Nassau County is taking significant steps to enhance affordable housing options through a comprehensive review of its impact fee structure. During the Affordable Housing Advisory Committee meeting on September 25, 2025, officials discussed a new approach to impact fees that aims to better accommodate smaller residential units, including accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The current impact fee system applies a flat fee for all residential units, regardless of size. This means that a small 800-square-foot ADU pays the same fee as a large 10,000-square-foot home. The committee is exploring a shift to a fee structure based on square footage, which would allow for more equitable fees that reflect the actual demand for services based on the size of the dwelling. For instance, homes under 1,250 square feet could see reduced fees, making it more financially viable to build smaller, affordable housing options.

The county has contracted Tishler Bice, a consulting firm, to conduct a new impact fee study, building on a previous study from 2020. This new analysis will consider various factors, including demand drivers and service areas, to create a more nuanced fee structure. The goal is to ensure that the fees collected align with the actual impact of different types of housing on county services.

As the committee moves forward, they will seek feedback from the development community and the Board of County Commissioners to refine the proposed changes. The anticipated outcome is a more flexible and fair impact fee system that encourages the construction of affordable housing, ultimately benefiting the community by increasing the availability of smaller, more affordable living spaces.

The committee is optimistic about finalizing these changes within the calendar year, with the hope that the new fee structure will facilitate the development of more affordable housing options in Nassau County.