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Board adopts level‑2 developer fee; district to charge $7.02 per square foot on new residential construction
Summary
After a public hearing, the district adopted an alternative level‑2 fee under Government Code §65995, setting the fee at $7.02 per square foot for new residential construction (effective immediately), citing student generation and facility cost estimates.
After a public hearing on May 14, the Santa Maria‑Bonita School District board adopted an alternative (level‑2) developer fee under Government Code §65995, approving a fee of $7.02 per square foot on new residential construction.
District consultants explained the methodology used for the calculation: the student generation rate in the study was 0.295 students per new home, the district projects roughly 214 new homes per year over the next five years (about 316 students in total) and used state allocation board per‑student cost figures to estimate a need of roughly $7.4 million (with base need and site/land line items noted). Those inputs produced the level‑2 alternative fee of $7.02 per square foot, versus the level‑1 fee of $3.69 per square foot.
Staff discussed ADU treatment: construction under 500 square feet remains exempt; ADUs larger than 500 square feet were treated as new residential units and could be assessed the fee. The staff presentation explained the level‑2 study is valid for 12 months and that approval makes the fee effective immediately for new permits.
Board members asked technical questions about square‑foot calculations and student generation methodology; staff and consultants said the district consulted SchoolWorks and legal guidance before recommending the fee. The board moved and approved the resolution adopting the level‑2 fee.
