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Building Permits

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1. When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, demolition, remodeling, expansion, addition or repair to a structure.

Work requiring a permit includes (but is not limited to) additions, swimming pools, hot tubs, trellises, carports, sheds, skylights, covered patios, bathroom and kitchen remodeling, termite repairs, solar panels and most interior and exterior remodeling work. Additional sub-permits may also be required for plumbing, heating and cooling, re-roofing and electrical work.

Construction undertaken without a permit may be subject to a penalty on all required permits and may involve dismantling or uncovering completed work to provide access for inspection. If you are in doubt as to whether a permit is required for your project, call the local building department before starting the work. Building Permits

2. Are construction plans required?

If you asked the question, they probably are. In order to approve your building permit application the plan checker or building inspector needs to have a clear picture of your project. You must always assume that someone other than yourself is going to do the construction. Very minor work, such as dry rot repair, usually does not require plans. Kitchen and bathroom remodels, removal or addition of walls, exterior changes, additions, will all require plans.

3. Who may apply for a permit?

Property owners or licensed contractors may apply for a building permit or subpermit. Contractors must provide a Certificate of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Property owners doing their own work will be required to sign an Owner-Builder Declaration stating that they are actually doing their own work and are exempt from the requirement of having Workers' Compensation Insurance, or they will be required to provide a Certificate of Insurance.

4. What kind of plans are required?

All plans must include the name, address, stamp and signature of the architect, engineer, designer or other person preparing the plans. No marked-over or altered plans will be accepted. If major revisions are necessary or additional information is required, the original drawings must be corrected and resubmitted.

Completeness and clarity of the drawings is essential. Remember that the plan checker can only review your plans to the level of the information you supply. Your plans would be considered complete if you could give them to a total stranger and he/she could understand how the building will be constructed and what the finished project will look like. Incomplete and unclear plans can delay issuance of your permit.

5. What information is required on drawings?

For more information, please visit our Drawing Requirements page.

6. When do I need an architect or engineer?

See examples of when you might need an architect or engineer by visiting our Architects and Engineers page.

7. When do I need an encroachment permit?

If your construction project requires frontage improvements or any other work to be performed in the City right-of-way, an encroachment permit will be required. If no work is being done, but the right-of-way will be occupied or used for storage i.e. storage bins, ladders, scaffolding, an encroachment permit will still be required.

An encroachment permit can be obtained by visiting the Public Works Department.

8. How many copies of the plans do I need?

The number of plan sets required is based on the number of agencies that must review your project. One set will be returned to the permit applicant as the "Job Copy," 1 set will be retained by the jurisdiction and 1 set, by law, must be retained for the County Assessor.

Compare your proposed project with the review responsibilities. Follow the instructions in each section, total the number of sets as applicable, and submit that number of plan sets with your permit application.

Two sets of plans are the minimum required for Building Division Review. This is for projects that require review only by the Building Inspection Division, when there is no addition of square footage. An additional set is required for the Humboldt County Assessor.

If your project is for a commercial, industrial or multifamily use or for a building containing hazardous materials, 1 set of plans is required for review by the Fire Department, add 1 set of plans. If your project is being plan checked by an outside plan checker, i.e. commercial projects or apartments over 4 units, add 1 set of plans.

9. When do I need an inspection?

Inspection Services & Guidelines - FAQs

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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program

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1. What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

Community Supported Agriculture is an alternative model of agriculture that is growing in popularity for consumers and farmers. CSA subscribers, or shareholders, pledge financial support to the farm in the spring understanding that they will be apart of the risk and rewards of the growing season. "Subscribing" to the farm buys you a season's worth (typically 20 weeks) of farm-fresh food that is to be picked up weekly at the farm!

2. Why support the Bayside Park Farm CSA?

- Bridge the Gap Between Farmers and Consumers
- Follow Your Food Shed
- Savor the Flavor of Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

See additional details.

3. What do we offer?

Learn about the main season/winter shares as well as the specific crops that are grown.

4. How do I join the Bayside Park Farm CSA?

Complete applications can be brought to the Recreation Department office or the farm. Access additional instructions.

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Excessive Electricity Use Tax

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1. Who will be taxed?

The High Energy Use Tax would affect residential households whose electricity usage is over 600% of baseline or 3 times the average residential electrical usage in Arcata. There are 9,500 residential meters in Arcata. In 2011, 633 households utilized electricity that exceeded 600% of baseline. This excessive usage totaled over 6.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity. Households which continue to utilize this level of energy will be taxed at a rate of 45% or approximately $0.16 per kilowatt hour.

2. Will the City know which houses exceed baseline by 600%?

No, the City will not know which houses are paying the tax. PG&E through its State Energy Franchise Contract will bill and collect the tax to the appropriate households and forward it to the City. While PG&E does provide Arcata with aggregate data from time to time, the City never receives individual household data. It is possible for the City to be notified of accounts who enter payment default.

3. How much revenue will the tax measure generate?

The City views this as a descending tax and anticipates that as households reduce their energy consumption the tax will zero out. A tax increment of 45% on electricity usage for only those residential households that exceed 600% of the established baseline in 2011 would have netted $1,249,254.90 to the City.

4. How much will the tax measure cost?

PG&E has quoted an implementation cost estimate of $600,000 to restructure the billing system to create a “new group” or category of customers who this tax will apply to. The components of the cost estimate include:
- Gathering and documenting system requirements
- Designing the technical specifications
- Implementing programming changes
- System testing.

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Parks & Recreation

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1. How do I register for a program?

There are multiple ways to register: - Online utilizing the registration resource. Please call us if you need your username and/or password emailed to you. - In Person: We are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street. - By Phone: 707-822-7091 - By Mail:

736 F Street

Arcata, CA 95521

Please note: When registering by phone, we must have a registration form on file. If your child has not participated in any Arcata recreation programs in the current year, then we need a new form. All participants must have a current registration form completed each year. You can save time by emailing a registration form or sending it by fax to 707-825-2118, and then call our office.

Online Registration Resource

2. Do you have a program for young children that promotes socialization?

Definitely! We have Arcata Park Playdates on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Arcata Park Playdates is a play group for families with children newborn to 5 years. Playdates are held at different parks throughout the month, so families can explore Arcata's parks and playgrounds together. Please note that the children must be supervised by parent/or guardian at all times. The play group is a partnership with First 5 Humboldt and offers a safe and comfortable environment for children and parents to socialize and play. Suggested daily donation is $3. 

Arcata Park Playdates Calendar

3. Does the City of Arcata have 65+ programming?

Definitely! The Humboldt Senior Resource Center operates a senior lunch and activity site at the Arcata Community Center at 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway. Lunch is served Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Activities include support groups, health assessments, exercise classes, dancing, arts and crafts and more! Please call 707-825-2027 or for more details visit the Humboldt Senior Resource Center Online Resource.

4. Are there sport leagues in Arcata?

Yes, depending on the season. View the fitness link on the programs and activities page to see what's currently being offered. Youth and adult soccer, football, and baseball/softball are organized by local non-profit groups that utilize our fields. Visit the Community Partners List to find their contact information.

Programs and Activities Page

5. What is a “drop-in” program and how does this work?

"Drop-in” programs allow individuals the opportunity to participate in an activity for a day rather than commit to a full session or season. Examples of drop-in programs we have are sports (such as table tennis, basketball, volleyball, badminton, and pickle ball), music (such as ukulele and drumming), and chess club. “Drop-in” fees vary depending on the activity and are paid onsite, pre-registration is not needed.

Calendar of Drop-In Activities

6. Where can I play tennis in the City of Arcata?

Our tennis courts are available to the public in Larson Park at 901 Grant Avenue (Grant Avenue and Eye Street).

7. Does the City of Arcata have a skate park?

Yes! We have a public skate park that is located at 900 Sunset Boulevard, just west of Highway 101.

8. How do I know if I am qualified as a resident of Arcata?

Anyone who has a physical address in the City of Arcata qualifies as a “resident”. You may also qualify if you own a business (however, please note that you must own a business, not just be employed in Arcata).

9. What indoor facilities does the City rent?

- Arcata Community Center - 321 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway
- D Street Neighborhood Center - 1301 D Street
- Library Conference Room - 500 7th Street
- Redwood Lodge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)
- Redwood Lounge - 490 E Park Road, Arcata (Inside Redwood Park)

For more information, access each facility listing.

10. How do I make a reservation?

To make a reservation request, call the City’s Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or send an email to rec@cityofarcata.org. You can also stop by the office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (we do not close for lunch). Our address is 736 F Street.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation.

Read more about making reservations.

11. Do I need to have a reservation to use a city park?

Not necessarily. Most city parks are open to the general public for use, however, if you would like to reserve a location we offer facility rentals for birthday parties and events. Available facilities include Larson Park Gazebo and/or Bocce Courts and the picnic area in Redwood Park.

The following conditions will require a reservation or permit:
1. Non-spontaneous large-group activities consisting of 50 or more persons
2. The charging of an admission or entrance fee
3. The use of City facilities not ordinarily available for public use
4. Regularly occurring organized team or league use of City sports fields or courts
5. The sale of merchandise, food or beverages
6. The setting up of booths, stages, vending carts or stands, kiosks, bleachers or similar structures
7. The barricading of any City street or other street use that would impede the normal flow of traffic
8. Amplified music or sound
9. The need for access to City electricity
10. The need for garbage collection specific to the activity or event
11. The staging or shooting of commercial, motion or television pictures, or still photography, exempting local businesses and tourism productions, as further defined by the City Council, when such activities do not otherwise require a City permit.

12. How can I reserve a park or Arcata Plaza for a special event?

To reserve a park or the Arcata Plaza please contact the city's Recreation Office at 707-822-7091 or by email.

Reservations require a Certificate of Insurance of $2,000,000 liability coverage and an Endorsement naming the "City of Arcata, its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers" as additional insured. A deposit is also needed to make a reservation. Learn more about park reservations.

13. What are the City Park hours?

Public parks are closed between sunset and sunrise, except the Plaza, which is closed between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.

14. Where can I find maps of City parks and open spaces?

Printed maps of Arcata Parks and Playgrounds are available at Arcata City Hall Recreation Office, 736 F St.

Arcata Parks and Playgrounds online resource

15. Where can I find more information on Arcata's natural habitat?

Learn more about Arcata's natural habitat by exploring our Environmental Services section.

16. How do I get involved with the farm or community garden at Bayside Park?

To learn more about the farm, purchase a farm share, or rent a garden plot, access the Bayside Park Farm and Community Garden resources.

17. How can I become an instructor for a recreational class?

We are always looking for instructors who are interested in leading specialty classes and workshops. If you have a skill or talent and wish to teach a class, submit your proposal to:
Arcata Recreation Division
ATTN: Heather Stevens, Recreation Supervisor
736 F Street
Arcata, CA 95521

Find more information and download an Instructor Information Packet and Contract Class Proposal Form by checking out the Employment and Volunteer Opportunities Page

18. How do I become a Volunteer Trail Steward?

Help monitor/pick up litter and assist with restoration along with the Arcata Community Forest Trails Council. For more information, visit the

Humboldt Trails Council online resource

19. How do I report broken equipment or unsafe conditions at a playground or facility?

Contact the Arcata Environmental Services Department at 707-822-8184.

Environmental Services Department

20. Who should I call if the skate park gate is locked during normal hours?

Please contact the Arcata Police Department at 707-822-2428. Police Department

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Parks & Recreation - Fees & Payment

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1. Why must I pay a non-resident fee?

Arcata Recreation programs are supported by property tax payments by Arcata property owners and residents.

2. Do you offer payment plans for Summer Camps?

Yes! To set up a payment plan, you must pay for your child’s 1st week of camp in full. For each week remaining, a $30 non-refundable and non-transferable deposit may be placed to hold your child’s spot. Please only sign up for camps you know your child will attend. Please review our refund and cancellation policies in detail.

Refund and Cancellation Policies

3. Why must I pay a non-resident fee for my child who attends school in Arcata?

Although your child may attend school in Arcata, we must look at your physical address to determine which city you pay property taxes to.

4. What are the rates for renting indoor facilities?

You can read more about the pricing and terms of renting each indoor facility by visiting their links on the Rental Facilities and Permits page, or view all rates here.

5. Is there a fee associated with any of the City open spaces or parks?

No, there is no fee associated with the use of the hiking or biking trails.

6. What is your cancellation policy?

Read about our Cancellation and Refund/Credit Policy.

7. Do you have scholarships available?

Yes we do. Scholarships are offered to families that show proof of eligibility for our scholarship program, “Youth Development Fund”. These funds allow families to enroll youth in their household the opportunity to participate in programs at a discounted rate.

Proof of scholarship eligibility may include “free/reduced lunch” enrollment, a Medi-Cal card (must be in the child’s name), or a pay stub.
These scholarships are provided by annual division fundraisers and generous donations from the community. They assist with 30% of the program fee. For example, if the program costs $130, the YDF “discount” would be $39. To make a donation, please visit the online resource.

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Parks & Recreation - Park Policies

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1. Are dogs allowed in City open spaces and parks?

Dogs are allowed, however they must be on a sturdy leash that is under 6-feet long. Leashes protect dogs from becoming lost and from disturbing sensitive habitat and wildlife. Make sure you carry a plastic bag when walking pets and be sure to pick up after them.

The Arcata Community Forest and Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary provide vital wildlife habitat. Unleashed dogs scare wild animals, interfere with nesting birds and may even injure, or sometimes kill, wildlife.

2. Is camping allowed in City open spaces or parks?

Camping is illegal in City open spaces and parks. In addition,open flames are also illegal in City open spaces and parks. Violators will be cited and fined.

3. Is it okay to remove items from City open spaces?

It is not okay to remove any item or natural resource including but not limited to plants, wildflowers and mushrooms. Violators will be cited and fined.

4. Is it okay to leave my car parked in a park or open space parking lot overnight?

No, all City parks and open spaces, including site parking lots, close at dusk.

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Police

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1. What is a dance permit? Do I need one? How do I get one?

The Arcata Municipal Code requires a dance permit for any public dance. Dance permit applications may be obtained at the Arcata Police Department during normal business office hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To avoid last minute problems, we ask event organizers give a minimum of two weeks advance notice before submitting a dance permit request.

Dance permits enable our staff to work with event organizers to plan events with minimum noise and crowd disruptions to the surrounding neighborhoods and businesses. Dance permits also provide advance information to our staff when additional police personnel resources may be needed, especially for large events.

Depending on the venue and the activities taking place, event organizers may need additional permits such as a one day ABC license to sell alcoholic beverages, a building permit or approval from the Fire Marshall.

2. What are alarm permits? How do I get one?

Alarm permits are required for all alarm systems within the City of Arcata, except those affixed to vehicles. Applications are available at the Police Department. Alarm permits must be renewed annually for a nominal fee through the Arcata Police Department business office.

3. What is an alcohol permit? Do I need one?

A separate permit is required if alcohol is to be served at a dance or event open to the public. The actual permit is issued by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control in Eureka at the following address:
1105 6th Street
Eureka, CA 95501
Phone: 707445-7229
Fax: 707-445-6643

4. What happens if the police are called to my house for a loud party?

Officers will respond to the party location based on a complaint received. It doesn’t matter what time it is; if the noise disturbance is loud enough to bother someone they can request police response. Officers will first contact the person responsible for the residence. We will advise the responsible person(s) of the complaint and issue a “Loud Party Warning Notice.” The majority of loud party complaints are rectified by stopping live music, turning stereos off or down, closing doors and/or windows, and/or asking loud party goers to leave.

If the police department receives a complaint at any time after a warning notice was issued, officers will return and contact the person to whom the loud party warning notice was issued. The officers will explain that a second call was received and direct that the party close down.

The number of officers who respond to stand by while the party is dispersed depends on the size of the party. The officers will stand by until all partygoers have left the area and the neighborhood is quiet. The person responsible for the party will be issued a “loud party disturbance citation” documenting the second complaint, the number of officers that responded, the time they arrived, and the time it took for quiet to be restored to the neighborhood. A copy of the citation will be provided to the responsible person at the scene. At a later date, the City of Arcata will mail a “service fee” based on the number of officers that responded and the number of minutes it took to restore the peace.

5. What about dog licenses? How do I get one?

Unlicensed dogs over four months old are not allowed in Arcata. Residents within the city limits must obtain an Arcata Dog License from the Finance Department. If you live outside the city limits, you should contact the Humboldt County Sheriff Animal Control Division.

Arcata dog licenses can be purchased at the Finance Department window in the main foyer of City Hall at:
736 F Street
Arcata CA 95521
Phone: 707-822-5951 Dog Licenses

6. How do I pay my parking ticket?

You may pay your parking fine online at PayMyCite.com/Arcata or in person at the Arcata Police Department Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PayMyCite.com/Arcata

7. How do I contest a parking ticket?

You may contest citations online at PayMyCite.com, or you may send a written explanation (official forms are available in the front office at the Arcata Police Department) of why you feel you are not liable for the citation and send it to:
Request for Citation Review/Hearing
Parking Citation Service Center
Post Office Box 11923
Santa Ana, CA 92711

You may also call 888-919-5525. If you contest a citation and you are still held liable, you may pay the citation or deposit the amount of the citation and request an administrative hearing. You may make this request in person at the Arcata Police Department Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PayMyCite.com/Arcata

8. Does the Arcata Police Department do fingerprinting?

The Arcata Police Department offers both inked fingerprinting and digitally scanned (Live Scan) fingerprinting services. We charge a fee for rolling the prints and picture ID is required. Our fingerprinting hours are 9:00 - 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday by appointment only. Appointments may be made for other times by calling our business office at 707-822-2428. Our rolling fee is $30. If you need Live Scan fingerprints you will need to provide us with a completed “Request for Live Scan” form. If a billing number is not provided on your form, then you will need to pay the Department of Justice processing fee in addition to the rolling fee. These fees range from $0 to $100, depending on the type of agency requesting the prints and the level of service required. For further information on applicant fingerprints, including how to obtain a review of criminal history records for visa, immigration or foreign adoption purposes, visit the Department of Justice website.

California Department of Justice - Fingerprinting

9. Do I have to keep my dog on a leash?

Yes. Dogs are not allowed to run at large. Arcata Municipal Code §5207 requires dogs be either secured within an enclosure or on a leash at all times.

10. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

Copies of accident reports may be requested for a nominal fee from our business office during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

11. Do I need a bicycle license?

Yes. A bicycle license is required to operate your bicycle on any highway, road, or other public property. If you purchased a license in another jurisdiction, the license is effective statewide. California Bike Licenses can be purchased from the Arcata Police Department Business Office during the normal business hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

12. I heard that I can't post flyers on telephone poles in Arcata. Why?

It is unlawful for anyone to place signs advertising sales or items for sale on property other than their own without prior permission. (California Penal Code §556.1)

13. What are the current laws relating to child safety seats?

For expert advice and the most up to date laws, we recommend you refer to the California Highway Patrol. California Highway Patrol - Child Safety Seats

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SB 1383

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1. Why is the City of Arcata talking about organic waste, including food waste collection and composting?

The City of Arcata is required by the state to comply with Senate Bill 1383.  This state law is an effort to reduce organic waste to the landfill by implementing organics waste collection services.  According to CalRecycle, this law will reduce the impacts of climate change by creating the opportunity for organics to be recycled and used in another way instead of going to the landfill.

2. What is Senate Bill 1383?

California Senate Bill 1383 (SB 1383) requires all residents and businesses to reduce organic waste (food scraps, food-soiled paper and yard trimmings) sent to the landfill. When organic waste decomposes in a landfill (anaerobic decomposition), it releases methane, a harmful gas that traps the sun’s heat and contributes to climate change. Recycling organic waste (aerobic decomposition) will release carbon dioxide instead, which is a far less potent greenhouse gas. By recycling organic waste, we can create compost or clean energy which will help reduce the impacts of climate change.  Designated businesses that generate large amounts of surplus edible food will be required to have an edible food donation program.

3. When will this law go into place?

The City of Arcata was required to come into compliance with SB 1383 on January 1^st, 2023.  The City of Arcata is currently collaborating with other jurisdictions in the region, as well as with CalRecycle to implement all requirements by creating a Compliance Action Plan.  City of Arcata residents and businesses will receive more information in the coming months regarding compliance with SB 1383.

4. When will curbside organics recycling collection service be required?

Organics recycling collection service by the City’s authorized collection contractor is expected to begin in 2024 or 2025.

5. Am I required to compost?

Composting is not required but is a helpful tool for reducing the amount of waste generated.  Composting is useful for in-home gardens and personal disposal of food waste and organic materials.   When curbside collection of organic waste is offered, all of your food waste including meat/bones, dairy and soiled paper can be collected and processed.  Home composters will continue to manage appropriate household organic waste through composting.

6. How will this law help the environment?

Landfill gas created by anaerobically decomposing organic waste is a significant source of overall greenhouse gas emissions. This law helps California achieve its aggressive recycling & greenhouse gas emission goals by encouraging people to dispose of their waste in a less damaging way.  This is because as food waste and organic materials decompose anaerobically, they produce methane which is a leading greenhouse gas contributing to climate change. On the other hand, when decomposing organic waste is aerated with oxygen it produces carbon dioxide, which is far less harmful, and can break down into compost (a useful soil additive).

7. What are some ways I can reduce my organic garbage?

1. One way to reduce food waste is by cutting down on the amount of food you buy.   You can do this by meal prepping (planning the week’s meals), buying only the amount you need for one meal, using partially used vegetables and fruit first when making a meal (putting these in a clearly designated spot in your refrigerator in a clear container can help), repurpose leftover food such as vegetables and meat in sauces or soups.   Freeze any extra food for a later date, especially meat, cheese and tofu.  
2. When evaluating your food waste, one viable solution is to consider donating extra food to food pantries, since this allows it to still be used and gives back to your community.
3. Another strategy is to switch out disposable products for reusable ones.  Such as using cloth napkins or towels instead of paper.

8. Will my garbage and recycling service fee from Recology increase?

It is likely that your fee will increase in order for the City of Arcata to comply with this law.  Residents will have bundled service for solid waste, recycling and organic waste, which will help reduce the additional costs of complying with SB 1383 requirements.

9. How can I learn more about potentially increasing fees?

The City of Arcata anticipates noticing residents of proposed rate changes in 2023.  All residents will receive a letter and have an option to provide input at an Arcata City Council meeting before new rates are adopted.

10. What if my business/residence does not generate organic waste?

You may be surprised to learn that a large amount of trash qualifies as organic waste such as food scraps, napkins, yard trimmings and paper towels!  Information about waivers and exemptions can be found in the City Ordinance 1560 regarding SB 1383.

11. If I backyard compost or I use a community compost service, can I opt out of curbside organic service when it is available?

Backyard composting is great, but not all food scraps or organic waste can be composted in a backyard system.  Residents will  have to comply with the citywide organics recycling collection service that will be offered through an authorized collection contractor.  Also, residents will have bundled service for solid waste, recycling, and organic waste, which will help keep the costs down for everyone.

12. If a resident currently has a green waste bin, should they place food waste in the bin?

No, you should not place food waste or food soiled paper products in your current green waste bin.  The city does not yet have food waste collection services.  If you have a curbside bin for yard waste recycling at home, please continue to only place yard waste inside.  This includes grass, leaves, branches, and other plant trimmings.  City of Arcata residents will receive more information in the coming months regarding compliance with SB 1383 and how to comply with the organics waste collection service that is expected to begin in 2024 or 2025.

13. Can businesses or residents provide their own curbside containers for organics collection at a discounted cost?

No, the authorized collection contractor must provide curbside containers to businesses/residents. Containers provided by the businesses/residents themselves for collection at the curb would not comply with the regulations. 

14. What do food-soiled/paper-based items include?

Food soiled/paper-based items include items such as tea bags, used napkins/paper towels, paper plates, cupcake/muffin liners, coffee filters, and pizza boxes.

15. Where can I find out what belongs in my current garbage, recycling or green waste bins?

Recology is a great resource for what belongs in each respective disposal bin.  Recology’s WhatBin website is a helpful tool in determining what items go in each bin.  Once more information regarding organic waste collection services is developed, this website will be updated for users to determine what items go in the organics waste collection bin.

16. I have more questions about Senate Bill 1383 and organics waste collection…

You can contact the City of Arcata Environmental Services Department by phone at (707) 822-8184 and/or email at eservices@cityofarcata.org.

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Single Use Disposables

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1. What is the Single-Use Disposable (SUD) Foodware Ordinance?

Ordinance No. 1527 was passed to align with the city's Zero Waste Action Plan. This ordinance will help reduce the use of single-use plastic foodware that contributes to street litter, marine pollution, harm to wildlife, waste sent to landfills, and greenhouse gas emissions. The main points are as follows: 

• Food vendors with proper dishwashing capacity must use reusable foodware for onsite dining. 
• Accessory foodware must be provided upon request or at a self-serve station. Example of accessory foodware include but are not limited to: straws, stirrers, napkins, cup sleeves, spill plugs, and more.
• All single-use disposable foodware, including accessory foodware, must be fiber-based compostable and free of poly-fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) 
• Food vendors must charge a $0.25 fee per order for food served in disposable foodware. For example: if a customer orders a burger and a drink, they would only be charged $0.25 extra for the entire order, not for each disposable. 
• Food vendors must offer at least a $0.25 discount per order for customers who bring their own reusable foodware for takeout. For example: if a customer orders two coffees and brings a reusable mug for each, it is only $0.25 off the order.

2. When does the Single-Use Foodware Ordinace go into effect?

The SUD Ordinance went into effect March 6th, 2020. Enforcement for a majority of the ordinance began July 1st 2021. The fee and discount portion of the ordinance went into effect on January 1st, 2023.

3. Where do all the $0.25 charges go after they are collected by businesses?

The fees and discounts are meant to encourage use of reusables and discourage use of single use products. Only one charge and/or discount can be applied per order and all the charges are kept by the businesses. Profits from single use charges are meant to help offset the costs of switching to fiber-based compostable disposables.

4. Where can I find a vendor list of compliant SUD?

A vendor list of fiber based compostable options can be found here. This list is a great place to start seeing the different options available on the market, but is not a comprehensive list of every possible alternative, and is subject to change based on product information.

5. What disposable materials are compliant?

Fiber-based materials that do not contain fluorinated chemicals (PFAS) and have no bioplastic (PLA) or wax lining are compliant with the ordinance. Examples of this include materials such as paper, wood, sugarcane, bamboo, wheat, pasta, etc. For more examples of compliant materials, you can find a list here.

6. Why are plant based/bio plastics not compliant?

PLA plastic material is made from plants instead of traditional petroleum-based plastics. If these items are certified compostable, this material can only be composted in a commercial composting facility with high heat and processing. Unfortunately, no such facility exists within Humboldt County. Without the ability to be composted, these materials end up in the landfill and environment, and act like traditional petroleum-based plastic. 

7. Is this a ban on single-use products at food establishments?

No it is not a ban. The City of Arcata implemented the Single Use Disposable Foodware Ordinance as a way to reduce the use of single-use plastic foodware that contribute to street litter, marine pollution, harm to wildlife, greenhouse gas emissions, and waste sent to landfills.

Single-use foodware used for food must be fiber-based compostable or 100% aluminum and will result in a $0.25 charge per order. Only one charge can be applied per order and must appear as its own line item on the receipt. All disposable foodware charges are kept by the food-service establishment to help offset costs of buying fiber-based compostable foodware.

Accessory foodware (straws, stirrers, napkins, single-use utensils, condiment cups and packets, cup sleeves, tops, lids, spill plugs, etc.) must also be fiber-based compostable AND must only be provided upon request by the customer or at self-serve stations. Customers must request accessory foodware items separate from food orders and beverages no matter where or how they order (in-person, phone, app, web browser).

• Cups for delivery by the food vender may include tops, spill plugs, and sleeves without request
• Food vendors are encouraged to use condiment dispensers rather than pre-packaged condiment packets.

8. Is this a plastic water bottle ban?

This ordinance prohibits the sale and distribution of plastic water bottles on City property and at events permitted by the City to take place on City property

Businesses are still able to sell plastic bottles and use vending machines. Private events on private property can still sell and distribute plastic bottles.

9. Are there exemptions?

Yes, items that do not have suitable alternatives on the market are exempt from the requirement to be fiber-based compostable. These materials are: hot liquid containers, cold cups, cup lids, soufflé cups (small cups typically used for samples or sauces), cutlery, grocery store pack-downs (kitchen prepared sides, sauces, and additions intended to have a longer shelf life than ready-to-eat take-out), and hot bar meal trays (containers used for storing ready-to-eat hot food often found at hot bars within grocery stores). 

Any non-conforming disposable foodware item to be used in lieu of a conforming item - whether through exemption or waiver- must be recyclable through the City of Arcata recyclable collection program (plastics #1-7). In addition, businesses can request a waiver for certain materials if the owner or operator demonstrates that application of this section would create undue hardship or practical difficultly for that establishment. Waiver requests can be submitted to Arcata's Environmental Services Department at eservices@cityofarcata.org

10. If someone places an order using only exempted foodware, does that order still receive a $0.25 charge?

Yes, the charge is applied to all orders using disposable foodware. Even if all of the foodware is exempted from being compostable, it is still disposable.

11. What if a customer brings a reusable container for part of their order and uses disposables for the rest of their order?

This situation is up to the discretion of the business. If most of their order is utilizing reusable containers, then we suggest that they be given the discount. If the reusable is only a small part of a much larger order including disposables, then we suggest that they be charged for the disposables. If the order seems somewhat equal, then we suggest that the discount and the charge be applied.  Discount and fee implementation may vary depending on businesses point of sale system.

12. What businesses are impacted by the ordinance?

It is applicable to all food vendors, food providers, food service establishments, restaurants, and retail stores including, but not limited to: restaurants, grocery stores, bars, cafes, food trucks, and cafeterias. 

13. What are the requirements for reusable foodware?

Food Vendors with dishwashing capacity must serve “dine-in” orders using reusable foodware.  Customers may bring their own clean durable reusable containers for food orders “to-go” and must receive a $0.25 minimum discount on their order. Only one discount can be applied per order and must appear as its own line item on the receipt. Food vendors can refuse to accept reusable foodware that is not suitable, such as cracked, chipped, corroded, appear inappropriate in size, material, or condition for the intended use, or that appear unsanitary or soiled .  

14. Does the health code allow for customers to bring their own container for take-out?

Yes, the health and safety code allows for customers to bring their own containers that are clean and appropriate for use to be filled for take-out as per state bill AB 619. Facilities need to have set procedures in place to maintain sanitizing of their workspace and prevent cross contamination.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding food safety or protocol, please contact the Humboldt County Department of Environmental Health at (707) 445-6215.

15. What if the container brought by the customer does not seem suitable for use?

In accordance with California health and safety code, food vendors may refuse any containers that are cracked, chipped, corroded, appear inappropriate in size, material, or condition for the intended use, or that appear unsanitary or soiled.