Housing Division
Housing Programs
A variety of housing opportunities in the city of Arcata is a primary goal of the City Council. The Housing Division has been successful in applying for and obtaining grant funding to provide affordable housing opportunities in Arcata. The Housing Division also collaborates with the Planning Division to assist developers of affordable and market rate housing projects.
Housing programs offered vary depending on grant funds that 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;
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.
Affordable Housing in Arcata
Click here for a list of Affordable Housing resources in Arcata.
- Temporary Restrictions on Evictions
- Homebuyers Assistance
- Mobilehome Parks
- Housing Projects
- Housing Element
- Substandard Housing
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:
- The tenant provided written notice to the landlord before the rent was due (and simultaneous notification to the City).
- 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
- 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
- Pay the portion of rent that the tenant is able to pay.
- 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.
Assistance for Qualified Homebuyers
The Homeownership Program provides assistance toward the purchase price and closing costs of affordable housing units that will be occupied by the homebuyers as their primary residence. This program provides gap financing for homebuyers who meet income qualification requirements. The gap financing is secondary to other lender financing, and is the difference between what a buyer qualifies for with conventional financing and the home purchase price.
- Applicants must have incomes at or below 80% of the County's area median income, adjusted for houshold size.
- Homes must be located within the Arcata city limits.
- The maximum purchase price is $295,000.
- Applicants must qualify for primary financing with another lender.
- Secondary City loans are made at 1.5% simple interest with payments deferred for 30 years.
Complete details about the Homebuyer Program are available in the Homebuyer Assistance Acquisition Only Guidelines.
Application Process
- Complete a Homeownership Program Pre-Application to be placed on the waitlist.
- Obtain Preapproval from a Primary Lender.
- When the Preapproval is received from a Primary Lender, a Full Application will be provided to the applicant to complete.
- Once an executed Purchase Contract is obtained, the application will be re-evaluated for program compliance.
- Each applicant must participate in Homebuyer Counseling.
- The potential homebuyer is given 90 days to find a qualified home and begin securing a primary loan for the housing unit.
Forms
Temporary Moratorium on the Closure or Conversion of All Mobilehome Parks
On May 1, 2019, the City Council adopted Interim Ordinance No. 1517, an Urgency Measure of the City Council of the City of Arcata Adopted as an Interim Ordinance Imposing a Temporary Moratorium on the Closure or Conversion of All Mobilehome Parks within the City of Arcata.
Mobilehome Rent Stabilization Ordinance
On Wednesday December 19, 2018, Ordinance No. 1487 amending Arcata mobilehome park regulations pertaining to space rent stabilization was heard by the City Council. More details can be found here.
Housing Projects
Click here to find out more about housing projects the City is involved with. You can also find property management contact information.
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.
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.