Brush Clearance Inspection Fee Is Reinstated

LOS ANGELES — Citing the danger of devastating brush fires, the City Council on Friday reinstated the Fire Department’s controversial $13 fee for brush clearance inspections.

The council directed the Fire Department to reexamine, during the next three months, whether some of the 180,000 homes in fire hazard zones should be excluded from the new program. Some homeowners contended that they received the inspection notice despite living in heavily developed areas where the danger of brush fires is minimal.

Fire Chief William Bamattre agreed that fees already paid would be reimbursed to any property owner whose land is later removed from the fire hazard zones, or who inspects his or her own property. He said he hopes notices will be mailed by June 1.

The council also backed down on another controversial element in the original inspection fee program, canceling what had been hefty late payment penalties.

Bamattre set June 30 as the tentative due date. In addition, Bamattre agreed to charge the fee to condominium associations rather than individual condominiums.

Finally, the council directed Bamattre to send a new notice to property owners that more clearly explains that owners can avoid the fee if they complete a self-inspection form that certifies brush has been cleared within 200 feet of structures.