King County Council Approves Amendment on School Impact Fees for Multifamily Housing

In a pivotal meeting held on August 26, 2025, the Metropolitan King County Council convened to discuss significant amendments to school impact fees, a topic that has garnered attention due to recent state legislation. The atmosphere in the council chambers was charged with urgency as members recognized the need to adapt to changes mandated by a 2023 state law, which requires that impact fees reflect the lower impact of smaller housing units.

The proposed ordinance aims to modify the existing formula for calculating school impact fees, particularly focusing on smaller dwelling units. Council member Mosqueda highlighted the importance of this legislation, noting that it is not a routine annual adjustment but a necessary response to state requirements. The council is under a time crunch to implement these changes, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.

The discussion centered around Amendment 2B, which introduces a new structure for impact fees, categorizing them based on the number of bedrooms in housing units. This amendment seeks to establish maximum fees for various types of housing, including middle housing and apartments with more than two bedrooms. The council's intent is to encourage the development of family-sized housing, which is in high demand in King County.

Council member Dombowski proposed an additional amendment to include smaller apartment units in the cap on impact fees, arguing that this would further incentivize the construction of affordable housing. He emphasized that reducing costs for smaller units could significantly impact housing production and affordability, making it easier for families to find suitable homes.

Throughout the meeting, council members expressed a shared commitment to balancing the need for school funding with the pressing demand for affordable housing. They acknowledged the challenges posed by rising construction costs and the need for innovative solutions to encourage the development of multi-family structures.

As the council moved forward with the amendments, the discussions reflected a broader concern for the community's future, particularly regarding housing availability and school funding. The outcome of these amendments could shape the landscape of King County's housing market and its educational infrastructure for years to come, highlighting the delicate interplay between development, affordability, and community needs.