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Troutdale council adopts citywide master fee schedule, changing how SDCs are calculated
Summary
On May 12, 2026 the Troutdale City Council adopted a consolidated master fee schedule that moves many system development charge (SDC) calculations for restaurants from a per‑seat basis to square footage, an average change staff said will reduce restaurant ERU charges by about 24%; the measure passed 6–1.
Troutdale, Ore. — The Troutdale City Council voted 6–1 on May 12 to adopt a citywide master fee schedule that consolidates municipal fees, rates and system-development charges into a single public document and changes how some SDCs are calculated.
City staff said the new schedule is intended to increase transparency and make it easier for residents and businesses to find fees in one place. "It basically consolidates all of the city's fees in one location," staff member Mike said, adding the schedule will allow annual reviews and improve cost-recovery across departments.
The most notable technical change replaces a per‑seat method for eating and drinking establishments with a square‑footage basis for ERU (equivalent residential unit) calculations. Staff and the consultant sample showed an average reduction of about 24% for restaurants, though they acknowledged there will be winners and losers: "one of the biggest winners was the Taco Bell on Frontage and one of the biggest losers was the Dairy Queen up on Stark Street," Mike said.
Council members raised concerns about some fee jumps and packet formatting. Councilor Glenn said the packet made it difficult to compare old and new fees and suggested a work session to review details. Others questioned whether sharp increases on certain planning or variance fees could discourage small projects. "If it costs us more than we're receiving in fees, it's time to look at the fee," Councilor Davidson said, framing the change as an effort to stop subsidizing permit processing from taxpayers.
Members of the public urged care in specific line items. Paul Wilcox said he found several increases excessive and questioned items such as a $200 street‑tree installation charge and the disturbed‑pavement fee rate. Restaurateur Pompeo said switching to square footage substantially reduced his SDC obligation — he estimated a 40–60% reduction for his business — and urged that SDCs remain tied to demonstrated impact.
Heather Jones, the city's building and code compliance manager, told the council the state Building Codes Division requires a 45‑day notice period for fee updates. She warned that postponing adoption would likely restart that notice process and could delay the schedule by at least 45 days: "The 45‑day notice is a requirement that the state has from BCD, building codes division," Jones said.
A motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded; the roll call vote recorded six votes in favor and one opposed (Counselor White). The council discussed continuing technical adjustments in coming months: staff said they expect to revisit building‑code fees again in November for possible January changes to approach closer to full cost recovery.
The resolution consolidates fee information into a single, publicly accessible document and directs staff to use the revised SDC methodology as described. Staff said existing submitted projects will be grandfathered and remain under the rules in effect when their applications were filed.
Next steps: staff will publish the consolidated schedule and proceed with the state notice process. Council members signaled intent to monitor impacts and adjust specific community development fees if needed in future sessions.
