Overview
The County of Riverside is proposing an update to the existing Stephens' Kangaroo Rat (SKR) Habitat Conservation Plan Mitigation Fee based on the 2026 SKR HCP Mitigation Fee Nexus Study prepared for the Riverside County Habitat Conservation Agency (RCHCA). The updated fee is intended to ensure that development subject to the SKR mitigation fee continues to contribute its appropriate share toward implementation of the SKR Habitat Conservation Plan.
As part of the County's consideration of the proposed fee update, the 2026 SKR HCP Mitigation Fee Nexus Study and supporting documentation are available for a minimum 30-day public review period prior to the Board of Supervisors public hearing, consistent with Government Code sections 66016 and 66016.5.
The County is beginning the ordinance amendment process in September 2026, with Board of Supervisors consideration anticipated in October 2026. If approved, implementation of the updated fee is anticipated on January 1, 2027, following the applicable statutory waiting period.
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When Will the Update Be Considered?
The County anticipates the following schedule:
- September 2026: Initiation of the ordinance amendment process and public availability of the Nexus Study and supporting documentation.
- October 2026: Board of Supervisors consideration of the proposed ordinance amendment and updated SKR mitigation fee.
- January 1, 2027: Anticipated implementation of the updated mitigation fee, if approved.
Information regarding the Board of Supervisors public hearing, including the hearing date and associated Board materials, will be posted as it becomes available.
Who May Be Affected?
The proposed update may affect development projects within areas of Riverside County that are subject to the SKR Habitat Conservation Plan mitigation fee. Projects subject to the existing SKR mitigation fee requirements may be required to pay the updated fee once it becomes effective.
What is Being Proposed?
The County is considering an amendment to its existing SKR mitigation fee ordinance to implement the updated mitigation fee identified in the 2026 SKR HCP Mitigation Fee Nexus Study. The proposed amendment would update the mitigation fee applicable to development that is currently subject to the County's SKR mitigation fee requirements.
Why is the Fee Being Updated?
The SKR mitigation fee supports implementation of the SKR Habitat Conservation Plan, including habitat acquisition, conservation, management, monitoring, and other activities associated with the long-term conservation of the Stephens' kangaroo rat. The 2026 Nexus Study evaluates the costs associated with implementation of the Habitat Conservation Plan and provides the basis for the proposed updated mitigation fee.
Project Status
The County of Riverside is scheduling an initiation of updating Ordinance No. 663, the Stephens’ Kangaroo Rat (SKR) mitigation fee under the State of California’s Mitigation Fee Act (MFA), to the Board of Supervisors. The SKR fee is a critical component of the funding approach for SKR Habitat Conservation Plan (Plan) implementation. The fee has not been updated since 1996 and this update will help ensure the continued successful implementation of the plan and the associated benefits of the streamlined incidental take permitting it provides to new development.
Meetings
| Date | Meeting | Location | Meeting Materials |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/15/2026 | Board of Supervisors Initiation (Tentative) | County Administrative Center (CAC) 1st Floor Board Chambers 4080 Lemon St. Riverside, CA 92501 | Coming Soon |
Contact Us
Phayvanh Nanthavongdouangsy, Principal Planner
Phone: 951. 955. 2525
Email: [email protected]
Riverside Office
County Administrative Center
4080 Lemon St, 12th Floor,
Riverside, CA 92501
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