Perris updates fire impact fees; single‑family rate set below maximum to stay competitive

The Perris City Council adopted an updated fire protection facilities development impact fee nexus study and a new fee schedule Tuesday, approving staff recommendations that lower the single‑family residential assessment below the maximum supported by the study while keeping most nonresidential rates at their maximum justified levels.

Why this matters: Development impact fees pay for capital facilities needed as the city grows. The updated study, prepared by Willdan Financial Services, increases the city’s anticipated share of fire‑facility costs to fund a planned South Perris fire station and supporting equipment through 2045.

Study highlights and council action Carlos Villareal of Willdan presented the analysis at the council meeting. The report uses a “system plan” methodology that includes the replacement cost of existing facilities plus planned future facilities through the planning horizon (2045). The study relies on population and employment growth projections from the Southern California Association of Governments and treats residents and workers differently when estimating demand for fire emergency services.

Planned facilities and costs The presentation lists the planned South Perris fire station as a primary capital need, with an estimated value of about $15,000,000 and total new fire facilities allocated to the fee program on the order of $15.1 million. Willdan calculated a maximum justified residential fee equivalent of $0.50 per square foot; for nonresidential uses the maximum justified fees were $0.43/sq ft (commercial), $0.65/sq ft (office), and $0.23/sq ft (industrial).

Staff recommendation and rationale To remain regionally competitive, staff recommended setting the single‑family residential fee at $0.37 per square foot (the regional average among neighboring jurisdictions) rather than the $0.50 maximum justified amount. Staff recommended charging the maximum justified rates for multifamily and nonresidential uses. The council adopted the resolution on a 5–0 vote.

Clarifying details - Planning horizon: 2045, consistent with SCAG projections (as presented by Willdan). - Maximum justified single‑family fee: $0.50 per square foot (study). - Staff‑recommended single‑family fee: $0.37 per square foot (regional average). - Primary planned project driving calculation: South Perris fire station, estimated at roughly $15,000,000.

Next steps With council approval, the fee schedule will be implemented per the city’s fee collection procedures at building permit issuance and staff will notify development stakeholders. Willdan and staff noted outreach to the building industry association and local developers during the study process.