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Laconia schedules public hearing on major impact-fee update; council asked for more analysis
Summary
City planning staff presented a new impact-fee study proposing a much higher maximum rate and recommended collecting 50% of the new rate initially with annual 5% + CPI increases until reaching full rate by 2040; council set a public hearing for Dec. 8, 2025.
The Laconia City Council on Nov. 10 scheduled a public hearing for Dec. 8 on a comprehensive update to the city—s impact-fee ordinance. Planning staff presented a study (the first major update since 2009) that recalculates fees to reflect current capital needs across schools, police, fire, roads and other municipal facilities.
Planning staff said the consultant—s calculated maximum (100%) single-family impact fee in the new study is roughly $19,307. The planning department recommended beginning collection at 50% of that new maximum and phasing increases by 5% annually plus CPI until the 100% level is reached (planned by 2040). The planning board voted unanimously to forward the study after two public hearings.
Councilors asked technical questions about the formula, the department-by-department breakdown and how fees would be assessed for phased approvals. Staff said the full report (about 70 pages) and formula tables are available on the city—s website; staff noted that impact fees apply at the time of planning-board approval and that state law now guarantees rates for approvals for seven years.
Key policy details discussed: - The new study proposes department-specific formulas that roll up to the per-unit fee; planning staff will provide the full table and formulas in the online report. - The proposed ordinance would allow workforce-housing units to be eligible for up to a 20% exemption of their component fees (subject to ordinance language). - The department recommended indexing increases (5% plus CPI) until the maximum is reached and annual council reporting so council can track changes.
What happens next: A public hearing on Dec. 8 will gather public input; councilors said they expect follow-up from staff and the planning board before final action.
