Impact fees
Impact fees drive up the price of new houses across our state, making it even more difficult for families and individuals to purchase a home of their own. Below are some examples showing how much of a barrier impact fees can be to home ownership and some solutions to address these obstacles. BIAW will be working hard during the next legislative session and beyond to bring forward solutions to reduce the burden impact fees have on a new home, allowing more people to become homeowners in Washington state.
What are impact fees?
Local governments under the GMA are authorized (not required) to impose impact fees. Impact fees can only be used to fund a new or expanded public capital facility needed to directly address the increased demand for services created by a new development in the categories of:
Parks
Open spaces and recreational facilities
Fire
Additional or expanded fire stations
Traffic
Public roads, traffic signs, etc.
Schools
Additional or expanded school facilities
Understanding impact fees
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