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Board waives permitting fees, praises VCCF relief fund as mountain fire recovery continues
Summary
Supervisors unanimously approved a package of fee waivers and expedited permitting measures to help mountain fire victims rebuild. Separately the board presented a proclamation and recognized Ventura County Community Foundation’s fundraising and relief grants, including $950,000 raised and recent corporate and faith-based donations.
The Board of Supervisors on Dec. 17 approved a package of fee waivers and administrative streamlining designed to accelerate rebuilding and recovery for properties damaged or destroyed in the Mountain Fire.
Resource Management Agency staff presented the plan, which recommends waiving multiple planning, building and safety, environmental health, public‑works and fire district fees for damaged properties; expediting plan review; and helping property owners avoid unnecessary reassessments when they modify rebuilding footprints. Staff estimated the total value of the proposed fee waivers at roughly $4.9 million spread over the rebuilding period and recommended keeping the waivers in effect through the end of 2026 to match the expected rebuilding timeline.
The board adopted the staff recommendation unanimously. Supervisors and staff stressed the county will also offer an ombudsman-style support line (vcppermitnavigator@ventura.org) to help residents with permit navigation and a performance dashboard to show permitting metrics in near real time.
VCCF recognition and donations: The Board also used a separate item to present a proclamation and publicly recognize the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) for its emergency relief work after the Mountain Fire. Vanessa Bechtel, VCCF CEO, told the board that VCCF raised nearly $950,000 for victims and had distributed emergency grants for housing, essential needs and animal care; she said the foundation had approved another $650,000 in additional support the night before the meeting.
Corporate and faith-based donors pledged additional support during the board presentation: AT&T presented a $50,000 donation to the VCCF fund, and representatives from the Conejo Valley Islamic Center announced a $5,000 contribution. Supervisor comments and public praise emphasized partnership between county government, nonprofit relief organizations and local corporate donors.
Why it matters: The fee waivers and administrative commitments remove financial and procedural barriers that can delay rebuilding after a wildfire, while the VCCF fund provides short-term cash assistance for urgent needs such as hotel stays, ID or documents replacement and veterinary care.
Ending: Supervisors asked staff to monitor demand and return if additional policy or budget adjustments are necessary; the board and staff also encouraged residents to use the county’s VCRecovers and VCCF portals for rebuilding assistance and relief grants.
