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Larkspur council adopts fire protection impact fee to fund Central Marin Fire Authority expansion
Summary
Council adopted a nexus study, amended the municipal code to establish a fire protection impact fee, and set fees for new construction (single-family $1.46/sf; multifamily $2.05/sf; assisted living $2.82/sf) to fund growth-related fire-protection needs.
The City Council adopted a three-part package on Jan. 7 establishing a fire protection impact fee to be collected by the city on behalf of the Central Marin Fire Authority.
Staff presented the fire protection impact fee nexus study and recommended adoption of resolution 04-26, an ordinance (no. 1095) to add Chapter 3.36 to the municipal code, and a resolution setting the fee amounts (05-26). The proposed fee schedule sets $1.46 per square foot for new single-family residential square footage, $2.05 per square foot for new multifamily square footage, and $2.82 per square foot for new assisted-living or memory-care square footage.
A public commenter questioned the methodology and allocation between existing and new residents, arguing that multifamily housing growth was driving much of the demand and that fee burdens should be clearer for affordable units. Fire Chief Reuben Martin explained the consultant's methodology: it estimates the cost to replace existing facilities today and apportions the incremental need for growth based on RHNA population projections; state law limits fees to new-development's proportionate share of growth-related needs.
The council voted to adopt resolution 04-26 (nexus study), to introduce/waive first reading of ordinance 1095 that adds the fee to city code, and to adopt resolution 05-26 setting the fee amounts. Staff said the fee will create a fund to pay for growth-driven fire infrastructure and equipment as the community grows.
