City of Fort Bragg, Ca. - Business FAQ

Frequently Asked Business Questions

Many people have questions about starting or growing a business.  Others often have the same questions. This is a list of frequently asked questions and answers.





What business assistance is available?

Fort Bragg encourages new businesses and provides entrepreneurs and developers with assistance via the web, over the phone (707) 961-2827, and in person at the City’s Community Development Department, located in City Hall. Look to the City to find out more about:

· understanding which sites are zoned properly for your business

· development fee estimates and development permit assistance

· financing

· green building





What licenses do I need to start a business?

You must obtain a Fort Bragg business license if you are planning on opening a business located in the City of Fort Bragg, or doing business within the City’s limits. Depending on your business, you may also need a:

· fictitious business name statement

· state seller’s permit

· home business permit

· certificate of occupancy

· business license from another city or county




How much does a business license cost?

The cost of the license is dependent on the type and size of business that you will be operating. Contact the City’s Finance Department at (707) 961-2825 for more information.






Can I get a sign for my business?

Yes, however, you will need to obtain a sign permit from the Fort Bragg’s Community Development Department. Most signs also require a building permit. Please call 961-2827 to determine if a building permit is required for your sign.

You can also display a temporary banner over your business for a maximum of 30 days in a calendar year (January 1 through December 31) with an approved sign permit. Sign Permit Brochure.





Do I need a license to work from home?

If you are an employee of a company and telecommute or occasionally work at home, you do not need a Fort Bragg business license. If you have your own home-based business in Fort Bragg, you will need a Fort Bragg Business License. You may also need a Fictitious Business Name and a Seller’s Permit.


For additional information, see the Business License section. It’s important to see if the location you’re considering is zoned for the business you’d like to open. Before signing a lease or contract, check the zoning map, then talk to someone in the City’s Community Development Department to confirm that the use of the building or site conforms to Building and Zoning codes.





Can I start a business at this location?

City staff will help you identify and understand if a potential property can meet your business needs given its zoning and also help you understand permitting, parking, signage, and other requirements. Contact the City’s Community Development Department at (707) 961-2827 for more information.







What permits do I need to start a business?

You may need a use permit or a minor use permit depending on what type of business you plan to start. Some types of businesses are only allowed in certain zoning districts. To find out more, please contact the Community Development Department or look at the City zoning code.







How do I find out about bidding for City contracts?

See the webpage listing of current bids or contact the City Clerk’s office for available City bid projects.






I want to sell goods or services at an event in the city.

You will need a Fort Bragg business license. See the Business License section for more information.





Do I need a permit to film in the city?

Yes. The City Clerk issues encroachment permits for filming in the City of Fort Bragg. Filming includes staging, shooting, filming, videotaping, photographing for commercial and non-theatrical productions. Filming for the purposes of reporting on events or persons that are in the news for print publications, television, cable and other news media is excluded. We recommend contacting the Mendocino County Film Office for assistance or additional information.





How do I transfer my business license to a new owner?

The new owner will need to obtain a new Fort Bragg business license. You’ll want to notify the Finance Department (707) 961-2825 that you are no longer doing business; you can let them know whether you want to close your business’ water and sewer account as well.





Do I need a fire inspection for my business?

Yes. You need to contact the Fort Bragg Fire Department at (707) 961-2831 or send them an email via their web site.





I want to locate my business or new development project in Fort Bragg. Who should I call?

For business or development projects, you can contact the Community Development Department. You can call them at (707) 961-2827. You might also ask them to put you in-touch with a Business Advocate. The Finance Department issues business licenses for Fort Bragg. Visit CalGold for additional information on possible required permits from Mendocino County, the State of California and the U.S. Government.




Where do I apply for a business license?

The Finance Department issues business licenses. You can get information about licenses here. You can download an application for a license here.




Where can I get information on community demographics, costs, real estate and related data?

Go to Community Data on this site for a variety of economic and demographic reports. Go to Site Location to learn more about real estate, and commercial zoning.





Where can I get the forms necessary to open and operate my business in Fort Bragg?

Some forms are available on this site, you’ll need to go to the Mendocino County web site for others. A good place to start is with the brochure Starting a Business in Fort Bragg.





What is the projected build-out population of Fort Bragg?

This information and more can be found in the Fort Bragg General Plan. A General Plan is a legal document that serves as the community’s “constitution” for land use, development and conservation. The General Plan serves the following functions:

• Expresses the community’s vision of the future physical development of Fort Bragg.

• Enables the Planning Commission and the City Council to establish long-range conservation

and development policies.

• Provides the basis for judging whether specific private development proposals and public

projects are consistent with these policies.

• Informs the residents, developers, decision makers, and other jurisdictions of the ground

rules that will guide development and conservation in the City of Fort Bragg.





Does Fort Bragg plan to annex Noyo Harbor?
There are no plans for Fort Bragg to annex Noyo Harbor; the current City boundaries are the planned permanent boundaries of the City. However, annexing the harbor is discussed by City and County leaders periodically. For more information, or to request be added to an email list of interested parties who are notified of annexation activities, contact the Community Development Director at (707) 961-2827.



Where can I obtain fast facts about Fort Bragg?
A Fort Bragg Business Advocates Presentation prepared by the City provides a good overview of the community and the surrounding area.



What other organizations assist businesses?
There are several governmental, non-profit and regional economic development-related sites which provide services to assist businesses.  The Business Resources section lists a number of organizations providing services to the business and development community.



Where can I find information on Green Building Resources?
Download a presentation on Green Building, or contact the Community Development Department.




What business incentives are available?
The City is committed to being as ‘green’ as possible, and is considering offering incentives as part of their Green Building initiative. Contact a planner in the Community Development Department, (707) 961-2827, for more information.





I want to hold an event in Fort Bragg. What do I need to do?
Talk to a planner in the Community Development Department who can advise you whether you need an encroachment, limited term, or other permit. Depending on the scale and type of  event, you may also need the expertise of the City’s Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) who meet monthly to trouble-shoot events’ impacts to traffic, fire, public health and safety, etc. so things run smoothly.

This webpage funded, in part, by Community Development Block Grant #06-EDBG-2608.

© 2008 City of Fort Bragg, CA
Website Design by Sage's Computer