Arcata City Council
December 17, 2025

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
86 Table 38: City of Arcata NFIP Details
Community
Name
Community
Number
Total Premium +
FPF 4
Total Policy
Count Total Coverage Total Losses
Arcata, City of 060061 $68,128.00 70 $18,482,000.00 18
Table 39: Floodplain Management
Floodplain Management
Who is the floodplain manager? Is this
their primary or secondary role?
City engineer, secondary role
Does the floodplain manager have
adequate training and capacity for their
role? If not, what else is needed?
Yes
How does the community enforce its
floodplain rules? Does enforcement
include monitoring compliance and
acting to correct violations?
It is part of the planning and permitting process;
plans are reviewed by a designated engineer to
ensure construction is done per the adopted
codes; the city also has code enforcement staff
who ensure compliance per the code if there are
violations reported
When was the community’s most recent
Community Assistance Visit (CAV)?
Unknown
Were any violations noted on the
community’s most recent CAV?
N/A
Is there an upcoming CAV? If no, is one
needed?
Upcoming CAV?: No
Is one needed?: No
When was the most recent floodplain
management ordinance adopted?
06/2017
Does your community participate in the
Community Rating System (CRS)? If so,
describe the steps the community has
taken to achieve the CRS goals.

Yes
By staying in compliance and adopting
appropriate codes regularly
Does the community’s floodplain
management ordinance include any
higher standards? If so, please list.

Yes
By adopting latest construction standards
(methods, materials, proof of elevation
certificates)
4 FPF: Federal Policy Fee

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
87 Floodplain Management
Who is responsible for permitting? The city engineer and building official How does the community issue
development permits in the special flood
hazard area?
Ensuring that flood certificates for the flood
hazard areas are prepared by a licensed surveyor
or engineer
Does the community maintain elevation
certificates?
Yes
Does the community track the number
of buildings in the special flood hazard
area? If yes, are there any trends?
Yes
N/A; the city has not seen any new construction
in hazard areas.

How many repetitive loss (RL) structures
does the community have?
(List number and type of structure)
1, residential
How many severe repetitive loss (SRL)
structures does the community have?
(List number and type of structure)
0 Have any RL/SRL properties been
mitigated since the last plan update?
Yes
Who is responsible for making
substantial damage/substantial
improvement determinations?
The city engineer
How does the substantial
damage/substantial improvement
process work in your community?
It is a coordinated effort between the city’s
Environmental Services (i.e., Public Works),
Engineering and Building Departments to ensure
proper documentation is completed and that
appropriate state and federal (Cal OES/FEMA)
protocols are followed for such events.

Is there sufficient staff and training to
make substantial damage/substantial
improvement determinations?
No
How are substantial damage/substantial
improvement requirements messaged to
the public before and after an event?
N/A
Have any substantially damaged/
substantially improved structures been
mitigated since the last plan update?
No

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
88 Floodplain Management
How will the community remain in
compliance with the NFIP moving
forward?
By ensuring that all new construction is done per
the latest building and FEMA codes
Table 40: Floodplain Mapping
Floodplain Mapping
How does the community support map
change requests? This could be requests
during the Risk MAP process or through
Letters of Map Amendment or Revision.

By preparing a Letter of Map Amendment and
sending it to FEMA staff
When did the latest Flood Insurance
Rate Map (FIRM) become effective?
11/1997
When was the latest FIRM adopted? 11/2016
Is the FIRM and Flood Insurance Study
(FIS) report in an accessible location?
How would the public get access to their
flood map information?
Yes
Through the city’s GIS Parcel Finder web
application
Does the community use any Risk MAP
products? If so, describe.

No
Does the community collect updated
floodplain data or modeling? Is this
shared with partners and with FEMA?
No
Table 41: Flood Insurance and Outreach
Flood Insurance and Outreach
How does the community educate the
public on floodplain management and
the availability of flood insurance, in and
out of the floodplain?
By providing access to FEMA’s FIRM through the
city’s GIS Parcel Finder web application
How does the community engage with
insurance agents on flood insurance?
N/A
Does the community (or state) have
flood hazard disclosure laws?
Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
89 Flood Insurance and Outreach
How familiar is the public with their
flood insurance options?
Unknown
How many properties have flood
insurance in the community?
70 Are there any areas where flood
insurance is lacking?
Yes
Land areas adjacent to creeks

2.5. Mitigation Strategy
The City of Arcata has adopted the same goals and prioritization process as Humboldt County, which is in Volume 1.

2.5.1. Previous Mitigation Actions
Table 42: Previous Mitigation Actions
Mitigation
Action Description Status
ARC1 Where appropriate, support the
retrofitting, purchase or relocation of
structures located in hazard areas,
prioritizing any critical facilities and those
structures that have experienced
repetitive losses and/or are located in
high- or medium-risk hazard areas.

Partially Completed. (Study for
relocating WWTP out of
tsunami/sea level rise [SLR] zone.)
Carried forward into next Action
Plan as two separate items (#2 &
#3).

ARC2 Integrate the hazard mitigation plan into
other plans, ordinances and programs that
dictate land use decisions in the
community, including the Local Coastal
Program, the Forest Management Plan,
the Arcata General Plan Safety Element
and the Arcata Land Use Code.

Partially Completed.
(Integrated into Forest Management
Plan.)
Carried forward into next Action
Plan as #4.

ARC3 Actively participate in the plan
maintenance protocols outlined in Volume
1 of this hazard mitigation plan.

Deferred – City of Arcata will join
efforts of County of Humboldt and
planning partnership to maintain
this plan (Action Plan Item #1).

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
90 Mitigation
Action Description Status
ARC4 Continue to maintain good standing and
compliance under the NFIP through
implementation of floodplain
management programs that, at a
minimum, meet the NFIP requirements:
• Enforce the flood damage prevention
ordinance.
• Participate in floodplain identification
and mapping updates.
• Provide public assistance/information
on floodplain requirements and
impacts.
• Seek NFIP certification for a city staff
person.

Deferred – Carried forward into
next Action Plan as #5.

ARC5 Identify and pursue strategies to increase
adaptive capacity to climate change,
including but not limited to the following:
• Conduct a vulnerability assessment on
sea level rise.
• Flood diversion and storage
opportunities in wetlands and
floodplains.
• Public outreach and education
regarding emergency preparedness and
hazard risk awareness.
• Shoreline protection measures and
managed retreat from high-risk hazard
areas.

Partially Completed.
(Hired Northern Hydrology to conduct
Coastal Hazard Scenario elevations for
Advanced Water Treatment Facility
[AWTF]. Hired GHD for SLR vulnerability
analysis and adaptation planning.)
Deleted – Addressed in new
Action Plan as multiple Action
Items: #9, #19, #24, #30, #35, #36,
#37.

ARC6 Purchase generators for critical facilities
and infrastructure that lack adequate
backup power, including Arcata
Community Center and D Street
Neighborhood Center.

Partially Completed. (Purchased
generators for Arcata Community Center,
D Street Neighborhood Center and
portable generators for water/sewer
pump/lift stations.)
Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #6.

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
91 Mitigation
Action Description Status
ARC7 Implement projects in the city’s Capital
Improvement Plan that enhance hazard
mitigation.

Partially Completed.
(21-03) Arcata Police Department Radio
System Upgrade (improve emergency
communications quality and resiliency);
(48-07) Annie & Mary Trail Connectivity
(increase alternative transportation/
reduce greenhouse gases [GHGs]);
(48-21) Isaacson Sustainable
Transportation Infrastructure Projects
(increase alternative
transportation/reduce GHGs);
(63-06) Plunkett Waterline Improvements:

Phase 2 (Cal OES Grant – replace aging
infrastructure and increase seismic
resiliency);
(64-01) Water Storage Tank 1C
(construction contract w/Mercer Fraser
awarded Sept. 2022);
(67-35) Levee Project to Protect WWTP
(Cal OES grant), awarded to SHN Nov.
2022.

Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #7.

ARC8 Improve reliability of continued operations
of critical water and wastewater facilities
and infrastructure during emergencies,
including the pump station on Alliance
Road.

Partially Completed.
(Tank 1C Water Storage. Plunkett
Waterline Retrofit.)
Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #8.

ARC9 Continue to support the Hazard Mitigation
Plan partnership and the countywide
initiatives identified in Volume 1 of this
plan.

Deferred – City of Arcata will join
efforts of County of Humboldt and
planning partnership to maintain
this plan (Action Plan Item #1).

ARC10 Continue to improve shoreline protections
(including levees, seawalls, living
shorelines, etc.) around risk critical
facilities, including the Corporation Yard
and WWTP.

Deferred – WWTP Levee Expansion
Project analysis in still in progress.

Carried forward in new Action
Plan as Item #9.

ARC11 Develop a list of needed seismic retrofits
for the city’s critical facilities.

Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #2.

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
92 Mitigation
Action Description Status
ARC12 Improve local radio and other emergency
response and operational communications
on a designated shared channel and
support regional efforts to broaden
communications capacity.

Partially Completed.
(APD Public Safety Radio Upgrades)
Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #10.

ARC13 Develop detailed lists of existing and
needed emergency resources (shelters,
food sources, etc.) and seek funds to
develop resources that are identified as
lacking.

Deferred – Replaced in new Action
Plan as Item #20
ARC14 Continue to support the development and
ongoing training of CERTs.

Deleted, no longer relevant
ARC15 Maintain updated hazard and emergency
preparedness information on the city’s
website with a link to the county’s
website.

Completed.

ARC16 Develop semi-annual city staff training in
community emergency response.

Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Items #32 & #33
ARC17 Increase emergency water storage
capacity (fire protection, backup supply,
etc.).

Partially Completed.
(Water Storage Tank 1C)
Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #9.

ARC18 Develop a debris management plan,
including identifying hazardous waste
storage locations.

Deleted – included in area-wide
mitigation actions.

ARC19 Develop a city-wide evacuation plan and
maps with pre-designated routes based on
each area/zone of the city.

Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #13.

ARC20 Implement the “Priority Action
Recommendations” identified in the
Community Wildfire Protection Plan,
Humboldt Bay Area Planning Unit Action
Plan that are pertinent to Arcata.

Deferred – Carried forward in new
Action Plan as Item #23.

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
93 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
94 2.5.2. Updated Mitigation Actions
Table 43: 2025 Mitigation Actions 5
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC1 Support the Countywide Actions identified in
this HMP.

City Manager’s
Office
High Dam failure,
drought,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather
General funds Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC2 Assess the feasibility of seismic retrofitting or
elevating of critical infrastructure and other
structures located in high- or medium-risk
hazard areas.

Building and
Engineering
Department
Medium Earthquake,
tsunami
General funds,

PDM, HMGP
Medium ShorttermExisting Yes Yes
ARC3 Support the purchase or relocation of critical
infrastructure and other structures located in
high- or medium-risk hazard areas, prioritizing
any critical facilities and those structures that
have experienced repetitive losses.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire
General funds,

HMGP, PDM,
PA mitigation,
CDBG
High Long-term Both Yes Yes
5 BRIC: Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, CDBG: Community Development Block Grant, FMA: Flood Mitigation Assistance, HMGP: Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, IIG: Infrastructure Investment Grant, PA: Public Assistance, PDM: Pre-Disaster Mitigation

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
95 # Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC4 Integrate the HMP into other plans, ordinances
and programs that dictate land use decisions in
the community, for example, the Local Coastal
Program, the Forest Management Plan, the
Arcata General Plan Safety Element and the
Arcata Land Use Code
Community
Development
Department
Medium Dam failure,
drought,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather
General funds,
HMGP, staff
time
Low ShorttermBoth Yes Yes
ARC5 Maintain good standing and compliance under
the NFIP through implementation of floodplain
management programs that, at a minimum,
meet the NFIP requirements: Enforce the flood
damage prevention ordinance; Participate in
floodplain identification and mapping updates;
Provide public assistance/information on
floodplain requirements and impacts; Seek NFIP
certification for a City staff person.

Building and
Engineering
Department
Low Flooding General funds,
FMA, staff time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC6 Support secondary power sources, such as
generators and solar photovoltaic systems, that
increase power resilience at critical facilities
and infrastructure, such as temporary
emergency shelter locations and water and
sewer infrastructure, to mitigate the impact of
hazards that may cause power outages.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, tsunami,
wildfire, wind
HMGP, general
funds, BRIC,
PDM
High MediumtermExisting Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
96 # Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC7 Implement projects identified in the City’s
Capital Improvement Plan that support hazard
mitigation.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Dam failure,
drought,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather
General funds,
staff time
Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC8 Improve resilience and reliability of critical
water and wastewater infrastructure and
facilities for continued operability during and
following natural hazard events; examples
include the pump station on Alliance Road and
First Street Pump Station.

Environmental
Services
Department
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
flooding, tsunami,
wildfire, winter
weather
HMGP, general
funds, PDM
Medium MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC9 Implement shoreline protections (such as
levees, seawalls, living shorelines, etc.) around
critical facilities near Humboldt Bay, including
the City’s Corporation Yard and Wastewater
Treatment Plant, to protect against and reduce
impacts of erosion and storm surge.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Tsunami, flooding,
winter weather

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High Long-Term Existing Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
97 # Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC10 Enhance local radio and other operational
communications, such as handheld radios for
City crews, necessary for sustaining
coordination and response during and after
natural hazard events and support regional
efforts to broaden and coordinate
communications capacity.

City Manager’s
Office, IT
Division
High Dam failure,
drought,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather
General funds,
enterprise
funds, CDBG
Low ShorttermNew Yes Yes
ARC11 Develop and conduct semi-annual City staff
training in incident response, emergency
operations protocols and provide community
assistance in emergencies.

City Manager’s
Office
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, wildfire
General funds,
staff time
Low ShorttermBoth Yes Yes
ARC12 Increase emergency water storage capacity for
fire protection and back-up supply to increase
resiliency against drought and other natural
hazard events.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Drought, wildfire,
earthquake

HMGP, IIG,
State Revolving
Fund, CDBG,
Water Fund
$4,000,000 MediumtermNew Yes Yes
ARC13 Develop a city-wide evacuation plan and maps
with pre-designated routes based on each
area/zone of the city. Coordinate with adjacent
jurisdictions on a regional evacuation response.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low ShorttermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
98 # Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC14 Dedicated Emergency Shelters & Accessibility
Improvements: Enhance accessibility of
emergency shelters for compliance with ADA
standards for mobility, communication and
medical needs. Assess and implement
accessibility improvements in a City facility to
serve as a secondary emergency shelter during
natural hazard events, such as the D Street
Neighborhood Center.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Earthquake,
tsunami, dam
failure, wildfire

CDBG, HMGP,
PDM, general
funds
High MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC15 Upgrade emergency shelter infrastructure,
including generator backups for critical
facilities.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Earthquake,
tsunami, dam
failure, wildfire
HMGP, PDM High MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC16 Assess the risk of hillside slope instability and liquefaction prone areas in high-risk hazard
areas, particularly near Humboldt Bay, and
develop an emergency response plan.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Earthquake,
landslide

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low Long-term Both Yes Yes
ARC17 Implement vegetation management to reduce
potential erosion and landslides in high- and
medium-risk areas.

Environmental
Services
Department
High Landslide HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC18 Conduct slope stabilization projects in
landslide-prone areas.

Building and
Engineering
Department
Medium Landslide HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High Long-term Both Yes Yes
ARC19 Work with community partners to enhance
public awareness and education about the
potential for natural hazard events, including
earthquake, tsunami, dam failure and wildfire
City Manager’s
Office
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
general funds,
staff time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
99 # Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC20 Design and develop programs to increase
support for and resilience of vulnerable
populations during natural hazard events, such
as warming and cooling centers during extreme
temperature events, and distribution of food,
water and medical supplies during natural
hazard events that trigger home evacuations.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
CDBG, general
funds, staff
time
Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC21 Purchase enhanced-capability road signage,
such as changeable message signs, to help
increase public safety during an emergency
Environmental
Services
Department
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low ShorttermBoth Yes Yes
ARC22 Retrofit aging water supply system with newer
technology and infrastructure to improve
system resilience during natural hazard events,
such as installing remote read water meters
and ensuring sufficient water pressure for
firefighting in outlying neighborhoods.

Environmental
Services
Department
High Earthquake,
Drought, Wildfire

HMGP, BRIC,
general funds,
Water Fund
$4,000,000 Short New Yes Yes
ARC23 Implement additional fuels management along
the wildland urban interface of the Arcata
Community Forest Tracts
Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Wildfire CAL FIRE $250,000 MediumtermExisting Yes Yes ARC24 Conduct stormwater management planning and
implement multi-benefit projects along streams
in Arcata and on City of Arcata properties to
decrease flood potential and enhance habitat
Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Flooding HMGP, PDM $15,000,000 MediumtermExisting Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
100
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC25 Improve culvert capacity in areas with high-risk
and historic flooding issues.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Flooding PA Mitigation,
HMGP, general
funds
High Long-term Existing Yes Yes
ARC26 Install additional seismic shut-off valves for gas lines in critical facilities.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Earthquake HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low ShorttermExisting Yes Yes
ARC27 Install additional seismic shut-off valves for
water storage facilities and supply lines.

Environmental
Services
Department
High Earthquake HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Medium MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC28 Coordinate with Cal Poly Humboldt University
for campus-specific hazard readiness and
planning for evacuation shelters in the
community
City Manager’s
Office
High Earthquake,
tsunami, dam
failure, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
general funds,
staff time
Staff Time MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC29 Establish a Secondary Corporation Yard in a
Safe Zone: Develop a plan to relocate essential
emergency equipment (generators, heavy
machinery, etc.) to a secure facility outside the
tsunami and dam failure hazard zones. This
ensures critical response capabilities remain
intact even if the primary corporation yard is
impacted. The plan should include site
selection, funding strategies and operational
logistics for rapid deployment during
emergencies.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Tsunami, dam
failure

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High Long-term New Yes Yes
ARC30 Collaborate with Humboldt Bay Harbor District
on bay resilience strategies.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Tsunami, flooding,
winter weather
HMGP, PDM Staff Time MediumtermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
101
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC31 Strengthen Tsunami Evacuation Infrastructure
and Planning. Establish evacuation routes
equipped with clear, durable signage,
designated pedestrian paths and safe assembly
areas on higher ground.

Building and
Engineering
Department
Medium Tsunami HMGP, PDM,
general funds,
staff time
Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC32 Conduct Community Drills & Public Education.

Conduct regular evacuation drills, especially for
schools, businesses and at-risk neighborhoods.

Provide education on hazard risks and
mitigation strategies.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Earthquake,
tsunami, dam
failure, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
general funds,
staff time
Staff Time MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC33 Conduct regular hazard drills in coordination
with Cal Poly Humboldt and local agencies.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, wildfire
General funds,
staff time
Staff Time ShorttermBoth Yes Yes
ARC34 Enhance Early Warning Systems: Expand siren
coverage, implement multilingual alerts, social
media notifications and integrate real-time text
and app-based notifications to ensure rapid
warning dissemination.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
102
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC35 Targeted Emergency Communication &
Outreach: Use multilingual alerts, ASL
interpreters and alternative communication
methods (e.g., door-to-door outreach,
community radio, text alerts) to ensure all
residents receive timely emergency
information.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC36 Manage development in areas of the city that
are rated high hazard severity for tsunami,
flooding, landslides and wildfire.

Community
Development
Department
High Tsunami, flooding,
landslide, wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
general fund
Medium ShorttermNew Yes Yes
ARC37 Coastal Land Use Planning & Managed Retreat:

Restrict new development in high-risk tsunami
zones and explore long-term relocation
strategies for critical infrastructure and
vulnerable populations.

Community
Development
Department
Medium Tsunami, winter
weather

HMGP, PDM,
general funds,
staff time
Staff Time Long-term New Yes Yes
ARC38 Increase On-Site Fuel Storage Capacity: Expand
fuel storage at critical facilities (police, fire
stations, public works yards) to ensure
emergency vehicles and backup generators can
operate for extended periods during and after
natural disasters.

Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, wind

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC39 Strategic Fuel Reserves: Establish agreements
with local fuel sources (suppliers/distributors)
to secure priority access during shortages and
emergency situations.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, wind
Staff time Staff Time MediumtermExisting Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
103
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC40 Alternative Fuel Sources: Integrate biodiesel,
propane or other alternative fuel sources to
diversify power supply options during
emergencies
Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, wind

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC41 Fuel Security & Access Planning: Harden fuel
storage sites are against earthquakes, floods
and other natural hazards, with secured access
for authorized personnel.

Building and
Engineering
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, wind
HMGP, general
funds
Medium Long-term Existing No Yes
ARC42 Microgrid & Renewable Energy Integration:

Install solar and battery storage at emergency
facilities to reduce dependence on fuel-based
generators
Environmental
Services
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, wind

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
High MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC43 Assess Community Risk and Map Areas of
Community Vulnerability
Community
Development
Department
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather

HMGP, PDM,
CDBG, general
funds, staff
time
Low ShorttermExisting Yes Yes
ARC44 Stockpile Essential Supplies Locally: Establish
emergency supply caches with food, water,
medical supplies and fuel at strategic locations
in the city to sustain critical operations and
vulnerable populations for at least 7–14 days.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, landslide,
wildfire
PDM, general
funds
Medium ShorttermExisting Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
104
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC45 Pre-Identify & Strengthen Alternative Supply
Routes: Work with regional agencies to map out
alternative road, air and maritime routes for
emergency supply deliveries in case primary
roads (e.g., Highway 101, 299, etc.) are
damaged or inaccessible.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
tsunami, flooding,
landslide, wildfire,
wind

HMGP, PDM,
general funds
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC46 Coordinate with Local Businesses &
Organizations: Develop agreements with
grocery stores, gas stations and suppliers to
prioritize emergency resource distribution and
maintain essential stock during disasters.

City Manager’s
Office
Low Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire, winter
weather
PDM, general
funds
Low MediumtermExisting Yes Yes
ARC47 Improve Local Food Security & Resilience:

Support community gardens, local agriculture
and food preservation initiatives to reduce
dependence on long-distance food supply
chains.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire
PDM, general
funds
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC48 Expand Mutual Aid & Regional Partnerships:

Strengthen partnerships with neighboring
cities, counties, universities and tribal nations
to facilitate resource-sharing and coordinated
emergency response.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
drought,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire,
wind, winter
weather
PDM, general
funds, staff
time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
105
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC49 Transportation Assistance for Evacuations:

Coordinate with regional agencies, local transit
and paratransit providers to develop an
emergency transportation plan to assist those
without personal vehicles, including designated
pick-up locations and accessible transport
options.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
flooding, landslide,
tsunami, wildfire
PDM, general
funds, staff
time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC50 Community-Based Emergency Support Hubs:

Plan for and coordinate with local agencies to
establish neighborhood-based aid stations
where residents can access food, water,
medical aid and emergency supplies,
particularly in underserved areas.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire

HMGP, PDM,
CDBG, general
funds, staff
time
Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC51 Pre-Disaster Registration & Resource Mapping:

Create a voluntary registry for individuals with
medical, mobility or other special needs to
prioritize aid and evacuation planning.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire
PDM, general
funds, staff
time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC52 Partnerships with Local Nonprofits & Advocacy
Groups: Work with shelter providers, food
banks, disability advocates and faith-based
organizations to coordinate emergency
response efforts and ensure the most
vulnerable are accounted for.

City Manager’s
Office
Medium Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire
PDM, general
funds, staff
time
Low MediumtermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
106
# Action Description Lead Agency Priority
Score Hazards Mitigated
Potential
Funding
Source(s)
Estimated
Cost
Estimated
Timeline
New
and/or
Existing
Asset
Vulnerable
Population
Benefit?
Community
Lifelines
Benefit?
ARC53 Disaster Financial Assistance & Housing
Support: Establish a rapid-response aid program
to provide temporary housing, rental assistance
and direct aid to low-income and displaced
individuals post-disaster.

Community
Development
Department
Low Dam failure,
earthquake,
extreme
temperatures,
landslide, tsunami,
wildfire
PDM, CDBG Medium MediumtermBoth Yes Yes
ARC54 Pursue Safety Assessment Program (SAP)
certification for the city’s building inspector,
building official and licensed engineers and
prepare “go-bags” for rapid response following
a natural disaster.

Building and
Engineering
Department
High Dam failure,
earthquake,
landslide, wind,
wildfire
PDM, general
funds, staff
time
Low ShorttermBoth Yes Yes

CITY OF ARCATA ANNEX
107

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STAFF REPORT – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
December 17, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Netra Khatri, City Engineer
PREPARER: Joe Bishop, Building Official
DATE: December 17, 2025
TITLE: Hold a Public Hearing to Adopt Ordinance No. 1583, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Title VIII of the Arcata Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Property Maintenance Code.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Council hold a public hearing and adopt Ordinance No. 1583, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Title VIII of the Arcata Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Property Maintenance Code.

INTRODUCTION:

If adopted, Ordinance No. 1583 would modify the City’s municipal code to incorporate the 2025 edition of Title 24, The California Building Standards Code, local modifications, and its companion codes.

At the City Council regular meeting of November 19, 2025, the Council introduced Ordinance No. 1583 with a unanimous vote. If adopted on December 17, 2025, the ordinance will become effective on January 16, 2026.

BACKGROUND:

Title 24 is applicable to all occupancies throughout California as per HSC Sections 17950 and 18938(b). If a local government does not adopt Title 24 by ordinance, Title 24 becomes the applicable code for all building occupancies by default as per HSC Section 17958.

The State Housing Law requires local building department enforcement of the Law, building standards, and implementation of regulations of the Department of Housing and Community Development for residential structures. HSC, Sections 17950 and 18948.

Amendment by Local Ordinance. Local governments may amend Title 24, including the adoption of appendices. Local governments may also adopt other model codes, provided the adoption of such model codes does not conflict with state law, building standards or other adopted California regulations.

DISCUSSION:

Adoption of Ordinance No. 1583 will align the Arcata Municipal Code (AMC) with State Law, adopt appropriate appendices, and local modifications.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA):

This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, the commonsense exemption. It can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the adoption of this Ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment.

BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

Not applicable as there is no immediate financial impact as a result of this ordinance.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

1. Open the Public Hearing;

2. Receive a staff report;

3. Open public comment;

4. Close public comment/the public hearing;

5. Motion to adopt Ordinance No. 1583, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Title VIII of the Arcata Municipal Code and Adopting by Reference the 2025 California Building Standards Code, the Uniform Housing Code, the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the Property Maintenance Code; Waive Reading of the Text, and Consent to Read by Title Only.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Draft Ordinance No. 1583 Building Codes

ORDINANCE NO. 1583

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING

TITLE VIII OF THE ARCATA MUNICIPAL CODE AND ADOPTING BY REFERENCE THE 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, THE UNIFORM HOUSING

CODE, THE UNIFORM CODE FOR THE ABATEMENT OF DANGEROUS

BUILDINGS, AND THE PROPERTY MAINTENANCE CODE
The City Council of the City of Arcata does ordain as follows:

Section 1: Chapter 1 (Building Codes) of Title VIII (Building Regulations) of the Arcata Municipal Code is hereby repealed and replaced in its entirety as follows:

SEC. 8000. Purpose.

The purposes of this Chapter are to provide minimum standards to safeguard life, health, property, and the public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location, and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the corporate limits of the City, to encourage and instruct people to build safely and economically, rather than to discourage building, and to provide a minimum of restrictive enforcement and a maximum of good building information and encouragement. This Chapter is designed to include technical code utilized by the City Building Division into one (1) chapter to increase understanding.

SEC. 8001. Adoption.

The following publications are hereby incorporated herein by reference and are adopted by the City of Arcata as the Building Code of the City of Arcata, except as expressly amended or superseded by the provisions of this Chapter:

A. 2025 Edition of the California Building Standards Code (California Code of Regulations, Title 24) including the following parts and appendices:

1. Part 1, California Administrative Code;

2. Part 2, California Building Code, Volumes 1 and 2, including appendices B – Board of Appeals, G – Flood-Resistant Construction, H – Signs, I – Patio Covers, J – Grading, M – Tsunami-Generated Flood Hazards, O – Performance-Based Application, P – Sleeping Lofts, and Q – Emergency Housing.

2.5 Part 2.5, California Residential Code, Chapters 1 through 10, and including appendices AA – Board of Appeals, BB – Tiny Houses, BF – Patio Covers, BG – Sound Transmission, BI – Light Straw-Clay Construction, BJ – Strawbale Construction, BK – Cob Construction (Monolithic Adobe), BL – Hemp-Lime (Hempcrete) Construction, BM – 3D-Printed Building Construction, BO – Existing Buildings and Structures, CH – Private Sewage Disposal, CI – Swimming Pool Safety Act, and CJ – Emergency Housing.

3. Part 3, California Electrical Code;

4. Part 4, California Mechanical Code, including appendices B – Procedures to be Followed to Place Gas Equipment in Operation, C – Installation and Testing of Oil (Liquid) Fuel-Fired Equipment, and I – Indoor Horticultural Facilities;

5. Part 5, California Plumbing Code, including appendices A – Recommended Rules for Sizing the Water Supply System, B – Explanatory Notes on Combination Waste and Vent Systems, C – Alternate Plumbing Systems, D – Sizing of Storm Water Drainage Systems, H – Private Sewage Disposal Systems, I – Installation Standards (only IAPMO IS 31-2022), J – Combination of Indoor and Outdoor Combustion and Ventilation Opening Design, M – Peak Water Demand Calculator, N – Impact of Water Temperature on the Potential for Scalding and Legionella Growth, Q – Indoor Horticulture Facilities, R – Tiny Houses, and S – Onsite Stormwater Treatment Systems;

6. Part 6, California Energy Code, including appendices 1-A – Standards and Documents Referenced in the Energy Code, and 1-B – Energy Commission Documents Incorporated by Reference in Their Entirety;

7. Part 7, California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, including (informative only) appendices F – Characteristics of Fire-Smart Vegetation, G – Voluntary HomeHardening, and H – Referenced California Documents;

8. Part 8, California Historical Building Code, including appendix A – Provision Applicability Tables;

9. Part 9, California Fire Code, including appendices B – Fire Flow Requirements for Buildings, C – Fire Hydrant Locations and Distribution, and D – Fire Apparatus Access Road.

10. Part 10, California Existing Building Code, including appendices A – Guidelines for the Seismic Retrofit of Existing Buildings, B – Supplementary Accessibility Requirements for Existing Buildings and Facilities, and E – Temporary Emergency Uses;

11. Part 11, California Green Building Standards Code;

12. Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code;
B. The Uniform Housing Code, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials (see the California Health and Safety Code (HSC) sections 17922, 18909, and 18938.3), subject to any state-specific amendments; C. The Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, 1997 Edition, as published by the International Conference of Building Officials; D. 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, as published by the International Code Council (ICC).

One (1) copy of said California Building Standards Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Housing Code, the 1997 Edition of the Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, and the 2024 Property Maintenance Code, is on file and will be kept on file for use and examination by the public in the office of the Building Official in said City of Arcata, 736 F Street, Arcata, California.

SEC. 8002. Finding of necessity for stricter standards.

The Arcata City Council finds that the changes or modifications to the California Building Standards Code in this Chapter are reasonably necessary because of local climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. Authority derived from Health and Safety Code sections 13143.5, 13869.7, 17958, 17958.5, 17958.7, 18941.5; and California Building Code sections

1.1.8 and 1.8.6.2.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Building Code, Section 105.2, 2025 Edition, and the California Residential Code, Section 105.2, 2025 Edition is necessary for alignment with existing local zoning and land use restrictions. The Arcata City Council finds because of local climatic, geographical, or topographical conditions that a higher standard is therefore necessary for proper enforcement of rules and regulations.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Residential Code, Section R309.2, 2025 Edition, is necessary to provide equal protection to the future occupants of single-family homes on private lots, regardless of construction type. The Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property. The change is an exception to AB 130 because it relates to home hardening.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Mechanical Code, Section 1309.0, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect life and property in the event of a significant earthquake by requiring the installation of automatic safety devices when certain permits are issued. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that additional exceptions in the California Plumbing Code, Sections 104.2 and 311.1, 2025 Edition, are necessary due to local geological conditions.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Plumbing Code, Section 719.2, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect health and property in the event of backflow conditions. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect health and property.

The legislative body hereby makes the finding that a stricter standard than provided by the California Plumbing Code, Sections 1209.0 to 1209.5, 2025 Edition, is necessary to protect

life and property in the event of a significant earthquake by requiring the installation of automatic safety devices when certain permits are issued. Due to local geological conditions which exist in the City, the Arcata City Council finds that a higher standard is therefore necessary to protect life and property.

SEC. 8003. Amendments, additions, deletions and/or clarifications to the California Building Code.

The following amendments, additions and/or clarifications are made to the California Building Code adopted by this Chapter:

A. Section 1.11.2.1.1, subdivision 1, shall be amended to read as follows:

1. The City of Arcata delegates to the Building Official the enforcement of the building standards relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they relate to Group R-3 occupancies, as described in Section 310.1 of Part 2 of the California Building Standards Code.

B. Section 103.1, Creation of enforcement agency, shall be amended to read as follows:
103.1 The Building Division is hereby created and the official in charge thereof shall be known as the Building Official. The function of the agency shall be the implementation, administration and enforcement of the provisions of this code.

C. Section 105.1 shall be amended to read as follows:
105.1 Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to occupy an existing building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Official and obtain the required permit.

D. Section 105.2, Building, subdivision 2 shall be amended to read as follows:

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six (6) feet (1,829 mm) high.

E. Section 105.8 shall be added to read as follows:
105.8 Responsibility of permittee. Building permits shall be presumed to incorporate the provisions that the applicant, the applicant’s agent, employees or contractors shall carry out the proposed work in accordance with the approved plans and with all requirements of this code and any other laws or regulations applicable thereto, whether specified or not. No approval shall relieve or exonerate any person from the responsibility of complying with the provisions and intent of this code.

F. Section 109.4 shall be amended to read as follows:

109.4 Work commencing before permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee set by the master fee schedule. This fee shall be in addition to any other required permit fees.

G. Section 110.3.13 shall be added as follows:
110.3.13 Reinspection Fee. A reinspection fee may be assessed for each reinspection when such portion of work for which inspection is called is not complete or when corrections called for are not made.

Reinspection fees may be assessed when the inspection record is not available on the work site, the approved plans are not readily available to the inspector, for failure to provide access on the date for which inspection is requested or for deviating from plans requiring the approval of the Building Official.

In instances where reinspection fees have been assessed, no additional inspection of the work will be carried out until the required fees have been paid.

SEC. 8004. Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Residential Code.

The following amendments, additions and/or clarifications are made to the California Residential Code adopted by this Chapter:

A. Section 1.11.2.1.1, subdivision 1, shall be amended to read as follows:

1. The City of Arcata delegates to the Building Official the enforcement of the building standards relating to fire and panic safety and other regulations of the State Fire Marshal as they relate to Group R-3 occupancies as described in Section 1.1.3.1 or CCR Part 2, California Building Code, Section 310.1.

B. Section R101.1 shall be amended to read as follows:

R101.1 Title. These provisions shall be known as the Residential Code for One- and TwoFamily Dwellings of the City of Arcata and shall be cited as such and will be referred to herein as “this code”.

C. Section R105.2, Building subdivision 2 shall be amended to read as follows:

2. Fences, other than swimming pool barriers, not over six (6) feet (1,829 mm) high.

D. Section R108.6 shall be amended to read as follows:

R108.6 Work Commencing before Permit issuance. Any person who commences any work on a building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system before obtaining the necessary permits shall be subject to a fee set by the master fee schedule. This fee shall be in addition to any other required permit fees.

E. Table 301.2-Climactic and Geographic Design Criteria shall be amended to include the following:

Table R301.2––CLIMATIC AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
Ground Snow Load
Wind Design
Seismic Design Category
Subject to Damage From:

Speed MPHTopographic Effects Special wind regionWindborne debris zoneWeatheringFrost Line DepthTermiteWinter Design TempIce Barrier Underlayment RequiredFlood HazardsAir Freeze IndexMean Annual Temp 10 lbs.
(per
square
foot)
90mph No No No E Negligible 0
(Zero)
Yes n/a No June
2017
1 52
degrees
F

MANUAL J DESIGN CRITERIA
Elevation
Altitude
Correction
factor
Coincident
wet bulb
Indoor
winter
design
relative
humidity
Indoor
winter
design drybulb
temperature
Outdoor
winter
design drybulb
temperature
Heating
Temperature
Difference
23 Feet 0.82 59 60% 70 degrees F 33 degrees F 37 degrees F Latitude Daily
Range
Summer
design
gains
Indoor
summer
design
relative
humidity
Indoor
summer
design drybulb
temperature
Outdoor
summer
design drybulb
temperature
Cooling
temperature
difference
41 North Low Low 50% 75 degrees F 75 degrees F 0 degrees F

F. Section R309.2 shall be amended to read as follows:

R309.2 One- and two-family dwellings automatic sprinkler systems. An Automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in one- and two-family dwellings. This includes new manufactured homes (as defined in Health and Safety Code sections 18007 and 18009) installed on private lots other than mobile home parks (as defined in Health and Safety Code section 18214).

SEC. 8005. Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Mechanical Code.

A. Section 1309.0 shall be amended to read as follows:
1309.0 Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves
1309.1 General. Where automatic excess flow valves are installed, they shall be listed to CSA Z21.93 and shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:5.13]
1309.2 General Requirements for Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves. Automatic gas shut-off valves shall:

1. Comply with all applicable requirements of the California Plumbing Code, including City of Arcata amendments.

2. Be tested and listed by recognized testing agencies such as the Independent Laboratory of the International Approval Services (IAS), Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or any other agency approved by the Division of the State Architect (DSA).

3. Be installed on downstream side of the gas utility meter.

4. Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Provide a method for expedient and safe gas shut-off in an emergency.

6. Provide a capability for ease of consumer or owner resetting in a safe manner. 1309.3 Definitions
For the purpose of this Section, terms shall be defined as follows:
“Automatic gas shut-off valve” means either a motion activated gas shut-off valve or device or an excess flow gas shut-off valve or device. “Downstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping on the property owner’s side of the gas meter and after the service tee.
“Motion activated gas shut off valve” means an approved gas valve activated by motion. Valves are set to activate in the event of a moderate or strong seismic event greater than 5.0 on the Richter scale.

“Upstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping installed by the utility up to and including the meter and the utility’s service tee.
1309.4 Motion Activated Gas Shut-off Valve Required. For the purpose of this Section, excess flow valves are not permitted to be installed as a substitute for motion activated gas shutoff valves. A listed motion activated gas shut-off valve shall be installed as follows:
1309.4.1 New Construction (non-residential). In any newly constructed nonresidential building or structure containing fuel gas piping. 1309.4.2 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with a single meter. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by a single gas meter, when any addition, alteration or repair is made for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued. 1309.4.3 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with separate meters serving individual units or tenant spaces. In any existing non-residential building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by multiple gas meters, when any addition, alteration or repair is made to an individual unit or tenant space for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued.

The requirement for a motion activated gas shut-off valve shall apply to the gas meter serving the individual unit or tenant space and the gas meter serving common area(s).

Exceptions:

1. Existing automatic gas shut-off valves installed prior to the effective date of this Section, provided the valves are maintained in operational condition.

2. Automatic gas shut-off valves installed on a gas distribution system owned or operated by a public utility.
1309.5 Mounting. Motion activated seismic gas shut-off valves shall be mounted rigidly to the building or structure containing the fuel gas piping, unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

SEC. 8006. Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Plumbing Code.

A. Section 104.2 shall be amended to include subdivision 3:
104.2 Exempt Work. (3) Storm water management systems installed on private property with existing single-family homes provided that all storm water is retained on said private property and all work performed will comply with this code and all other rules and regulations.

B. Section 311.1, Exception subdivision, shall be amended to read as follows:
311.1 Exception 1: Where one building stands in the rear of another building on an interior lot, and no public or private sewer is available or can be constructed to the rear building through an adjoining court, yard, or driveway, the building drain from the front building shall be permitted to be extended to the rear building provided that an approved two-way cleanout and

backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of the building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code. 311.1 Exception 2: Where an independent connection is not available, and when approved by the AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction), a shared connection shall be allowed provided that an approved two-way cleanout and backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of each building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code.

C. Section 719.2 shall be amended to read as follows:
719.2 Additional Cleanouts (non-residential buildings only). When new building drain connections are made, or drainage connections are replaced, and in addition to all other cleanouts required by this code, an approved two-way cleanout and backflow protection assembly shall be installed within two (2) feet of the building. This assembly shall be readily accessible and comply with this code.

D. Section 1209.0 shall be amended to read as follows:
1209.0 Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves
E. Section 1209.1 shall be amended to read as follows:
1209.1 General. Where automatic excess flow valves are installed, they shall be listed to CSA Z21.93 and shall be sized and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:5.13]
F. Section 1209.2 is hereby added and shall read:
1209.2 General Requirements for Automatic Gas Shut-Off Valves. Automatic gas shut-off valves shall:

1. Comply with all applicable requirements of the California Plumbing Code, including City of Arcata amendments.

2. Be tested and listed by recognized testing agencies such as the Independent Laboratory of the International Approval Services (IAS), Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) or any other agency approved by the State of California, Division of the State Architect (DSA).

3. Be installed on downstream side of the gas utility meter.

4. Be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Provide a method for expedient and safe gas shut-off in an emergency.

6. Provide a capability for ease of consumer or owner resetting in a safe manner.

G. Section 1209.3 is hereby added and shall read:
1209.3 Definitions
For the purpose of this Section, terms shall be defined as follows:
“Automatic gas shut-off valve” means either a motion activated gas shut-off valve or device or an excess flow gas shut-off valve or device. “Downstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping on the property owner’s side of the gas meter and after the service tee.
“Motion activated gas shut off valve” means an approved gas valve activated by motion. Valves are set to activate in the event of a moderate or strong seismic event greater than 5.0 on the Richter scale.
“Upstream of gas utility meter” means all gas piping installed by the utility up to and including the meter and the utility’s service tee.

H. Section 1209.4 is hereby added and shall read:
1209.4 Motion Activated Gas Shut-off Valve, Required. For the purpose of this Section, excess flow valves are not permitted to be installed as a substitute for motion activated gas shutoff valves. A listed motion activated gas shut-off valve shall be installed as follows:
1209.4.1 New Construction (non-residential). In any newly constructed building or structure containing fuel gas piping.
1209.4.2 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with a single meter. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by a single gas meter, when any addition, alteration or repair is made for which a permit with a valuation of over Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000) is issued.
1209.4.3 Existing Buildings (non-residential) with separate meters serving individual units or tenant spaces. In any existing building or structure containing fuel gas piping served by multiple gas meters, when any addition, alteration or repair is made to an individual unit or tenant space for which a permit with a valuation of over $30,000 is issued. The requirement for a motion activated gas shut off valve shall apply to the gas meter serving the individual unit or tenant space and the gas meter serving common area(s).

Exceptions:

1. Existing automatic gas shut-off valves installed prior to the effective date of this Section, provided the valves are maintained in operational condition.

2. Automatic gas shut-off valves installed on a gas distribution system owned or operated by a public utility.

I. Section 1209.5 is hereby added and shall read:
1209.5 Mounting. Motion activated seismic gas shut-off valves shall be mounted rigidly to the building or structure containing the fuel gas piping, unless otherwise specified in the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

SEC. 8007. Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code.

A. Section 101.3.1 shall be amended to read as follows:
101.3.1 Application. New buildings located in any Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) Fire Area designated by the enforcing agency constructed after the application date shall comply with the provisions of this code. This shall include all new buildings with residential, commercial, educational, institutional or similar occupancy type use, which shall be referred to in this code as "applicable buildings," as well as new buildings and structures accessory to those applicable buildings.
101.3.1.1 Application date and where required. New buildings for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after July 1, 2008, located in any Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Wildland-Urban Interface Area designated by the enforcing agency shall comply with this code, including all of the following areas:

Land designated as a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone by cities and other local agencies.

Land designated as a wildland-urban interface area by cities and other local agencies.

Exceptions:

1. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area, for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after January 1, 2008, shall comply with this code.

2. New buildings located in any Fire Hazard Severity Zone within a State Responsibility Area or any wildland-urban interface area designated by cities and other local agencies for which an application for a building permit is submitted on or after December 1, 2005, but prior to July 1, 2008, shall only comply with the following sections of this Chapter:

2.1. Section 507 - Replacement or Repair of Roof Coverings.

2.2. Section 504.10 - Vents.

SEC. 8008. Amendments, additions, deletions, and/or clarifications to the California Fire Code.

Any inconsistent regulations and ordinances adopted pursuant to applicable law by the Arcata Fire District shall control within the Arcata Fire District’s jurisdictional area.

SEC. 8009. Fees.

The Council shall establish, by resolution, the fee amount for the permits, inspections, or other fees required or authorized by the provisions of this Chapter.

The Council shall, by resolution, fix the amount of fees for the applications, permits, licenses, impounding fees, inspections, and other fees required or authorized by the provisions of this Chapter.

Fees and deposits for appeals to the Board of Appeals shall be as follows:

A. Deposit for appeal to be paid to the City Clerk with the application of appeal shall be Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars.

B. In the event that the applicant's appeal of the Building Official's decision is upheld by the Board of Appeals, no appeal fee shall be assessed, and all deposited funds shall be returned to the appellant. If the Building Official's opinion is sustained by the Board of Appeals, the total assessed appeal fee shall be based on actual cost recovery.

SEC. 8010. Exceptions to fees.

The following-named owners of proposed buildings shall be required to secure a building permit where the provisions of this Chapter apply to such buildings, but they shall be exempt from the requirements for payment except where the City incurs an actual cost for any planchecking or permit fee for such buildings: the Federal, State, and County governments and any municipality, school district or other district, agency, or jurisdiction supported by public taxation.

SEC. 8011. Code defined.

Wherever the word "code" is used in this Chapter, the same shall be deemed to mean and refer to those codes set forth in Arcata Municipal Code section 8001.

SEC. 8012. Licenses required.

Nothing contained in this Chapter, or the codes adopted by this Chapter, shall be construed or deemed to be a waiver of the applicable provisions of the Arcata Municipal Code requiring contractors, subcontractors, or specialty contractors to obtain licenses from the City of Arcata under the circumstances and conditions therein prescribed.

SEC. 8013. Addresses to be posted.

All construction sites shall be clearly marked with a street address visible from the street.

One- and two-family houses shall comply with California Residential Code Section R308, Site Address. All other buildings shall comply with California Fire Code Section 505.1.1 SEC. 8014. Violation: Misdemeanor.

Violation of any provision of this Chapter or any code adopted by the City Council shall constitute a misdemeanor punishable as provided in Title I, Chapter 3 of the Arcata Municipal Code.

Section 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the ordinance, and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.

Section 3. LIMITATION OF ACTIONS. Any action to challenge the validity or legality of any provision of this ordinance on any grounds shall be brought by court action commenced within thirty (30) days of the date of adoption of this ordinance.

Section 4. CEQA. This ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because there is no possibility that the ordinance may have a significant effect on the environment.

Section 5. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days from and after its final passage, provided it is published pursuant to Government Code section 36933 in a newspaper of general circulation within fifteen (15) days after its adoption.

DATE:

ATTEST: APPROVED:

City Clerk, City of Arcata Mayor, City of Arcata
CLERK’S CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Ordinance No. 1583, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata, Humboldt County, California on the ___day of _____, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:

City Clerk, City of Arcata

STAFF REPORT – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: David Loya, Director of Community Development
PREPARER: Emily Benvie, Deputy Director of Environmental Services DATE: December 17, 2025
TITLE: Receive a Presentation; and Adopt the Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment Report.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Council receive a presentation; and adopt the Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment Report
INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:

In June 2023, the City of Arcata was awarded a Housing and Community Development Planning and Technical Assistance Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for $250,000 to conduct an assessment for the development, implementation, and operation of a community center facility in the Valley West area of Arcata. The goal of the project has been to build on previous community engagement conducted by students at Cal Poly Humboldt, which was done in 2021.

In September 2024, the City contracted with Housing Tools (and sub-contractors) to lead community engagement, develop a site inventory, assess development feasibility of top sites, prepare a financial analysis, and complete a Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment Report.

DISCUSSION:

Over the past several years, the City of Arcata has worked closely with Valley West residents, community partners, and local organizations to better understand the neighborhood’s priorities and challenges. Through collaborations with groups such as CUNA and Cumbre Humboldt, work with Cal Poly Humboldt students, City-led walking and biking safety initiatives, housing and land-use outreach, and multiple City Council and committee discussions, several clear themes have consistently emerged.

Residents have expressed concerns about safety, a desire for stronger connection to the broader Arcata community, interest in beautification and placemaking, and an ongoing need for accessible programming and services for youth, families, and adults. These priorities have also guided recent design of investments and in Valley West, such as construction of Carlson Park, the Valley West Park basketball court and barbeque pit, participatory budget funding, and construction of the Annie & Mary Trail.

Building on this long history of engagement, the Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment represents the initial step in determining the feasibility of a future community center in the neighborhood. This CDBG-funded effort is intentionally exploratory. Its purpose is to gather current

community input, evaluate general development opportunities, and outline the types and sizes of facilities that could respond to community-identified needs. It is not intended to identify a final site, select a single development option, or advance any parcel toward acquisition or construction at this stage.

To support this early feasibility work, the City and Housing Tools conducted extensive outreach, including bilingual social media posts and flyers, in-person visits to approximately 40 Valley West businesses, community-wide visioning sessions, focus groups, and interviews with service providers and community partners. This outreach reaffirmed the community priorities identified in earlier engagement efforts and helped shape the values and programmatic needs reflected in the Assessment.

The Assessment Report synthesizes this input and provides a high-level review of development possibilities for a Neighborhood Center. It identifies four guiding community values—Sustainability, Arts & Culture, Resilience, and Community Wellness—and illustrates how different amenities, design features, and programming components could align with these values. These examples are not design decisions; rather, they help demonstrate the range of spaces and services a future facility could support.

As part of the feasibility review, the consultant team also conducted a preliminary evaluation of several potential sites within Valley West. While the analysis identifies the vacant parcel south of the mall (Site 1) as the most promising among the sites considered, this should not be interpreted as a site selection. The Assessment makes clear that other sites may become viable in the future, and that substantial additional work—including future technical studies, community input, and funding commitments—would be necessary before the City could identify a preferred site.

The Assessment also documents differing perspectives regarding the role of the center: whether it should focus on neighborhood recreation and youth programming, or whether it should include broader social and/or resiliency services. To refine the intention of the neighborhood center, convening a Strategic Planning Group and continued coordination with the City’s Homeless Services Working Group is recommended.

Most importantly, this feasibility assessment is meant to guide the City’s next steps and strengthen its competitiveness for future funding. It provides the foundation needed to pursue grants that would support more detailed site-specific analysis, environmental review, conceptual design, and operational planning. The Assessment will serve as a strategic starting point—a tool that clarifies community priorities, identifies opportunities and challenges, and positions the City to make informed decisions as future funding and partnership opportunities emerge.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

The CDBG-funded grant and resulting Valley West Neighborhood Assessment Report is consistent with the following City Council Goals:
 Improve residents’ safety and comfort
 Present a welcoming and inviting community
 Increase opportunities for community engagement
 Support healthy eating and active living programs
 Provide recreation opportunities for all residents
 Support essential human services

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA):

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) includes a statutory exemption for feasibility and planning studies pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sec. 15262.

The Study was determined Categorically Excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act by the Community Development Director as Certifying Officer under City Council Resolution No. 212-

71. BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

The City received a Community Development Block Grant Planning and Technical Assistance grant for this work. The City also received administration funds to offset staff costs associated with it.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

1. Open the Public Hearing.

2. Receive a staff report and presentation from the consultant team.

3. Open public comment.

4. Close public comment/the public hearing.

5. Motion to adopt the Valley West Neighborhood Assessment Report.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment Report

Neighborhood
Center
City of Arcata
Valley West Neighborhood
Prepared for
Prepared by
Assessment
December 2025

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Page
Introduc.on and Background 1
Community Engagement 7
Programming and Services 12
Site Inventory 19
Financial Analysis 53
Conclusion and Recommenda.ons 67
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report
Exhibit B: Conceptual Context Plan
Exhibit C: Site 1 (Preferred) – 4800 Valley West Blvd.

Exhibit D: Site 2 – 4755 Valley West Blvd.

Exhibit E: Site 3 – 4700 Valley East Blvd.

Exhibit F: Site 1 Programming Diagram – 4800 Valley West Blvd.

Exhibit G: Site 2 Programming Diagram – 4755 Valley West Blvd.

Exhibit H: Site 3 Programming Diagram – 4700 Valley East Blvd.

Exhibit I— Community Values Chart
Exhibit J— Summary of Community Input from Tour of Sites

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 1
Introduction and Background
Purpose of the Assessment Report
This Assessment Report is intended to provide the City of Arcata with the key informa8on needed to make informed decisions regarding the development of a Neighborhood Center in the Valley West neighborhood. It summarizes:
• Community input on needed programming and services from Visioning Sessions, focus groups, an online survey and community partner interviews;
• The results of an assessment of various sites for current condi8ons and feasibility; • A financial analysis of costs and resources associated with the development and opera8on of a Neighborhood Center; and
• Recommenda8ons and conclusions for the City’s considera8on.

Geographic Orienta6on
The Neighborhood Center Study Area is the core of the Valley West neighborhood, which is located in north Arcata and is bounded by US Highway 101 to the west, State Route 299 to the south/southeast, and the Mad River to the north. See Figure 1 below for a map of the Valley West neighborhood highlighted orange, and the Study Area outlined in red. US 101 and SR 299 serve as major barriers to local travel and isolate residents, crea8ng de facto geographic barriers to accessing services outside the neighborhood.

There are a mix of uses within the neighborhood: commercial, residen8al and light industrial. Housing is characterized predominantly by mul8-family units and mobile homes. The Valley West Shopping Center is the hub for retail ac8vi8es within the neighborhood and most of Arcata’s hotels, motels and fast-food restaurants are located within the neighborhood. Pacific Union School is in the Valley West Neighborhood, in the southwest corner and west of Highway 101, but it is not in the Study Area.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 2
Figure 1: Valley West Neighborhood and Neighborhood Center Assessment Study Area

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 3
Demographic Background
Much of the Valley West neighborhood, and all of the Neighborhood Center Study Area, is located within Census Tract 12, Block Group 3 (see Block Group 3 Map below).

Figure 2: Map of Census Tract 12, Block Group 3
Some key demographic findings for Block Group 3 include:
• Popula8on is 1,817 (9.64% of the City), while the City of Arcata is 18,857 (2020 Decennial Census)
• 30.88% of popula8on is Hispanic or La8nx (Ethnicity), compared to 15.99% for the City of Arcata (2020 Decennial Census)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 4
• 49.75% of popula8on is White alone and not Hispanic or La8nx (Race), compared to

68.32% for the City of Arcata (2020 Decennial Census)
• $24,697 Median Household Income is the second lowest Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS) • 52.38% of households earn less than $25,000 (2018-2022 ACS) • 35.71% of Families have income below the Poverty Threshold, the highest of any Block Group in the City (in 2023, the na8onal Poverty Threshold for a family of four was $27,750) (2018-2022 ACS)
• 14.35% of Families are in Deep Poverty (50% of Poverty Threshold), highest of any Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS)
• Median Household Income is 42.67% of the Area Median Income, the second lowest Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS)
• 51% of renters are Housing Cost Burdened, highest of any Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS)
• 59.71% of Renter Households are Severely Cost Burdened (50% or more of income), highest of any Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS)
• 52.09% of units are in small apartment buildings; 23.17% are in mobile homes; 12.66% are in single family detached homes (compared to 69.81% in single family detached homes for the County and 57.32% in single family detached homes for the State) (2018-2022 ACS) • 27.98% of households own their home (2018-2022 ACS)
• 13.34% of popula8on has a bachelor's degree, lowest of any Block Group in the City (2018-2022 ACS)
• There are no SNAP (Cal Fresh) retail loca8ons in Block Group 3 (2023 USDA)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 5
Previous Planning Efforts
In recent years, the City of Arcata has begun to make the Valley West neighborhood a priority for community planning and improvement through the 2014 Economic Development Strategic Plan, the West End Specific Plan and the City’s updated General Plan 2045. The City partnered with Cal Poly Humboldt students in the Environmental Science and Management Department in 2021 to prepare a set of “Planning Recommenda8ons for Valley West Community Resource Center and Park” which iden8fied community needs and opportunity sites within the neighborhood. These recommenda8ons were prepared in collabora8on with Comunidad Unida del Norte de Arcata (CUNA) and Cumbre Humboldt as key community partners.

Neighborhood Center Assessment Authors
The 8tles and roles of the authors of this Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment are listed below, who were contracted by the City of Arcata. Throughout this report, the authors are referred to as the “Consultant Team”.

Figure 3: Neighborhood Center Assessment Authors
Firm Roles
Housing Tools Prime Contractor; Primary Author and Editor; Community Engagement; Programming and Services Assessment; Financial Analysis
Salazar Architect Facilitate community visioning sessions; Site Inventory; Conceptual designs
LACO Engineering Civil engineering assessments for Site Inventory Terrain Landscape Architecture Landscape Architecture and site improvement designs for Site Inventory
Chris A. Hess, Consultant Community Engagement facilitaDon RaruD Comunicação e Design Community Engagement social media and outreach design; document design

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Introduc2on and Background 6
Brief Overview of the Assessment Report
This Assessment Report is organized by the sec8ons described below.

Community Engagement: This sec8on describes the various efforts to engage residents and community organiza8ons within the neighborhood to solicit their input on needs and priori8es for a Neighborhood Center.

Programming and Services: The Programs and Services Analysis summarizes the input from the Community Engagement in terms of the highest priori8es iden8fied for programming and services, and describes poten8al community partners and agencies to deliver those services.

Site Inventory: The Site Inventory evaluates the top three Neighborhood Center sites iden8fied in the Valley West Neighborhood with a descrip8on of the improvements that would be required, including accessibility improvements. This analysis includes: a review of proximity to exis8ng neighborhoods and services; site characteris8cs such as size, exis8ng improvements, topography, street access, and suppor8ng infrastructure; zoning and general plan designa8ons and impacts on the building envelope (setbacks, height, parking, open space); and environmental constraints such as flood zone, wetlands, coastal protec8ons, and noise. The sites are compared with one another by a criteria of alignment with community needs, development feasibility, and financial feasibility.

Financial Analysis: The Financial Analysis covers the following topics for sites iden8fied in the Site Inventory: 1) development costs; 2) poten8al development sources; and 3) recommended financial structures. Building characteris8cs and opera8onal plans of similar Neighborhood Centers in the region are included as points of comparison. The Financial Analysis then projects opera8onal costs and poten8al funding sources for the priority site. The analysis also highlights poten8al financing roadblocks and strategies to mi8gate them.

Conclusion and Recommenda;ons: This final sec8on provides a concise summary of the en8re report, along with key recommenda8ons to the City for next steps.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Community Engagement 7
Community Engagement
Introduc6on
Community engagement was a central element of the Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment, as it is cri8cal to understand what types of services and ameni8es will be of greatest value to Valley West residents. Efforts were made to reach neighborhood residents through a variety of ac8vi8es, as summarized below.

Community Engagement AcHviHes
• Two in-person, community-wide visioning sessions— conducted in English and Spanish, and held on February 1st, 2025 at the CUNA Resilience HUB (Woodsman Hall, 4700 Valley East Boulevard) • Five online focus group sessions—
o Valley West residents (April 19 and 26, 2025)
o Queer Humboldt Staff (April 24, 2025)
o Individuals from the Wiyot and other Indigenous Tribes of Arcata (April 3 and 24, 2025) o Social services providers (May 6, 2025)
• Community-wide survey— conducted December 4, 2024 through May 1, 2025 using paper copies, QR codes, and online somware; provided in English and Spanish The Social Services Providers’ focus group was organized to obtain input on the services the organiza8ons provide and how those align with the input received from the community. The online and paper survey was widely distributed in English and Spanish, with a focus on outreach to Valley West residents.

This chapter reports on common themes and the programs and services that par8cipants iden8fied across these outreach efforts. Also included is a general summary of space types that would be needed in the Neighborhood Center based upon the highest priori8es iden8fied through this process. A further refinement of these space types will be addressed in the Programming and Services Chapter.

Outreach
The Consultant Team conducted comprehensive community engagement to maximize ci8zen par8cipa8on in development this Neighborhood Center Assessment. A par8cular focus was placed on outreach to Valley West residents and the La8nx community in Valley West. Towards that aim, the Consultant Team’s community engagement strategy relied on connec8ons with community organiza8ons and associa8ons that are ac8ve in Valley West. Two key Valley West en88es that collaborated with the Consultant Team in these efforts were CUNA and Cumbre Humboldt, both of whom have strong roots in the Valley West neighborhood and the local La8nx community. The Consultant Team also leveraged the City’s exis8ng rela8onships with other local en88es, contact lists, and its social media infrastructure and internet presence.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Community Engagement 8
Below is a summary of outreach methods that were employed to encourage par8cipa8on in the community engagement ac8vi8es described in this chapter. Detailed engagement summaries and defini8ons of each of the Community Values considered in the Community-wide Visioning Sessions can be reviewed in Exhibit A and to this document.

Outreach Methods
• Community-wide Visioning Sessions—
o City social media posts in English and Spanish
o Flyers in English and Spanish posted throughout the neighborhood and distributed via email by the City, CUNA and Cumbre Humboldt
o In-person visits to Valley West businesses on January 31 and February 1 (about 40 businesses were visited)
• Focus Group Sessions— reached out directly to target en88es (CUNA, Cumbre Humboldt, Queer Humboldt, Wiyot and other Indigenous Tribes of Arcata, and service providers via email • Community-wide Survey—
o Paper copies distributed by CUNA, Cumbre Humboldt, and City of Arcata o Adver8sed via emails and flyers by CUNA, Cumbre Humboldt, and City of Arcata o Conducted survey at an open house at an affordable housing complex in Valley West neighborhood
o Month-long adver8sement in the El Lenador newspaper
o Direct mailing of the survey to mobile home parks in Valley West o In-person visits to Valley West businesses on January 31 and February 1 o City social media posts in English and Spanish
Photos taken by Salazar Architect at the community-wide visioning sessions are shown below.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Community Engagement 9

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Community Engagement 10

Community Engagement Summary
Below is a summary of the highest priority Community Values, programming, and spaces for the Neighborhood Center as expressed by par8cipants in the various community engagement ac8vi8es. See Exhibit A for defini8ons of each of the Community Values considered in the Community-wide Visioning Sessions.

Visioning Sessions and Focus Group Input
Sustainability, and Arts and Culture, were the most consistently men8oned Community Values overall in the visioning sessions and focus groups, followed by Resilience and Community Wellness. These values indicate that residents would like sustainability to be a core of design and construc8on, and that the designed space should foster the unique arts and culture of the Arcata area, provide a safe gathering space for residents to pursue all forms of wellness, and strengthen resilience through thoughoul design and planning to accommodate the needs of the community in 8mes of disasters.

The top programming and space choices that were voted on or men8oned at least 6 8mes in the visioning sessions and focus groups included:
• Covered outdoor space • Food pantry • Community garden • Informal mee8ng space • Community kitchen • Showers
• Classes/Workshops • Adult Educa8on • Art Gallery Space • Events Room
When weighted for Valley West Residents and Spanish speakers, the top choices included:
• Covered outdoor space • Community garden • Food pantry • Showers • Community kitchen • Informal mee8ng space
• Library • Medical support
Community-wide Survey Input
Classes and Programs
Needed most (English): Youth and Teens Programs
Needed most (Spanish): Youth and Teens Programs, ESL courses, Library Branch Would be used most
frequently (English):

Library, Public WiFi/Computer Lab, Youth and Teens Programs, Adult Life Skills
Would be used most
frequently (Spanish):

ESL courses, Library Branch, Youth and Teens Programs, Volunteer Led Homework Help, Public WiFi/Computer Lab

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Community Engagement 11
RecreaHonal Spaces
Needed most (English): Youth and Teen recreaDon, Weight and Cardio, Music Venue, Group Exercise
Needed most (Spanish): Weight and Cardio, Youth and Teen recreaDon, Group Exercise, Music Venue
Would be used most
frequently (English): Weight and Cardio, Group Exercise, Music Venue Would be used most
frequently (Spanish):

Weight and Cardio, Group Exercise, Pre-school and Daycare, Youth and Teen RecreaDon, Music Venue
Site AmeniHes
Needed most (English): Community Garden, Police SubstaDon, Public Bathrooms Needed most (Spanish): Community Garden, Public Bathrooms, Community InformaDon Board, MeeDng Rooms for Civic Groups
Would be used most
frequently (English):

Community InformaDon Board, Community Garden, Transit InformaDon, Community Services Board
Would be used most
frequently (Spanish):

Community Garden, Business Incubator Space, Transit Info Board, Community Services Board, Public Bathroom
Social and Health Services
Needed most (English): Food Pantry, Dental Clinic, Medical Clinic, Extreme Weather Shelter Needed most (Spanish): Medical Clinic, Dental Clinic, Vision Clinic Would be used most
frequently (English):

Dental Clinic, Food Pantry, Medical Clinic, Vision Clinic, Counseling, Benefits Assistance
Would be used most
frequently (Spanish):

Medical Clinic, Summer Lunch for Kids, Benefits Assistance, Dental Clinic, Showers, Mental Health

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Programming and Services 12
Programming and Services
Introduc6on
This chapter explores the feasibility of programs and services priori8zed through the community engagement ac8vi8es, and recommends ways that they might be implemented. The first step in this process was to list the priori8zed programs and services, and match them to local agencies that may be able to partner with the City to deliver them. Amer poten8al partner agencies were iden8fied, strategies for implementa8on of the programs and services at the Neighborhood Center were inves8gated. These opportuni8es were discussed in the focus group with service providers on May 6, 2025, and interviews held with service providers.

Priority Programs from Community Engagement Process
Figures 10 and 11 below shows programs and services priori8zed by par8cipants in community engagement ac8vi8es, and local agencies the City can poten8ally partner with to deliver these programs.

Those areas iden8fied as “high priority” were both consistently men8oned throughout the various modes of community engagement and received the highest number of votes overall. Those areas iden8fied as “medium priority” were not consistently men8oned and received fewer votes overall.

Figure 4: Programs and Services IdenHfied as High Priority through Community Engagement Area of Focus Programs/Services Agencies
Food Insecurity and
Community Building Around
Food
Community Garden
Community Kitchen
Food Pantry and CSA Box
DistribuDon
Farmer’s Market
North Coast Grower’s AssociaDon
The Humboldt Permaculture Guild
Food for People
Centro del Pueblo
Medical, Dental and Mental
Health Services
Telehealth Appointments
Mobile Medical and Dental Van
Changing Tides Family Services
Open Door Community Health
Humboldt County Public Health
and Behavioral Health
RecreaDon Youth and Teen Programs
Weight and Cardio Room
City of Arcata RecreaDon
Department
Boys and Girls Club
EducaDon English as an AddiDonal
Language
English Express Empowered
Humboldt
Community Resources Branch Library
Computer Lab/WiFi
Community InformaDon Board
Community Services Board
Transit InformaDon
Humboldt County Library
City of Arcata

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Programming and Services 13
Community Events Social events
Cultural programs
Covered Outdoor Space for
People to Meet and Use Flexibly
City of Arcata
CUNA
Cumbre Humboldt
Queer Humboldt
Wiyot Tribe
Equity Arcata
Centro del Pueblo
Figure 5: Programs and Services IdenHfied as Medium Priority through Community Engagement Area of Focus Programs/Services Agencies
Arts Art Gallery Space
Art InstrucDon Classes
Arts and Cra_s for Children and
Youth
Music room
Music Performance Venue
City of Arcata RecreaDon
Boys and Girls Club
Outer Space Arcata
Arcata Arts InsDtute
Arcata Playhouse/Playhouse Arts
Families with Children Childcare Space
Family Support Services
Changing Tides Family Services
First Five Humboldt
Northcoast Children’s Services
Arcata Family Resource Center
Adults Adult Life Skills
Benefits Assistance
Business IncubaDon and
Development
Senior Programs
Humboldt County Health and
Human Services
Changing Tides Family Services
North Edge
Arcata Chamber of Commerce
Humboldt Senior Resource Center
Exis6ng Programs that Address High Priority Areas and Their Poten6al Role in the Neighborhood Center
The following are ac8ve organiza8ons and programs that operate within the City of Arcata and/or within Humboldt County that could expand their reach to the Valley West Neighborhood through the use of the Neighborhood Center.

ParHcipated in Service Providers Focus Group
The first four groups below are those who par8cipated in the Service Provider Focus Group and offered input on how they could offer programs through the proposed Center and what type of space they might need.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Programming and Services 14
North Coast Grower’s Associa;on (NCGA): NCGA operates Farmer’s Markets throughout Humboldt County, offers a Harvest Box CSA program for individuals and households to receive fresh produce from mul8ple farms each week through the Food Hub, works to expand household access to fresh produce at Farmer’s Markets through CalFresh, and offers classes on cooking and nutri8on and training on growing fruits and vegetables. The NCGA par8cipated in the Service Providers Focus Group and indicated they could use the Neighborhood Center for distribu8on of the CSA Harvest Boxes to offer cooking and nutri8on classes and poten8ally as a site for a rota8ng Farmer’s Market.

They noted that Valley West residents do not have easy access to these services now due to transporta8on barriers and that a Neighborhood Center would help them to reach these residents.

The types of space that would be helpful to them would be a community kitchen, indoor food pantry, and both indoor and outdoor space for distribu8on of CSA Food Boxes.

Changing Tides Family Services: Changing Tides Family Services offers a wide range of child care, behavioral health, disability and community/social services. These include:
• Family Empowerment Services: Behavioral Health Support Services, Early Childhood Mental Health Services, Intensive Care Coordina8on, Therapeu8c Behavioral Services Intensive Home-Based Services, Supervised Visita8on Services
• Special Needs Services: Supported Paren8ng Program, In-Home Respite Services, Respite Plus & Skills Acquisi8on Services, Early Start Family Resource Center • Childcare Services: Alterna8ve Payment, CalWORKs Stages 1, 2, and 3, Family Child Care, Home Educa8on Network, Emergency Foster Bridge Child Care, Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership
• Resource and Referral Services: Free Child Care Referrals, Capacity Building & Professional Development for Child Care Providers, Quality Counts California, CalFresh Parent Services, Child Care Food Program
Changing Tides par8cipated in the Service Providers Focus Group and indicated they could offer all of their Family Empowerment Services at the Center, as well as direct people to the other resources they offer and those in the community. They noted that transporta8on barriers are an issue for Valley West residents, so offering services at a Neighborhood Center would be very beneficial. They indicated they would need a small office to meet with parents, a child-friendly space with toys and ac8vi8es, and ideally some type of outdoor playground would be beneficial. 211 Humboldt: 211 Humboldt offers 24/7 resource and referral informa8on to all residents. By dialing “211”, residents can speak to a live resource specialist who can help with a wide variety of needs such as:
• Find food pantries or informa8on about CalFresh.
• Locate child care, paren8ng classes, or amer-school programs for children. • Get informa8on on transi8onal and low-income housing in Humboldt County. • Access informa8on on programs for low-income families and individuals such as free tax prepara8on assistance, (VITA/EKS).
• Get assistance in loca8ng local clinics and hospitals or help with transporta8on to medical appointments both in and out of Humboldt County.

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Programming and Services 15
• Get connected to mental health and substance abuse addic8on resources, such as counseling, drug and alcohol programs, and safe and sober housing
• Find support for seniors and persons with disabili8es and much more 211 Humboldt par8cipated in the Service Providers Focus Group. While they would not offer inperson services at the site, they could assist by providing flyers and brochures about their services and par8cipate in presenta8ons/classes regarding connec8ng with community services. They noted that some Valley West residents may not be aware of their services.

Queer Humboldt: Queer Humboldt serves 2S/LGBTQIA+ individuals through community educa8on, mental health services, micro- grants/mutual aid, the North Coast Two-Spirit Project, networking, and resource sharing. Queer Humboldt par8cipated in the Service Providers Focus Group. They indicated they could offer youth groups, Queer Joy events (focused on arts and resilience), art or cooking classes, book discussions (Queer Centered), as well as on-site case management. They indicated they do serve students and lower-income individuals in Valley West and having a Neighborhood Center would improve accessibility to their services for those individuals. They would need access to a small office for case management, kitchen for cooking classes, and classroom for other services.

AddiHonal PotenHal OrganizaHonal Partners
While these groups did not par8cipate in the Service Providers Focus Group, they are known community organiza8ons within Arcata, and some of them currently provide services in the Valley West Neighborhood and at other Neighborhood Centers operated by the City. Organiza8ons like CUNA, Cumbre Humboldt and the Wiyot Tribe par8cipated in both the Visioning Sessions and other focus groups.

The Humboldt Permaculture Guild: The Humboldt Permaculture Guild (HPG) is a group of food producers, business owners, builders, educators, and permaculture designers who share a belief in resilient communi8es, regenera8ve lifestyles, educa8ng the community, stewardship of natural systems, local seed development, natural building, conserva8ve water, and energy use. As part of its mission, The Humboldt Permaculture Guild aims to provide plaoorms for networking and to foster social gatherings and events. With the community’s input on the Wellness Values of Sustainability and Resilience in both the design and implementa8on of programs at the Neighborhood Center, the Guild could assist in implemen8ng the community’s vision and values.

Food for People: This is the food bank for Humboldt County, working to eliminate hunger and improve the health and well-being of the community through access to healthy and nutri8ous foods, community educa8on and advocacy. The Mobile Produce Pantry is a refrigerated truck full of fresh fruits and vegetables that drives to specific loca8ons across Humboldt County on a monthly schedule, seung up a free farm stand-style produce distribu8on. The fresh fruits and vegetables available from the Mobile Produce Pantry come from a variety of sources, including purchases from local farms.

Food for People staff provide CalFresh informa8on and applica8on assistance on site to help par8cipants afford to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local stores and farmers' markets over the rest of the month. With many residents having limited access to transporta8on and being low income, the Mobile Produce Pantry could facilitate access to fresh, nutri8ous produce that is free, stretching limited incomes and providing greater variety.

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Open Door Community Health: Open Door Community Health operates as the County’s Federally Qualified Health Center, serving individuals and households who are low-income and covered by Medi-Cal. While they do have a clinic in Arcata, it is located approximately 3 miles to the south of the Valley West neighborhood and on the west side of Highway 101; therefore, some residents may not have transporta8on to access services at the clinic. One of the primary services they might be able to offer is telehealth services, so that residents could see a doctor or nurse prac88oner without the need to travel beyond the neighborhood.

Humboldt County Public Health Department: The Public Health Department offers a wide range of health services, from vaccina8ons to tobacco educa8on. They do not however operate a Public Health Clinic in Arcata. The Healthy Communi8es Division helps communi8es create social and physical environments that make the healthy choice the easy choice for everyone, such as working with local grocery stores to increase healthy food op8ons. They also offer health educa8on on topics such as nutri8on, tobacco use, maternal health and childhood lead poisoning. This Division may be able to help organize health fairs, bringing important health screening and informa8on to the neighborhood’s residents.

Boys and Girls Club: The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Redwoods is a youth development program for children ages 6 to 18. One of their core offerings is an amer-school program where children can get assistance with homework, have a nutri8ous snack and engage in fun ac8vi8es. They also offer other recrea8onal ac8vi8es. This is a huge benefit to working parents. The Boys and Girls club may be able to help facilitate signing up children from the Valley West Neighborhood for their services and may be able to work with the City and the public school in the neighborhood to bring recrea8on programs to the Neighborhood Center.

English Express Empowered Humboldt: English Express’ mission is to support personal and social change for the English language learner community in Humboldt County. Their English classes are designed for adult non-na8ve English speakers who wish to improve their English language skills for personal, professional or academic purposes. They also offer ci8zenship classes, preparing people for the civics test, naturaliza8on interview and help filling out the necessary forms. Their poten8al role would be offer these services to the residents of the Valley West Neighborhood at the Center.

Humboldt County Library: The Arcata branch of the public library may be able to help facilitate the stocking of books and magazines at the Neighborhood Center, as well as connec8on to library volunteers to offer reading circles for children and helping adults learn to read.

CUNA: CUNA, Community United of North Arcata, is a grassroots, bilingual project to build a beverrepresented Valley West/North Arcata. CUNA is currently leasing the Woodsman Hall building in the Valley West Neighborhood and through programming and events at that site, has begun the efforts and momentum to provide a gathering place for the Valley West residents. They will con8nue to be a significant part of any Neighborhood Center, in terms of planning and programming.

Cumbre Humboldt: Cumbre Humboldt is dedicated to seeking and promo8ng educa8onal and enriching opportuni8es for La8nx families and individuals throughout Humboldt County. Cumbre Humboldt works extensively with individuals and households in the Valley West Neighborhood and may be interested in contribu8ng to cultural ac8vi8es and programming at the Center.

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Wiyot Tribe: The City of Arcata occupies part of the ancestral territory of the Wiyot peoples known as Goudi’ni. The Wiyot Tribe are a federally recognized tribe and sovereign na8on. During a mee8ng with the Wiyot Tribe about the proposed Neighborhood Center, they indicated they could develop cultural programming to offer the residents, language classes and assist with the naming of the building and consulta8on on incorpora8ng Indigenous design into the building.

Equity Arcata: Equity Arcata is a partnership between the City of Arcata, Cal Poly Humboldt, local businesses and members of the community working to make Arcata a more inclusive and welcoming environment for People of Color. Equity Arcata working groups collaborate under the collec8ve impact model in order to achieve social change. As a partnership-based advocacy group working to support community dialogue on issues of equity, the Neighborhood Center could provide a hub for support groups and community building through shared meals, and arts/cultural programs.

Centro del Pueblo: Centro del Pueblo is dedicated to crea8ng inclusive and suppor8ve environments for Indigenous Migrants and the La8nx community. They offer organic produce through the CSA model (with crops grown at Bayside Farm), operate a Youth Empowerment Program, and focus on educa8ng immigrants about their rights and advoca8ng on their behalf. This organiza8on is already working within the neighborhood and a Neighborhood Center could provide an addi8onal venue for community events sponsored by the organiza8on.

Recommenda6ons Based on the City’s Experience Opera6ng Neighborhood Centers The City of Arcata currently operates two Neighborhood Centers— the Arcata Neighborhood Center and the D Street Center. The City staff who oversee these facili8es and manage the rental of the facili8es were interviewed for this report. They provided feedback that can be used to inform the City’s planning for programming and space in the Valley West Neighborhood Center. Below is a summary of feedback from the Neighborhood Center operators.

Programming and Space: What Works Well?
• Sports/recrea8on
• Summer and sports camps
• Arts program
• Collabora8on with First Five Humboldt (play center)
• Dance classes/group
• Large rental space for private groups
• Good audio-visual system: screen, speakers, plug-and-play connec8on, etc. • Space for food trucks
Programming and Space: What are the Greatest Challenges/What Do You Need More of? • Need more storage: tables, chairs, toys, books, portable stage, AV equipment, sports equipment, maintenance supplies, etc.
• Limited Parking and loading space
• Flexibility to create separate spaces within a large space; need breakout rooms • Kitchen with more ameni8es, including a freezer

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What would you recommend for a new Neighborhood Center in terms of physical layout or programming?
• Plenty of storage
• Larger hall or gym for mul8purpose ac8vi8es
• Mix of large and small breakout rooms
• Mul8purpose room that can be subdivided
• Play center for toddlers
• Youth programming
• Arts programming
• Playground or outdoor play space
• Recrea8on space
• Kitchen
• Space for special events, such as birthday par8es
• On-site parking, loading space
• May need air condi8oning, or at least adequate airflow and ven8la8on Conclusion
The City has extensive experience in the opera8on of exis8ng Neighborhood Centers that can be drawn upon to inform the design and programming of the Valley West Neighborhood Center. It is clear from the agencies that avended the Service Providers Focus Group that they understand and have experience with the barriers to service that Valley West residents currently experience, and that many of them are ready to offer needed services at a neighborhood site to address these barriers. In addi8on, the City has established partnerships with agencies that currently offer successful programs at the exis8ng Neighborhood Centers.

The City should consider establishing pilot programs that address the High Priority areas iden8fied, scaling them to be appropriate for the Valley West Neighborhood. Depending upon the loca8on selected for the Neighborhood Center, there is also a tremendous opportunity to provide for outdoor programming, such as a community garden, playground, covered outdoor space and open green space.

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Site Inventory
Introduc6on
The Consultant Team conducted an inventory of poten8al sites for loca8ng a Neighborhood Center in the Valley West neighborhood in Arcata. Preferred sites selected for in-depth site assessment have adequate space and appropriate zoning to accommodate a facility with all, or most of, the priori8zed interior and exterior spaces as iden8fied in this report. This sec8on includes a descrip8on of the methodology used for the site assessment, a descrip8on of sites that were analyzed, an analysis of preferred sites, and a recommenda8on of the preferred site and next steps toward exploring its development.

Methodology
SelecHon Criteria
Salazar Architect reviewed the proper8es that were available within the Study Area, which was bounded by the triangle between Highway 101, Route 299 and thoroughfare Giuntoli Lane. See Figure 6 for site area of study boundary dashed in red.

Figure 6: Valley West Neighborhood Center Study Area Map

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To meet the pre-selec8on criteria, the site had to be:
• Located within the Study Area as shown in Figure 6 above; • Have public transporta8on within walking distance (500 feet); • Have a commercial zoning designa8on; and
• Be available for purchase by the City.

Site Visits
The Consultant Team was coordinated by James Coles from Housing Tools and included Alex Salazar and Ernes8na Fuenmayor from Salazar Architect; Natalie Mendez and Rodney Wilburn from LACO (Civil Engineering); Piper Von Chamier from Terrain (Landscape Architecture), and Delo Freitas and Sara Channel from the City of Arcata. The team visited four sites during the morning of Friday January 31st, 2025 and was able to determine preliminary preferences for the possible sites. The team toured the sites listed below. See Figure 7 below for site loca8ons within the area of study.

Figure 7: PotenHal Site LocaHons

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Street level photos of the four sites visited are provided below in Figures 8-11.

Figure 8: Site 1 (Vacant Lot South of Mall, 4800 Valley West Blvd.) Figure 9: Site 2 (Former Laurel Tree School, 4555 Valley West Blvd.) Figure 10: Site 3 (Woodsman Hall, 4700 Valley West Blvd.)

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Figure 11: Site 4 (Vacant Lot, Removed from ConsideraHon, 4633 Valley West Blvd.) The 4633 Valley West Blvd site was removed from considera8on amer the visit due to the following condi8ons:
• More than 50% of the site is covered with debris from construc8on (a dump site) and the other 50% has a creek and apparent wetlands; and
• The site is next to the highway and is very narrow.

Community Input
The Consultant Team asked par8cipants to vote on the three most important Community Values in the visioning sessions and focus groups. The three most voted and men8oned values were Sustainability, Arts and Culture, and Safe & Healthy Environment. Figure 12 below is a bubble diagram represen8ng these values and how they connect with the program developed for schema8c designs based on community input.

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Figure 12: Community Values, Programming, and Spaces (See Exhibit I for an enlarged image) Programming
Amer listening and gathering all the data from these engagements, the consultant team created a building and site program for the Neighborhood Center that included spaces that were priori8zed by the community. The Salazar team then allocated square footage to these spaces, with some determined by the number of users and/or code requirements. With this informa8on, the team was able to determine the building and outdoor space square footage, as well as make recommenda8ons to the City for necessary improvements to reach the goal of building a Neighborhood Center.

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Results pointed to a clear need for a food pantry, a community kitchen, classroom areas, daycare, storage, and large community rooms inside the building. And for the outdoor areas, the community wanted cover areas, spaces for sport, playground, and community garden. All of these were incorporated as possible within these proposals.

The total square footage (SF) of a building that would include the areas shown in Figure 13 below is approximately 18,000 SF. The following is a breakdown of the program by use: Community, Staff, and Maintenance/Services.

Figure 13: Programming Space Needs
Programming Area
Area per
Room
(Square Foot)
Community Areas
Recep&on desk/Lobby/Art Gallery/Community-Educa&onal Resources Wall 140 Childcare for 15 kids and 5 teachers; dedicated restroom; dedicated playground 2,100 One (1) classroom/computer lab (10-15 people) 300
Four (4) classrooms/mee&ng rooms of 20-30 people (could be combined into a large mul&purpose room with folding walls):
• Adult educa&on, including Language classes, business literacy, ci&zenship path, etc. • Tutoring
• Social and educa&onal programs for seniors
• Workshops/mom and child ac&vi&es
1,600
Community/event room and performance stage 1,200
Two (2) small study spaces/music rooms (1-2 people) 80
Two (2) quiet room/nursing/mom room 200
Community kitchen- commercial grade to teach cooking classes 1,000 Food pantry 1,800
Indoor recrea&on space/gymnasium 1,500
Exercise room (30 people) 1,500
Library 750
Six (6) gender neutral restrooms (depending on programming decisions, this number can vary) 420 Two (2) individual showers 140
Staff and Workplace Areas
Two (2) Offices 300
Prin&ng/Office supply 100

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Service Areas
Janitorial 90
Mechanical Room 150
Electrical Room 200
IDF room/server room/IT 120
Bike storage 150
Storage 1,200
25% Circula&on (In the two-story op&ons, this percentage might increase due to the need for elevator and stairs, depending on the design and second floor program.) 3,700 Outdoor Program: While there are similari&es in all sites for the outdoor areas, due to site restric&ons and limita&ons, each site has specific square footage and areas that will be described below with each property.

Preferred Sites
SelecHon Criteria
In addi8on to the ini8al preselec8on criteria listed in the Methodology sec8on of this chapter— including loca8on within the designated project boundary, accessibility via public transporta8on, appropriate commercial zoning designa8on, and availability for purchase— the following site evalua8on criteria were applied when reviewing poten8al loca8ons for a new Neighborhood Center:
• Cost feasibility for rehabilita8on or new construc8on – Assessing the financial prac8cality of upgrading exis8ng structures or developing new ones to meet Neighborhood Center needs. • Site size and configura8on – Ensuring the parcel is large enough to accommodate necessary programming, parking, outdoor spaces, and poten8al future expansion. • Proximity to community ac8vity centers – Priori8zing sites near schools, parks, downtown areas, and other hubs of local ac8vity to encourage foot traffic and maximize community benefit. • Environmental condi8ons and constraints – Reviewing flood zones, soil stability, and poten8al environmental hazards that could impact development or long-term maintenance. • Ownership complexity and acquisi8on 8meline – Considering the clarity of ownership, ease of purchase, and any legal encumbrances that may delay or complicate acquisi8on. • Neighborhood compa8bility and community support – Evalua8ng the surrounding land uses and gauging the level of support or concern from nearby residents or businesses. • Poten8al for sustainability features – Iden8fying opportuni8es for green building prac8ces, renewable energy use, stormwater management, and habitat preserva8on.

For each site under considera8on, recommenda8ons in the following areas were analyzed to determine suitability and alignment with design and sustainability goals:

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• Architectural Design Approach – The site’s ability to accommodate a welcoming and func8onal building design that reflects the character of Arcata and meets the programma8c needs of the center.
• Landscape Design Approach – Opportuni8es for inclusive outdoor spaces, na8ve landscaping, and ecological enhancement that align with community and environmental values. • Sustainability Design Approach – Capacity to integrate energy-efficient systems, low-impact development strategies, and climate-resilient design elements.

An ideal site will enable the City to develop and operate a cost-feasible, highly accessible Neighborhood Center that supports safe, inclusive, and environmentally responsible public use. The site should reinforce Arcata’s core values of sustainability, equity, and community well-being while fostering a welcoming space for diverse users and uses.

The three preferred sites were studied in detail. This included a zoning analysis, a landscape and civil engineering study, and a schema8c design based on the poten8al programming derived from the community values. All three plans presented allow for the approximately 18,500 square feet of programming iden8fied above. See Figure 14 below for site loca8ons and context, and Exhibit B for a large-scale version of this figure. The site analysis discussed in this sec8on reviews proposed development under current zoning standards, which are planned to be updated in 2026-2027 to conform to the policy guidance of the recently adopted General Plan: 2045. These changes are an8cipated to allow for greater development intensity (e.g. height, Floor Area Ra8o (FAR) allowance).

Figure 14: Preferred Sites – Conceptual Context Plan

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Conceptual Architectural Design Approach
Exterior Design Approach
Each site has a unique shape, sizes and restric8ons that affect the loca8on of the building, the parking areas and the outdoor community spaces. The design team approached each site with the following general conceptual design strategies:
• Use a reasonable commercial building footprint depth, and massing strategies that allow for good natural daylight to reach the interiors.
• Mass the building facing the street to help create a pedestrian oriented, welcoming entry experience and contribute to the neighborhood streetscape. • Use compact massing to contribute to future cost control, helping minimize the amount of building skin, founda8ons, MEP systems, etc.
• Provide well located, ample outdoor space including covered outdoor space, to allow ac8vi8es all year round.
• Locate parking behind the building and away from the street.

Interior Design Approach
The conceptual interior design of the Neighborhood Center plays a cri8cal role in fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and flexible environment that supports a wide range of community ac8vi8es and programs.

While each site and building layout varies, the design team applied the following overarching interior design strategies to guide the concept planning and ensure consistency in quality and values across all poten8al sites:
• Foster inclusivity and accessibility throughout the interior environment. This includes universal design principles, clear wayfinding, comfortable sea8ng arrangements for all ages and abili8es, and spaces that feel culturally respecoul and welcoming to all. • Priori8ze natural daylight and views by orien8ng interior spaces to benefit from the building’s massing strategy.
• The design should include flexibility and mul8-func8onality to accommodate diverse user groups and programs.
• Create a clear and intui8ve interior layout with well-defined circula8on and sightlines. Visitors should feel welcome and oriented upon entry, with easily iden8fiable access to key program areas such as recep8on, community rooms, restrooms, and support spaces.

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• Use warm, durable, and sustainable materials to reflect Arcata’s environmental values and reduce long-term maintenance costs. Finishes should be selected for both resilience and comfort, incorpora8ng low-VOC materials, recycled content, and locally sourced products where possible.

Conceptual Landscape Site Design Approach
Community input from Valley West highlighted key priori8es, including sustainability, arts and culture, and a safe, healthy environment. These themes formed the founda8on of landscape design, which aims to create a welcoming and resilient hub that serves the current and future needs of the community.

Addi8onal guiding principles include resilience, community wellness, and universal design. • Include key community-requested ameni8es such as a covered outdoor area, community garden, and community kitchen to support food access, outdoor programming, and year-round use. • Design mul8func8onal outdoor spaces that support a variety of uses, including recrea8on, relaxa8on, performance, educa8on, farmers' markets, and community gatherings. • Encourage intergenera8onal ac8vity and fitness through the inclusion of a sports court, playground, and open green space, responding to strong community interest in cardio-focused and youth/teen recrea8on.
• Support social interac8on and community wellness, by providing features like a barbecue area, informal sea8ng zones, and gathering nodes integrated throughout the landscape. • Promote mul8modal transporta8on by ensuring safe and convenient access for walking, biking, driving, and public transit—leveraging proximity to exis8ng bus stops at all proposed sites. • Use na8ve and climate-adap8ve plan8ngs irrigated by high-efficiency systems to support biodiversity, reduce water use, and create a resilient, low-maintenance landscape. • Manage stormwater on site through bioswales or rain gardens that capture and filter runoff, replenish local groundwater, and reduce infrastructure strain from new impervious surfaces. • Design outdoor spaces for dual-purpose use—such as covered plazas or sports courts that can func8on as temporary shelters or resource distribu8on hubs during emergencies. • Celebrate arts, culture, and local iden8ty through outdoor learning and performance spaces, integrated public art, and culturally significant design elements in playgrounds, site structures, and landscape features.

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Conceptual Sustainability Design Approach
Since the highest priority community value was sustainability and these features might not be fully integrated into the plans included in the exhibits, the following are recommenda8ons in sustainability prac8ces that the City can incorporate into the future Neighborhood Center.

Site
• Use bioswale gardens at larger stormwater management areas with educa8onal signage for the public.
• Reduce hardscaping as much as possible; including minimizing parking in an area that already has many large parking lots. This will help with stormwater management and reduce the heat island effect.
• U8lize permeable and high SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) paving as much as possible. • Use xeriscape plan8ng strategies with na8ve and adap8ve plants to use as livle water as possible while retaining a beau8ful landscape aesthe8c. • Provide passive shading in the near term with awnings and overhangs and in the long term with trees.
• Shade the parking stalls with solar awnings to provide energy for the Neighborhood Center and keep cars cool to reduce use of air condi8oning.
• Priori8ze shared parking agreements with nearby businesses.

Building
• U8lize Passive House air sealing and thermal strategies to reduce the building demand load as much as possible.
• Right size the building and provides flexible spaces so it is not oversized. • Use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) lumber for the structure to ensure that wood is harvested sustainably. Consider this for the finishes as well, even though they are typically less of the overall volume of material.
• Consider Mass Timber Structure in lieu of a Steel or Concrete structural system to reduce the embodied carbon.
• U8lize semi-advanced framing techniques and a pre-cut lumber package to reduce wood waste and improve the thermal envelope.
• Provide high efficiency envelope elements, primarily focused on the glazing to reduce passive heat gain and reduce energy demand.
• Provide a green roof or a high Solar Reflectance Index roof as a backup op8on. • Provide low-flow and highly efficient plumbing fixtures to reduce water demand. • Design the buildings so that passive shading can be op8mized to keep the indoor environment comfortable and well-lit while lowering energy usage. • U8lize natural materials with third party Environmental Product Declara8ons for interior finishes and interior plan8ngs to promote occupant health through biophilia. Environmental Product Declara8ons help ensure that product ingredients and sourcing are done responsibly. • Ensure low or no Vola8le Organic Compounds on all interior products to keep occupants healthy.
• Use durable, long las8ng exterior cladding to ensure a resilient building.

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• Incorporate resiliency features so the building can serve as a hub during climate events or other emergencies. This may include a bavery backup to cool par8cular spaces, power a refrigerator to store someone’s medicine, etc.

Systems
• Use Energy Recovery Ven8la8on as part of the fresh air strategy to reduce energy loss via uncondi8oned air.
• Use high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ra8o (SEER) and Hea8ng Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) rated hea8ng and cooling equipment to reduce energy demand. These are metrics that determine the level of performance of the mechanical units. • Install solar on the roof to supply as much of the energy needed as possible to support the annual building energy use load.
• Install building monitoring systems to ensure that it is func8oning as designed and to adjust the systems to operate efficiently.
• Provide occupancy and daylight sensors to regulate ligh8ng and reduce energy consump8on. • Provide Energy Star-rated appliances and light fixtures. • Consider an on demand hot water system; a high efficiency electric heat pump as a secondary op8on to reduce energy consump8on by hea8ng water.

Site Analysis
The following table summarizes key differences in site recommenda8ons, as discussed in detail below.

Figure 15: Comparison of Sites
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Building sq. c. ~18,000 ~18,000 ~17,000
Usable Outdoor Space sq. c. 37,993 10,670 1,093
Parking spaces 36 36 22
BBQ area sq. c. 575 550 Not proposed*
Playground sq. c. 2,000 1,100 To use exis&ng City
Park Infrastructure*
Sport court sq. c. 7,000 Not proposed* To use exis&ng City Park Infrastructure*
Covered Mul&purpose space sq. c. 700 700 Not proposed*
Garden sq. c. 950 750 650
* Not proposed due to lot size and inadequate space

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Site 1—4800 Valley West Boulevard
This parcel is a vacant lot located south of the Valley West Shopping Center. This parcel is centrally located and large enough to fulfill the community wants for a Neighborhood Center as well as providing an alterna8ve recrea8on space to Valley West Park. There is a bus stop on Valley West Boulevard that is 100 feet from the site and a bus stop on Valley East Boulevard that is 575 feet from the site. The site was iden8fied as the preferred site by the design team.

Advantages of this site include:
• Connects to major north/south streets
• Close proximity to bus stops on both sides of the lot • Adequate space for parking
• Centrally located
• Close to the commercial areas and the mobile home parks • Adequate space for phased construc8on, which may be developed in the future with affordable workforce or senior housing, or emergency resiliency uses • Ideal site for new construc8on with adequate space for priori8zed uses In this proposed site development plan, the Neighborhood Center is oriented towards the residen8al areas along Valley E Blvd, providing a buffer between the street and outdoor amenity spaces, and u8lizing extensive street frontage on that side of the property for the building footprint. Ample space is provided that could be used for a sports court or outdoor gatherings. The West side of the property features space for larger neighborhood gatherings, such as a farmer’s market, or future development.

See Exhibit C and F for the proposed Site 1 development plan.

ExisHng Site Summary
Current Use: Undeveloped
Nearest Bus Stop: 100 feet away on Valley West Blvd.

Uses North of Site: Commercial
Uses South of Site: Hotel
Uses East of Site: ResidenDal
Uses West of Site: Hotel
Zoning Summary
Site Name: South of Mall
Parcel Number: 507-362-055
Address: 4800 Valley West Blvd.

Zone: Commercial General (CG)*

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General Plan Land Use: Commercial Mixed
Neighborhood Center: Permiked (MeeDng Facility)
Minimum Lot Area: 5,000 sf
Minimum Lot Width: 50 _.

Minimum Lot Depth: 3x the lot width
Front Setback: 10 _. min.

Side Setback: 10 _. min.

Rear Setback: None (10 _. when abulng R Zone)
Maximum Lot Coverage: None
Proposed Lot Coverage: 81.8%
Maximum FAR: 2.0
Height Limit: 35 _.

Notes: Moderate to High LiquefacDon Zone
*site zoning to be updated to be brought into conformance with Commercial-Mixed Land Use adopted via General Plan: 2045.

Proposed Development Summary
Site Size: 2.43 acres (104,379 sf)
Building Square Feet: ~18,000 sf
Number of Stories: 1
Useable Outdoor Space: 37,993 sf
Parking: 36 min. required
AmeniDes: Barbeque Space, Community Garden,
Playground, Sports Court, Covered Courtyard
Proposed Building & Landscape Design
The site is centrally located, undeveloped, rela8vely flat, and generously sized, which are quali8es that make it the preferred op8on by the design team for the Neighborhood Center. At 2.43 acres, this site offers ample space to accommodate a wide range of outdoor ameni8es, as seen in Figure 16.

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Figure 16: Site 1 – Preferred – Drac Concept Site Plan
The conceptual design proposed for this site as a one-story structure with an ample covered entrance plaza. This site has an “L” shape. The design team proposed that the building follow this shape, ac8va8ng the street front with a lobby and other community spaces towards the front. The building could have solar panels and other sustainable features.

Based on the previously discussed program, the design team provided this conceptual dram of a Programming Diagram (Figure 17) as a dram preliminary visual of poten8al rela8onships between spaces within the center. This proposal was informed by the design of Neighborhood Centers within the City of Arcata as well as in jurisdic8ons of similar size and demographics, as well as other research by the design team. This is not a design proposal, but this diagram is intended to demonstrate that the spaces priori8zed during the community engagements can fit within this site.

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Figure 17: Site 1 – Preferred – Programming Diagram
Adjacent to the building, plaza areas will provide flexible, mul8purpose space to support intergenera8onal use, including performances, classes, farmers markets, barbecues, and other community events and gatherings.

To the South of the building, plans include a sports court, playground, and community garden. The West side of the property features space for larger neighborhood gatherings, such as a farmer’s market, or future development. Its layout also allows for phased construc8on, enabling incremental development as funding becomes available.

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Proposed Outdoor Programming
Farmers Market Plaza and Community Garden 2,300 SF
Covered BBQ Space and Courtyard 5,000 SF
Playground 2,000 SF
Sports Court 7,000 SF
Parking Lot 28,000 SF
See Exhibit C and F for a full-size image of the dram proposed Site 1 concept development plan and Programming Diagram.

Proposed Civil Improvements Approach
LACO, the civil engineering team, evaluated the Conceptual Plans prepared by Salazar Architects for this site. Based on the proposed concept, the following civil site and infrastructure improvements should be an8cipated.

Vehicle Access and Circula8on:
• Two (2) new commercial driveway approaches connec8ng Valley West Blvd. and Valley East Blvd. • Bus stop and loading zone.
• New asphalt parking lot with 36 parking stalls.
• ADA accessible parking and loading, with accessible curb ramps and walkways connec8ng the site to the public right of way.
• Raised curb and guver
• Internal walkways provide an accessible path of travel to the various site ameni8es and building access loca8ons.

U8li8es and Drainage:
• On-site storm drain collec8on and piping system connected to the exis8ng public storm drainage system.
• Stormwater quality treatment systems, including but not limited to bio-reten8on areas, rain gardens, vegetated swales integrated into the landscape areas • Sanitary sewer laterals connec8ng the building to the exis8ng public sanitary sewer systems • Water metered service connec8ons
• On-site water distribu8on system for fire protec8on, including double detector check valves, fire department connec8ons, and fire hydrants.
• Joint u8lity services for electric, gas, and communica8on services, including transformers, switch gear cabinets, and gas metering, with all u8li8es installed underground

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Site Photos
Site photos are shown in Figures 18-21 below.

Figure 18: Looking North of Site 1
Figure 19: Looking South of Site 1
Figure 20: Looking East of Site 1

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Figure 21: Looking West of Site 1
Site 2— 4555 Valley West Boulevard
This parcel is the former loca8on of Laurel Tree Charter School and is located at the end of a cul-de-sac. It has an exis8ng building on site. It is a suitable loca8on for the Neighborhood Center due to its proximity to the proposed Valley West Park. In addi8on, it is the only parcel which currently has the infrastructure to host a Neighborhood Center.

Advantages of this site include:
• Has been used for civic/educa8onal purposes
• Good visibility from the highway
• Bus stop nearby
During the site visit, the Salazar Architect team was able to walk to the site and enter the building. This structure is currently vacant.

The exis8ng building is a one-story structure with mul8ple gable roofs. It is clad with stucco and has a crawl space. The site slopes from the east to the west dras8cally, and the water from the highway drains towards the building. Addi8ons and modifica8ons have been made to the structure through the years. It appears that the original house was raised from the ground between two and four feet, but the addi8ons are barely raised, in some areas by only 6 inches. These mul8ple addi8ons have been receiving the water draining from the parking lot and the stucco reaches the ground, absorbing water into the building.

The walls have no insula8on. Further inves8ga8on is needed to determine the condi8on of this building.

There is organic material in the guvers and areas where water drips from the roof.

Due to the building’s condi8on and since the building is nested closer to the highway instead of the front of the lot, the architect’s recommenda8on is that if the City wants to select this loca8on the building should be deconstructed. Wood and other materials s8ll in good condi8on can be reused in the new building or donated.

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ExisHng Site Summary
Current Use: Charter School (vacant)
Nearest Bus Stop: 225 feet away on Valley East Blvd.

Uses North of Site: Public park
Uses South of Site: ResidenDal
Uses East of Site: ResidenDal
Uses West of Site: Highway
Zoning Summary
Site Name: Former Laurel Tree Charter School
Parcel Number: 507-361-002
Address: 4555 Valley West Blvd.

Zone: Commercial Visitor Serving (CV)*
General Plan Land Use: Commercial Mixed
Neighborhood Center: Use not allowed (rezoning required) Minimum Lot Area: 10,000 sf
Minimum Lot Width: 80 _.

Minimum Lot Depth: 3x the lot width
Front Setback: None
Side Setback: None
Rear Setback: None (10 _. when abulng R Zone)
Maximum Lot Coverage: None
Proposed Lot Coverage: 73.7%
Maximum FAR: 2.0
Height Limit: 45 _.

Notes: Moderate to High LiquefacDon Zone
*site zoning to be updated to be brought into conformance with Commercial-Mixed Land Use adopted via General Plan: 2045.

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Proposed Development Summary
Site Size: 1.34 acres (46,373 sf)
Building Square Feet: 18,000 sf
Number of Stories: 2
Useable Outdoor Space: 10,670 sf
Parking: 36 (49 required by exisDng zoning code, but
rezone will be required)
AmeniDes: Barbeque Space, Community Garden, Covered
Courtyard, Playground
Proposed Building & Landscape Design
Site #2 is complex. The 1.34-acres includes an exis8ng structure—a former school building with significant water infiltra8on issues—that would need to be demolished or deconstructed to make way for the new Neighborhood Center. It is also adjacent to a highway and is narrow, making it inefficient and difficult to develop. See Figure 22 . North of the site is Valley West Park’s open green space, which could be used as addi8onal, seasonal green space for the Neighborhood Center. Neighborhood Center Figure 22: Site 2– Drac Concept Site Plan
The proposed two-story Neighborhood Center has a large, covered entry plaza. The building would face the street to ac8vate it as a welcoming place. This covered plaza can be used for mobile clinics,

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community events, or just as a wai8ng area protected from the elements. This building would need an elevator and stairs to access the second floor.

The design team provided this conceptual dram of a Programming Diagram in Figure 23, as a dram preliminary visual of poten8al rela8onships between spaces within the center. As in Site 1, this proposal was informed by the design of Neighborhood Centers within the City of Arcata as well as in jurisdic8ons of similar size and demographics, as well as other research by the design team. This is not a design proposal, but this diagram is intended to demonstrate that the spaces priori8zed during the community engagements can fit within this site.

Figure 23: Site 2 – Programming Diagram

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The site presents several challenges, including exis8ng grading and drainage issues that will need to be resolved as part of development. The sloping terrain will require regrading and careful aven8on to accessibility to ensure the site is welcoming and func8onal for all users. New plan8ng areas will be designed to support on-site stormwater management, a priority given the parcel’s exis8ng drainage pavern. Proposed central outdoor ameni8es include a covered plaza and barbecue area, a community garden, and a playground. Highway 101 runs along the western edge of the property, so the site design located the parking along this edge and will incorporate noise buffering and visual screening to improve comfort and aesthe8cs.

See Exhibit D and Exhibit G for the enlarged proposed Site 2 development plan and Programming Diagram.

Proposed Outdoor Program
Community Garden 1,393 SF
Covered BBQ Space and Entry Plaza 15,043 SF
Playground 1,106 SF
Parking Lot 21,368 SF
Proposed Civil Engineering Approach
LACO evaluated the Conceptual Plans prepared by Salazar Architects for this site. Based on the proposed concept, the following civil site and infrastructure improvements should be an8cipated.

Vehicle Access and Circula8on:
• Upgrade the exis8ng commercial driveway approaches connec8ng to Valley West Blvd. • Upgrade the exis8ng asphalt parking lot with 36 parking stalls. • ADA accessible parking and loading, with accessible curb ramps and walkways connec8ng the site to the public right of way.
• Raised curb and guver.
• Internal walkways to provide an accessible path of travel to the various site ameni8es and building access loca8ons.

U8li8es and Drainage:
• On-site storm drain collec8on and piping system connec8ng to the exis8ng public storm drainage system.
• Stormwater quality treatment systems, including but not limited to bio-reten8on areas, rain gardens, vegetated swales integrated into the landscape areas. • Upgrade or install new sanitary sewer laterals connec8ng the building to the exis8ng public sanitary sewer systems.
• Upgrade exis8ng water metered service connec8on.
• On-site water distribu8on system for fire protec8on, including double detector check valves, fire department connec8ons, and fire hydrants.

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• Joint u8lity services for electric, gas, and communica8on services, including transformers, switch gear cabinets, and gas metering, with all u8li8es installed underground.

Site Photos
Site photos are shown in Figures 24-32 below.

Figure 24: Looking North of Site 2
Figure 25: Looking South of Site 2

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Figure 26: Looking East of Site 2
Figure 27: Looking West of Site 2
Figure 28: ExisHng School Building – South Side

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Figure 29: ExisHng School Building – North Side
Figure 30: ExisHng School Building – East Side
Figure 31: ExisHng Park Tables and Benches

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Figure 32: Highway Adjacent to Property
Site 3— 4700 Valley East Boulevard
This site consists of two parcels with the exis8ng Woodsman Hall building place between both sites. The site is located at the intersec8on of Valley East Boulevard and Hallen Drive.

Advantages of this site include:
• Has been used for civic/educa8onal purposes
• Local community has a connec8on with this site
• Next to the basketball court and playground which allows for some ac8vi8es to connect to and use the park as an extension
• Bus stop nearby
ExisHng Site Summary
Current Use: Woodsman Hall (currently used)
Nearest Bus Stop: 250 feet away on Valley East Blvd.

Uses North of Site: ResidenDal
Uses South of Site: ResidenDal
Uses East of Site: Public park
Uses West of Site: Medical offices
Zoning Summary
Site Name: Woodsman Hall
Parcel Number: 507-362-025, 507-362-026
Address: 4700 Valley East Blvd.

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Site Inventory 46
Zone: ResidenDal High Density (RH)
General Plan Land Use: ResidenDal High Density (RH)
Neighborhood Center: Use permit required
Minimum Lot Area: 6,000 sf
Minimum Lot Width: 30 _.

Minimum Lot Depth: None
Front Setback: 10 _. min.

Side Setback: 10 _. min.

Rear Setback: 5 _. min.

Maximum Lot Coverage: 70%
Proposed Lot Coverage: 78% (variance required)
Maximum FAR: None
Height Limit: 35 _.

Proposed Development Summary
Site Size: Combined parcels are 0.49 acres (21,456 sf)
Building Square Feet: 16,010 sf
Number of Stories: 2
Useable Outdoor Space: 1,093 sf
Parking: 18 (31 required –variance required)
AmeniDes: Barbeque Space, Community Garden
During the site visit, the Salazar Architect team was able to walk to the site and enter the building. This structure is currently being use by CUNA, a local La8nx organiza8on.

The building is in good condi8on; this modern building has a gable roof with a dis8nguished entry roof line that gives character to the building. The structure had a condi8on assessment study done by the City, and besides the founda8on crack indicated in the report, water leaks and damage seem to have been repaired. In April of 2024 the City requested an Asbestos Survey and Lead Pain;ng Sampling by Brunelle and Clark Consul8ng. The findings indicated that there is asbestos in the walls and ceilings of the interior of the building, and probably in the electrical conduits and panels. The report indicates that asbestos containing material must be abated prior to any renova8on or demoli8on ac8vi8es that would disturb the asbestos containing materials.

However, this building is too small for the desired program and community needs. Salazar recommends the deconstruc8on of the structure and reuse of the many wood features on the exis8ng building. This specific building is a display of the woodwork and skills of woodworkers of the area. Entry elements and

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Site Inventory 47
inside panels and other features should be reused in the proposed building if the City decides to select this site.

Proposed Building & Landscape Design
The exis8ng building on site is also too small to meet the community’s needs and project goals and would therefore be deconstructed and replaced. Redevelopment will also likely require the removal of a large tree and the reloca8on of an exis8ng streetlight.

This is the smallest of the three sites, consis8ng of two combined parcels with a combined area of 0.49 acres. The City may choose to merge the site with the adjacent park to meet planning code requirements.

The proposed new two-story Neighborhood Center, on a corner lot, faces the streets and allows for a modest amount of on-site parking. Given the limited space, a small outdoor court at the back allows for ameni8es including a barbecue area and small community garden.

Figure 33: Site 3 – Drac Concept Site Plan
While compact, the site has poten8al for enhanced pedestrian connec8vity to adjacent Valley West Park, crea8ng the experience of a larger, integrated community space. The City park currently features a basketball court directly adjacent to the site, and a playground just to the northeast, across Hallen Drive.

For this Site 3, the design team proposed this conceptual dram of a Programming Diagram in Figure 34, as a dram preliminary visual of poten8al rela8onships between spaces within the center. As in Site 1 and 2,

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Site Inventory 48
this proposal was informed by the design of Neighborhood Centers within the City of Arcata as well as in jurisdic8ons of similar size and demographics, as well as other research by the design team. The diagram below is not a design proposal, but this graphic is intended to demonstrate that the spaces priori8zed during the community engagements can fit within this site.

Figure 34: Site 3 – Programming Diagram
See Exhibit E and H for the dram proposed Site 3 development plan and programming diagram.

Proposed Outdoor Program
Courtyard and Community Garden 1,568 SF
Parking Lot 5,760 SF

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Site Inventory 49
Proposed Civil Engineering Approach
LACO evaluated the Conceptual Plans prepared by Salazar Architects for this site. Based on the proposed concept, the following civil site and infrastructure improvements should be an8cipated.

Vehicle Access and Circula8on:
• Upgrade the exis8ng commercial driveway approaches connec8ng to Valley East Blvd. • Upgrade the exis8ng asphalt parking lot with 18 parking stalls. • ADA accessible parking and loading, with accessible curb ramps and walkways connec8ng the site to the public right of way.
• New Mid-Block crosswalk across Hallen Blvd to connect to exis8ng park. • Raised curb and guver.
• Internal walkways to provide an accessible path of travel to the various site ameni8es and building access loca8ons.

U8li8es and Drainage:
• On-site storm drain collec8on and piping system connec8ng to the exis8ng public storm drainage system.
• Stormwater quality treatment systems, including but not limited to bio-reten8on areas, rain gardens, vegetated swales integrated into the landscape areas. • Upgrade or install new sanitary sewer laterals connec8ng the building to the exis8ng public sanitary sewer systems.
• Upgrade exis8ng water metered service connec8on.
• On-site water distribu8on system for fire protec8on, including double detector check valves, fire department connec8ons, and fire hydrants.
• Joint u8lity services for electric, gas, and communica8on services, including transformers, switch gear cabinets, and gas metering, with all u8li8es installed underground.

Site photos are shown in Figures 35-43 below.

Figure 35: Looking North of Site 3

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Figure 36: Looking South of Site 3
Figure 37: Looking East of Site 3
Figure 38: Looking West of Site 3

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Figure 39: Woodsman Hall- West Side
Figure 40: ExisHng Basketball Court East of Site
Figure 41: ExisHng Fence at East Side of Property

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Figure 42: Woodsman Hall- North Side
Figure 43: Woodsman Hall- South Side

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Financial Analysis 53
Financial Analysis
Introduc6on
Neighborhood Centers are mul8-faceted and receive frequent use, and therefore require a significant financial investment for their construc8on, and a consistent on-going financial commitment for their opera8ons. A long-term, well-conceived funding plan must be put into place to support their development. This Financial Analysis chapter es8mates costs for development and opera8on of a Neighborhood Center on each of the sites described in Site Inventory chapter. It then explores poten8al funding sources and strategies, based on a review of budgets for other Neighborhood Centers and a review of the City of Arcata budget. The chapter concludes with an iden8fica8on of most feasible funding sources for further inves8ga8on.

Development Costs
Budgets for Neighborhood Centers that are in development or recently constructed in other California ci8es were reviewed to provide a general framework for total development costs. There is a great amount of varia8on in cost between these Neighborhood Centers, based on types of ameni8es included, size and cost of property, and geographic loca8on. A total of 10 Neighborhood Center budgets were reviewed that are in development or were constructed in 2021 or later. The total building square footage for these Neighborhood Centers ranged from 8,000 to 64,000 square feet. The total cost ranged from $12 million to $77 million, with a per square foot cost of $667 to $3,008. The most comparable Neighborhood Centers to the proposed Valley West Neighborhood Center are listed in Figure 44 below. These Neighborhood Centers were selected based on similarity to the sites proposed in the Site Inventory chapter, and geographic loca8on in terms of popula8on and economic condi8ons.

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Financial Analysis 54
Figure 44: Total Development Costs of Comparable Neighborhood Centers City Date Built Funding Sources Features Cost Size (SF) Cost/SF Porterville
(Pop. 62,623) 2025
Prop 68 grant, State
Clean California
grant, ARPA funds,
local Measure R
funds
Gym; youth center;
racquetball court; adjacent
new park
$12M 18,000 $667
Gonzales
(Pop. 8,647)
Complete
design in
summer
2025
City Measure X taxes;
Community
Founda&on capital
campaign; County;
State; City General
Fund; USDA Loan
Library; teen lounge and
lab; fitness room;
conference room;
consulta&on rooms; offices;
lounge/game room;
marketplace; homework
center
$21M 8,000 $2,625
Santee (Pop.
60,037)
Start
construc&on
in August
2025
City General Fund;
City impact fees;
dona&ons
Events space; mul&purpose
room; program rooms;
kitchen; outdoor
amphitheater
$23.5M 12,500 $1,880
Average $18.8M 12,833 $1,724
Sources: Ci5es of Porterville, Gonzales, Santee; Popula5on figures are from the 2020 Decennial Census The costs outlined above provide a broad outline of poten8al costs. A model was developed to es8mate costs more specifically for the conceptual sites described in the Site Inventory chapter using the metrics listed in Figure 45 below. The per square foot costs were applied to the square footage es8mates provided for each site in the Site Inventory chapter.

Figure 45: Per Square Foot Cost EsHmates
Cost Item Cost Per Square Foot Source
Community Building
$430-$1,270 Claris Design Build
$430-$850 HomeGuide
$657 BigRentz Reports
Uncovered Plaza $3-$8 Bloomberg
Covered Plaza/BBQ Space $50-$60 Bloomberg
Playground Surface $16-$25 HomeAdvisor
Playground Equipment $150-$300 Worlds of Wow
Playground Installa&on 20% of Equipment Worlds of Wow
Sport Court $4-$17 HomeGuide
Parking Lot $3-$8 CA Inspectors
Demoli&on $12-$18 CommLoan

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A summary of cost es8mates for each of the preferred sites is shown below in Figure 46. Costs for each site have a Low and High es8mate. It is more likely that costs will be closer to the High es8mate, as the High es8mates are closer on a per square foot basis to comparable Neighborhood Centers in other California ci8es that are in development or recently completed. The Design and Engineering Costs are es8mated at 8% of construc8on costs. The Other Som Costs are es8mated at 1% of all other costs.

Figure 46: EsHmated Costs of Preferred Sites
Site 1- South of Mall Site 2- Laurel Tree Site 3- Woodman Hall Low High Low High Low High
Acquisi&on $806,310 $806,310 $862,281 $862,281 $305,603 $305,603 Acquisi&on/Site SF $7.72 $7.72 $18.59 $18.59 $14.24 $14.24 Demoli&on $160,110 $192,132 $56,745 $68,094
Demoli&on/SF $15.00 $18.00 $15.00 $18.00
Building $12,467,700 $15,139,350 $15,468,600 $18,783,300 $10,592,400 $12,862,200 Building/SF $700.00 $850.00 $700.00 $850.00 $700.00 $850.00 Site Improvements $871,624 $1,149,494 $1,265,301 $1,510,032 $88,176 $111,424 Site Improvements/SF $19.46 $25.67 $32.51 $38.80 $10.74 $13.58 Total Construc&on $13,339,324 $16,288,844 $16,733,901 $20,293,332 $10,680,576 $12,973,624 Design/Engineering $1,067,146 $1,303,108 $1,338,712 $1,623,467 $854,446 $1,037,890 Other Soc Costs $152,128 $183,983 $190,950 $229,712 $118,974 $143,852 Total Cost $15,364,907 $18,582,244 $19,285,954 $23,200,924 $12,016,344 $14,529,063 Total Cost/SF $862.66 $1,043.30 $872.75 $1,049.91 $794.10 $960.15 SF is square feet of proposed building improvements; Site SF is square feet of acquisi5on site Property cost for Site 1 was based on an appraised value of $806,310. The property costs for Sites 2 and 3 were based on an average cost per square foot of improvements of two comparable proper8es currently listed for sale as shown in Figure 47 below. The average price per improved square foot used for the cost es8mates was $80.78.

Figure 47: Comparable ProperHes with Improvements
Address Parcel No. Zoning Asking Price Building SF Price/SF Date Listed 1215 Giuntoli Ln. 507-301-075 IL $699,000 10,000 $69.90 3/3/25 2830-2842 F St. 010-242-004 MU $1,100,000 12,000 $91.67 8/1/24 Average 11,000 $80.78
The es8mated total development costs of the three poten8al sites range from $12.0 million to $23.2 million, with per square foot costs of $794 to $1,050. Site 2 is the most expensive op8on, on a total cost and per square foot cost basis, because it has the largest building area, a large 15,054 square foot covered pa8o area and BBQ space, and requires demoli8on of the exis8ng 10,674 square foot structure. Site 3 is the least expensive op8on, on a total cost and per square foot cost basis, because it has the smallest building area, the smallest non-building site-improvements area, and does not include a playground. Site 1 is at the mid-point cost point among the three scenarios, with the second largest building area, the

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Financial Analysis 56
largest non-building site improvements area, and no demoli8on costs. Site 1 also includes a sports court, which the other sites do not have, and the largest playground area and largest parking lot. Site 1 es8mated costs range from $15.4 million ($863 per square foot) to $18.6 million ($1,043 per square foot).

Development Funding Sources
Neighborhood Centers are funded by a variety of sources that can be placed in the following categories:
city, state, federal, nonprofit founda8ons, and Community Development Finance Ins8tu8ons (CDFIs).

Construc8on is usually financed by municipal or state bonds. If a municipal bond is not funded, the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) could poten8ally provide low-cost public financing with loan terms up to 30 years. A list of poten8al funding source categories is shown in Figure 48 and a list of poten8al funding sources are shown in Figure 49. Below is a descrip8on of each of the funding categories.

City of Arcata
Poten8al City of Arcata sources include: general fund, reserves, impact fees, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Income, and voter-approved tax measures. Some ci8es dedicate a por8on of public facili8es impact fees charged to new development to help fund Neighborhood Centers. This could be explored by the City. CDBG Program Income may be available through grant or loan repayments on programs administered by the City. Approval from the State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) would be required for planned re-use of Program Income toward a Neighborhood Center. The City could also apply to HCD for new CDBG funds that include Neighborhood Centers as an eligible use.

The City of Arcata has passed two voter-approved tax measures that may be considered as funding sources- Measures H and F. Measure H is a 0.75% sales tax projected to generate $2.6 million annually for emergency and climate change response, homelessness, mental health, and infrastructure. Measure F is a 3% tax collected on u8lity bills genera8ng about $900,000 annually for a variety of services, including affordable housing, economic development, and park maintenance.

State of California
The State of California administers various grant programs that may be poten8al funding sources for the Valley West Neighborhood Center, as shown in Figure 43. Some programs have a dedicated source of state revenue, and others are programs that administer federal alloca8ons. There are three different State programs that address Recrea8on, which was a focus area of community engagement input, including:

Proposi8on 68 funds, Land and Water Conserva8on Fund, and Clean California Grant Program. The Land and Water Conserva8on Fund also addresses the Food Insecurity focus area. The Clean California Grant Program also addresses the Community Resources focus area.

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Financial Analysis 57
Federal
The primary federal funding source that may assist Neighborhood Centers is the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Facili8es Direct Loan & Grant Program. Areas within the City of Arcata are designated as a Rural area by USDA and are therefore eligible for financial assistance.

This USDA program funds community facili8es in rural areas, including Neighborhood Centers, priori8zing smaller and low-income communi8es. The Neighborhood Center that is currently in pre-development in Gonzales, Monterey County, received a USDA loan of $9.8 million.

Community Development Financial InsHtuHons (CDFIs)
CDFIs can assist the financing of Neighborhood Centers in a number of ways. It they are federally cer8fied they may access grant and loan programs through the U.S. Department of Treasury. If they are State of California cer8fied they may access grant and loan programs through the California Department of Insurance. CDFIs may also combine grant assistance and loans with favorable terms to assist projects. In addi8on, CDFIs are omen helpful resources by connec8ng Neighborhood Centers with other financing programs and poten8al business donors. Local CDFIs include North Edge (formerly Arcata Economic Development Corpora8on) and Redwood Region Economic Development Commission. The Rural Community Assistance Corpora8on (RCAC) is also a statewide CDFI and nonprofit corpora8on that provides financing resources to rural and indigenous communi8es throughout California, and they offer Community Facility Loans.

FoundaHons and Local Fundraising
Nonprofit founda8ons omen assist in raising funds for Neighborhood Centers, and as nonprofit 501(c)(3) organiza8ons they offer tax benefits to donors. This can take the form of a focused capital campaign that may include business sponsorships and naming rights. Founda8ons may also pool capital campaign dona8ons with larger private dona8ons and endowments. Humboldt Area Founda8on and Headwaters Fund of Humboldt County are two founda8ons in the local area that may be able to assist. Humboldt Area Founda8on has a mission to improve the health and well-being of communi8es in Humboldt County, while Headwaters Fund supports economic development in Humboldt County.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 58
Figure 48: PotenHal Source Categories
Funding Source DescripTon
City of Arcata Funds within the control of the City of Arcata.

State of California Funds within the control of the State and allocated to locali&es compe&&vely.

Federal Government Funds within the control of the federal government and allocated to locali&es compe&&vely.

Community Development Financial
Ins&tu&ons (CDFIs)/Nonprofit Finance
Corpora&ons
Financial ins&tu&ons that are statewide and federally accredited to provide community and economic development benefits to
underserved communi&es. They receive funding through the State Department of Insurance (COIN Program) and the United States Treasury Department (CDFI Fund).

Founda&ons and Local Fundraising Local ini&a&ves to raise funds from the community, offering tax deduc&on benefits as a 501(c)(3) organiza&on.

Figure 49: PotenHal Funding Sources
Funding Source DescripTon
City of Arcata General Fund City funding source that may be allocated to a variety of City func&ons as included in the adopted annual budget.

City of Arcata Reserves City reserve funds that are not currently allocated to specific line items.

City of Arcata Residen&al Construc&on Tax
(Impact Fee)
Tax charged on new development permits and collected for expansion of public facili&es.

City of Arcata Measure H
Voter-approved 0.75% sales tax projected to generate $2.6 million annually for emergency and climate change response,
homelessness, mental health, and infrastructure
City of Arcata Measure F
Voter-approved 3.0% tax on u&lity bills, genera&ng about $900,000 annually; used for a variety of services, including affordable housing, economic development, park maintenance, and senior programs.

City of Arcata CDBG Program Income
Funds
Arcata is not a HUD federal en&tlement jurisdic&on, but may have program income funds that can be allocated to a Neighborhood Center.

State Dept. of Parks and Recrea&on,
Proposi&on 68
Funds crea&on of new parks and recrea&on opportuni&es in underserved communi&es across California.

State Dept. of Parks and Recrea&on, Land
and Water Conserva&on Fund
Funds acquisi&on or development of land to create new outdoor recrea&on opportuni&es for the health and wellness of Californians.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 59
State Department of Housing and
Community Development, Infill
Infrastructure Grant
Funds public infrastructure associated with development of infill affordable housing. No funding is currently available.

State Dept. of Transporta&on, Clean
California Grant Program
Funds streetscape improvements, parks, pathways, and transit centers to restore pride in California’s public spaces in underserved communi&es.

California Infrastructure and Economic
Development Bank (IBank), Infrastructure
State Revolving Fund
Low-cost financing to local government en&&es for infrastructure projects, with loan terms up to 30 years.

U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Community
Facili&es Direct Loan & Grant Program
Provides funding to develop community facili&es in rural areas, including Neighborhood Centers, priori&zing smaller and low-income communi&es.

North Edge Community Development
Financial Ins&tu&on
Provides community development financing to Del Norte, Humboldt, Mendocino, Lake, Siskiyou, and Trinity Coun&es.

Redwood Region Economic Development
Commission
Collabora&on of Humboldt County communi&es dedicated to expanding economic opportunity.

Rural Community Assistance Corpora&on
(RCAC)
A nonprofit corpora&on that provides community development financing resources to rural and indigenous communi&es throughout the Western region of the U.S., including Community Facility Loans.

Humboldt Area Founda&on
Programs include Humboldt Health Founda&on, which has a mission to improve the health and well-being of Humboldt County communi&es.

Headwaters Fund of Humboldt County
Operates a Community Investment Fund for large infrastructure projects, and a compe&&ve grants program to support economic development in Humboldt County.

Local Fundraising Campaign
Many Neighborhood Centers have been par&ally funded by local fundraising campaigns, which may include naming rights for various rooms and ameni&es within the Neighborhood Center. The
fundraising campaigns are ocen coordinated through a local community founda&on.

Figure 50 below shows High Priority Areas of Focus, as iden8fied in the Community Engagement and Programming and Services Chapters, and their alignment with the goals of some funders listed above, with an X mark indica8ng the nexus. Structuring certain Programming and Services, and a physical design that accommodates them, may provide pathways for securing compe88ve funding. In par8cular, the two State Department of Parks and Recrea8on grant programs and the State Department of Transporta8on Clean California Grant Program can poten8ally fund construc8on of recrea8on spaces such as a teen room, exercise room, sport court, and/or playground, as well as a community garden, farmer’s market, pathways, public transit connec8ons, and or transit informa8on signage or informa8on boards. The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services Hazard Mi8ga8on Grant program can poten8ally fund food

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 60
pantry services and food distribu8on in prepara8on for natural disasters, and methods to distribute informa8on about hazard mi8ga8on prepara8on and services.

Figure 50: Funding Sources and High Priority Areas of Focus Funding Source Food
Insecurity RecreaTon EducaTon Community Resources
State Dept. of Parks and
Recrea&on, Proposi&on 68 X
State Dept. of Parks and
Recrea&on, Land and Water
Conserva&on Fund
X X
State Dept. of Transporta&on,
Clean California Grant
Program
X X
North Edge Community
Development Financial
Ins&tu&on
X X
Redwood Region Economic
Development Commission X X
Voter-approved tax measures have been a key piece of funding for many Neighborhood Centers in California. A strategy for the Valley West Neighborhood Center could involve seung aside a por8on of Measure H or Measure F funds to repay a municipal bond that is used to finance construc8on. An alterna8ve method would be to pass a new measure that funds the Valley West Neighborhood Center exclusively, or in combina8on with some other uses. Figure 51 below is list of voter-approved tax measures that were used to help fund Neighborhood Centers in comparable communi8es. The most common tax source is a 0.5%-1.0% sales tax, which tends to raise more funds than the other most commonly used tax source, a u8lity users tax.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 61
Figure 51: Voter-Approved Tax Measures Used to Fund Neighborhood Centers City Measure Tax Source Income Uses
Mammoth Lakes (Pop.
7,191)
R 0.5% sales tax $2M in FY 2024-25
Capital projects, incl.
parks and recrea&on
facili&es and programs
U 2.5% u&lity users tax $923,000 in FY 2024-25
Mobility, recrea&on, arts
and culture facility
construc&on and
opera&ons
Gonzales (Pop. 8,647) X 0.5% sales tax $336,000 in FY 2024-25 Capital projects, primarily the Neighborhood Center
South Lake Tahoe (Pop.
21,330)
S 1.0% sales tax $7.8M in FY 2024-25
Fire preven&on,
emergency response,
infrastructure
P 2.0% transient
occupancy tax $3.4M in FY 2023-24 Neighborhood Center construc&on Sources: Town of Mammoth Lakes, City of Gonsales, City of South Lake Tahoe; Popula5on figures are from the 2020 Decennial Census
As major public facili8es that require significant up-front capital, most community facili8es require financing with a municipal bond. For bonds with a 30-year term, AAA-rated municipal bonds currently have interest rates that average about 4.50%; AA-rated municipal bonds are currently averaging about

4.75%; and A-Rated municipal bonds are currently averaging about 4.95% (Raymond James Weekly Interest Rate Monitor, Municipal Market Monitor, FMS Bonds Inc). Figure 52 below shows bond amounts financing the Site 1 es8mated costs, and annual principal and interest payments for municipal bonds that have a fixed interest rate of 4.50%, and a fixed interest rate of 4.95%.

Figure 52: Municipal Bond Financing Scenarios for Site 1 Low Cost EsTmate
(4.50% interest)
Low Cost EsTmate
(4.95% interest)
High Cost EsTmate
(4.50% interest)
High Cost EsTmate
(4.95% interest)
Bond Amount $15,364,907 $15,364,907 $18,582,244 $18,582,244 Interest Rate 4.50% 4.95% 4.50% 4.95%
Term (Years) 30 30 30 30
Annual Payments $943,275 $993,820 $1,140,793 $1,201,921

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Financial Analysis 62
Drawing upon the informa8on gathered on poten8al funding sources, various financing scenarios for the Site 1 High Cost Es8mate with a 4.70% interest rate are listed below in Figure 53. Below is a descrip8on of each scenario listed in the table. The ul8mate financing structure may be a combina8on of all of these scenarios.

Scenario 1 (New Tax Measure and Measure H): This scenario en8rely finances development costs with voter-approved tax measures, including a new quarter-cent measure that provides about threequarters of the revenue needed to pay bond costs, with the rest of the bond pay-off coming from about 12% of annual Measure H revenue.

Scenario 2 (Measure H): This scenario en8rely finances development costs with Measure H revenue, es8mated at about 45% of annual revenue.

Scenario 3 (Capital Campaign): This scenario seeks to minimize the bond amount by maximizing upfront capital funding from a broad range of sources, including City, federal, state, CDFIs, and local fundraising. This reduces the annual payment on the bond from $1,167,781 to $520,489, which would equate to about 20% of annual Measure H revenue. Alterna8vely, the annual bond payment could be paid with other City sources.

Other Poten;al Finance Structures: USDA, RCAC, or IBank may replace or supplement bond financing with loan programs that are directed to rural and low-income communi8es for facili8es. These en88es provide low-interest direct loans, grants, and loan guarantees.

Figure 53: Capital Financing Scenarios for Site 1 High Cost EsHmate Up-front Capital
Sources
Up-front
Capital
Amounts
Annual Financing
Costs/Sources
Annual
Amounts
Scenario 1
(New Tax Measure
and Measure H)
Bond Amount $18,582,244
Bond Annual Pmt -$1,167,781
New Voter-Approved Tax
Measure (0.25% sales tax) $866,666
Por&on of Measure H
Revenue (est. 12%) $301,115
Scenario 2
(Measure H) Bond Amount $18,582,244
Bond Annual Pmt -$1,167,781
Por&on of Measure H
Revenue (est. 45%) $1,167,781
Scenario 3
(Capital Campaign)
Bond Amount $8,282,244 Bond Annual Pmt -$520,489
City Funds (General
Fund/Reserves/Impact
Fees/CDBG)
$300,000
Por&on of Measure H
Revenue (est. 20%) and/or
other City Funds
$520,489
State and Federal
Grants $8,000,000
CDFIs $1,000,000
Fundraising Campaign $1,000,000

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 63
PrioriHzed Funding Sources
Funding Sources that have the greatest feasibility for the Valley West Neighborhood Center are listed and described below. It is recommended that the City further inves8gate poten8al applica8on for these funds in the coming year.

State Department of Parks and Recrea;on, Proposi;on 68: This program authorized $4.1 billion in bonds to fund parks and recrea8on statewide, including $725 million for crea8ng and improving parks and recrea8on in underserved communi8es, put in place by Proposi8on 68. There is about $10 million available in this program, per the California Natural Resources Agency.

State Department of Parks and Recrea;on, Land and Water Conserva;on Fund: This is a federal program that is administered by the State of California. It is permanently funded at about $900 million annually na8onwide from surplus federal property sales and oil and gas lease revenues, with unappropriated balance remaining from previous years. As of the end of fiscal year 2024, $22.3 billion was unappropriated. (Congress.gov)
State Department of Transporta;on, Clean California Grant Program: This program is supported by State general funds annually and has consistently received funding. In the 2025-26 budget, $25 million has been allocated. (State of California Budget)
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Community Facili;es Direct Loan & Grant Program: This program received an alloca8on of $18 million in the 2025 budget, which is a reduc8on from previous years. The City would need to reach out to the Community Programs Specialist at the California Rural Development State Office to pursue a funding applica8on. (Congress.gov)
Local Founda;ons: The City should reach out to the Humboldt Area Founda8on and Headwaters Fund of Humboldt County to explore poten8al fundraising and capital campaign strategies, and opportuni8es to co-apply for grants.

Rural Community Assistance Corpora;on (RCAC): In addi8on to providing financing for community facili8es, RCAC can provide guidance on structuring financing and other possible funding sources. RCAC works with rural communi8es across the Western United States and has extensive prac8cal experience providing technical assistance in planning for public facili8es.

Local Community Development Financial Ins;tu;ons (CDFIs): North Edge and Redwood Region Economic Development Commission can be important partners in accessing State and Federal CDFI grants and loans, and in developing a financing plan for the Neighborhood Center. It is recommended that the City reach out to them early in the planning process.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 64
Opera6onal Costs
Annual costs for opera8ng Valley West Neighborhood Center Site 1 were projected for this analysis. In order to es8mate these costs, the City’s adopted Fiscal Year 2026 budgeted expenses for opera8ng City facili8es was reviewed. The City facili8es included in this review included: Arcata Neighborhood Center, D Street Neighborhood Center, City Hall, Arcata Library, Judo Hut, Arcata Transit Center, Redwood Lodge, Arcata Marsh Interpre8ve Center, Redwood Lounge, and Larson Park Gazebo. Park maintenance costs were not included in the review.

The total interior square footage of all the facili8es listed above was calculated in order to arrive at an opera8ons cost per square foot. The total FY 2026 budget for administra8on and opera8ons of the facili8es is about $1.1 million (about $16 per square foot). If capital expenses are included in the budget, the total is about $2.2 million (about $32 per square foot).

Figure 49 below shows projected annual opera8ng costs for Site 1. The following line items were calculated by mul8plying that line item’s per square foot cost derived from the FY 2026 budget for all the City facili8es listed above, by the 17,811 interior square footage of Site 1: U8li8es, Janitorial Supplies, Taxes & Other Fees, and IT Services & Maintenance.

The following line items were calculated using the same formula as described above, and then mul8plying the total by 75% to account for reduced costs for newly constructed improvements: Professional Services, Equipment Maintenance, Building Maintenance, and Furniture & Equipment.

For Landscape/Hardscape Maintenance, a $0.31 per square foot metric taken from the California Department of Real Estate HOA Opera8ng Cost Manual (2024 update) was mul8plied by 37,993 square feet of Site 1 outdoor space.

The line items for staffing are shown in Figure 54 below, and were calculated by taking the current City hourly wages for associated posi8ons and mul8plying the hourly wages by projected hours worked opera8ng the Valley West Neighborhood Center. Employee Benefits were es8mated by mul8plying the total projected wages of both posi8ons by 25%.

Figure 54: City Staff Assigned to the Valley West Neighborhood Center Staff PosiTon Hourly Wage FTE Annual Hours Total
Maintenance Worker $23.21 1.0 2,080 $48,277
Recrea&on Supervisor $26.83 0.5 1,040 $27,903
The Replacement Reserve Deposit was calculated by applying metrics from the California Department of Real Estate HOA Opera8ng Cost Manual (2024 update) to Site 1 improvements based on their useful life of 5-20 years. A con8ngency calculated at 3% of all opera8ng costs except the Replacement Reserve Deposit was added to the budget.

The total annual cost es8mate to operate the Site 1 Valley West Neighborhood Center comes out to $240,788, with a monthly cost of $20,066 and a cost per interior square foot of $13.52. By comparison,

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 65
total opera8ng costs for all of the City facili8es included in this analysis in the FY 2026 budget are $16.29 per square foot of improvements, not including capital expenses. A slightly lower cost per square foot for the Valley West Neighborhood Center is reasonable for newly constructed improvements in comparison to much older improvements for most of the other City facili8es. The projected total cost of annual Valley West Neighborhood Center opera8ons is 22.2% of the City FY 2026 budget to operate all the City facili8es included in this analysis. These projec8ons will need to be updated to account for infla8on, based on when the Neighborhood Center is complete and ready for opera8on.

Figure 55: Projected Valley West Neighborhood Center OperaHng Budget for 2026 Cost Item Annual Cost Monthly Cost Annual Cost/SF Pct. of Total Cost U&li&es $50,738 $4,228 $2.85 21.07%
Professional Services $7,811 $651 $0.44 3.24%
Janitorial Supplies $9,614 $801 $0.54 3.99%
Equipment Maintenance $2,403 $200 $0.13 1.00%
Building Maintenance $6,309 $526 $0.35 2.62%
Site & Landscape Maintenance $11,778 $981 $0.66 4.89%
Furniture & Equipment $4,506 $376 $0.25 1.87%
Taxes & Other Fees $1,816 $151 $0.10 0.75%
IT Services & Maintenance $12,501 $1,042 $0.70 5.19%
Maintenance Worker $48,277 $4,023 $2.71 20.05%
Recrea&on Supervisor $27,903 $2,325 $1.57 11.59%
Employee Benefits $19,045 $1,587 $1.07 7.91%
Replacement Reserve Deposit $32,216 $2,685 $1.81 13.38% Con&ngency $5,871 $489 $0.33 2.44%
Total $240,788 $20,066 $13.52
The Professional Services line item includes work orders for plumbers, electricians, HVAC, alarm, pest control, lock & keys.

The Janitorial Supplies line item includes cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, and light bulbs.

The Equipment Maintenance line item includes appliance and fixtures repairs and replacements.

The Building Maintenance line item includes roof, window, flooring, plumbing, and ligh8ng supplies, and HVAC repairs.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Financial Analysis 66
Opera6onal Revenue
Poten8al opera8onal revenue sources include rental fees, revenue from Measures G and/or H, revenue from a new sales tax measure, general funds, and grants and dona8ons. Figures 56 and 57 below show two scenarios for funding the projected annual opera8ng budget of $240,788. While not shown in these scenarios, grants and/or dona8ons could provide a por8on of funding, including the CDBG grant funds, local founda8ons, and private dona8ons.

Scenario 1 shows revenue coming from rental fees, Measure G funds, and Measure H funds. The rental fees were es8mated by taking per square foot rental fee revenue generated by the Arcata Neighborhood Center ($3.41) and mul8plying this by the interior square footage of Valley West Neighborhood Center Site 1 (17,811) to arrive at $60,795. The remaining $179,993 was split equally between Measure G and Measure H funds at $89,997 each.

Scenario 2 shows revenue coming from rental fees in the amount of $60,795 and revenue from a new sales tax measure in the amount of $179,993. As es8mated in the Capital Funding Sources sec8on, a new

0.25% sales tax measure would generate about $866,666 annually, and therefore the funding amount shown in Scenario represents about 21% of es8mated revenue generated from the new sales tax measure.

Figure 56: Scenario 1 OperaHonal Revenue (ExisHng Tax Measures) Revenue Source Amount Revenue/SF Pct. of Total Revenue
Rental Fees $60,795 $3.41 25.25%
Measure G $89,997 $5.05 37.38%
Measure H $89,997 $5.05 37.38%
Total $240,788 $13.52
Figure 57: Scenario 1 OperaHonal Revenue (ExisHng Tax Measures) Revenue Source Amount Revenue/SF Pct. of Total Revenue
Rental Fees $60,795 $3.41 25.25%
New $0.25 Sales Tax Measure $179,993 $10.11 74.75%
Total $240,788 $13.52

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Conclusion and Recommenda2ons 67
Conclusion and Recommendations
The need for a Neighborhood Center in the Valley West neighborhood is clear. Geographically, the Valley West neighborhood is isolated from the rest of the City of Arcata, and therefore has limited access to many of the ameni8es that other residents enjoy. As the neighborhood is predominantly low-income, residents could benefit from publicly available ameni8es and services. It also presents an opportunity to build upon local assets and social 8es that have already been established to enhance the community.

Community engagement ac8vi8es described in this report iden8fied the following high priority Community Values for a new Neighborhood Center in Valley West. These values provide a guide for the planning process. Below is a descrip8on of each priori8zed Community Value, and a lis8ng of proposed ameni8es, design features, and services/programming that can address that value. • Sustainability: Aims to minimize the nega8ve environmental impact of buildings by priori8zing energy efficiency, resource conserva8on, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It's a design approach that considers the local climate and ecology as well as indoor environmental condi8ons. o Ameni;es: community garden, community kitchen
o Design Features: energy efficient building envelope and materials, passive shading, solar system, efficient electric heat pump, ligh8ng with occupancy and daylight sensors, energy efficient appliances, xeriscape plan8ngs, educa8onal signage and/or design features o Services/Programming: farmers market
• Arts & Culture: A recogni8on that architecture, imbued with ar8s8c and cultural elements, acts as a powerful expression of a society's values, tradi8ons, and history. In the context of a Neighborhood Center, it acknowledges the pivotal role that such a building can play in terms of providing space for ar8s8c expression and cultural celebra8ons and fostering a sense of belonging.
o Ameni;es: art gallery space, library, classes/workshops. o Design Features: resident par8cipa8on in building artwork (pain8ngs, 8lework, sculpture), decora8ve mo8fs and naming that pay homage to local culture and Na8ve American tribes.
o Services/Programming: art classes, art gallery presenta8ons, music concerts, wri8ng and computer classes, dancing and other art representa8ons. • Resilience: The implementa8on of design strategies which increase a building's capacity to withstand and recover from unexpected events, including natural disasters and changing environmental condi8ons. It also refers to the use of a building as part of a community’s resiliency response to disasters, such as providing shelter during 8mes of emergency. o Ameni;es: food pantry, medical clinic, public WiFi, mee8ng spaces o Design Features: bavery backup for electrical system; engineer for flood resiliency in grading, storm drainage, and building eleva8on; engineer for fire resiliency in building materials and landscaping design; informa8on board/kiosk with emergency informa8on; flexible large space that can serve as emergency shelter space with accompanying hygiene facili8es (bathrooms and showers).
o Services/Programming: CSA food box distribu8on, emergency planning events/classes

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Conclusion and Recommenda2ons 68
• Community Wellness: Emphasizes designing spaces that posi8vely impact the physical, mental, and social well-being of people within a community. This involves crea8ng environments that encourage social interac8on, promote physical ac8vity, and foster a sense of connec8on with nature.
o Ameni;es: exercise room, medical clinic, food pantry, community garden o Design Features: usable and avrac8ve outdoor spaces; sustainable, low off-gassing building materials; maximize natural light in the building; op8mal air ven8la8on o Services/Programming: mobile medical and dental visits, telehealth appointments, cooking classes/gatherings, farmers market, exercise classes/workout groups, youth and teen programs
It should be noted that there was varied input from the community on whether the offering of services at the Neighborhood Center should be solely on recrea8on-type services for neighborhood residents (both youths and adults), or whether to include broader community services, such as access to behavioral health case management, telehealth, and other family support services. Within this later category there were also varied opinions about providing services to individuals living within the neighborhood who are unhoused, such as mee8ng with a housing navigator and using facility showers (if those are installed as part of a Resiliency strategy). There is acknowledged tension about the impacts that unhoused individuals are having on the neighborhood, including camping, trash/debris, disrup8on to businesses, etc.

Encampments frequently occur along the Mad River, and in recent years, two housing projects that serve formerly unhoused individuals were built in the neighborhood. As a result, many neighborhood residents report that they feel unequal and undue impacts of homelessness, compared to other areas of Arcata.

From the focus group with the social services providers, it was clear that they perceive a tremendous benefit to offering broader social services at a Neighborhood Center in Valley West, due to the unmet needs of the residents, and transporta8on challenges that result from lack of income and geographic isola8on. Offering a broader array of social services would help to address income and resource dispari8es, along with social determinants of health and well-being. Some of the providers did feel that being able to use the center to provide services to unhoused individuals would be made easier and very beneficial to those individuals. It should also be noted that due to the low-income status of many of the currently housed residents in the neighborhood, some of them may be at risk of homelessness or otherwise precariously housed and could also benefit from these types of services.

In order to navigate this challenge, it is recommended that the City pursue the following:
• U8lize and leverage the work of the Homeless Services Working Group within the City to discuss the needs of unhoused individuals within the neighborhood, how outreach and services are currently provided, and any plans to address encampments. It would be helpful to know if any of homeless service providers are pursuing State funding such as HHAP to develop a Housing Naviga8on Center in Arcata. A Housing Naviga8on Center would be the best loca8on for unhoused individuals to receive services, since they are designed to be operated on a daily basis to respond to the immediate needs of unhoused individuals with trained and qualified staff.

Housing Naviga8on Centers also usually offer temporary shelter, which could help to address concerns about the impacts of unsheltered individuals. HHAP funds in recent years have been distributed to both Humboldt County and the Humboldt Housing and Homelessness Coali8on in annual funding rounds. It would also be beneficial to understand if Humboldt County has applied or plans to apply for the Encampment Resolu8on Fund through State Housing & Community

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Conclusion and Recommenda2ons 69
Development Department. The purpose of these discussions is to gather informa8on about the current status of homelessness within the neighborhood and plans to formally address it, which can then be further communicated to neighborhood residents and used to inform the City’s decisions.
• Determine as early as feasible whether to provide design flexibility for the Neighborhood Center to be used as a shelter during emergencies/disasters, which would include shower facili8es.

Depending upon the status of the development of a Housing Naviga8on Center, the City will need to make a decision as to whether or not it would of benefit to open the center to expanded uses.

If so, the City could work with a local homeless services provider to schedule supervised use of the Neighborhood Center for case management and use of the shower facili8es.

The Site Inventory and Financial Analysis conclude that the vacant Site 1 (South of Mall) is the op8mal site for the Neighborhood Center. This site is centrally located, and adjacent to two bus stops and retail ameni8es. It provides adequate space to develop a one-story building with priori8zed features, as well as ample outdoor space for a public plaza, community garden, playground, sport court, and parking. Its central loca8on and size provide the greatest poten8al for the Neighborhood Center to func8on as a true gathering place for farmers markets, concerts, and other events. In this way, it could func8on as the true heart of the neighborhood and a place of community iden8ty.

Amer this assessment is shared with Arcata residents and reviewed by the City Council, the following next steps are recommended in order to realize this important project.

1. Further evaluate poten8al sites and explore op8ons for entering into a long-term contract on the site that best meets the needs and goals for a Neighborhood Center as described in this report.

The long-term contract may be a long-term lease, or purchase contract, with financing from an en8ty such as a local Community Development Financial Ins8tu8on (CDFI) or Rural Communi8es Assistance Corpora8on (RCAC).

2. Convene a “Strategic Planning Group” that meets regularly and develops both a Financing Plan and an Opera8onal Plan. Key considera8ons of this group should be:
a. Whether the Neighborhood Center will also func8on as a “Resiliency” center, with design flexibility to offer shelter and bathrooms/showers during disasters; b. Decisions on the scope of programming to be offered, in considera8on of the discussion on page 68. Programming could be rolled out in phases, but the ul8mate scope of programming does impact the design considera8ons and size of the building; and c. Further refinement of an opera8onal and capital budget, using the preliminary example and template developed for this assessment.

3. Begin researching poten8al development and funding strategies.

4. Community engagement suggests that the Valley West area would benefit from community placemaking and increased percep8on of safety. The following recommenda8ons are made to

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Conclusion and Recommenda2ons 70
ensure the Neighborhood Center speaks to these needs and integrates with the full spectrum of the Valley West community:
a. Ensure that local cultural groups and associa8ons are included in discussions of final design and programming. From the community engagement, it is clear that a number of different community groups would poten8ally be interested in offering cultural programming and services at the Neighborhood Center and can advise on design elements and art that will ensure the center is welcoming and comfortable. b. Include spaces within the Neighborhood Center that accommodate the building of community rela8onships, such as a commercial kitchen for cooking classes, and large flexible spaces that can accommodate gatherings and dances. c. Consider a community art project to engage residents in “ownership” of the Neighborhood Center. Invite persons of all ages to create works of art which reflect their vision of/for the neighborhood and its residents. Incorporate the art into the decora8on of the center.
d. Once the Neighborhood Center has been opera8onal for a year, engage users of the center in a survey to get their feedback on their experiences and sugges8ons for improvement.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
EXHIBIT A: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REPORT
The following data provides addi8onal detail as summarized in the Community Engagement Sec8on of the Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment.

Visioning Sessions
Two community-wide visioning sessions were held on February 1, 2025 at the CUNA Resilience HUB in the Valley West neighborhood, also known as Woodman Hall (4700 Valley East Boulevard), with the first session held in English and the second session held in Spanish. The purpose of the visioning sessions was to iden8fy the values, or themes, that should guide the design of the Neighborhood Center, and priori8ze types of spaces for the Neighborhood Center that align with those values.

Event Setup and Par6cipa6on
The first session was avended by Valley West residents, general public par8cipants who live in Arcata and other Humboldt County neighborhoods, and as well as Spanish speakers. The session was conducted in English with Spanish language transla8on provided to Spanish speakers. Par8cipants gathered around seven round tables in the main hall, with Valley West residents at three of the tables and other par8cipants at four of the tables. The second session was conducted in Spanish with English transla8on provided to English speakers. Par8cipants gathered around two tables in the main hall, with Valley West residents at one table and City Staff at the other table. In all, 36 people par8cipated in the first session and 7 people par8cipated in the second session. In both sessions, 20 Valley West residents par8cipated, of which 5 were Spanish speakers.

Ac6vity 1— Ice Breaking Exercise
For an ice breaking exercise, par8cipants were asked to portray a happy memory from their childhood with materials provided on the tables. In the larger first session, two people from each table shared their memory with the larger group. In the smaller second session, each person at each table was able to share their memory. This exercise was not only an ice breaking exercise, but also allowed the team to iden8fy the main core values the group and community. Common themes from the childhood memories included:
ac8vi8es in nature, sharing moments with family and friends, playing group sports, food, sense of safety, and sharing or listening to music.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Ac6vity 2— Community Values
A poster with 10 Community Values cards (also called Wellbeing Values) were presented on each table.

Community Values are the principles and beliefs that guide an individual's thoughts, feelings, and ac8ons, ul8mately contribu8ng to their overall health and happiness. They are omen personal and can vary widely between individuals, encompassing areas like rela8onships, personal growth, and community involvement. The field of architecture acknowledges that physical environments impact physiological and emo8onal states and can have a direct impact on people’s sense of iden8ty, worth, dignity, and empowerment. Each Community Value card had images and words describing each value. Three s8cky dots were given to each par8cipant to place on the values they iden8fied with most. Below is a defini8on of each Community Value presented.

Biophilic Design: An architectural approach that aims to bring nature into the built environment to improve well-being and produc8vity.

Sustainability: Aims to minimize the nega8ve environmental impact of buildings by priori8zing energy efficiency, resource conserva8on, and the use of eco-friendly materials. It's a design approach that considers the local climate and ecology as well as indoor environmental condi8ons.

Safe and Healthy: priori8zes the well-being of building occupants and construc8on workers by incorpora8ng design and construc8on prac8ces that minimize risks and promote posi8ve health outcomes. This involves considering factors like indoor air quality, natural light, ven8la8on, and material selec8on to create spaces that are both func8onal and conducive to physical and mental health.

Community Wellness: Emphasizes designing spaces that posi8vely impact the physical, mental, and social well-being of people within a community. This involves crea8ng environments that encourage social interac8on, promote physical ac8vity, and foster a sense of connec8on with nature.

Resilience: The implementa8on of design strategies which increase a building's capacity to withstand and recover from unexpected events, including natural disasters and changing environmental condi8ons. It also refers to the use of a building as part of a community’s resiliency response to disasters, such as providing shelter during 8mes of emergency.

Trauma-Informed: A design approach that acknowledges the impact of trauma on individuals and aims to create spaces that promote safety, well-being, and healing Arts and Culture: A recogni8on that architecture, imbued with ar8s8c and cultural elements, acts as a powerful expression of a society's values, tradi8ons, and history. In the context of a Neighborhood Center, it acknowledges the pivotal role that such a building can play in terms of providing space for ar8s8c expression and cultural celebra8ons and fostering a sense of belonging.

Design Jus;ce: Rethinks design processes, centers people who are normally marginalized by design, and uses collabora8ve, crea8ve prac8ces to address the deepest challenges communi8es face.

Informed and Inclusive: Centers on crea8ng spaces that are accessible, welcoming, and func8onal for all users, regardless of their background, abili8es, or needs. It moves beyond basic accessibility to

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
consider a wide range of human diversity, including age, gender, culture, and physical and cogni8ve abili8es. This approach emphasizes user research, diverse perspec8ves, and a commitment to social equity, ensuring that buildings foster a sense of belonging and respect for everyone.

Universal Design: Also known as inclusive design, aims to create spaces that are accessible and usable by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or other factors. It focuses on making environments that are universally usable, meaning that they cater to a wide range of needs without requiring separate adapta8ons or specialized designs. This approach is rooted in the idea that design should benefit everyone, not just a specific subset of users.

Figure A1 below shows a breakdown of the votes for each Community Value. The Community Values that received the most votes in the two sessions are summarized in the bullet points below. • Sustainability: The most frequently selected value by all par8cipants (31 votes), and it was also the most frequently selected value by par8cipants that live in Valley West (12 votes). As described above, Sustainability refers to a design and construc8on approach which seeks to minimize nega8ve environmental impacts and emphasizes energy and resource conserva8on.

The community members clearly indicated their preference for this value to be fully integrated into the Neighborhood Center’s design and construc8on.
• Arts & Culture: The second most frequently selected value for all par8cipants (18 votes) and Valley West residents (8 votes). The community’s acknowledged importance of this value calls for the Neighborhood Center to be a space for ar8s8c expression, cultural celebra8ons and fostering a sense of belonging.
• Resilience: The third most frequently selected value for Valley West residents (12 votes overall and 5 votes by Valley West Residents).
• Community Wellness: The third most frequently selected value for all par8cipants (14 votes overall and 3 votes by Valley West Residents).

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A1: Community Values Votes from Visioning Sessions Community Value Session 1 Total Session 1
(VW Residents) Session 2 Total Total
Biophilic Design 4 2 2 8
Sustainability 28 12 3 43
Safe & Healthy 9 2 3 14
Community Wellness 11 3 3 17
Resilience 10 5 2 17
Trauma Informed 3 0 0 3
Arts & Culture 16 8 2 26
Design JusDce 0 0 2 2
Informed & Inclusive 10 3 2 15
Universal Design 6 4 2 12
Avendees were asked if they were Valley West residents and/or Spanish speakers. All the par8cipa8ng Spanish speakers were also Valley West residents. By isola8ng Valley West English speaker (VW) resident votes from Session 1, and Valley West resident Spanish speaker votes, we can iden8fy the design priori8es of people who would have immediate access to the center. The percentages shown in Figure A2 below are the percentage of votes cast by Valley West residents, and the percentage of votes by Valley West resident Spanish Speakers, for each Community Value.

Figure A2: Percent of Community Value Votes Cast by Valley West Residents and Spanish Speakers Community Value VW Resident English
Speakers
VW Resident
Spanish Speakers
Biophilic Design 100% 50%
Sustainability 48% 11%
Safe & Healthy 42% 25%
Community Wellness 43% 21%
Resilience 59% 17%
Trauma Informed 0% 0%
Arts & Culture 56% 11%
Design JusDce 100% 100%
Informed & Inclusive 33% 17%
Universal Design 75% 25%
VW: Valley West

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A3 below shows vo8ng results if the VW resident votes are weighted by a factor of 2 (each vote mul8plied by 2). Amer weigh8ng the VW resident votes, Sustainability and Arts & Culture are s8ll by far the most favored wellness values. Community Wellness and Resilience con8nue to be ranked third and fourth amer being weighted.

Figure A3: Community Values Votes Weighted for Valley West Residents Community Value Total Votes Total Weighted Votes
Sustainability 31 46
Arts & Culture 18 28
Community Wellness 14 20
Resilience 12 19
Safe & Healthy 12 17
Informed & Inclusive 12 17
Universal Design 8 14
Biophilic Design 6 10
Design JusDce 2 4
Trauma Informed 3 3
Ac6vity 3— Programming and Services
A total of 41 cards with pictures and descrip8ons of possible programming and spaces within the Neighborhood Center were placed on each table. In addi8on, two blank cards were included for par8cipants to add on their own. Each table discussed the merits of the cards and picked 10 cards to include in their ideal Neighborhood Center. Each table shared their selec8ons and why the 10 selected spaces were important to them. Notes were taken on a large piece of paper for all to see.

Figure A4 below shows vo8ng results for programming and spaces from the visioning sessions and focus groups. Highlighted rows indicate programs or spaces that were men8oned across all sessions. Figure A5 shows total votes when two 8mes the weight was added to VW residents votes. With the weigh8ng, there are not many changes in preferred programming and spaces: covered outdoor space, community garden, and food pantry remained the favorites.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A4: Programming and Spaces Votes
Session 1 Session 2 VW LaTnx
Focus Group
Tribal Focus
Group
Queer
Humboldt
Focus Group
Total
Ac&vi&es for kids and moms 0 1 0 0 1 2
Adult Educa&on 3 0 1 1 1 6
Art Gallery Space 2 0 1 2 1 6
BBQ Area 2 0 1 0 0 3
Bike Room 2 0 0 0 0 2
Child centered space 0 0 1 1 2 4
Childcare 1 1 2 0 1 5
Community Garden 6 0 2 2 2 12
Community Kitchen 3 0 0 2 2 7
Covered mul&-sport court 1 0 2 0 2 5
Covered Outdoor Space 6 1 2 1 2 12
Educa&onal resources 1 0 1 1 2 5
Event Room 1 1 2 1 1 6
Exercise Room 1 0 0 2 0 3
Exterior Auditorium 2 0 2 0 0 4
Farmers Market 1 0 2 2 0 5
Food Pantry 5 1 2 2 2 12
Informal Mee&ng Space 3 0 2 1 2 8
Library 2 1 1 0 1 5
Medical Support 2 1 0 0 2 5
Mul&-Cultural Spiritual space 1 0 0 1 0 2
Music room 1 1 1 0 1 4
Na&ve American sweat lodge 1 0 0 0 0 1
Outdoor sea&ng 1 0 1 0 0 2
Performance stage 1 0 1 0 2 4
Classes/workshops 2 0 1 1 2 6
Plaza 0 1 0 0 0 1
Quiet space 1 0 0 1 0 2
Reading area 1 0 0 0 1 2
Shared commercial kitchen 2 0 1 1 1 5
Shower 3 0 0 2 2 7
Shuffleboard 1 0 0 0 0 1
Social assistance 0 1 2 2 2 7
Trails or relaxing green area 2 0 0 1 0 3

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A5: Total and Total Weighted Programming and Spaces Votes Total Votes Unweighted Total Votes Weighted
Covered Outdoor Space 7 11
Community Garden 6 9
Food Pantry 6 9
Shower 3 6
Community Kitchen 3 5
Informal Mee&ng Space 3 5
Library 3 5
Medical Support 3 5
Adult Educa&on 3 4
Exercise Room 2 4
Place to have classes/workshops 2 4
Trails or relaxing green area 2 4
Art Gallery Space 2 3
BBQ Area 2 3
Bike Room 2 3
Childcare 2 3
Event Room 2 3
Exterior Auditorium 2 3
Music room 2 3
Ac&vi&es for kids and moms together 1 2
Farmers Market 1 2
Na&ve American sweat lodge 1 2
Outdoor sea&ng 1 2
Plaza 1 2
Quiet space 1 2
Reading area 1 2
Shared commercial kitchen 2 2
Social assistance 1 2
Covered mul&-sport court 1 1
Educa&onal resources 1 1
Mul&-Cultural Spiritual space 1 1
Performance stage 1 1
Shuffleboard 1 1
Child centered space 0 0

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Focus Groups
The five online focus groups were with Spanish speaking Valley West residents on April 19 and 26, 2025, Queer Humboldt on April 24, 2025, the Wiyot and other Indigenous Tribes of Arcata on April 3 and 24, 2025, and social services providers on May 6, 2025.

Spanish speaking Valley West residents: The sole par8cipant in this focus group was Lucy Salazar, Execu8ve Director of local La8nx group Cumbre Humboldt. The session began with a personal object ac8vity where Lucy shared her iPad, emphasizing the importance of capturing moments through photos.

During the Wellness Values Card ac8vity, Lucy priori8zed safety, wellbeing, nature, cultural expression, environmental care, inclusion, and restoring community. She placed less emphasis on trauma recovery, emergency shelter, and ambiance of the building. For program priori8es, her top selec8ons included outdoor cinema, childcare, community gardens, social services, and covered recrea8onal spaces. She emphasized the need for a covered sports recrea8on space due to Arcata’s frequent rain. Lucy also highlighted the importance of adult educa8on, family support resources, music and performance spaces, and a sports complex. Concerns were raised about inconsistent access to local family resource centers, regulatory burdens on the city, and the lack of safe connec8ons like bike paths in Valley West. She emphasized that essen8al services like food banks must be easily accessible and safe for families.

Queer Humboldt: Queer Humboldt shared that they serve members of the LGBTQIA+ community who live in Valley West, especially students and mobile home residents who are low income. They indicated that it would be beneficial for the space to offer a community kitchen, safe crea8ve mee8ng spaces, study rooms and computer lab, outdoor covered spaces and a community garden. They are interested in offering youth groups, book discussions and case management.

Wiyot and other Indigenous Tribes of Arcata: The City hosted a mee8ng with the Wiyot Tribe, as well as a larger mee8ng where other tribal en88es were invited. The Wiyot Tribe shared that they would be happy to par8cipate in the Neighborhood Center by working with the City on the naming of the Center, signage, design, and offering classes on Wiyot culture and language. The Blue Lake Rancheria’s input focused on resilience, especially the idea of the Center being a loca8on that could be used in 8mes of disaster for gathering and shelter.

Social services providers: This focus group was avended by Changing Tides Family Services, North Coast Growers Associa8on, 211 Humboldt and Queer Humboldt. All of the avendees are experienced in interac8ng with and serving residents of the neighborhood. They affirmed the area is under resourced and that residents have transporta8on challenges in par8cular that make it difficult for them to access the services they need. They felt the Neighborhood Center space should have flexibility in terms of classroom size (moveable walls or par88ons), that a community kitchen would be vital to offer a space for cooking classes and community meal prepara8on, and that residents need access to informa8on about community resources, so having an informa8on/resource wall and a small library would be very helpful.

All of these agencies offered to provide services, informa8on and/or classes as appropriate.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Community-wide Survey
A community-wide survey was developed to gather input from the public on Neighborhood Center needs and priori8es, and conducted from December 4, 2024 through May 1, 2025. The survey was available online and through the sharing of a QR code, using Google Forms and offered in both English and Spanish.

Paper copies were provided to CUNA, Cumbre Humboldt, and the City of Arcata for distribu8on, and any completed paper surveys received were entered into Google Forms. Efforts made to reach both the Spanish-speaking community and Valley West residents included:
• Working directly with CUNA and Cumbre Humboldt to adver8se the survey through emails and flyers;
• In-person visits to businesses located in Valley West; • A month-long adver8sement in El Leñador newspaper;
• Direct mailing of the survey to mobile home parks within Valley West; and • City of Arcata social media posts in both English and Spanish In total, 387 Arcata residents par8cipated in the survey, of which 121 are Valley West residents (31% of total responses). The breakdown of the survey responses by English/Spanish and Valley West residents is as follows:
• 373 English Responses; 114 of which are Valley West residents (30.6%) • 14 Spanish Responses; 7 of which are Valley West residents (50.0%) Survey results from the Valley West residents’ responses are shown in Figures A6 (English Speaking) and A7 (Spanish Speaking) below.

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A6: English Survey Results for Valley West Residents

1. How frequently would you and your family use the following classes and programs? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Class/Program Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Library 23 24 24 18 17
Adult Life Skills Classes 14 18 20 19 38
Public WiFi/Computer Lab 21 13 17 14 41
Seniors EducaDonal and
Social Programs 10 13 25 12 46
Theater Classes 10 7 10 17 56
Youth And Teens Programs 15 9 13 7 64
Volunteer-led Homework
Help 13 8 10 9 67
Pre-School 6 4 3 4 85
ESL Courses 2 4 3 3 87
The services and programs that respondents said they would use the most frequently are Library and Public WiFi/Computer Lab.

2. Which of these classes and programs does Valley West need most? (79 responses) • Youth and teens programs (28)
• Adult life skills (15)
• Public Wi-Fi/Computer Lab (13)
• Library Branch (13)
• Seniors Educa8onal Center (10)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A

3. How frequently would you and your family use the following spaces for recrea8on? (number of responses by frequency selected)
RecreaHon Space Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Weight and Cardio 40 21 24 7 20
Group Exercise Studio 30 27 24 5 22
Music Venue 19 27 26 12 22
Indoor Courts 19 19 16 13 37
Youth/Teen Rec Center 15 8 13 7 64
Pre-School and Daycare 10 3 4 6 79

4. Which of these recrea8onal spaces does Valley West need most? (88 responses) • Weight and Cardio (22)
• Youth and Teen Recrea8on (22)
• Music Venue (14)
• Group Exercise Studio (12)
• Pre-School and daycare (9)
• Indoor fields/courts (9)

5. How frequently would you and your family use the following site ameni8es? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Site Amenity Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Community Info Board 34 26 24 11 13
Community Services Board 26 22 29 12 14
Community Garden 31 25 21 12 19
Transit Info 27 15 24 15 23
Civic Group MeeDng Room 12 15 30 20 29
Police SubstaDon 21 7 21 25 31
Lounge 17 16 17 20 33
Community Kitchen 12 16 21 23 36
Public Bathroom 0 12 19 18 31
Business Incubator Space 11 11 12 18 52

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A

6. Which of the following site ameni8es does Valley West need most? (82 responses) • Community garden (29)
• Police Substa8on (22)
• Public bathrooms (16)
• Mee8ng rooms for civic groups (6)
• Community informa8on board (4)
• Lounge (2)
• Kitchen for community groups (2)
• Community services informa8on board (1)

7. How frequently would you and your family use the following social and health services? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Social/Health Service Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Medical Clinic 17 20 34 22 16
Dental Clinic 20 17 35 17 19
Vision Clinic 17 16 23 29 23
Benefits Assistance 16 23 18 18 30
Counseling Clinic 16 19 28 13 31
Food Pantry 19 32 18 8 32
Summer Lunch for Kids 15 5 16 7 61
Extreme Weather Shelter 0 6 9 18 60
Showers 11 7 11 5 69
12-Step MeeDngs 11 6 7 7 74

8. Which of these social and health services does Valley West need most? (67 responses) • Food Pantry (22)
• Dental Clinic (16)
• Medical Clinic (15)
• Extreme Weather Shelter (14)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A
Figure A7: Spanish Survey Results for Valley West Residents

1. How frequently would you and your family use the following classes and programs? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Class/Program Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
ESL 4 2 0 0 1
Library Branch 3 2 0 0 1
Volunteer-Lead
Homework Help 2 2 1 0 1
Youth and Teens
EducaDonal and
RecreaDonal Programs
2 2 1 0 1
Public WiFi/Computer
Lab 2 2 1 0 1
Seniors EducaDonal and
Social Programs
0 3 1 0 1
Pre-School 2 2 0 0 1
Theater Classes 0 3 1 0 1
Adult Life Skills 0 2 2 1 1

2. Which of these classes and programs does Valley West need most? (7 responses) • Youth and teens programs (2)
• ESL courses (2)
• Library Branch (2)
• Seniors Educa8onal Center (1)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A

3. How frequently would you and your family use the following spaces for recrea8on? (number of responses by frequency selected)
RecreaHon Space Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Weight and Cardio 4 1 1 0 1
Group Exercise Studio 3 2 0 0 1
Music Venue 2 3 1 0 1
Indoor Courts 1 3 1 1 0
Youth/Teen Rec Center 2 4 1 0 0
Pre-School and Daycare 3 2 1 0 1

4. Which of these recrea8onal spaces does Valley West need most? (5 responses) • Weight and Cardio (2)
• Youth and Teen Recrea8on (1)
• Music Venue (1)
• Group Exercise Studio (1)
• Pre-School and Daycare (0)
• Indoor Fields/Courts (0)

5. How frequently would you and your family use the following site ameni8es? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Site Amenity Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Public Bathroom 1 0 5 0 0
Community Garden 1 2 3 1 0
Transit Info Board 1 2 2 0 1
Community Services Info
Board 1 1 3 0 1
Business Incubator Space 1 0 4 0 1
Community Kitchen 0 2 3 0 1
Community InformaDon
Board 0 2 2 1 1
Civic Group MeeDng Room 0 1 4 0 1
Lounge 1 1 2 0 1
Police SubstaDon 0 2 2 0 1

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit A: Community Engagement Report Ex. A

6. Which of the following site ameni8es does Valley West need most? (4 responses) • Community garden (1)
• Public bathrooms (1)
• Community informa8on board (1)
• Mee8ng rooms for civic groups (1)
• Lounge (0)
• Police Substa8on (0)
• Community services informa8on board (0)
• Kitchen for community groups (0)

7. How frequently would you and your family use the following social and health services? (number of responses by frequency selected)
Social/Health Service Weekly or
Daily Monthly
Several
Times Per
Year
Once per
Year Never
Dental Clinic 2 3 2 0 0
Medical Clinic 3 1 2 1 0
Summer Lunch for Kids 3 1 0 2 0
Benefits Assistance 3 0 2 1 0
Counseling Clinic 1 1 3 1 1
Food Pantry 0 2 3 0 1
Vision Clinic 1 1 2 1 1
Extreme Weather Shelter 1 1 2 1 1
12-Step MeeDngs 0 2 2 1 1
Showers 2 0 1 0 2

8. Which of these social and health services does Valley West need most? (11 responses) • Medical Clinic (3)
• Dental Clinic (2)
• Vision Clinic (2)
• Mental Health (2)
• Food Bank (1)
• Social Services Guidance (1)

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit B: Conceptual Context Plan Ex. B

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit C: Site 1 – 4800 Valley W Blvd Ex. C

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit D: Site 2 – 4755 Valley W Blvd Ex. D

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit E: Site 3 – 4700 Valley E Blvd Ex. E

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit F: Site 1 Programming Diagram – 4800 Valley W Blvd Ex. F

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit G: Site 2 Programming Diagram – 4755 Valley W Blvd Ex. G

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit H: Site 3 Programming Diagram – 4700 Valley E Blvd Ex. H

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit I: Community Values Chart Ex. I

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit J: Summary of Community Input from Tour of Sites Ex. J EXHIBIT J: SUMMARY OF COMMUNITY INPUT FROM TOUR OF SITES On Saturday October 11, 2025, the City hosted a walking tour of the 3 sites delineated in this Assessment Report. The purpose of this event was to allow neighborhood residents and other members of the public to see the sites in person, review a summary sheet of each site’s features, size, and poten8al for development as a neighborhood center, and ask ques8ons of City and consultant staff. At the conclusion of the tour, the City hosted a brief open house at the park adjacent to Woodsman Hall, where there was a set of displays prepared with graphics and informa8on on each of the 3 sites, as well as summary of public outreach efforts. Hard copies of the Assessment Report were also made available for review, along with a link to the City’s website where the Assessment Report is posted.

The tour was avended by approximately ten people, in addi8on to City and consultant staff. A summary of the general feedback received is described below:

Site #1 (4800 Valley West Boulevard, listed as the preferred site in the Assessment Report):
• This is a great site because it is large enough to accommodate a neighborhood center with ameni8es.
• Facing a building towards Valley East might make it more open to the park and the neighborhood. Other persons also voiced concerns about that type of orienta8on. • Like the open space available at this site
Site #2 (4755 Valley West Boulevard):
• The architecture consultant explained that due to the way the site is shaped, it would be difficult to get access to the site to build in the desired way. It is also right next to a channel that fills up with water which overflows on to the site, there is considerable noise due to its proximity to the freeway and the site is on a cul-de-sac, which limits access and parking. The avendees agreed with this assessment.

Site #3 (4700 Valley East Boulevard):
• This site was very well liked, some offered comments about tearing down the exis8ng building (Woodsman Hall) and others thought the building should be preserved. • Liked that it is close to the park, which is the center of the neighborhood, and close to exis8ng residen8al development, making it easy to access by walking.

General comments:
• Incorporate features such as showers so the Neighborhood Center can also be used as a Resiliency Center
• Tennis courts would be nice
• Ensure the center is open amer 5 pm for students to study • Install cameras for safety
• The Boys and Girls Club would likely offer services in Valley West if there was a loca8on • Mostly looking for a pro-social place for youth in Valley West to go to and take part in programs

Valley West Neighborhood Center Assessment
Exhibit J: Summary of Community Input from Tour of Sites Ex. J

STAFF REPORT – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Chris Ortega, Chief of Police
PREPARER: Leah Brazil, Police Business Manager
DATE: December 17, 2025
TITLE: Adopt Resolution No. 256-15, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Arcata Amending Resolution No. 201-08 Designating Streets Subject to Preferential Parking.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Council adopt Resolution No. 256-15 amending Resolution No. 201-08 and updating the list of streets designated as Preferential Parking Zones.

INTRODUCTION:

In August 2025, Cal Poly Humboldt partially opened the Hinarr Hu Moulik student housing complex, located at 2915 St. Louis Road, with a total capacity of 608 beds. Shortly after the opening, City staff began receiving numerous complaints from residents on Eye Street and Todd Court regarding a lack of available on-street parking near their homes. Residents reported that university students were frequently parking in these areas to avoid on-campus parking restrictions and associated fees.

This issue has been exacerbated by the fire lane connection between the Hinarr Hu Moulik parking lot and Eye Street, which has increased both vehicle traffic and parking spillover into the surrounding neighborhood.

Currently, there are no parking restrictions on Eye Street beyond the southernmost 200 feet, leaving the majority of the roadway unregulated. Residents have formally requested that Eye Street and Todd Court be considered for designation as Preferential Parking Zones. Parking impacts are expected to intensify once construction of the remaining student housing units is completed for the Spring 2026 semester, adding an additional 356 beds to the complex.

BACKGROUND:

In 2008, the Council adopted Resolution No. 201-08, establishing Preferential Parking Zones in areas experiencing significant non-resident parking impacts. The program allows residents within designated zones to obtain parking permits while restricting non-resident parking during posted hours.

Recent development adjacent to residential areas—specifically the Hinarr Hu Moulik student housing complex—has created new and substantial parking pressures not previously anticipated under the original designation map.

DISCUSSION:

Preferential Parking Zones are intended to preserve residential parking access and reduce conflicts caused by long-term non-resident parking. With the opening of the Hinarr Hu Moulik complex, onstreet parking demand on Eye Street and Todd Court has increased significantly. Staff observations and resident reports confirm consistent spillover parking by students and visitors, resulting in reduced availability for adjacent homeowners and tenants.

Designation of Eye Street and Todd Court as Preferential Parking Zones would help maintain residential parking availability while still allowing limited access for visitors, service providers, and deliveries.

If the City Council adopts Resolution No. 256-15 and approves the installation of new signage, the Arcata Police Department would implement an enforcement grace period of no less than 30 days from the date signage is installed. During this period, warnings rather than citations would be issued to allow sufficient public notice and compliance.

POLICY IMPLICATIONS:

Adoption of the updated Preferential Parking Zone map aligns with City goals related to neighborhood livability, traffic management, and equitable access to public streets. The action is consistent with existing municipal code provisions governing residential parking protections and supports mitigation of parking impacts associated with high-density university housing development.

COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW:

The proposed preferential designation was presented at the September 2025 Transportation Safety Committee meeting and was unanimously approved by the committee.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA):

The California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the recommendation is a categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301:
(c) Existing highways and streets, sidewalks, gutters, bicycle and pedestrian trails, and similar facilities (this includes road grading for the purpose of public safety, and other alterations such as the addition of bicycle facilities, including but not limited to bicycle parking, bicycle-share facilities and bicycle lanes, transit improvements such as bus lanes, pedestrian crossings, street trees, and other similar alterations that do not create additional automobile lanes); and (f ) Addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices.

BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

Fiscal impacts are expected to be minimal and limited to the cost of purchasing and installing preferential parking signage. These costs can be absorbed within the Public Works Department’s existing traffic operations budget. Any ongoing permit administration costs are anticipated to be recovered through established permit fees.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

1. Open the public hearing.

2. Receive a staff report and review questions with staff.

3. Open public comment.

4. Close public comment/the public hearing.

5. Motion to Adopt Resolution No. 256-15 Updating the designated Preferential Parking Zones.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Resolution 256-15
B. Preferential Parking Request Petition Form (Redacted Address and Phone numbers) C. Parking_Map-12-8-25

RESOLUTION NO. 256-15

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF ARCATA AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 201-08

DESIGNATING STREETS

SUBJECT TO PREFERENTIAL PARKING
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcata has adopted its Municipal Code which calls for designation by resolution of streets subject to preferential parking; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with Article 9, Section 3754 of the Municipal Code, when authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof, no person shall stop, stand or park any vehicle on any of the streets enumerated by resolution of the City Council, unless such vehicle properly displays a valid preferential parking permit; and WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcata has previously by Resolution No. 201-08 adopted a designation of such streets;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Arcata that the following streets shall be designated for preferential parking on the days and during the hours as described by Exhibit "A" attached hereto; and Resolution No. 201-08 adopted on September 16th. 2020, is hereby repealed by the City Council of the City of Arcata.

This resolution shall be effective upon its adoption.

DATED:

ATTEST: APPROVED:

City Clerk, City of Arcata Mayor, City of Arcata

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 256-15, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata, County of Humboldt, California, held on the 17th day of December, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:

City Clerk, City of Arcata

EXHIBIT “A”
ADOPTING RESOLUTION NO. 256-15

PREFERENTIAL PARKING
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2025
In accordance with Section 3754 of the Arcata Municipal Code and when signs are erected giving notice thereof, no driver shall stop, stand or park any vehicle on any of the following streets unless a valid Preferential Parking Permit is displayed on that vehicle. All Preferential Parking Areas are effective only during the hours of 7:00 am and 5:00 pm of any day except Saturday and Sunday.

Street Zone Limits
California Avenue A Evergreen Ave. to 300 feet downhill (downhill side) Eye Street B . All
Granite Avenue A L.K. Wood east 50 feet to 420 feet (north side) Grant Avenue B Jay St. to Eye St.

Hauser Court B All
Jay Street B 100 feet north of Sunset Ave. to Grant Ave.

Pacific Court A All, except the west side, from a point 83 feet east of L K Wood Blvd., north 240 feet
Ross Street B Sunset Ave. to Grant Ave.

Spring Street B 11th St. to 13th St., east side
Sunset Street B Baldwin St. to Ross St., north side.

B Ross St. east 95 feet, north side.

B Railroad tracks west 120 feet, south side.

Todd Court B All
Union Street A 11th St. to 12th St., west side
A Street A 13th St. to 14th St., west side
B Street A 12th St. to 13th St.

A 13th St. to 14th St., east side

C Street A 14th St. to 13th St. west side
A 11th St. to 12th St.

A 12th St. to 13th St.

A 10TH St. to 11th St.

D Street A 12th St. south to end of street, east side
A 13th St. to 14th St., east side
F Street B 14th St. to 16th St., except the south 130 feet, east side B 9th St. to 10th St., east side

H Street B 13th St. to 14th St. (west side)
B 100’ north of 13th St. to 14th St., east side
B 14th St. to 15th St., except the north 70 feet, east
side
B 15th St. to 16th St.

B 16th St. to 17th St., east side
B 17th St. to 18th St., except the north 80 feet, east
side
B 18th St. to 140’ north
11th Street A C St. to D St., both sides
A B St. to Spring St., north side
12th Street A Spring St. to A St., north side
A A St. to B St., south side
A B St. to C St.

A C St. to D St., north side

13th Street A Spring St. to Union St., north side
A Union St. to B St., south side
A C St. to D St., north side

14th Street A Union St. to A St., south side
A A St. to B St., south side
B F St. to G St., north side
B G St. to H St., north side
B H St. to I St.,
15th Street C Spring St. to Union St.

B 115’ west of F St. to G St., north side
B 150’ west of F St. to G St., south side
B G St. to H St., south side

16th Street C Spring St. to Union St., south side
B F St. to G St., north side
B H St. to I St., north side

17th Street C Union St., east 125 feet, south side
B G St. to H St.

B H St. to I St., north side
18th Street B H St. to Hauser Court

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Plaza Ave
Hidden Creek Rd
Mack
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California Ave
Granite Ave
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9th St
8th St
6th St
12th St
13th St
15th St
16th St
17th St
18th St
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Robert Ct E.

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24th St
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Parkland Ave
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Bowl
Founders
Hall
Van Duzer
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Jolly
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College Creek
Apartments
Student
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HSU Police
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Community
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Transit
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H.S.U. Natural
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City of
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NOTES:

PARKING ZONES SHOWN ON THIS

MAP ARE ENFORCED BY THE
ARCATA POLICE DEPARTMENT.

SOME INDICATIONS ARE NOT IN

ACCORD WITH THE CITY OF ARCATA
PARKING RESOLUTIONS.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 9/16/2020
N 0 500 1,000
Feet
Parking Zones
Preferential
Zone A
Preferential
Zone C
Preferential
Zone B
Preferential
Zone B
Preferential
Zone A
Preferential
Zone A
Preferential
Zone B
D o w n t o w n
N o r t h t o w n
S u n s e t
Ba y v i e w
Date Saved: 9/22/2020 9:16:00 AM Document Path: R:\Av_projects\Pw\Parking\Parking_Map-avenza9-22-2020.mxd Red Zone
2 Hour Zone
4 Hour Zone
Meters
Preferential Zone
4 Hour Parking Lot
8 Hour Parking Lot
Preferential Zone A
Preferential Zone B
Preferential Zone C
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Proposed
change Page 299 of 304
STAFF REPORT – CITY COUNCIL MEETING
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Emily Sinkhorn, Director of Environmental Services PREPARER: Emily Sinkhorn, Director of Environmental Services DATE: December 17, 2025
TITLE: Adopt Resolution No. 256-25 Designating Off-Street Parking Lots Subject to Four (4) Hour Time Limits.

RECOMMENDATION:

It is recommended that the Council adopt Resolution 256-25 designating off-street parking lots subject to four (4) hour time limits.

INTRODUCTION:

As the City continues to enhance amenities at City parks that attract a high visitation demand and limited parking availability at several City parks including Carlson Park and Larson Park. This resolution seeks to add the off-street parking lot at Carlson Park to the list of designated off-street parking lots subject to a four (4) hour time limit.

DISCUSSION:

While the posting of appropriate time limitations for parking in parking lots associated with City parks will be beneficial throughout the City, community members have expressed specific concerns regarding parking availability at Carlson Park. While the City is developing additional on-street parking adjacent to Carlson Park to meet the high demand for vehicle access, posting time limits at the existing off-street parking lot at Carlson Park will also help to alleviate parking limitations.

Arcata Municipal Code Title X Public Property Chapter 1 Parks and Grounds Section 10011 outlines that it is the duty of the City Manager to establish rules and regulations pertaining to the use of public parks and such regulations shall be promulgated by resolution of the City Council.

Additionally, AMC Title III Public Safety Chapter 2 Traffic Regulation Section 3508 outlines that the Council may by resolution restrict parking on City-owned off street parking facilities.

Prior Councils, through Resolution Nos. 034-45 and 056-16, designated off-street parking lots subject to four-hour time limits. Resolution No. 256-25 adds Carlson Park to this existing list of City-owned off-street parking lots subject to time restrictions.

If the Council approves this resolution, City staff will fabricate and post appropriate parking time limit signage at needed City park locations. Parking enforcement is led by the Police Department.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA):

The California Environment Quality Act (CEQA) determination for the project is a categorical exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301(f), for addition of safety or health protection devices for use during construction of or in conjunction with existing structures, facilities, or mechanical equipment, or topographical features including navigational devices.

BUDGET/FISCAL IMPACT:

Budget is available this fiscal year under the Traffic Safety Fund 209 to fabricate and post parking time limit signage at needed City Park locations.

RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:

Motion to adopt Resolution No. 256-25 designating off-street parking lots subject to four (4) hour time limits. Consent Calendar vote.

ATTACHMENTS:

A. Resolution No. 256-25

RESOLUTION NO. 256-25

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA
DESIGNATING OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS SUBJECT TO FOUR (4) HOUR

TIME LIMITS
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcata has adopted its Municipal Code which calls for the designation, by resolution, of parking in off-street parking lots subject to four (4) hour time limits; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Arcata has previously, by resolutions 034- 45 and 056-16, adopted a designation for off-street parking lots subject to 4-hour time limits; and WHEREAS, the City has recently enhanced recreation amenities at Carlson Park which has led to high demand for parking in the new off-street parking lot at Carlson Park; and WHEREAS, said resolution specifically authorizes the off-street parking lots so designated by adoption of resolution by the City Council; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council, of the City of Arcata that the following parking lots shall be designated for four (4) hour time limits as described by Exhibit “A” attached hereto.

This resolution shall be effective upon its adoption.

DATED: December 17, 2025
ATTEST: APPROVED:
__
City Clerk, City of Arcata Mayor, City of Arcata

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of Resolution No. 256-25, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata, County of Humboldt, State of California, held on the 17th day of December, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:

City Clerk, City of Arcata

EXHIBIT “A”
RESOLUTION NO. 256-25

DESIGNATING OFF-STREET PARKING LOTS SUBJECT TO
FOUR (4) HOUR TIME LIMITS
EFFECTIVE DATE: DECEMBER 17, 2025
In accordance with Section 3508 of the Arcata Municipal Code, and when authorized signs are in place giving notice thereof, the City Council may by resolution prohibit or restrict the stopping, parking or standing of vehicles on any City-owned off street parking facility, or portions thereof, during specified hours of the day.

No person shall stop, stand, or park any vehicle in any off-street lots enumerated by resolution of the City Council for a period of time longer than four (4) hours at any time between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. of any day except Sundays and holidays:

D Street & 14th Street (D St. Community Center)
Larson Park Tennis Court Parking Lot
8th & F Streets Intermodal Transit Facility, 925 E Street 7th & G Streets
Carlson Park (ADD) 5285 Carlson Park Drive