Housing Division

Temporary Restrictions on Evictions Due to Non-Payment of Rent During the COVID-19 Emergency

Based on the Governor’s Executive Order N-28-20 that granted authority to local governments to limit a landlord’s ability to evict tenants during the COVID-19 emergency, the City Council passed Urgency Ordinance No. 1532 that outlines restrictions on evictions here in Arcata. This Ordinance would prohibit a residential, mobilehome, or commercial eviction under the following conditions:

  1. The tenant provided written notice to the landlord before the rent was due (and simultaneous notification to the City).
  2. The tenant provided to the landlord verification that they (any their co-signer if applicable) experienced:

    • A substantial decrease in household or business income caused by i) a layoff; ii) a reduction in the number of compensable hours of work; iii) substantial out-of-pocket medical expenses; or, iv) a substantial decrease in business income caused by a reduction in opening hours or consumer demand; or v. a substantial decrease in household or business income caused by the need to provide childcare due to school closures or to care for an individual diagnosed with COVID-19 and 
    • The decrease in household or business income or the out-of-pocket medical expenses described in subparagraph (1) was caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, or by any local, state, or federal government response to COVID-19; and
  3. Demonstrate that the decrease in household or business income has not been adequately offset by unemployment insurance, a government COVID-19 stipend, government-sponsored loan or grant financing, or similar COVID-19 financial support; and
  4. Pay the portion of rent that the tenant is able to pay.
  5. The Ordinance terminates on May 31st, 2020 and requires a repayment period of unpaid rent within 90 days from May 31st, 2020.

The City Council meeting in which this Ordinance was passed can be viewed through our website.

Questions about the Temporary Eviction Restrictions

Questions about the temporary restrictions on evictions can be directed to the City Manager’s Office at CityMgr@CityofArcata.org or #707-822-5953.

City Hall Closure Due to COVID-19

Due to COVID-19, the City has implemented measures to limit in-person contact, including limiting work hours and closing City Hall to walk-in business.  

We still strive to provide the full range of city services by phone, email, and web-based services. Residents with Tenant-Based Rental Assistance questions may contact:

Willa Darley Chapin, Community Development Specialist II
Phone: 707-825-2152
Email: wdarleychapin@cityofarcata.org 

Since this is an evolving situation, please visit the City’s COVID-19 webpage for updates. 

Housing Programs

A variety of housing opportunities in the city of Arcata is a primary goal of the City Council.  The Housing Division uses grant funding and program income to provide affordable housing opportunities, and collaborates with Planning Division staff to assist developers of affordable and market rate housing projects.

Housing programs offered may vary depending on whether grant funds are available at the time.  Current programs support the following:

  • A range of housing choices, including affordable housing for individuals and groups;
  • Infill development in vacant, brownfield, and underutilized land;
  • Creation of residential units on upper floors of businesses; 
  • Rental assistance for qualifying individuals

Most housing programs are open to applicants who meet State income qualification guidelines. Income limits are determined by the CA Department of Housing and Community Development.

If you are searching for affordable housing in Arcata, follow the link for a list of resources.

Housing Element

Meeting the housing needs of Arcata residents as well as the City’s share of regional housing needs remains an important goal for the City of Arcata. As the population of the state continues to grow and pressure on resources increases, Arcata is concerned with providing adequate housing opportunities while maintaining a high standard of living for all citizens in the community. 

Recognizing the importance of providing adequate housing, the State of California has mandated a Housing Element within every General Plan since 1969.

Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)

UPDATE: As of 06-01-19 we are no longer accepting new applicants for TBRA.  For more information, please see the TBRA page.  

Substandard Housing

Do you rent a property that is substandard or uninhabitable?  Find out how the City may be able to assist you with our booklet Substandard Housing - A Guide for Renters.  Just click the link below.

Homeownership

Click here for information, guidelines, and pre-application forms.

Urgency Measure - Temporary Moratorium on Closure / Conversion of Mobilehome Parks

On Wednesday, May 1, 2019 the City Council considered and adopted a moratorium on the closure or conversion of any mobilehome park within City limits.  This moratorium will be in place for 45 days.  The Council anticipates extending the moratorium for an additional 22 months, 15 days, at its June 5 meeting.  The purpose of the moratorium is to prevent closure of mobilehome parks while the City is developing regulations and zoning requirements for closure and conversion.

See the adopted ordinance.

Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance

A draft ordinance amending mobilehome park regulations pertaining to space rents stabilization is available for review.  

A stakeholders meeting was held Friday, November 16, 2018 at City Hall.  Click for a copy of the presentation made about Space Rent Stabilization Revisions to the ordinance.

Housing Projects

Click here to find out more about housing projects the City is involved with.  You can also find property management contact information.