Approval of a Conditional Use Permit for an Accessory Structure with a Proposed Height of 26 feet, Which Exceeds the Zoning Code Standards of 15-foot Max Height

The City of Fortuna is processing a Conditional Use Permit for the construction of a 1,728 square foot detached accessory structure located at 969 Elizabeth Barcus Way, Fortuna, California. The proposed structure will have a height of 26 feet, which exceeds the 15-foot maximum height limit established for the Residential Estates zone. Under Fortuna Municipal Code Section 17.03.010 (E), the project seeks an exception to this height limit. The design includes a second story featuring a 1,164 square foot accessory dwelling unit with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Due to the inclusion of this dwelling unit, the project is utilizing a reduced side property line setback of four feet instead of the standard six-foot requirement for Zone RE 20 (B4 overlay). The project has been granted exemptions from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under Guidelines Section 15303 for small-scale new construction and Section 15332 for infill development. These exemptions are based on the project being located within city limits on a site of five acres or less, maintaining consistency with general plan and zoning designations, and having no significant impact on sensitive habitats or the quality of air, water, noise, and traffic. The administrative process is being managed by the City of Fortuna Senior Planner, with Donald Cleek serving as the contractor.