DATE:
September 30, 2025
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ADOPT A RESOLUTION TO WAIVE FEES FOR THE REBUILDING OF LEGAL STRUCTURES, DEBRIS DISPOSAL, AND REPLACEMENT OF DOCUMENTS DAMAGED OR DESTROYED BY THE SEPTEMBER 2025 COCHES FIRE (DISTRICT: 2)
Body
OVERVIEW
On September 8, 2025, a vegetation fire ignited in the community of Lakeside near Coches Road and quickly spread into the surrounding area. The Coches Fire burned approximately five acres and resulted in evacuations in nearby neighborhoods, displacing residents across the community. According to damage assessment reports, at least ten structures were destroyed, including homes, mobile homes, and travel trailers, and several more were damaged. The fire disproportionately impacted a population of older adults, many of whom were displaced from their homes and are now beginning the process of recovery and rebuilding.
Today's actions to waive fees will assist property owners impacted by the Coches Fire by formally declaring the damaged area eligible for plan check, debris disposal, and permit fee waivers. Fee relief will apply to legal structures that were destroyed or damaged, as well as to unpermitted improvements that may be legally rebuilt. This includes septic systems and water wells that may have been damaged. Further, the actions will reduce costs for disposing of fire debris and will waive Assessor/Recorder/County Clerk's fees for the issuance of vital records such as birth certificates, death certificates, and marriage certificates and reproduction of property-related or business documents.
RECOMMENDATION(S)
SUPERVISOR JOEL ANDERSON
1. Waive Board Policy B-29, Fees, Grants and Revenue Contracts, Department Responsibility for Full Cost Recovery to waive the plan check review and permit fees related to the rebuilding of legal structures of like size and location, including septic systems and water wells, in the unincorporated area that were damaged or destroyed by the September 2...
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