Mello-Roos
Also known as: Community Facilities District, CFD, Mello-Roos Tax
A special tax district in California that levies additional property taxes on homeowners to fund public infrastructure and services — such as roads, schools, and utilities — in new development areas.
Detailed Explanation
Mello-Roos districts are created by local governments in California to finance infrastructure needed for new communities. The tax is an additional charge on top of regular property taxes and can be significant — sometimes adding $3,000 to $10,000 or more per year to your tax bill.
New construction communities in California frequently have Mello-Roos assessments because the infrastructure (roads, sewer, schools) needed to support the development was funded through these bonds.
Mello-Roos taxes typically run for 20 to 40 years until the bonds are paid off. The amount may decrease over time as bonds are retired.
In Your Contract
In California, builders are required to disclose Mello-Roos assessments. Look for a separate Mello-Roos disclosure document, Community Facilities District notice, or special tax district information.
Key Points
- 1California-specific additional property tax for new development infrastructure.
- 2Can add $3,000 to $10,000+ per year to your property taxes.
- 3Typically runs 20 to 40 years.
- 4Builders must disclose Mello-Roos assessments in California.
- 5Factor this into your total housing cost calculation.
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