Consent Agenda Item 3c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: July 20, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brendan Byrd, Community Development Director
THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Monthly Report
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 7 business licenses in June. • Community Development staff met with consulting teams gathering data for General Plan Update process. Progress is on schedule and moving forward as planned. • The Fortuna General Plan 2060 website (www.fortunageneralplan2060.com) is live.
Community members can access information and find several ways to participate in the General Plan and Housing Element Update process including taking a Housing Survey and applying for the General Plan Update Technical Advisory Group. • Staff attended a CALED webinar on June 3, regarding the upcoming Go-Biz funded “Permit Streamlining Academy”, an in-person cohort-based training model, that includes both stipends and technical assistance for local jurisdictions to streamline their building and planning development processes. Applications for the academy are projected to open in late summer/early fall.
• The Senior Planner attended the inaugural “California Outdoor Economy Summit” at the Adorni Center in Eureka on June 4 and June 5. Participants from statewide outdoor recreation groups, eco/agro tourism industries, outdoor recreation businesses, economic development professionals, and local tribal representatives presented valuable insight in ways jurisdictions can capture a portion of the $87 billion in economic value added to the California economy.
• CDD Staff are developing a Local Authority Recommendation application for designation as an Opportunity Zone 2.0. An Opportunity Zone designation provides local businesses with access to outside private capital by offering investors significant federal tax breaks. • Community Development staff participated in an interview panel with Fortuna Police Department for the vacant Code Compliance Officer position.
Consent Agenda Item 3c
• On June 24, Planning Staff released a request for qualifications 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. • The Senior Planner and City Manager met with representatives from the North Coast Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to discuss collaboration with the implementation of a Community Development Block Grant funded Business Assistance Loan Program.
SBDC staff also advised city staff of an upcoming request for proposals for “neighborhood hub” partner locations to be released on July 17, 2026.
Planning Commission Activity:
• June 9, 2026
o The June 9th Planning Commission meeting was cancelled • June 23, 2026
o The Planning Commission approved with conditions a lot line adjustment between Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 202-112-042; 202-112-044 and found the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). o The Planning Commission approved Conditional Use Permit with conditions for an 832 Square-foot Accessory Structure with a Proposed Height of 21 feet and found the project to be exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.
Active Planning Projects:
Proposed Project Project Description Location
Minor Subdivision
A minor subdivision of an existing developed
parcel dividing the property into four individual
parcels and one remainder parcel
701 S. Fortuna Blvd
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
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
Grant Funding Updates:
• Community Development Block Grant 2025 NOFA Planning Activity: General Plan Update; Application for $279,307
Consent Agenda Item 3c
Status: Application is under review by CA Dept of Housing and Community Development Staff
• Community Development Block Grant Program Income (PI); PI on hand~$970,000 Status: Staff will bring next steps to utilize the Program Income on hand to Council in the near future.
• Northcoast Resource Partnership Technical Assistance; Awarded $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. Staff are working with technical advisor on scope of plan. Opportunities for community input to follow.
• California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation; Allocated $149,769
Status: City delegated 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; Awarded $144,500 Partial match funds for Vancil Forest Acquisition.
Status: City Staff to work with State Parks staff to complete Federal requirements. Staff are 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, signatures obtained. Staff are seeking incidental funding for land lot line adjustment to separate city and tribal portion of parcel.
Building Division Activities:
• The Building Division issued 19 permits in June 2026; permit detail summaries are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive the Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Agenda Item 3c