Changes Proposed to Impact Fee Rates

New Fee Schedule

On September 18, 2013, the Fort Worth City Council adopted revised water and wastewater impact fee rates that take effect Jan.1, 2013.  Impact fees are charged to new development to connect to the water and wastewater systems. The calculation methods, public notice requirements and final charges for impact fees are guided by the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 395 and city ordinance.

Adoption of the new rates follows Freese and Nichols, Inc, retained by the Fort Worth Water Department, updating the water and wastewater impact fee study. The Land Use Assumptions (LUA) reports and Capital Improvement Plans (CIP) for both water and wastewater service are available for review. The LUA and CIP are essential pieces in calculating the maximum assessable water and wastewater impact fees.

The CIP is used to calculate the maximum assessable water and wastewater impact fees. With assistance from its wholesale customers, Fort Worth developed land use assumptions and population growth projections for the next 20 years.

The Water Department worked with its wholesale customers to gather population growth projections. The study used population and employment data provided by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and Fort Worth Planning and Development Department. There are 30 wholesale water customers and 23 wholesale wastewater customers involved in the Impact Fee Study, including cities, municipal utility districts, water supply corporations and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

The Capital Improvement Plan Advisory Committee is appointed by City Council in accordance with Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code.  At least 40 percent of the CAC must be representative of the real estate, development, or building representatives, who are not employees or officials of a political subdivision or governmental entity.

The committee meets twice a year to review and file comments to the City Council related to the CIP and land use assumptions. It meets more often in years when a study is performed because of its role in making recommendations to the City Council, in accordance with Chapter 395 of the Texas Local Government Code. The meetings are open to the public, and the agenda is posted at least 72 hours prior to the meeting, as required by state law.