Fortuna planning commission approves Humboldt Creamery delivery sign at 180 South Fortuna Boulevard

The Fortuna Planning Commission voted to adopt Resolution P2025-3125 approving design review for a 15-square-foot, freestanding, non‑illuminated delivery sign to be installed at 180 South Fortuna Boulevard.

City staff presented the item, saying the sign would help direct delivery drivers to a Humboldt Creamery warehouse in the Preston Center and reduce traffic incidents. "There have actually been incidences in the past where large trucks have turned onto Smith Lane and actually become stuck and required police assistance to get them out," Community Development Director Sherry Meads said. Meads described the proposed sign as 3 feet by 5 feet, to be placed in the landscape strip between the sidewalk and the Preston Center parking lot and set 42 feet from the driveway, exceeding zoning-code distances.

The sign is non-illuminated, uses Humboldt Creamery colors, and would be identical on both faces to be visible from both directions of approach. Staff told the commission the project qualifies for a Class 11 categorical exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act because it is an on-premise sign and is not subject to the listed exceptions. Meads also said the applicant asked for director-level flexibility to move the sign up to 10 feet north or raise it to 8 feet if delivery drivers request it; Meads said such changes would remain within zoning limits and could be approved administratively.

Commission discussion focused on visibility and practical placement. "I suggested it also being higher so they could not have animals use it as a potty board, and, also, they would be able to mow underneath it," Meads said when describing staff recommendations. A commissioner said raising the sign would be useful because a semi's line of sight is higher than a passenger vehicle.

Commissioner Calkins recused himself from participation because he is employed by Humboldt Creamery; he left the dais for the item and abstained on the roll-call vote. The roll-call tally recorded six yes votes and one abstention; the motion passed and the commission approved the design review.

The resolution approves the sign as shown in the materials and notes that proposed minor adjustments described by staff could be approved at the director level without returning to the commission. The design-review approval does not authorize any illuminated or animated signage and remains subject to the city's municipal code standards for sign materials, colors and placement.

The commission’s approval clears the way for the applicant to install the sign at the approved location or seek the administrative adjustment staff described.