Traffic Impact Fees To Change Feb. 1
On February 1, 2019, traffic impact fees in Pierce County will change. The Planning and Public Works Department has been working with the Transportation Advisory Commission since January of 2017 to update the county's Traffic Impact Fee Program.
What might these changes mean for typical permit applicants?
The actual fee is dependent on your location but generally:
- A new single-family residence will range from $1,795.00 to $4,780.38.
- A new 5000 square foot retail/restaurant building will range from $10,600.00 to $27,236.50.
- A new 100,000 square foot warehouse building will range from $90,000.00 to $229,970.00.
Will the fees go up again this year?
Yes. The increase in the fee amount is phased. Fees paid on or after August 1st, 2019 will be subject to the full traffic impact fee rate. Using the same example projects as above:
- A new single-family residence will range from $1,795.00 to $7,243.00.
- A new 5,000 square foot retail/restaurant building will range from $10,600.00 to $44,750.00.
- A new 100,000 square foot warehouse building will range from $90,000.00 to $377,000.00.
If a permit is already submitted is it vested under the current fee structure?
Unfortunately, no.
The traffic impact fee amount for a project is based on the fee rates that are effective on the date of payment. The only way to make sure that the current lower traffic impact rates are locked in for your project is to pay them prior to February 1st.
Other info you need to know.
There are now only four transportation service areas (A-D). Previously there were 12.
You can determine which transportation service area your project is located in by visiting the County Public GIS webpage.
How can I find out more information?
- The complete package (Ordinance no. 2018-71s) containing these changes can be reviewed here.
- For questions related to the update of the County Traffic Impact Fee Program please email us at [email protected].
- We are currently in the process of making changes to the County Traffic Impact fee web page as well as other aspects of our system (such as About My Property) in preparation for the February 1st effective date. These informational tools will be available soon.
Dennis Hanberg
Director
Pierce County Planning and Public Works