Note: This story was updated at 1:30 p.m. on November 25th to reflect the fact that the city council only provided preliminary conceptual approval to the project. The original story mistakenly reported the plans were approved. In fact, the project still needs to come back before the Planning Commission and the city council for a public hearing before an approval can be issued.
We have also clarified that Marie Jones is the planning consultant for the city of Fort Bragg and not the city planner.
Note: This story was updated at 8:18 a.m. to reflect editing changes that were not saved in the version that was released at 6:30 a.m.
The Fort Bragg City Council provided preliminary, conceptual approval for a three-story 68-unit apartment complex on Highway 1, situated between the Fort Bragg Outlet Store and the Emerald Dolphin Inn, during its Nov. 12 meeting.
Marie Jones, the city of Fort Bragg's planning consultant, explained the inclusionary housing ordinance adopted in 2007. “Projects with more than seven units must allocate 15% as affordable housing,” Jones said, breaking down affordability levels: one-third for individuals earning less than 50% of the area’s median income, one-third for those earning up to 80%, and the remainder for workforce housing, prioritizing teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters. These units must remain affordable for 45 years.
Jones clarified that state law prohibits reserving units for current city residents, except for public service employees.
Concerns about traffic, drainage, and road conditions were raised, with the developer committing to repaving, sidewalk installation, and drainage improvements. The developer also revealed plans for solar-powered, all-electric units.
The council also approved an in-lieu fee schedule for developers opting not to meet inclusionary housing requirements. Vice Mayor Jason Godeke proposed a tiered fee structure to support smaller projects while maintaining incentives for larger developments.
In other business, the council discussed a pro-housing zoning amendment slated for December review. The amendment could streamline or eliminate requirements for parking, environmental reviews, and neighborhood input. Additionally, Fort Bragg High School students presented on their exchange program with the city’s sister city, Otsuchi, Japan, while proclamations were read for Veterans Appreciation Day.
The council reappointed Jim Hurst as Harbor Commission chair, pending county approval, and appointed Domenick Weaver to a vacant position. Weaver, a retired firefighter and recreational fisherman, outlined his goals for revitalizing the Noyo Harbor, including completing an ice house by next July and prioritizing a new fuel dock to reduce environmental impacts.
The council allocated ARPA funds for downtown improvements, including wayfinding signs, murals, a business improvement grant program, and a new business resource website, FortBraggBiz.com.