By Redaccion
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In a crucial move to support residents and property owners affected by the recent Mountain Fire, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors have approved a series of fee waivers to alleviate the financial burden to property owners associated with rebuilding efforts.
The plan of action approved by the Board of Supervisors aims to reduce financial impacts on residents throughout the recovery process. By providing fee waivers, it is projected that property owners could receive an estimated $20,000 cost savings per dwelling. For the nearly 200 damaged properties in the Mountain Fire, the total estimated impact of the fee waivers is projected to reach up to $4.91 million. These waivers, which will cover various essential construction-related fees, will provide financial relief to property owners who may be underinsured or are anticipated to face the high costs of rebuilding.
«These fee waivers will deliver crucial financial relief to residents affected by the Mountain Fire, enabling them to focus on rebuilding and recovery without the added financial strain,” stated 3rd District Supervisor Kelly Long, Chair of the Board of Supervisors. “By eliminating these costs, we aim to accelerate the path to stability for impacted individuals and families and demonstrate our unwavering commitment to supporting the community during this challenging time. This initiative reflects our deep empathy and dedication to standing with residents, ensuring they know they are not facing this challenge alone.»
The fee waivers cover a wide range of permitting requirements, including those related to building permits, wastewater treatment systems, grading, floodplain management, and landscape plan reviews for defensible space. Additionally, various administrative fees, including those for expedited plan reviews and code enforcement cases, will also be waived. This financial relief will give homeowners the opportunity to allocate more resources toward the actual reconstruction of their properties.
“The Mountain Fire has had a profound impact on the residents of my district, and my priority is ensuring that residents receive the support they need to rebuild and recover,» said 2nd District Supervisor Jeff Gorell. «Waiving permit fees and streamlining the rebuilding process are critical steps to help families return home as quickly and smoothly as possible. This is just the beginning. I am committed to standing with our community throughout this journey, advocating for a rebuilding process that is customer-focused and efficient every step of the way.”
In addition to the fee waivers, Ventura County is actively working to streamline the permitting process to further ease the rebuilding process for property owners. Efforts are underway to expedite permitting by improving coordination between various county agencies, establishing clear communication channels, and providing a single point of contact for residents as the navigate the rebuilding and recovery process. This streamlined process aims to minimize delays and ensure that property owners can return to safe and secure living conditions as quickly as possible.
The proposed fee waivers will remain in effect through December 31, 2026, with the potential for extensions depending on the pace of rebuilding activity. Property owners who submit permit applications before these resolutions are approved will be eligible for fee refunds, and the waivers will be restricted to original property owners at the time of the fire.
For more information on the rebuilding process or to apply for permit fee waivers, residents can [email protected].
