January 5, 2012 GCSD Board Meeting Presentations:
JBFA Begins
The Tuolumne County Joint Basic Fire Academy begins January 4, 2012. Groveland Fire has a few Groveland citizens interested in attending! They will be busy at the academy two evenings a week and some Saturdays until June. After they graduate they will run emergency calls with the department.
State Board of Forestry Adopts SRA Fee Emergency Regulations
On November 9, 2011, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection Board adopted new emergency regulations implementing the State Responsibility Area Fire Prevention Benefit Fees as directed by AB 29X 1 (Chapter 8, Statutes of 2011).
The version adopted by the Board differs from the initial emergency regulation that was adopted by the Board in August 22 but never transmitted to Office of Administrative Law for final clearance. As you may recall, the fee adopted in August was capped at $90, with a series of discounts that would allow homeowners to reduce the fee up to $65.
The newly adopted regulations impose a $150 benefit fee per habitable structure. Multi-dwelling unit structures would be subject to a fee of $150 for the first dwelling unit and an additional $25 for each additional dwelling unit in the multi-dwelling unit structure. The regulations also include a $35 discount for habitable structures that are within the boundaries of a local agency that provides fire protection services. An estimated 90 percent of structures would qualify for the discount. The new $150 charge is expected to raise more than the $50 million envisioned by the Governor and lawmakers in the budget.
One other significant difference between the August 22 regulations and those adopted in November is the broader definition of “habitable structure," which brings non-residential structures, including county-owned buildings and structures into the fold. Specifically, residential structures, such as single-family homes, multi-dwelling structures, and mobile homes, would be subject to the fee, as would buildings occupied for non-residential uses such as office buildings, stores, hospitals, clinics, medical centers, libraries, and government buildings, including jails.
Regarding the process, the Board will submit the revised emergency regulations to the Office of Administrative Law, which has five days to review and approve. Once approved, these regulations are good for 180 days, during which time the Board must develop and adopt permanent regulations. The permanent regulatory process includes a 45-day public notice period and greater opportunity for public input into the process. Officials with the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection and the Board of Equalization will oversee collection of the fee, with bills possibly going out after the first of the year.
CAL FIRE, the Board of Equalization, and the BOF have the collective responsibility of implementing this state law. More information on this process and the current status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some common questions we are getting from the public. It's important to note that as the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection's rule making process continues, the possibility exists for further refinement of the regulations as they move from "emergency" to "permanent" so the below information is a snapshot in time of where the process is now and is based on language in the proposed regulations.
Definition of "Habitable Structure" as it relates to SRA Fees:
A building that contains one or more dwelling units or that can be occupied for non-residential use, which is utilized, intended, or designed to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for living or non-residential purposes.
Buildings occupied for residential use including single-family homes, multi-dwelling structures, mobile and manufactured homes, and condominiums. Buildings occupied for non-residential use include, but are not limited to, office buildings, industrial property, stores, warehouses, hotels, hospitals, medical centers, clinics, libraries, museums, and government buildings, including jails.
Habitable structures do not include incidental buildings such as detached garages, barns, outdoor sanitation facilities, and sheds.
Example of how fee will be assessed:
As the Board Regulations read now, if there are two separate single family homes on a parcel the bill would be $300
Multi-dwelling unit structures would be subject to a fee of $150 for the first dwelling unit and an additional $25 for each additional dwelling unit, i.e. if there was a four-unit structure, it would be assessed $150, and the additional 3 units would be assessed $25 each for a total of $225.
Public Comment period:
The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection may authorize staff to begin the 45-day public comment period for permanent SRA Fee regulations at their December 6th meeting. The item is agenized as #15 for the 12/6 meeting.
How to determine if an individual property falls within SRA:
On the Board of Forestry Website a data viewer is posted. The data viewer is provided as a service to assist landowners in determining if their property fall within State Responsibility Area (SRA).The board has provided a program (SRA Viewer) for residents to determine if their address falls within the designated SRA.
Print Version of SRA Fee Emergency Regulations.
Burning Allowed on Permissive Burn Days
Beginning Monday, November 14, 2011, CAL FIRE will allow burning on permissive burn days. Check with the Air Pollution Control District for permissive burn status at 209-533-5598. Burn permits are NOT required until May 1, 2012. At that time Groveland Fire Department will be issuing permits. If you live in PML check to see if burning is allowed.
Maximum pile size is 4 feet in diameter. Remember to clear all flammable material and vegetation within 10 feet of the outer edge of the pile, keep a water supply close to the burning site, and stay in attendance with a shovel until the fire is out. Never burn during high winds. Do not burn household or commercial trash, tires, plastic, or other garbage. Avoid burning piles of pine needles, which smolder and often spread dense smoke over entire neighborhoods.
GFD is Blogging
Visit the new Groveland Fire Blog.
- It opens on the Home page where you will find the latest blog post from the GFD
- Click the About page to learn interesting information about GFD
- Click the History page to learn more about the GFD's past
- Click the Your GFD Story to Leave a Reply sharing an interesting or poignant experience you've had with the GFD
Residential Fire Sprinklers Save Lives*
A recent study** estimates that:
- When fire sprinklers alone are installed, the chances of dying in a fire are reduced by 69%, when compared to a home without sprinklers.
- When smoke alarms alone are installed, a reduction in the death rate of 63% can be expected, when compared to a home without smoke alarms.
- When both smoke alarms and fire sprinklers are present, the risk of dying in a fire is reduced by 82%, when compared to a home without either. more info
* Focus on Fire Safety, U.S. Fire Administration (FEMA)
** Building and Fire Research Laboratory at the Nation Institute of Standards and Technology
Fire Station Refurbished
This year we budged for some much needed repairs and replacements for the fire station. We are pleased with our new look.
Aerial View of Groveland
With the help of helicopter owner/pilot Carol Simpson and videographer Art Bernheisel, the Groveland Fire Department is mapping the GCSD District from the air. The primary reason for the aerial fly-overs is to evaluate the Tip Top and Ponderosa fuel breaks. By identifying these areas we can be more concise as we apply for grants to help with maintenance.
The video footage will also be used in a myriad of other ways. There are many almost inaccessible areas that the footage reveals new routes to use in an emergency. Footage identifies where the County or SWIFT (SouthWest InterFace Team) need to clear to reduce fire danger. Some of this has already been done and more is planned. (The arrow in the photo points to the Groveland Fire Station.)
Old Priest Grade Fire
On Friday, July 2, 2010, the Groveland Fire Department was dispatched to a vegetation fire near the bottom of Old Priest Grade. Groveland Fire Department's Engine 783 arrived at the scene and assisted CAL FIRE and Tuolumne County Fire with hose lay operations and mop up.
Engine 781 is now in service! more info
The Groveland Fire Department is dedicated to excellent service as we safeguard the lives and properties in our community. We provide emergency fire and medical response, rescue, fire prevention, and public education. We are committed to continuing education and training for our staff, volunteer, and reserve firefighters.
© GFD 2009