Local jurisdictions nationwide are considering impact fee moratoria, reductions, and rollbacks as a strategy for stimulating the local economy during the current downturn and encouraging the production of affordable housing, according to NAHB's Land Development Services Department.

The "Impact Fee Rollback Resource Guide" is NAHB's latest addtion to the association's impact fee materials. This guide includes a regularly updated list of examples of rollbacks that have passed or are being debated by local communities.

The state of Georgia and the local HBAs in the area have had much success in their efforts to effectively reduce the financial burdens of impact fees. See the list below:

• Town of Tyrone, Georgia: In November 2008, the Town of Tyrone voted to eliminate its longstanding impact fee program and authorized the refund of impact fees. Numerous builders received refunds in excess of $7,000, including one builder who received a refund of almost $118,000.00.
  
  
• Cobb County, Georgia: In May 2009, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a six-month incentive program to stimulate new residential and commercial construction in the County. The program allows builders to defer payment of all permit fees, including sewer tap fees and inspection fees, until the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy on the home or building. The incentive program will begin on Monday, June 1 and continue until December 31, 2009.
  
  
• Dawson County, Georgia: On May 21, 2009, the Dawson County Board of Commissioners voted to suspend collection of impact fees for new construction. To preserve any right to a grandfathered zero-impact fee status, permits must have received a passing foundation inspection within one year of issuance of the original permit date. Further, the permit must also receive a Certificate of Occupancy within 24 months of issuance of the original permit date.
  
  
• Lee County, Georgia: Impact fees were adopted by the county in July 2006, but subsequently reduced in August 2007 by more than half to $770.35.
  
  
• Jones County, Georgia: On October 7, 2008, the Jones County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt impact fees of $1,800 per single-family residence. However, due to concerns over the economy and with the support of the local home builders association, the board of commissioners also voted to delay implementation of the impact fee program until July 1, 2009.

View and download NAHB's Impact Fee Rollback Guide here.

For more information e-mail Thais Austin, or call 800-368-5242 x8343. [Return to top]