City Council - Study Session - June 30, 2025
1. CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Stillman called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Stillman invited public comment.
Public comment
: Gregory Daggett.
Mayor Stillman closed the public comment period.
3. DISCUSSION
a.
Local Coastal Program.
This item was moved and taken after Agenda Item 3-c. Single-Stair Building Reform.
Director of Community Development Loya presented regarding the process and timeline for adopting the Local Coastal Program. He noted that the Coastal Commission's substantive findings had not been received yet which could determine next steps.
Discussion ensued between the Council and the Planning Commission regarding remediation and building before retreat from sea level rise.
No action was taken. There was a presentation and discussion only for this item.
b.
Regional Housing Needs Allocation and Housing Element Process.
This item was taken after Agenda Item 3-a. Local Coastal Program, which was moved and taken after Agenda Item 3-c.
Deputy Director of Community Development Dart provided an overview of the City's Housing Element, reviewed the City's Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers, and highlighted the new information and requirements for the upcoming cycle.
Discussion ensued regarding potential site requirements and how a mandatory rezone could result in being forced to build out into green spaces.
Additional discussion was had regarding the potential RHNA numbers increase and the City's capacity to meet them.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL AND THE PLANNING COMMISSION AGREED TO SUPPORT SHARED BURDEN WITHIN THE COUNTY WHILE CONTINUING TO SUPPORT INFILL HOUSING.
c.
Single-Stair Building Reform.
1. Staff Report - Single-Stair Building Reform.pdf
This item was moved and taken before Agenda Item 3-a. Local Coastal Program.
Director of Community Development Loya presented regarding single-stair building reform, explaining that reform would have units with access to windows on multiple sides, and that it allowed for footprint form factor for smaller lots. He noted that it would require added fire safety.
Building Official Bishop reported that Assembly Bill 835 had passed, instructing the State Fire Marshal to evaluate and report back by 2026. He explained that at the local level, an ordinance would need to be drafted, passed locally, and passed by the State. Additionally, he provided information regarding alternate means and methods.
Discussion ensued between the Council, the Planning Commission, and staff on how to proceed with this idea.
Director Loya proposed to first have staff communicate with the Arcata Fire District to determine comfort level, after which the Council could potentially adopt a policy which would be followed by outreach.
BY GENERAL CONSENSUS, THE COUNCIL DIRECTED STAFF TO BEGIN WORK AS DIRECTOR LOYA HAD OUTLINED.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,