City Temporarily Halts Brush-Clearance Fee
The Los Angeles City Council decided Wednesday to temporarily halt collection of a brush-clearance fee levied in January.
The $13-per-parcel fee, which applies to 180,000 properties in fire-prone areas, was expected to generate more than $3 million to help pay for the city’s brush-clearance program.
Councilman John Ferraro proposed the delay after constituents reported they were confused after receiving a notification letter from the Los Angeles Fire Department. The letter, dated April 1 and showing a due date of April 1, advised residents of a 200% late penalty.
Additionally, Councilman Hal Bernson, while generally supportive of the fee, was adamant that some homeowners notified do not live in areas requiring brush clearance.
“They need to reexamine who should be paying the assessment and who should not,” Bernson said.
Fire officials will work with the chief legislative analyst to revise the letter to include a more complete explanation of the need for a brush clearance fee, descriptions of the type of brush that needs abatement, and a revised compliance date.
City regulations require that vegetation be cleared within 200 feet of any structure and 10 feet of any road in fire-prone areas.
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