City of Fort Bragg

Mendocino County states that, except where exempted by the California Building Code or other ordinances, no person may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, occupy, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure without first obtaining a separate building permit. Fort Bragg also adopts the 2022 California codes by reference in Municipal Code Chapter 15.04.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures, other than storm shelters, not exceeding 120 square feet
• Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge
• Exempt Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons and meeting the height-to-width ratio limit
• Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
• Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
• Exempt Window awnings meeting the County dimensional/support limits
• Exempt Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving the required exit door
• Exempt Minor listed electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work such as temporary decorative lighting, minor replacement parts, portable appliances, and leak/stoppage repairs that do not involve concealed new work or fixture/pipe rearrangement

Note: Exemptions are narrow and project-specific. Separate planning, zoning, coastal, fire, stormwater, utility, or other agency approvals may still be required even if a building permit is not. The County relies on CBC 105.2 and California Residential Code exemptions to determine exempt work.

Building code

Fort Bragg Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 adopts the 2022 California Administrative Code, California Building Code, California Residential Code, California Electrical Code, California Mechanical Code, California Plumbing Code, California Green Building Standards Code, California Historical Building Code, California Fire Code, California Existing Building Code, California Energy Code, and related appendices/modifications.

Permit validity

Under Fort Bragg Municipal Code Chapter 15.04, a permit application is deemed abandoned one year after filing unless pursued in good faith and extended in writing for justifiable cause. After permit issuance, the County requires the first inspection within one year, then an approved inspection at least every 180 days thereafter, unless an extension is approved; otherwise the permit may expire and require reinstatement.

Owner-builder

The County will accept applications from the property owner as an owner-builder.

Contractor requirements

The County will also accept applications from a contractor licensed and bonded through the State of California, or from an authorized agent for the owner or contractor.

Source: Mendocino County Planning & Building Services ↗

1. 01
   Confirm whether the work is exempt or requires a permit. Fort Bragg building permits are administered through Mendocino County, while city planning, zoning, or coastal approvals may also be required depending on the site and scope.
2. 02
   Prepare a complete building permit application. At minimum, the County requires a completed building permit application; over-the-counter permits also require one 8.5 x 11 inch plot/site plan.
3. 03
   For projects beyond over-the-counter permits, submit plans and supporting materials, which may include construction plans, Cal Fire approval if applicable, Title 24 energy compliance, engineering calculations, erosion/sediment materials, and outside agency approvals such as fire, air quality, recycling, sewer, or water district approvals where applicable.
4. 04
   Submit the package either in person at the County Fort Bragg or Ukiah office, or electronically through eTRAKiT. The County only accepts applications from the property owner as owner-builder, a California-licensed and bonded contractor, or an authorized agent.
5. 05
   Respond to correction notices and supplemental requests during review. County guidance says online applications are reviewed in the order received and staff will review a web application within 5 working days for initial follow-up; the broader current plan check process is estimated at 6 to 8 weeks.
6. 06
   Pay issuance and remaining fees once approved. County guidance notes eTRAKiT application fees are only a portion of the total cost, and any corrected fees or balance due must be collected at permit issuance before work starts.
7. 07
   Schedule inspections during construction and obtain final approval to close out the permit.

Typical processing time: Initial online application review within 5 working days for staff follow-up; current plan check process about 6 to 8 weeks.

Source: Mendocino County Planning & Building Services ↗

The County states eTRAKiT application fees are only part of the total permit cost and corrected fees or the remaining balance must be collected at permit issuance. County offices cannot issue permits, accept permit submittals, or take permit-related payments after 4:30 p.m.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Mendocino County eTRAKiT (online)
• Automated inspection request line: (707) 961-2677 (phone)
• Fort Bragg office: (707) 964-5379 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

3:00 p.m. the day before.

Inspection hours

Fort Bragg inspection service area is served Monday through Friday.

Time windows

Applicants must call between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the inspection day to verify whether the inspection will be in the morning or afternoon.

Typical sequence: At least one inspection is required on every issued permit. Depending on the project, multiple inspections occur at various stages of construction, followed by final inspection/final approval. The approved plans and permit job copy must be kept on site, and the address must be posted visibly from the road.

Source: Mendocino County Planning & Building Services ↗