Boynton Beach adopts mobility fee ordinance; approves 20% reduction for single‑family homes

The Boynton Beach City Commission on Feb. 18 adopted (second reading) a mobility-fee ordinance intended to replace certain transportation mitigation charges with a local mobility fee and directed staff to implement the fee structure. The ordinance passed unanimously on a roll-call vote with an amendment reducing the single‑family residential fee by 20 percent.

Commissioner Turkin moved approval; Vice Mayor Amy Kelly seconded the motion. The clerk recorded a unanimous vote: Commissioner Hay — yes; Commissioner Turkin — yes; Commissioner Cruz — yes; Vice Mayor Kelly — yes; Mayor (presiding) — yes.

City staff and outside presenters described the fee schedule and timing. Under the adopted framework the fee is assessed per 1,000 square feet of development footprint; staff presented two discount options and the commission chose the deeper 20% single-family reduction (the staff presentation showed the 20% figure as approximately $2,245 per 1,000 sq. ft. — staff said they would confirm final math in the ordinance language). The ordinance includes a 90‑day implementation window so that fees become effective after that period; staff cited May 2025 as the expected effective month for fee collection tied to plan changes and implementation work.

Palm Beach County Planning Division staff attended and the county’s representative read a formal objection letter on the record. "County strongly believes that such an attempt to repeal county laws would be unlawful as municipality cannot unilaterally repeal these laws," said Kashid Mahudin, speaking for the county. The county letter cites Florida Statutes (including section 163.3180) on required interlocal coordination for mitigation of transportation impacts, and the county said it will pursue available legal remedies if the city adopts a program that conflicts with county ordinance. City staff told commissioners the city must still negotiate with the county under state statute and that Palm Beach County is preparing its own interlocal language.

Public commenters urged higher or restructured fees and criticized components of the mobility plan. Susan Oyer, a longtime local commenter, urged higher multifamily rates and said the plan should remove a proposed train-station component she characterized as infeasible; she suggested trams and local alternatives. Barbara Riddey said she opposed the county’s threat of legal action and suggested the city pursue monies the county may owe municipalities.

The commission voted to adopt the ordinance as amended (20% reduction for single‑family residential), with staff to finalize math in the ordinance language and to proceed with required county coordination and regulatory steps.