Notices on Brush Inspection Fee Delayed

Mayor Richard Riordan has ordered an indefinite delay in mailing notices of the new brush inspection fee, originally proposed for June 1, so his office can review the fliers, officials said Monday.

The draft of the notice to 180,000 owners of property in mountain fire districts and buffer zones set a June 30 deadline for residents to either certify that their property complies with brush clearance rules or pay a $13 fee for a Fire Department inspection.

Deputy Mayor Jennifer Roth said Riordan wants to make sure the city does not make the same mistake it did a few months ago, when it mailed confusing notices that caused a public uproar.

The review will also consider financial and legal implications, he said. The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Assn. has threatened to sue the city, charging that the new inspection fee violates state law requiring a vote of the public on new taxes.

Although the review may take only a few more weeks, Roth said the June 30 deadline will change. The Fire Department set the deadline when mailing of the notices was expected June 1.

Fire Department officials said they have already completed all inspections, but owners may still certify that they have complied to avoid the $13 fee.

Roth denied that the mayor delayed the mailing to avoid angering voters before they decide today on a new City Charter backed by Riordan.