Impact Fees

Madeira Beach recently voted to charge impact fees to new construction projects.  I endorse impact fees for new commercial development to offset the cost of additional services needed to support the financial impact to the community. The state restricts local communities from charging direct fees such as a bed tax, but more research must be done here. I oppose residential impact fees due to the overwhelming restrictions to upgrade single family homes due to FEMA guidelines. The city should not have the power to restrict major renovations of our aging homes and then charge an impact fee for upgrades when you rebuild.