What Are Mello-Roos Taxes in Sacramento and Placer County? How to Find Them Before You Buy
By Jaydee Sheppard, September 29, 2025
If you’re searching for a new home in Sacramento County or Placer County, chances are you’ve seen the term Mello-Roos pop up. For many buyers, it’s one of the most confusing parts of the homebuying process. Let’s clear it up and talk about what Mello-Roos is, how it affects your monthly housing cost, and how to find out if the home you love has it.
What Is Mello-Roos?
- Mello-Roos is a special property tax created in California in 1982 under the Mello-Roos Community Facilities Act.
- It allows local governments, school districts, and developers to create Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) that fund public infrastructure such as roads, parks, schools, and utilities in new developments.
- Unlike regular property taxes, which are limited by Proposition 13, Mello-Roos taxes are not capped and can vary significantly by community.
- Mello-Roos typically lasts 20–40 years, though the length depends on the specific CFD.
👉 In short: Mello-Roos is how many new neighborhoods in Sacramento and Placer County pay for their growth.
How Much Does Mello-Roos Cost in Sacramento and Placer County?
Mello-Roos charges are added to your annual property tax bill and usually range between $100–$300 per monthdepending on the community.
- In Sacramento County, many new subdivisions in Elk Grove, Rancho Cordova, and Natomas have Mello-Roos in the $150–$250/month range.
- In Placer County, newer developments in Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln often carry Mello-Roos between $120–$200/month. Some areas (like parts of Twelve Bridges in Lincoln) may have no Mello-Roos at all.
That means a $2,000 annual Mello-Roos tax adds roughly $166/month to your housing cost — something lenders consider when qualifying you for a mortgage.
How to Find Out If a Home Has Mello-Roos
Before you make an offer, here are the best ways to confirm:
- Check the Property Tax Bill
Any special taxes or assessments will appear on the property’s tax bill, separate from base property taxes. - Review the Preliminary Title Report or NHD (Natural Hazard Disclosure)
During escrow, these documents will clearly state whether the property is located in a Community Facilities District (CFD) and the associated costs. - Ask the Builder or Listing Agent
If you’re buying new construction in Sacramento or Placer County, the builder should disclose the exact amount of Mello-Roos and how long it lasts. - Search County or City Websites
Both Sacramento County and Placer County publish reports and databases where you can look up CFDs and their levy amounts by parcel.
Why Mello-Roos Matters for Buyers
- Monthly Affordability: Even $150/month in Mello-Roos equals $1,800/year. Over 30 years, that’s $54,000.
- Resale Value: Buyers often compare neighborhoods based on HOA dues and Mello-Roos costs. Homes with lower fees may sell faster.
- Expiration Date: Because Mello-Roos eventually expires, older neighborhoods without these fees sometimes have a resale advantage.
Final Thoughts
Mello-Roos isn’t inherently “bad” — in fact, it pays for the schools, parks, and infrastructure that make Sacramento County and Placer County such desirable places to live. But it’s important to know exactly how much it will cost you each month before you buy.
As your local real estate expert, I help my clients run a full monthly cost analysis — mortgage, insurance, property tax, HOA dues, and Mello-Roos — so there are no surprises after closing.
If you’re thinking about buying in Sacramento or Placer County and want to see which neighborhoods have Mello-Roos (and which don’t), I’d be happy to put together a customized breakdown for you.
