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Fortuna planners approve Ralberto's Taco Shop exterior design and find project exempt from CEQA
Summary
The Planning Commission unanimously adopted Resolution P-2026-3149 on May 26, 2026, approving exterior modifications for Ralberto's Taco Shop at 432 Fortuna Boulevard, including new paint, internally lit signage and refreshed landscaping; staff found the project exempt from CEQA under Guidelines §15061(b)(3) and §15332.
The Fortuna Planning Commission on May 26, 2026 adopted Resolution P-2026-3149 approving exterior design changes for Ralberto's Taco Shop at 432 Fortuna Boulevard and found the project exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Planner Schmidt presented the application and staff findings, saying the parcel is zoned commercial thoroughfare with a general-plan land-use designation of corridor mixed use and that proposed exterior work consists of new branded paint (safety orange and safety yellow with a neutral base), an internally lit wall sign and updated drive-thru signage. Schmidt said landscaping had been refreshed and three new arbutus unedo ("strawberry") trees were planted to meet parking-area tree requirements; lighting will be conditioned to be downcast to avoid spill onto neighboring parcels.
On CEQA, Schmidt recommended the commission find the project exempt under the "common-sense" exemption in Guidelines §15061(b)(3) and under Class 32 (infill development) in §15332 because the project involves cosmetic exterior work on a site already surrounded by urban development. The staff report recommended opening a public hearing, taking testimony, and adopting Resolution P-2026-3149 approving the design review and finding the project exempt from CEQA.
Raphael Cardona spoke during public comment representing owner Roberto Hernandez. Cardona apologized for earlier work the owner had begun without full knowledge of Fortuna’s regulations and said the owner has since hired engineers and designers to bring the project into compliance. Cardona said, "I want to apologize for that misstep" and asked the commission to consider the owner’s corrective steps.
Commissioners asked about potential parking overlap with a neighboring church’s occasional overflow parking and clarified the paint-swatch naming (Planner Schmidt noted the swatch includes both "silky star" and "fuzzy sheep" names). Commissioners expressed support for the owner’s corrective actions, and the commission moved, seconded, and unanimously approved the resolution.
Resolution details: Resolution P-2026-3149 approves exterior modifications (paint, signage, landscaping) for Ralberto's Taco Shop and finds the project categorically and commonly exempt from CEQA per the staff report. The project will proceed subject to standard conditions (e.g., downcast lighting) and any conditions included in the adopted resolution.
What’s next: The design-review approval allows the owner to complete the exterior work subject to the resolution’s conditions; staff will monitor compliance and any required permit follow-ups.
