Humboldt County Municipal Code § 87.3 Signs and Nameplates

The purpose of these regulations is to ensure: (1) that signs within Humboldt

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

permitted use, shall be permitted in any residential zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(1))

any permitted use, shall be permitted only in AE, TPZ and TC Zones. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(1))

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

advertise the sale of lots in the subdivision in which they are displayed shall be permitted with a Use Permit in any zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(2)(b))

Signs appurtenant to any permitted use which are not illuminated, are not

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

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

may be permitted with a Special Permit in any commercial or industrial zone. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(4)(b))

Directional signs and/or guide signs may be located in any zone to indicate

directions to public recreational areas, visitor serving facilities, and any other facilities for which the Director has determined that such a sign is necessary for the public convenience and/or safety. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(a))

directional statement, and the approximate distance to the use(s). (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(c)(1))

use. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(B)(5)(c)(2))

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

The following signs shall be prohibited in all zones except as provided in

this Section. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C))

vehicles on public rights-of-way, such as may be caused by signs employing motion, sound, mechanical devices, blinkers, flashing lights, animation or unusual lighting. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(1))

vision of operators of motor vehicles, or at any locations where, by reason of position, shape or color, such sign may interfere with, obstruct the vision of, or be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device, or which makes use of the words “stop,” “danger,” or any other word, phrase, symbol, or character in such manner as to interfere with, mislead or confuse motor vehicle operators. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(2))

be confused with any authorized traffic sign, signal or device. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(3))

rights-of-way or to otherwise endanger pedestrians. (Former Section CZ#A314-33(C)(4)) (Ord. 2167, § 30, 4/7/ 1998; Ord. 2717, § 4, 6/27/2023) 313-88