Impact Fee Study
As part of the 2024 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update (Play It Forward Wake Forest), a consultant, Benesch, performed a study to evaluate Wake Forest’s current recreation impact fees and determine whether increases are warranted.
Impact Fees
Municipalities assess impact fees on property developers to pay for infrastructure improvements that must be built due to new property development. New development brings new residents, which can put a strain on a municipality’s infrastructure and services. Impact fees are designed to offset the additional cost of maintaining these services.
In 1989, the Town of Wake Forest received local legislation to enact facility (also known as impact) fees for various purposes – Chapter 502 – SB 576.
Specific methodology is required to compute the calculation and includes future growth projections along with planned capital resulting from growth (Capital Improvements Plan also known as CIP).
Wake Forest adopted recreation impact fees in 1997, then updated the fee schedule in 2003 and again in 2018.
Once collected, the Town utilizes impact fees to address parks and recreation capital needs created by growth. Examples of Wake Forest facilities built/upgraded, properties purchased, and amenities introduced through the use of impact fees include Flaherty Park Field #2 Improvements; Devon Square land purchase (future skate park/pump park) – 8.34 acres; 610 Brooks Street – 1.75 acres; park sidewalk connections; and greenway connections.
| Land Use | History of Parks & Rec Impact Fees | ||||
| Last Update | 1997 | 2003 | 2018 | ||
| Adoption Percentage | 40% | 40% | 70% (2018) | 80% (2019) | 90% (2020) |
| Residential | |||||
| Single Family, Townhouse & Mobile Home | $715 | $1,086 | $2,871 | $3,281 | $3,691 |
| Multi-Family | $622 | $945 | $1,713 | $1,958 | $2,202 |
2024 Parks & Rec Impact Fee Study Update
During the September 3, 2024, Board of Commissioners (BOC) Work Session, the Benesch consultant team presented the 2024 Parks & Recreation Impact Fee Study recommended fees. The Planning Board received the park & recreation impact fee analysis report and presentation at its September 4, 2024, meeting.
The Town called a public hearing during the September 17 BOC meeting in accordance with NC General Statutes (G.S. 160A-364).
During the October 15, 2024, BOC meeting, the Board agreed on an 80% adoption percentage paid over five years beginning July 1, 2025.
Resolution 2024-69 amends the resolution and fee structure previously adopted with an effective date of July 1, 2025.