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Building Permits

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1. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, remodeling, expansion, addition or repair to a structure.

Work requiring a permit includes (but is not limited to) additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, trellises, carports, sheds, skylights, covered patios, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, termite repairs, solar panels and most interior and exterior remodeling work. Additional sub-permits may also be required for plumbing, heating and cooling, re-roofing and electrical work.

Construction undertaken without a permit may be subject to a penalty on all required permits and may involve dismantling or uncovering completed work to provide access for inspection. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, call the local building department before starting the work. Building Permits

2. Are construction plans required?

If you asked the question, they probably are. In order to approve your building permit application the plan checker or building inspector needs to have a clear picture of your project. You must always assume that someone other than yourself is going to do the construction. Very minor work, such as dry rot repair, usually does not require plans. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, removal or addition of walls, exterior changes, additions, will all require plans.

3. Who may apply for a permit?

Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or subpermit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work will be required to sign an Owner-Builder Declaration stating that they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from the requirement of having Workers' Compensation Insurance, or they will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

4. What kind of plans are required?

All plans must include the name, address, stamp and signature of the architect, engineer, designer or other person preparing the plans. No marked-over or altered plans will be accepted. If major revisions are necessary or additional information is required, the original drawings must be corrected and resubmitted.

Completeness and clarity of the drawings is essential. Remember that the plan checker can only review your plans to the level of the information you supply. Your plans would be considered complete if you could give them to a total stranger and he/she could understand how the building will be constructed and what the finished project will look like. Incomplete and unclear plans can delay issuance of your permit.

5. What information is required on drawings?

For more information, please visit our Drawing Requirements page.

6. When do I need an architect or engineer?

See examples of when you might need an architect or engineer by visiting our Architects and Engineers page.

7. When do I need an encroachment permit?

If your construction project requires frontage improvements or any other work to be performed in the City right-of-way, an encroachment permit will be required. If no work is being done, but the right-of-way will be occupied or used for storage i.e. storage bins, ladders, scaffolding, an encroachment permit will still be required.

An encroachment permit can be obtained by visiting the Public Works Department.

8. How many copies of the plans do I need?

The number of plan sets required is based on the number of agencies that must review your project. One set will be returned to the permit applicant as the "Job Copy," 1 set will be retained by the jurisdiction and 1 set, by law, must be retained for the County Assessor.

Compare your proposed project with the review responsibilities. Follow the instructions in each section, total the number of sets as applicable, and submit that number of plan sets with your permit application.

Two sets of plans are the minimum required for Building Division Review. This is for projects that require review only by the Building Inspection Division, when there is no addition of square footage. An additional set is required for the Humboldt County Assessor.

If your project is for a commercial, industrial or multifamily use or for a building containing hazardous materials, 1 set of plans is required for review by the Fire Department, add 1 set of plans. If your project is being plan checked by an outside plan checker, i.e. commercial projects or apartments over 4 units, add 1 set of plans.

9. When do I need an inspection?

Inspection Services & Guidelines - FAQs

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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

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1. What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

Community Supported Agriculture is an alternative model of agriculture that is growing in popularity for consumers and farmers. CSA subscribers, or shareholders, pledge financial support to the farm in the spring understanding that they will be apart of the risk and rewards of the growing season. "Subscribing" to the farm buys you a season's worth (typically 20 weeks) of farm-fresh food that is to be picked up weekly at the farm!

2. Why support the Bayside Park Farm CSA?

- Bridge the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers
- Follow Your Food Shed
- Savor the Flavor of Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

See additional details.

3. What do we offer?

Learn about the main season/winter shares as well as the specific crops that are grown.

4. How do I join the Bayside Park Farm CSA?

Complete applications can be brought to the Recreation Department office or the farm. Access additional instructions.

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Excessive Electricity Use Tax

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1. Who will be taxed?

The High Energy Use Tax would affect residential households whose electricity usage is over 600% of baseline or 3 times the average residential electrical usage in Arcata. There are 9,500 residential meters in Arcata. In 2011, 633 households utilized electricity that exceeded 600% of baseline. This excessive usage totaled over 6.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity. Households which continue to utilize this level of energy will be taxed at a rate of 45% or approximately $0.16 per kilowatt hour.

2. Will the City know which houses exceed baseline by 600%?

No, the City will not know which houses are paying the tax. PG&E through its State Energy Franchise Contract will bill and collect the tax to the appropriate households and forward it to the City. While PG&E does provide Arcata with aggregate data from time to time, the City never receives individual household data. It is possible for the City to be notified of accounts who enter payment default.

3. How much revenue will the tax measure generate?

The City views this as a descending tax and anticipates that as households reduce their energy consumption the tax will zero out. A tax increment of 45% on electricity usage for only those residential households that exceed 600% of the established baseline in 2011 would have netted $1,249,254.90 to the City.

4. How much will the tax measure cost?

PG&E has quoted an implementation cost estimate of $600,000 to restructure the billing system to create a “new group” or category of customers who this tax will apply to. The components of the cost estimate include:
- Gathering and documenting system requirements
- Designing the technical specifications
- Implementing programming changes
- System testing.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I register for a program?

There are multiple ways to register: - Online utilizing the registration resource. Please call us if you need your username and/or password emailed to you. - In Person: We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street. - By Phone: 707-822-7091 - By Mail:

736 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521

Please note: When registering by phone, we must have a registration form on file. If your child has not participated in any Arcata recreation programs in the current year, then we need a new form. All participants must have a current registration form completed each year. You can save time by emailing a registration form or sending it by fax to 707-825-2118, and then call our office.

Online Registration Resource

2. Do you have a program for young children that promotes socialization?

Definitely! We have Arcata Park Playdates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Arcata Park Playdates is a play group for families with children newborn to 5 years. Playdates are held at different parks throughout the month, so families can explore Arcata's parks and playgrounds together. Please note that the children must be supervised by parent/or guardian at all times. The play group is a partnership with First 5 Humboldt and offers a safe and comfortable environment for children and parents to socialize and play. Suggested daily donation is $3. 

Arcata Park Playdates Calendar

3. Does the City of Arcata have 65+ programming?

Definitely! The Humboldt Senior Resource Center operates a senior lunch and activity site at the Arcata Community Center at 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Activities include support groups, health assessments, exercise classes, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Please call 707-825-2027 or for more details visit the Humboldt Senior Resource Center Online Resource.

4. Are there sport leagues in Arcata?

Yes, depending on the season. View the fitness link on the programs and activities page to see what's currently being offered. Youth and adult soccer, football, and baseball/softball are organized by local non-profit groups that utilize our fields. Visit the Community Partners List to find their contact information.

Programs and Activities Page

5. What is a “drop-in” program and how does this work?

"Drop-in” programs allow individuals the opportunity to participate in an activity for a day rather than commit to a full session or season. Examples of drop-in programs we have are sports (such as table tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickle ball), music (such as ukulele and drumming), and chess club. “Drop-in” fees vary depending on the activity and are paid onsite, pre-registration is not needed.

Calendar of Drop-In Activities

6. Where can I play tennis in the City of Arcata?

Our tennis courts are available to the public in Larson Park at 901 Grant Avenue (Grant Avenue and Eye Street).

7. Does the City of Arcata have a skate park?

Yes! We have a public skate park that is located at 900 Sunset Boulevard, just west of Highway 101.

8. How do I know if I am qualified as a resident of Arcata?

Anyone who has a physical address in the City of Arcata qualifies as a “resident”. You may also qualify if you own a business (however, please note that you must own a business, not just be employed in Arcata).

9. What indoor facilities does the City rent?

- Arcata Community Center - 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
- D Street Neighborhood Center - 1301 D Street
- Library Conference Room - 500 7th Street
- Redwood Lodge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)
- Redwood Lounge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)

For more information, access each facility listing.

10. How do I make a reservation?

To make a reservation request, call the City’s Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or send an email to rec@cityofarcata.org. You can also stop by the office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation.

Read more about making reservations.

11. Do I need to have a reservation to use a city park?

Not necessarily. Most city parks are open to the general public for use, however, if you would like to reserve a location we offer facility rentals for birthday parties and events. Available facilities include Larson Park Gazebo and/or Bocce Courts and the picnic area in Redwood Park.

The following conditions will require a reservation or permit:
1. Non-spontaneous large-group activities consisting of 50 or more persons
2. The charging of an admission or entrance fee
3. The use of City facilities not ordinarily available for public use
4. Regularly occurring organized team or league use of City sports fields or courts
5. The sale of merchandise, food or beverages
6. The setting up of booths, stages, vending carts or stands, kiosks, bleachers or similar structures
7. The barricading of any City street or other street use that would impede the normal flow of traffic
8. Amplified music or sound
9. The need for access to City electricity
10. The need for garbage collection specific to the activity or event
11. The staging or shooting of commercial, motion or television pictures, or still photography, exempting local businesses and tourism productions, as further defined by the City Council, when such activities do not otherwise require a City permit.

12. How can I reserve a park or Arcata Plaza for a special event?

To reserve a park or the Arcata Plaza please contact the city's Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or by email.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an Endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation. Learn more about park reservations.

13. What are the City Park hours?

Public parks are closed between sunset and sunrise, except the Plaza, which is closed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

14. Where can I find maps of City parks and open spaces?

Printed maps of Arcata Parks and Playgrounds are available at Arcata City Hall Recreation Office, 736 F St.

Arcata Parks and Playgrounds online resource

15. Where can I find more information on Arcata's natural habitat?

Learn more about Arcata's natural habitat by exploring our Environmental Services section.

16. How do I get involved with the farm or community garden at Bayside Park?

To learn more about the farm, purchase a farm share, or rent a garden plot, access the Bayside Park Farm and Community Garden resources.

17. How can I become an instructor for a recreational class?

We are always looking for instructors who are interested in leading specialty classes and workshops. If you have a skill or talent and wish to teach a class, submit your proposal to:
Arcata Recreation Division
ATTN: Heather Stevens, Recreation Supervisor
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Find more information and download an Instructor Information Packet and Contract Class Proposal Form by checking out the Employment and Volunteer Opportunities Page

18. How do I become a Volunteer Trail Steward?

Help monitor/pick up litter and assist with restoration along with the Arcata Community Forest Trails Council. For more information, visit the

Humboldt Trails Council online resource

19. How do I report broken equipment or unsafe conditions at a playground or facility?

Contact the Arcata Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184.

Environmental Services Department

20. Who should I call if the skate park gate is locked during normal hours?

Please contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2428. Police Department

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Parks & Recreation - Fees & Payment

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1. Why must I pay a non-resident fee?

Arcata Recreation programs are supported by property tax payments by Arcata property owners and residents.

2. Do you offer payment plans for Summer Camps?

Yes! To set up a payment plan, you must pay for your child’s 1st week of camp in full. For each week remaining, a $30 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit may be placed to hold your child’s spot. Please only sign up for camps you know your child will attend. Please review our refund and cancellation policies in detail.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

3. Why must I pay a non-resident fee for my child who attends school in Arcata?

Although your child may attend school in Arcata, we must look at your physical address to determine which city you pay property taxes to.

4. What are the rates for renting indoor facilities?

You can read more about the pricing and terms of renting each indoor facility by visiting their links on the Rental Facilities and Permits page, or view all rates here.

5. Is there a fee associated with any of the City open spaces or parks?

No, there is no fee associated with the use of the hiking or biking trails.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Read about our Cancellation and Refund/Credit Policy.

7. Do you have scholarships available?

Yes we do. Scholarships are offered to families that show proof of eligibility for our scholarship program, “Youth Development Fund”. These funds allow families to enroll youth in their household the opportunity to participate in programs at a discounted rate.

Proof of scholarship eligibility may include “free/reduced lunch” enrollment, a Medi-Cal card (must be in the child’s name), or a pay stub.
These scholarships are provided by annual division fundraisers and generous donations from the community. They assist with 30% of the program fee. For example, if the program costs $130, the YDF “discount” would be $39. To make a donation, please visit the online resource.

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Parks & Recreation - Park Policies

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1. Are dogs allowed in City open spaces and parks?

Dogs are allowed, however they must be on a sturdy leash that is under 6-feet long. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from disturbing sensitive habitat and wildlife. Make sure you carry a plastic bag when walking pets and be sure to pick up after them.

The Arcata Community Forest and Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary provide vital wildlife habitat. Unleashed dogs scare wild animals, interfere with nesting birds and may even injure, or sometimes kill, wildlife.

2. Is camping allowed in City open spaces or parks?

Camping is illegal in City open spaces and parks. In addition,open flames are also illegal in City open spaces and parks. Violators will be cited and fined.

3. Is it okay to remove items from City open spaces?

It is not okay to remove any item or natural resource including but not limited to plants, wildflowers and mushrooms. Violators will be cited and fined.

4. Is it okay to leave my car parked in a park or open space parking lot overnight?

No, all City parks and open spaces, including site parking lots, close at dusk.

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Police

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1. What is a dance permit? Do I need one? How do I get one?

The Arcata Municipal Code requires a dance permit for any public dance. Dance permit applications may be obtained at the Arcata Police Department during normal business office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid last minute problems, we ask event organizers give a minimum of two weeks advance notice before submitting a dance permit request.

Dance permits enable our staff to work with event organizers to plan events with minimum noise and crowd disruptions to the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Dance permits also provide advance information to our staff when additional police personnel resources may be needed, especially for large events.

Depending on the venue and the activities taking place, event organizers may need additional permits such as a one day ABC license to sell alcoholic beverages, a building permit or approval from the Fire Marshall.

2. What are alarm permits? How do I get one?

Alarm permits are required for all alarm systems within the City of Arcata, except those affixed to vehicles. Applications are available at the Police Department. Alarm permits must be renewed annually for a nominal fee through the Arcata Police Department business office.

3. What is an alcohol permit? Do I need one?

A separate permit is required if alcohol is to be served at a dance or event open to the public. The actual permit is issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in Eureka at the following address:
1105 6th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 707445-7229
Fax: 707-445-6643

4. What happens if the police are called to my house for a loud party?

Officers will respond to the party location based on a complaint received. It doesn’t matter what time it is; if the noise disturbance is loud enough to bother someone they can request police response. Officers will first contact the person responsible for the residence. We will advise the responsible person(s) of the complaint and issue a “Loud Party Warning Notice.” The majority of loud party complaints are rectified by stopping live music, turning stereos off or down, closing doors and/or windows, and/or asking loud party goers to leave.

If the police department receives a complaint at any time after a warning notice was issued, officers will return and contact the person to whom the loud party warning notice was issued. The officers will explain that a second call was received and direct that the party close down.

The number of officers who respond to stand by while the party is dispersed depends on the size of the party. The officers will stand by until all partygoers have left the area and the neighborhood is quiet. The person responsible for the party will be issued a “loud party disturbance citation” documenting the second complaint, the number of officers that responded, the time they arrived, and the time it took for quiet to be restored to the neighborhood. A copy of the citation will be provided to the responsible person at the scene. At a later date, the City of Arcata will mail a “service fee” based on the number of officers that responded and the number of minutes it took to restore the peace.

5. What about dog licenses? How do I get one?

Unlicensed dogs over four months old are not allowed in Arcata. Residents within the city limits must obtain an Arcata Dog License from the Finance Department. If you live outside the city limits, you should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff Animal Control Division.

Arcata dog licenses can be purchased at the Finance Department window in the main foyer of City Hall at:
736 F Street
Arcata CA 95521
Phone: 707-822-5951 Dog Licenses

6. How do I pay my parking ticket?

You may pay your parking fine online at PayMyCite.com/Arcata or in person at the Arcata Police Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PayMyCite.com/Arcata

7. How do I contest a parking ticket?

You may contest citations online at PayMyCite.com, or you may send a written explanation (official forms are available in the front office at the Arcata Police Department) of why you feel you are not liable for the citation and send it to:
Request for Citation Review/Hearing
Parking Citation Service Center
Post Office Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711

You may also call 888-919-5525. If you contest a citation and you are still held liable, you may pay the citation or deposit the amount of the citation and request an administrative hearing. You may make this request in person at the Arcata Police Department Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PayMyCite.com/Arcata

8. Does the Arcata Police Department do fingerprinting?

The Arcata Police Department offers both inked fingerprinting and digitally scanned (Live Scan) fingerprinting services. We charge a fee for rolling the prints and picture ID is required. Our fingerprinting hours are 9:00 - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments may be made for other times by calling our business office at 707-822-2428. Our rolling fee is $30. If you need Live Scan fingerprints you will need to provide us with a completed “Request for Live Scan” form. If a billing number is not provided on your form, then you will need to pay the Department of Justice processing fee in addition to the rolling fee. These fees range from $0 to $100, depending on the type of agency requesting the prints and the level of service required. For further information on applicant fingerprints, including how to obtain a review of criminal history records for visa, immigration or foreign adoption purposes, visit the Department of Justice website.

California Department of Justice - Fingerprinting

9. Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?

Yes. Dogs are not allowed to run at large. Arcata Municipal Code §5207 requires dogs be either secured within an enclosure or on a leash at all times.

10. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Copies of accident reports may be requested for a nominal fee from our business office during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11. Do I need a bicycle license?

Yes. A bicycle license is required to operate your bicycle on any highway, road, or other public property. If you purchased a license in another jurisdiction, the license is effective statewide. California Bike Licenses can be purchased from the Arcata Police Department Business Office during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

12. I heard that I can't post flyers on telephone poles in Arcata. Why?

It is unlawful for anyone to place signs advertising sales or items for sale on property other than their own without prior permission. (California Penal Code §556.1)

13. What are the current laws relating to child safety seats?

For expert advice and the most up to date laws, we recommend you refer to the California Highway Patrol. California Highway Patrol - Child Safety Seats