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Council approves Bayside Village fence modification, conditions address wildlife and coastal rules
Summary
The Eureka City Council voted to conditionally approve a modification to the Bayside Village coastal development permit to replace front fencing, finding the change CEQA-exempt and adding conditions to protect wildlife and public right-of-way interests.
The Eureka City Council on Sept. 2 voted to adopt a resolution conditionally approving a modification to the Bayside Village coastal development permit that will replace a portion of the existing chain-link frontage with an alternate fence and new gates.
Assistant Planner Henry Baker told council the modification responds to the applicant27s request to replace chain-link fencing and barbed wire with a more residential-style frontage to make the transitional housing site feel more like a home. Baker said the project remains within the city27s coastal development permitting jurisdiction and that council27s decision is appealable to the California Coastal Commission.
Staff recommended that council find the modification exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and approve it with conditions. Six conditions from the original coastal development permit were carried forward, including construction best practices, stormwater protections, an expiration of authorization in 2050, and an inadvertent discovery protocol for archaeological resources. Two new conditions require encroachment permits for any work in the public right of way and that the fencing conform to one of three design options prepared to address California Department of Fish and Wildlife concerns (wrought-iron-style fencing with flat rails and gaps of 6 inches or less; wood slat or chain-link with design adjustments; or split-rail wildlife-friendly fencing).
Councilmember Castellano moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and the council recorded 4 yes votes with Councilmember Contreras Delosha absent. The motion carried.
The council discussion focused on aesthetics, humanizing the frontage to align with the residential character of nearby zoning, and ensuring the fencing choices do not harm wildlife or create entrapment hazards. Staff said the 6-inch gap limit and flat top/bottom rail details were intended to prevent animals from becoming pinned or injured.
The resolution and conditions will be incorporated into the final permit documents; the council27s action does not immediately change the existing installed fencing until required permits and construction steps are completed.
