Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Development Fees topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Covington council adopts 2026 fee schedule, increases fees by CPI
Summary
Covington adopted a resolution Dec. 9 to update its 2026 fee schedule, applying a 2.72% CPI adjustment and continuing a consultant pass-through model; staff will add clearer handouts and an inspection-estimation tool to improve transparency for developers.
Kelly Thompson, the city’s administrative services manager, presented a proposed 2026 fee schedule and recommended adjusting fees by 2.72% to match the Seattle–Tacoma–Bellevue consumer price index and to continue a full consultant pass-through model.
Thompson said staff will create a handout that outlines common inspection types and associated billable hours and will develop an inspection-estimation tool to help applicants anticipate inspection costs. “Staff also recommend continuing the full consultant pass-through model,” Thompson said, describing the change as a step to “ensure applicants pay the actual consultant costs that their project requires.”
Council members who spoke in favor described the proposal as practical and likely to reduce surprises for developers. One member noted the approach “makes it easier…to explain and enhance trust with the developers for work agents.” Staff confirmed the proposed resolution includes language repealing the 2025 fee schedule.
The council moved, seconded and approved the resolution by voice vote. The vote was called as an aye/oppose voice vote and the motion passed; the meeting record does not include a roll-call tally in the public discussion, and no council member announced opposition during the vote.
What this means: the city’s land‑use, building permit, administrative and impact fees will be adjusted for 2026 consistent with the CPI and the council policy that development cover 100% of recovery costs. Staff will publish the handout and the inspection-estimation tool early next year.
