FAQ Topic: Zone 1 benefit assessment

Flood Control Zone 1 is funded through a portion of the regular property taxes from properties in the Zone 1 watershed, plus a benefit assessment that was voted on by taxpayers in 1984.

Flood Control Zone 1 is a subarea of the countywide Flood Control & Water Conservation District. Flood Control Zones were created for specific areas of the county that experience frequent flooding. Flood Control Zone  1 was created by the Board of Supervisors of the Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District to improve flood … Continued

Benefit assessments allow special districts, such as the Marin County Flood Control & Water Conservation District (District), to raise funds to accomplish goals and objectives of the District such as improve flood protection. The Board of Supervisors of the District followed the procedures outlined by the State of California Benefit Assessment Act of 1982 to … Continued

Funds are collected to maintain and improve: 18 miles of creeks Four pump stations Nine miles of levees on Novato Creek Other District-owned flood management facilities in the Novato watershed Approximately once every four years, accumulated sediment is removed to maintain the original design capacity from: Novato Creek Warner Creek Arroyo Avichi The last sediment … Continued

Measure B passed in 1984 with a majority of Flood Control Zone 1 voting in favor. This allowed the Flood Control District to levy a benefit assessment for the purpose of constructing and maintaining flood control improvements.

Those who were in Novato on January 4, 1982, recognized the impact of generalized flooding in Novato and its effect on lives even if you were not in the flood area. Access to schools, hospitals, businesses and emergency services were all hindered or precluded by the high waters and the subsequent clean-up effort. Even Highway … Continued

It is based on the estimated amount of stormwater runoff that is contributed by each type of use. Single-family properties are assessed slightly more than vacant land because more water runs off hardscapes and roof tops than soil and vegetation when it rains. Similarly, commercial properties, which typically have extensive paved areas, pay more than … Continued

Benefit assessments are collected as part of your annual property tax bill.

There was no expiration date associated with this ballot measure.

No, there are no exemptions based on age. The rate is based upon acreage and use of the property.