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Date ArticleType
9/5/2018 Member News

HBA comments on proposed SDC changes, updates SDC comparison chart


The HBA stays informed of the System Development Charges (SDC) of jurisdictions in the region, and recently responded to proposed changes to SDC policies by the City of Gresham. Many jurisdictions also updated their fees in this summer, which are reflected in a chart found on the HBA website (Link: Regional System Development Charges). SDCs include funding for sewer, water, storm, parks and transportation infrastructure.

The City of Gresham proposed policy changes that would allow for the deferral and financing of SDCs of multi-family residential, commercial, industrial, or mixed use developments. The HBA provided comments and commended the city on the adoption of this new policy, calling for the council to consider adopting the same policy for all residential developments. The HBA highlighted that impacts to systems are not felt until units are occupied, making the deferral of fees practical and lessening the financial burden on builders. If fees are applied at the time of issuance of the certificate of occupancy or settlement, overall construction costs would be minimized allowing for a more affordable product.

The HBA supports cost effective infrastructure financing solutions that help ensure housing remains affordable, and encourages jurisdictions to be mindful of the value a new development brings to a region when setting fees for an expansion area. The updated SDC comparison chart for the region can be found here. (https://www.hbapdx.org/uploads/1/1/6/8/116808533/2018_sdc_chart_updated.pdf)