Sea Level Rise and Housing Rules Delay Arcata's Coastal Program Update Until 2026

ARCATA, CA – The final adoption of Arcata's comprehensive Local Coastal Program (LCP) update has been postponed once again, with the Planning Commission voting unanimously on Tuesday to continue the public hearing until February 17, 2026. The delay highlights ongoing, complex negotiations between city staff and the California Coastal Commission over key policies related to sea level rise and state housing laws.

During the meeting, Community Development Director David Loya explained that city staff are now meeting weekly with the Coastal Commission to resolve policy conflicts before the plan is submitted for final certification. "By the time we get to February, I believe we will have had enough time to resolve those differences of opinions," Loya stated, acknowledging the frustration with the extended timeline.

The two primary sticking points are the city's approach to sea level rise and the rules governing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).

The city’s proposed sea level rise policies, particularly concerning the protection of infrastructure in the vulnerable South G and H Street areas, are viewed by the Coastal Commission as potentially conflicting with the Coastal Act. The core issue revolves around whether structures built after the Coastal Act's 1976 enactment are entitled to protection like seawalls. Loya explained that staff is working on a "conflict resolution" process, arguing that protecting the area is necessary to prevent the release of contaminants from legacy industrial sites and the city's wastewater treatment plant into Humboldt Bay, thereby balancing coastal protection with water quality preservation.

An even more complex issue involves ADUs, which Loya described as a "great little lover's triangle" between the city, the Coastal Commission, and the state's Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). State law, driven by HCD, is pushing for streamlined, over-the-counter approval for ADUs. However, the Coastal Commission wants a detailed, robust ordinance baked into the LCP to ensure coastal resources are protected, especially since a new state law makes ADU permits in the coastal zone non-appealable.

Arcata's staff has advocated for a "minimalist" approach that references state law rather than codifying it directly, which would prevent the city's ordinance from becoming quickly outdated by frequent changes at the state level. "Our approach has been with ADUs to put as little as possible in our local ordinance and reference state law," Loya said.

Loya also updated the commission on the city's unique strategy of creating a separate Coastal Zoning Ordinance that acts as an "overlay" rather than a copy of the city-wide code. This is intended to prevent future confusion and conflicts as municipal codes evolve. A commissioner with professional experience in the field praised the approach, noting, "I appreciate this planning department's approach... because it is very chaotic to reconcile between all of that."

Two minor amendments to the land use map were also presented. One would rezone a block at the end of Spear Street and Janes Road to Residential Medium to match surrounding parcels. The other would add the city-owned "Little Lake site" to the new Commercial Visitor Serving designation, which could open the door for developments like a hotel on the recently cleaned-up property.

With all members present, the commission approved the consent calendar and heard no public comment on non-agenda items before voting to continue the LCP hearing. The city's next Planning Commission meeting, scheduled for November 11, has been canceled in observance of Veterans Day.