ARIZONA DAILY STAR:  Thurs., July 3, 2008

OV impact fees could be raised, new ones started

By Lourdes Medrano

 

The Oro Valley Town Council is considering implementing new categories of impact fees and increasing existing ones.  The move is in reaction to state legislation that council members say could greatly affect the town's ability to charge impact fees to home builders.

Lawmakers approved Senate Bill 1406 and sent it to Gov. Janet Napolitano. If signed, the measure would go into effect Jan. 1.  The measure would keep governments from increasing fees or establishing new ones for two years on developments after they're approved, Town Attorney Tobin Rosen said at a council study session last week.

The fees are designed to pay for the impact that new housing would have on town infrastructure and services. Oro Valley already collects roadway development, water resources and potable-water impact fees.

Impact fees typically are passed on to home buyers, said Edward Taczanowsky, executive director and president of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association.  Oro Valley's efforts to raise fees could force builders to take their projects elsewhere, he said.

FULL STORY:   http://www.azstarnet.com/allheadlines/246399