Consent Item 4c
DATE: October 20, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Katey Schmidt, Senior Planner
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report for August and September 2025
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 24 business licenses, 5 home occupation permits, 2 mobile food vendor permits, and 1 zoning information request during August and September, in addition to the land-use projects shown in the table below. • Planning staff met with the Executive Director of the Humboldt County Association of Governments in September to review HCOAG’s allocation methodology for the 7th Regional Housing Needs Allocation cycle. The City Manager will recommend support for Fortuna’s RHNA allocation to City Council at the October 20, 2025, Council meeting. • Staff are identifying and prioritizing Fortuna Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance updates to bring the ordinance into conformance with state law, define and clarify vague and outdated code sections, and codify processes and procedures. • Staff are working with Plan West Partners to adopt amendments to zoning regulations and the zoning map to achieve consistency with the Mill District Specific Plan and the 6th cycle Housing Element of the Fortuna General Plan, and to implement programs of the City’s adopted Housing Element. On October 28, 2025, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider making a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the changes.
• Staff is developing Requests for Proposals for consulting services to assist with updates to the 2027-2035 Housing Element and the 2060 General Plan.
Planning Commission Activity:
• On August 12, 2025, the Planning Commission approved a one-year extension of the Tentative Map for Phase II of the CLK Kenmar Major Subdivision
STAFF REPORT
City Council Consent Item
Consent Item 4c
Applicant: Fortuna Properties LLC; Location: Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 203-031-018 and 203-031-019
• On September 9, 2025, the Planning Commission approved a lot line adjustment between two existing adjacent parcels of the Gene Lucas Campus.
Applicant: ERV Community Center Foundation and Humboldt Senior Resource Center; Location: 3000-3200 Newburg Road
Active Planning Projects:
Proposed
Project
Project Description Location
Conditional Use
Permit
Use permit for accessory structure height over the
15-foot maximum.
969 Elizabeth Barcus
Way
Design Review Design review of a multi-unit commercial structure. 930 Riverwalk Drive Lot Line
Adjustment
Lot Line adjustment to create increased setback to
existing structure.
1125 Angel Heights
Drive
Lot Line
Adjustment
Lot line adjustment between two commercial
parcels.
Mill Site Area
Lot Line
Adjustment
Lot line adjustment to accommodate new residential
development for the Humboldt Senior Resource
Center.
3000 Newburg Road
Merger Merger of 1 developed parcel and one undeveloped parcel into one residential parcel.
1745 Thelma Street
SubdivisionMajorPhase 2 of the Twin Creeks subdivision to create 21 residential parcels.
Redwood Way
SubdivisionMajorCompletion of the final phases of the Gulliksen subdivision to create 35 residential parcels.
Gulliksen Avenue
SubdivisionMajorPhase 2 of the CLK Kenmar Subdivision project.
Phase 2 will create 8 residential parcels
Kenmar Road
SubdivisionMinor Minor subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels.
Berry Creek Avenue
SubdivisionMinor Minor subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels.
Berry Creek Avenue
SubdivisionMinor Minor subdivision of one parcel into two residential parcels.
1125 Angel Heights
Drive
SubdivisionMinor Subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels.
3495 Rohnerville
Road
SubdivisionMinor Minor subdivision of one parcel into two residential parcels.
Berry Creek Avenue
SubdivisionMinor Minor subdivision of one 4-acre parcel into two residential parcels.
Fernwood Drive
Variance Variance to allow non-conforming setback due to parcel constraints.
1125 Angel Heights
Drive
Grant Funding Updates:
• Community Development Block Grant Program Income
Consent Item 4c
Status: $624,990.65 Barrier Removal Project Complete. Staff are developing potential projects to utilize $750,000 in additional funding on hand; input from the community will be sought during outreach meetings.
• Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant; Awarded $219,083 ADA Modifications, Solar PV and battery storage, emergency generator, window upgrades, electrical/communication wiring, and interior finishes.
Status: City and County staff are working to prioritize project components within budget constraints. Staff are determining additional funding sources to complete energy-efficiency upgrades.
• Habitat Conservation Fund Vancil Forest Acquisition; Awarded $175,750 Acquisition of a 6.25-acre forest adjacent to Rohner Park for community forest expansion, trails, and recreation areas.
Status: Staff seeking compatible grants to fulfill 50% match requirement. • California Natural Resources Agency California River Parkway Grant; Awarded $620,194
California State Coastal Conservancy; Awarded $250,000
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants Program; Awarded $972,250 Lower Eel River Wetlands Acquisition Project. In partnership with the Wiyot Tribe, acquisition of approximately 250-acres to be utilized as a recreation area and preservation of open space. The city will assume ownership of 7.2 acres along Riverwalk Drive to develop a public park and access to the Eel River. The Wiyot Tribe will assume ownership of the remainder for habitat restoration, preservation of open space, and cultural activities.
Status: Staff working to complete purchase agreement with property owners. • California Energy Commission CalAPP Grant; Awarded $40,000 Funding to establish online, automated online solar permitting program SolarApp+ and OpenGov online platform.
Status: Final reimbursement of OpenGov maintenance and subscription fees submitted in September 2025.
Building Division Activities:
The Building Division issued 32 permits in August 2025 and 25 permits in September 2025.
The Building Division’s permit detail summaries for August and September 2025 are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive the August and September 2025 Community Development Department Monthly Report.
Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Item 4c
Consent Item 4c