If you’re applying for a permit in Kitsap County on or after July 1, you’ll notice a change in the way some impact fees are calculated.

The change comes in response to a new state law, ESSB 5258, which requires impact fees to be based on the proportional impact of each housing unit, per a county news release. The goal is to lower costs for smaller homes and encourage more affordable housing types such as condos, townhomes, and accessory dwelling units. Under the new law, fees must reflect the proportional impact of a home.

What’s changing?

Previously, school and park impact fees were based on a flat rate per home. Beginning July 1, these fees will be based on square footage. (See examples below)

School impact fees:

800-square-foot home: $672.08 (minimum impact fee)

2,073-square-foot home: $1,740.98 (current flat rate)

3,575-square-foot home: $3,002.84 (maximum impact fee)

Park impact fees:

792-square-foot home: $348.30 (minimum impact fee)

1,948-square-foot home: $856.96 (current flat rate)

3,543- square-foot home: $1,559.09 (maximum impact fee)

Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, will be charged no more than 50% of the impact fee for the primary home. Road impact fees are not changing, as they are based on traffic impact, which meets current state requirements.

Community Development’s role

As the permitting agency, the Department of Community Development calculates and collects impact fees during the permit process. These fees are distributed directly to local school districts, Kitsap County Parks, and the Kitsap County Public Works Roads Division.

For more information or to view the updated fee schedule, visit kitsapgov.com/DCD or email help@kitsap1.com.