"Impact fees" for new homes (Knoxville, Loudon: environment, property taxes)

[insanesmooch]

Again, while going through some older newspapers, I found an interesting article. This was in the September 13, 2006 Knoxville News Sentinel. Loudon County is starting what is sometimes called an "impact fee" (though I have heard other names for it). People in other states may be more used to the idea, but I've only heard of it in a few places in the past couple of years in TN. I know Williamson County has it.
The fee in the article is $1 per square foot on every new home sold in Loudon County. It says the County Commision voted for the resolution that falls under the County Powers Relief Act of 2006. It says that they are only the second county to adopt a resolution under that act. Williamson County has had that at least since last year, so this act much not just refer to the impact fee type of taxing.

I thought this would be interesting to those looking to build homes or buy new ones, especially in that area. Also, if it is coming to Loudon County, other counties will most likely watch them for pointers. Of course, they say the fee is going to support education- the old standby excuse for taxes.
If anyone wants to know more, you can try to find it on www.knoxnews.com the title is "Homebuilders oppose new fee" or I can post more about the contents of the article.

[mich2fla]

Some areas in Florida charges $10,000 impact fee to help pay for the infrastructures.

[tismekll]

Originally Posted by insanesmooch

Again, while going through some older newspapers, I found an interesting article. This was in the September 13, 2006 Knoxville News Sentinel. Loudon County is starting what is sometimes called an "impact fee" (though I have heard other names for it). People in other states may be more used to the idea, but I've only heard of it in a few places in the past couple of years in TN. I know Williamson County has it.
The fee in the article is $1 per square foot on every new home sold in Loudon County. It says the County Commision voted for the resolution that falls under the County Powers Relief Act of 2006. It says that they are only the second county to adopt a resolution under that act. Williamson County has had that at least since last year, so this act much not just refer to the impact fee type of taxing.

I thought this would be interesting to those looking to build homes or buy new ones, especially in that area. Also, if it is coming to Loudon County, other counties will most likely watch them for pointers. Of course, they say the fee is going to support education- the old standby excuse for taxes.
If anyone wants to know more, you can try to find it on www.knoxnews.com the title is "Homebuilders oppose new fee" or I can post more about the contents of the article.

Where I live there are impact fees on new builds-almost $15,000 per house. This fee is built into the price of the home as it is paid for by the developer. This fee is used to build schools, fire houses, etc. Personally I think it is a good idea....this keeps the property taxes down for those who have lived in the area and puts the cost on to the new areas. Many new schools, police stations, roads, fire stations have been built in the newly developed areas which are needed.

[insanesmooch]

It also raises the prices of the houses. That is part of why they climb because the developers will pass it on to the buyers.

[tismekll]

Originally Posted by insanesmooch

It also raises the prices of the houses. That is part of why they climb because the developers will pass it on to the buyers.

Agreed but I would rather the new residents pay the cost for new infrastructure than someone who has lived in the area for a substantial time. I have no problem with people moving into an area but I do have a problem with my taxes going up to build the needed services, roads etc. that are needed because a developer built hundreds/thousands of new houses.

[FL_TN_Nana]

Originally Posted by tismekll

Agreed but I would rather the new residents pay the cost for new infrastructure than someone who has lived in the area for a substantial time. I have no problem with people moving into an area but I do have a problem with my taxes going up to build the needed services, roads etc. that are needed because a developer built hundreds/thousands of new houses.

You know, it's not only new residents who are hit with this cost. It may be residents who have lived in the area for years, but now want to build a new house, or go from renting to owning. I understand that SOMEONE has to pay for the schools, roads, fire depts., etc., but I think some of the impact fees are a bit excessive. Next year in the Orlando area, impact fees will exceed $12,000. And property taxes are increasing as well.

As Tennessee grows (mostly Floridians migrating north!), it is inevitable that needs will grow. I would expect that would include impact fees for the needed services. As I look on these boards, it seems more and more people are coming to Tennessee so the planning departments in the local governments should certainly be on their toes at this moment to avoid some of the awful environmental issues we're facing now. It would be a terrible loss for the beauty of Tennessee to go down the tubes with only rooftops to view.

[Jhubtin]

Originally Posted by mich2fla

Some areas in Florida charges $10,000 impact fee to help pay for the infrastructures.

Here in Naples your looking at a $30,000.00 impact fee for a 2000 sqft newly built home. It doesn't seem to deter anyone though. Lots of older homes on the market. New ones still going up.

[mich2fla]

Originally Posted by Jhubtin

Here in Naples your looking at a $30,000.00 impact fee for a 2000 sqft newly built home. It doesn't seem to deter anyone though. Lots of older homes on the market. New ones still going up.

Yikes! I still think $10,000 is alot with all the new homes going up and the property taxes it brings.

[Brian]

I believe the impact fee thing is a good way to keep the growth under control a bit. Maybe this will help to keep Loudon County rural for many years to come.

I haven't really paid attention to the situation in Loudon County where my cousin is the County Mayor.

Not that I really cared but many of my relatives still live in and around Loudon County.

[Gene Long]

You talk about high development fees, this is what we curently pay for a new home in my area. No matter what the size of the new home is:
1. Park fee............................... $1,590.33 per unit
2. Civic Center........................... 334.30 per acre
3. Pulic works yard..................... 54.16 per acre
4. Library................................. 43.17 per acre
5. Fire Protection...................... 1,433.90 per acre
6. Police.................................. 206.46 to 5,624.04 per acre
7. Strom Water........................ 1.154.04 to 4,616.17 per acre
8. Transporation Impact............ 6,018.61 per acre
9. Sewer Connection................. 593.52 per unit
10.School Impact..................... 3.82 per square foot

The per acre cost is mult. by the total number of acres in a subdivion div. by the total amount of lots location in the subdivision. These fees do not include the building permit fees.