FORT PIERCE — St. Lucie County commissioners on Aug. 19 postponed a vote on steep increases to impact fees after residents, developers and business leaders raised concerns about affordability and timing.
Megan Camp, with consulting firm Benesch, presented a study showing transportation impact fees last updated in 2022 would rise sharply under the proposal. For single-family homes within the urban service boundary, the fee would increase from $5,610 to $12,273, a 119% jump. Industrial development would rise from $1,208 to $6,028 per 1,000 square feet, a 399% increase. Retail fees would increase from $6,935 to $19,097, a 175% increase. In rural areas, the proposed hikes are even greater, including a 544% increase for industrial uses.
Camp said the study reflects both growth pressures and rising costs…