Title II — ADMINISTRATION›Part 1 — USES AND ACTIVITIES
Humboldt County Municipal Code § 45.2 Cottage Industry
Humboldt County Municipal Code · 2026-09 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Humboldt County
Cite as: Humboldt County Municipal Code § 45.2 · Text as of 2026-10-04
45.2.1 Purpose.¶
The purpose of these regulations is to establish development standards and limitations for the
operation and maintenance of cottage industries in the Coastal Zone of Humboldt County. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(A))
45.2.2 Applicability.¶
The provisions of these regulations shall apply in all zones in which the cottage industry use
type is permitted. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(B))
45.2.3 Performance Standards For Cottage Industries Allowed As Appurtenant And Accessory Use.¶
Cottage
Industries allowed as a principally permitted appurtenant and accessory use to the residential use shall comply with all the following performance standards in addition to the applicable Industrial Performance Standards of Section 313-103.1: (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.1 The cottage industry shall conform with the development standards in the…¶
and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(a); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.2 The dwelling on the site shall be occupied by the owner of the cottage industry.¶
(Former Section
CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(b); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.3 The Cottage Industry shall occupy no more than twenty-five percent (25%) or…¶
square feet (whichever is less) of the floor area of the dwelling or accessory structure; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(c); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.4 The cottage industry shall not produce evidence of its existence in the…¶
dwelling or premises, or in the creation of noise, odors, smoke or other nuisances to a degree greater than that normal for the neighborhood; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(d); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.5 There shall be no structural, electrical or plumbing alterations necessary for…¶
which are not customarily found in dwellings or residential accessory structures; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(e); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.6 No persons other than residents of the dwelling shall be employed to conduct…¶
and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(f); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.7 There shall be no articles sold on the premises; and (Former Section CZ…¶
45.2.3.8 All noise generating operations shall be buffered so that they do not exceed…¶
noise level anywhere on the site by more than 5 dB(a), or an equivalent standard which achieves comparable results; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(h); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.9 All lights shall be directed on-site and shielded to reduce glare to adjacent…¶
Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(i); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.10 The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that normal…¶
in which it is located; and (Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(j); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.11 No perceptible vibrations shall be permitted off the building site; and…¶
CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(k); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.12 No visual or audible interference of radio or television reception by operations shall be permitted.¶
(Former Section CZ#A314-12(C)(1)(l); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.3.13 A business license shall be required for the Cottage Industry.¶
45.2.3.14 The cottage industry shall not significantly increase demand for, or require…¶
additional services including water, sewer, septic, or wastewater treatment. (Ord. 2167, § 24, 4/7/1998)
45.2.4 No coastal development permit is required for cottage industries that conform…¶
standards in the preceding section (313-45.2.3) if established in an existing permitted residence or accessory structure. A coastal development permit will be required for a new accessory structure or enlarged residence in which such cottage industry is to be located that is not otherwise exempt from coastal development permit requirements pursuant to Title 14, California Code of Regulations Section 13250(b).
45.2.5 Performance Standards For Cottage Industries Allowed As Accessory Uses With a…¶
Development Permit. Cottage Industries that meet all the following performance standards in addition to the applicable Industrial Performance Standards of Section 313-103.1, may be permitted as accessory uses to any residential use with a Coastal Development Permit: (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.5.1 The cottage industry shall conform with the development standards in the…¶
45.2.5.2 There shall be no articles sold on the premises.¶
45.2.5.3 One nameplate, attached to the structure, is permitted advertising the cottage…¶
exceeding two (2) square feet, that is non-moving, and which has illumination, if any, which is indirect and non-flashing. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(c))
45.2.5.4 The total land area occupied by the cottage industry shall not exceed two (2)…¶
portions of the lot occupied by buildings, storage areas, and work places devoted to the cottage industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(D)(d))
45.2.5.5 A business license shall be approved for the Cottage Industry. (Former Section¶
CZ#A314-12(D)(e); Added by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.6 Operational Standards.¶
45.2.6.1 At a minimum, the Hearing Officer shall set the following operational…¶
Coastal Development Permit for a cottage industry. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98) The Hearing Officer may also condition the Coastal Development Permit as permitted by Chapter 2, Procedures, of this Code. (Former Section CZ#A314-12(E); Amended by Ord. 2167, Sec. 24, 4/7/98)
45.2.6.1.1 Number of employees; and (Former Section CZ A314-12(E)(1))¶
45.2.6.1.2 Hours of operation. (Former Section CZ A314-12(E)(2))¶
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