CLAY COUNTY—The local government charges an impact/mobility fee to new developers within the county. 

The money goes toward public infrastructure and services that would otherwise not be necessary without the new development, such as constructing new roads, hiring police officers or building fire stations. 

According to the county, Clay's comprehensive impact fees consist of categories: government jails/constitutional facilities (applicable county wide), fire and rescue facilities (applicable in all unincorporated areas and cities (except Orange Park, law enforcement facilities (applicable in unincorporated areas, Keystone Heights and Penney Farms), community parks (applicable in unincorporated areas), regional park facilities (applicable countywide) and libraries/cultural services (applicable county wide). 

The county said that on Oct. 1 of last year, it increased its impact/mobility fees by 1.51%, which correlates with the latest release of the Annual Average Construction Cost Index. 

The resident who asked this question also wondered if every new developer has to pay the same fee. The answer is no.

The amount depends on the property's square footage, with residential fees being charged by each dwelling unit. Essentially, the larger the home, the more money developers will pay.  Fees are charged when the building permit is filed and due before the final equipment check.

The fee is charged per 1,000 square feet for nonresidential properties, such as retail, offices, nursing homes, and so forth. Car washes and hotels are charged by lanes and rooms, respectively.

Additionally, the county charges developers a school impact fee to residential properties, which is also determined by a dwelling unit. This money goes toward school needs that could result from the added infrastructure. 

If you have a question about your community that you want answered, email kyla@claytodayonline.com.