Consent Agenda Item 4c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: June 15, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Katey Schmidt, Senior Planner
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report for May 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 4 business licenses, and 1 home occupation permits in May.
• Community Development staff participated in General Plan Update kick-off meetings with consulting teams to begin the update process.
• Staff began recruitment outreach for the General Plan Update Technical Advisory Group.
Community members that live or work within the greater Fortuna area are eligible to apply to serve on the advisory group.
• On May 4, the City Council provided direction to support designating the Redwood Transit System (RTS) stop at 11th & N Streets as a "major transit stop" in Humboldt County Association of Government’s (HCAOG) Regional Transportation Plan RTP) and directed staff to prepare parking standards and objective design standards applicable within a ½ mile of the stop. Planning staff is developing the parking plan and design standards and will be presenting to Council in the near future.
• Planning Staff are developing a request for proposals for a Hearing Officer to preside over public hearings related to the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance and other applicable hearings resulting from violations of the municipal code. • Council approved the Regional Climate Action Plan on May 18. Planning staff continues to meet with other jurisdictions to determine next steps in implementation of the RCAP.
The RCAP has also been adopted by the County of Humboldt, the City of Rio Dell, the City of Eureka, and the City of Arcata.
• The City Manager and Senior Planner met with staff from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) to discuss resources and opportunities to develop economic development programs for the city.
Consent Agenda Item 4c
• The Senior Planner is attending weekly webinars presented by GO-Biz covering economic development topics such as “Opportunity Zones 2.0” and the “Permit Streamlining Academy”. Staff will be pursuing opportunities to bring these resources and programs to the city.
Planning Commission Activity:
• May 12, 2026
o The Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review to construct five (5) attached multifamily units on Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 040-341-007.
• May 26, 2026
o The Planning Commission reviewed the City of Fortuna 2026-2027 Five-Year Capital Improvement Program and made a finding that the proposed plan is consistent with the General Plan and recommended adoption by the City Council. o The Planning Commission approved Design Review for exterior modifications including new paint colors, signage, and additional landscaping for Raliberto’s Taco Shop.
Active Planning Projects:
Proposed Project Project Description Location
Conditional Use
Permit
A Conditional Use Permit to allow a 21-foot
accessory structure to exceed the maximum
allowable height of 15 feet
500 Penny Lane
Lot Line Adjustment A Lot Line Adjustment between residential APNs 202-112-042 and 202-112-044 2608 Pine View Drive
Subdivision- Major
Subdivision of one parcel into six multi-family
residential parcels to allow for 28 total
condominium units.
1569 Newburg Road
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
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
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Grant Funding Updates:
• Community Development Block Grant Program Income and 2025 NOFA Status: Staff received notice that the Economic Development Program Income and ADA Barrier Removal CDBG applications do not meet the thresholds for approval. Staff will bring next steps to utilize the Program Income on hand to Council in the near future. • 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 were 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 agreement approved by City Council and County Board of Supervisors. Application submitted in May 2026.
• 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 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 27 permits in May 2026; permit detail summaries are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Agenda Item 4c