Frequently Asked Questions

All properties and land uses within the City of Fortuna are governed by the City’s General Plan. The General Plan establishes Fortuna’s long-term vision and serves as the primary framework for both strategic planning and day-to-day decision-making. It reflects the community’s priorities, values, and aspirations for future growth while maintaining Fortuna’s small-town character and environmental setting. The Plan includes the City’s adopted policies related to land use and community design, transportation, housing, environmental resources, and health and safety. In addition to these citywide policies, certain areas within Fortuna are subject to more detailed regulations through specific plans and other implementing documents. Find more information on what a General Plan consists of here: https://opr.ca.gov/planning/general-plan/

Zoning establishes the regulatory framework that governs how land can be used and developed. A zoning ordinance consists of two parts: a map (or series of maps) and text. The zoning map shows how the community is divided into different use districts or zones, and it shows the boundaries of each zoning district. The zoning text serves two important functions. First, it explains the zoning rules that apply in each zoning district. These rules typically establish a list of land uses allowed in each district plus a series of specific standards governing lot size, building height, and required yard and setback provisions. Second, the text sets forth a series of procedures for administering and applying the zoning ordinance. (Source: Zoning Basics, Planning Commissioners Journal, Spring 2001, https://planning.org/knowledgebase/resource/9123732/, accessed March 2026).  The City of Blue Lake Zoning Map assigns a zoning district to each property. The Blue Lake Zoning Ordinance (the zoning text) establishes the types of uses that are permitted and conditionally permitted, as well as the development standards that apply. The City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are intended to ensure that new development is compatible with surrounding uses, supports community character, and aligns with the goals and policies of the General Plan. In some areas, additional standards or overlays may apply, such as design guidelines or specific plan requirements, which provide more detailed direction for development The City of Fortuna Zoning Ordinance can be found here and the Zoning Map can be found in the Documents page.

Join our email list Just submit your email in the "Sign Up for Updates" space on the bottom of the page. Send us your thoughts, anytime Use the red “Write Us” button on the bottom of the page to send us a comment at your convenience. Participate in Workshops Throughout the Update process, the Housing Element Team will host workshops, online surveys, and more! These will be critical opportunities for you to provide guidance to the Housing Element Team. Please check the Participate page regularly and watch for announcements via the mailing list. Attending public hearings The Housing Element Update will be part of multiple City Council public meetings so there will be multiple opportunities to submit public comment. Review Documents The Housing Element Team will post all draft documents to the website. Please check the Documents page for all project deliverables and the Participate page for instructions on commenting.

As part of the Housing Element Update, we are inviting residents to share their perspectives on housing needs, priorities, and challenges. Your participation is essential to shaping a plan that not only meets state requirements but also aligns with Fortuna’s values, supports local goals, and results in housing solutions that truly fit the community.