Adoption of amendments to the Fortuna Zoning Regulations and the Zoning Map (Title 17 of the Fortuna Municipal Code)

The City of Fortuna is amending its Zoning Regulations and Zoning Map, as outlined in Title 17 of the Fortuna Municipal Code, to align with the adopted Mill District Specific Plan and the 6th Cycle Housing Element of the Fortuna General Plan. These regulatory changes are designed to implement Housing Element programs H-12 and H-18 to ensure compliance with California Government Code § 65582(c), promoting fair and equitable housing opportunities without any physical development or environmental impact. The amendments involve rezoning 87 parcels within the city and are supported by a categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines § 15061(b)(3) and Public Resources Code § 21080.085, which confirm that no significant environmental effects are possible. The action is ministerial and administrative in nature, intended solely to bring local zoning policies into conformity with state housing mandates. No procurement, contractor involvement, financial terms, or federal acquisition clauses apply, as this is a local government land-use action rather than a federal contract. The City of Fortuna, through its Senior Planner Katey Schmidt, serves as the lead agency contact, and the adoption was formalized by Resolution 2025-03 in February 2025. Documentation supporting the CEQA exemption, including a Notice of Exemption, has been completed to satisfy state environmental review requirements. The amendments reflect a procedural and policy update rather than a construction or service delivery effort, with no payments, invoicing, or performance schedules specified.