Committee sends impact‑fee ordinance back to Codes & Zoning after budgetfinance clarifications requested

The Executive/Steering Committee voted to send the proposed impact‑fee ordinance back to Codes & Zoning so the ordinance can be revised to reflect Budget and Finance’s recommendation and to address industrial exemptions and the Industrial Development Board’s authority.

Budget and Finance’s recommendation, as described to the committee, would leave a flat $1,500 of any residential impact fee to the general fund and direct any amount above $1,500 to Fund 171 (capital projects). Committee members discussed using a flat fee (per rooftop) versus a percentage formula; supporters said a per‑rooftop flat fee is fairer across house sizes and simpler to administer, while others noted percentage approaches and step functions had been discussed.

Members also focused on industrial and commercial language. The committee discussed that the Industrial Development Board (IDB) retains authority granted in past action to negotiate tax incentives for industry, including the ability to set or waive taxes as a location incentive. Members said that provision needs to be reviewed and that industrial projects may require separate treatment in the ordinance. The committee noted instances where large industrial projects could be effectively relieved of impact payments via incentives and asked staff to verify IDB authority, historical motions under former Mayor Chambers and any limits on tax waivers.

A motion carried to send the ordinance back to Codes & Zoning with instruction to incorporate the Budget and Finance recommendation and to specifically review and clarify industrial and commercial provisions. No final fee schedule or adoption occurred at the meeting.