Arcata City Hall COVID-19 Protocol to be Implemented Beginning Tomorrow

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

Due to the increase of COVID-19 cases locally, resulting in Humboldt County being assigned to the California Department of Public Health’s the widespread or “Purple” tier under the state’s “Blueprint for a Safer Economy,” Arcata City Hall will have limited access to the public beginning Monday, November 30.

Face to face interaction with City staff will only be available by appointment, and essential City staff will also be available online and by phone between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. To continue to serve the public, the following protocol will be in place:

Building & Engineering Department 

• Encroachment permits, sewer lateral certificates and Building & Engineering questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call (707) 825-2128. 
• Permit applications and questions related to building permits and inspections can be emailed to [email protected] or call (707) 822-5956 or (707) 825-2128. 
• For Streetlights and Water & Sewer inquiries, please email [email protected] or call (707) 825-2175.

City Manager’s Office

• General inquiries, email [email protected] or call (707) 822-5953. 
• Public records requests can be made by emailing the City Clerk at [email protected].

Community Development Department

• To reach the Community Development Department please email [email protected] or call (707) 822-5955. 
• Inquiries related to allowable uses, zoning, or development standards call (707) 822-5955 or email [email protected] . 
• To submit a planning permit application, contact [email protected] or call (707) 822-5955. Cannabis-related inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] org. 
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] or call (707) 822-5955. 
• Food Works and Business Assistance inquires can be emailed to [email protected].

Environmental Services Department and the Arcata Recreation Division

• Please email [email protected] or call (707) 822-8184 to reach the Environmental Services Department. 
• The Arcata Marsh Interpretive Center is closed to the public. 
• Public playgrounds remain closed.
• Public open spaces, trails, City parks, the Arcata Community Forest, the Arcata Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary are currently open. Community members must wear face coverings and practice social distancing while enjoying public trails.
• The Arcata Skate Park and City playing courts are open for individual or single-household use. Community members must wear face coverings and practice social distancing while enjoying these facilities.
• Email [email protected] or call (707) 822-7091 to reach the Recreation Division.
• For facility rental information call (707) 822-7091.

Finance Office, Water and Sewer Billing

• The Finance Department will continue to receive water and sewer payments during this time. 
• Residents have the option to pay water and sewer bills online at arcata.merchanttransact.com or by phone by calling the City’s automated bill system at (707) 827-1114. Credit cards, Debit cards and ACH/eChecks are accepted. 
• For cash or check transactions, drop boxes are located in the City Hall parking lot off of 7th Street and next to the USPS mailbox outside City Hall on F Street. 
• Please call (707) 822-5951 (dial 1, then 2, to reach a live representative) or email [email protected] to make special service requests, in-person appointments or for all other City-related billing inquiries.

Arcata Police Department Services

• Emergency services provided by the Arcata Police Department will continue to operate 24 hours a day.
• Parking tickets can be paid on-line at paymycite.com or by calling (707) 822-2428.
• Preferential Parking applications can be paid for and made on-line at paymycite.com.
• Alarm permit payments may be paid over the phone by calling (707) 822-2428.
• All cash or check payments can be dropped off at the drop box located outside the Police Department Office or mailed to City of Arcata Attn: APD.
• Records Requests can be submitted via email to [email protected] or faxed to 707-822-7936
• Live Scan fingerprinting services continue to be available by appointment only, Monday through Friday between the hours of 9 and 11:45 a.m.

Arcata & Mad River Transit (AMRTS)

• Email AMRTS transit inquiries to [email protected] or call (707) 822-3775.
• Bus patrons who require mobility devices are asked to contact City Cab at (707) 442-4555 to make alternative transportation arrangements two hours before their desired departure time.
• Transit riders are encouraged to visit Humboldt Transit Authority’s website at hta.org for more
• information on bus lines operating outside of Arcata.
• Amtrak Tickets can be purchased at amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-872-7245.
• Greyhound tickets can be purchased at greyhound.com or by calling 1-800-231-2222.

Face coverings, physical distancing and other health and safety protocols are required for all City Hall staff and guests. Community members who have traveled, had visitors from out of the area or possibly been exposed to COVID-19 are urged to stay home.

The City is dedicated to keeping the community and informed during this unprecedented time, and is taking these steps for the health and safety of the public. Please visit humboldtgov.org for more local COVID-19 updates, and visit cityofarcata.org for more detailed information on how to access City services, meetings and more.