Zone 9 storm drainage fee

There are three primary funding sources that support Flood Zone 9 services and activities: Property taxes, a Storm Drainage Fee, and grant funding.

Property taxes generally support ongoing Zone 9 operations and maintenance activities.

The Storm Drainage Fee and grant funding support feasibility studies and the development and construction of flood risk reduction projects within the zone.

Flood Zone 9 Financial Outlook

The Storm Drainage Fee will expire in 2027. The Zone 9 fund balance in July of 2025 available for project costs is $4.8 million, which also includes grants. The 2026 and 2027 of Fee revenues (approximately $5.4 million) and grant funding (approximately $10.9 million) total $21.1 million. These revenues are expected to be adequate to complete the remaining projects as contemplated, which total approximately $18.2 million in planned costs.

There is expected to be approximately $2.9 million available in the Zone 9 fund balance following the completion of the remaining projects after the Fee expires. However, if significant cost increases or delays are incurred in the development or construction of the remaining projects, additional funding may be required from other sources or project plans may need to be modified to reduce scope and costs.

The ongoing Zone 9 operations and maintenance expenses are funded by property tax revenues that are expected to be collected into the future. District staff project that annual Zone 9 property tax revenues will be adequate to fund the annual zone operations and flood control infrastructure maintenance, including maintenance of new infrastructure constructed by the current projects. Additionally, the Zone 9 property tax revenues provide for approximately $65,000 per year to be set aside as reserves for equipment replacement, repairs, or unplanned expenses that may occur in the future.

Frequently asked questions

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 Hill through these communities to San Francisco Bay:

  • Fairfax
  • Sleepy Hollow
  • San Anselmo
  • Ross
  • Kentfield
  • Greenbrae
  • Larkspur
  • Corte Madera

The watershed includes 44 miles of stream channels.

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 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.

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/

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 houses and many private residences had to be completely renovated

All of these have impacts on all communities in the watershed.

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.

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.

How is fee revenue collected?

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

When will the fee end?

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

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.

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.

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