Fire Mitigation Fee Program
On December 11, 1985 ( 11 ), the Board of Supervisors (Board) adopted the Fire Mitigation Fee (FMF) Ordinance, pursuant to its authority under the Mitigation Fee Act. The Mitigation Fee Act (California Government Code sections 66000, et seq.) provides authority for local governments to impose fees to offset the impacts of development on public facilities or services. The statute regulates how public agencies may collect, maintain, and spend development impact fees, including reporting requirements.
The County's FMF program allows fire districts, lacking legal authority to directly impose and collect mitigation fees, to receive FMF funding for capital facilities and equipment to serve new developments in their districts. The County's Department of Planning and Development Services collects the FMF from applicants when building permits are issued, then distributes the funds to the 14 participating fire agencies on a quarterly basis.
Due to recent changes in legislation and to meet County objectives, the department is seeking a consultant to generate a study in partnership with the participating agencies and including public input. The study will determine the appropriate level of fees for the program. The study and program update should be completed before July 2023.
Current Fee Schedule
The fire mitigation fee rate is determined by the development type and assessed per square foot of floor area. The current fee rate was originally adopted in Fiscal Year 2018/19.
Calendar of Meeting Dates
There are no Fire Mitigation Fee Review Committee meetings scheduled at this time.
For information on how to participate, contact Kat Anady at (619) 857-6403
