Arcata City Council
March 4, 2026

Chapter 2.26 Public Access
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c. Require the easement, or other legal document, be recorded free of prior liens and encumbrances that may affect the interest being conveyed; and d. Identify required measures to ensure long-term coastal access (e.g., maintenance of improvements, prohibited activities).

After recordation of documents guaranteeing access, the City shall forward a copy of the permit conditions, findings of approval, and the legal documents pertaining to public access to the Coastal Commission.

E. Timing of Access Implementation. The type and extent of access to be dedicated, and/or constructed and maintained, as well as the method by which its continuing availability for public use is to be guaranteed, shall be established at the time of CDP approval.

Dedication/guarantee of public access shall occur before issuance of construction permits.

Construction of improvements shall occur at the same time as construction of the approved development unless another time is established through a condition of CDP approval.

Following dedication of public access, the property owner shall not interfere with use by the public of the areas subject to the dedication before or after acceptance by the responsible entity.

F. Signs. At the City’s discretion, the City or the developer shall install coastal access signage and pavement markings consistent with adopted standards and concurrent with coastal access development.

2.26.030 – Existing Public Access
A. Protecting Existing Public Access. New development shall not reduce and shall maintain public coastal access at a level equal to or greater than the level of existing prior to the development. This requirement applies to designated existing public coastal accessways shown in Local Coastal Element Figure C-9-1 as well as any existing access to tidal waters acquired through use or legislative authorization.

B. Maximizing Existing Public Access.

1. When justified by project impacts on coastal access, new development shall improve and enhance on-site designated existing public coastal access points identified in Local Coastal Element Figure C-9-1. Improvements and enhancements include, but are not limited to:
a. Widening existing accessways to conform with current standards or as needed to accommodate present and foreseeable future demand;
b. Creating new on-street parking spaces by closing curb cutouts or other methods; c. Adding secure bike parking, public transit stops, and ride share options; d. Adding wayfinding signage consistent with City standards to encourage public use of the shoreline and recreational facilities;
e. Expanding of hours of public use; and

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f. Removing gates, fences, barriers, or other structures where they inhibit public access to and along the shoreline or recreational facilities.

2. Where it is not feasible or appropriate to provide public access on-site, new development shall require off-site mitigation to mitigate any impacts of the development on public access. Offsite mitigation may include paying in-lieu fees and/or providing off-site improvements or enhancements identified in 2.26.030.B.1.

C. City-Controlled Accessways. A CDP is required to close, abandon, or render unusable by the public an existing accessway which is owned, operated, maintained, or otherwise controlled by the City.

2.26.040 – Access Design Standards
A. Design Objectives. As appropriate, accessways and trails should be sited and designed to:

Minimize alteration of natural landforms, conform to the existing contours of the land, and be subordinate to the character of their setting;
Prevent unwarranted hazards to the land and public safety; Provide for the privacy of adjoining residences and to minimize conflicts with adjacent or nearby established uses;
Prevent damage to sensitive coastal resource areas;
Provide direct connection to other public access trails or areas; Support access for pedestrians, bicycles, bus transit, and private vehicles; Provide connections to trailheads, parking areas, vertical shoreline access points, inland trail segments, and transit stops at reasonable intervals;
Maximize scenic view opportunities; and
Integrate with shoreline protective structures (e.g., build trail on top of shoreline protective structure).

B. Parking. Sufficient vehicle and bicycle parking, either on-site or on-street within a ¼ mile, shall be available to serve accessways and trails.

C. Sidewalk and Pathway Gaps. New development shall complete sidewalk or pathway gaps when located within or contiguous to the development site.

D. Open and Unobstructed. Public access shall be open and unobstructed. Development designed to restrict public access to and along the shoreline (e.g., barriers, gates, guardhouses, private streets) is prohibited. The City may specify hours during which access is closed to the public as provided in Section 2.26.050 (Access Restrictions).

E. Encroachments Prohibited. Encroachments or the installation of non-access-related private improvements into public accessways are prohibited. This requirement applies to designated existing public coastal accessways shown in Local Coastal Element Figure C-9-1 as well as any existing access to tidal waters acquired through use or legislative authorization.

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F. Location in Setback Areas. Public access easements may be provided within required minimum property line setback areas.

G. Sensitive Areas. Public access improvements shall be sited, designed, and maintained to avoid or, if avoidance is infeasible, minimize impacts to environmentally sensitive habitat areas (ESHAs), wetlands, riparian habitats, and other sensitive resource areas in compliance with Chapter 2.20 (Biological Resources and Environmentally Sensitive Habitat).

H. Universal Access. Unless determined infeasible by the review authority, coastal accessways shall be designed to accommodate physically disabled persons. If access to physically disabled persons cannot be feasibly provided, alternative access shall be provided.

2.26.050 – Access Restrictions
A. Types of Restrictions. The City may impose restrictions on coastal access, including but not limited to:

1. Hours during which the access may be closed to public use by gates or signed regulations;

2. Installation of barriers to protect resources; and

3. Prohibition of access to animals, bicycles, or other personal effects with potential to damage resources or result in safety concerns at that location.

B. When Allowed. The City may impose coastal access restrictions only when justified by:

Site characteristics, including topographic and geologic conditions; The intensity of use and the capacity of the site to sustain the use; The fragility of natural resource areas; and
The need to protect the privacy or security of residential development.

C. CDP Required. Coastal access restrictions as allowed by this section require a CDP. The review authority may approve the CDP only when:

The restriction is necessary for one of the reasons in Subsection B (When Allowed) of this section;
No other feasible alternative exists;
The time and extent of the restriction is minimized;
Access impacts are mitigated to the maximum extent feasible; and The need for the restriction is periodically reassessed to ensure maximum access.

2.26.060 – Access Management and Maintenance Plan
A. Plan Requirement. As a condition of CDP approval of a new accessway, the City may require a management and maintenance plan prior to opening the accessway to public use.

B. Plan Contents. If required, the plan shall include measures to:

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Ensure the accessway is properly managed and maintained to allow for ongoing public access consistent with this chapter; and
Minimize potential conflicts between public access use and other uses on or immediately adjacent to the site.

2.26.070 – Temporary Public Access Impacts
A. Plan Requirement. Development that may temporarily impact public access shall provide a public access management plan designed to identify and limit temporary impacts to public access.

B. Plan Contents. If required, the plan shall:

Identify measures to avoid disruption during peak use times where feasible; Minimize road and trail closures;
Identify alternative access routes where feasible;
Identify methods to communicate closures and alternative routes to the public; and Identify measures needed to provide for public safety.

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Chapter 2.28 – Scenic and Visual Resources
Sections:

2.28.010 – Chapter Purpose

2.28.020 – Definitions

2.28.030 – Applicability

2.28.040 – Visual Impact Analysis

2.28.050 – Action on Application

2.28.010 – Chapter Purpose
This chapter establishes standards to protect the scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas.

2.28.020 – Definitions
When used in this section, the following terms as defined as follows:

A. Scenic Resource. “Scenic resource” means any of the following:

1. Open waters of Arcata Bay.

2. Habitat areas and natural features along the shoreline, including coastal marshes, estuaries, sloughs, and mudflats.

3. Visually prominent natural features visible from the coastal zone, including agricultural lands, gulches, forested slopes, hillsides, ridgelines and mountain tops.

4. Designated national and state historic landmarks and the Arcata Plaza Area historic district.

B. Protected View. “Protected view” means a public view of a scenic resource from the following vantage points as shown in Coastal Land Use Element Figure 10-1:

1. Designated scenic roadways.

2. Designated vista points.

3. Designated scenic trail segments.

2.28.030 – Applicability
This chapter applies to proposed development, including land divisions, visible from a publicly accessible vantage point.

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2.28.040 – Visual Impact Analysis
A. Initial Evaluation.

1. The Department shall review proposed development identified in Section 2.28.030 (Applicability) to evaluate potential visual impacts resulting from the development.

2. If the Department determines that the development may block or disrupt public enjoyment of a protected view or adversely impact a scenic resource, a visual impact analysis shall be prepared at the applicant’s expense.

B. Analysis Components. When required, the visual impact analysis shall include the following:

3. A map showing location of proposed development in relation to the potentially impacted scenic resources and the viewpoint(s) selected for analysis.

4. A description of all protected views and scenic resources that could be impacted by the proposed development.

5. Illustrations, photographs, and/or simulations as required by the Department to accurately demonstrate visual impacts. Required materials may include information on exterior building materials and a visual survey of the character of the surrounding area.

6. An evaluation of potential impacts to visual resources.

7. A discussion of potential measures to avoid or reduce the visual impacts.

C. Analysis Methodology. The visual impact analysis shall be prepared in the following manner:

8. The visual impact analysis only considers potential impacts to views from public vantage points. Private view impacts are not evaluated.

9. Viewpoints are selected by the Department as needed to fully evaluate potential impacts.

10. Evaluated viewpoints shall be from the centerline of the street or trail at an elevation of four feet above the ground surface.

11. If the visual impact analysis is prepared by the applicant, the Department may require peer review of the analysis at the applicant’s expense.

D. Story Poles. The Department may require the applicant to install story polies if needed to evaluate potential visual impacts.

2.28.050 – Action on Application
A. Consideration of Visual Impact Analysis. The review authority shall review and consider the visual impact analysis when acting on the CDP application for the proposed development.

B. Findings. To approve the CDP for proposed development visible from a publicly accessible vantage point, the review authority must make the findings in Section 2.16.150 (Findings for Approval) and find that the development:

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1. Has been designed and sited to protect public views of scenic resources;

2. Minimizes alteration of natural landforms;

3. Is visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas; and

4. Restores and enhances the visual quality in visually degraded areas, where feasible.

C. Conditions of Approval. The review authority may attach conditions of approval as needed to avoid, minimize, or mitigate impacts to scenic resources. Conditions may address development design features including but not limited to building height, width, bulk, and placement on the site.

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Chapter 2.30 – Archaeological and Cultural Resources
Sections:

2.30.010 – Chapter Purpose

2.30.020 – Applicability

2.30.030 – Initial Project Screening

2.30.040 – Cultural Resources Report

2.30.050 – Resource Protection Measures

2.30.010 – Chapter Purpose
This chapter establishes regulations to protect and preserve archaeological, tribal cultural, and paleontological resources.

2.30.020 – Applicability
The requirements in this chapter apply to all Coastal Development Permit (CDP) applications that involve grading, excavation, or other ground-disturbing activity proposed at four feet of depth or greater.

2.30.030 – Initial Project Screening
A. Initial Screening Required. The Department shall screen CDP applications to determine if the project may have an adverse impact on an archaeological, paleontological, and/or Native American tribal cultural resource.

B. Information Sources. The Department shall conduct screening using any or all of the following:

Comments and recommendations from culturally affiliated Native American Tribes and Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), including the Wiyot Tribe, the Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria, and the Blue Lake Rancheria
Information from the Northwest Information Center.

Report of a Native American culturally sensitive location by the Native American Heritage Commission.

Archaeological and/or Native American culturally sensitive locations compiled for the City by the Northwest Information Center and/or other reputable sources.

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2.30.040 – Cultural Resources Report
A. When Required. A cultural resources report shall be prepared prior to project approval if:

Initial project screening concludes that the project location is sensitive for potentially significant archaeological, paleontological, and/or Native American tribal cultural resources; The project has potential to adversely impact these resources; and Inadvertent discovery protocol described in Section 2.30.050.B (Discovery of Archeological or Paleontological Resources) is not sufficient to protect these resources as determined by the Zoning Administrator in consultation with local area THPOs.

B. Report Contents. The cultural resources report shall be prepared by a qualified archaeologist/paleontologist and shall include the following:

Site information including location, parcel number, address, owner, applicant, parcel size, location of structures or improvements, and applicable maps.

Review of relevant scientific literature and any available past archeological reports describing archeological and/or Native American tribal cultural resources on the site or on adjacent lands.

Searches of the California Historical Resources Information System and Native American Heritage Commission Sacred Lands File.

Documentation of consultation with appropriate tribes as required by state law.

Date and findings of a preliminary archaeological reconnaissance.

Discussion of potential adverse impacts on archaeological resources.

Recommendations for further archaeological surveys, if necessary.

Recommended mitigation, minimization, and/or avoidance measures to avoid or minimize potential adverse impacts to significant archeological and/or Native American tribal cultural resources.

C. Report Implementation. Measures to avoid or minimize potential adverse impacts to archeological and/or Native American tribal cultural resources as recommended in the cultural resources report shall be incorporated as conditions of project approval as deemed necessary and appropriate by the decision-maker in consultation with local area THPOs.

2.30.050 – Resource Protection Measures
A. Monitoring Construction. When a qualified professional archeologist determines that archaeological resources are likely to be present at a construction site, or when requested by a local Wiyot tribe, a registered professional archaeologist or Tribal monitor shall monitor excavation and other soil disturbing activities during construction.

B. Discovery of Archeological or Paleontological Resources.

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If archaeological or paleontological resources are encountered or suspected during construction, work shall immediately be halted or redirected to an area with no known resources, and the City shall be notified.

The City shall evaluate the nature, extent, and importance of any discoveries or suspected resources based upon input from a registered professional archaeologist or paleontologist, an affected local tribe, and the State Historic Preservation Officer.

If the City determines resources to be important or unique, the City shall require a registered professional archaeologist or paleontologist to prepare a mitigation plan and, if feasible, redirect grading and/or excavation activities to an area with no resources until such time as adequate mitigation measures are implemented to protect or preserve the identified important or unique resources.

The City shall determine whether the development or mitigation measures require a new or amended Coastal Development Permit. Activities that may adversely impact these resources shall not resume without written authorization from the City that construction may proceed.

C. Inadvertent Discovery of Human Remains and Grave Goods. All development shall comply with California Health and Safety Code Section 7050.5 and other state and federal law concerning the discovery of Native American human remains and grave goods.

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Chapter 2.32 – Agricultural Resources
Sections:

2.32.010 – Chapter Purpose

2.32.020 – Applicability

2.32.030 – Agricultural Conversions

2.32.040 – Subdivisions

2.32.050 – Development Standards

2.32.010 – Chapter Purpose
This chapter establishes standards to preserve and protect productive agricultural land in the Coastal Zone.

2.32.020 – Applicability
The requirements in this chapter apply to all development in the Agricultural (:CA) coastal zoning district. Requirements specific to prime agricultural lands as mapped in Local Coastal Element Figure C12-1 apply only to prime agricultural lands zoned :CA as shown in the Coastal Zoning map.

2.32.030 – Agricultural Conversions
A. Prime Agricultural Lands. The following requirements apply to lands zoned Agricultural (:CA) and/or used for agricultural production that meet the definition of prime agricultural lands.

Reports. For proposed conversions of prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses, the Department shall require the applicant to submit an economic feasibility evaluation consistent with Coastal Act Section 30241.5. The evaluation shall be prepared by a qualified professional with expertise in agricultural economics. The City shall also require the applicant to submit a report demonstrating that the conversion will not diminish the productivity of adjacent prime agricultural lands. The Department may approve the proposed conversion only after approving the reports.

Findings. To approve the conversion of prime agricultural lands to non-agricultural uses, the review authority must make the following findings:
a. One or both of the following is true:
(1) The viability of existing agricultural use is already severely limited by conflicts with urban uses.

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(2) The conversion would complete a logical and viable neighborhood and contribute to the establishment of a stable limit to urban development. b. Public service and facility expansions and non-agricultural development will not impair agricultural viability on surrounding lands, either through increased assessment costs or degraded air and water quality.
c. To the extent feasible, lands not suited for agriculture have been developed prior to the conversion of agricultural lands.
d. The non-agricultural development will be located either:
(1) Within, contiguous with, or in close proximity to existing developed areas able to accommodate the new development; or
(2) In other areas with adequate public services and where it will not have significant adverse impacts, either individually or cumulatively, on coastal resources.

Mitigation. The City may require the purchase of an agricultural conservation easement, payment of in-lieu fee, or other similar mitigation to compensate for impacts resulting from the conversion of prime agricultural land to non-agricultural uses.

B. Non-Prime Agricultural Land. To approve the conversion of :CA lands with non-prime agricultural land to nonagricultural uses, the review authority must make the following findings:

One or both of the following is true:
a. Continued or renewed agricultural use is not feasible. b. The conversion would preserve prime agricultural land or will be located either:
(1) Within, contiguous with, or in close proximity to existing developed areas able to accommodate the new development; or
(2) In other areas with adequate public services and where it will not have significant adverse impacts, either individually or cumulatively, on coastal resources.

The conversion will be compatible with continued agricultural use on surrounding lands.

2.32.040 – Subdivisions
A. All Agricultural Land. All subdivisions of agricultural land must comply with Section 2.14.100 (Rural Land Divisions).

B. Prime Agricultural Lands – Continuation of Agricultural Use.

For a proposed subdivision of :CA lands with prime agricultural soils as mapped on Figure C-12- 1 where the land will remain in agricultural use, the applicant must submit a continued viability report and economic management plan prepared by a qualified professional demonstrating that the subdivided land will remain viable for, and actively engaged in, agricultural use.

The review authority may approve the subdivision only upon finding that:

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a. The subdivided parcel sizes will remain viable for agricultural use at the subdivided parcel size; and
b. The subdivision will not diminish the agricultural productivity of the land.

C. Prime Agricultural Lands – Conversions to Non-Agricultural Use. A subdivision that is part of a conversion to a non-agricultural use approved may be approved consistent with 2.32.030 (Agricultural Conversions).

D. Residential Development. Otherwise permissible residential development, whether for farm dwellings or farm labor housing, shall not be allowed to diminish current or future agricultural use of the property, or of adjacent lands suitable for agriculture.

2.32.050 – Development Standards
All development on :CA lands shall comply with the following standards.

A. Agriculture as Primary Use. Development shall be appurtenant to, and not interfere with, the primary use of the site as a productive agricultural unit.

B. Maximize Amount of Agricultural Land. Development shall retain the maximum feasible amount of agriculturally designated lands available for existing or potential agricultural production.

Agricultural buffers and the clustering of development shall minimize land use conflicts and protect agricultural activities.

C. Water Resources. On-site water resources shall be protected through sizing non-agricultural development to ensure that adequate water resources are available to the site, to maintain habitat values, and serve both the development and existing and proposed agricultural operations.

D. Growth Inducement. Extension of urban sewer and water services to support on-site agricultural operations or other uses is prohibited, except that reclaimed wastewater may be used for agricultural enhancement.

E. Roads and Driveways. Development shall site and design roads and driveways to be the minimum width and length necessary, to ensure that the road and driveways will not adversely affect agricultural productivity on the site or on adjoining lands, and designed to avoid unnecessary cut and fill, particularly by conforming to natural landforms F. Soil Protection. Development shall:

Minimize alteration of landforms to the greatest amount feasible; Minimize potential adverse impacts from erosion, sedimentation, and the entrainment of silt and soils materials; and
Salvage and stockpile removed productive topsoil for reuse.

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Chapter 2.34 – Local Coastal Program Amendments
Sections:

2.34.010 – Chapter Purpose

2.34.020 – Processing, Notice, and Hearing

2.34.030 – Planning Commission Action on Amendment

2.34.040 – Council Action on Amendment

2.34.050 – Findings

2.34.060 – Certification by Coastal Commission Required

2.34.010 – Chapter Purpose
This chapter provides procedures to amend the Local Coastal Program including the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, Local Coastal Element, and Coastal Zoning Map.

2.34.020 – Processing, Notice, and Hearing
A. Initiation.

Local Coastal Element or Coastal Zoning Map. A Local Coastal Element or Coastal Zoning Map amendment may only be initiated by: (1) the City Council; (2) the Planning Commission; or (3) the owner or authorized agent of property for which the amendment is sought by filing an amendment application. If the property is under more than one ownership, all of the owners or their authorized agents shall join in filing the application.

Coastal Zoning Ordinance. A Coastal Zoning Ordinance amendment may only be initiated by:
(1) the Council; (2) the Planning Commission; or (3) by Council action to adopt an urgency measure as an interim ordinance in compliance with State law (Government Code Section 65858).

B. Application Filing and Processing. The application shall be accompanied by the information identified in the Department handout for amendment applications. A Local Coastal Element amendment shall involve consultation with pertinent Tribal Governments per the requirements of Senate Bill 18 (SB18) of 2004.

C. Public Hearings Required. The Planning Commission and City Council shall each conduct one or more noticed public hearings regarding the amendment application.

D. Notice of Hearings. Public hearing notice shall comply with Government Code Section 65090 et seq and as follows:

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Notice of the public hearings shall be published at least once in at least one newspaper of general circulation within the jurisdiction of the local agency which is conducting the proceeding at least 10 days prior to the hearing.

The notice shall include the date, time and place of the public hearing, the identity of the hearing body or officer, a general explanation of the matter to be considered, and a general description of the location of the real property, if any, that is the subject of the hearing.

Public hearing notice shall comply with Government Code Section 65090 et seq

2.34.030 – Planning Commission Action on Amendment
The Planning Commission shall forward a written recommendation, and reasons for the recommendation, to the City Council whether to approve, approve in modified form, or disapprove the proposed amendment, based on the findings identified in Section 2.34.050 (Findings).

2.34.040 – Council Action on Amendment
A. Action to Approve/Disapprove. Upon receipt of the Planning Commission's recommendation, the City Council shall approve, approve in modified form, or disapprove the proposed amendment based on the findings identified in Section 2.34.050 (Findings).

B. Referral to Planning Commission. If the City Council proposes to adopt a substantial modification to the amendment not previously considered by the Planning Commission during its hearings, the proposed modification shall be first referred to the Planning Commission for its recommendation, in compliance with State law (Government Code Sections 65356 [General Plan amendments] and 65857 [Coastal Zoning Ordinance/Zoning Map amendments]).

2.34.050 – Findings
An amendment to the Coastal Land Use Plan, the Zoning Map, or this Coastal Zoning Ordinance may be approved only if all of the following findings are made, as applicable to the type of amendment.

A. Findings for Local Coastal Element Amendments.

The proposed amendment is consistent with all other provisions of the General Plan.

The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.

The affected site(s) is physically suitable (including absence of physical constraints, access, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and provision of utilities) for proposed or anticipated uses and/or development.

B. Findings for Coastal Zoning Map and Coastal Zoning Ordinance Text Amendments.

The proposed amendment is consistent with the Local Coastal Element.

The proposed amendment would not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare of the City.

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C. Additional finding for Zoning Map amendments: The affected site(s) is physically suitable (including absence of physical constraints, access, compatibility with adjoining land uses, and provision of utilities) for the requested zoning designation and proposed or anticipated uses and/or development.

2.34.060 – Certification by Coastal Commission Required An amendment to the Local Coastal Program including the Coastal Land Use Element, land use designations, Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and Coastal Zoning map shall not take effect until the amendment has been certified by the Coastal Commission in compliance with the Coastal Act.

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Chapter 2.36 – Glossary
Sections:

2.36.010 – Chapter Purpose

2.36.020 – Allowed Uses

2.36.030 – Definitions

2.36.010 – Chapter Purpose
This section defines terms and phrases used in the Zoning Code that are technical or specialized, or which may not reflect common usage. If any definitions in this section conflict with others in the Municipal Code, these definitions control in the Zoning Code. If a word is not defined in the Zoning Code, the Zoning Administrator determines the appropriate definition.

2.36.020 – Allowed Uses
The definitions in this section define terms used in the allowed use table (Table 2.12-12) in Chapter 2.12 (Planning and Locating New Development). These definitions apply only to allowed uses in Chapter 2.12 of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance. If a definition in this section conflicts with a definition in the Land Use Code, the definition in this section governs and controls only in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

A. Agricultural and Open Space Uses.

Agriculture. Use of land or ocean waters for the production of food and fiber. Includes growing crops, horticulture, orchards, vineyards, wineries, community gardens, animal grazing, animal keeping, aquaculture, forestry, agricultural processing, creameries, cannabis cultivation, produce stands, greenhouses and nurseries, farmers markets, and agricultural structures such as barns, silos, and windmills.

Resource Protection and Restoration. Lands and management activities dedicated to the protection and conservation of natural resources, such as aquatic environments, wetland and sensitive riparian habitat, water recharge areas, and rare or endangered plant or animal habitat. Includes marine and wildlife preserves, fisheries, and the management of estuarine waters of Humboldt Bay for fish and wildlife habitat and nature study.

B. Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses.

Cemeteries. An interment establishment engaged in subdividing property into cemetery lots and offering burial plots or air space for sale. Includes animal cemeteries; cemetery, mausoleum, crematorium and columbarium operations; and full-service mortuaries and funeral parlors accessory to a cemetery or columbarium.

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Cultural Institutions. Public or non-profit institutions that support and contribute to the cultural development of the community and provide community-serving programs and services on-site. Includes libraries, museums, performing art centers (primarily non-retail), public auditorium, aquariums, zoos, environmental education centers, non-profit art centers and galleries, and botanical gardens.

Non-Commercial Places of Assembly. Facilities that provides space for public or private meetings or gatherings. Includes places of worship, fraternal lodges, meeting space for clubs and other membership organizations, social halls, union halls, and non-profit banquet centers.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation. Publicly owned and operated parks and playgrounds providing open space and/or recreational opportunities to the public. Includes athletic fields, picnic areas, tennis courts, tot lots, public equestrian facilities and stables, golf courses, coastal access trails, boat launching facilities, boat houses, marinas, Interpretive centers, noncommercial recreation centers, non-vehicular recreation, and public sports and recreation complexes.

Schools. A public or private academic educational institution. Includes elementary, middle, and junior high schools; high schools; community colleges, colleges, and universities; business and vocational schools boarding school; military academies; schools providing specialized education/training (e.g., music schools, language schools) C. Residential Uses.

Mobile Home Park. Any site that is planned and improved to accommodate three or more mobile homes used for residential purposes, or on which three or more mobile home lots are rented, leased, or held out for rent or lease, or were formerly held out for rent or lease and later converted to a subdivision, cooperative, condominium, or other form of resident ownership, to accommodate mobile homes used for residential purposes.

Multi-family Housing. A dwelling unit that is part of a structure containing two or more dwelling units excluding accessory dwelling units. Includes duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes; apartments (five or more units under one ownership in a single building); transitional housing; permanent supportive housing; residential care facilities; group quarters; single room occupancy housing; caretaker units; farmworker housing for agriculture activities on site; mobile homes outside of mobile home park; residential accessory uses and structures including accessory dwelling units, home occupations, accessory retail and services, and family day care.

Single family Housing. A building designed for and/or occupied exclusively by one family.

Includes factory-built, modular housing units, constructed in compliance with the Uniform Building Code (UBC); mobile homes outside of mobile home park; transitional housing and supportive housing serving six or fewer persons; residential care facilities; group quarters within a single-family home; caretaker units; farmworker housing for agriculture activities on site; residential accessory uses and structures including accessory dwelling units, vacation rentals, home occupations, accessory retail and services, and family day care.

D. Commercial and Service Uses.

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Bars and Nightclubs. A business where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-site consumption, which are not part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, taverns, pubs, and similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. May also include beer brewing as part of a microbrewery ("brew-pub"), and other beverage tasting facilities. A night club is a facility serving alcoholic beverages for on- site consumption, and providing entertainment, examples of which include live music and/or dancing, comedy, etc.

Heavy Commercial. Commercial establishments providing goods and services to other businesses and/or engaged in heavy commercial activities that could impact neighboring properties. Includes contractor supply businesses, building contractors, large equipment repair, commercial dry-cleaning/laundry services, security services, custodial services, business-serving printers, taxi and delivery services, private ambulance dispatch services, property maintenance contractors, plumbing supply stores, media production, reverse vending machines, small recycling collection facilities, research and development, non-medical laboratories.

Day Care Centers. State-licensed facilities that provide non-medical care and supervision of individuals for periods of less than 24 hours. Includes nursery schools, day nurseries, child care centers, infant day care centers, cooperative day care centers, and adult day programs.

Housing for Homeless. A facility that provides immediate and short-term housing and supplemental services for the homeless.

Homeless Services. A facility that provides services primarily to homeless clients other than emergency shelter and short-term housing. Includes facilities that provides services such as hot meals, food boxes, food distribution, showers, laundry facilities, clothing, transportation, television, mail and phone contact services, support groups, and service referrals.

Lodging. A commercial establishment providing overnight accommodations to transient patrons for 30 consecutive calendar days or less. Includes hotels, motels, hostels, bed & breakfast inns, campgrounds, and recreational vehicle (RV) parks. Lodging establishments may provide additional services, such as conference and meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, or recreation facilities available to guests and the general public.

Offices. A place of employment occupied by the employees of a businesses or organizations.

Includes professional offices (e.g., attorneys, engineers, accountants), government offices, data and information processing offices, and offices providing services directly to customers (e.g. insurance agent offices, real estate offices).

Medical Services. Facilities providing medical care to patients. Includes doctor offices, dentists, chiropractors, urgent care clinics, pit-patient care facilities, extended care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes, hospitals.

Public Safety Facility. A facility operated by a public agency for public safety purposes.

Includes fire stations, other fire prevention and fire-fighting facilities, police and sheriff substations and headquarters, and interim incarceration facilities.

Retail. Stores and shops selling merchandise and food to the public. Includes grocery stores, markets, liquor stores, bakeries, drug stores, convenience stores, restaurants, cafes, coffee

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shops, auto and vehicle sales and rental, building and landscape materials sales, cannabis retail sales and service, construction and heavy equipment sales and rental, farm supply and feed store, farmers market/produce stands, fuel dealers (propane for home and farm use, etc.), furniture and appliance stores, mobile home and large vehicle sales, pet shops, second hand stores, service stations, and shopping centers.

General Services. Establishments providing non-medical services to individuals as a primary use.

Includes beauty salons and barber shops, dry cleaning pick up stores, household item repairs, vehicle repair and service, laundromats, locksmiths, massage, tailors, fortune tellers, tattoo and body piercing services, hot tubs for hourly rental, pawnshops, undertaking services, commercial recreation, veterinary clinics, animal hospital, kennels and animal boarding, social service organizations. These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided.

E. Industrial Uses.

Industrial, Light. Manufacturing and industrial activities that produces little or no noise, odor, fumes, dust, smoke, dirt, refuse, vibration, glare, and/or air or water pollution detectable beyond the interior walls of the facility and is unlikely to cause significant impacts on surrounding land uses. Products are commonly produced from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, and packaging of such products. Includes artisan/craft product manufacturing; clothing and fabric product manufacturing; electronics, equipment, and appliance manufacturing; food and beverage product manufacturing not including retail bakeries; furniture/fixtures manufacturing, cabinet shop; handcraft industries, small-scale manufacturing; paper product manufacturing not including pulp manufacturing; photo/film processing lab; and wineries, breweries and distilleries.

Industrial, Moderate. A facility accommodating manufacturing processes and/or industrial activities where the intensity and/or scale of operations is greater than those classified under Manufacturing Light but where impacts on surrounding land uses or the community can typically be mitigated to acceptable levels. Includes mall scale (under an acre) lumber and wood product manufacturing; machinery manufacturing; metal products fabrication, machine and welding shops; manufacturing of motor vehicles and transportation equipment; stone and cut stone product manufacturing; structural clay and pottery product manufacturing, recycling processing, recycling scrap and dismantling yards, commercial composting.

Industrial, Heavy. A facility accommodating manufacturing processes and/or industrial activities where the intensity and/or scale of operations may cause significant impacts on surrounding land uses or the community. Includes chemical and glass product manufacturing; concrete, gypsum, and plaster product manufacturing; solid waste disposal transfer stations, biodiesel production paving and roofing materials manufacturing; petroleum refining and related industries; plastics, other synthetics, and rubber product manufacturing; primary metal industries; pulp and pulp product manufacturing; textile and leather product manufacturing; and large scale lumber and wood product manufacturing over an acre.

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Storage, Warehouses, Wholesale & Distribution. Establishments engaged in storage, warehousing, and distribution of goods as a primary use. Includes personal storage facilities (mini-storage); storage of business records; cold storage; storage of goods by moving companies; sale of merchandise to retailers, contractors and business users; merchant wholesalers; storage, processing, packaging, and shipping facilities for mail order and ecommerce retail establishments.

F. Transportation, Communications and Infrastructure Uses.

Transportation and Freight Facilities. Facilities where the transfer and movement of people and freight by cars, buses, truck, trains, boats, helicopters, airplanes, and other vehicles is the primary use. Includes parking facilities (public or commercial); transit stations and terminals; truck and freight terminal; truck stops; ambulance, taxi, and limousine dispatch facilities; heliports; airports.

Utility Infrastructure. Infrastructure to transmit, distribute, or convey a public utility or communication service directly to customers. Includes pipelines for water, natural gas, and sewage collection and disposal; facilities for the transmission of electrical energy for sale, including transmission lines for a public utility company; telephone, telegraph, cable television and other communications transmission facilities utilizing direct physical conduits; radio and TV transmission facilities.

Utility Facilities. A fixed-base structure or facility providing a utility service to the general public. Includes power generating plants, electric substations and switching stations; pumping stations, sewage treatment plants and storage, reservoirs, settling ponds and disposal fields storage tanks, corporation and maintenance yards, natural gas regulating and distribution facilities, public water system wells, telephone switching facilities.

2.36.030 – Definitions
A. Terms Defined. Terms used in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance are defined as follows. Definitions that differ from definitions in the Land Use Code are in the definition. If a definition in this section conflicts with a definition in the Land Use Code, the definition in this section governs and controls only in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as a singlefamily dwelling is situated. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An accessory dwelling unit shall include: an efficiency unit as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code, and a manufactured home as defined in Section 18007of the Health and Safety Code.

Accessory Use. A use customarily incidental to, related and clearly subordinate to a primary use on the same parcel, which does not alter the primary use.

Acre, Gross. The entire acreage of a site calculated to the centerline of proposed bounding streets and to the edge of the right-of-way of existing or dedicated streets.

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Aggrieved Person. Any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a City public hearing in connection with the decision or action on a CDP that is appealed, or who, by other appropriate means prior to a hearing informed the City of the nature of their concerns, or who for good cause was unable to do either. “Aggrieved Person” includes the applicant for a CDP.

Aquaculture. A form of agriculture as defined in Section 17 of the Fish and Game Code.

Aquaculture products are agricultural products, and aquaculture facilities and land uses shall be treated as agricultural facilities and land uses in all planning and permit-issuing decisions governed by the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

Bed and Breakfast Inn (B&B). A residential structure with one or more bedrooms rented for overnight lodging, where meals may be provided subject to applicable Environmental Health Department regulations.

Billboard. A sign which meets any one or more of the following criteria:
a. A permanent structure sign which is used for the display of off-site commercial messages; b. A permanent structure sign which constitutes a principal, separate or secondary use, as opposed to an accessory use, of the parcel on which it is located; c. An outdoor sign used as advertising for hire, e.g., on which display space is made available to parties, other than the owner or operator of the sign or occupant of the parcel (not including those who rent space from the sign owner, when such space is on the same parcel as the sign), in exchange for a rent, fee or other consideration; or d. An off-site outdoor advertising sign on which space is leased or rented.

Boat Launching Facility. An area with facilities and equipment for the placement of boats in the ocean. May include launching ramps, hoists, piers, and onshore parking areas for boat trailers and other vehicles.

Campground. A site used or intended for use for temporary occupancy by persons traveling by automobile or otherwise, which may include individual campsites, but where utility hookups for recreational vehicles are not provided.

Coastal Access Trail. A public walkway providing pedestrian access to, or along, the ocean coastline (vertical or lateral access respectively).

Coastal Act. The California Coastal Act of 1976, as amended.

Coastal-dependent Development or Use. Any development or use which requires a site on, or adjacent to, the sea to be able to function at all.

Coastal-related Development. Any use that is dependent on a coastal-dependent development or use.

Coastal Emergency. A sudden, unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services.

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Coastal Hazards. Include, but are not limited to, episodic and long-term shoreline retreat and coastal erosion, high seas, ocean waves, storms, tsunami, tidal scour, coastal flooding, liquefaction, and the interaction of same.

Coastal Land Use Element (CLUE). The portion of the Arcata General Plan included as part of the certified Land Use Plan (LUP) of the Local Coastal Program of the City of Arcata.

Coastal Resources. Include, but are not limited to, public access and public access facilities and opportunities, recreation areas and recreational facilities and opportunities (including for recreational water-oriented activities), public views, natural landforms, marine resources, watercourses (e.g., rivers, streams, creeks, etc.) and their related corridors, waterbodies (e.g., wetlands, estuaries, lakes, etc.) and their related uplands, ground water resources, biological resources, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, agricultural lands, and archaeological and paleontological resources.

Coastal Zone. The geographic zone adjacent to the shoreline, the land and water area boundaries of which are determined by the California Coastal Act of 1976, as amended Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Division 2 of Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code, certified as part of the Implementation Plan of the City of Arcata Local Coastal Program Density, Residential. The number of permanent residential dwelling units per gross acre of land.

Department. The City of Arcata Community and Development Department.

Developer. Any person, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, or any entity or combination of entities which seeks City approvals for all or part of a development project.

Developer includes owner.

Development. Any of the following, whether on land or in or under water:
a. The placement or erection of any solid material or structure. b. Discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid, solid or thermal waste.
c. Grading, removing, dredging, mining or extraction of any materials. d. Change in the density or intensity of use of land, including, but not limited to, subdivisions, and any other division of land, including lot splits, except where the land division is brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for public recreational use.
e. Change in the intensity of use of water, or access thereto. f. Construction, reconstruction, demolition or alteration in the size of any structure, including any facility of any private, public or municipal utility. g. The removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes, kelp harvesting and timber operations which are in accordance with a timber harvesting plan submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973.

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Development Standards. Specific requirements in a zoning ordinance that governs building and development as distinguished from use restrictions. For example, Development Standards would include the following site-design regulations: lot area, width, and depth; floor area ratio; site coverage; buildable area; topography development constraints; height; landscaping; parking; and signage.

Dwelling Unit. A room or group of rooms (including sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation facilities, but not more than one kitchen), that constitutes an independent housekeeping unit, occupied or intended for occupancy by one household on a long-term basis.

Energy Facility. Any public or private processing, producing, generating, storing, transmitting, or recovering facility for electricity, natural gas, petroleum, coal, or other source of energy.

Environmental Buffer Area (EBA). An area of land separating all permitted development from adjacent sensitive habitat, streams and wetlands. The purpose of the buffer area is to prevent any degradation of the ecological functions provided by the area as a result of the development.

Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA).
a. Any area in which plant or animal life or their habitats are either rare or especially valuable because of their special nature or role in an ecosystem and which could be easily disturbed or degraded by human activities and developments. In addition, the following areas are categorically ESHA as identified in Arcata’s LCP:
(1) Rivers, creeks, sloughs, and associated riparian habitats including Jacoby Creek, Beith Creek, Grotzman Creek, Campbell Creek, Jolly Giant Creek, Janes Creek, Gannon Slough, Butcher Slough, and McDaniel Slough.
(2) Wetlands, estuaries, and associated riparian habitats including Arcata Bay, Mad River Slough, Liscom Slough, Butcher Slough, and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.
(3) Other unique habitat areas including water bird rookeries; shorebird concentration sites; habitat for all rare, threatened, or endangered fully protected, and special concern plant and animal species and natural communities on federal or state lists; and plant species appearing on the California Native Plant Society List “1b” and “2” lists.

Extended Care Medical Facilities. A facility, licensed as a skilled nursing facility by the State of California, that provides twenty-four-hour medical, convalescent or chronic care to individuals who are unable to care for themselves by reason of advanced age, chronic illness, or infirmity.

Farmed Wetland. A wetland that has been diked or drained to prevent the saturated soil conditions that would normally occur, to conduct agricultural activities (e.g., grazing), that do not require the most productive agricultural soils. These lands would typically revert to freshwater, brackish, or saltwater marsh should the dike barriers be removed. In their present state, these lands are frequently covered by shallow water during the rainy season.

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Feasible. Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors.

Fill. Earth or any other substance or material, including pilings placed for the purposes of erecting structures thereon, placed in a submerged area.

Floor Area. The sum of the horizontal areas of the several floors of a building measured from the exterior face of exterior walls, or from the centerline of a wall separating two buildings, but not including any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than six feet.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The gross floor area permitted on a site divided by the total net area of the site, expressed in decimals to one or two places.

Grading. Any excavating, filling, or any combination thereof.

Guest House. A detached structure accessory to a single-family dwelling, accommodating living/sleeping quarters, but without kitchen or cooking facilities.

Hard Shoreline Protective Device. Engineered features such as seawalls, revetments, dikes and levees, roads, and trails that protect against coastal hazards by blocking the landward retreat of the shoreline.

Hotel or Motel. A facility with guest rooms or suites, with or without kitchen facilities, rented to the general public for transient lodging. Also includes accessory services and guest facilities such as restaurants, meeting facilities, personal services, swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor athletic facilities, accessory retail uses, etc.

Hostel. Overnight lodging in dormitories or shared rooms with shared bathroom facilities.

Infrastructure. Public services and facilities, such as sewage-disposal systems, water-supply systems, other utility systems, and roads.

Intensification of Use. A change in the use of a structure or site where the operating characteristics of the use generates more activity on the site, or requires more development on the site such as additional parking spaces.

Lot Coverage. The percentage of total site area occupied by structures, parking, pavement and driveways. Structure or building coverage includes the primary structure, all accessory structures (e.g., carports, garages, patio covers, storage sheds, trash dumpster enclosures, etc.) and any covered feature. Structure/building coverage is measured from exterior wall to exterior wall. Planted parking strips and pervious pavers are not counted as site coverage.

Low Impact Development (LID). A stormwater management approach with the basic principle that rainfall be managed and retained at the source using uniformly distributed decentralized micro-scale controls to capture, treat and infiltrate stormwater runoff on site to maintain the site’s pre-development runoff characteristics.

Nonconforming Structure. A structure that was legally constructed prior to the effective date of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, but does not comply with the development standards and other applicable requirements of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

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Nonconforming Use. A use of land and/or a structure (either conforming or nonconforming) that was legally established and maintained prior to the effective date of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, but does not conform to the current Coastal Zoning Ordinance requirements for allowable land uses within the applicable coastal combining district.

Non-vehicular Recreation. The use of land by the public, with or without charge, for recreation that does not include motorized vehicles. Parking for motor vehicles may be provided.

Objective Standard. A standard that involves no personal or subjective judgment by a City official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant or proponent and the City before submittal.

Off-Site. An activity or accessory use that is related to a specific primary use, but is not located on the same site as the primary use.

Open Space Land. Any parcel or area of land or water that is essentially unimproved and devoted to an open space use for the purposes of (1) the preservation of natural resources, (2) the managed production of resources, (3) outdoor recreation, or (4) public health and safety.

Primary Use. The main purpose for which a site is developed and occupied, including the activities that are conducted on the site a majority of the hours during which activities occur.

Prime Agricultural Land. Those lands defined in paragraph (1), (2), (3), or (4) of subdivision (c) of Section 51201 of the Government Code. This definition differs from the definition on the Land Use Code.

Public Trust Lands. Lands to which California received title upon its admission to the Union and that are held by virtue of its sovereignty under the authority of the California State Lands Commission. These are lands under navigable waters including the ocean and navigable streams, and include lands formerly under water.

Public Works. Any of the following:
a. All production, storage, transmission, and recovery facilities for water, sewerage, telephone, and other similar utilities owned or operated by any public agency or by any utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, except for energy facilities.
b. All public transportation facilities, including streets, roads, highways, public parking lots and structures, ports, harbors, airports, railroads, and mass transit facilities and stations, bridges, trolley wires, and other related facilities. For purposes of this division, neither the Ports of Hueneme, Long Beach, Los Angeles, nor San Diego Unified Port District nor any of the developments within these ports shall be considered public works. c. All publicly financed recreational facilities, all projects of the State Coastal Conservancy, and any development by a special district.
d. All community college facilities.

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Recreational Use. The use of land by the public, with or without charge, for walking, hiking, picnicking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, or other outdoor games or sports for which facilities are provided for public participation.

Recreational Vehicle (RV) Park. A site where one or more lots are used, or are intended to be used, by persons with recreational vehicles or tents. Recreational vehicle parks may include public restrooms, water, sewer, and electric hookups to each lot and are intended as a higher density, more intensively developed use than campgrounds. May include accessory retail uses where they are clearly incidental and intended to serve RV park patrons only.

Redevelopment. Development involving an existing structure that consists of one or more of the following:
a. Alteration (including interior and/or exterior remodeling and renovations, demolition or partial demolition, etc.) of 50 percent or more of major structural components (including exterior walls, floor and roof structure, and foundation) considered individually (i.e., percentages are calculated by the individual structural component being altered, and are not additive between different structural components);
b. Additions and alterations to such development that lead to a 50% or more increase in floor area for the development; and/or
c. Additions and alterations to such development that costs 50% or more of the market value of the existing structure before construction. Changes to floor area and individual major structural components and the costs of such changes are measured cumulatively over time starting from January 1, 1977, with deduction for inflation and depreciation (i.e., 50% in 1977 dollars less depreciation).

Restaurant. A retail business selling ready-to-eat food and/or beverages for on- or off-premise Review Authority. The individual or official City body (Zoning Administrator, Planning Commission, or City Council) identified by this Coastal Zoning Ordinance as having the responsibility and authority to review, and approve or deny a CDP application or other required approval.

Riparian Areas. Vegetative and wildlife areas adjacent to perennial and intermittent streams.

Riparian areas are delineated by the existence of plant species normally found near freshwater.

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

Setback. The minimum distance required between a structure and a lot line. a. Front Setback. The minimum distance required between the front lot line and the primary structure.
b. Rear Setback. The minimum distance required between a rear lot line and the primary structure.

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c. Side Setback. The minimum distance required between the front and rear yards.

Sign. A structure, device, figure, display, message placard, or other contrivance excluding merchandise display, or any part thereof, located outdoors or indoors, that is designed, constructed, intended, or used to provide information, convey an idea, to direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. Does not include murals, paintings and other works of art that are not intended to otherwise convey information, advertise or identify any business or product.

Sign Area. The entire area within a perimeter defined by a continuous line composed of right angles using no more than four lines which enclose the extreme limits of lettering, logo, trademark, or other graphic representation.

Sign, Digital. A sign that displays a visual image using liquid crystal cells or other types of light emitting diodes (LEDs), or their functional equivalent, where the image can be easily changed, typically by remote control or computer programming. Also known as Electronic Message Center (EMC) signs.

Sign Height. The vertical distance from the uppermost point used in measuring the area of a sign to the average grade immediately below the sign, including its base or the top of the nearest curb of the street on which the sign fronts, whichever measurement is the greatest.

Sign, Off-Site. A sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premise as the sign or which identifies a use, service, or product by a brand name which, although sold or manufactured on the premise, does not constitute the principal item for sale or manufactured on the premise. Includes billboards as defined in this chapter.

Site. A parcel or adjoining parcels under single ownership or single control, considered a unit for the purposes of development or other use.

Stream. Streams in the Coastal Zone, perennial or intermittent, which are mapped by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) in the National Hydrographic Dataset. Includes streams and waterways governed by the Arcata Creeks Management Plan, as amended, including McDaniel Slough, Gannon Slough and Butcher Slough. This definition differs from the definition on the Land Use Code.

Stream or Creek Bank. The point where the break in slope occurs between a stream channel and surrounding topography.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires attachment to the ground or attachment to something located on the ground. The term "structure" includes "signs" and "buildings," but does not include swimming pools, fences, walls used as fences, pens or corrals.

Top of Bank. The furthest break in slope of the bank to each side of a creek. Where the top of the bank is not clearly defined by an obvious break in slope, the City Engineer shall determine the location of the top of bank.

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Vacation Rental. Rental of a primary residence, a second unit, or a room in a residence on a seasonal or short-term basis.

Watercourse. Natural or once natural flowing (perennially or intermittently) water including rivers, streams, and creeks. Includes natural waterways that have been channelized, but does not include manmade channels, ditches, and underground drainage and sewage systems.

Watershed. The total area above a given point on a watercourse that contributes water to its flow; the entire region drained by a waterway or watercourse that drains into a lake, or reservoir.

Wetland. Lands within the Coastal Zone which may be covered periodically or permanently with shallow water and include saltwater marshes, freshwater marshes, open or closed brackish water marshes, swamps, mudflats, and fens. This definition differs from the definition on the Land Use Code.

Zoning Administrator. The City of Arcata Community Development Director, or designee of the Director.

B. Terms Not Defined. Terms not defined in this section shall be interpreted to give this chapter its most reasonable meaning and application, consistent with the Coastal Act and applicable state and federal law.

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This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 7/31/25 Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2025\C-XXX_Coastal_Zoning\C-XXX_Coastal_Zoning.aprx R:\Av_maps\Community_Development\Planning\Land Use\Fig. 1_Coastal_Zoning.pdf 0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
Figure 1
Coastal Zoning
Date: 2/24/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
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Inset Map - Coastal Gateway Area Combining Zone
0 400 Ft
CROS - Coastal Open Space
CGN - Coastal Gateway Neighborhood
CGC - Coastal Gateway Corridor
CGB - Coastal Gateway Barrel District
Coastal Gateway Combining Zones
Inset Map Legend
See Inset Map
CMU (Coastal Commercial Mixed Use)
CCC (Coastal Commercial Central)
CI (Coastal Industrial)
CRH (Coastal Residential - High Density)
CRM (Coastal Residential - Medium Density)
CRL (Coastal Residential - Low Density)
CRVL (Coastal Residential - Very Low Density)
CA (Coastal Agriculture)
CPF (Coastal Public Facility)
CROS (Coastal Resource and Open Space Lands)
Parcel
Arcata City Limits
Gateway District
Coastal Commercial Visitor Serving Combining Zone
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Legend
±

RESOLUTION NO. 256-02

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ARCATA

ADOPTING THE LOCAL COASTAL ELEMENT
WHEREAS, the City of Arcata includes portions of its boundaries inside the Coastal Zone; and WHEREAS, the Coastal Act of 1976 (the “Act”) authorizes coastal jurisdictions to implement its provisions through a Local Coastal Program, which includes land use plans, zoning maps, zoning ordinances, and other implementing actions deemed consistent with the Act; and WHEREAS, the City of Arcata operates a Certified Local Coastal Program comprised of the Coastal Land Use Element, adopted in 1989, and the Land Use and Development Guide, adopted in 1994; and
WHEREAS, the City’s policy and regulatory strategies have changed dramatically since certification and sea level rise policy is absent from the current Local Coastal Program; and WHEREAS, the City has been involved in the public process of updating the Local Coastal Program since 2010 and has engaged the community in each stage of the development of the comprehensive update to the Program; and
WHEREAS, the Local Coastal Element is a comprehensive update to the previously certified Coastal Land Use Element, contains policies consistent with the Act specific to the City’s Coastal Zone, and, together with the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, will constitute the City’s Local Coastal Program upon certification and Council acceptance; and
WHEREAS, the Local Coastal Element will be an Element of the General Plan 2045; and WHEREAS, Planning Commission Resolution No. PC-25-04 adopted on _______, 2026, is the Planning Commission’s recommendation for adoption of the Local Coastal Element; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Arcata:

1. Affirms the statutory exemption pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15265 for local coastal program approvals, which was adopted by the City Council on _________, 2026; and

2. Affirms the Findings of the City Council of the City of Arcata for a Comprehensive Amendment to the Local Coastal Program, adopted by Resolution PC-25-04 of the Arcata Planning Commission.

3. Adopts the Local Coastal Element dated February 17, 2026 (Exhibit 1).

4. Upon Coastal Commission certification and subsequent acceptance by the City Council, the Coastal Land Use Element shall be rescinded and the Local Coastal Element shall, together with the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, constitute the City’s Local Coastal Program;

5. This Resolution shall become effective on the effective date of Ordinance No. 1581, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Arcata Adopting a Comprehensive Update to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

DATED:

ATTEST:
_________________________ __________________________
Rhea Varley Kimberley White
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. 256-02, passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Arcata, County of Humboldt, State of California, on the _____ day of _______, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTENTIONS:
_____________________________
Rhea Varley
City Clerk, City of Arcata

February 17, 2026

CITY OF ARCATA

LOCAL COASTAL

ELEMENT
Council Adopted
March __, 2026
Resolution 256-02
Exhibit 1

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 1

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................................ 2

2.0 Planning and Locating Development ......................................................................... 8

3.0 Industrial Development and Energy ......................................................................... 17

4.0 Recreation and Visitor Serving Facilities ................................................................ 19

5.0 Water Quality ....................................................................................................... 23

6.0 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas ................................................................. 27

7.0 Coastal Hazards ..................................................................................................... 37

8.0 Sea Level Rise ........................................................................................................ 43

9.0 Public Access ......................................................................................................... 67

10.0 Scenic and Visual Resources .................................................................................. 73

11.0 Archeological and Cultural Resources .................................................................... 76

12.0 Agricultural Resources .......................................................................................... 78

13.0 Glossary ................................................................................................................ 83

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 2

1.0 Introduction

1.1. City of Arcata Local Coastal Element
Approximately one-third of the City of Arcata lies within the Coastal Zone. The California Coastal Act of 1976 (California Public Resources Code Section 30000 et seq.) requires the City to have a Local Coastal Program (LCP) certified by the Coastal Commission that implements the Coastal Act at the local level. A Local Coastal Program consists of a Land Use Plan and an Implementation Plan. Coastal Act Section 30108.4 defines a Land Use Plan as “the relevant portion of a local government's general plan, or local coastal element which are sufficiently detailed to indicate the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses, the applicable resource protection and development policies and, where necessary, a listing of implementing actions.” This Local Coastal Element of the City of Arcata General Plan is a component of the Land Use Plan as described in the Coastal Act, Section 30108.5 and 30108.55. This Element identifies the policy to enact the Coastal Act locally and contains implementation measures where necessary to enact the provisions and policies of the Coastal Act.

The City of Arcata uses the Local Coastal Program as the standard of review for required Coastal Development Permits in the Coastal Zone under the City’s permit jurisdiction. The Coastal Commission retains original permit jurisdiction over the immediate shoreline, tidelands, submerged lands, public trust lands, and land within a certain distance of wetlands, estuaries, streams, and coastal bluffs. In these areas, the standard for review is the Chapter 3 policies of the Coastal Act. The Local Coastal Element, however, may be used as guidance in the areas where the Coastal Commission retains jurisdictional authority (retained jurisdiction).

The Local Coastal Element is a legal mandate that governs both private and public actions. For purposes of administering the Coastal Act, the Local Coastal Element is at the top of the hierarchy of City laws regulating land use in the Coastal Zone and is an exercise in state law authority. Unless explicitly exempted, other City laws and policies, such as specific plans, subdivision regulations, and zoning ordinances, are subordinate to, and must be consistent with, the Local Coastal Element as a whole.

Local Coastal Element and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance
As a component of the Land Use Plan, the Local Coastal Element indicates the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses and the applicable resource protection and development policies. The Local Coastal Element must include development and resource protection policies sufficient to carry out the policies of Chapter 3 of the Coastal Act. Arcata’s Land Use Plan also includes the certified Coastal Land Use Map.

The Coastal Zoning Ordinance, chaptered in Title IX of the Arcata Municipal Code, is a component of the Implementation Plan. The Coastal Zoning Ordinance contains the land use and

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 3
development regulations necessary to carry out the Local Coastal Element. The Coastal Zoning Ordinance includes specific regulation on the kinds, location, and intensity of land uses, while the Local Coastal Element primarily addresses the policy related to land use. These documents together constitute the Local Coastal Program, and implement the provisions and policies of, the Coastal Act at the local level.

Local Coastal Element Organization
Arcata’s Local Coastal Element consists of 13 chapters, generally following the Coastal Commission’s Local Coastal Program Update Guide. Each chapter contains a short introduction and a detailed policy section. Relevant Coastal Act policies in the introduction section are provided as background information and are not incorporated as Land Use Plan policies.

Public Participation in Creating the Plan
The City recognizes the importance of public participation in the development of the guiding principles, policies, and implementation measures that will frame land use within the City’s Coastal Zone for years to come. In 2014 and 2015, the City Council held joint study sessions with the Planning Commission to discuss updates, goals, and schedules. Throughout the summer of 2015, the Planning Commission conducted six public scoping meetings advertised in the local paper, through standard noticing practices, and on social media in an effort to provide opportunities for the public to provide its vision on coastal issues, such as sea level rise, annexations, zoning changes, coastal hazards, and development in specific neighborhoods.

Progress on the update was also provided to the public on the City’s website where staff posted draft documents, maps, and meeting announcements.

Throughout 2016 and 2017, the City Council held study sessions and joint study sessions with the Planning Commission to provide feedback on key issues. In the summer and fall of 2017, public workshops were held to discuss sea level rise issues. The Planning Commission reviewed and commented on Element chapters in 2021. The Planning Commission and City Council held noticed public hearings to review and adopt the Local Coastal Element in early 2022.

Regional and Local Setting
Regional Setting. The City of Arcata is located on the Northern California coast, approximately 275 miles northwest of San Francisco, in the heart of the redwood region. It is in the westcentral portion of Humboldt County, six miles north of the City of Eureka, the County seat.

Arcata is situated at the north end of Arcata Bay, which is part of Humboldt Bay, the second largest marine embayment in California. The City is located on U.S. Highway 101, which connects to Eureka and the San Francisco Bay Area to the south, and to Crescent City and the Oregon Coast to the north. The City is at the western terminus of State Highway 299, which connects Arcata and the north coast to Redding and the Upper Sacramento Valley to the east.

State Highway 255 also bisects the City west to east.

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Local Setting. Arcata is situated on a coastal terrace, the lower portions of Fickle Ridge and the easterly portions of the Arcata Bottoms, between Arcata Bay and the Mad River. As shown in Figure 1- 1, the area of Arcata within the Coastal Zone contains approximately

4.75 miles of Arcata Bay shoreline and consists of a mix of agricultural lands, commercial, light and heavy industrial uses, natural resource lands, and residential uses. Figure 1-1 also shows areas in the Coastal Zone where the City of Arcata reviews and takes actions on Coastal Development Permits, areas where the Coastal Commission retains Coastal Development Permit jurisdiction, and areas where City decisions on a Coastal Development Permit may be appealed to the Coastal Commission.

Future Trends and Assumptions
The Local Coastal Element includes goals, policies and implementation measures that anticipate and help shape future changes to ensure that they reflect the community’s shared sense of values. Future trends will reflect changes in social, economic, cultural, and environmental factors, but will be shaped locally by the guidelines expressed in this element.

Arcata embraces environmentally sustainable principles which encourage infill development, brownfield remediation, multi-modal transportation, and zoning districts that emphasize and encourage mixed-use developments where compatible. Arcata recognizes the value of natural resource lands, and has implemented strong regulatory protections that discourage sprawl and protect open spaces. Arcata aspires to preserve sufficient lands for both active and passive recreational activities and coastal access to serve the present and future needs of the community. The City has set aside a large amount of land for resource protection and must maximize the use of the remaining agricultural, industrial, commercial and residential lands. It is expected that there will be increased use of vacant and underdeveloped parcels within the City as opposed to outward expansion of the City limits.

Administering the Local Coastal Element
All land use and development decisions in the Coastal Zone must be consistent with the Local Coastal Program. Unless otherwise exempt, development in the Coastal Zone requires a Coastal Development Permit. A Coastal Development Permit may be issued by the City in its delegated jurisdiction if the City finds that the development conforms with the standards of the certified Local Coastal Program.

1.2. Implementation Principles

1.2.1. Coastal Act Direction. The policies of Chapter 3 of the California Coastal Act (California Public Resources Code Sections 30210 through 30270) shall direct the interpretation of the Local Coastal Element.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 6

1.2.2. Coastal Development Permit Required. Any person, as defined in Coastal Act Section 30111, wishing to perform or undertake any development in the coastal zone, other than a facility subject to Public Resources Code Section 25500, shall obtain a Coastal Development Permit.

1.2.3. Conflicts with General Plan. Where the policies of the Local Coastal Element appear to conflict with the provisions of any other element of the General Plan, the policies of the Local Coastal Element shall take precedence in the Coastal Zone.

1.2.4. Descriptive Text. Descriptive text outside of enumerated policies is for background information only and does not govern the issuance of Coastal Development Permits. If a perceived conflict occurs between the wording of the enumerated policies and the accompanying descriptive text of the Local Coastal Element, the enumerated policy language shall take precedence. Where enumerated policy language conflicts with maps or graphics in the Local Coastal Element, the policy language shall take precedence.

1.2.5. Conflicts with Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Where provisions of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance or other implementation measures appear to conflict with the policies of the Local Coastal Element, the policies of the Local Coastal Element shall take precedence.

1.2.6. Findings Required. Prior to the approval of any development permit, the City, or the Coastal Commission on appeal, shall make the finding that the development meets the standards set forth in all applicable Local Coastal Element policies and Coastal Zoning Ordinance regulations, and if between the first public road and the sea, with the public access policies of the Coastal Act. For development between the nearest public road and the sea, the City shall find that the development is in conformity with the public access and public recreation policies of Chapter 3 of the California Coastal Act.

1.2.7. Property Takings.

A. The Local Coastal Program (LCP) is not intended, and shall not be construed as authorizing the City acting pursuant to the LCP or the Coastal Act, to exercise its power to grant or deny a permit in a manner which will take or damage private property for public use without the payment of just compensation therefore. The LCP and Coastal Act are not intended to increase or decrease the rights of any owner of property under the Constitution of the State of California or the United States.

B. Where full adherence to all LCP policies and standards would preclude a reasonable use of a lawfully created property as a whole, the City may allow the minimum use and development of the property necessary to avoid an unconstitutional taking of private property without just compensation. An applicant who requests such a takings override must provide, as part of any coastal development permit application, evidence sufficient to support its request and to make the findings required pursuant to subsection C below. There is no taking that needs to be avoided if the proposed development constitutes a nuisance or is otherwise prohibited pursuant to other background principles of property law (e.g., public trust doctrine). Continued use of an existing structure, including with any permissible repair and maintenance, may provide a reasonable use. If development is allowed pursuant to this policy, it must be

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 7
consistent with all policies and standards of the LCP to the maximum extent feasible.

C. A Coastal Development Permit that allows a deviation from a policy or standard of the LCP to provide a reasonable use of property may be approved only if the City makes the following findings:

1. Based on detailed economic, ownership, and land use information provided by the applicant, as well as any other relevant evidence, each use allowed by the policies and standards of the LCP would not provide reasonable use of the applicant’s lawfully created property;

2. Application of the policies and/or standards of the LCP would unreasonably interfere with the applicant’s reasonable investment-backed expectations;

3. The use proposed by the applicant is consistent with the City’s Coastal Zoning Ordinance;

4. The use and development design, siting, and size are the minimum necessary to avoid a taking;

5. The project is the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative and is consistent with all policies and standards of the LCP other than the provisions for which the deviation is requested; and

6. The development will not be a public nuisance or violate other background principles of the state’s law of property (e.g., public trust doctrine). If it would violate any such background principle of the state’s law of property, the development shall be denied.

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This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/20/2026 11:33 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx 0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
Arcata
Coastal Zone Boundary
Figure C-1-1
Legend
Coastal Zone Boundary
Coastal Commission Appeal Jurisdiction
Coastal Commission Permit Jurisdiction
Parcel
Arcata City Limits
Date: 2/20/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
City Permit Jurisdiction
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City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 8

2.0 Planning and Locating Development

2.1. Introduction
Most of the land within the City’s Coastal Zone is designated Coastal Agricultural (:CA), Coastal Resource & Open Space Lands (:CROS), or Coastal Industrial (:CI). An area within the City’s urban core is designated Coastal Residential Medium Density (:CRM) for medium density residential uses and Coastal Commercial Central (:CCC) for commercial uses. The most significant vacant and underutilized portions of the City within the Coastal Zone that are available for development are industrial lands located along the State Route 255/Samoa Boulevard corridor on the west side of town, designated Coastal Mixed Use (:CMU).

The :CMU designation includes the Gateway Area Infill Opportunity Zone, which is intended to become a dense residential and mixed-use neighborhood. New development in the Gateway Area will protect and enhance natural resources by increasing housing choices close to jobs, services, and transit. Strict protective standards for natural resources and agricultural designated areas require the City to utilize the developable portions of the City more intensely. City policy emphasizes the reuse of former industrial lands and promotes compact, high-density, infill development over the encroachment of services into resource lands. Infill development maximizes use of existing infrastructure and transportation facilities, reduces air quality impacts, and protects against the conversion of agriculture and open space lands.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policies are most relevant to planning and locating development in Arcata:

Section 30250:
(a) New residential, commercial, or industrial development, except as otherwise provided in this Coastal Land Use Plan, shall be located within, contiguous with, or in close proximity to, existing developed areas able to accommodate it or, where such areas are not able to accommodate it, in other areas with adequate public services and where it will not have significant adverse effects, either individually or cumulatively, on coastal resources. Land divisions, other than leases for agricultural uses, outside existing developed areas shall be permitted only where 50 percent of the usable parcels in the area have been developed and the created parcels would be no smaller than the average size of surrounding parcels.
(b) Where feasible, new hazardous industrial development shall be located away from existing developed areas.
(c) Visitor-serving facilities that cannot feasibly be located in existing developed areas shall be located in existing isolated developments or at selected points of attraction for visitors.

Section 30254: Public works facilities.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 9
New or expanded public works facilities shall be designed and limited to accommodate needs generated by development or uses permitted consistent with the provisions of this division … Where existing or planned public works facilities can accommodate only a limited amount of new development, services to coastal dependent land use, essential public services and basic industries vital to the economic health of the region, state, or nation, public recreation, commercial recreation, and visitor-serving land uses shall not be precluded by other development.

2.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

2.2.1. Coastal Land Use Designations. The western and southern portions of the City are within the Coastal Zone. The Coastal Zone boundary and Coastal Land Use Designations are depicted in Figure 2.1. The maximum intensity for each designation is shown in Table 2-1, below. To calculate the residential density for a parcel, the gross parcel size shall be used.

Table 2-1 Allowable Residential Density by Land Use Designation Maximum Intensity
Coastal Land Use Plan Designations Dwelling Units Per Acre* Floor Area Ratio Coastal Resource & Open Space Lands :CROS None allowed No maximum Coastal Agricultural :CA 1 du/60 acres N/A**
Coastal Residential Very Low Density :CRVL 2 du/acre No maximum Coastal Residential Low Density :CRL 7.25 du/acre No maximum Coastal Residential Medium Density :CRM 25 du/acre No maximum Coastal Residential High Density :CRH 50 du/acre No maximum Coastal Commercial Central :CCC No Maximum 5.0
Coastal Mixed Use :CMU No Maximum 5.0
Coastal Industrial :CI No Maximum 3.0
Coastal Public Facility :CPF None allowed 1.5
*Excludes Accessory Dwelling Units pursuant to Government Code Sec. 66310 et seq. **Maximum buildout is a function of building type and use as described in Section 2.3

2.2.2. Development Permit Approval. Prior to the approval of a Coastal Development Permit required by the Local Coastal Program, the City shall make the finding that proposed development meets the standards set forth in all applicable Local Coastal Element policies and the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

2.2.3. Land Use Plan Map. The Coastal Land Use Map (Figure 2.1) shows the land use designations that apply within the Coastal Zone.

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This map is for informational purposes only.The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes nowarranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in thismap. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaimsliability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and theuser's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/18/2026 11:33 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2025\C-2-1_Coastal_Landuse\C-2-1_Coastal_Landuse.aprx 0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
Arcata
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Figure C-2-1
Date: 2/19/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
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6th St 6th St
3rd St 3rd St
2nd St 2nd St
Front St Front St
S I St S I St
Inset Map - Gateway Area Combining Zone
See Inset Map
0 400 Ft
Inset Map Legend
Gateway Combining Zones
GB - Gateway Barrel District
GC - Gateway Corridor
GH - Gateway Hub
GN - Gateway Neighborhood
G - Open Space
CMU (Coastal Commercial Mixed Use)
CCC (Coastal Commercial Central)
CI (Coastal Industrial)
CRH (Coastal Residential - High Density)
CRM (Coastal Residential - Medium Density)
CRL (Coastal Residential - Low Density)
CRVL (Coastal Residential - Very Low Density)
CA (Coastal Agriculture)
CPF (Coastal Public Facility)
CROS (Coastal Resource and Open Space Lands)
Parcel
Arcata City Limits
Gateway District
Coastal Commercial Visitor Serving Combining Zone
! ! Coastal Zone Boundary
Legend
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City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 11

2.2.4. Location of New Development. New infill development and redevelopment shall be allowed and encouraged within and adjacent to existing developed areas and shall be subject to the density and intensity limits and all applicable policies of the Local Coastal Program.

2.2.5. Development in Areas with Public Services. New development shall be located in areas with adequate public services or in areas that are capable of having public services extended or expanded without significant adverse effects on coastal resources.

2.2.6. Promoting Infill Development. The City shall encourage appropriate redevelopment of parcels in the Gateway Area and Downtown Arcata that are either underutilized, brownfields, or vacant but surrounded by existing urban development. Consistent with all other Local Coastal Program policies, infill development may include new residential units with commercial uses, development of accessory dwelling units on residential lots, and new or expansion of existing residential and commercial structures along with other permitted land uses.

2.2.7. Gateway Area. The City shall facilitate infill development in the Gateway Area to create a dense residential and mixed-use neighborhood in proximity to jobs, service, and transit.

2.2.8. Coastal Dependent Land Uses. Coastal dependent developments shall have priority over other development or uses on or near the Arcata Bay shoreline. Where appropriate, coastal-related developments should be accommodated within reasonable proximity to the coastal dependent uses they support. Arcata’s coastal dependent uses are predominantly recreational (e.g., boating), as the Arcata Bay coastline is shallow and does not support other coastal dependent activities.

2.2.9. Clustering New Development. New development shall be concentrated in areas that can accommodate it without significant adverse effects on coastal resources. Siting shall take potential coastal hazards into account by concentrating development outside of hazard areas as defined in Chapter 13: Glossary. New development in areas adjacent to ESHA should be clustered away from land where wetlands and other coastal habitats could migrate as sea level rises. New development should be clustered in infill opportunity areas consistent with Policy 2.2.6.

2.2.10. Subdivisions. The City may approve new subdivisions of land only if the resulting parcels can be developed consistent with the Local Coastal Program.

2.2.11. Public Works Facilities. New or expanded public works facilities shall be designed and limited to accommodate needs generated by development or uses that are permitted consistent with the Local Coastal Program. The City shall ensure that new development, where it occurs, does not preclude adequate provision of public works services, essential infrastructure and critical facilities to coastal dependent land use, essential public services and basic industries vital to the economic health of the region, state, or nation, public recreation, commercial recreation, and visitor-serving land uses.

2.2.12. Nonconforming Development. Outside of the Gateway Area, existing, lawfully established

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 12
development that is nonconforming to a standard in the Local Coastal Program may be maintained and continued, provided that such development is not enlarged, intensified or otherwise redeveloped in a manner inconsistent with the Local Coastal Program. A nonconforming use in the Gateway Area with no coastal resource impacts may be maintained and, continued, and enlarged, or intensified if the City makes findings specified in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

2.2.13. Redevelopment. If an existing structure is proposed to be improved or redeveloped (as defined in Chapter 12), the structure shall be deemed new development under this Local Coastal Program and shall conform with all applicable Local Coastal Program policies.

2.2.14. Accessory Dwelling Units. The City shall review and act on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADU) applications consistent with Government Code Section 66310 et seq.; however, all coastal resource protection standards of the Local Coastal Program still apply to such applications. In cases of conflict between the Local Coastal Program and state ADU law, the Local Coastal Program governs.

2.3. Land Use Designations

2.3.1. Residential Designations. The objective of the residential designations is to allow for a mix of housing types and densities to meet the physical, social, and economic needs of residents, with new and converted housing designed to be compatible with the established neighborhood character. Allowed uses in residential designations include:
 Residential Uses as described below;
 Accessory Dwelling Units;
 Neighborhood-serving Retail Uses (e.g., small convenience stores);  Commercial Services Uses (e.g., day care centers, bed & breakfast inns, vacation rentals, accessory offices, extended medical care services);  Agricultural Uses and Open Space;
 Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses;
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses (e.g., public utilities); and
 Other uses compatible with a residential setting.

Residential Very Low Density (:CRVL). The :CRVL designation allows the lowest density residential development in areas where physical constraints, protection of natural features, or preservation of low density character are important considerations. The :CRVL designation is applicable to lands with steep slopes where the open space character of Arcata's hillsides and perimeter lands are to be preserved. Development in hillside areas shall avoid Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA) and erosion.

Newly created lots in this designation must contain a buildable area of sufficient size and flatness to allow development without significant environmental damage or landform

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 13
alteration. This designation is also intended to provide a transition between urban uses and rural and agricultural areas.

Residential Low Density (:CRL). The :CRL designation primarily provides for single-family homes on individual lots.

Residential Medium Density (:CRM). The :CRM designation is applied to areas appropriate for a variety of housing types, including small-lot single-family housing and various types of multifamily housing.

Residential High Density (:CRH). The :CRH designation is designated primarily for highdensity residential development.

2.3.2. Agriculture & Natural Resource Designations. The objective of the agriculture and natural resource designations is to preserve and promote management of agricultural, forest, and aquaculture lands; protect public natural resource/open space lands, including stream courses, wetlands, tidelands, and open space areas; a n d provide for complementary uses including farm housing, processing of agricultural and aquaculture products, and public access for coastal recreation in designated areas.

Coastal Agricultural (:CA). The : CA designation is intended to preserve land for agricultural production. The :CA designation is appropriate for lands with prime agricultural soils and historically-farmed wetlands that could be used as grazed agricultural lands, as well as other areas with non-prime soils suitable for protecting their current uses as, or potential for, agricultural production. Appropriate structures in the :CA district include structures necessary for agricultural production and structures that are accessory, incidental to, and compatible with agricultural production. Allowed uses in the :CA designation include:
 Agricultural and Open Space Uses;
 Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation Uses;
 Residential Uses (max. two units per parcel inclusive of Accessory Dwelling Units) incidental to an allowed primary agricultural use, including farmworker housing;  Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses (e.g., public utilities); and
 Other uses compatible with agricultural operations.

See Chapter 12 for policies protecting agricultural uses within the :CA designation.

Coastal Resource and Open Space Lands [:CROS]. The :CROS designation is applied to public or private lands where protection of unique and/or sensitive natural resources, open space lands including parks and passive recreational areas, and areas associated with the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility that are managed for co-benefits of habitat, water quality protection, and public access and , are the primary objectives.

This designation is also applicable to productive resource lands and aquaculture in Arcata Bay, though tidelands are within the Coastal Commission’s retained Coastal Development Permit jurisdiction. See Policy AG-12.2.4 for limitations on aquaculture as

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 14
an allowed use in the :CROS designation.

The :CROS designation is not applied to small or "pocket" wetlands that exist on parcels large enough to accommodate development without adversely impacting wetlands. The designation is also not applied to wetlands used as grazed agricultural lands. See Chapter 6 for policies protecting all wetlands, regardless of designation.

Allowed uses in the :CROS designation include:
 Agricultural and Open Space Uses;
 Parks, Playgrounds, and Recreation Uses;
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses (e.g., public utilities); and
 Other uses to protect and enhance natural resources.

2.3.3. Commercial and Mixed Use Designations. The objective of the commercial and mixed use designations is to provide sufficient land areas and locations for a variety of retail, commercial services, and mixed-use housing to serve the consumer needs of the community and visitors.

Commercial Central (:CCC). The :CCC designation applies to the downtown center of the City and is designed to be a high-density, pedestrian-oriented activity area, with shops and services, banks, offices, restaurants, and entertainment supporting a variety of day and night activities. Allowed uses in the :CCC designation include:
 Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses;
 Residential Uses;
 Commercial and Service Uses;
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses (e.g., public utilities); and
 Agricultural and Open Space.

Mixed Use (:CMU). The :CMU designation allows high-density, large-scale, infill development with a high degree of flexibility around uses. This land use designation is applied only to parcels suitable for infill development, redevelopment, and densification where development will cause no or negligible impacts to coastal natural resources, ESHAs, or coastal access. Allowed uses in the :CMU designation include:
 Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses;
 Residential Uses;
 Commercial and Service Uses;
 Industrial Uses;
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses;

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 15
 Agricultural and Open Space Uses; and
 Other uses similar to those listed above.

Commercial Visitor Serving ( :CCV). The :CCV overlay applies to areas where visitorserving uses are prioritized in addition to uses allowed by the base designation. Allowed uses in the :CCV designation include:
 Resource Protection and Restoration Uses;
 Visitor-serving Recreation and Public Assembly Uses;
 Visitor-Serving Commercial and Service Uses;
 Other uses appropriate in a visitor-serving commercial area.

2.3.4. Public Facilities (:CPF). The objective of the :CPF designation is to provide appropriate locations and sites for water storage and delivery; wastewater collection and treatment; drainage; solid waste management; fire protection; parks and recreation; civic and institutional uses; and educational (public and private) facilities. The :CPF designation applies to lands used for various types of public purposes. Public facility uses may be owned by private individuals, private organizations, or private institutions, as well as by government entities. Allowed uses in the :CPF designation include:
 Agricultural and Open Space Uses;
 Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses;
 Limited Residential Uses (e.g., group quarters, residential care-facilities, caretaker units);
 Commercial and Service Uses serving a governmental function (e.g., recycling collection facilities, governmental offices);
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure (e.g., public utilities); and  Other uses appropriate in a public facility.

2.3.5. Industrial (:CI). The objective of the :CI designation is to provide for uses which will retain and generate higher paying jobs, including labor intensive manufacturing, processing, assembly, warehousing, services, and complementary non-industrial uses, in appropriate locations. The : CI designation is intended to provide attractive industrial areas suitable for light manufacturing and limited commercial uses. Allowed uses in the :CI designation include:
 Recreation, Education, and Public Assembly Uses;
 Commercial and Service Uses;
 Industrial Uses;
 Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses (e.g., public utilities);

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 16
 Agricultural and Open Space Uses; and
 Other uses appropriate in an industrial district.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 17

3.0 Industrial Development and Energy

3.1. Introduction
Industrial land uses are important to retain as they generate a variety of jobs and produce goods that are often sold outside of the community, both of which provide economic benefits to the City. Industrial uses within the City include labor-intensive manufacturing, processing, assembly, warehousing and services, as well as complementary non-industrial uses, such as restaurants and child-care facilities, in appropriate locations. In Arcata, substantial areas in the Coastal Zone near Arcata Bay were developed by the timber industry adjacent to Samoa Boulevard. With the transition from resource extraction industries such as timber harvesting and wood product manufacturing, many of these properties present opportunities for re-use as industrial and commercial sites oriented toward new markets. The land use designations applicable to industrial lands are identified in Chapter 2, Planning and Locating Development.

Energy facilities in Arcata’s Coastal Zone include transfer stations, power lines, and transformer poles. No municipal electrical power generation or similar large-scale energy facilities are located within Arcata’s Coastal Zone. Electrical power for the City is delivered primarily from Pacific Gas & Electric’s Humboldt Bay Power Plant, w h i c h generates power from natural gas. Pacific Gas & Electric also maintains a natural gas delivery network throughout the City with a major transmission line that runs parallel to Highway 101. Alternative energy resources such as solar, wave, and wind technologies may also be important to the city.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policy is most relevant to industrial development and energy in Arcata:
30260: Location or Expansion. (a) Coastal-dependent industrial facilities shall be encouraged to locate or expand within existing sites and shall be permitted reasonable long-term growth where consistent with this division. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), where new or expanded coastal-dependent industrial facilities cannot feasibly be accommodated consistent with other policies of this division, they may nonetheless be permitted in accordance with this section and Sections 30261 and 30262 if all of the following conditions are met: (1) Alternative locations are infeasible or more environmentally damaging. (2) Permitting the development would not adversely affect the public welfare. (3) Adverse environmental effects are mitigated to the maximum extent feasible. (4) The new or expanded coastal-dependent industrial facility is not an oil and gas development, refinery, or petrochemical facility.

Additional Coastal Act policies that relate to industrial development and energy include:
30253: Minimization of adverse impacts. (d) Minimize energy consumption and vehicle miles traveled. 30262: Oil and Gas Development.
30263: Refineries or petrochemical facilities.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 18

3.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

3.2.1. Conversion and Reuse of Industrial Sites. The City shall encourage the conversion and reuse of abandoned or inactive industrial sites, such as former lumber mills. An environmental site assessment shall be required for sites where prior uses may have caused soil contamination. Projects on sites with environmental contamination will require remediation. Light and moderate manufacturing, other industrial uses, and mixeduses (commercial, industrial, residential) are encouraged in these locations. The City will accommodate coastal-dependent development, coastal-related development, visitorserving uses, and public recreational uses in these locations as appropriate consistent with the Coastal Land Use Plan Map and with all other policies of the Land Use Plan.

3.2.2. Concentration of Industrial Uses. Industrial uses that remain in Arcata’s Coastal Zone should be concentrated in existing industrially developed properties, except where inconsistent with other policies of the Land Use Plan.

3.2.3. New Industrial Uses. New industrial uses, if proposed, should locate or expand within existing industrial sites. New industrial uses may be permitted outside of existing industrial sites only if alternative locations are infeasible or more environmentally damaging, permitting the development would not adversely affect the public welfare, and adverse environmental effects are mitigated to the maximum extent feasible.

3.2.4. Oil and Gas Development. On and off-shore petroleum product exploration, recovery, and processing is prohibited within the Coastal Zone.

3.2.5. Industrial Development. Industrial development, which may include hazardous materials or operations, is allowable in the Coastal Zone only when health and safety risks are fully ameliorated consistent with existing and proposed adjacent development and uses and when consistent with all other policies of the Land Use Plan.

3.2.6. Energy Generation. The City will encourage new and retrofitted development to incorporate distributed energy generation, such as solar and wind power generation.

Development of these systems will be designed to protect scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas, wildlife including but not limited to birds and bats, sensitive coastalresources, marine life, water quality, and public access.

3.2.7. Energy Consumption. The City shall encourage new development that, compared to existing land use patterns in Humboldt County, provides for efficient use of energy and reduces per capita vehicle miles traveled.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 19

4.0 Recreation and Visitor Serving Facilities

4.1. Introduction
The City of Arcata strives to protect and maximize recreation and visitor serving land uses, including free or low-cost opportunities. Recreational activities within the City occur in many different zoning classifications. There are nearly 350 acres of land dedicated to recreational and visitor serving land uses in the Arcata Coastal Zone, mostly within the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary (Arcata Marsh). There are also commercial recreational and visitor serving uses in Arcata outside of the Coastal Zone which provide lodging, restaurants, entertainment and other facilities for Coastal Zone visitors. The Arcata Marsh provides 5.4 miles of walking and bicycling paths and provides access to Humboldt Bay via Arcata’s only boat launch. Figure 4-1 identifies existing shoreline and near-shore recreational areas, facilities and support facilities (e.g. parks, parking areas, visitor-serving commercial) in the Arcata Coastal Zone.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policies, or portions of policies, are most relevant to recreation and visitor serving facilities in Arcata:
30220 Protection of certain water-oriented activities. Coastal areas suited for water-oriented recreational activities that cannot readily be provided at inland water areas shall be protected for such uses. 30221 Oceanfront land; protection for recreational use and development. Oceanfront land suitable for recreational use shall be protected for recreational use and development unless present and foreseeable future demand for public or commercial recreational activities that could be accommodated on the property is already adequately provided for in the area. 30212.5 Public facilities; distribution: Wherever appropriate and feasible, public facilities, including parking areas or facilities, shall be distributed throughout an area so as to mitigate against the impacts, social and otherwise, of overcrowding or overuse by the public of any single area.
30222 Private lands; priority of development purposes: The use of private lands suitable for visitor-serving commercial recreational facilities designed to enhance public opportunities for coastal recreation shall have priority over private residential, general industrial, or general commercial development, but do not have priority over agriculture or coastaldependent industry. 30223 Upland areas: Upland areas necessary to support coastal recreational uses shall be reserved for such uses, where feasible.
30224 Recreational boating use; encouragement; facilities: Increased recreational boating use of coastal waters shall be encouraged, in accordance with this division, by developing dry storage areas, increasing public launching facilities, providing additional berthing space in existing harbors, limiting non-water-dependent land uses that congest access corridors and preclude boating support facilities, providing harbors of refuge, and by providing for new boating facilities in natural harbors, new protected water areas, and in areas dredged from dry land. 30213 Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities; encouragement and provision; overnight room rentals: Lower cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and, where feasible, provided. Developments providing public recreational opportunities are preferred.
30234 Commercial Fishing and Recreational Boating Facilities: Facilities serving the commercial fishing and recreational boating industries shall be protected and, where feasible, upgraded. Existing commercial fishing and recreational boating harbor space shall not be reduced unless the demand for those facilities no longer exists or adequate substitute space has been provided. Proposed recreational boating facilities shall, where feasible, be designed and located in such a fashion as not to interfere with the needs of the commercial fishing industry.

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USFWS Humboldt
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Wildlife Refuge
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Samoa Blvd
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This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/17/2026 9:13 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx ±
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City of Arcata Feet
Existing shoreline and near-shore area
Public Access Inventory
Arcata
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South I Street
Parking Lot
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South G Street
Parking Lot
Arcata Marsh
Interpretive
Center
Arcata Marsh &
Wildlife Sanctuary
Arcata
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Arcata Community Forest
Sunny Brae Forest Tract
Figure C-4-1
Humboldt Bay Trail - North
Arcata Rail with Trail - Phase I
Arcata City Limits
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California Coastal Trail
Creek
Trails
Boundaries
USFWS Humboldt Bay
National Wildlife Refuge
Public Lands
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Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
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Date: 2/17/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 21

4.2. Local Coastal Element Policies
Recreation Uses

4.2.1. Existing Recreational Facilities. Existing recreational areas and facilities within the Coastal Zone shall be retained and maintained, where feasible, to provide recreational opportunities for visitors and residents. Lower-cost visitor and recreational facilities shall be protected, encouraged, and where feasible, provided.

4.2.2. New Recreational Facilities. New outdoor and/or water-oriented recreational opportunities shall be provided where needed to meet present and foreseeable future demand for additional recreational facilities. The City encourages new recreational facilities that are low-cost or free to use.

4.2.3. Accessory Recreation Areas. Passive recreational activities that are secondary and accessory to the primary permitted uses, such as public access trails and bird watching, may occur in any land use designation when consistent with all applicable Local Coastal Program regulations and policies. Such activities shall be subject to restrictions protecting proximate environmentally sensitive areas.

4.2.4. Trail Connectivity and Amenities. Development shall connect to the trail network when located adjacent to designated, existing, or planned trail routes. Facilities to accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists shall be provided where feasible. Facilities may include benches, wayfinding signage, bicycle and pedestrian access, bicycle parking, water stations, picnic tables, bike repair stations, kiosks, and walk-up windows.

See also Chapter 9 for additional trail policies.

4.2.5. Coastal Commercial Visitor Serving and Recreation Facilities. The City shall support, encourage, and prioritize commercial visitor serving and recreation facilities, such as guiding services or recreational equipment rentals in the Samoa Boulevard and South “G” corridor neighborhoods, to provide services to visitors and residents.

4.2.6. North of Samoa Recreational Area. The area north of Samoa Boulevard includes vacant and underutilized parcels. Recreational facilities shall be developed in this area consistent with applicable Land Use Plan policies and in accordance with the type of development that occurs.

See also Chapter 12 for recreation policies in agriculture designations.

Visitor Serving Facilities

4.2.7. Visitor Serving Facilities. Visitor serving facilities that provide food, lodging, recreational, and shopping opportunities shall be located in existing developed areas and other locations suitable for visitors where it will not negatively impact coastal resources.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 22

4.2.8. Lower Cost Overnight Accommodations. The City shall protect, encourage, and where feasible require new overnight visitor accommodation development that serves all income levels, including lower-cost overnight accommodations such as campgrounds, RV parks, hostels, lower cost hotels, and motels, and short-term rentals.

4.2.9. Visitor Parking. Free and low-cost visitor parking is provided within the Coastal Zone to accommodate visitors at coastal access points. Coastal access is also available for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, but these facilities have not received the same historical investment as vehicle parking. The City shall provide equitable access to the coastal recreational areas that include a range of mobility options, and new parking shall be minimized.

4.2.10. Visitor Public Transportation. The City shall work with local transit agencies to explore public transportation options that connect visitors and residents from the Valley West lodging areas and northern portions of Arcata to coastal resources such as Mad River Beach and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 23

5.0 Water Quality

5.1. Introduction
Improving water quality in and around Humboldt Bay is important to the City of Arcata. The Humboldt Bay Management Plan (2007), prepared by the Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District (Harbor District), identifies that cities adjacent to Humboldt Bay put pressure on the area’s natural resources and affect water quality. Nonpoint source pollution is cited as the leading cause of water pollution in both coastal and inland waters, and regulatory efforts at the state level have expanded to address surface water and runoff pollution into drainage channels, streams, and groundwater. Nonpoint source pollution from stormwater is a primary cause of impacts to water quality, waterways, and the coastal environment. Controlling nonpoint source pollution is an important goal for agencies and municipalities working to maintain or improve water quality. The City’s watersheds located within and surrounding the Coastal Zone are mapped in Figure 5-1.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policies are most relevant to water quality protection in Arcata:

Section 30230: Marine resources; maintenance. Marine resources shall be maintained, enhanced, and where feasible, restored.

Special protection shall be given to areas and species of special biological or economic significance. Uses of the marine environment shall be carried out in a manner that will sustain the biological productivity of coastal waters and that will maintain healthy populations of all species of marine organisms adequate for long-term commercial, recreational, scientific, and educational purposes.

Section 30231: Biological productivity; water quality. The biological productivity and the quality of coastal waters, streams, wetlands and estuaries shall be maintained and, where feasible, restored through, among other means, minimizing adverse effects of waste water discharges and entrainment, controlling runoff, preventing depletion of ground water supplies and substantial interference with surface water flow, encouraging waste water reclamation, maintaining natural vegetation buffer areas that protect riparian habitats, and minimizing alteration of natural streams.

Section 30233: Diking, filling or dredging; continued movement of sediment and nutrients: (a) The diking, filling, or dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes shall be permitted in accordance with other applicable provisions of this division, where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects … Section 30236: Water supply and flood control. Channelizations, dams, or other substantial alterations of rivers and streams shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible, and be limited to: (1) necessary water supply projects, (2) flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing structures in the flood plain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development, or (3) developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat.

Additional Coastal Act policies that relate to water quality protection include:
30232: Oil and hazardous substance spills
30235: Construction altering natural shoreline
30240: Environmentally sensitive habitat areas; adjacent developments

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Janes Creek
Jolly
Giant Creek
Fickle
Creek
Jacoby
Creek
North
Jacoby
Creek
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S G St
V St
Samoa Blvd
Samoa Blvd
K St
G St
H St
Bayside Cutoff Rd
Janes Rd
Janes Rd
Old Arcata Rd
Union
St
Union
St
North Jacoby Creek
McDaniel
Slough
Rocky Gulch
Beith Creek
Washington Gulch
Gannon
Slough
Mad River
Jacoby Creek
This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/17/2026 9:13 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx 0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
City of Arcata Watersheds
Arcata
Arcata
Community Forest
Arcata Community Forest
Sunny Brae Forest Unit
Figure C-5-1
Arcata City Limits
Coastal Zone Boundary
Creek
City of Arcata Watersheds
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2022 NAIP Imagery
Date: 2/17/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
±

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 25

5.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

5.2.1. Biological Productivity of Coastal Waters. Development shall maintain and, where feasible, enhance and restore the biological productivity and quality of coastal waters.

5.2.2. Stormwater Impacts. To minimize adverse impacts to coastal waters, development shall be planned, sited, designed and managed to minimize adverse changes in stormwater runoff volume, flow rate, timing, and duration, and to minimize pollutants in stormwater runoff.

5.2.3. Construction Pollution Prevention Plan. All development that has the potential for adverse water quality or hydrologic impacts to coastal waters during construction shall prepare a Construction Pollution Prevention Plan to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer or their designee prior to the issuance of any building or grading permits.

The purpose of the Construction Pollution Prevention Plan is to minimize erosion and the discharge of sediment during construction, to minimize water pollution by construction chemicals and materials, and to avoid unnecessary land disturbance and soil compaction.

The level of detail provided to address the Construction Pollution Prevention Plan’s requirements shall be commensurate with the type and scale of the development and the potential for adverse water quality impacts.

5.2.4. Post-Development Runoff Plan. All development that has the potential for adverse water quality or hydrologic impacts to coastal waters shall prepare a Post-Development Runoff Plan to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer or meet State MS4 requirements prior to the issuance of any building or grading permits. The Plan shall minimally comply with the following requirements:
 The level of detail shall be commensurate with the type and scale of the development and the potential for adverse water quality impacts to coastal waters.  Identify Low Impact Development standards to manage stormwater.  Include a requirement for ongoing management of post-construction stormwater management Best Management Practices (BMPs) for the life of the development.

5.2.5. Low Impact Development (LID). Where feasible, development shall utilize a Low Impact Development (LID) approach to stormwater management. LID integrates preventive Site Design strategies with small-scale, distributed Best Management Practices (BMPs) to replicate the site’s pre-development hydrologic balance through infiltration, evapotranspiration, harvesting water for later on-site use, detention, or retention of stormwater close to the source.

5.2.6. Ongoing Management of Best Management Practices (BMPs). The City shall require ongoing management of all post-development BMPs (including operation, inspection, and maintenance) for the life of the development as a condition of Coastal Development Permit approval. No additional Coastal Development Permit is required for management activities approved as a condition of the Coastal Development Permit.

5.2.7. Alterations to Rivers and Streams. The City shall prohibit channelizations and other

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 26
substantial alterations to rivers, streams, and creeks except for necessary water supply projects, necessary flood control projects, and fish and wildlife habitat improvement projects where restoration is the primary function of the project. Such projects serving the purpose of flood control are allowed only where no other method for protecting preexisting structures in the flood plain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect pre-existing development. Such projects must incorporate all best mitigation measures feasible to minimize impacts to the river or stream habitat value.

This policy applies to projects in creeks and areas outside of estuaries regardless of whether the area is defined as ESHA.

5.2.8. Stormwater outfalls. Construction of new stormwater outfalls discharging into coastal waters shall be avoided where feasible. Stormwater shall be directed to existing facilities with appropriate treatment and filtration where feasible. Where new outfalls are necessary, stormwater outfalls shall be planned, sited, designed, and managed to maintain the biological productivity and quality of coastal waters and minimize adverse impacts on coastal resources. Consolidation of existing and new outfalls are encouraged where appropriate. The diking, dredging, or filling of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes to create a new stormwater outfall is not permitted except for the allowable uses under Policy 6.2.5.

5.2.9. Stormwater Infrastructure Improvements. The City shall work to reduce impacts from higher water levels by widening drainage ditches, improving carrying and storage capacity of streams, vegetation and debris management, installing larger pipes and culverts, converting culverts to bridges, creating retention and detention basins, and developing contingency plans for extreme events when consistent with applicable Land Use Plan policies.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 27

6.0 Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas

6.1. Introduction
The City of Arcata sets a high priority on the protection of Environmentally Sensitive Habitat Areas (ESHA), which include various types of wetlands, riparian areas, coastal prairies, woodlands and forests, and other natural resources in the Coastal Zone. The City’s Local Coastal Program provides for protection of ESHA.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policies are most relevant to ESHA in Arcata:

Section 30233: Diking, filling or dredging; continued movement of sediment and nutrients (a) The diking, filling, or dredging of open coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes shall be permitted in accordance with other applicable provisions of this division, where there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, and where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, and shall be limited to the following:
(l) New or expanded port, energy, and coastal-dependent industrial facilities, including commercial fishing facilities. (2) Maintaining existing, or restoring previously dredged, depths in existing navigational channels, turning basins, vessel berthing and mooring areas, and boat launching ramps. (3) In open coastal waters, other than wetlands, including streams, estuaries, and lakes, new or expanded boating facilities and the placement of structural pilings for public recreational piers that provide public access and recreational opportunities.
(4) Incidental public service purposes, including but not limited to, burying cables and pipes or inspection of piers and maintenance of existing intake and outfall lines.
(5) Mineral extraction, including sand for restoring beaches, except in environmentally sensitive areas. (6) Restoration purposes.
(7) Nature study, aquaculture, or similar resource dependent activities. (b) Dredging and spoils disposal shall be planned and carried out to avoid significant disruption to marine and wildlife habitats and water circulation. Dredge spoils suitable for beach replenishment should be transported for these purposes to appropriate beaches or into suitable longshore current systems. (c) In addition to the other provisions of this section, diking, filling, or dredging in existing estuaries and wetlands shall maintain or enhance the functional capacity of the wetland or estuary. …
(d) Erosion control and flood control facilities constructed on watercourses can impede the movement of sediment and nutrients that would otherwise be carried by storm runoff into coastal waters. To facilitate the continued delivery of these sediments to the littoral zone, whenever feasible, the material removed from these facilities may be placed at appropriate points on the shoreline in accordance with other applicable provisions of this division, where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects. Aspects that shall be considered before issuing a coastal development permit for these purposes are the method of placement, time of year of placement, and sensitivity of the placement area.”
Section 30240: Environmentally sensitive habitat areas; adjacent developments.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 28

6.2. Local Coastal Element Policies
Policies in the “Natural Resources Protection and Enhancement” section below apply to all ESHA. Policies in subsequent sections provide additional protections for specific natural resources, which supplement the policies applicable to all ESHA.

Natural Resources Protection and Enhancement

6.2.1. Native Biotic Resources. The native biotic resources of river and creek aquatic and riparian zones, the Arcata Marshes, and Arcata Bay tidelands and sloughs are unique ecosystems that have important habitat values far beyond their values as open space.

The City shall restore and maintain these systems for the benefit of residents, visitors, fish, and wildlife.
 The Arcata Bay and Tidelands represent an important natural edge and open space feature of the City. Buildings, landform alterations, or access routes in this area shall be of a design and scale that preserves open space and natural characteristics and maintains public views to the bay.
 Creeks that flow openly through the developed portion of the community shall have biological corridors and greenways established and shall be maintained as visual assets. The natural features of the Mad River corridor, Arcata’s creeks and adjacent areas, marshes, and other wetland areas, shall be retained.  Unique Habitat and Wildlife Areas shall remain in a natural condition. Such areas include salt marshes and special habitats such as nesting areas.

6.2.2. Protect ESHA Functions. All ESHAs in the Coastal Zone shall be protected from conversion to other uses except as allowed by Policy 6.2.4. To the extent feasible, open (a) Environmentally sensitive habitat areas shall be protected against any significant disruption of habitat values, and only uses dependent on such resources shall be allowed within such areas. (b) Development in areas adjacent to environmentally sensitive habitat areas and parks and recreation areas shall be sited and designed to prevent impacts which would significantly degrade such areas, and shall be compatible with the continuance of those habitat and recreation areas.

Section 30236: Water supply and flood control. Channelizations, dams, or other substantial alterations of rivers and streams shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible, and be limited to: (1) necessary water supply projects, (2) flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing structures in the flood plain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for public safety or to protect existing development, or (3) developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat.
30607.1. Wetlands dike and fill development; mitigation measures. Where any dike and fill development is permitted in wetlands in conformity with Section 30233 or other applicable policies set forth in this division, mitigation measures shall include, at a minimum, either acquisition of equivalent areas of equal or greater biological productivity or opening up equivalent areas to tidal action; provided, however, that if no appropriate restoration site is available, an in-lieu fee sufficient to provide an area of equivalent productive value or surface areas shall be dedicated to an appropriate public agency, or the replacement site shall be purchased before the dike or fill development may proceed. The mitigation measures shall not be required for temporary or short-term fill or diking if a bond or other evidence of financial responsibility is provided to assure [sic] that restoration will be accomplished in the shortest feasible time.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 29
space easements will be established when development is proposed adjacent to ESHAs, to allow for migration of these habitats as sea level rises.

6.2.3. Habitat Value Protection. ESHAs shall be protected against any significant disruption of their habitat values and only uses dependent on, and compatible with, maintaining those resources shall be allowed within these areas. Proposed development in areas adjacent to ESHAs and park and recreation areas shall be sited and designed to prevent impacts that would significantly degrade such areas, and must be compatible with the continuance of such habitat and recreation areas.

6.2.4. Exceptions to ESHA Use Limitations. The following developments and uses may be authorized within particular categories of ESHA regardless of demonstration of their dependency upon the resources area: (1) Diking, dredging, and filling of wetlands consistent with Policy 6.2.5; and (2) development entailing channelization, damming, or other substantial alterations of rivers and streams consistent with Policy 5.2.7.

6.2.5. Diking, Filing, or Dredging. Where proposed development involves any diking, filling, or dredging of coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries or lakes, such activities shall only be permitted when there is no feasible less environmentally damaging alternative, where feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, and are limited to uses and activities specified in Coastal Act Section 30233.

6.2.6. Biological Survey. Proposed development requires a biological survey by a qualified biologist to identify and map potential ESHA if 1) an initial screening conducted by the City finds the potential for ESHA within 100 feet of any site disturbance; and 2) The City determines that the proposed development may adversely impact ESHA. The City shall consider comments from resource agencies, if received, when making this determination, and the City’s determination may be appealed to the Coastal Commission. The biological survey shall describe the ESHA on the site or potentially affected by the project, discuss the project’s potential adverse impacts on the ESHA, and recommend measures to avoid or minimize these potential impacts

6.2.7. Environmental Buffer Area Requirements. All permitted development shall be set back from adjacent coastal ESHA to provide buffers around these areas. The minimum buffer width shall be as shown in Table 6-1.

TABLE 6-1: MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL BUFFER AREA WIDTH
ESHA Minimum EBA Width
Streams
Adjacent to pre-existing development 25 ft. or the area bounded by the FEMA Flood Zone A [1]
In an undeveloped area 100 ft. or the area bounded by the FEMA Flood Zone A, whichever is greater
With riparian vegetation exceeding 100 ft.
from top of bank
All of the riparian vegetation to a maximum of
250 ft.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 30
Note:
[1] For streams adjacent to pre-existing development, the City may reduce the ESHA buffer to less than 25 feet in association with stream day lighting (restoration) projects.
[2] If the review authority determines that greater width is required to protect artificial wetlands, In no case shall the minimum required EBA width be greater than 5 feet.

The City may allow a reduced buffer width if the applicant can demonstrate that a reduced buffer is adequate to protect the adjacent ESHA buffer and may require an increased buffer width where necessary to ensure the biological integrity and preservation of the adjacent ESHA. The purpose of such buffers is to prevent any degradation of the ecological functions provided by the habitat area as a result of the development. Allowable uses in a buffer are limited to uses that will sustain biological productivity, protect against any significant disruption of habitat values, and maintain or enhance the ESHA functional capacity.

6.2.8. Conservation Easement or Deed Restrictions. If new development will have an impact on adjacent ESHA, then an applicant shall dedicate or offer to dedicate a conservation easement or equivalent deed restriction as part of a proposed development. The easement or deed restriction shall apply to the required environmental buffer area adjacent to the ESHA. Easements may be conveyed to the City of Arcata, to another governmental agency, or City-approved non-profit entity, which shall manage the easement to protect the ecosystem. The applicant shall record with the Humboldt County Recorder’s Office a notice of protection identifying the location of areas with development restrictions.

6.2.9. Economic Viability Determination. If the application of these Local Coastal Element policies or the Coastal Zoning Ordinance standards regarding use of property designated as ESHA or environmental buffer area would not avoid a taking of private property, then a use that is not consistent with the ESHA policies of the Local Coastal Program shall be allowed on the property consistent with Policy 1.2.7. This is provided that such use is consistent with all other applicable policies and is the minimum amount of development necessary to avoid a taking as determined through an economic viability determination. If relevant, the applicant shall apply for an economic viability determination with their Coastal Development Permit application, to meet the Wetlands
Adjacent to pre-existing development 50 ft.

In an undeveloped area 100 ft.

Artificial wetlands (e.g., detention basins
and treatment wetlands created for
stormwater management purposes)
0 ft. [2]
All other ESHA
Adjacent to pre-existing development 50 ft.

In an undeveloped area 100 ft.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 31
provisions of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

An applicant must provide a biological assessment identifying resources present on the property in order to determine whether all of the property, or part, shall be subject to development restrictions. This is required to evaluate whether development restrictions would still allow an economically viable use of the property with an ESHA or environmental buffer area designation.

In addition, the least environmentally impactful, feasible alternative shall be selected.

Such determination shall be made by the City, or the Coastal Commission on appeal, based on supporting biological information, including but not limited to biological surveys required by Policy 6.2.6. Impacts to ESHAs or ESHA buffer that cannot be avoided without a taking of private property shall be mitigated to the maximum extent feasible, with priority given to on-site mitigation. Off-site mitigation measures shall only be approved when on-site mitigation is not feasible. Mitigation shall not substitute for implementation of the feasible project alternative that would avoid adverse impacts to ESHAs and environmental buffer area.

6.2.10. Non-native Plant and Animal Species. Development shall use only non-invasive plant species for landscaping and may not allow invasive plant species to be naturalized or persist on the site. Developments located in proximity to ESHAs that incorporate landscaping into their site plans to mitigate adverse environmental impacts and/or to meet planning and zoning provisions shall use California species that are native to the EHSA habitat. The City shall provide public information that explains why native plant species are preferred and invasive species are a problem. The City shall also maintain a program that recommends effective but environmentally safe eradication measures and shall eradicate invasive species on public lands where they are displacing native species. invasive plant species means any plant species with a “Moderate” or “High” rating in the California Invasive Plan Council’s Cal-IPC inventory of invasive plants.

Landscaping equipment shall be cleaned prior to use to prevent importing invasive plant seeds.

6.2.11. Land Divisions Involving ESHAs. The City may approve land divisions, including subdivisions, lot splits, and lot line adjustments that are within proximity to ESHAs for which protective buffers are required, only if the resulting parcels contain adequate space to place all development (e.g., buildings and appurtenant structures and features such as detention/retention ponds and biofiltration swales) outside of areas required for watercourse and/or other environmental buffer area protection. If the division is specifically for the purpose of protecting the ESHA and does not propose development (other than development that is allowed within ESHA or environmental buffer areas) on the subdivided parcel, the division is exempt from this requirement. In such a case, uses of the divided parcel shall be restricted to uses allowed within ESHA and environmental buffer areas through a recorded deed restriction or offer to dedicate an easement.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 32
Streams Conservation & Management

6.2.12. Protected Watercourses. The City shall protect watercourses and associated riparian areas that serve as habitat for fish and wildlife, provide for the flow of stormwater runoff and flood waters, and provide open space and recreational areas for the City. Protected watercourses include, but are not limited to, those streams shown on the Protected Watercourse Map (Figure 6-1). This map is only intended to serve as a repository of collated data for use as a screening tool in the review of future development proposals and is not a comprehensive inventory of all protected watercourses within the City, nor is it a delineation of ESHA.

6.2.13. Environmental Buffer Area. An environmental buffer area is hereby established along both sides of the streams identified on the City Protected Watercourse Map (Figure 6-1).

The environmental buffer area along streams shall comply with general ESHA requirements in Policy 6.2.7. The purpose of the environmental buffer area is to remain in a natural state in order to protect stream ecosystems and associated riparian habitat areas.

Wetlands Management

6.2.14. Environmental Buffer Area. New development shall establish an environmental buffer area to separate all permitted development from adjacent existing wetlands, which are to be preserved in a natural state, and new wetland areas which are created as mitigation.

The extent of the environmental buffer area shall be established based upon analyses and recommendations contained in a site-specific wetland delineation study. The environmental buffer area from wetlands shall comply with general ESHA requirements in Policy 6.2.7. The applicant must submit evidence to the satisfaction of the City that, with the addition of other mitigative features, such as landscaped screening and berming, the reduced-width buffer would afford adequate protection to the wetlands resources from direct, indirect, and cumulative adverse impacts.

East
Pond West
Pond
Brackish
Pond
Hauser
Marsh
South
I Pond
Oxidation
Pond 1
Oxidation
Pond 2
Klopp
Lake
Allen
Marsh
Gearheart
Marsh
Butcher
Slough
Log Pond
North
Pond
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Butcher Slough
Fickle Hill Creek
Beith Creek
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Slo
ugh
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Gannon
Slo
ugh
Mad River
Jacoby Creek
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V St
Samoa Blvd
G St
K St
7th St
H St
Bayside Cutoff Rd
Janes Rd
Janes Rd
Old Arcata Rd
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Humboldt Bay
This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/17/2026 9:13 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx 0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
Arcata
Protected Stream Courses
Figure C-6-1
Waterbody
! ! ! Coastal Zone Boundary
Class I Stream (Fish Bearing)
Class II Stream (Perennial Non-Fish Bearing)
Class III Stream (Intermittent)
Stream/Waterbody
Arcata City Limits
Boundaries
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
Date: 2/17/2026
±

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 34

6.2.15. Requirement for Wetland Delineation and Study. All development applications shall include a site plan that shows the precise location of existing wetlands on the subject property. Any application for development on a parcel where wetlands may be present shall include a wetland reconnaissance or delineation report prepared by a qualified biologist in a manner consistent with the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

6.2.16. Diking, Filling or Dredging of Wetlands. Diking, filling or dredging of a wetland that is otherwise in compliance with this Local Coastal Element, shall, at a minimum, require mitigation measures, a monitoring program, and adequate funding to ensure successful implementation of the mitigation requirements as determined by the review authority.

Filling, diking, or dredging of wetlands shall only be authorized if the proposal represents the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative and if feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects, resulting in “no net loss” in area and value of wetlands. Mitigation shall consist of creating and maintaining a new wetland or substantial restoration of previously degraded wetlands, at an appropriate ratio of 1:1 to 10:1 as required by the Coastal Zoning Ordinance. Mitigation shall offset temporal and other losses to ensure that compensatory wetlands are of equal or greater functional capacity and value than the wetland proposed to be filled. Required wetland mitigation ratios shall fully mitigate the adverse impacts of the diking, filling, or dredging project. Diking, filling, or dredging of a wetland or estuary shall maintain or enhance the functional capacity of these resources.

6.2.17. Uses Allowed in Diked/Reclaimed Former Tidelands. Allowable uses and development in grazed or farmed wetlands are limited to existing historic uses and new uses compatible with the Public Trust and consistent with all applicable Land Use Plan policies.

6.2.18. Compatibility with Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary. Development within the area bounded by Samoa Blvd., Butcher's Slough and Gannon Slough shall include local native plant landscaping, screenings and other measures to ensure compatibility with scenic coastal resources and with the uses of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

Open Waters of Arcata Bay & Tidelands
Note: In those areas where the Commission retains Coastal Development Permit authority on submerged lands, tidelands, and public trust lands (Public Resources Code Section 30519), the standard of review used by the Coastal Commission for proposed Coastal Development Permit applications is the Chapter 3 policies of the California Coastal Act, not the Local Coastal Program.

The Local Coastal Program may be used as guidance.

6.2.19. Protection of Open Waters/Tideland Areas of Arcata Bay. The tidal and water areas of Arcata Bay constitute a fragile Public Trust resource. Access shall be controlled to avoid resource degradation, while maintaining the public’s right to navigation and access and recreation. Tidal marshes shall be enhanced and maintained, especially in the areas of McDaniel, Gannon, and Butcher’s Sloughs, to protect wetland values.

6.2.20. Coastal-dependent and Public Trust Uses of Arcata’s Tidelands. Tidelands of Arcata Bay

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 35
support a variety of wildlife as well as human activities. The following provisions shall be made for managing tideland areas.

1. New development shall not restrict access to the shoreline except if needed to address public safety needs or protect public rights, rights of private property owners, or natural resource areas from overuse. Access to coastal areas may be required for new development.

2. Tidelands and water areas of Arcata Bay shall be designated Coastal Natural Resource (:CNR), and identified as passive use recreational areas.

3. The Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary shall be designated as Coastal Natural Resource (:CNR) and the recreational component of the marsh identified as a passive use recreational area.

4. The continued use of tidelands for scientific and educational studies is encouraged.

5. The City will maintain and improve the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary consistent with the Arcata Marsh Plan adopted by the City Council and considering anticipated future sea level rise. If there are conflicts between the Arcata Marsh Plan and the Local Coastal Program, the Local Coastal Program will govern.

6. The South "I" Street boat launch shall be enhanced and maintained to accommodate small watercraft and non-motorized watersports.

7. The placement of interpretative sites along the Arcata Bay shore, including Nature and Wildlife Centers, shall be coordinated with other agencies, and serve as an educational focal point for Arcata's natural resource areas.

8. Continued access on the levee from the Arcata Marsh westward to the City limit will be provided for passive recreation including nature observation.

6.2.21. Management of Bayfront And Marsh Areas for Coastal Access, Recreation, and Tourism.

Tidelands and water areas of Arcata Bay shall be designated Coastal Natural Resource (:CNR) and protected from potential adverse impacts resulting from unmanaged access.

The following guidelines shall be used when permitting access to these areas:

1. Motorized vehicles shall be restricted to designated paved roads and parking lots.

2. Pedestrians shall be allowed on designated trails and facilities.

3. Valid scientific and educational studies of the wetlands and tidelands shall be encouraged.

New development shall provide and not restrict public access to the shoreline. Where consistent with the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge's (Wildlife Refuge) Management Plan and the Local Coastal Program, controlled public access to the Wildlife Refuge's Jacoby Creek Unit shall be developed along Arcata Bay from the Arcata Marsh to the City's westward limit.

6.2.22. Diking, Dredging, and Filling. Outside of Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1, diking, filling, or dredging of Bay waters, wetlands, and estuaries shall be permitted for uses allowed in

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 36
Coastal Act Section 30233 where it has been demonstrated that: there is no feasible andless environmentally damaging alternative; Public Trust resources and values are being protected; and feasible mitigation measures have been provided to minimize adverse environmental effects. In Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1, the City may fill wetlands to install protective structures in conformance with Policy 8.3.34.

6.2.23. Coastal-related and Coastal-dependent Industrial Development. The City of Arcata’s coastline consists of intertidal areas and mudflats, riparian areas where small creeks meet Humboldt Bay, the Arcata Marsh, and a system of sloughs. Aquaculture is encouraged as a desirable use on bayfront lands, consistent with the resource protection policies of this Local Coastal Element. On land suitable for coastal-dependent aquaculture, proposals for aquaculture shall be given priority over other uses through priority processing and reduced or waived permit processing fees .

6.2.24. Aquaculture Use of Coastal Wetlands/Tidelands. To protect aquaculture activities in Arcata Bay, the City shall:

1. Ensure that its wastewater discharge does not exacerbate existing coliform loading problems in Arcata Bay.

2. Take measures to reduce coliform loading of perennial streams within its jurisdiction, as part of a stream maintenance program. Measures shall include controlling identified sources of coliform loading, such as septic tank leachate and runoff from agricultural operations, and other pollutants.

Aquaculture shall not adversely impact natural ecological processes nor native wildlife or fisheries or their habitat in the Bay. Aquaculture shall include adequate precautions to prevent new adverse impacts to natural ecological processes and to maintain biological and genetic integrity of native flora and fauna. The City shall continue its management of:
a. Integrated wetland enhancement and wastewater treatment; and b. The tidelands, for commercial and native oyster harvesting.

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7.0 Coastal Hazards

7.1. Introduction
The City of Arcata requires that new development reduce risks to life and property and avoid substantial changes to natural landforms. While the City of Arcata has no dunes or coastal bluffs, many of the low- lying areas around Humboldt Bay are protected from flooding by levees that are subject to erosion or overtopping during storm events or extreme high tides. The Arcata Bottoms and other low-lying areas adjacent to Arcata Bay including McDaniel, Butcher’s and Gannon Sloughs, and the Arcata Marsh are susceptible to flooding from extreme Bay tidal action, tsunami run-up, seiche, dike or tidegate failure, heavy rainfall, and, extremely rarely, Mad River flood events.

In addition to coastal flooding, the Coastal Act also requires the Local Coastal Program to address geologic, fire, and other coastal hazards. Arcata is in a seismically active region where earthquakes can damage the built environment through groundshaking, fault rupture, and liquefaction. In addition, dramatic changes in ground elevation may increase or decrease coastal flooding conditions. Fire hazard is considered moderate throughout the Arcata coastal zone. High fire hazard areas do exist in Arcata, but these are located in upland areas well outside of the coastal zone.

This chapter contains policies to minimize risks to life and property from natural hazards and hazardous materials. The City defines coastal hazards as environmental factors that, when triggered, result in immediate and dramatic impacts which may impact life, property, and natural landforms. The City’s definition of Coastal Hazards does not include the relationship between the effects of climate change on the prevalence, frequency, and magnitude of coastal hazards.

While many conflate the causal relationship between climate change, which alters the conditions precedent to a coastal hazard, and coastal hazards themselves, the City clearly demarcates the environmental condition from the risks associated with the state of those conditions as they manifest over time.

The principal environmental condition that will cause changes in coastal hazard risk with modeled climate change is the elevation of Humboldt Bay. As such, the Local Coastal Element addresses sea level rise under a separate chapter so as not to conflate the hazards and responses thereto with the environmental conditions. Chapter 8 contains policies that address sea level rise caused by global warming and expected changes to coastal hazards in Arcata over time.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 38

7.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

7.2.1. Minimize Risk. New development shall be sited and designed to minimize risk to life and property in areas of high geologic, flood, and fire hazard. Where complete avoidance of hazards is not feasible, development shall be designed to minimize hazards to the greatest extent feasible.

7.2.2. Ensure Stability and Structural Integrity. New development shall ensure stability and structural integrity, and neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion, geologic instability, or destruction of the site or surrounding area.

7.2.3. Preliminary Hazards Review. The City shall review all applications for new development to determine the presence of geologic, flood, or fire hazards. The City shall use current maps of hazardous areas (known and potential) and other information as necessary and available as part of this review. City maps of known hazardous areas are not an indication of a definite hazard on a specific parcel. A site-specific study may determine that a parcel is not exposed to hazards despite being mapped as a hazardous area. Likewise, a parcel may be subject to hazards despite its location outside of previously mapped hazardous areas.

7.2.4. Specific Study Requirement. If a preliminary hazards review finds the presence of geologic, flood, or fire hazards, a site-specific study is required for all applications unless the Director or reviewing authority determines that the proposed development is located and designed in a manner that clearly avoids all hazards on the site and will not increase or exacerbate hazards in surrounding areas. The study contents shall be prepared by a licensed Certified Engineering Geologist (CEG), Geotechnical Engineer (GE), civil engineer or other qualified professional with necessary expertise in natural hazards. The study shall identify the potential impacts of hazards on the proposed development and recommend measures to Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policy is most relevant to coastal hazards in Arcata:

Section 30253. Minimization of adverse impacts. New development shall do all of the following:
a. Minimize risks to life and property in areas of high geologic, flood, and fire hazard. b. Assure [sic] stability and structural integrity, and neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion, geologic instability, or destruction of the site or surrounding area or in any way require the construction of protective devices that would substantially alter natural landforms along bluffs and cliffs. ...

Section 30610 Developments authorized without permit. Notwithstanding any other provision of this division, no coastal development permit shall be required pursuant to this chapter for the following types of development and in the following areas:
g. (1) The replacement of any structure, other than a public works facility, destroyed by a disaster. The replacement structure shall conform to applicable existing zoning requirements, shall be for the same use as the destroyed structure, shall not exceed either the floor area, height, or bulk of the destroyed structure by more than 10 percent, and shall be sited in the same location on the affected property as the destroyed structure. ...

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 39
ensure the project is consistent with the Local Coastal Program. If a specific study identifies areas that are not suitable for certain types of development on a property, this does not necessarily prohibit all development in that area.

7.2.5. Acceptable Hazard Risk. Hazards pose varying degrees of risk to life and property depending on the type of use or structure and its potential for human occupancy. The City shall require development to be located and designed to minimize risks to a level that is safe for the intended use over the life of the structure.

7.2.6. Replacing Destroyed Structures. Any structure, other than a public works facility as defined by this Element, destroyed by a disaster may be replaced without a Coastal Development Permit. The replacement structure shall conform to applicable existing zoning requirements, shall be for the same use as the destroyed structure, shall not exceed either the floor area, height, or bulk of the destroyed structure by more than 10 percent, and shall be sited in the same location on the affected property as the destroyed structure.

As used in this policy, “disaster" means any situation in which the force or forces which destroyed the structure to be replaced were beyond the control of its owner, “bulk" means total interior cubic volume as measured from the exterior surface of the structure, and “structure" includes landscaping and any erosion control structure or device which is similar to that which existed prior to the occurrence of the disaster. A replacement structure that exceeds floor area, height, or bulk of the destroyed structure by more than 10 percent or is sited in a different location may be allowed with a Coastal Development Permit.

Geologic and Seismic Hazards

7.2.7. Identification of Geologic Hazard Areas. New development within a mapped geologic hazard area, or in an area of known or potential geologic hazards based on other information, shall require a site-specific study consistent with the Seismic Hazards Mapping Act that describes geologic conditions and hazards and specifies mitigation measures to avoid, if feasible, or mitigate the risk associated with the hazard.

7.2.8. Development Within Fault Zone / Surface Rupture Areas. Development in identified fault zones and probable surface rupture areas shall be avoided, unless structures and facilities are set back, engineered, and designed to meet the seismic standards of the California Building Code and the Alquist-Priolo Act.

7.2.9. Failure of Matthews Dam. Although unlikely, a major earthquake could cause failure of the Matthews Dam on Ruth Lake. All new development intended for human occupancy or use that are located in the area of potential inundation resulting from a catastrophic failure of Matthews Dam shall prepare a dam failure safety plan with information on the nature of the dam failure threat, dam failure warning signals, a communication plan, and evacuation instructions and routes.

Fire Hazards

7.2.10. Vegetation Removal. Vegetation removal to reduce wildland fire hazards shall occur in a manner

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 40
that is most protective of coastal resources. Adverse impacts to ESHA and ESHA buffers shall be avoided to the maximum extent feasible and must be consistent with all applicable LCP policies.

Hazardous Materials

7.2.11. Accidental Spills of Petroleum Products. Design, siting, and measures to protect against the spillage of crude oil, gas, petroleum products, or hazardous substances shall be required for any development that stores or uses such materials. Effective containment and cleanup facilities and procedures shall be provided for accidental spills.

7.2.12. Siting of Facilities Handling Hazardous Waste. Businesses and agencies that use, store, or produce hazardous materials shall train employees and other users in safe handling and storage procedures, and shall post current Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) and Humboldt County hazardous materials requirements. Businesses shall meet Federal “community right-toknow” regulations. The City shall consider proximity to sensitive receptors, such as schools, hospitals and other health care facilities, day care centers, and other vulnerable populations, when reviewing new facilities and businesses that handle or produce hazardous waste.

7.2.13. Hazardous Waste Management (Recycling, Treatment, Disposal). All commercial and industrial businesses and operations that use, store, or produce hazardous materials shall contract with a licensed hauler for pickup and disposal of waste materials in compliance with County, State, and Federal requirements. All hazardous materials shall be stored in safe containers and locations. Use, storage, and disposal of these materials shall be in compliance with County, State and Federal standards.

7.2.14. Siting Development. Development on contaminated sites shall be designed to avoid or mitigate impacts to human health and the environment. Predevelopment studies of sites with potential legacy hazardous materials contamination shall be required prior to project approval. The City shall consult with partner agencies responsible for oversight and other interested parties during review of development proposals.

Flood Hazards
See also Chapter 8 for additional flood hazard policies related to sea level rise.

7.2.15. Minimize Flood Hazard Risks. New development shall minimize risks to life and property in flood hazard areas.

7.2.16. Site-Specific Flood Hazard Evaluation. When required by policies 7.2.3 and 7.2.4, the City shall evaluate proposed development in a flood hazard area based on site-specific hazard information and environmental hazards identified in this element and in other current information sources.

Materials to be reviewed include but are not limited to:
 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Insurance Rate Maps; Coastal storm surge maps; and
 Tsunami inundation/run-up maps and models prepared by applicable state and federal emergency management and research agencies.

7.2.17. Low Intensity/Occupancy Uses. Low intensity/occupancy uses, such as open space and

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 41
recreational facilities, are allowable in floodways or FEMA flood hazard Zone V areas, which have a very high probability of flooding in a given year, when consistent with all applicable policies of the Local Coastal Program.

7.2.18. Limitations on Development Within Special Flood Hazard Area. Development in flood hazard areas shall meet the following requirements:
 Flood hazard areas shall be kept free of structures and other obstructions that would restrict flood flows.
 New structures shall be sited to avoid flood hazards if feasible. If avoiding flood hazards is infeasible, new construction shall protect human safety and minimize property damage through such measures as elevating structures, flood-proofing, allowing flood flows and drainage through structures, and providing access for evacuation and emergency response.
 Landform alterations shall not impede flood flows in adjacent upstream or downstream areas.
 To the maximum extent feasible, development shall comply with setbacks for flood hazard zone areas based on site-specific studies as part of the development review process.

7.2.19. Development Standards in Floodplains / Surface Drainageways and Detention Areas. All plans for new construction that could potentially encroach into a floodplain must incorporate measures for flood protection and show that there will be no adverse impact to the carrying capacity of the floodway. Primary measures such as siting, setbacks, easements covering flood zones, and minimal use of impervious surfaces are strongly encouraged. Elevation of structures, anchoring, flood-proofing, and construction of detention basins are considered secondary and less desirable measures.

7.2.20. Limitations to Development Adjacent to Arcata Bay and Along Bay Shoreline. The following requirements apply to FEMA floodways and the 100-year floodplain:
 Where otherwise permissible, habitable structures and related improvements shall be elevated above flood levels, designed so as not to restrict flood flows, and comply with applicable provisions of the Environmentally Sensitive Habitats section of this Local Coastal Element.
 Land alterations for recreation and natural resource uses shall not restrict, increase, or channelize flood flows in a way that could cause inundation to adjacent areas.

7.2.21. Other Floodplain Approvals. City action on permits and approvals required by Chapter 4 (Flood Hazard Mitigation Strategies) of Municipal Code Title VIII (Building Regulations) must occur prior to action on a Coastal Development Permit. In case of conflict between of Municipal Code Title VIII Chapter 4 and the Local Coastal Program, the Local Coastal Program standards control for purposes of Coastal Development Permit review.

Tsunami Hazards

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 42

7.2.22. Tsunami and Tidal Flooding Hazards. New essential public services and other development necessary for tsunami recovery shall not be located within a mapped tsunami inundation area.

7.2.23. Best Available Science. The City shall use the best available, up-to-date, adopted scientific information regarding local tsunami hazards when evaluating Coastal Development Permit applications for new development within the tsunami inundation area.

7.2.24. Minimize Risk. Development within a mapped tsunami inundation area shall be sited and designed as needed to minimize risk to life and property in the event of a tsunami to the extent feasible.

7.2.25. Development that Exacerbates Tsunami Damage. New development that would significantly exacerbate tsunami damage (e.g., hazardous material storage) is prohibited within a mapped tsunami inundation area.

7.2.26. Non-Coastal Dependent Critical Infrastructure. Critical infrastructure that is not coastal dependent should be avoided, if feasible, within a mapped tsunami inundation area.

7.2.27. Emergency Broadcasting Systems. The City shall use available emergency broadcasting systems to communicate tsunami warnings only when County, State, or Federal agencies responsible for notifying the public are insufficient to adequately address local requirements.

7.2.28. Signage. Appropriate signage shall be posted if additional coastal access within a mapped tsunami inundation area is provided in the future.

7.2.29. Tsunami Safety Plans. All new development intended for human occupancy within a mapped tsunami inundation areas shall prepare a tsunami safety plan with information on the nature of the tsunami threat, tsunami warning signals, a communication plan, and evacuation instructions and routes. The City shall ensure that tsunami safety plans for development that is hard to evacuate (e.g., high-occupancy buildings, senior/youth/sick/physically disabled care facilities) incorporate all feasible measures to protect public safety to the maximum extent feasible. Tsunami safety plans shall demonstrate the feasibility of safe pedestrian evacuation time given tsunami travel times to Arcata from dominant, disaggregated tsunami sources.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 43

8.0 Sea Level Rise

8.1. Introduction
The City of Arcata’s Coastal Zone includes areas of reclaimed, former tidelands of Humboldt Bay.

In 1870, the shoreline was mapped by the USGS, and the bay inundated approximately the same footprint shown on potential sea level rise vulnerability extent maps (Figure 8-1). The reclaimed tidelands were protected by a system of earthen dikes, which have been in service for over 100 years.

Development in the potential inundation zone was originally largely to establish agricultural uses.

The dike network, which extends to Mad River Slough, allowed modified development patterns around Arcata Bay and lands on the Arcata Bottom. While most of this area was never filled, and is still in agricultural uses, the areas immediately south of Samoa Boulevard, and the lands extending to the City of Arcata Wastewater Treatment Plant (Treatment Plant) on South G Street, between G and I Streets, was developed for industrial purposes in the 1900s. This area forms a highly-developed urban ‘peninsula’ that extends into the diked former tidelands.

The urban peninsula includes a mix of land uses and is developed on a fill prism that is on average

1.78 feet higher in elevation than the surrounding bottomlands. This peninsula is the site of the Treatment Plant; the renowned Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (Arcata Marsh); a higherdensity, lower-income residential neighborhood; and several industrial and commercial uses.

These uses have changed over time, but the peninsula as a development has been in constant use and redevelopment for more than 100 years, with some areas having been diked and filled in the 1850s. This peninsula includes segments of dike that have been constantly repaired, enhanced, and maintained for decades.

By contrast, the lower lying bottomlands adjacent and surrounding the urban peninsula were not filled. Land uses in the City’s Coastal Zone outside of the urban developed areas include agriculture, open space, recreation, and natural resources preservation. Historically, these lands were in agricultural production. The City has actively pursued conservation easements, land acquisition, and restoration partnerships (e.g., McDaniel Slough Restoration) to provide both current improvements to natural areas and hundreds of acres of natural buffer from sea level rise.

If the earthen dike system failed today, these bottomlands would be inundated, while the South G Street area would be protected by the elevated fill prism. This existing condition indicates the City’s initial strategy for sea level rise: defend the peninsula for now while continuing to plan and prepare for higher amounts of sea level rise and transitioning to accommodating floodwaters and tidal inundation in lower lying areas, much of which have already been preserved for that purpose.

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Sea Level Rise Policy Area
Figure C-8-1
Date: 2/17/2026
This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/17/2026 9:13 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx Notes:

Figure shows approximately 6’ sea level rise using 2000 baseline The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone. The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
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Arcata City Limits
*Elevation values derived from
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Lidar Extent
Sources:

Topography: 2019 DEM
Planning Horizons: Northern Hydrology & Engineering, 2016 Imagery: 2023 City of Arcata
SLR Policy Area
1870 Shoreline
1870 Shoreline
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City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 45
The South G Street area is referred to in this document as a “peninsula” as it a narrow extension of land surrounded on three sides by a contrasting condition. The City recognizes the importance of the peninsula due to its natural resources, critical public infrastructure, significant industrial and commercial private investment, lower-income housing, and residential racial diversity.

Critical public infrastructure includes transportation infrastructure (e.g., roads and trails) and water infrastructure (e.g., water supply, stormwater, and wastewater facilities) In addition, this area may be desirable for coastal recreational and visitor serving uses in the future. Since there is no feasible, socially equitable relocation option for these land uses currently, the City’s sea level rise strategy includes both an initial protect in place approach along with longer-term measured retreat for the peninsula, as additional planning for sea level rise and densification within inland, less vulnerable areas of the City occurs.

The City of Arcata will continue to add lands to its natural resource buffer inventory. In 2025, approximately 67 percent (879 of 1,300 acres) of lands subject to potential inundation with six feet of sea level rise were publicly owned or controlled by easements for habitat and open space uses. Of those, 771 acres were owned by the City of Arcata. These areas will be the first to transition as the tidal patterns change. Furthermore, the City’s strategy does not include adding protective barriers to any developed or undeveloped areas that are not currently protected by the existing dike system around the Bay.

The City has worked to protect and enhance wetlands around the Arcata Bay for decades. In 1981, the City created the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (75 acres including 30 acres of freshwater wetlands). In 1986, the City expanded the Sanctuary by realigning Butchers Slough to reestablish a more natural meandering course, restore salt marsh habitat, and create an adjacent freshwater wetland from the remains of an old log pond. The City then purchased a 74- acre property that is the core of the McDaniel Slough project area, and in 1999 worked with the Coastal Conservancy to prepare an enhancement plant for this area. In 2014 the McDaniel Slough enhancement project was built.

Furthermore, the City is positioned well for sea level rise adaptation due to acquisitions and actions dating back decades. The City has strategically invested in conservation easements, land acquisition and restoration, and land use limitations in areas subject to future inundation.

Notably, the City owns the 322-acre Bayview Ranch, purchased in 2004. The City has since added

81.1 acres to its inventory. The principal first phase strategy for the City’s future impacts related to sea level rise is to accommodate the higher water levels and increased inundation from flooding in these low-lying areas.

While relocating these uses and accepting the loss of public and private lands in these areas over time will not be easy, these land uses will adapt over time, until and unless the uses cannot be conducted at these sites. As a result, the City’s policy in these areas is to continue to support conversion of uses to allow for adaptation and accommodation. As part of continued adaptation planning, the City will establish specific triggers to initiate the retreat phase in areas impacted by sea level rise. These triggers will specify when it is no longer feasible and practical to continue to protect and defend significant investments in impacted areas and when the benefits of protection no longer justify the costs.

Though some parcels are in mapped potential inundation areas, sea level rise is an issue with city-wide implications that require city-wide solutions. The impacts of rising sea level will be felt

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 46
beyond the boundary of the coastal zone as high tides back up into the City’s creek system, causing potential flooding upstream. Utilities, roads, recreational opportunities, and major infrastructure that service the City at large will face impacts from sea level rise either directly or indirectly.

The overall goal to address sea level rise impacts is to provide feasible and sustainable adaptation that preserves the economic, cultural, and social functions until such time as the environmental conditions impose changes to those uses, taking into account ecological integrity and social justice and racial equity. This goal focuses on adaptation in the way that best maintains utility services and transportation capabilities, preserves cultural resources, maximizes public access and recreational opportunities, maximizes agricultural viability, maximizes habitat values, and protects water quality. However, the City cannot value every policy area equally in all geographic areas, but will instead focus policy in various areas. Roughly ninety percent of lands in the City’s projected inundation area will be preserved for ecological and other coastal resource functions.

The remaining ten percent of the City’s projected inundation area that contains the current urban interface will be primarily focused on preserving economic viability and promoting social/racial equity.

8.2. Overall Strategy
Climate change science and sea level rise projections are continually evolving. This assessment includes analysis of a wide range of possible scenarios between now and 2100, but it does not include the most extreme emerging science. Depending on future global climate mitigation efforts and the behavior of Antarctic ice sheets, the City may need to assess higher water levels in the future.

This assessment provides actionable information for near- and mid-term adaptation, but the work to increase the City’s resilience to sea level rise is not complete. Adapting to sea level rise and other climate hazards and impacts will require ongoing monitoring of the science and local impacts, as well as applying lessons from the implementation of adaptation solutions within the City of Arcata and the larger Humboldt Bay Area region.

The City’s sea level rise response is a mix of adaptation strategies including measured retreat of the built environment and accommodation where land uses and landforms allow. Structures, uses, and features that have higher adaptive capacity or lower sensitivity will remain in use inplace until such time as the environmental conditions impose changes to those uses. Adaptation is, in this way, a continuum with phases dictated by the interplay between environmental conditions and the adaptive capacity and sensitivity of the asset, feature, or landform.

Land uses that may adversely impact coastal resources, such as industrial uses, will transition to less impactful uses that support habitat restoration efforts. Specifically, the Coastal Visitor Serving Combining Zone in the districts south of Samoa Boulevard are designed to incentivize a transition to lower impact, more readily adaptable land uses, including prioritized commercial visitor-serving uses. Such uses will have the co-benefits of remediating hazardous site conditions, establishing uses that are more resilient to flooding, creating near term economic benefits, and creating public access to areas that are currently inaccessible to the public.

The City’s adaptation strategy considers the full range of impact factors. These factors include

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 47
more than the individual asset’s sensitivity and adaptive capacity. The adaptation strategy also considers economic, social justice, racial and social equity, and environmental impacts. In this way, the City has integrated planning across a variety of sectors involved or impacted by decisions related to sea level rise adaptation.

It is equally poor public policy to retreat without cause as it is to fail to adequately plan and implement measures to safeguard life and property. Given the uncertainty in timing and magnitude of sea level rise projections, the City will continue its adaptation planning, including by monitoring sea level rise science, anticipated vulnerabilities, and changing conditions, establishing specific retreat triggers, and conducting periodic reviews and revisions to the sea level rise strategy, including updates to the Local Coastal Program. This will result in the application of measures suited to the environmental conditions. Flexible timeframes for adaptation that plan for appropriate measures, which can be delayed or advanced as the evidence warrants, form the basis of the City’s adaptation strategy.

The City’s initial sea level rise approach is to continue to protect and defend significant investments where feasible and practical, as long as the public benefits of protection outweigh the costs. Accommodating and adapting to the rising seas will occur in areas where planned when it is infeasible to defend or relocate development. Retreat will occur where and when it is not feasible to defend development or accommodate the rising seas. This strategy is aligns with the Neighborhood Scale Adaptation approach and other recommendations developed by the Coastal Commission Local Government Working Group.

Protect and Defend
Protection strategies employ some sort of engineered structure or other physical measure to defend development in place without changes to the development itself. Development endangered by flooding, such as the wastewater treatment plant, South “G” Street commercial and industrial uses, residential uses, and infrastructure shall be permitted to be protected by the least environmentally damaging means practicable. Working agricultural lands will continue to be protected by dikes and drainage structures where feasible and allowed consistent with the LCP.

Where feasible, protective devices shall visibly blend into adjacent natural surroundings and form eco-levees. Prioritizing nature-based strategies will afford continued public access to the coastline, agricultural practices, economic activities, residential uses, and critical infrastructure until and unless the means to maintain the uses becomes infeasible.

Areas potentially subject to flooding from higher sea level are all currently protected from daily or periodic inundation by a network of anthropogenic structures. The City will continue to maintain and improve these structures until changing conditions require relocating or removing development out of hazard areas. By January 1, 2034, the City will establish specific triggers to initiate the retreat phase to remove development from hazard areas.

Accommodate and Adapt
Accommodation strategies employ methods that modify current developments or design new developments to decrease hazard risks and thus increase the resiliency of development to the impacts of sea level rise. Over time, sea level rise will result in conversion of habitat types, especially in low lying areas including former tidelands. Structures and other development within

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 48
areas that experience tidal flooding may need to adapt to accommodate periodic flooding and eventually inundation. Accommodation can also take other forms such as addressing drainage issues and locating new development away from low lying areas. Accommodation may also include changing existing industrial uses to new land uses that remediate contamination, restore coastal habitats, and enhance coastal resiliency.

Retreat
Retreat strategies result in relocation or removal of development out of hazard areas and limitation on the construction of new development in vulnerable areas. Retreat will be slow and measured, with a goal of minimizing economic impacts on both taxpayers and property owners and renters of development in the area of retreat. Explicit measures will be developed to preserve economic viability of existing and new development for as long as feasible, recognizing that in some cases, development in hazard areas will be safe from projected Sea Level Rise for its estimated design life.

By January 1, 2034, the City will establish specific triggers to initiate the retreat phase in Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 as identified in Figure 8-2 below. Zone 1 comprises urban development on historic fill prism dating to the early 1800s. This area includes residential, commercial, recreational, and industrial uses, as well as the City’s wastewater treatment plant.

The economic, financial, and social impact of a hasty and early retreat from this area significantly outweighs the benefits of an early retreat. Notwithstanding, the policies in this Local Coastal Element establish the framework for market driven retreat and conversion of uses to higher return and lower investment land uses. These land uses will more readily accommodate periodic inundation and eventual removal than current uses.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 49
Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policy is most relevant to sea level rise in Arcata:

Section 30253. Minimization of Adverse Impacts. New development shall do all of the following:
(a) Minimize risks to life and property in areas of high geologic, flood, and fire hazard. (b) Assure [sic] stability and structural integrity, and neither create nor contribute significantly to erosion, geologic instability, or destruction of the site or surrounding area or in any way require the construction of protective devices that would substantially alter natural landforms along bluffs and cliffs. (c) Be consistent with requirements imposed by an air pollution control district or the State Air Resources Control Board as to each particular development.
(d) Minimize energy consumption and vehicle miles traveled. (e) Where appropriate, protect special communities and neighborhoods which, because of their unique characteristics, are popular visitor destination points for recreational uses.

Section 30236. Water Supply and Flood Control. Channelizations, dams, or other substantial alterations of rivers and streams shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible, and be limited to (1) necessary water supply projects, (2) flood control projects where no other method for protecting existing structures in the flood plain is feasible and where such protection is necessary for the public safety or to protect existing development, or (3) developments where the primary function is the improvement of fish and wildlife habitat.

Section 30235. Construction Altering Natural Shoreline. Revetments, breakwaters, groins, harbor channels, seawalls, cliff retaining walls, and other such construction that alters natural shoreline processes shall be permitted when required to serve coastal-dependent uses or to protect existing structures or public beaches in danger from erosion, and when designed to eliminate or mitigate adverse impacts on local shoreline sand supply. Existing marine structures causing water stagnation contributing to pollution problems and fishkills should be phased out or upgraded where feasible.

Section 30270. Sea Level Rise. The commission shall take into account the effects of sea level rise in coastal resources planning and management policies and activities in order to identify, assess, and, to the extent feasible, avoid and mitigate the adverse effects of sea level rise.

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Arcata Bay
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This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

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City of Arcata Feet
Adaption Zones
Figure C-8-2
2022 NAIP Imagery
Date: 2/19/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
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City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 51

8.3. Local Coastal Element Policies
The following policies are not intended to be viewed as a stand-alone regulatory document.

These regulations are one section of the City’s overall Local Coastal Program. The City’s Local Coastal Program includes many other policies related to development, environmentally sensitive habitat areas, public access, recreation, agriculture, and other coastal issues.

Planning and Locating Development
All Areas in Coastal Zone
Unless otherwise noted below, Policies 8.3.1 through 8.3.23 apply to development in all areas in the Coastal Zone, including areas outside of adaptation zone boundaries shown in Figure 8-

2. 8.3.1. Siting and Design. Development shall be sited to avoid risks to life and property and adverse impacts to coastal resources from coastal hazards as exacerbated by sea level rise over the anticipated economic life of the development. Coastal hazards evaluations shall use the current best available science on sea level rise, including but not limited to any updated guidance as published by the California Ocean Protection Council or the California Coastal Commission. Where complete avoidance of impacts is not feasible, development shall be designed to ensure stability and structural integrity, minimize risks to life and property, and minimize impacts to coastal resources to the greatest extent feasible.

8.3.2. Subdivisions. Subdivisions that increase development potential are not allowed within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zones shown in Figure 8-2.

8.3.3. Innovative Development. To ensure continued economic, recreational, coastal dependent, and other beneficial uses of development, the City shall allow the use of innovative accommodation strategies that minimize flooding risk when consistent with all policies of the LCP. This may include elevating structures over water or over areas that are periodically inundated. For areas subject to the Public Trust doctrine of the State of California, the uses on those lands will be compatible with Chapter 1238 of the Statutes of 1989, including commerce, navigation, fisheries and other public trust purposes, including but not limited to preservation of the lands in their natural state for scientific study, open space, wildlife habitat, and recreational and visitor-oriented uses.

8.3.4. Long-Term Plan for Critical Facilities. No later than January 1, 2034, the City shall complete a long-term management plan to address sea level rise evaluating options for adaptation or relocation and incorporates any potential maintenance, relocation, protection, or retrofits and structural changes to critical city-owned facilities to accommodate changes in sea level. Critical facilities include but are not limited to transportation infrastructure (e.g., roads and trails) and water infrastructure (e.g., water supply, stormwater, and wastewater facilities) The management plan shall include an economic analysis of costs to critical public infrastructure and establish strategies to

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 52
protect and defend existing facilities, accommodate and adapt to sea level rise, and retreat from sea level rise hazard areas as appropriate consistent with City’s overall strategy for sea level rise adaptation described in this chapter. The management plan shall contain a timeline for future updates and be used to inform annual Capital Improvement Program (CIP) discussions and goal setting.

8.3.5. Retrofitting Inadequate Stormwater Infrastructure. The City shall identify and prioritize retrofits to inadequate stormwater infrastructure in low-lying areas over other less critical improvements when budgeting limited resources. The City shall work with property owners to retrofit these systems to better accommodate flooding due to sea level rise. The City shall prioritize the use of green stormwater infrastructure strategies where feasible.

New Development

8.3.6. Sea Level Rise Future Hazards Report. A sea level rise future hazards report shall be prepared for new development requiring a CDP where the review authority has determined that the proposed development may be subject to future coastal hazards.

The report shall describe potential sea level rise impacts on the project, describe the project’s impacts on coastal resources given sea level rise, and recommended measures for the project to avoid or minimize sea level rise impacts consistent with the LCP.

8.3.7. Design for Sea Level Rise. New development shall meet all of the following criteria. The City shall determine the presence of flood hazards on a property using FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps, sea level rise report, and other current information sources as applicable.
(1) Development shall be designed to ensure safety from anticipated hazard impacts caused by future sea level rise, including increased velocity of floodwaters and groundwater rise, where applicable.
(2) Development shall be sited and designed in such a way to avoid flooding related to the estimated 100-year storm event as identified in the 2024 FEMA FIRM.*
(3) If there is inadequate space to feasibly meet such siting and design requirements, development shall be sited on the portion of the site that best meets these requirements, and floodproofed and/or elevated to minimize risks to life, property, and coastal resources associated with sea level rise over the economic life of the development.
(4) For development located in a flood hazard area, the first finished floor elevation (as defined by FEMA) shall be elevated three feet above the estimated 100-year storm event Base Flood Elevation as identified by the nearest flood zone in the 2024 FEMA FIRM or more as necessary to minimize risks to life, property, and coastal resources associated with sea level rise over the economic life of the development.*

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(5) Service connections (e.g., water, wastewater, electricity, gas, etc.) shall be sited and designed to avoid impacts from flooding and to protect coastal resources to the maximum feasible extent.
* The City shall update these criteria when the 2024 FEMA FIRM is updated, or as necessary to ensure safety and to determine and initiate appropriate accommodation and retreat strategies.

8.3.8. Development Duration. Development shall be removed and the affected area restored to a natural condition if the City of Arcata or any other government agency with legal jurisdiction has issued a final order, not overturned through any appeal or writ proceedings, determining that:
(1) The development is currently and permanently unsafe for occupancy or use due to damage or destruction from flooding, erosion, or other hazards related to coastal processes, and there are no feasible measures that could make the structures suitable for habitation or use without the use of shoreline protective devices;
(2) The development encroaches onto public trust land (including as the public trust migrates) and its use is inconsistent with the public trust; and/or (3) Access and/or utilities are no longer available to serve the development.

8.3.9. Risk Disclosure and Acknowledgement. As a condition of coastal permit approval for new development in an area subject to current or future shoreline, geologic, flood, or fire hazards, applicants shall be required to acknowledge and agree, and private applicants must also record a deed restriction on the property to acknowledge and agree that:
(1) The development is located in an area that may be subject to hazards including but not limited to flooding and erosion which will worsen with future climate change and sea level rise;
(2) The permittee assumes the risks of injury and damage from such hazards in connection with the permitted development;
(3) The permittee unconditionally waives any claim of damage or liability against the permitting agency, its officers, agents, and employees for injury or damage from such hazards in connection with the permitted development; (4) The permittee indemnifies and holds harmless the permitting agency, its officers, agents, and employees with respect to approval of the project against any and all liability, claims, demands, damages, costs (including costs and fees incurred in defense of such claims), expenses, and amounts paid in settlement arising from any injury or damage due to such hazards;

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 54
(5) Except for coastal-dependent structures, the permittee waives any rights that may exist under applicable law to shoreline armoring in the future; (6) The boundary between public land (tidelands) and private land may shift with rising seas and other coastal processes, the structure may eventually be located on lands impressed with a public trust interest, and the approval does not permit development to be located on such lands; and
(7) The development may be required to be relocated or removed consistent with Policy 8.3.8.

8.3.10. No New Hospitals and Public Safety Facilities. No new hospitals, public safety facilities, power generation plants, public corporation yards, and schools shall be developed within the area on the seaward side of Old Arcata Road/Samoa Boulevard.

This policy shall not apply to new energy facilities covered by Policy 8.3.11.

8.3.11. Design Coastal-dependent Infrastructure to Accommodate Sea Level Rise. Coastaldependent infrastructure, such as industrial, transportation, and energy facilities that must be sited in near-coast locations, shall be designed to ensure stability and structural integrity and minimize risks associated with sea level rise. Infrastructure shall minimize risks to other coastal resources through initial siting, design, and features that will allow for future adaptation to rising sea levels, based on the best available scientific data.

Shoreline Protective Devices

8.3.12. When Allowed. The development of new shoreline protective devices or the augmentation of existing shoreline protective devices beyond ordinary repair and/or maintenance shall be permitted when required to (1) serve a coastal-dependent use, or (2) protect existing structures and infrastructure built prior to the effective date of the Coastal Act (i.e., January 1, 1977) that is in danger from erosion. This policy shall be interpreted to allow for shoreline protective devices to protect the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 as described below if consistent with all other applicable LCP policies.

8.3.13. No Feasible Alternative. Shoreline protective devices are permitted only if there are no other feasible and less environmentally damaging alternatives to address erosion hazards, minimize risk of flooding, and provide structural stability. Alternatives include but are not limited to non-structural options (e.g., relocation of threatened development, habitat restoration) and soft protection strategies (e.g., living shorelines).

8.3.14. Avoiding Impacts. A shoreline protective device shall be sited and designed to avoid coastal resource impacts to the maximum feasible extent, including visual and public access impacts

8.3.15. Mitigation. Shoreline protective device projects shall be subject to proportional mitigation for all unavoidable coastal resource impacts, including but not limited to

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impacts to public access, ESHAs, marine resources, and water quality,

8.3.16. Hard Coastal Protective Devices. When shoreline protection is needed, hard protective devices are allowed only when non-structural options or soft armoring are infeasible or more environmentally damaging. Hard coastal protection includes engineered features such as seawalls, revetments, dikes and levees, roads, and trails that block the landward retreat of the shoreline and provide little or no habitat value but may provide recreation and coastal access opportunities.

8.3.17. Soft Coastal Protective Devices. When choosing among shoreline protective devices, soft protective devices shall be used and prioritized over hard protective devices wherever feasible. Soft protective devices may include the construction of engineered islands, reefs, marshes, natural revetments, living shorelines (horizontal levees) and other biotechnical habitat restoration approaches that mimic natural, locallyappropriate, biological processes and/or provide ancillary or incidental shoreline protection. If structural shoreline protection is needed in a particular location and soft protective devices are not feasible, hard protective devices, or hybrid hard and soft protective devices, may be used when consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program.

The least-environmentally damaging feasible alternative shall be used in all cases.

8.3.18. Living Shoreline. The City may use an engineered living shoreline or fringe salt marsh to protect vulnerable City facilities when consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program. The City shall promote green infrastructure pilot projects (e.g. horizontal levees, dune restoration, etc.) with environmental benefits that may help protect assets from sea level rise and increased storm surges. The City shall study and monitor such projects over time and share lessons learned with other jurisdictions.

8.3.19. Green Infrastructure Pilot Projects. The City shall promote green infrastructure pilot projects such as engineered islands, reefs, marshes, living shorelines (horizontal levees) and other biotechnical/habitat restoration approaches that may help protect assets from sea level rise and increased storm surges and provide ancillary or incidental shoreline protection. The City will study and monitor such projects over time and share lessons learned with other jurisdictions

8.3.20. Beneficial Reuse of Sediment through Dredging Management. The City shall work with other local jurisdictions and agencies to reuse clean sediment from bay dredging operations to create living shorelines where needed and appropriate, when consistent with the City’s Local Coastal Program. Dredging and spoils disposal shall be planned and carried out to avoid significant disruption to marine and wildlife habitats and water circulation.

8.3.21. Re-Assessment of Need. If an existing shoreline protective device is enlarged, expanded, and/or replaced, a re-assessment of the need for the device and the potential for removal based on changed conditions shall be required. As part of this reassessment, the shoreline protective device shall be analyzed for consistency with all applicable LCP policies with mitigation required if needed to comply with the LCP. A reassessment is not required for repair and maintenance activities eligible for a CDP

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 56
exception under Coastal Zoning Ordinance Section 2.14.050.C (Repair and Maintenance Activities).

8.3.22. Maintenance of Shoreline Protection Structures. Routine monitoring and maintenance of shoreline protection structures shall be required as a condition of permit authorization for construction, augmentation, or repair. Structures shall be examined for structural deterioration, excessive scour, or other damage, and repaired to maintain viability and minimize coastal recourse impacts. Maintenance can only occur if properly permitted or determined to be exempt.

8.3.23. Removal of Shoreline Protective Structures. Authorization and permitting of shoreline protective structures shall have terms and conditions for maintenance, removal, or modification of the structures over time as conditions change. Permittees shall be required to submit a CDP application to remove the authorized shoreline protective device within six months of a determination that the shoreline protective device is no longer authorized to protect the structure it was designed to protect because the structure is no longer present or no longer requires armoring. Removal may not be authorized if flooding or other deleterious impacts would result to adjacent properties that are eligible for armoring.

Within Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1
The Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 as shown on Figure 8-2 identifies where the City plans to continue to protect current development and potential redevelopment endangered from flooding. The City’s near-term objective is to retain and protect current development within this area, and to allow for redevelopment to encourage a transition to lower impact, more readily adaptable land uses and structures. This approach is also intended to remediate hazardous site conditions, create near term economic benefits, enhance public access to areas that are currently inaccessible to the public, and ensure continued habitat protection, all while continuing to plan for long-term sea level rise. The City’s adaptation strategy recognizes that although there is uncertainty regarding timing and rates of sea level rise, the current boundaries of the bay and current system of protective strategies will need to change over time as part of a measured retreat strategy. The City’s near-term objective is to retain preexisting development within this area, and to allow for redevelopment as well. The City will further study this area to determine where and when, specifically, to enhance or re-design protection and where and when to begin retreat. By January 1, 2034, Triggers for different adaptations will be developed with associated monitoring by the City for all development within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1. For all development within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1, the following policies shall apply.

Current Development

8.3.24.Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City will continue to protect and adapt the wastewater treatment plant consistent with coastal development permit conditions of approval. The City will explore opportunities to shrink the footprint of the plant and the protective devices by transitioning to a new technology or a traditional wastewater

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treatment system.

8.3.25.Citywide Funding to Protect Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City shall pursue a funding mechanism to ensure the continued functionality of the wastewater treatment plant and access to critical plant infrastructure. Funding sources could include a citywide assessment or other means.

8.3.26.Limits on Corporation Yard Expansion. Development of the City corporation yard facilities shall be restricted to the existing boundaries or moved to an alternate location that is not subject to flooding impacts from sea level rise during the lifespan of the improvements.

8.3.27. Residential Uses. In the near term, the City shall protect existing residential uses in Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 and support adaptation strategies to increase the resiliency of development to the impacts of sea level rise. Over the longer term, continued adaptation planning will establish strategies to relocate residential uses outside of vulnerable areas in a way that considers the needs of low-income and racially diverse communities in Arcata.

8.3.28. Commercial Uses. In the near term, the City shall support the continuation of existing commercial uses that serve Arcata residents and visitors. The City shall encourage new visitor-serving commercial uses and adaptation to sea level rise impacts with improvements to existing properties and potential long-term retreat strategies when necessitated by changing conditions.

8.3.29. Industrial Uses. The City shall encourage improvements to existing industrial properties in a manner that enhances habitat values and remediates environmental contamination. Over the long term, the City shall support the transition of existing industrial uses to visitor-serving commercial uses, open space, and other uses that protect coastal resources and mitigate impacts from seal level rise.

New Development

8.3.30.Infill Development Allowed within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1. New development and redevelopment shall be allowed within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 and may rely on dikes and other means of shoreline protection existing at the time of application for siting and design considerations. In conjunction with the required risk disclosure and acknowledgement (Policy 8.3.9), property owners shall be noticed of the elevation to which the site and proposed development is estimated to be safe from flooding hazards, beyond which future conditions may necessitate adaptation strategies. Permittees shall also acknowledge and agree that when a property is no longer protected by dikes or other means, the property must address sea level rise hazards through alternative accommodation and/or retreat strategies, including potential removal of the development and restoration of the site, which will require obtaining a CDP.

8.3.31. Prioritized Commercial Visitor-Serving Uses. Commercial visitor-serving uses shall be

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prioritized in the Commercial Visitor Serving (:CCV) Overlay as part of the City’s longrange adaptation strategy to remediate contamination, transition away from industrial uses, and develop resilient uses in the South G Street area.

8.3.32. Remediation of Environmental Contamination. New development on and redevelopment of industrial properties require remediation of any environmental contamination present on the site. If new development is suspected to contain hazardous materials, prior to building permits, the City shall ensure that the project applicant retain a qualified environmental consulting firm to prepare a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (Phase I ESA) in accordance with the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standards in effect at the time of request of issuance of building permits, which would ensure the City is aware of any hazardous materials on-site. The Phase I ESA shall determine the presence of recognized environmental conditions and provide recommendation for further investigation (e.g., preparation of a Phase II ESA, if applicable). Prior to receiving a building or grading permit, project applicants shall provide documentation from the overseeing agency (e.g., Humboldt County Department of Health & Human Services, Public Health Branch, Division of Environmental Health (DEH). or Regional Water Quality Control Board) that sites with identified contamination have been remediated to levels where no threat to human health or the environmental remains for the proposed uses.

Flood Protection Strategies

8.3.33. Shoreline and Flood Protection. Notwithstanding Policy 6.2.5 and Policy 5.2.7, shoreline protective devices and other flood protection strategies (e.g., diking, filing, dredging) may be constructed and maintained to protect development within the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 if consistent with all other applicable LCP policies. Such projects must be the least environmentally damaging alternative and shall incorporate the best mitigation measures feasible, prioritize soft protection strategies, and provide habitat improvement co-benefits. Most such projects are likely to be within the Coastal Commission’s retained jurisdiction for which the Coastal Act is the standard of review, and these LCP policies will be used as guidance.

8.3.34. Fill and Alterations Allowed to Protect Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1. The City may fill coastal waters, wetlands, estuaries, and lakes for the installation of flood protection measures provided such measures are intended to provide better coastal resource outcomes than alternatives that might otherwise avoid fill, such as, but not limited to, the use of ecotone levees that allow for habitat restoration and migration as well as public access opportunities where traditional levees might not. Such projects shall meet all of the following requirements: 1) there are no less environmentally damaging feasible alternatives, including that any bayward expansion of hard components is limited to the greatest extent feasible; 2) unavoidable impacts on coastal resources are mitigated; and 3) projects are designed to meet habitat protection or enhancement goals, including that habitat can be established at new elevations.

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8.3.35. Existing Hard Protective Devices. Existing hard coastal protection may be augmented to protect current development endangered from flooding, and gaps may be filled where planned to afford such protection when consistent with the Local Coastal Program. For the Industrial, Commercial, and Residential developments south of Samoa Boulevard, including the Arcata wastewater treatment facility as mapped on Figure 8-2, shoreline protection may be retained, monitored, and augmented to protect existing developed areas to an elevation of at least 15 feet (NAVD 88 elevation), or to an alternative elevation given the best available science and economic feasibility of protecting the area, and to the extent consistent with CDP requirements for the wastewater treatment facility. Hard armoring components shall avoid wetland fill to the maximum extent feasible. Alternatives to augmenting/enhancing hard armoring, such as realignment or redesign of existing hard coastal protection or use of soft/nature-based strategies shall be assessed and prioritized. The least environmentally damaging feasible alternative shall be used in all cases.

8.3.36. Siting and Design of New Shoreline Protective Structures. The siting and design of shoreline protective structures shall take into account anticipated future changes in sea level, based on the best available scientific information and projections or range of projections of future sea level, and be designed for anticipated sea level rise. When feasible, shoreline protective devices shall be designed to support public access and recreation opportunities and minimize impacts to public views by incorporating design features that mimic surrounding natural features.

8.3.37. Protective Device Funding. The City shall seek funding from State and Federal programs to construct and maintain protective devices for the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1. A City-wide fee, tax, or other assessment may also be collected to construct and maintain protective devices in this area.

8.3.38. Easements for Adaptation Planning. The City shall work with property owners within and adjacent to the proposed Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 to secure easements for future sea level rise protective devices and other resilience/adaptation strategies.

Within Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 2
The Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 2 as shown on Figure 8-2 identifies areas in which the City has actively pursued conservation easements, land acquisition, and restoration partnerships to provide improvements to natural areas. Uses in these lands are primarily agriculture, open space, recreation, and natural resources preservation, and act as a natural buffer from sea level rise. The primary objective for these areas is to continue to support these low-impact, adaptable uses and to transition to accommodating floodwaters and tidal inundation. The following policies apply to development inside the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 2 as shown in Figure 8-2.

8.3.39. Shoreline Protective Devices. Existing earthen berms and other shoreline protective devices may be maintained where necessary to provide protection for existing structures (structures and infrastructure built prior to the effective date of the Coastal

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Act, i.e., January 1, 1977) and coastal-dependent structures. New or expanded shoreline protective structures, including realignment or redesign of existing shoreline protective devices, shall only be allowed when consistent with the LCP, such as for habitat restoration purposes, including fall-back levees designed primarily to restore coastal habitat or natural hydrology while incidentally maintaining existing agricultural uses.

8.3.40. Conditions Prohibiting Future Protective Structures. Non-coastal dependent new development or substantial improvement on parcels potentially subject to future hazards associated with sea level rise shall only be approved with conditions requiring that no shoreline protective structure be constructed in the future to protect the development from erosion, flooding, and other hazards. As used in this policy, substantial improvement means improvements to pre-existing development that do not qualify for a CDP pursuant to Coastal Zoning Ordinance Section 2.14.050 (Exempt Projects).

8.3.41.Failing Shoreline Protective Devices. In cases where development was protected by dikes and other shoreline protective devices, but these devices no longer provide adequate protection, the property must address flooding hazards through alternative accommodation and/or retreat strategies, including potential removal of the development and restoration of the site. Implementation of such adaptation strategies may require a CDP.

8.3.42. Natural Resource Buffer Inventory. The City shall continue to add lands to its natural resource buffer inventory. Such lands shall support habitat preservation and restoration goals, as well as open space and public access opportunities.

8.3.43. Continued Agricultural Uses. As part of the City’s continued adaptation planning for sea level rise, the City will assess the opportunities to continue agricultural activities as appropriate while increasing wetlands and restoring coastal habitat in a manner that increases resiliency to flooding impacts from sea level rise.

Other Policies Related to Coastal Resources
The following policies apply in all areas in the Coastal Zone.

Visual Resources

8.3.44. Minimizing Impacts to Visual Resources. Shoreline protective structures and other sea level rise adaptation strategies shall minimize adverse impacts to visual resources to the extent feasible.

8.3.45. Strategies with No Impacts. The City shall encourage sea level rise adaptation strategies that will not impact visual resources, including short-term retrofits of structures and longer-term relocation or removal of structures within scenic areas.

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Environmentally Sensitive Habitats

8.3.46. Sea Level Rise in Habitat Projects. Sea level rise impacts shall be addressed in management plans for coastal habitats. Such evaluations should consider both topographic features as well as habitat and species sensitivities (for example, sensitivity to inundation and saltwater intrusion). Habitat management plans and/or other habitat projects should use an adaptive management approach with clearly defined triggers for adaptive actions, to ensure that coastal habitats are able to migrate and transition with changes in sea level.

8.3.47. Habitat Connectivity to Allow Species Movement. New structures and modifications to current structures such as highways, medians, bridges, culverts, walls, fences and other development in response to sea level rise shall be designed to facilitate movement of wild animals along wildlife corridors and minimize coastal squeeze to the extent feasible.

Water Quality Protection

8.3.48. Sea Level Rise in Stormwater Control Plans and Actions. Stormwater control plans for private development subject to MS4 requirements shall include measures to minimize impacts to water quality from pollutants, sediments, and nutrients entering water bodies through precipitation-generated runoff. Required stormwater control plans should address Sea level rise and extreme storm events. Metrics to establish minimization are identified in the Coastal Zoning Ordinance.

Public Access

8.3.49. Protect Coastal Access Opportunities. When feasible, shoreline protective structures shall be designed to incorporate public access features. The City will pursue opportunities to secure easements over shoreline protective structures specifically for public access.

8.3.50. Coastal Trails. The City will work with Caltrans and applicable agencies to incorporate portions of the California Coastal Trail and other trails within rights of way using retrofit options to avoid impacts from future sea level rise (boardwalks, bridges, etc.). The California Coastal Trail will remain within sight of Humboldt Bay where feasible.

8.3.51. Designing New Public Access Sites. Newly proposed public access sites, segments of the California Coastal Trail, and recreation and visitor serving facilities shall be sited and designed to minimize impacts from flooding and coastal erosion due to sea level rise.

For facilities that can be safely sited for the near term but future impacts are likely, an adaptive management plan detailing steps for maintenance, retrofitting and/or relocation shall be required.

Archaeological and Cultural Resources

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8.3.52. Sea-level Rise and Cultural, Archaeological and Paleontological Resources. The City will support local tribes’ efforts to identify, document, and, where appropriate, preserve cultural resources threatened by the effects of sea level rise and coastal flooding.

Agricultural Resources

8.3.53. City-Owned Agricultural Lands East of Highway 101. Sea level rise will eventually impact the City-owned agricultural lands east of Highway 101, south of Samoa Boulevard, and west of Old Arcata Road. Coastal wetland habitats will be allowed to migrate into the City-owned Jacoby Creek/Gannon Slough Wildlife Area as part of the overall management of the wildlife area consistent with Coastal Act Section 30241- 30242.

8.3.54. Saltwater Intrusion Conversion. Agricultural lands converted to marsh land by saltwater intrusion due to sea level rise or other natural conditions may be redesignated as Coastal Resource (:CR) lands at such time as agricultural uses are no longer viable.

8.3.55. Replacement of Recreation Areas. Sea level rise may eventually convert agricultural land west of Highway 101, south of Samoa Blvd. and west of Old Arcata Road to tidal lands. Once agricultural lands are converted to coastal wetland habitats, the City may provide recreational trails to replace other passive recreational areas lost to sea level rise.

8.3.56. Agricultural Water Quality Impacts. If climate change or other natural conditions result in more frequent flooding of agricultural lands, encourage agricultural uses to update or enhance their operations to ensure water quality protection as required by federal, state, or local regulations.

8.3.57. Fill for Habitat Projects. As part of a permitted habitat restoration/enhancement project, clean fill material may be imported and placed on previously compacted or subsided agricultural lands to raise the surface elevation of these former tide lands to make them more resilient to rising groundwater and sea level rise and to allow for future migration of saltmarsh habitat. Any such fill placement on agricultural lands must be specifically for a wetland restoration purpose and must comply with all applicable agriculture conversion policies. In areas where fill material is placed on existing wetlands, the depth of fill must allow continuation of wetland characteristics such that no net loss of wetlands shall occur to the extent feasible consistent with the restoration project.

8.3.58. Agriculture Protection, Maintenance and Adaptation of Dikes and Levees. Existing agricultural areas within the City’s Coastal Zone are partially protected by a series of dikes and drainage structures. These dikes and drainage structures may be repaired and maintained to protect the agricultural lands from sea level rise impacts for as long as feasible. The method of repair and maintenance shall be the least environmentally damaging feasible alternative and feasible mitigation measures shall be provided to minimize adverse environmental effects.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 63
Regional Approaches – Collaboration with Regional Partners Sea level rise will affect all jurisdictions and agencies within the Humboldt Bay region. The City will work with the City of Eureka, the County of Humboldt, the Humboldt Bay Harbor Recreation and Conservation District, Caltrans, Pacific Gas and Electric, the North Coast Railroad Authority, landowners, and other stakeholders to collaborate on regional approaches to sea level rise.

8.3.59. Stakeholder Collaboration. The City will assist in developing collaborative stakeholder group(s) that include: other jurisdictions, critical asset owners, property owners, shoreline protective structure managers, business owners, regulatory agencies, and interested public members. These stakeholders will assist in developing or reviewing bay-wide, watershed, drainage basin, and project specific, multipurpose sea level rise adaptation strategies and measures.

8.3.60. Collaboration with Regional Partners. The City will work with regional partners to explore the feasibility of permitting innovative solutions to adapt to sea level rise.

Potential regional solutions may include:
(1) Installing hard engineered tidal barriers at the Humboldt Bay entrance, Eureka Slough entrance, and/or between Indian, Woodley, and Daby Islands that allow continued navigation, fish passage, and sediment transport while allowing temporary sea gates, pump stations, and offshore structures to be put in place.
(2) Constructing soft engineered islands, reefs, marshes, living shorelines or other features which mimic natural processes and offer shoreline protection.
(3) Utilizing oyster shells, navigation channel dredge spoils and other safe, local, suitable material to implement adaptation measures inland, along the shoreline, and within the waters of Humboldt Bay.
(4) Identifying the areas where it is feasible and appropriate to protect dikes, railroads, highways and roads in place as a way of serving to protect current development, and identifying those areas where elevating or relocating these features would be more appropriate to allow for wetland migration and restoration.
(5) Exploring a regional ocean outfall or other regional solutions for treated wastewater.
(6) Increasing the number and size of tide gates to enhance the drainage capacity of the lands behind the dikes.

8.3.61. Mitigation Program. The City supports development of a regional mitigation program to address the region’s potential to fill wetlands in an effort to protect current development. The program would involve creating wetland areas to be used as compensation for filling wetlands to create protective devices for current development.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 64

8.3.62. Education. The City will work with community partners to educate the community about sea level rise impacts, including how to implement best management practices throughout the City to reduce vulnerability and risk from flooding hazards associated with sea level rise.

8.3.63. Preserve Undeveloped Shorelines. The City shall encourage preservation and habitat enhancement of natural shoreline areas throughout Humboldt Bay that are vulnerable to future flooding, contain significant habitats or species, are suitable for ecosystem enhancement, and allow area for habitat migration as sea level rises.

8.3.64. Regional Adaptation Strategies. The City will promote and participate in development of a regional entity for protection of current development, restoration of coastal habitats, and preservation of public access and recreational opportunities on Humboldt Bay. The City will participate in regional efforts to seek funding for regional solutions to accommodate higher sea levels.

8.3.65. Acquisition and Buyout Program. The City will collaborate with regional partners to seek funding, and work with property owners to acquire property at risk from flooding or inundation due to sea level rise.

8.3.66. Retrofit Transportation Infrastructure. The City will work with Caltrans and the County of Humboldt to address sea level rise impacts to Highway 101, Highway 255, and adjacent County roads to maintain transportation functions as the sea level rises. The City will work with these entities to identify which existing roadways should be retrofitted to withstand flooding, to consider relocation of roadways, and to plan for these projects to be completed over time as roads are maintained if appropriate, feasible, and consistent with all applicable LCP policies.

8.3.67. Phased Implementation of Transportation Projects. As sea level rises and existing roads are periodically flooded, alternate transportation routes shall be established to accommodate traffic. Recognizing that periodic flooding of low-lying roads could result in hazardous conditions or delays, transportation routes shall be maintained, retrofitted, and re-routed to accommodate sea level rise, until such time as retreat is the only viable option. The City will coordinate with Caltrans, the County of Humboldt, and the City of Eureka to ensure that planned transportation networks meet the needs of the City and the region considering consistency with applicable LCP policies.

Continued Adaptation Planning

8.3.68. Sunset. As of January 1, 2046, no new development may rely on the Policies 8.3.24 to

8.3.38 that apply uniquely to Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1 unless the Coastal Commission certifies an LCP amendment extending that deadline.

8.3.69. Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. On an ongoing basis, the City shall continue to assess sea level rise vulnerabilities based on best available science. The City shall also monitor changes in actual sea level and the resulting impacts to development in Arcata. City staff shall provide the City Council with periodic updates on sea level rise

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 65
science and projections and City vulnerabilities. This information shall be considered as part of the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan described in Policy 8.3.71.

8.3.70. Zone 1 Retreat Triggers. The City shall prepare a study that identifies triggers to initiate the retreat strategies for development in Sea Level Rise Adaptation Zone 1. This study will assess when it is no longer feasible and practical to continue to protect and defend significant investments in Zone 1, and when the benefits of retreat outweigh the costs. This evaluation shall consider benefits/costs not only in terms of economic value, but also with respect to broader coastal resource protection and community planning goals. The study will identify specific markers or milestones that warrant retreat, which may include physical impacts like surface flooding of the water treatment facility, lift stations, trails, and roads; submergence of wastewater gravity main and manholes; overtopping of shoreline protection devices; and emergent groundwater or tidal waters in drainage facilities; economic costs associated with maintenance activities, damage repair costs, or costs associated with adaptation strategies; or amounts of sea level rise and the elevation of high tide events. Identified triggers shall reflect the amount of time it takes to further plan and implement retreat measures. The City will complete the study no later than January 1, 2031 and shall consider the study as part of the Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan and strategy review described in Policy 8.3.71.

8.3.71. Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan. No later than January 1, 2034, the City shall develop a Sea Level Rise Adaptation Plan (or Plans for smaller sub-areas). The City shall use such a Plan to form the basis for LCP updates and changes, as deemed necessary by the City in coordination with the Coastal Commission and other stakeholders, to address sea level rise in a way that can protect coastal resources and promote public coastal access while ensuring all development (including private structures and public infrastructure) are protected from coastal hazards. The Plan shall build on past adaptation planning work, including the retreat triggers described in Policy 8.3.70 and an assessment of the efficacy of existing adaptation strategies, and shall address the following topics:
 Existing and Future Conditions: Based on best available science, describe current coastal hazards; baseline conditions in terms of public and private development, critical infrastructure, public access and recreational areas, agricultural lands, and environmental resources; and how conditions are expected to change as coastal hazards are exacerbated by sea level rise.
 Adaptation Strategy Review: Complete a comprehensive assessment of the City’s existing sea level adaptation strategy as described in the LCP. The assessment shall consider the efficacy of implemented strategies at protecting and enhancing the City’s coastal resources, critical infrastructure, and other built and natural environmental features as well as the potential need to revise specific adaptation measures and/or implement new measures.
 Goals and Adaptation Options. Describe the overall vision for the City’s coastline over the short-, medium-, and long-term horizon. Include specific goals and

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 66
actions for minimization of coastal hazard risks and protection of infrastructure, public and private development, public access, habitat, and other coastal resources. Consider a range of adaptation strategies which may include hydrologic restoration, green infrastructure, ecotone levees, shoreline protection structures, dike/levee augmentation or realignment, elevation of development, structural modifications, relocation of development, and emerging engineering options. Evaluate the extent to which various options meet specific goals in line with the overall vision of the City’s shoreline, considering how different strategies could be phased over time. Adaptation strategies will address issues associated with the Arcata Wastewater Treatment Facility, existing commercial and industrial uses, and existing residential development.
 Preferred Approaches. Identify a preferred set of adaptation options and priority next steps to be implemented that are consistent with and carry out the City’s vision and goals. Identify how different adaptation options are intended to be phased over time as conditions change. As appropriate, incorporate the retreat triggers developed consistent with Policy 8.3.70 and any other triggers to be used to inform the need for different adaptation actions. Describe the policy options (e.g., updated land use and zoning requirements, development approval conditions, deed restrictions, design guidelines), specific projects, and funding mechanisms necessary to ensure adaptation actions are carried out.  Funding Opportunities. Identify and evaluate the suitability of potential funding options to support short-, medium-, and long-term adaptation options. Potential funding opportunities may include in-lieu fees, grants, state/federal funds, and GHADs/CSAs. Opportunities to integrate adaptation strategies with other planning processes (e.g., Local Hazard Mitigation Plans, Capital Improvement Plans, Climate Action Plans, and other regional planning efforts), including in order to leverage funding options, shall also be explored.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 67

9.0 Public Access

9.1. Introduction
The City of Arcata strives to strives to provide maximum public access to the coast and shall protect existing access and provide new public access where appropriate. The City of Arcata Coastal Zone contains approximately four miles of Humboldt Bay shoreline; however, there is no direct access to the Pacific Ocean within the City’s Coastal Zone. Public access to the shoreline of Humboldt Bay is primarily located in the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (Arcata Marsh) and McDaniel Slough. Figures 9-1 and 9-2 identify these access points, as well as other existing, required, and planned access points, including segments of the California Coastal Trail, Humboldt Bay Trail (Rail with Trail Connectivity Project) and the Pacific Coast Bike Route.

The Arcata Marsh is a publicly owned conservation and recreation area on the northern edge of Humboldt Bay that contains 307 acres of freshwater marshes, salt marshes, brackish marsh, tidal sloughs, tidal mudflats, and grassy uplands. The Arcata Marsh’s primary purpose is to provide tertiary, sustainable wastewater treatment for the City, while also providing habitat and recreational value. The Arcata Marsh provides wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities with parking areas, a boat launch, and approximately 5.4 miles of walking and biking paths which provide access to the levees surrounding the sanctuary. An additional mile of trail was added as a portion of the Humboldt Bay Trail rail with trail project.

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Gannon Slough

0.01 0.01

0.01 0.03

0.03 0.03

0.04 0.1 0.05

0.05 0.06

0.07 0.08

0.08 0.09

0.1 Service Road - No Access

0.16 0.17

0.17 0.17

0.17 0.18

0.2 0.2

0.24 0.24

0.28 Service Road - No Access

0.34 0.36

0.60 Loop 0.86 miles

0.87 Restored Tidal Marsh
Salt Marsh
Mt Trashmore
Salt Marsh
Salt Marsh

0.06 South G St
South G St
South I St
South I St
H St
13th St
K St
G St
12th St
Q St
D St
E St
5th St
L
11th St
orelei L
n
L
orelei L
n
J St
Samoa Blvd
9th St
8th St
4th St
Old Samoa Rd V St
I St
10th St
O St
F St
7th St
L St
6th St
3rd St
N St
2nd St
Tina Ct
ina Ct
Sherri Ct
Villa Way
Ariel Way
US Hwy 101
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£¤101
This map is for informational purposes only.

The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, makes no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy of the information contained in this map. The City of Arcata, including any employees and sub-contractors, disclaims liability for any and all damages which may arise due to errors in the map and the user's reliance thereon.

Date Saved: 2/17/2026 9:13 AM Path: R:\Av_projects\Com_Dev\Projects\LCP Maps\2026\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates\LocalCoastalProgrammingUpdates.aprx 0 300 600
City of Arcata Feet
Arcata
2023 City of Arcata Imagery
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
Access Points
Figure C-9-1
Ca. Dept. Fish & Wildlife
Mad River
Slough Wildlife
Area
A r c a t a M a r s h &
W i l d l i f e S a n c t u a r y
Bathroom
Boat Launch
Interpretive Center
Parking
Trail Head
Viewing Station
Service Road
Trail
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
Coastal Zone Boundary
Arcata City Limits
Creek
Waterbody
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South I St
Access Point
?
South G St
Arcata Marsh &
Interpretive Center
Access Point
? South G St
Access Point
?
South H St
Access Point
?
South I St
Klopp Lake
Access Point
?
South I St
Allen Pond
Access Point
Proposed Living Shoreline
!( !(
?
Approximate location
of Living Shoreline
?
Approximate location
of Living Shoreline
Date: 2/17/2026
? Proposed
Trail Segment
?
Proposed
Trail Segment
?
Humboldt Bay Trail
(Existing)
?
Proposed
Trail Segment
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Humboldt Bay Trail
(Existing)
! ! ! Humboldt Bay Trail (Existing)
Proposed Trail Segment
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone.

The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.”
±

øÜ
øÜ
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USFWS Humboldt
Bay National
Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Humboldt
Bay National
Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Humboldt
Bay National
Wildlife Refuge
USFWS Humboldt
Bay National
Wildlife Refuge
Eureka KOA
Campground
Ma-Le'l
Dunes
North
Humboldt Bay
Trail - North
H St
13th St
K St
G St
12th St
Q St
D St
E St
5th St
L
11th St orelei Ln Lorelei Ln
J St
Samoa Blvd
9th St
8th St
4th St
Old Samoa Rd V St
I St
10th St
O St
F St
7th St
L St
6th St
3rd St
N St
2nd St
Tina Ct
ina Ct Sherri Ct Villa Way
Ariel Way
US Hwy 101
North
Pond
Boat Ramp
Arcata Marsh
South I Street
Parking Lot
Arcata Marsh
South G Street
Parking Lot
Arcata Marsh
Interpretive
Center
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CDFW
Mad River Wildlife Refuge
Gannon Slough/
Jacoby Creek
Wildlife Area
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Arcata Marsh &
Wildlife Sanctuary
Humboldt
Bay Trail South
Humboldt Bay Trail - North/
California Coastal Trail
Arcata Rail
with Trail - Phase I/
California Coastal Trail
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McDaniel Slough
Fickle Hill Creek
Washington Gulch
Gannon
Slo
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Indianola
0 1,000 2,000
City of Arcata Feet
Coastal Access Trails
Figure C-9-2
! ! ! Coastal Zone Boundary Creek
Trails Boundaries
USFWS Humboldt Bay
National Wildlife Refuge
Public Lands
Water Features
Waterbody
i! Parking
Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary
City of Arcata Potential Trail
City of Arcata Existing Trail
Humboldt Bay Trail - North
Humboldt Bay Trail South
Arcata Rail with Trail - Phase I
California Coastal Trail
Arcata Bay
Data Sources:

California Coastal Trail and Access Points and Coastal Zone Boundary:

Data downloaded from Ca Coastal Commission GIS hub, https://thecalifornia-coastal-trail-1-coastalcomm.hub.arcgis.com/ 10/26/2021 Public Lands: Humboldt County GIS
USFWS Boundary: Data downloaded from https://www.fws.gov/gis/data/ CadastralDB/links_cadastral.html, 10/26/2021
All other data not listed is from the City of Arcata
øÜ
Ca Coastal Commission
Coastal Access Points
Mad River Slough
Arcata City Limits
Date: 2/17/2026
Notes:

The data shown outside of the coastal zone is for informational, not regulatory, purposes, and the Ca Coastal Com’s certification does not extend beyond the coastal boundary.
“The Coastal Zone Boundary depicted on this map is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not define the Coastal Zone. The delineation is representational, may be revised at any time in the future, is not binding on the Coastal Commission, and does not eliminate the possibility that the Coastal Commission must make a formal mapping determination.” ±

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 70
Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policies are most relevant to shoreline access in Arcata:

Section 30252: The location and amount of new development should maintain and enhance public access to the coast by:
(1) facilitating the provision or extension of transit service; (2) providing commercial facilities within or adjoining residential development or in other areas that will minimize the use of coastal access roads; (3) providing non-automobile circulation within the development; (4) providing adequate parking facilities or providing substitute means of serving the development with public transportation; (5) assuring the potential for public transit for high intensity uses such as high-rise office buildings; and by (6) assuring that the recreational needs of new residents will not overload nearby coastal recreation areas by correlating the amount of development with local park acquisition and development plans with the provision of onsite recreational facilities to serve the new development.

Section 30210: Maximum access, which shall be conspicuously posted, and recreational opportunities shall be provided for all the people consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from overuse.

Section 30211: Development shall not interfere with the public's right of access to the sea where acquired through use or legislative authorization, including, but not limited to, the use of dry sand and rocky coastal beaches to the first line of terrestrial vegetation.

Section 30212: Public access from the nearest public roadway to the shoreline and along the coast shall be provided in new development projects except where: (1) it is inconsistent with public safety, military security needs, or the protection of fragile coastal resources, (2) adequate access exists nearby, or, (3) agriculture would be adversely affected.

Dedicated accessways shall not be required to be opened to public use until a public agency or private association agrees to accept responsibility for maintenance and liability of the accessway. …
Section 30214: ( a ) The public access policies of this coastal land use plan shall be implemented in a manner that takes into account the need to regulate the time, place, and manner of public access depending on the facts and circumstances in each case including, but not limited to, the following: (1) Topographic and geologic site characteristics; (2) The capacity of the site to sustain use and at what level of intensity; (3) The appropriateness of limiting public access to the right to pass and repass depending on such factors as the fragility of the natural resources in the area and the proximity of the access area to adjacent residential uses; and (4) The need to provide for the management of access areas so as to protect the privacy of adjacent property owners and to protect the aesthetic values of the area by providing for the collection of litter.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that the public access policies of this article be carried out in a reasonable manner that considers the equities and that balances the rights of the individual property owner with the public's constitutional right of access pursuant to Section 4 of Article X of the California Constitution. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as a limitation on the rights guaranteed to the public under Section 4 of Article X of the California Constitution. (c) In carrying out the public access policies of this article, the commission any other responsible public agency shall consider and encourage the utilization of innovative access management techniques, including, but not limited to, agreements with private organizations which would minimize management costs and encourage the use of volunteer programs.

Section 30604: (h) When acting on a coastal development permit, the issuing agency, or the commission on appeal, may consider environmental justice, or the equitable distribution of environmental benefits throughout the state.

9.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

9.2.1. Public Coastal Access. The City shall maintain and improve public access to and along the coastline consistent with public safety needs and the need to protect public rights, rights of private property owners, and natural resource areas from overuse.

9.2.2. Avoiding Impacts. Development shall avoid adverse impacts to public access.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 71

9.2.3. Environmental Justice. The City shall consider the distribution of public access benefits and burdens on underserved and disadvantaged communities when reviewing proposed development applications..

9.2.4. Multi-use Trails. The City shall provide a network of multi-use trails to serve both recreational and commuter needs. Trails should connect parks and natural areas with business, commercial, industrial and residential sections of town to allow for nonmotorized transportation alternatives. Existing and proposed trails should be aligned for interconnectivity. New dikes, revetments, and other similar structures shall provide nonmotorized access ways to the extent feasible where planned.

9.2.5. Connection to the Regional Trail System. The City shall develop a continuous trail system developed with connections to the California Coastal Trail system. Alignments and interconnectivity of proposed bike paths and trails shall be coordinated. These include the Arcata Rail with Trail Connectivity Project, the Pacific Coast Bike Route, and the California Coastal Trail system. The City will work with the appropriate agencies to encourage trail development and access to the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Mad River Slough Wildlife Area west of the City limits. The City will work with the County of Humboldt to explore road shoulder and bike path improvement options for County roads west of the City of Arcata in the Arcata Bottom, to provide access to Mad River Beach and the Hammond Trail.

9.2.6. California Coastal Trail. the California Coastal Trail shall be maintained and enhanced to:
 Provide a continuous, nonmotorized public trail through Arcata located as close to the coast as feasible, considering other coastal resource concerns such as sea level rise;
 Connect with contiguous trail links in adjacent unincorporated Humboldt County;  Include connections to the shoreline (“vertical access”) at appropriate intervals:
and
 Include sufficient transportation access to encourage public use.

9.2.7. Public Coastal Access in New Development. In situations where new development will impact public access, the development located between the Bay and the first public road shall provide proportional mitigation in the form of vertical (perpendicular) access from the public road and/or lateral access along the shoreline in the following areas:
 In the locations shown in Figures 9-1 and 9-2; and/or  Where the Coastal Development Permit review authority determines the need for additional public access on and/or through the site, or the need for additional access created by the project.

9.2.8. Exemptions to Public Coastal Access Requirements. The following development projects

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 72
are exempt from the public coastal access requirements of Policy 9.2.7:
 Improvement, replacement, demolition or reconstruction of certain existing structures, as specified in Coastal Act Section 30212(b); and  New development under Coastal Act Section 30212(a) where (1) public access would be inconsistent with public safety, military security needs, or the protection of fragile coastal resources; (2) adequate public access exists nearby; or (3) agriculture would be adversely affected.

9.2.9. Dedication of Public Coastal Access. If a coastal accessway is required as a condition of development pursuant to Policy 9.2.7, the City shall require guarantee of the access through deed restriction, offer of dedication, or grant fee interest or easement.

9.2.10. Maintenance through New Development. Approved new development shall maintain coastal access corridors and shall not restrict or interfere with the public’s right of access to and along the shoreline.

9.2.11. Public Access Signage. In coordination with Caltrans and the County of Humboldt, the City shall provide adequate directional signage to assist the public in locating, recognizing, and utilizing the public accessways , including but not limited to those shown in Figures 9-1 and 9-2.

9.2.12. Parking. New development shall not significantly adversely impact public access to the coast. Coastal access is also available for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users, but these facilities have not received the same historical investment as vehicle parking. The City shall consider establishing parking maximums to ensure coastal resources are most effectively and efficiently protected.

9.2.13. Vacation Rentals. The City shall continue to allow short-term lodgings in residential units as a means of providing lower cost overnight visitor accommodations.

9.2.14. New Overnight Accommodations. The City shall encourage new overnight visitor accommodation development that contributes to a city-wide supply of campgrounds, RV sites, and room types at prices that serve all income levels.

9.2.15. Highway Improvements. Improvements to Highway 101 and Samoa Blvd shall be designed to protect and expand multi-modal public access to and along the coast.

9.2.16. Transit Service Collaboration. The City will work with transit service providers to maintain and enhance coastal access by bus and other forms of public transportation.

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 73

10.0 Scenic and Visual Resources

10.1. Introduction
Protecting scenic resources and views of the coast is a central focus of the Coastal Act and local coastal programs. The Coastal Act requires protection of the scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas, since they are important public resources. Scenic resources in Arcata’s coastal zone include Arcata Bay, shoreline areas, and open space and natural features visible from the coastal zone, and designated historic resources. Public views of these scenic resources are enjoyed from roadways, public vista points, and trails. The Local Coastal Element contains policies to protect the scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas and to ensure that new development does not adversely impact public views of scenic resources.

10.2. Local Coastal Element Policies

10.2.1 New Development. New development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas, minimize the alteration of natural land forms, be visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas, and, where feasible, restore and enhance visual quality in visually degraded areas.

10.2.2 Designation of Scenic Resources. The following natural features are designated as scenic resources:
 Open waters of Arcata Bay.
 Habitat areas and natural features along the shoreline, including coastal lagoons, marshes, estuaries, sloughs, and mudflats.
 Visually prominent natural features visible from the coastal zone, including agricultural lands, gulches, forested slopes, hillsides, ridgelines and mountain tops.
 Designated national and state historic landmarks and the Arcata Plaza Area historic district.

Coastal Act Policies
The following Coastal Act policy is most relevant to scenic and visual resources in Arcata:

Section 30251: The scenic and visual qualities of coastal areas shall be considered and protected as a resource of public importance. Permitted development shall be sited and designed to protect views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas, to minimize the alteration of natural land forms, to be visually compatible with the character of surrounding areas, and, where feasible, to restore and enhance visual quality in visually degraded areas. …

City of Arcata Local Coastal Element 74
These areas and features are not considered a “highly scenic area” pursuant to Coastal Act Section 30251.

10.2.3 Protected Views. The following are designated as protected views:
 Scenic Roadway Segments. Views of designated scenic resources from scenic roadway segments shown in Figure 10-1.
 Vista Points. Views of designated scenic resources from designated vista points shown in Figure 10-1.
 Scenic Trail Segments. Views of designated scenic resources from designated scenic trail segments shown in Figure 10-1.

10.2.4 Visual Impacts. New development that would result in a significant adverse impact to a protected view is prohibited. A significant adverse impact to a protected view occurs only when development substantially blocks or disrupts views of a scenic resource in a manner that significantly diminishes the public enjoyment of that scenic resource.

10.2.5 Avoiding Impacts. Development shall avoid adverse impacts to a protected view, if feasible. Avoiding impacts shall be prioritized over minimizing and mitigating impacts.

10.2.6 Initial Project Evaluation. The City shall evaluate all Coastal Development Permit applications to determine if a proposed project may adversely impact a protected view.

10.2.7 Visual Impact Analysis. Applicants shall prepare a visual impact analysis where an initial evaluation finds that a project may result in a significant adverse impact to a protected view. The analysis shall include recommendations to avoid or minimize impacts to protected views prepared in accordance with Coastal Zoning Ordinance requirements.

10.2.8 Open Space Preservation. The open and natural character of farmlands and undeveloped countryside within the Coastal Zone shall be protected and maintained consistent with the parcel’s coastal zoning designation and applicable Local Coastal Program policies and standards.

10.2.9 Marsh-Adjacent Development. New development within the area bounded by Samoa Blvd., Butcher's Slough, and Gannon Slough shall include local native plant landscaping, screenings, and other measures to ensure compatibility with scenic coastal resources and with the educational, recreational, wildlife, and other uses of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary.

10.2.10 Public Infrastructure. The City shall minimize impacts to protected views resulting from City-controlled utilities, traffic signals, governmental signs, and other similar improvements in the public right-of-way.