3 rules for unincorporated Humboldt County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Humboldt County's zoning standards for home-based businesses prohibit outside activity or storage, cap business use at 25% of one floor of the dwelling, prohibit non-resident employees, and forbid any external evidence of the business. Cottage industries are additionally capped at 1,000 square feet (or 25% of the dwelling, whichever is less) and limited to properties with improvements on less than two acres.
Humboldt County Code Sections 313-45.2 and 314-45.1 (Cottage Industry); 313-50.1 and 314-50.1 (Home Occupation); Cottage Industry Permit Form (Planning and Building Department, updated March 12, 2026)
1. Does the cottage industry conform to the development standards in the applicable zoning district (setbacks, lot coverage, parking, etc.)? 2. Is the dwelling on the site is occupied by the owner of the cottage industry? 3. Does the cottage industry occupy less than twenty-five percent or less than 1,000 square feet (whichever is less) of the total floor area of the dwelling or accessory struc...
For Cottage Industries, Humboldt County allows only one sign, no larger than two square feet, non-moving, with non-flashing illumination (if any). Home Occupations and Address-of-Convenience uses must have no external evidence of the business, meaning no business signage on the dwelling or premises is permitted.
Humboldt County Code Sections 313-45.2 and 314-45.1 (Cottage Industry signage); 313-50.1 and 314-50.1 (Home Occupation - no external evidence)
10. Will the cottage industry comply with the following advertising requirements: one sign only, no larger than two square feet, non-moving, and non-flashing illumination (if any)? [...] 6. Is the existence of the home business evident in the external appearance of the dwelling or premises? [Answer must be NO for the business to qualify for a Home Occupation Permit.] I agree to abide by the con...
Humboldt County issues two distinct planning permits for home-based businesses: a Home Occupation Permit (or Address of Convenience) under County Code Sections 313-50.1 and 314-50.1, and a Cottage Industry Permit under Sections 313-45.2 and 314-45.1. Each must accompany a regular Business License application filed with the Humboldt County Tax Collector at 825 Fifth Street, Eureka.
Humboldt County Code Sections 313-50.1 and 314-50.1 (Home Occupation); Address of Convenience and/or Home Occupation Permit Form (Planning and Building Department, updated March 16, 2026)
Humboldt County Zoning Code defines: Address of Convenience - Non-residential activities associated with any profession, occupation, or hobby, having no employees, receiving no deliveries at the address, and utilizing a private residence only for receiving mail, phone calls, or related record keeping (typically a mobile business). No more than (1) truck or other motor vehicle of no larger than ...
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