Fort Bragg Launches Vacant Property Registry and First-Year Fee Waiver Program to Boost Downtown Revitalization

The Fort Bragg City Council has approved a new First-Year Fee Waiver Program to support small businesses and revitalize vacant commercial spaces. - Qualifying businesses with 10 or fewer employees may receive waivers for first-year fees, including business license and minor use permit fees, totaling up to $3,000.

- The program is part of the broader BEAR Strategy and complements the Vacant Commercial Registry, façade improvement grants, and the Fort Bragg Business Boost Fund. - Annual program cap is $25,000, with geographic prioritization for downtown and long-vacant properties.

The initiative aims to reduce upfront costs and process fatigue for entrepreneurs while maintaining all regulatory standards.