Local coffee shop challenges $25,777 transportation impact fee

Kellie Counsil, representing a new coffee shop planned near the Hub on Midvalley Road, told the Enoch City Council during the public-comment period that a $25,777 transportation impact fee imposed on the project was excessive for a small, locally owned business.

Building Inspector Lynn Nielson responded that the city’s fee schedule charges impact fees by occupancy type rather than by shell construction and said the coffee shop met the City’s "fast food" classification because it met two or more of four characteristics—no table service, disposable packaging, limited seating and drive-up service. City Manager Ryan Robinson said the city’s impact-fee study had recommended even higher rates and that the City had already set fees below that study’s recommendations.

Council Member Kimberlee Trower suggested placing an item on a future agenda to review the fast-food classification criteria. Staff invited Counsil to meet with them to review the business model and the fee calculation, and to determine whether a different classification or other adjustments could change the assessed fee.

The conversation remained at the inquiry and review stage: no policy change, waiver or refund was proposed or approved at the meeting. The Council did not take a formal vote on any change during the June 17 meeting. The Council’s staff follow-up and any subsequent agenda item could alter the fee or its application.