Impact fees are charges levied by local governments on developers or property owners to help offset the costs associated with the infrastructure and services necessitated by new development or growth within a county or municipality. These fees are intended to ensure that new development pays its fair share of the costs of public facilities and services, such as roads, schools, parks, fire and police services, water and sewer systems, and other essential infrastructure.

The rationale behind impact fees is that new development places additional demands on public infrastructure and services, leading to increased costs for the local government. By imposing impact fees, the government seeks to mitigate the financial burden on taxpayers and ensure that growth and development contribute to funding the necessary infrastructure upgrades and expansions.

Impact fees are typically assessed based on factors such as the type and size of the development, its anticipated impact on public services and facilities, and the costs associated with accommodating the development. The specific methodology for calculating impact fees can vary depending on local regulations and policies.

While impact fees can help fund infrastructure improvements and support sustainable growth, they can also be a subject of debate. Critics argue that impact fees may increase the cost of housing and development, potentially discouraging investment and economic activity. Additionally, there may be concerns about the fairness and transparency of the fee assessment process.

Overall, impact fees play a significant role in county growth and development by ensuring that new development contributes to the cost of necessary infrastructure and services, ultimately promoting more sustainable and equitable growth.