In 1982, two state legislators, Sen. Henry Mello (Dem., Watsonville) and Assemblyman Mike Roos (Dem., West Hollywood) found a way around proposition 13 and affected passage of a bill known as the Community Facilities Act.  This act authorized local governments and developers to create Community Facilities Districts for the purpose of selling tax-exempt bonds to fund public improvements.  The homeowner then pays an annual special assessment tax, to pay back the bonds.

Most new neighborhoods in Orange County have Mello-Roos fees.  These help pay for new roads, schools, parks, libraries, and other community services in developing areas.  But they also affect the affordability of houses that have them.

Some of the most important questions you can ask when house hunting are:

1. How much is the Mello-Roos?
2. How long does it last?
3. Does it increase every year?

If you would like to view a line item TAX REPORT, to see if a house that you are considering to buy, has a Mello-Roos tax and how much it is, just fill in the search field with the properties address and then continue until you see the small blue link that says "Click Here for Details".

The Detail report will show you a line item summary of the taxes levied on that property.

If the site is down, you can call 714-834-2455 for the same information.