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West Linn council adopts big cut to sanitary sewer development charge
Summary
City council adopted Resolution 2025‑11 to lower the sanitary sewer system development charge from $4,996 to $1,094 and updated the master fees schedule via Resolution 2025‑12; council cited a largely built‑out system and limited future demand as the rationale.
The West Linn City Council on Sept. 8 adopted a rewritten sanitary sewer system development charge (SDC) methodology and an updated fee schedule that sharply reduces the one‑time sewer SDC for new development.
Public Works Director Eric Laius explained that the revised methodology, prepared with consultant FCS Group, reflects a city that is largely built out with limited new sewer demand; as a result the recommended sanitary SDC falls from $4,996 to $1,094. Laius said the lower fees reflect recalculated future demand on the system and the consultant’s analysis of eligible capital projects.
The public hearing produced no live testimony; the Home Builders Association had submitted written comments and staff clarified the technical points. Council discussed the policy rationale, including a question about future flexibility if city boundaries or major projects change system demand. Councilors were assured the SDC could be revisited under a separate process if future demand materially increases.
Councilor Bridal moved to adopt Resolution 2025‑11 to approve the updated SDC methodology; the motion was seconded, roll call followed and the resolution was adopted. Council then adopted Resolution 2025‑12 to update the city’s master fees and charges document to reflect the new SDC schedule. Public Works staff noted some recent capital projects (for example a $2.5 million pump station) were largely ineligible for SDC funding, so the city will continue capital work within those constraints.
The council’s vote implements the lower sewer SDC for development permits and updates the official fee schedule; staff said FCS Group will next work on a related water SDC update in coming months.
