Commission backs mobility fee ordinance replacing 2006 road impact fees; vote 4-1

The Planning and Zoning Commission voted to recommend approval of Ordinance 42-25 on Aug. 6, a city‑initiated ordinance to repeal the existing road impact fee ordinance and replace it with a mobility plan and mobility fee. The motion passed 4‑1 following presentations from city transportation staff and two consultants and a commissioners’ discussion of fee levels and implementation options.

Laura Dodd, the city’s principal transportation planner, introduced the ordinance and explained that the proposal replaces the existing road impact fee with a mobility fee consistent with Florida Statute 163.318. Dodd said the new ordinance creates fee structure rules, assessment and benefit areas, credits, exemptions, an extraordinary‑circumstances study and appeals processes, and described public outreach including surveys, workshops, and advisory hearings conducted as part of the plan development.

David Farmer of Metro Forecasting Models presented the city’s recent growth analysis, telling commissioners that between his firm’s 2023 and 2025 updates the city added 9,700 housing units in an 18‑month period…