Council adopts inland zoning update and reviews general plan and housing progress

The Eureka City Council voted unanimously (4‑0, Council member Fernandez absent) on March 17 to adopt Bill 1057‑CS, the 2026 inland zoning code update, which amends design review standards, adds large site development rules and replaces the city’s wireless telecommunications chapter.

Council member Castellano moved to waive full reading and adopt the ordinance, noting the revisions to the city’s design and tiny‑house‑on‑wheels regulations that were discussed at prior meetings. The motion passed after a second and a roll call vote.

Planning Director Kenyon also presented the city’s 2040 General Plan annual progress report, which catalogues 101 accomplishment entries for calendar year 2025, and the mandated housing element annual report. Kenyon told council that Eureka’s regional housing needs allocation (RHNA) for the 2019–2027 cycle is 952 units; in 2025 the city issued building permits on 23 projects accounting for 143 units, representing the highest annual reporting year to date. Cumulative RHNA progress stands at 43% with 57% remaining; however, Kenyon highlighted a pipeline of deed‑restricted affordable projects that could substantially advance RHNA completion, including Wiyot elder and family housing, a Danco/HTA Earth Center transit‑oriented project, Link Housing sites and Sunset Heights, collectively expected to add several hundred deed‑restricted units if financing and permits proceed as planned.

Council members asked follow‑up questions about ADU (accessory dwelling unit) trends, the timing of building permits, and the proposed housing trust fund financing for an ADU assistance program. Director Kenyon said some reporting categories (for example, small dormitory-style units) do not count toward RHNA and clarified how the state counts units when building permits are issued. Council received both reports and adopted the ordinance.