Business Services » Developer Fees

Developer Fees

Forms:

Developer fees are levied by the Brea Olinda Unified School District pursuant to the provisions of Section 17620 of the Education Code, as well as Sections 65995 and 66001 of the Government Code.  All new residential, commercial and industrial construction and/or an addition of covered or enclosed space are subject to the collection of developer fees.  According to the law, this fee is determined by square footage of assessable space over 500 square feet of assessable space.
 
What is Assessed?

 

All new residential, commercial and industrial construction and/or an addition of covered or enclosed space are subject to the collection of developer fees.  In the law, this fee is determined by square footage of assessable space.

 

What is Assessable Space?

 

Assessable space is used to determine the fees due. All square footage within the perimeter of a residential structure including enclosed patio, detached accessory structure, or similar enclosed area. This does not include not carport, walkways, garage (not classified as storage), overhang or patio.

 

When Must The Fees Be Paid?

 

Prior to the issuance of a building permit by the city fees must be paid and a "Certification of Compliance" will be issued by the school district.

 

Where Are The Fees Paid?

 

Developer fees are paid in person at the place of collection, to the agent of the school district.

 

Brea Olinda Unified School District Office

1 Civic Center Circle, Level 2

Brea, CA 92821

 

Please schedule an appointment:

Amber Gonzales Duong at (714) 990-7827 or [email protected]

Office hours: Monday - Friday (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.)

 

Checks are made payable to:

Brea Olinda Unified School District

 

Important: Must Complete and Bring At Time Of The Appointment to Receive Certificate of Compliance

  1. -Approved City Plans from the responsible city department indicating the appropriate square footage
  2. -Completed Application or Exemption Form
  3. -Check or Money Order only; no cash or credit cards will be accepted.
What Building Projects Are Exempt From The Fees?
 

Under California Education Code § 17620 and related statutes, certain building projects are exempt from school facility (“developer”) fees. The most common exemptions include:

  • Small Residential Additions
    Residential projects that add 500 square feet or less of new assessable space are exempt from school facility fees. (Ed. Code § 17620)

  • Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

    • ADUs 500 square feet or less are exempt from school facility fees. (Ed. Code § 17620)

    • ADUs over 500 square feet are subject to fees based on the entire square footage of the ADU.

  • Certain Institutional or Public Buildings
    Fees may not be collected for structures that are:

    • Tax-exempt and used exclusively for religious purposes.

    • Private full-time day schools meeting the requirements of Education Code § 48222.

    • Owned and occupied by a governmental agency.
      (Ed. Code § 17620; Gov. Code § 65995)

  • Reconstruction After Disaster
    If you are rebuilding a structure that was destroyed by fire, flood, earthquake, or another natural disaster, you may be exempt from fees. (Ed. Code § 17626)

 
What If Construction Is Not Started? Are There Refunds?
 
A refund of the entire amount paid (excluding a $50 refund processing fee) will be issued if construction does not begin, or the project is suspended or abandoned.  An authorized written notice declaring that the building permit has been canceled must be delivered or sent to the Brea Olinda Unified School District.  Refunds will be processed 30 to 60 days after receipt of notification and will only be issued to person(s) or entities listed on the original check.
 
Education Code § 17624 authorizes refunds; however, per Civil Code § 338(a), the statute of limitations for a refund is three (3) years from the date that a refund becomes available. A refund becomes available once the building permit that Developer Fees where paid on expires..
 
Demolition Credits?
A demolition credit is available under certain conditions (See FAQ)  To obtain a credit for demolished structures, a City of Brea (or County of Orange) demolition permit must be presented before fees can be credited to the project. If the demolition permit is received after developer fees have been paid, the district will issue a check for the credit, please allow 4-5 weeks for receipt of refund.
 
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) HERE 
Developer Fee Regulations HERE
Current Fees:
Type Fee
Single Family Home $5.17
MultiFamily Attached $5.17
ADU (over 750 Sq. Ft.)
$5.17
Addition (over 500 Sq. Ft.) $5.17
Commercial/Industrial $0.84
Self Storage $0.025
 
May 27, 2024 Developer Fee Study was presented for Public Hearing and the resolution was adopted by the governing board at the June 13, 2024 Board of Education meeting.  
  • Board Adopted Develop Fee Justification Study report here
  • Resolution #24-08 Developer Fees on Residential and Commercial and Industrial Development Pursuant to Government Code Sections 53080 and 65995 here
  • OC Register notice of public notice here
BOUSD will begin levying changes to the Level 1 School Fees on August 12, 2024
 
Annual Developer Fee and Five Year Reporting Report 
 
2023-2024 Annual Developer Fee and Five Year Reporting:
Requied Public Posting 15 Days prior to Board Meeting - December 16, 2024  HERE