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SD.13

To:	Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Board of Directors
From:	Daryl L. Louder, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Date:	December 6, 2011

Contra

Costa

County

Subject:

State Fee for Residents in State Responsibility Areas (SRA) for Fire Prevention/Protection Services

APPROVE	OTHER
RECOMMENDATION OF CNTY ADMINISTRATOR	RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE

Action of Board On: 12/06/2011

APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED

OTHER

Clerks Notes:

VOTE OF SUPERVISORS

AYE:

John Gioia, Director
Gayle B. Uilkema, Chair
Mary N. Piepho, Director
Karen Mitchoff, Director
Federal D. Glover, Director

Contact:	Chief Daryl Louder, 925-941-3500
cc:	Daryl Louder, Fire Chief

I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
ATTESTED: December 6, 2011
David Twa,

BY:	, Deputy

RECOMMENDATION(S):

ACCEPT an information report regarding State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Benefit Fees to be assessed to certain property owners by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, pursuant to Assembly Bill 29X 1 (Chapter 8, Statutes of 2011).

FISCAL IMPACT:

None. This report is for informational purposes only.

BACKGROUND:

The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (Board) adopted emergency regulations implementing the State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Benefit Fees as directed by AB 29X 1(Chapter 8, Statutes of 2011).

BACKGROUND: (CONT'D)

The newly adopted regulations impose a $150 benefit fee per habitable structure. Multi-dwelling unit structures would be subject to a fee of $150 for the first dwelling unit and an additional $25 for each additional dwelling unit in the multi-dwelling unit structure. The regulations also include a $35 discount for habitable structures that are within the boundaries of a local agency that provides fire protection services. An estimated 90 percent of structures would qualify for the discount. The new regulations have a broader definition of “habitable structure", which brings non-residential structures, including county-owned buildings and structures into the fold. Specifically, residential structures, such as single family homes, multi-dwelling structures, and mobile homes, would be subject to the fee as would buildings occupied for non-residential uses such as office buildings, stores, hospitals, clinics, medical centers, libraries, and government buildings, including jails.

The Board will submit the revised emergency regulations to the Office of Administrative Law, which has five days to review and approve. Once approved, these regulations are good for 180 days, during which time the Board must develop and adopt permanent regulations. The permanent regulatory process includes a 45-day public notice period and greater opportunity for public input into the process. Officials with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Board of Equalization will oversee collection of the fee, with bills possibly going out after the first of the year.

CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:

No impact.

CHILDREN'S IMPACT STATEMENT:

No impact.