Consent Agenda Item 4c
STAFF REPORT
Consent Agenda Item
DATE: September 21, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and Council Members
FROM: Brendan Byrd, Community Development Director/City Engineer THROUGH: Amy Nilsen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Community Development Department Monthly Report for August 2026 STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Receive report as an informational item.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
Planning Division Activity:
• The Planning Division processed 9 business licenses in August. • The City is currently recruiting members for the General Plan Technical Advisory Group.
Fortuna residents and individuals who work in the community are encouraged to participate in shaping the City’s General Plan, a long-range policy document that will guide growth, development, and community priorities over the next 30 years. • Community Development staff are working with local Mobile Home Parks to implement the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance and establish Maximum Allowable Rents. • City Council approved the award and Professional Service Agreement for the On-Call Administrative Hearing Officer to preside over public hearings related to the Mobile Home Rent Stabilization Ordinance and other applicable administrative hearings resulting from violations of the municipal code on August 17, 2026.
• Planning staff continue to attend Technical Assistance workshops presented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development to receive guidance on Cycle 7 Housing Element development and requirements.
• Community Development, Public Works, and Fortuna Fire staff participated in four preapplication meetings in August, consulting with local property owners, developers, and potential businesses regarding housing and new business ventures within the city. • Planning staff submitted a Letter of Interest to the NorCal Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to express the City's intent to submit a proposal in response to SBDC's Request for Proposals to host an SBDC Neighborhood Branch at City Hall, providing business advising services to local small businesses. Proposals are due September 18, 2026. • Planning staff presented to the Rohner Community Recreation and Parks District on August 5, requesting supplemental funding to support awarded grant funds and to cover incidental expenses and federally required expenses necessary to complete the acquisition of parkland at the Lower Eel River Riverwalk area and the Vancil Forest area.
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Planning Commission Activity:
• The August 11th, and August 25th Planning Commission meetings were cancelled.
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
Engineering Division Activity:
• Staff have been coordinating with Sequoia Construction on the minor remodel project at City Hall, which will convert the former Building Counter area into a second public counter and workspace. Work is anticipated to begin in the fall. • Division Staff have been working with the Community Development Department to finalize a number of larger building permits, including a new contractors yard at 359 Main Street, and the Newburg Glen Apartments.
• Staff have contracted with GHD for the Water System Master Plan and have been working with Public Works to fulfil a comprehensive data request for the update to the City’s water system hydraulic model.
• The Engineering Division has continued to upgrade controllers at traffic signals throughout the City and has been collecting vehicle speed data for the City’s 2026 Speed Survey update.
• Staff have been researching and evaluating a number of grant opportunities for the fall, including CDFW and WCB grants for the Mill Creek Habitat Connectivity Project and a Highway Safety Improvement Program Grant for Improvements to Rohnerville Road.
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Grant Funding Updates:
• Community Development Block Grant 2025 NOFA Planning Activity: General Plan Update; Application for $279,307
Status: Application is under review by California Department of Housing and Community Development staff.
• Community Development Block Grant Program Income (PI); PI on hand~$970,000 Status: A Community Meeting is scheduled for September 24, 2026, to discuss potential uses of program income funds. A Public Hearing is scheduled for October 5, 2026, to approve selected activities and authorize submission of a Program Income Application. • 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 the technical advisor on the scope of the plan. Opportunities for community input will follow. • California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) 2026 NOFA; NEW FUNDS ALLOCATED: $136,762 for CY 202425
Status: The City is reviewing potential uses of allocated funds. Staff will bring the selected activity to Council prior to application.
• Rohner Community Recreation and Park District; Funding Request: $16,000 Status: Approval of $13,500 in funding for the Vancil Acquisition to cover the Lot Line Adjustment, State Historic Preservation Office requirements, including a Cultural Survey, and Yellow Book appraisal; Appraisal; $12,500 for the Lower Eel River Acquisition to cover the Lot Line Adjustment and County LLA application fees. • 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.
Consent Agenda Item 4c
Status: City Council has approved the purchase agreement with the property owners, and signatures have been obtained. Staff are seeking incidental funding for a lot line adjustment to separate the City and tribal portions of the parcel.
Building Division Activities:
• The Building Division issued 36 permits in August 2026; permit detail summaries are attached.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
Receive Community Development Department Monthly Report. Consent Agenda vote.
Consent Agenda Item 4c