Virtual Community Meeting: Proposed Development Impact Fees

The City of Manhattan Beach held a virtual community meeting to discuss proposed development impact fees in response to anticipated residential growth driven by state housing mandates. The city engaged Harrison Associates to conduct a comprehensive impact fee study, aiming to ensure new developments pay their fair share for infrastructure and public services. The study breaks down fees into categories including parks, general government facilities, police, fire, transportation, water, wastewater, storm drainage, and program administration, each calculated using methodologies compliant with California's Mitigation Fee Act (AB 1600). The fees are designed to fund capital improvements necessitated by new development, with collection timed primarily at certificate of occupancy, except for utility-related fees collected at building permit issuance. The city plans to present the study to its finance subcommittee and city council for adoption, with fees expected to take effect in March 2026. Public participation was encouraged throughout the process, with opportunities for questions and ongoing updates provided via the city's website.