Fire Prevention Fee (ABx1 29)

Recently enacted legislation, Assembly Bill (AB)x1 29, authorized a new State Responsibility Fire Prevention Fee (FPF) to be assessed on habitable structures located within State Responsibility Areas (SRA) in order to pay for fire prevention activities in the SRA that specifically benefit owners of those structures. ABx1 29 requires the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (State Board) to establish the FPF in an amount not to exceed $150.00 to be assessed on each habitable structure located within the SRA. The FPF amount may be adjusted annually using prescribed methods. The State Board is currently working on regulations to implement the FPF and set the rate for 2011-12 fiscal year. The legislation requires the State Board to adopt these regulations by September 1, 2011.

Commencing with the 2011-12 fiscal year, the Board of Equalization (BOE) is required to annually assess and collect the FPF on behalf of the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in accordance with the Fee Collection Procedures Law. CAL FIRE is responsible for providing the BOE with a list identifying the names and addresses of persons who are liable for the FPF and the amount of the fee(s) to be assessed. In addition to assessing the FPF, the BOE is responsible for registering and maintaining fee payer accounts, issuing refunds, adjusting liabilities and performing fee collection duties. CAL FIRE is responsible for evaluating all petitions and claims for refunds submitted in regard to the FPF assessed. CAL FIRE is currently working on preliminary development of the list of feepayers, but will not be able to finalize the list until the State Board adopts the implementing regulations.

Additional information regarding the FPF will be posted periodically as it becomes available. You may also contact the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection for further information.