This agenda item corresponds to the Public Hearing associated with the adoption of the impact fee ordinance and is the 1st Reading of the new regulation.  

In 1990, the Georgia Development Impact Fee Act (DIFA) was enacted into law, and it significantly affected the way local governments in Georgia pay for public services and facilities. Impact fees are one-time fees charged to land developers to help defray the costs of expanding capital facilities to serve new growth. DIFA enables local governments to charge new development for a proportionate share of infrastructure capacity it requires. However, the Act places restrictions on the categories of capital facilities for which new development can be charged. It also establishes rules under which impact fees must be calculated, collected, expended, accounted for, and administered.

As part of the process to create an impact fee program, the CIty completed a Methodology Report last year. The document contains the growth forecasts for the city and identifies capital projects needed to meet the City’s Level of Service standards.  It also presents calculations related to establishing the maximum impact fees that could be charged for the public facility categories which include roads, public safety, and parks and recreation. The forecasts and identified capital improvement projects from this report comprise the Capital Improvements Element (CIE) which must be approved by the Coastal Regional Commission (CRC) and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).  On January 19, 2023, DCA notified the City that the revised CIE adequately addressed the State’s requirements.

To move forward in the adoption of impact fees, City Council must:

1. Adopt an impact fee ordinance; 
2. Amend the Chatham County-Savannah Comprehensive Plan to include the CIE; and
3. Approve a resolution for affordable housing exemptions. 

During the City Council meeting on February 23, the second public hearing and Second Reading will be scheduled along with the resolutions to adopt the CIE and affordable housing exemption. 

Approval