CITY OF FERNDALE – HUMBOLDT COUNTY CALIFORNIA – U.S.A.
AGENDA – REGULAR MEETING
Location: City Hall
834 Main Street
Ferndale, CA, 95536
Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM
Posted: February 13, 2026
We welcome you to the meeting. Members of the Public may be heard on any business item on this Agenda before or during the City Council consideration of the item. The public may also directly address the City Council on any item of interest to the public that is not on the agenda during the public comment time; however, the City Council generally cannot discuss or take action on an item not on the agenda.
A person addressing the City Council will be limited to five (5) minutes unless the Mayor of the City Council grants a longer period. While not required, we would appreciate it if you would identify yourself with your name and address when addressing the Council.
This City endeavors to be ADA compliant. Should you require assistance with written information or access to the facility, or a hearing amplification, please call 786-4224 24 hours prior to the meeting.
BEFORE SPEAKING ON ANY ISSUE, PLEASE WAIT TO BE
ACKNOWLEDGED BY THE MAYOR BEFORE PROCEEDING TO THE PODIUM.
City Council Meetings are recorded, and the video may be requested. The video will be sent digitally through Dropbox. A Disc and/or USB drive can also be requested for a fee.
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER – Mayor
2. PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL – Mayor Cady; Councilman Lund; Councilwoman Fisk-Becker; Councilman Jorgensen; and Councilman Ostler
4. REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
5. CEREMONIAL
6. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
7. STUDY SESSION
8. PUBLIC COMMENT. (This time is for persons who wish to address the Council on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Council has jurisdiction. PLEASE FILL OUT A SPEAKER CARD and give it to the City Clerk before the start of the meeting. Speakers will be called in the order received or at the discretion of the Mayor. Public Members who do not fill out a speaker card may speak if there is time remaining. Items requiring Council action not listed on this agenda may be placed on the next regular agenda for consideration, unless a finding is made by at least 2/3rds of the Council that the item came up after the agenda was posted and is of an urgent nature requiring immediate action. This portion of the meeting will be approximately 30 minutes total for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than five minutes. Speaker time may be reduced if many speakers have signed up.
9. CONSENT CALENDAR. (All matters listed under this category are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion. Unless a specific request is made by a Council Member, staff or the public, the Consent Calendar will not be read.
There will be no separate discussion of these items. However, if discussion is required, that February 18, 2026
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item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately under “Call Items.”)
a. Approval of Minutes of January 21, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting .................................................................................................... Page 5 b. Approval of Minutes of February 9, 2026, Special City Council Meeting .................................................................................................... Page 7 c. Acceptance of Checkbook Register for January 1-31, 2026 .................... Page 8 d. Acceptance of Financial Statements for January 1-31, 2026 ................... Page 12
10. CALL ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
11. PRESENTATION
12. PUBLIC HEARING
a. Introduction and First Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-02 Amending Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 to Amend Accessory Dwelling Unit Provisions to Comply with State Law ............................. Page 37 b. 2nd Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 Section 6.01 .............. Page 82
13. BUSINESS
a. Approved Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission
(RREDC).................................................................................................. Page 93
14. CORRESPONDENCE ........................................................................................ Page 105
15. COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
16. REPORTS
a. City Manager Report ............................................................................... Page 107 b. Commission and Committee Reports
i. Russ Park Committee Meeting Minutes ...................................... Page 115 c. Minutes from Joint Power Authorities (JPAs) and Reports i. Humboldt County Association of Governments (HCAOG)
January 2026 ................................................................................ Page 117 ii. Humboldt Waste Management Authority (HWMA) January
2026.............................................................................................. Page 119 iii. Redwood Coast Energy Authority (RCEA) November 2025 ...... Page 126 iv. Redwood Region Economic Development Commission
(RREDC) October 2025 ............................................................... Page 131
17. ADJOURN
This notice is posted in compliance with Government Code §54954.2. The next Regular Meeting of the Ferndale City Council will be held on March 18, 2026 at 6:00pm February 18, 2026
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Section 1
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Section 2
PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE
Section 3
ROLL CALL
Section 4
CLOSED SESSION REPORT OUT
Section 5
CEREMONIAL
Section 6
MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
Section 7
STUDY SESSIONS
February 18, 2026
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Section 8
PUBLIC COMMENT
This time is for persons who wish to address the Council on any matter not on this agenda and over which the Council has jurisdiction.
Items requiring Council action not listed on this agenda will be placed on the next regular agenda for consideration, unless a finding is made by at least 2/3rd of the Council (three of the five members) that the item came up after the agenda was posted and is of an urgent nature requiring immediate action.
This portion of the meeting will be approximately 30 minutes total for all speakers, with each speaker given no more than five minutes. Please state your name and address for the record. (This is optional.)
Section 9
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under this category are considered to be routine by the City Council and will be enacted by one motion.
Is there anyone on the Council, Staff or the public that would like to pull an item off the Consent Agenda for scrutiny? Those items will be considered separately under “Call Items.” February 18, 2026
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City of Ferndale, Humboldt County, California, U.S.A.
DRAFT Action Minutes for City Council Meeting of January 21st, 2026 Mayor Randall Cady called the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 6:00 pm. Those present did the flag salute. Present were Council Members Leonard Lund, Jennifer Fisk-Becker, Phillip Ostler, and Skip Jorgensen, along with City staff: Interim City Manager Kristene Hall, Chief of Police Ron Sligh, and Finance Manager/Deputy City Clerk Lauren Boop.
Report out of Closed Session: None.
Ceremonial: None
Modifications to the Agenda: None
Report out of Study Session: None
Public Comment: A citizen requested the city’s assistance with his property on Francis Creek due to excessive erosion.
Consent Calendar: There were four items on the Consent Calendar for approval. A member of the public requested Item D be removed.
MOTION: to approve the consent calendar without Item D (Ostler/Lund) Unanimous Call Items Removed from Consent Calendar: Item D was removed from the calendar to address a citizens issue with wording of a document. Page 48, the line “ not performed by tenant” will be removed from the document.
MOTION: to approve the removal of line on page 48 (Ostler/Lund) Unanimous Presentation: None
Public Hearing: None
Business:
Introduction and 1st Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 Section 6.01 Interim City Manager Kris Hall gave a brief overview of the necessity of the ordinance which is to become compliant with State Building Regulations and Construction Codes.
MOTION: To approve Introduction and 1st Reading of Draft Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 Section 6.01 (Lund/Ostler) Unanimous
Resolution 2026-02 Approving the Annual Events and Parades for 2026 This resolution sets the dates for the annual events and parades on Main Street in 2026.
MOTION: To approve Resolution 2026-02 Approving the Annual Events and Parades for 2026 (Lund/Ostler) Unanimous
Review, Update, and Approve JPA, Commissions, and Committee Appointments for 2026 Annual distribution of meeting duties for council members, see website for list.
MOTION: to Review, Update, and Approve JPA, Commissions, and Committee Appointments for 2026
(Lund/Ostler) Unanimous
February 18, 2026
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Correspondence: None
Council Comments:
Councilman Ostler noted that the holiday festivities in town were wonderful and well attended.
Councilman Lund asked about the exterior lighting at the Community Center, Manager Hall stated lights had been received and would be installed shortly. Councilman Jorgenson thanked Manger Hall for her concise, thorough, and non-repetitive report. Councilwoman Fisk-Becker again requested GHD meetings be catalogued in detail in regards to the Waterboard Grant.
Reports:
City Managers Report: Acting City Manager Kristene Hall announced the Bertha Russ Lytel Foundation approved our grant request for the front and back porches of the Community Center.
They require more bids to address the flooring and bathrooms.
Mayor Cady thanked the staff, public, and fellow councilmembers, and Adjourned the Meeting at 6:29 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Lauren Boop
Deputy City Clerk
February 18, 2026
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City of Ferndale, Humboldt County, California, U.S.A.
DRAFT Action Minutes for City Council Special Meeting of February 9, 2026 Mayor Randall Cady called the Special City Council Meeting to order at 3:46 pm. Those present did the flag salute. Present were Council Members Leonard Lund, Jennifer Fisk-Becker, Phillip Ostler, and Skip Jorgensen, along with City staff: City Attorney Ryan Plotz and Interim City Manager Kristene Hall
Public Comment on Closed Session: None.
Adjourn to Closed Session: 3:48
Report out of Closed Session: City Attorney Ryan Plotz stated there was no reportable action taken in closed session and the council would consider in open session the employment agreement between the City and Kristene Hall.
Reconvene to Open Session: 4:29
Business:
Consider Approval of City Manager Employment Agreement with Kristene Hall:
City Attorney Ryan Plotz detailed the contract terms outlined in the employment agreement for the appointment of Kristene Hall as City Manager. There were no questions or concerns from the Council and no public was in attendance.
MOTION: To approve City Manager employment agreement between the City and Kristene Hall.
(Lund/Ostler) Unanimous
Mayor Cady Adjourned the Meeting at 4:39 pm
Respectfully submitted,
Kristene Hall
Interim City Manager
February 18, 2026
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February 18, 2026
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February 18, 2026
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February 18, 2026
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JANUARY 2026 Deposit Recap 1.5.26 1.22.26 1.26.26 1.29.26 RETAIL TAX 17,371.56
T&U TAX 20,604.05
HIGHWAY USER TAX/VEHICLE LICENSE FEES 3,166.51
RMRA 3,046.07
BUSINESS LIC 65.00
ANIMAL LIC
BUILDING RENTS 3,979.28
PERMITS 8,250.12
TOT 15,893.03
HCAOG - RSTP
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-STREETS & ROADS
SEPTIC DUMPS / SEWER REVENUE 1,440.00
FRANCHSE FEES 3,056.49
HUMBOLDT CTY - COPS
ST CA - POST
DONATIONS 532.00
POLICE SERVICES 1,282.42
SMALL MISC 16.49
PLANNING/ENGINEERING REIMBURSEMENT 4,132.50
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-PROPERTY TAXES
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-SEWER
COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT-INTEREST INCOME
CIRA - FLEX SPENDING GRANT FUNDS 44,105.00
CIRA SAFETY GRANT 860.00
CALTRANS STREET SWEEP/LITTER PICKUP 10,009.60
TOTALS 3,166.51 3,046.07 37,975.61 93,621.93 -
\\192.168.254.148\city docs\CITY DOCS CITY CLERK\Meetings\City Council\2026\2. 02.18.26\January Deposits February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ (335,768.76)
Restricted Cash 15,150.00
Accounts Receivable 717,857.89
Total Current Assets 397,239.13
Total Assets $ 397,239.13
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Accounts Payable $ 22,121.40
Accrued Liabilities 447.80
Other Current Liabilities 80,060.92
Total Current Liabilities 102,630.12
Total Liabilities 102,630.12
Fund Balance
Fund Balance - Unassigned 294,609.01
Total Fund Balance 294,609.01
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 397,239.13
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 10 - General Fund
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 21,541.98
Total Current Assets 21,541.98
Total Assets $ 21,541.98
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $ 0.00
Total Liabilities 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balance - Restricted 21,541.98
Total Fund Balance 21,541.98
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 21,541.98
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 22-Gas Tax
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 33,777.15
Total Current Assets 33,777.15
Total Assets $ 33,777.15
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $ 0.00
Total Liabilities 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balances - Restricted 33,777.15
Total Fund Balance 33,777.15
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 33,777.15
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 23 - RSTP Fund
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 107,143.44
Total Current Assets 107,143.44
Total Assets $ 107,143.44
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balances - Restricted 107,143.44
Total Fund Balance 107,143.44
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 107,143.44
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 20-Russ Park Fund
As of January 31, 2026
No assurance is provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 218,406.97
Total Current Assets 218,406.97
Total Non Current Assets
Total Assets $ 218,406.97
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $ 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balances - Restricted 218,406.97
Total Fund Balance 218,406.97
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 218,406.97
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 24 - Transportation Development Act
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 16,746.70
Total Current Assets 16,746.70
Total Assets $ 16,746.70
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $ 0.00
Total Liabilities 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balances - Restricted 16,746.70
Total Fund Balance 16,746.70
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 16,746.70
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 26 - Drainage Fund
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 30,662.91
Total Current Assets 30,662.91
Total Assets $ 30,662.91
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Total Current Liabilities $ 0.00
Total Liabilities 0.00
Fund Balance
Fund Balances - Restricted 30,662.91
Total Fund Balance 30,662.91
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 30,662.91
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund 25 - Integrated Waste Mgt
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Current Assets
Cash $ 463,116.12
Total Current Assets 463,116.12
Property and Equipment
Vehicles 42,332.05
Equipment 122,805.75
Sewer system 13,768,181.34
Energy Savings Project Improvements 183,000.00
Less Accumulated Depreciation (4,254,537.64)
Net Property and Equipment 9,861,781.50
Total Assets $ 10,324,897.62
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Current Liabilities
Interest Payable $ 37,139.06
Total Current Liabilities 37,139.06
Long-Term Liabilities
Notes Payable USDA 3,753,000.00
Note Payable - California Energy Resources Conservation 157,670.76 Total Long-Term Liabilities 3,910,670.76
Total Liabilities 3,947,809.82
Fund Balance
Other Equity 6,649,092.60
Fund Balances (272,004.80)
Total Fund Balance 6,377,087.80
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 10,324,897.62
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
Fund -30 - Sewer
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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Assets
Property and Equipment
Buildings and improvements $ 617,111.14
Vehicles 187,365.86
Equipment 348,015.34
Roadways 11,171,692.50
Sidewalks 180,800.00
Streetlights 31,684.18
Land 131,000.00
Less Accumulated Depreciation (11,544,537.10)
Net Property and Equipment 1,123,131.92
Total Assets $ 1,123,131.92
Liabilities and Fund Balance
Long-Term Liabilities
Accrued Vacation/Sick pay $ 62,111.43
Notes payable-long term 14,819.48
Total Long-Term Liabilities 76,930.91
Fund Balance
Other Equity 1,718,440.75
Fund Balances (672,239.74)
Total Fund Balance 1,046,201.01
Total Liabilities and Fund Balance $ 1,123,131.92
City of Ferndale
Balance Sheet
GASB 34 ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
REVENUES
Revenues - Taxes
10014102 Property tax-secured $ 106,483.09 $ 106,483.09 $ 196,469.86 $ (89,986.77) 10014104 Property tax-unsecured 5,691.96 5,691.96 7,822.69 (2,130.73) 10014106 Property tax-prior 13,298.08 13,298.08 19,504.36 (6,206.28) 10014107 Supplemental role 1,799.78 1,799.78 3,784.09 (1,984.31) 10014110 Sales and use tax 37,975.61 194,998.15 466,368.47 (271,370.32) 10014111 Trash franchise 3,056.49 7,364.72 15,825.47 (8,460.75) 10014112 PG&E franchise 0.00 0.00 18,381.09 (18,381.09) 10014114 Cable franchise 0.00 5,435.79 28,246.24 (22,810.45) 10014116 Business license tax 65.00 10,508.25 16,994.74 (6,486.49) 10014118 Real Property Transfer tax 3,531.55 3,531.55 7,090.88 (3,559.33) 10014120 Transient lodging tax 0.00 94,584.73 192,437.80 (97,853.07) 10014121 TOT Humboldt Lodging Authority 0.00 11,990.25 25,156.65 (13,166.40) Total Revenue - Taxes $ 171,901.56 $ 455,686.35 $ 998,082.34 $ (542,395.99) Revenues - Licenses and Permits
10024132 Construction permits $ 7,250.12 $ 23,968.32 $ 25,000.00 $ (1,031.68) 10024164 Health protection (260.42) 1,364.58 4,000.00 (2,635.42) 10024166 Encroachment permits 0.00 200.00 600.00 (400.00) 10024278 Animal license fees 0.00 787.50 1,300.00 (512.50) Total Revenue - Licenses and Permits $ 6,989.70 $ 26,320.40 $ 30,900.00 $ (4,579.60) Revenues - Use of Money and Property
10044182 Interest $ 2,719.94 $ 11,633.78 $ 16,650.00 $ (5,016.22) 10044285 Bocce ball revenue 0.00 305.00 300.00 5.00
10044297 Town Hall Rent 50.00 1,700.00 3,500.00 (1,800.00) 10044297.1 Community Center rents 2,224.25 18,939.86 40,000.00 (21,060.14) Total Revenue -Use of Money and Property $ 4,994.19 $ 32,578.64 $ 60,450.00 $ (27,871.36) Revenues - Fines
10034283 Court fines $ 1,923.95 $ 1,923.95 $ 3,090.85 $ (1,166.90) Total Revenue - Fines $ 1,923.95 $ 1,923.95 $ 3,090.85 $ (1,166.90) Revenues - Intergovernmental
10054204 Motor vehicle in-lieu tax $ 97,955.93 $ 100,087.04 $ 184,930.64 $ (84,843.60) 10054222 Home owners prop. tax relief 884.57 884.57 1,739.86 (855.29) 10054286 Street sweeping 10,009.60 22,000.00 18,735.36 3,264.64 10054289 RMRA 3,046.07 15,856.08 37,494.91 (21,638.83)
10054290 Peace off. stds. & trng. 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 (1,000.00) 10054300 Public safety 1/2 cent 2,570.47 2,570.47 4,793.30 (2,222.83) 10054310 COPs Program 0.00 134,917.04 0.00 134,917.04
10054315 AB 109 0.00 0.00 190,829.03 (190,829.03)
10054320 State and County Grants 0.00 0.00 177,000.00 (177,000.00) 10054321 Federal Grants 0.00 50,293.20 125,000.00 (74,706.80) Total Revenue - Intergovernmental $ 114,466.64 $ 326,608.40 $ 741,523.10 $ (414,914.70) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
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1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues - Fees for Service
10084270 Plan check fees $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 1,000.00 $ (1,000.00) 10084271 Parking fees 0.00 412.45 475.19 (62.74)
10084287.2 Developer reimbursed fees 260.00 4,072.50 8,000.00 (3,927.50) 10084287.3 Reimbursed Fees Planning 2,347.50 4,986.25 10,000.00 (5,013.75) 10084291 Special police services 275.00 5,875.98 5,000.00 875.98 10084298 Fair racing revenue 16.49 70.03 2,278.09 (2,208.06) Total Revenue - Fees for Service $ 2,898.99 $ 15,417.21 $ 26,753.28 $ (11,336.07) Revenues - Other Revenue
10094284.1 Donations - City $ 532.00 $ 3,170.85 $ 5,000.00 $ (1,829.15) 10094307 Miscellaneous 0.00 4,756.57 0.00 4,756.57
10094308 PARSAC Grants 859.75 44,965.00 2,000.00 42,965.00 10094311 Utilities - Little League park 0.00 200.00 200.00 0.00 Total Revenue - Other Revenue $ 1,391.75 $ 53,092.42 $ 7,200.00 $ 45,892.42 TOTAL REVENUES $ 304,566.78 $ 911,627.37 $ 1,867,999.57 $ (956,372.20) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 2
February 18, 2026
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1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
EXPENDITURES
Expenditures - City Council
10115012 Office expense $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 200.00 $ (200.00) 10115013 Advertising 0.00 0.00 250.00 (250.00)
10115044 Meetings and dues 1,142.00 1,142.00 1,500.00 (358.00) 10115045 LAFCO fees 671.00 671.00 680.00 (9.00)
Total Expenditures - City Council $ 1,813.00 $ 1,813.00 $ 2,630.00 $ (817.00) Expenditures City Manager
10105002 Salary - permanent $ 0.00 $ 38,003.07 $ 53,974.30 $ (15,971.23) 10105006 Payroll taxes 0.00 2,047.43 3,521.96 (1,474.53) 10105007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 20.66 2,137.84 4,990.99 (2,853.15) 10105009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 1,976.88 3,325.74 (1,348.86) 10105010 Deferred retirement 1,108.56 2,141.06 5,604.04 (3,462.98) 10105061 Liability Insurance 0.00 3,814.78 3,239.16 575.62 Total expenditures -City Manager $ 1,129.22 $ 50,121.06 $ 74,656.19 $ (24,535.13) Expenditures - City Clerk
10125002 Salary - permanent $ 10,984.15 $ 78,972.58 $ 93,349.28 $ (14,376.70) 10125006 Payroll taxes 1,171.79 6,951.72 8,491.83 (1,540.11) 10125007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 1,191.04 8,855.18 12,268.99 (3,413.81) 10125009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 4,751.73 6,082.32 (1,330.59) 10125010 Deferred retirement 3,148.17 5,421.61 4,650.85 770.76 10125012 Office expense 0.00 2,006.65 5,000.00 (2,993.35) 10125022 IT support 1,700.38 13,007.77 13,000.00 7.77
10125044 Meetings and dues 3,406.25 18,327.49 1,200.00 17,127.49 10125061 Liability Insurance 0.00 9,169.40 7,785.80 1,383.60 10125099 Miscellaneous 0.00 0.00 200.00 (200.00)
Total Expenditures -City Clerk $ 21,601.78 $ 147,464.13 $ 152,029.07 $ (4,564.94) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 3
February 18, 2026
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1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Expenditures - City Attorney
10145052 Professional services $ 770.00 $ 8,294.00 $ 20,000.00 $ (11,706.00) Total Expenditures - City Attorney $ 770.00 $ 8,294.00 $ 20,000.00 $ (11,706.00) Expenditures - Government Buildings
10155002 Salary - permanent $ 314.84 $ 2,287.22 $ 3,889.62 $ (1,602.40) 10155006 Payroll taxes 31.96 242.02 423.61 (181.59)
10155009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 190.35 292.42 (102.07) 10155012 Office expense 1,283.46 2,265.78 2,500.00 (234.22) 10155020 Building and ground maint. 1,203.02 5,909.44 10,000.00 (4,090.56) 10155024 Special department supply 115.97 565.11 3,000.00 (2,434.89) 10155030 Trash service 147.61 539.01 554.10 (15.09)
10155031 Gas 660.48 2,048.10 4,915.67 (2,867.57)
10155032 Utilities 381.41 1,824.84 3,198.32 (1,373.48)
10155033 Water 124.17 3,619.82 4,994.20 (1,374.38)
10155034 Telephone/internet 868.49 3,312.38 6,414.90 (3,102.52) 10155061 Liability Insurance 0.00 367.35 367.17 0.18
10155063 Building and Property Insurance 0.00 0.00 6,464.28 (6,464.28) Total Expenditures - Government Buildings $ 5,131.41 $ 23,171.42 $ 47,014.29 $ (23,842.87) Expenditures - Non departmental
10165015 Property tax admin. fees $ 3,059.25 $ 3,059.25 $ 8,256.79 $ (5,197.54) 10165054 Audit and accounting 10,000.00 18,000.00 41,200.00 (23,200.00) 10165054.1 Accounting services 5,071.00 11,484.00 0.00 11,484.00 10165055 Contractual services 318.82 815.20 1,000.00 (184.80) 10165064 Election expenses 0.00 0.00 1,000.00 (1,000.00) 10165078 Copy machine expense 370.75 2,924.88 4,430.60 (1,505.72) 10165099 Miscellaneous 25.00 10,327.00 0.00 10,327.00
10165200 Car allowance 0.00 540.00 4,800.00 (4,260.00)
Total Expenditures - Nondepartmental $ 18,844.82 $ 47,150.33 $ 60,687.39 $ (13,537.06) Expenditures - Community Promotion
10175020 Building and ground maint. $ 407.00 $ 2,288.03 $ 250.00 $ 2,038.03 10175028 Public restroom 389.16 2,114.91 3,500.00 (1,385.09) 10175032 Utilities 40.56 247.91 503.45 (255.54)
10175033 Water 55.78 818.82 1,702.27 (883.45)
10175046 Bank charges 49.57 161.49 0.00 161.49
10175072 Chamber of commerce 9,037.30 27,111.90 35,000.00 (7,888.10) 10175072.3 TOT 2% HLA QTRLY 0.00 8,431.62 20,000.00 (11,568.38) Total Expenditures - Community Promotion $ 9,979.37 $ 41,174.68 $ 60,955.72 $ (19,781.04) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 4
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
24 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Expenditures - Police
10215002 Salary - permanent $ 33,519.69 $ 186,817.58 $ 377,864.78 $ (191,047.20) 10215004 Salary - reserve 7,903.82 49,756.26 34,057.79 15,698.47 10215005 Salary - overtime 675.69 6,659.04 11,033.37 (4,374.33) 10215006 Payroll taxes 3,289.20 18,882.35 34,389.65 (15,507.30) 10215007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 2,092.83 26,228.69 61,410.30 (35,181.61) 10215009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 17,497.62 20,965.74 (3,468.12) 10215010 Deferred retirement 5,233.76 11,215.08 29,374.45 (18,159.37) 10215012 Office expense 553.30 2,404.80 3,500.00 (1,095.20) 10215014 Vehicle expense 2,316.54 9,691.79 16,000.00 (6,308.21) 10215016 Fuel 2,638.12 11,574.35 20,000.00 (8,425.65)
10215020 Building and ground maint. 333.46 2,813.08 5,000.00 (2,186.92) 10215022 IT support 685.00 13,152.08 15,000.00 (1,847.92) 10215024 Special department supply 0.00 2,069.21 10,000.00 (7,930.79) 10215026 Uniform expense 318.49 846.48 1,000.00 (153.52) 10215026.1 Uniform allowance 0.00 3,000.00 3,000.00 0.00 10215029 Water/sewer 56.13 1,296.04 2,004.38 (708.34)
10215030 Trash service 45.12 90.24 0.00 90.24
10215032 Utilities 60.39 52.76 50.00 2.76
10215034 Telephone/internet 1,161.02 5,054.79 9,270.32 (4,215.53) 10215035 Dispatch service 0.00 30,216.62 55,000.00 (24,783.38) 10215044 Meetings and dues 0.00 869.32 1,884.96 (1,015.64) 10215048 Training 0.00 22.00 5,000.00 (4,978.00)
10215051 Physical exams 0.00 0.00 900.00 (900.00)
10215052 Professional services 0.00 295.00 500.00 (205.00) 10215061 Liability Insurance 0.00 33,765.20 28,179.47 5,585.73 10215063 Building and Property Insurance 0.00 0.00 1,467.90 (1,467.90) 10215078 Copy machine expense 118.24 1,237.10 1,100.00 137.10 10215080 Community Emergency Response Team
Expense
0.00 135.90 1,000.00 (864.10)
10215088 Equipment repair other 0.00 94.00 1,000.00 (906.00) 10215098 Background expense 500.00 1,013.68 1,500.00 (486.32) Total Expenditures - Police $ 61,500.80 $ 436,751.06 $ 751,453.11 $ (314,702.05) Expenditures - Animal Control
10225096 Animal control $ 0.00 $ 3,150.00 $ 5,500.00 $ (2,350.00) Total Expenditures - Animal Control $ 0.00 $ 3,150.00 $ 5,500.00 $ (2,350.00) Expenditures - Health
10245052 Professional services $ 0.00 $ 800.00 $ 2,400.00 $ (1,600.00) Total Expenditures - Health $ 0.00 $ 800.00 $ 2,400.00 $ (1,600.00) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 5
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
25 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Expenditures - Streets and Roads
10315002 Salary - permanent $ 3,427.20 $ 25,673.40 $ 45,755.58 $ (20,082.18) 10315005 Salary - overtime 70.56 326.34 3,158.06 (2,831.72) 10315006 Payroll taxes 585.72 3,435.68 3,953.50 (517.82) 10315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 790.59 3,826.87 6,048.96 (2,222.09) 10315009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 1,104.06 1,345.92 (241.86) 10315010 Deferred retirement 270.97 496.41 2,064.43 (1,568.02) 10315011 Bldg/property insurance 0.00 0.00 741.60 (741.60) 10315014 Vehicle expense 196.24 495.65 3,000.00 (2,504.35) 10315020 Building and ground maint. 0.00 674.71 500.00 174.71 10315021 Street maintenance 36,226.25 82,372.73 87,000.00 (4,627.27) 10315024 Special department supply 777.70 1,967.18 2,500.00 (532.82) 10315026.1 Uniform allowance 0.00 0.00 300.00 (300.00)
10315034 Telephone/internet 218.28 713.22 1,279.90 (566.68) 10315055 Contractual services 205.00 4,152.75 10,000.00 (5,847.25) 10315061 Liability Insurance 0.00 2,130.48 1,809.00 321.48 10315088 Equipment repair other 0.00 0.00 500.00 (500.00) Total Expenditures - Streets and Roads $ 42,768.51 $ 127,369.48 $ 169,956.95 $ (42,587.47) Expenditures - Planning
10415052 Professional services $ 6,770.86 $ 72,305.40 $ 40,000.00 $ 32,305.40 10415052.1 Engineering-flood 0.00 0.00 1,500.00 (1,500.00) 10415053 Reimbursable Fees 1,424.22 6,766.72 9,000.00 (2,233.28) 10415053.1 Grant expenditures 2,210.75 31,323.25 140,000.00 (108,676.75) 10415055 Contractual services 928.75 4,190.00 9,000.00 (4,810.00) 10415059 Special Planning Projects 0.00 1,466.25 0.00 1,466.25 10415630 CLIMATE ACTION PLAN 0.00 2,521.50 3,000.00 (478.50) Total Expenditures - Planning $ 11,334.58 $ 118,573.12 $ 202,500.00 $ (83,926.88) Expenditures - City engineer
10425052 Professional services $ 465.00 $ 8,704.00 $ 30,000.00 $ (21,296.00) 10425053 Reimbursable Fees 487.50 4,095.00 3,500.00 595.00 Total Expenditures - City engineer $ 0.00 $ 12,799.00 $ 33,500.00 $ (20,701.00) Expenditures - Building Regulation
10435024 Special department supply $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 500.00 $ (500.00) 10435052 Professional services 827.70 12,962.70 19,000.00 (6,037.30) Total Expenditures - Building Regulation $ 827.70 $ 12,962.70 $ 19,500.00 $ (6,537.30) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 6
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
26 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY 2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Expenditures - Library
10615002 Salary - permanent $ 396.03 $ 4,187.43 $ 6,600.13 $ (2,412.70) 10615006 Payroll taxes 40.19 443.95 892.66 (448.71)
10615009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 317.76 350.37 (32.61) 10615012 Office expense 0.00 0.00 50.00 (50.00)
10615020 Building and ground maint. 0.00 19,099.92 200.00 18,899.92 10615024 Special department supply 0.00 338.59 2,250.00 (1,911.41) 10615031 Gas 633.16 1,626.36 4,639.35 (3,012.99)
10615032 Utilities 228.17 1,507.02 2,570.08 (1,063.06)
10615033 Water 50.70 335.46 610.56 (275.10)
10615034 Telephone/internet 169.48 539.43 2,065.80 (1,526.37) 10615061 Liability Insurance 0.00 613.19 520.66 92.53
10615063 Building and Property Insurance 0.00 0.00 2,011.80 (2,011.80) Total Expenditures - Library $ 1,517.73 $ 29,009.11 $ 22,761.41 $ 6,247.70 Expenditures - Parks
10625002 Salary - permanent $ 174.89 $ 1,945.24 $ 47,032.16 $ (45,086.92) 10625006 Payroll taxes 9.91 119.70 3,874.70 (3,755.00)
10625007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 49.93 417.63 793.93 (376.30) 10625009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 395.04 505.67 (110.63) 10625010 Deferred retirement 60.69 114.52 313.42 (198.90) 10625020 Building and ground maint. 7,388.40 16,778.36 7,500.00 9,278.36 10625024 Special department supply 0.00 169.16 200.00 (30.84) 10625032 Utilities 10.09 232.54 5,540.17 (5,307.63)
10625033 Water 116.62 2,744.35 3,028.26 (283.91)
10625061 Liability Insurance 0.00 762.30 634.94 127.36
10625065 Russ Park expenditures 287.25 877.25 1,500.00 (622.75) Total Expenditures - Parks $ 8,097.78 $ 24,556.09 $ 70,923.25 $ (46,367.16) Expenditures -Community Center
10635020 Building and ground maint. $ 499.31 $ 10,114.32 $ 5,000.00 $ 5,114.32 10635031 Gas 1,048.65 4,622.33 4,000.00 622.33
10635032 Utilities 1,021.31 5,374.04 8,182.44 (2,808.40) 10635033 Water 95.68 674.31 1,498.91 (824.60)
10635055 Contractual services 0.00 120.00 2,000.00 (1,880.00) 10635063 Building and Property Insurance 0.00 0.00 4,424.70 (4,424.70) Total Expenditures -Community center $ 2,664.95 $ 20,905.00 $ 25,106.05 $ (4,201.05) TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 187,981.65 $ 1,106,064.18 $ 1,721,573.43 $ (615,509.25) REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES $ 116,585.13 $ (194,436.81) $ 146,426.14 $ (340,862.95) City of Ferndale
Income Statement
Fund 10 - General Fund
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 7
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
27 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
22314210.1 Gas tax (2105) $ 653.59 $ 4,272.73 $ 8,704.08 $ (4,431.35) 22314210.2 Gas tax (2106) 794.50 5,221.12 10,764.67 (5,543.55) 22314210.3 Gas tax (2107) 913.61 5,741.71 11,781.75 (6,040.04) 22314210.4 Gas tax (2107.5) 0.00 1,000.00 1,030.00 (30.00) 22314210.5 Gas Tax (2103) 804.81 6,981.18 13,051.75 (6,070.57) Total Revenue 3,166.51 23,216.74 45,332.25 (22,115.51)
EXPENDITURES
22315002 Salary - permanent 85.68 3,223.01 5,856.61 (2,633.60) 22315005 Salary - overtime 1.76 8.15 78.98 (70.83)
22315006 Payroll taxes 4.96 277.00 515.72 (238.72)
22315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 533.24 3,484.86 7,249.02 (3,764.16) 22315009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 1,241.04 2,711.27 (1,470.23) 22315010 Deferred retirement 461.43 854.01 2,153.91 (1,299.90) 22315057 Street signs 0.00 82.46 500.00 (417.54)
22315058 Street lighting 1,394.33 8,366.22 17,289.82 (8,923.60) 22315061 Liability Insurance 0.00 2,394.81 2,033.45 361.36 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 2,481.40 19,931.56 38,388.78 (18,457.22)
REVENUES OVER (UNDER)
EXPENDITURES
$ 685.11 $ 3,285.18 $ 6,943.47 $ (3,658.29)
City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 22 - GAS TAX
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
28 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months
Ended
FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31,
2026
Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
23314211 RSTP Revenue $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 16,000.00 $ (16,000.00) Total Revenue 0.00 0.00 16,000.00 (16,000.00)
EXPENDITURES
23315002 Salary - permanent 402.13 4,211.69 7,123.41 (2,911.72) 23315006 Payroll taxes 24.29 268.85 551.26 (282.41)
23315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 87.50 750.30 1,436.07 (685.77) 23315009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 349.62 447.53 (97.91) 23315010 Deferred retirement 150.38 277.50 616.50 (339.00) 23315061 Liability Insurance 0.00 674.68 572.88 101.80
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 664.30 6,532.64 10,747.65 (4,215.01) REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES $ (664.30) $ (6,532.64) $ 5,252.35 $ (11,784.99) City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 23 - RSTP
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
29 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
20624182 Interest $ 145.09 $ 1,168.24 $ 0.00 $ 1,168.24 Total Revenue 145.09 1,168.24 0.00 1,168.24
EXPENDITURES
20625046 Bank charges 0.00 45.00 0.00 45.00
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 0.00 45.00 0.00 45.00
REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES $ 145.09 $ 1,123.24 $ 0.00 $ 1,123.24 City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 20- RUSS PARK
No assurance is provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
30 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
24314231 Transportation devel. act $ 0.00 $ 45,000.00 $ 51,067.00 $ (6,067.00) Total Revenue 0.00 45,000.00 51,067.00 (6,067.00)
EXPENDITURES
24315002 Salary - permanent 1,408.15 11,635.80 19,379.04 (7,743.24) 24315005 Salary - overtime 40.95 253.23 1,042.25 (789.02) 24315006 Payroll taxes 87.78 645.07 1,558.13 (913.06)
24315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 0.00 2,759.66 6,054.88 (3,295.22) 24315009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 1,256.85 2,145.02 (888.17) 24315010 Deferred retirement 357.40 647.41 2,265.76 (1,618.35) 24315014 Vehicle expense 0.00 322.40 0.00 322.40
24315016 Fuel 422.10 2,745.60 10,913.91 (8,168.31)
24315021 Street maintenance 0.00 45,000.00 0.00 45,000.00 24315024 Special department supply 0.00 531.62 632.46 (100.84) 24315032 Utilities 682.27 2,869.38 4,038.63 (1,169.25)
24315033 Water 0.00 287.70 666.53 (378.83)
24315034 Telephone/internet 99.30 594.19 1,279.99 (685.80) 24315061 Liability Insurance 0.00 2,425.32 2,424.15 1.17 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 3,097.95 71,974.23 52,400.75 19,573.48
REVENUES OVER (UNDER)
EXPENDITURES
$ (3,097.95) $ (26,974.23) $ (1,333.75) $ (25,640.48)
City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 24 - TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
31 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
26314230 Drainage fund $ 1,000.00 $ 2,160.00 $ 3,250.00 $ (1,090.00) 26314240 Drainage district fees 11,337.50 11,337.50 30,000.00 (18,662.50) Total Revenue 12,337.50 13,497.50 33,250.00 (19,752.50)
EXPENDITURES
26315002 Salary - permanent 739.53 6,109.26 10,284.25 (4,174.99) 26315005 Salary - overtime 18.94 110.26 584.24 (473.98) 26315006 Payroll taxes 44.13 322.20 839.83 (517.63)
26315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 0.00 0.00 3,057.09 (3,057.09) 26315007.1 Medical insurance 185.81 1,391.83 0.00 1,391.83 26315009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 1,062.57 1,813.48 (750.91) 26315010 Deferred retirement 170.95 311.85 922.39 (610.54) 26315061 Liability Insurance 0.00 2,050.42 1,741.03 309.39 TOTAL EXPENDITURES 1,159.36 11,358.39 19,242.31 (7,883.92)
REVENUES OVER (UNDER)
EXPENDITURES
$ 11,178.14 $ 2,139.11 $ 14,007.69 $ (11,868.58)
City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 26 - DRAINAGE FUND
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
32 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
Total Revenue 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
EXPENDITURES
25315002 Salary - permanent 0.00 3,226.45 0.00 3,226.45 25315006 Payroll taxes 0.00 310.16 0.00 310.16
25315007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 0.00 317.77 0.00 317.77 25315010 Deferred retirement 167.96 324.40 0.00 324.40
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 167.96 4,178.78 0.00 4,178.78
REVENUES OVER (UNDER) EXPENDITURES $ (167.96) $ (4,178.78) $ 0.00 $ (4,178.78) City of Ferndale
STATEMENT OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES
FUND 25 - INTEGRATED WASTE MANAGEMENT
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
33 ________________________________________
1 Month Ended 7 Months Ended FY2025/2026
January 31, 2026 January 31, 2026 Over/(Under)
Actual Actual Budget Budget
Revenues
30514274 Sewer service charge $ 467,456.72 $ 467,456.72 $ 803,054.19 $ (335,597.47) 30514275 Sewer connection fees 0.00 400.00 5,000.00 (4,600.00) 30514303 Septic discharge 0.00 26,784.00 60,000.00 (33,216.00) Total Revenue 467,456.72 494,640.72 868,054.19 (373,413.47)
EXPENSES
30515002 Salary - permanent 20,422.64 183,814.16 257,741.51 (73,927.35) 30515005 Salary - overtime 2,854.73 11,319.62 15,207.18 (3,887.56) 30515006 Payroll taxes 3,033.02 16,377.97 22,557.93 (6,179.96) 30515007 Medical/Dental/Vision insurance 4,877.55 31,457.37 64,996.33 (33,538.96) 30515009 Workers comp. insurance 0.00 14,132.73 26,238.56 (12,105.83) 30515010 Deferred retirement 7,043.63 12,701.80 22,843.76 (10,141.96) 30515012 Office expense 0.00 187.32 646.91 (459.59)
30515014 Vehicle expense 64.04 828.35 898.31 (69.96)
30515016 Fuel 457.27 2,101.03 3,670.59 (1,569.56)
30515024 Special department supply 98.50 5,585.29 10,780.97 (5,195.68) 30515030 Trash service 3,848.69 17,070.27 26,491.67 (9,421.40) 30515032 Utilities 8,569.21 44,931.52 115,356.15 (70,424.63) 30515033 Water 56.13 1,604.82 3,139.74 (1,534.92)
30515034 Telephone/internet 759.63 5,336.48 8,345.47 (3,008.99) 30515044 Meetings and dues 0.00 1,066.00 919.58 146.42
30515048 Training 0.00 843.44 1,000.00 (156.56)
30515050 IT Support 940.00 6,892.64 12,000.00 (5,107.36) 30515061 Liability Insurance 0.00 27,272.07 23,156.89 4,115.18 30515063 Building and Property Insurance 0.00 0.00 3,237.15 (3,237.15) 30515092 Permits 0.00 16,811.28 17,496.79 (685.51)
30515121 Sewer plant maintenance 11,215.83 29,535.90 50,000.00 (20,464.10) 30515122 Sewer line maintenance 0.00 6,076.59 50,000.00 (43,923.41) 30515130 Ultra Violet Lights 0.00 22,407.32 25,000.00 (2,592.68) 30515157 Testing and monitoring 3,067.00 9,560.82 22,295.62 (12,734.80) 30515160 Postage & Shipping 0.00 0.00 4,160.09 (4,160.09) 30515170 State Water Planning Grant Expenses 0.00 1,000.00 0.00 1,000.00 30515190 USDA loan 0.00 156,096.71 194,000.00 (37,903.29) 30515197 Sewer treatment loan 0.00 531.00 0.00 531.00
TOTAL EXPENSES 67,307.87 625,542.50 982,181.20 (356,638.70) NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 400,148.85 $ (130,901.78) $ (114,127.01) $ (16,774.77) City of Ferndale
INCOME STATEMENT
FUND 30 - SEWER FUND
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
34 ________________________________________
Cash Balances
Current Assets
General Fund $ (335,768.76)
Restricted Cash 15,150.00
Russ Park 107,143.44
Gas Tax 21,541.98
RSTF 33,777.15
TDA 218,406.97
IWM 30,662.91
Drainage 16,746.70
Sewer 463,116.12
Total $ 570,776.51
Checking $ 246,925.03
Checking - Restricted 86,378.03
LAIF 237,323.45
Petty cash 150.00
Total $ 570,776.51
City of Ferndale
Cash Balances
As of January 31, 2026
No Assurance is Provided
No Disclosures are Provided 1
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
35 ________________________________________
Section 10
CALL ITEMS
These are items pulled from the consent agenda
for discussion and a separate motion.
Section 11
PRESENTATIONS
Section 12
PUBLIC HEARING
February 18, 2026
________________________________________
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
________________________________________
36 ________________________________________
Meeting Date: February 18, 2026 Agenda Item Number: 12. a Agenda Item Title: Public hearing, introduction and first reading for Ordinance 2026-02, adopting amendments to Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 to amend Accessory Dwelling Unit Provisions to comply with State Law Presented By: City Planner
Type of Item: X Action X Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action Voice Vote X Roll Call Vote
PROJECT SUMMARY
Conduct a public hearing, and introduction and first reading of Ordinance 2026-02 that proposes to amend the Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 02-02) as follows:
• In Article 7 (General Provisions and Exceptions), to comply with state law, repeal section 7.21 (Secondary/Accessory Dwelling Units) in its entirety, and replace it with text amendments for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs). • In Article 3 (Definitions), update the definition of Secondary Dwelling Unit in section 3.67. • Corrections of various errata and scrivener’s errors contained in Ordinance 02-02, which include realphabetizing and organizing Article 7, and updating the formatting of sections that are inconsistent in style.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION
1. Receive staff presentation and review questions with staff.
2. Open the public hearing.
3. Receive testimony.
4. Close public hearing.
5. Motion to introduce and hold first reading of Ordinance 2026-02, read by title only, and continue the public hearing to the City Council’s next regular meeting for the second reading and adoption. Roll call vote.
BACKGROUND
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has recognized ADUs and JADUs as affordable housing solutions because they do not require the purchase of additional land or the construction of significant new infrastructure. ADUs and JADUs also allow homeowners to provide independent living spaces for family members or renters, supporting aging in place and enabling extended families to live nearby while preserving privacy. Recent changes to state law have simplified the development of ADUs and JADUs and require local jurisdictions to align with these state standards. Since 2016, HCD had the authority to review a city’s ADU ordinance. Beginning January 1, 2024, HCD also has the authority to enforce all State ADU laws. In 2020, HCD published its first ADU Guidebook, which received two substantive updates in 2022 and 2024/2025 to incorporate new laws. The Guidebook assists local governments, homeowners, architects, and the public in understanding and applying the requirements of state law. Because the Guidebook is authored by HCD, it is essentially an interpretative manual on the application of ADU law.
On September 20, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2019-02, which amended Ordinance 02-02 (Zoning Ordinance), section 7.21 of Article 7, to comply with then-current state requirements for ADUs. Since that adoption, new state ADU laws that further modify ADU and JADU requirements have been enacted nearly annually. On November 14, 2025, HCD issued a Letter of Technical Assistance to the City of Ferndale regarding its February 18, 2026
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existing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) ordinance. In that letter, HCD advised that the City’s ADU regulations, codified in Section 7.21 of Zoning Ordinance 02-02, appear out of compliance with numerous provisions of State ADU Law. In their November 14th letter, HCD also noted that if a local ADU ordinance fails to meet State law requirements, the ordinance is considered “null and void,” and the City must instead apply default State ADU standards until a compliant ordinance is adopted. HCD specifically recommended that the City:
1. Repeal its current ADU ordinance; or
2. Amend and adopt a replacement ordinance that fully complies with State ADU statutes (Gov. Code §§ 66310–66344).
Because ADU and JADU applications are subject to ministerial approval within 60 days under State law (Gov. Code § 66317), continued application of non-compliant local standards may expose the City to legal risk and violate State requirements for timely and objective processing. To avoid this potential risk, on December 17, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2025-09, an interim urgency ordinance that suspends enforcement of the City’s ADU and JADU regulations pending repeal and adoption of a state-compliant ADU ordinance.
The amendments to the Zoning Ordinance in Exhibit A proposed to repeal the existing ADU regulations in their entirety and adopt amendments that update the City’s regulations for ADUs and JADUs to conform with Government Code Sections 66310-66342 by directly referencing state ADU law. The proposed amendments are the statutory minimum requirements for ADUs and JADUs. These amendments will address the immediate need to bring the City’s ADU and JADU regulations into full compliance with state law, while not foreclosing the City’s ability to adopt local ADU regulations in the future. Although cities are mandated to permit ADUs and JADUs, they are not required to adopt local ADU and JADU ordinances. A city may consider adopting local regulations to further encourage the creation of ADUs and JADUs; a city’s local ADU regulations cannot be more restrictive than state law. All local ADU ordinances are subject to an HCD-compliance review, and any inconsistencies with State law must be addressed to HCD’s satisfaction.
Please note that the City staff has been aware that its existing ADU ordinance is out of date, and staff have been applying State ADU law directly in the evaluation of ADU requests and applications.
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS
The following amendments are proposed to the City’s ADU Ordinance to ensure compliance with current state law. Specifically, section 7.21 will be repealed in its entirety and replaced with the following language:
§7.21 Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units:
Sections 66310 – 66342 of the California Government Code are hereby adopted and made part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein.
Additionally, the definition of Secondary Dwelling Unit at section 3.66, is proposed to be amended to further distinguish secondary dwelling units from accessory dwelling units. Also, the proposed changes to the definition intend to reflect the state law requirement (Gov. Code 66332) that cities are to provide a pathway to legalize an accessory dwelling unit that was constructed before 2017 but did not receive city permits:
§3.66 Secondary Dwelling Unit (Section amended by Ordinance 2025-04 on 8/20/2025, and was previously numbered as section 3.64): A separate residential unit permitted and constructed prior to January 1, 2017, containing sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities, created on a lot zoned R-1 or RS that already contains one legally created residential unit and that has not been permitted as an accessory dwelling unit.
As shown in Exhibit A of Ordinance 2026-02, amendments to correct various minor errata and scrivener’s errors February 18, 2026
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are also proposed to be adopted.
PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING
On January 7, 2026, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to consider and receive public input on the proposed amendments. No members of the public provided written or oral testimony on the proposed amendments before or at the hearing. A Planning Commissioner requested clarification on whether the City had HCD input on the proposed amendments. The Contract City Planner replied that the City had described to HCD its approach and the ordinance language as part of the City’s response to the November 14th technical assistance letter. HCD indicated the repeal/replace ordinance language would be adequate. The Planning Commission did not recommend modifications to the proposed amendments. The Planning Commission unanimously approved Resolution 2026-01 recommending that the City Council adopt the proposed amendments.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT
The proposed zoning ordinance text amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Pursuant to Public Resources Code §21080.17, CEQA does not apply to ordinances implementing Government Code §65852.2, which governs Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs). The ordinance is also categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines §15303 (Class 3), which covers the construction or conversion of small accessory structures, such as ADUs and JADUs.
PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
The public hearing notice has been published and distributed in accordance with Article 8 of the Zoning Ordinance.
Additionally, a public hearing notice was sent to the Ferndale Enterprise for publication in the February 5, 2026, edition of the Ferndale Enterprise. On February 5, 2026, the same public hearing notice was also posted at City Hall and the bulletin board in the post office, and on the City’s website.
ATTACHMENTS
A – Ordinance 2026–02 and Exhibit A, Amendments to the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance (Ord. # 02-02) B – November 14, 2025 Letter of Technical Assistance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development
C – Planning Commission Resolution 2026-01
D – Public notice for the City Council, February 18, 2026, hearing and first reading February 18, 2026
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ATTACHMENT A
ORDINANCE NO. 2026-02
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE MAKING THE REQUIRED FINDINGS TO ADOPT AMENDMENTS TO ORDINANCE NO. 02-02, THE FERNDALE ZONING ORDINANCE,
TO AMEND ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT PROVISIONS TO COMPLY WITH STATE LAW WHEREAS, the City of Ferndale (City) is a general law city, incorporated under the laws of the State of California; and
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65850, et seq. authorizes cities to regulate land use, and to adopt and amend general plans and zoning and building ordinances for such purposes, and sets forth procedures governing the adoption and amendment of such ordinances; and WHEREAS, on October 9, 2019, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 13 Assembly 881, and other legislation (collectively, the “Bills”) into law, amending Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22, and adding Health and Safety Code Section 17980.12, thereby establishing statewide requirements for ADUs and JADUs; and WHEREAS, on September 20, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 2019-02 that amended Ordinance 02- 02 (Zoning Ordinance), section 7.21 of Article 7, to comply with changes in state law related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), inclusive of Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs); and WHEREAS, since the adoption of Ordinance No. 2019-02, state ADU law has been amended in 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025, including enactment of Senate Bill 477 in 2024, which reorganized and recodified the State’s ADU and JADU provisions into Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342 without substantive change; and WHEREAS, on November 14, 2025, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) issued a Letter of Technical Assistance advising that the City’s ADU ordinance appears out of compliance with multiple provisions of State ADU Law and may therefore be “null and void” under Government Code section 66316, requiring the City to apply default State standards; and WHEREAS, HCD recommended that the City repeal its current ADU ordinance and adopt an updated, statecompliant ordinance to ensure clarity for applicants and consistency with State housing requirements; and WHEREAS, on December 17, 2025, the City Council unanimously adopted Ordinance 2025-09, an Interim Urgency Ordinance immediately suspending enforcement of section 7.21 of the Zoning Ordinance in order to ensure that all ADU applications are processed legally, consistently, and without delay, pending repeal and replacement with a state-compliant ADU ordinance; and
WHEREAS, in order to further comply with state law, it is necessary for the City to amend its Zoning Ordinance to ensure that its provisions conform to and align exactly with the requirements set forth under Sections 66310 – 66342 of the California Government Code; and
WHEREAS, the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, as identified in Exhibit A, attached hereto and hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, propose to repeal and replace section 7.21 of Article 7 (General Provisions and Exceptions) of the Zoning Ordinance to update the regulations governing ADUs and JADUs to comply with State law; update the definition of secondary dwelling unit in section 3.66 of Article 3 (Definitions) to distinguish secondary dwelling units from accessory dwelling units; and address various errata, scrivener’s errors, and inconsistent formatting and styling; and
February 18, 2026
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WHEREAS, this Ordinance is intended to promote consistency between the City’s Zoning Ordinance for ADUs, JADUs, and state law, eliminate any conflicts or discrepancies, and ensure enforceability in accordance with state legal standards.
WHEREAS, on December 22, 2025, the City published a Planning Commission (PC) public hearing notice in the December 25, 2025 edition of the Ferndale Enterprise, and posted the same notice in conspicuous locations including City Hall and the City website, specifying the availability of the proposal, and the date, time, and location of the PC public hearing for these amendments to the Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on January 7, 2026, and after considering the recommended amendments, the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) finding, and written or oral testimony submitted by the public on the proposed amendments, the PC unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026-01, recommending that the Ferndale City Council find the amendments in Exhibit A to be statutorily exempt and categorically exempt from CEQA pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.17 and § 15303 of California Code of Regulations Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3 (the CEQA Guidelines), respectively; make the required findings; and adopt the amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, specifically amendments to Article 3, Article 7, and to correct various errata and scrivener’s errors contained in the Zoning Ordinance; and WHEREAS, the review and adoption of the amendments is in conformance with the requirements of California Government Code Sections 65853 through 65857, which require a duly noticed public hearing of the Planning Commission whereby the Planning Commission shall provide its written recommendation to the City Council for its consideration; and
WHEREAS, the City caused to be published in the February 5, 2026 edition of the Ferndale Enterprise, a notice of City Council public hearing and first reading of the proposed amendments; additionally, the City posted the same notice of public hearing in conspicuous locations including City Hall and the City website, specifying the availability of the proposed amendments, the date, time, and location of the City Council public hearing for these amendments to the Zoning Regulations, and recommended CEQA finding; and WHEREAS, the Ferndale City Council held a duly noticed public hearing on February 18, 2026, to consider the amendments and recommended CEQA determination; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has considered the staff report, supporting documents, public testimony, the Planning Commission’s recommendation that the City Council adopt the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance, and all appropriate information that has been submitted with these amendments; and WHEREAS, all legal prerequisites to the adoption of the Ordinance have occurred.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above and foregoing recitals are true and correct, and each is incorporated in full herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Public hearing notices and public participation. All necessary public hearings and opportunities for public testimony and comment have been conducted in compliance with state law.
SECTION 3. Findings. That all of the following findings are hereby made:
A. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The proposed zoning ordinance text amendments are exempt from the CEQA. Pursuant to Public Resources Code § 21080.17, CEQA does not apply to ordinances implementing Government Code §65852.1, or Article 2 (commencing with Section 66314) or Article 3 (commencing with Section 66333) of Chapter 13 of Division 1 of Title 7 of the Government February 18, 2026
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Code, which governs ADUs and JADUs. Accordingly, the proposed ordinance is statutorily exempt from CEQA because it implements the State’s ADU and JADU laws.
In addition to the statutory exemption, the proposed ordinance is categorically exempt under the Class 3 exemption set forth in CEQA Guidelines § 15303. The Class 3 exemption applies to the construction and location of new, small structures and the conversion of existing small structures from one use to another. Section 15303 specifically lists appurtenant accessory structures and garages as examples of activities covered by this exemption. Here, the ordinance qualifies for the Class 3 exemption because it regulates the construction of, and conversion of existing structures into, ADUs and JADUs, which are accessory to a primary dwelling and limited in size.
B. Consistency with the Ferndale General Plan. The text amendments repeal the existing ADU regulations and adopt new provisions addressing both ADUs and JADUs, in accordance with California Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342. The proposed amendments implement the City’s goals and policies related to housing, land use, and residential development. They support the General Plan’s objectives to provide a range of housing types, promote efficient use of existing residential neighborhoods, and facilitate housing affordability, while maintaining the character and quality of the community.
C. Public Interest. Adopting ADU and JADU regulations that are consistent with state law is in the public interest because it avoids creating substantial confusion for property owners and applicants who prepare applications relying on outdated standards. Adopting compliant ADU and JADU relations also wards off risks, including improper denial or delay of ADU applications; violation of the Housing Accountability Act and State ADU statutes; exposure to attorney’s fees and enforcement action by HCD or private applicants.
D. Consistency with the Zoning Ordinance and Other City Ordinances. The proposed text amendments to the Zoning Ordinance are internally consistent with other applicable provisions of the Zoning Code. The amendments repeal the existing ADU regulations and adopt new provisions addressing both ADUs and JADUs, ensuring that the City’s regulations fully conform to the requirements of California Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342. The new provisions maintain consistency with the City’s residential development standards, use classifications, and permitting procedures, thereby preserving alignment with the overall framework of the Zoning Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Ferndale hereby amends the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance 02-02) Article 3, Article 7, and to correct various errata and scrivener’s errors contained in the Zoning Ordinance in the form and substance as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated in its entirety herein by reference. Following the adoption of this Ordinance, without modifying the substance, the City Clerk shall cause the amendments to be consistent in form and style with Ordinance 02-02.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. The effective date of this ordinance is thirty (30) days after adoption by the City Council of the City of Ferndale.
SECTION 5. Severability. If any provision of this ordinance is determined to be invalid, such invalidity does not affect the remaining provisions or applications of the ordinance that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this extent, the provisions of this ordinance are severable. The City Council of the City of Ferndale declares that it would have adopted this Ordinance irrespective of the invalidity of any portion thereof.
SECTION 6. Limited Repeal. Any provision of the Zoning Ordinance that is inconsistent with the requirements February 18, 2026
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of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to that extent necessary to effect the provisions of this Ordinance.
INTRODUCED and FIRST READING CONDUCTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ferndale, California, on this 18th day of February 2026, by the following ROLL CALL vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Randy Cady, Mayor
Attest:
___________________________________
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
SECOND READING CONDUCTED, PASSED, and ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Ferndale, California, on this _____ day of _____________2026, by the following ROLL CALL vote of the City Council:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Randy Cady, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
February 18, 2026
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Ordinance No. 2026-02
EXHIBIT A
Amendments to the Ferndale
Zoning Ordinance
(Ord. # 02-02)
Notes:
1. The proposed amendments to Ordinance 02-02 (Zoning Regulations) are shown in underlined text for additions and strikethrough text for deletions.
2. All sub-sections not included in the below Sections shall continue in full force, unamended by this Ordinance.
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City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 Page 10
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§3.57 Owner: The person or persons, firm, corporation, or partnership holding legal or equitable title or recorded contract of purchase of property, or any person authorized by written instrument to act for the owner.
§3.58 Person: Any individual, public or private corporation, political subdivision, partnership, firm, trust or estate or any other legal entity whatsoever which is recognized in law as the subject of rights or duties.
§3.59 Planning Commission: The Planning Commission of the City of Ferndale, as created by City Ordinance, hereafter referred to as the Commission.
§3.60 Public Use: A use operated exclusively by a governmental agency or public agency, which has the purpose of serving the public health, safety, convenience or general welfare, and which includes but is not limited to such uses as schools, parks, playgrounds, educational, recreational and social facilities, libraries, museums, firehouses, courthouses, hospitals and administrative service facilities.
§3.61 Quasi-Public Use: A use operated by a private nonprofit educational, religious, recreational, charitable, fraternal, or medical institution, association, or organization, and including, but not limited to, such uses as churches, private schools, universities, community recreational, educational and social facilities, meeting halls or private hospitals. §3.62 Recreational:
3.62.1 Recreational, Commercial: Recreation facilities open to the general public for a fee, or restricted to members when operated for profit as a business.
3.62.2 Recreational, Private, Noncommercial: Clubs or recreation facilities operated by a nonprofit organization and open only to bona fide members of such nonprofit organization and their guests.
§3.63 Residential Care Institution: The rooming or boarding of any aged or convalescent person whether ambulatory or non-ambulatory, for which a license is required by a county, state or federal agency. Residential Care Institution shall include: sanitarium, rest home and convalescent home.
§3.64 Roadside Stand: A temporary structure designed or used for the display or sale of agricultural products primarily produced on the premises upon which such a stand is located or produced upon other sites under the same ownership as that of such nonprofit organization and their guests.
§3.65 Routine Maintenance: See Section 3.48 3.51Minor Repair. §3.66 Secondary Dwelling Unit (Section amended by Ordinance 2025-04 on 8/20/2025, and was previously numbered as section 3.64): A separate residential unit permitted and constructed prior to January 1, 2017, containing sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities, created on a lot zoned R-1 or R-S that already contains one legally created residential unit and that has not been permitted as an accessory dwelling unit.
§3.67 Single Room Occupancy or SRO (Added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025): Multiple-unit residential building(s) containing housing units that may have kitchen and/or bathroom facilities and are single room dwelling units or efficiency units as defined by the State Health and Safety Code. Each housing unit is occupied by no more than 2 persons, for no less than 30 days, and the unit is the occupants’ primary residence. A housing facility that is configured as SRO units that meets the State definitions for transitional housing or supportive housing shall be regulated as transitional housing or supportive housing as applicable. §3.68 Setback Line: A line established by these regulations or by other ordinance or regulation to govern the placement of buildings or structures with respect to lot lines, streets or alleys. §3.69 Sign: (This entire section was repealed by Ordinance 2013-02 on December 7, 2013).
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City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 Page 12
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3.82.1 Use, Accessory: A use legally permitted in the zone which is incidental to and subordinate to the principal use of the site or a main building on the site, and serves a purpose which does not change the character of the principal use.
3.82.2 (This section amended by Ord. 07-01 on 2/12/07) Use, Conditional: A principal or accessory use of land or of structures thereon which may be essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in one or more zones, but which may also impair the integrity and character of the zone or adjoining zone, or be detrimental to the public health, morals or welfare unless additional restrictions on the location and extent of use are imposed and enforced. Such use shall become a “principal permitted use” or “accessory permitted use” when all specific additional restrictions are completed and permanently satisfied in conformance with an approved use permit. Should such restrictions be of a continuing nature, the use will remain “conditional” so long as the restrictions are complied with, but shall become an “illegal use” whenever and so long as the restrictions are not complied with.
Conditional Use Permits run with the land. (End of section amended by Ordinance 07-01 on 2/12/07)
3.82.3 Use, Nonconforming: A use which lawfully occupied a building or land at the time of the adoption of these regulations and which does not conform to the use regulations of the zone in which it is located.
3.82.4 Use, Principal Permitted: The primary use of land or of a main building which is compatible with the purpose of the zone and which is permitted in the zone. If a use is listed in a specific zone as a principal permitted use, it means that the owner, lessee or other person who has legal right to use the land has a vested right to conduct such principal permitted use without securing special permission, subject only to such general limitations as off-street parking and site plan approval which are generally applied to all uses in that zone.
§3.83 Wrecking Yard: See Junk Yard, Section 3.423.44.
§3.84 Yard: An open space other than a court on the same site with a building, which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except for landscaping or as specified elsewhere in this ordinance, but not including any portion of any street, alley or road right-ofway, except as specified elsewhere in these regulations.
3.84.1 Yard, Front: A yard of uniform depth extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and the nearest vertical support or wall of the main building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto. The front yard of a corner lot is the yard adjacent to the shortest street frontage.
3.84.2 Yard, Rear: A yard of uniform depth extending across the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and the nearest vertical support or wall of the main building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto, except that the rear yard of a corner lot extends to the side yard adjacent to the street.
3.84.3 Yard, Side: A yard on each side of the main building extending from the front yard to the rear yard, the width of each yard being measured between the side line on the lot and the nearest vertical support or main wall of each building or enclosed or covered porch attached thereto. A side yard on the street side of a corner lot shall extend from the front yard to the rear lot line.
§3.85 Yard Sale: An activity involving the sale of used and second-hand goods which are the personal property of the owner or resident of the parcel on which the sale is being conducted, or for a joint yard sale carried out by two or more households, where at least one participant is the owner or resident of the parcel on which the yard sale is being conducted, but which activity is February 18, 2026
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City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 Page 40
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ARTICLE 7: GENERAL PROVISIONS AND EXCEPTIONS
§7.01 Applicability: Each and every zone shall be subject to the provisions of this Article, in addition to the requirements and regulations set forth elsewhere in this Ordinance for each of the Zones.
[The following sections will be re-alphabetized which will cause the sections and subsections that follow to be renumbered accordingly. For example, section 7.29 Demolition of Existing Hotels, Motels, and Multifamily Buildings, section 7.30 Single Room Occupancy Housing, and section 7.31 Supportive Housing Developments will be reorganized to alphabetical order which will renumber the existing sections accordingly.]
Accessory Building: See Section 7.10 “Height Limitations”; 7.21 “Secondary Accessory Dwellings Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units”; and 7.26 “Yards”
§7.02 Accessory Uses: Accessory uses, as defined herein, shall be permitted as appurtenant to any permitted use, without the necessity of securing a use permit, unless particularly provided in this Article, provided that no accessory use shall be conducted on any property in any R Zone unless and until the main building is erected and occupied, or until a use permit is secured. §7.03 Airports: Airports, heliports and landing strips for aircraft shall be permitted with a use permit in any –A, M or F Zone.
§7.04 Animals and Animal Shelters: Adult domestic animals may be kept as accessory to any residential use, according to the following schedule:
7.04.1 (Begin section amended by Ordinance 09-01 on 8/6/09) One (1) large domestic bovine and equine animal may be kept on any parcel of not less than one acre, or any same-owner contiguous parcels used only for livestock, of not less than one acre. One Additional animal may be kept for each ½ acre of area by which such parcel exceeds one acre. (End section amended by Ordinance 09-01 on 8/6/09)
7.04.2 Four (4) medium-sized domestic animals, including sheep and goats, may be kept on any parcel of not less than one acre. One additional animal may be kept for each 10,000 square feet of area by which such parcel exceeds one acre.
7.04.3 Small domestic animals, including rabbits and poultry, may be kept on any parcel of not less than 10,000 square feet, and not more than 10 such animals may be kept on such parcel. One additional animal may be kept for each 500 square feet of area by which such parcel exceeds 10,000 square feet.
§7.05 Assemblages of Persons and Vehicles: No circus, carnival, open-air or drive-in theater, automobile racetrack, religious revival tent or similar assemblage of people and automobiles shall be permitted in any zone unless a use permit is first secured in each case. §7.06 Bed and Breakfast Inns: Bed and breakfast inns, as defined herein, shall be an allowable use within all residential and agricultural zones, subject to the following regulations:
7.06.1 Minimum lot area: 20,000 square feet.
7.06.2 Minimum main building: 2,500 square feet.
7.06.3 Number of living quarters occupied for compensation, including rooming and boarding uses: two (2)-four (4).
7.06.4 Bed and breakfast inns shall be conducted only by persons owning and residing in the dwelling as their principle place of residence.
7.06.5 Off-street parking, as per Section 7.16.
7.06.6 Signs, as per Section 7.23.
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City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 Page 41
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§7.07 Exception to Development Standards – Exceptions to Height Standards Residential zones: Any structure, building or any architectural feature of a building may be erected to a height greater than the maximum height limits in Residential Zones provided that a Special Permit is first obtained (Section 12.02). Such excess height, when allowed, will normally be conditioned upon proportional increases in the yards required.
§7.08 Fences, Hedges, Natural or Planted Growth and other Sight Obstructions: (This entire section Amended by Ordinance 05-02 on 5/7/05)
7.08.1 No structure, fence, art object, landscaping or other obstacle, impediment or hindrance shall obscure visibility within the sight visibility triangle for any street corner, alley intersection or driveway exit onto a street. The site visibility triangle includes the vertical area that is between three feet and ten feet above the sidewalk level, or street level if there is no sidewalk. For a corner lot, the horizontal legs of the visibility triangle are 20’ long measured from the intersection of the two abutting property lines; the hypotenuse is drawn from the end points of the two legs. For an alley or driveway intersecting a street, the horizontal legs of the visibility triangle are 5’ long measured from the intersection of the two abutting property lines; the hypotenuse is drawn from the end points of the two legs. The NonConforming Uses section (Article XII) shall apply to obstructions within the site visibility triangle existing on the effective date of the application of these regulations. Nothing in this Section shall limit the abatement of a public health and safety nuisance.
7.08.2 Fences (This section amended by Ord. 2020-04 on 2/12/07) a. a. Fences defined. For purposes of this Section 7.08.2, a fence shall mean an artificially constructed barrier consisting of any materials, intended to form an enclosure, mark a boundary, prevent intrusion, provide a screen, and including walls or like structures, but not a building wall. b. b. Fences, Generally. No fence shall exceed a height of six (6) feet on any portion of a lot within the City.
c. c. Fences in Front Yards of Any Lot. Fences located in the front yard, as that term is defined by Section 3.80.1 of this Ordinance, of any lot shall not exceed four (4) feet in height. The height restriction set forth in this sub-section shall apply to any fence located in the front yard of any lot regardless of whether the fence runs in a direction that is generally parallel or perpendicular to the front street line. The height restriction set forth in this sub-section is subject to Section 7.08.1, regulating the sight visibility triangle. d. d. Fences in the Side Yards on the Street Side of Corner Lots. Fences located in the side yard on the street side of a corner lot, as those terms are defined by Sections 3.47.2 and 3.80.3 of this Ordinance, shall not exceed six (6) feet in height from the front corner of the main structure to the rear lot line. e. e. Height of a Fence. The height of a fence shall be measured from the higher finished grade adjoining the fence.
f. f. Prohibited Fence Materials. No Fence shall be constructed using barbed or razor wire, electrified fence material, chain link fence material, or other materials not typically used, designated, or manufactured for fencing such as metal roofing panels, corrugated or sheet metal, tarps or plywood. g. g. Permit Required. To the extent required by the Zoning Ordinance or the Building Inspector - Construction Code Ordinance, any person who intends to construct a fence shall first obtain all required permits from the City.
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h. f. Illustration. For purposes of illustration, the following diagram demonstrates the pertinent areas affected by sub-sections “c” and “d” of this Section 7.0809.2:
7.08.3 and 7.08.4 (These sections deleted by Ordinance 2020-04) §7.09 Guest House (Relocated in its entirety to Article 3 by Ordinance 2025-04 on 8/20/2025) §7.10 Height Limitations and Modifications. Heights of buildings and structures shall be measured vertically from the average ground level of the ground covered by the building to the highest point of the roof; but chimneys, stacks, vents, flagpoles, conventional television reception antennas, elevator, ventilating and air-conditioning equipment, parapet walls and similar architectural and mechanical appurtenances shall be excluded in making such measurement.
Accessory buildings in R Zones shall not exceed 15 feet in height. §7.11 (Begin section altered by Ordinance 08-03) Home Occupations: Home occupations, as defined herein, shall be permitted as appurtenant and accessory uses to any residential uses. If applicant complies with this section of the Zoning Ordinance, the permit will be issued administratively (over the counter). This section of the ordinance is not retroactive. The Home Occupation Permit shall:
7.11.1 Be a legal and lawful business; and
7.11.2 Produce no evidence of its existence in the external appearance of the dwelling or premises including but not limited to exterior displays such as signs, or in the creation of offensive noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat or glare, parking or traffic, or other nuisances to a degree greater than normal for the neighborhood.
7.11.3 Is confined completely within the dwelling or unattached structure and occupies not more than twenty five percent (25%) of the total floor space of the main dwelling (or its equivalent in an unattached structure).
7.11.4 Be an owner- or renter-occupied home and business.
7.11.5 Meet the requirements of the building inspector and fire district of jurisdiction and
7.11.6 Possess a current business license. If license expires, H.O.P. expires.
Front Yard
Side yard on
the street
side of a
corner lot
Front Yard Front Yard
STREET
STREET
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7.11.7 at time of business license renewal, produce a copy of the applicant’s Liability Insurance on which a rider has been placed for the Home Occupation. (End section altered by Ordinance 08-03)
§7.12 Lot Areas and Widths: Lot areas and widths which do not conform to the minimum specifications of the zone in which they are located will be permitted where the lot in question was delineated on a recorded sub-division map or was under one ownership in the effective date of these regulations and the owner thereof has not subsequently acquired adjoining property.
§7.13 Lot Not Fronting on a Public Way. A lot not having frontage on a public way, but otherwise conforming to these regulations, may be used provided a use permit is first secured. §7.14 Manufactured and Mobile Homes (Amended by Ordinance 2014-02 on 5/1/2014):
7.14.1 Use exemptions: A mobile home shall be occupied or used for living or sleeping purposes on an individual lot only if it is in accordance with Section 7.14.2 of this ordinance, with the following exceptions:
a. In conjunction with a trailer sales area: One mobile home may be used as an office appurtenant and accessory to, and in conjunction with the operation of a mobile home sales area.
b. Temporary office or residence: One mobile home may be permitted, with a special permit issued by the Building Department, as a temporary office or residence, after obtaining a building permit of the same use on the same lot.
Such use of the mobile home shall be limited to six (6) months from the date of issuance of the building permit and shall automatically terminate upon the expiration or voidance of the building permit. The Building Department may renew such special permit for one additional period of six (6) months, if substantial progress has been made in the construction of the permanent building and it is reasonable and probable that the permanent building will be completed within such additional period.
c. By building contractors: Mobile homes may be used, with a use permit, as temporary offices by construction contractors, or as temporary living quarters for their employees in all zones.
7.14.2 Manufactured and Mobile Homes on individual lots: A manufactured or mobile home shall be permitted on an individual lot as a single-family dwelling unit, only if it meets the following requirements:
a. Eligibility:
i. The manufactured or mobile home must be certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974.
ii. The manufactured or mobile home must be installed on a permanent foundation system designed in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 18551.
iii. Installation of a manufactured or mobile home shall be prohibited if more than 10 years have elapsed between the date of manufacture of the manufactured home and the date of the application for the issuance of a permit to install the manufactured home.
iv. The manufactured or mobile home must comply with all development standards specified in the zone in which the home is to be placed.
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v. The manufactured or mobile home must be located within an area of the City determined to be compatible with mobile home use, as defined in the Compatibility Section, below.
b. Compatibility: Manufactured and mobile homes shall be considered compatible in those areas outside of the Design Control Combining or -D Zones, as particularly described on the Zoning Map of the City of Ferndale. The Design Control districts designated on said map have been found to be both of significant historical value and of overall unique architectural character, warranting protection of preservation efforts and infill development of comparable nature. Therefore, manufactured and mobile homes, as defined herein, are not found to be compatible with these areas, but shall be permitted in all other areas of the City wherein single family dwellings are a principal permitted use of land.
§7.15 Mobile Home Park Standards: All mobile home parks shall be subject to the following requirements:
7.15.1 Minimum lot area: one (1) acre.
7.15.2 Minimum recreation space: 10% of site.
7.15.3 Minimum yards around parks: front, 20 feet; side and rear, 10 feet; suitably landscaped to provide effective screening.
7.15.4 All areas not used for access, parking, circulation, recreation or services shall be completely and permanently landscaped, and the entire site shall be maintained in a neat, clean and orderly and sanitary condition.
7.15.5 All circulation roads shall be at least 25 feet from curb to curb and shall be increased in width by 10 feet for curb parking space on each side of the street on which such curb parking is permitted. All roads and parking spaces shall be permanently paved.
Two (2) parking spaces or the equivalent thereof shall be provided for each mobile home site.
7.15.6 The Planning Commission may modify the above requirements for an existing substandard park proposed to be enlarged or extended, provided that the modifications are limited to the overall improvement in the design or standards of such existing park.
§7.16 Parking and Loading Facilities (This section amended by Ordinance 2014-06 on 2/4/2015):
Except as provided for in §7.16.6 through §7.16.8 of this Ordinance, off-street parking and loading spaces shall be provided in all zones in conformity with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design regulations and the following:
7.16.1 Each parking space shall be not less than eight (8) feet wide and sixteen (16) feet long with seven (7) feet of vertical clearance, and each loading space shall be not less than ten (10) feet wide, twenty (20) feet long with fourteen (14) feet of vertical clearance.
7.16.2 Each parking space shall be located on the same parcel, or a contiguous parcel under the same ownership, as the use it serves.
7.16.3 When the number of off-street parking spaces required for a structure or use is based on the number of employees, it shall be based upon the shift or employment period during which the greatest number of employees are present.
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spaces for other uses unless a shared parking plan is submitted and approved in accordance with §7.16.8 of this Ordinance.
7.16.5 Parking spaces shall be provided per subsections a-h and j. Loading spaces shall be provided per subsections i and j:
a. Dwellings: one (1) for each dwelling unit.
b. Hotels, motels, inns, bed and breakfast inns, boarding houses: one (1) for each individual living quarter or dwelling unit.
c. Hospitals: one (1) for each bed and one (1) additional for each three (3) staff members.
d. Emergency Shelters: one (1) space for every 5 beds and one (1) additional for each three (3) staff members.
e. Offices and retail establishments: one (1) for each 500 square feet of floor area.
In addition to providing one parking space for each 500 square feet of floor area, Medical and dental offices shall provide one (1) parking space for each staff member.
f. Restaurants and Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensed premises: one (1) for each 300 square feet of floor space or maximum capacity as determined by the fire marshal, whichever is greater, including outdoor patios and spaces receiving food or ABC licensed service. g. Wholesale, industrial and public utility buildings: one (1) for each three (3) employees.
h. Recreation and education uses, and theaters: one (1) for each 500 square feet of floor area.
i. Every commercial use occupying more than 5,000 square feet of floor area in any building shall provide one (1) loading space. One additional loading space shall be provided for every 20,000 square feet of floor area in excess of 5,000 square feet.
j. Public Facilities referenced in §5.17.1 subsections a-c, excluding emergency shelter in subsection d, and Quasi-Public Facilities as defined in this Ordinance are exempt from §7.16 Off-Street Parking regulations.
k. All off-street parking areas shall be accessible from a public street, alley, or driveway. A ten (10) foot wide unobstructed vehicular access lane shall be maintained.
7.16.6 Any reconstruction or change in use of any structure after the effective date of these amendments, that is located within the Off-Street Parking Exemption Area, shall be exempt from off-street parking requirements provided that said reconstruction or change:
a. Occurs within the existing square footage as of the effective date of these amendments and,
b. Does not result in an increase in lodging or residential units. c. The re-establishment of residential or lodging units which were in place at the effective date of these amendments shall be exempt from these requirements if the same or fewer number of units are re-established.
7.16.7 Any reconstruction or change in use which results in additional square footage after the effective date of these amendments, located in the commercial zone on Main Street from Eugene Street to Lewis Court and which structure extends one (1) lot deep, may be subject to parking requirements set forth in Section 7.16.5.
7.16.8 Alternative parking arrangements
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a. Alternatives to the parking requirements of this Ordinance may be approved as follows:
i. City staff may approve the required amount of parking spaces provided in an approved off-site location in compliance with Subsection b, below; or
ii. City staff may approve a shared parking plan submitted and approved in compliance with Subsection c, below; or
iii. Some other parking arrangement is provided and authorized by the Planning Commission as a Use Permit.
iv. Alternatives unable to be approved by staff will be submitted for review by Planning Commission.
v. Approved alternatives will go on record as an entitlement on the property deed, submitted through the city clerk.
vi. Any change in land use affecting alternative parking arrangement agreements must be approved through city staff, or the Planning Commission pursuant to this section.
b. Parking may be located offsite in compliance with the following:
i. Offsite parking must be located within 300 feet of the structure in which the proposed use is located.
ii. Required parking spaces that are approved offsite shall be committed by a lease or other agreement and filed at City Hall.
iii. The owner/operator of a business that uses approved offsite spaces to satisfy parking requirements shall immediately notify City staff of a change of ownership or use of the property for which the spaces are required, and of termination or default of the agreement between the parties.
iv. Upon notification that a lease for required offsite parking has terminated, one of the following shall occur:
(a). Substitute parking shall be provided; or
(b). The size or capacity of the use shall be reduced so that the number of spaces provided comply with this Ordinance.
c. Parking spaces may be shared by two or more adjacent uses in compliance with the following:
i. Up to one hundred percent (100%) of the parking spaces serving a use may be shared by other uses not normally open or operated during similar hours. The applicant must show that the peak parking demand and principal operating hours for each use are suitable for a common parking facility.
ii. A written agreement defining the shared parking shall be executed by all parties concerned and filed on record as an entitlement on the property deed, submitted through the city clerk.
iii. Any subsequent change in land uses for which the shared parking proposal was approved, and which results in the need for additional parking spaces, shall require a new application under this subsection.
7.16.9 Parking requirement compliance as set forth in this Ordinance shall be approved by contract City Staff. Approved parking requirement adherence documentation will become part of the City’s property record.
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§7.17 Public Uses: Public uses, as defined herein, shall be permitted in any zone without the necessity of first obtaining a use permit, provided, however, that the locations of proposed public uses shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for recommendation at least 30 days prior to the acquisition of sites and rights of way. §7.18 Public Utility Buildings and Uses: Public utility buildings and uses, including but not limited to communication equipment buildings, substations, generating plants, gasometers and transmission facilities, shall be classified as quasi-public uses. §7.19 Quasi-Public Uses: Quasi-public uses, including public utility uses, shall be permitted in any C or M Zone without a use permit and may be permitted in other zones subject to the securing of a use permit, provided that lines and facilities for locating service shall be permitted in all zones, and that the locations of proposed transmission lines shall be discussed with and approved by the City Council prior to the acquisition of rights of way. Height limitations shall be subject only to Public Utility Commission regulations. §7.20 Removal of Natural Materials: Surface removal of minerals and natural materials, including building and construction materials to be used for commercial purposes, shall be allowed in any zone with a use permit. A use permit shall not be required for on-site excavation and removal of materials for normal construction of buildings structures or underground facilities or where such removal is primarily for building site grading and land leveling. §7.21 Secondary/Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units:
Sections 66310 – 66342 of the California Government Code are hereby adopted and made part of this ordinance as though fully set forth herein. (The following sections and subsections, specifically 7.21.1 through 7.21.9 inclusive, are repealed in their entirety by Urgency Ordinance 2025-09 on 12/17/2025)
7.21.1 Purpose and Scope.
The purpose of this section is to provide regulations for the establishment of accessory dwelling units in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.2. Said units may be located in residential zone districts where adequate public facilities and services are available. Accessory dwelling units are a potential source of affordable housing and shall not be considered in any calculation of allowable density of the lot upon which they are located, and shall also be deemed consistent with the General Plan and zoning designation of the lot as provided. Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered a separate dwelling unit for the purpose of subdividing the property into individual condominium or lot ownership.
7.21.2 Definitions.
For the purposes of this section, the following words are defined:
"Accessory dwelling unit" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:
(A) An efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code. (B) A manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. "Attached" means a wall, floor, or ceiling of an accessory dwelling unit is shared with the primary residence on the property.
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residence, and set back from the front plane of the primary residence at least 50 percent of the distance between the front and back planes of the primary residence. "Buildable pad area" means the level finish grade of the lot not including slopes greater than 30 percent.
“Conversion” means the alteration of an existing physical space such as a garage, carport, or covered parking structure, to an accessory dwelling unit intended for residential use.
“Detached" means an accessory dwelling unit separated from the primary residence or accessed from primary residence by a breezeway.
"Junior accessory dwelling unit" means a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family structure. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
"Living area" means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit including finished basements and attics, but does not include garages or any accessory structure. “Mature tree” means an otherwise non-protected tree with a diameter-at-breast-height (DBH) of 19 inches or greater. "Primary residence" means a proposed or existing single-family dwelling constructed on a lot as the main permitted use by the zone on said parcel. "Tandem parking" means that two or more vehicles are parked on an established driveway or in any other approved location on the lot lined up behind one another.
7.21.3 Applicability.
a. Any construction, establishment, alteration, enlargement, or modification of an accessory dwelling unit shall comply with the requirements of this section. b. The City Manager or his/her designee shall review and approve, conditionally approve, or deny ministerial permits for accessory dwelling units conforming to the provisions of this section within the time limits specified by Government Code Section 65852.2 or successor provision.
7.21.4 Location standards.
a. Permitted Zones. Accessory dwelling units are permitted in the following zoning districts:
i. One newly constructed accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit may be constructed on any legal parcel that allows single-family residential as a principally permitted use. ii. Conversions to an accessory dwelling unit that meet all of the following criteria shall be permitted in all zoning districts that permit single-family residential uses:
1. The accessory dwelling unit is contained within a legally constructed existing space (i.e., a fully enclosed area, including a garage) of a primary single-family dwelling or structure accessory to a primary single-family dwelling.
2. There is an independent exterior access from the existing residence.
3. Side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire safety as determined by the Building Official at the time of application.
4. All applicable building and safety codes are met.
5. Only one accessory dwelling unit will exist on the site.
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b. Minimum lot area.
i. Conversion to accessory dwelling unit. None.
ii. Newly constructed accessory dwelling unit:
1. RS and R1 zoning districts. One accessory dwelling unit may be constructed on any legal parcel of 5,000 square feet or more in size.
2. All other permitted zoning districts. One accessory dwelling unit may be constructed on any legal parcel, regardless of lot size. c. Accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units are not permitted on lots developed with condominiums, townhomes, apartments, or similar multifamily developments. d. Construction of a primary residence can be in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit. The conversion of a guest house, other similar living areas, or other accessory structures into an accessory dwelling unit is permitted, provided the conversion meets the intent and property development standards of this section, and all other applicable requirements.
7.21.5 Development Standards.
a. Newly Constructed Accessory Dwelling Units-Unit size. i. Minimum unit size. The accessory dwelling unit shall be no less than 150 square feet in size.
ii. Maximum unit size.
1. For parcels less than 10,000 square feet in size: 800 square feet or 50 percent of the proposed or existing primary dwelling living area (i.e., all fully enclosed area, excluding garages and detached structures), whichever is less.
2. For parcels equal to or greater than 10,000 square feet in size:
1,200 square feet or 50 percent of the proposed or existing primary dwelling living area (i.e., all fully enclosed area, excluding garages and detached structures), whichever is less. b. Site planning. A detached accessory dwelling unit shall be located behind the rear building line of the primary residence, and be clearly subordinate in location and size.
c. Setback requirements. The minimum required setbacks shall comply with Section 7.27 (“Yards”), except that the minimum rear yard setback for a detached Accessory Dwelling Unit shall be no less than 10 feet. A minimum setback of five feet from the side and rear property lines shall be required for an attached accessory dwelling unit that is constructed above an attached garage. d. Building separation. A minimum building separation of six feet shall be maintained (eave to eave) between the primary residence and a detached accessory dwelling unit.
e. Maximum height. To ensure accessory structures remain subordinate to the primary residence, detached accessory dwelling units should generally not exceed 15 feet to the top plate and 20 feet to the highest ridgeline. However, the highest ridgeline of newly constructed attached accessory dwelling unit may extend to the maximum allowed height in the applicable zone, if the existing primary residence is of an equal height.
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f. Connection Fees. For purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power, including a connection fee, an accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate dwelling unit.
7.21.6 Historic Resources.
a. Historic Districts.
Accessory dwelling units are prohibited in historic districts (e.g., National Register, Landmark, etc.) unless the accessory dwelling unit is one of the following:
i. A converted accessory dwelling unit; or
ii. A newly constructed accessory dwelling unit that is not visible from the public right-of-way.
b. Individually Designated Historic Properties.
i. Newly constructed accessory dwelling units are prohibited on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
ii. Converted accessory dwelling units are permitted on individually designated historic properties that are either located on a Local or State Register of Historic Places, provided the location and design of the accessory dwelling unit meets corresponding historical preservation requirements in place at the time the accessory dwelling unit is built, and complies with the requirements of this section including the following:
1. The accessory dwelling unit shall be subordinate to a primary residence that is determined to be a historic resource.
2. The construction of the accessory dwelling unit shall not result in the removal of any other historically significant accessory structure, including garages, outbuildings, stables or other similar structures.
3. Windows and doors (including garage doors) for historic properties that are original to the structure are required to be retained, unless this requirement prevents creation of the accessory dwelling unit.
4. The accessory dwelling unit shall be designed as to have a distinguishable but compatible architectural style from the historic primary residence or structure, as required by the Secretary of Interior Standards Guidelines for Rehabilitation. New additions and related new construction that are either identical to the historic building or in extreme contrast to it are not compatible.
5. Construction of an accessory dwelling unit shall not result in demolition, alteration or movement of any historic structures and any other on-site features that convey the historic significance of the structure and site.
6. Any “mature tree” shall be replaced by a seedling at a one-for-one ratio if it is proposed to be removed in order to construct a newly constructed Accessory Dwelling Unit.
7. Newly constructed accessory dwelling units on individually local or state designated historic properties are also subject to Section February 18, 2026
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7.21.7 (Design Standards for all Newly Constructed Accessory Dwelling Units).
7.21.7 Design Standards for all Newly Constructed Accessory Dwelling Units. a. The lot shall retain a single-family appearance by incorporating architectural design elements, building materials and colors of the primary residence with the accessory dwelling unit. The accessory dwelling unit shall be subject to the following development design standards:
i. Matching architectural components shall be shared between the primary residence, accessory dwelling unit, and any other accessory structures to provide visual compatibility and ensure subordinance to the main structure. These components may include, but are not limited to:
1. Window and door type, style, design and treatment;
2. Roof style, pitch, color, material and texture;
3. Roof overhang and fascia size and width;
4. Attic vents color and style;
5. Exterior finish colors, texture and materials, including siding and trim.
ii. Windows on second story accessory dwelling units shall be staggered and oriented away from adjacent residences closer than 10 feet to the greatest degree feasible. The location and orientation of balconies or decks shall also be oriented away from adjacent neighbors' backyard and living space windows.
7.21.8 Parking and circulation standards.
a. Required parking. One additional parking space shall be provided on-site for the accessory dwelling unit. The on-site parking space required for the accessory dwelling unit may be provided as covered, uncovered, or as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
i. Exception. No additional parking space is required for an accessory dwelling unit if it meets any of the following conditions:
1. The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile of a public transit stop;
2. The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant district;
3. The accessory dwelling unit is contained within legally constructed existing space (i.e., all fully enclosed area, including a garage) of the primary dwelling or accessory structure, as specified in Section 17.50.275.B.1.a.(1);
b. Replacement parking. If an existing garage or carport serving as the required parking for the primary dwelling unit is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, the required replacement parking spaces for the primary residence may be provided as covered, uncovered, or as tandem parking on an existing driveway, provided the driveway is sufficient in length and width.
7.21.9 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units.
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a. In single-family residential zones, a junior accessory dwelling unit is permitted and shall meet all of the following: One junior accessory dwelling unit per residential lot zoned for single-family residences with a single-family residence already built, and where no ADU or guest house exists on the lot. b. Owner-Occupancy. Owner-occupancy is required in the single-family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. c. A permitted junior accessory dwelling unit shall be constructed within the existing walls of the structure, and require the inclusion of an existing bedroom. d. Separate Entrance. A separate entrance from the main entrance to the structure is required, with an interior entry to the main living area. A permitted junior accessory dwelling may include a second interior doorway for sound attenuation.
e. Kitchen Requirements. An efficiency kitchen for the junior accessory dwelling unit is required, and shall include:
i. A sink with a maximum waste line diameter of 1.5 inches. ii. A cooking facility with appliances that do not require electrical service greater than 120 volts or natural or propane gas.
iii. A food preparation counter and storage cabinets.
f. Parking. Additional parking is not required for a junior accessory dwelling unit. g. Connection Fees. For purposes of providing service for water, sewer, or power, including a connection fee, a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be considered a separate or new dwelling unit.
h. Sale of Units. The sale of a junior accessory dwelling unit separate from the sale of the single-family residence is prohibited and will be enforced by deed restrictions.
i.a. Recorded covenant. Prior to issuance of a building permit for the accessory dwelling unit, the owner shall record a covenant in a form approved by the city to notify subsequent owners of the requirements of this Section.
Setbacks: See 7.27 “Yards”
§7.22 Signs and Nameplates: The entire §7.23 was repealed by Ordinance 2013-02 Sign Ordinance. §7.23 Swimming Pools: Any pool, pond, lake or open tank, not completely enclosed within a building, which is normally capable of containing water to a depth greater than 18 inches at any point and in which swimming or bathing is permitted to the occupants of the premises on which it is located, or their guests, and which shall not be used for commercial purposes, shall be permitted, with a use permit in any zone and shall be subject to the following regulations:
7.23.1 Such pool shall be located on the rear one-half of the lot and in any case not less than 50 feet from the front lot line. Side and rear yards shall be as required for accessory buildings, but in no case within 5 feet of any lot line. Filter and heating systems shall not be located within 10 feet of any lot line.
7.23.2 Ground coverage by a swimming pool shall not exceed 40% of the rear yard required of the lot on which it stands. Ground coverage by a swimming pool shall not be included in computing maximum ground coverage allotted to buildings on the lot.
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7.23.3 Such pool or the property on which it is located shall be completely enclosed by a wall or fence not less than 4 ½ feet in height, containing no openings greater than 4 inches except for self-closing and self-latching gates on which the latch is at least 4 feet above ground level, in order that full control of access by children may be maintained.
§7.24 Sidewalks: (This Entire Section added April 19, 2019 by Ordinance 2019-01)
7.24.1 Maintenance and Repair of Existing Sidewalks is the Responsibility of the Owner.
Property
a. To avoid trip and fall accidents, hazardous sections of sidewalks shall be repaired or replaced promptly.
b. An encroachment permit from the City is required before repair work can begin. c. Repaired or replaced sections of sidewalk shall match the form, texture and color of the original sidewalk on the block to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
d. Width of repaired sidewalk shall match existing sidewalk width. e. Replacement driveway and corner cuts shall use ADA standard
7.24.2 New Construction. a. Comply with City Standards (7.xx.3) and current ADA requirements.
7.24.3 Design Standards.
a. All new sections of sidewalks shall match the form, texture and color of the original sidewalk on the block to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. To match historic sidewalks:
i. Concrete shall be tinted at a ratio of 2 to 3 lbs. lamp per cubic yard of 3/8”- 6-sack concrete.
ii. Finishing work shall include an exposed aggregate surface, not a broom finish.
iii. Stress relief lines shall match the pattern of the existing sidewalk. In the absence of an adjoining sidewalk, the default pattern will be 2’-6” squares.
§7.25 Tract Offices: Temporary tract offices located on the premises of the subdivision shall be allowed with a use permit, in conjunction with the sale of lots in a subdivision. §7.26 Vacation Rentals: (This Section added by Ordinance 2017-01 on September 20, 2017)
7.26.1 PURPOSES AND SCOPE: The specific purposes of vacation rental regulations are:
a. To regulate the location and number of vacation rentals within Ferndale. b. To mitigate impacts on parking by requiring the use of existing off-street parking facilities.
c. To minimize disruptions to and protect the character of Ferndale. d. To minimize disruptions to neighborhoods.
e. To require a vacation rental to operate with a valid business licenses and pay all applicable taxes and fees.
7.26.2 DEFINITIONS: For the purposes of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. a. BUSINESS LICENSE. Business license means the license required by Chapter 5.04 of this Code.
b. GUEST GUIDE. A document provided to occupants by the property owner that summarizes general rules of conduct, consideration, respect, and potential remedial actions. In particular provisions, for parking, occupancy limits, February 18, 2026
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emergency response, and 3/6/2014 City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02
c. OCCUPANT. As used in this chapter, an occupant is a person sleeping overnight at a vacation rental.
f. PROPERTY. A parcel of land in its entirety, including all structures within the parcel boundaries.
g. TRANSIENT OCCUPANCY TAX. A tax charged to transients for the privilege of overnight accommodation.
h. TRANSIENT USE. Any use of a dwelling or portion thereof to provide temporary, overnight accommodations to an occupant for compensation. For purposes of this definition, “temporary” means 30 days or fewer.
i. VACATION RENTAL. An entire residential property containing a single-family residence including any detached guest quarters that is rented to one party at a time for transient use with no owner or manager on site. The dwelling shall provide complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
j. VISITOR. A guest of an occupant visiting temporarily at a vacation rental, but not an overnight “occupant”.
7.26.3 GENERAL PROVISIONS
a. Permit.
i. No property may be used as a vacation rental without first obtaining a permit from the City pursuant to this chapter. Except as otherwise required below, the review and issuance of a vacation rental permit shall be a ministerial act, without discretionary review or public hearing. ii. The maximum number of active Vacation Rental permits shall be twentyfour (24). iii. Property owners with a permitted Vacation Rental in Ferndale shall not be issued an additional concurrent Vacation Rental Permit. iv. Vacation rental permits shall be subject to annual review and renewal by the City.
o Except as expressly provided herein, a vacation rental permit shall expire without further action of the City if any of the following events occur: (a) the business license for the operation of the vacation rental becomes invalid or expires without being renewed within 10 days of the expiration date; (b) any tax applicable to the property or business is delinquent for more than 30 days; or (c) the property is declared to be a nuisance pursuant to this Code and the nuisance condition is not cured within 30 days.
o If the permit expires, a new vacation rental permit shall be required. v. Upon the transfer or conveyance of property for which a valid, nonexpired vacation rental permit has been issued, the permit shall remain valid and inure to the new property owner, provided that the new property owner completes an application to renew the permit and obtains a business license to operate the vacation rental within two months of the date of the transfer or conveyance.
b. Complete and accurate applications for vacation rental permits shall be filed with the City Clerk on forms provided by the City.
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c. Fees. Vacation rental permit applications shall be accompanied by fees established by resolution of the City Council to cover the cost of handling the application and inspections as prescribed in this subchapter. d. Business License. Following the approval of a vacation rental permit, the property owner or vacation dwelling unit manager shall obtain a business license before commencing operations.
7.26.4 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS. All vacation rentals shall comply with the following development standards.
a. Minimum separation. Within any R District where permitted, the minimum distance between Vacation Rentals shall be 600 feet as measured from the property line. Upon written application and payment of a fee, the Planning Commission, following a public hearing, may grant a reduced distance waiver. b. Each applicant shall designate a local contact on the application form, including a phone number and email address. That contact may be the property owner, property manager, or designee, and that person shall live within 30 miles of the city limits so that he or she can respond personally to an emergency. The City shall forward the contact phone number to the Ferndale police and FVFD dispatch. The property owner shall immediately notify the City Clerk in writing of any changes to the designated contact person or number. c. Visitors are allowed on the premises between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. d. Events. In any R District where permitted, events that include more than 12 visitors shall require a special event permit.
e. Trash and refuse shall not accumulate or be stored within public view. f. Emergency preparedness information regarding local hazards, such as earthquakes and ocean related hazards, in a form approved by the city shall be posted within the vacation rental in an easily visible location, such as the entry or kitchen area.
g. The property owner shall act in good faith to resolve complaints regarding the vacation rental, and engage in dispute resolution with neighbors. The City shall investigate any vacation rental with recurrent emergency calls or complaints. h. If the vacation rental owner or contact is deemed to be negligent in responding to an emergencies or disturbances of the peace more than 2 times in a 12- month period, or if more than 2 documented law enforcement violations occur in any 12-month period, the vacation rental permit may be revoked. The City may also revoke a permit if the vacation rental is deemed chronically noncompliant with the provisions of this chapter, or is negligent or remiss in correcting noted Building or Fire Code violations or issues. Documented, significant violations may include copies of citations, written warnings, or other documentation maintained by law enforcement, Fire Department, or Building Department.
i. Vacation rentals with gated entries shall have a Fire Department approved device that permits emergency response vehicles and personnel to enter the property.
j. Existing off-street parking, including covered parking, as required for dwellings in 7.16.2 shall be reserved for occupants of the vacation rental. Occupants shall be encouraged to park in existing legal off-street parking spaces. k. The existence of the vacation rental shall not be apparent beyond the boundaries of the property. The vacation rental shall not change the residential February 18, 2026
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or commercial character of the property or neighborhood by the use of colors, materials or lighting.
7.26.5 APPLICABLE TAXES: The rental or other contractual use of a vacation rental shall be subject to a Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) and any other mandated taxes. Each vacation rental owner and/or manager shall comply with Article 9 of the City’s Business Ordinance (06-01) that addresses the collection, record keeping, reporting and remittances of applicable TOT.
7.26.6 APPEALS
a. Except as provided in division (b) of this section, within fifteen (15) days following a decision of the Planning Commission on a Vacation Rental distance waiver permit application, that decision may be appealed to the City Council by the applicant or any property owner located within 300 feet of the vacation rental property. An appeal shall be filed with the City Clerk, and state specifically wherein it is claimed there was an error or abuse of discretion by the Planning Commission. Notice of the date, time and place of an appeal to the City Council shall be provided to all property owners located within 300 feet of the vacation rental property at least ten days prior to the appeal meeting. b. The decision of the City Manager to deny the annual permit renewal may be appealed to the Planning Commission solely by the applicant. §7.27 Yards. The minimum yard requirements set out in Articles V and VI shall be subject to the regulations of this Section:
7.27.1 Cornices, eaves, canopies, bay windows, chimneys and similar architectural features may extend a maximum of 2 ½ feet into such yards. Uncovered porches or stairways, fire escapes or landings may extend a maximum of six (6) feet into front or rear yards and three (3) feet into side yards
7.27.2 Detached accessory buildings shall not be located within five (5) feet of any main building nor within five (5) feet of a side line on the front ½ of the lot. Detached accessory buildings shall not be located nor constructed so that any part, including cornices and eaves, are closer than one (1) foot of a side line or rear line of the lot when located on the rear one-half of the lot. Detached accessory buildings used as a guest house shall not be located within five (5) feet of lot lines, nor within five (5) feet of an alley. Accessory buildings attached to the main buildings shall be structurally a part and shall comply with the main building yard requirements
7.27.3 In any R Zone, where more than one-half of the block is occupied with buildings, the required front yard shall be the average of those of the improved sites, to a maximum of that required for the zone
7.27.4 If any building is so located on a lot that the front or rear faces any side lot line, it shall be at least 10 feet from such side lot line.
7.27.5 Any dwelling located in a C or M Zone, except a dwelling over a commercial establishment, shall provide side and rear yards as required in R-3 Zones
7.27.6 The side yard of a corner lot shall be equal to the front yard of its key lot if any part of the main building on the corner lot is within 25 feet of the rear lot line, and shall be equal to one-half of the front yard of such key lot if all parts of the main building are more than 25 feet from the rear lot line.
7.27.7 (This section added by Ord. 07-01 on 2/12/07) On lots that include a right of way (street, sidewalk, or other), the setback is measured from the right of way. (End of section added by Ordinance 07-01 on 2/12/07)
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7.27.8 Flag lot (Section added by Ordinance 2025-04 on 8/20/2025): the front of the lot shall be as that defined as that interior lot line which is more parallel and closest to the public street, except where due to the irregularity of the shape of the lot the City Manager or their designee may determine otherwise. In computing the area of the flag lot, the area of the corridor shall be excluded. §7.28 Yard Sales: Yard Sales, as defined herein, shall be permitted as appurtenant and accessory uses to any residential use, and shall be conducted in conformity with the following regulations:
7.28.1 The duration of any single yard sale shall be for no more than three (3) consecutive days.
7.28.2 Not more than three (3) yard sales may be conducted within any one year period.
7.28.3 Yard sales shall be restricted to daylight hours and no overnight exterior storage of yard sale merchandise shall be permitted.
7.28.4 The entire §7.27.4 was repealed by Ordinance 2013-02 Sign Ordinance.
7.28.5 The Planning Commission by Special Permit may modify or waive any or all of the above conditions upon a showing of good cause and following a public hearing on the request. In approving such a modification or waiver, the Planning Commission shall find that granting of the modification or waiver would not be detrimental to the health, peace, comfort, safety, or welfare of persons owning property or residing in the vicinity of the parcel receiving the adjustment. §7.29 Demolition of Existing Hotels, Motels, and Multifamily Buildings (Begin section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025)
7.29.1 Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this section is to establish a process and standards for evaluating requests for the demolition of existing hotels, motels, and multifamily buildings regardless of age, location, or zoning, and buildings and structures in the Main Street Historic District as designated in 1994 by the National Park Service, and on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
7.29.2 Definitions
For the purposes of this section, the following words are defined:
“Building” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as §3.17 “Building”. “Hotel” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as §3.39 “Hotel”. “Motel” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as §3.51 “Motel”. “Multifamily” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as §3.28.3 “Dwelling, Multiple” or §3.28.5 “Dwelling Group”.
“Non-transient” as used in this section shall mean a rental or lease for a term of thirty (30) days or more for the use as living quarters.
“Protected unit” means a dwelling unit, excluding a manager’s unit, in a hotel, motel, or multifamily building used on a non-transient basis and subject to a recorded covenant, ordinance, or law that restricts rents to levels affordable to persons and families of lower or very low income; or subject to any other form of rent or price control through a public entity’s valid exercise of its police power.
“Structure” as used in this section shall have the same meaning as §3.70 “Structure”.
7.29.3 Review Required
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No existing hotels, motels, or multifamily buildings located in any zone, or any buildings or structures in the Main Street Historic District as designated in 1994 by the National Park Service, or on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places may be demolished and no building permit for demolition may be issued without approval pursuant to this chapter except as provided in Section §7.xx.xx Exceptions to Review Process.
7.29.4 Exceptions to Review Process
The following is exempted from the demolition review process as detailed in §7.29.5 through §7.29.8:
a. After consulting with the City Building Inspector or City Engineer, the City Manager may issue a demolition permit for a hotel, motel, and multifamily building, or any buildings or structures in the Main Street Historic District as designated in 1994 by the National Park Service, or on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places that they determine to be an imminent hazard to public safety, either to the subject property or to neighboring properties, and where demolition is the only feasible means to secure the public safety. The City Manager shall issue their determination in writing. Prior to demolition of any such building, the applicant will measure and photo document the resource, where safety permits, and submit the documentation to the City Clerk.
7.29.5 Process for Demolition Requests for Hotels, Motels, and Multifamily Buildings Prior to the demolition of any hotels, motels, or multifamily buildings, or any buildings or structures in the Main Street Historic District as designated in 1994 by the National Park Service, or on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places the following is required:
a. Application for a demolition shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk upon a form provided, and shall be accompanied by a filing fee and by such other information as may be required to describe fully the proposed demolition. Said filing fee shall be fixed by resolution of the City Council at such sum as it may determine necessary.
i. For any building or design review permit application where demolition is also proposed, permits shall be processed and issued concurrently. b. The City Manager, or their designee, will forward the demolition application to the Planning Commission for consideration pursuant to §7.x.x where they determine that satisfactory evidence has been provided by the applicant that documents all of the following:
i. That the building or structure is less than fifty years of age and is not listed or eligible for listing on a cultural or historic resources register. ii. The building does not include any protected units; or any protected unit that is demolished will be replaced with an equivalent unit that complies with the affordability requirements specified in subparagraphs (B) to (D) of Government Code Section 65915(c)(3), and as they may be amended from time to time.
c. Where the building or structure is fifty years or older or is listed or may be eligible for listing on a cultural or historic resources register, the City Manager or their designee will require preparation of a cultural resource evaluation in conjunction with the demolition permit application. The applicant is responsible for the cost of preparing the cultural resource evaluation.
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i. The cultural resources evaluation, prepared by a qualified consultant, shall determine the potential eligibility of the building for listing, individually and/or as a contributor to a potential district, on a cultural resources register.
ii. Concurrently with the preceding, the City Manager or their designee shall forward the application to cultural resources agencies and experts as they may deem necessary for review and comment. iii. Buildings or structures determined eligible for listing, individually and/or as a contributor to a potential district, on a cultural resources register shall be referred to the Planning Commission for consideration as follows subject to the findings in §7.x.x.
d. The City Manager or their designee shall forward a report to the Planning Commission, including comments and recommendations received in response to consultations pursuant to paragraph C and schedule the application for a public hearing before the Planning Commission.
7.29.6 Planning Commission Findings for Approving Demolition Requests a. The Planning Commission may approve the demolition application for an hotel, motel, or multifamily building, or any buildings or structures in the Main Street Historic District as designated in 1994 by the National Park Service, or on individually designated historic properties that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places only after first finding all of the following:
i. The Planning Commission determines that the building does not include three (3) or more protected units; or determines that any protected unit that is demolished will be replaced with an equivalent unit that complies with the affordability requirements specified in subparagraphs (B) to (D) of Government Code Section 65915(c)(3), and as they may be amended from time to time.
ii. The Planning Commission determines that demolition of the building is consistent and does not conflict with the City's goals, policies, and programs with respect to the management and protection of historic resources in the City as reflected in the City's general plan. iii. The requested demolition complies with the California Environmental Quality Act.
b. If the Planning Commission approves the issuance of a demolition permit, the demolition permit shall not be issued for a period of ten (10) business days from the date of the Planning Commission action to allow for filing of an appeal to the City Council.
7.29.7 Appeals
a. Appeal procedures. Appeals of actions pursuant to this section shall be carried out in accordance with the appeal procedures established in Article 11 of the Ferndale Zoning Ordinance.
b. Stay of issuance of demolition permit. If the City Council approves the issuance of a demolition permit, the demolition permit shall not be issued for a period of ten (10) business days from the date of the City Council action to allow for filing of a judicial appeal.
7.29.8 Expiration of Decision; Permit Expiration
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a. A demolition permit must be obtained from the City Clerk after demolition is approved by the Planning Commission. A demolition permit must be secured within one (1) year after the date of the decision approving demolition unless:
i. Conditions of Planning Commission approval establish a shorter expiration period,
ii. An extension has been issued by the City Clerk, or
iii. A demolition permit has been issued by the City Clerk. Upon application by the property owner filed prior to the expiration of a demolition permit approved by the Planning Commission, the City Manager or their designee may approve up to one (1) additional year unless a demolition permit already has been issued by the City Clerk.
7.29.9 Lot Maintenance After Demolition; Violation
All lots shall be maintained in a clean, safe and aesthetically pleasing manner after demolition. Failure to comply shall be considered a violation subject to the penalties provided in Ordinance No. 06-04. (End section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025)
§7.30 Single Room Occupancy Housing (or SRO) (Begin section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025)
7.30.1 Purpose.
This Section provides for the regulation of single room occupancy (SRO) housing facilities that do not meet the State definitions for transitional housing or supportive housing, as such SRO housing facilities shall be regulated as transitional housing or supportive housing. SRO housing facilities are intended to provide housing opportunities for lower-income one- or two person households who may not be able to afford other housing options. SRO housing units are rented out as a permanent residence and/or primary residence to individuals, within a multi-tenant building where tenants may share a kitchen, toilets or bathrooms. Some SRO units may have a small refrigerator, microwave and sink.
7.30.2 Applicability.
a. SRO housing facilities shall be permitted in the Residential Two-Family (R2), Residential Multiple-Family (R3), Neighborhood Commercial (C1), and Community Commercial (C2) zones in the same manner as other residential uses in the zone when they comply with the development standards of the applicable zone, are located, developed, and operated in compliance with the General Provisions and Standards identified in this Section.
7.30.3 General Provisions and Standards.
A Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing facility shall be located, developed, and operated in compliance with the following standards and requirements:
a. Except for a manager’s unit, SRO units shall be provided at rents affordable to individuals and households with lower incomes as defined by the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s State income limits for Humboldt County.
b. No transient occupancy of SRO units shall be allowed. Tenancy of SRO units shall be for 30 or more days. SRO unit tenants shall not have an additional residential address other than the address of the SRO housing facility in which the unit is located.
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c. Maximum Occupancy. Each SRO unit shall be designed to accommodate a maximum of 2 persons. Occupancy of SRO units may be restricted to seniors or be available to persons of all ages.
d. Minimum Size. An SRO unit must have at least 150 square feet of floor area for single person occupancy and 220 square feet for two (2) person occupancy. No individual unit may exceed 375 square feet.
e. Entrances. All SRO units must be independently accessible from a single main entry, excluding emergency and other service support exits. f. Bathroom. An SRO unit is not required to but may contain partial or full bathroom facilities. A partial bathroom facility shall have at least a toilet and sink; a full facility shall have a toilet, sink and bathtub, shower or bathtub/shower combination. If a full bathroom facility is not provided, common bathroom facilities shall be provided in accordance with the California Building Code for congregate residences with at least one full bathroom per floor.
g. Kitchen. An SRO unit is not required to, but may, contain food preparation facilities.
h. Common Area. Four (4) square feet per living unit shall be provided, excluding janitorial storage, laundry facilities and common hallways. At least 200 square feet of interior common space provided as a ground floor entry area that provides a central focus for tenant social interaction and meetings. i. Facility Management. The agency, organization, or entity operating the SRO housing facility shall provide full-time on-site management. The facility shall include a manager’s office or a manager’s unit.
j. Parking. One (1) space for every two SRO units, plus one (1) space for the management unit or office and 1 space for each employee, if any, on maximum shift.
k. Common laundry facilities for tenant use shall be provided. i. For an SRO housing facility consisting of 10 or fewer SRO units, common laundry facilities shall be provided at a rate of not less than one (1) washer and one (1) dryer, in addition to a laundry sink and folding area.
ii. For SRO housing facility consisting of greater than 10 SRO units, common laundry facilities shall be provided at a rate of not less than one (1) washer and one (1) dryer for the first ten (10) rooms, with one (1) additional washer and one (1) additional dryer provided for every five (5) additional rooms or fraction thereof.
iii. The requirement for common on-site laundry facilities may be waived where it can be shown that a laundry facility open to the public is located within one-eighth (1⁄8) of a mile from the project site. l. Storage for tenants. Private, secured storage space of not less than fifty (50) cubic feet per resident shall be provided. Storage space may be provided in private closet(s) accessible from individual SRO rooms; and/or as individually locked areas accessible from a common room; and/or within a separate on-site storage structure. Where storage space is provided within a separate structure, such structure shall provide for separate, locking storage spaces for each SRO room, and shall be of sufficient construction to protect stored items from weather. (End section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025) February 18, 2026
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§7.31 Supportive Housing Developments (Begin section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025)
7.31.1 Purpose.
This Section provides for the regulation of supportive housing developments as required by Sections 65650 through 65656 of the California Government Code, as amended.
Section 65651 prescribes that qualifying supportive housing developments shall be a by right use in zones where multifamily and mixed uses are permitted, including nonresidential zones permitting multifamily uses when specific requirements are met.
Government Code Sections 65651 through 65656 establish specific requirements for the regulation of supportive housing developments. This Section is intended to comply with the standards in Sections 65650 through 65656 of the California Government Code to the greatest extent feasible.
7.31.2 Applicability.
The provisions of this Section apply to all lots in zones that permit multifamily and mixed uses, including nonresidential zones that permit multifamily uses, that is the Residential Two-Family (or R2), Residential Multiple-Family (or R3), Neighborhood Commercial (or C1), and Community Commercial (or C2) zones. Supportive Housing Developments shall comply with objective development standards and policies that apply to other multifamily development within the same zone.
7.31.3 General Provisions.
A supportive housing development developed pursuant to Government Code Section 65650 et seq., consisting of fifty (50) units or less, that meets all of the following requirements and is permitted in the Residential Two-Family (or R2), Residential Multiple-Family (or R3), Neighborhood Commercial (or C1), and Community Commercial (or C2) zones, provided:
a. Units within the development are subject to a recorded affordability restriction for fifty- five (55) years.
b. Affordability. One hundred percent (100%) of the units, excluding managers’ units, within the development must be restricted to lower income households and are or will be receiving public funding to ensure affordability of the housing to lower income Californians. Lower income households has the same meaning as defined in Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. The rents in the development shall be set at an amount consistent with the rent limits stipulated by the public program providing financing for the development. c. Supportive Housing Units. At least 25 percent (25%) of the units in the development or 12 units, whichever is greater, are restricted to residents in supportive housing who meet criteria of the target population as defined in subparagraph (d) of Government Code Section 65650. In developments with fewer than 12 units, one hundred percent (100%) of those units, excluding managers’ units, must be restricted to residents in supportive housing. d. Services Plan. The applicant shall submit a plan for providing supportive services, with documentation demonstrating that supportive services will be provided onsite to residents in the project as required by Section 65651, and describing those services, which must include all of the following:
i. The name of the proposed entity or entities that will provide supportive services.
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ii. The proposed funding source or sources for the provided onsite supportive services.
iii. Proposed staffing levels.
e. Replacement Dwelling Units. The supportive housing development shall replace rental dwelling units in the manner provided in Section 65915 of the California Government Code.
f. Facilities. Units within the development, excluding managers’ units, include at least one bathroom and a kitchen or other cooking facilities, including, at minimum, a stovetop, a sink, and a refrigerator.
g. Supportive Services Floor Area. For a development with twenty (20) or fewer total units, at least ninety (90) square feet shall be provided for onsite supportive services. For a development with more than 21 units, at least three percent (3%) of the total nonresidential floor area must be provided for onsite supportive services that are limited to tenant use, including, but not limited to, community rooms, case management offices, computer rooms, and community kitchens.
h. Parking. A supportive housing development that is located within one-half mile walking distance of a public transit stop shall not require parking for units within the supportive housing development that are designated for supportive housing residents.
i. Any other requirements of Government Code section 65650 et seq. regarding supportive housing, as may be amended.
7.31.4 Review Procedures.
a. The City shall approve a supportive housing development that complies with the applicable requirements of this Section.
b. The City shall only require the supportive housing development to comply with the objective development standards and policies that apply to other multifamily development within the same zone.
c. The City shall notify the developer whether the application is complete within 30 days of receipt of an application to develop supportive housing in accordance with this Section. The City shall complete its review of the application within 60 days after the application is complete for a project with 50 or fewer units, or within 120 days after the application is complete for a project with more than 50 units.
d. The City’s review of a supportive housing development to determine whether the development complies with objective development standards, including objective design review standards, pursuant to this Section shall be conducted consistent with the requirements of subdivision (f) of Section 65589.5 of the California Government Code, and shall not constitute a “project” for purposes of Division 13 (commencing with Section 21000) of the Public Resources Code. e. Any discretion exercised by the City in determining whether a project qualifies as a use by right pursuant to this Section or discretion otherwise exercised pursuant to this section does not affect that City's determination that a supportive housing development qualifies as a use by right pursuant to this Section. (End section added by Ordinance 2025-06 on 11/19/2025) February 18, 2026
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ARTICLE 8: AMENDMENTS
§8.01 This Ordinance may be amended as other ordinances are adopted or amended except that; regulations hereof may be amended by changing the boundaries of zones, by changing property from one zone to another, by imposing regulations not heretofore imposed, and by removing or modifying adopted regulations whenever the public necessity, convenience and welfare require such amendment, in accordance with the following procedures:
§8.02 An amendment may be initiated by one or more owners of property affected by the proposed amendment, as set out in Section 8.03, or by action of the Planning Commission, or the City Council.
§8.03 The application of one or more property owners for the initiation of an amendment shall be filed in the office of the City Clerk on a form provided, and shall be accompanied by a filing fee and by plans and other information as may be required to describe fully the proposed amendment. Said filing fee shall be fixed by resolution of the City Council at such sum as it may determine necessary.
§8.04 Subject only to the rules regarding the placing of matters on the Planning Commission agenda, the matter shall be set for a public hearing.
§8.05 Notice shall be as required by this Article and by the California Government Code. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given by posting in at least three public places in the City at least 10 days prior to the hearing, and by such other means as the Planning Commission may deem advisable.
§8.06 At the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall hear any person affected by the proposed amendment. The hearing may be continued from time to time. §8.07 Within 40 days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission shall submit to the City Council a written report of recommendations.
§8.08 Subject only to the rules regarding the placing of matters on its agenda, the City Council, at its next regular meeting following the receipt of such report, shall cause the matter to be set for a public hearing. Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given by posting in at least three public places in the City, at least 10 days prior to the hearing, and by such other means as the Planning Commission may deem advisable.
§8.09 At the public hearing, the City Council shall hear any person affected by the proposed amendment. The hearing may be continued from time to time, but shall be concluded within 60 days of the commencement thereof.
§8.10 The City Council shall not make any change in the proposed amendment until the proposed change has been referred to the Planning Commission for a report and a copy of the report has been filed with the City Council. The failure of the Planning Commission to report within 40 days after the reference to such proposed change shall be deemed to be approval of the proposed change.
§8.11 Within 40 days of the conclusion of the hearing, or if a proposed change has been referred to the Planning Commission, within 40 days of the filing of the report on such referral or the expiration of the time for filing such report, the City Council may adopt the proposed amendment. Failure of the City Council to adopt the proposed amendment within the period set forth in this Section shall be deemed to be denial of such proposed amendment.
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City of Ferndale Zoning Ordinance 02-02 Page 67
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ARTICLE 10: USE PERMITS AND SPECIAL PERMITS
§10.01 Use permits may be granted upon application to the Planning Commission for any use for which a use permit is permitted or required by these regulations, or for any use which, while not specifically enumerated in these regulations is, in the opinion of the Planning Commission, similar to and compatible with the uses permitted in the zone in which the subject property is situated.
§10.02 Application for a use permit shall be filed at the office of the City Clerk upon a form provided, and shall be accompanied by such information as may be required to describe fully the proposed use for which the permit is sought and shall be accompanied by a filing fee. Said filing fee shall be fixed by resolution of the City Council at such sum as it may determine necessary.
§10.03 Subject only to the rules regarding the placing of matters on the Planning Commission agenda, the matter shall be set for a public hearing.
§10.04 Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given pursuant to California Government Code Section 65905, as well as by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the county at least 10 days prior to the hearing, and by posting said notice in conspicuous places close to the property (This section amended by Ordinance 2014- 02 on 5/1/2014).
§10.05 At the public hearing the Planning Commission shall hear any person affected by the proposed use permit. The hearing may be continued from time to time, but shall be concluded within 60 days the commencement thereof.
§10.06 (This section amended by Ord. 2025-06 on 11/19/2025) The Planning Commission may approve a use permit only after first finding all of the following:
10.06.1 a. The proposed use is allowed within the applicable zone and complies with all other applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and other applicable adopted City Ordinances or is a nonconforming use in compliance with § 12.01.2 of this Ordinance;
10.06.2 b. The proposed use is consistent with the General Plan and any applicable specific plan;
10.06.3 c. The design, location, size, and operating characteristics of the proposed activity are compatible with the existing and potential future land uses in the vicinity;
10.06.4 d. The site is physically suitable for the type, density and intensity of use being proposed, including access, utilities, and the absence of physical constraints;
10.06.5 e. Granting the permit will not be detrimental to the public interest, health, safety, convenience, or welfare, or materially injurious to persons, property, or improvements in the vicinity and zone in which the property is located;
10.06.6 Compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act. §10.07 (This section amended by Ord. 2025-06 on 11/19/2025) Within thirty (30) days of the conclusion of the hearing, the Planning Commission shall grant or deny the issuance of the use permit applied for. The granting of any use permit may be made subject to terms and conditions attached thereto and made a part thereof. Failure of the Planning Commission to act within the time set herein shall be deemed to be a denial of the application on that date.
The action of the Planning Commission shall become effective and final ten (10) days from the date thereof, unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Article 11 of this Ordinance. In the event an appeal is filed, the use permit approval shall be stayed until approval is obtained from the City Council.
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§10.08 Revocation of Use Permits: In any case where the terms and conditions of a grant of a use permit are not complied with, the Planning Commission shall give notice to the holder of such use permit of this intention to revoke such use permit. Proceedings for the revocation of a use permit shall be conducted in the same manner as proceedings for the grant of a variance. §10.09 (This section added by Ord. 07-01 on 2/12/07) Use Permits run with the land. (End of section added by Ordinance 07-01 on 2/12/07)
§10.10 (This section added by Ord. 2025-06 on 11/17/2025) Special Permits may be granted by the Planning Commission for any use for which a special permit is permitted or required.
10.10.1 An owner or his agent may file an application for a special permit with the City Clerk. The application shall be made upon a form prescribed by the City Clerk and shall be accompanied by a filing fee set by resolution of the City Council sufficient to cover the cost of handling the application.
10.10.2 Public Hearings are required for special permits.
10.10.3 Notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be given by publication once in a newspaper of general circulation printed and published in the county at least ten (10) days prior to the hearing, and by posting said notice in conspicuous places close to the property.
10.10.4 At the public hearing, the Planning Commission shall hear any person affected by the proposed special permit. The hearing may be continued from time to time, but shall be concluded within sixty (60) days the commencement thereof.
10.10.5 The Planning Commission may approve a special permit only after first making all of the findings in § 10.06 of this Ordinance.
10.10.6 The action of the Planning Commission shall become effective and final ten (10) days from the date thereof, unless an appeal is filed in accordance with Article 11 of this Ordinance. In the event an appeal is filed, the special permit approval shall be stayed until approval is obtained from the City Council.
10.10.7 An approved special permit shall be subject to the revocation provisions specified in Section 10.08, and shall run with the land.
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STATE OF CALIFORNIA - BUSINESS, CONSUMER SERVICES AND HOUSING AGENCY GAVIN NEWSOM, Governor
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DIVISION OF HOUSING POLICY DEVELOPMENT
651 Bannon Street, Suite 400
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 263-2911 / FAX (916) 263-7453
www.hcd.ca.gov
November 14, 2025
Kristine Hall
Acting City Manager
City of Ferndale
834 Main Street
Ferndale, CA 95536
Dear George Williamson:
RE: City of Ferndale – Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance Updates – Letter of Technical Assistance
The most recent ADU ordinance on file for City of Ferndale with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is from 2019. Given the numerous changes to State ADU Law since the adoption of the ordinance, the ordinance may be outdated and out of compliance with State ADU Law. If HCD’s records are incorrect, and a new ordinance has been adopted, please submit it to the ADU Portal for HCD’s review.
Below are the changes to State ADU Law that have occurred in recent years and may warrant an update to the City of Ferndale’s ADU ordinance:
Updates to the ADU Handbook (2025)
• Clarifies that ADU Law prohibits deed restrictions on ADUs. A deed restriction would be an “additional standard” and thus cannot be imposed on ADUs (Gov.
Code, § 66315).
• Clarifies that homeowners’ associations (HOAs), as a third party, cannot influence the approval of an application to create an ADU. Third party reviews by an HOA or their representatives or agents would violate State ADU Law. (Gov.
Code, § 66315.) No other local ordinances, policies, or regulations may be applied in the approval or denial of an ADU or junior ADU (JADU) permit application (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (c)).
• Clarifies that local agencies may not require parking as a condition to permitting a JADU, even when the JADU is converted from an attached garage (Gov. Code, § 66334, subd. (a)).
ATTACHMENT B
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Changes to ADU Law in 2024:
• SB 477 (Chapter 7, Statutes of 2024) made changes to the numbering of the sections of the Government Code for State ADU and JADU Laws. • Prohibits a local agency from denying a permit for an unpermitted ADU or JADU that was constructed before January 1, 2020, for building code violations, unless the local agency makes a finding that correcting the violation is necessary to comply with conditions that would otherwise deem a building substandard (Gov.
Code, § 66332, subds. (a)-(c)).
• Defines “livable space” as a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, as the term appears in Government Code sections 66313, subdivision (e), and 66323, subdivision (a)(3)(A).
• Provides that uncovered, off-street parking spaces demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU do not need to be replaced (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (d)(11)).
• Changes the allowable number of detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling to eight detached ADUs, provided that the number of ADUs does not exceed the number of existing units on the lot (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (a)(4)(A)(ii)).
• Prohibits a local agency from imposing any objective development standards on 66323 Units that are not authorized by the provisions of Government Code section 66323, subdivision (a) (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (b)).
Changes to ADU Law in 2023:
• Sunsets a former prohibition on a local agency imposing an owner occupancy requirement on any ADU and instead prohibits a local agency from requiring owner occupancy for an ADU (Gov. Code, § 66315).
• Allows a local agency to adopt a local ordinance to allow the separate conveyance of the primary dwelling unit and ADU(s) as condominiums, subject to certain conditions (Gov. Code, §§ 66340-66342).
Changes to ADU Law in 2021:
• Allows local agencies to permit the separate conveyance of ADUs from the primary dwelling under Government Code section 66341 in certain circumstances.
Changes to ADU Law in 2020:
• Requires that an application for the creation of an ADU or JADU is deemed approved (not just subject to ministerial approval) if the local agency has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days (Gov. Code, § 66317, subd. (a)).
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• Requires ministerial approval of an application for a building permit within a residential or mixed-use zone to create one ADU and one JADU per lot (not one or the other), within the proposed or existing single-family dwelling, if certain conditions are met (Gov. Code, § 66323, subd. (a)(1)(A)). • Allows for rental or leasing of a separate interest ADU or JADU in a common interest development, notwithstanding governing documents that otherwise appear to prohibit renting or leasing of a unit, and without regard to the date of the governing documents (Civ. Code, §§ 4740, subd. (a); 4741, subd. (a)). • Allows a homeowner to create “any of the following”: one converted or attached ADU; one detached, new construction ADU; and one JADU (Gov. Code, § 66323, subds. (a)(1)-(2)). More information can be found in HCD’s 2025 ADU Handbook.
Changes to ADU Law in 2019:
• Prohibits local agencies from including requirements on minimum lot size in development standards for ADUs (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (b)(1)). • Allows local agencies to designate areas where ADUs may be located based on the adequacy of water and sewer services, as well as on impacts on traffic flow and public safety (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (a)).
• Eliminates all owner occupancy requirements by local agencies for ADUs approved between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025 (Gov. Code, § 66315). • Prohibits a local agency from establishing a maximum size of an ADU of less than 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet if the ADU contains more than one bedroom and requires approval of a permit to build an ADU of up to 800 square feet (Gov. Code, § 66321, subds. (b)(2), (b)(3)).
• Prohibits a local agency from requiring replacement of off-street parking spaces for ADUs created through the conversion of a garage, carport, or covered parking structure (Gov. Code, § 66314, subd. (d)(11)).
• Reduces the maximum ADU and JADU application review time from 120 days to 60 days (Gov. Code, §§ 66317, subd. (a); 66335, subd. (2)). • Clarifies that “public transit” includes various means of transportation that charge set fees, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (m)).
• Adds impact fee exemptions and limitations based on the size of the ADU.
ADUs up to 750 square feet are exempt from impact fees, and ADUs that are 750 square feet or larger may be charged impact fees, but those fees must be proportional in size (by square foot) to fees charged for the primary dwelling unit (Gov. Code, § 66324, subd. (c)(1)).
• Defines of an “accessory structure” to mean a structure that is accessory and incidental to a dwelling on the same lot (Gov. Code, § 66313, subd. (b)).
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• Permits JADUs even where a local agency has not adopted an ordinance expressly authorizing them (Gov. Code, § 66320).
• Allows for a permitted JADU to be constructed within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family residence and eliminates the required inclusion of an existing bedroom and an interior entry into the single-family residence (Gov.
Code, § 66333, subd. (d)).
• Requires, upon application and approval, a local agency to delay enforcement against a qualifying substandard ADU for five years to allow the owner to correct the violation, so long as the violation is not a health and safety issue, as determined by the enforcement agency (Gov. Code, § 66331; HSC, § 17980.12).
• Makes covenants, conditions, and restrictions that either effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict the construction or use of an ADU or JADU on a lot zoned for single-family residential use void and unenforceable (Civ. Code, § 4751)).
If an existing ADU ordinance fails to meet the requirements of State ADU Law, the ordinance is “null and void” and the local jurisdiction must apply the standards set forth in State ADU Law until it adopts an ordinance that complies with state law (Gov. Code, § 66316). HCD recommends that a local jurisdiction with a non-compliant ADU ordinance repeal the ordinance to provide clarity for ADU applicants who may otherwise rely on the outdated ordinance.
HCD requests a response by December 13, 2025 with either (1) a description of how the ADU ordinance continues to comply with State ADU Law despite the changes to the law, or (2) a plan and timeline to either repeal the current ordinance or adopt an amended, compliant ordinance and submit it to HCD for review.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Reshma at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Jamie Candelaria
Section Chief, ADU Policy
Housing Accountability Unit
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ATTACHMENT C
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ATTACHMENT D
Public Notice for the February 18, 2026, Hearing and First Reading Notice published in the
February 5, 2026, edition
of the Ferndale Enterprise
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Meeting Date: February 18, 2026 Agenda Item Number
Agenda Item Title: 2nd Reading and Adoption of Draft Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 Section
6.01. Presented By: Kristene Hall, City Manager
Type of Item: x Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action x Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION:
Review and consider approval of 2nd Reading and Adoption of Draft Ordinance 2026-01 Amending Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 Section 6.01.1 adopting the required 2025 Title 24 Building Codes Standards and Regulations of the California State Building Standards Commission; waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only.
DISCUSSION:
The State of California Building Standards Commission updates Building Codes every three (3) years based on the model uniform codes published by the International Code Council. The new California Code of Regulations, Title 24, was published in July, 2025. The 2025 California Building Standards Codes adopted by the Building Standards Commission went into effect 180 days after the July publication by the state. The codes must be enforced by each City and County as of January 1, 2026.
Each jurisdiction in California adopts these codes as written or may establish more restrictive building standards that may be necessary to address different climatic, geological, or topographical conditions. In the past, the City of Ferndale has adopted these codes as adopted by the State Building Standards Commission based on the model uniform codes published by the International Code Council.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$1950.00 Purchase of new code books required.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Draft Ordinance No. 2026-01
B. Ordinance 2011-01 redlined
12.b
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ORDINANCE NO 2026-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF FERNDALE, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AMENDING ORDINANCE 2011-01 SECTION 6.01.1 ADOPTING THE REQUIRED 2025 TITLE 24 BUILDING CODE STANDARDS AND REGULATIONS OF THE
CALIFORNIA STATE BUILDING STANDARDS COMMISSION
The City Council of the City of Ferndale, does ordain the following:
WHEREAS, the California Building Standards Commission is responsible for administering California’s building codes, including adopting, approving, publishing, and implementing codes and standards; and
WHERES, the California Building Standards Code is published every three years and amends the California Code of Regulations, Title 24; and
WHEREAS, these codes based substantially on codes by the International Code Council, are commonly referred to as the California Building Code and include, but are not limited to, building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire and energy codes; and WHEREAS, in January 2025, the State of California Building Standards Commission adopted many of these codes with amendments and published them as California codes; and WHEREAS, the new California Code of Regulations, Title 24, was published in July 2025; and WHEREAS, the codes adopted by the Building Standards Commission go into effect 180 days after publication by the State and must be enforced by each City and County as of January 1, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Ferndale does hereby ordain as follows:
ARTICLE 1: ADOPTION AND PURPOSE
§1.01 Adoption: There is hereby adopted an Amendment to Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance 2011-01 for the City of Ferndale, State of California §1.02 Purpose: This Ordinance is intended to adopt the required 2025 Title 24 California Code of Regulations by the California State Building Standards Commission.
ARTICLE 2: STATUTORY AUTHORITY
§2.01 California Government Code §§37103 and 53060
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ARTICLE 3: BUILDING INSPECTOR/CONSTRUCTION CODE AMENDMENTS § 3.01 Section 6.01.1 of Building Inspector/Construction Code Ordinance be amended to read as follows:
6.01.1 The following codes are required to be adopted by the City of Ferndale:
a. California Administrative Code – 2025 California Administrative Code (Part 1 of Title 24), based on the 2024 International Building Code (IBC). b. California Building Code – 2025 California Building Code (Part 2 of Title 24), Based on the 2024 International Building Code (IBC) c. California Residential Code – 2025 California Residential Code (Part 2.5 of Title 24). Based on the 2024 International Residential Code (IRC). d. California Electrical Code – 2025 California Electrical Code (Part 3 of Title 24). Based on the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) e. California Mechanical Code – 2025 California Mechanical Code (Part 4 of Title 24). Based on the 2024 Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) f. California Plumbing Code – 2025 California Plumbing Code (Part 5 of Title 24). Based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) g. California Energy Code – 2025 California Energy Code (Part 6 of Title 24).
h. California Fire Code – 2025 California Fire Code (Part 9 of Title 24).
Based on the 2024 International Fire Code (IFC)
i. California Existing Building Code – 2025 California Existing Building Code (Part 10 of Title 24), including 2025 California Historical Building Code (Title 24, Part 8) and 2025 California Referenced Standards Code, (Title 24, Part 12). Based on the 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC)
j. California Green Building Standards Code – “CAL Green” – 2025 California Green Building Standards Code (Part 11 of Title 24). k. 1997 Uniform Building Code – 1997 Uniform Housing Code. Published by the International Conference of Building Officials as referenced by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and pursuant to the provisions of Section 17958, 17958.5, 17958.9 and 17959 of the California Health and Safety Code.
ARTICLE 4: ENACTMENT
§4.01 Severability Clause: If any section, sub-section, paragraph, sentence, or word of this ordinance shall be held to be invalid, either on its face or as applied, the invalidity of such provision shall not affect the other sections, sub-sections, paragraphs, sentences and words of this Ordinance, and the applications thereof; and to that end the sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences and words of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be severable.
§4.02 Effective Date: This Ordinance shall become effective 30 days after the date of enactment.
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ARTICLE 5: ENACTING DATE AND SIGNATURES
Passed, approved and adopted by the City Council of the City of Ferndale at a regular meeting on this 18tht day of February 2026 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
ATTEST:
______________________________
Randall Cady, Mayor
_________________________________
Kristene Hall, City Clerk
First Reading 1/21/2026
Second Reading
Enacted
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Section 13
BUSINESS
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Meeting Date: February 18, 2026 Agenda Item Number 13.a Agenda Item Title Approve Amendments to the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (RREDC) Joint Powers Authority Agreement (JPA) and authorize City Manager to sign
Presented By: City Manager
Type of Item: x Action Discussion Information
Action Required: No Action x Voice Vote Roll Call Vote
RECOMMENDATION
Approve amendments to the Joint Powers Authority Agreement (JPA) and direct City Manager to sign Agreement.
BACKGROUND & DISCUSSION
The Redwood Region Economic Development Commission was formed in 1977 by 13 public entities: the County of Humboldt, seven cities (Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, and Trinidad), and five special districts. The formation was driven by the need to coordinate a response to the economic impacts of the expansion of Redwood National Park and to develop a countywide Economic Development Action Plan and Strategy using federal assistance through Title IX of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965.
Attachment “A” provides an analysis of the changes between the original Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) adopted November 1, 1977, and the proposed Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement. The original JPA has been amended nine times between 1978 and 1992, primarily to add new member entities. The proposed Amended and Restated JPA modernizes the agreement to reflect contemporary economic development practices, streamlines governance procedures, and maintains the core mission of regional collaboration.
The proposed amendments represent a strategic update to align RREDC with current best practices in economic development while preserving the essential collaborative framework established nearly 50 years ago. Key changes address the evolution from a federally-funded, grant-specific initiative to a sustainable, multi-faceted regional economic development agency.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Summary of Key Changes
2. JPA Agreement
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1 AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT POWERS AGREEMENT OF THE
REDWOOD REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
This Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission is made and entered into pursuant to the provisions of California Government Code Section 6500 et seq. (the ACT), and supersedes the original Joint Powers Agreement effective November 1, 1977, and amended nine times from 1978 – 1992. This Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement (“Agreement”) is effective as of [DATE.]
RECITALS
A. The Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (“COMMISSION” or “RREDC”) was formed in 1977 by the County of Humboldt, the Cities of Arcata, Blue Lake, Eureka, Ferndale, Fortuna, Rio Dell, and Trinidad, the Redwoods Community College District, the Humboldt Community Services District, the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District, the Humboldt Bay Harbor, Recreation, and Conservation District, and the McKinleyville Community Services District. Subsequent amendments to the Agreement added to the membership the Redway Community Services District, Orick Community Services District, the Orleans Community Services District, the Manila Community Services District, the Willow Creek Community Services District, and the Hoopa Valley Tribe. These entities are referred to individually as a “Member,” and collectively, the “MEMBERS”.
B. The RREDC was formed in 1977 to, among other purposes, develop and implement a countywide Economic Development Action Plan and Strategy for Humboldt County, using financial assistance offered through the federal Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 USC §§ 3121-3234). In 1992 the RREDC Joint Powers Agreement was amended to expand its regional effectiveness by coordinating economic development strategy with entities located in the Counties of Mendocino and Del Norte.
C. Successfully formulating and implementing an economic development strategy that best improves the quality of life in the region requires a united, sustainable, and collaborative approach to economic development projects and programs. Such regional coordination is ultimately beneficial to access and leverage federal and state resources and programs and provide capacity for smaller communities with limited resources.
D. The MEMBERS desire to amend the Agreement to create more sustainable and resilient economic opportunities. In particular, the MEMBERS seek to update the Agreement’s purposes to reflect current economic development practices, to facilitate greater coordination within the region, and to update administrative provisions of the Joint Powers Agreement such as the COMMISSION’s regular meeting schedule and its budget adoption schedule.
E. The MEMBERS believe it would be desirable and convenient to restate the Agreement in its entirety, to include previous amendments not further amended herein, and to make those amendments now desired by the MEMBERS.
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2 NOW THEREFORE, based on the mutual covenants, conditions, and terms recited herein, which are made a material part of this agreement, the undersigned public agencies, collectively referred to herein as the “MEMBERS,” enter into this Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement and agree as follows:
AGREEMENT
ARTICLE I. COMMISSION FORMATION
Section 1.01 Formation. Pursuant to the Act, the MEMBERS hereby create a Joint Powers Agency to be known as the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission (COMMISSION).
Section 1.02 Separate Public Entity. The COMMISSION is a public entity separate from the MEMBERS within the meaning of Government Code Section 6507.
Section 1.03 Parties to this Agreement. For purposes of this Agreement, each MEMBER intends to, and does, contract with every other MEMBER which is a signatory to this Agreement and, in addition, with every public agency that becomes a MEMBER under Section 1.04. The withdrawal of any MEMBER from this Agreement does not affect its validity or enforceability as to the remaining MEMBERS, nor any remaining MEMBER’S intent to contract with any of the others.
Section 1.04 Membership. Any Public Agency as defined in Government Code Section 6500, which is located wholly or partly within the boundaries of Humboldt County, or any adjacent county, is eligible for membership in the COMMISSION. Upon approval by a simple majority vote of the full Board of Directors, any such public agency may become a MEMBER if:
(a) its governing body duly approves membership and agrees to all the terms of this Joint Powers Agreement, and
(b) An authorized officer of such agency executes this Agreement on its behalf.
ARTICLE II. DEFINITIONS
Section 2.01 Unless the context otherwise requires, the words and terms defined in this ARTICLE II shall, for the purposes hereof, have the meanings specified. (i) ACT. "ACT" means Title I, Division 7, Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 6500) of the Government Code of the State of California.
(ii) COMMISSION. "COMMISSION" means the REDWOOD REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION created pursuant to this Agreement. (iii) BOARD OF DIRECTORS. "BOARD OF DIRECTORS" means the governing board of the COMMISSION established pursuant to this Agreement.
(iv) MEMBER. "Member" means a Public Agency that is a party to this Joint Powers Agreement.
(v) PUBLIC AGENCY. “Public Agency” is defined in Section 6500 of the Act.
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3 ARTICLE III. PURPOSE
Section 3.01 The purpose of this Agreement is to create an independent public entity that will provide united, coordinated, efficient, sustainable, and equitable economic development programming for its MEMBERS and the community at large. Specifically, the COMMISSION will:
(a) lead and participate in economic development programs in Humboldt County and with public entities, sovereign nations, businesses, and organizations therein and in adjacent and nearby counties and tribal lands, and
(b) operate revolving loan funds and leverage other financial resources to provide access to capital to those individuals, businesses, and organizations that create jobs or otherwise provide opportunities for prosperity through sustainable economic growth, and (c) establish operating and advisory committees to assist the COMMISSION in carrying out the foregoing purposes and to assist the COMMISSION in the implementation of economic development projects and programs to improve the quality of life in the region.
ARTICLE IV. INTERNAL GOVERNANCE
Section 4.01 BOARD OF DIRECTORS The COMMISSION shall be governed by a Board of Directors composed of one representative from each Public Entity that is a party to this Agreement, each serving in an individual capacity as a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 4.02 APPOINTMENTS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Each MEMBER shall appoint, from its respective governing board, one individual to serve on the Board of Directors of the COMMISSION. Each MEMBER shall also appoint from its respective governing board one alternate individual to serve on the Board of Directors in the absence of the primary individual appointed by that Member. The alternate individual may vote at any meeting of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMMISSION at which the primary representative appointed by that MEMBER is absent or disqualified.
Section 4.03 TERM OF APPOINTMENT Each MEMBER’S representatives appointed to serve on the Board of Directors shall serve at the pleasure of the appointing Member. The governing board of the MEMBER shall appoint replacement individuals to serve on the Board of Directors as needed to ensure that the MEMBER maintains continuous representation on the Board of Directors.
Section 4.04 VOTING POWER All voting power of the COMMISSION shall reside in the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 4.05 PROHIBITION OF EMPLOYMENT No person while serving as a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMMISSION shall be eligible to be appointed to any salaried office or employment in the service of the COMMISSION nor shall they become eligible for such appointment within one year after they have ceased to be a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMMISSION.
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4 Section 4.06 COMPENSATION The members of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS and any committees formed by the COMMISSION shall serve without compensation. All members of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS may be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as such members. Reimbursement of expenses shall be subject to approval of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 4.07 REGULAR MEETINGS The Board of Directors shall establish by resolution the dates, times and places of its regular meetings, which shall be held not less than four times during each calendar year. The Board of Director’s meetings shall be conducted in accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act (Government Code Sections 54950 et seq.).
Section 4.08 ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION MEMBER representatives are expected to attend every Board of Director’s meeting, arrange for the attendance of their alternate representatively when not able to, and to notice appropriate Commission staff when they will not be in attendance. A MEMBER that fails to attend three regular successive meetings without notice to the COMMISSION or fails to appoint a representative to the Board of Directors without notice to the COMMISSION shall be deemed to have withdrawn as a party to this Agreement and as a MEMBER of the COMMISSION and will be ineligible to vote on COMMISSION business or constitute a quorum.
Section 4.09 QUORUM AND VOTING A majority of the Board of Directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The Board of Directors shall act by motion or resolution. Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Agreement or applicable law, all motions, resolutions and ordinances of the Board of Directors, and all actions required or permitted to be taken by the MEMBERS acting through the Board of Directors, shall be by a majority vote of the quorum.
Section 4.10 RULES The BOARD OF DIRECTORS of the COMMISSION may adopt bylaws, rules and regulations for the conduct of its meetings and affairs as are necessary for the purposes hereof.
Section 4.11 CHAIR, VICE CHAIR AND SECRETARY The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall elect a Chair of the Board and Vice Chair of the Board from among its membership each calendar year. If either the Chair’s or the Vice Chair’s MEMBER ceases to be a MEMBER of the Commission, the resulting vacancy shall be filled at the next regular meeting of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS held after such vacancy occurs. The CHAIR shall preside over and conduct all meetings of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
(a) The CHAIR shall be the chairperson of the Board of Directors and shall conduct all Board of Director meetings and perform such other duties and functions required of such person by this Agreement or the Board.
(b) The VICE CHAIR shall serve in the CHAIR’s absence and perform such duties as required by this Agreement, the Board.
(c) The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall select a Secretary who may, but need not, be a member of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. The Secretary shall serve at the pleasure of the BOARD OF DIRECTORS and shall perform those duties and functions customary to the office of Secretary of a Public Entity.
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5 Section 4.12 TREASURER AND AUDITOR-CONTROLLER The Treasurer - Tax Collector of the COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT is hereby designated as the Treasurer of the COMMISSION and as the depositary to have custody of all the money of the COMMISSION from whatever source. The Auditor-Controller of the COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT is hereby designated as the Auditor-Controller of the COMMISSION. The Treasurer-Tax Collector and the AuditorController shall have the duties and obligations set forth in Sections 6505 and 6505.5 of the ACT and shall ensure that there shall be strict accountability of all funds and report of all receipts and disbursements of the COMMISSION.
Section 4.13 LEGAL ADVISOR The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall select, appoint, employ and retain the legal advisor of the COMMISSION, who shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the BOARD OF DIRECTORS.
Section 4.14 EMPLOYEES The BOARD OF DIRECTORS shall have the power to appoint and employ such other officers, employees, and may contract with consultants and other professional persons or firms as it considers necessary for the purposes hereof.
ARTICLE V. POWERS
Section 5.01 GENERAL POWERS The COMMISSION created by this Agreement shall exercise in the manner hereinafter provided the powers common to each of the entities to this Agreement.
Section 5.02 SEPARATION As provided in the ACT, the COMMISSION shall be a public entity separate from the parties hereto.
Section 5.03 SPECIFIC POWERS The COMMISSION is hereby authorized, in its own name, to do all acts necessary for the exercise of the foregoing powers for the purposes of this Agreement including, but not limited to, any or all the following:
(a) To make and enter into contracts.
(b) To employ agents, employees, consultants, and independent contractors. (c) To acquire, hold or dispose of real and personal property, or any interest therein, by deed, purchase, lease, contract, gift, devise, or otherwise.
(d) To sue and be sued in its own name, except as otherwise provided by law. (e) To incur debts, liabilities or obligations, provided that no debt, liability or obligation shall constitute a debt, liability or obligation of any of the separate public entities that are parties to this Agreement.
(f) To apply for, accept, receive, and disburse grants, loans, and other financial assistance from any agency of the United States of America or of the State of California, or from any other public agency or other sources, public or private, and expend such funds for the purposes outlined in this Agreement.
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6 (g) To invest any money that is not required for the immediate necessities of the COMMISSION, as the COMMISSION determines, is advisable, in the same manner and upon the same conditions as apply to local agencies, pursuant to Section 53601 of the Government Code of the State of California.
(h) To carry out and enforce all the provisions of this Agreement. (i) To contract for and obtain insurance against any insurable risk reasonably anticipated to result from the exercise of any powers or functions of the COMMISSION or the performance of any duties by the officers and employees of the COMMISSION. (j) To make, adopt, amend, and repeal its bylaws, rules, ordinances, resolutions, and procedural regulations consistent with, and to carry into effect, the powers granted in and purposes of this Agreement.
Section 5.04 CLAIMS All claims and actions for money or damages against the COMMISSION and its officers and employees are governed by Division 3.6 (commencing with Section 810) of Title I of the Government Code of the State of California. The COMMISSION shall be deemed a "public entity" within the meaning of Division 3.6 of Title I of said Government Code.
Section 5.05 INTERESTS IN CONTRACTS The provisions of Article 4 (commencing with Section 1090), Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 1100), and Article 4.6 (commencing with Section 1120), Chapter 1, Division 4, Title I, and Sections 87100 et seq. of the Government Code of the State of California prohibiting certain financial interests in public contracts and pertaining to conflicts of interest shall apply to the officers, officials, directors, and employees of the COMMISSION.
Section 5.06 ENFORCEMENT BY COMMISSION The COMMISSION is hereby authorized to take any or all legal actions necessary and permitted by law to enforce this Agreement.
(a) Appointment of Administering Entity Pursuant to Government Code Section 6506, the Board may appoint an agency or entity, including one or more MEMBERS upon consent of the governing body of such Member, a commission or board constituted pursuant to this Agreement, or a person, firm or corporation, including a nonprofit corporation, which it may designate, to administer or execute this Agreement, or any portions of this Agreement.
Section 5.07 RESTRICTIONS ON EXERCISE OF POWERS Powers of the COMMISSION shall be exercised as provided in the Act and shall be subject, in accordance with Section 6509 of the Act, to such restrictions upon the manner of exercising such powers as are imposed upon counties in the exercise of similar powers.
ARTICLE VI. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS
Section 6.01 FISCAL YEAR. The fiscal year of the COMMISSION shall be from July 1 of each year to and including June 30 of the following year.
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7 Section 6.02 ADVANCES Each of the parties to this Agreement may advance to the COMMISSION money in such sums as may be mutually agreed upon by such party and the BOARD OF DIRECTORS. An amount equal to all advances made by each party, plus interest thereon at a rate to be mutually agreed upon by the COMMISSION and the party making such advances, shall be repaid by the COMMISSION funds then available to the COMMISSION.
Repayment of such advances may also be made by the COMMISSION at such other time or times as the COMMISSION and the party making such advance shall mutually agree at the time such advance is made.
Section 6.03 ANNUAL BUDGET The Board of Directors shall adopt by majority vote of the full Board of Directors an annual budget for each fiscal year at or before its last regular meeting before June 30 of each year.
ARTICLE VII. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 7.01 ACCOUNTS The COMMISSION shall keep accurate and correct books of account, showing in detail the costs of administration, bond interest, bond redemption, operation and maintenance, and all financial transactions of the COMMISSION. Said books of account shall always be open to inspection by any representative of any of the parties hereto, or by any accountant or other person authorized by any party hereto to inspect said books of account.
Section 7.02 ANNUAL AUDIT The accounts and records of the COMMISSION shall be audited as provided in Government Code Sections 6505 and 6505.5 or as required by other entities providing funding to COMMISSION.
Section 7.03 LIMITATION ON LIABILITY OF MEMBERS FOR DEBTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF COMMISSION As provided for by Government Code section 6508.1, the debts, liabilities, and obligations of the COMMISSION do not constitute debts, liabilities, or obligations of any party to this Agreement. A MEMBER may separately contract for, or assume responsibility for, specific debts, liabilities, or obligations of the COMMISSION.
Section 7.04 INDEMNITY The COMMISSION shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the MEMBERS, their officers and employees, from and against all liability, loss, damage, expense, and costs (including without limitation costs and fees of litigation), collectively referred to as ‘injury’, of every nature arising out of the COMMISSION activities described herein, or its failure to comply with any of its obligations contained herein, except where such injury is caused by the sole negligence or willful misconduct of a Member. Any defense of claims, as well as the cost of any judgments imposed for claims resulting from actions by the COMMISSION or any of the officers, agents, employees, or contractors of the COMMISSION in relation to this Agreement shall be the sole responsibility of the COMMISSION. To the extent that MEMBERS are also held jointly and severally liable for such amounts by Government Code section 895.2, if a MEMBER provides for such defense of itself or the COMMISSION, or pays all or a part of such judgment, the MEMBER shall be entitled to reimbursement in full from the COMMISSION, provided the MEMBER obtains prior approval from the COMMISSION.
Section 7.05 INSURANCE The COMMISSION will obtain at its expense, and maintain during the term of this Agreement, insurance against claims for injury to persons or damage to property or the environment which may arise from COMMISSION operations.
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8 Section 7.06 AMENDMENTS This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument, approved by an affirmative vote of the governing bodies of two thirds (2/3) of the MEMBERS, and meeting any requirements imposed by the terms or conditions of any revenue bonds issued by the COMMISSION and related documentation including, without limitation, indentures, trust agreements, resolutions and letter of credit agreements.
Section 7.07 CONSENT Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment shall require any MEMBER to contribute any funds to, or become directly or contingently liable for any debts, liabilities or obligations of, the COMMISSION, without that MEMBER’S written consent, signed by its duly authorized representative.
Section 7.08 WITHDRAWAL MEMBERS may withdraw at any time by providing written notice from the governing body of such MEMBER to the Board; provided that no MEMBER may withdraw if withdrawal would adversely affect a bond or other indebtedness issued by the COMMISSION, except upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the full Board. Withdrawal shall be effective upon receipt by the Board of said notice or upon said vote of the Board if required. The withdrawing MEMBER shall continue to be financially responsible for its share of financial obligations and liabilities incurred prior to the effective date of withdrawal. Upon such withdrawal, no withdrawing MEMBER shall be entitled to any distribution or withdrawal of property or funds except as may be agreed to by the Board; however such MEMBER may be entitled to participate in a pro-rated return of surplus money and other surplus personal property upon the dissolution of the COMMISSION based on factors as determined by the Board such as but not limited to the MEMBER’S length of time of participation with and contribution to the COMMISSION.
Section 7.09 TERMINATION AND DISTRIBUTION This Agreement continues until terminated by the written consent of a simple majority of the full Board; provided that:
(a) this Agreement cannot be terminated until such time as all principal of and interest on any bonds and other forms of indebtedness that the COMMISSION may issue are paid in full; and
(b) this Agreement and the COMMISSION continue to exist following termination for the purpose of disposing of all claims, distributing assets, and all other functions necessary to conclude the obligations and affairs of the COMMISSION.
Section 7.10 DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS AND ASSETS FOLLOWING TERMINATION After completion of the COMMISSION’s purposes, any surplus money on deposit in any fund or account of the COMMISSION will be disposed of as required by law. All other property of the Commission, real and personal, shall be divided or disposed of in a manner agreed upon by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is vested with all powers of the COMMISSION for the purpose of concluding and dissolving its business affairs.
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9 Section 7.11 NOTICES All notices which any MEMBER or the COMMISSION may wish to give in connection with this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be served by personal delivery during usual business hours at the principal office of the MEMBER or the COMMISSION, to an officer or person apparently in charge of that office, or by depositing the same in the United States mail, postage prepaid, and addressed to the MEMBER or the COMMISSION at its principal office, or to such other address as the COMMISSION or MEMBER may designate from time to time by written notice given to the other MEMBERS in the manner specified in this section. Service of notice shall be deemed complete on the day of service by personal delivery (but 24 hours after such delivery in the case of notices of special meetings of the Board) or three (3) days after mailing if deposited in the United States mail.
Until changed by written notice to the COMMISSION and the MEMBERS, notice shall be delivered as follows: [LIST OF ENTITIES HERE]
Section 7.12 PROHIBITION AGAINST ASSIGNMENT No MEMBER may assign any right, claim, or interest it may have under this Agreement. No creditor, assignee or third-party beneficiary of a MEMBER has a right, claim or title to any part, share, interest, fund or asset of the COMMISSION. However, nothing in this Agreement prevents the COMMISSION from assigning any interest or right it may have under the Agreement to a third party.
Section 7.13 SEVERABILITY If a portion, term, condition or provision of this Agreement is determined by a court to be illegal or in conflict with any law of the State of California, or is otherwise rendered unenforceable or ineffectual, the validity of the remaining portions, terms, conditions and provisions is not affected.
Section 7.14 LIABILITY OF COMMISSION Subject to limitations contained in any trust agreement or other documents pursuant to which financing of the COMMISSION is implemented, COMMISSION funds may be used to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the COMMISSION, any Member, any Director or Alternate Director, and any employee or officer of the COMMISSION for their actions taken within the scope of their duties while acting on behalf of the COMMISSION.
Section 7.15 GOVERNING LAW This Agreement will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California.
Section 7.16 COUNTERPARTS This Agreement may be executed in several counterparts, each of which is an original and all of which constitutes but one and the same instrument.
Section 7.17 EFFECTIVE DATE In accordance with the initial Joint Powers Agreement, this Restated and Amended Joint Powers Agreement shall become effective at the time two-thirds (2/3) of the MEMBERS have approved this Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amended and Restated Joint Powers Agreement has been duly considered by the governing bodies of all MEMBERS of the Redwood Region Economic Development Commission and has been approved by the governing bodies of all MEMBERS, and is hereby entered into by the MEMBERS effective as of the date written above.
SIGNATURES APPEAR ON FOLLOWING PAGES
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Section 14
CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence Files are available for review at City Hall during regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 4pm.
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Section 15
COMMENTS FROM THE COUNCIL
Section 16
REPORTS
City Manager’s Report
Commissions and Committee Reports
Minutes from JPAs and Reports
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City Managers Report
for February 2026 City Council Meeting
CITY MANAGER (January 15, 2026 – February 9, 2026)
Grant Updates
• Arlington Ave Drainage Project:
Continuing to work with Brett Vivyan from GHD on this Grant. We have a meeting scheduled for the beginning of March with some of the bordering property owners to help address concerns and further explain the project. We continue to work with the County to obtain the needed encroachment permit. Brett plans on updating the Council once more information is obtained and a plan is in place on moving forward. • Raising of the Berm:
No updates on this grant at this time.
• Per Capita:
Spoke with Kevin Glaudel at California Parks and Recreations. He is still looking through the documents and hoping to get the review completed in the next couple weeks. As of right now the city anticipates it has all its documentation in and we are just waiting to receive the reimbursement funds which should be in the approximate amount of $169,400. • OurEnergy Microgrid:
To date the biweekly meetings have been cancelled by OurEnergy so there is no update this month. The city is still anticipating receiving the $25,000 Planning Grant to reimburse what has been spent to date plus staff time on the project. I was part of a email thread from PGE’s Microgrid Strategy & Implementation Team that contained a long list of additional information that was needed from the OurEnergy Team due by February 25th. I plan on reaching out to OurEnergy and ensuring that these items were delivered on we are still on track to receive our planning grant reimbursement.
• State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP):
No update on this project to date.
• Safety Grant:
We are continuing our purchases for additional safety equipment and gear for the city. This month we purchased handbooks for traffic control, additional traffic cones, hard hats, woodcutter safety chaps, and two-way radios. We will continue to work with staff and CIRA to ensure staff’s safety.
• SB1383:
I am still working with Julie Arenz from Chaparral Consulting and Evan Edgar from Edgar and Associates to get a proposal from Full Cycle Compost. This will be an option regarding using grant money to purchase backyard composting bins for citizens. We have tried to connect a couple times but unfortunately, we have been unsuccessful at holding a meeting.
We have a meeting scheduled for February 25, 2026, at 3:00pm to discuss options for composting requirements.
PGE Undergrounding:
Our last meeting was held on January 30th. We are caught up and awaiting our next tasks. The initial plan was for PGE to bore under the bridge at Francis Creek, however, now they are planning to look more closely at the bridge to possibly see if there is an alternative to boring.
That walk is scheduled for February 12th. I will be unable to attend but have requested our City Engineer to walk with PGE. The project design is scheduled for this year with construction starting in 2027.
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Public Works Projects:
Public Works continues to do an excellent job keeping the city well maintained. Some of their notable projects this month have been installing the light at the Community Center and helping clear and clean the City Manager’s office and get it ready for painting.
Wastewater Plant:
Ongoing software issues and upgrades needed. Shawn is diligent in completing this task. We will continue our efforts to upgrade the systems and assist Shawn with whatever means are necessary for him to accomplish this. The weather has helped with bringing the pond levels down, for now!
Russ Park
No updates at this time.
Fireman’s Park
The bathrooms at Fireman’s Park are continuing to come along. They are now painted and look amazing. A huge thank you and shout out to the Spirit of Ferndale and all the volunteers who continue to come out to work on these. Our plan is still to pull together a dedication ceremony of the Musical Instruments and ribbon cutting ceremony for the new restrooms, but everyone’s schedules seem to not click. I will relentlessly continue my quest and send emails to the parties involved so we can hopefully make it happen hopefully sooner than later.
Community Center
The grant request will be for replacement of the front and back porch was approved. I have spoken with the contractor, and he will be working with the FSRA to ensure minimal disruption for the senior classes. I plan on meeting with a couple of other contractors to get additional quotes for the remodel of the bathroom at the children’s center and upgrades to the bar area and resubmit a grant request for those items.
A new solar light was installed at the Community Center to help light up the parking lot area. It automatically comes on from dusk to dawn. We are determining if an additional light would be beneficial.
Regular Meetings:
• Daily Meeting with Lauren Boop, Finance Director
• Daily Meetings with Ron Sligh, Police Chief
• Daily Meetings with Mayor Cady
• Weekly meetings with Public Works.
• Weekly meetings with Planners and Engineer
• Monthly Meetings
o City Council Meetings (January 21st)
o Planning Commission (January 7th )
o Drainage Committee (Cancelled)
o Emergency Response (Second Thursday of the Month)
o Department Heads (Second Tuesday of the Month)
o City Managers’ Meeting (Last Thursday of the Month)
o Chamber of Commerce (February 2nd)
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Other.
Department of Health Services: To date most businesses have applied with the County Health Department for their Retail Food Health Inspection. We are hopeful for a smooth transition.
I along with our Building Official, Arnie Kemp, had a meeting with the County on January 21st to go over the other parts of the program including plan checks for retail food businesses, as well as any OWTS (septic systems). There are quite a few programs the County offers that we will be looking into. The most pressing is to update the City Sewer Ordinance by adopting the County’s Onsite Wastewater Local Agency Management Program (LAMP) and Regulations and Technical Manual that governs Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (OWTS). We have very few OWTS in city limits, however, we need to ensure these systems are compliant when repairs or upgrades are needed.
CIRA: We had two training courses set up with CIRA that took place on January 28th and 29th.
The training covered Traffic Control Safety and Identifying Hazards. Several other cities were invited, and we had approximately 30 attendees each day. We plan on hosting another training in or around April.
After each training Brian, our CIRA Risk assessor and I went around to each department and performed a risk assessment. It was great information and we have already started purchasing some of the necessary items to make for a safer environment for staff. The full risk assessment should be completed in a couple of weeks. I will be working with CIRA on developing some much-needed policies to ensure the city is compliant and safety is a top priority.
City Managers’ Conference: I had the privilege of attending the City Managers Conference in Napa February 10th-13th. What a great networking opportunity. I attended several great sessions and will compile a report for the council.
STAFF: We continue to be fortunate with a dedicated and hard-working staff.
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STAFF REPORTING JANUARY 2026
CITY CLERK ACTIVITY
Meeting Activities:
• Met with Mayor to discuss agenda items.
• Attended, Wrote Agenda, and Compiled Packets for:
o City Council Meeting 1/21/2026
o Planning Commission Meeting 02/07/2025
• Transcribed and drafted meeting minutes
• Uploaded meeting videos for all above listed meetings. • Complied meeting agendas and public notices for Posting • Uploaded meeting packets to City Website.
• Meetings & Conversations with Attorney regarding City Business • Meetings with Community Center & Town Hall Renters to go over Facility Projects
• Assisted the public via telephone and email, answering questions and information requests. • On-going communications with contract Engineers and City Planner about agenda items before the City Council, Planning Commission, and Drainage Meetings. • Processed Building Permits, Encroachment Permits, and Parade Permits • Communications with the Building Inspector to review plans and discuss finals on projects. • Pick up and distribute City correspondence.
• Organized and filed paperwork.
• Processed checks, created revenue spreadsheet, and ready deposit for bank drop-off. • Responded to Public Records Act requests.
• Maintained minutes, resolution, ordinance, and agenda binders. • Read weekly ERMA bulletins.
• Processed Monthly Reports to Assessor’s office and Construction Industry Research Board • Processed Community Center & Town Hall Rental
• Quarterly reports to various agencies.
FINANCE OFFICER ACTIVITY
Tasks:
• Answered phones and assisted citizens at City Hall
• Processed Payroll/Payroll Tax Payments
• Processed Accounts Payable
• Processed Accounts Receivable
• Completed Quarterly Duties
• Entered Monthly Deposits into Accounting CS
• Reconciled Monthly Debits and Credits for both GL and Russ Park accounts • Delivered and received mail correspondence
• Posted all notices, meetings, etc. to City Bulletin Board at Post Office • Reviewed ERMA and HR bulletins
• Provided necessary documents to Kris for City Council Meeting • Set up chairs and tables for various meetings at Town Hall • Provided necessary documents to Stacey and Kris for month end • Billed customers for Septic Dumps and Health Inspections • Sent Late Notices for all open invoices
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• Assisted the City Manager in the application and reporting for various grants • Updated notes in Finance Clerk Duties Manual on all new tasks and duties learned • Assisted in transition of City Managers
• Communicated with grant contacts and performed steps to continue projects • Assisted with Audit preparations for FY 24/25
• Completed Post Audit Budget Analysis for council
• Completed 6 month budget analysis for council
• Set up for and Attended City Council Meeting and took minutes as Deputy City Clerk • Attended Department head meeting
• Purchased and distributed items requested by Department Heads • Attended CIRA training on traffic safety and hazard identification • Performed quarterly duties
CITY PLANNER ACTIVITY
General Planning Services
Task 1 Response to Public Information Request:
• Compiled notes from a phone consultation with City Engineer about a site plan review application for the construction of a garage with an ADU in R1-B2 @ 149 Arlington. • Coordination with Ferndale Clerk and Attorney on PRA request. • Researched and responded to a query received by the City from a property owner about Francis Creek erosion.
• Completed Profant PRA request by reviewing Planwest files to identify requested information, compiled relevant materials, and emailed to City Clerk.
Task 2 CEQA Compliance
No actions for the reporting period.
Task 3 Community Planning – Reporting, Other Planning Activities • No actions for the reporting period.
Task 4 Meetings and Hearings, and Materials:
• Communications and coordination with the Interim City Manager and City Clerk for the January and February 2026 City Council and Planning Commission meetings, various assigned tasks and projects.
• Coordination for a check received by Planwest with the incorrect payee (the check needed to be payable to the City), and returned the check. • Prepared the monthly planner’s report for the January 21 City Council meeting. • City Council and Planning Commission meetings – Attended and presented at the January Planning Commission meeting.
• HCAOG Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) – January 2026 meeting cancelled. • Regional Climate Action Plan – Attended Working Group meeting (virtually), and compiled notes from the meeting.
Task 5 GIS Mapping
No actions for the reporting period.
Task 6 Grant Writing/Funding Coordination
Vision Zero (REIMBURSABLE): Attended and participated in HCAOG-organized meeting on demonstration project materials procurement, and the nature of the public outreach February 18, 2026
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support and materials that their consultant will provide.
Vision Zero (REIMBURSABLE): Coordination with City Clerk and City Engineer.
Vision Zero (REIMBURSABLE): phone call with City Engineer to coordinate on purchasing materials, and discussed adding a dedicated bike lane to the project.
Planning Applications and Pre-Application Consultations Morrison-Hussey PreApp for APN 031-151-005 et al
• Compiling notes from phone consultation with City Engineer, potential environmental constraints (e.g., flood hazard).
• In-person meeting with Mr. Morrison at the Planwest office. • Following the meeting, prepared an email summarizing the differences between by-right vs. discretionary development, compiled Drainage Plan sheets, flood zone mapping, and relevant links, and emailed follow-up information to Mr. Morrison.
Housing Element Update/Reporting
• Responded to HCD’s email offer to the region to provide up-front technical assistance for the 7th Cycle Housing Element update.
• Preparing Table D of the 2025 Housing Element APR (Table D).
Special Planning Projects
RTIP/STIP project administration
• No actions for the reporting period.
Updates to ADU Ordinance in Response to November 2025 HCD Letter of Technical Assistance • Completed January 7 Planning Commission PowerPoint and talking points for public hearing.
• Attended and presented ADU repeal and replace ordinance at Planning Commission public hearing.
• Prepared Ordinance 2026-02 recitals for the February 18 City Council hearing and first reading. Coordination with City Manager and City Attorney on HCD ADU ordinance letter: prepared a schedule of milestones, deliverables, etc. to repeal and replace the existing ADU ordinance.
• Prepared and finalized February 18 City Council hearing and first reading public hearing notice, and coordinated with City Cler and Ferndale Enterprise for posting and publication.
• Attended HCD webinar on updates to State ADU law.
CITY ENGINEER ACTIVITY
General City Engineering Services:
• Phone calls / emails with the Acting City Manager and staff regarding various City items. • Berding Street Intersection Project
o Project Coordination
• PG&E Undergrounding project.
o Project Coordination
o Zoom Meeting with PG&E
• Regional Vision Zero Action Plan.
o Work with City staff on Project Design
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Reimbursable Project Services:
• Nunes Grading
o Site visit with City Staff, DFW and Water Quality
o Correspondence with City Staff.
WASTEWATER OPERATIONS
• Monthly samples prepared and sent to North Coast Labs • Operators perform lab tests daily to measure efficiency of plant • Cleaned filters...Due to high pond flow recoveries.
• Monthly eSMR (electronic State Monthly Report) prepared and submitted • Monthly no spill verification report completed on CIWQS website • Continuous monitoring and adjustments to sludge blanket… • Monthly report of generator use for air quality.
• Front gate chain oiled each Monday
• Inspect manholes throughout town weekly
• Repair UV lamps and prepare for improvements on bank ALPHA • Weekly maintenance performed on UV banks
• Maintained Plant flows through flooding event.
• Weed removal project at pond……
• Service and maintain Aqua dams around pond.
• Dewater for total of 24 hours. Sludge dried at old site • Maintenance on filters, clean nozzles
• Operators cleaned walls and catwalk.
• Removal of duck weed from clarifiers on weekly basis. • Hydro Jett Pizza Co Main St Manhole..
• Hydro Jett Motel on Ocean ST….
• Multiple days of computer work to upgrade and repair our Scada system at treatment plant. • Pulled and repaired Influent pump number 1.
• Hauled Bio solids to Oregon Landfill.
• Repaired UV lamps.
• Repaired Disc Filters.
• Prepared and managed flood conditions.
• Ste up auxiliary pumps for bulking sludge.
• Short Staffed all Month.
• Repaired and shipped UVOS for UV 3000 Plus Lamps.
• Outlined collection boundary for State Of California.. • Billed, Steve’s Septic, Taylor and Wyckoff a total of 3006.00 Dollars for the month of
JANUARY
2026 . 13 total dumps for total of 23950 gallons.
• Total flow through plant. JANUARY was 23.4 MGD. Of that …757 MGD average flow to Francis Creek and ..3.07 MGD was pumped to retention pond. • 3.6 inches of Rain in JANUARY 2026
PUBLIC WORKS
• Continued with monthly and daily duties. Such as, cleaning and maintenance of city's February 18, 2026
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bathrooms, mowing of city's owned properties, cleaning of storm drains, keeping streets clear of debris and the maintenance of city's facilities. • Took down Christmas decorations around town hall.
• Contacted PG&E about streetlights burnt out in town that need replaced. • Clean debris from drainage ditch between Washington and Rose Ave. • Patch potholes in town between storms.
• Trim trees on Bluff St that were impeding traffic.
• Install beacon lights on mowers and gator for safety. • Repair broken tables at Fireman’s Park.
• Trim trees and clean gutters at Scout Hall.
• Cleaned grease trap at Community Center.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer Gardner took a position with the Humboldt County Sheriff's Department. We are completing a background on an academy student and hope to bring him on as a police trainee.
CERT: Conducted monthly meeting.
Police Statistics – January 2026
SERIOUS CRIMES Number Cleared
Homicide 0
Rape (Attempted) 0
Robbery 0
Larceny 0
Assault 0
Burglary 0
Vehicle Theft 0
TOTAL 3
SECONDARY CRIMES 4
Calls for Service 270
Reports Written 22
Traffic Citations 12
Other Citations 0
Parking Citations 1
Warnings 44
ARRESTS 5
AGENCY ASSISTS 22
TRAFFIC COLLISIONS 1
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RUSS PARK COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
CITY OF FERNDALE - HUMBOLDT COUNTY U.S.A.
Location : 834 Main Street Ferndale, CA 95536
Date: January 13, 2026 Time: 6:30 pm
1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER /ROLL CALL
Committee members Curtis Berry, Patt Sweeney, Sammantha Melton, Ken Mierzwa are present. Meeting starts at 6:35 pm.
2. MODIFICATIONS TO THE AGENDA
None.
PUBLIC COMMENT (FOR ITEMS NOT OTHERWISE ON THE AGENDA)
None.
4. BUSINESS
A. Approval of November minutes
No modifications made. Motion by Patt, second by Sammantha. The motion passes.
B. Friends of Russ Park update
T-shirts are selling well at Mind’s Eye. Sammantha and Patt talk about adding more tshirts to the inventory at Mind’s Eye. Ken shares a joyful experience of someone purchasing a long sleeve shirt at Mind’s Eye that he witnessed. No word from Judy, but she will update the Committee when she has news.
C. Trail maintenance, tools, and materials
Trails are looking good despite the rain and wind. One tree down on Berry Run that Patt and John are working on removing to keep the trail accessible. The bottom of Berry Run is a bit swampy because of seepage and needs some work to make it less sloppy and more accessible.
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The winter maintenance work is happening on weekends. The trails are holding up with the amount of rain and wind we have already received. We can expect there will be more maintenance required.
D. Russ Park Strategic Master Plan
Ken doesn’t have much more to add yet, more coming soon on that matter.
E. Regional open space meetings and communications
Bigfoot trail sponsored an annual trail summit meeting. Ken says it was very popular with more non-profits each year. Bigfoot trail goes through multiple counties and wilderness areas and has a large presence within the major trail contributors.
Ken also was at a meeting with Mattole Restoration Council about a future Petrolia trail that will be accessible to the public as soon as land acquisition is completed this spring.
Curtis leaves at 7:00 pm.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourns at 7:03 PM
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HUMBOLDT COUNTY ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS
Regional Transportation Planning Agency
Humboldt County Local Transportation Authority
Service Authority for Freeway Emergencies
611 I Street, Suite B
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 444-8208
www.hcaog.net
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MEETING RECORD
January 18, 2024, 4:30 p.m.
Eureka City Hall, Council Chambers
531 K Street, Eureka CA 95501
Present:
Mayor Pro-Tem Mike Johnson (Chair) City of Fortuna
Mayor Adelene Jones (Vice Chair) City of Blue Lake
Supervisor Steve Madrone County of Humboldt
Mayor Kim Bergel City of Eureka
Councilmember Kimberley White City of Arcata
Councilmember Skip Jorgensen City of Ferndale
Councilmember Jack West City of Trinidad
Policy Advisory Committee Members:
Saskia Rymer-Burnett Caltrans
Natalie Arroyo Humboldt Transit Authority
Absent:
Councilmember Robert Orr City of Rio Dell
Staff:
Beth Burks Executive Director
Stevie Luther Associate Regional Planner
1. Call to Order
Chair Mike Johnson called the meeting of January 18, 2024, to order at 4:39 p.m.
2. Adjournment of the HCAOG Board; Convening of the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC)
The PAC convened to include representatives from Caltrans and Humboldt Transit Authority.
3. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items - None
4. Consent Calendar
Motion was made (Jones/Bergel) to approve the following consent items:
a. Approval of Meeting Record – December 21, 2023
Motion carried unanimously.
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5. Items Removed from the Consent Calendar – None
6. Action Items
a. Amendment to Regional Transportation Plan to Include Major Transit Stops Motion was made (Bergel/Arroyo) adopt Resolution 24-01 amending the Regional Transportation Plan, VROOM 2022-2042, to include specific major transit stops.
Motion carried unanimously.
Public Comment: Kristen Kenyon, Colin Fiske, Raylena Kirkston, Solomon Everta
7. Informational Items – None
8. Presentations
a. HCAOG 2023 Year End Report
Executive Director, Beth Burks, presented highlights from HCAOG’s projects and programs that were accomplished in 2023.
9. Reconvening of the HCAOG Board
Motion was made (Jones/West) to reconvene as the HCAOG Board and approve the PAC recommendations.
Motion carried unanimously.
10. HCAOG Staff and Board/PAC Member Reports
a. HCAOG Executive Director’s Report - None
b. Caltrans Report
• Saskia Rymer-Burnett: The FY 24-25 Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant cycle deadline is today. Evaluations will take place now through the spring.
Announcements will be in September.
• Jeff Pimentel: Provided updates on the Indianola Undercrossing project. c. Board/PAC Member Reports
• PAC Member Arroyo: HTA Board is offering free bus rides to those who are accessing winter weather shelters.
11. Closed Session
a. Executive Director Annual Performance Evaluation
The HCAOG Board met in closed session with the Executive Director to discuss a yearly performance evaluation.
b. Closed Session Reports
The Board Chair announced there were no formal actions taken by the Board during the Closed Session.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
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1 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Stacy Atkins-Salazar, City of Arcata, Chair
Michelle Lewis-Lusso City of Blue Lake, Vice Chair
Leslie Castellano, City of Eureka
Randall Cady, City of Ferndale
Steve Madrone, County of Humboldt
Frank Wilson, City of Rio Dell
Minutes
Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 5:30 PM
Eureka City Council Chamber
Present: Stacy Atkins-Salazar, Michelle Lewis-Lusso, Leslie Castellano, Steve Madrone, Frank Wilson.
Absent: Randall Cady
Staff: Eric Keller-Heckman, Tony Heacock (via Zoom), Helder Morais, Hilary Schwartz
Legal Counsel: Nancy Diamond
1. Call to Order and Roll Call at 5:30 PM
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar called the meeting was called to order at 5:30 PM. A quorum was present and acting.
2. Consent Calendar
a. Approve Minutes from the November 13, 2025, HWMA Board of Directors Meeting
b. Review and Approve Draft September 2025 Financial Reports c. Review and Approve Draft October 2025 Financial Reports d. Review and Approve Recommendations for BBW & Associates, Inc. as the Successful Proposer for Registered Professional Forestry Services e. Receive Overview of SB 707 (Durazo) and Receive Full Updated Legislative Text of the Ralph M. Brown Act.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar inquired if there were any requests to pull items from the Consent Calendar, and there were no requests.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment, and no public comment on the Consent Calendar was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
Motion: Director Lewis-Lusso motioned, and Director Madrone seconded, to approve items a) through e) of the Consent Calendar as delivered
Action: Approve the Motion as made by Director Lewis-Lusso and seconded by Director Madrone
Ayes: Unanimous
Noes: None
Absent: Director Cady
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2 3. Oral and Written Communications
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment regarding items not on the agenda. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
4. Receive Presentation on Mattress Recycling
Director Morais presented an update and overview of mattress recycling at the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station. Director Morais reviewed the history of the mattress recycling program, which began in 2016 when the HWMA began accepting mattress free of charge, and was expanded to include commercial mattresses in 2018. Director Morais continued by providing an operational overview of the program. Mattresses are received by Tip Floor staff, stored in a designated staging area, sorted by condition, loaded onto the trailers provided by the Mattress Recycling Council, and transported by trailer to the processing facility. Less than 5% of the mattresses received at the Hawthorne Street Transfer Station are deemed unrecyclable.
Common challenges have been addressed over the duration of the program, including educating the public about how to keep mattresses clean and utilize the HWMA’s Mattress Recycling Program, as well coordination between Tip Floor staff, Scalehouse staff, and customers at the time of disposal. The popularity of the Mattress Recycling Program has grown from about 400 mattresses collected monthly at the program’s inception to a current rate of about 700 mattresses collected monthly. During calendar year 2025, about 8,300 mattresses were collected and recycled free of charge.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked staff for their presentation and service to the community. Director Madrone inquired about diversion data regarding the impact of the Mattress Recycling Program on the illegal dumping of mattresses in Humboldt County.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman explained that precise diversion data could not be provided because illegal dumping of mattresses was not tracked prior to the Mattress Recycling Program. Illegally dumped mattresses were simply classified as solid waste at that time. However, the State of California reports that over 400,000 pounds of mattresses have been diverted statewide annually, and the HWMA’s program is the second largest in Northern California.
Director Madrone expressed support for the concept of free dumping as a way for jurisdictions to address the issue of illegal dumping and cleanup costs. He acknowledged that the practice is not common, and not always effective, but that jurisdictions do have the authority to provide free dumping and hoped the discussion would be taken up at the state level. Executive Director Keller-Heckman affirmed the Authority’s long-standing efforts to reduce costs associated with ethical solid waste disposal. HWMA was one of the first rural waste management jurisdictions to adopt programs such as mattress and carpet recycling over a decade ago. It is central to HWMA’s mission statement to provide solid waste disposal services at the lowest possible cost so that residents are able and encouraged to do the right thing with their materials.
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3 Director Castellano expressed support for the issues raised by Director Madrone regarding illegal dumping, and thanked staff for their efforts to recycle mattresses. She inquired if more education was needed regarding the importance of keeping used mattresses clean to enhance recyclability. Director Morais explained that when the components of mattresses are wet or soiled, they cannot be recycled as effectively.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman added that in the decade that HWMA has participated in the mattress recycling program, the rate of unrecyclable dirty mattresses has fallen from around 50% to around 5% in 2025 due to multijurisdictional education and outreach. Director Castellano inquired if 700 mattresses a month represented a high rate of mattress recycling per capita. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that in 2024, the Authority was the second largest rural collector in California. He credited the growth in the program to the impact of offering valuable services to residents at no or very low cost.
Director Castellano inquired about the cost of operating the program. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that in theory, the program is structured to cover all costs of mattress collection. From time to time, staff or disposal costs may be higher than anticipated and the Authority absorbs those costs. An analysis of the net costs of operating the program will be brought before the board at a subsequent meeting.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman added that staff had engaged in extensive cost analysis and that former Executive Director Duffy had worked diligently with the Mattress Recycling Council at the outset of the program to ensure the Authority’s costs would be fully recovered. Subsequently, the contract price is adjusted annually per the Producer Price Index.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
5. Receive Update on Organics in Humboldt County
Executive Director Keller-Heckman gave a presentation to the board entitled Organics Overview and Update. Executive Director Keller-Heckman reviewed SB1383, the 2016 legislation that requires jurisdictions to divert and collect organic material, engage in edible food recovery, and comply with capacity planning and reporting requirements.
HWMA’s work began with a request from the Humboldt County Solid Waste Local Task Force in 2021 to develop a Request for Proposals (RFP) for regional organics compliance services. Edgar & Associates was identified as the winning proposer and the costs of the study were shared between the jurisdictions. The report outlined critical steps such as a compliance roadmap, processing and collection strategies, and potential fee structures.
The original timeline for organics processing identified that out-of-county processing would be utilized while in-county processing was being developed. HWMA amended its Joint Powers Agreement to secure flow control over organic material and jurisdictions quickly updated relevant ordinances. An RFP for out-of-county processing services was developed, circulated, and ultimately, awarded to Cold Creek Compost with an original anticipated start date of July 2025. Jurisdiction began negotiating franchise hauler February 18, 2026
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4 agreements and the HWMA Board tasked staff with developing long-term plans for incounty organics processing. This resulted in the development of an RFP for an in-county processing feasibility study in late 2024. The first release of the RFP in May 2025 received no qualifying proposals, and staff took input from the jurisdictions, the HWMA Board, and potential proposers to streamline the RFP and reign in the scope of the proposal. The RFP was re-released and again received no qualifying proposals. After seeking guidance from other jurisdictions who had already released similar RPFs, staff removed language from the RFP related to locating potential local properties for an organics facility. The RFP was released for a third time in October 2025, and staff is currently evaluating proposals.
Jurisdictions began preliminary franchise negotiations in 2023 by developing new agreements to incorporate SB1383 requirements and industry standards. Monthly meetings were held with jurisdiction staff, consultants, and franchise representatives, and the agreements are anticipated to be finalized in March of 2026. HWMA staff has participated in these meetings to ensure progress and a continued focus on finalizing these agreements. This process has taken significant time and effort by all parties.
In late 2023, in concert with several local jurisdictions, HWMA applied for an organics infrastructure grant. HWMA as lead agency was awarded $2.7 million dollars in May 2024 from CalRecycle for facility improvements and processing equipment upgrades to retrofit the old Eureka Recycling Center into an organics processing facility for Humboldt County. Request for Bid (RFB) documents were approved by the HWMA Board in late 2024 for new floor construction, replacement doors, and processing equipment. At the time of the applications, it was believed that infrastructure improvements would be finalized and franchise agreements would be executed by early 2025 with doors opening at the new facility in July 2025.
With delays in securing franchise contracts, HWMA pulled back the construction bid documents until a better timeline could be established. The grant award and funding level is directly tied to the projected tons of organic material diverted by the project. With HWMA unable to show any progress or tons diverted 16 months into the grant period, CalRecycle issued a Stop Work Notice on November 14, 2025, freezing the funding and placing the project under CalRecycle review. HWMA and jurisdictions met with CalRecycle representatives on November 25, 2025, and walked them through the timeline to date, the efforts made, and the issues and setbacks in relation to why grant activity had failed to progress. At that time, HWMA formally asked to file an extension request and to update the proposed work plan. HWMA staff submitted the extension request and modified work plan on December 11, 2025. Additionally, HWMA sent letters to our area’s legislative representatives and CalRecycle division directors imploring them to consider granting the extension request for these critical grant funds. The extension request is still under review by CalRecyle as of today.
The current status of the grant is a holding pattern until a new Notice to Proceed is issued.
Staff has continued to move forward with smaller projects, including finalizing the Transfer Station permit revisions with final documents to be submitted to the Local Enforcement Agency (LEA) next week. Several RFPs and RFBs are ready for release pending approval of the extension request. HWMA staff has coordinated with several February 18, 2026
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5 potential proposers to ensure the July 1, 2026, target deadline can still be attained. If CalRecycle choses to reallocate the grant funds, that decision will have a significant impact on the target deadline and HWMA’s overall ability to execute this project.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked staff for their efforts on this complicated project.
Director Wilson requested clarification of the grant period. Executive Director KellerHeckman responded that while the current grant period ends in April 2026, the Authority cannot collect the amount of tonnage required by grant without the extension. Director Wilson expressed skepticism about the timeline of organics collection in Humboldt County, and Executive Director Keller-Heckman reiterated that although the process has been much slower than anticipated, jurisdiction staff believes they have turned a corner in the franchise negotiations and now expect full execution by March 2026.
However, if the Authority does not retain the grant funding, it will be difficult to execute the rollout of organics collection as currently envisioned.
Director Castellano thanked staff for the update and echoed Director Wilson’s concerns about the grant. She inquired if CalRecycle had provided a timeline for their response.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he believes the Authority will receive a response from CalRecycle within approximately one week. Director Castellano inquired if there was an appeal process if the extension was denied.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he was not aware of an appeal process but would inquire and return to the board with that information. He thanked jurisdiction staff who had signed on to the Authority’s letter to CalRecycle and joined him in the meeting with CalRecycle representatives on November 25th, adding that their participation had contributed to the positive tone of the meeting. Director Castellano requested clarification of the July 1st target deadline, and Executive Director KellerHeckman confirmed that July 1, 2026, was when the Authority planned to begin receiving organic material at the Hawthorne Transfer Station for delivery to the out-ofcounty processor.
Director Madrone requested clarification regarding what costs the grant would cover if CalRecycle approved the extension. Executive Director Keller-Heckman explained that the grant covers infrastructure only, such as floors, doors, and equipment, and the costs associated with the program going forward would be borne by a new organic waste processing fee that will be developed within the Authority’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget in advance of the July 1st start date. Director Madrone noted that the planned infrastructure upgrades are a part of the short-term plan to transport organic material outof-county until an in-county processing facility comes online and inquired about the availability of organics collection trucks. Executive Director Keller-Heckman indicated that to his knowledge, Recology had procured of all but one of the necessary trucks to commence organics collection in all jurisdictions. Executive Director Keller-Heckman concurred with Director Madrone’s observation that many jurisdictions face similar challenges implementing SB1383 requirements, and that like HWMA, other CalRecycle grantees have asked for, and received, extensions of their grant periods.
Director Madrone inquired about the long-path to a local organics processing facility and what methodologies had been successful in other communities. Executive Director Keller-Heckman clarified that HWMA would be transporting organic material to a February 18, 2026
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6 compost facility, as opposed to a facility utilizing an anaerobic digester, and that Humboldt County likely generates enough organic material to eventually support its own composting facility given enough time to plan and fund the project. He affirmed that the pathway outlined by Edgar & Associates’ organic services report is still sound although the anticipated timeline has been extended; in order for jurisdictions to comply with SB1383 requirements, out-of-county processing will be necessary for approximately 3-5 years while the funding, design and permitting of an in-county facility is developed. He expressed hope that the organics feasibility study would jumpstart long-term planning.
Director Madrone expressed support for the long-term planning process as well as home composters. Executive Director Keller-Heckman affirmed that all the jurisdictions were developing options for home composters who want to opt out of the organics collection service.
Director Castellano inquired if Trinidad and Fortuna were still considering joining the Authority. Executive Director Keller-Heckman responded that he had recently spoken with Fortuna City Manager Nielsen and that he would be appearing before her council in the next month or two to discuss the potential benefits of joining the Authority for Fortuna and its residents. While the City of Trinidad has experienced turnover in the City Manager position, the Trinidad City Council and staff were very supportive of joining the Authority when Executive Director Keller-Heckman visited with them in 2024.
Director Castellano inquired if there were ways that board members could support the franchise negotiations. Executive Director Keller-Heckman stated that his participation in the negotiations is primarily in a listening capacity, but he has observed that the jurisdictions’ consultants are doing a tremendous job and that jurisdiction staff seems more confident about the process than they have in a long time. He confirmed that city managers have the most information about the status of specific jurisdiction’s franchise negotiations.
Director Castellano inquired about the status of the organics feasibility study RFP.
Executive Director Keller-Heckman confirmed that staff is currently reviewing the proposals that were received and he plans to update the board at the February meeting.
Director Madrone expressed support for jurisdictions to join the Authority now and endeavor to preserve the organics grant funding opportunity, despite some lingering resistance. Executive Director Keller-Heckman reminded the board that the jurisdictions are negotiating complex contracts that will outlive most of the HWMA’s current staff and elected officials. He praised the efforts of the jurisdictions and their staff to get these critical, long-term contracts right on behalf of their constituents and residents.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar opened the floor to public comment. No public comment was received.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar closed the floor to public comment.
6. Standing Item: Board Member Reports
Director Wilson updated the board on the cost proposal stage of Rio Dell’s franchise negotiation, including the impact of services such as bulky item pick up. He expressed February 18, 2026
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7 skepticism about the success of organics collection but indicated he would keep the board appraised as negotiations progress.
Director Lewis-Lusso updated the board on the appointment of new City Manager Short by the Blue Lake City Council and reported that the City had narrowly avoided a special election to recall a Blue Lake City Council member.
Director Castellano requested an update on the proposed property purchase that was addressed in Closed Session in 2025 as a future agenda item. She also requested that the board continue its previous discussion of strategic planning once more information about local organics collection and processing become available. Director Castellano inquired if other board members were interested in creating an ad hoc committee with HWMA leadership to guide decision-making in the next year.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar confirmed that there appeared to be consensus among the directors to address strategic planning opportunities at a future meeting. Executive Director Keller-Heckman indicated that he would place the potential creation of an adhoc strategic planning committee on the February meeting agenda for board discussion.
General Counsel Diamond added that if board members have specific ideas about an ad-hoc committee, they should contact Executive Director Keller-Heckman so that he may incorporate their ideas into the agenda item.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar thanked her fellow directors and HWMA staff for welcoming her as a new director and board chair. She acknowledged the awkwardness of assuming the position of board chair without being elected and expressed her willing to serve until next election cycle or support an agenda item to hold elections sooner than planned. Directors Wilson and Madrone thanked Chairperson Atkins-Salazar for her willingness to assume the chair upon her appointment to the board.
7. Standing Item: Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Keller-Heckman had nothing further to report.
Chairperson Atkins-Salazar adjourned the meeting to at 6:54 pm.
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Board of Directors Meeting Draft Minutes
Wharfinger Building, Bay Room (downstairs)
1 Marina Way, Eureka, CA 95501
Monday, November 24 2025
3:30 PM
Attendance
Present
Natalie Arroyo Scott Bauer, Chair Skip Jorgensen
Elise Scafani Sarah Schaefer Frank Wilson
Sheri Woo, Vice Chair
Absent
Carlos Diaz Michael Gerace
Jason Ramos Jack Tuttle
Staff and Others Present
Name Title
Ken Beals IT Technician
Lori Biondini Business Planning & Finance Director
Elizabeth Burks Executive Director
Brytann Busick Community Strategies Manager
Faith Carlson Regulatory & Legislative Policy Manager
Ronnie Chaussé Interim Finance Manager, Acting Board Clerk Nancy Diamond RCEA Legal Counsel
Richard Engel Power Resources Director
Kristy Siino Human Resources Manager
Eileen Verbeck Deputy Executive Director
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Staff and Others Present (continued)
Nathan Hightower Ignite Energy, California Condor, LLC (project company) Tyler Noble Managing Director, Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc.
Blake Sweeney Sr. Research Manager, ReconMR
Christian Riepe Sr. Vice President, Insights & Analytics, ReconMR Open Session
Chair Bauer called a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority to order at the above location and date at 3:34 p.m. Notice of this meeting was posted on November 21, 2025.
Consent Calendar
4.1. Approve Minutes of October 23, 2025, Board Meeting.
4.2. Accept Disbursement Report for September 2025, and Financial Reports for This Fiscal Year Through September 2025.
4.3. Receive Federal Activity Report.
4.4. Approve Task Order Services Through December 2026 with each Northern Rural Energy Network Implementing Partner Under Their Respective NREN Program Implementation Agreements and Authorize the Executive Director to Execute All Applicable Documents for the Following Not-to-Exceed Amounts:
4.5. $1,000,000 with Lake Area Planning Council
4.6. $1,000,000 with Mendocino Council of Governments
4.7. $5,700,000 with Sierra Business Council.
4.8. Cancel the Regular RCEA Board Meeting of December 22, 2025, at 3:30 p.m.
4.9. Authorize the Executive Director to Select the Energy Efficiency Kit Service Vendor(s) that Best Meet the Needs of RCEA and NREN for Service Contract(s) for a Not to Exceed Value of $290,000 and, Upon the Review and Approval by RCEA Legal Counsel, Authorize the Executive Director to Execute All Applicable Documents.
Director Wilson requested item 4.5 be removed from the Consent Calendar for clarification.
M/S: Arroyo, Jorgenson: Approve all Consent Calendar items except 4.5.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Bauer, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, Wilson, Woo. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
Staff provided clarifying details for the December Board meeting cancellation.
M/S: Wilson, Woo: Approve Consent Calendar item 4.5.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Bauer, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, Wilson, Woo. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
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Old Business
9.1. Diablo Canyon Power Plant Nuclear Allocation for 2026 Director Engel reported on the Board’s request to reconsider whether RCEA should accept another year’s worth of carbon-free credits from continued operation of the Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant.
All California load-serving entity customers are required to help pay for the plant’s operation, which was extended due to growing energy demand and lagging renewable energy development to supply that demand. The directors verified that the Energy Risk Management Policy reflects a prohibition on procuring energy from nuclear power plants, and that it had been revised to say the Board will reconsider accepting the carbon free credits from Diablo Canyon each year they are offered to RCEA. The RCEA Policy Platform also includes opposition to policies extending the life of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant. RCEA’s financial position is more positive than when the Board first considered accepting the allocation last year. The directors will consider potential uses for last year’s carbon-free attribute credits at a future meeting. Some directors expressed opposition to Diablo Canyon’s continued operation given the spent fuel’s extremely long-lived hazardousness and the geological risk of the waste storage location. Staff will report on opportunities for the Board to comment on the facility’s license renewal at a future meeting. There was no public comment on this item.
M/S: Arroyo, Scafani: Accept the 2026 nuclear allocation, making a short-term exception to the RCEA Energy Risk Management Policy’s prohibition on nuclear power procurement, as allowed for in the Energy Risk Management Policy.
The motion passed with a show of hands vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Jorgensen, Scafani, Wilson, Woo. Noes: Bauer, Schaefer. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
New Business
10.1. Flycatcher Local Distributed Energy Resources Energy Storage Services Agreements Located at the Site of the Formerly Operational Fairhaven Biomass Plant Power Resources Director Engel described the Flycatcher battery storage project. The project was one of two shortlisted respondents to the Local Distributed Energy Storage request for offers issued in 2024 to increase local grid reliability and capacity. The directors discussed the potential to expand the project’s storage capacity, the short construction timeframe to take advantage of disappearing federal energy storage incentives, and capacity at the project’s substation to put energy on the grid. There was no public comment on this item.
M/S: Schaefer, Scafani: Approve Resolution 2025-7 Approving the Form of and Authorizing Execution of the Energy Storage Service Agreements with California Condor, LLC.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Jorgensen, Scafani, Wilson, Woo, Bauer, Schaefer. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
10.2. Northern Rural Energy Network 2028 Business Cycle Implementation Plan – Inclusion of Yolo County
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Executive Director Burks reported on customer program work performed to date by the fledgling NREN program across rural Northern California. Yolo County expressed interest in joining NREN. NREN’s governing partners proposed requesting additional funds for the 2028-2031 business cycle to cover Yolo County Sustainability Office staff implementing NREN programs in their service area as well as RCEA’s corresponding administrative costs. The directors discussed how the California Public Utilities Commission is favoring consolidation of Regional Energy Networks (RENs) over creation of new RENs and how the NREN’s budget could include outreach to entities in other parts of rural Northern California about joining NREN. There was no public comment on this item.
M/S: Jorgenson, Arroyo: Approve the Inclusion of Yolo County as a Participant in the NREN 2028-2031 Business Plan.
The motion passed with a unanimous vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Bauer, Jorgensen, Scafani, Schaefer, Wilson, Woo. Noes: None. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
10.3. RCEA and Desert Community Energy Joint Pre-Payment of Power Purchase Agreement Advisory Service
Municipal Capital Markets Group Managing Director Tyler Noble described how municipal utility districts and Community Choice Aggregators can take advantage of their ability to pay in advance for existing power purchase agreements with tax-exempt municipal bonds, partner with taxable investment companies, and gain electricity cost savings for their customers from the difference in interest rates for taxable corporate and tax-exempt municipal debt. The directors clarified safeguards for RCEA ratepayer funds and expressed concern over using CCA governmental status to create profit for large corporations and their shareholders. Mr. Noble explained that the impetus behind the enabling legislation was to provide some relief to CCA and municipal utility district customers facing high energy bills. The group considered how governmental bonds offer some stability to investor portfolios. There was no public comment on this item.
M/S: Arroyo, Wilson: Authorize Executive Director to take necessary steps to pursue an energy pre-payment transaction including:
1. Develop and execute an agreement with John Norman and Tyler Noble of Municipal Capital Markets Group, Inc. jointly with Desert Community Energy for advisory and related services in support of an energy prepayment transaction for the two CCAs at a total shared cost not to exceed $350,000, and
2. Select and negotiate an agreement with Project Participant Legal Counsel at a total shared cost not to exceed $300,000, all contingent upon successful execution of an energy prepayment transaction.
The motion passed with the following vote. Ayes: Arroyo, Jorgensen, Scafani, Wilson, Woo, Bauer. Noes: Schaefer. Absent: Diaz, Gerace, Ramos, Tuttle. Abstain: None.
10.4. ReconMR Presentation on RCEA Brand Awareness Survey Results February 18, 2026
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Executive Director Burks described staff’s motivation for undertaking a brand awareness survey. The survey’s results can give RCEA’s staff and Board a more comprehensive understanding of customer needs and priorities to better focus programs and policy decision making. ReconMR Senior Research Manager Blake Sweeney presented the brand awareness survey’s high-response rate results. The general community had relatively low awareness of what RCEA is, but relatively high regard for the agency among those who are aware of RCEA. Customer priorities are electricity reliability and lower cost first, followed by values aligning with RCEA’s mission: local, renewable energy generation and use. Staff will consider the survey’s results when planning outreach efforts, programs and messaging .
There were no public comments on this agenda item.
Staff Reports
11.1. Executive Director’s Report
Executive Director Burks described staff outreach efforts for the past and coming months. Six Regional Resilience Planning and Implementation Grant-funded battery trailers were delivered and distributed to remote Humboldt County fire stations. The CADEMO offshore wind project loan funds have not yet been disbursed but the loan committee was scheduled to meet soon. Executive Director Burks anticipated a lengthy January Board meeting due to the December meeting cancellation.
Closed Session
There were no public comments on the closed session items. The RCEA Board of Directors convened in closed session at 5:34 p.m.
13.1. Real Property Negotiations Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8 in re: APN 001-135- 007; RCEA negotiator: Executive Director; Owner’s negotiating party: Wells Commercial; Under negotiation: price and terms.
13.2 Public Employee Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Government Code § 54957:
Executive Director.
Reconvene Open Session
The Board of Directors reconvened in open session at 6:50 p.m. Chair Bauer stated that there was nothing to report from the closed session.
Adjournment
Chair Bauer adjourned the meeting at 6:50 p.m.
Ronnie Chaussé
Acting Board Clerk
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Section 17
ADJOURN
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