Fortuna City Council on Dec. 1 adopted Ordinance 2025-778, which adds chapter 8.45 to Title 8 of the Fortuna Municipal Code to make it unlawful for any person in the city to sell, offer, distribute or provide nitrous oxide.

City staff told the council this was the fourth time the matter had come before the body. At the prior meeting on Nov. 17 the council amended the draft to allow wholesale food distributors to deliver nitrous oxide directly to food-preparation facilities located in the city; staff said that amendment is reflected in the ordinance adopted tonight.

There was no public testimony on the ordinance at the second reading. A council member moved to conduct the second reading and adopt the ordinance and the motion passed on a roll-call vote: Council member Connolly voted aye, Council member Diaz yes, Council member Stevens no, Mayor Pro Tem Trent yes, and Mayor Johnson yes. The ordinance was read by title only and adopted.

Council did not attach additional enforcement details to the ordinance during the meeting; staff and the police chief were available to answer questions but none were raised by members of the public.