Title
Approval of a Park Impact Fee Methodology Recommendation, as Required by State Law
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve the recommended New Park Impact Fee Methodology, as required by State law, and forward to the full City Council for approval.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve the recommended New Park Impact Fee Methodology, as required by State law, and forward to the full City Council for approval.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance, Parks Arts and Recreation, 360.570.5855
Tammy LeDoux, Finance & Policy Coordinator, Parks Arts and Recreation, 360.753.8053
Presenter(s):
John Ghilarducci, Principal, FCS Group
Laura Keehan, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance
Tammy LeDoux, Finance & Policy Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
In 2023, the Washington Legislature adopted Senate Bill 5258, amending RCW 82.02.060 to require impact fee schedules to reflect the proportionate impact of different housing unit types. The law requires lower impact fees for smaller housing units based on square footage, number of bedrooms, or trips generated. The City must adopt a compliant methodology within six months of adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, requiring implementation by June 30, 2026.
The City hired FCS Group to scale the current park impact fees to comply with this recent change in State law. An update of the fees is not included as a part of this study as this change is only to the methodology and is intended to be revenue neutral. The next park impact fee rate study will be completed in the Fall of 2028 after the next Parks Plan is adopted.
Staff recommends using habitable square footage as the basis for scaling park impact fees. This approach is commonly used by jurisdictions across Washington and is supported by reliable data correlating housing size with occupancy levels. It is also the most straightforward methodology to admini...
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