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Willow Oak Fire Protection District

Development Impact Fees

Overview

Development Impact Fees are one-time fees assessed on new development to help fund public facilities required to serve growth. These fees ensure that new development contributes its fair share toward the cost of infrastructure and services needed to support it.


The Willow Oak Fire Protection District (WOFPD) establishes, administers, and collects the Development Impact Fee (DIF). Yolo County does not administer or collect the fee; however, the County coordinates with the District during the development review process. Yolo County will not issue building permits until the District has collected the required Development Impact Fee and provided confirmation that the project has satisfied fire district requirements.


Applicants must contact Yolo County directly to obtain a Fire District Fee Form (Form #GH‑032). Once the form is obtained, it must be delivered to WOFPD to initiate the Development Impact Fee collection process.


YOLO BUILDS – Department of Community Services Building Division

292 W. Beamer Street

Woodland, CA 95695

Phone: (530) 666‑8775

Website: www.yolocounty.org

Email: [email protected]


Purpose of the Fees

The purpose of Development Impact Fees is to mitigate the impacts of new development on public facilities. Funds collected are used to finance capital improvements—such as facilities, vehicles, and equipment—that are necessary to maintain service levels as the community grows.


Legal Basis

Development Impact Fees are established in accordance with California’s Mitigation Fee Act (AB 1600). This law requires a clear connection between the fee charged and the impacts of development, including proportionality, benefit, and reasonable use of funds.


What the Fees Fund

Impact fee revenue may be used for:

  1. Construction or expansion of public facilities
  2. Purchase of vehicles and capital equipment
  3. Long-term infrastructure needed to serve new development


How Fees Are Calculated

Fees are calculated based on a comprehensive Impact Fee Study that analyzes projected growth, existing assets, service standards, and the cost of necessary facilities. The study ensures that fees are proportionate to the demand created by new development.


Current Fees

As of August 2022, the Development Impact Fee is $1.69 per square foot for all new construction and additions to existing buildings, regardless of property use. Imposing the fee on a per‑square‑foot basis provides proportionate funding based on building size and the resulting demand for fire response services.


Impact fee amounts may be updated periodically to reflect inflation, changes in construction costs, or revised growth projections. Revenue from Development Impact Fees can vary year to year depending on construction activity.


Transparency and Reporting

Collected fees are tracked and reported as required by law. Annual financial reports disclose Development Impact Fee revenues and expenditures to ensure transparency and accountability.


More Information

For detailed assumptions, methodologies, and fee schedules, please request a copy of the adopted Impact Fee Study from WOFPD.

Step-by-Step Permit Process
  1. Obtain Form: Contact the Yolo County Building Division to get the Fire District Fee Form (#GH‑032).
  2. Submit to WOFPD: Take the form to the Willow Oak Fire Protection District to initiate the assessment.
  3. Payment: Pay the $1.69 per sq. ft. fee directly to WOFPD.
  4. Confirmation: Receive confirmation of payment/satisfaction of requirements from the District.
  5. Permit Issuance: Present the confirmation to Yolo County to release your building permit.
Quick Facts
  1. Current Fee: $1.69 per square foot.
  2. Applicability: All new construction, including additions.
  3. Required Form: #GH-032 (obtain from Yolo County).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay DIF fees with a debit or credit card?

At present, all Development Impact Fees must be paid in person by cash or check at the District office. Debit and credit card payments are not currently accepted.

Are Development Impact Fees assessed on Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs)?

Auxiliary Dwelling Units (ADUs) that are less than 750 square feet are exempt from Development Impact Fees in accordance with State code. ADUs that exceed this size may be subject to DIF.

Are there any exemptions to the DIF requirements?

Some projects may qualify for an exemption. District staff will determine exemption eligibility after reviewing the full scope of the proposed project. Exemptions are not granted automatically.

Am I responsible for DIF fees for an unpermitted building or a building that was previously fee‑exempt but has a change in occupancy?

Yes. Unpermitted buildings may be subject to enforcement actions by the County Building Department. Additionally, if a building that was previously fee‑exempt undergoes a change in occupancy type, the applicable Development Impact Fee must be paid as part of the permitting process.