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1/20/26 COUNCIL AGENDA
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT MAYOR PRO TEM CANDACE TINKLER
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN COUNCIL MEMBER JASON GREENOUGH
COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE SHAMBLIN
TUESDAY JANUARY 20, 2026 6:00 P.M.
This meeting will be held in person at the location listed above. The City will broadcast the meeting on YouTube, however, if there is a technological issue with YouTube, the meeting will continue in person as scheduled. The public may access and participate in the public meeting by (1) attending the meeting in person and making public comment when called for by the Mayor or (2) by submitting a written comment via [email protected] or by filing it with the City Clerk at 377 J Street, Crescent City, California, 95531. All public comments (via email or mail) must be received by the City Clerk prior to 12:00 p.m. the day of the meeting. Please identify the meeting date and agenda item to which your comment pertains in the subject line. Public comments so received will be forwarded to the City Council and posted on the website next to the agenda. Written public comments will not be read aloud during the meeting.
Notice regarding Americans with Disabilities Act: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in the meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s office at (707)464- 7483, ext. 12. Notification 48 hours before the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II]. For TTYDD use for speech and hearing impaired, please dial 711. A full agenda packet may be reviewed at City Hall, 377 J Street, Crescent City, CA or on our website: www.crescentcity.org
OPEN SESSION
Call to order
Roll call
Pledge of Allegiance
CEREMONIAL ITEMS
• Human Trafficking Awareness Proclamation
• Introduction of New Employees: Keith Biddlecom, James Queen, and Michael St.
Pierre
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Any member of the audience is invited to address the City Council on any matter that is within the jurisdiction of the City of Crescent City. Comments of public interest or on matters appearing on the agenda are accepted. Note, however, that the Council is not able to undertake extended discussion or act on non-agendized items. Such items can be referred to staff for appropriate action, which may include placement on a future agenda. All comments shall be directed toward the entire Council. Any comments that are not at the podium are out of order and will not be a AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
AND THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE DISSOLVED REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FLYNN CENTER BOARD CHAMBERS
981 H STREET
CRESCENT CITY, CA 95531
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1/20/26 COUNCIL AGENDA
part of the public record. After receiving recognition from the Mayor, please state your name and city or county residency for the record. Public comment is limited to three (3) minutes. The public is additionally allotted three minutes each in which to speak on any item on the agenda prior to any action taken by the Council.
CONSENT CALENDAR
The consent calendar contains items deemed to be non-controversial and routine in nature. All items on the consent calendar will be considered as a block and voted upon in one vote unless a member of the City Council “pulls” an item from consent for individual consideration. Public comment will be taken on the consent agenda as a whole, unless an item is pulled. Any pulled item will receive its own public comment opportunity.
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period December 27, 2025 through January 9, 2026.
2. Council Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the January 5, 2026 minutes of the City Council of the City of Crescent City.
3. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending January 10, 2026 paid January 16, 2026.
4. November Budget-to-Actual
• Recommendation: Receive and file the Budget-to-Actual financial reports for the month of November 2025.
5. Budget Amendment – Engine 5111 Vehicle Accident Repairs • Recommendation: Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, A RESOLUTION OF
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING THE FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 BUDGET
PUBLIC HEARING - None
ADJOURN TO THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
Call to order
Roll Call
CONSENT CALENDAR
6. Successor Agency 26/27 Recognized Obligation Schedule (ROPS) • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Consider and adopt Resolution No. SA 2026-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE OF THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF
THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPROVING A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE (ROPS) FOR THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 34177(I) AND (M)
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1/20/26 COUNCIL AGENDA
RECONVENE AS THE CITY COUNCIL
CONTINUING BUSINESS
7. Downtown Specific Plan – Phase 1 Summary Report
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Downtown Specific Plan – Phase 1 Summary Report from Crandall Arambula P.C., Urban Planners
8. Front Street Gateway Monuments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Front Street concept gateway designs and authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for fabrication and construction
9. Signs Regulations Update (Muni Code Chapter 17.39)
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Give direction to staff on the Planning Commission’s recommended updates to the City’s sign regulations
10. Amendment No. 1 to PLHA/PIP Loan Agreement – Project Description • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA/PIP Loan Agreement Between the City of Crescent City and Community System Solutions
NEW BUSINESS
11. Illegal Fireworks Enforcement
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Appoint two Council Members to an ad hoc committee to work with staff and other local agencies to discuss enforcement and community outreach regarding the use of illegal fireworks
• Take action as necessary and appropriate
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1/20/26 COUNCIL AGENDA
12. Grant Application for the Sister Cities International U.S. – Japan Global Impact Grant • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Direct staff to submit an application for the Sister Cities International U.S. – Japan Global Impact Grant
13. Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project Notice of Completion • Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Crescent City Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project (Contract #2025-1074.1)
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
➢ Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports – In accordance with Gov’t Code § 54954.2(a), City Council Members may make brief announcements or brief reports on their own activities. They may ask questions for clarification, make a referral to staff or take action to have staff place a matter of business on a future agenda. ➢ Legislative Matters – Consider miscellaneous legislative matters pertinent to the City of Crescent City. Authorize the Mayor to sign the appropriate letters and/or positions with respect to such matters.
➢ City Manager Report and City Council Directives – Pursuant to Crescent City Municipal Code § 2.08.200, the City Council may instruct the city manager on matters of importance to the administrative services of the City and provide direction with respect to subordinates of the City Manager. (Directives from individual Council Members that are not objected to by any member present shall be considered an order of the City Council.)
ADJOURNMENT
Adjourn to the regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Monday, February 2, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
POSTED:
January 16, 2026
/s/ Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
Vision:
The City of Crescent City will continue to stand the test of time and promote quality of life and community pride for our residents, businesses and visitors through leadership, diversity, and teamwork.
Mission:
The purpose of our city is to promote a high quality of life, leadership and services to the residents, businesses, and visitors we serve. The City is dedicated to providing the most efficient, innovative and economically sound municipal services building on our diverse history, culture and unique natural resources.
Values:
Accountability - Honesty & Integrity - Excellent Customer Service - Effective & Active Communication -Teamwork – Fiscally Responsible
Proclamation
of the
City of Crescent City
WHEREAS, the United States was founded upon the principle that all people are created with the inalienable right of freedom, and added the 13th Amendment to the Constitution making slavery illegal; and
WHEREAS, slavery within the United States today is most often found in the form of human trafficking, which weakens our social fabric, increases violence and organized crime, and debases our humanity; and
WHEREAS, victims of human trafficking are typically forced to work in various forms of labor exploitation including, but not limited to commercial sex acts, drug processing and distribution and other services induced through force, fraud or coercion; and WHEREAS, due to its isolating nature, many individuals locally and across the globe are unaware that trafficking exists in Del Norte County and neighboring counties; and WHEREAS, it is estimated that more than 20 million men, women and children around the world are victims of human trafficking; and
WHEREAS, Soroptimist International of Crecent City continues to work to abolish human trafficking through education, advocacy and collaboration.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the City Council of Crescent City that the citizens of the City are hereby called upon to recognize the vital role they can play in ending all forms of slavery and to support the Soroptimist International Club of Crescent City as they raise awareness through education and other efforts to stop human trafficking.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that January 2026 is designated as
HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS MONTH
in the City of Crescent City, State of California, on this 20TH day of January 2026. _________________________________
Mayor Isaiah Wright
Introduction of New
Employees:
Keith Biddlecom
James Queen
Michael St Pierre
Accounts Payable
User:
Printed:
[email protected]
1/14/2026 5:45 AM
Checks by Date - Summary by Check Number
Check No Vendor No Vendor Name Check Date Void Checks Check Amount ACH EDDTAX State of California EDD TAX Auto Pay 01/05/2026 0.00 5,909.26 ACH FITTAX FIT Payroll Taxes Auto Pay 01/05/2026 0.00 23,544.02 ACH PERS2 Public Emp Retirement Sys 01/05/2026 0.00 38,863.18 ACH FITTAX FIT Payroll Taxes Auto Pay 12/28/2025 0.00 1,135.89 ACH PERS1 PERS Health 01/08/2026 0.00 98,663.81
ACH PERS2 Public Emp Retirement Sys 01/08/2026 0.00 104,214.00 450145 CASTATE CA State Disbursement Unit 01/05/2026 0.00 88.84 450146 WAMUTU Crescent City Employees Association 01/05/2026 0.00 90.00 450147 CCPOLI Crescent City Police Officer's Association 01/05/2026 0.00 550.00 450148 ICMARE Mission Square 01/05/2026 0.00 6,350.93
450149 PORACRMT PORAC RMT 01/05/2026 0.00 550.00
450150 ZCAFRAN2 State Of California 01/05/2026 0.00 417.21 450151 AALMOSON Sonja Aalmo 01/05/2026 0.00 40.00
450152 BLUEST Blue Star Gas Associates 01/05/2026 0.00 15.65 450153 CHARTEC Charter Communications 01/05/2026 0.00 132.79 450154 ClewJon Jonathan Clewell 01/05/2026 0.00 151.45
450155 FERGUS Ferguson US Holdings Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 1,281.33 450156 FILLIPAJ Jordan Fillippa 01/05/2026 0.00 349.49
450157 FIRST First American Title Co. 01/05/2026 0.00 326,988.10 450158 VERIZO2 Frontier California Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 790.00 450159 HAMWSG Hambro WSG Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 2,482.70
450160 IDEXX IDEXX Distribution Inc. 01/05/2026 0.00 1,502.77 450161 INDUSTST Industrial Steel & Supply Co., Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 100.00 450162 LAGASSE Lagasse Branch Bell & Kinkead LLP 01/05/2026 0.00 10,950.00 450163 NCLAB Microbac Laboratories, Inc. 01/05/2026 0.00 137.00 450164 OREILLY O'Reilly Auto Enterprises LLC 01/05/2026 0.00 73.54 450165 SANDERSD Daniel Sanders 01/05/2026 0.00 39.10
450166 SHNCON SHN Consulting Engineers & Geologists Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 14,801.90 450167 ZCAJUSTA ST CA Dept Of Justice 01/05/2026 0.00 164.00 450168 TECHNI Technical Systems Inc 01/05/2026 0.00 10,635.43 450169 TURKINSZ Zackery Turkins 01/05/2026 0.00 559.00
450170 VERIZO3 Verizon Wireless Services LLC 01/05/2026 0.00 2,148.88 450171 WIGGINSV Vince Wiggins 01/05/2026 0.00 62.00
450172 CALORE AirMedCare 01/08/2026 0.00 20.00
450173 AMFAM American Family Life 01/08/2026 0.00 1,013.62 450174 AMLIF Ameritas Life Ins. Corp. 01/08/2026 0.00 5,532.80 450175 CLEA California Law Enforcement Association 01/08/2026 0.00 320.00 450176 CLEMENM Mark A Clementi 01/08/2026 0.00 2,532.00 450177 DNAMBU Del Norte Ambulance Inc. 01/08/2026 0.00 70.00 450178 REDWMO Kevin J Caldwell MD Inc 01/08/2026 0.00 694.00 450179 MISSUI Missouri Division of Employment Security 01/08/2026 0.00 215.16 450180 SELMAN One80 Intermediaries Inc. 01/08/2026 0.00 140.00 450181 PARS PARS, Public Agency Retirement 01/08/2026 0.00 300.00 450182 STANDAI Standard Insurance Company 01/08/2026 0.00 3,021.15 450183 VISION Vision Service Plan 01/08/2026 0.00 1,091.75 AP Checks by Date - Summary by Check Number (1/14/2026 5:45 AM) Page 1 Check No Vendor No Vendor Name Check Date Void Checks Check Amount Report Total (45 checks): 0.00 668,732.75
AP Checks by Date - Summary by Check Number (1/14/2026 5:45 AM) Page 2 AP
12-27-25 to 1-09-26 Council
User: [email protected]
Printed: 1/14/2026 5:43:45 AM
Check Numbe Check Date Acct 1 Description Amount Selected For Void 0 12/28/2025 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 Medicare Employee Portion 556.15 False 0 12/28/2025 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 Medicare Employer Portion 556.15 False 0 12/28/2025 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 Medicare Extra 23.59 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 EE PERS Contribution 547.20 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 Survivor Benefit 1.09 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00222.12.2025 ER PERS Contribution 1,225.12 False 0 1/8/2026 630-111-4409-00000 Jan 26 Admin Fees - Retirees 15.21 False 0 1/8/2026 630-000-4125-00000 Jan 26 Premiums - Retirees 5,842.00 False 0 1/8/2026 001-111-4125-00000 Jan 26 Admin Fees - Active 74.19 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2185-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 State Income Tax 3,314.44 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2185-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 State Income Tax 2,594.82 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 Medicare Employer Portion 1,195.16 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 Medicare Employee Portion 1,195.16 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Medicare Employer Portion 1,793.84 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2189-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Federal Income Tax 10,506.86 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2188-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Medicare Employee Portion 1,793.84 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2189-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 Federal Income Tax 7,059.16 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 Survivor Benefit 20.94 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 ER PERS Contribution 11,980.26 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 EE PERS Contribution 9,150.52 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 EE PERS Contribution 6,985.48 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Survivor Benefit 39.06 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 MO EE PERS Contribution 186.22 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Service Credit Purchase 413.20 False 0 1/5/2026 610-000-2187-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 ER PERS Contribution 8,314.09 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-1510-00000 FY26 PERS UAL - Plan 26908 1,213.00 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-2173-00000 Jan 26 Premiums - Active 92,732.41 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-1510-00000 FY26 PERS UAL - Plan 6984 27,762.92 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-1510-00000 FY26 PERS UAL - Plan 1341 72,766.33 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-1510-00000 FY26 PERS UAL - Plan 25612 495.92 False 0 1/8/2026 610-000-1510-00000 FY26 PERS UAL - Plan 6983 1,975.83 False 450145 1/5/2026 610-000-2170-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Child Support-CA 88.84 False 450146 1/5/2026 610-000-2184-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 CCEA Monthly Dues 5.00 False AP - 12-27-25 to 1-09-26 Council (1/14/2026) Page 1 of 7 Check Numbe Check Date Acct 1 Description Amount Selected For Void 450146 1/5/2026 610-000-2184-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 CCEA Monthly Dues 85.00 False 450147 1/5/2026 610-000-2181-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 CCPOA Dues 550.00 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2186-00000 Plan # 306752 749.66 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2186-00000 Plan # 306752 149.88 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2186-00000 Plan # 306752 9.52 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2178-00000 Plan # 300878 103.79 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2178-00000 Plan # 300878 282.70 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2186-00000 Plan # 306752 45.38 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2178-00000 Plan # 300878 2,075.00 False 450148 1/5/2026 610-000-2178-00000 Plan # 300878 2,935.00 False 450149 1/5/2026 610-000-2182-00000 PR Batch 00011.01.2026 PORAC RMT 550.00 False 450150 1/5/2026 610-000-2170-00000 PR Batch 00001.01.2026 Wage Garn-FTB 417.21 False 450151 1/5/2026 001-000-3221-00000 REFUND for stay on 12/20-12/22/25 Conf#12432 3.64 False 450151 1/5/2026 412-000-3570-00000 REFUND for stay on 12/20-12/22/25 Conf#12432 36.36 False 450152 1/5/2026 001-240-4220-00000 FY 26 Propane (ACCT# 1038315 PD)10/15-11/17/25 15.65 False 450153 1/5/2026 001-230-4230-00000 Cable & Internet Service-12/09/25-01/08/26 132.79 False 450154 1/5/2026 001-470-4320-04320 Boot Reimbursement - FY 26 151.45 False 450155 1/5/2026 919-371-4799-37118 Various water meters for AMR project 1,281.33 False 450156 1/5/2026 001-240-4530-00000 10/12-10/18/25 - Corona (SRO Training): per diem REMAINDER. 349.49 False 450157 1/5/2026 160-490-4796-0PLHA PLHA/PIP Affordable Housing Project: The Redwood Downtown 326,988.10 False 450158 1/5/2026 420-115-4230-00000 707-197-0009 monthly phone-12/02/25-01/01/26 790.00 False 450159 1/5/2026 413-000-1202-00000 Sludge processing. 2,239.61 False 450159 1/5/2026 413-000-1202-00000 Grit bins. 243.09 False 450160 1/5/2026 413-351-4390-00000 FY26 Microbiology Supplies 1,502.77 False 450161 1/5/2026 508-508-4390-00000 Cut lathe part. 100.00 False 450162 1/5/2026 001-114-4409-00000 HR services FY: 26 10,950.00 False 450163 1/5/2026 413-351-4685-00000 FY26 External lab test for CCWQL 137.00 False 450164 1/5/2026 508-508-4390-00000 DEF anti-freeze. 37.18 False 450164 1/5/2026 413-353-4390-00000 Tail light. 36.36 False 450165 1/5/2026 001-240-4530-00000 10/23-10/25/2025 - Chico: per diem: REMAINDER. 39.10 False 450166 1/5/2026 001-313-4409-00000 FY26 Planning services - Task Order 22- Nov 2025 14,801.90 False 450167 1/5/2026 001-240-4407-00000 Fingerprint apps, Child abuse index ck 164.00 False 450168 1/5/2026 413-357-4450-00000 Rockwell Factory Talk Upgrade. 2025 WWTP Support 10,635.43 False 450169 1/5/2026 001-240-4530-00000 11/30-12/6/25-Fountain Valley-Tactical Cyber: per diem. 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AP - 12-27-25 to 1-09-26 Council (1/14/2026) Page 7 of 7 AP
12-27-25 to 1-09-26 Housing
User: [email protected]
Printed: 1/14/2026 5:44:30 AM
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AP - 12-27-25 to 1-09-26 Housing (1/14/2026) Page 1 of 1 1 | P a g e
1/5/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
MAYOR ISAIAH WRIGHT MAYOR PRO TEM CANDACE TINKLER
COUNCIL MEMBER RAY ALTMAN COUNCIL MEMBER JASON GREENOUGH
COUNCIL MEMBER STEVE SHAMBLIN
MONDAY JANUARY 5, 2026 6:00 P.M.
CLOSED SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the closed session to order at 5:30 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Steve Shamblin, Mayor Pro Tem Candace Tinkler, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, and City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman
• Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation (Gov. Code § 54957.6.9(d)(2):
Government Claim of Bre's Boutique; Government Claim of Gordon Pfeffer; Government Claim of Alba Lopez
There were no comments from the public on closed session items.
Closed session adjourned at 5:53 p.m.
OPEN SESSION
Call to order Mayor Wright called the open session to order at 6:00 p.m.
Roll call Council Members present: Council Member Ray Altman, Council Member Jason Greenough, Council Member Steve Shamblin, Mayor Pro Tem Candace Tinkler, and Mayor Isaiah Wright
Staff members present: City Manager Eric Wier, City Attorney Martha Rice, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst Robin Altman, Interim Fire Chief Bill Gillespie, Public Works Director Dave Yeager, and Police Chief Richard Griffin
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Wright.
REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler with Council Member Shamblin abstaining, the City Council of the City of Crescent City denied the Government Claims of Bre’s Boutique, Gordon Pfeffer, and Alba Lopez.
CEREMONIAL ITEMS - None
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
FLYNN CENTER BOARD CHAMBERS
981 H STREET
CRESCENT CITY, CA 95531
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REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS - None
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The following residents addressed the Council:
Roger Gitlin: stated he feels some Council comments on signage have been disparaging against local businesses.
Sam Strait: spoke in support of businesses having signs and wanted the Council to be in support as well.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Warrant Claims List
• Recommendation: Receive and file the warrant claims list for the period November 29, 2025 through December 12, 2025 and period December 13, 2025 through December 26, 2025.
2. Council Minutes
• Recommendation: Approve and adopt the December 15, 2026 minutes of the City Council of the City of Crescent City.
3. Payroll Report
• Recommendation: Receive and file the biweekly payroll reports for the period ending December 13, 2025 paid December 19, 2025 and period ending December 17, 2025 paid January 2, 2026.
4. Measure S Oversight Committee Appointments
• Confirm the Mayor’s appointments to the Measure S Oversight Committee: Shawna Hyatt, Dana Reno, and Ernie Perry
Council Member Shamblin asked for item 4 to be pulled for further discussion.
There were no comments from the public on 1-3 on the consent calendar.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City adopted the consent calendar consisting of items 1-3 as presented.
Council Member Shamblin spoke about the appointment of someone on the fire department to the Measure S Oversight Committee and felt it was a conflict of interest and not good optics. City Attorney Rice stated that volunteer firefighters have served on the City Council multiple times.
When there were times they needed to recuse themselves, they did. Measure S is an advisory committee and does not make any policy decisions. If anything comes up that a Committee Member needs to recuse themselves, they would do so. Mayor Wright stated that Mr. Reno being a volunteer firefighter is not a problem for him. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that the Measure S Oversight Committee meetings always have representatives from the departments that are being served. Stated that due to the amount of oversight being done, there would be no decisions made that would not serve the community properly. Council Member Greenough stated that someone who has volunteered to save lives should also be able to serve the community in other ways as well.
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Roger Gitlin: stated that in a small community, it is very difficult to get people to serve on committees.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried on a 4-1 vote with Council Member Shamblin voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City confirmed the Mayor’s appointments to the Measure S Oversight Committee: Shawna Hyatt, Dana Reno, and Ernie Perry.
PUBLIC HEARING
5. Public Hearing: Cannabis Regulations Update
• Recommendation: Open public hearing
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Close public hearing
• Further Council discussion
• Waive full reading, read by title only and adopt, Ordinance No. 860, AN ORDINANCE
OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER
17.95, COMMERCIAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 17, ZONING, OF THE
CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE
Mayor Wright opened the public hearing at 6:18 p.m.
City Attorney Rice went over the changes that were made to the ordinance and were covered at the meeting where it was introduced. Council Member Greenough cautioned against protectionism and disagrees with limiting the number but does like the accountability aspect of the ordinance. Council Member Shamblin explained his experience with this topic as a Planning Commissioner. Council Member Altman supports the amendment to the ordinance; in interest of progress would like the Council to approve the ordinance.
Mayor Wright closed the public hearing at 6:23 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Altman, seconded by Council Member Tinkler, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City waived full reading, read by title only and adopted, Ordinance No. 860, AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AMENDING CHAPTER 17.95, COMMERCIAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS, OF TITLE 17, ZONING, OF THE CRESCENT CITY MUNICIPAL CODE.
CONTINUING BUSINESS - None
NEW BUSINESS
6. Letter of Support for True North Organizing Network
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the Mayor to sign a letter of support for a California Regional Investment Initiative grant application being submitted by True North Organizing Network on behalf of the Crescent City Harbor District for a beneficial sediment reuse pilot project City Manager Wier reported to the Council that this is a grant opportunity that is coming before the Harbor. This will be a pilot project that will reuse the dredging from the Harbor. Mike Bahr of 4 | P a g e
1/5/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
CSS was reported to the Council that they are the contracted grant writers for the Harbor. This is a unique grant opportunity for the Harbor; he detailed the grant itself and the process in which the application process takes place. True North Organizing Network stepped forward to serve as the required nonprofit entity to submit the application on behalf of the Harbor. Council Member Greenough spoke in opposition to this letter of support as there was no information was in the agenda packet that outlined the funding. City Manager Wier stated that due to the timing of when this request, staff did not have more time to get additional information into the agenda packet. Mr.
Bahr stated that the grant funding is in the amount of $500,000 for the Harbor. This is for a pilot project to study the impact of removing dredge material from the Harbor and depositing it elsewhere so it can migrate to the beaches. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler asked if the pilot project is the same study as is being done in larger bays in California? Asked if the money will be used for a study? Mr. Bahr stated that yes, the permit fee to do the pilot project is in the amount of $250,000. The other half of the grant money will be used to conduct the study of the beach after the material is placed on the beach. Council Member Shamblin clarified that the study will make sure the material is not toxic. Council Member Greenough asked how the money would be divided up among the participating agencies. Mr. Bahr outlined how the funds would be allocated and clarified funding has not been allocated yet, this is just the application process. Council Member Greenough asked how much True North would receive from this grant funding; Mr. Bahr stated they would be receiving 10% of the funds for grant management, including accounting services.
Mayor Wright asked for clarification that this would be only for our sediment; Mr. Bahr stated it would.
Sam Strait: sediment has always been an expensive project for the Harbor as it’s been difficult to find places to dispose of it. Spoke in support of this project and encouraged the Council to support it as well.
Roger Gitlin: is concerned with the last-minute request to add to the agenda with little information.
Asked if there was another way to do this study and is concerned with the overall project information/details.
Council Member Greenough asked if the special meeting on the 14th could include this item to make a more informed decision. Mayor Wright spoke of his concern that this is a pilot project and if Crescent City gets selected, the permit for the study of the sediment is very important. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler stated that one cannot move forward without this study. Would like to see this letter of support be approved as there is no harm in sending a letter of support. Council Member Greenough stated that the problem with permit approval is with the State of California and the Coastal Commission. City Manager Wier stated the purpose behind this pilot project is to prove that the sediment will not have a negative impact to the beaches. Spoke about the benefit of resusing this material. Mr. Bahr stated that Coastal Commission as well as the State Water Resources Control Board are already involved in this program. He outlined the way the sand is studied and would be done over periods of time. Council Member Altman stated letters of support are good for the Harbor and is good for the fishing industry. There is no harm in sending a letter of support, details aren’t necessary when there is no financial risk to the City.
On a motion by Council Member Tinkler, seconded by Council Member Altman, and carried unanimously on a 4-1 polled vote with Council Member Greenough voting no, the City Council of the City of Crescent City authorized the Mayor to sign a letter of support for a California Regional Investment Initiative grant application being submitted by True North Organizing Network on behalf of the Crescent City Harbor District for a beneficial sediment reuse pilot project.
Council Member Greenough made a substitute motion to have this item on a future agenda for more information; motion failed for lack of a second.
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1/5/26 COUNCIL MINUTES
7. 2026 Council Board and Committee Appointments
• Recommendation: Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Confirm the Mayor’s appointments to 2026 Boards and Committees • Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING ONE MEMBER AND
ONE ALTERNATE TO THE BORDER COAST REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
City Manager Wier explained the annual process for Boards and Committees. Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler appreciated her appointment to BCRAA as she has learned a lot from being on the Board.
Sam Strait: stated that the person that is on BCRAA Board should be aware that the airport has a short lifespan as it doesn’t currently support itself.
On a motion by Council Member Greenough, seconded by Council Member Shamblin, and carried unanimously on a 5-0 polled vote, the City Council of the City of Crescent City approved and adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
CRESCENT CITY APPOINTING ONE MEMBER AND ONE ALTERNATE TO THE BORDER COAST REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS and confirmed the Mayor’s appointments to 2026 Boards and Committees.
CITY COUNCIL ITEMS
➢ Reports, Concerns, Referrals, Council travel and training reports – None ➢ Legislative Matters – None
➢ City Manager Report and City Council Directives – City Manager Wier reported on the following:
o Recent storms and how the City was impacted and how staff managed it. o He outlined what items will be on the agenda for the upcoming Planning Commission meeting.
o A delegation from Rikuzentakata will be arriving next week with a Taiko performance at Elk Valley Casino with performers from Rikuzentakata. The delegation will be taking tours as well as hearing presentations about local projects. o Applauded Fire Chief Gillespie for stepping in as interim while recruitment for a permanent Fire Chief is conducted.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, Mayor Wright adjourned the meeting at 7:04 p.m. to the special meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at the Flynn Center Board Chambers, 981 H Street, Crescent City, CA 95531.
ATTEST:
________________________________
Robin Altman, City Clerk/Administrative Analyst
Home Dept. Regular Pay Overtime Gross Pay Employees Notes City Council (110) 1,409.85 - 1,409.85 5
Administration (111) 22,784.78 616.65 23,401.43 6
Finance (120) 18,073.04 22.41 18,095.45 7
City Attorney (130) 5,333.21 - 5,333.21 1
Fire (230) 16,221.73 1,085.35 17,307.08 5
Police (240) 44,345.45 5,180.55 49,526.00 15
Planning (313) 794.63 - 794.63 1
Public Works (350) 59,992.44 5,551.28 65,543.72 25
Recreation (450) 5,284.44 - 5,284.44 2
Swimming Pool (480) 14,090.10 1,169.81 15,259.91 16
Housing (490) 11,642.71 - 11,642.71 4
199,972.38 13,626.05 213,598.43 87
Payroll summarized above according to employees' home departments. Actual costs of employees are charged to department / fund where work was performed.
City of Crescent City
Biweekly Payroll Report
Payroll Ending 01/10/2026
Pay Date 01/16/2026
Check Numbers: 111725 - 111729 (Plus Direct Deposits)
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: LINDA LEAVER, FINANCE DIRECTOR
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: BUDGET-TO-ACTUAL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2025 ______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Receive and file budget-to-actual summary of the City’s major operating funds for Fiscal Year 2025-26 as of November 30, 2025
BACKGROUND
In order to provide timely information to the City Council and to the public, the City’s Finance Department has prepared the attached budget-to-actual reports. These reports provide a summary as of November 30, 2025 of the fiscal year-to-date revenues and expenses of the City’s major operating funds: General Fund, Housing Authority Fund, RV Park Fund, Sewer Fund and Water Fund.
ITEM ANALYSIS
As of November 30, 2025, we are 42% through the fiscal year, with 58% of the year remaining. It can be helpful to review the percentage of budgeted revenues received and budgeted expenses incurred to date and to compare those percentages to the calendar date. However, revenues and expenditures are not always even throughout the year for many reasons. Many revenues are not received evenly throughout the year (particularly tax revenues and grant reimbursements), most expenses are not recorded until the invoice is received in the following month, and budgets may include large projects that have not yet been completed.
This report provides a brief summary of the actual revenues and expenditures for the year to date; additional information is provided in the budget-to-actual reports attached.
BUDGET TO ACTUAL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2025
JANUARY 20, 2026
2 • General Fund
In the General Fund, 31% of budgeted revenues have been received with 69% remaining, and 28% of budgeted expenditures have been incurred with 72% remaining. Many General Fund revenues are received unevenly through the year (sales tax and Measure S are received two months in arrears, TOT and interest are received quarterly, and various property taxes are received in December, January, April, and May). General Fund budgeted expenditures include approximately $1.3 million in transfers for large projects. Once those transfers are completed, it will add 11% to the year-to-date expenditure total. • Housing Authority Fund
The Housing Authority is funded by monthly disbursements from the federal government, and the monthly housing assistance payments make up the majority of the expenditure budget. Therefore, actual revenues and expenditures usually align closely with how far we are through the fiscal year. At this point, 41% of budgeted revenues have been received with 59% remaining, and 40% of budgeted expenditures have been incurred with 60% remaining.
• RV Park Fund
The RV Park earns revenue primarily from space rents, which are highly seasonal.
As of November 30, 63% of the budgeted revenue has been received with 37% remaining. Historical trends show the RV Park typically receives 50-55% of total revenues by November 30, meaning the revenues are on track to meet or exceed the budget projection. At this point in the year, 37% of budgeted operating expenses have been incurred with 63% of the budget remaining. • Sewer Fund
The Sewer Fund earns revenue primarily from monthly charges to the users of its services. As of November 30, the primary revenue source (monthly service) is on track with 42% of the budgeted received with 58% remaining. Of total revenues, 40% of the overall budget has been received with 60% remaining. Of the budgeted operating expenses, 32% has been spent with 68% remaining. • Water Fund
The Water Fund earns revenue primarily from monthly charges for service. Both the primary revenue (monthly service) and total revenues are currently at 35% of the budget received with 65% remaining. Of the budgeted operating expenses, 30% has been spent with 70% remaining.
• Summary
The following table summarizes the actual revenues and expenses for the City’s five major operating funds, not including encumbrances:
BUDGET TO ACTUAL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2025
JANUARY 20, 2026
3 • Long-term Liabilities
The City’s long-term liability balances are included in the table below. Net Pension Liability, Net OPEB Liability, Compensated Absences, and Subscriptions Payable are updated annually during the audit process. The Sewer Fund loan balance is updated when payments are made each July. This table does not include interfund balances (amounts owed from one City fund to another).
Budget Actual Remaining $ Remaining %
General Fund
Revenue 10,532,639 3,253,619 7,279,020 69%
Expense 12,427,858 3,429,641 8,998,217 72%
Net (1,895,219) (176,022)
Housing Fund
Revenue 4,669,583 1,912,289 2,757,294 59%
Expense 4,706,030 1,891,869 2,814,161 60%
Net (36,447) 20,420
RV Park Fund
Revenue 627,786 392,863 234,923 37%
Expense 651,106 243,947 407,159 63%
Capital Grant Revenue 835,000 - 835,000 100%
Capital Expense 835,000 7,727 827,273 99%
Net (23,320) 141,188
Sewer Fund
Revenue 5,888,575 2,342,907 3,545,668 60%
Operating Expense 5,548,913 1,799,607 3,749,306 68%
Debt Service 1,697,663 1,697,663 - 0%
Transfer to Sewer CIP Fund 75,000 - 75,000
Transfer to Equipment ISF 16,000 - 16,000 100%
Net (1,449,001) (1,154,362)
Water Fund
Revenue 3,181,871 1,114,348 2,067,523 65%
Operating Expense 3,252,487 971,447 2,281,041 70%
Transfer to Water CIP Fund 400,000 - 400,000 100%
Transfer to Equipment ISF 12,150 - 12,150 100%
Net (482,766) 142,901
Liability Fund Balance As of
Net Pension Liability Multiple 13,260,280 6/30/2025
Net OPEB Liability Multiple 670,734 6/30/2025
Compensated Absences Multiple 994,317 6/30/2025
Subscriptions Payable IT 95,794 6/30/2025
SRF Loan Sewer 25,464,940 7/31/2025
BUDGET TO ACTUAL SUMMARY AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2025
JANUARY 20, 2026
4 FISCAL ANALYSIS
Preparation of this report is informational in nature and has no direct fiscal impact. The FY 2024-25 audit was recently completed and is scheduled to be presented to the Council at the next meeting (February 2). At that time, a detailed report of the budget-to-actual revenues and expenses for FY 2024-25 will be presented, and the FY 2025-26 fund balances and projections will be updated.
STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
This report is consistent with Strategic Plan Goal 3 to “Maintain responsible fiscal management and accountability.”
ATTACHMENTS
1. Monthly budget-to-actual report as of November 30, 2025 % of Year Remaining: 58%
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Non-Departmental Revenue
Tax Revenue 1 7,743,963 2,209,629 29% 5,534,334 71% - 5,534,334 71% Licenses & Permits 258,535 69,848 27% 188,687 73% - 188,687 73% Interest Income 2 150,000 45,203 30% 104,797 70% - 104,797 70% Lease-Rental Income 36,182 15,015 41% 21,167 59% - 21,167 59% Other Revenue 11,150 12,324 111% (1,174) -11% - (1,174) -11% Departmental Revenue
City Manager 92,796 1,000 1% 91,796 99% - 91,796 99%
Econ Dev / Comm Supp / Grants 140,000 2,548 2% 137,452 98% - 137,452 98% Human Resources 24,786 30 0% 24,756 100% - 24,756 100%
Finance - 300 (300) - (300)
Fire 3 1,121,124 459,155 41% 661,969 59% - 661,969 59%
Police 4 293,763 221,238 75% 72,525 25% - 72,525 25%
Code Enforcement 100,000 - 0% 100,000 100% - 100,000 100% Building Inspection 93,050 62,461 67% 30,589 33% - 30,589 33% Planning 11,100 1,973 18% 9,127 82% - 9,127 82%
Streets 208,685 61,738 30% 146,947 70% - 146,947 70%
Parks 5,000 12,576 252% (7,576) -152% - (7,576) -152%
Cultural Center 16,200 1,382 9% 14,818 91% - 14,818 91% Swimming Pool 226,305 77,198 34% 149,107 66% - 149,107 66% Revenue Total 10,532,639 3,253,619 31% 7,279,020 69% - 7,279,020 69% Non-Departmental Expenditures 204,332 1,687 1% 202,645 99% 115,645 87,000 43% City Council 34,385 11,235 33% 23,150 67% 897 22,254 65% City Manager 179,755 34,027 19% 145,728 81% 607 145,121 81% Econ Dev / Comm Supp / Grants 588,832 100,554 17% 488,278 83% 83,951 404,328 69% City Clerk 55,465 21,270 38% 34,195 62% - 34,195 62%
Human Resources 139,612 28,026 20% 111,586 80% 8,490 103,096 74% Finance 400,273 149,137 37% 251,136 63% 3,430 247,706 62% City Attorney 103,852 32,077 31% 71,775 69% 578 71,197 69% Fire 2,198,758 530,036 24% 1,668,722 76% 110,177 1,558,545 71% Police 3,735,347 1,248,479 33% 2,486,868 67% 327,454 2,159,414 58% City of Crescent City
FY 2025-26 General Fund Operating Report
As of November 30, 2025
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Code Enforcement 174,124 82,157 47% 91,967 53% - 91,967 53% Building Inspection 226,247 44,741 20% 181,506 80% - 181,506 80% Planning 325,232 123,102 38% 202,131 62% 139,539 62,592 19% Public Works Admin 163,629 57,874 35% 105,755 65% - 105,755 65% Streets 1,752,485 348,491 20% 1,403,994 80% 183,319 1,220,675 70% Parks 695,660 223,788 32% 471,872 68% 37,600 434,272 62% Cultural Center 192,686 45,244 23% 147,442 77% 43,413 104,029 54% Swimming Pool 1,257,184 347,717 28% 909,467 72% 86,596 822,872 65% Expenditure Total 12,427,858 3,429,641 28% 8,998,217 72% 1,141,694 7,856,523 63% Net Operating Results (1,895,219) (176,022)
Notes:
1 Sales tax and Measure S are received 2 months in arrears, so this report reflects revenue earned July - September.
TOT is due quarterly, one month after the quarter ends, so this report reflects revenue earned in the first quarter (Jul - Sep, paid in Oct). (TOT is also highly seasonal.)
Property taxes and in-lieu are received Dec, Jan, Apr, and May. 2 Interest is received quarterly, so this report reflects interest earned in the first quarter (Jul - Sep, received in Oct). 3 The majority of Fire revenue is for services to the Crescent Fire Protection District which is billed quarterly, so this report reflects the first quarter (Jul - Sep). It also includes revenue of $273k for prior year services that will be included in FY26 revenue. 4 Includes $137k grant revenues for FY25 not received in time for FY25 that will be included in FY26 revenue. % of Year Remaining: 58%
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Revenue
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Housing Assistance Revenue 3,669,720 1,471,546 40% 2,198,174 60% - 2,198,174 60% Admin Revenue 572,528 265,149 46% 307,379 54% - 307,379 54% Emergency Housing Voucher Program
Housing Assistance Revenue 70,200 24,600 35% 45,600 65% - 45,600 65% Admin Revenue 11,907 5,006 42% 6,901 58% - 6,901 58%
Mainstream Voucher Program
Housing Assistance Revenue 273,600 117,312 43% 156,288 57% - 156,288 57% Admin Revenue 47,628 19,661 41% 27,967 59% - 27,967 59% Other Revenues
Interest 6,000 212 4% 5,788 96% - 5,788 96%
Port In - Admin 465 (465) - (465)
Port In - HAP 6,080 (6,080) - (6,080)
Recovery - Admin 9,000 - 0% 9,000 100% - 9,000 100%
Recovery - HAP 9,000 - 0% 9,000 100% - 9,000 100%
Other Revenue 2,258 (2,258) - (2,258)
Revenue Total 4,669,583 1,912,289 41% 2,757,294 59% - 2,757,294 59% Expenditures by Department
City Manager 5,558 1,999 36% 3,559 64% - 3,559 64%
Human Resources 8,417 1,090 13% 7,327 87% 36 7,292 87%
Finance 11,839 5,757 49% 6,082 51% 95 5,987 51%
City Attorney 2,413 334 14% 2,079 86% - 2,079 86%
Housing Authority
Housing Assistance Payments 4,013,520 1,622,509 40% 2,391,011 60% - 2,391,011 60% Admin 664,283 260,179 39% 404,104 61% 26,411 377,693 57% Expenditure Total 4,706,030 1,891,869 40% 2,814,161 60% 26,541 2,787,620 59% Net Operating Results (36,447) 20,420
City of Crescent City
FY 2025-26 Housing Fund Operating Report
As of November 30, 2025
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
% of Year Remaining: 58%
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Revenue
Interest 10,000 9,016 90% 984 10% - 984 10%
Misc Sales 14,500 10,118 70% 4,382 30% - 4,382 30%
Rental Revenue 1 603,286 373,729 62% 229,557 38% - 229,557 38% Other Revenue - - - - -
Revenue Total 627,786 392,863 63% 234,923 37% - 234,923 37% Operating Expenses by Department
RV Park 544,963 205,563 38% 339,400 62% 83,430 255,970 47% City Council 4,075 1,446 35% 2,629 65% 112 2,517 62%
City Manager 13,673 4,704 34% 8,969 66% - 8,969 66%
City Clerk 6,529 2,406 37% 4,123 63% - 4,123 63%
Human Resources 4,009 520 13% 3,489 87% 17 3,472 87%
Finance 65,981 25,394 38% 40,587 62% 137 40,450 61%
City Attorney 11,876 3,914 33% 7,962 67% - 7,962 67%
Expense Total 651,106 243,947 37% 407,159 63% 83,696 323,463 50% Net Operating Results (23,320) 148,916
Capital Grant Revenue 835,000 - 0% 835,000 100% - 835,000 100% Capital Expenses 835,000 7,727 1% 827,273 99% 4,189 823,084 99% Net (23,320) 141,188
Notes:
1 Rental revenue is highly seasonal.
City of Crescent City
FY 2025-26 RV Park Fund Operating Report
As of November 30, 2025
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
% of Year Remaining: 58%
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Sewer Fund Revenue
Interest 1 100,000 27,401 27% 72,599 73% - 72,599 73%
Other Income 2 27,800 26,621 96% 1,179 4% - 1,179 4%
Charges for Services 4,578,264 1,943,441 42% 2,634,823 58% - 2,634,823 58% Sewer Connections 3 200,000 296,289 148% (96,289) -48% - (96,289) -48% Sewer Lab 4 134,400 31,561 23% 102,839 77% - 102,839 77% County Collection System (CSA) 5 269,177 - 0% 269,177 100% - 269,177 100% Grant Revenue 384,860 17,594 5% 367,266 95% - 367,266 95% Transfers In 194,074 - 0% 194,074 100% - 194,074 100%
Sewer Fund Revenue Total 5,888,575 2,342,907 40% 3,545,668 60% - 3,545,668 60% Sewer Fund Expenses by Dept
City Council 43,374 17,168 40% 26,206 60% 894 25,312 58% City Manager 135,559 57,385 42% 78,174 58% 607 77,567 57% Econ Dev / Grants 67,370 28,431 42% 38,939 58% - 38,939 58% City Clerk 77,933 34,845 45% 43,088 55% - 43,088 55%
Human Resources 25,646 7,051 27% 18,595 73% 76 18,519 72% Finance 486,769 201,128 41% 285,641 59% 21,990 263,650 54% City Attorney 74,319 28,645 39% 45,674 61% 289 45,385 61% Sewer Lab 506,546 209,296 41% 297,250 59% 60,331 236,919 47% WWTP Operations 3,033,506 808,142 27% 2,225,364 73% 1,623,920 601,443 20% City Collection System 550,130 221,062 40% 329,068 60% 27,796 301,272 55% County Collection System (CSA) 271,485 71,895 26% 199,590 74% 50,494 149,096 55% WWTP Major Maintenance 276,276 114,558 41% 161,718 59% 21,049 140,669 51% Operating Expense Total 5,548,913 1,799,607 32% 3,749,306 68% 1,807,447 1,941,859 35% Debt Service 6 1,697,663 1,697,663 100% - 0% - - 0%
Transfers to Sewer CIP Fund 75,000 - 0% 75,000 100% - 75,000 100% Transfers to Equipment ISF 16,000 - 0% 16,000 100% - 16,000 100% Sewer Fund Expense Total 7,337,576 3,497,269 48% 3,840,306 52% 1,807,447 2,032,859 28% Net Sewer Fund Results (1,449,001) (1,154,362)
City of Crescent City
FY 2025-26 Sewer Fund Operating Report
As of November 30, 2025
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Sewer CIP Revenues
Transfers in (from Sewer Fund) 75,000 - 0% 75,000 100% - 75,000 100% Interest 1 50,000 11,804 24% 38,196 76% - 38,196 76%
Sewer CIP Revenue Total 125,000 11,804 9% 113,196 91% - 113,196 91% Sewer CIP Expenses
RBC Gear Box 62,000 - 0% 62,000 100% - 62,000 100%
Boiler 228,000 - 0% 228,000 100% - 228,000 100%
Influent Gate 35,000 - 0% 35,000 100% 15,000 20,000 57% Primary Influent Valves 120,000 - 0% 120,000 100% - 120,000 100% Influent Screens 200,000 144,804 72% 55,196 28% 6,966 48,230 24% Sewer Mains 225,000 - 0% 225,000 100% - 225,000 100%
Transfers out (to Sewer Fund) 194,074 - 0% 194,074 100% - 194,074 100% Sewer CIP Expense Total 1,064,074 144,804 14% 919,270 86% 21,966 897,304 84% Net Sewer CIP Results (939,074) (133,000)
NOTES:
1 Interest is received quarterly, so this report reflects interest earned in the first quarter (Jul - Sep, received in Oct). 2 NSF and late fees for all utility accounts are recorded here and then allocated between water and sewer at the end of the year. 3 Actual results depend on the number of connections requested. 4 Internal lab services are billed quarterly, so this report includes 1st quarter (Jul-Sep); external customers are billed the month following service. 5 Amounts depend on actual expenditures, will be billed to County. 6 Annual debt service payment is made in July.
% of Year Remaining: 58%
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Water Fund Revenue
Interest 67,500 23,388 35% 44,112 65% - 44,112 65%
Rental Revenue 1 24,648 8,215 33% 16,433 67% - 16,433 67% Other Revenue 2 27,196 - 0% 27,196 100% - 27,196 100%
Charges for Services 2,695,897 949,931 35% 1,745,966 65% - 1,745,966 65% Water Connections 3 95,000 127,653 134% (32,653) -34% - (32,653) -34% Water CSD Admin Revenue 3,300 - 0% 3,300 100% - 3,300 100% Other Reimbursements 58,130 5,161 9% 52,969 91% - 52,969 91% Transfers In 210,200 - 0% 210,200 100% - 210,200 100%
Water Fund Revenue Total 3,181,871 1,114,348 35% 2,067,523 65% - 2,067,523 65% Water Fund Expenses by Department
City Council 42,748 14,635 34% 28,113 66% 505 27,608 65% City Manager 134,430 48,672 36% 85,758 64% 607 85,151 63% Econ Dev / Grants 60,729 22,030 36% 38,699 64% - 38,699 64% City Clerk 71,166 26,108 37% 45,058 63% 809 44,250 62%
Human Resources 27,724 5,447 20% 22,277 80% - 22,277 80% Finance 466,310 170,703 37% 295,607 63% 24,797 270,810 58% City Attorney 63,026 22,092 35% 40,934 65% 289 40,645 64% Water Operations 2,253,437 638,217 28% 1,615,220 72% 136,233 1,478,987 66% Water CSD 132,917 23,542 18% 109,375 82% 22,000 87,375 66% Operating Expense Total 3,252,487 971,447 30% 2,281,041 70% 185,239 2,095,801 64% Transfers to Water CIP Fund 400,000 - 0% 400,000 100% - 400,000 100% Transfers to Equipment ISF 12,150 - 0% 12,150 100% - 12,150 100% Water Fund Expense Total 3,664,637 971,447 27% 2,693,191 73% 185,239 2,507,951 68% Net Water Fund Results (482,766) 142,901
City of Crescent City
FY 2025-26 Water Fund Operating Report
As of November 30, 2025
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Description Notes Budget Actual % Remaining %
Open
Purchase
Orders Remaining %
Before
Encumbrances
Including
Encumbrances
Water CIP Revenues
Transfers in (from Water Fund) 400,000 - 0% 400,000 100% - 400,000 100% Interest 50,000 15,907 32% 34,093 68% - 34,093 68%
Grant Revenue 695,122 - 0% 695,122 100% - 695,122 100%
Water CIP Revenue Total 1,145,122 15,907 1% 1,129,215 99% - 1,129,215 99% Water CIP Expenses
Ground Source Well 649,122 1,213 0% 647,909 100% 7,326 640,583 99% Surge Protection 814,743 68,472 8% 746,271 92% 642,528 103,743 13% Automatic Meter Reading 606,844 89,333 15% 517,511 85% 161,235 356,276 59% Water Mains 195,107 54,250 28% 140,857 72% 6,000 134,857 69% Transfers out (to Water Fund) 210,200 - 0% 210,200 100% - 210,200 100% Water CIP Expense Total 2,476,016 213,269 9% 2,262,747 91% 817,089 1,445,659 58% Net Water CIP Results (1,330,894) (197,362)
NOTES:
1 Cell tower rent.
2 NSF and late fees are allocated at the end of the year. 3 Includes both the connection fee and charges for equipment/materials related to the connection. Actual results depend on connections requested.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: BILL GILLESPIE, INTERIM FIRE CHIEF
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: BUDGET AMENDMENT – ENGINE 5111 VEHICLE ACCIDENT
REPAIRS
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Approve and adopt Resolution No. 2026-03, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Crescent City Amending the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget
BACKGROUND
On October 25, 2025, Crescent City Fire & Rescue Engine 5111 was responding Code 3 (lights and sirens) when it was involved in a motor vehicle accident that resulted in damage to the apparatus. The incident was reported to the City’s insurance provider, Golden State Risk Management Authority (GSRMA).
Following the accident, staff obtained repair estimates to determine the full scope of work required to return Engine 5111 to a safe and fully operational condition. The total cost of the necessary repairs exceeds the remaining balance available in the Fire Department’s vehicle repair budget line, requiring City Council approval of a budget amendment.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Staff obtained repair estimates from qualified vendors for mechanical repairs, body work, and apparatus graphics. The estimated costs are as follows:
• Fire Apparatus Solutions: $5,000.00
• Howard’s Auto Body: $5,461.98
• Southern Oregon Signs: $2,385.60
Total Estimated Repair Cost: $12,847.58
A budget amendment is required to account for both the repair expenditure and insurance reimbursement, less the City’s deductible. As the other driver was at fault, GSRMA will attempt to recover the cost including deductible from the other party’s insurance. If successful, the deductible will be reimbursed to the City as well.
STRATEGIC PLAN ANALYSIS
Approval of this item supports the City’s strategic goals related to public safety, risk management, and continuity of emergency services. Timely repair of Engine 5111 ensures the Fire Department maintains reliable and safe apparatus availability for emergency response, minimizes service disruptions, and protects the City’s investment in critical public safety assets.
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. 2026-03
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03 Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-03
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT AMENDING THE CITY BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26
WHEREAS, the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as submitted by the City Manager, was reviewed by the City Council and a public hearing was held thereon the 16th day of June 2025; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted said budget by way of Resolution No. 2025-24 and has the authority to amend said budget from time to time; and WHEREAS, a Fire vehicle was damaged in an accident and requires repairs, which will be reimbursed by the City’s insurance; and
WHEREAS, the fulfillment of these priorities requires an amendment to the City’s operating budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY AS FOLLOWS:
1. That the Fiscal Year 2025-26 City of Crescent City Annual Budget is hereby amended and appropriated in the amounts identified below:
Fund Revenue Increase
(Decrease)
Expenditure Increase
(Decrease)
General Fund $11,848 $12,848
APPROVED and ADOPTED and made effective the same day at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Crescent City held on the 20th day of January 2026, by the following polled vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
_______________________________
Isaiah Wright, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Robin Altman, City Clerk
SUCCESSOR AGENCY AGENDA REPORT
TO: SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
FROM: LINDA LEAVER, CITY OF CRESCENT CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 34177(l) FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
RECOMMENDATION
• Consider and adopt Resolution No SA 2026-01, A Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Dissolved Redevelopment Agency of the City of Crescent City Approving a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS) for the Period July 1, 2026 Through June 30, 2027, Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34177(l) and (m)
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34172, the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Crescent City (“Agency”) was dissolved as of February 1, 2012. The City of Crescent City (“RDA Successor Agency”) is the successor agency of the former Redevelopment Agency, and pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34173(g), the RDA Successor Agency is a separate legal entity from the City.
One of the responsibilities of the Successor Agency is to prepare a ROPS, which sets forth the nature, amount, and source(s) of payment of all “enforceable obligations” of the Agency (as defined by law) to be paid by the Successor Agency. This report is for the fiscal period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.
The Oversight Board is responsible for approving the actions of the RDA Successor Agency pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34179, including the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (“ROPS”).
This ROPS, once approved by the Successor Agency, must be submitted to the Oversight Board for approval. The Oversight Board is scheduled to meet January 21, 2026. The approved ROPS is required to be submitted to the Department of Finance, California State Controller, and County Auditor-Controller by February 1, 2026.
ANALYSIS
Successor Agency Staff Report
ROPS 26-27
January 20, 2026
2 Attached is the ROPS for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. It is organized into the following sections:
Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule (ROPS 26-27) – Summary and Detail This report shows the estimated amounts to be expended and the funding source for those amounts. The Successor Agency has two potential sources of funding to make payments on recognized obligations and to cover administrative costs:
• Existing assets / fund balance
• Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTTF)
Of these amounts, the Successor Agency is required to use its assets first and then may request RPTTF to cover any shortfall to make approved payments toward recognized obligations. RPTTF is collected by the County and distributed to taxing entities pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34183. The remaining amount (called the residual) is potentially available to fund Successor Agency obligations. However, the Successor Agency may only request up to 50% of the difference between the projected residual and the actual residual from the base year 2012-13.
The ROPS 26-27 is based on the prior year actual amounts and a projection for the current year. If the actual current year amounts differ from the projection submitted via the ROPS, the State Department of Finance will adjust the ROPS amount. If the State adjusts the ROPS amounts, the Successor Agency will adjust the payment accordingly and no additional action is required from the Successor Agency or the Oversight Board.
The proposed ROPS estimates $159,778 will be available to make recognized obligation payments in Fiscal Year 2026-27. Of this amount, $12,771 will come from existing funds in the Successor Agency fund and $147,007 is requested to be funded from RPTTF. The only remaining obligation of the Successor Agency is a balance of $276,214 on the Water Fund loan.
The total amount to be repaid each year will change depending on the RPTTF residual amount available, which fluctuates from year to year. Staff estimates the loan will be fully paid off in Fiscal Year 2028-29, although this may change depending on the annual RPTTF calculation. Once this loan is fully paid off, there will be no other obligations of the Successor Agency.
Also under AB 1484, 20% of the Water Fund loan repayment each year must be set aside in the Successor Housing Fund for affordable housing. Therefore, of the proposed $159,778 payment, $127,822.40 will go to the Water Fund and $31,955.60 will go to the Successor Housing Fund. In order to address what would have otherwise been a loss to the Water Fund, the City Council approved payment in FY 2021-22 from the General Successor Agency Staff Report
ROPS 26-27
January 20, 2026
3 Fund to the Water Fund to cover the full 20% it would otherwise have lost. Due to this action, the Water Fund was made whole.
Cash Balance Report
The Report of Cash Balances tracks Successor Agency cash flow and ending balances across several ROPS periods. Each year the ROPS includes a look-back report of the cash balances as of three years prior. This form provides transparency over the continual estimation and tax distribution true-up processes embedded in the State dissolution law.
FISCAL IMPACT
The ROPS 26-27 financial report authorizes the Successor Agency to request $147,007 from RPTTF funds, all of which will go toward the loan payment. This is in accordance with the purpose of the Successor Agency, which is to wind down the affairs of the former Redevelopment Agency and pay its enforceable obligations.
Due to the timing of when final RPTTF information is available compared to the deadline for ROPS submission, the amounts provided are based on estimates only. If necessary, the DOF will make adjustments to the ROPS when final RPTTF amounts are known. If the DOF makes any adjustments, the Successor Agency will pay the updated amounts in FY 2026-27 and no additional action will be required.
ATTACHMENTS
• Resolution No. SA 2026-01
• ROPS 26-27
SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION NO. SA2026-01 Page 1
RESOLUTION NO. SA2026-01
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY,
APPROVING AND ADOPTING A RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT
SCHEDULE COVERING THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2026 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027, PURSUANT TO HEALTH AND SAFETY CODE SECTION 34177(l) AND (m)
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34173(d), the City of Crescent City elected to become the successor agency to the Redevelopment Agency of the City of Crescent City (“Successor Agency”) by Resolution No. 2012-03 on January 17, 2012; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 34173(g), the Successor Agency is now a separate legal entity from the City; and WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 34177(l) requires the Successor Agency to prepare a recognized obligation payment schedule (“ROPS”) before each fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 34177(l)(2) requires the Successor Agency to submit the ROPS to the Successor Agency’s oversight board for its approval, and upon such approval, the Successor Agency is required to submit a copy of the approved ROPS (“Approved ROPS”) to the Del Norte County Auditor-Controller, the California State Controller, and the State of California Department of Finance, and post the Approved ROPS on the Successor Agency’s website; and WHEREAS, Health and Safety Code Section 34177(m) requires that the Approved ROPS for the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027 (“ROPS 26-27”) is required to be submitted to the Department of Finance, California State Controller and the County Auditor-Controller by February 1, 2026; and
WHEREAS, all other legal prerequisites to the adoption of this Resolution have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE FORMER
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Recitals. The Recitals set forth above are true and correct and are incorporated into this Resolution by this reference.
Section 2. CEQA Compliance. The approval of the ROPS 26-27 through this Resolution does not commit the Successor Agency to any action that may have a SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION NO. SA2026-01 Page 2
significant effect on the environment. As a result, such action does not constitute a project subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to file a Notice of Exemption with the appropriate official of the County of Del Norte, California, within five (5) days following the date of adoption of this Resolution.
Section 3. Approval of ROPS. The Successor Agency hereby approves and adopts the ROPS 26-27, covering the period July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, in substantially the form attached to this Resolution as Exhibit A, as required by Health and Safety Code Section 34177.
Section 4. Transmittal of ROPS. The Finance Director, Linda Leaver, is hereby authorized and directed to take any action necessary to carry out the purposes of this Resolution and comply with applicable law regarding the ROPS 26-27, including submitting the ROPS 26-27 to the Successor Agency’s oversight board for approval, and submission of the Approved ROPS to the Del Norte County Auditor-Controller, the California State Controller, and the State of California Department of Finance, and posting the Approved ROPS on the Successor Agency’s website.
Section 5. Effectiveness. This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a meeting of the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Crescent City on the 20th day of January 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
________________________________
Isaiah Wright, Chairperson
ATTEST:
________________________________
Robin Altman, Secretary
SUCCESSOR AGENCY RESOLUTION NO. SA2026-01 Page 3
EXHIBIT A
RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE
[Attached behind this page]
26-27A
Total
26-27B
Total
ROPS
Total
A
Obligations Funded as
Follows (B+C+D) 12,771 - 12,771
B Bond Proceeds
- - -
C Reserve Balance 12,771 - 12,771
D Other Funds
- - -
E
Redevelopment Property Tax Trust
Fund (RPTTF) (F+G) 147,007 - 147,007
F RPTTF 147,007 - 147,007
G Administrative RPTTF - - -
H Current Period Obligations (A+E) 159,778 - 159,778
Requested Funding for Obligations
ROPS 26-27A (Jul-Dec) ROPS 26-27B (Jan-June)
Fund Sources Fund Sources
Item # Obligation Name Obligation Type
Agreement
Execution
Date
Agreement
Termination
Date Payee Description
Total
Outstanding
Obligation Retired
ROPS 25-
26 Total Bonds Reserves Other RPTTF Admin
25-26 A
Total Bonds Reserves Other RPTTF Admin
25-26 B
Total
1 Water Fund Loan
City/County Loan
(Prior 06/28/11),
Other 1/1/1996 6/30/2032
City of Crescent
City Water Utility
Debt to fund nonhousing projects 276,214 N 159,778 12,771 147,007 159,778 0
A B C D E F G H
ROPS 23-24 Cash Balances
(07/01/23 - 06/30/24) Reserve Balance Other Funds RPTTF Rent, Non-Admin
Grants, and
Interest, etc. Admin
Beginning Available Cash Balance (Actual 07/01/23) 9,675 2,160 Adjusted to reflect actual cash RPTTF amount should exclude "A" period distribution amount Revenue/Income (Actual 06/30/24) 3,096 95,000
RPTTF amount should tie to the ROPS 23-24 total distribution from the County Auditor-Controller
3 Expenditures for ROPS 23-24 Enforceable Obligations
(Actual 06/30/24) 93,463
Retention of Available Cash Balance (Actual 06/30/24)
RPTTF amount retained should only include the amounts
distributed as reserve for future period(s)
ROPS 23-24 RPTTF Prior Period Adjustment 1,537
RPTTF amount should tie to the Agency's ROPS 23-24 PPA
form submitted to the CAC
Ending Actual Available Cash Balance (06/30/24) 0 0 0 12,771 2,160 C to F = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4), G = (1 + 2 - 3 - 4 - 5)
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024
(Report Amounts in Whole Dollars)
Fund Sources
Comments
Bond Proceeds
Bonds issued on or
before 12/31/10
Bonds issued on or after
01/01/11
Prior ROPS RPTTF and
Reserve Balances
retained for future
1 2
4 5
6 CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: BRIDGET LACEY, GRANTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MANAGER
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN - PHASE I SUMMARY REPORT ______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan Phase I Summary Report from Crandall Arambula P.C., Urban Planners.
BACKGROUND
On December 4, 2024, City staff were notified that the City was preliminarily selected to receive $186,000 in EDA funds to complete a Downtown Specific Plan, yet by January 2025 a federal spending freeze halted the award process. Funding for this award is not guaranteed but has been moved into FY26 with assurance that it has also not been denied.
The EDA grant will require a 20% match, or $46,000. On December 16, 2024, Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Crandall Arambula, PC for the development of a Downtown Specific Plan and approved an additional contribution of $48,000 for a total match of $94,000. These matching funds are already budgeted to be funded with $30,000 in previously awarded economic development funds from The California Endowment and $64,000 in defederalized CDBG program income (funds related to prior CDBG grant activities that have been retained by the City and allowed to be allocated by the Council to another project).
After waiting several months for our award to move forward, the City was at risk of losing the consultant that had been selected to perform the study due to his future availability and was at risk of missing an opportunity for the Downtown Specific Plan to connect with
DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PHASE I SUMMARY REPORT
JANUARY 20, 2026
2 and inform several other projects that were underway such as the Harbor, Front Street, Beachfront Park, and our Business Assistance Program. On March 17, 2025, the City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a revised professional services agreement with Crandall Arambula, PC to split the Downtown Specific Plan into two phases. It was understood that we would only complete Phase I with the City's matching funds ($94,000) at that time and complete Phase II with the EDA award of $186,000 if and when we are awarded the grant.
While Phase I costs meet the EDA definition of "pre-award" costs and should still be considered the City's required match if awarded, EDA can only approve pre-award costs as part of the award package, so there is still some risk to spending any funds before an award contract is executed.
Splitting the project into two phases allowed the City to move forward with the consultant who was unanimously determined to be the best fit for the project by the hiring panel comprised of City staff and key community members. Crandall Arambula has an impressive resume spanning over 25 years, including a portfolio of over 50 Downtown Plan projects nationwide. Their past revitalization efforts have created authentic downtowns that have thriving retail, restaurants, and visitor attractions while improving livability, maintaining affordability, and equitable economic opportunity for all community members. Crandall Arambula has committed to producing a list of no more than five catalyst implementation priorities for the City that are not only good ideas but make financial sense, and a roadmap for substantial, achievable change, within no more than five years of plan adoption.
Upon execution of the professional services agreement with Crandall Arambula, Phase I of the Downtown Specific Plan began in March 2025.
ITEM ANALYSIS
As previously mentioned, the Planning Process was broken down into two phases due to funding restrictions. The scope for Phase I includes the following tasks:
• Project Management
• Existing Conditions Analysis
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Downtown Vision and Goals & Objectives Development
• Buildout Concept Options
• 'Revitalization Strategy' Catalyst and Priority Projects Identification Community outreach and engagement during Phase I included:
Town Hall Visioning Workshop
September 4, 2025, 5:30pm-7:30pm at the Cultural Center, 1001 Front Street • A Town Hall Visioning Workshop to discuss existing conditions and the characteristics of a successful downtown. Attendees were asked to provide downtown opportunities and constraints to build upon or to mitigate. Feedback was
DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PHASE I SUMMARY REPORT
JANUARY 20, 2026
3 utilized to create the Downtown Specific Plan Vision and Goals & Objectives planning criteria.
Design Workshop
November 12, 2025, 5:30-7:30pm at the Cultural Center, 1001 Front Street • A Town Hall Design Workshop to discuss Land Use and Public Realm Design Concepts and an implementation 'Revitalization Strategy'. Meeting attendees were asked to provide feedback on proposals. Feedback will be used to refine the Downtown Specific Plan concepts and implementation strategies during Phase II of the project
Phase I Outcomes
City staff have been able to use the buildout concept drawings established in Phase I to begin the process of seeking out implementation grant funding for several of the identified strategies. Development momentum has begun to implement the Revitalization Strategy, an example being the Redwood Downtown affordable housing project which will utilize the proposed downtown design guidelines for their project. Additional planning and design for concepts identified in the Revitalization Strategy include:
• Adopted and Approved Plans for the Transit Center: collaboration with the Transit Center consultant team on refinement of material required for the project Environmental Impact Report and site plan refinement.
• Retail Streetscapes: initiation of a survey and civil drawings for Third and K Street improvements.
The status of the overall project schedule is described below:
When planning and design funds become available, the following scope of work will be completed as part of Phase II:
• Project Management
• Collect and Analyze Data: a Business/Visitor analysis and Cost of Doing Business Analysis will be completed to help recruit/retain businesses downtown.
DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN PHASE I SUMMARY REPORT
JANUARY 20, 2026
4 • Public Outreach/Visioning: additional Steering Committee and Town Hall meetings.
• Concept Drawing Refinement: after a Downtown Core Phase I alternatives are selected, the preferred concepts will be refined, reviewed again, and finalized. • Preliminary concept-level cost estimates will be provided to inform a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis.
• Architectural Design Standards and Guidelines: descriptive and prescriptive standards and guidelines will be developed for Downtown Core retail, commercial, and multifamily land uses. The guidelines will include a range of Crescent City, California, North Coast, and Pacific Northwest Coast – appropriate architectural styles. The standards and guidelines shall include building permitted and prohibited façade materials, form, massing, articulation, and fenestration requirements at a minimum.
• Draft, edit, revise, and finalize the Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Receiving the Downtown Specific Plan Phase I Summary Report does not have a financial impact on the City.
STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
This action supports the following Strategic Plan goals:
• Goal 1: Support quality services, community safety, and health to enhance the quality of life and experience of our residents and visitors • Goal 1(A): Enhance collaboration with other agencies and the community to better aid the public
• Goal 1(E): Target economic development improvements that provide additional benefit by enhancing the quality of life for residents
• Goal 2: Promote a thriving local economy
• Goal 2(D): Collaborate with other jurisdictions and non-profits to maximize regional effectiveness and amplify funding opportunities
• Goal 2(E): Create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining strong, sustainable businesses that reflect community needs and culture • Goal 2(F)(1): Streamline services that support new, existing, and prospective businesses
• Goal 2(F)(9): Expand on the success of grant funding by maximizing utilization of opportunities with corresponding community needs
ATTACHMENTS
1. Downtown Specific Plan Phase I Summary Report
1 DECEMBER 2025
DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN
CRESCENT CITY
CRANDALL ARAMBULA
GREENWORKS | JOHNSON ECONOMICS
PHASE 1 SUMMARY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
2 SPECIFIC PLAN INTENT
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SPECIFIC PLAN INTENT
With this plan, we hope to develop a community-based vision for the downtown by examining existing conditions, analyzing current data, exploring land use designations and zoning districts, finding the best use for the public spaces, establishing design guidelines and concept drawings, exploring funding tools, and producing an implementation plan to help strengthen and grow the local economy and improve the quality of life for our residents.
Crescent City envisions a rich, vibrant, and economically diverse downtown, with thriving local businesses, restaurants, nightlife, an assortment of things to do, abundant market rate housing, some high-end housing, and some affordable housing. This future is fueled by community investment, private investment, and support from local government. In this envisioned future, the City’s downtown plays a central role in the region’s economy, social environment, and overall culture, just as every economically successful small town has a core area that serves as the community’s “heart” which defines the social and cultural character of a place from which its identity radiates. Crescent City’s downtown should reflect an identity which connects to the Redwood National Park and the abundance of natural resources which surround it. Recent branding efforts have explored the concept of “the healing power of nature”, which the City is guided by to prioritize, both, a healthy economy and a healthy community.
3 Contents
SPECIFIC PLAN INTENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 SPECIFIC PLAN AREA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 SUMMARY OF COMPLETED SPECIFIC PLAN TASKS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN VISION, GOALS & OBJECTIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 DOWNTOWN CORE BUILDOUT VISION (2045). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 REVITALIZATION STRATEGY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 4 SPECIFIC PLAN AREA
The Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan area is compact, diverse, and includes a mix of uses. It is made up of 85 acres of private and publicly owned occupied and vacant parcels laid out in grid of streets and blocks at the confluence of Highway 101, Beach Front Park and Crescent Harbor. All parcels are within a 10-minute (half mile distance) walking radius of the centroid of the downtown at the intersection of Third Street and H Street.
The existing Crescent City Specific Plan is made up of two subareas (Figure 1):
• Downtown Core. The original ‘heart’ of the downtown, this subarea includes 18 blocks between Front Street, Fourth Street, L Street, F Street, and two blocks between Front Street, D Street, Second Street and F Street. Downtown planning tasks will focus upon addressing the issues and needs and providing action strategies for this subarea in the short and mid-term of specific plan implementation.
• Perimeter Downtown Quarters. The subarea includes the outlying ‘quarters’ of the planning area, including the parcels along the Highway 101 couplet, parcels comprised of city and county government and supportive professionals uses, and parcel areas where residential uses currently occur.
Figure 1. Downtown Core Boundary
Figure 2. Project Boundary Aerial View
5 Table 1. Specific Plan Area *
PLANNING SUBAREAS DEVELOPABLE AREA (ACRES)
Downtown Core 27
Perimeter Downtown Quarters 58
Total 85
*Total area does not include Crescent City or Caltrans public rights-of-way.
Figure 3. Downtown Specific Plan Areas
Downtown Core
Perimeter Downtown Quarters
6 Figure 4. Project Schedule
SUMMARY OF COMPLETED
SPECIFIC PLAN TASKS
PHASING
The Downtown Specific Plan planning process will be completed in two phases.
This document summarizes all Phase 1 work scope tasks to date.
Phase 1 Scope
The planning process was initiated in June 2025 and completed in January 2026. The initial planning phase focused on the Downtown Core and included the following tasks:
• Project Management
• Community Outreach and Engagement
• Existing Conditions Analysis
• Downtown Vision and Goals and Objectives
• Buildout Concept Options
• ‘Revitalization Strategy’ Catalyst and Priority Projects Identification Phase 1 Outcomes.
Development momentum has begun to implement the Revitalization Strategy. Additional planning and design for concepts identified in the Revitalization Strategy include:
• Adopted and Approved Plans- Transit Center. Collaboration with the Transit Center consultant team on refinement of material required for the project Environmental Impact Report and site plan refinement.
• Retail Strretscapes- Initiation of a survey and civil drawings for Third and K Street improvements.
Phase 2 Scope
When planning and design funds become available, a comprehensive scope of work will be created for Phase 2. Initial recommended tasks include:
• Project Management
• Additional community involvement, including open house meetings and engagement with stakeholders, the Planning Commission, and City Council. • Refinement of the Buildout Concept Options into a single Land Use and Public Realm Framework.
• Return on Investment Analysis for Revitaization Strategy Projects. • Addition design of Priority Projects, in particular for a downtown square and the restreeting of the Mason Mall.
• Development of Architectural and Public Realm Design Guidelines that will be used as tool to inform both future Facade Improvement Program project submittals, and development proposal review by City staff and the Planning Commission. • Recommendations for policy and regulatory changes to make it easier rather than more complex to develop downtown. At a minimum key regulation identified by the Planning Commission and City staff such as sign standards will be provided. • Development of a draft and final Specific Plan document. • Graphics and written materials to aid in the promotion of downtown assets and recruitment of potential investors.
7 Figure 5. September 2025 Community Workshop
Figure 6. Project Website
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Phase One began on June 15, 2025, and completed with a presentations to the Planning Commission of January 8, 2026, and City Council on January 19, 2026 The Phase 1 Public Engagement tasks completed include:
• Project Management Team Meetings conducted twice monthly • Community engagement during two primary sessions, the first following during three days in early September and the second over two days in November. • Numerous teleconference calls with key stakeholders
• Planning Commission presentations in June 2025 and January 2026.
Community Engagement Sessions Recap
Public engagement included a broad range of Crescent City and Del Norte County citizens, property owners, business owners, employees, stakeholders, developers and investors, advocacy group representatives, government agency employees, and elected and appointed officials.
Community and Stakeholder Committee Workshops included PowerPoint point presentations and breakout table discussions followed by table discussion summaries by a table representative. Individual ‘response sheet’ questionnaires were filled out by each attendee and were tallied following each meeting.
• Community Engagement Session 1. The Community and Stakeholder Meetings included a presentation of a summary of the Existing Conditions Report. In addition, attendees were downtown opportunities and constraints to build upon or to mitigate.
Feedback was utilized to create Specific Plan Vision and Goals and Objective planning criteria.
• Community Engagement Session 2. The Community and Stakeholder Meetings included a presentation of a summary of Land Use and Public Realm Design Concepts and an implementation ‘Revitalization Strategy’. Meeting attendees were asked to provide feedback on proposals. Feedback will be used to refine Specific Plan concepts and implementation strategies during Phase 2 of the project.
Project Website
A project website was developed by City staff. The website, www.ccdowntownplan. com provides background, planning and design team, and planning process component information. Meeting information and results, along with links to presentations are provided.
8 EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT
The Crandall Arambula team has gathered, reviewed, and analyzed background Downtown Crescent City planning information to establish the technical framework that formed the foundation for development of land use, mobility/ transportation, and implementation planning work tasks.
The analysis is based on the best practice criteria that team members have used for similar communities with similar demographics, economic, social, and physical characteristics.
Report Chapters
• Chapter A. Existing Land Use Conditions. Crandall Arambula has assessed land use policies and regulations and has provided an inventory of Downtown existing use types, conditions, and potential constraints and opportunities for retail, employment, civic uses, and residential development.
• Chapter B. Mobility/Active Transportation Conditions. Greenworks have reviewed existing active transportation plans and has provided analysis, mapping, and documentation of mobility/activity of primary and secondary connections through the Downtown planning areas for all modes including, truck and automobile, pedestrian, and modes.
• Chapter C. Market Analysis Johnson Economics has conducted a market analysis in support of the development of the Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan. While this analysis summarizes recent trends and current conditions, it is focused on short- and mid-term opportunities for new development in the downtown study area.
Figure 7. Existing Conditions Report
9 KEY FINDINGS
Land Use Conditions.
Crandall Arambula’s qualitative and quantitative investigation and diagnosis of opportunities and challenges for each land use. Issues to be resolved or capitalized upon include:
• Policy and Regulatory Missteps. Visitor and Local Commercial (VLC) land use designation introduced in 2001, established policies to transfer the traditional commercial focus on the central business district to auto-oriented land parcels fronting along Highway 101 and Front Street. In large measure this has been to the detriment of the historic downtown core pedestrian-oriented retail uses on Third Street.
• Downtown Core Visitor Retail Attributes. The best opportunity to create a unique and authentic environment is to return to Crescent City’s historic core where there are ripe opportunities to expand the existing retail aggregation.
Crandall Arambula’s best practice criterion for a prosperous ‘main street’ destination requires that a minimum of 100,000 square feet of contiguous, edgeto-edge retail store floor area be present. There are 97, 700 square feet of existing storefronts that are vacant, underutilized, or occupied by non-retail uses that could possibly be relocated, over time, to other downtown buildings to accommodate visitor-oriented retail businesses in their place.
• Expand Hospitality Options. Creating a successful Downtown visitor destination will benefit from new hospitality options. More affluent downtown hotel guests can expand downtown foot traffic and revenue generation for nearby specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. A small upscale or ‘boutique’ hotel that emphasizes an elevated experience, featuring more spacious rooms, a wider range of amenities, and enhanced service is needed. • Increase Meager Housing Supply. Today, there are only 206 downtown residential units, far below an adequate number to support existing businesses. Infusing meaningful amounts of new housing units will require concerted efforts to identify sites where housing is viable— parcels of adequate size or sites that can be assembled to efficiently accommodate higher density apartments or condominiums.
• Improve Downtown Livability. To draw desirable affordable housing above 50% AMI and market rate housing will first require creating an environment where these uses will be desirable. This means first adding additional amenities that will attract residents who can afford higher rents. Minimum requirements include improved walking and biking access to local serving retail uses such as grocery stores and providing additional parks and open space. To attract desirable market rate uses such as senior housing, additional medical services downtown would be important as well.
• Provide Shopper-friendly Parking. The majority of residents and nearly all visitors downtown Crescent City will be arriving by automobile Providing an adequate supply of parking that is in close proximity to retail shops, including both off-street and on-street curbside parking is essential for retail success. Combined with the public off-street and curbside parking spaces available today in the downtown core, approximately 1,445 parking spaces are available for downtown residents, employees, clients and customers, which is approximately 67 percent of the amount of parking that would be required should all existing buildings be fully occupied. Because the buildings are not fully occupied, the current supply of private and parking is adequate to serve current users, and the parking deficit is not a problem. However, as the downtown gains additional infill development and underutilized buildings are filled, an increased demand for parking will occur.
Future parking demand management strategies such improved walking and biking access and bus service that reduce auto trips for employees and local residents, and other strategies such as a parking assessment district that could finance new parking facilities using fees in-lieu of building off-street parking as the City Code of Ordinances. Chapters 17.42.140 Assessment districts for parking, and Chapter
5.100 Downtown Parking and Assessment District specify may be means to address future parking demand.
Figure 8. Existing Retail Analysis Diagram
10 Active Transportation/Mobility Conditions.
Green Works’ report provides a ‘complete streets’ analysis that focuses on how well the existing street design supports pedestrian-oriented retail activity.
The methodology involved dividing the public right-of-way into two zones: a vehicle zone and a pedestrian zone. Each zone was assessed for elements that support pedestrian retail. Key elements assessed in the vehicle zone included travel lanes, direction, volume, parking, and transit infrastructure, while the pedestrian zone was evaluated for sidewalk width, lighting, seating, tree canopy, and multimodal facilities. • Vehicle Zone. The vehicle zone analysis found that most street segments support pedestrian retail, with favorable ratings for travel lane width, number of lanes, and general traffic direction. However, specific areas such as the intersection of H Street (Stamps Way) and Front Street, and segments lacking curb extensions or adequate bus stop infrastructure, were identified as needing improvement. Bike infrastructure was notably insufficient, with only one dedicated lane present along Front Street.
• Pedestrian Zone. In contrast, the pedestrian zone revealed more significant challenges. Sidewalks were generally too narrow, lighting was inadequate, and street trees were sparse. While some areas offered pedestrian seating and traffic calming features, most lacked essential amenities like stormwater management, wayfinding, and multimodal transit facilities. These deficiencies suggest that substantial upgrades are needed to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment that supports retail vitality in the Downtown Core.
Current Market Assessment.
The Johnson Economics report’s main objective is to outline current and anticipated conditions for private real estate development downtown, considering broader market trends, achievable pricing, and anticipated demand over the coming ten years.
The analysis supports and expands upon the Crescent City Economic Development Strategic Action Plan policies, goals, and objectives, particularly for downtown. It also addresses the General Plan, especially the Housing Element and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements. The three major use types evaluated in this analysis are residential (including for-sale and rentals), commercial, and hospitality, with a focus on building formats suitable within a downtown context. • Retail Opportunities. The revitalization of the downtown core will rely heavily on Figure 9. Existing Active Transportation/Mobility Analysis Diagram Figure 10. Tourism Market Opportunity
11 Use Current Trends With Intervention Comments
Food and
Dining
Negligible 5-Year: 3,000 SF
10-Year: 8,000 SF
20-Year: 16,000 SF
Growth in this sector will be reliant
upon achieving a greater capture of
tourism-related expenditures
Specialty
Retail
Negligible 5-Year: 3,000 SF
10-Year: 10,000 SF
20-Year: 20,000 SF
Growth in this sector will be reliant
upon achieving a greater capture of
tourism-related expenditures
Outdoor/
Recreation
5-Year: 2,000 SF 5-Year: 2,000 SF
10-Year: 10,000 SF
20-Year: 15,000 SF
Without intervention this type of
activity will likely locate along the
Highway 101 corridor.
Lodging None Boutique Hotel -
50 keys
Casino-Related -
80-160 keys
The casino has the potential to
support a hotel in the short-term,
but the location is likely to be on
the water and closer to the casino
without a better commercial
environment in the study area.
Housing 60-80 units,
affordable
60-80 units,
affordable
100 units, market
rate
Enhanced commercial amenities will
support higher achievable pricing
and market rate investment.
visitor demand. The area has an opportunity to attract an increasing share of the Table 1. Market Analysis Summary existing pool of visitor-related traffic and expenditure. Available data indicates over
1.5 million annual visitors to the State and National Parks, as well as significant visitation to the Smith River and Harbor for recreational activities. Direct travel spending was $1.3 billion in the North Coast area in 2022, with $152.9 million in Del Norte County.
• Latent Retail Demand. The downtown area has an opportunity to capitalize on the latent demand associated with tourism activity, but it will require significant interventions to increase the attractiveness of the study area within the regional context. The most viable path to increasing retail commercial activity is to expand its capture of tourism-related traffic. A strategic approach would be to encourage development of an enhanced commercial concentration off Highway 101 on a street such as Third Street, potentially with an anchor use(s) at the intersection with the highway. This type of concentration would be less auto-oriented, complementary as opposed to competitive with existing retail space, and support longer dwell times in the district and cross-shopping.
• Intervention. Establishing a retail commercial concentration typically requires active intervention. The range of interventions can include actions such as entitlements (zoning), funding programs (storefront improvement grants, tenant improvement funding), infrastructure (streetscape, public spaces, signage), tax incentives, and a wide range of public/private partnership structures. The demand projections outlined in this report reflect an assumption of active intervention, without which the study area is not expected to see significant private-sector commercial investment. We expect that the district has the ability to attract roughly 50,000 square feet of induced retail commercial demand with intervention, as well as a potential hotel investment. As the scale of the concentration increases, so will its market draw.
• Housing Demand. Strengthening the retail amenity mix in the study area would be expected to translate into enhanced marketability of the area for residential uses. Residential development opportunities in the study area include market rate and income restricted rental apartment developments, as well as condominium development at a limited scale. Johnson Economics expects that new housing projects can be supported at a larger scale than indicated in the Housing Element needs allocation. Johnson Economics anticipates that achievable pricing for new residential products in the study area would be well above existing comparables.
This is primarily related to the age of product, but sites in the study area have the potential to offer water views. To the extent that the downtown core retail district becomes more vital, it will add retail amenities that would be highly marketable to residential tenants.
12 DOWNTOWN SPECIFIC PLAN VISION,
GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Community members established an overarching Vision Statement and identified Specific Plan Goals and Objectives that have driven subsequent planning tasks.
Community input was informed by the Existing Conditions Analysis along with existing vision statement, goals, and objectives for the Downtown as described in the General Plan other policy and regulatory documents.
The primary sources for community input included meeting Response Sheet surveys.
Survey feedback was gathered from:
• Town Hall Workshop
• Steering Committee Meeting
• On-on-One Stakeholder Meetings
• Farmers Market Survey
• College of the Redwoods Meeting
• Senior Center Meeting
Our Vision
The Crescent City Downtown Specific Plan aims to grow our local economy and improve the quality of life for our residents by creating a vibrant and thriving downtown. In this re-envisioned future, the City’s downtown serves as the community’s “heart”, from which its identity radiates, defining the social and cultural character of the City including the abundance of natural resources surrounding it.
Building on the momentum.
The Downtown Specific Plan should create a Downtown that is welcoming, including a pedestrian-friendly streetscape that seamlessly connects the new Beachfront Park amenities, Redwood Discovery Center/Visitor’s Center, and Transit Center to our downtown businesses.
What community members are saying:
“Our downtown has great bones, a world-class location, and tremendous potential.
In fact, its layout is vastly superior to that of Brookings...We enjoy very temperate weather and should take full advantage of it with abundant landscaping...Clear signage standards and a cohesive visual theme should be established to ensure that [it] contributes to the town’s charm, rather than detracting from it.” “Our downtown image is quite dated and needs to be updated to be ageless and have a design that reflects our area better. I feel that the Tolowa culture should be incorporated into the design aspects as well as our beautiful Redwoods.” “Cater to your visitors as much as your locals. Visitors need to feel welcomed and presented with options of things to do and places to see from the downtown core... create parking zones and less through traffic...connect and provide space for tour operators, with parks for visitor enjoyment/experience, with Tribes for cultural learning.
Create a CC tour bus operation (cable car on rubber wheels).” Figure 11. Downtown Looking East
13 GOALS (DRAFT)
1. BUILD UPON AND CAPITALIZE UPON ASSETS
• Location and Proximity to Redwoods, Coast, Harbor, and Lighthouse • Unique Downtown History, Culture, and People
• Village (Small Town) Crescent City Character
• Existing Local Businesses
2. PROVIDE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
• New Uses in Vacant Buildings and Lots
• Start-Up Business for Local Residents
3. CREATE A WALKING AND BIKING DOWNTOWN
• Provide Safe and Convenient Routes and Facilities within Downtown • Improve Access to Downtown
4. ADDRESS AND RESOLVE DOWNTOWN SOCIAL CONCERNS
• Homeless and Poverty
• Safety, Especially at Night
• Needs of Youth and Young Adults
5. BEAUTIFY THE APPEARANCE OF DOWNTOWN
• More Attractive Buildings
• Add Greenery
6. PROVIDE AMENITIES FOR VISITORS AND RESIDENTS
• Attractions
• Tours and Guides
Figure 12. Downtown Third Street Looking Southwest
14 LAND USE OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
A. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESIDENTIAL USES
• Condominiums
• Mixed with Retail/Commercial Uses
B. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RETAIL USES
• Restaurants, Pubs, & Entertainment Venues
• Bookstore, Clothing & Shoes. Florist, Bakery
• Wine Shop/Tasting Room, Thrift, Records, Ice Cream
C. PROVIDE ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL USES
• Personal Services
• Health Care and Wellness
IMPLEMENTATION OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
A. BUILDING FACADE IMPROVEMENTS
• Architectural Guidelines
B. REMOVE DEVELOPMENT ‘RED TAPE’ BARRIERS
• Update Regulations and Policies
• Business Development Programs
PUBLIC REALM OBJECTIVES (DRAFT)
A. STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS
• Underground Utility Lines
• Trees, Shrubs, Flowers & Groundcover
• Pedestrian Lighting
• Sidewalks
• Public Art
• Signage and Wayfinding
B. PROVIDE NEW OR REVITALIZED CIVIC SPACES & FACILITIES • Renovated Tsunami Plaza/ New Square
• All Age Gathering and Performance Facilities
• Farmers Market Venue
• Public Restrooms
C. IMPROVE EXISTING OR PROVIDE A NEW LIBRARY
D. AUTO ACCESS AND PARKING IMPROVEMENTS
15 DOWNTOWN CORE
BUILDOUT VISION (2045)
Two design concepts provide a bold yet realistic vision for a 20-year buildout scenario.
Intent. Serve as a vision of how community goals and objectives for the downtown can be met by:
• Identifying necessary public infrastructure improvements and the potential Return On Investment (ROI) of downtown new development.
• Informing ongoing updates to the General Plan and Zoning ordinances. • Serving as a tool for grant submissions.
• Serving as a tool for business recruitment.
Concepts Developed For:
• Vacant parcels where there are no building or site improvements. • Underutilized parcels such as parking lots.
• Stable Parcels where redevelopment can result in substantial benefits for both the property owner and community.
• Publicly owned parcels
• Approved Projects. Parcels where existing plans and funding for implementation currently exist.
Concept Rules. No Eminent Domain.
• No ‘takings.’ There are no current proposals for acquisition or condemnation of any private property.
• No displacement. Existing businesses can remain as long as they wish. • Any changes will require additional outreach with effected property owners and businesses.
Next Steps.
• Preferred Option. Phase 2 will include additional outreach and refinement between the consultant, City staff, and stakeholders.
Figure 13. Concepts Developed for Underutilized Parcels Figure 14. Concept for City Municipal Parking Lot Underutilized Site 16 BUILDOUT OPTIONS
Options test the range of possibilities. Both are viable. All good plans have a degree of flexibility because we can’t always anticipate changing market conditions, property owner preferences, or other factors.
Full description of land use framework elements are provided on the following pages.
OPTION 1
Generally, Option 1 includes less total development and requires a smaller amount of public investment to implement.
ESTIMATED PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY (DRAFT)
Retail 115,000 SF Building Floor Area
Residential 400 Residential Units
Lodging 50 Hotel Rooms
ESTIMATED PUBLIC INVESTMENT SUMMARY (DRAFT)
Public Parking 175 Spaces (Lots)
City Hall 16,00 Building Area (SF)
Library 10,000 Building Area (SF)
Town Square 28,000 Site Area (SF)
Mason Mall 600 Linear Feet
Figure 15. Option 1 Looking North
17 Figure 16. Option 1
18 OPTION 2
Generally, Option 2 includes more total development and requires a significantly greater amount of public investment to implement.
ESTIMATED PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SUMMARY TABLE (DRAFT)
Retail 120,000 SF Building Area
Residential 660 Residential Units
Lodging 50 Hotel Rooms
ESTIMATED PUBLIC INVESTMENT SUMMARY TABLE (DRAFT)
Public Parking 600 Spaces (Lot & Structures)
City Hall 16,000 Building Area (SF)
Library 10,000 Building Area (SF)
Town Square 20,000 Site Area (SF)
Mason Mall 600 Linear Feet
Figure 17. Option 2 Looking North
19 Figure 18. Option 2
20 RETAIL USE FRAMEWORK
Retail is a cornerstone land use for a healthy and prosperous Downtown Crescent City.
Within the downtown core, the retail options have an emphasis on providing ‘experiential’ retail uses, where the goal of a shopping trip is to participate in an entertaining immersive and memorable activity, such as dining at cafes, restaurants, or shopping at specialty stores and galleries. Moreover, to ensure that residents and employees have access goods and services that are needed on daily and weekly basis, ‘transactional’ retail stores that offer lower prices, and range of choices, such as the Grocery Outlet, pharmacies, and hardware stores are desirable as well. The conceptual retail design options address:
• Retail Placemaking. Retail uses that draw residents and visitors into Downtown, providing essential economic vitality, contributing to a strong community identity, and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and downtown workers. • ‘Right-sized’ Retail Aggregation. The options provide neither too few nor too many retail uses. Options provide adequate floor area for the right types, appropriate amount, arrangement, and location for aggregation of experiential retail to serve the local Crescent City and visitor population.
Options.
Both options meet the fundamental target of 100,000 square feet. This requirement is largely due the presence of the existing Grocery Outlet anchor use which accounts for over 20,000 square feet as a single use. Strategies to maintain a grocery store at this location due to the ability of the use to spur shopping foot traffic is essential. • Option 1. Approximately 120,000 square feet of ground floor retail is achievable with this option. This amount includes long term repurposing ground floor spaces of current stable uses that are non-conforming, including financial institutions such the US, Tri- Counties, and Chase Banks. It also envisages some new development of buildings where existing parking lots occur, and a limited amount of new development where older buildings in poor condition may be demolished. • Option 2. Providing approximately 115,000 square feet of ground floor retail use, it also meets the fundamental requirements of the Main Street Retail formula.
Generally, there is no significant difference between this option and Option 1.
Figure 19. Experiential Retail
Figure 20. Existing Grocery Retail Anchor
21 Option Requirements.
For a preferred option, these requirements would be further refined during Phase 2 of The Specific Plan.
• Required Primary Use. As part of General Plan and Zoning Ordinance update, a new General Plan and Zoning maps and accompanying policies and regulations would identify retail uses as the primary mixed-use designation or all parcels fronting Third Street between L Street and G Street. Additional areas may include parcels fronting a future square.
• Required Ground Floor Frontages. Where new buildings are constructed or major renovations to existing structures occur, retail ground floor uses would be required at minimum of 20 feet floor area depth of buildings all parcels fronting Third Street between L Street and G Street. Additional required frontages would along H Street between Third Street and Second Street. Exceptions would for a new City Hall, residential or commercial lobbies to any upper floor uses. New parking lots, service loading zones, or drive-through windows would be prohibited along these frontages. • Active Edge Frontage Design. New development or major building facade improvements would be required provide 75% of ground floor facade be comprised of transparent window and doors. Moreover, front door access to buildings would be required fronting these streets.
Figure 21. Retail Framework Option 1
Figure 22. Retail Framework Option 2
22 PUBLIC USE FRAMEWORK
Public improvements will ensure that downtown remains the focus for private sector investment and civic engagement in Crescent City.
Public improvements are intended to spur new development downtown by improving the ‘investment environment’ and improve the downtown livability for existing and future residents and visitors. Moreover, maintaining and strengthening existing government office uses is essential for the revitalization of downtown. Public buildings draw large numbers of employees, visitors, and citizens seeking services, increasing foot traffic and creating demand for local businesses like restaurants and retail stores, and services like salons.
The framework includes parcels and rights-of-ways that are currently owned by Crescent City and parcels that would need to be acquired.
Option 1.
The following elements are included in this option:
• Transit Center. The parcel at the intersection of Front Street and K Street, after substantial public engagement was identified and approved by City Council in 2025 as the preferred location for this use. The parcel will include a new bus transfer facility— shelters and bus bays that would be operated and maintained by the Redwood Coast Transit Authority (RCTA). The intent of the facility is to replace scattered on-street RCTA bus stops into a premium off-street facility that creates an ‘intermodal hub’ close to existing transit patron destinations and planned transit-oriented development. In addition to RCTA buses, the facility will include offstreet stops for tour buses, public restrooms, bicycle storage lockers, substantial new landscaping, and pedestrian-scaled lighting. Within the parcel but not part of the project is the existing Crescent City municipal parking lot and Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. All existing EV stations would be retained. While some spaces will be lost for transit improvements, the amount of spaces will not be substantially reduced. Additional RCTA-led design, public feedback on design refinement is anticipated in 2026 and construction completed by end of 2027. • ‘Redwood Square’ Public Open Space. Located where the current Clock Tower public parking lot exists at the intersection of Third Street and K Street, this public gathering space is envisaged to be to primary location for downtown civic activities throughout the year, include seasonal events and on-going events such as the Crescent City Farmers Market. Additional design and outreach to stakeholders and the community to gather concept feedback will be provided during Phase 2 of the Specific Plan planning work scope. • Mason Mall ‘Restreeting’. Historically, Second Street served as downtowns’ main street, and was branded as the Mason Mall as part of the 1964 tsunami reconstruction design. Unfortunately, the pedestrian mall has become a ‘backwater’ of isolated parcels absent of vehicle access and drive-by visibility which has led to vagrancy and isolated criminal activity. To address these deficiencies and improve the investment viability of adjacent parcels, a new slow-speed access lane where ‘cars are the guest’ rather than primary transportation mode is envisaged.
New mixed mode street, landscaping, and lighting improvements would extend from H Street to J Street. Additional design and outreach to stakeholders and the community to gather concept feedback will be provided during Phase 2 of the Specific Plan planning work scope.
• New Library. The existing library along the Mason Mall was identified by representatives of the Del Norte County Library District Board as substandard, and they requested investigation into the possibility or a new facility at an alternative location within the downtown that would better serve library patrons. Option 1 locates a new 10,000 square foot building and parking lot along Fourth Street between G Street and F Street. The Library District would need to be acquire two parcels that are currently is occupied by a law office and residential singlefamily home. Phase 2 of the Specific Plan implementation strategies would need to identify means for funding, acquisition, and other actions should this be the preferred location.
• New City Hall. The City acquired the former First Interstate Bank building and associated parking lot as a potentially repurposed building that would include City department offices, meeting rooms, councilor offices and council chamber facilities.
The funding and relocation from the current City Hall at the intersection of Fourth Street and J Street would be a long-term project.
• New Public Parking Lots. Acquisition of parcels in close proximity to the Third and H Street retail armature would provide easy to access supply of parking that would supplement the existing municipal lots. Lots would provide a net increase of 175 new parking spaces. Phase 2 of the Specific Plan implementation strategies would need to identify means for funding, acquisition, and other actions should this be the preferred location.
• E Street Safe Route to School. Walking, biking, lighting, and landscaping improvements are envisaged to provide safe, direct and convenient access between the Beach Front Park bicycle pump track, Peterson Park, and elementary schools and residential neighborhood beyond the Specific Plan boundary. All improvements would occur within the current E Street right-of-way. Additional design, estimated costs, and potential funding sources would be explored during Phase 2 of the Specific Plan.
23 Option 2.
Most of the elements of Option 1 are the same for Option 2. Design elements that vary from Option 1 include:
• New Library. Option 2 locates a new 10,000 square foot building and a ’Visitor Attractor’ use such as carousel pavilion or new nautical/redwood themed museum along Third Street between G Street and F Street. The uses would serve as an anchor for the retail framework armature. The Library District would need to be acquire three parcels that are currently vacant. Phase 2 of the Specific Plan implementation strategies would need to identify other project partners for building and operating the Visitor Attractor, means for funding, acquisition, and other actions should this be the preferred location.
• New Public Parking Structures. This option envisages providing two new multiple floor municipal parking facilities instead of multiple municipal parking lots. Parking structures, while considerably more costly than parking lots, enable parking to be provided in weather protected, lighted environments, offer options for shared or leased commercial and housing tenant use, enable potential higher and better use of private parcels where lots are proposed in Option 1, and the ability to provide substantially more parking should demand far exceed current supply. A structure is proposed for two parcels currently occupied by a law office and private residence along Fourth Street between G Street and F Street. In close proximity to the Del Norte County Courthouse, Jail and other uses, a Tsunami Evacuation Tower integrated into the design of the structure. A second structure could be provided over the Transit Center bus facilities and municipal parking lot.
This site would be strategically located to enable shared use with potential adjacent transit-supportive housing, retail, and public plaza, and Beach Front Park uses. The structured facilities along with the additional lots would provide a net increase of 600 new parking spaces. Phase 2 of the Specific Plan implementation strategies would need to identify means for funding, acquisition, and other actions should this be the preferred parking option.
• Existing Tsunami Plaza Improvements. This option would include improvements to the existing plaza. Improvements would have a primary emphasis as a residential amenity rather than serving as a focus for downtown civic functions. The plaza design would incorporate the existing fountain and replace some of the existing paved areas with landscaped beds and canopy trees, and covered play and other recreation activity areas. Additional design and outreach to stakeholders and the community to gather concept feedback will be provided during Phase 2 of the Specific Plan.
Figure 23. Public Use Option 1
Figure 24. Public Use Option 2
24 RESIDENTIAL USE FRAMEWORK
Downtown residential development is essential for a revitalized downtown. The presence of downtown residents help animate the public realm throughout the day and during all seasons, providing passive ‘eyes on the street’ security, and customers for downtown businesses.
The Downtown Residential Use Framework intends to create a ‘mix-income’ district consisting of affordable housing constructed with subsidies or government assistance to reduce costs, and full price residential units built without any financial assistance.
The mixed income downtown should be comprised of no more than 25 percent of affordable housing units that are below 50% average median income (AMI) to avoid unintentionally creating a concentration of poverty. This does not mean that the number of affordable units should be reduced, rather more market rate units need to be added.
Both Options.
• Housing development concepts for both options include proven building types and densities that are constructable in the Crescent City marketplace. Building types illustrated in both options include three story maximum height apartment and condominium buildings with at-grade parking lots or ‘tuck under’ parking.
Townhomes, duplexes, and tri-plexes with attached individual tenant garages, and live-work housing where the ground floor of units would include optional shop or office space are also included. While vertically mixed-use buildings should be permitted, due the high cost and difficulty in financing, neither option would require mixed-use buildings for any site. Moreover, taller building above three stories are not proposed due to increased cost in change in construction type, need for elevators, and other concerns. In, addition, taller buildings are perceived to be out of scale with the downtown’s existing buildings and community’s desire to avoid intense urbanization.
• To reduce development costs and better use of scarce sites, more efficiently, both options have been designed for little or no parking on-site. Because downtown is envisaged to be walkable, bikeable and include shopping, employment, and amenity destinations nearby, car ownership and reserved parking spaces will be less necessary. Concepts illustrate affordable sites with only space per unit. Market rate sites in some instances include additional parking.
• Phase 2 of the Specific Plan will include regulatory update recommendations to ensure that development barriers such as densities, heights, and minimum parking requirements are addressed.
Figure 25. Existing Range of Densities Examples
Figure 26. Potential Residential Type Examples
25 Option 1
This option include approximately 440 housing units.
• Market Rate Housing Fronting Beach Front Park. Adjacency to open space, views, and a walkable downtown with desirable restaurants and shops are key amenities that will attract residents who are able afford premium housing. Front Street and future Beach Front Park improvements coupled with views of the harbor and lighthouse are attributes that are attractive to this demographic. • Existing Parcel Infill. Parcels that currently include low density garden apartment multi-unit housing with excessive green space or parking, such as the Crescent Arms Apartment complex can provide new housing opportunities that incrementally increase the housing supply. These sites are prime locations for additional moderate density apartments, or townhomes, duplexes or tri-plexes that increase the diversity of housing options.
• Transit Supportive Housing. Sites adjacent to the future Transit Center provide opportunities for car-free living. Housing in proximity to the Transit Center could include development provisions for tenants to minimize or avoid auto ownership such as indoor bicycle parking facilities. Development incentives could include reduced or no required on-site parking for affordable units targeted for transit dependent residents.
• Live-Work Residential Along Mason Mall. Restreeting the Mason Mall opens up new opportunities for small businesses that would benefit from proximity to the Third Street retail and a new town square, but do not require the visibility and pedestrian activity that businesses on Third and H would require. Uses such as start-up, incubator businesses, salons, and art galleries would be ideal along the revitalized mall. Ownership housing such as moderate density condominiums with ground floor mezzanines and ‘brownstone-styled’ townhomes with garden level shops are envisaged,
• Residential over Ground floor Retail Along the Square Frontage. While not required for sites fronting the square, mixed use could be incentivized here to maximize benefits of the civic improvements. Public/private partnership incentives could include contribution of excess land, such the Tsunami Plaza site and public alleys that allow opportunities for larger, consolidated development sites. Other considerations could include provisions for shared parking on the municipal parking lot, tax incentives, grants, fee waivers or other actions. • Neighborhood Compatible Form, Massing, and Scale. New development would be required to be a ‘good neighbor’ to existing uses. To achieve this will require development of Objective Design Standards as part of a zoning ordinance update, and creation of discretionary Architectural Design Guideline for projects that Figure 27. Residential Framework Option 1
would include any public gap financing such as a Facade Improvement Program.
Phase 2 of the Specific Plan would identify essential standards and guidelines for neighborhood compatibility.
Option 2.
This option include approximately 660 housing units.
Denser and Greater Number of Housing Units. This option would not be substantially different than Option 1 in character but would include opportunities for additional housing along Fourth Street should municipal parking be consolidated into two parking structures. In addition, this option illustrates opportunities for greater density along the Mason Mall where multi-unit live-work housing is illustrated rather than townhomes units.
Figure 28. Residential Framework Option 2
26 LODGING USE FRAMEWORK
Creating a successful Downtown visitor destination will benefit from new hospitality options.
Limited hospitality choices. Today, Crescent City downtown lodging includes only one bed and breakfast inn with nine guest rooms, and 127 rooms in four ‘budget’ motel properties that prioritize affordability and essential comforts, catering to cost-conscious travelers. Located along the Highway 101 couplet, they are visible and easily accessible by automobile.
Expanding hospitality options. More affluent downtown hotel guests can expand downtown foot traffic and revenue generation for nearby specialty shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, and attractions. A small upscale or ‘boutique’ hotel that emphasizes an elevated experience, featuring more spacious rooms, a wider range of amenities, and enhanced service is needed.
Minimum Downtown Requirements. Hotel investors have formulaic proforma requirements and to attract a hotel into the downtown area will require meeting all fundamental investment needs. To attract a new hotel,
• An amenity package of streetscape and other green space improvements that draw a critical mass of visitor-supportive retail uses must first be provided. • In addition, other issues such as concerns about safety, homelessness, and illicit activities that can deter visitors from choosing to stay downtown must be addressed.
Option 1
• This hotel option includes a three-story building with 50 rooms (maximum), and a 5,000 square foot (maximum) upscale ‘farm to table’ or similar unique white linen restaurant, and a rooftop bar located in the existing municipal parking lot located at the intersection of H Street and Front Street. Additional uses could include wellness facilities such as a spa and a small multi-purpose conference room/ballroom. Parking on-site would be minimal, with valet parking provided for guests.
• Boutique Hotel Fronting Park Amenity. These guests prioritize the access to park open space and commanding harbor, and lighthouse views. The site would be ideal to attract business and leisure travelers, especially international travelers, families and mature visitors who desire proximity to shops but prefer to be away from hubbub nighttime restaurant and bar activity along Third Street. The hotel would also attract local clientele, providing a great place for wedding parties, reunion dinners, and similar events.
Option 2
• This hotel option includes a three-story building with 50 rooms (maximum) and a 5,000 square foot (maximum) and amenities similar to option 1, located along the Mason Mall at the intersection of I Street in the downtown core. • Boutique Hotel Fronting Plaza Amenity. Guests in this location would skew younger, including millennials and Gen-Z visitors, who would desire a more active urban nightlife setting that proximity to the civic plaza event attractions, restaurants, and bars along Third Street would provide.
Figure 29. Lodging Option 1
Figure 30. Option 2
27 REVITALIZATION STRATEGY
The Revitalization Strategy identifies implementation actions for projects that can be initiated immediately without further refinement of the Specific Plan and projects that will require additional design, review, and feedback. During Phase 2 additional projects, financial analysis, and review by stakeholders, the public, and elected officials may result in revisions to the Strategy.
Intent. The Phase 1 Revitalization Strategy aims to identify the Public Projects and Programs that:
• Illustrate the City’s commitment to leading activities that signals to citizens and investors that ‘downtown is open for business.’
• Build upon current revitalization momentum of Front Street and Beach Front Park improvements.
• Capitalize upon available financial resources available through grants and other sources that have been approved for use by City Council such as undergrounding of utilities.
• Build upon partner agency projects, such as the Redwood Coast Transit Authority’s Transit Center initiatives.
• Are consistent with the Crescent City General Plan and Economic Development Strategic Action Plan policies, goals, and objectives, particularly for downtown.
Project Categories. The strategy includes two categories of public actions, Catalyst and Priority Projects. They are:
• Projects that are not only good ideas but also good deals. Projects that have the greatest potential to maximize return on investment of public resources. The projects that will require public financing, design, and public/private partnerships to create immediate development momentum and spur long term, sustainable private investment that requires little or no public subsides. • Projects that address community needs and desires. The projects selected address the community’s Vision, Goals and Objectives for a Revitalized Downtown identified in Phase 1 of this planning process.
Figure 31. Revitaization Strategy Public Action Timeline Catalyst Projects are those that:
• Provide the best opportunity create substantial change within 5 years (2031) of initiation.
• Projects that have been reviewed and recommended for implementation by stakeholder, the public, and City staff.
The three Catalyst Projects are Retail Streetscape, Facade Improvements, and Anchor Use Development.
Priority Projects are those that:
• Include ‘time sensitive’ projects that have been initiated, designed, funded, and approved by City Council and partner agencies.
• Projects currently funded and designed such as the Front Street Phase 3 improvements and Beach Front Park gateways projects that can be implemented in the short-term concurrent with Catalyst projects.
• Projects that require additional design, financial analysis, funding source identification, and additional public input and feedback. These projects would be initiated by the City following completion of Catalyst Projects. • Priority Projects include Approved and Funded Projects and Green Streetscapes. 28 Figure 32. Catalyst and Priority Projects Diagram
29 Figure 33. Approved and Funded Projects Diagram
Figure 34. Beach Front Park Gateway
APPROVED AND FUNDED PROJECTS
Two projects, the RCTA Transit Center including K Street improvements, and the final phase of the Front Street reconstruction project will initiate implementation of downtown revitalization concepts of the Specific Plan. The projects will serve as examples and pilot projects for infrastructure improvements on Third Street.
Construction is anticipated to be completed by 2028.
The Transit Center Project will include:
• Bus bays for RCTA transit vehicles accessed from a bus only one-way lane from K Street to Front Street.
• Bus stops for tour buses along the bus lane.
• A bus operator ‘comfort station’, ticket booth, and public restroom structure. • Weather protected shelters
• Additional new landscaping and paving
• K Street improvements constructed concurrently, including crosswalk improvements, pedestrian-oriented and street-oriented lighting, new street trees, shrubs, and groundcover landscaping, and new sidewalks.
Front Street improvements will include:
• Roadway, parking, lighting sidewalk, bike lane, and crosswalk improvements similar to earlier phases of the Front Street reconstruction.
• Beach Front Park gateway monument signs at Play Street and the intersections of L Street and M Street.
Specific Plan Phase 2 Next Steps.
• Collaborate with RCTA consultant team to ensure design is consistent with downtown themes and design concepts.
• Collaborate with RCTA consultant team to ensure City owned municipal parking lot re-design is consistent with Specific Plan Phase 1 concepts. • The Specific Plan consultant team will collaborate with the K Street engineer to ensure Phase 1 design Third Street concepts are designed and constructed as proposed.
• Provide materials for RCTA consultant team for their future engagement with community, Planning Commission, and City Council.
30 CATALYST PROJECTS
RETAIL STREETSCAPE
Streetscape improvements are intended to create a safe, joyful, and memorable place that draws Crescent City residents and tourists alike.
Streetscape improvements are essential to create an experiential retail window shopping and strolling environment. From morning to night, during all seasons of the year.
Improvements should foster not only purchasing of goods, services, dining and drinking activities, but also create a welcoming environment where there are opportunities for just sitting, conversing, and enjoying public art. Improvements should be authentic to Crescent City, incorporating ‘Redwood to the Sea’ themes. Consideration for maintenance should be central design consideration.
Project Limits. Third Street public right-of-way (60 feet width) between L Street and G Street (5 blocks). Cross street intersections (20 feet to 30 feet) will be included as well.
Improvement Issues to Be Addressed:
• Visual blight of overhead utility lines
• Lack of canopy trees
• Lack of street furnishings
• Poor pedestrian lighting
RETAIL STREETSCAPE OPTIONS
Both Options would maintain existing stormwater catch basins, 10-foot existing sidewalk width, existing driveway locations. Overhead utilities will be relocated underground. No changes to street travel lanes, traffic signals or stop signs are proposed.
Option 1 Summary:
Emphasis on project elements that have the greatest ’bang for the buck’ and can be implemented quickly with minimum disruption to existing businesses. Significant improvements proposed within existing curb-to-curb roadway (40’ feet width) only. • No significant change to existing sidewalk width or paving (except patching, ADA compliance improvements, etc.)
• New Greenery (street trees & shrubs) at corners and at midblock.
Figure 35. Retail Streetscape Projects
Figure 36. Option Common Elements Diagram
31 • Improved pedestrian crossings (corner bulbouts) at all intersections • New pedestrian scaled lighting and roadway lighting to animate the streets at night.
Option 2 Summary.
Includes all project elements that result in a ‘great retail street’ if funding for additional elements can be provided.
• New sidewalk paving. Consideration for additional sidewalk width could be explored • New paving in parking lane to reduce the perceived width of the roadway • Additional amenities including public art, wayfinding, and electrical outlets Phase 2 of the Specific Plan should include additional design refinement and ROI financial analysis.
FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
To supplement streetscape improvements, the program is intended to revitalize downtown retail streets by enhancing the visual appeal and physical condition of retail buildings, especially those with deferred maintenance.
Crescent City will provide property owners business improvement grants to cover a portion of the cost of design and engineering, and portion of the cost of exterior facade materials, and construction. Other incentives such as fee waivers or expedited review and approval processes may be offered as well. The program would be for buildings with local ownership or local and regional businesses. In limited instances improvements for national brand tenants may be provided.
Project Limits. Retail facades fronting public rights-of-way for all parcels within the downtown core.
Key objectives include:
• Attracting customers and increasing sales: Visually appealing storefronts and facades help attract foot traffic, new customers, and tourists, which can lead to increased sales and revenue for downtown businesses.
• Encouraging private investment: By offering matching grants and incentives, the program will stimulate private property owners to invest in their buildings, which can have a catalytic “spillover” effect that encourages further improvements in adjacent properties and the entire downtown.
Figure 37. Retail Streetscape Option 1
Figure 38. Retail Streetscape Option 2
Figure 39. Retail Streetscape Option 2 Looking Southwest 32 • Eliminating blight and enhancing livability: The physical improvements help to eliminate substandard conditions and blight, enhancing the overall quality of life and perception of safety in the neighborhood.
• Preserving historic character: For the few remaining historic structures, restoration of architectural details to maintain and promote Crescent City’s unique identity and heritage.
• Supporting local businesses and job creation: A thriving downtown with attractive storefronts helps local businesses stay competitive and grow, contributing to job creation and a stronger local tax base. • Filling vacant storefronts: Improved building exteriors can attract new tenants and help reduce commercial vacancy rates by making spaces more desirable for a variety of uses, such as retail, restaurants, and housing.
Design Requirements.
Architectural Design Guidelines. In addition to any regulatory requirement approvals, facade improvement grant recipients would be subject to design review and approval using Architectural Design Guidelines. The Guidelines would include subjective requirements that promote a Crescent City authentic architecture vernacular. Guidelines elements would include windows, doors, facades, weather protection requirements at a minimum. Other guidelines may be for signs, landscaping, ‘parklet’ seating, bike corrals, and other improvements.
Phase 2 of the Specific Plan should include Architectural Design Guideline preparation and identification of potential funding strategies.
Figure 40. Facade Improvement Projects
Figure 41. Facade Improvement Program Case Study
33 ANCHOR SITE DEVELOPMENT
Anchor Developments serve as ‘game changer’ projects that signal to the public, property owners, and downtown investors that downtown has a bright future, investment in the core can be profitable, and it is a desirable place to live, work and visit.
Recipe for Success. Sites are located and uses are selected to stimulate significant amount of additional new retail and residential, development in the downtown core.
The Anchor Development sites are located strategically. Development sites have been selected where:
• Proposals are grounded in reality. Fundamental real estate development requirements are addressed. Conceptual architectural and site design schemes have been prepared to ensure that the layout of buildings, parking, and site amenities can be constructed using a viable building construction type and floor plan configuration at realistic densities.
• Fewer development constraints exist. Sites have been selected that are ripe for development, vacant and underutilized sites, where existing property owners are willing to lead or partner in development, or agreeable to possibly selling the site to potential developers.
• Include retail uses that a generate a significant amount of both local and visitor trips. Uses selected will animate downtown 18 hours of the day and increase foot traffic. Anchor uses fill gaps where is latent demand for housing, lodging, and shopping, dining, and drinking experiences. Moreover, anchor uses that have a proven track record in the local or regional marketplace of success. • Create a ‘snowball effect’. Development that won’t represent an isolated, one-time improvement. Projects have been selected that will benefit downtown businesses and property owners as primary consideration.
Predictability and Certainty. Investors are risk adverse and success will only occur when Crescent City can demonstrate that it is a willing partner to limit risk. The City will likely need to provide incentives to catalyze private development. Actions may include:
• Public gap financing. Because of the projects pioneering nature, developers are often unable fully financing downtown development. Public/Private Partnerships (PPP) will be needed. The City’s role in the PPP is likely to include financial resources, in the form of contribution of land, grants and loans, and infrastructure improvements to make projects ‘pencil out’. In turn, the City may require development concessions that address community desires and needs for the downtown such inclusion affordable housing units, publicly accessible open space amenities, or other uses and design considerations.
• Eliminate entitlement barriers. Uncertain approval processes can add money and time to projects. Streamlining regulations, timelines and providing fee waivers will be needed.
Phase 2 of the Specific Plan must include the financial business case Return On investment (ROI) analysis and other policy, and regulatory update actions need to spur development.
Figure 42. Anchor Site Development Projects
34 ANCHOR DEVELOPMENT SITE- THIRD STREET AND L STREET
A food and beverage use is proposed for this large, underutilized site. Project initiation should be within 5 years of Specific Plan adoption.
The restaurant use would:
• Capitalize upon the high exposure that Highway 101 drive-by traffic volume provide. • Capitalize upon the adjacency to the Redwood State and National Park Headquarters to draw tourists seeking Park maps and information at the Visitor Center.
The site offers opportunities to:
• Provide a use with modern new construction, free of the constraints that existing downtown buildings may have. The design of the building provides opportunities to includes themes and elements that would reflect an authentic ‘Redwoods to the Sea’ character.
• Draw travelers who are arriving by automobile. This site can provide an adequate amount of convenient parking on-site that can be seen and accessed immediately from Highway 101.
• Provide an opportunity to provide an outdoor dining experience that currently is present along Third Street.
• Attract a local or regional tenant rather than a national brand restaurant that is prevalent along the Highway 101 couplet. Comparable examples that would provide a model for successful food and beverage use, include Sea Quake, Sea Front, Kin Khao locally owned and operated restaurants. • Provide an opportunity draw visitors into downtown. Once parked, with an improved Third Street streetscape, many tourists are likely to stroll and window shop and purchase other retail uses from merchants on Third Street.
The design of the site should:
• Have a front door orientation to maximize visibility and establish a pedestrian orientation toward Third Street.
• Locate parking behind the building.
• Locate outdoor seating areas in a protected area that is away from noise created by Highway 101 traffic, with sun exposure, rain and wind protection.
Design Options.
• One option would have all uses on the current site
• A Second option would include a shared parking with the Redwoods Office and include an additional small retail use at the intersection of K Street and Third Street.
Figure 43. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and L Street Options Figure 44. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and L Street Option 1 Figure 45. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and L Street Option 1 Looking South 35 Specific Plan Phase 2 Next Steps.
• Additional engagement with the property owner and Redwood Park representative. • Refinement of the concept.
• Development of ROI financial analysis of any necessary financing strategies. • Initiate recruitment strategies for potential project partners and possible tenants. • Identification of potential policy and regulatory barriers and means to overcome or minimize the barriers.
• Development of tasks, responsibilities, and timelines for City actions. • Additional engagement with community, Planning Commission, and City Council to present refined concepts and strategies to gather feedback an approval.
ANCHOR DEVELOPMENT SITE- THIRD STREET AND G STREET
Two options are proposed. A mixed-use multi-unit housing for the three vacant parcels fronting Third Street, and new library mixed-use development would encompass the entire block, including underutilized single family residential and office sites. Project initiation should be within 5 years of Specific Plan adoption.
The mixed-use housing use option would:
• Capitalize upon much need for affordable and market rate housing in the downtown. The residents would provide an infusion of new customers for existing and future retail shops. Residents would benefit from adjacency downtown services, nearby Peterson and Beach Front Park, and other future amenities. • Provide an opportunity to include a ground floor retail use that benefit/establish synergy with adjacent existing and planned retail uses on Third, Paragon Coffee and the future Glenn’s Bakery (Hiouchi Cafe) to create a dining and beverage cluster at the terminus of Third Street.
The library mixed-use option would:
• Replace the substandard existing library with a new state-of-the-art facility that is located prominently at the terminus the retail armature. • Provide an opportunity to provide a ‘Redwoods to the Sea’ themed tourism Figure 46. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Options Figure 47. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Option 1 Figure 48. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Option 2 36 destination use that could also draw local visitors, especially families to the downtown.
• Provide an opportunity to provide a significant amount of weather-protected shopper parking that could also serve Del Norte County Government employees and visitors.
• Provide an opportunity provide a tsunami evacuation tower. The tower could serve people that would be difficult to evacuate beyond the inundation zone during a tsunami event, such as County Jail prisoners.
The design of the site should include:
• A retail and visitor attraction ground floor orientation of front doors and ground floor facade transparency toward Third Street to maximize Third Street pedestrian walking and auto drive-by exposure/visibility.
• Housing parcel design should include a ground floor retail use at the corner G Street and H Street to ‘lock in’ the site to the Third Street retail armature. Ground floor retail and commercial uses for the rest of the site would be optional and not required. Where residential uses occur at ground floor, units should be oriented toward the street or publicly accessible open space. For these units, privacy should be provided by setbacks or changes in elevation from the public rights-of-way.
Specific Plan Phase 2 Next Steps.
• Additional engagement with Del Norte County Library Board, property owner, and business owner representatives.
• Additional concept refinement of a preferred option.
• Development of ROI financial analysis of any necessary financing strategies. • Initiate recruitment strategies for potential project partners and possible investors and developers.
• Identification of potential policy and regulatory barriers and means to overcome or minimize the barriers.
• Development of tasks, responsibilities, and timelines for City actions. • Additional engagement with community, Planning Commission, and City Council to present refined concepts and strategies to gather feedback and approval.
Figure 49. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Option 1 Figure 50. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Option 2 Figure 51. Anchor Development Site- Third Street and G Street Option 2 Visitor Attraction 37 ANCHOR DEVELOPMENT SITE- FRONT STREET AND H STREET
Two options are proposed for the City-owned municipal parking lot site. A boutique hotel utilizes a majority of the municipal parking lot, and secondary option, a market-rate multi-unit housing development that encompasses the entire parcel. Project initiation should be within 10 years of Specific Plan adoption.
The boutique hotel use option would:
• Capitalize upon downtown retail uses. The guests would provide an infusion of new customers for existing and future retail shops.
• Provide an opportunity to include a ground floor restaurant and rooftop bar attraction that would offer views of the Beach Front Park and the lighthouse.
The mixed-unit housing option would:
• Offer views of the Beach Front Park and the lighthouse. • Offer opportunities for nearby shopping and access to downtown services and jobs.
The design of the site should include:
• No hotel parking or guest drop driveway should be allowed between the building and street frontages.
• Orientation hotel rooms toward the Park to maximize opportunities for harbor, park and lighthouse views.
• Hotel lobby entrance should be oriented toward H Street. A guest drop-off porte cochere should be provided on the north side of the building. • Hotel service access should not front on streets.
• Residential units should be oriented toward Front Street to maximize opportunities for harbor, park and lighthouse views
• No residential parking or resident drop driveway should be allowed between the building and street frontages.
Figure 52. Anchor Development- Front and H Street Options Figure 53. Anchor Development- Front and H Street Option 1 Figure 54. Anchor Development- Front and H Street Option 2 38 Specific Plan Phase 2 Next Steps.
• Additional concept refinement of a preferred option.
• Development for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for either option selected. • Development of ROI financial analysis of any necessary financing strategies. • Initiate recruitment strategies for possible investors and developers. • Identification of potential policy and regulatory barriers and means to overcome or minimize the barriers.
• Development of tasks, responsibilities, and timelines for City actions. • Additional engagement with community, Planning Commission, and City Council to present refined preferred concept and implementation strategies to gather feedback an approval.
Figure 55. Anchor Development- Front and H Street Boutique Hotel Looking North Figure 56. Anchor Development- Front and H Street Boutique Hotel Views Looking South
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: BRIDGET LACEY, GRANTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: FRONT STREET GATEWAY MONUMENTS
____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Heart staff report
• Council technical questions
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve the Front Street concept gateway designs and authorize the City Manager to solicit proposals for fabrication and construction.
BACKGROUND
On June 3, 2024, the City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Greenworks, PC for the design of all features included in the Crescent City Cultural Gateway and Beautification project, funded by the City's Clean California grant. Key scope tasks included the design of the gateway monuments, landscaping, public art features, Redwood Discovery Center entrance, and Tolowa Cultural Trail entrance. Sea Reach Ltd. was hired by Greenworks to complete the gateway monument designs. These designs received a positive response from the public when presented as a survey in November 2024, capturing more than 500 survey responses, and were approved by council on December 2, 2024.
On December 16, 2024, the City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Crandall Arambula, PC for the development of a Downtown Specific Plan.
After early discussions with the design team for the Downtown Specific Plan, it became apparent that there was a need to take a more holistic approach to the gateway design to ensure connectivity, not only with the work that is scheduled to occur on Front Street and it’s gateway features, but also future downtown improvements, and overtime incorporate these design features into citywide improvements. The Crandall Arambula team, which includes a Greenworks designer, proposed refinement to the existing gateway design that would ensure the goals and objectives of the Downtown Specific Plan effort concerning land use, economic development, multi-modal access, and public infrastructure design concepts are included.
Greenworks subsequently proposed an amendment to their existing Clean CA contract to allow their design team to explore more design considerations that were out of Sea Reach's scope of work. This would include the following key considerations:
Front Street Gateway Concept Approval
January 20, 2026
2 • How the gateways respond to contextual considerations beyond the Front Street corridor and S-curves, such as how the gateway responds to key actions of the Economic Development Strategic Action Plan, visitor travel patterns, National and State Park headquarters, and Harbor District planning efforts. • How the gateway design can consider design elements to supplement the water, wind, and wave themes of the current design. Identified elements that embrace the City's iconic 'Where the Redwoods meet the Sea' branding should be explored. • How the gateway or elements of the gateway can be replicated for any future gateways that may be identified in the downtown planning effort. • The role that this gateway will play when considering the possibility of having a citywide branding effort in the future which includes city, downtown, and district wayfinding. The intent is to ensure that the Front Street gateway elements serve as a district rather than a downtown gateway.
• How to ensure pedestrian mobility, auto and bus sightlines, accessible parking, and other unresolved issues.
In May of 2025, the Council approved the amendment with Greenworks PC to refine the gateway concepts.
ITEM ANALYSIS
After utilizing the above considerations and overarching principles of architectural significance, strategic location, economic impact, symbolic meaning, and cultural historical relevance for successful gateways, Greenworks has submitted the attached proposed gateway concepts for approval. These concepts were designed to accentuate Crescent City’s Redwood and coastal themes. The materials will be representative of vertical redwood elements, silhouettes of redwoods /ocean waves, and coastal dune style landscape areas. Location is also critical as a gateway should provide transition from one area to another. The Front Street gateway in this project should orient the visitor to the Beachfront District. The proposed gateway would include Highway 101 signage at the “S-curve” between L and M Streets, banner poles leading up to Play Street, and an archway across Front Street at Play Street stating, “Crescent City – Beachfront – Taa-at-dvn”.
This gateway sequence is designed to have visitors and residents experience the City’s “Redwoods to the Sea” theme as they turn off the Highway on to Front Street and enter into the Beachfront area. It is also intentionally designed to be consistent with the City’s Downtown Specific Plan with a family of materials that can be used throughout the City to provide the consistency and continuity necessary for creating a unique sense of place.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The construction estimate for these gateway elements, including the Highway 101 S-curve monuments, Front Street banner poles, as well as the Front Street gateway arch at Play Street, is $545,000. This is within the budget and funding that we have available within the Clean CA grant. However, we will not know the exact cost until we receive the proposals from the fabricators / contractors.
Front Street Gateway Concept Approval
January 20, 2026
3 STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
This action supports the following Strategic Plan goals:
• Goal 1: Support quality services, community safety, and health to enhance the quality of life and experience of our residents and visitors
• Goal 1(A): Enhance collaboration with other agencies and the community to better aid the public
• Goal 1(E): Target economic development improvements that provide additional benefit by enhancing the quality of life for residents
• Goal 2: Promote a thriving local economy
• Goal 2(D): Collaborate with other jurisdictions and non-profits to maximize regional effectiveness and amplify funding opportunities
• Goal 2(E): Create an environment that is conducive to attracting and retaining strong, sustainable businesses that reflect community needs and culture • Goal 2(F)(1): Streamline services that support new, existing, and prospective businesses • Goal 2(F)(9): Expand on the success of grant funding by maximizing utilization of opportunities with corresponding community needs
ATTACHMENTS
1. Proposed Front Street Gateway Design Concepts
Front Street Gateway
Proposed Concept Design
1.20.26 3
SUCCESSFUL
GATEWAY
ARCHITECTURAL
SIGNIFICANCE
SYMBOLIC
MEANING
DOWNTOWN
TOURISM &
ECONOMIC IMPACT
CULTURAL &
HISTORICAL
RELEVANCE
STRATEGIC
LOCATION
CRITERIA
EVALUATION
1. Build upon surrounding architectural forms, massing, materials and future cultural center improvements
2. Select an appropriate theme for district gateway elements
3. Provide refinement to address gateway concept and monument locations
4. Confirm that the concept can transfer to other locations in the City to support larger downtown economic goals for tourism.
5. Confirm the gateway and monuments can be constructed on time & on budget.
Design Objectives
City Gateway?
City Gateway
Front Street
Beachfront
Gateway
Downtown Planning Area
Boundary
Crescent City Gateways & Wayfinding
EVALUATION – Strategic Location
Strategic Location
Enclosure - Banners
Strategic Location
Passage – District Gateway Strategic Location
Enclosure - Berms
Strategic Location
Tourism &
Wayfinding
EVALUATION – Strategic Location
Front Street
Southbound
Viewshed
Northbound &
Southbound
Wayfinding
Monuments & Berms
Enclosure -
Berms
Gateway
Enclosure - Berms
M Street
K Street
L Street
Enclosure -
Banners
Discovery
Center
Transit
Center
EVALUATION – Strategic Location
EVALUATION – Architectural Significance
Take clues from the planned
improvements to the Cultural
Center / Redwoods Discovery
Center
Complement existing &
proposed architectural
vernacular
EVALUATION – Architectural Significance
10 Architectural
Significance
Discovery
Center Form &
Architectural Materials
Significance
(Landform &
Enclosure)
Architectural
Significance
District Lighting
Proposed Front Street Gateway
Highway 101 “S-Curve” Signage
Architectural
Significance
Cultural Center
Forms & Materials
Architectural
Significance
Landforms,
Beach Dunes,
Dune Fencing
14 Symbolic Meaning
Sea
EVALUATION – Symbolic Meaning
Symbolic Meaning
Coastal dune landscape
NEW DESIGN – Additional Views
NEW DESIGN – Additional Views
NEW DESIGN – Additional Views
NEW DESIGN – Additional Views
NEW DESIGN – Additional Views
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: MARTHA D. RICE, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: SIGNS REGULATIONS UPDATE (MUNI CODE CHAPTER 17.39) ______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Give direction to staff on the Planning Commission’s recommended updates to the City’s sign regulations
BACKGROUND
On November 25, 2024, the City issued a sign permit for a new digital sign at Tsunami Lanes Bowling Alley. The application did not indicate that the sign would display offsite advertising, images that move, or that the sign would be displaying rotating images.
These issues were brought to light initially due to the brightness of the sign during nondaylight hours. Conversations with the owner revealed that a sign company had him the sign on the premise that additional revenue could be generated through off-site advertising and promotions. However, this presents several issues because the current sign regulations do not allow off-site advertising, flashing lights, or changing of color intensity.
Planning staff offered the owner two pathways forward under the zoning code: (1) apply for a variance, or (2) initiate an amendment to the zoning code to allow the sign type. Dr.
John Kirk elected to initiate an amendment to the zoning code.
The Planning Commission considered the requested amendment, staff concerns and public input over a couple of meetings. On October 16, 2025, the Planning Commission held a public hearing and subsequently adopted Resolution No. PC2025-11, recommending updates to Chapter 17.39, Signs, of the municipal code.
SIGNS REGULATIONS UPDATE
January 20, 2026
2 The Planning Commission’s recommendations include:
1. Adds definition of “digital sign”
➢ an LED digital display sign that may rotate images
2. Adds definition of “off-site advertising”; removes definitions and references to “billboard” and “general advertising sign”
3. Adds regulations for “digital signs”
➢ Digital signs may contain static messages only. Signs may not display text which flashes, pulsates, moves or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
➢ Digital signs may not change message more than once every 15 seconds. ➢ The content of a digital sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
➢ Any digital signs within 100 feet from HWY 101 must obtain any and all permits from Caltrans.
4. Adds regulations for “off-site advertising”
➢ No off-site advertising sign may be erected, constructed, or maintained in excess of 100 square feet of display surface, in accordance with the allowable sign area regulations of this chapter.
➢ Off-site advertising is only allowed in the C-2 Zone and must meet all applicable Caltrans requirements and regulations.
➢ Each business is limited to two off-site advertising signs within the city limits. ➢ Off-site advertising sign area counts toward the allowable sign area for both the business being advertised and the business hosting the off-site advertising sign.
5. Limits off-site advertising signs to the C-2 zone
6. Adds regulations regarding “illumination” (brightness) ➢ During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance is limited to 10,000 nits.
➢ At all other times, luminance is limited to 160 nits. ➢ Digital signs may produce no more than 0.3 foot-candle of light when measured from the distance using the following formula: Measurement Distance= (Area of Sign Sq. Ft. × 100)
➢ Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change.
7. Removes references to coastal zones, the regulations for which are governed by Chapter 17.74, Coastal Zone Signs.
On November 17, 2025, the City Council discussed the Planning Commission’s recommendations for updates to the City’s sign regulations. Present at the meeting were Council Member Altman, Mayor Pro Tem Tinkler and Mayor Wright. Council Member
SIGNS REGULATIONS UPDATE
January 20, 2026
3 Greenough was absent and there was one vacancy. At that meeting, the City Council discussed the Planning Commission recommendation, expressed concerns regarding community aesthetics and traffic safety, and directed that the following changes to the recommendation be brought back to the Council:
• Limit the number of digital signs to 2 total signs within the City • Limit digital signs to 32 square feet in size
• No offsite advertising allowed within the City (regardless of sign type)
ITEM ANALYSIS
The types of restrictions directed by the City Council are all “content-neutral” restrictions for purposes of protected speech analysis. City of Austin v. Reagan Nat'l Adver. of Austin, LLC (2022) 596 US 61. Because these regulations are content-neutral, the law requires that regulations be narrowly tailored to serve a substantial governmental interest (known as “intermediate scrutiny”). Ward v. Rock Against Racism (1989) 491 US 781. As a matter of law, traffic safety and community aesthetics are substantial interests that justify the content-neutral regulation of signs. Ackerley Communications of N.W., Inc. v Krochalis (9th Cir. 1997) 108 F3d 1095. In order to be “narrowly tailored,” the regulation must be directly related to the government’s substantial interest and there must be sufficient other ways for the speech or message to be communicated. Central Hudson Gas & Elec. Corp. v. Public Serv. Comm’n (1980) 447 US 557.
After reviewing Council’s direction, staff suggest modifying the two digital sign limitation to something more calculated to respond to the Council’s concerns. A map of the C-2 zone has been included with this staff report which shows the main road segments within the C-2 as well as their approximate distances. Staff is of the opinion that setting a distance requirement between digital signs or a specific number based on the stretch of road (Washington Blvd., Northcrest, L Street, M Street, Hwy 101 N) would present a more reasoned approach to limiting the number of digital signs within the City’s C-2 zone.
With a more reasoned and thoughtful approach to the limiting of the number of digital signs within the City’s C-2 zone, staff believe that the regulations would comply with the constitutional standard for content neutral regulation. A summary analysis is as follows:
1. Substantial government interest: traffic safety and community aesthetics
2. Direct Relation: time, place and manner restrictions to limit impacts to traffic safety and community aesthetics
3. Alternative Means: non-digital signs, on-site advertising signs, print and digital media, etc.
SIGNS REGULATIONS UPDATE
January 20, 2026
4 As the Council is aware, the City is currently working on a Downtown Specific Plan. This effort is spearheaded by Don Arambula of Crandall Arambula. Don has expressed his own concerns with the potential proliferation of digital signs and off-site advertising (as recommended by the Planning Commission). Attached to this staff report is a detailed outline of his concerns, including impacts of visual quality on economic development and traffic safety concerns. The current direction of the Council is supported by Don’s reasoning.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no direct fiscal impact to the City for provided direction on sign regulations.
STRATEGIC PLAN ANALYSIS
This action supports the following Strategic Plan Goals:
GOAL 1: PROMOTE A THRIVING LOCAL ECONOMY
(E) Plan and prepare for the growth and future needs of the Crescent City community by:
Evaluating and updating the City’s Municipal Code to assure maximized efficiencies, clarity, and effectiveness.
ATTACHMENTS
1. C-2 Zone Map with approximate distances
2. Crandall Arambula summary of concerns regarding Highway 101 Digital Billboards / Signs
3. Planning Commission Resolution No. PC2025-11
4. PC recommended updates to Chapter 17.39
Washington Blvd.
1,000’
2805 SW HILLSBORO STREET | PORTLAND, OR 97239
503.417.7879 | www.ca-city.com
HIGHWAY 101 DIGITAL/BILLBOARD SIGNS
Key issues concerning the regulation of digital signs along Highway 101 through Crescent City primarily involve economic development impact on downtown, and traffic safety and driver distraction that a code must address.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IMPACTS OF VISUAL QUALITY.
Establishing Redwood Park complementary visual quality and Pacific Coast scenic beauty is an economic development issue.
Crescent City is poised to revitalize the downtown and capture the approximately 1.5 to 2 million people who visit the state and national parks. Capturing this latent demand requires establishing Crescent City as a beautiful and visually pleasing place where visitors want to stop and spend money. This requires providing sign, landscaping, and architectural regulations that establish a setting that meets visitors expectations of a place where the ‘Redwoods meet the Sea.’ Visual Clutter:
• Concern: The proliferation of large, bright, constantly changing signs is ‘Las Vegas-styled’ visual pollution and urban blight that detracts from Crescent City’s unique environment and scenic vistas.
Loss of Property Values:
• Concern. Some evidence suggests a correlation between lax sign controls and reduced property values, indicating a perceived negative socio-economic impact from uncontrolled digital signs. Maintaining and improving property values through thoughtful regulations should be a key objective of sign regulations.
Potential Sign Code Approach:
Digital and moving electronic signs can be prohibited or heavily regulated by Crescent City, often under public safety, nuisance, or aesthetic zoning laws, with the U.S. Supreme Court affirming this right, though such bans must navigate First Amendment concerns by focusing on the sign's characteristics (like movement/flashing) rather than message content. While outright bans are possible, many other municipalities opt to allow them with strict objective regulations and standards.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND DRIVER DISTRACTION
The primary regulatory concern is that digital billboards, designed to be eye-catching, divert drivers' attention from the road, increasing crash risks for motorist, pedestrians, and bicycle riders.
Some government-funded studies found higher crash rates near digital signs compared to control sites, particularly motor vehicle rear-end collisions and pedestrian/bicyclist collisions at crosswalks typical of driver distraction. Issues, concerns, and potential sign code approaches to ensure a roadway safety and promote a multimodal downtown, include:
Extended Gaze Time:
• Concern: Studies indicate that drivers look at digital signs for longer periods than static signs, often long enough to significantly increase near-crash/crash risk. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notes that any non-driving glance over two seconds is dangerous.
2 • Potential Sign Code Approach: Limit the number of signs and prescribe distances/locations where signs are permitted.
Changing Messages:
• Concern: The rotating or sequential nature of messages can capture drivers' curiosity, causing them to look for the next advertisement.
• Potential Sign Code Approach: Regulations can mandate minimum "dwell" or "hold" times (e.g., 6-10 seconds) and prohibit animation or flashing effects to mitigate this.
Glare and Brightness:
• Concern: Digital signs can be up to ten times brighter than traditionally lit billboards and can produce significant glare, especially at night or in low-light conditions. • Potential Sign Code Approach: Regulations can include require light sensors to adjust brightness relative to ambient light conditions.
ENFORCEMENT AND COMPLIANCE:
Regulating digital signs goes beyond just creating codes.
Ensuring ongoing compliance with brightness levels, display duration, and spacing requirements can be challenging for Crescent City. Consideration of how, when, and who enforces regulations should be addressed as part of the creation of any new regulations and application processes.
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT - PLANNING & ZONING
377 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 (707-464-9506)
Incorporated April 13, 1854 web: www.crescentcity.org
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 1 of 36 October 16, 2025
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
Tsunami Lanes & FEC Inc. (John H Kirk) has submitted a Zoning Ordinance Amendment Request (Application ZOA25-01) to amend the Signs Regulations Ordinance (Chapter 17.39) to allow LED digital display signs that rotate images within the C-2 zone (General Commercial District), which includes:
Note: Added = red underlined text, Deleted = red text with strikethrough.
Chapter 17.39 SIGNS
Note: Chapter 17.39 applies to all signs erected in the city as of January 17, 1996, and for all signs erected in the coastal zone as of January 17, 1996, pending Coastal Commission approval. Chapter 17.39 shall not apply to legal nonconforming signs as defined in Section 17.39.030, except as provided in Section 17.39.020. § 17.39.010 Purpose.
A. The surroundings of the city are possessed of natural beauty having both giant redwoods and the Pacific Ocean at the disposal of its citizens. The city's economy is dependent on a vigorous local business economy, spawned in part by tourism and its residential environment. The purpose of this chapter is to regulate signs in the city.
Signs have an obvious impact on the character, quality and economic health of the city.
As a prominent part of the scenery, signs may attract the viewing public, affect the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and help set the tone of the community.
B. It is the intent of the city that this chapter emphasize the importance of business activity to the economic vitality of the city, help improve the ability of business owners and operators to identify their businesses to the community to enhance the furtherance of commerce, foster varied and interesting places of trade and promote public safety by making business signing visible to the passing public. This chapter is further intended to encourage the use of signs that:
1. Protect and enhance the architectural character, harmony and natural beauty of the community, its buildings and its various neighborhoods and districts;
2. Protect commercial districts from sign clutter;
3. Protect the public's ability to identify users and premises without confusion;
4. Eliminate unnecessary distractions which may jeopardize pedestrian or vehicular traffic safety;
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 2 of 36 October 16, 2025
5. Are as small in size and few in number as is consistent with their purpose of communicating identification and essential information;
6. Protect the right of the public to be directed, warned, advised and informed;
7. Possess a satisfactory aesthetic effect and pleasing elements of design that relates to the form, proportion, material, surface treatment and position;
8. Assure the maintenance of signs;
9. Implement the community design objectives expressed in the general plan;
10. Prohibit political signs on public utility or street sign poles because it is necessary to prevent visual distractions to motorists that create traffic hazards, prevent the obstruction of road hazards and road signs, and to prevent eyesores from proliferating along public streets;
11. Regulate the size of political signs because it is necessary for safety and aesthetic reasons, specifically that the strong winds common in the city would remove the signs, creating hazards and accumulation of debris, and extremely large or illuminated signs would create a distraction to motorists.
C. The general sign usage provisions and regulations of this chapter shall apply. The additional sign usage authorized hereunder shall be strictly construed in its application. (Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.020 Applicability.
A. This chapter shall apply to on-premises advertising displays which meet any of the following criteria:
1. On-premises advertising displays placed or constructed on or after January 17, 1996;
2. Any on-premises advertising display placed or constructed on or before January 17, 1996 that was not in compliance with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction and erection or use;
3. Any on-premises advertising display which was lawfully erected, but whose use has ceased, or the structure upon which the display has been abandoned by its owner, for a period of not less than ninety days;
4. Any on-premises advertising display which has been more than fifty percent destroyed, and the destruction is other than facial copy replacement, and the display cannot be repaired within thirty days of the date of its destruction;
5. Any on-premises advertising display whose owner, outside of a change of copy, requests permission to remodel and remodels that advertising display, or expand or
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 3 of 36 October 16, 2025
enlarge the building or land use upon which the advertising display is located, and the display is affected by the construction, enlargement or remodeling, or the cost of construction, enlargement or remodeling of the advertising display exceeds fifty percent of the cost of reconstruction of the building;
6. Any on-premises advertising display for which there has been an agreement between the sign permit holder and the city for its removal as of any given date;
7. Any on-premises advertising display which is a temporary sign;
8. Any on-premises advertising display which is or may become a danger to the public or is unsafe;
9. Any on-premises advertising display which constitutes a traffic hazard not created by relocation of streets or highways or by acts of any city or county;
10. Except where the provisions of this chapter provide for earlier sign removal, onpremises advertising displays located in redevelopment project areas created pursuant to Community Redevelopment Law of Division 24 of the California Health and Safety Code, shall be removed or made to conform within sixty days after written notice by the community development department, in accordance with the following schedule:
Original Value of Sign Amortization Period
Less than $500.00 One year
$500.00 to $999.00 Two years
$1,000.00 to $2,999.00 Four years
$3,000.00 to $5,999.00 Eight years
More than $6,000.00 Ten years
The permit holder of a redevelopment area sign shall, upon written request of the community development department, furnish acceptable proof of the initial cost in the form of: (a) an original bill of sale, or (b) a depreciation schedule from state or federal income tax returns, or (c) a written appraisal by a sign manufacturer;
11. Advertising displays located in areas listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places;
12. Advertising displays located in areas registered by the California Department of Parks and Recreations as a state landmark of historical interest pursuant to Section 5021 of the California Public Resources Code;
13. Advertising displays located in areas created as historic zones or individually registered properties by the city pursuant to Article 12 of Chapter 1 of Division 1 of Title 5 of the California Government Code.
B. Legal Nonconforming Signs.
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 4 of 36 October 16, 2025
1. Legal nonconforming signs shall be removed or made to conform with the provisions of this chapter within sixty days after written notice by the community development department, when:
a. The use of the premises changes and the exterior of the building or other site conditions are to be altered; or
b. A sign is damaged or destroyed by any cause, to the extent that the cost of repairing or replacing it would be more than fifty percent of its value immediately prior to the damage; or
c. In accordance with the provisions for abatement outlined in Section 17.39.190.
2. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, nonconforming on-premises signs shall be made to conform to the provisions of this chapter upon the change of a name of any business, the relocation of any business, or an application for a sign for any business.
3. General Provisions. A legal nonconforming sign may not be:
a. Changed to another nonconforming sign; or
b. Structurally altered to extend its useful life; or
c. Expanded, moved or relocated; or
d. Re-established after damage or destruction of more than fifty percent of the dollar value of the sign as determined by the community development director.
4. Ordinary repair and maintenance may be made to a legal nonconforming sign provided that such maintenance and repair does not exceed twenty-five percent of the actual dollar value of the sign in any one year.
5. Exceptions to the provisions of this section may be granted, in the form of a variance, by the planning commission upon the application of any owner of a sign who presents substantial evidence showing the following:
a. There are exceptional circumstances applicable to the property on which the nonconforming sign is located, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings which make it practically impossible to identify effectively the property to the public if strict application of all the provisions of these regulations are required; or b. The sign possesses unique features which make it a significant part of the community character of the area in which it is located.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.030 Definitions.
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 5 of 36 October 16, 2025
As used in this chapter:
"Abandoned sign" means any sign or advertising display remaining in place or not maintained for a period of ninety days which no longer advertises or identifies an ongoing business, product or service available on the business premises where the sign or display is located.
"Advertising display" means the same as "sign."
"A-frame" means a sandwich board sign.
"Architecturally controlled sign" means any sign that is submitted as part of, or related to, the design of a building, or group of buildings, constructed for commercial purposes, and that has gone through an approved process of design review. "Awning/canopy sign" means any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic, or nonpermanent structural protective cover over the doorway, window, patio or other part of the exterior of a building. A marquee is not an awning or a canopy.
"Balloon" means a nonporous bag containing a gas lighter than air causing it to rise and float above the ground.
"Banner" means a sign made of flexible materials such as cloth, canvas, plastic or cardboard.
"Beacon" means a rapidly rotating fixed light giving the appearance of a flashing light. "Bed and breakfast establishment" means a residential dwelling occupied by a resident person or family, containing individual living quarters occupied on a transient basis for compensation, and in which a breakfast may be provided to the guests. "Billboard" means a large sign structure, exceeding 100-sf, which is made available for lease or rent for the purpose of off-site advertising.
"Changeable copy sign" means a sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be changed or rearranged without altering the face of the sign. "Community event" means an occasion or activity sponsored by either a governmental or quasi-governmental agency (such as the harbor district, city of Crescent City, Del Norte County, the Crescent City business and parking improvement district, or chamber of commerce) or by a not-for-profit organization (such as a church or a civic organization), the purpose of which is to benefit the community as a whole, either by raising funds through a specific event to address a specific issue (such as the United Way Ball), by publicizing the area to visitors (such as street fairs) or for the purpose of a community-wide celebration (such as the fourth of July). "Construction signs" means a temporary sign erected on the premises on which
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 6 of 36 October 16, 2025
construction is taking place identifying the names of the persons or companies involved in the project.
"Curbline" means the line at the face of the curb nearest to the street or roadway. In the absence of a curb, the curbline shall be established by the public works director. "Directional sign" means an accessory sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.
“Digital Sign” means an LED digital display sign that may rotate images. "Display surface" means the area made available by the sign structure, including the background area, for the purpose of displaying an advertising message. "Double-faced sign" means a sign with two faces only, with each face oriented one hundred eighty degrees from the other. Such sign may be a pole, projecting, hanging or roof sign.
"Enforcement officer" means the public employee or officer designated by the legislative body of the city to perform the duties imposed by these regulations. "Flag" means a usually rectangular piece of fabric of distinctive design that is used as a symbol or as an attracting or signaling device. Corporate flags contain the name or logo of an incorporated business or organization. Governmental flags are duly recognized symbols of a city, state or nation.
"Flashing" means sudden bursts of light. In certain uses it appears to simulate movement.
"Freestanding sign" means a sign not attached to any building and having its own support structure, such as a pole or a monument-style base. "Frontage" means the distance in feet of a lot measured along a street right-of-way. "General advertising sign" is a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, industry or other activity which is sold, offered or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which such sign is located, or to which it is affixed, and which is sold, offered or conducted on such premises only incidentally if at all. "Grand opening" means the first thirty business days of a new business. "Ground sign" means the same as "monument sign."
"Hanging sign" means a sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface, such as a marquee, awning or canopy, or from a bracket, and which is supported by that surface or bracket.
"Holiday decorations" means wording, symbols or pictures of a noncommercial nature
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 7 of 36 October 16, 2025
which may be erected or displayed in reference to a specific seasonal, political or religious holiday. Sale announcements are not holiday decorations. "Horizontal sign" means a projecting sign having its greatest dimension in a horizontal direction.
"Identification" means a sign giving the name, nature, logo, trademark or other identifying symbol of an establishment.
"Institutional use" means a nonprofit, public or quasi-public use or institution such as a church, library, public or private school, hospital, or municipally owned or operated building, structure or land used for a public purpose.
"Legal nonconforming signs" means on-premises advertising displays which do not conform to the provisions of this chapter but which lawfully existed and were maintained prior to January 17, 1996.
"Luminescence" means an emission of light produced by electrical action. "Mansard roof" means a roof having two slopes on each side, with the lower slope steeper than the upper one.
"Marquee" means any permanent-roofed structure made of a nonflexible material, which is attached to and supported by a building, and which projects over public property. "Monument/ground sign" means any sign other than a pole sign, placed upon or supported by the ground independent of any other structure. "Mural" means a decorative scene or graphic design painted on and made an integral part of a wall surface, and making no reference to a specific business or brand of product offered for sale on the premises.
"Nameplate" means a small sign stating only the name and/or address of the occupant(s), and his or her profession or specialty. However, in the case of bed and breakfast establishments, only, nameplate additionally means a sign displaying the name of the establishment.
“Off-site advertising” means a sign that directs attention to a business, product, industry or other activity which is sold, offered, or conducted elsewhere than on the premises upon which the sign is located or to which it is affixed. "On-premises advertising display" has the same definition as California Business and Professions Code Section 5490(b) as amended or supplanted.
Paper Signs. Paper signs tacked or otherwise fastened to a side of a building or bulletin board, or outside of a window are temporary signs unless enclosed in a frame with a glass, Plexiglas or equivalent cover.
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 8 of 36 October 16, 2025
"Parapet" means the extension of the main walls of a building above the roof level, such as a false front. Parapet walls are often used to shield mechanical equipment or vents from view.
"Pennant" means a flag which tapers to one or two points. "Pennants" also refers to strings of small flags or strips which can be hung either attached to a building or across an open parking area.
"Placard" means a nonpermanent announcement or sign in the form of a small card, such as a poster or plaque.
"Pole sign" means a freestanding sign that is wholly supported by one or more posts or poles, free of braces or cables, either in the ground or in a concrete base. "Portable sign" means a sign that is not permanently attached to the ground or to a structure.
"Projecting sign" means a sign other than a wall sign or awning sign which projects out from and is supported by a wall of a building or structure. "Projection" means the distance by which a sign extends over or beyond the edge of a building.
"Public right-of-way (RoW)" means a public street, sidewalk or accessway. "Real estate sign" means a sign of any size advertising real property for sale or lease, including "open house" signs.
"Revolving sign" means a sign whose face(s) turn round on an axis, usually a pole of any height.
"Right-of-way (RoW)" means the same as "public right-of-way." "Roof height" means the vertical distance measured from the average grade level of the building (the ground) to the highest point of the roof, ridge or parapet wall. "Roof sign" means a sign erected upon or above a roof or parapet of a building or structure.
"Sandwich board sign" means a portable sign consisting of two hinged boards designed to stand alone for display, and which may be folded and moved from place to place.
Also known as an "A-frame."
"Setback" means the minimum horizontal distance from the building to the property line as prescribed by this title.
"Sign" means any writing, pictorial representation, symbol, banner, or other figure of similar character of any material that is used to identify, announce, direct attention to,
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 9 of 36 October 16, 2025
communicate, inform or advertise.
"Sign area" means the area in square feet of the smallest rectangle enclosing the total exterior surface of a sign, or of one face of a double-faced sign. "Sign height" means the vertical distance from the average grade at the base of the sign structure to the uppermost point of the sign.
"Sign structure" means any structure that supports, or is capable of supporting any sign as defined in this chapter. A sign structure may be a single pole, several poles, frame structure, or solid base, or may be an integral part of a building. "Spinner" means any advertising or attention-getting device which includes a part or parts which turn, gyrate or revolve rapidly.
"Streamer" means any long wavy strip, either free-floating or attached at both ends, as alongside a building or over a parking lot or other open area. "Structure" means that which is built or constructed; an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined in some definite manner; but not including fences, or walls used as fences that are three feet in height or less.
"Suspended sign" means the same as "hanging sign."
"Temporary sign" means any sign or advertising display constructed of fabric, canvas, paper, plywood or other such light material, not permanently erected, and constructed, created, intended or engineered to have a useful life of less than fifteen years.
Temporary signs may include, but are not limited to vehicle and trailer signs, banners, balloons, sandwich boards and paper signs.
"Time and temperature device" means any device which displays the current time and temperature, usually in the form of a clock and thermometer or an electronic digital display unit. Often such devices include the name or logo of the business upon whose premises the device is located.
"Trailer sign" means any sign mounted on a trailer or cart so as to be movable by being pulled about.
"Twirler" means the same as "spinner."
"Vehicle sign" means any sign which is painted or mounted on an operating or nonoperating vehicle, which is parked on or adjacent to any property, the principal purpose of which is to attract attention to any business, service, product or an activity, or to convey a message for which other avenues of expression are readily available. For the purpose of this chapter, vehicle sign regulations shall not apply to business vehicles on which the business name or logo is painted or attached, and which are driven in the normal course of business activity.
PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT
Zoning Ordinance Amendment – Application ZOA25-01
ZOA25-01_Amendments Page 10 of 36 October 16, 2025
"Vertical sign" means a projecting sign having its greatest dimension in a vertical direction.
"Wall sign" means a single-faced sign painted on or attached parallel to a building or wall.
"Window sign" means a sign maintained in or painted upon a window so that its message can be seen from the exterior of the structure. Window signs do not include holiday decorations.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.040 Types—Generally.
The types of signs set forth in this section will be permitted for the various uses allowed in Sections 17.39.110 through 17.39.140 and must be limited to the restrictions set forth in Section 17.39.020, in addition to those required in Sections 17.39.050 through
17.39.080. Additional special use signs are also listed in this section.
A. Signs having Double Faces. Pole signs, revolving signs and projecting signs may have double faces. Where such signs and marquees have double faces, and are included in the total sign area, the area of only one face need be included in the total area allowed. Where the two faces are of different areas, the larger of the two must be counted as part of the total sign area.
B. Projecting Signs. Projecting signs identifying a business located on the premises shall be located no less than nine feet above the sidewalk, may not project above the roofline of a wall or building, and shall project into public property no more than thirty-six inches from the side of the building. The area of such sign shall be included in the total allowable aggregate sign area as provided in this chapter.
C. Wall Signs.
1. Flat wall sign(s) identifying each business conducted on the premises may be painted on the surface of the building or attached to the face of the building, no point of which shall project over eighteen inches from the face of the building. Wall signs shall not occupy more than fifty percent of the building surface envelope excluding window areas, and shall not project above the top of the wall or above the roofline of the building to which they are attached. The area of such sign shall be included in the total allowable aggregate sign area as provided in this chapter.
2. On buildings which are two or more stories in height, but which are occupied above the first floor by other than the ground floor business, the first floor envelope shall extend to the bottom of the second floor window line. The second floor envelope shall extend from the bottom of the second floor window line to the bottom of the above floor window line, or to a line one and one-half feet below the roofline or top of the wall.
D. Marquee Signs.
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1. For purposes of computing sign area, signs on the face of a marquee which is parallel to the front wall of a building shall be considered as part of the flat wall sign envelope, and signs on other faces of the marquee shall be considered as a doublefaced projecting sign.
2. Single-faced or double-faced signs placed under marquees or canopies shall be limited to a maximum size of eighteen inches high and sixty inches long, and shall be not less than nine feet from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. Only one side of these signs shall be used in computing total aggregate sign area.
E. Pole or Freestanding Signs. Provisions for pole or freestanding signs shall be as follows:
1. Minimum height in a vehicular area: fourteen feet to the bottom of the sign;
2. Minimum height over a public pedestrian area: ten feet to the bottom of the sign;
3. Maximum height: thirty feet to the top of the sign absent a variance;
4. Minimum setback from the right-of-way line: one-half the distance from the road rightof-way line to the legal setback line;
5. Only one pole sign shall be permitted per parcel where allowed;
6. The minimum ground area of two feet around the perimeter of the base of all freestanding signs shall be landscaped. The community development director may exempt certain freestanding signs from this requirement where it is demonstrated by the applicant that the landscaping would unduly interfere with pedestrian or vehicular traffic, or where this requirement would be impossible to meet without compromising the stability of the sign structure.
F. Monument or Ground Signs. Monument or ground signs shall not exceed five or ten feet in height, depending upon the regulations for the zone in which the sign is being placed, unless a variance for a higher sign has first been approved by the planning commission. Such signs shall not impede vehicle sight distance.
G. Canopy or Awning Signs. Signage shall only be permitted on the valance of the canopy or awning, or as hanging signs suspended below the canopy. Hanging signs suspended below canopies shall not exceed eighteen inches in height or sixty inches in length, and shall be hung at a height not less than nine feet measured from the sidewalk to the bottom of the sign. Sign area shall be computed using only one face of the hanging sign.
H. Architecturally Controlled Signs. Architecturally controlled signs for a special development of an unusual nature or size may be reviewed and approved if acceptable by the planning commission for their conformance with the intent of this chapter, with the goals of the general plan, and for their appropriateness to the type of development to which they are related. The determination that such a review is desired may be made
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by the community development director.
I. Sandwich Board or A-Frame Signs.
1. Subject to an encroachment permit through public works if within city right-of-way.
2. Signs must be constructed of durable materials and in such a manner as not to present a hazard to pedestrian movement.
J. Pennant Signs. Pennants signs include wind-blown signs, double-faced signs, freestanding signs, small pole signs, portable signs, revolving signs, temporary signs, and vertical signs.
K. Digital signs.
1. Digital signs may contain static messages only. Signs may not display text which flashes, pulsates, moves or scrolls. Each complete message must fit on one screen.
2. Digital signs may not change message more than once every 15 seconds.
3. The content of a digital sign must transition by changing instantly (e.g., no fade-out or fade-in).
4. Any digital signs within 100 feet from HWY 101 must obtain any and all permits from Caltrans.
L. Off-site Advertising.
1. No off-site advertising sign may be erected, constructed, or maintained in excess of 100 square feet of display surface, in accordance with the allowable sign area regulations of this chapter.
2. Off-site advertising is only allowed in the C-2 Zone and must meet all applicable Caltrans requirements and regulations.
3. Each business is limited to two off-site advertising signs within the city limits.
4. Off-site advertising sign area counts toward the allowable sign area for both the business being advertised and the business hosting the off-site advertising sign.
K M. Not Otherwise Specified. Any sign that is not otherwise defined above, may be reviewed by the community development director for a determination as to which approval criteria shall apply based upon the similarity of characteristics of the undefined sign as compared to those sign types that are defined.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.050 Special provisions.
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The following provisions shall apply to all signs generally permitted by this title:
A. A sign permit must be issued before the display of any signs other than exempt signs.
B. The use of any sign that is obnoxious in character or location or which is architecturally undesirable in the judgment of the community development director can be denied even though such sign complies with all other provisions of this title. The decision of the community development director is appealable to the planning commission. A fee may be charged to cover the cost of bringing the appeal before the planning commission.
C. Materials used in the construction of signs and sign structures and the construction thereof shall comply with the Underwriters Laboratory and the latest adopted edition of the Uniform Sign Code, Uniform Building Code, National Electric Code, and other applicable laws and ordinances.
D. Once constructed, the front and back of all signs and sign structures shall be fully painted and shall be maintained in a safe condition and neat appearance.
E. Signs that tend to attract motorists to a roadway-oriented business shall not be lighted except during hours that the merchandise or services are available.
F. Sign structures not used for signage purposes for more than twelve months shall be considered a nuisance and shall be removed.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.060 Sign permits.
A. Terms. Sign permits may be revocable, conditional or valid for a term period, and may be issued only for the construction and display of signs as outlined in these provisions.
B. Permits Required. A sign shall not hereafter be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered or maintained, except as provided by this code and only then after a permit for the same has been issued by the community development department. A separate permit shall be required for a sign or signs for each business entity, and a separate permit shall be required for each group of signs on a single supporting structure. In addition, electrical permits shall be obtained for electrical signs. Each application for a sign permit shall be reviewed by the city building inspector who is authorized to determine if a building permit shall additionally be required as a condition to the issuance of a sign permit. A building permit shall be required when the proposed sign's erection, re-erection, construction, alteration or maintenance may potentially adversely affect the public's health, safety or welfare. Sign permits may be issued to any person with a possessory or estate hold interest in the real property where the sign is sought to be placed or to a contractor licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs and
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employed by such person to perform the sign's erection, re-erection, construction, alteration or maintenance.
C. Application for Permit.
1. Application for a sign permit shall be made in writing upon forms furnished by the community development department. Such application shall contain the location by street and number of the proposed sign structure, as well as the name and address of the applicant and properly identify the applicant's interest in the real property where the sign is sought to be placed or as a contractor licensed by the Department of Consumer Affairs employed to perform the sign's erection, re-erection, construction, alteration or maintenance. The application must be accompanied by plans and specifications for all signs to be constructed. Such plans and specifications shall specify:
a. The materials of which the sign and its structure shall be constructed; and b. The sign's location on the property; and
c. The type of construction to be used in the sign; and d. The message and pictorial representations which will appear on the sign(s); and e. The dimensions of its size; and
f. Any other existing signage or display already on the property.
2. Standard plans may be filed with the community development department.
3. The application will be reviewed by the city's building and community development departments, and must be approved by each prior to the issuance of any sign permit.
The applicant shall submit any additional information required by the city's building and community development departments.
D. Fees. The sign permit application shall be accompanied by fees as established by resolution of the city council. In addition, signs subject to building and electrical permits shall be subject to the fees required for the issuance of those permits.
E. Public Hearing. The planning commission may hold public hearings to discuss sign permit applications whenever it determines that such a hearing is in the public interest.
The planning commission may, through the public hearing process, designate such conditions as it deems necessary to ensure compliance with the purposes of this chapter, and may require a guarantee or bond to be posted to that effect.
F. Issuance. Within thirty days of receiving a complete application for a permit which is not contingent upon any action by the planning commission or on the issuance of any other permits, the application shall, in writing, be approved, conditionally approved or denied. Conditions imposed may only be such as will assure compliance with the provisions of these regulations.
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G. Inspections. All signs for which a building permit is required shall be subject to inspection as required by the building official. All signs may be reinspected at the discretion of the building official.
H. Revocation.
1. In any case where the conditions set forth in the approval of a sign permit have not been met, the permittee shall be noticed by certified mail, sent to the address shown on the sign permit application at least ten days prior to a hearing at which the status of the conditions are to be discussed. At the conclusion of the hearing, the planning commission may revoke the permit.
2. In any case where an approved sign permit has not been used within six months after the date of approval, then, without further action by the city council or planning commission, the sign permit granted shall become null and void. (Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.070 Temporary permit required when.
The following types of signs and advertising devices are permitted with the issuance of a temporary permit from the community development department. The permit may impose conditions on the size, placement, structure, color, copy, conditions of removal or any other aspect of the display at the discretion of the community development director. Balloons may also be subject to approval by the building inspector, at his or her recommendation. A fee may be charged by the building department if an inspection of the balloon attachment is required.
A. Grand Opening Signs, Banners or Balloons. Pennants, signs, banners and/or balloons for the promotion of the grand opening of a new business for a period of not more than the first ninety business days of a new business. A use permit must be granted by the planning commission in order to display such devices for any longer than ninety days;
B. Promotional Signs, Banners or Balloons. Signs, banners, balloons, pennants or other advertising devices for the promotion of special sales or other business events lasting for a period of up to thirty days.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.080 Prohibited signs.
In addition to any sign or advertising display device not specifically allowed by these provisions, the following signs are prohibited.
A. Signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:
1. Obscene or Offensive to Morals. Containing statements, words or pictures of an
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obscene, indecent or immoral character which, taken as a whole, appeal to the prurient interest in sex, and which signs are patently offensive and, when taken as a whole, do not have serious literary, artistic, political or scientific value,
2. Imitative of Official Signs. Signs (other than when used for traffic direction) which contain the words stop, go, slow, caution, danger, warning or similar words, or signs which imitate or may be construed as other public notices, such as zoning violations, building permits, business licenses and the like;
B. Moving signs having one or a combination of the following characteristics:
1. Flashing lights or changing of color intensity, unless otherwise permitted,
2. Wind-blown devices such as streamers, balloons, flares, propellers and similar attention-getting displays or devices with the exception of the following:
a. National, state and/or local government flags properly displayed and maintained upon a permanently mounted flagpole or bracket,
b. One corporate or logo flag of a size not to exceed any governmental flag displayed upon the same premises,
c. Twirlers or spinners, provided a use permit has first been obtained from the planning commission,
d. Holiday decorations, in season, displayed for an aggregate period not exceeding sixty days in any one calendar year, except no advertising of the business or products shall be permitted,
e. Wind-blown signs such as pennants obtained through a standard sign permit.
3. Where there is any production of smoke, sound or other substances; C. Portable or temporary signs, including sandwich boards and pennants, except as permitted;
D. Obstructive to Use or Visibility—Hazardous Locations. No sign shall be erected in any manner which, in whole or in part, would create a hazardous condition to pedestrians or traffic alike, either by creating visual distraction, being color, sounds or glare, or by representing a traffic-control device; and E. Signs in one or more of the following locations:
1. Within Public Places.
a. Within any public street, sidewalk, public parking lot, or right-of-way, unless they shall maintain a minimum clearance of fourteen feet above the adjoining grade level and after acquiring an encroachment permit from the Department of Public Works, except
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marquee signs as defined by this chapter, unless specifically provided for in this chapter,
b. Furthermore, no person except a duly authorized public officer or employee shall erect, construct, maintain, paste, print, nail, tack or otherwise fasten or affix any card, banner, flag, pennant, handbill, campaign sign, poster, sign, advertisement, or notice of any kind, or cause or suffer the same to be done, on any curbstone, lamppost, driveway, roadway, parkway, sidewalk, street, light standard, fire hydrant, bench, electrical light pole, power pole, telephone pole, traffic signal, bridge, wall, tree, parking meter, or on any other public property, except as may be required or permitted by ordinance or law; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit the placement, use and maintenance of warning signs designating street construction or repair and/or the location of underground utility lines,
c. Any flags, pennants, sign, handbill, campaign sign, poster or notice of any kind that is placed upon a public street or public property in violation of this subsection is declared to be a public nuisance and may be summarily abated in addition to other remedies provided by this code,
2. Roof signs, except mansard roof signs,
3. Projecting. Signs projecting more than thirty-six inches from the face of a building shall not be allowed except for awning or canopy signs,
4. Signs on Vehicles. No vehicle may be used as a platform or substitute for a billboard, freestanding sign or movable sign, whether parked on private property or the public right-of-way. The parking of any such vehicle on any street or on public or private property, or the movement of any such vehicle in and/or along any street for the sole or primary purpose of displaying advertising matter is declared to be a nuisance and a violation of this Section. The following exceptions are permissible under these regulations:
a. The driving, operation and movement of vehicles displaying political campaign advertisements for candidates for public office or for ballot measures, provided the same is not otherwise prohibited by this section,
b. The identification of a business enterprise upon a vehicle used primarily for the purpose of and in the usual business of the owner for transporting or servicing goods or persons for commercial or other business purposes, provided that the identification is painted on or otherwise affixed so as not to project from the usual profile of the vehicle, c. The incidental display of noncommercial stickers, plates, license plate brackets and the like; or of customary small identifications on license plate brackets or elsewhere, of vehicle manufacturers, models or types of vehicles, or dealers or entities from whom vehicles bearing the same were purchased or otherwise obtained, d. A single isolated movement of a sign or sign equipment or materials from one place
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to another within the city,
e. Vehicles located on construction sites that are directly involved with ongoing construction,
5. Miscellaneous Temporary Signs and Posters. The tacking, posting or otherwise affixing of signs of a miscellaneous character, visible from a public way, located on the walls of buildings, barns or sheds, on trees, poles, posts, fences, or other structures shall be prohibited, unless specifically permitted by this chapter; F. Abandoned Signs.
1. In addition to the other requirements imposed by this chapter, signs advertising an activity, business, product or service no longer conducted on the premises on which the sign is located, or sign frames, structural members or supporting poles remaining unused for twelve months or longer, shall be removed from the site. Signs will be considered abandoned or dilapidated where the sign or any element of it is excessively weathered or structurally unsound or where the copy can no longer be seen or understood by a person with normal eyesight under normal viewing conditions,
2. This provision may be waived for set periods of time at the discretion of the community development director;
G. General advertising signs.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.090 Variances.
A. Generally. When practical difficulties, unnecessary hardships or results inconsistent with the general intent and stated purpose of this chapter occur by reason of the strict application of the standards set forth in these regulations, a sign variance may be requested.
B. Application.
1. A request for a sign variance shall be made by submitting a completed permit application form and appropriate filing fee to the community development department, along with all supporting documentation pertinent to the situation, such as maps, photographs or sketches.
2. The request for variance shall be set for public hearing on the earliest available meeting date of the planning commission. The appellant shall be notified in writing of the meeting date. Notice of the hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general local circulation at least ten days prior to the hearing. The hearing may be continued from time to time.
C. Required Findings. The planning commission must make the following findings in
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order to approve a sign variance:
1. The strict application of the standards contained in this chapter deprives the appellant's property of privileges enjoyed by other property owners in the same vicinity and under identical use classification due to special circumstances applicable to the property including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings; and
2. The variance does not constitute a grant of special privilege inconsistent with the limitations upon other properties in the vicinity with the same use classifications as the subject property.
D. Variance Allowed.
1. The planning commission may, upon approval of a variance sign permit, allow:
a. An increase in allowed height; and/or
b. An increase in size of not more than fifty percent; and/or c. A reduction in the required setbacks.
2. Variances may not be granted to allow signs to meet the same standards as legal nonconforming signs in the same vicinity or use classification, and/or which may be competing for the same business patrons.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.100 Appeals.
A. Appeals. Any person aggrieved by an action of the planning commission, or by city staff, may make an appeal of that decision. Appeals of decisions made by the planning department staff shall be submitted to the planning commission. Appeals of decisions made by the planning commission shall be submitted to the city clerk for review by the city council. Decisions of the city council are final, with the exception of coastal zone appealable areas. Decisions of approval for sign development(s) within the coastal zone appealable area may be appealed to the California Coastal Commission. Decisions of denial for development within such zones are final.
B. Application for Appeal. Application for appeal is made by filing a written request for appeal, along with any required appeal filing fee, within ten days of the action. The request must specify:
1. The person making the appeal, and their place of residence; and
2. The location of the proposed sign(s); and
3. The specific items of appeal and all supporting documentation; and
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4. The basis for the appeal, and any information substantiating that basis (for example, failure to comply with the city's general plan or with state or local laws, or reasons why the action would adversely affect surrounding property, the neighborhood or the city); and
5. The relief of action sought.
C. Appeal Process.
1. Who May Appeal. In case the applicant or any other person is not satisfied with any decision to approve or deny a sign permit, they may appeal such decision as provided in this subsection.
2. Appeal Letter Requirements. The appeal letter shall specify:
a. The person making the appeal;
b. The specific items of appeal and all supporting documentation; c. The basis for such appeal and information substantiating the basis for appeal (e.g., failure to comply with the city's general plan, state or local laws or stating reasons why the action of the planning director or the planning commission would adversely affect surrounding property, the neighborhood, and/or the city); d. The relief of action sought.
3. Where and How to Appeal.
a. Decisions of the planning director may be appealed to the planning commission, and decisions of the planning commission may be appealed to the city council. Any appeal must be submitted in writing within ten calendar days of the decision and shall be accompanied by an appeal filing fee. Appeals of decisions of the planning director shall be submitted to the planning commission. Appeals of decisions of the planning commission shall be submitted to the city clerk. The appeal shall be agendized for consideration on the earliest available meeting date as determined by the city, but no later than thirty days from receipt of the appeal and filing fee. The appellant shall be notified in writing of the meeting date. In an appeal, the burden of proof is upon the appellant.
b. The appropriate reviewing authority shall consider the appeal and the record upon which the action appealed from was taken, and may, at its own discretion, cause the matter to be set for a public hearing.
c. If the appropriate reviewing authority causes the matter to be set for a public hearing, notice of the hearing shall be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation, printed and published in the city, at least ten days before the hearing. The hearing may be continued from time to time.
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d. Within thirty days of the filing of the notice of appeal, the appropriate reviewing authority shall render its decision on the matter. Failure of the appropriate reviewing authority to render its decision on the matter within thirty days of the filing of the notice of appeal shall be deemed to be denial of the appeal and an affirmation of the action of the planning commission. The decision of the city council upon appeal is final and conclusive as to all things involved in the matter.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.110 Residential zones.
The following signs are permitted in the city's residentially zoned districts (R1, R2, R3, CZ-R1, CZ-R1B, CZ-R2):
A. 1. Institutional uses such as churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers and/or public agency buildings such as fire or police stations may have wall, ground or monument signs with an area not to exceed one-half square foot of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage.
2. For parcels with multiple street frontages the allowable sign area shall be one-half square foot for each linear foot of the longest street frontage plus one-quarter square foot for each additional linear foot of frontage.
3. A sign permit shall be required for these uses, unless the entity or agency is categorically exempt.
B. Apartment complexes with four or more units may have one monument sign per street frontage not to exceed twenty-four square feet of area and five feet in height. A sign permit shall be required.
C. Approved and licensed home occupations, including day care homes, shall be allowed one name-plate not to exceed two square feet in size, stating the occupant's name, address and/or profession. A sign permit shall not be required for the nameplate.
D. Bed and Breakfast Establishments. Bed and breakfast establishments within residential zones may be permitted one sign per establishment. The sign may be one of the following:
1. One sign not to exceed twenty square feet in size. The sign may be a wall sign, hanging sign, or ground or monument sign not to exceed five feet in height. The sign shall be constructed of nonplastic materials, and only low-level lighting exterior illumination to light the sign shall be permitted. The sign must have approval of the community development department, and a sign permit shall be required.
2. One nameplate sign, made of nonplastic materials, not to exceed two square feet in size. The nameplate may bear the proprietor's name, address, and/or the name of the establishment. A sign permit shall not be required for the nameplate.
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E. Sandwich board signs or A-frame signs, with a valid business license or nonprofit business license exemption.
F. Pennant signs, with a valid business license or nonprofit business license exemption.
G. Exempt Signs. No permit required.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.120 Residential-professional zones (RP and CZ-RP).
A. Sign Types Permitted. The following signs are permitted for licensed businesses in the city's residential-professional zoned districts (RP and CZ-RP):
1. Wall signs;
2. Canopy signs;
3. Monument or ground signs not to exceed five feet in height, and not to impede vehicle sight distance;
4. Institutional uses such as churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers and/or public agency buildings such as fire or police stations may have a wall, ground or monument sign. A sign permit is required for these uses;
5. Sandwich board signs or A-frame signs, with a valid business license or nonprofit business license exemption.
6. Pennant signs, with a valid business license or nonprofit business license exemption.
7. Exempt Signs. No permit required.
B. Allowable Sign Area.
1. The allowable sign area for nonresidential uses in the residential-professional districts is not to exceed one-half square foot of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage.
2. For parcels with multiple street frontages the allowable sign area shall be one-half square foot for each linear foot of the longest street frontage plus one-quarter square foot for each additional linear foot of frontage.
3. Canopy signs are not included in the total sign area of the property. (Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.130 Limited commercial (C1) and commercial-waterfront (CW) zones.
A. Sign Types Permitted. The following signs are permitted for licensed businesses in the city's limited commercial and commercial-waterfront zoning districts (C1 and CW):
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1. Wall signs;
2. Canopy signs;
3. Marquee signs;
4. Monument or ground signs not to exceed five feet in height;
5. Institutional uses such as churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers and/or public agency buildings such as fire or police stations may have a ground or monument sign. A sign permit is required for these uses;
6. Hanging signs;
7. Projecting signs;
8. Window signs;
9. Sandwich board signs or A-frame signs.
10. Pennant signs.
11. Exempt Signs. No permit required.
B. Sign Types Prohibited. The following types of signs are prohibited in the C1 and CW zoning districts:
1. Pole signs, unless no other option is available to meet state requirements, such as for gasoline price signs;
2. Roof signs.
C. Allowable Sign Area.
1. The allowable sign area for nonresidential uses is not to exceed one square foot of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage.
2. For parcels with multiple street frontages the allowable sign area shall be one square foot for each linear foot of the longest street frontage plus one-half square foot for each additional linear foot of frontage.
3. No sign for any business shall exceed one hundred square feet, nor shall any business be restricted to less than twenty square feet of total sign area.
4. Buildings with over thirty thousand square feet of floor area shall be allowed to have one one-hundred-fifty-square-foot wall sign. Such sign shall be included in the total sign area for the parcel.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
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§ 17.39.140 General commercial (C2), coastal zone general commercial (CZ-C2), highway services (HS), coastal zone highway services (CZ-HS), coastal zone harborrelated (CZ-HR) and commercial-manufacturing (CM) zones.
A. Sign Types Permitted. The following signs are permitted for licensed businesses in the city's general commercial (C2), coastal zone general commercial (CZ-C2), highway services (HS), coastal zone high-way services (CZ-HS), coastal zone harbor-related (CZ-HR) and commercial-manufacturing (CM) zoning districts:
1. Wall signs;
2. Awning or canopy signs;
3. Marquee signs;
4. Monument or ground signs not to exceed ten feet in height;
5. Institutional uses such as churches, schools, libraries, hospitals, community centers and/or public agency buildings such as fire or police stations may have a ground or monument sign. A sign permit is required for these uses;
6. Hanging signs;
7. Projecting signs;
8. Window signs;
9. Changeable copy signs, including digital signs;
10. Pole signs;
11. Banners. One promotional banner per street frontage. The banner must be mounted flat against the building, and must be maintained in a good condition. Tattered or torn banners must be removed;
12. Sandwich board signs or A-frame signs.
13. Pennant signs.
14. Off-site advertising signs are allowed in the C-2 zone only.
15. Exempt Signs. No permit required.
B. Use Permit Required. Twirlers or spinners are prohibited in these zones unless a use permit has first been approved by the planning commission.
C. Allowable Sign Area.
1. The allowable sign area for businesses in the general commercial (C2), coastal zone
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general commercial (CZ-C2), highway services (HS), coastal zone highway services (CZ-HS), coastal zone harbor-related (CZ-HR) and commercial-manufacturing (CM) districts is not to exceed one and one-half square feet of sign area for each linear foot of street frontage.
2. Every business shall be permitted at least twenty square feet of sign area. No sign may exceed one hundred fifty square feet of sign area, with the exception of buildings of greater than thirty thousand square feet in size, which are permitted to have one wall sign of two hundred square feet.
(Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.150 Illumination.
All signs shall be subject to the following restrictions upon illumination:
A. Light from any illuminated sign shall be shaded, shielded or directed so that its intensity or brightness shall not be objectionable to surrounding areas and uses:
1. During daylight hours between sunrise and sunset, luminance is limited to 10,000 nits.
2. At all other times, luminance is limited to 160 nits.
3. Digital signs may produce no more than 0.3 foot-candle of light when measured from the distance using the following formula: Measurement Distance= (Area of Sign Sq.
Ft. × 100)
4. Each sign must have a light sensing device that will automatically adjust the brightness of the display as the natural ambient light conditions change.
B. Except for public service signs such as time and temperature units and official traffic signs, no flashing lights, beacons or other interrupted illuminating devices shall be permitted, with the exception of permitted digital display signs.
C. Illuminated signs are prohibited except in commercial districts.
D. Illuminated signs shall not be lighted at night unless the service or product is available at that time.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.160 Community promotion signs.
A. Murals. Murals with no commercial message shall be allowed in all nonresidential zones, and on commercial use buildings in the residential-professional zones. The design must have the approval of the architectural review committee. All murals shall be maintained in a clean and tidy condition.
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B. Vertical Banners. Decorative banners with no commercial message, designed to enhance the community's appearance, may be erected by not-for-profit agencies on the city's street light poles. Such banners may also be displayed by private businesses on poles located on private property. Approval must first be granted by the city council who may ask to see a sample banner before making their decision. The banners must be maintained in a good condition, with any torn or tattered banners being removed or repaired promptly. The city reserves the right to have any such banner(s) removed if it is felt that it no longer contributes to the aesthetic enhancement of the community.
C. Horizontal Banners. Street banners advertising public entertainment, community events or celebrations, or fund-raising events by community-oriented not-for-profit organizations may be installed if approved by the public works department at locations designated by the public works director. The banners may be installed fourteen days before the event begins, and must be removed no later than seven days after the end of the event. A Cal-Trans encroachment permit must be obtained if the banner will encroach upon a state highway.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.170 Exempt signs.
Except for the regulation relating to construction, maintenance, public nuisance and safety the following types of non-illuminated signs shall be allowed without a sign permit and shall not be included in the determination of the type, number or area of signs allowed per business or parcel, or by zoning district:
A. Nameplates. Nameplate signs not exceeding two square feet in display surface, and which are attached flat against the building. One per residential dwelling unit, office or business;
B. Public Signs. Signs of a public, non-commercial nature which are placed by a duly recognized governmental agency, including, but not limited to directional signs, safety signs, handicapped parking signs and signs identifying places of scenic or historical interest;
C. Rental, or Room and Board Signs. One sign per frontage, not exceeding four square feet in area, announcing room and board, room, apartment or other dwelling unit for rent;
D. Directional Signs. One sign not to exceed three square feet per entrance or exit, indicating traffic movement onto, from or within a premises; E. Construction Signs. Signs identifying the names of the architects, engineers, contractors or other involved professionals of a building, development or subdivision under construction, alteration, repair or formation. The signs may also identify the character of the enterprise or the purpose for which the building or development is intended. Such signs may be placed on the property or attached to the outside of the
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building or on-site construction office only during the period of time when the project is actively under construction. Such signs may not exceed thirty-two square feet in any commercial zone, or nine square feet in any residential zone, except as required by any governmental entity. The sign(s) must be removed before a certificate of occupancy will be issued;
F. Real Estate and Subdivision Signs. One unlighted sign per frontage stating that the site is for rent or sale by the owner or named agent and giving information regarding size, price and terms. Such signs may be placed in the yard or attached to the outside of the building. Freestanding real estate signs may not exceed three and one-half feet in height from the ground level to the top of the sign. Real estate signs may not exceed nine square feet in area. Real estate signs larger than nine square feet will require a building permit;
G. Political Campaign Signs.
1. It is the intent of this code to exempt campaign signs from the regulations of this chapter relative to the placement of general advertising signs in all zones of the city, and to thereby encourage participation by the electorate in political activity during the period of political campaigns, but to permit such uses subject to regulations that will assure that political signs will be located, constructed and removed in a manner so as to assure the public safety and general welfare and to avoid the creation of a public nuisance caused by the proliferation of political advertising which would be offensive to the senses and would interfere with the comfort and enjoyment of life or property. It is the purpose of the council, in adopting this chapter to provide such regulations as will contribute to the public safety and general welfare and insure the right of political expression to all members of the community,
2. Signs or posters announcing candidates seeking elective office, or encouraging a particular stance on a measure before the popular vote. Each sign located on private property, shall be placed only with the permission of the property owner or tenant, and posted in such a way as to not constitute a public nuisance or safety hazard, and may not block the views of vehicular traffic or obstruct the public right-of-way,
3. Campaign Signs in a Public Right-of-Way. Notwithstanding any other provision of this code, a campaign sign may be placed in the public right-of-way adjacent to a public street in commercially or industrially zoned areas or along prime or major arterials in residentially zoned areas subject to the following restrictions:
a. No sign shall be attached to any utility pole, public structure, pole or structure supporting a traffic-control sign or device, or hydrant, b. No sign shall be placed on any tree or shrub by any nail, tack, spike or other method that will cause physical harm to the tree or shrub,
c. No sign shall be placed in such a manner as to obstruct the public use of the sidewalk or interfere with the visibility of persons operating motor vehicles or constitute a hazard
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to persons using the public road or right-of-way,
d. No sign shall be placed in the roadway or on the sidewalk, e. No sign shall be placed in that portion of the public right-of-way or easement past the sidewalk without the consent of the adjoining property owner or person in possession if different from the owner,
4. No political sign shall be posted more than forty-five days prior to, or ten days following an election;
H. No Trespassing Signs. One sign per street frontage, not to exceed four square feet in area indicating limitation on the use of private property by other than the owners. If more than one sign per frontage is needed the property owner or business person may apply to the planning commission for a use permit;
I. Customer or Tenant Parking Only Signs. One sign per street frontage, not to exceed four square feet in area. The sign shall contain any of the following appropriate restrictions:
1. Customer parking only,
2. Tenant parking only, or
3. Private property, no parking, The sign shall also contain the telephone number of the city police department. The lettering on the sign must contrast with the background of the sign and be at least two inches high, and made with a one-half inch stroke. The sign shall also contain the words "Violators May Be Towed." If more than one sign per frontage is needed the property owners or business person may apply for a use permit; J. Window signs;
K. Awning or canopy signs;
L. Corporate flags and governmental flags;
M. Garage Sale, Moving Sale, or Yard Sale Signs. Signs announcing the date(s) and location of a garage sale, moving sale or yard sale. Such signs shall not be posted in a manner which will block a public right-of-way, or which will block the vision of vehicular traffic. The signs must be removed once the date of the sale is passed; N. Banners. One banner advertising products or services for sale on the premises per street frontage per business;
O. Barbershop Poles. Barber poles projecting not over eighteen inches from the face of the building where the barbershop is located or not projecting into the public right-ofway;
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P. Holiday Decorations. Displays of a decorative, noncommercial nature for the purpose of celebrating a seasonal, political or religious holiday or a recognized community celebration, in season, for an aggregate period of not more than sixty days in one calendar year;
Q. Temporary or Seasonal Sales Booths. Signs including, but not limited to, fireworks stands, pumpkin sales, Christmas tree lots, community crafts fairs, temporary certified farmer's markets, and similar signs;
R. Community or Special Event Signs, Including Banners. Signs and banners for noncommercial promotional events of a civic, charitable, educational, religious or community service organizations provided any applicable encroachment permit has been obtained from other governmental entities having jurisdiction. The signs or banners must be removed within fourteen days after the event. (Ord. 672 § 5; Ord. 839, 10/7/2024)
§ 17.39.180 Historical signs.
Signs which have historical significance to the community but do not conform to the provisions of these regulations may be issued a permit to remain provided the planning commission makes the following findings:
A. The sign has historical significance for the community.
B. The sign does not create a traffic hazard.
C. The sign does not create a visual nuisance to the character of the community.
D. The sign is properly maintained and structurally sound, or can be made so as part of an historical designation or preservation process.
E. The sign does not adversely affect adjacent properties. (Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.190 Enforcement.
A. Administration.
1. All actions taken by department heads, officials, or other employees of the city vested with the duty or authority to issue any permit, license or certificate shall conform to the provisions of this chapter and shall issue no permit, license or certificate for uses, buildings, or structures or purposes in conflict with the provisions contained in this chapter. Any permit, certificate or license issued in conflict with the provisions of this chapter shall be void.
2. The community development director, public works director, building official, code
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enforcement officer, or other person authorized by the city manager, shall be authorized to enforce provisions of this chapter and to issue citations and make arrests pursuant to state and city codes.
a. The community development director or designee shall be responsible for the following functions:
i. Interpretations of this chapter; and
ii. The review of sign permit applications for conformance with this chapter. b. The building official or designee shall be responsible for the following functions:
i. Inspections of signs and installation of signs;
ii. Inspections of purported violations of this chapter; iii. The enforcement of this chapter by issuing final inspection approval of sign installations;
iv. Determination whether the sign applicant must apply for a building and/or electrical permit in addition to a sign permit.
B. Right of Entry. Whenever necessary to make an inspection to enforce any of the provisions of this code, or whenever the community development director, enforcement officer or their designee has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in any building or upon any premises any condition which makes such building or premises unsafe, dangerous or hazardous or may otherwise be in violation of the code, the community development director, enforcement officer or their designee may enter such building or premises at all reasonable times to inspect the same or to perform any duty imposed by this code.
C. Violations. Any sign or sign structure erected, constructed, altered, enlarged, converted, moved or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter and any use of land, building or premises established, conducted, operated or maintained contrary to the provisions of this chapter shall be and is declared to be unlawful and a public nuisance. All necessary legal proceedings for the abatement, removal and enjoinment thereof may be instituted in the manner provided by law and other steps as may be necessary to accomplish these ends may be utilized to apply to a court of competent jurisdiction to grant such relief as will remove and abate the structure or use and restrain and enjoin the person, firm, corporation or an organization from erecting, moving, altering or enlarging the structure or using the site contrary to the provisions of this chapter. The remedies prescribed by this section are cumulative and not exclusive.
D. Procedure.
1. The city manager, community development director, building official, city attorney or their designee may serve notice requiring the removal of any structure or use in
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violation of this chapter on the owner or the owner's authorized agent, on a tenant or on an architect, builder, contractor or other person who commits or participates in any violation.
2. In the event of a violation of this chapter or any regulation made under authority conferred herein, in addition to other remedies, the city attorney may institute any appropriate criminal prosecution, civil action or other proceedings to punish the perpetrator of such violation; to prevent such unlawful erection, movement, alteration, enlargement, maintenance or use; to restrain, enjoin, connect or abate such violation; to prevent the occupancy of such building, structure or land; or to prevent any illegal act, conduct, business or use in or about such premises.
E. Stop Work Orders. Whenever any sign work is being done contrary to the provisions of this chapter, the city manager, community development director, building official, city attorney or their designee may order the work stopped by notice in writing served on any persons engaged in doing such work or in causing such work to be done. Any such persons shall forthwith stop such work until authorized by the city to proceed with the work.
F. Revocation of Permit. Any permit issued under the terms of this chapter may be revoked by the community development director, public works director or building official when it appears that the sign has been erected or maintained in violation of the provisions of this chapter or any other ordinance or law. No such permit revocation shall be effective until the planning commission affirms the revocation after a hearing set for that purpose. Written notice of the time and place of such hearing shall be given to the permit holder at least ten days before the date set for the hearing. The notice shall contain a brief statement of the grounds for revoking the permit. Notice may be given either by personal delivery or by deposit in the United States mail a sealed envelope, registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid and addressed to the permit holder.
G. Owner to Remove Signs. Within thirty days after the revocation of any permit as provided in subsection F of this section, or within ten days after affirmance of such revocation the sign or signs described in such revocation shall be removed by the former permit holder. If such removal is not completed within that time, the community development department shall cause such sign to be removed, and permit holder shall be liable to city for all costs reasonably associated with the sign removal including, but not limited to, all fees, salaries (including benefits) and disposal charges.
H. Nature of Removal.
1. A sign subject to removal shall be removed in a safe manner.
2. Any accessory structures or foundations or mounting materials that are unsightly or a danger to the safety and welfare of the citizens shall be removed along with the sign.
I. Removal—Assessment of Costs. The costs involved in the removal of signs by the
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city shall become a special assessment against the real property upon which the sign is located. The community development department shall notify, in writing, all persons having an interest of record in the official records of the county assessor of the amount of such assessment resulting from such work. Within five days of the service of such notice, any person having any right, title or interest in the property or any part thereof, may file with the planning commission a written request for a hearing on the correctness and/or reasonableness of such assessment. In the event of such timely written request, the planning commission shall set the matter for hearing, give such person reasonable notice thereof by first class mail, postage prepaid, hold such hearing, and determine the reasonableness and/or correctness of the assessment. The planning commission shall notify, by first class mail, postage prepaid, all such persons making such request of its decision in writing within five days thereof. If the total assessment determined as provided for in this section is not paid in full within ten days after receipt of such notice, the community development department shall record in the office of the county recorder a statement of the total balance still due and a legal description of the property. From the date of such recording, such balance due shall be a special assessment against the property.
J. Collection of Assessments. The assessment shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as ordinary county taxes are collected, and shall be subject to the same penalties and same procedure and sale in case of delinquency as provided for ordinary county taxes. All laws applicable to the levy, collection and enforcement of county taxes shall be applicable to such special assessment.
K. Violation—Penalty. Any person, firm or corporation violating any provisions of this chapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor or an infraction as charged per the prosecutorial discretion of the city attorney. Such person, firm or corporation shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each day during any portion of which any violation of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by such person, firm or corporation.
L. Nuisance Abatement. The city council determines that the public peace, safety, morals, health and welfare require that all signs and advertising structures heretofore constructed or erected in violation of any ordinance of the city in effect at the time such sign was constructed or erected be and are hereby made subject to the same provisions of this section. Such signs shall be made to conform and comply with this chapter as soon as reasonably possible after January 17, 1996. All signs and advertising structures that are not made to conform and comply within a reasonable time shall be and are declared to be public nuisances and may be abated in the manner provided. All signs and advertising structures which are structurally unsafe, which constitute a fire hazard or which are otherwise dangerous to human life, or which constitute any hazard to safety, health or public welfare by reason of inadequate maintenance, dilapidation, obsolescence, fire hazard, disaster, damage or abandonment, as specified in this chapter or any other effective ordinance, are, for the purposes of this section, unsafe signs or sign structures. All such unsafe signs or sign structures are declared to be public nuisances and shall be abated by repair,
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rehabilitation, demolition or removal.
(Ord. 672 § 5)
§ 17.39.200 Matrix of regulations.
SIZE REGULATIONS
Single
-
Family
Res.
Zones
(R1,
R1B,
CZ-R1,
CZR1B)
Multiple
-Family
Res.
Zones
(R2, CZR2, R3)
Apts
. of 4
or
mor
e
units
(R3)
ResidentialProfessiona
l Zones
(RP and CZRP)
Limite
d Com.
and
Com.
Wat.
(C1,
CZ-C1,
CW,CZ
-CW)
General
Com.
and
Hwy.
Service
s
(C2, CZC2,
HS,CZHS)
Commercial
Manufacturin
g
(CM)
Coasta
l ZoneHarbor
-
Relate
d
(CZHR)
Bed and
Breakfast
Establishment
s
Nameplates, 2
sq. ft. of sign
area,
nonilluminated
X X X X X
½ sq. ft. of sign
area for each
linear ft. of
frontage
X
½ sq. ft. of sign
area for each
linear ft. of
frontage plus ¼
sq. ft. of sign
area for each ft.
of frontage for
multiple
frontages
X X X X
1 sq. ft. of sign
area for each
linear ft. of
frontage
X
1 sq. ft. of sign
are for each
linear ft. of
frontage plus ½
sq. ft. of sign
area for each ft.
of frontage for
multiple
frontages
X
1 and ½ sq. ft.
of sign area for
X X X
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SIZE REGULATIONS
Single
-
Family
Res.
Zones
(R1,
R1B,
CZ-R1,
CZR1B)
Multiple
-Family
Res.
Zones
(R2, CZR2, R3)
Apts
. of 4
or
mor
e
units
(R3)
ResidentialProfessiona
l Zones
(RP and CZRP)
Limite
d Com.
and
Com.
Wat.
(C1,
CZ-C1,
CW,CZ
-CW)
General
Com.
and
Hwy.
Service
s
(C2, CZC2,
HS,CZHS)
Commercial
Manufacturin
g
(CM)
Coasta
l ZoneHarbor
-
Relate
d
(CZHR)
Bed and
Breakfast
Establishment
s
each linear ft. of
frontage
Projecting sign
extending not
more than 36
inches from
building
X X X X
One sign not to
exceed 20 sq.
ft. in area
X
Maximum sign
area 100 sq. ft.
per face
X
Maximum sign
area 150 sq. ft.
per face
X
Construction
signs not to
exceed 32 sq.
ft. in area
X X X X
Construction
signs not to
exceed 9 sq. ft.
in area
X X X X X
Real estate
signs not to
exceed 9 sq. ft.
in area and 3 ½
ft. in height
X X X X X X X X X
HEIGHT
REGULATIONS
:
30 foot
maximum to top
of pole sign
X X X
14 ft. minimum X X X
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SIZE REGULATIONS
Single
-
Family
Res.
Zones
(R1,
R1B,
CZ-R1,
CZR1B)
Multiple
-Family
Res.
Zones
(R2, CZR2, R3)
Apts
. of 4
or
mor
e
units
(R3)
ResidentialProfessiona
l Zones
(RP and CZRP)
Limite
d Com.
and
Com.
Wat.
(C1,
CZ-C1,
CW,CZ
-CW)
General
Com.
and
Hwy.
Service
s
(C2, CZC2,
HS,CZHS)
Commercial
Manufacturin
g
(CM)
Coasta
l ZoneHarbor
-
Relate
d
(CZHR)
Bed and
Breakfast
Establishment
s
to bottom of
pole sign in a
vehicular area
10 ft. minimum
to bottom of
pole sign in a
pedestrian area
X X X
Ground or
monument sign
not to exceed 5
ft. in height and
20 sq. ft. in area
X
Ground or
monument sign
not to exceed 5
ft. in height and
24 sq. ft. in area
X
Ground or
monument sign
not to exceed 5
ft. in height
X X
Ground or
monument sign
not to exceed
10 ft. in height
X X X
One pole sign
per parcel
X X X
SIGN TYPE
REGULATIONS
:
Wall signs X X X X X
Awning or
canopy signs
X X X X X
Marquee signs X X X X
Monument or
ground signs
X X X X X X
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SIZE REGULATIONS
Single
-
Family
Res.
Zones
(R1,
R1B,
CZ-R1,
CZR1B)
Multiple
-Family
Res.
Zones
(R2, CZR2, R3)
Apts
. of 4
or
mor
e
units
(R3)
ResidentialProfessiona
l Zones
(RP and CZRP)
Limite
d Com.
and
Com.
Wat.
(C1,
CZ-C1,
CW,CZ
-CW)
General
Com.
and
Hwy.
Service
s
(C2, CZC2,
HS,CZHS)
Commercial
Manufacturin
g
(CM)
Coasta
l ZoneHarbor
-
Relate
d
(CZHR)
Bed and
Breakfast
Establishment
s
Hanging signs X X X X
Projecting signs X X X X
Sandwich
Boards or Aframe signs
X X X X X X X X
Pennant Signs X X X X X X X X
Window signs X X X X X
Changeable
copy signs
X X X
Pole signs X X X
Banners X X X
Nameplate
signs
X X X X X X X X
Illuminated
signs
X X X X
Digital Signs X
Off-site
Advertising
X
-----END OF ORDINANCE-----
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: MARTHA D. RICE, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT – PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Approve and authorize the City Manager to sign Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement between the City of Crescent City and Community System Solutions
BACKGROUND
In September 2017, the California Legislature approved Senate Bill 2 (SB 2), known as the Building Homes and Jobs Act (Act), which established a $75 recording fee on real estate documents that would go into a fund to be used to increase the supply of affordable housing. The Act establishes the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) program administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The PLHA provides a permanent source of funding to cities and counties to help meet the unmet need for affordable housing and increase the supply of affordable housing units. On February 20, 2024, council directed staff to submit an application for funding and on July 1, 2024, the City was awarded $344,198 in PLHA funding. There is another $56,111 expected to be available once the 2023 allocation is released.
With the 2019-2020 Budget Act, HCD was also able to provide a spectrum of support, incentives, and accountability measures to meet California’s housing goals, including the establishment of the Prohousing Designation Program. The Prohousing Designation Program provides incentives to cities and counties in the form of additional points or other preference in the scoring of competitive housing, community development, and infrastructure programs.
PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 1
JANUARY 20, 2026
2 On March 1, 2024, the City received its designation as a Prohousing Jurisdiction from HCD. HCD offers a Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP), which rewards local governments who have been awarded a Prohousing Designation with additional funding to accelerate affordable housing production and preservation through a competitive application process. On July 8, 2024, the City was awarded $650,000 in PIP funding.
City staff combined both grants, and pending application for the 2023 allocation, to make a total amount of up to $1,050,309 in HCD funding available to a housing developer for the creation of a minimum of 4 units of affordable housing. Funds can be used for the predevelopment, development, acquisition, rehabilitation, and preservation of multifamily, residential live-work, or rental housing that is affordable to very low-, low-, or moderateincome households and general administration.
On October 2, 2025, City staff an RFP for this project and received a total of four proposals. The proposals received for the PLHA/PIP Affordable Housing Project were all very promising projects and would have met the requirements of the grant, yet there was the Redwood Downtown projected presented by Community System Solutions stood out with significantly more potential for community impact than the others. The project was described to create 27 low- to moderate-income high-quality apartments on the lot where the former Daly's building is located on Third and J Streets. It will also include street-level retail space. City staff saw this project as a perfect complement to the City's downtown revitalization goals, with the potential not only to provide more housing stock, but also to help generate more foot traffic for the downtown business district. The project will be a mixed-use, infill housing development, which also aligns with the goals of the City's Housing Element.
The City's adopted PLHA Plan for 2020-2023 funding allocations has established that allocated funds will be provided to eligible affordable housing developers in the form of a ten-year deferred loan at 0% interest. Loans will be evidenced through a Promissory Note secured by a Deed of Trust, and a regulatory agreement restricting occupancy and rents for a term of 55 years. At the request of the applicant, the loan may be made forgivable at the end of the 10 years if the affordable housing requirements have been met.
On December 1, 2025, the City Council approved the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement with Community System Solutions in the amount of $1,032,371.43 for the Redwood Downtown housing project. This is the total award amount, plus the pending PLHA application, minus the general admin budget set aside for City staff to administer this grant and oversee the project.
ANALYSIS
The developer, Community System Solutions, has submitted a revised building plan which alters the total number of units and unit mix for the project. The PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement includes a general project description and states that any changes to the general description must be approved by the City. Such approval must not be unreasonably withheld.
PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 1
JANUARY 20, 2026
3 The changes are summarized as follows:
Original Project Description Amended Project Description Studio 0 6
One Bedroom 7 14
Two Bedroom 14 19
Three Bedroom 6 0
Total Units 27 39
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The project will remain an affordable housing development with 33 units designated for low-income households and 6 units designated for moderate income households.
Household income designations are created in reference to the area median income (AMI). The Del Norte County AMI is $93,900 for a 4-person household (as determined by HCD). This number is then adjusted based upon how many people are in the household.
Low-income households are defined as households earning less than 80% of the annual AMI. Moderate-income households are defined as households earning less than 120% of the annual AMI.
Maximum Allowable Annual Income by Household Size
Income
Level
% AMI 1 person 2 persons 3 persons 4 persons
LowIncome <80% $52,600 $60,100 $67,600 $75,100
ModerateIncome<120% $78,900 $90,150 $101,450 $112,700
The State also sets “affordability” guidelines. Rent is based upon the household’s annual income so that it is affordable for the tenant. Typically, rent can be no more than 30% of the household annual income (divided by 12). For perspective, the maximum rent for a low-income household would be $1315 for a one-person household up to $1877 for a four-person household. The maximum rent for a moderate-income household would be $1972 for a one-person household and $2817 for a four-person household.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
This amendment to the project description will not impact on the City’s budget or the PLHA / PIP grant funds to be provided to support the project.
STRATEGIC PLAN ANALYSIS
This action is consistent with the following 2016 Strategic Plan Goals:
• Goal 1: Support quality services, community safety, and health to enhance the quality of life and experience of our residents and visitors.
PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT AMENDMENT NO. 1
JANUARY 20, 2026
4 o Encouraging and supporting community participation in the implementation of the Beachfront Park Master Plan through avenues such as Beachfront Park Fund.
o Target economic development improvements that provide additional benefit by enhancing the quality of life for residents.
o Examine methods to maintain, enhance, and expand park and recreation facilities
• Goal 2: Promote a thriving local economy.
o Evaluate and optimize additional revenue sources.
o Support community services that provide measurable services to the community.
o Research and implement methods to increase local tourism and funding for tourism promotion.
o Expand on the success of grant funding by maximizing utilization of opportunities with corresponding community needs.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement between the City of Crescent City and Community System Solutions
2. Revised Redwood Downtown Project Building Plan by CSS AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 1 OF 2 AMENDMENT NO. 1
PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
AND COMMUNITY SYSTEM SOLUTIONS
This Amendment No. 1 to the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement by and between the City of Crescent City (“CITY”) and Community System Solutions (“CSS”) executed December 2, 2025 (“Amendment”) is entered into for the purpose of amending the Project Description.
WHEREAS, CITY and CSS entered into an agreement whereby CITY agreed to loan CSS State Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) and Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) grant funds for the development of an affordable housing project following a competitive call for proposals; and
WHEREAS, the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement included a general project description and requires that any changes to the general description be approved by CITY; and WHEREAS,CSS has refined its development plan and now proposed to increase the number of housing units and change some of the unit sizes; and WHEREAS, the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement states that CITY shall not unreasonably withhold its approval of any changes to the project description.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
1.0 Amendment to Project Description. The parties hereto agree to amend the Project Description in the Agreement as follows (strikethough indicates a deletion and bold underline indicates an addition):
4.1 Project Description. DEVELOPER warrants and represents that it intends to build a mixed use, infill housing development at 964 Third Street, Crescent City, California (the “Project”), which will create 27 39 residential units and street-level retail and office space. Twenty-seven All 39 of these apartments will be affordable units for lowto moderate-income households. The affordable unit mix includes studio, one-, and two- and three-bedroom apartments affordable to households earning 50-120% AMI.
Apartments will feature balconies, energy-efficient appliances, and durable materials designed for long-term affordability and comfort, and some apartments will have balconies. The Project aims to revitalize one parcel consisting of .51 acres [APN 118-120-025-000] within the C- 1 zoning district. Any changes to the project as described in this project description must be approved by the CITY. Such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld.
AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO PLHA / PIP LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 2 OF 2
2.0 Loan Documentation. Approval of this amendment to the project description also constitutes approval of any changes in the loan documentation (exhibits to the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement ) necessary to reflect and effectuate this approved change.
3.0 Other Terms and Conditions. All other terms and conditions of the PLHA / PIP Loan Agreement remain valid and enforceable and are unaffected by this Amendment No. 1.
4.0 Electronic Signatures. This Amendment No. 1 may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Counterparts may be delivered via facsimile, electronic mail (including pdf or any electronic signature complying with California’s Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, Cal Civ. Code 1633.1, et seq.) or other transmission methods, and any counterpart so delivered shall be deemed to have been duly delivered and valid and effective for all purposes.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby have caused this Amendment No. 1 to be executed this _____ day of January 2026.
CITY OF CRESCENT CITY
By: Eric Wier, City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Martha D. Rice, City Attorney
COMMUNITY SYSTEM SOLUTIONS
By: Michael Bahr, CEO
CSS VISION
YIELD STUDY
DECEMBER 22, 2025
*THIS DESIGN IS CONCEPTUAL IN NATURE. THE INFORMATION AND NUMBERS PROVIDED ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE, PENDING VERIFICATION BY CLIENT AND AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION. 4TH STREET
3RD STREET
J STREET
I STREET
PLACE IMAGE HERE (CTRL + D) OR DRAG AND DROP
(CTRL + SHIFT AND CLICK ITEMS TO MAKE IT LIVE ON PAGE AFTER MASTER IS APPLIED)
SITE STUDY
ALT 1
B2
A1
B1
S1
STAIR
STAIR
28'-10"
S1
A1
B1
B2
A1
UTILITY
1,950 SF
COMMERCIAL
TRANSFORMER
TRASH
TRASH
R 8' - 0
R
"
8' - 0"
1 2
0 '
-
6 "
240'-3"
1 6
'
-
1 "
6 4
'
-
6 "
1 '
-
4 "
A1
846 SF
OFFICE/MAIL COURTYARD
702 SF
B1
STORAGE
STORAGE
24'-0"
UTILITY
UNIT SUMMARY
Average Total # Total
UNIT TYPE SF* FLR 1 FLR 2 FLR 3 Units Unit Mix Net Rent.
Studio:
S1 5372226 3,222 SF
Subtotal 5372226 15% 3,222 SF
1 Bedroom:
A1 698455 14 9,772 SF
Subtotal 698455 14 36% 9,772 SF
2 Bedrooms:
B1 1,0503339 9,450 SF
B2 1,100244 10 11,000 SF
Subtotal 1,076577 19 49% 20,450 SF
TOTAL 858 11 14 14 39 100% 33,444 SF
FLOOR AREA SUMMARY
Residential Flor Area 33,444 SF
Mail/Office 846 SF
Courtyard 702 SF
Circulation 4,307 SF
BOG/Utility/Storage 1,771 SF
Commercial 1,950 SF
TOTAL 43,020 SF
15’
30’
60’
RESIDENT
BUILDING
MAIN ENTRY
RESIDENT ACCESS
RESIDENT ACCESS
RESIDENT ACCESS
RESIDENT
BUILDING
ENTRY
RESIDENT
PARKING ENTRY
RESIDENT
BUILDING
ENTRY
CSS VISION
CRESCENT CTY, CA
TCA # 2025-186
DECEMBER 22, 2025
SITE STUDY BUILDING PLAN
2 GROUND FLOOR
J STREET
I STREET
4TH STREET
3RD STREET
B2
A1
B1
S1
STAIR
STAIR
28'-10"
S1
A1
B1
B2
A1
UTILITY
1,950 SF
COMMERCIAL
TRANSFORMER
TRASH
TRASH
R 8' - 0
R
"
8' - 0"
1 2
0 '
-
6 "
240'-3"
1 6
'
-
1 "
6 4
'
-
6 "
1 '
-
4 "
A1
846 SF
OFFICE/MAIL COURTYARD
702 SF
B1
STORAGE
STORAGE
24'-0"
UTILITY
B2 B2
B2 B2
COURTYARD (BELOW)
UTILITY
S1
S1
A1
A1
A1
B1 A1
B1
STORAGE
STAIR
STAIR
A1
B1
1" = 30'-0"
2 SD 2ND STORY
UNIT SUMMARY
Average Total # Total
UNIT TYPE SF* FLR 1 FLR 2 FLR 3 Units Unit Mix Net Rent.
Studio:
S1 5372226 3,222 SF
Subtotal 5372226 15% 3,222 SF
1 Bedroom:
A1 698455 14 9,772 SF
Subtotal 698455 14 36% 9,772 SF
2 Bedrooms:
B1 1,0503339 9,450 SF
B2 1,100244 10 11,000 SF
Subtotal 1,076577 19 49% 20,450 SF
TOTAL 858 11 14 14 39 100% 33,444 SF
FLOOR AREA SUMMARY
Residential Flor Area 33,444 SF
Mail/Office 846 SF
Courtyard 702 SF
Circulation 4,307 SF
BOG/Utility/Storage 1,771 SF
Commercial 1,950 SF
TOTAL 43,020 SF
15’
30’
60’
CSS VISION
CRESCENT CTY, CA
TCA # 2025-186
DECEMBER 22, 2025
SITE STUDY BUILDING PLAN
3 UPPER FLOOR TYP
J STREET
I STREET
4TH STREET
3RD STREET
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: RICHARD GRIFFIN, POLICE CHIEF
MARTHA D. RICE, CITY ATTORNEY
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: ILLEGAL FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT
__________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Appoint two council members to an ad hoc committee to work with staff and other local agencies to discuss enforcement and community outreach regarding the use of illegal fireworks
• Take action as necessary and appropriate
BACKGROUND
In anticipation of the 2025 Fourth of July holiday, the City, County, Harbor, CHP, Caltrans and State Parks worked together to come up with an education and enforcement campaign aimed at curbing the use of illegal, dangerous fireworks.
In a joint effort, these local agencies took the following actions to help ensure a fun and safe holiday:
Education of the public:
• Road signs on highways
• Signs at local retailers and hotels
• Radio spots on KCRE/KPOD/KURY radio stations
• Out of the area Bicoastal Media in-kind radio campaigns (Humboldt, Curry, Coos, Jackson, and Josephine Counties)
• Social Media -local and regional postings via CHP and Caltrans
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS ENFORCEMENT
JANUARY 20, 2026
2 2
The educational campaign was supported by the City of Crescent City, Del Norte County, CHP, DNSO, CCPD, Caltrans, Elk Valley Rancheria, Del Norte Ambulance, Crescent City Harbor District, and Crescent City Fire & Rescue.
Enforcement support:
• Enforcement of “no camping” along South Beach
• Increased law enforcement personnel
• Dedicated phone number for fireworks reporting
• Coordination with CalFire on the confiscation, storage and destruction of illegal fireworks
• DNSO advertised and accepted voluntarily surrendered illegal fireworks prior to the holiday
ANALYSIS
The goal of the committee this year will be to determine what approach should be taken in advance of the 2026 Fourth of July holiday. We assume that it will be a very similar approach to last year since the campaign was extremely successful.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no fiscal impact to participating in the committee.
STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
GOAL 1: SUPPORT QUALITY SERVICES, COMMUNITY SAFETY, AND HEALTH TO
ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND EXPERIENCE OF OUR RESIDENTS AND
VISITORS
A. Enhance collaboration with other agencies and the community to better aid the public.
B. Empower and utilize Police, Fire, and Public Works departments to make Crescent City one of the safest cities in the United States.
C. Provide and maintain an efficient, adequate infrastructure to provide for both current and future community needs.
ATTACHMENTS
1. None
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: BRIDGET LACEY, GRANTS AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE SISTER CITIES INTERNATIONAL U.S.-
JAPAN GLOBAL IMPACT GRANT
____________________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from the Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council Discussion
• Authorize staff to submit an application for the Sister Cities International U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant.
BACKGROUND
Sister Cities International (SCI) is the world's oldest and largest volunteer network focused on citizen diplomacy. Founded in 1956 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, it fosters global partnerships between U.S. cities, counties, and states with communities worldwide. SCI's mission is to promote peace and mutual understanding through cultural, educational, and economic exchanges. It serves as the national membership organization for individual sister city programs in the United States. This network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in 400+ member communities with over 1,800 partnerships in more than 140 countries worldwide On September 16, 2025, Sister Cities International (SCI), in partnership with the U.S.-Japan Foundation, launched the U.S.-Japan Global Impact Grant program, a competitive grant program which allows for U.S. and Japanese partner communities to discuss approaches and solutions to key topics of mutual interest together. The goal of this program is for these city-to-city connections to use their relationship as a vehicle for global communities to unite for the greater good by either expanding existing programs or designing new initiatives within a sister city partnership that will act as a catalyst for long-term social impact. An example of some of the shared global issues that these partnerships may attempt to address include climate change, depopulation, aging, immigration and refugees, local nonprofit impact, clean energy, zero-waste communities, etc.
Projects awarded under this grant should also create a blueprint for further action that can be replicated in other communities.
Grant applicants must be dues-paying U.S. members of SCI with current Friendship Cities or Sister Cities with Japan. Two or more grants of up to $25,000 may be awarded to eligible applicants.
SCI Global Impact Grant Application
January 20, 2026
2 ITEM ANALYSIS
The City's sister city relationship with Rikuzentakata, Japan was established in 2013 after a Japanese boat named Kamome washed ashore in Crescent City, a result of the 2011 tsunami in Rikuzentakata which killed approximately 10% of their population. Over the past 13 years our two cities have developed a strong bond which is deeply rooted in our commonality for tsunamis.
Since the inception of the sister city agreement, both communities have had several meetings and visits to discuss emergency preparedness among other shared initiatives. The work that our sister city has done to promote global efforts in tsunami risk reduction, early warning, and preparedness, in addition to their unique perspective on the recovery efforts, has been very impactful in shaping the City's disaster preparedness goals.
The City has made an effort to impart some of the lessons learned from our sister city within our own community by providing all 3
rd and 5th grade students from the Del Norte Unified School District the opportunity to learn about emergency preparedness at the annual Kamome Festival, but there is more work that can be done to ensure that we are making the most of our direct access to this knowledge. City staff see the SCI grant as a well aligned opportunity to expand on this work by sharing the valuable lessons learned from Rikuzentakata about the importance of tsunami preparedness and their innovative strategies for coastal resilience with other coastal communities from California, Oregon, and Washington with a 2-Day Tsunami Preparedness Summit hosted by the City of Crescent City and the Kamome Foundation.
The City has engaged with representatives from the County and CalOES, as well as Rikuzentakata, to help establish a panel of experts to join the summit. All entities are in full support of the project and plan to contribute wherever necessary.
If awarded, SCI grant funds will primarily cover the cost of travel for a delegation of tsunami experts from Rizuzentakata to join our local experts in the field and share their knowledge. Other potential costs include travel expenses for local experts, advertising, and supplies for the toolkits.
Together, our sister cities will build a toolkit which can be shared with agencies on both sides of the ocean to help ensure that no lives are lost in future tsunami disasters.
At this time, City staff proposes submitting an application for $25,000 in grant funding to host a 2- Day Tsunami Preparedness Summit in late October 2026 in recognition of World Tsunami Awareness Day on November 5, 2026. The grant timeline is as follows:
GRANT APPLICATION TIMELINE
• Application due January 31, 2026
• Start date March 1, 2026
• Project completion October 30, 2026
• Presentation of findings and impact reports Fall 2026
FISCAL ANALYSIS
There is no match requirement for this grant and funds will be advanced rather than reimbursed, so there will not be a financial impact to the City.
SCI Global Impact Grant Application
January 20, 2026
3 STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
This action is consistent with the following 2016 Strategic Plan Goals:
Goal 1: Support quality services, community safety, and health to enhance the quality of life and experience of our residents and visitors.
Goal 2: Promote a thriving local economy.
ATTACHMENTS
None.
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: MAYOR WRIGHT AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: ERIC WIER, CITY MANAGER
BY: DAVID YEAGER, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
ANDREW LEIGHTON, ENGINEERING PROJECT MANAGER
DATE: JANUARY 20, 2026
SUBJECT: MEASURE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS FALL 2025 PROJECT NOTICE
OF COMPLETION
______________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
• Hear staff report
• Technical questions from Council
• Receive public comment
• Further Council discussion
• Authorize the City Manager to sign and file a Notice of Completion for the Crescent City Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project (Contract #2025-1074.1)
BACKGROUND
On November 3, 2020, the voters of the City approved Measure S, authorizing the imposition of a local 1% transactions and use (sales) tax within the City. The Ordinance was formally adopted by the City Council on December 7, 2020. The collection of the tax began on April 1, 2021. Measure S is intended to fund essential General Fund services including Fire, Police, Streets, and the operation of Fred Endert Pool.
The Measure S Oversight Committee meets several times each year to discuss the use of these funds and makes recommendations to the City Council. The Committee met April 8th and April 17, 2025 to review the status of Measure S funds and develop a recommendation for FY 2025-26 expenditures. The final result of those meetings was the adoption of Resolution No. MS2025-02 recommending priorities to be funded with Measure S in FY 25-26. It was recommended that the City fund two projects in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 with each project being in value of approximately $600,000 utilizing Measure S funds for street preservation. At the June 16, 2025 City Council meeting, the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget was adopted including the recommendations made by the Measure S Oversight Committee.
The Measure S Street Repair Project Fall FY25-26 was put out to bid on August 19, 2025.
Bids were opened and read aloud publicly on September 23, 2025 at 2:00pm at 377 J Street. ST Rhoades Construction Inc. was the lowest responsive bidder.
MEASURE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS FALL 2025 NOTICE OF COMPLETION January 20, 2026
2 On October 6, 2025, the City Council approved and authorized the City Manager to sign a construction contract with ST Rhoades Construction, Inc. for the rehabilitation of various streets in the amount of $349,801. Due to available and approved Measure S budget, Contract Change Order #1 (CCO1) was also approved at the same meeting for an additional $152,415 of work. The construction contract and CCO1 were fully executed on October 8, 2025.
Construction including the milling and inlay of replacement asphalt broke ground on December 1, 2025 and concluded 3 days later. Replacement striping was placed on December 10th and 11th. All construction work was completed on December 11, 2025.
On January 6, 2026, the City Manager executed Contract Change Order 2 (CCO2) for an additional $7,825.83 which modified the contract to reflect as-built conditions.
ITEM ANALYSIS
The base bid project included a designed repair area of 56,620 square feet and placement of 1,320 tons of asphalt concrete. It also included mobilization, traffic control, road striping and crosswalks, including striping in poor shape adjacent to the paving repairs, as well as resetting the affected manhole covers and valve boxes.
Base Bid
Location Description Asphalt (SF)
7 th Street H to I Mill & Inlay 2,880
7 th Street K to L Mill & Inlay 8,640
8 th Street A to D Mill & Inlay 20,800
8 th Street D to E (west) Mill & Inlay 3,640
C Street 9th to 10th Mill & Inlay 8,640
D Street 9th to 10th Mill & Inlay 3,380
E Street 4th to 5th Mill & Inlay 8,640
Contract Change Order #1, which was also executed on October 6, 2025, included an additional repair area of 24,000 square feet and placement of 490 tons of asphalt concrete. It also included the proportional increase in mobilization, traffic control, road striping and crosswalks, as well as resetting the effected manhole covers and valve boxes.
CCO1
Location Description Asphalt (SF)
8th & F Intersection Mill & Inlay 2,122
8th D to E West Half Widen Mill & Inlay 2,674
8th D to E East Half Mill & Inlay 3,668
8th F to G East End Mill & Inlay 3,056
8th G to H Mill & Inlay 9,169
8th H to I Mill & Inlay 3,311
MEASURE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS FALL 2025 NOTICE OF COMPLETION January 20, 2026
3 Contract Change Order #2 was executed on January 6, 2026, which included an additional repair area of 10,890 square feet, and a deductive placement of 11 tons of asphalt concrete. It also included various other as-built bid item corrections both additive and deductive to conclude the contract.
CCO2
Address Description Asphalt (SF)
7th Street H to I (deduct) Mill & Inlay (-108)
7th Street K to L (deduct) Mill & Inlay (-1,279)
8th Street A to D Mill & Inlay 5,274
C Street 9th to 10th (deduct) Mill & Inlay (-1,008)
D Street 9th to 10th NB Mill & Inlay 1,924
E Street 4th to 5th Mill & Inlay 446
8th & F Intersection Mill & Inlay 470
8th D to E East Half (deduct) Mill & Inlay (-2,942)
8th H to I Mill & Inlay 7,354
I Street 6th to 7th Mill & Inlay 760
ST Rhoades Construction, Inc. completed the Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project on December 11, 2025, within the 100 calendar days allotted. All labor compliance documentation has been submitted and verified.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
Filing a notice of completion does not have a direct fiscal impact. The final 5% retention payment which was withheld from each progress payment and is currently held in a separate City account will be released 30 days after the notice of completion is recorded.
ST Rhoades Construction Inc. completed the project on time and under budget. The table summarizes expenditures for the project.
Measure S Streets & Concrete Improvements FY25 Project Cost ST Rhoades Construction Inc. Bid Contract $349,801.00
Contract Change Order #1 $152,415.00
Contract Change Order #2 $7,825.83
Total Anticipated Project Budget $510,041.83
Funding for this project came from the already budgeted Measure S street maintenance capital fund. All unspent contingency money from this project will remain Measure S funds to be used on future road project maintenance.
FY26 (Fall 2025) Measure S Maintenance Project Funding
Measure S Street and Concrete Maintenance Funds $600,000.00 Total Anticipated Project Funding $600,000.00
MEASURE S STREET IMPROVEMENTS FALL 2025 NOTICE OF COMPLETION January 20, 2026
4 STRATEGIC PLAN ASSESSMENT
GOAL 1: SUPPORT QUALITY SERVICES, COMMUNITY SAFETY, AND HEALTH TO
ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND EXPERIENCE OF OUR RESIDENTS AND
VISITORS
C. Provide and maintain an efficient, adequate infrastructure to provide for both current and future community needs.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Draft Notice of Completion
Recording requested by
And after recording, return to:
City of Crescent City
Public Works Department
377 J Street
Crescent City, CA 95531 Exempt from recording fees per Gov. Code § 27383 Exempt from SB 2 fees per Gov. Code § 27388.1(a)(2)(D)
NOTICE OF COMPLETION AND ACCEPTANCE OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECT CONTRACT # 2025-1074.1
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the City of Crescent City, that the Contract for the project entitled the Crescent City Measure S Street Improvements Fall 2025 Project (Contract # 2025-1074.1) which was let to:
ST Rhoades Construction, Inc.
PO Box 494520; Redding, CA 96049
as contractor, was completed on December 11, 2025 and accepted by the City Council of the City of Crescent City on January 20, 2026. The name and address of the owner of the property referred to above is the City of Crescent City, 377 J Street, Crescent City, CA 95531 and the nature of the interest of the owner in the said property is fee. The work consisted of asphalt mill and inlay replacement to various streets in Crescent City. See “Attachment A” for a detailed listing of repair locations.
The project for public works improvements and the property on which said improvements are located within the city right of way on various city streets in the City of Crescent City, County of Del Norte, State of California.
VERIFICATION
I, the undersigned, declare that I am the City Manager of the City of Crescent City and that I have read the foregoing notice and know the contents thereof and that the same is true to the best of my knowledge and belief. I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed at Crescent City, California on this 20th day of January 2026.
By:
Eric M. Wier, City Manager
A notary public or other officer completing this certificate verifies only the identity of the individual who signed the document to which this certificate is attached, and not the truthfulness, accuracy, or validity of that document.
State of California
County of Del Norte
On _____________________before me, ________________________________, Notary Public personally appeared ______________________________________________________, who proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person(s) whose name(s) is/are subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she/they executed the same in his/her/their authorized capacity(ies), and that by his/her/their signature(s) on the instrument the person(s), or the entity upon behalf of which the person(s) acted, executed the instrument.
I certify under PENALTY OF PERJURY under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing paragraph is true and correct.
WITNESS my hand and official seal. [seal]
_____________________________
Signature
Attachment A
All areas in City of Crescent City Right of Way
Address Description Asphalt (SF)
7 th Street H to I Mill & Inlay 2,772
7 th Street K to L Mill & Inlay 7,361
8 th Street A to D Mill & Inlay 26,074
8 th Street D to E (west) Mill & Inlay 698
C Street 9th to 10th Mill & Inlay 7,632
D Street 9th to 10th Mill & Inlay 5,304
E Street 4th to 5th Mill & Inlay 9,086
8th & F Intersection Mill & Inlay 2,592
8th D to E West Half Widen Mill & Inlay 2,674
8th D to E East Half Mill & Inlay 3,668
8th F to G East End Mill & Inlay 3,056
8th G to H Mill & Inlay 9,169
8th H to I Mill & Inlay 7,354
I Street 6th to 7th Mill & Inlay 760