DATE: May 8, 2002
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT: Standardizing Fire Service Fees for New Development in County Service Areas

SUMMARY:
Overview
There is a lack of consistent standards by which the County signs off developer proposals for fire service in County Service Areas and other unincorporated areas not covered by a fire protection district. New development should be responsible for paying its costs for fire protection and mitigating the impact it will have on the local fire agency. This proposed action asks staff to prepare an analysis of potential costs and other impacts to local fire departments outside of fire protection districts, and recommend a standardized mitigation structure for new development.

Recommendation
SUPERVISOR DIANNE JACOB:
Direct the Chief Administrative Officer to work with volunteer fire departments outside of fire protection districts and develop a proposal to provide adequate fire protection services for new development in the unincorporated area, and report back to the board within 90-days.

BACKGROUND:

There is a lack of consistent standards by which the County signs off developer proposals for fire service in County Service Areas and other unincorporated areas not covered by a fire protection district. New development should be responsible for paying its costs for fire protection and mitigating the impact it will have on the local fire agency.

Recently, the County's fire letter policy led to a difference of opinion between volunteer fire departments and developers regarding appropriate mitigation for a proposed development. Under the current policy, CSA boards make recommendations to the County Fire Code specialist, who in turn makes a decision. There are no formal standards in place for the developers, fire departments or the County to make these recommendations and decisions. An analysis of potential impacts of new development on fire agencies and the creation of consistent standards will give all involved the tools necessary to make a decision on appropriate costs for fire service.

I urge your support.

Respectfully submitted,

DIANNE JACOB
Supervisor, Second District