Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Impact Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board sets public hearing on reducing county road impact fees, advertises at 30% of maximum
Summary
After a lengthy closed‑session review and public questions, the Board voted 4–3 to advertise a public hearing on May 20 proposing an amendment to Stafford County Code, Chapter 13.5, to lower transportation impact fee rates and to advertise the fee at 30% of the maximum while staff undertakes additional analysis.
The Board of Supervisors voted on April 15 to set a public hearing on a proposal to amend Stafford County Code, Chapter 13.5, Exhibit D (road impact fee schedule) and to advertise a draft ordinance reducing transportation impact fee rates. The motion to advertise the draft ordinance with a 30% rate (a substitute to an earlier staff recommendation to reduce to 10%) passed 4–3.
County engineering staff told the board that state law allows localities to assess transportation impact fees and that the county’s existing program has generated approximately $9.1 million in ten years to offset an estimated $600 million in local projects. An update this winter suggested the fee needed to increase to cover projects; the Board chose instead to pause at a reduced rate while additional analysis proceeds.
Several supervisors argued for advertising a 30% rate rather than the 10% staff presented, saying advertising a higher figure preserves flexibility so public commenters can advocate either for a lower final rate or for a different implementation date. Chief Engineer staff said the public hearing would be held May 20 and that, after public comment, the Board could adopt an amended fee rate and implementation schedule.
Why it matters: Transportation impact fees are charged at plan approval or permit to offset road improvements driven by new development. The Board’s decision to advertise at 30% was presented as temporary: staff will study the fee schedule and the Board may adopt a different final rate after hearing public input.
Votes and next steps: The Board set the public hearing for May 20 and will consider public comment. The substitute motion to advertise at 30% passed 4–3; the hearing will give businesses, developers and residents an opportunity to testify before a final vote.
Ending: County staff said they will post the draft ordinance and explanatory materials on the county website and return with an analysis for board consideration after the May 20 public hearing.
