RESOLUTION NO. _______-2025
RESOLUTION OF THE FORT BRAGG CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ENTERTAINMENT ZONE WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg has adopted a Strategic Plan (2024–2028) that includes goals to revitalize Downtown, promote tourism, and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors; and WHEREAS, the California Legislature adopted Senate Bill 969 (SB 969) in 2024, which allows cities and counties to establish designated “Entertainment Zones” where alcoholic beverages may be consumed in public rights-of-way during approved events, subject to local regulation and Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) requirements; and WHEREAS, the City of Fort Bragg seeks to activate and revitalize its Central Business District through permitted special events that promote economic vitality, community gathering, and tourism; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to establish clear rules for the operation of an Entertainment Zone that balance the goals of encouraging activity and protecting public health, safety, and the quiet enjoyment of neighboring properties; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1018-2025, adding Chapter 5.06 to the Fort Bragg Municipal Code, authorizing the establishment and regulation of Entertainment Zones; and WHEREAS, Chapter 5.06, once implemented, requires a Management Plan to ensure the safe, orderly, and compliant activation of Entertainment Zones in accordance with state law and local requirements; and WHEREAS, City staff has developed an Entertainment Zone Management Plan to be used by applicants as part of the City’s Limited Term Permit process, ensuring consistency, accountability, and coordination with the Fort Bragg Police Department and other public agencies; and WHEREAS, the Management Plan Template outlines operational requirements related to zone boundaries, alcohol sales, ABC compliance, age verification, sanitation, public safety, and post-event reporting, as informed by community feedback and law enforcement recommendations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg does hereby determine the following:
Designation of Zone:
The Entertainment Zone shall include the geographic area defined in Exhibit A (attached), generally encompassing the Central Business District (CBD) between Redwood Avenue and Alder Street, including Franklin Street and portions of Main Street.
Permitted Activities:
Within the Entertainment Zone, the following activities are authorized subject to compliance with City regulations and permits:
Outdoor live music, performances, and cultural events.
Extended outdoor dining and beverage service areas within approved parklets or sidewalk cafés.
Temporary activation, such as street closures, night markets, and festivals, as approved by the City Manager or designee.
Hours of Operation:
The Entertainment Zone shall operate between Friday 12-9 pm, Saturday 12-9 pm, Sunday 12-9 pm; City-Approved events only unless modified by City Council resolution or a special event permit.
Rules and Regulations:
Business operators must comply with noise limits set forth in the Fort Bragg Municipal Code.
Alcohol service is permitted only by licensed establishments and within clearly demarcated areas, subject to California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) regulations.
Adequate security, lighting, and waste management must be provided for events.
ADA accessibility should be maintained at all times.
Administration:
The City Manager (or designee) is authorized to develop and implement administrative procedures, permit processes, and enforcement mechanisms for the Entertainment Zone, and to make adjustments as necessary to achieve the program’s objectives.
Periodic Review:
City staff shall report back to the City Council after one year of operation with an evaluation of the Entertainment Zone, including impacts on economic activity, public safety, and community feedback, and recommend any modifications.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption, and City staff is directed to begin implementation of the Entertainment Zone and provide periodic feedback to the Community Development Committee and solicit feedback from businesses and community stakeholders.
The above and foregoing Resolution was introduced by ____________________, seconded by ___________________, and passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Fort Bragg held on the 22nd day of September 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
RECUSED:
JASON GODEKE, Mayor
ATTEST:
Diana Paoli
City Clerk
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