Fortuna planning commission approves 26‑foot accessory structure/ADU with condition to add screening

The Fortuna Planning Commission on Oct. 14 approved Resolution PD-2025-3139, allowing a 1,728-square-foot detached accessory structure with a 26-foot height and a 1,162-square-foot, two‑bedroom ADU at a 1.22‑acre parcel on Elizabeth Barkus Way, subject to a condition that screening (Italian) junipers be installed “as soon as” an occupancy permit is issued.

The approval matters to neighbors because the requested accessory-building height exceeds the 15‑foot accessory limit in the city zoning code; opponents said the structure as proposed will reduce privacy and change the character of the residential‑estates neighborhood.

Senior Planner Katie told the commission the subject parcel is in the RE‑20 (Residential Estates) zoning district with a B‑4 overlay and is developed with a 2,172‑square‑foot single‑family residence and a 747‑square‑foot attached garage. The proposal is for a detached accessory structure of 1,728 square feet total, including hobby space on the first floor and a 1,162‑square‑foot, two‑bedroom, two‑bath ADU on the second story. The accessory structure would be sited in the northwest corner of the lot near Sunrise Court; the applicant proposes an approximately 8‑foot side setback though the ADU provisions allow a reduced 4‑foot setback.

Planner Katie summarized the applicable rules cited in the staff report: accessory buildings are limited to 15 feet in…