Fortuna Planning Commission approves two‑lot subdivision at Fernwood and Penny Lane

The Planning Commission of the City of Fortuna unanimously approved Resolution PD-2025-3127 to subdivide a 3.97‑acre parcel (Assessor's Parcel Number 200-062-005) into two parcels and found the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act, Planning Director Sherry Mead told the commission.

The approval lets the applicant create a 1‑gross‑acre lot and a second lot of 129,373 square feet (approximately 2.97 gross acres) at the corner of Fernwood Road and Penny Lane. The commission found the tentative parcel map consistent with the City of Fortuna General Plan land use designation of Residential Rural and with the Residential Estates (RE‑43) zoning district standards.

Mead, the city’s community development director, said both parcels meet the RE‑43 minimum lot depth (140 feet), minimum lot width (150 feet), and setback standards (front and rear yards 40 feet or more; side yards 20 feet or more). She said the parcels are served by City of Fortuna water and Pacific Gas and Electric utilities and will use county‑approved septic systems where sewer is not available. Mead recommended the commission approve the map and make the findings required for a tentative subdivision map; the commission voted to adopt the resolution after a motion from Commissioner Hallie.

Chair Kine called for a roll call vote on Resolution PD-2025-3127; Commissioners Eamon, Doris, Hallie, Vice Chair Nichols and Chair Kine all voted yes. The motion passed and the resolution was adopted. The applicant attended the meeting but did not offer public testimony during the item.

Staff described the CEQA exemption as consistent with CEQA Guidelines section 15183 because the proposed density does not exceed the density assumed in the general plan environmental review. Staff also reported that the design of the subdivision is not likely to cause public health problems, is physically suitable for the proposed low‑density residential development, and will not conflict with public easements.

There were no public comments on the item, and the commission moved on to other business. The commission packet included a tentative map showing the two resulting parcels and the written setback information; staff noted that final frontage and driveway design will depend on the lot owner’s building plans and road access strategy.