At the January 22, 2013 meeting, and after much public input and debate, the Lee Board of County Commissioners directed staff to draft an ordinance for its review at its February 12, 2013 meeting to initiate a one-year suspension on impact fees with the possibility to renew for another year (for a total of two years).

Fire and EMS impact fees will be exempt from this suspension. The Local Planning Agency will hear the impact fee suspension ordinance at its January 28th meeting. Commissioners also directed staff to establish criteria by which they can evaluate the effectiveness of the suspension after the initial one year term to determine whether to continue the suspension at that time or cease it. The issue of how to treat impact fee credits is also being examined by the County Attorney’s office. Those on all sides of this issue should be sure to continue monitoring these discussions.