Central Kitsap Fire and Rescue commissioners have approved voluntary mitigation fees for any proposed developments over 35 feet.

Money gathered from the mitigation fees will eventually be used by the district to purchase a fully equipped heavy rescue truck. District officials estimate that it will take 20 some floors of such new development to pay for the new rescue truck.

“It has presently been determined a fully equipped heavy rescue apparatus is the capital equipment best suited and reasonably necessary to mitigate the direct impact of any such proposed development based on the increased service needs created by a structure more than thirty five feet in height such as the need for enhanced rescue capabilities of its occupants, safety of emergency personnel, ventilation needs, rescue equipment and roof access,” states part of a resolution approving the fees.

The district approved similar voluntary mitigation fees in 2005 and by 2010 was able to collect some $200,000 toward the purchase of a $240,000 ladder truck. The balance of the purchase was paid for with money from the district’s capital improvement fund.

The resolution for new mitigation fees unanimously passed by commissioners late last month says that any developer who seeks to build over 35 feet will be charged $25,000 per floor.

Per state law, mitigation fees must be held in a reserve account to pay for agreed upon capital improvements. In addition, the money must be spent within five years or it must be refunded to property owners.