To: Board of Supervisors
From: Lewis Broschard, Chief, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
Report Title: Adoption of Ordinance No. 2026-08 Establishing Administrative Fines, Enforcement Procedures, and Collection Remedies for Fire Code Violations
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Acting as the governing board of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District, ADOPT Ordinance No. 2026-08 establishing administrative fines, enforcement procedures, and collection remedies for violations of the Fire Code of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District; and
AUTHORIZE the Fire Chief, or designee, to implement and administer the administrative enforcement program consistent with the Ordinance.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Adoption of the ordinance will improve cost recovery associated with enforcement activities, including inspections, investigations, and compliance efforts.
The ordinance establishes:
- Fixed administrative fines for violations
- Escalating penalties for repeat violations within a one-year period
- Authority to recover collection costs and interest on unpaid fines
This framework is expected to reduce impacts to the District’s General Fund by ensuring that responsible parties bear the cost of enforcement activities rather than ratepayers or taxpayer.
BACKGROUND:
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District is responsible for enforcing fire and life safety regulations, including defensible space, fire protection systems, and general Fire Code compliance.
The District continues to experience:
- Increased non-compliance
- Repeat violations requiring multiple inspections
- Limited cost recovery under existing enforcement mechanisms
The proposed ordinance provides a structured administrative enforcement program consistent with California law, including Government Code Sections 25132 and 53069.4, and Health and Safety Code Sections 13870-13871. It was introduced at the Fire Board’s April 14, 2026 meeting with April 28, 2026 as the fixed date for adoption.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
Failure to adopt the ordinance will:
- Limit the District’s ability to recover enforcement and compliance costs
- Reduce effectiveness in addressing repeat or ongoing violations
- Increase reliance on more resource-intensive enforcement methods
- Potentially elevate risks to life safety and property due to unresolved violations