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Will impact fees help provide infrastructure for my project?
How are impact fees determined?
The amount of impact fee is determined based on a series of studies and analysis which culminate in a dollar cost per service unit. The cost per unit is published each year in a table that shows the cost per service unit. Studies and analysis include: Long range facility plans which examine the current status of infrastructure systems, anticipated future growth, and the work needed to provide service to that demand. Impact Fee studies which look at current costs for construction of new facilities, excludes work needed for maintenance purposes, gives credit for contributions by new development to the infrastructure systems, and links costs to service units.
How can I know what impact fees will be due from my project?
The annual fees are available. Each project will be evaluated independently and only those fees which are applicable will be charged. If a project is a change in use or expansion then the fee is the difference between the new and old use, or for only that area which creates an increase in service demand. Planning staff is happy to answer questions on the specifics of a project. An estimate of impact fees can be prepared on request.
What are impact fees?
Impact Fees are a one time fee for service used to increase the capacity of water, sewer, fire/EMS, and transportation systems to meet the needs of new or expanding development.
What is happening with the update to the impact fee studies?
The City completed a contract on June 27, 2011 with Tischlerbise of Bethesda, MD to assist the City in updating its impact fee studies. The City updates its documents on a regular schedule to ensure that the fees charged are accurate to the cost of installing needed infrastructure. Several public meetings and other outreach efforts will be held to gather public input as part of the process. Draft of documents will be posted to the City's website as they become availalbe for public review.
When are impact fees due to be paid?
Each of the impact fees is separate from the others. A project may not require payment of all of the fees. Fees are set by the fee schedule in place on the day a you submit a complete application for a building or service connection permit. Fees are due:
Where can I see what projects are going to be funded with impact fees?
The City schedules its use of impact fees through the capital improvement program (CIP). This annually updated document is approved by the City Commission after a public hearing. The CIP is developed for all major capital expenditures, not just impact fees. People can propose changes to the document or suggest projects to be included. The CIP schedules project construction over the next five years and identifies the package of funding for each project.
Why does the City use impact fees?
Impact fees are a tool to fund infrastructure needed to support the use and development of property. The City has had an active impact fee program since 1996. They are one of several sources of funding which support City water, sewer, fire, and transportation services.