Consent Agenda Item 4c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: May 18, 2026
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 5 business licenses, and 3 home occupation permits in April.
• Planning and Administrative staff participated in the final Future Fortuna workshop on April 11 alongside other City staff, gathering valuable community input to inform the City’s Strategic Plan and guide General Plan development. • The Senior Planner completed interviews with local Developers and Builders to further the Development Streamlining Project implementing City Council Planning priorities, streamline and clarify development project processes, encourage appropriate development, and generate revenue. The final report with inform Strategic Plan priorities and process updates.
• The Senior Planner developed and submitted three (3) CDBG applications under the 2025 NOFA on April 3, 2026, totaling $2,161,348 in funding for General Plan Updates, ADA Barrier Removal Projects, and Economic Development loan funding. • The City Council approved the award of the General Plan and Housing Element updates to local consultants, Plan West. Kick-off meetings to begin in early May with Technical Advisory Group recruitment to follow.
• Planning staff continued to attend Regional Climate Action Plan meetings. The RCAP has been adopted by the County of Humboldt, the City of Rio Dell, the City of Eureka, and he City of Arcata; Fortuna Planning staff will bring the plan to Council in May.
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Planning Commission Activity:
• April 14, 2026
o The Planning Commission approved Design Review of a new 4,000 square foot metal building on the rear portion of a split zone parcel located at 359 Main Street to be used as a fencing contractor’s shop and office space. • April 28, 2026
o The Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit to bring into conformance an existing church and expand associated community service activities as permitted uses.
Active Planning Projects:
Proposed Project Project Description Location
Subdivision- Minor A Minor Subdivision (4 parcels) of the commercial parcels subject to the LLA below.
Fortuna Mill Commerce
Center
Lot Line Adjustment A Lot Line Adjustment between residential APNs 202-112-042 and 202-112-044 2608 Pine View Drive
Lot Line Adjustment A Lot Line Adjustment between commercial APNs 202-022-001 & 202-021-021
Fortuna Mill Commerce
Center
Design Review
Design Review of an exterior refresh for a change in
business consisting of new paint colors, lighting,
and landscaping.
432 Fortuna Blvd.
Conditional Use
Permit
CUP to bring 7th Day Adventist Church and
associated activities into conformance. 2331 Main Street Design Review
Design review of a pre-engineered metal building to
be used as a contractor’s shop on the M1 zoned
portion of the subject parcel.
359 Main Street
Subdivision- Major
Subdivision of one parcel into six multi-family
residential parcels to allow for 28 total
condominium units.
1569 Newburg Road
Design Review Design Review of a 5-Unit multi-family
development.
121 12th Street
Conditional Use
Permit
CUP to allow multi-family use in Commercial
Thoroughfare Zone.
121 12th Street
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
Subdivision-Major Phase 2 of the Twin Creeks subdivision to create 21 residential parcels. Redwood Way
Subdivision-Major Completion of the final phases of the Gulliksen subdivision to create 35 residential parcels. Gulliksen Avenue Subdivision-Minor Minor subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels. Berry Creek Avenue
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Subdivision-Minor Minor subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels. Berry Creek Avenue
Subdivision-Minor Minor subdivision of one parcel into two residential parcels.
1125 Angel Heights
Drive
Subdivision-Minor Subdivision of one parcel into three residential parcels. 3495 Rohnerville Road
Grant Funding Updates:
• Community Development Block Grant Program Income and 2025 NOFA $ 2161348 Status: Staff have submitted applications for Economic Development, ADA Barrier Removal, and Planning to utilize $910,469 in Program Income and $1,250,879 in new CDBG funding. Awards to be announced in September 2026. • Northcoast Resource Partnership $10,000
Status: Awarded technical assistance grant to provide consultant assistance to develop a comprehensive Community Forest Plan as a guiding document to manage, protect, and sustainably use city owned forests. Kick-off meetings held in March. Community meetings to follow.
• 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 through their First-time Home Buyers Program. Delegation approved by City Council. Agreement to County Board of Supervisors in May 2026. • 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: Construction completed in March. Close-out to be completed by May 31, 2026 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; $144,500 Partial match funds for Vancil Forest Acquisition.
Status: Awarded. City Staff to work with State Parks staff to complete Federal requirements. Staff is seeking final funds for closing and incidental costs. • 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 Consent Agenda Item 4c
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: City Council has approved purchase agreement with property owners.
Building Division Activities:
• The Building Division issued 30 permits in April 2026; permit detail summaries are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Agenda Item 4c