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Council adopts transportation impact fees ordinance with phased implementation, 7–0
Summary
Kirkland City Council adopted Ordinance 4904 to implement residential transportation impact fees with a three‑year phase‑in; council approved the ordinance unanimously (7–0). The fee schedule phases from 80% to 100% of the calculated fee over three years and includes a delayed phase‑in for ADUs and cottages.
The Kirkland City Council voted unanimously (7–0) on June 3 to adopt Ordinance 4904 establishing updated transportation impact fees for residential development. Financial planning manager Kevin Peltring presented the ordinance and described a phased approach to implementation.
Key elements adopted: - Phased implementation: the new fees will phase in over three years (first phase effective July 1, 2025) using an 80% / 90% / 100% ramp to the calculated maximum non‑stacked fee. The phased approach mirrors a prior council decision on fire and park impact fees and is intended to soften the near‑term impact on development while meeting revenue needs over time. - ADU phase‑in: fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are phased in starting at zero and reaching full fee in 2027, consistent with the council’s earlier direction to moderate the near‑term charge on small units. - Cottages: small/missing‑middle cottage products will be charged at the multifamily rate initially and then transition to the full non‑stacked fee by the third year.
Council action: Councilmember Amy Falcone moved adoption and Councilmember Sweet seconded. The city clerk called the roll; all seven members voted yes (Councilmembers Tim Chisen/Tim Chisholm, Black, Sweet, Falcone, Paschall, Deputy Mayor Arnold and Mayor Curtis). Peltring noted that the detailed impact fee study by FCS Group and supporting attachments are available in the council packet and that the fee changes align with the previously discussed phased approach for other impact fees.
Why this matters: Transportation impact fees fund transportation improvements needed to serve new development; the phased approach balances revenue needs with development market considerations and extends a gradual ADU fee schedule to avoid abrupt cost increases for small units.
Ending: The ordinance will take effect per the adopted phase‑in schedule, with the first phase beginning July 1, 2025. Staff will implement billing and administrative provisions and report on revenue and usage in future financial updates.
