Milton amends code to require impact fees at building‑permit stage, not at certificate of occupancy

The Milton City Council voted unanimously to amend city code Chapter 25, Impact Fees, by removing the option to pay impact fees at certificate of occupancy and requiring payment at the time the building permit is issued.

Interim Community Development Director Diana Wheeler explained the change in a staff presentation, saying that collecting impact fees at permit issuance avoids situations where builders have been paid and homeowners facing a ready certificate of occupancy are surprised by a $10,000‑plus balance that must be paid before move‑in. Wheeler said builders’ construction loans are often tied to percentage completion, meaning payment has already been made to the builder by the time a certificate of occupancy is ready; collecting at the permit stage shifts the administrative burden to the builder and prevents delayed occupancy for unaware homeowners.

Wheeler told the council staff reviewed neighboring practices and noted Alpharetta’s code language is similar to Milton’s but that, in practice, Alpharetta collects at permit issuance. After discussion the council approved the amendment as agenda item 25‑069; a motion was made by Councilmember Mahaney and seconded by Councilmember Berhoff and the motion carried unanimously.

The ordinance language change applies to the timing of assessment and payment (section 25‑5(b)) and does not alter the impact‑fee rates themselves. The council did not discuss specific revenue impacts at this meeting; the change addresses process and timing to reduce homeowner disruption during the final occupancy stage.