Community Development

City Hall Closure Due to COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, the City has implemented measures to limit in-person contact, including limiting work hours and closing City Hall to walk-in business.  

We still strive to provide the full range of city services by phone, email, and web-based services. Since this is an evolving situation, please visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage for updates. 

Visit Staff Directory for Contact Information

While City Hall is temporarily closed, the Community Development staff can still be reached by email or phone.  Email addresses and phone numbers are available by visiting our staff directory.

Please understand that responses to email and voicemail messages may take longer than normal.

Services Offered by the Community Development Department

The City of Arcata’s Community Development department manages the following areas that focus on sustainable growth and enhancing the City’s character, availability of all types of housing, and support and growth of the City’s economy.

  1. Planning
  2. Housing
  3. Economic Development
  4. Foodworks Culinary Center
  5. Commercial Cannabis Activity Permit

The Planning Division manages several vital City functions.  Long range planning, which includes areas such as Land Use Code, Zoning, and elements of the City’s General Plan, reflect the City Council’s vision and provide the foundation for growth and character of the City. Shorter range plans include study and preparation for issues such as Sea Level Rise. Planning is also responsible for the implementation of the Land Use Code in permitting, design review, historic properties, and annexations.

Planner Counter Hours: Suspended Until Further Notice

While City Hall is closed to the public, the City’s Planners are still available for assistance by email or phone. Please email comdev@cityofarcata.org or leave a message at #707-822-5955, and a Planner will get in touch with you.

Please visit our Planning Division page for information on Planning Permits, Historic Preservation, Regulations, and Major Development Projects that are managed by the Planning Division and are currently in various permitting, planning, or environmental review phases.