K), where lower numbers indicate warmer, yellowish light and higher numbers indicate cooler, bluer light.

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

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Cottage Industry: (See Industrial Use Types, Cottage Industry, in Section D, Part 2: “Glossary of Use Types”.)

Court: An open, unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building or group of buildings and which is bounded on two (2) or more sides by such building or buildings. (Former Section INL#312-19; Ord. 519, Sec. 219, 5/11/65) (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000; Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2703, § 6, 11/29/2022; Ord. 2721, § 3, 7/11/ 2023; Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2747, § 3, 10/1/2024; Ord. 2767, § 3, 8/19/2025; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

314-139 Definitions (D)

Day Shelter: Any shelter operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization that provides a temporary shelter exclusively for the homeless without requiring occupants to sign leases or occupancy agreements. Day shelters shall be open less than twentyfour (24) hours a day; they may not provide overnight accommodations; and clients must be allowed to stay in the shelter for as many hours as it is open. No individual or household may be denied access to day shelter because of an inability to pay.

Density:

a. A means of describing the distribution of population over an area of land. Typically expressed as a number of dwelling units per a given acreage (examples: one (1) through seven (7) units per acre; or, one (1) dwelling per 20 acres). (Former Section INL#312-22.1(a); Added by Ord. 1661, Sec. 1, 10/30/84)

b. Density may be expressed as a density range (examples: five (5) through 20 acres per dwelling unit; or one (1) through seven (7) dwelling units per acre). Density does not set minimum parcel size; that is done by the zoning. (From Section INL#312-22.1(b); Added by Ord. 1661, Sec. 1, 10/30/84)

Density, Minimum Parcel Size: The smallest parcel size allowed by the plan or the zone (example: 40-acre minimums). (Former Section INL#312-22.1(c); Added by Ord. 1661, Sec. 1, 10/30/84)

Density, Planned:

a. The density anticipated to be achievable and appropriate for a given area; the density specified for the area in the General Plan. (Former Section INL#312-22.1(b); Added by Ord. 1661, Sec. 1, 10/30/84)

b. Sometimes planned density is expressed as a minimum parcel size, or range of minimum parcel sizes (examples: 40-acres minimum; or, 20 through 160 acres per parcel). (Former Section INL#312-22.1(b); Added by Ord. 1661, Sec. 1, 10/30/84)

Density Bonus: A density increase for residential units over the otherwise allowed residential density under the applicable zoning and land use designation on the date an application is deemed complete. (Modified by Ord. 2472, Sec. 1, 2/14/12)

Density Bonus Housing Agreement: A legally binding agreement between a developer and the County (Housing Authority or Planning Department) to ensure that the requirements of the residential density bonus section are

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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 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion.)

Density Bonus Unit: Those additional residential units granted pursuant to the provisions of the residential density bonus section that exceed the otherwise maximum residential density for the development site.

Dependent Sleeping Unit: A hard-roof and sided structure providing at a minimum a room for living and sleeping that is not fully equipped with a kitchen area, shower, and toilet or sewage disposal system. A dependent sleeping unit may contain a toilet or sewage disposal system.

Dependent Unit Village: A grouping of three (3) or more dependent sleeping units and contains separate common facilities equipped with, but not limited to, kitchen areas, toilets, showers and bathrooms with running water. A dependent unit village is considered multifamily housing.

Distance Between Structures: The shortest horizontal distance measured between the vertical walls of two (2) structures. (Former Section INL#312-22; Ord. 519, Sec. 222, 5/11/65)

Dwelling:

a. Dwelling. Any building or portion thereof containing one (1) or more dwelling units designed or used exclusively as a residence or sleeping place for one (1) or more families, but not including a tent, cabin, boat, recreational vehicle, manufactured home, labor camp, hotel or motel. (Former Section INL#312-23(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 223, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 2, 4/7/98)

b. Dwelling, One (1) Family. A building containing exclusively one (1) dwelling unit. (Former Section INL#312-23(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 223, 5/11/65)

c. Dwelling, Two (2) Family or Duplex. A detached building under one roof, designed for or occupied exclusively by two (2) families living independently of each other. (Former Section INL#312-23(c); Ord. 519, Sec. 223, 5/11/65)

d. Dwelling, Multiple. A building or portion thereof containing three (3) or more dwelling units, including apartments and flats but excluding rooming and boarding houses, lodging houses, motels, manufactured home parks, hotels, fraternity or sorority houses and private residence clubs. (Former Section INL#312-23(d); Ord. 519, Sec. 223, 5/11/65)

Dwelling Unit: One (1) room, or a suite of two (2) or more rooms designed for, intended for, or used by one (1) family, which family lives, sleeps and cooks therein and which unit has one kitchen or kitchenette. (Former Section INL#312-24; Ord. 519, Sec. 224, 5/11/65) (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2719, § 5, 7/11/2023; Ord. 2743a, § 3, 8/ 20/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

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

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314-140 Definitions (E)

Emergency Dependent Unit Village: A grouping of three (3) or more emergency sleeping cabins that are not equipped with a kitchen area, toilet, or sewage disposal system. This applies to any facility to be for persons experiencing homelessness for the duration of the shelter crisis. An emergency dependent unit village shall contain separate on-site common facilities that include, but are not limited to, kitchen areas, toilets, showers and bathrooms with running water.

Emergency Housing Villages: Allow for a broad range of housing types as emergency housing. This applies to any facility to be for persons experiencing homelessness for the duration of the shelter crisis. This includes emergency dependent unit villages and alternative lodge parks, and is allowable under Government Code Section 8698.4 addressing emergency housing upon declaration of a shelter crisis.

Emergency Shelter: Housing with or without supportive services for persons experiencing homelessness that is limited to occupancy of six (6) months or less, as defined in Section 50801(e) of the California Health and Safety Code. An emergency shelter may be the principal or an ancillary use on the lot. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay. Emergency shelter operations may be seasonal or yearround, and must be operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization. (Ord. 2335, 12/14/2004)

Emergency Sleeping Cabin: A hard roofed and sided structure providing a room for living and sleeping, not equipped with a kitchen area, toilet and sewage disposal system, and is allowable as emergency housing under Government Code 8698.4 addressing emergency housing upon declaration of a shelter crisis. This applies to any facility to be for persons experiencing homelessness for the duration of the shelter crisis. Emergency sleeping cabins shall meet the minimum requirements of the California Building Code (CBC), Appendix P104, Emergency Sleeping Cabins, and California Residential Code (CRC), Appendix AZ104, Emergency Sleeping Cabins, or subsequent appendices.

Emergency Vehicle: Self-propelled vehicle or trailer used in the discharge of the duties of public districts, agencies, or departments or privately owned public utilities responsible for fire prevention and control, policing, sanitation, sewage, drainage, flood control, and public utility maintenance and service. (Former Section INL#312-25; Ord. 519, Sec. 225, 5/11/65)

Equivalent Financial Incentive: “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

• b. A Density Bonus, where an Additional Incentive(s) is not requested or is determined to be unnecessary.

See, Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion. (From Section INL#316.4-2(g); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98) (Ord. 2693, § 3, 6/7/2022; Ord. 2742, § 3, 8/20/2024)

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

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314-141 Definitions (F)

Family: A person living alone or a group of persons living together as a single non-profit housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, as distinguished from a group occupying a boarding house, rooming house, lodging house, motel or hotel, fraternity or sorority house. (Former Section INL#312-26: Ord. 519, Sec. 226, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Family Day Care Center: Family Day Care Center refers to any facility which provides, to more than twelve (12) persons, non-medical care, or personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on a less than twenty-four (24) hour basis. Such Day Care Centers are a residential use of the property. A conditional use permit shall be required for the establishment of such a center. (See also, “Community Care Facilities” and “Family Day Care Homes”.) (Former Section INL#312-26.1; Added by Ord. 1842, Sec. 2, 8/16/88)

Family Day Care Home: Family Day Care Home refers to any facility which provides, to twelve (12) or fewer children (including children who reside at the home), non-medical care, or personal services, supervision, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on a less than twentyfour hour basis. (See also, “Community Care Facility” and “Family Day Care Center”.) (Former Section INL#312-26.2; Added by Ord. 1842, Sec. 3, 8/16/88)

Farm Dwelling: A dwelling on farm premises for permanent residents of the farm, such as the owner, lessee, foreman, or others whose principal employment is the operation of the farm, as distinguished from quarters for seasonal labor. (Former Section INL#312-27; Ord. 519, Sec. 227, 5/11/65)

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, resides on the property.

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. (From Section CZ#A312-8; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Flood Plain: Flood plain is defined as the area subject to inundation by the 100 year or base flood, as shown on the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM). (Former Section INL#315-8.1(D); Added by Ord. 2205, Sec. 1, 4/11/00)

Floodway: Floodway is defined as 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 and can be specifically determined at a given location by the Building Division’s application of the County flood regulations. (Former Section INL#315-8.1(D); Added by Ord. 2205, Sec. 1, 4/11/00)

Floor Area: Floor area is the area included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion thereof, exclusive of vent shafts and courts. The floor area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. (Former Section INL#312-27.1; Added by Ord. 1633, Sec. 2, 3/13/84)

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

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Foot-Candle: (Abbreviated “fc”) A unit of illuminance defined as one (1) lumen per square foot.

Frog Farm: A place at which frogs are bred and raised for commercial purposes. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

Frontage: All the property on one side of a street between intersecting or intercepting streets, or between a street and right-of-way, water way end of a dead-end street or city boundary measured along the street line. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the frontage on the side of the street which it intercepts. (Former Section INL#312-28; Ord. 519, Sec. 228, 5/11/65)

Fur Farm: A place at which fur-bearing animals, other than chinchillas, are bred and raised for commercial purposes, such as breeding stock or for the reclamation of pelts. (Former Section INL#312-29; Ord. 556, Sec. 1, 3/ 22/66) (Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2748, § 3, 10/1/2024; Ord. 2767, § 3, 8/19/2025)

314-142 Definitions (G)

Garage:

a. Private. An accessory building or a portion of a building designed for the storage of self-propelled passenger vehicles, camping trailers or boats belonging to the owners or occupants of the site and their guests, including covered parking space or carport. (Former Section INL#312-30(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 230, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 1633, 3/13/84)

b. Public. Any building or portion thereof or premises, except those herein defined as a private garage, used for the storage or care of self-propelled vehicles, trailers and boats or where any such are equipped for operation or repair or kept for remuneration and hire. (Former Section INL#312-30(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 230, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 1633, 3/13/84)

c. 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. (Former Section INL#312-30(c); Ord. 519, Sec. 230, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 1633, 3/13/84)

Grade: The average of the finished ground level at the center of all walls of a building. (Former Section INL#312-30.1; Ord.)

a. Grade, Finished. The finished surface of the ground after grading for development. (Former Section INL#312-30.2)

• b. Grade, Natural. The surface of the ground prior to grading for development. (Former Section INL#312-30.3)

Greenhouse: A facility for indoor propagation of plants, constructed with transparent or translucent panels. (See also, “Nurseries” and Section 314-69.1, Accessory Structures.)

Greenway Bench: A greenway bench is defined as a contiguous area within a Greenway and Open Space Zone containing at least 4,000 square feet of undisturbed slope less than 30% and located outside of Streamside

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Management setbacks. (See, Section 314-22.2, Greenway and Open Space Combining Zone.) (From Section 315-10(B); Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

Ground Coverage: See, Lot Coverage. (Former Section INL#312-31)

314-143 Definitions (H)

Hearing Officer: “Hearing Officer” means the Director of the Community Development Services Department or the designee of the Director, Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, or other designee. (Former Section INL#312-32; Ord. 946, Sec. 2, 10/2/73; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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

Hog Farm: Any premises used for the raising or keeping of three (3) or more hogs when raised, fed or fattened for purposes of sale and consumption by other than the owner of the site. In an agricultural zone, the term “hog farm” is not intended to otherwise preclude the raising of hogs as part of a general farming operation. (Former Section INL#312-33; Ord. 519, Sec. 232, 5/11/65)

Home Occupation: Any use which, as determined by the Planning Commission, is customarily carried on within a dwelling by the inhabitants thereof and which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling. Home occupations are subject to the Home Occupation Regulations in this Chapter. (Former Section INL#312-34; Ord. 519, Sec. 233, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 3, 4/7/98; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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

Hotel: Any building or portion thereof containing living quarters or dwelling units and designed for or intended to be used by six (6) or more transient guests, whether the compensation or hire be paid directly or indirectly, and shall include resort hotel, lodging house, boarding house, rooming house, dormitory, residence club, fraternity, sorority and other similar uses. (Former Section INL#312-35; Ord. 519, Sec. 234, 5/11/65)

ereof containing living quarters or dwelling units and designed for or intended to be used by six (6) or more transient guests, whether the compensation or hire be paid directly or indirectly, and shall include resort hotel, lodging house, boarding house, rooming house, dormitory, residence club, fraternity, sorority and other similar uses. (Former Section INL#312-35; Ord. 519, Sec. 234, 5/11/65)

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 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion. (From Section INL#316.4-2(h); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98)

Housing Development: A development project for five (5) or more residential units, inclusive of single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes for sale or rent. This does not exclude mixed use developments that include the number of residential units described above. Within this chapter, it shall also include a subdivision or common interest development, a project which rehabilitates and converts a commercial building to a residential use and a condominium conversion of an existing multifamily building. (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

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

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314-144 Definitions (I)

Incentives or Concessions: Regulatory concessions which include, but are not limited to, the reduction of site development standards or zoning code requirements, approval of mixed-use zoning in conjunction with the housing development, or any other regulatory incentive which would result in identifiable, financially sufficient, and actual cost reductions that are offered in addition to a density bonus. See also “Additional Incentives.”

Incidental Camping Area: “Incidental Camping Area” has the same meaning as stated in Section 18208 of the California Health and Safety Code (Incidental Camping Area), which is any area or tract of land where camping is incidental to the primary use of the land for agriculture, timber management, or water or power development purposes, and where two (2) or more campsites used for camping are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease. In addition to the development standards identified in Section 314-113.1, Special Occupancy Parks, the density of usage for incidental camping areas shall not exceed 25 camping parties within a radius of 265 feet from any campsite within the incidental camping area. (Former Section INL#312-35.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 4, 4/7/ 98)

d for camping are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease. In addition to the development standards identified in Section 314-113.1, Special Occupancy Parks, the density of usage for incidental camping areas shall not exceed 25 camping parties within a radius of 265 feet from any campsite within the incidental camping area. (Former Section INL#312-35.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 4, 4/7/ 98)

Initial Subsidy: The fair market value of the home at the time of initial sale minus the initial sale price to the designated household, plus the amount of any down payment assistance or mortgage assistance. If, upon resale, the market value is lower than the initial market value, then the value at the time of the resale shall be used as the initial market value (e.g., X (fair market value of the home to be purchased) - Y (the price the moderate income family paid for the home) + Z (amount of any down payment assistance) = initial subsidy).

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 INL#312-36; Ord. 519, Sec. 235, 5/11/65) (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

314-145 Definitions (J)

Junk Yard: (See, Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

314-146 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 INL#312-38; 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 INL#312-39; Ord. 519, Sec. 238, 5/11/65)

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

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314-147 Definitions (L)

Labor Camp, Including Agricultural or Farm Labor Camp: Any living quarters, dwelling, boarding house, rooming house, tent, bunkhouse, manufactured home or other housing accommodation maintained in connection with any work or place where work is being performed, and the premises upon which they are situated, or the areas set aside and provided for camping of five (5) or more employees by a labor contractor. Labor camps shall also mean a labor supply camp, which is any place, area or piece of land where a person engages in the business of providing sleeping places or camping grounds for five (5) or more employees or prospective employees. SingleFamily Residential also includes small-scale employee housing, as defined in subsection 314-47.3.7. (Former Section INL#312-40; Ord. 519, Sec. 239, 5/11/65)

. Labor camps shall also mean a labor supply camp, which is any place, area or piece of land where a person engages in the business of providing sleeping places or camping grounds for five (5) or more employees or prospective employees. SingleFamily Residential also includes small-scale employee housing, as defined in subsection 314-47.3.7. (Former Section INL#312-40; Ord. 519, Sec. 239, 5/11/65)

Licensed Premises: Premises licensed by the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board of the State of California for the sale and consumption on the premises of alcoholic beverages. (Former Section INL#312-41; Ord. 519, Sec. 240, 5/ 11/65)

Light Fixture: A complete lighting unit consisting of a lamp or lamps, the lamp holder, reflector, lens, diffuser, ballast and/or other components and accessories, together with parts designed to distribute the light, to position and protect the lamps, and to connect the lamps to the power supply. Sometimes referred to as a luminaire or light source.

Light Pollution: Any artificial light emitted into the atmosphere, either directly or indirectly, which may have a disruptive effect on natural cycles and inhibits the observation of stars and planets.

Light Trespass: Any artificial light emitted by a lighting installation which shines beyond the boundaries of the property on which the installation is sited. Including, but not limited to, any light from a light fixture onto neighboring property that interferes with viewing of the night sky or eliminates the ability to have darkness on the adjacent property, or shines into or onto neighboring windows, properties or structures.

Lighting Nuisance: Light pollution that significantly impacts or interferes with a person’s enjoyment of their property or their health. It can be caused by misdirected or excessive lighting, or light trespass from neighboring properties. A lighting nuisance must be a continual event. A one (1) time offensive activity is not sufficient to be deemed a lighting nuisance.

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

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 (From Section CZ#A312-14(a); Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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(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. (From Section CZ#A312-14(b); Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Lot Area: (See, Lot Size)

Lot, Corner: A lot abutting upon two (2) or more streets at their intersection, or upon two (2) parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135 degrees. (Former Section INL#312-43(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 242, 5/11/ 65)

Lot Coverage: The percentage of lot size covered by the vertical projection of any structure excluding any structure not extending above the grade. (Former Section INL#312-45.1)

Lot Depth: The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines. (Former Section 312-46; Ord. 519, Sec. 244, 5/11/65)

Lot, Double Frontage: A lot with both the front and rear lot lines abutting a road right-of-way. (See also, Lot, Through) (Former Section INL#312-46.1; Ord.)

Lot, Flag: Lots with a narrow frontage and a long driveway or strip of land connecting with a street. (Former Section INL#312-46.2; Ord.)

Lot, Interior: A lot other than a corner lot. (Former Section INL#312-43(c) and INL#312-46.3; Ord. 519, Sec. 242, 5/ 11/65; Amended by Ord.)

Lot, Key: The first lot to the rear of a corner lot, the front line of which is a continuation of the side line of the corner lot (exclusive of any alley) and fronting on the street which intersects or intercepts the street upon which the corner lot fronts. (Former Section INL#312-43(d); Ord. 519, Sec. 242, 5/11/65)

Lot Line: Any property line bounding a lot. When the definition of lot lines is 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 County 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 center line 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 INL#312-47(a); Added by Ord. 1848, Sec. 3, 9/13/ 88)

Lot Line, Exterior: A property line abutting a public or private road or street. (Former Section INL#312-47(b))

Lot Line, Front: The line separating the front of the lot from the street right-of-way. 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, street, or highway which does not have a right-of-way of record, refer to the definition of “lot line”. In the case of a flag lot, the front line shall 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 INL#312-47(c); Added by Ord. 1848, Sec. 3, 9/13/88)

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

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Lot Line, Rear: The record lot line most distant from and generally opposite the front lot line. Except: In the case of an interior triangular or wedge-shaped lot, it shall mean a straight line 10 feet in length which:

• (1) is approximately parallel to the front lot line, and

• (2) intersects the two (2) other lot lines at points most distant from the front lot line.

Where the rear lot line abuts a public road, street or highway which does not have a right-of-way of record, refer to the definition of “Lot Line” (Former Section INL#312-47(d); Added by Ord. 1848, Sec. 3, 9/13/88)

Lot Line, Side: Any lot line which is not a front lot line or rear lot line. Where a side lot line abuts a public road, street, or highway which does not have a right-of-way of record, refer to the definition of “Lot Line”. (Former Section INL#312-47(e); Added by Ord. 1848, Sec. 3, 9/13/88)

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

Lot, Mobilehome: (See, Manufactured Home Lot)

Lot Size: The total area of a lot. For lots less than one (1) acre in size, lot size shall be the total area of a lot, exclusive of any street measured horizontally between bordering lot lines. (Former Section INL#312-45; Ord. 519, Sec. 243, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 1743, Sec. 1, 7/15/86)

Lot, Substandard: A “substandard lot” means a lot which has been lawfully separated from adjoining property by map or a metes and bounds description as on a deed but does not meet the standards required of a lot or building site. (Former Section INL#312-44; Added by Ord. 1068, Sec. 1, 1/3/76)

Lot, Through: A lot fronting on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets. (See also, Lot, Double Frontage) (From Section CZ#A312-14)

Lot Width: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the depth of the lot at the front yard set back line. Whenever this definition cannot be applied due to irregularity in the shape of the lot, the lot width shall be as determined by the Administrative Official subject to review by the Planning Commission. (Former Section INL#312-48; Ord. 519, Sec. 246, 5/11/65)

Low Barrier Navigation Center: A Housing First, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. “Low barrier” means best practices to reduce barriers to entry. No individual or household shall be denied shelter because of inability to pay. Navigation centers shall be operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization. Navigation center as used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as Section 65660(a) of the California Government Code, and as this section may be amended.

try. No individual or household shall be denied shelter because of inability to pay. Navigation centers shall be operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization. Navigation center as used in this chapter shall have the same meaning as Section 65660(a) of the California Government Code, and as this section may be amended.

Low Income Household: A household whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the area median income for 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.

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

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Lower Income: Eighty percent (80%) of the area median income for Humboldt County. (See also “Affordable Rent.” See also Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion.)

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 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (From Section INL#316.4-2(j); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/ 98)

Lower Income Student: Means a student who has a household income and asset level that does not exceed the level specified for Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award recipients in Section 69432.7(k) of the California Education Code.

Lumen: A standard unit that measures the amount of visible light emitted by a light source. (Ord. 2166, § 31, 4/7/ 1998; Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2719, § 5, 7/11/2023; Ord. 2767, § 3, 8/19/2025; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025; Ord. 2781, § 5, 1/13/2026)

314-148 Definitions (M)

Manufactured Home: “Manufactured Home”, for purposes of this division, means a vehicle other than a motor vehicle which is designed and equipped for human habitation and for being drawn by a motor vehicle and which exceeds eight (8) feet in width or is forty (40) feet or greater in length and requires a Special Permit or chauffeur’s license, or both, to be moved upon public highways. “Manufactured home” does not include trailer, travel-trailer, camp trailer, trailer coach, house car, automobile trailer, or motorhome. The term, as used in this division, is synonymous with the term “mobilehome”. This definition is not intended to supersede or conflict with the California Health and Safety Code Section 18007 definition of this term. (Former Section INL#312-48.1; Added by Ord. 1633, Sec. 3, 3/13/84)

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. (From Section CZ#A312-14)

Manufactured Home Park: “Manufactured Home Park” means any tract of land where two (2) or more

manufactured home lots are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease to accommodate manufactured homes used for human habitation. The rental paid for any such manufactured home will be deemed to include rental for the lot it occupies.

The rental of one (1) or more manufactured homes or recreational vehicles is regulated by the State of California pursuant to Health and Safety Code Sections 18000-18897.7. (Former Section INL#312-50; Ord. 1086, Sec. 1, 7/13/ 76)

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

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

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on the basis of the general plan and the maximum density of the underlying zone. (See Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (From Section INL#316.4-2(k); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/ 98)

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.

Mobilehome: (See, “Manufactured Home.”) (Former Section INL#312-49; Ord. 1086, Sec. 1, 7/13/76)

Mobilehome Park: (See “Manufactured Home Park.”) (Former Section INL#312-50; Ord. 1086, Sec. 1, 7/13/76)

Moderate Income: Between eighty percent (80%) and one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size. (See Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion.)

Moderate Income Household: A household whose gross income does not exceed the moderate income limits applicable to Humboldt County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50093 of the California Health and Safety Code.

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 having to pass through any lobby, and where luggage is moved between the parking area and living unit 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 manufactured homes or recreational vehicles. (Former Section INL#312-51; Ord. 519, Sec. 248, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

MOVEABLE TINY HOUSE

A structure no larger than four hundred (400) square feet intended for separate, independent living quarters, designed and built 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) 1192 RV 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;

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

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

6. Substantially complies with local building, health, and safety codes as set forth in this Code so that it qualifies as a permanent dwelling. (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2650, § 3, 9/1/2020; Ord. 2748, § 3, 10/1/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

314-149 Definitions (N)

Nonconforming Structure or Use: A “nonconforming use” means the lawful use of lands or a building lawfully existing on the effective date of these regulations or prior ordinances to the subject property although such building or use does not conform with the current regulations of this division, except as may be qualified by this Code. (Former Section INL#312-52; Ord. 1104, Sec. 1, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 1237, Sec. 1, 6/27/78; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 2, 9/26/89)

Non-Restricted Unit: Means all units within a Housing Development excluding the Target Units. (See Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (From Section INL#316.4-2(l); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98)

Nuisance, Public: (See Public Nuisance.)

Nurseries: Buildings and premises for the propagation and display for retail sale of plants, vines, shrubs and trees, and the sale of horticultural materials when incidental thereto. (See also, Greenhouse.) (Former Section INL#312-53; Ord. 519, Sec. 250, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

314-150 Definitions (O)

Office:

a. Office, 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 or payments, and the keeping of records and accounts pertaining to the particular business. (Former Section INL#312-54(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 251, 5/ 11/65

• b. Office, 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 INL#312-54(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 251, 5/11/65)

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

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

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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. (Also see, “Consolidated Play Surface.”) (Former Section INL#312-73; Added by Ord. 2103, Sec. 3, 1/9/96)

Owner: 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 for the owner. (Former Section INL#312-55; Ord. 519, Sec. 252, 5/11/65)

314-151 Definitions (P)

Parking, Adequate Off-Street: (See, Adequate Off-Street Parking. See also, Section 314-109.1, Off-Street Parking.)

Person: Any individual, public or private corporation, political subdivision, partnership, firm, trust or estate or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized in law as the subject of rights or duties. (Former Section INL#312-56; Ord. 519, Sec. 253, 5/11/65)

Planned Unit Development:

a. An integrated development located on a single building site, or on 2 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 an overall density consistent with the gross densities permitted in the zone in order to provide development compatible with environmental, geologic or topographic features of a parcel. (Former Section INL#312-56.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 5, 4/7/98)

b. In such development, operation or a series of operations in accordance with a detailed, comprehensive plan encompassing such elements as the location of structures, the circulation pattern, parking facilities, open space, and utilities, together with 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. (Former Section INL#312-56.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 5, 4/7/98)

(See also, Section 314-31.1, Planned Development Zone.)

Planning Commission: (See Commission, Planning)

Principal Zone: (See Zone, Principal.)

Private Institution: The rooming or boarding of any aged or convalescent person, whether ambulatory or nonambulatory, for which a license is required by a county, state or federal agency. Private institution shall include sanitarium, rest home and convalescent home. (Former Section INL#312-57; Ord. 519, Sec. 254, 5/11/65)

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

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Proportionate Share of Appreciation: The ratio of the local government’s Initial Subsidy as defined above to the fair market value of the home at the time of initial sale. (e.g., X (initial subsidy) /Y (fair market value) = Proportionate Share of Appreciation). (Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012)

Public Nuisance: Any building or use operated or maintained contrary to the provisions of this Code shall be and the same hereby is declared to be a public nuisance and shall be subject to injunction and abatement as such. (From Section INL#319-3; Ord. 519, Sec. 803, 5/11/65; Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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 Welfare Department or designated by the County Probation Department or any court. (Former Section INL#312-58; Ord. 722, Sec. 1, 5/26/70)

314-152 Definitions (Q)

Qualifying Resident: Means senior citizens or other persons eligible to reside in Senior Citizen Housing. (See Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.) (From Section INL#316.4-2(m); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98)

Quasi-Public Use: A use operated by a private non-profit educational, religious, recreational, charitable, fraternal, or medical institution, association, or organization, and including but not limited to such uses as churches, private schools, universities, community recreational, educational and social facilities, meeting halls, private hospitals and the like. (Former Section INL#312-59; Ord. 519, Sec. 256, 5/11/65)

314-153 Definitions (R)

Recreation:

a. Recreation Commercial. Recreation facilities open to the general public for a fee, or, if restricted to members when operated for profit as a business. (Former Section INL#312-60(a); Ord. 542, Sec. 2, 2/8/66; Amended by Ord. 1741, Sec. 1, 7/8/86)

b. Recreation, Private, Noncommercial. Clubs or recreation facilities operated by a nonprofit organization and open only to bona fide members of such nonprofit organization and their guests. (Former Section INL#312-60(b); Ord. 542, Sec. 2, 2/8/66; Amended by Ord. 1741, Sec. 1, 7/8/86)

c. Recreational Accommodations. Transient and tourist-related habitation that support on-site recreation activities such as dude ranches, ski lodges, health spas, transient habitation and other similar accommodations that provide recreation-related lodging to guests. (Former Section INL#312-60(c); Ord. 542, Sec. 2, 2/8/66; Amended by Ord. 1741, Sec. 1, 7/8/86)

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

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Recreational Vehicle: “Recreational Vehicle” has the same meaning as stated in Section 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 motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, which contains less than 320 square feet of internal living room area, excluding built-in equipment, including wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. (Former Section INL#312-60.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 6, 4/7/98)

Recreational Vehicle Park: “Recreational Vehicle Park” has the same meaning as stated in Section 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 Recreational Vehicle Park Regulations in this Code. (Former Section INL#312-60.2; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 6, 4/7/98)

Residential Density Bonus: (See, Density Bonus. Also see, Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus, for further discussion.)

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 INL#312-61; Ord. 519, Sec. 258, 5/11/65)

Rooming House: (See, Boarding House.) (Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024)

314-154 Definitions (S)

Safe Parking Program: A program that provides homeless individuals and families living in a vehicle a safe place to park while accessing services to end their homelessness. No rent or fee may be charged. Occupancy is limited to six (6) months unless the program qualifies as a low barrier navigation center under Government Code Sections 65660 and 65662. Safe parking may be the principal or an ancillary use on the lot. Safe parking programs must be operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization.

Safe Shelter Program: A program that provides homeless individuals and families a safe place to sleep in tents or other structures that meet California Building Code Appendix X, Emergency Housing Standards, while accessing services to end their homelessness. No rent may be charged. Occupancy is limited to six (6) months or less unless the program qualifies as a low barrier navigation center under Government Code Sections 65660 and 65662. Safe shelter programs may be the principal or an ancillary use on the lot. Safe shelter programs must be operated by a government agency, religious institution, nonprofit charitable organization, or private nonprofit organization.

Salvage Yard: (See, Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

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

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Senior Citizen Housing Development: A residential development developed, substantially rehabilitated or renovated, and having at least thirty-five (35) dwelling units for senior citizens in compliance with the requirements of Section 51.3 of the California Civil Code, or a mobile home park that limits residency based on age requirements for housing for older persons pursuant to Section 798.76 or 799.5 of the Civil Code.

Setback: A required specified distance between buildings or structures and a lot line or lines, measured perpendicularly in a horizontal plane extending across the complete length of said lot line or lines. Note: Placement of buildings, structures and vegetation along public roads is also regulated by Chapter 1 of Division 4 of Title III, Visibility Obstruction Regulations, Section 341-1, and following. (Former Section INL#312-62; Ord. 1234, Sec. 1, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 4, 9/13/88; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

Shielded: A light fixture having a housing or optics that prevents a direct view of the light source from normal viewing angles. Types of shielding include:

a. Fully Shielded. A lighting design where the light source is completely covered by a barrier, preventing any light from escaping upwards or sideways, ensuring that all illumination is directed downwards, minimizing light pollution, and light trespass.

b. Unshielded. A lighting design where there is no barrier covering the light source, which causes the light to spread out in all directions.

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 live in the subject dwelling unit, attend to day-to-day operations associated with the maintenance of the short-term rental and who are the point of contact for neighborhood concerns.

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

Single-Room Occupancy Facility: A residential building or structure, or group of buildings or structures that contain one (1) or more single-room occupancy units.

Single-Room Occupancy Units: A living space within an SRO Facility with a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and a maximum of 400 square feet with access to kitchen and bathroom facilities. Kitchen and bathroom facilities may be wholly or partially included in each living space, or may be fully shared.

Special Occupancy Park: “Special Occupancy Park” has the same meaning as stated in Section 18216.1 of the California Health and Safety Code (Special Occupancy Park), which is a recreational vehicle park, temporary recreational vehicle park, incidental camping area, or tent camp. (See also, Section 314-113.1, Special Occupancy Parks.) (Former Section INL#312-62.1; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 7, 4/7/98)

Stable:

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

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a. Stable, Private. A detached accessory building for the shelter of horses or similar hoofed animals for the use of the residents and their guests. (Former Section INL#312-63(a); Ord. 519, Sec. 260, 5/11/65)

b. Stable, 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. (Former Section INL#312-63(b); Ord. 519, Sec. 260, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2188, Sec. 1, 2/9/99)

Street: A public or private right-of-way which provides a primary means of access to abutting property. (Former Section INL#312-64; Ord. 519, Sec. 261, 5/11/65)

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

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, but excluding 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, fences seven (7) feet or less in height, and for zoning setback purposes, retaining walls six (6) feet or less in height. (Building permits may be required for retaining walls.) Recreational vehicles used for human occupancy are considered structures. Decks and platforms thirty (30) inches or less in height must conform with setback standards of this code. Note: Placement of buildings, structures and vegetation along public roads is also regulated by Chapter 1 of Division 4 of Title III, Visibility Obstruction Regulations, Section 341-1, and following. (Former Section INL#312-66; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 5, 9/13/88; Amended by Ord. 1876, Sec. 3, 9/26/89; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 7, 4/7/98; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/ 6/00)

Structural Alterations: Any change in the structural members of a building such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders. (Former Section INL#312-67; Ord. 519, Sec. 264, 5/11/65)

Student Housing Development: A development that contains bedrooms containing two (2) or more bedspaces that have a shared or private bathroom, access to a shared or private living room, access to shared or private laundry facilities, and access to a shared or private kitchen.

Subordinate: Subordinate means of lesser bulk and less prominence as delineated by the combined effect of yard setbacks, ground coverage, height and form. (Former Section INL#312-67.1; Added by Ord. 1633, Sec. 5, 3/13/84)

Supportive Housing: Housing with no limit on the length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community. (Ord. 1633, § 5, 3/13/1984; Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2650, § 3, 9/1/2020; Ord. 2693, § 3, 6/7/2022; Ord. 2721, § 3, 7/11/2023; Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2748, § 3, 10/1/2024; Ord. 2767, § 3, 8/19/2025; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/ 2025)

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

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314-155 Definitions (T)

Target Population: The target population, defined in California Government Code Section 65582(i), means persons with low incomes who have one (1) or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health condition, or individuals with developmental disabilities who are eligible for services under the California Welfare and Institutions Code (commencing with Section 4500).

Target Unit: 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, lower income students, transitional foster youth, disabled veterans, homeless persons, or qualifying residents, as identified in the density bonus housing agreement. 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.)

==> picture [434 x 216] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
TARGET UNITS
UNIT SIZE HOUSEHOLD SIZE
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
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(See Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion. Also see “Affordable Rent,” “Affordable Sales Price,” “Qualifying Resident,” “Lower Income Household,” “Very Low Income Household.”)

Temporary Recreational Vehicle Park: “Temporary Recreational Vehicle Park” has the same meaning as stated in Section 18217 of the California Health and Safety Code (Temporary 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, and which is established for one occupancy not to exceed 11 consecutive days, and is then removed. (Former Section INL#312-67.2; Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 8, 4/7/98)

Tent Camp: “Tent Camp” has the same meaning as stated in Title 25, California Code of Regulations, Section 2208 (Definitions - Tent Camp). “Tent Camps” are any area or tract of land where one (1) or more lots are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease for the exclusive use of camping parties. (Former Section INL#312-17, INL#312-67.3; Ord. 519, Sec. 217, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2166; Sec. 8, 4/7/98; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

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

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Timberland: “Timberland” means land other than land owned by the federal government which is available for and capable of growing a crop of trees or upon which there are trees of any commercial species used to produce lumber and other forest products. (Former Section INL#312-68; Ord. 1057, Sec. 1, 12/8/75)

Timber Production: “Timber production” means the cutting or removal or both of timber and solid wood forest products from timberlands for commercial purposes, together with all the work incidental thereto, including but not limited to construction and maintenance of roads, fuelbreaks, firebreaks, stream crossing, landings, skid trails, beds for the felling of trees, and fire hazard abatement. Timber production does not include cutting or removal of timber for creating building pads and access to a legal building site when such cutting or removal is approved as a part of the building and/or encroachment permit and removal of diseased and/or dangerous trees which 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 production. (Former Section INL#312-69; Ord. 1057, Sec. 2, 12/ 8/75; Amended by Ord. 1235, Sec. 2, 6/13/78)

Timber Products Processing Plants: Timber product processing plants are buildings and premises for the commercial processing of wood and wood products, including but not limited to sawmills, lumber mills and plywood mills, but not including pulp mills. Pulp mills shall be classified as heavy industrial uses and shall be permitted in the zones designed to accommodate such uses with a Use Permit. (Former Section INL#312-70; Ord. 542, Sec. 3, 2/8/66)

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 the State approved 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 which includes basic functional areas that support normal daily routines such as cooking, sleeping, and sanitation.

Tiny House Village: A grouping of three (3) or more tiny houses or moveable tiny houses. A tiny house village would also include a dependent unit village with three (3) or more dependent sleeping units with central sanitary, cooking, and dining facilities. A tiny house village is considered multifamily housing and not a mobile home park, an RV park, or a special occupancy park.

Transient: When used in conjunction with boarding or lodging, it means services that are charged for in units of less than one (1) month and where the majority of people utilizing such services remain for periods of less than three (3) months. (Former Section INL#312-71; Ord. 519, Sec. 270, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

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

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Transient Habitation: (See Commercial Use Types, Transient Habitation, in Section D, Part 2, Glossary of Use Types.)

Transitional Housing: Rental housing that operates under a rental assistance program with a period of at least six (6) months, but where the space is reoccupied by another program recipient after a set period. The housing may be integrated with other social services and counseling programs to assist in the transition to income and permanent housing.

Turkey Farm: A place at which turkeys are bred and raised for commercial purposes. (Added by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00 (Ord. 2116, § 31, 4/30/1996; Ord. 2335, 12/14/2004; Ord. 2472, § 1, 2/14/2012; Ord. 2650, § 3, 9/1/2020; Ord. 2721, § 3, 7/11/2023; Ord. 2743a, § 3, 8/20/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

314-156 Definitions (U)

Use:

a. Use. The purpose for which either land or a structure thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained. (Former Section INL#312-72(a); Ord. 1104, Sec. 2, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

b. Use, Accessory. A use legally permitted in the zone, which use is 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 INL#312-72(b); Ord. 1104, Sec. 2, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

c. Use, Conditional. A principal or accessory use of land or of structures thereon, which use may be essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in one (1) or more zones but which use may also impair the integrity and character of the zone or adjoining zone or be detrimental to the public health, morals or welfare unless additional restrictions on location and extent of use are imposed and enforced. Such use shall become a “principal permitted use” or “accessory permitted use” 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 INL#312-72(c); Ord. 1104, Sec. 2, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

d. Use, Principal Permitted. The 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 vested right to conduct such principal permitted use without securing special permission therefor, subject only to such general limitations as off-street parking and site plan approval which are generally applied to all uses in that zone. (Former Section INL#312-72(d); Ord. 1104, Sec. 2, 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

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

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

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Undisturbed Slope: An undisturbed slope is defined as a slope in its natural state which has never been filled or graded, except where such grading has been granted previous County or State approval. (For more information on undisturbed slopes, greenway benches and open space, see Section 314-22.2, Greenway and Open Space Combining Zone.) (From Section INL#315-10.4(D)(1); Added by Ord. 2071, Sec. 1, 4/25/95)

314-157 Definitions (V)

Very Low Income: Fifty percent (50%) of the area median income for Humboldt County, adjusted for household size. (Also see Section 314-112.1, Residential Density Bonus and Other Developer Incentives, for further discussion.)

Very Low Income Household: A household whose income does not exceed 50 percent of the area median income for 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. (From Section INL#316.4-2(p); Added by Ord. 2166, Sec. 31, 4/7/98; Modified by Ord. 2472, Sec. 1, 2/14/12) (Ord. 2166, § 31, 4/7/ 1998; Ord. 2732, § 3, 3/5/2024; Ord. 2776, § 3, 11/4/2025)

314-158 Definitions (W)

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 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 salvage of materials incidental to and used in manufacturing or farm operations, provided such salvage of materials takes place where the manufacturing or farming is done. (For more information on wrecking and salvage yards, see Chapter 1 of Title III, Division 7 of these regulations.) (Former Section INL#312-37; From Section 371-1; Ord. 542, Sec. 1, 2/8/66; Amended by Ord. 2214, 6/6/00)

314-159 Definitions (X)

(Section Reserved for Future Use)

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

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314-160 Definitions (Y)

Yard:

a. 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. (Former Section INL#312-74(a); Ord. 1234, Sec. 2, 6/ 13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 7, 9/13/88 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

b. Yard, Front. A yard of uniform depth extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and the nearest vertical support or wall of the main building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto. The front yard of a corner lot is the yard adjacent to the shorter street frontage. (Former Section INL#312-74(b); Ord. 1234, Sec. 2, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 7, 9/13/88 10/5/76; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

c. Yard, Rear. A yard of uniform depth extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the nearest vertical support or wall of the main building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto, except that the rear yard of a corner lot extends to the side yard adjacent to the street. (Former Section INL#312-74(c); Ord. 1234, Sec. 2, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 7, 9/13/88; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

ding across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the nearest vertical support or wall of the main building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto, except that the rear yard of a corner lot extends to the side yard adjacent to the street. (Former Section INL#312-74(c); Ord. 1234, Sec. 2, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 7, 9/13/88; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

d. Yard, Side. A yard on each side of the main building extending from the front yard to the rear yard, the width of each yard being measured between the side line on the lot and the nearest vertical support or main wall of each building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto. A side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall extend from the front yard to the rear lot line. (Former Section INL#312-74(d); Ord. 1234, Sec. 2, 6/13/78; Amended by Ord. 1848, Sec. 7, 9/13/88; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

Yard, Salvage: (See, Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

Yard, Wrecking: (See, Wrecking and Salvage Yards)

314-161 Definitions (Z)

Zone: A portion of the territory of the County of Humboldt within which certain uniform regulations and requirements or combinations thereof apply under the provisions of this Code. The word “zone” shall include the word “district”. (Former Section INL#312-75; Ord. 519, Sec. 274, 5/11/65; Amended by Ord. 2166, Sec. 9, 4/7/98)

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. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

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. (Ord. 2214, 6/6/2000)

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

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D

SECTION D: USE TYPES