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1. What is the CRIPP?

The CRIPP is a programming document that anticipates revenues and identifies maintenance, rehabilitation, safety, and capacity improvement projects to be funded with the identified revenues.

2. Can we have a stop sign to control speeding?

A stop sign is intended to determine the right of way at an intersection. It is a rather poor speed control device. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of a stop sign on speed ranges from 10 to 150 feet from the sign, after which a vehicle will regain its original speed or faster. If a speeding problem exists, the County can park a radar trailer on your street to inform drivers of their speed.

3. What is a traffic Area of Benefit (AOB)?

A traffic Area of Benefit (AOB) is a development traffic mitigation fee program designed to improve the capacity and safety of the County’s road network within a defined boundary as development occurs. The AOB fee programs are supported by County ordinances which are adopted by the County Board of Supervisors. Money collected within a given AOB will be used to fund road improvement projects that mitigate traffic impacts generated by new development projects.

4. Who pays Area of Benefit (AOB) fees?

Anyone who develops property and adds additional vehicle trips to the road network is subject to AOB fees. This includes, but is not limited to property owners, residential developers, commercial developers, and industrial developers.

What are some of the possible fee categories?

• Single Family Residential
• Multi Family Residential
• Office
• Industrial
• Light Industrial
• Commercial
• Other Uses (As determined per Peak Hour Trip generation)

5. What are Area of Benefit (AOB) funds used for?

AOB Funds are used to fund projects that improve the capacity and safety of the existing roadway network. AOB funds will be used to fund projects that are listed on the AOB project list. AOB project lists are available at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department.

6. How are Area of Benefit (AOB) fees determined?

AOB fees are determined based upon the relationship between the total estimated cost to construct road improvement projects on the AOB project list and development potential projections within the AOB boundary.

7. When and how are Area of Benefit (AOB) fee rates adjusted?

Fees are adjusted periodically to reflect changes in development potential and traffic needs. Fees are also subject to change annually based on changes in the applicable construction costs index.

8. How do I find out how much my Area of Benefit (AOB) fees will be for my project?

AOB fees are calculated during the plan check phase of your project. If you would like an AOB fee estimate earlier, you may contact the AOB Program Manager at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department at 925-313-2000.

9. When are Area of Benefit (AOB) fee waivers granted?

AOB fee waivers are granted only when vehicle trips are not added to the road network as a result of the proposed development. (e.g. replacing an existing single family home, with a new single family home)

10. When are Area of Benefit (AOB) fee credits granted?

AOB fee credits are granted when the preexisting use is replaced by a new use that generates more traffic. The applicant would receive credit for traffic generated by the preexisting use. A project that changes a single family home into a commercial/retail building, or modifies a light industrial building into a commercial/retail building are examples of projects that would receive fee credit.

11. If I think I'm eligible for an Area of Benefit (AOB) fee waiver or credit, who do I contact?

Contact the AOB program manager at the Contra Costa County Public Works Department at 925-313-2000.

12. When and how are Area of Benefit (AOB) fees collected?

AOB fees are collected through the Department of Conservation and Development, Building Inspection Division at the issuance of the building permit. Fees are collected at the rate in effect at the time the building permit is issued.

13. What is the basis of the Area of Benefit (AOB) Program?

The Area of Benefit (AOB) Program is based on the following government codes:

1. California Government Code Section 66000-66025 (Mitigation Fee Act)
2. California Government Code Section 66484 (Subdivision Map Act)
3. Title 9 Division 913 of the Contra Costa County Ordinance Code

14. Where can I find the current Area of Benefit (AOB) Fee Schedule?

The current Area of Benefit (AOB) fee schedule can be found by following this link: Traffic Fee Schedule (PDF).