Housing Division

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 (2019-2027)

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. The current Housing Element (2014-2019) was created in compliance with State General Plan law pertaining to Housing Elements and was certified by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) on August 21, 2014. The 2019-2027 Housing Element is targeted for the December 18, 2019 City Council meeting.

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.