Butte County fire survivors could have an easier time paying for rebuilding expenses come February.
The Butte County Department of Development Services is continuing to work on a payment plan option for survivors seeking building permits after the 2018 Camp Fire and 2020 North Complex – originally known as the Bear Fire.
The plan would enable those who are rebuilding in the burn scar to pay for permit costs in installments instead of a one lump sum – an idea that was brought up by a resident of Berry Creek at an October board of supervisors meeting.
Curtis Johnson is the assistant director at the Department of Development Services.
“We are still working on the accounting aspects of the payment plan and will likely be presenting this to our board of supervisors at the Jan. 23 meeting,” Johnson said in an email. “If all goes well, we should have all the details ironed out by the end of January.”
Costs for building permits can be unaffordable for some burn scar residents, ranging anywhere between $2,000 to $10,000.
Matthew Trumm’s property in Berry Creek was destroyed by the North Complex. He said a permit plan could be helpful to his community.
“That's a huge, huge first step,” Trumm said. “Because I think most people out there want to be in compliance.”
The proposal will need approval by county supervisors to move forward.