Solano County HOA Guide
Mare Island Guide: Special Taxes, History and Who Does What
Mare Island was the Navy’s first West Coast base, from 1854 to 1996. Today it is part of Vallejo, with businesses, a university, a nature preserve and a residential community whose owners pay up to three city special taxes.
Owners, buyers and association boards on Mare Island deal with city special taxes, historic rules and a Navy cleanup that is still under way. This guide sorts out who does what, so you know where to take a question.
Facts on this page were checked against City of Vallejo documents, state records and an FPPC advice letter on October 26, 2026. City records we read do not list special tax rates or name a homeowners association, so confirm details with the offices listed before you rely on them. Sources are listed at the bottom of the page.
The three city special taxes
The city’s FAQ explains three Mello-Roos districts that levy taxes on Mare Island property. Tax bills show district 2005-1A on two lines, so owners sometimes think there are four. Money cannot be moved from one district to another.
We could not find current rates from an official source. The district lines on the property tax bill show what a parcel pays, and the county auditor-controller at (707) 784-6280 can explain them.
The tax question is on hold
Owners have paid these taxes for more than two decades. The FPPC letter identifies a residents’ group, the Mare Island Special Tax Elimination Association. In a December 2025 advice letter, the state Fair Political Practices Commission noted that the prior City Council voted to defer any change until a new Mare Island Specific Plan is processed, which could take one to two years.
The city is preparing that plan with The Mare Island Company, which the city says will serve as the island’s developer and manager. The Nimitz Group owns the developable land, and Southern Land Company manages it. A draft plan was submitted to the city in October 2024.
What to do about it: Planning Your HOA Budget and Buying a House in an HOA? Here’s What You Need to Know.
The historic core and the Navy cleanup
Before an association digs, adds structures or changes how land is used, check the deed and any recorded restrictions, and ask the state Department of Toxic Substances Control, which oversees the island’s cleanup.
What to do about it: How to Minimize Homeowners Association Liability.
City rules
Vallejo rules owners run into
Mare Island is inside the City of Vallejo, so city rules apply on top of any CC&Rs. A few that come up often:
Trailers and RVs
Trailers, RVs and trucks over three-quarter ton may not park on residential streets except while loading or unloading.
California rules: For the state rules on enforcement, fines and hearings, see California HOA enforcement, fines and disputes.
Trash bins
Bins left out after 8 p.m. on service day are a code violation.
Water waste
No runoff, no watering within 48 hours after rain and leaks fixed within 36 hours, with $200 and $500 fines.
California rules: For the California rules behind these projects, see California HOA maintenance and repair responsibilities and California HOA reserves.
More: the Vallejo HOA Guide covers the rest of the city rules.
Sorting out who does what?
Three city tax districts, a historic district, a master developer and a Navy cleanup all touch Mare Island. If your board is deciding between managing itself and hiring help, start with Self-Managed vs. Professional HOA Management, or tell us about your community and we will send you options from affiliated management companies.
Compare HOA management optionsQuick answers
Questions Mare Island owners ask
Why are there several special tax lines on my bill?
Three city districts tax Mare Island property, and district 2005-1A appears on two lines, one for facilities and one for services.
Will the special taxes go away?
Not yet. The City Council deferred any change until the new Mare Island Specific Plan is processed.
Do I need city approval for exterior changes?
In the Historic Core, yes: a Certificate of Appropriateness, plus any association approval.
Is there a homeowners association?
City records we read do not name one. Your title report and disclosures will show whether your home is in an association.
Who to call
Mare Island contacts
| Office | Phone | Use it for |
|---|---|---|
| Vallejo Planning | (707) 648-4326 | Historic approvals, specific plan |
| Vallejo Public Works | (707) 648-4315 | Streets, landscaping |
| Solano County Auditor-Controller | (707) 784-6280 | Special tax lines on the bill |
Keep going
Where to go next on How2HOA
Sources for this guide
These sources open in a new tab.
City of Vallejo: Mare Island; CFD 2002-1, 2005-1A and 2005-1B FAQ; Mare Island planning documents; main Mare Island agreements; Navy briefing on environmental status, 2014; infrastructure assessment meeting, September 2024; historic districts.
State of California: FPPC advice letter A-25-109, December 2025; CEQAnet, Investigation Area C1 (SCH 2024070319); CEQAnet, Mare Island Specific Plan (SCH 2003092057).
Professional management
Thinking about management help?
Tell us about your community and we will send you options from affiliated management companies.
Compare HOA management optionsBrowse all HOA topicsThis page is general educational information, not legal, financial or insurance advice. How2HOA is not affiliated with the associations or agencies named here. Ownership and maintenance vary parcel by parcel, so check your recorded maps and governing documents and talk with your association’s attorney or another qualified professional about your situation.