Consent Agenda Item 3c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: December 15, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Katey Schmidt, Senior Planner
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 2 business licenses, and 3 home occupation permits in addition to the land-use projects shown in the table below. • Planning staff attended the November 20, 2025, Humboldt County Association of Governments Board of Director’s meeting. The HCOAG Board discussed modifications of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation to incorporate Opportunity Scores into the proposed Jobs/Population allocation. Planning Staff will meet with the RHNA Working Group in December to provide input on the allocation modifications. • Staff have begun the process to bring the Fortuna Municipal Code Zoning Ordinance into conformance with state law, define and clarify vague and outdated code sections, and codify processes and procedures. As a first step, City staff are working with consultants to bring the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance into compliance with State law. • The Senior Planner will be coordinating a Development Streamlining Project to implement City Council Planning priorities, streamline and clarify development project processes, encourage appropriate development, and generate revenue. • 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. Staff will present the first reading to City Council on December 1, 2025.
• Staff and consultants have completed or nearly completed all outstanding Housing Element Program implementation to maintain certification.
• The Senior Planner was interviewed for the Strategic Plan Listening Campaign and attended a Staff workshop with other City staff.
Consent Agenda Item 3c
• City staff met with California State Parks staff for a site walk of the proposed Vancil Community Forest parcel prosed for acquisition with Habitat Conservation Fund and Land and Water Conservation Fund grant monies.
• Staff attended a 3-day cohort based “EDGE” training presented by County of Humboldt staff. The Senior Planner will present “SMART” goal setting techniques learned at the training to CDD staff during staff training planned for December.
Planning Commission Activity:
• On November 11, 2025, the Planning Commission approved a Design Review of structural additions to Tractor Supply to construct an outdoor garden center and an enclosed bulk feed storage area.
Location: 1000 River Ranch Road
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
Consent Agenda Item 3c
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 in early 2026.
• 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 ADA Modifications, Solar PV and battery storage, emergency generator, window upgrades, electrical/communication wiring, and interior finishes.
Status: Building Permit issued 11/17/2025. The library has temporarily relocated to Rohner Rec Hall during construction.
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. • Land and Water Conservation Fund Vancil Forest Acquisition; $126,000 Match funds for Vancil Forest Acquisition.
Status: Application submitted. City staff met with LWCF staff on 11/12/25 for a site visit to the project area.
• 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 agreements with property owners.
Building Division Activities:
• The Building Division issued 12 permits in November 2025; permit detail summary is attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Agenda Item 3c