Final pkg Special Meeting Public Hearing 063026

Special Meeting of the Board of County Commissioners for Public Hearing on Impact Fees · 2026-06-30 · agenda_packet

Highlands County Board of County Commissioners held a public hearing on June 30, 2026, to consider the adoption of Ordinance 25-26-15, which revises the Highlands County Impact Fee Study and restates impact fees. The proposed ordinance aims to generate between $13,640,000 and $20,487,500 in capital expansion revenue over five years, distributed across nine categories: Fire Rescue, EMS, Law Enforcement, Correctional Facilities, General Government Buildings, Library Facilities, Parks and Recreation, Environmentally Sensitive Lands, and Roads. The ordinance establishes benefit districts, outlines fee calculation and payment procedures, allows for alternative calculations and developer credits, and mandates regular updates, reporting, and an appeals process. The impact fees were suspended in 2009 and have not been collected since. The ordinance includes a phased implementation schedule for the fees, starting October 1, 2026, with full rates expected by October 1, 2030. Exemptions are provided for affordable housing. The document details specific impact fee rates for various land uses, such as single-family detached homes (2,000 sq ft), offices (1,000 sq ft), and retail (125,000 sq ft), with phased rates shown for 2026-27 through 2030-31. No public comment or stakeholder sentiment was recorded in the provided text.