Commission signals support for keeping 66% ADU impact-fee rule but charging connection fees on new hookups

At the May 1 meeting, the Willard planning commission examined proposed clarifications to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, focusing on whether detached ADUs that require new water or sewer hookups should pay full impact fees or retain the ordinance’s existing 66% treatment.

Staff said the ordinance currently specifies detached ADUs should pay 66% of a single‑family home’s water and sewer impact fee. Commissioners discussed the difference between an impact fee (the ADU’s share of system capacity) and a connection fee (cost to physically hook up and install a meter and hardware). Several members said that when an ADU connects through existing household services, 66% remains appropriate; when a detached ADU requires a new physical connection, the owner should pay the connection fee in addition to the prorated impact fee.

During the discussion staff cited sample amounts discussed by commissioners: a water impact fee around $6,361, a sewer impact fee around $7,200, a water connection fee in the low‑thousands (discussed as approximately $4,395 in the meeting), and a sewer connection fee around $500; commissioners noted those figures were recalled from discussion and asked staff to verify historical rates and whether inflation adjustments or a new impact‑fee study are needed.

Commissioners generally favored retaining the 66% impact fee for detached ADUs that use existing connections and charging connection fees for new hookups. Staff was asked to research fee history and prepare recommended language; the commission did not vote on ordinance changes at the meeting.

Next steps: staff will collect fee history, verify current connection and impact fees, and determine whether an updated impact‑fee study is warranted before a final ordinance recommendation to the council.