Consent Item 3c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: November 17, 2024
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Katey Schmidt, Senior Planner
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report for October 2025 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 14 business licenses, and 3 home occupation permits in addition to the land-use projects shown in the table below. • On October 20, 2025, City Council authorized City Staff to send a letter of support to Humboldt County Association of Governments for Fortuna’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation. Planning staff will attend the 11/20/25 HCOAG Board of Director’s meeting. • Staff are continuing to prioritize Fortuna Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance updates and will begin the process to bring the ordinance into conformance with state law, define and clarify vague and outdated code sections, and codify processes and procedures.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 approved a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the changes. Staff will present the first reading to City Council on December 1, 2025
• Staff is developing Requests for Proposals for consulting services to assist with updates to the 2027-2035 Housing Element and the 2060 General Plan. • Staff have made updates to the OpenGov permitting portal workflow processes and fee calculations.
Planning Commission Activity:
• On October 14, 2025, the Planning Commission approved a conditional use permit for accessory structure height over the 15-foot maximum.
Location: 969 Elizabeth Barcus Way
• On October 28, 2025, the Planning Commission approved a recommendation to City Council to adopt amendments to zoning regulations and the zoning map to achieve Consent Item 3c
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.
Active Planning Projects:
Proposed
Project
Project Description Location
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
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
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.
• California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation; $149,769
Status: City to delegate allocated funds to the County of Humboldt to provide services for Fortuna citizens.
• Building Forward Library Infrastructure Grant; Awarded $219,083 Consent Item 3c
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. The library has temporarily relocated to Rohner Rec Hall during construction. • 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. • Land and Water Conservation Fund Vancil Forest Acquisition; $126,000 Match funds for Vancil Forest Acquisition.
Status: Application submitted. City staff to meet with LWCF staff on 11/12/25 for a site visit to the project site.
• 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.
Building Division Activities:
• The Building Division’s new Building Inspector, Jeremy White, joined the Community Development Department on October 20.
• The Building Division issued 20 permits in October 2025; permit detail summaries are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Item 3c