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First-Year Fee Waiver Program

Building Opportunity: Fort Bragg Launches New First-Year Business Incentive Program

 

In a major step to support entrepreneurship, revitalize vacant commercial spaces, and strengthen Fort Bragg’s local economy, the Fort Bragg City Council has approved a new First-Year Fee Waiver Program designed to reduce startup costs for qualifying small businesses opening within the City.

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The new pilot program waives select City-imposed administrative fees commonly incurred during the startup and permitting process, helping local entrepreneurs move from concept to operation more efficiently while maintaining all zoning, safety, and regulatory standards. The initiative reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to economic development, business retention, and downtown revitalization.

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“This is one of the most proactive business-support initiatives the City has undertaken,” said Isaac Whippy, City Manager for the City of Fort Bragg. “Too often, great ideas never move forward because of upfront costs, uncertainty, or process fatigue. We want to change that. We want entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors to know that Fort Bragg is ready to partner with them, support them, and help turn ideas into reality.”

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The program builds on the City’s broader Business Expansion, Attraction, and Retention (BEAR) Strategy and complements ongoing 2024-2028 economic development efforts, including the establishment of the Economic Development Department, façade improvement grants, capacity fee deferral opportunities, and improved access to capital through the Fort Bragg Business Boost Fund, alongside the Vacant Commercial Registry designed to activate vacant storefronts and encourage reinvestment. Together, these initiatives reinforce the City’s commitment to serving not only as a regulator, but as a facilitator of economic opportunity, entrepreneurship, and long-term business growth.

 

Under the program, qualifying independently owned businesses with ten or fewer employees may receive waivers for eligible first-year fees, including:

  • Business License Fee

  • Sign Permit Fee

  • Administrative Design Review

  • Zoning Clearance

  • Minor Use Permit fees for qualifying projects (excluding public noticing costs and subject to program criteria)

 

The total potential waiver may reach approximately $3,000 per business, depending on permits required.

 

The City emphasizes that the program does not waive safety reviews, building standards, code compliance requirements, taxes, enterprise fund fees, or third-party costs. Instead, it is intended to reduce unnecessary financial friction early in the business development process while preserving full regulatory oversight.

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The program includes several safeguards to ensure fiscal responsibility and strategic targeting, including:

  • Annual program cap of $25,000

  • One-time eligibility per business entity and location

  • Geographic prioritization for downtown and long-term vacant commercial properties

  • Administrative approval by the City Manager or designee

  • Annual reporting to City Council

  • Two-year sunset period unless extended by Council

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The program will be implemented alongside the City’s updated fee schedule and will be available to eligible businesses beginning summer 2026. Staff will provide application guidance and eligibility information through City departments and business resource platforms.​​

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Apply

Fill out an Application Form and submit in person at City Hall or via email to the City of Fort Bragg Community Development Department at cdd@fortbraggca.gov.

 

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