Objective A. Define parameters for impact fees and system development connection fees under state law. State Review: The consultant will provide a clear and detailed written analysis of state law related to impact fees (transportation, parks, fire/EMS, schools) and system development connection fees (water, wastewater, storm water). This analysis will include, as applicable, common definitions, review of governing boundaries, and correlation of fees to level of service, growth projections, capital projects, administration costs, and inflation. Examples: The consultant will provide and discuss, in written form, examples of how proportionate impact fees and system development connection fees have been calculated and applied by no less than six (6) jurisdictions/utilities, of various sizes and locations within the state of Washington. In addition, the consultant shall prepare a resource list of other jurisdictions/utilities that have similarly performed and implemented proportionate impact fee/connection fee analysis. This resource list may include jurisdictions outside of the state of Washington. Objective B. Provide alternative methods for proportionate fees. Alternative Methods: The consultant will discuss, in written form, alternative methods for calculating impact and connection fees including, but not limited to, proportionality based on square footage, type of use and/or user, trips generated, location of use vs. location of impacted services. Objective C. Provide impact analysis of changes to fee collection. Analysis of Methods: The consultant will discuss, in written form, how various fee collection methods could financially impact a jurisdiction/utility and, if necessary, options for mitigating such impacts. Comparison: The consultant will create easy to understand comparison table(s) and/or tools to be used by jurisdiction/utility boards to understand fee changes and impacts to impact fees and system utilities. Objective D. Draft technical Guidebook. Work Product: The consultant will draft a comprehensive technical guidebook addressing each objective of the work taking into consideration comments offered by the Stakeholder Committee and peer review group. Example Jurisdictions/Utilities: The consultant will provide no less than three examples using alternative methods. Objective E. Develop Guidebook with peer review. Stakeholder Committee: The consultant and COMMERCE shall jointly identify participants to serve on a Stakeholder Committee that will review draft documents. Peer Review Group: The consultant shall, in coordination with COMMERCE, conduct outreach to specific knowledgeable individuals or groups that may not be represented on the committee or which may require more targeted outreach. Meetings: The consultant shall hold up to eight (8) meetings (combined stakeholder and peer) for feedback throughout the preparation of the draft. Objective F. Provide a final technical guidebook for use by governing bodies. Work Product: The consultant will provide a final step by step technical guide to aid jurisdictions/utilities in calculating proportional fees. This guidebook shall meet the objectives of the work identified above and in a format approved by Commerce.
