What are impact fees?

Construction impact fees, also known as development impact fees, are one-time charges levied by local governments on new construction projects to cover the costs of future growth related improvements or expansions needed. This can include infrastructure expansions or improvements, such as roads, schools, parks, water systems and sewer lines.
They ensure that new residents pay their fair share for the services they will use; basically making the new structure or development "pay for its own impact" on existing infrastructure of the neighborhood. 

In Sonoma County, these may include some or all of the following impact fees:

  • Affordable Housing Fee

  • Fire Mitigation Fee

  • Parks Fee

  • Traffic Fee

  • School Fees (Some school districts have a separate fee for elementary schools and high schools.)