Land Use Program

Purpose


The Land Use Program's charge is to ensure that existing and proposed land developments align with public health and safety and the environment in Humboldt County. Every place of human occupancy or dwelling must have an approved means of sewage disposal. If a community sewage collection and treatment system is not available, an approved on-site sewage disposal system permitted through this program is the typical alternative.

Annual Wet Weather Test Period is Extended through Sunday, April 30.


The wet weather test period for the evaluation of proposed individual on-site wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) has been extended. Read more in our recent news release.

Local Agency Management Program (LAMP)


Draft Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) submitted to North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB)


The Division of Environmental Health invites the public and other agencies to review the draft LAMP submitted to the NCRWQCB on April 25, 2016. This draft LAMP was developed with the input of local stakeholders in response to the State Water Resources Control Board’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems Policy.
The NCRWQCB has one year to review and approve the LAMP.

The draft LAMP includes, as Appendix 1, the draft Humboldt County Onsite Wastewater Regulations and Technical Manual. When approved by the NCRWQCB and the Humboldt County Health Officer, the final version will replace the existing Humboldt County Sewage Disposal Regulations.

Appendix 2 of the draft LAMP is the portion of the Humboldt County Code which governs onsite wastewater systems. When the content is approved by the NCRWQCB, proposed changes to the Humboldt County Code will be heard before the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors.

Draft Onsite Wastewater Local Agency Management Program (PDF)

We intend to develop a LAMP which:
  • Conforms to requirements of the State Water Board policy
  • Assures protection of public health and water quality
  • Provides reasonable regulation of both new and existing on-site systems
  • Optimizes flexibility and options for homeowners, builders and developers
  • Seeks to minimize regulatory costs
Below are links to the current County Code, current regulations, 2011 Basin Plan, and the state policy. These are the documents we are reviewing to develop a program suitable to our county’s needs.

We welcome input at any time. Comments, questions and ideas may be submitted via email—please put LAMP in the subject line—or by calling 707-268-2209 or 707-268-2215.