Council adopts impact fees for Ukiah Valley Fire District; fees limited to facility and apparatus expansion

The Ukiah City Council adopted impact fees for the Ukiah Valley Fire District after hearing a presentation summarizing a 2023 Nexus study and fee comparisons with nearby jurisdictions.

A representative for the fire district explained that the adopted fees are intended solely to fund expansion of facilities and apparatus to serve new development and cannot be used for personnel or wage expenses. The fees apply only to new construction; existing residents were not affected, the presenter emphasized. The council heard that the proposed rates place Ukiah toward the lower end of regional impact fees, citing a comparison in which a nearby agency charges $1.91 per square foot for single-family residential construction versus Ukiah’s $1.07 per square foot under the Nexus methodology.

Council members asked whether the Nexus methodology perpetuates underinvestment if existing facilities are already insufficient. The presenter said the methodology assigns new development a fair share of capital costs based on the current ratio of facilities to development and that perceived gaps in existing service levels are expected to be addressed through other funding mechanisms and planned strategic studies. Staff noted a fire master/strategic planning process is underway and will include engagement with stakeholders and the public over the next six months.

No members of the public spoke during the hearing, and the council moved and seconded the recommended action. The measure passed on a roll-call vote in which all present council members voted yes. Staff said the fee schedule will be administered consistent with the Nexus study and state law and that the city will monitor its effect relative to the strategic planning process.