Fortuna Planning Commission approves 26-foot accessory structure and ADU on Elizabeth Parkes Way, adds screening condition

The Fortuna Planning Commission on Oct. 14 approved Resolution PD-2025-3139, granting a conditional use permit for a 1,728-square-foot detached accessory structure with a 1,162-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath accessory dwelling unit (ADU) at a property on Elizabeth Parkes Way. The structure’s proposed height is 26 feet, exceeding the 15-foot limit for accessory buildings in the parcel’s residential estates (RE-20) zone. The commission approved the resolution 4-1 and added a condition requiring screen junipers to be planted “as soon as” occupancy is available.

The project, presented by Senior Planner Katie, applies to a 1.22-acre parcel in the RE-20 zone with a B-4 overlay. Staff said the primary residence on the parcel is 2,172 square feet with an attached 747-square-foot garage. The proposal places the new detached structure in the northwest corner of the lot, includes two new paved parking spaces accessed from the existing driveway, and uses the ADU rules to allow a reduced side setback (the applicant proposes an approximately 8-foot setback; ADU rules…