Regulations
Planning Regulations & Codes
The purpose of the planning related regulations and codes is to provide standards and guidelines for the continuing orderly growth and development of the City, while protecting the character and community identity of Arcata.
-
Land Use Code
The Land Use Code carries out the policies of the Arcata General Plan and Local Coastal Program.
-
General Plan
The Arcata General Plan will help shape how the City will look, function, provide services and manage resources.
-
Local Coastal Program Update
The Community Development Department is updating its 1989 Local Coastal Program. The Program guides and regulates all development within the Coastal Zone which makes up about one-third of the City. The new rules will be in place for the next 20 years.
-
Certified Local Coastal Program
The land use designations within the Coastal Zone are part of the City's Local Coastal Program.
-
Building Codes
The purpose of the building related codes is to provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within the City. Some building code is mandated by the State of California, and other code had been developed by the City of Arcata.
-
Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
On July 15, 2015 California approved revisions to the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), which promotes efficient water use in new and retrofitted landscapes.