Duval adopts updated impact fee code aligning with state law; council discusses deferrals and exemptions

The Duval City Council voted to adopt revisions to its impact fee code (DMC 14.58) on Dec. 2, aligning local language with state law and clarifying credits, exemptions, applicability and administrative procedures.

Public works staff summarized outreach and procedural steps — internal review beginning in September, notice to CARS, SEPA review and a planning commission recommendation — and said the amended code largely mirrors RCW requirements. "We needed to update definitions, the applicability, the timing, use of funds, and some of the other provisions to align with the RCW," staff said.

Council discussion focused on statutory deferral and refund provisions. Staff and counsel noted deferral programs are required by statute and clarified that deferrals in the adopted code are limited to single‑family residences in practice and subject to timing and repayment conditions. On permissive exemptions, staff said the code now clarifies which exemptions are mandatory under state law and which are discretionary for council by resolution; permissive exemptions can be authorized case by case up to the statutory cap (staff cited council authority to adopt exemptions by resolution).

A council member asked for confirmation that the methodology for transportation impact fees (PM peak‑hour trip generation) remains specified in other guidance documents and the transportation plan rather than embedded in the code; staff confirmed the fee schedule and supporting guidance will govern technical calculations. The motion to adopt the updated DMC 14.58 passed on voice vote.