On June 17th and 26th the Board of Supervisors established special policies relating to the reconstruction of the legal residences within the area of the locally declared emergencies related to the 2008 wild fires (Summit, Martin, and Trabing Fires).  These policies, in conjunction with existing policies applicable following declared emergencies make it easier to both reestablish occupancy of your property on a temporary basis, and to obtain a permit to reconstruct damaged or destroyed homes and other structures.

These policies fall into the following areas:

• Processing of building applications:  Priority review of applications to rebuild legal home and other structures is mandated for all County agencies, significantly reducing the County review portion of the permit process.

• Geology report requirements:  For rebuilding proposals at or very near the location of the former legal residence, minimal geology investigations will be required.  While all parcels present different challenges for insuring public heath and safety, and some technical investigations may be needed, every effort will be made to reduce the requirements in this area of building application review.  Homes and other structures relocated to another area of the property will be subject to full geologic, biotic, and other review fees triggered by the relocation.

• Cost of building applications: For a period of three years ending no later than the end of 2011, the Board of Supervisors authorized a 60 percent reduction in County permit fees to obtain a building permit for a temporary residence and in-kind replacement of legal structures in the area covered by the declared local emergency.  The fee reduction applies to homes and other legal structures up to 10 percent greater than the previously permitted square footage at or very near the original structures.  Structures that exceed 10 percent of the previously permitted square footage receive a credit for the base square footage, but must pay full fees for additional square footage beyond 10 percent.   

• Payment of Development Impact Fees:  Impact fees, including school fees, are not charged for an in-kind reconstruction of a legal home.  Impact fees are charged for new bedrooms and new building area beyond that previously approved with a building permit.

Important Links

Permit centers locations and hours
Temporary occupancy