The County of Humboldt reminds the community that an ordinance is being prepared to allow the use of short-term rentals (STRs) in unincorporated Humboldt County.
The purpose of the draft STR Ordinance is to allow some residences in unincorporated Humboldt County to be used for STRs while protecting the character of the neighborhoods where they are located and to preserve residential units for people and families who live and work in Humboldt County.
The County of Humboldt’s Planning & Building Department has revised the draft ordinance based on community feedback received at the first STR ordinance public meeting. The proposed revisions include administrative permit and business license requirements only for most projects, a cap on STRs in the greater Humboldt Bay area where housing is more scarce, and deference to existing operations. To learn more and review the revised draft ordinance, please visit the county’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance web page.
To receive public feedback on the revised draft STR ordinance, the Planning & Building Department will host two community meetings.
Community Meetings
A Southern Humboldt community meeting will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 9 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Redwood Playhouse, located at 286 Sprowl Creek Rd. in Garberville, CA. This meeting will be hosted in partnership with the Southern Humboldt Chamber of Commerce and the Southern Humboldt Business & Visitor’s Bureau.
A community meeting for Humboldt Bay area residents will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Humboldt County Agricultural Center, located at 5630 South Broadway St. in Eureka, CA.
The draft ordinance proposes a permitting process for rental of residential dwelling units for a period of 30 days or fewer, including homes listed on Airbnb and Vrbo. Those who operate these types of STR units in unincorporated Humboldt County and all interested members of the public are encouraged to attend. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the revisions made to the draft ordinance and ask questions and share concerns, ideas, and input.
The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access to all county programs, services and activities through the provision of accommodations for individuals with qualified disabilities as required under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With 72 hours prior notice, a request for reasonable accommodation for this meeting can be made by calling (707) 268-3722.
For more information, please call (707) 268-3722, email khilton@co.humboldt.ca.us, or visit the Planning & Building Department office located at 3015 H St. in Eureka.