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Port Orchard adopts new school impact fee formula; rate set at $0.56 per square foot
Summary
City council adopted an ordinance updating the school impact fee schedule to a square-foot formula recommended by the South Kitsap School District; the new schedule sets a $0.56-per-square-foot rate with a $546.62 minimum and $2,009.27 maximum, effective July 1, 2025.
Port Orchard’s City Council on April 8 adopted an ordinance revising the city’s school impact fee schedule to a square-foot methodology recommended by the South Kitsap School District.
City staff told the council the district engaged a consultant, FCS Group, to recommend a fee structure required by recent state law changes. "The FCS memo recommends the use of the square footage approach and has recommended a new Port Orchard rate of 56¢ per square foot with a minimum and maximum fee," city staff (Mr. Bond) said during the public hearing and business item presentation.
Under the ordinance, the new school impact fee will be calculated at $0.56 per square foot, with a minimum fee of $546.62 and a maximum fee capped at $2,009.27. The draft ordinance also adds a definition for square footage and requires applicants to supply square footage calculations, plus bedrooms and trip generation, with development applications. Staff recommended the ordinance take effect July 1, 2025 to align with a recently adopted park impact fee schedule.
During the council discussion members noted the fee change does not cover the full cost of additional school capacity. "In no way do the school district impact fees . . . suffice to do what they need to do," a council member said, noting the fees have not been updated since 2008. Council members voiced support for adopting the new methodology as a step toward aligning fees with current law and the district’s analysis.
The ordinance passed on a voice vote. Mayor Pro Tem opened and closed the public hearing before the council took action.
The ordinance amends Port Orchard Municipal Code sections 20.18207 and 20.18401 and implements the district-recommended square-foot approach pursuant to the district’s technical memo. The record shows the council requested the hearing after reviewing the matter in a March 18 work-study session.
Council action is effective as adopted; the ordinance specifies an implementation date of July 1, 2025 for the new schedule.
