New CalFire Inspection Fees Apply Only in Two San Diego County Fire Districts

San Diego, CA — The San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR) is alerting real estate professionals and property owners to a new CalFire defensible space inspection fee, which may impact certain transactions in San Diego County. As of June 2025, CalFire has implemented a $181/hour inspection fee, but this charge applies only to properties within two specific fire protection districts:

• San Diego County Fire Protection District

• Deer Springs Fire Protection District

This fee does not apply to other incorporated cities or unincorporated fire jurisdictions within the county.

Key Details About the Fee Structure

1. Properties Subject to the Fee:

• Single-Family Detached Homes: Not subject to the fee

• Single-Family Attached (Condos): Fee applies only to condo complexes, not individual units

• Apartment Complexes: Fee applies to complexes, not individual units

2. When the Fee is Charged:

• Starts upon arrival at the inspection site

• Does not include travel time to or from the location

• Includes time spent on the property and related administrative work, such as scheduling, drafting reports, and conducting reinspections if needed

How to Determine If a Property Is Affected

To determine if a property falls within one of the two affected districts, SDAR encourages REALTORS® and homeowners to consult the official maps:

• San Diego County Fire Protection District Map (PDF)

• Deer Springs Fire Protection District Map (PDF)

Additional Information Available

For further clarification about how the fee is assessed, CalFire has provided a helpful FAQ, available here:
 https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/dam/sdc/sdcfa/documents/prevention/Inspection%20Fees%20Q%20and%20A%20-%20Website.pdf

“We encourage our members to stay informed and guide their clients accordingly, especially when navigating transactions in areas impacted by these new requirements,” said the San Diego Association of REALTORS®.

For more information, please contact SDAR at (858) 715-8000 or [email protected].