What are the benefits of an impact fee assessment for new development?

Impact Fee Assessment for New Development is a one-time charge imposed by local governments on new construction projects to help fund public infrastructure and services, such as roads, schools, and utilities, needed to accommodate the additional demand created by the development.

How Impact Fee Assessment for New Development Works

• Local governments calculate impact fees based on the anticipated demand a new development will place on public infrastructure and services.
• Fee amounts are typically determined using standardized formulas based on factors such as unit count, square footage, or type of use.
• Developers pay the assessed impact fees, often at the time of building permit issuance, before construction begins.
• Collected fees are generally earmarked for specific infrastructure improvements related to the development's impact.

Why Impact Fee Assessment for New Development Is Important

• Helps local governments fund necessary infrastructure improvements without solely relying on general tax revenue.
• Ensures that new development contributes fairly to the public services and infrastructure it will use.
• Provides a predictable, standardized cost that developers can incorporate into project budgeting.
• Supports coordinated growth planning by linking development activity to infrastructure investment.

Best Practices for Managing Impact Fee Assessments

• Review local impact fee schedules early in the project planning process to accurately budget for these costs.
• Confirm which specific infrastructure categories and formulas apply to the proposed development type.
• Explore potential fee credits or offsets available for certain types of public benefit contributions.
• Stay informed of periodic updates to local impact fee schedules that may affect future projects.

Impact fee assessments provide an important funding mechanism for public infrastructure, ensuring new development helps support the services and systems required to accommodate its growth.