Fort Collins council adopts new capital, transportation expansion fees after debate

Fort Collins City Council adopted an ordinance updating capital expansion fees and transportation expansion fees on second reading, a measure supporters said keeps pace with growth while opponents warned it would raise housing costs for residents.

The council approved ordinance 168 by roll call after brief public comment from Jamie Thorpe of Hartford Homes, who said the proposal would require Bloom neighborhood residents to pay both a Metro District park fee and city impact fees for the same neighborhood park. “I again ask that you create a meaningful carve out so the residents of Bloom are not paying for 2 parks simultaneously,” Thorpe said.

City CFO Caleb Weitz told council staff had identified an error in packet materials: the local match for a transportation grant referenced the transportation fund in one place but should come from the 2050 climate tax. “Any reference to the transportation fund would be a typo,” Weitz said, adding staff will correct the materials for second reading if needed.

Councilmember Pat Yandi made the motion to adopt on second reading; Councilmember Olson seconded. The clerk called the roll: Katowski (yes), Francis (no), Olson (yes), Pat Yandi (yes), Canonico (yes). The ordinance passed 4–1.

Why it matters: capital expansion fees affect the price of new development and are a recurring point of contention between developers, residents and the city as it tries to balance infrastructure needs with housing affordability. The council did not adopt any carve-outs at this vote and directed staff follow-up with stakeholders and to correct the packet materials.

What’s next: staff will correct the grant-match language in the packet materials and follow up with the speaker as requested; implementation and effective dates will be handled per the ordinance text and posted materials.