Search Results

What is a benefit assessment?

Benefit assessments allow special districts, such as the Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (District), to raise funds to accomplish goals and objectives of the District such as improve flood protection. The Board of Supervisors of the District followed the procedures outlined by the State of California Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 to...

What is the benefit assessment used for?

Funds are collected to maintain and improve: 18 miles of creeks Four pump stations Nine miles of levees on Novato Creek Other District-owned flood management facilities in the Novato watershed Approximately once every four years, accumulated sediment is removed to maintain the original design capacity from: Novato Creek Warner Creek Arroyo Avichi The last sediment...

What basis does the Flood Control District have for imposing this assessment?

Measure B passed in 1984 with a majority of Flood Control Zone 1 voting in favor. This allowed the Flood Control District to levy a benefit assessment for the purpose of constructing and maintaining flood control improvements.

Why am I included in Flood Control Zone 1 if my property doesn't flood?

Those who were in Novato on January 4, 1982, recognized the impact of generalized flooding in Novato and its effect on lives even if you were not in the flood area. Access to schools, hospitals, businesses and emergency services were all hindered or precluded by the high waters and the subsequent clean-up effort. Even Highway...

How is the amount collected for the benefit assessment determined?

It is based on the estimated amount of stormwater runoff that is contributed by each type of use. Single-family properties are assessed slightly more than vacant land because more water runs off hardscapes and roof tops than soil and vegetation when it rains. Similarly, commercial properties, which typically have extensive paved areas, pay more than...

How is benefit assessment revenue collected?

Benefit assessments are collected as part of your annual property tax bill.

When will the benefit assessment end?

There was no expiration date associated with this ballot measure.

Is there an exemption for seniors?

No, there are no exemptions based on age. The rate is based upon acreage and use of the property.

Where can I view my property’s acreage?

You can find information about your tax bill and parcel characteristics on the County of Marin Assessor Records and Maps webpage. You’ll need your parcel number, which can be found on your property tax bill. Divide the Land Sq. Ft. number by 43,560 to determine the equivalent acreage.

Where can I find my property’s square footage?

You can find information about your tax bill and parcel characteristics on the County of Marin Assessor Records and Maps webpage. You'll need your parcel number, which can be found on your property tax bill.

Is there an exemption for seniors?

No, there are no exemptions based on age. The rate is based on the parcel square footage, impervious surfaces and the amount of rainfall runoff.

When will the fee end?

The fee will last 20 years, terminating on June 30, 2027.

How is fee revenue collected?

Fees are collected as part of your annual property tax bill.

How is the fee amount determined?

The fee is calculated based on parcel size, use code, the amount of impervious surface on the property, and the resulting amount of storm water runoff each property contributes to the storm drainage system. The fee rates can be found in this report.

My property doesn’t flood, so why do I have to pay this fee?

Flooding affects everyone who lives in the Ross Valley. Runoff from uphill properties flows downhill and uses the existing creek system as its drainage system. In the 2005 flood: More than $90 million in damages were reported Police, fire and emergency services could not function properly Local business owners lost merchandise Schools, town halls, fire...

What basis does the Flood Control District have for imposing this fee?

The Health and Safety Code allows the County of Marin to charge a fee for acquiring, constructing, reconstructing, maintaining and operating storm drainage facilities. The fee was approved in 2007 by a majority of voters in a property-owner election.

What is the storm drainage fee used for?

The fee revenue is used to fund the Ross Valley Flood Protection and Watershed Program. The goal of this program is to manage stormwater and reduce the damage from flooding during significant storms. See annual fee reports for more information: https://flooddistrict.marincounty.gov/documents/storm-drainage-fee-update-2022-2023-final-signed/

What is a storm drainage fee?

A fee is a charge imposed on an individual or business for a service or facility provided directly to an individual or business. The amount of a fee may not exceed the cost of government to provide the service. The storm drainage fee pays a portion of annual costs for flood protection programs.

Why is it called Flood Control Zone 9?

Flood Control Zone 9 is a subarea of the District, which covers the entire county. Flood Control Zones were created in areas of the county that experience frequent flooding. Flood Control Zone 9 was the ninth zone to be created.

What is the Flood Control Zone 9 Flood and Watershed Program?

Flood Control Zone 9 is comprised of all parcels of real estate within the Ross Valley watershed. It was created by the Board of Supervisors of the Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to improve flood protection in the Corte Madera Creek watershed. The 28-square mile watershed extends from Mt. Tamalpais and White’s...

1096 Results Found