A new effort is underway to crack down on the chronic issue of abandoned commercial spaces in Fort Bragg. At a meeting earlier this month, the City Council considered a resolution to establish fines and penalties for landlords who fail to address blight.
“We’ve seen this across cities in California, including Fort Bragg, with vacant storefronts and buildings, particularly in our central business district and commercial zones,” City Manager Isaac Whippy said. “We’ve been dealing with this for the last 10 to 15 years, and it was time to do something about it.”
In a citywide survey, most respondents said vacant properties are a drag on Fort Bragg’s economy and erode a sense of safety. The survey identified Franklin Street, between Laurel and Redwood streets, as a problem area for long-term vacancies, along with the former Rite Aid building, the old Bank of America, the long-vacant Tip Top building and the Huber Building.
Respondents also cited landlords who have allowed buildings to sit empty for a decade or more, with little incentive to maintain or improve them, as a major concern. “The city has historically done complaint-driven code enforcement,” Whippy said. “But this would be a proactive, strategic enforcement that is tailored to addressing vacant buildings in our downtown.”
Under the ordinance introduced at the Nov. 10 City Council meeting, owners of vacant properties would be required to register any abandoned commercial buildings, units or lots within 30 days of qualifying — defined as a property left vacant for at least 90 days.
Owners must also post signage detailing the status of the property. “Whether it’s under maintenance or it’s available for sale or rent, with the contact information of the real estate agent,” Whippy said. “The signage must be clear and visible from the street.”
New or revived businesses that open in a previously vacant space before the payment deadline would be removed from the registry. Owners who do not comply would be charged yearly and monthly fees to help recoup the city’s costs to monitor and maintain the grounds surrounding the properties.
“When (people) … see buildings that are neglected, abandoned, covered in graffiti and more, it’s just not fair as we’re all trying to improve the city’s vibrancy.” City Manager Isaac Whippy
Whippy said the ordinance is another step in Fort Bragg’s 2024-25 downtown revitalization strategy to help generate more tourism dollars.
“We have business owners who work hard, and they go out of their way to beautify their buildings,” he said. “But when they look across the street and see buildings that are neglected, abandoned, covered in graffiti and more, it’s just not fair as we’re all trying to improve the city’s vibrancy.”
Survey respondents cited Cloverdale, Ukiah, Petaluma, Eureka and Ashland as examples of successful downtown renewal and business district improvements. Whippy said the city took those success stories into account as the local ordinance was drafted.
The City Council is expected to vote on the resolution at its next meeting on Monday, Nov. 24, at 6 p.m. at Fort Bragg Town Hall, 363 N. Main St. The public can also participate virtually via a Zoom link at the top of the agenda when it becomes available. More information is available on the city’s website.