Federal Way City Council Considers Changes to Park Impact Fees

The Federal Way City Council is currently evaluating an amendment to the Park Impact Fee (PIF) methodology, which aims to adjust fees based on the square footage of new housing units. This proposed amendment is intended to comply with state law requirements mandated by Senate Bill 5258, ensuring that fees are proportionate to the development's impact. The current fee structure is set at $2,200 per residential unit, and the proposed changes could result in a fee of $1. 68 per square foot for new developments. During the meeting, council members expressed concerns about how these fees could affect developers, especially those building larger homes.

A proposal for a temporary moratorium on the PIF was also discussed to ease financial burdens on developers. City representative Evan Lewis noted that the PIF would be updated with inflation starting in 2027. The council has yet to vote on the amendments, with further discussions scheduled for future meetings to ensure a balanced approach to park funding and housing development in Federal Way.