We are dedicated to supporting safe and well-planned communities throughout Humboldt County. Whether you’re building a home, opening a business, or planning for the future, our department is here to guide you through the processes that help ensure development aligns with local values, environmental stewardship, and state law.
Our team works to protect public health, safety, and welfare by reviewing building permits, performing inspections, and managing land use planning activities consistent with California’s model codes and Humboldt County’s General Plan. We also offer a variety of administrative and development services aimed at improving quality of life for all county residents.
We are committed to making our services accessible to everyone. If you need assistance accessing our facilities or services, please call us at (707) 445-7245 or email us at planningbuilding@co.humboldt.ca.us during regular business hours.
The Planning and Building Department consists of the following departments. Follow the links for more information.
Building - The Humboldt County Building Division's primary responsibility is to ensure compliance of construction throughout the county by facilitating permit processing, reviewing construction plans for code compliance, and conducting inspections to enforce local and state building regulations. Staff members work to guide projects through each stage of development, helping ensure that structures are built to current safety standards.
Current Planning - Current Planning's principal work is processing permit applications for subdivisions, lot line adjustments, special permits, and use permits. A primary function of the permit process involves support of the Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator. Current Planning also provides staff support to the Forestry Review Committee and the Williamson Act Advisory Committee. In addition, Current Planning provides public information and reviews building applications.
Code Enforcement - Code Enforcement protects the health, safety and welfare of the public by enforcing State and County codes governing nuisances, environmental violations, and other related issues. The goal of code enforcement is to gain voluntary compliance by the property owner in abating the violation(s) on the property, or if needed, take appropriate enforcement actions if the property owner is unwilling or unable to abate the violation.
Long Range Planning - Long Range Planning prepares and updates the General Plan and Land Use and Development Codes, including Community Plans, Housing Element, and Local Coastal Plans. These updates include community input and participation. Long Range Planning also provides public information as requested by maintaining a Geographical Information System (GIS), which also supports internal data needs. Advance Planning also manages a General Plan implementation grant program and conducts special studies as needed.
For other departments and more information please see our About Us webpage.
Our website (and related websites) provide you with resources that will help you develop safely and responsibly. See the links below for these resources.
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.
Humboldt County Web GIS - Use the Humboldt Geographical Information System (GIS) as a resource to understand potential hazards (fault lines, flood zones, etc.) and protected natural resources (coastal area, wetlands, etc.) associated with your site. These characteristics will determine where and how you can develop.
The Resource Library - 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.
Accela - Accela is our all-encompassing permit management system, designed to facilitate a smooth and efficient permitting process for all users. This platform allows you to submit applications, pay fees, schedule inspections, and monitor the progress of your permits with ease. See our Accela Support Resources for help with this software.
Public Records Request - Use this link to gain access to Humboldt Counties public records.
The 2025 CA Building Codes - The 2025 California Building Standards Code becomes effective January 1, 2026. All permit and plan-review applications submitted on or after this date must comply with the 2025 codes; applications submitted through December 31, 2025 will continue to be reviewed under the 2022 codes. For more information, visit the California Building Standards Commission or contact the Planning & Building Department at (707) 445-7245 or planningbuilding@co.humboldt.ca.us.
Reduced In-Person Counter Service Hours - As of July 1, 2025, the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department will reduce the in-person counter service hours. The new hours of operation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday, with the department walk in services closed on Fridays.
Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan - As of June 11, 2025, the County of Humboldt is collaborating with incorporated cities and community partners to develop a regional climate action plan. To access more information and review the draft, please visit our Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan page.
You may also need to visit related departments webpages for more information.
Humboldt County Public Works - The responsibilities of the Public Works Department include preparing plans and specifications, inspecting construction projects, maintaining county roads and bridges, managing county properties and right-of-way, preparing environmental documents, obtaining regulatory permits, administering solid waste franchises and facilities and maintaining three county levee systems, county facilities, 17 county parks, county trail systems and community forests, Motor Pool and the Heavy Equipment Garage.
Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health (DEH) - The Humboldt County Division of Environmental Health plays a critical role in disease prevention. Safe drinking water, pollution, proper sewage disposal, foodborne illness outbreaks, childhood lead poisoning, hazardous materials spills and solid /hazardous waste management can present challenges to our communities.
Humboldt Community Services District (HCSD) - Humboldt Community Services District is dedicated to providing high quality, cost effective water and sewer service to Humboldt County residents.
There are currently two At-Large vacancies on the Great Redwood Trail Agency (GRTA) board of directors, and residents in Humboldt are invited to apply to serve. Read about the GRTA at-large vacancies
The Humboldt County Clerk of the Board’s Office and Planning & Building Department have recently received several reports of an email scam targeting the community. Read on...
The Humboldt Bay Area Plan (HBAP) is undergoing a major update to reflect the significant changes that Humboldt County has experienced over the past 44 years, and the Humboldt County Planning & Building Department is seeking public input. Read on to learn more...
The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department advises residents that there are potential health and life safety concerns arising from the current environmental events impacting some coastal homes, including the potential for electric shock hazards. Read on for safety tips...
There is one at-large vacancy on the Humboldt County Planning Commission. Those interested in reviewing and acting on development projects, and in advising the Board of Supervisors on important land use decisions, are encouraged to apply by Jan. 20, 2026. Read on to learn more and apply...
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors approved an extension for Measure S tax payments for cannabis permit holders already enrolled in a payment plan. Those who did not enter into a payment plan do not qualify for the extended deadline. Read on for more information...
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at a special meeting on Monday, Oct. 20 at 9 a.m. to consider an ordinance with zoning changes for the McKinleyville Town Center project. Read on to learn more...
The planning commission will review a conditional use permit request to install 22 new signs at the U-Haul property in McKinleyville on Thursday, Sept. 4. Community members are invited to attend the meeting and provide comments on the proposed signage. Read on for more information...
The planning commission will begin its review of the McKinleyville Town Center Ordinance with a public workshop on Thursday, Aug. 21. Community members are invited to attend and provide comments on the draft ordinance as it currently exists. Read on for more information...
The Planning & Building Department is excited to announce the availability of low interest loans for eligible homeowners in unincorporated Humboldt County through its Owner-Occupied Rehabilitation and Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Loan Programs. Read on for more information...
The Planning & Building Department has released the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the proposed McKinleyville Town Center Zoning Amendment. All interested community members are encouraged to review the document and share their input. Read on to learn more...
The deadline to pay Measure S taxes has been extended, providing additional time for those in the local cannabis community to meet their tax obligations. Read on for more information...
The county is developing an ordinance to reduce light pollution and preserve the night sky in unincorporated Humboldt County. Share your input at the Planning Commission workshop on March 20 before the ordinance moves forward for review and approval. Read on for more information...
A key deadline is approaching for Humboldt County cannabis permit holders. Due to county office closures on Monday, March 31, for César Chávez Day, the deadline to meet Measure S tax obligations has been extended to Tuesday, April 1. Read on to learn more...
If you would like to provide input on local climate initiatives, consider reviewing the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and sharing your feedback. The 45-day public review period ends on April 5. Read on for more information...
"Intoxicating hemp ... flies in the face of everything we have done in Humboldt and throughout California to get this right." - Supervisor Bohn
"We cannot allow hemp to simply skirt the rules for financial gain." - Supervisor Bushnell Read more on the Governor's regulations
The Planning & Building Department invites all interested parties to review the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and provide written comments about specific concerns related to the plan’s potential environmental impacts by Monday, Sept. 30. Read on for more information...
Humboldt County's roads rank among the worst in the state partly because other counties have passed measures unlocking billions in state and federal matching funds, which Humboldt County cannot afford to access due to a lack of matching funds. Roads/911 Emergency Response Measure
Make your voice heard on local climate initiatives at the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, located at 1 Marina Way in Eureka. Read on for more information...
If you are interested in sharing input on local climate initiatives, please review the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and contribute your feedback on the plan. The public review period will run from Wednesday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Sept. 13. Read on for more information...
If you are interested in sharing your input on local climate initiatives, please consider taking Humboldt County’s Climate Action Plan Survey. The survey is open until Wednesday, May 29. Read on to take the survey...
Beginning Wednesday, July 5, the Humboldt County Planning & Building Department will require permit application packages to be submitted digitally. Read on for more information...
The Planning & Building Department invites all interested parties to review the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and provide written comments about specific concerns related to the plan’s potential environmental impacts by Monday, Sept. 30. Read on for more information...
Make your voice heard on local climate initiatives at the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan public meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Wharfinger Building, located at 1 Marina Way in Eureka. Read on for more information...
If you are interested in sharing input on local climate initiatives, please review the Humboldt Regional Climate Action Plan and contribute your feedback on the plan. The public review period will run from Wednesday, Aug. 14 to Friday, Sept. 13. Read on for more information...
