What is the primary purpose of county impact fees?

The primary purpose of county impact fees is to mitigate the impact of new development on local services. When new developments are proposed, they can increase the demand for public services such as roads, parks, schools, and emergency services. Impact fees are designed to ensure that the costs associated with this increased demand are covered by the developers, rather than being a burden on existing taxpayers.

By implementing these fees, counties can fund the necessary improvements or expansions in infrastructure and services that are required because of new growth. This helps maintain the quality of life for current residents while accommodating new residents. The fees collected can be allocated to a variety of needs that arise due to development, making them a versatile tool in urban planning and community development.

Other options limit the scope of how impact fees are understood: funding for emergency services or public schools specifically addresses only aspects of community needs but does not reflect the broader goal of mitigating overall impacts on all local services that arise from new developments. Focusing solely on infrastructure ignores the comprehensive effects that new developments have on the community, which include not just physical roads and bridges, but also services like schools and public safety. Therefore, the correct understanding of the primary purpose of county impact fees encompasses addressing the wide-ranging effects of development on local services as