Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Impact Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission delays decision on large school impact fee increases; item continued to Dec. 18
Summary
After a lengthy presentation and public comment, the Woodland Planning Commission continued Ordinance No. 1579 (school impact fees) to December 18 for more review; staff said proposed single‑family fees rise from a $5,900 flat rate to $10,545.93 under the school district's recalculation, prompting concern about affordability.
The Woodland Planning Commission deferred action on Ordinance No. 1579, which proposes substantial increases to school impact fees, after commissioners and a public speaker raised concerns about the scale of the change and the need for more time to review the school district's calculations.
Travis Goddard, community development director, explained the school district (Woodland School District No. 404) recalculated its capital needs using updated housing projections tied to the city's comprehensive plan and an Exit 21 study. Goddard said the existing flat rate of $5,900 for single‑ and multifamily units (with smaller ADU rates historically set at $2,000) would be replaced by district‑calculated amounts: $10,545.93 for single‑family and $13,664.57 for multifamily under the district's submitted capital facilities plan. Staff recommended a Jan. 1 effective date with a 90‑day lead time so developers with pending applications could opt to pay the prior rate.
Resident Donna Butler urged the commission to consider affordability and questioned school spending, saying, "This doesn't help affordable housing," and noting declining enrollment and public dissatisfaction with school expenditures. Commissioners debated options including recommending rejection, conditional approval, or asking the school district to recalculate; one motion to not recommend the proposal failed for lack of a second.
A subsequent motion to continue the ordinance to the December 18 meeting at 7:00 p.m. passed by roll call; staff will return with further information or invite the school district to present its methodology. The Planning Commission is advisory; any final change to the fee schedule requires City Council action.
