HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/10/2026 03.A. Authorizing an RFQ process for an impact fee study with funding up to $100,000 r 'V
ii
_�ii
••
i
i
t, gin.;—* _1a _-
'^
BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
YAKIMA, WASHINGTON
AGENDA STATEMENT
Item No. 3.A.
For Meeting of: March 10, 2026
ITEM TITLE: Authorizing an RFQ process for an impact fee study with funding up to
$100,000 (General Fund)
SUBMITTED BY: Trevor Martin, Planning Manager
SUMMARY EXPLANATION:
On January 20, 2026, Council voted unanimously to authorize funding of up to $20,000 of one-time funds
to hire a consultant to develop the scope of work for an impact fee study.
The City was provided a scope of work at no cost from a consultant who has extensive experience in this
area (summary attached). The cost estimate they provided for the study is approximately $80,000. Staff
is requesting authorization up to $100,000, as the initial $20,000 that Council authorized did not get
used. Authorization will require a Budget Amendment to allocate the funds to Planning as this work is
not yet budgeted.
Upon authorization from the City Council, staff is prepared to move forward with preparing an RFQ using
the information provided by this consultant.
ITEM BUDGETED: Yes
STRATEGIC PRIORITY 24-25: A Resilient Yakima
RECOMMENDATION: Direct staff to move forward with the RFQ process and authorize funding of up to
$100,000 for a firm to conduct an impact fee study.
ATTACHMENTS:
Impact Fees Scope of Work 3.3.2026.pdf
2
Task 1: Initial Project Assumptions
Purpose: Gather all data needed and align on project direction.
What happens:
• Data request to the City.
• Kickoff meeting is held to review scope, schedule, and policies.
• City begins assembling base data such as:
o 20-year growth forecasts (population, housing,jobs)
o Vehicle trip growth assumptions
o Past capital spending for parks, transportation, and fire
o Inventories of parks and fire facilities
o List of intersections with capacity issues
o Long-range capital projects and cost estimates
o Debt schedules for previously built facilities
Task 2: Parks Impact Fee
Purpose: Determine how much growth should pay toward parks and establish fee options.
Key steps:
• Update growth forecasts for both population and jobs.
• Calculate the"cost basis"—the portion of existing and future park facility costs
attributable to new development.
• Use Parks Master Plan project lists and cost data.
• Develop fee schedules for:
o Residential development(scaled based on City's chosen method)
o Non-residential development(if the City wants this)
• Prepare a funding plan that shows what additional revenues (besides fees) are
needed.
Task 3:Transportation Impact Fee
Purpose: Determine costs of future transportation projects that serve new growth and
translate that into fees.
Key steps:
• Estimate future trip generation using ITE manual or Yakima Valley COG model data.
• Build a list of long-range transportation projects with planning-level cost estimates.
• Identify which project costs can legally be charged to new development.
• Calculate:
o A citywide"per trip"impact fee
o A fee schedule by land use type (residential, commercial, industrial, etc.)
• Provide a funding plan showing what cannot be covered by impact fees.
Task 4: Fire Impact Fee
Purpose: Identify future fire facility needs caused by population and job growth, then
calculate appropriate fees.
Key steps:
• Inventory existing fire/EMS capital assets and determine current service levels.
3
• Forecast future needs: additional stations, apparatus, equipment.
• Use call history data to understand demand from residential vs. non-residential
uses.
• Calculate the"cost basis"for fire fees.
• Develop fee schedules for:
o Residential—using City's scaling method
o Non-residential—based on square footage
• Provide a funding plan showing remaining needs beyond fees.
Task 5: Scaling Analysis
Purpose: Build impact fee"scaling"structures that comply with RCW 82.02.060(1) (SB
5258).
What Consultant will do:
• Develop up to three different scaling options for the City.
• Options will likely involve:
o A per—square-foot fee structure for residential units
o Minimum and maximum fee levels
• Ensure the scaling method works across parks, transportation, and fire impact fees.
Task 6: Documentation and Presentations
Purpose: Deliver all findings and support the City through adoption.
What Consultant provides:
• A draft report including calculations, methodology, and policy recommendations.
• City staff review and feedback cycle.
• Up to four staff meetings during analysis.
• Up to two public presentations (e.g., Council meetings).
• Final report and slide decks prepared in advance of meetings
4