Supervisors endorse legislation proposing tax credits for reduced wildfire risk

California State Assemblyman George Plescia, whose district includes areas devastated by the October 2007 Witch Fire, has introduced state legislation which would authorize a tax credit for homeowners and businesses who purchase and install wildfire risk reduction improvements. The County of San Diego voted to endorse that bill March 25.

“I’d like to see the County of San Diego on record as a supporter,” said Supervisor Pam Slater-Price, whose district overlaps Plescia’s.

Not only was Slater-Price’s district hit by the Witch Fire and the October 2003 Cedar Fire, but it included Harmony Grove and Elfin Forest in 1996 when many homes in those communities were destroyed. The county’s devastating fires in recent years have also included the 2001 Viejas Fire in Alpine, the 2002 Gavilan Fire in Fallbrook, and the 2002 Pines Fire in Julian as well as the other October 2003 and October 2007 fires. The past fires have often resulted in changes to the county’s building code to prevent repeat occurrences, although those building code standards are only required of new construction.

Damage assessment reports have indicated that many homes burned from embers starting fires on wooden decks or shake wood roofs and that flying embers ignited homes through exterior openings, cracks, and holes. Those homes were for the most part built before the new standards were adopted. “New developments fared very well in the October wildfires,” Slater-Price said.

If Plescia is successful in moving Assembly Bill 1912 through the State Assembly and State Senate before being signed by Governor Schwarzenegger, property owners would receive a tax credit equal to 15 percent of the costs paid or incurred during the taxable year. Eligible improvements include replacement of less fire-restrictive materials with fire-resistive or non-combustible roofing material, siding or walls, decking materials, and windows along with improvements which create box eaves, louvered attic vents, and other modifications which would reduce or remove the opportunity for wind-blown embers to penetrate into a structure’s vulnerable areas. The credits would apply to improvements made during tax years 2009 to 2012.

“It will help by giving homeowners and businesses tax credit for any improvements made,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “It is essential that we continue in any way we possibly can to promote the safety of this region.”