Planning commission urges council to adopt Phase 1 of updated development impact fee study and related plans

The Town Election Planning Commission on Dec. 18 voted unanimously to recommend that the Town Council adopt Phase 1 of the updated Town of Lexington Development Impact Fee Study, along with the Housing Affordability Study, the Capital Improvements Plan and the Development Impact Fee Ordinance.

Justin, the town planner, told commissioners that "the impact fee ordinance adopted on 02/01/2020 outlines that the planning commission is responsible for a comprehensive review and update of the development impact fee study report for Lexington, the town of Lexington capital improvements plan, the housing affordability analysis in support of the development impact fee study, and the development impact fee ordinance." He said the review and update is required at least once every five years and that Phase 1 will proceed now while the transportation component is scheduled after completion of the local transportation improvement plan second edition.

Commissioner Jamie Bikes moved to recommend council adoption of Phase 1 and related documents; the motion was seconded, no public speakers had signed up, and the commission approved the recommendation unanimously. The commission’s action is advisory; the Town Council must consider the studies and ordinance and decide whether to adopt them and, if so, when to implement any fee changes or program adjustments.