Collier County, Florida

Park and Correctional Impact Fee Study 
   

Duncan Associates updated Collier County's park impact fees in 2002. The County's community and regional park impact fees had last been updated in 1999. The regional park impact fee was assessed on new residential development throughout the county, including within the incorporated municipalities of Naples, Marco Island and Everglades City, while the community park impact fee was assessed only in the unincorporated areas. Our review resulted in several significant changes to the County's park fees. One of key recommendations was that fees be varied by housing type and/or unit

size. Fees were being assessed as a flat rate per dwelling unit. Virtually all park impact fees vary by characteristics of the unit that relate to the number of persons likely to reside in the unit, which in turn is related to the demand on park facilities. Another recommended change was to charge hotels and motels. Tourists and vacationers also take advantage of the County's parks and recreational facilities. Many Florida communities charge park impact fees on new hotels and motels. In 2004, Duncan Associates was selected by the County to update the correctional facilities impact fees. Charging for interest costs was a unique part of this project. In 2005, the firm was asked to update the park impact fees.