Permitting

Welcome to the Online Permit Management page for Humboldt County! We're here to help guide you through the process of managing your building and planning permits. By using the online resources provided below, you will make the process as efficient and effective as possible. We also recommend visiting our Divisions page for department specific information.

1 Accela

The spotlight of our online resources is Accela, a dynamic permit management tool. While it's primarily for handling your permit needs, it also allows anyone to look up permit details, no account required. If you have a permit application, we recommend creating an account. An account gives you access to your application details, status updates, and relevant reports.

In the near future, Accela will be your one-stop platform for all building permit related needs. Not only will you be able to pay fees, schedule inspections, and submit new fast track applications, but all submissions will soon be channeled exclusively through Accela. This means that while anyone can look up permit information without an account, opening an application for a permit will necessitate setting up an account. Until these features are fully integrated, please refer to our Inspections page and First Time Applying for a Building Permit page for those services. For any assistance or queries regarding Accela, feel free to contact us at buildinginspections@co.humboldt.ca.us or call the Planning and Building Department directly at (707) 445-7245.

2 The Geographical Information System

Use the Humboldt Geographical Information System (GIS) as a resource that can help you understand key characteristics of your property, such as potential hazards like fault lines and flood zones and protected natural resources like coastal and wetland areas.

3 Humboldt County Code

Once you have a firm understanding of your parcel's characteristics and your project's scope, find associated regulations in Humboldt County Code. This online repository contains all local ordinances that govern Humboldt County. You are encouraged to continually refer to the Humboldt County Code throughout your project to ensure a comprehensive understanding of your project’s requirements. Common ordinances are shown below.

Our Resource Library is a rich collection of crucial forms and informative handouts designed to simplify your project management process. It is a handy tool for making sure that your project's documentation is complete, and that complex subjects are well-understood.