Fortuna council adopts zoning changes to implement sixth-cycle housing element

The Fortuna City Council on Dec. 15 adopted two ordinances amending the city's zoning regulations to implement the sixth-cycle housing element.

Council conducted the second readings and voted to adopt Ordinance 2025-779 (amendments to Fortuna Municipal Code Title 17 chapters 17.03, 17.06 and 17.08) and Ordinance 2025-780 (amendment to the zoning map and adoption of a qualified combining zone). The council recorded a unanimous vote in favor of both measures (Connolly, Diaz, Stevens, Mayor Pro Tem Trent and Mayor Johnson voted yes).

City staff explained the ordinances were introduced at the Dec. 1 meeting and that the amendments are intended to implement programs identified in the housing element. The ordinances include findings that the amendments are exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act and the state Public Resources Code, as stated in the ordinance text.

Council members offered brief comments but did not request substantive amendments before the motions to adopt. Staff remained available to answer questions, and the council closed the public-hearing steps required for enactment.

Outcome and next steps: Both ordinances were adopted on second reading and will be filed and codified per city procedures. Staff noted related map and code updates will appear in subsequent administrative materials.