Hank Sims / @ 7:39 a.m. / Agendizer

The Eureka City Council Will be Working Through Some of the City’s Biggest-Ticket Items on Tuesday, Including Downtown Parking and a New Plan for the Waterfront

Photo: Andrew Goff.

Apart from the occasional alleged prostitution front that it has to deal with, these days the Eureka City Council is focusing mostly on the big picture. What kind of city are we? What kind of city do we want to be? What can we do to get there?

This meeting is no exception. You’ve got a couple of items envisioning the future of the Waterfront/Old Town/Downtown; you’ve got diversity and inclusion issues in the city’s workforce; you’ve got the a philosophical question about whether people’s backyard privacy rights should trump new housing development.

Let’s dig in.

Reimagining the Eureka Waterfront

The City Council is getting its second look at the new “Waterfront Eureka Plan” that staff have drafted, and which will shape the future of the heart of the city. The Waterfront Area Plan covers all of three “districts” that have been defined by the city — the “Old Town District,” the “Library District” and the “Commercial Bayfront District.” Those places are depicted in the map below.

What is this plan for? Basically, just like Arcata’s Gateway Area Plan, the Waterfront Eureka Plan is designed to get a lot of the groundwork for future development out of the way, so that developers can hit the ground running with a more streamlined permitting process.

What is it hoping to accomplish? More housing, for sure — one goal mentioned in the plan is the creation of 115 new housing units in the planning area by 2027 — but its goals also include commercial, office and recreational development.

In the report, the city’s consultants clearly have the highest hopes for the vacant and underutilized lots along what they call the “Commercial Bayfront District” — mostly up against the water itself — and forecast the potential for massive growth in those zones:

Much of the City’s expected growth in the next 20 years is centered around development of the vacant and underutilized land in the Bayfront Commercial District …  When accounting for the development of vacant and underutilized sites, 1,219 jobs are expected to be added to this District alone; 773 dwelling units also have potential to be added.

Here are some after-and-before visualizations provided in the draft plan for each of the three “districts” within the Waterfront Eureka Plan, with the word “draft” unfortunately watermarked on top of them:

The entire report — which is surprisingly readable, for a government document! — is 127 pages long, and if you care about the future of Eureka you should download it to your Kindle or what have you. It talks about the types of development it would like to permit and encourage in each of the districts under consideration, and it discusses in great detail considerations for traffic, public space, design aesthetics, sea level rise and more.

Still plenty of time to give feedback: Public comment is scheduled to close on Aug. 11, and a final draft will come before council for full public hearings in September and October.

Longer Streetside Parking Downtown?

Also for the second straight meeting, and intimately related to the item above: a specific topic that seems to engage the passions and fears of some Eurekans — parking! Where oh where will we park our cars, once the city is done building apartment buildings on many of the city-owned free parking lots?

The days of abundant, free-forever, city-subsidized parking seem to be drawing to a close, as Eureka government has decided that it can tackle …

  1. The housing crisis
  2. The climate crisis
  3. The more-moribund-than-we-would-like character of Downtown/Old Town

… by opening up those areas for loads and loads of new housing development, thus making them a little more cityish and a little less like the tumbleweed-bestrewn, Dust Bowl-era, boarded-up Main Street of Podunk, Oklahoma (which, to give it its due, has plenty of free parking.)

As we wrote in advance of the last meeting, the current slate of parking reforms includes converting some of the city’s existing free-to-park lots to pay-to-park lots. What’s new this week? Well, one hand giveth what the other taketh away. In this case, the city has offered up a map of areas of Old Town/Downtown that it would like to upzone — in essence, there will be some streetside parking area where you will be allowed to park for four hours, rather than the two you are currently allowed.

See the map below:

… and click to enlarge it, if you like. See all the areas outlined in blue — basically, west of E Street, east of H and south of Fifth? If the council decides to make it so, you’ll be allowed to park there for four hours instead of the two you currently get. (The small yellow zones by the Courthouse and City Hall will be 30-minute maximum parking.)

Mother-in-Law Units and Privacy

Apparently, some Eurekans are concerned about the newish state law that allows basically any single-family-homeowner to build a mother-in-law unit on their property — or an “Accessory Dwelling Unit,” as we call them now. What are these Eurekans concerned about? Well, to hear it described in item I(3)’s staff report, they’re worried about the impacts of these units to their privacy. Maybe there will be people living in these ADUs peeking into their yards!

What can the city do to allay their fears? Well, staff took a look around and found that other cities have, in fact, passed some regulations guiding the construction of new ADUs. Some of them ban windows or balconies on the second floor if they face a neighbor’s yard. Others require vegatation or fencing to block lines of sight. Some require that windows be placed up high in rooms, so that light can be let in but people can’t look out.

Should Eureka make regulations like this? The staff thinks that it probably should not, as new ADU construction is “critical to meeting our housing goals,” and new regulations run the risk of slowing it down. Instead, city staff propose that they should develop information materials that they can provide to people wanting to build an ADU on their property, so’s to clue them into best practices when it comes to the privacy of their neighbors. Will the City Council go along with this recommendation? We’ll find out!

The City’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Work

In addition to all of the above, the council will hear a presentation from Fogbreak Justice LLC, the consulting firm that has been monitoring city government’s workplace diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

What’s the news? Seems good, mostly! After a series of workshops and leadership meetings and the like, employees are far more likely to agree that city government is committed to workplace diversity, and they’re also far more likely to agree that the city values individuals and their differences. They’re slightly more likely to feel like they’re accepted by their coworkers and that they belong in their workplace. 

Fogbreak Justice has helpfully included the PowerPoint presentation they plan to present to the council, so you can check that here if you like.

###

The Eureka City Council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 1 at Eureka City Hall — 531 K Street. Remote participation instructions at this link. Below: Full agenda and supporting documentation, with both informative and whimsical robot-generated summaries.


Eureka City Council
Aug. 1, 2023, 6 p.m.

A. MAYOR’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

B. PRESENTATIONS

C. BOARD/COMMISSION REPORTS

D. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

E. PUBLIC HEARINGS

1. 5th and Myrtle Rights-of-Way Vacation and Surplus Property

The Eureka City Council is considering vacating and selling a portion of the 5th Street and Myrtle Avenue rights-of-way in Eureka. These areas are no longer needed for public road use due to a realignment project. The council is recommending holding a public hearing and adopting two resolutions regarding the vacation and surplus of the property. There is no fiscal impact, and these actions align with the city’s goals for economic growth and improvement of existing buildings and sites. The property will be sold to Pacific Outfitters, who has been maintaining the land since 2003, and the fair market value is determined to be $33,000. The city will retain easements for utilities. The Planning Commission has already approved these actions, and the environmental impact assessment determined that these projects are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an episode of Seinfeld!

Title: “The Vacation Fiasco”

INT. JERRY’S APARTMENT - DAY

Jerry and George are sitting at the kitchen table, discussing the latest city council meeting.

JERRY: (flipping through a newspaper) Can you believe this, George? They want to vacate the 5th and Myrtle rights-of-way.

GEORGE: (eating a bag of chips) Vacate? What’s that supposed to mean?

JERRY: I guess they want to abandon or terminate the public’s right to use those streets.

GEORGE: Well, who needs those streets anyway? I never even heard of them.

JERRY: I think they’re trying to sell the land to Pacific Outfitters. They’ve been using it as a parking lot.

GEORGE: Pacific Outfitters? I never go there. I’m more of an indoor guy. Although, I could use some new hiking boots…

INT. MONK’S CAFE - DAY

Jerry and George sit at their usual booth, discussing the city council meeting with Elaine.

ELAINE: (sipping her coffee) So, they want to sell public land to a business?

JERRY: That’s what it looks like. They even had to get an appraisal for the land.

ELAINE: (mockingly) Oh, I can just imagine. “Welcome to Pacific Outfitters, where all our camping gear comes with a hefty price tag and a piece of the public’s land!”

GEORGE: Maybe they’ll have a sale. I could use a discount on those boots.

JERRY: You’re really fixated on those boots, aren’t you?

GEORGE: Hey, a man needs good shoes for survival.

INT. EUREKA CITY COUNCIL MEETING - NIGHT

Jerry, George, and Elaine sit in the back of the room as the council begins discussing the rights-of-way vacation.

COUNCIL MEMBER: (speaking into the microphone) We have received a request from Pacific Outfitters to purchase the city-owned land. They have been maintaining it as part of their parking lot for years.

ELAINE: (whispering to Jerry) Can’t they find another parking lot?

JERRY: (whispering back) Apparently not. This land is crucial for their business.

George raises his hand, trying to get the council’s attention.

COUNCIL MEMBER: Yes, sir?

GEORGE: (standing up) I have a question. Are you going to sell any other public land? Because I might need a new apartment soon.

The council members look confused, but Jerry and Elaine chuckle in the background.

INT. JERRY’S APARTMENT - NIGHT

Jerry, George, and Elaine sit on the couch, recapping the council meeting.

ELAINE: (laughing) I can’t believe George asked about finding a new apartment at a city council meeting!

GEORGE: (defensively) Hey, I’m just thinking ahead. You never know when you’ll need to move.

JERRY: (smirking) Well, I guess this whole rights-of-way vacation is turning into a real fiasco.

They all laugh as the scene fades out.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - Policy 4.02Attachment 2 - Policy 2.01Attachment 3 -Right-of-Way Vacation and Public Utilities EasementAttachment 4 - Resolution PC SV-23-0015Attachment 5 - Resolution PC SP-23-0014Attachment 6 - City Council Resolution SVAttachment 7 - City Council Resolution SP


F. CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Council Minutes

2. Wharfinger Parking Lot Stormwater Modifications Project

The Eureka City Council is discussing a project to modify the Wharfinger Parking Lot’s stormwater system. The project aims to improve the lot’s ability to manage stormwater and meet environmental standards. The city has entered into an agreement with the California Regional Water Quality Control Board due to violations of the city’s discharge permit. The fines for these violations total $165,000, and the Regional Water Board has authorized the city to use up to $90,000 of this penalty for the project. The project involves replacing materials in the vegetated areas, removing parking spaces, and installing drains. It was awarded to R.A.O. Construction for a bid amount of $105,414, with additional expenses bringing the total to $99,511. The city staff recommends accepting the project and filing a notice of completion.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Dungeons & Dragons campaign!

Title: The Stormwater Heist

Synopsis:
The city of Eureka is facing a financial predicament due to violations of their discharge permit. To offset the fines, the city council has accepted a project called the Wharfinger Parking Lot Stormwater Modifications Project. However, unknown to the council, a group of powerful underground individuals known as the H2O Syndicate plans to exploit the stormwater modifications project for their nefarious agendas. It is up to a group of bold adventurers to uncover the secret plans of the H2O Syndicate and prevent them from carrying out their evil intentions.

Adventure Hook:
The adventurers find themselves in the bustling city of Eureka. As they explore the city, they overhear whispers of a valuable artifact hidden within the stormwater modifications project. Rumors start circulating about a mysterious organization called the H2O Syndicate, infamous for their cunning and disregard for the law. Intrigued, the adventurers decide to investigate the project and uncover the truth behind the rumors.

Objectives:
1. Investigate the Stormwater Modifications Project: The adventurers need to gather information about the project, its purpose, and any potential hidden agendas. They can start by speaking to Gabriel Adame, the Associate Civil Engineer who prepared the project.

2. Gather Intel on the H2O Syndicate: The adventurers must dig deeper into the rumors surrounding the H2O Syndicate. They can visit local taverns, interact with underworld contacts, and gather information from shady sources to learn about the syndicate’s plans.

3. Foil the H2O Syndicate’s Scheme: Once the adventurers have enough evidence, they need to prevent the H2O Syndicate from carrying out their heist. This could involve sabotaging their equipment, rallying the city guard for assistance, or engaging the syndicate in a daring confrontation.

4. Recover the Artifact: If the H2O Syndicate successfully executes their plan, the adventurers must retrieve the hidden artifact before it falls into the wrong hands. They may have to explore hidden underground tunnels, navigate treacherous traps, and fight off various adversaries to secure the artifact.

Conclusion:
With the help of the adventurers, the city council realizes the true nature of the Wharfinger Parking Lot Stormwater Modifications Project and takes immediate action to rectify the situation. The adventurers are hailed as heroes for uncovering the H2O Syndicate’s plot and saving the city from further harm. The artifact is returned to its rightful place, and the adventurers are rewarded with fame, fortune, and the gratitude of the city of Eureka.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


3. Pavement Rehabilitation 2023 Bid No. 2023-05 – Additional PG&E Funds

The Eureka City Council is considering authorizing additional funds for road repairs in the city. The project, called Pavement Rehabilitation 2023, is being carried out by the Mercer Fraser Company. The council wants to increase the contract with them to include work on streets that have been impacted by PG&E maintenance projects. This change order would increase the contract amount from $2,386,000 to $2,795,665. The city has been coordinating with PG&E to make sure their maintenance projects align with the city’s pavement restoration projects. PG&E has already completed some repairs and has committed $406,665 for street restoration. The city believes they can manage and oversee the restoration more efficiently and effectively than PG&E, leading to longer-lasting and more cost-effective repairs. The additional work is expected to be completed before the end of Fall 2023.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Bollywood song!

(Verse 1)
In the heart of Eureka, where dreams take flight
The streets of Old Town, shining so bright
But time has taken its toll, they need some care
Pavement Rehabilitation, we’ll make them fair

(Chorus)
Oh, let’s come together, hand in hand
Rebuilding our city, making it grand
With additional funds from PG&E
We’ll create a paradise, for all to see

(Verse 2)
Mercer Fraser Company, they’ve got the skill
To bring back the beauty, with their strong will
D Street, E Street, all the way to Third
They’ll work their magic, every street restored

(Bridge)
We’ve coordinated with PG&E so well
Their repairs completed, now it’s our turn to excel
We’ll manage the restoration, with expertise
Making it more cost-effective, bringing harmony

(Chorus)
Oh, let’s come together, hand in hand
Rebuilding our city, making it grand
With additional funds from PG&E
We’ll create a paradise, for all to see

(Verse 3)
From C Street to Wabash Avenue, we’ll pave the way
B Street, Sonoma Street, a fresh start today
Del Norte Street, Cedar Street, they’ll all shine
With larger overlays, they’ll stand the test of time

(Bridge)
The City Council recommends the change order
To cover the additional work, we’ll go further
With Mercer Fraser Company, paving the road
Our city will rise, a success story yet untold

(Chorus)
Oh, let’s come together, hand in hand
Rebuilding our city, making it grand
With additional funds from PG&E
We’ll create a paradise, for all to see

(Outro)
The construction will be complete, before fall ends
Eureka will stand tall, and make amends
Pavement Rehabilitation, a chapter in history
A stronger, more beautiful city, for eternity

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


4. Highland Park Restroom/Concession Building Procurement

The Eureka City Council is discussing a proposal to build a new restroom/concession building at Highland Park. The recommendation is to award the contract to Romtec and authorize the City Manager to sign a contract worth up to $170,000. The funding for the project comes from various sources, including a cannabis fine, naming rights, and government funding. The replacement building will be similar to ones at other parks in the area. The City is a member of Sourcewell, a cooperative purchasing agency, and staff recommends awarding the contract to Romtec through Sourcewell.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a pitch from a used car salesman!

Are you tired of using run-down restrooms when visiting your local park? Do you want a comfortable and convenient space to enjoy your concessions? Well, look no further because we have the perfect solution for you!

Introducing the new restroom/concession building at Highland Park. This state-of-the-art facility is exactly what you’ve been waiting for. And the best part? You won’t have to break the bank to enjoy it. We are offering an unbeatable price of $170,000 for the entire project.

But let’s not stop there. We have secured funding from various sources, including a generous donation from a cannabis fine, naming rights, and Prop 68 per capita funding. This means that the project is already well on its way, and we just need your support to make it a reality.

With this renovation, we’re not just upgrading the restroom and concession facilities. We’re also enhancing the entire park. We will be replacing fencing around the ballfield and tennis courts, resurfacing and restriping the tennis courts (with the addition of pickleball courts), and improving the trail network to ensure ADA compliance.

But what makes this project even more exciting is our partnership with Sourcewell. As a member of this cooperative purchasing agency, we have been able to secure a contract with Romtec, a trusted provider of premanufactured buildings. Their expertise in delivering quality structures is unmatched, and we are confident that the restroom/concession building at Highland Park will exceed your expectations.

Not only will this new building enhance the overall aesthetics of the park, but it will also greatly improve the visitor experience. You can now enjoy your time at Highland Park in comfort and convenience, without worrying about the condition of the facilities.

So join us in bringing a new level of community pride to Highland Park. Let’s invest in our local amenities and create a space that we can all be proud of. Together, we can make a difference and transform our park into a truly remarkable destination.

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about how you can support this project and be part of the positive change in our community. The future of Highland Park starts now, and we can’t wait to have you on board.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report


G. LEGISLATIVE ACTION CORRESPONDENCE

H. ORDINANCES/RESOLUTIONS

1. Parking Improvements 2023 - Amendment to the Eureka Municipal Code Chapters 70 and 72 –

The Eureka City Council is discussing improvements to parking in the Old Town/Downtown District. They want to better manage existing parking resources and make parking more accessible in the area. They have conducted a study and have come up with recommendations for improvements. Some of these include better signage, updating the website with parking information, changing time limits for parking, replacing parking meters, implementing a permit parking program for employees, and exploring long-term upgrades like improving lighting and creating a parking lot shuttle program. They also want to implement pay-to-park parking in four downtown core lots and raise parking meter rates. To make these changes, they need to amend the Eureka Municipal Code. The Transportation Safety Commission has already voted to support these changes, and the City Council introduced an ordinance to update the Municipal Code. The proposed changes include amending parking time limits, designating certain lots as pay-to-park, changing parking fee rates, and implementing an employee permit parking program. The City Council will vote on these changes and is recommended to adopt the ordinance and approve the improvements.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a Brazilian carnival song!

Let’s write a Brazilian carnival song in Portuguese based on the given information:

(Verse 1)
No coração da cidade, Eureka é o lugar,
O Carnaval chegou, vamos todos celebrar!
O Departamento de Obras Públicas convoca a multidão,
Vamos falar sobre melhorias de estacionamento, a ação!

(Chorus)
Eureka, Eureka, vamos dançar e cantar,
No Carnaval da cidade, vamos todos se alegrar!
Mudanças no estacionamento, vamos implementar,
A cidade mais bela, todos vão se apaixonar!

(Verse 2)
O Diretor de Obras Públicas, Brian Gerving a liderar,
Preparou um plano para melhorar e facilitar,
O acesso aos estacionamentos, em toda a região,
Utilização eficiente, é a nossa missão.

(Chorus)
Eureka, Eureka, vamos dançar e cantar,
No Carnaval da cidade, vamos todos se alegrar!
Mudanças no estacionamento, vamos implementar,
A cidade mais bela, todos vão se apaixonar!

(Bridge)
Estacionamentos sinalizados, melhorias nos lotes,
Permissões para funcionários, para todos os seus rotes.
Mapas de limites de tempo, para maior eficiência,
Eureka se transforma, com essa nova experiência.

(Chorus)
Eureka, Eureka, vamos dançar e cantar,
No Carnaval da cidade, vamos todos se alegrar!
Mudanças no estacionamento, vamos implementar,
A cidade mais bela, todos vão se apaixonar!

(Outro)
Eureka, cidade encantada, no Carnaval vamos brilhar,
Com as melhorias em estacionamento, vamos avançar.
O Conselho Municipal aprovou, nossa alegria não tem fim,
Eureka, Eureka, sempre estaremos assim!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportBil No. 1028 - Parking AmendmentsResolution - Adopt Parking Time Limits Map


I. REPORTS/ACTION ITEMS

1. Diversity Equity & Inclusion Plan - Final Report

The Eureka City Council will be receiving a report on the progress of their Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Plan. This plan focuses on promoting diversity and inclusion in the city. The report will cover the different phases of the plan and the achievements made so far. It will also discuss future goals for the DEI work. This report does not have any financial impact.

— LoCOBot

… or, as a conversation between two very stoned people named Starfish and Noodles!

Starfish: Hey man, have you seen this agenda for the Eureka City Council meeting?

Noodles: Nah man, I haven’t. What’s it about?

Starfish: It’s about this Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. They’re gonna present a final report on its progress.

Noodles: Oh, that sounds interesting. What’s the plan all about?

Starfish: Well, it’s about promoting diversity and equality in the city. It’s all about making sure everyone feels included, you know?

Noodles: Yeah, man, that’s important. So, what’s the report gonna cover?

Starfish: It says they’re gonna talk about the phases they’ve gone through and the progress they’ve made so far. They’ve completed the initial program, so they’re gonna share all their accomplishments.

Noodles: That’s great, man. It’s cool to see the city working towards inclusivity. Do they have any future goals?

Starfish: Yeah, man, they’re gonna address continuing DEI work. They wanna keep pushing for diversity and equality in the long run.

Noodles: That’s awesome, dude. I’m glad they’re not just stopping at the initial program. It’s important to keep the momentum going.

Starfish: Totally, man. It’s good to know that they’re focused on making a lasting change in the community.

Noodles: So, is there gonna be any action taken at this meeting?

Starfish: Nah, man, it looks like it’s just an informational report. They just wanna keep the council updated on their progress.

Noodles: Well, at least they’re keeping everyone in the loop. It’s important for the community to know what’s going on.

Starfish: Yeah, exactly. Transparency is key, man.

Noodles: For sure, man. It’s all about being open and inclusive, just like this plan aims to be.

Starfish: Absolutely, dude. I’m glad they’re taking the steps to create a more diverse and inclusive Eureka.

Noodles: Me too, man. It’s a step in the right direction.

Starfish: No doubt, man. Let’s hope they keep up the good work.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff Report[June 2023] Fogbreak Eureka Final City Council Presentation[May 2023] Eureka Final Final Report


2. Waterfront Eureka Plan Public Review Draft

The city of Eureka is proposing a plan called the Waterfront Eureka Plan (WEP) to accelerate housing production and redevelopment in the city’s Coastal Zone Core Area. The plan aims to streamline housing approvals and provide a roadmap for development along the waterfront. A specific plan is a detailed document that combines policies and regulations for a specific area. The WEP has been posted for public review and comment, and the city is seeking input from the city council and the public. The plan is still subject to environmental and consistency analyses, and the final version will be presented to the Planning Commission and City Council for adoption. The public review period ends on August 11, 2023.

— LoCOBot

… or, as an Elizabethan sonnet!

In Eureka’s City Council, a plan is presented,
Waterfront Eureka Plan, for development’s sake,
To enhance the heart where all activity’s placed,
And attract funds for reinvestment’s take.

Goals and visions, both long-term and precise,
A thriving core, pedestrian and compact,
A housing element to prioritize,
Regulations friendly, to attract.

The plan consists of a specific design,
To detail the area’s future intent,
Combining policies and rules, intertwine,
To guide developers where they be sent.

Public review is open for comment,
To shape the plan before its final cement.

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - WEP Public Review DraftAttachment 2 - WEP Appendices A and B


3. Neighbor Privacy Concerns and Accessory Dweling Units

The Eureka City Council is discussing neighbor privacy concerns and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), which are small residences built on existing properties. The council is considering creating informational materials about privacy considerations for people interested in building ADUs, instead of imposing new privacy-related regulations. The council is limited by state law in regulating ADUs and can only adopt objective standards. Some examples of objective privacy standards include landscaping and fencing requirements, placing windows above eye level, and prohibiting certain features facing adjacent properties. ADUs are important for creating new housing units, and the city currently has streamlined ADU standards. City staff recommends against adding additional regulations to avoid hindering ADU development. Instead, they suggest providing guidance on privacy considerations through informational materials.

— LoCOBot

… or, as smack talk from a professional wrestler!

Listen up, Eureka City Council! We got a report here about some neighbor privacy concerns and Accessory Dwelling Units. But let me tell you something, folks, the City government doesn’t want to address these concerns head-on. No, they want to create some wimpy informational materials instead of taking real action. Can you believe it?

Now, here’s the deal. The City is limited by State Law when it comes to regulating these ADUs. They can only impose objective standards, and they can’t even require setbacks or discretionary reviews. It’s like they’re tying their own hands behind their back.

But get this, there are certain types of ADUs that the City can’t even apply privacy standards to. They’re just off-limits, folks. So much for protecting neighbors’ privacy, right?

But don’t worry, the City Staff did a quick search and found some other places that have privacy standards in place. They got landscaping requirements, restrictions on windows, and even limitations on balconies and decks. But let me tell you something, these standards might not even be effective because a lot of ADUs are exempt from them. So what’s the point, really?

Here’s what the City Staff recommends, folks. Instead of adding more regulations, they want to give people some flimsy guidance on avoiding privacy complaints. Can you believe that? They think telling people to plant some trees or put up a fence will solve the problem. It’s a joke, I tell you.

So here’s the bottom line, Eureka City Council. The City needs ADUs to meet their housing goals, but they’re too scared to take a stand on privacy concerns. They’d rather give out pamphlets than actually do something about it. It’s a disgrace, folks. And that’s the bottom line because the WWE heel said so!

— LoCOBot

DOCUMENTS:

Staff ReportAttachment 1 - State ADU Law (CGC 65852.2)Attachment 2 - City Inland ADU Regulations


4. League of California Cities Voting Delegate


J. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

K. CITY MANAGER REPORTS

1. Construction Report


L. PUBLIC COMMENT CONTINUED

M. COUNCIL REPORTS / CITY-RELATED TRAVEL REPORTS


Lately on LoCO

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