The release of probation records is covered under the confidentiality provisions of Penal Code Section 1203.05 and Welfare and Institutions Code Section 827 (California Law ).

Adult matters: Generally, reports in adult matters may be inspected or copied by any person for a period of 60 days from the date judgment is pronounced or probation is granted, or from the date of any subsequent accusatory pleading being filed. The court may also order or authorize persons who have petitioned the court for copies after this 60 day period. For persons not on probation, copies may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court located at the county courthouse. Probationers may request to review reports concerning themselves at any time and may obtain copies from their probation officer upon request.

Juvenile matters: Juvenile reports may be inspected by the minor who is the subject of the proceeding and the minor's parents/guardian, as well as agencies stipulated by law or other persons specifically authorized by the juvenile court judge. Copies of reports may be requested from the juvenile's attorney. Otherwise, these reports are not open or available to the general public without the filing of a petition and approval of the juvenile court.

• Petition the court pursuant to Penal Code Section 1203.4 (California Law) and be granted a change of plea and dismissal of conviction;
• Petition the court for a certificate of rehabilitation, and get approved;
• Petition the Governor and receive a full and unconditional pardon;
• Petition the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms for restoration of firearms rights, and get approved.

Yes, In California, you have the right to vote while you are on parole, probation, PRCS, or mandatory supervision. You must be a United States citizen, a resident of California, and at least 18 years of age. To vote in the next election, you must register to vote at least 15 days before the election. For more information, contact the Humboldt County Office of Elections and Voter Registration at

2426 6th Street

Eureka, CA 95501

Ph: 707-445-7481

More Info: California Secretary of State: Voting Rights for Californians with Criminal Convictions or Detained in Jail or Prison

• Clerical
• Child care
• Activities with the elderly
• Library work
• Indoor/outdoor maintenance
• Park and janitorial work
• Work in thrift stores

• Current felony conviction
• Court ordered supervised probation
• History of alcohol and / or substance abuse
• Ordered by the court to participate in Drug Court

• Probationer is 18 years of age or older
• Court has ordered supervised probation
• Medical and / or mental condition exists
• In need of assistance in accessing and / or coordinating medical, social, and other services

• Felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance (listed under HS 11054-11058 - CA Law ) or Transportation for Personal Use
• Free of prison custody for the past 5 years
• No convictions for a Serious / Violent felony (PC 1192.7(c) or PC 667.5(c) - CA Law) within the 5 years of the current non-violent drug possession offense
• No conviction for a felony other than a non-violent drug possession offense within the past 5 years
• No conviction for a misdemeanor involving physical injury or the threat of physical injury to another person within the last 5 years
• No concurrent ineligible charges other than non-violent drug possession offenses
• No Use of a Firearm in connection to a non-violent drug possession offense
• Must agree to drug treatment as a condition of Proposition 36 probation

• Between 11 and 18 years of age
• Who has a primary mental health diagnosis under DSM-IV criteria other than substance abuse or developmental disorder,
• That resides in the Greater Humboldt Bay Area (Arcata, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, and Rio Dell, as well as those living in unincorporated areas in this general region)
• Whose family may benefit from participation in Functional Family Therapy
• Whose detention or 602 WIC petition was filed on or after July 1, 2006

Our Live Scan hours are 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Monday through Friday. Live Scans are conducted on a walk-in basis and it is not necessary to make an appointment. We charge $35.00 rolling fee plus DOJ fees for this service, payable with cash, business checks or accounts payable. We do not accept debit cards, credit cards or checks

We charge $35.00 rolling fee plus DOJ fees for this service, payable with cash, business checks or accounts payable. We do not accept debit cards, credit cards or checks

Requesting Police Reports / Copies of Cases

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has an established process for requesting copies of cases and other information gathered during a law enforcement investigation entitled to specific individuals as defined in California Government Code § 6254(f): the victims of an incident, or an authorized representative thereof, an insurance carrier against which a claim has been or might be made, and any person suffering bodily injury or property damage or loss as a result of the below listed crimes. Additionally, autopsy and toxicology reports may be requested by any member of the public utilizing this records request process.

If you meet the above criteria, please use our online Records Request Form or download the PDF version of this form and return to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Main Station or via email at sheriffrecords@co.humboldt.ca.us. Following completion of this form, your request will be processed by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Records Division within 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified when records are available for pick up. All fees are due at the time of pick up. 

Download PDF Form

California Public Records Act (CPRA) Request

All requests for records in the possession of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office should be directed to the Sheriff's Office or the County Administrative Office. It is preferred but not required that such requests be submitted via the County's website, or in writing and forwarded by regular mail, email, fax, or hand-delivery and state that the request is being made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Telephonic and in-person verbal requests will be accepted only during regular county office business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should be directed to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Requests for records should be as specific as possible so as to clearly define or identify the exact records to which access is sought. In most cases, the county will provide electronic copies or photocopies of the requested records to the requesting party. In some cases depending on the volume or nature of the records, arrangements will be made for supervised access to the requested records.

The Humboldt County Planning & Building Department has jurisdiction over all unincorporated areas of Humboldt County. This EXCLUDES the City of Eureka, the City of Arcata, the City of Trinidad, the City of Rio Dell, the City of Fortuna, the City of Ferndale, and the City of Blue Lake. The county’s Geographic Information System (GIS) displays parcel and city boundaries. This system can be used to determine if your property is located in a city or in the unincorporated areas of the county.

To report a possible code violation, complete the Complaint of Possible Code Violation form and email it to codeenforcement@co.humboldt.ca.us. This form is required to open and investigate the complaint.

All properties within the county are assigned a zoning classification. For example, many properties are assigned an R-1 or Residential 1-Family zoning classification. Like land use designations described below, zoning establishes the distribution, location, and extent of the uses of property. Zoning classifications are more specific than land use designations. For example, zoning designations specify building height and setback requirements. Zoning classifications are described in the Coastal Zoning Regulations and Inland Zoning Regulations. See below.

• Zoning Regulations (Coastal) | § 313
• Zoning Regulations (Inland) | § 314

Setbacks are required distances between the vertical walls of buildings and property boundaries. Generally, they are described as front, rear and side yard setbacks. Setbacks vary from zero to fifty feet depending on the zoning classification for the property. Typically, the front yard faces the road. However, irregularly shaped parcels or parcels that abut more than one road can have unique setback requirements.

The county’s web Geographic Information System (GIS) displays parcel and zoning boundaries. This system can be used to determine the zoning for a property.

Setbacks and zoning classifications are described in the Coastal Zoning Regulations and Inland Zoning Regulations. These documents are available from the Plans and Ordinances page.

Construction or alteration of any residence requires a building permit from the Building Inspection Division. Follow the links for Standard Residential permit and AOB Residential permit for more info. Other permit requirements may also apply. For example, if the property is located in the coastal zone, the construction of a residence may also need a coastal development permit from the Planning division. In areas without public sewer, sewage disposal system permits are required from the Environmental Health Division. For properties along county roads, an encroachment permit may be required from Public Works. Other local, state or federal permit requirements may also apply.

Special requirements may apply to rebuilding or altering structures which do not conform to the development standards or allowed uses of the zone classification. More information on nonconforming structures can be found elsewhere on this page. For more information about which permits may apply, please contact the Planning and Building Department.

Typically, there are more permit requirements in the coastal zone. The additional requirements protect coastal resources such as beaches, public access, dunes and recreational opportunities.

With a building permit, new manufactured homes are allowed by the zoning ordinance the same as other homes. Older manufactured homes are permitted in areas with a T-Manufactured Home or M-Manufactured Home combining zone. Other permits may be required. For example, if the property is located in the coastal zone, the placement of a manufactured home may need a coastal development permit. See the Building Divisions Manufactured Home webpage for more information.

Accessory dwelling units (ADU), formerly known as secondary dwelling units, are permitted in many residential zoning districts. All new accessory dwelling units require a building permit from the Building Inspection Division and may require other permits from the Current Planning Division, Environmental Health division, or Public Works. In general, accessory dwelling units are encouraged in the R-1 and RS-5 Residential Single Family zoning districts. You can visit our websites ADU Webpage and Humboldt ADU.org for more information.

Tree removal involves numerous considerations including fire safety, neighborhood character, and protection of sensitive resources such as habitat. Removal of trees greater than 12 inches in diameter may require a permit from the Current Planning Division. In general, it is easier to remove trees from a property in the inland areas than in the coastal zone. For example, in residential zones, trees may be removed within 30 feet of a building pad as long as the removal does not impact a sensitive resource. However, if the residence is in the coastal zone, permits are required from the Current Planning Division. Tree removal three acres or larger in size, or in Timber Production Zones, require timber harvest plans and are regulated by the state agency Cal Fire.

Tree removal requirements depend on many factors. Contacting the Planning and Building Department prior to tree removal is recommended.

The best available mapped flood information is provided by Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) which are maintained by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The county’s web Geographic Information System (GIS) shows parcels and the flood hazard information from these maps. You may also review these maps at the Planning and Building Department.

FIRM maps have four flood hazard zones. In FIRM Flood Zone A, the property is within the mapped 100-year flood plain. This means the property is expected to flood once every 100 years on average. In FIRM Flood Zone B, the property is within the mapped 500-year flood plain. This means the property is expected to flood once every 500 years on average. In FIRM Flood Zone C, the property is within the mapped area of minimal flooding. If the parcel is located in FIRM Flood Zone D, the property is within an area of undetermined, but possible, flood hazards. See our Flood Hazard webpage for more information.

For small scale projects such as new roofs or new electrical service, licensed contractors can obtain building permits instantly on our permit management software, Accela. For other larger scale projects, building permits usually take two to three months for a typical project. See our First Time Applying for a Building Permit webpage to see the step-by-step process for getting a building permit.

Fees depend on project type and location. The Planning and Building Department also collects fees on behalf of other participating agencies. 

The Planning and Building Department offers two services to assist with the planning permit application process.

1) Through the Application Assistance service, Current Planning Division staff provide direction to applicants regarding application submittal requirements, estimates of permit fees and processing time, and an overview of the permit process.

2) Through the Project Facilitation service, a Senior Planner assists with filling out the application form, provides application documents such as plot plans and compiles other essential documents.

Please see the Resource Library for more information.

While the county’s web Geographic Information System (GIS) is not a substitute for a complete records check, it does display a significant amount of information on specific parcels. For example, this system can be used to research if a property is in the coastal zone and show which zone classification and land use designation apply.

There are many important considerations for buying a property. The legal status of the parcel, unpermitted structures, environmental and geological development constraints, and the existence of easements or life estates are a few examples of issues that can make property transactions complex. Rigorous due diligence is advised before purchasing any property.

Prospective purchases can use the Information Request service to learn what records the Current Planning Division has for a property. 

Please see the Resource Library for more information.

Typically, if a use is principally permitted in the zoning code, the use does not require a permit from the Current Planning Division. Construction of structures still require a building permit. However, if the project is located in the coastal zone, a discretionary permit from the Current Planning Division is generally required, even if a use is principally permitted.

Uses that are conditionally permitted in the zoning code always require a discretionary permit from the Current Planning Division. Examples of discretionary permits include Coastal Development Permits, Conditional Use Permits and Special Permits.

Mobile home title issuance is administered by the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). That department cannot transfer title of a used mobile home subject to local property taxes or direct charges by fire districts or other fees without a tax clearance from the county tax collector of the county in which the mobile home is situated. If there are any taxes or other fees owing, they must be paid before a Tax Clearance Certificate (PDF) can be issued.

Note: Remember that this type of title transfer applies only to mobile homes not on permanent foundations. If your mobile home is attached to a permanent foundation, title transfers are handled by the County Recorder in the same manner as for conventional homes.

• File a Certificate of Tax Lien for record with the County Recorder. This is a 10-year lien against all personal and real property owned by the assessee, which may be renewed every 10 years until the tax is paid.
• File a lawsuit.
• Initiate seizure and sale of the mobile home at a public auction.
• Obtain a summary judgment.

• Lack of knowledge of property tax delinquency dates
• Misunderstanding as to who is to pay the taxes-the property owner or his/her lender
• Not inquiring about taxes until a tax bill is received
• Not reading or understanding the title reports or escrow papers as they pertain to taxes, which have not been paid at close of escrow

Yes, if we are aware of such properties. When we become aware of properties on our tax sale list that are known or suspected to be contaminated, we will identify these properties along with supplying the lead agency’s name and address where all available information may be reviewed.

Do not bid on these properties unless you understand the issues related to contaminated properties. Prior to bidding, you should contact your attorney regarding the possible purchase of contaminated properties.

• a) Any lien for taxes and special assessments, that the installments will become payable upon the secured roll after the time of the sale.
• b) The lien for taxes or assessments or other rights of any taxing agency that does not consent to the sale under this chapter.
• c) Liens for special assessments levied upon the property conveyed that were, at the time of the sale under this chapter, not included in the amount necessary to redeem the tax defaulted property, and, where a taxing agency that collects its own taxes has consented to the sale under this chapter, and whose taxes were not included in the amount required to redeem from sale to the taxing agency.
• d) Easements constituting servitudes upon or burdens to the property; water rights, the record title to which is held separately from the title to the property; and restrictions of record.
• e) Unaccepted, recorded, irrevocable offers of dedication of the property to the public or a public entity for a public purpose, and recorded options of any taxing agency to purchase the property or any interest therein for a public purpose.
• f) Unpaid assessments under the Improvement Bond Act of 1915 (Division 10 (commencing with Section 8500) of the Streets and Highways Code) that are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8, or that are being collected through a foreclosure action pursuant to Part 14 (commencing with Section 8830) of Division 10 of the Streets and Highways Code. A sale pursuant to this chapter shall not nullify, eliminate, or reduce the amount of a foreclosure judgment pursuant to Part 14 (commencing with Section 8830) of Division 10 of the Streets and Highways Code.
• g) Any federal Internal Revenue Service liens that, pursuant to provisions of federal law, are not discharged by the sale, even though the tax collector has provided proper notice to the Internal Revenue Service before that date.
• h) Unpaid special taxes under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act of 1982 (Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 53311) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5 of the Government Code) that are not satisfied as a result of the sale proceeds being applied pursuant to Chapter 1.3 (commencing with Section 4671) of Part 8, or that are being collected through a foreclosure action pursuant to Section 53356.1 of the Government Code. A sale pursuant to this chapter shall not nullify, eliminate, or reduce the amount of a foreclosure judgment pursuant to Section 53356.1 of the Government Code.

To find out if a particular property has been withdrawn from the sale, check the Govease website. The right of redemption terminates at 5 p.m. PST on the last business day prior to the tax sale.

Govease.com will register bidders. Full information and instructions will be available on the Govease website or by calling 769-208-5050 ext 2.

You may also bid by fax if you do not have access to the Internet. A bidder deposit of $2,500 will be required before placing a bid on any parcel. Bidders are advised to arrange for their deposits early to make sure they are eligible to bid. The Tax Collector’s Office will not be registering bidders nor accepting bids, all questions should be directed to Govease.

All parcels will be sold by Auction ID. Minimum bids will be as stated per parcel and each raise will be in increments of at least $100 until the close of the auction on the stated date and time on the Govease website.

An auto bid (or proxy) saves you time and money. An auto bid authorizes Govease to bid $100 above any competing bid, up to, but not exceeding the maximum dollar amount that you are willing to pay. In other words, your bid will automatically increase only as other bidders participate, up to your specified maximum amount. This enables you to continually bid without having to constantly monitor the auction.

Successful bidders must pay by cashier’s check, money order, or wire transfer, and payment must be received by 5 p.m. PST, 24hours after the sale closes. In addition to the purchase price, the documentary transfer tax ($0.55 per $500 of the purchase price) is required. A $35 per parcel processing fee and a $35 per winning bidder fee will also be required by the successful bidder.

Specific information on each parcel will be available on the Govease  website.

To contact the Humboldt County Tax Collector’s Office call 707-476-2450 or 877-448-6829.

Fees depend on project type and location. The Planning and Building Department also collects fees on behalf of other participating agencies. The most current Schedule of Fees and Charges can be found here in our Brochures and Forms page. Processing fees for planning permits are collected on either a flat fee or a full cost recovery basis. Flat fees are a fixed amount whereas full cost recovery projects require a deposit and may include additional billing at project completion. Most cost recovery projects are subject to a cap of three times the initial deposit.

In order to apply, all we need is an application with your name, address and a valid signature. Anything else needed to determine eligibility will be reviewed and requested at your interview.

You may receive CalFresh benefits within three days of your application date if you qualify for what is called “expedited service.” A household qualifies for expedited service if it has less than $150 in monthly income and less than $100 in liquid resources (cash, savings or checking) OR has housing costs that are more than its monthly income and liquid resources OR is a migrant or seasonal farm worker who is destitute. Every case is reviewed for expedited services, and it is always OK to ask to have your case reviewed for expedited service processing with an Eligibility Specialist.

A report is made by telephoning the local child protective agency and talking with them about the child’s situation. A child protective agency is either the county social services department or the local law enforcement agency (police or sheriff)

Social services departments provide child welfare services in California. Except for situations involving allegations of general neglect, child protective agencies are required to cross-report to each other.

Cross-reporting means that the different agencies inform each other of reports so that each agency can take appropriate steps to respond.

“General neglect” means the negligent failure of a person to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision for a child under that person’s care or supervision for a child under that person’s care or custody. General neglect is handled only by the social services department.

• Agriculture
• Environmental Education
• Consumer and Family Science
• Health
• Civic Engagement
• Communications
• Technology
• Engineering

How to Set Up Your PIN        

  A PIN is a code that helps protect your library account and your privacy. You will need it to use the library online. 

   

Open Your Library Account in a New Window

                                    

    

Library cards are free of charge. You must provide a picture ID. (Many types are acceptable.) ’Permanent’ Library Cards are free of charge to Humboldt County residents with a permanent local mailing address. ’Express’ Library Cards are also free, and available without providing a local address. When replacing a lost card, there is a $4.00 fee.  More information about library cards is here...

Or, if you just want to use online resources remotely, you can get an eAccount. No ID is needed for this account.

To renew online, access your library account.  It’s linked just below the ’Search the Library’ search bar at the top of the library home page, or you can find it on the library catalog at the bottom of the right menu. You’ll need your library card. Sign in to see a list of all the library books you have checked out now, and how to renew them. 

You can also renew a book over the phone or (when libraries are open) in person at any Library branch. Again, you’ll need your library card. Books may be renewed twice and audio-visual materials may be renewed once. However, if someone else is waiting for the book or video, and has placed a hold on it, that item will not be renewed. You may renew your items by calling the library’s circulation desk at 707-269-1915.  

Library Home Page

At the top of the Humboldt County Library home page, use the 'What We Have' menu to find our eBooks page. There you can learn about Libby and other ways to get free eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and more that you can read online or download. 

Our many eBooks aren’t listed in the library catalog, so you can’t see them with the regular book search. You can find them from the eBooks page.

You’ll need a Humboldt County Library Card or an eAccount to use and download most of these online resources.

If you run into a problem, we may be able to help over the phone. Or, bring your device in to the library and ask for help at the service desk.

There are at least two ways to do this 

(1) You can use control-plus. This is really easy, and works on most web pages! Hold down the control button (or, on a Mac, the command button or apple button) and press the  + key. Each time you press the plus key you zoom in and make the text and pictures on the page bigger. Using control-minus (hold control, then press the dash key, it’s right next to the plus key) will make the text smaller again. 

(2) You may prefer to use your computer’s Accessibility tools to see all or part of the page in a larger size. Since computers differ in how to get to these tools, use Google to get instructions if they aren’t easy to find on your computer. 

(3) If you see a symbol on the page with the letter A starting small and getting bigger, click that to make a modest change in size.  

If you have a question....

If you have a question that needs an answer, please call the Main Library Reference Desk at 707-269-1905. Librarians can answer questions about the website and any kind of information questions over the telephone. 

If you have a comment or suggestion for our website, or a website problem to report....

use our Library Website Comment Form. The link is below. Use it for specific comments and suggestions about the website or to report website problems you have spotted such as broken links, errors or pages that need more information. The library website is intended to serve you. The webmaster appreciates your comments and will read them with care in hopes of improving the site for everyone.

It works best to ask your questions by telephone, at 707-269-1915.  

If it’s not easy to use the phone due to a difficulty in hearing or another disability,  use the California Relay Service. Dial 711 to access this service. 

To ask a question online, use the ’Connect with a Librarian’ button on the Library home page.

If you are out of the area and wish to ask a genealogical or local history question, please use our Obituary Search Service or Local History Search Service. These long distance research services are available for a ten dollar fee.  (Of course, research assistance is free when you are able to visit the library.)

Here are three ways to get a book the library doesn’t have.

New Books

If the book is less than a year old, make a New Book Suggestion.  (You can suggest films or audio also. We can’t promise to buy everything, but we wish we could!)  Do you want to get an email if your suggestion is purchased?  Then create a Preferred Search for your title and make sure the library has your correct email address. 

Interlibrary Loan 

Check with a librarian to make sure the library doesn’t have the book somewhere.  If not, and the book is at least 1 year old, visit a library to ask us to get it by Interlibrary Loan.  The library can borrow it from another library for you to use.  Bring your library card (you need a ’permanent’ card for this service, not an Express card or an eAccount.) 

Zip Books

If the book is at least a year old, costs under $35 and is available via Amazon Prime, come in to the library and ask about getting a Zip Book.  Bring your library card (you need a ’permanent’ card for this service.)  Zip Books are real, paper books that the library orders shipped directly to your home. They arrive quickly, Zip!  When you return the book to the library it can become part of the library’s collection.

Free Internet at Your Library

Even when the library is closed, you can use wi-fi from any library parking lot. 

For most Humboldt County Public Libraries, wi-fi hours are 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

When Libraries are Open

When libraries are open, you can use wi-fi inside or outside, or get a free turn on a library computer. To save work done on a library computer, or print files from your own computer, either bring a portable drive (flash drive, thumb drive, memory stick) or save to your email or online account.

Prints can be made via library computers, and cost 10 cents a page. 50 cents for color prints. 

Internet sessions on public computers at the Main Library are 30 minutes, and the computer will offer you more time, up to another 15 minutes, if not many computers are in use. For quick access to a computer, please bring your library card if you have one. Most Branch Libraries have at least one computer for internet use.

At the Main Library in Eureka, use your Humboldt County Library Card to get a turn on a public computer. If you are a visitor, ask for a Guest Pass at the Computer Access Desk. If you are filling out a government form or an application form for school or employment, ask if a special computer is available for you. 

There is no wi-fi password needed at the Main Library in Eureka, but some branch libraries may require you to ask staff for the password. All use of the Library’s internet must be appropriate for a public place, and is subject to the Humboldt County Library Internet Policy.  On the left menu of the library home page, under Library Resources, look for Public Computers & Internet -- there you’ll find more details.

Don’t Miss the Event You’ve Been Waiting For!

Special Events Calendar

A calendar showing Special Events at All Libraries is found on the Humboldt County Library home page. Visit the web page for any branch library to see just the events happening at that branch. 

Get Event Notices

Subscribe to one or more library calendars.  At the calendar page you have the option to sign up to use iCalendar to feed library events into your own online calendar, or choose to get automatic email or text notices about events happening at one library, several, or all.  

Storytimes and Weekly Events 

Visit the Ongoing Events Page.  The many story times and events that happen regularly every week are not featured on our calendar. Instead they are on the Ongoing Events page and on individual branch pages.

Call and Ask 

As always, you may telephone any library location during open hours to ask about events. You can find your branch phone number on the individual branch homepage. 

Paper Calendars to Take Home

Most events at Eureka Main Library and some branch libraries are also available each month on paper calendars.  Check for one to take home at your friendly library service desk. 

In the library catalog, you can search for a movie in several ways 

Title Search 

 This is fast and easy If you know the title of the movie. 

Author Search (Used Also for Actors, Directors, etc.)

Use this search to find a full list of movies featuring a particular actor, or director (be sure to put the last name first, as in "Garbo, Greta"). 

Keyword Search

Use the most unusual words in the title and add the keyword DVD to your search.

Advanced Search

If you want to find all of the films we have on a subject (fairies, for instance, or knitting) you can use the Advanced Search. Choose Subject for the top search bar and type ’Fairies’. Then pick ’DVD’ from the Material Type box, and search.

Want to See a List? Search by Call Number!

Choose the Call Number search from the list in the right-hand menu when you are in the catalog.  For the call number, type ’DVD’.  The list you get by searching that way shows you up to ten thousand dvds - starting with any that have a zero in the call number or in the title.  But you can get a shorter list by trying a search like these -

Search  ’DVD M’  to get tv and drama movies like MASH, Ma & Pa Kettle, Macbeth, and all the library’s films that have titles that start with M.

Search  ’DVD 9’  to get titles that start with 9, plus documentaries about history, biography, or travel (topics from the Dewey Decimal 900s).

If you know the call number for your subject, you can get more exact and search ’DVD 914’ to get travel films about Europe and European countries.

The library staff work from Tuesday to Saturday, so that people who work a normal week can use the library on Saturday.

Look for computers that have a Library Catalog sign on the top of the monitor screen. You will find one catalog computer west of the reference desk (behind it), one near the elevator, another in the Children’s room, and others scattered around the library.

The library restrooms are off the lobby, to your right as you enter. There are no restrooms on the second floor. For children, there is a child-sized family restroom in the children's room.

What's a PIN?

 A PIN is a code that helps protect your library account and your privacy. You need a PIN and your Library Card to use the library catalog from home, and when using the library's online databases. 

If you used to have a Library PIN and have forgotten it, check with library staff for help.

If you don't have a PIN yet, you can make one now.  

Open Your Library Account in a New Window

1.   Log in to your library account. Enter your name and library card number.  Leave the 'Enter Your PIN' field blank, then click the log in button.

2.    This time, you will see the message, 'Please enter a new PIN.'

3.    Decide what 4-digit number you want for your PIN. It should be a number that is easy for you to remember and hard for others to guess. You may want to write it down, so you don't forget it. Pro tip - don't write it on your library card, it can't protect you that way.

      (Note - if a PIN is super-easy, like 1234, or if it doesn't have exactly four numbers, and no letters, the system won't accept it.) 

4.    Put your library card number in again (don't let the system do it), and enter your new PIN into both of the boxes that say 'Enter Your PIN' and 'Enter Your PIN Again'.

5.    Click Login, and you are done!

You Can Log in to Your Account from Here

                                                                      Go to my library account now.

To Log in from the Library Catalog

• When you are using the library's classic catalog, find 'My Library' on the menu at the lower right part of your catalog screen. Choose 'My Account'.  .
• If you are using the New Look version of the catalog, use the 'My Account' tab at the top of the page. 
• To sign in to your account, enter your name and the last 9 digits of your library card number. You must also enter your PIN number. If you have forgotten your PIN, ask for help at the desk where you check out your books, or call the library during open hours 
  

Log Out

• After using your account on a public computer, be sure to log out of it to protect your personal information.  
• Look for the way to sign out in the upper right corner of the screen. (You can also log in from that corner whenever you are using the catalog.)
• When you are logged in to the classic catalog, the upper right corner shows the words 'LOG OUT'. In the New Look catalog, you will see your NAME there. 
• Click it to choose 'log out'.

In your library account, you can

• See your circulation information (holds, books currently checked out, due dates, overdues, etc.)
• Check your personal Information (address, phone number, email, PIN, etc.) - is it correct?
• Place hold requests and renew books
• Sign up to get email when a preferred new book arrives
• Create and edit reading lists 
• Choose to automatically keep your reading history

You can change your email or phone number, and you can change your library account access PIN.

To update the email address and phone number you would like the library to use, click the 'Modify Personal Information' button in your account and enter the new details. 

To make other changes, please talk to Circulation Desk staff at any library branch.

No. The County Counsel, by statute, is the lawyer for the Board of Supervisors, elected and appointed department officials, and County employees in their official capacity of County government. The County Counsel may not give legal advice to members of the public.

The process of collecting damages from the County is started by filing a claim with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, located at

825 Fifth St.
Room 111
Eureka, California 95501.

The law governing claims against the public entities is complex and has short deadlines. You may need to seek the services of an attorney for your own protection. In any event, you should present your claim without delay. For additional information, please refer to Government Code Section 910.

No. Service of process on the County may only be accomplished by serving the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, whose office is located at Humboldt County Courthouse

825 Fifth St.

Room 111

Eureka, California 95501

County records are maintained by individual departments. Additional information can be found on the Public Records page.

No. Scott A. Miles is the Interim County Counsel and his name appears on all documents filed by anyone within the office. The person most familiar with your case is usually the person who signed the document. That person’s name appears beneath Mr. Miles' name at the top of the document, and beneath the signature itself. If you believe you must speak with someone regarding your matter, that is the person to whom you should speak with first.

No. The County Code is available on the County’s website at:  https://humboldt.county.codes/

Copies of ordinances are available for a fee at the Humboldt County Clerk of the Board, 825 Fifth Street, Room 111, Eureka, CA.

Contact the Public Defenders office for this information at 707-445-7634

No. In the County of Humboldt there are 2 separate Public Defender’s Offices, Humboldt County Public Defender and Conflict Counsel. These offices are assigned by the court according to a client's last name and numeric case digits. The courts and the county have also contracted with a number of lawyers that are appointed when neither of these two offices can assist you. Those attorneys are the ones the courts generally appoint if one of the two offices cannot participate in your particular case.

In some cases, the court will appoint attorneys who are not members of our office. This is generally only done after the Public Defender determines that this office should not participate in your particular case. Usually this is done on the basis of what is known as a "conflict of interest". There are many ways that this can come up, but usually it arises when more than one person who needs the assistance of an attorney is involved in the same situation. An attorney isn't allowed to represent two people who may have conflicting interests in a situation. For this reason, the court appoints separate lawyers from different offices.

Felonies are the most serious criminal cases. A case is a felony if the punishment can include state prison. This differs from a misdemeanor (or less serious) case, in which the punishment is, at most, a year in county jail. Felony charges range from drug, burglary and car theft cases up to rape, arson and murder. Although some felonies are punishable by life in prison, most cases have fixed sentences. Just because someone is charged with a felony does not necessarily mean he or she will be sent to state prison. The possible penalties depend on the charges and facts of your case, and should be discussed with your lawyer. The law of sentencing in felony cases is very complex and has been growing more difficult each year. 

Your Reading History is a personal list of items that you have checked out from the Library, a list you can tell the library catalog to keep for you. Once you have created this list, you can see it at any time by signing in to your library account with your library card number and PIN. Your list is private and only you can see it (unless you choose to share your card and PIN with another person).

The Library does not automatically collect your reading history. If you want to start keeping your history, you must choose to 'Opt In' before this list can be started. This means when you start your list it won't have any of the books you checked out from before  - just the ones you check out after you have begun keeping the list.

Log in to your library account with your library card number and PIN. (if you don't have a PIN yet, here is how to get one.)

Click the 'My Reading History' button. If you have not yet created a Reading History, you will see the message 'No reading history available'. Click the 'Opt In' button to start collecting your Reading History. Once you 'Opt In', the library catalog starts recording a list of the items you check out from that time forward.

Items you have already checked out at the time of opting in, like items you have read in the past, will not be on the list. After opting in to Reading History, anything you check out will be added to the list, and you can see it whenever you enter the Reading History display.

Are you sure you want to stop keeping your history? Once you 'opt out' of reading history, the catalog will no longer save the titles of items you have checked out., and will forget everything that used to be in your list.

To Opt Out, first delete all items from your Reading History. 

Then click the 'Opt Out' link to cease collecting Reading History.

To receive email notices about new library materials,

• First, make sure that your correct email address is entered in your library account. 
• Then create one or more Preferred Searches for your favorite authors, subjects, or a title when there's that one special book just about to arrive! You will get email when new library materials arrive that match your preferred searches. 
• Read the next FAQ to find out how to create a Preferred Search!

These alerts are sent by email only. That's because they are automatic. An alert is sent from the library catalog the moment a new item is added.

Steps to make a Preferred Search

1. Start by logging in to your library account.
2. Use the search bar at the top of the screen to search. It usually works best to search by title, author, or subject. (Watch out! if you save a keyword search as a preferred search, you could get emails about items that don't interest you but happen to have your keyword somewhere.)
3. When you get your search results, even if nothing is found, you will see the ’Save as Preferred Search’ button appear near the search bar. Click the button to be notified any time a new item that matches your search is added to the Library collection. 
4. Please note that you will only see the Preferred Search button when you are logged in to your account and have done a search. 

Examples

• If you use the SUBJECT search for ’organic gardening’ while in your own account, and click the ’Save as Preferred Search’ button, you will be notified when new books with that subject are added. 
• If you use the AUTHOR search, and click the button, you will be notified when any new books by that author are added.
• If you use the TITLE search for a new book the library doesn't have yet, and make that a Preferred Search, you'll get an email right away if the library buys it.

To create a list, first log in to your Library Account. Using the search bar at the top of the Library Account page, use the library catalog to find a title you wish to add to your list. Once you have found your item, look at the top of the page again to see the ’Add to My Lists’ link. (If there is more than one item on the page, you will need to check the box at the left of the title to select the specific item you wish to place on your list.) Click the ’Add to My Lists’ link to see the option to create a new list. Once you have created a list, you can use the ’My Lists’ button in your library account to see your list any time.

When you search the library catalog and see an item you want to put on your list, you can add it in one of two ways.

If your search found multiple items, you will see something like this near the top of the page:

Click the box next to the title you want and then select ’Save to my Lists’.

                   OR...

If your search found only one item, you will see something like this near the top of the page.  Click ’Add to My Lists’.

Either way, if you have more than one list, you can choose the list you want. Your item will be added to the list.

You do not have to be logged into your account to create a list and send it to the book cart. Save titles to the Book Cart by marking the check boxes next to your selections, and then clicking the ’Save Marked’ button at the top or bottom of the screen. 

The titles are saved to the Book Cart. When you are ready to view the full list, click the ’View Saved’ button with the cart icon. 

On the Book Cart screen, you can see and edit your list. Now you have choices. You can export your list to a notepad file, open it in plain text on the screen, or click the "Save to my Lists" link to save the item to a Reading List in your library account (you’ll be asked to log in with your library card if saving to your Reading List). If you are using a computer connected to the Internet, you can choose to email the list.

Classic Catalog

• When you have found an item in the library catalog, and can see that it is checked out or located in a distant library branch, look for the request button at the top of the page -- EXCEPT...
• When you are looking at a page with a list of books, the request link appears to the right of each item so that you can select the item you want.
• Click the button and (if you need to) sign in with your library card and PIN to place your hold.

New Look Catalog

• When you have found an item you want in the catalog, check first to see if it's already at the library you might be standing in. 
• If not, and if you want to place a hold, look for the 'PLACE  HOLD' button on the lower right of the record.
• Click the button and (if you need to) sign in with your library card and PIN to place your hold.

How to Log Out of Your Private Library Account

• Check the upper right corner of the screen. 
• In the Classic Catalog, you should see the words Log Out. Click to exit your private account. 
• In the New Look Catalog, you will see your name. Click there to choose 'log out'.
• This logs you out of your private account. You do not need to exit the catalog or turn off the computer.

You can view and change outstanding hold requests by selecting the item and clicking the modify link.  If the item is ready to pick up, please call the library instead.

• Total coliform exceeds 10,000 Most Probable Number (MPN)*
• Fecal coliform exceeds 400 MPN
• Enterococcus exceeds 104 MPN
• Fecal coliform:total coliform ratio exceeds 0.1, and the total coliform count exceeds 1,000 MPN

• Avoid swallowing creek or ocean water.
• Do not swim in the ocean within 3 days of a rainfall event.
• Rinse off thoroughly (including mouth, nose, and ears) as soon as possible after swimming in the ocean.
• Stay out of discolored water.
• Swim in areas up-current of creek mouths and storm drains.
• Watch for warning signs.

Recalling an elected official is an exacting process with critical requirements and deadlines, but it is not impossible. In the not too distant past, a special district official and school district officials were recalled in Humboldt County. There are several sources of information including a guide prepared by local elections officials, another prepared by the Secretary of State, and finally the ultimate source - state laws.

View a recall guide (PDF) and its table of contents. The guide has more links to other sites with additional information.

• Your county’s probation department will probably get in touch with you and ask your child to come in for a meeting with a probation officer.
• You will receive a Notice to Appear (a specific date and time you must show up at the probation department).
• In very serious cases, your child may receive a Notice to Appear directly in juvenile court.

• Let your child go home to you or accompany him or her home or back to the place of arrest, and maintain a record of the contact.
• Refer your child to a community agency providing shelter, care, diversion, or counseling.
• In some counties, require your child to return to the police station rather than to the probation department (this is sometimes referred to as “cited back.”)
• Give you and your child a Notice to Appear, telling you what you and your child must do and when you must do it.
• Shortly after the arrest, lock up your child in the probation juvenile hall (this is called “detention”). If your child is locked up or held by the officer, your child has the right to make at least 2 phone calls no later than 1 hour after arrest. One of the phone calls must be a completed call to a parent, guardian, or a completed call to an attorney, if the officer is going to question your child about what happened, the officer must also tell your child that he or she has the right to remain silent, that anything your child says will be used against him or her, that he or she has a right to be represented by a lawyer, and that the court will appoint a lawyer if your child cannot afford one. These are called Miranda rights. If the officer is not going to question your child, the officer will not necessarily explain these rights.

• The probation officer can reprimand your child and then let your child go home without getting the juvenile court involved.
• The probation officer may offer your child a voluntary program instead of going to court. Each county is different and programs vary, but generally if your son or daughter successfully completes the program (for example, attending special classes or substance abuse counseling, performing community service, cleaning graffiti, or going to a youth or peer court if your county has one), the juvenile court does not need to become involved. If you and your child agree to a voluntary program, the probation department may ask you to sign an informal contract describing what you and your child must do. It can last up to 6 months.
• The probation officer can refer your child’s case to the district attorney, who will decide whether or not to file a petition.

• 601 Petition. A 601 Petition is filed by the probation department and says that a child has run away, skipped school, violated curfew, or regularly disobeyed his or her parents. If the court finds that the petition is true, the youth may become a “ward” of the court and is known as a “status offender.”
• 602 Petition. A 602 Petition is filed by the district attorney’s office and says that a child has committed an act that would be considered against the law when an adult does it. This includes felonies such as auto theft, burglary, selling a controlled substance (drugs), rape, and murder, and misdemeanors such as simple assault and drunk driving.

• In many cases, the child will admit all or part of the petition.
• Your child’s attorney will advise your child as to whether or not to make an admission.
• If there is a contested hearing, or “trial,” the district attorney will present the case against your child. Then your child’s attorney will present your child’s defense. Based on this evidence, the judge makes a “true finding,” this means that there is enough evidence for the judge to find beyond a reasonable doubt that your child did commit the acts.
• After a “true finding,” the judge schedules a disposition hearing to decide what the consequences will be.
• If there is not enough evidence for the judge to find that your child committed the act he or she is accused of, the case will be dismissed. If your child is in custody, he or she will be released.

• Your child may remain at home on probation supervision for up to 6 months.
• Your child may be ordered home under the formal supervision of a probation officer. Formal supervision is set up by the judge.
• Your child may be places on probation and ordered to live in a relative’s home, a private residential group home, or an institutional program.
• Your child may be placed on probation and sent to a probation camp or ranch.
• Your child may be committed to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). (But if your child is tried as an adult, the adult criminal court could sentence your child to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Adult Operations (see questions 19 and 20).
• As a parent, you may be ordered to comply with conditions such as counseling or parent training.

• The Northern Youth Correctional Reception Center and Clinic Preston Youth Correctional Facility and Reception Center and Clinic in Ione. Ph: 209-274-8000
• The Southern Youth Correctional Reception Center and Clinic in Norwalk Ph: 562-868-9979
• The Ventura Youth Correctional Facility (for girls) Ph: 805-485-7951

• Between the ages of 14 and 16, your child must stay at DJJ even if he or she is sentenced to adult prison.
• If your child is at least 16, he or she may serve the entire term at DJJ only if the term will end before he or she reaches age 21. If your child’s term will last past age 21, then your child could be at DJJ until age 18, and then would automatically be transferred to the Division of Adult Operations on his or her 18th birthday. The court could also order your child directly to the Division of Adult Operations at age 16.

You can call us at 866-901-3212 or email us. We are located at the following address: 2420 6th St. Eureka, CA 95501

There are many ways to make Child Support Payments. Online, by phone, by mail, in the office, or through PayNearMe or MoneyGram. For instructions on each of these or to make a payment online go to the California State Disbursement Unit website.

To see your account balance or payments sent to you, access your online account through Customer Connect.  If you do not know your Participant ID Number, please call 1-866-223-5955 to get it.

Anyone who is the legal parent or guardian of a child where one or both of the parents does not live in the home with the child can request services to establish and enforce Paternity, Child Support and Medical Support for the child.  For more information, or to open a case in Humboldt or Trinity County, go to Open A Child Support Case.

The County Administrative Office administers and carries out the rules and regulations implemented by the Board of Supervisors. The office is organized around a team concept, and each has a different function.

• Communications: Manages the county’s utilities, radio, and telephone systems, and cable television franchises
• Information Technology: Provides network and computer support services for the County of Humboldt government departments
• Purchasing: Manages vendors, maintain supplies to enable county departments to provide services, purchase at lowest cost consistent with quality and quantity required, surplus sales
• Economic Development: Brings about comprehensive, community-centered economic development that improves the lives of low-income people
• Revenue Recovery: collects court fines as directed by the Superior Court of California, outstanding fees due to the county in association to court cases, Victim Restitution, and other delinquent fees owed to various county departments
• Management and Budget: assists the Board of Supervisors in development and implementation of policies, recommends the annual budget and legislative platforms to the board for adoption, compiles the fee schedule, and assists in the administration and operation of county departments by monitoring the use of financial and human resources

All requests for records in the possession of Humboldt County's administrative offices and departments should be directed to the County Administrative Office or the individual department that holds the requested records. It is preferred but not required that such requests be submitted via the County's website, or in writing and forwarded by regular mail, email, fax, or hand-delivery and state that the request is being made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Telephonic and in-person verbal requests will be accepted only during regular county office business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should be directed to the County Administrative Office or the head of an individual department.

Requests for records should be as specific as possible so as to clearly define or identify the exact records to which access is sought. In most cases, the county will provide electronic copies or photocopies of the requested records to the requesting party. In some cases depending on the volume or nature of the records, arrangements will be made for supervised access to the requested records.

All crime reports should be directed to the law enforcement agency in the city or county where the crime occurred. The District Attorney's Office does not take crime reports.

Victims of crime can obtain police reports from the law enforcement agency that created the report.

Depending on the seriousness of the charges, the District Attorney or deputy district attorneys evaluate cases submitted to their Office by law enforcement agencies. Prosecutors commonly collaborate on the evaluation of charges. They review the evidence in lights of current laws to determine what criminal charges can be filed and what charges would serve the goal of achieving justice.

The arraignment is a hearing in court in which the District Attorney charges a defendant with a specific offenses. The defendant receives a copy of the charges (in a document called a "complaint") and is informed of their constitutional rights. The defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty at this hearing.

The preliminary hearing is a hearing in court where both the District Attorney and the defense can present evidence, and a judge decides if the evidence adequately supports requiring the defendant to stand trial. A preliminary hearing is not a trial and does not involve a jury.

A pre-trial conference provides the opportunity for the prosecution and the defense to discuss the status of a case with the judge. Pre-trial conferences can result in plea agreements or the setting of a trial date.

You can determine if someone is an inmate at the Humboldt County jail in three ways:

1. Use Vinelink;
2. Check jail reports at the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department by clicking HERE;
3.  Call the Humboldt County Correctional Facility at 707-441-5159.

You should report the matter to the officer's employing agency. Law enforcement agencies are required by law to receive complaints. Investigate the matter and respond back to the complaining party.

Call 707-445-7411 to speak with a receptionist. But please be aware that we cannot give legal advice on legal issues.

The Legislature has the authority to exempt property (1) used exclusively for religious, hospital, or charitable purposes, and (2) owned or held in trust by nonprofit organizations operating for those purposes. This exemption is popularly known as the welfare exemption and was first adopted by voters as a constitutional amendment on November 7, 1944. When the Legislature enacted section 214 of the Revenue and Taxation Code to implement the Constitutional provision in 1945, a fourth purpose scientific, was added to the three mentioned in the Constitution. In general, the welfare exemption from local property tax is available to property of organizations formed and operated exclusively for qualifying purposes (religious, scientific, hospital or charitable), which use their property exclusively for those purposes. Both the organizational and property use requirements must be met for the exemption to be granted. The Welfare and Veterans' Organization Exemptions are jointly administered by the Board of Equalization (BOE) and the county assessor. The BOE determines whether the organization is eligible to receive the welfare or veterans' organization exemption and the county assessor determines whether the use of the property is eligible for the exemption. If the BOE determines that an organization is eligible, the BOE issues an Organizational Clearance Certificate for the claimant to provide with exemption claim forms filed in any of the 58 counties. The county assessor reviews claims for the welfare exemption, and the assessor's determination of whether an organization's property use satisfies the requirements of section 214 will be made by the county assessor without review by the BOE staff. However, the assessor may not grant a claim unless the organization holds a valid Organizational Clearance Certificate issued by the BOE. The assessor may deny an exemption claim, based on non-qualifying use of the property, notwithstanding the claimant's organizational clearance certificate granted by the BOE.

A county assessor may not grant a claim for the welfare exemption unless the organization holds a valid Organizational Clearance Certificate issued by the BOE. Claim form BOE-277, Claim for Organizational Clearance Certificate-Welfare Exemption, and claim form BOE-279, Claim for Organizational Clearance Certificate-Veterans' Organization Exemption, are available on the BOE's website. You may also request a copy of a claim form by contacting the BOE's Property Tax Exemption Section at 1-916-274-3430.

Claims to obtain an Organizational Clearance Certificate may be filed with the BOE at any time throughout the year. Claims for the welfare exemption must be filed annually with the county assessor, generally by February 15. If a claim is filed after February 15, a partial exemption may still be granted. The assessor may not grant a claim unless the organization holds a valid Organizational Clearance Certificate issued by the BOE. The law recognizes mid-year acquisitions of real property by qualified organizations. The property will be eligible for exemption from the supplemental assessment if the organization claiming the exemption is a qualified organization and meets the qualifications for the exemption no later than 180 days after the date of the change in ownership or the completion of new construction. A claim for exemption from supplemental assessment must be made on or before the 30th day following the notice of supplemental assessment sent by the county assessor. If a claim is filed after the 30-day period, a partial exemption is available.

Claims are filed on the following forms: BOE-267: Claim for Welfare Exemption (First Filing), (claim form for initial request of welfare exemption for a specific property when the claimant is a new filing in the county or requesting exemption for a new location in the county) BOE-267-A: Claim for Welfare Exemption (Annual Filing), (claim form filed on an annual basis after initial "been met" finding. May be filed on properties that were granted exemption in the prior year) BOE-269-AH: Claim for Veterans' Organization Exemption, (claim form filed for request for Veterans' Organization Exemption) Supplemental affidavits are also required for certain property types: BOE-267-H: Welfare Exemption Supplemental Affidavit, Housing-Elderly or Handicapped Families, (claim form filed for properties used for housing for elderly or handicapped families) BOE-267-L: Welfare Exemption Supplemental Affidavit, Housing-Lower-Income Households, (claim form filed for properties used for low income households) BOE-267-L1: Welfare Exemption Supplemental Affidavit, Low-Income Housing Property of (Limited Partnership), (claim form filed for properties used for low income households owned by limited partnerships) BOE-267-R: Welfare Exemption Supplemental Affidavit, Rehabilitation-Living Quarters, (claim form filed for properties used for rehabilitation and associated living quarters)

Organizations that intend to claim the welfare or veterans' organization exemption and are not currently eligible for these exemptions in any county in the state (i.e., new to state) must file a claim form requesting the certificate (BOE-277, Claim for Organizational Clearance Certificate-Welfare Exemption, or BOE-279, Claim for Organizational Clearance Certificate-Veterans' Organization Exemption). Additional information that should be included with the claim (as indicated on the claim form) include the following organizational documents: Articles of incorporation and amendments (or equivalent formative document) Tax exemption letter Financial statements of organization Documentation supporting/describing the activities of the organization Other information (as requested from Board staff)

No. The income tax exemption does not automatically confer property tax exemption to a nonprofit organization. Both ownership and use of the property drive the Welfare Exemption. Mere ownership of property by a nonprofit corporation does not satisfy the requirements for property tax exemption. The property must also be used exclusively for an exempt (religious, scientific, hospital, or charitable) purpose and activity. Certain uses of property will not qualify for exemption even though conducted by the nonprofit owner: Fundraising Unrelated business Allowing other unqualified individuals or organizations to use the property for private benefit

If you disagree with the assessor's determination of ineligibility for the welfare or veterans' organization exemption, you may seek a refund of property taxes paid by filing a claim for refund with the county board of supervisors. If the refund claim is denied, you may file a refund action in superior court.

The Church Exemption may be claimed on property that is owned, leased, or rented by a religious organization and used exclusively for religious worship services. (See Revenue and Taxation Code section 206.) The Church Exemption is the most restrictive of the three exemptions available to a church since the organization's property must be used solely for religious worship and other activities reasonably necessary for the accomplishment of the church's religious purposes. To apply for the Church Exemption, a claim form must be filed each year with the assessor of the county where the property is located. If a church owns and uses property and also allows another church to use that property, both churches must file Church Exemption claim forms. In the case of leased property, The church or religious organization leasing the property (lessee) may file a Church Exemption claim form, or The owner/lessor may file a Lessor's Exemption Claim form and have the user/lessee church complete the affidavit stating that the user/lessee church uses the property only for religious worship. The appropriate forms are available from the county assessor. They are BOE-262-AH, Church Exemption, and BOE-263, Lessor's Exemption Claim (if the property is leased). To receive the full 100 percent exemption for property owned or leased on the January 1 lien date, the claim must be filed by February 15. For example, to receive the exemption for fiscal year 2007-08, which runs from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, the claim must be filed by February 15, 2007. The following links provide additional information on the Church Exemption.

The Religious Exemption may be claimed on property owned by a religious organization and used exclusively for religious purposes. (See Revenue and Taxation Code section 207.) This includes religious worship and school purposes, including preschools, nursery schools, kindergartens, schools of less than collegiate grade, or schools of collegiate grade and less than collegiate grade. The exemption is also available if another church uses the property part time for religious worship and operates a school, provided that the owner church continues to conduct worship services on the property. To apply for the Religious Exemption, the church must file claim form BOE-267-S, Religious Exemption, with the county assessor where the property is located. The form is available from the county assessor. To receive the full 100 percent exemption for property owned or leased on the January 1 lien date, the claim must be filed by February 15. For example, to receive the exemption for fiscal year 2007-08, which runs from July 1, 2007, through June 30, 2008, the claim must be filed by February 15, 2007. You only need to apply one time for the Religious Exemption. Once it is granted, the exemption remains in effect until it is terminated or the property is no longer eligible.

The Disabled Veterans' Exemption is available for qualified veterans to reduce their property tax liability. Along with the disability requirements, a qualified veteran is one that has been honorably discharged from one of the military services and served during one of the time periods listed in California Constitution Article XIII, section 3(o). See Veterans’ Exemption for a complete description of a qualified veteran. In order for property to qualify for the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, it must be used as the principal place of residence of the veteran or the unmarried surviving spouse of a qualified disabled veteran. One exception to this requirement occurs when the claimant is confined to a hospital or other care facility and the property would be that claimant's principal place of residence were it not for such confinement, provided that the residence is not rented or leased. The property may be owned by the veteran, the veteran's spouse, or the veteran and spouse jointly.

No. You may only receive either the Homeowners Exemption or Disabled Veterans. However, if two or more qualified veterans own a property in which they reside, each is entitled to the Disabled Veterans' Exemption to the extent of his or her interest.

For a property to be considered a principal place of residence for purposes of the Disabled Veterans' Exemption there is no statutory requirement that a veteran must reside in their primary residence for a particular amount of time to qualify for the exemption. In order to qualify for the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, the dwelling must be established as the owner's principal place of residence as of 12:01 a.m. on the lien date (January 1). If new to the property and not yet living at the property through a lien date, the exemption may be claimed by a qualified individual upon a change of ownership or completion of new construction on or after January 1.

Property Tax Exemption Actually Exempts All Or Part Of The Property Tax Owed. An Exclusion Prevents A Reappraisal Of The Property, But Does Not Exempt the Property From Any Property Taxes.

In 1978, California voters passed Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that allows a temporary reduction in a property’s assessed value when its current market value is lower than its current assessed value, also known as the factored base year value. 

A property’s market value may go down from one January 1 lien date to the next lien date to the next, but taxes will only be lowered if its market value falls below the property’s current factored base year value. 

For example, if you bought your property during a time when the real estate market falls dramatically, and is worth less than before, your property may benefit from a Proposition 8 reassessment. These drops in value are usually temporary and may be caused by changes in the real estate market, the neighborhood or the property itself.

Learn more about Proposition 8.

When a property’s market value on the Jan. 1 lien date is lower than its factored base year value, the Assessor must review the property and enroll the lower of the two values. The factored base year value is the property’s market value established in 1975 or the value set when the property last changed ownership or was newly constructed.

Only the most recent Jan. 1 assessment may be reviewed. Proposition 8 does not allow review for prior year’s tax years, nor does it apply to supplemental assessments.

Properties that receive a Proposition 8 reassessment are reviewed every year to determine their value as of the Jan. 1 lien date. During this time, the assessed value may increase more than the standard 2% limit under Proposition 13 if market values rise, but in can never be increased above the property’s Proposition 13 factored base year value unless there is a change in ownership or new construction.

Example: A property previously assessed at $500,000 received a Proposition 8 reduction in value to $450,000 as of the lien date. By the next lien date, the property’s market value had increased by 5%, or $22,500, so the Assessor enrolled a new value of $472,500.

This increase is allowed because the market value ($472,500) is still lower than the property’s factored base year value of $510,000 ($500,000 plus a 2% annual increase). The 2% limit under Proposition 13 applies only to increases in the base year value, not to properties still in decline in value status under Proposition 8. 

Later, if the property value rises to $525,000 and the factored base year value for the year is $520,200 ($510,000 plus 2%), the Assessor would restore and enroll the factored base year instead. At that point, future annual increases would again be limited to 2% per year under Proposition 13.

Proposition 13 was passed by California voters on June 6, 1978. Proposition 13 in caps property taxes at 1% of a property's base year value, which is the market value at the time it was purchased. Proposition 13 also limits annual assessment increases to 2% unless the market value drops, under Proposition 8.

More information on Proposition 13.

Under Proposition 13, base year values may not be increased more than 2% per year. Properties in decline-in-value status under Proposition 8, however, are not limited to the maximum $2% increase, since such properties are not assessed according to their factored base year values. 

Instead, where a property remains in decline-in-value status for two or more consecutive years, the year-to-year change in value will reflect the change in market value regardless of the magnitude or direction of the change. In all cases, the factored base year value is restored once the market value increases to the point where it is equal to or greater than the factored base year value.

When real estate values increase due to market conditions, the assessor must assess properties to either their original base year values, adjusted for inflation up to 2%, or to their current market values, whichever is lower. This may result in increases to Proposition 8 values in excess of 2% from one lien date to the next. For example, in a situation where a property’s value increased 10% since the prior lien date, but the value is still below the Proposition 13 adjusted base year value, the new increased Proposition 8 value will be enrolled.

No. Only the most recent Jan. 1 assessment may be reviewed. Proposition 8 does not allow for relief for prior years and does not apply to supplemental assessments.

Yes. All real property qualifies, including orchards, commercial or industrial buildings, refineries, etc.

No. You must pay your property taxes according to the tax bill you received, or penalties and interest will incur. If a reduction in assessed value is warranted, a notice of correction and a revised tax bill or refund based on the difference in value will be processed by the Assessor. 

If you have not been notified of the results of the Assessor's review by the time the tax bill due date draws near, you may want to file a formal assessment appeals application to ensure your property's assessment is reviewed.

The Assessor will mail a notice indicating the reduced value or a letter declining the application because the property did not meet the Proposition 8 requirements. However, if you haven't heard from the Assessor by the formal assessment appeals deadline, disagree with the Proposition 8 value, or your Proposition 8 request was denied, you may consider filing an assessment appeal application with the Clerk of the Board.

Our Victim Witness Unit offers a variety of services to victims of crime, including: attending court with you; explaining the court process; informing you about court dates, times and outcomes; providing information on community resources; and initiating a victim-of-crime claim.  We recognize that each person’s needs are different, this is not a complete list of possible services.  Call 707-441-7411 to ask about the services available to you.

If the case has been submitted to our Office by law enforcement and charges have been filed, we can provide you with the name of the defendant and the next court date. To obtain this information, please call 707-445-7411.

All criminal complaints are prosecuted on behalf of the People of the State of California. Only the prosecutor can issue or dismiss charges. However, the District Attorney's Office will always take the wishes of the victim into account. Please contact the District Attorney's Office if as a victim you have an opinion on the prosecution of your case that the District Attorney's Office does not already know about.

Please contact the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred. That agency is responsible for investigating domestic violence cases.

Our office works with victims and witnesses in obtaining criminal protective orders after a criminal case has been filed. If a case is presented and filed, the assigned prosecutor can request a criminal protective order in court. Please call 707-445-7411 to determine if a protective order may be appropriate in your matter.

For defendants on informal court supervised probation (generally in a misdemeanor case), restitution is usually paid through the Department of Revenue Recovery (707-476-2398). If the defendant is on formal probation (as in almost all felony cases), you may contact the assigned probation officer by calling the Humboldt County Probation Department at 707-445-7401.

Yes, please call 707-445-7411 and we can provide that information.

A code of ethics which prevents them from directly speaking to a person who is represented by an attorney. Therefore, any questions you have about your case must be answered by your own lawyer.

State law and California State Bar rules prohibit the District Attorney's Office from providing legal assistance or advice to a defendant. You may retain a private defense attorney to assist you, or alternatively, the Public Defender (707-445-7634) provides legal assistance to individuals charged with a crime in state court who are financially unable to retain private counsel.

Please contact your attorney to address this question.

The answer depends on the crime and the sentence imposed by the judge. Please contact your attorney to address this question. The District Attorney's Office does not initiate or handle expungement requests.

Please mail your notice to the following address:

Humboldt County District Attorney

ATTN: Request for Executive Clemency

825 5th Street, Fourth Floor

Eureka, CA 95501

Call the law enforcement agency where the potential crime occurred.

The Better Business Bureau provides information about businesses and consumer complaints.

Contact the fraud unit by calling 707-445-7411.

Report the crime to the law enforcement agency where the crime occurred.

Measure Z is a half-cent local sales tax passed by voters in 2014 and renewed in 2018. Funds from Measure Z are used for public safety and essential services. Funds have been used to maintain 24-hour Sheriff deputy patrols, improve 9-1-1 emergency response, enhance crime investigation and prosecution, provide additional services for victims of child abuse, strengthen mental health services for children and more. Volunteer fire departments have received necessary equipment including breathing apparatuses, wildland and structural turnouts, rescue tools, funding for dispatch services and training towers. This local revenue source is also providing funding for rural ambulance, drug task force services, brush cutting along roadways to prevent wildfires and school resource officers in local public schools.

Through 2018 when Measure Z was placed on the ballot for renewal, Humboldt County had suffered more than $368 million in state takeaways that significantly impacted the county’s budget Measure Z is voter-approved, locally-controlled funding that cannot be taken by Sacramento. With Measure Z, it provides a guaranteed source of local funding that cannot be taken by the state that maintain current essential services, including:

• Maintaining 9-1-1 emergency response times
• Providing services for those who have experienced child abuse
• Maintaining rural ambulance and fire protection services
• Providing additional mental health services for children
• Ensuring there are sheriff’s deputies on-duty 24 hours a day

Measure Z is a voter-approved half-cent sales tax that does not apply to prescription medications or grocery food purchases. It is also paid by visitors and tourists. Measure Z is subject to strict community and fiscal accountability, including annual independent audits and community input from a citizens’ advisory committee to ensure funds are spent responsibly and efficiently.

Some of the public safety projects that have been funded by the Board of Supervisors with Measure Z funds include:

• Providing critical funding for fire equipment and planning services for volunteer fire departments.
• Maintaining ambulance service for K’ima:w Medical Center and Southern Trinity Area Rescue (STAR) serving communities in Hoopa and the greater Willow Creek area near Highways 299 and 36, respectively.
• Providing rural patrol and deputies by hiring additional staff in the Sheriff’s Office.
• Continuing to fight drugs by providing funding to the Fortuna Police Department (FPD) for a drug task force agent, and making schools across the Eel River Valley safer by funding FPD’s School Resource Officer.
• Continuing the life-saving funding of Genasys Protect, the county's evacuation zone map that helps officials prepare for and streamline the county’s emergency evacuation process.
• Purchase of enhanced safety equipment, including ballistic blankets, breaching kits and ballistic shields for the City of Eureka Police Department.
• Replacing equipment within the water treatment plant in the City of Trinidad to be able to continue to provide clean, safe drinking water to residents.

View past Measure Z recipients and the projects they supported.

Each year, typically during the month of February, the Humboldt County Citizens’ Advisory Committee on Measure Z Expenditures accepts applications for funding from local agencies. During the month of March, the committee evaluates the applications and ranks them by their priority. In April, the County Administrative Office provides the finalized list to the Board of Supervisors and recommends funding projects on the committee's list.

Learn more about applying for Measure Z funds.

Yes. Measure Z was renewed in 2018 by Humboldt County voters.

Budget limitations had reduced Sheriff patrol coverage, which led to long response times for both emergency and non-emergency calls. At the same time, volunteer fire departments, despite limited resources, continue to play a critical role in protecting lives and property across the county. Measure Z is addressing these public safety needs by maintaining 9-1-1 emergency response times, ensuring sheriff’s deputies are on duty 24 hours a day and sustaining rural ambulance and fire protection services. It also provides vital resources like equipment and training for volunteer firefighters and first responders, allowing them to better, and more safely, protect county residents.

The county will continue to keep the community informed about Measure Z. For more information, please visit HumboldtGov.org/MeasureZ.

Protective and counseling services for the victims and witnesses of child abuse had been severely reduced in recent years. The renewal of Measure Z helps to restore these services and protect children who have experienced horrible crimes.

Yes. Following its renewal, Measure Z continues to require community and fiscal accountability, including financial audits and an independent citizens’ advisory committee will continue to review Measure Z funds to ensure they are spent efficiently on public priorities. By law, all Measure Z funding must be spent locally, and none can be taken by the state.

This will ultimately depend on the review and recommendations of the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (NCRWQCB ) but for the most part our draft LAMP proposes to continue the same site evaluation, design and permitting requirements that are currently in practice in Humboldt. We are mandated to give extra protection to the waters of these areas: Trinidad State Beach, Luffenholtz Beach, Moonstone Beach and Clam Beach. The draft proposal to meet this mandate is the Tier 3 Advanced Protection Management Program for Impaired Areas and begins on page 13 of the LAMP.

We record Monday through Friday 8:30am -4:30pm, except legal holidays.  We do not close for lunch hour.

Our address is 825 Fifth Street, Eureka, CA  95501.  We are located on the 5^th Floor of the Humboldt County Courthouse.

Checks or Cash only.

California State Law empowers the Coroner to investigate the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden, violent or unexpected deaths. We also investigate when a decedent has not been seen by a physician within 20 days prior to death, or when a death occurs within 24 hours of the decedent entering the hospital.

Usually, he or she will be taken to the Coroner's Office located in the Clark Complex, 3012 I Street, Eureka, California.

The Investigation may require a physical examination of the decedent's body (autopsy).

An autopsy is an examination of a body after death using surgical techniques. An autopsy may be only an external examination, or it may be comprehensive. Sometimes, an autopsy is limited to one organ system and sometimes all organ systems are examined.

The Coroner or his representative will decide if an autopsy is necessary to establish the manner and cause of death. It may be possible to determine the cause of death without an autopsy. Sometimes an autopsy is required by law. Often an autopsy is necessary because the decedent's physician has questions about the decedent's medical problems and how those problems caused death.

It is performed by a medical doctor, usually a Pathologist, who is specifically trained in this type of procedure.

No. An autopsy should not in any way affect the final arrangements you choose. An autopsy does not change whether the decedent will be viewable for visitation. Your funeral director will guide you.

An autopsy may find inheritable medical problems and help other family members through early diagnosis and treatment. It may help with regard to family planning. An autopsy may discover an infectious disease, such as tuberculosis, which requires early treatment for the decedent's family and close contacts. It may also provide the evidence necessary for the settling of insurance claims or death benefits. Information learned through an autopsy of one decedent may help save the lives of others with similar conditions.

Generally, it should not take more than two to three days. Your funeral director will coordinate this on your behalf. We will do our best to accommodate any special need to release the decedent sooner.

Religious decisions are always very personal. You may wish to discuss the issues with relatives and your religious or spiritual advisor. Cultures are very diverse in their practices and beliefs. Please inform the Coroner's Office immediately of any special needs or concerns.

With the consent of next of kin, certain types of tissues may be donated, thereby helping others. The Coroner's Investigator who has contacted you can provide additional information about this progress. Donation of tissues must be arranged as soon as possible after death.

The Coroner is authorized to charge certain fees. These fees help defer the cost by providing services. The fees are minimal in nature and have been fixed by the County Board of Supervisors.

No. In almost all cases visual identification is not required. Should it become necessary for you to come in or for you to provide records, such as dental x-rays, you will be contacted.

No. The Coroner's Office is not designated to accommodate viewing. Arrangements can be made at the mortuary for viewing or visitation. 

A death certificate is issued after the investigation is completed. Occasionally, extensive testing is required. An interim death certificate may be issued which allows interment. A final death certificate will be issued following completion of any special testing. 

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Death Certificates are filed with the Health Department by the Funeral Director. Should you require certified copies, they can be ordered through the mortuary or directly from the Humboldt County Health Department, Department of Vital Statistics, 529 I Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Telephone number (707) 268-2185.

You can request an Autopsy Report and Toxicology results by calling our office at (707) 445-7242, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There may be a fee. Homicide reports and Deputy Coroner investigative reports are not released. 

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Personal possessions in the custody of the Coroner may be claimed by the legal next of kin. To avoid any inconvenience to you, call the Coroner's Office before coming in. You will be informed of any documents needed and of any other requirements. Property is available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Contraband, such as illegal drugs or weapons will not be released. Contaminated clothing or other articles which may present a health hazard shall be destroyed for the safety of all persons involved. Some items may be retained as evidence of a crime.

If there is a seal on the residence, either verbal or physical, you need permission to break that seal. It is a misdemeanor to break a "Coroner's Seal" without permission of the Coroner. A Coroner's seal is placed to protect the decedent's property. It is not intended to deprive the legal heir of their rights.

Notify other kin and friends of the deceased. If the deceased has a Will, refer to it for potential instructions. Wills are often kept in safe-deposit boxes, at home in a safe place, or at the office of the attorney who prepared the will.

Select a funeral home. Call and make an appointment to speak with a funeral director. Inform the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Coroner's Office.

A spouse is the closest next of kin. Second in line are the children of the deceased, who are equally related. Third in line are the parents of the deceased, equally. Siblings of the deceased are fourth in the order of kinship, all equally, without regard to the order of their birth. The next of kin are legally and financially responsible for the interment of the deceased. By law, the costs of interment take priority over all of the decedent's pending bills.

Persons who have served in the Armed Forces, were honorably discharged, and are in receipt of monthly payments, are entitled to a Veteran's benefit. For information, contact the Humboldt County Veteran's Service Office, Humboldt County Courthouse, Room 310, 825 Fifth Street, Eureka, CA 95501. Phone number (707) 445-7341. For information on Military, Veterans, or Social Security Benefits, contact your funeral director.

If neither the decedent nor the next of kin have sufficient funds for interment, an application may be made for indigent disposition. In these circumstances, proof of indigence is required. Next of kin should first discuss this with the funeral director at the mortuary they have chosen. The mortuary will provide information regarding application for Indigent Disposition. 

It can, at your request, relieve the heirs of the stress and turmoil of administering the estate. It assures that the wishes of the decedent are carried out in a legal manner. It protects the rights of the heirs and often removes much of the emotional involvement by providing a neutral party.

The use of the Public Administrator often saves time and money. The Public Administrator is bonded. This is a public office, and as such, is not in the business to make money, but rather provide a service for those who need it.

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There are fees charged by the Public Administrator which are set by law. They vary depending on the value of the estate and are dependent on decisions by legislation.

These fees and all other costs or bills against the estate are paid by the Public Administrator from estate assets. Neither you nor the family should have out of pocket expenses.

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Illegal marijuana farms are destroying our environment and risking our health. They divert and dry up sensitive creeks and streams and use toxic pesticides that harm wildlife and risks public health. If enacted, Measure S will ensure marijuana growers pay their fair share to help protect our public safety, health and environment, while enforcing laws that require growers protect our county’s natural areas and water quality. Providing these services requires locally-controlled funding that cannot be taken by the state.

• Fill out the application and submit the required fees.
• You will be given a date for an interview with the CCW coordinator.
• Appear on time (maybe a little early) for you interview.
• You will be interviewed (approximately 30 to 40 minutes).
• You will be fingerprinted (prints go to California Department of Justice and the FBI).  Prints are checked against both California and Federal arrest records.
• After the interview, arrange for and attend 16 hours of CCW training and a range qualification from a Humboldt County Approved trainer. (We do not accept training from out of county trainers).
• Wait for your fingerprint clearances and background to be completed (time will be dependent on CCW applicant load), approximately 1 month.
• You will receive a notification that your permit is ready. 
• Pay the remaining fees due.
• Go to the Sheriff’s Office and pick up your permit.

The interview will be fairly relaxed and will last 30 to 40 minutes in most cases. Your application will be reviewed, in your presence, and clarifying questions will be asked. You will sign your application. You will be asked questions about yourself and your life experiences. Your guns will be inspected to verify the serial numbers, and those numbers will be checked for registration and status. The general restrictions on the CCW license will be discussed and your photo will be taken.

The firearms you list on your application (six (6) maximum).

Your permit allows you to carry concealed in all unrestricted areas. Restricted areas include, but are not limited to:

• Any place where firearms are prohibited.
• Schools
• Federal and state facilities
• Private business that don’t wish to have firearms on the premises
• Professional sporting events
• Concerts

• Federal and state laws pertaining to firearms.
• Local ordinances pertaining to firearms.
• Rules and restrictions imposed by private business and persons when on their property.

• Keep your hands on the steering wheel and visible to the officer.
• Let the officer know that you are a CCW licensee and carrying concealed.
• Follow directions given by the officer. 
• After the contact is over you will be released and sent on your way.

You can apply for a duplicate for a fee of $14.00.

The permit, in most instances is good for two (2) years.

Approximately 2 months prior to expiration, submit an online renewal application and fees. The application and permit will be processed and you will be notified when it is ready to pick up.

If you fail to meet the requirements of Penal Code 26150, become a disqualified person under Penal Code 26202, or violate any provision of Penal Code 26200, the Sheriff’s Office will immediately suspend your permit. Furthermore, if you are arrested for any criminal offense and do not promptly report the arrest to the Sheriff’s Office CCW Division, your permit will be revoked. Licensees must report any arrests by calling the CCW Coordinator at (707) 268-3619, and messages can be left outside business hours. Additionally, any use of marijuana by a licensee will result in the immediate suspension of the permit.

If you are a security guard, you can obtain an open carry permit through the State of California. Otherwise, open carry permits are not issued by Sheriff Honsal in Humboldt County.

Should you have further questions feel free to contact the CCW Coordinator at (707) 445-7251.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates and participates in emergency planning, response, and recovery under the direction of Sheriff William Honsal and in collaboration with local, state, and federal partners. OES is the primary local coordination agency for emergencies and disasters affecting residents, public infrastructure, and government operations in the County.  

Per Humboldt County Code §2210-6, the Sheriff is the designated Director of Emergency Services for the Humboldt Operational Area.

The Humboldt Operational Area includes the entirety of the County and its cities, towns, and special districts, in coordination with independent tribes. The Sheriff is designated Director of Emergency Services for the Operational Area by local ordinance. 

When the County’s needs exceed the coordinated capacity of local response agencies, the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is available to provide additional resources. When local and state resources are insufficient during a catastrophic disaster, the assistance of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may be requested to supplement available state resources, primarily during post-incident recovery.

A Cal OES truck delivers supplies for an Alternate Care Site designed for COVID-19 patients.

A Local Emergency affecting the County of Humboldt may be proclaimed by the Board of Supervisors or the Sheriff (or their designee) when hazardous conditions cause significant damages or pose an imminent threat to people, property, and/or the environment. Proclaiming a Local Emergency can provide the County a pathway to additional resources. Tribes and incorporated cities may independently proclaim local emergencies, while County proclamations include all cities, regions, and special districts within the Operational Area.

State-level emergency declarations include a governor's proclamation of a State of Emergency, governor's executive orders, and the Cal OES director's concurrence with an operational area's emergency proclamation. The state Emergency Services Act and the California Disaster Assistance Act direct emergency response and recovery policy and operations in California. State financial disaster assistance may be provided at the discretion of the governor.

Federal disaster declarations are requested by the governor, granted by the president, and reserved for catastrophic events. A presidential declaration of an Emergency or of a Major Disaster provides access to federal resources for individuals, businesses, and public agencies.

When an incident occurs, incident stabilization activities (e.g. firefighting, damage assessment, property conservation) may be underway at the scene of the incident. Others assigned to support incident stabilization, business continuity or crisis communications activities will report to an emergency operations center (EOC). The emergency operations center is a physical or virtual location from which coordination and support of incident management activities is directed. 

The Humboldt County Sheriff's OES manages emergency response from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), using the Incident Command System (ICS). The state Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), and the federal National Incident Management System (NIMS) and National Response Framework (NRF) establish common operating procedures, best practices, and a “whole community” approach to disaster preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. Emergency managers are very fond of acronyms.

A large-scale EOC activated in response to the COVID-19 emergency in Humboldt County.

A small county EOC activated in response to localized flooding.

When an event involves the response of multiple County departments and allied agencies which come together to manage an event, efficient information flow is critical to success and essential to meeting the expectations of the public. A Joint Information Center (JIC) is the way to achieve that information flow. 

A JIC is a group of representatives from the involved departments and agencies designated to handle public information needs. It is part of the Command Staff and is led by the Public Information Officer (PIO). It serves as the ‘hub’ for the release of timely, accurate, consistent, and useful disaster related information. During an emergency, the overall priority of emergency management agencies is to provide maximum protection to public health and property. The goal of a JIC is to provide accurate, timely, and coordinated information to the public and the media. Coordinated information means less confusion, inaccuracies, and duplication of effort. The County of Humboldt’s Joint Information Center Plan was adopted by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors on July 15, 2014.

 Sheriff Honsal speaks to staff members working in the COVID-19 JIC.

The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to place Measure O – the Humboldt County Public Safety and Essential Services Renewal Measure – on the November 6, 2018 ballot to maintain locally-controlled funding for essential County services, without raising tax rates.

Over the past 25 years, $368 million in State takeaways continues to affect the County’s budget. Measure O would continue existing, voter-approved locally-controlled funding that cannot be taken by Sacramento. Measure O will maintain current essential services, including:

• Maintaining 911 emergency response times
• Providing services for the victims of child abuse
• Maintaining rural ambulance and fire protection services
• Providing additional mental health services for children
• Ensuring there are sheriff’s deputies on-duty 24 hours a day
• Repairing deteriorating roads

Despite limited funding, volunteer fire departments and firefighters play critical roles in protecting life and property here in Humboldt County. Measure O will continue to support these volunteers and maintain resources and training that better – and more safely – protect County residents.

Protective and counseling services for the victims and witnesses of child abuse have been severely reduced in recent years. Measure O will restore these services and protect children that have been victims of horrible crimes. 

Measure O would continue the existing, voter-approved one-half cent sales tax, with no increase in tax rate. Measure O is not applied to prescription medicine or food purchased as groceries, and visitors to our region also pay the cost.  

Yes. Measure O continues to require community and fiscal accountability, including financial audits and an Independent Citizens’ Advisory Committee will continue to review Measure O funds to ensure they are spent efficiently on public priorities. By, law all Measure O funding must be spent locally, and none can be taken by the state. 

Tuesday, November 6, 2018. To register to vote, visit http://registertovote.ca.gov//

The county will continue to keep the community informed about Measure O. For more information, please visit the County website humboldtgov.org/MeasureO.

Once an applicant takes his/her P.O.S.T. Pellet B Exam, they will be given their results.

There is no dress code for the written examinations, although professional, comfortable clothing is recommended.

As a Sheriff Recruit your tuition through the Police Academy will be covered by the Sheriff’s Office and you will receive regular pay as a full time employee during this time. 

The Sheriff’s Office does continues recruitment for several positions. To check our current openings, please visit the county employment portal.

You can apply for any job opening via the county’s employment portal. 

The Sheriff’s Office has numerous positions besides the sworn position of Deputy Sheriff, Correctional Deputy, and Dispatcher. Other positions include Animal Control Officer, Animal Shelter Kennel Attendants, Coroner’s Office positions, Administrative positions, and civilian positions within the Correctional Facility.

All sworn Sheriff’s Office positions will require the successful completion of the application process, testing, and an oral interview prior to starting the background process.

Written test scores are typically valid for one year.

Yes, however, per P.O.S.T. regulations, the PELLETB test can only be taken once in a 30 day period.

If you have taken the P.O.S.T. PELLETB exam while applying with another agency, we may accept the scores if the test was taken within 12 months of your application date.

While it is difficult to give an exact time frame for the completion of the background process, as each is unique, we recommend you allot at least six months for this process to be completed in full. Currently, our staff is able to complete an average background evaluation in about 3 to 4 months

Position recruitments vary based on departmental needs. We recommend you check the county employment portal regularly as new positions are frequently listed. 

Please sign in to the county employment portal to update your information.

Yes, you may apply for multiple positions. 

If you fail the P.O.S.T. Structured Interview, you may reapply. There is no time restraint for additional applications. 

For more information or specific questions not answered in this FAQ, please contact our recruitment line at 707-441-5100.

A passing T- score of 42 on the Peace Officer Standards and Training Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery exam (PELLETB) is required for the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office. 

California Senate Bill 1421 (SB-1421), which became law on January 1, 2019, amends California Penal Code sections 832.7 and 832.8 relating to peace officer records. SB-1421 requires certain peace officer personnel records and records relating to specified incidents, complaints, and investigations involving peace officers to be made available for public inspection pursuant to the California Public Records Act. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office is fully committed to complying with the new law. Because the law is complex, we want you to know a few important points

California Penal Code section 832.7(b) applies to records relating to:

• The discharge of a firearm at a person by a deputy.
• The use of force by a deputy against a person resulting in death or great bodily injury.
• An incident in which an agency made a sustained finding that a deputy engaged in sexual assault involving a member of the public.
• An incident in which an agency made a sustained finding that a deputy engaged in dishonesty directly relating to the reporting, investigation, or prosecution of a crime, or the reporting of, or investigation of misconduct by, another deputy.

"Sustained" means a final determination by the agency, following an investigation and opportunity for an administrative appeal, that the actions of the peace officer were found to violate department policy.

California Penal Code section 832.7(b) mandates the redaction of the following information:

(A) To remove personal data or information, such as a home address, telephone number, or identities of family members, other than the names and work-related information of peace and custodial officers.

(B) To preserve the anonymity of complainants and witnesses.

(C) To protect confidential medical, financial, or other information of which disclosure is specifically prohibited by federal law or would cause an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy that clearly outweighs the strong public interest in records about misconduct and serious use of force by peace officers and custodial officers.

(D) Where there is a specific, articulable, and particularized reason to believe that disclosure of the record would pose a significant danger to the physical safety of the peace officer, custodial officer, or another person.

Additionally, if an investigation or incident involves multiple officers, information about allegations of misconduct by, or the analysis or disposition of an investigation of, an officer must be redacted unless it relates to a sustained finding against that officer.

The record(s) you receive from the Sheriff’s Office will be redacted, pursuant to the Penal Code. It is important to note that all parts of the record must be reviewed and redacted prior to disclosure including paper documents, photographs, and audio and video files. The Sheriff’s Office does not presently maintain these records with the redactions mandated by the new law.

Yes. An agency may redact a record to remove personal identifying information, where, on the facts of the particular case, the public interest served by not disclosing the information clearly outweighs the public interest served by disclosure of the information.

Yes. An agency may withhold the record of an incident involving the discharge of a firearm at a person by a peace officer or an incident in which the use of force by a peace officer against a person resulted in death, or in great bodily injury that is the subject of an active criminal or administrative investigation. Cal. Pen. Code section 832.7(b)(7).

In order to calculate the total number of hours estimated to complete your request, the Sheriff’s Office must first identify all incidents responsive to your request and review the amount of material related to each incident. The Office is actively looking for additional advanced technology to expedite the redaction process and is open to suggestions from the media and the public regarding such a solution.

The Sheriff’s Office receives many public records requests every day. Employees tasked with responding to these CPRA requests must do so while still completing their day to day responsibilities.

Once the redaction work is completed, the redacted record/s will be posted on-line and released to the requester via the County’s NextRequest Public Records Portal.

Senate Bill 978 requires law enforcement agencies to "conspicuously post on their Internet Web sites" all "current standards, policies, practices, operating procedures, and education and training materials" that would otherwise be available to the public if a request was made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (PRA).

California Assembly Bill 481 requires law enforcement agencies to obtain approval of the applicable governing body (Board of Supervisors), by adoption of a military equipment use policy prior to taking certain actions relating to the funding, acquisition, or use of military equipment as defined by the legislature.

Responsive audio/video records are being released on a rolling basis as they are reviewed and redacted to a dedicated page on our transparency portal. You are encouraged to visit this site often as it will be updated on a rolling basis as additional information becomes available. 

There are different ways to request a record held by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office depending on the type of record you are seeking. Read the categories below to find out which is right for you. 

Requesting Police Reports / Copies of Cases

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office has an established process for requesting copies of cases, police reports, and other information gathered during a law enforcement investigation entitled to specific individuals as defined in California Government Code § 6254(f): the victims of an incident, or an authorized representative thereof, an insurance carrier against which a claim has been or might be made, and any person suffering bodily injury or property damage or loss as a result of the below listed crimes. Additionally, autopsy and toxicology reports may be requested by any member of the public utilizing this records request process.

If you meet the above criteria, please use our online Records Request Form or download the PDF version of this form and return to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Main Station or via email at sheriffrecords@co.humboldt.ca.us. Following completion of this form, your request will be processed by the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office Records Division within 7 to 10 business days. You will be notified when records are available for pick up. All fees are due at the time of pick up. 

Download PDF Form

California Public Records Act (CPRA) Request

All requests for general records in the possession of the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office (ex. emails, training policies, contracts, statistics) should be directed to the Sheriff's Office by making a California Public Records Request. It is preferred but not required that such requests be submitted via the County's website, or in writing and forwarded by regular mail, email, fax, or hand-delivery and state that the request is being made pursuant to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Telephonic and in-person verbal requests will be accepted only during regular county office business hours Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and should be directed to the Humboldt County Sheriff's Office.

Requests for records should be as specific as possible so as to clearly define or identify the exact records to which access is sought. In most cases, the county will provide electronic copies or photocopies of the requested records to the requesting party. In some cases depending on the volume or nature of the records, arrangements will be made for supervised access to the requested records.

It depends. 

The following reports and associated fees are available to release to crime victims, a victim's authorized representative, and/or an insurance carrier:

The following reports and associated fees are available to release to all members of the public upon request:

For California Public Records Act Requests, there may be a fee associated with the production of records in accordance with law and the county's adopted fee schedule. If fees are applicable, you will be advised of those fees prior to the production of records.

Text to 9-1-1 is the ability to send a text message to 9-1-1 from your mobile phone or handheld device.

• Text to 9-1-1 is not available everywhere and is not always available when roaming.
• Text to 9-1-1 is currently available in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County and the cities of Fortuna, Arcata, as well as HSU Police, and the California Highway Patrol. Other local cities will be launching Text to 9-1-1- capabilities soon.
• You must subscribe to your wireless carrier’s text or data plan in order to send or receive text messages.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available in your area, or is temporarily unavailable, you should receive a message indicating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and to contact 9-1-1 by other means.

• Dialing 9-1-1 in an emergency is still the preferred way to request help, and the public is reminded to “Call if you can. Text if you can’t.”
• Text to 9-1-1 is intended primarily for use in three emergency scenarios:
  1. For an individual who is deaf, hard-of-hearing or has a speech disability.
  2. For someone who is in a situation where it is not safe to place a voice call to 9-1-1.
  3. A medical emergency that renders the person incapable of speech.
• ONLY text 9-1-1 in an emergency. Prank-texters can be identified and may be prosecuted according to local laws/regulations.

• As with all text messages, Text to 9-1-1 may take longer to receive and respond to than a voice call and could be received out of order, or may not be received at all.
• Text GPS location information is not equal to current wireless location technology.
• Voice calls are real-time communication and Text to 9-1-1 is not.
• Pictures or videos cannot be received by 9-1-1 at this time.
• If you include anyone else on your text to 9-1-1 (group message), it may not be received by 9-1-1.
• At this time translation services for Text to 9-1-1 are not available; please text in English only.

• Enter the numbers 911 (no dashes or spaces) in the “To”  or "Recipient" field.
• The first text message to 9-1-1 should be brief. Include address, city and type of emergency (police, fire or medical).
• Push the “Send” button.
• Be prepared to answer questions and follow instructions from the 9-1-1 call taker.
• Text in simple words – do not use abbreviations or slang.
• Keep text messages brief and concise.

• A 9-1-1 call center should respond to the text.
• If Text to 9-1-1 is not available, you should receive a message from the wireless carrier stating that Text to 9-1-1 is not available and that you must place a voice or relay call to 9-1-1.

Standard text messaging rates apply.

Currently, Text to 9-1-1 is only available in English.

The new fee is an additional charge passed by the legislature and signed by the governor to fund Building Homes and Jobs Act. The fee is assessed at the time documents are recorded into the public record with the County Recorder’s Office.

No, the new Recording Fee is charged in addition to previous recording charges collected by county recorders.

Effective January 1, 2018, the recording fee becomes due at the time an instrument, paper or notice is recorded with the county recorder’s office that is not otherwise exempt.

No, the Building Homes and Jobs Act Recording Fee is charged on real estate instruments, papers or notices permitted by law to be recorded unless otherwise exempt.

The new legislation defines this as a document relating to real property and includes, but is not limited to the following: deed, grant deed, trustee’s deed, deed of trust, reconveyance, quit claim deed, fictitious deed of trust, assignment of deed of trust,  request for notice of default, abstract of judgment, subordination agreement, declaration of homestead, abandonment of homestead, notice of default, release or discharge, easement, notice of trustee sale, notice of completion, UCC financing statement, mechanic’s lien, maps, and covenants conditions and restrictions.

The additional fee is $75.00 per instrument, paper or notice per each single transaction per parcel of real property.

The Recorder’s Association has defined transaction as “instruments, papers, or notices presented together and related to the same parties and property transfer (DRIM).

Yes. The maximum aggregate housing fee charge for real estate instrument, paper or notice recorded in a single transaction is $225.00.

 Yes. The following real estate instruments, papers or notices are exempt from the additional Recording Fee:

Those transfers subject to and paying documentary transfer tax (DTT) at the time of recording;

Those recorded concurrently in connection with a transfer subject to DTT;

Those recorded concurrently in connection with a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier;

Those which are not related to real property;

Documents recorded concurrently in connection with a transfer for which the maximum $225 fee has been collected;

Those which are expressly exempt  pursuant to Government Code section 27383.

After the maximum Building Homes and Jobs Act Recording Fee of $225 has been met, the document submitter must expressly note that the document is exempt because imposition of the fee would exceed the $225 cap.

The instrument with documentary transfer tax stamped and paid on it is self-evident, and requires no additional stamp.

The Recorder interprets “in connection with” to mean documents involving the same parties and/or same property that are recorded concurrently.  Documents recorded concurrently will have to include an exemption indicating they are part of an exempt transaction.

All instruments necessary to transfer ownership, relinquish debt, and secure new debt recorded in a single transaction will be considered to be in connection with an exempt transfer, if an exemption is declared and presented with the document.

For a real estate instrument paper or notice to be considered recorded “in connection with” a transfer of real property that is a residential dwelling to an owner-occupier, will be interpreted to mean documents involving the same parties and/or same property that are recorded concurrently.

Documents with multiple titles will be charged per title.  For example:

(1) Substitution of Trustee and Full Reconveyance (2 titles):  The fee is $75 x 2 titles = $150. 

(2) Assignment, Substitution of Trustee, Reconveyance Agreement (4 titles): The fee is $225.

One $75 fee would be charged for a single transaction regardless of the number of parcels.

An additional $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act Recording Fee would be due to record the CCRs.

Yes, previously recorded documents being re-recorded to correct a previous omission or error are subject to an Building Homes and Jobs Act Recording Fee charge. Minor corrections pursuant to Government Code section 27201 (c)(1)(B) and (c)(1) (C) are exempt.

Yes, documents recorded after January 1^st, 2018 related to transactions closed prior to that date will be charged the $75 Building Homes and Jobs Act Recording Fee, regardless if the overall transaction was otherwise exempt. The fee applies to all documents submitted on or after January 1, 2018.

The new law describes an authorized person as 1 of the following:

The registrant themselves or a parent or legal guardian of the registrant.

A party entitled to receive the record as a result of a court order (court order must be provided), or an attorney or a licensed adoption agency seeking the birth record to comply with the requirements of Sections 3140 or 7603 of the Family Code.

A member of a law enforcement agency or a representative of another governmental agency, as provided by law, who is conducting official business.

A child, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner of the registrant.

An attorney representing the registrant or the registrant’s estate, or any person or agency empowered by statute or appointed by a court to act on behalf of the registrant or the registrant’s estate.

Effective July 1, 2003, the California Health and Safety Code Section 103526 will permit only authorized individuals to receive certified copies of birth records. Those who are not authorized by law to receive a full certified copy may request a certified copy marked "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY."

Yes.  Both parties to the marriage must appear in person with current, valid i.d.

No.  Marriage ceremonies must be scheduled twenty-four hours in advance.  Services are performed Monday through Thursday, 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

No.  An amendment to the new name fields may only be issued to correct clerical errors, and that amendment must be signed by one of the parties to the marriage and the county clerk or his or her deputy.  Any other changes require that a new marriage license be purchased.

No.  You must request either from the state or county of birth.

No.  Birth certificates are only issued on official security paper.  Photocopies or e-versions of birth certificates are not certified copies.

A certified copy can be used to establish the identity of the person named on the certificate, whereas a certified informational copy cannot be used to establish identity.  Persons who are not eligible to receive a certified copy can receive a certified informational copy.  Both types of documents are certified copies of the original document on file with Humboldt County Recorder.

If you are requesting a certified copy of a record via mail, you will need to provide a sworn statement, and have it notarized.  If you are only requesting a certified informational copy, then you will not need to provide a sworn statement.  If you choose to go to the Humboldt County Recorder to apply in person, you will also not need to supply a notarized sworn statement.

You may seek notarization from one of the following options:

An Ambassador, Minister, Consul, Vice Consul or Consular Agent of the United States, or from a Judge of a Court of record having a seal in a foreign country; or

A foreign notary, with an apostille attached for the foreign notarization.

If the Humboldt County Recorder’s Office cannot locate the record based on the information you provide, California Health and Safety Code requires that we retain the search fee and issue a Certificate of No Public Record (CNPR).  A CNPR is a certified document that is issued by the Humboldt County Recorder, stating that no record could be located with the information provided on an application.

No, you will need to contact that third party directly.

You will need to contact the Bureau of Consular Affairs for more information.   They can be found on-line at Travel.State.Gov

Yes.  As of July 1, 2015, California law allows qualified homeless individuals to receive a copy of their birth record without a fee.  Applicants must meet the requirements and complete an affidavit to receive a free copy of a birth record. 

For more information about this law, see Assembly Bill (AB) 1733.

In the case of a business owned by an individual, a "fictitious business name" is any name that does not include the last name (surname) of the owner, or which implies additional owners (such as "Company," "and Company," "and Sons," "Associates," etc.)

Examples:

• "Will Smith Catering" is not a Fictitious Business Name.
• "Smith and Company Catering" is a Fictitious Business Name.

In the case of a corporation, limited liability company or limited partnership, a fictitious business name is any name other than the exact name that is on record with the Secretary of the State’s Office.

California law requires that FBN’s are filed at the County level; there is no State-wide registry or national registry.

A post office box does not satisfy the requirement of "street address" or "residence address."  However, a P.O. Box may be used in addition to the required address under “mailing address”.

An FBN statement can be filed in person or by mail by completing an application. An application can be obtained in our office lobby or from our website.  https://humboldtgov.org/1991/Fictitious-Business-Name-Statement

Yes, as long as you bring in a complete application signed (original signature) by the owner(s).

Your filing will expire 30 from the date you filed and you will need to file again and pay the fees.

Yes, changes can be made to the filing such as business address, owner’s address or to add an additional owner(s) name(s).  However, these changes are considered a new filing and the same Fees and requirements for publishing apply.

No, business license/permit is obtained through the City Hall where the business is located or the Tax Collector for county license/permit.

No. The County Clerk is mandated to accept and file any fictitious business name statement completed correctly and submitted with the appropriate fee. The County Clerk does not verify or check the availability of fictitious business name prior to filing. It is the responsibility of the registrant(s) filing the statement to conduct his/her/their due diligence through all sources to ensure he/she/they is(are) not infringing on another’s rights. When a dispute arises out of the use of a fictitious business name, it is a legal matter that may be resolved through the judicial system and not handled by our office.

Any document affecting title to real property that is authorized or required by law to be recorded.  Including such documents as Grant Deeds, Deed of Trusts, Mechanic’s Liens, Tax Liens and Reconveyances.  The recording requirements are established by California Statutes.

Legal Advice Limitation:               

The Clerk/Recorder’s Office is prohibited from giving legal advice, cannot advise which forms are needed, nor advise how to fill them out.  It may be advisable to consult an Attorney, CPA or Title Agent because of the legal aspects involved in holding title to property or transferring title.

How to Transfer Title:

• Name changes to the tax records on real property cannot be made by request, only by documents recorded in the office of the Humboldt County Recorder.
• To change the name(s) on real property, the present owner(s) may execute a new deed conveying the property from the name(s) as they presently appear, to the name(s) that will be used to hold title.  Full names of all parties must be used.  The new deed should state how title will be held, i.e. joint tenants, tenant in common, etc.  The new deed must be acknowledged by a Notary Public.
• Deed forms may be obtained from stationary stores that carry legal forms or through various websites, including some Title company websites.  They are not available in this office.
• The deed must be recorded in the county where the property is located.  There is a fee for recordation.  Humboldt County Recorder Fee Schedule.
• A Preliminary Change of Ownership Form (PCOR) made available by the Humboldt County Assessor, should be completed, signed by the Grantee, and returned with the document at the time of recording.  If it is not completed and submitted, an additional fee of $20.00 will be required for recording.

The Recorder’s Office is prohibited by law from providing you with legal advice.  We can only provide you with the recording requirements for a particular document when presented for recording.  We recommend that you contact a legal advisor for assistance in preparing your document.

California Revenue and Taxation Code 11911(a) allows each county to impose a documentary transfer tax on realty transferred when the consideration or value of the property is greater than $100.00.  Transfer Tas is calculated at the rate of $0.55 per $500.00 of property value.  It is due at the time of recording unless a valid exemption under the Revenue and Taxation Code is provided (R & T 11911 – 11930)   Transfer Tax Table

The Recorder-County Clerk does not have the authority to release a lien without a properly signed Release of Lien form. A Release of Lien form can be obtained by contacting the party/entity who issued the lien.

Statute requires that the document be photographically reproducible. This includes all portions of the documents including areas completed by pen, signatures, seals and all Exhibits including maps and charts.

Type must be complete. No chipped type will be accepted.

Maps, diagrams and pictures are strongly discouraged. Scanning is done in black and white therefore colored images/documents often lose their detail when imaged, and would therefore not be accepted.

A conformed copy is an exact photocopy of the completed document, made by the customer and presented to the examiner at the time of the recording.

For a fee, the examiner will affix the recording information, which includes the document number and date of recording on the copy to be conformed. If the document is being submitted via mail, a self-addressed stamped envelope is required.

• The Clerk/Recorder’s office does not provide searches of our records: however, our lobby is open to the public 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.
• Lobby computers contain an Index of Official Public Records recorded from 1979 to the present.
• Search index by owner last name first then first name, no punctuation.
• Documents recorded prior to 1979 are indexed in book volumes which can be examined in our office at no cost.
• Surveys, Tract Maps and Parcel Maps are also available for viewing and purchase ($7.00 for the first page, $5.00 each additional page)
• Recorded Document copies are $2.00 for the first page, $1.00 each additional page.
• Request Copies from our Copy Counter. 

• Request Copies, in person, from our Copy Counter.
• To request a copy, you must provide the Recording Information, including Book & Page or Instrument number and the date of Recording, as well as the type of document.
• If you do not know the Recording Information, searches may be done in the Clerk/Recorder’s office on the computers located in our lobby.  The lobby is open from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Monday through Friday, except legal holidays.

Yes, our Self Service Web is available to search the index from 1979 to present at https://humboldtgov.org/1992/Search-Self-Service-Web

The Recorder’s Office is required to make a permanent record of all documents.  All documents are scanned into the computer system for immediate viewing the day after recording.  Copies are also stored on microfilm for archival purposes.

Once the images on the computer & microfilm have been checked for accuracy, the originals are returned to the requester in approximately two to three weeks.

YES, "INFORMATIONAL, NOT A VALID DOCUMENT TO ESTABLISH IDENTITY” on the Death Certificate is recordable.  
Documents stamped “For Veterans Use ONLY” are NOT Recordable.

Please call the library where you expect to pick up your delivery and together we can figure out how to safely get it to you. Curbside service continues to be available as a Library access option for those who need it.

Pick-up must take place at the library during open hours.

The County Health Department has approved a return to regular open hours for library service. 

You are invited to step into the library to pick up any books you have requested in advance at the service desk, or to choose books at your leisure and check them out. With this service level, library staff need to be available inside the library at their normal service points.

When in the library, your may wear a quality mask to protect yourself if you choose. Please show your respect for your health and that of others by taking appropriate safety measures such as handwashing and social distancing.

How to Find a Book 

You can always ask a staff member, but it's usually easy to find it yourself.

The online catalog record tells you the author, the title, and the publisher of the book. Then it tells you where to find it by using Location, Call #, and Status.

LOCATION     EUR Fiction   

EUR means the book is in Eureka Library.  Fiction tells you the book is in the Fiction area. (Just request the book if it isn't at your location).

ARC  = Arcata,  BLK =  Blue Lake, BKM = Bookmobile, EUR = Eureka, FER = Ferndale, FOR = Fortuna, GAR = Garberville, HOA = Hoopa, MCK = McKinleyville, RIO = Rio Dell, TRI = Trinidad, and WCK = Willow Creek.

Call #        FICTION DUMAS

The 'Call Sign' or 'Call Number' is the book's address and tells you exactly where to find it. 

Fiction is shelved in ABC order, just like words in a dictionary. To find this DUMAS book, first find call signs beginning with D.  Then look for DU, and when you get to DUM, you will be close enough to touch the book. Because U is close to the end of the alphabet, this book is near the end of all the books in the D area.

STATUS      CHECK SHELF

Before you go hunting for a book, look at the STATUS. If the status is Checked Out, or No Available Items, place a hold or talk to a staff member. But when it says Check Shelf, you can usually expect to find the book on the shelf where it belongs. (If the status is Ready to Shelve, the book was returned recently and you can check the shelf for it, but ask a staff member if you don't find it there.)

Books with Call Numbers

What if the book has a call number, like Robert Sapolsky's 'A Primate's Memoir' does?  The call number is a subject number, so finding this book will lead you to others about primates too.

CALL #       599.865 SAPOLSKY

Books with a call number are in 123 order. The numbers start with zero and end with 900s. On the end of each shelf you will see a sign that gives you a number range, like 479 to 610. If the number you have is between those two numbers, you have found the right shelf.

First look for the 599 area. Then look at the first number after the period in the call sign - 599.1, 599.2, until you find 599.8.  Now look for the second number after the period, to find 599.86, and then 599.865. 

There might be more than one book that has the same subject number. If there are, they will be next to each other in ABC order according to the name at the end of the call number, so if you are writing it down, don't leave out the name.

Reading a Call Number

Each part of the Call # tells you more about where the book can be found. And yes, there might be a code! But you can decode it.

For example,

j 398.2

LANG

j  The letter before the numbers is a collection code that tells you in what area, or what special collection, the book is found. The ' j ' stands for 'juvenile', so this book is in the Children's Area.

398.2 is the subject number for folk tales and fairy tales. These Dewey Decimal System subject numbers help keep books on the same subject together. Books are in order by number on the shelves, from books with numbers starting with zero to those that start with 999.

LANG is the author's name. Since there are lots of fairytale books, the name or word after the number helps you find the book in ABC order once you have found the shelf with all those 398.2 books. 

Most books are easy to find in Fiction, alphabetically by author name, or in Nonfiction by number. Others are in special areas with codes that you can see below.

If you take a book off the shelf but don't check it out, you can leave it on a table for library staff to put away. Staff will make sure the book is put exactly where it belongs so the next person can find it.

Collection Codes Used in the Humboldt County Public Library System

In Eureka Main Library, all of these collections have their own special area. In a smaller branch library, collections may be combined (for example, mysteries and science fiction may be shelved together with other fiction.)

ATLAS  R    =   Atlas Case, Eureka Library Reference 

AUTO  R           =   Auto Repair Reference Collection in Eureka Library

AV ROOM         =   Audio-Visual Reference Books (shelved near DVDs)

BCD            =   Audio Books on CD, adult AV area

Board Books     =   Board Books for young children, with cardboard pages

CD                    =   Music on CD, shelved by musical genre

CHINESE         =   Chinese & Japanese Language Collection in Eureka Library, or if children's material, Children's World Languages collection.

CLASSICS       =   Arcata Library Classics Collection

CONSUMER  R  =  Consumer Reference Buying Guides, at Eureka Reference Desk

DESK  R          =  Ask at a service desk to use this reference book

E                      =  Children's Picture Books

E  ABC             =  Alphabet or Counting Books, Children's Collection

E  BEGINNING    =  Beginning Readers, Children's Collection

FICTION          =   Fiction Area

GOV. DOC R   =   Government Documents, Reference

HOLIDAY        =   Holiday books, shelved together by holiday, Children's Collection

HR                  =   Humboldt Room Collection at Eureka Library

j                       =   An item in the Children’s Area

J KIT               =   Children's read-along kits with book and tape or CD.

j R                   =   Children’s Reference Books, shelved at the Children's desk in Eureka Library

j SP                 =   Children’s Spanish Language Collection

JAPANESE     =   Japanese & Chinese Language Collection in Eureka Library, or if children's material, Children's World Languages collection.

jBCD               =   Children's audiobooks on CD

jBT                  =   Children's audiobooks on cassette tape

jDVD               =   Children's movies on DVD

jV                    =   Children's movies on video cassette

LANGUAGE BCD    =   Language learning kits with audio on CD

[Any LANGUAGE NAME, for example, Arabic]    =   Children's World Languages collection, by language name. See SPANISH, CHINESE, & JAPANESE for exceptions.

LITERACY     =   Adult-level readers, Literacy collection at Eureka Library

LT                   =   Large Type Books, books in large print.

MCN               =   McNaughton books (Extra copies of popular books)

MYS               =   Mystery Novels

O&W              =   Older & Wiser Collection, Fortuna Branch

OVERSIZE     =   Oversize books, shelved together because of their large size

PB                   =   Paperback

PERIODICAL ROOM    =   Eureka Library periodical back issues & reference materials, ask at 2nd Floor office.

PN                   =   Parenting Corner in Eureka Library Children's Room

REF DESK      =   Ask at the Eureka Library Reference desk to use this book

SET HAR         =   A volume of the Harvard Classics, shelved by call number

SF                    =   Science Fiction & Fantasy Collection

SPANISH         =   Spanish Language Collection

W                     =   Western Novels

YA                    =   Young Adult Collection

The Dewey Decimal Classification System

10 Main Dewey Decimal System Classes

    000 Computer science, information & general works

    100 Philosophy & psychology

    200 Religion

    300 Social sciences

    400 Language

    500 Science

    600 Technology

    700 Arts & recreation

    800 Literature

    900 History & geography

Melvil Dewey (1851-1931) invented this system and first published it in 1876.

In many libraries all over the world, books are organized by subject using the Dewey Decimal System. With this system, if you find a book about gardening or marriage, plumbing or birds, you can also explore others on the same topic that sit next to it on the shelf. 

Dewey first ordered subjects into ten main classes. Within those classes, specific numbers are used for more exact topics. Librarians can build a number for even a brand-new subject by following this system, which is revised from time to time to reflect new understandings and new ideas.

In the Humboldt County Public Library System, a Dewey subject number label is placed on the spine of each nonfiction book, and books are shelved in order by number. When several books sit next to each other with the same subject number, they are put in alphabetical order by the name or word after the number on the label. At the end of each shelf, a sign tells you a number range for all the books that sit on that shelf.

See more details on each of the ten classes on Wikipedia. 

State law defines low income as “persons and families whose income does not exceed the qualifying limits for lower income families as established and amended from time to time pursuant to Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937.”  The 2020 income limits are: 

• for a 4-person household, the annual income limit for low income is $55,900.
• for an individual, the annual income limit for low income is $39,150.

The qualifying income limits for very low income and extremely low income are less than the above amounts.  HUD updates the income limits typically every year.

No; passage of Measure I by the voters will not increase property taxes.  Passage of Measure I will not increase sales taxes either.

If Measure I passes, it will only apply in the unincorporated areas of Humboldt County.  It will not apply inside the city limits of any of the seven incorporated cities in Humboldt County.

Article 34 housing projects must meet all General Plan, zoning and building requirements just as other projects.  Also, Article 34 housing projects must meet safety standards for fire, road, water, sewer, etc. just as other projects.  Passage of Measure I does not waive or modify these standards.

Under State law, Article 34 applies to rental housing of five or more rental housing units on a single lot or adjoining lots of land that use certain types of public financial assistance.  Article 34 also applies to rental housing developments developed or owned by a city or county.  This means Article 34 housing would need to be built on properties planned and zoned to allow multifamily development.  Properties with the appropriate land use and zoning are generally located in the more urbanized areas of Humboldt County.

If Measure I passes, it is expected that housing constructed using the Article 34 authorization will oftentimes be multifamily apartments.

City of Arcata examples: 

1) Bayview Courtyards: Assessor’s Parcel Number 503-460-0132) Plaza Point: Assessor’s Parcel Number: 021-291-001

City of Eureka Examples:

1) Eureka Family Housing: Assessor’s Parcel Number: 009-014-021

2) The Lodge: Assessor’s Parcel Number: 004-212-001. 

As of January 1, 2019, Humboldt County had 34,861 housing units.*  This means that up to 872 Article 34 housing units can be built if Measure I passes.  [*Source: State Department of Finance, Table E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates.]

If passed by the voters, Measure I expires when 872 Article 34 housing units are built. There is no deadline for when these housing units need to built.  Passage of Measure I does not mandate that the units be built.

No, they are not.  Measure I does not mandate developers and builders build Article 34 housing.  Development of Article 34 housing is voluntary.

Humboldt County’s 2019 Housing Element identified Article 34 of the California Constitution as a significant and unnecessary regulatory barrier to development of affordable housing.  The County’s final adopted 2019 Housing Element (PDF) includes Implementation Measure H-IM26.  This Implementation Measure directs the County to seek local Article 34 authorization as part of the November 3, 2020, General Election. 

Tuesday, November 3, 2020.  Please contact the Office of Elections for more information about registering to vote, the November 3, 2020 election or your ballot.

If your property has been damaged by a calamity, you need to file a disaster relief claim with the county assessor. This will allow your current property taxes to be reduced for that portion of the property damaged or destroyed. This reduction will be from the first of the month in which the damage occurred, and will remain in effect until the property is rebuilt or repaired. Some county assessors have the authority to reduce a property’s value for damage without a disaster relief claim. Please check with your county assessor’s office to verify whether a claim is required.

In addition, if your property has been substantially damaged or destroyed in a Governor-proclaimed disaster and you have either filed a disaster relief claim with the county assessor to reduce your taxes or have been granted disaster relief by the assessor, you may file a claim to postpone the next installment of property taxes that occurs immediately after the disaster. If you file a "property tax deferral claim" with the county assessor before the next property tax installment payment date, that payment will be postponed without penalty or interest until the county assessor has reassessed the property and you receive a corrected tax bill.

To qualify for deferral, for property receiving a homeowners’ exemption, "substantial disaster damage" means damage amounting to at least 10 percent of its fair market value or $10,000 whichever is less. For all other property, the damage must be at least 20 percent of value. However, tax deferral is not available where property taxes are paid through impound accounts.

If your property has been substantially damaged or destroyed in a Governor-proclaimed disaster, you may be eligible for a reinstatement of your home’s previous base year value. To be eligible, you must file a disaster relief claim with the county assessor to reduce your taxes and rebuild the property in a like or similar manner. Alternatively, you may choose to buy another comparable property and transfer your base year value to the new property. You will not be able to do both.

Can I buy another house in the same county and transfer the base year value of my damaged house to my new house?

Yes, section 69 provides for this relief to you under certain circumstances:

The damaged property must amount to more than 50 percent of its full cash value immediately prior to the disaster. This applies to any type of real property, not just residences.

The property must be transferred to a comparable replacement property, acquired or newly constructed, within the same county and within five years after the disaster.

Comparability is crucial – the replacement property must be similar in size, utility, and function to the property which it replaces.

The replacement property must not exceed 120 percent of the full cash value of the property damaged or destroyed. Any amount of the full cash value of the replacement property that exceeds 120 percent of the full cash value of the damaged property (immediately prior to the damage) shall be added to the adjusted base year value of the damaged property. The sum of these amounts shall become the replacement property’s replacement base year value.

Please contact your county assessor’s office for an application.

Can I buy another house in a different county and transfer the base year value of my damaged house to my new house?

Under section 69.3, a principal residence that was damaged in an area that was a Governor-proclaimed disaster that occurred on or after October 20, 1991 may have its base year value transferred to a replacement residence in a different county only if the county has adopted an ordinance that allows such taxable value transfers. As of June 7, 2018, there are 11 counties that have such an ordinance: Contra Costa, Los Angeles, Modoc, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Sutter, and Ventura. The replacement residence must meet the following criteria:

• It must be purchased within three years of the disaster.
• Its market value must be of equal or lesser value than the market value of the damaged property immediately prior to the date of the disaster. Depending upon the year in which the replacement property is purchased, the market value of the damaged property is adjusted up to 115 percent when comparing with the replacement property.
• It must be eligible for the homeowners’ or disabled veterans’ exemption (your principal place of residence).
• Claims for this exclusion must be filed with the county assessor within three years of the purchase of the replacement property.

No. Property owners will retain their previous factored base year value if the house is rebuilt in a like or similar manner, regardless of the actual cost of construction. However, any new square footage or extras, such as additional baths, will be added to the base year value at its full market value.

Yes. Temporary absence from a dwelling for repairs made necessary by a natural disaster will not result in the loss of your homeowner’s exemption as long as you have not established permanent housing elsewhere.

As of January 16, 2020, the following 13 counties have enacted ordinances that allow a base year value transfer for a principal residence that was substantially damaged or destroyed by a Governor-declared disaster:

• Contra Costa
• Glenn
• Los Angeles
• Modoc
• Orange
• San Diego
• San Francisco
• Santa Clara
• Solano
• Sonoma
• Sutter
• Ventura
• Yuba

No. Property owners will retain their previous factored base year value if the house is rebuilt in a like or similar manner, regardless of the actual cost of construction. However, any new square footage or extras, such as additional baths, will be added to the Prop. 13 factored base year value at its full market value.

Property owners will retain their factored base year value as long as the structure is rebuilt in a like or similar manner to bring it up to current building codes, regardless of the actual cost of construction.  However, any new square footage or extras such as additional baths, accessory dwelling units, etc., will be added to the Proposition 13 factored base year value at its full market value. The original property will not be reassessed unless there is a new construction event or a change of ownership on the property.

We cannot give you a value estimate prior to completion of construction.  You will keep your Proposition 13 basis on structures of record prior to the addition.  The costs and market approaches will be evaluated for the added square footage portion, and then reconciled by our appraiser for a reasonable fair market value conclusion.  A specific notice will be sent out prior to any tax bill.

No. This is new website that is narrow in scope.

No. Most notably, the "ADU Calculator" as well as a GIS "Look up your parcel" widget will be designed separately and merely featured on the website.

We want to tell a story about how a constructing an ADU might positively impact the lives of landowners. We want to provide a tailored experience that reduces barriers and prompts imagination. We did not feel that integration with the main site would help us to meet these goals.

There is no formal target budget. Our purchasing policy orients the Request for Proposals process toward desired results rather than desired price point. The value per dollar spent is one of several different criteria that will be judged when looking at proposals.

Yes. You will find it included in the attachments on the bid page for RFP-21-04.

The scoring matrix includes experience in Humboldt County or a similar region as one criterion.

Yes.

We solicited responses from minority and women-owned businesses consistent with the terms of the grant funding, but no preference is given in the assessment of the proposals.

Yes, with an email address.

Yes, but we are designing this outside the County website. The style guide may influence design choices during the process but are not a requirement for the site.

No. Ease of editing is strongly preferred.

The site should include google translate to Spanish at a minimum. Google translate or equivalent may be acceptable.

At a minimum, photo and video galleries and document libraries

We have no preference. The site must optimize user experience and be easy to adjust.

No.

The date is not finalized and is negotiable. We have a target launch date of October 1, 2021.

Two members of staff would be administrators.

No.

No.

No determination has been made to-date.

No.

Yes.

No.

According to the National Children's Alliance, "The purpose of a forensic interview is to obtain information from a child about abuse allegations that will support accurate and fair decision making by those within the criminal justice, child protection, and service delivery systems. Forensic interviews are conducted in a manner that is developmentally and culturally sensitive, unbiased, fact-finding, and legally sound.

Humboldt County taxpayers support CAST; CAST does not change individuals or families.

Please call the Humboldt County Child Welfare Crisis Reporting Line: 707-445-6180.

Thank you for your interest! Unfortunately, CAST does not utilize volunteers or interns at this time. However, The Victim Witness Assistance Program does accept volunteers, for more information, please visit the website HERE . 

The agencies involved assign people to CAST. If you work for an agency involved with CAST, talk to your supervisor about a CAST appointment.

A program that would provide safe, temporary shelter sites that accommodate vehicles (Safe Parking), or tents, cabins, or other approved structures (Safe Shelter) for people who are experiencing homelessness while they seek permanent housing.

Traditional emergency shelters serve those experiencing homelessness in buildings rather than in vehicles or temporary shelter units. The permanent structures in traditional shelters are subject to building codes.

Under this Pilot Program, a government agency, religious entity, or non-profit organization (the Provider) may operate a Safe Parking–Safe Shelter site. Any organization or private party may contribute, lease their land, or otherwise partner with the Provider for services.

In inland areas, a Safe Parking or Safe Shelter site may be permitted on parcels zoned ML – Limited Industrial, C-1 – Neighborhood Commercial, C-2 – Community Commercial, C-3 – Industrial Commercial, MU-1 – Mixed Use (Urban), MU-2 – Mixed Use (Rural), or R-3 – Residential Multiple Family. AG - Agriculture General parcels near essential services may be eligible.

Go to the County’s desktop webGIS, or mobile webGIS application and type your 9-digit Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) or address in the search box at upper left. Click inside the parcel boundary and scroll down to the field Zoning with Combining Zones which will show the zoning designation. For more information about the zones, click on the abbreviation and go to the Principal Zones tables in Chapter 3, Coastal, or Chapter 4, lnland.

The site must have sanitary facilities including toilet and hand-washing; shower facilities or access to showers; garbage containers and trash disposal services; access to a telephone for use by participants; access to charging equipment for devices; and secure storage for personal items.

Either public or private land may be used. Sites that are owned or leased by a public entity have significant operational advantages, like immunity from certain types of liability, suspension of CEQA, and suspension of certain laws and regulations.

The Pilot Program allows for a total of ten sites countywide.

The Pilot Program runs for 18 months from the time it became effective. That is July 7, 2022 for the Inland Program, and the date of certification for the Coastal Program.

The Board of Supervisors may choose to extend specific zoning clearance certificates for operating sites. Otherwise, the Program expires.

Staff must be present during all open hours.

The Director may initiate proceedings to revoke the zoning clearance certificate for a Safe Parking – Safe Shelter site if it becomes a nuisance. Revocation requires notice and a hearing.

The County may enforce the Management Plan, which must be up to date and on file with the Planning Department.

Six months. Some Pilot types allow the Provider to extend a participant’s term after review.

The Safe Parking-Safe Shelter Pilot is designed under the state’s Emergency Shelter law, which is defined as temporary shelter.

The Provider determines whether the site can allow RVs based on site factors, the level of service provided, staffing, and the organization’s resources. If allowed, RVs must be operational (able to drive on and off the site under their own power).

Yes.

The Provider designates a contact person, and maintains a neighborhood outreach plan with periodic meetings. Complaints are reported to the County monthly.

Yes, anyone can provide land for a Safe Parking or Safe Shelter site if it meets site requirements. However, the Provider must be a government agency, religious entity, or non-profit organization.

Apply for a zoning clearance certificate with the Planning Department. You will need:

• A Plot Plan of the site.
• A written management plan; three Model Management Plans are available through Planning and Building.  
• A Department Approval Letter from the Division of Environmental Health verifying an approved method of providing sanitation to the site.
• Review and meet the operating standards and requirements in the Pilot ordinance.

You can use a Request for Service Form from the Division’s Documents and Forms page on their website at: https://humboldtgov.org/730/Land-Use-Program-Documents-and-Forms.

An example Plot Plan is available at the Planning Department and on the website (Safe Parking-Safe Shelter Plot Plan). The Plot Plan for a proposed site should contain all the elements that apply to that site. For example, if there is no stream, skip the stream buffer element. Pages 2-5 of that document list general site requirements and requirements for each of the three management plans.

Housing First is a philosophy and an evidence-based State mandate that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness, and includes best practices like making services voluntary; harm reduction philosophy; no withholding of services for sobriety, substance addiction, or lack of money; and low barrier strategies like accommodating pets, partners, and possessions. Even though Safe Parking and Safe Shelter are temporary solutions intended to meet the immediate needs when permanent housing is unavailable, services can still be provided using these best practices.

Safe Parking and Safe Shelter providers must adhere to multiple layers of State and Federal regulations if they are funded through grant. If no grant funds are used, all other zoning, building, and health and safety codes still apply.

Pilot sites have a Provider who operates through a management plan and maintains Host-Participant agreements, has on-site staff, provides sanitation and trash collection, and connects participants with a larger system of services to help them transition to permanent housing.

Providers make the Management Plan using one of the three Model Plans available through the Planning Department and on the website.

The three Management Plans are The Low Barrier Model, Village Model, and Minimal Requirements Model. Try this to a pdf that compares the three plans.

Yes. Revocation could occur if a Pilot site is not in compliance with laws or the objective standards of the Pilot ordinance; or if a program poses harm to the health and safety of its participants or the community, or to coastal resources; or if it constitutes a nuisance as defined in Section 351-3 of the Humboldt County Code.

Safe Parking and Safe Shelter can be permitted on an AG parcel located within one mile of services needed for sustainable living.

The Management Plans include a written procedure for participant intake and selection, a written participant agreement, and procedures for periodic reviews, extensions, and removals.

Yes, either, if all the site requirements and development standards are met.

Existing buildings used as emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness would be Emergency Shelters under the County’s code. Safe Parking and Safe Shelter encompass sheltering in vehicles, tents, or other temporary shelter types.

Humboldt County residents, businesses and visitors have an expectation of access to fast, reliable mobile technology. There remain significant gaps in geographic coverage in Humboldt County. Further, increased density with smaller coverage areas will improve cellular experience for any customer on a carrier's network. This benefits all residents, especially those who rely on mobile phones for internet connectivity. The development of the next generation of mobile broadband networks (5th Generation, or "5G"), also includes the use of many low-powered wireless antennas to enhance connectivity, capacity and speeds.

Small cell facilities are a type of wireless broadband infrastructure. They typically take the form of small antennas (3-4 feet tall) that are placed on existing infrastructure (such as utility poles) and are accompanied by equipment cabinets installed lower on the pole.  They are relatively new and are taking the place of large cell towers (macro cell technology), which can reach over a hundred feet high and are designed to cover larger geographic areas. Small cell wireless facilities are lower-power antennas that will comprise the 5th Generation or "5G" network.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in consultation with numerous other federal agencies, including the Environmental Protection Agency, the Food and Drug Administration, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, developed the safety standards that govern radio frequency (RF) emissions for small cells, the technology behind 5th Generation (5G) cell service. The FCC notes that its standards “incorporate prudent margins of safety” and that “radio frequency emissions from antennas used for cellular and PCS [personal communications services] transmissions result in exposure levels on the ground that are typically thousands of times below safety limits.” Any wireless technologies deployed in the County are required to meet the FCC’s radio frequency (RF) emissions standards. 

The FCC provides information about the safety of RF emissions from wireless telecommunications facilities on its website www.fcc.gov (specifically, www.fcc.gov/engineering-technology/electromagneticcompatibility-division/radio-frequency-safety/faq/rf-safety). You can contact the FCC directly if you have concerns about RF emission standards or the safety of new wireless networks. 

Federal Communications Commission: 1-888-225-5322 

Any wireless technologies deployed in Humboldt County are required to meet radio frequency (RF) emissions standards set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Questions on RF emissions safety can be answered here: www.fcc.gov/general/radio-frequency-safety-0 

Federal law (the Telecommunications Act of 1996) expressly preempts state and local governments from addressing health concerns over RF emissions. This means that the County cannot deny a permit to construct a wireless facility on that basis; the County can only require the facility to comply with the emissions standards set by the Federal Communications Commission. As part of the County’s review of an application for a wireless facility, the County requires an RF emissions study for each type of equipment. 

You can contact the Federal Communications Commission directly if you have concerns about RF emission standards or the possible health ramifications of new 5G networks. 

The County does not direct the placement of wireless industry deployments. Carriers determine their network engineering needs and where to place equipment to meet current and projected capacity demands. Prior to receiving a permit, the carrier will have to meet certain engineering, safety and aesthetic standards. The Planning and Building Department has proposed design standards to ensure that potential aesthetic impacts are not significant.

5th Generation cell service or "5G" promises broadband speeds up to ten times faster than the 4G towers currently providing service to much of Humboldt County. 5G antennas are being deployed by many carriers in the largest cities and towns in the country. It is impossible to say exactly when carriers will begin deploying the antennas in Humboldt County, but we will likely see this technology in the coming years.

While the County reviews and approves the location of individual wireless applications, it must do so within parameters established by both federal and state laws that severely limit the County’s discretion. The County may require an analysis of potential alternative sites, but the County does not direct the placement of antennas.

Collectively, the federal and state laws prohibit cities and counties from:

1. Denying a carrier the ability to provide service either through explicit prohibitions (example: banning new wireless facilities) or through actions that effectively prohibit service. 

2. Denying wireless applications based on health concerns, such as those expressed about radio frequency emissions. 

3. Stalling or failing to make a decision.  The Telecommunications Act and subsequent Federal Communications Commission orders impose a short time frame, often referred to as a shot clock, for a city or county to review a wireless application.  Failure for a city or county to act results in the application being automatically approved without the ability to impose conditions of approval.

4. Denying a carrier from using the public right-of-way to install their equipment. 

Yes. The County can deny projects on the grounds that it does not meet design standards. However, federal law (the Telecommunications Act of 1996) does not allow the County to enact a moratorium or prohibition on the installation of wireless equipment on the basis of aesthetics or for any other reason.

The processes proposed by the Planning and Building Department are designed to ensure compliance with the time frame imposed by the federal and state governments. Failure to meet required time frames (or "shot clocks") means that the application is automatically approved – without the ability for the County to impose conditions of approval. 

Humboldt County prides itself on fiscal responsibility, and protecting your public safety, environment and quality of life.  As the state continually takes funding from local counties – nearly $400 million from Humboldt County alone – local voters have acted previously to ensure local essential services are maintained and community priorities are met. In 2022, there are two existing, previously-approved voter measures need to be renewed/updated.

Measure J is the Humboldt County Hotel Tax Update Measure. Measure J is paid only by hotel/motel guests and RV campers, and is NOT a tax on local homeowners or property owners.

As a General Purpose Measure, Measure J funds are included in the county’s general fund which supports services that tourists and visitors also use such as:

• 9-1-1 emergency response times 
• Rural fire protection services
• Rural ambulance service 
• Ensuring there are sheriff’s deputies on-duty 24 hours a day and
• Repairing our deteriorating county roads

The county has agreements with several tourist and visitors bureaus to automatically share a percentage of TOT Funds with them to support the local tourism economy (such as generating hospitality jobs, and supporting local art and theater). The county also uses general revenue funds to maintain clean, safe parks, playgrounds, campgrounds and trails, and to help people transition from temporary to permanent housing.

State law requires Humboldt County voters to renew its modest, annual vehicle registration fee that’s used to remove and dispose of abandoned vehicles every ten years. Measure K is the Abandoned Vehicle Abatement Program Renewal Measure.

Measure K is a special purpose measure and by law, funds can only be used to remove and dispose of abandoned vehicles in Humboldt County. No funds can be used for any other purpose.

Funds from these measures will be subject to strict accountability provisions, including annual independent audits and public review of all expenditures. By law, all Measure K and J funds must be spent locally, and none can be taken by the state.

Tuesday, June 7, 2022. Ballots will be mailed out one month in advance. If you aren’t registered to vote, visit our Voter Registration web page. 

No. The first version of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) included an error, listing a business license as one of the eligibility criteria to apply. An updated NOFA was released on August 5, 2022 which strikes the business license requirement. The NOFA featured on the webpage is the updated version.

If the County pays you directly, that is considered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to be taxable income and you will be required to pay federal and state taxes on it.  

Current means Measure S cannabis cultivation taxes billed for first installment of 2020 and all years prior, have been paid in full.

8:00 AM Monday, August 22, 2022

5:00 PM PST Friday, September 2, 2022.  

No, only online applications are accepted.

The Humboldt County Planning and Building Department office at 3015 H Street in Eureka has a computer available in the lobby for filing an application.  You will need to bring hard copies of the required documents to be uploaded: 1) scope of work, 2) line item budget, 3) plot plan, 4) notarized owner consent form if the applicant is different from the property owner, and if you operate with an Interim Permit 5) creation deed.  Department staff will assist in uploading these into the online application.

Funds can only reimburse a purchase or cost the applicant has incurred after approval of the grant agreement, which was January 21, 2022.

In addition to completing all fields in the application form, you must provide all required attachments. Applications lacking the required attachments will not be considered for funding.

The County is required to report to the IRS any payments made directly to you as personal income.  The County will issue you a 1099-MISC to file with your taxes.  

Yes, if these expenditures assist licensees in meeting annual license requirements.

Yes, if these expenditures are needed assist licensees in meeting annual license requirements.

Yes, if these expenditures assist licensees in meeting annual license requirements. A property is eligible if the commercial cannabis operation is not connected to the power grid, even if it has an existing residence or approved use that is connected.

Yes.

Each property (legal parcel) may only receive one renewable energy grant *and* one water storage & conservation grant. Two applications for the same grant program (e.g. two applications for renewable energy systems) will not be considered on the same property.

When an application is submitted, if the applicant requests an email copy of the form (recommended), they will almost immediately receive an email containing the submitted application form.  We anticipate that the final ranking of all the applications will be available October 21, 2022 (the Friday before the Tuesday public hearing when the Board considers the grant awards).

The answers in the “Ranking Criteria” section of the application and all of the attachments will be used to rank applications.  “Yes” answers are ranked higher than “No” answers.  With the Renewable Energy System program, projects that convert the most energy use from non-renewable to renewable fuel sources are ranked highest. 

The order of application submittal will be a tie-breaker between applications that receive the same ranking from the scoring matrix. We anticipate that final ranking of all the applications will be available October 21, 2022 (the Friday before the Tuesday public hearing when the Board considers the grant awards).

The Board of Supervisors at a public hearing. We anticipate that the Board of Supervisors will consider funding projects at their October 25, 2022 meeting.

You may present information in support of a request for a higher ranking to the Board of Supervisors at the public hearing when they consider the grant awards. We anticipate the Board of Supervisors will consider funding projects at their October 25, 2022 meeting.  

We anticipate the Board of Supervisors will consider funding projects at their October 25, 2022 meeting.  

It depends on the amounts requested in the eligible applications received.  If all the applicants requested the maximum amounts, close to 300 projects would be funded (105 renewable energy projects, 195 water storage and conservation projects).

You may apply, but you cannot be paid/reimbursed twice for the same expenses.

Applicant-submitted photographic documentation and receipts will be the primary means of verification.  Cannabis permit post approval annual inspections will also be used to verify work completion.

In order to be considered for the grant funding, you must answer "yes" to all of the eligibility questions, complete all fields of the application form, and provide all requested attachments. 

If you hold your annual permit for cannabis cultivation (i.e. your ZCC was signed by the Planning Director, your Special Permit was approved by the Zoning Administrator or your Conditional Use Permit was approved by the Planning Commission), then you have a legal parcel. The Planning and Building Department only issues permits on legal parcels.

If you hold an Interim Permit, you must submit proof of legal parcel status (e.g. a creation deed, Certificate of Subdivision Compliance, etc.) for the parcel as an attachment to your online application. This is an important step to enable staff to confirm the status of the parcel.

A lot is considered legal if it was created in accordance with the subdivision rules in effect at the time of creation and subsequent transfers of the property did not affect its shape and size. Subdivision rules have changed over time. In some cases determining how a property was created, and tracing the chain of transfer over time can be a costly and time consuming challenge. When the legal status of a lot is in question, an application with the Current Planning Division to conduct a determination of legal status may be needed.

Both Programs:

• who will be doing which tasks, 
• when the tasks will begin and end, and 

Water Storage Program:

• what are the expected outcomes including the methodology and calculations used to estimate the project’s quantified increase in storage and conservation

Renewable Energy Program

• what are the expected outcomes including the methodology and calculations used to estimate the project’s quantified reduction in gallons of fuel used each year by generators to provide electricity for the applicant’s cannabis cultivation

A short-term rental is any one of the following: 

1) a rental of an entire dwelling for 30 days or fewer 

2) rental of 2 or fewer rooms of a dwelling with an onsite host for 30 days or fewer

Note, Bed and Breakfasts are not short-term rentals. Farm stays which meet the above criteria are short-term rentals.

Currently, permits to operate short-term rentals in the unincorporated parts of Humboldt County are few in number and not widely available. Dwellings in the inland area of Shelter Cove are eligible to be permitted as vacation rentals with a Special Permit. Several farm-stays have been permitted.

When adopted, the Short-Term Rental Ordinance will provide a permitting pathway for short-term rentals.

There will be several opportunities to ask questions and provide input and suggestions through the process. We encourage participation early and often. Dates for workshops and hearings will be listed on the main Short-Term Rental Ordinance webpage for your convenience.

Existing permitted Bed and Breakfasts will not be affected by the proposed regulations. The proposed ordinance would replace the Bed and Breakfast regulations. 

Yes. Short-term Rentals are subject to the Transient Occupancy Tax.

A temporary moratorium on Short-term Rentals was adopted by the Board of Supervisors on June 6, 2023. The temporary moratorium expired on July 21, 2023. 

Following the expiration, the county regulations returned to the status quo: Short-term Rental (STR) of residences for a period of fewer than 30 days is not permitted in the unincorporated area of Humboldt County except in the inland portion of Shelter Cove. 

While there are many residences operating as STRs in Humboldt County, enforcement against these rentals is pursued only in response to complaints from the public.

No registration period or process has been established for Short-term Rentals. We expect that the application period for the inland area will open following the adoption of the ordinance.

The Planning Department has issued Special Permits for Vacation home rentals in the inland area of Shelter Cove. The Planning Department has also issued Special Permits for the operation of Bed and Breakfast operations which are similar in character to Short-term Rentals. Aside from these instances, Short-term Rentals have not been allowed.

We cannot give a precise date. Planning Department staff anticipates that the inland ordinance will be adopted in fourth quarter of 2023. The coastal ordinance must go through additional review with the coastal commission of California which extends timelines significantly - up to two years.

The Board of Supervisors will ultimately decide if there will be any grandfather clause. If a permit has already been approved, we anticipate that the terms of the previous approval will be honored.

The draft ordinance proposes a tiered permitting system depending on the location, size and scale of the proposed operation. Most projects would be approved administratively while others would require a Special Permit.

The draft regulations proposed a tiered permitting system depending on the location, size and scale of the operation. Projects approved administratively will cost less while projects approved with a Special Permit will be more expensive.

There are currently no alarm systems directly connected to the Sheriff’s Office however, there are several different ways the Sheriff’s Office can be notified of a locations alarm system.

1. Many alarm companies advise new clients that the Sheriff’s Office may require an alarm system operation permit and advise them to contact the Sheriff’s Office for details.
2. Monitored alarm systems are maintained by your chosen alarm company. If an alarm is activated the monitoring company calls the Sheriff’s Office dispatch center with a request for service to the alarm location. The monitoring company then gives the dispatcher the alarm address, business or residence name and area of activation. The call is logged; officers are dispatched to the alarm location. Alarm companies do not supply the Sheriff’s Office with records of existing alarm owners, nor do they notify the police if an alarm has been disconnected.
3. Dispatchers also receive calls from neighboring residents and business owners if an audible alarm is ringing. Officers are dispatched at that time.
4. Officers on patrol sometimes hear audible alarms and respond to the location.