The Fremont County Commissioners gave final approval on second reading Tuesday to an ordinance that will permit the Canon City Fire Protection District to begin imposing impact fees associated with new growth in the district. The Fire District needed authorization from Fremont County for assessment of those impact fees in the unincorporated areas of the district. Similar action will be required by the Canon City Council before the impact fees can be collected in the City of Canon City.
The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the impact fees which are assessed on building permits only for new residential and commercial construction. The Commissioners said they believe when growth forces an expansion of new services for fire protection, the cost of those services should be borne by that growth instead of by people who may have lived in the area for many years.
The ordinance would allow the Canon City Fire District to assess $304 in impact fees on any new residential dwelling and $304 for every 2,000 square feet of commercial space. New motels and hotels would pay higher fees because of the impact they pose to fire protection.
Money collected from the impact fees would be held by Fremont County in a separate account and could be used only for future construction of another fire station and new fire equipment. The money could not be used for day to day operating costs.
The Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the impact fees which are assessed on building permits only for new residential and commercial construction. The Commissioners said they believe when growth forces an expansion of new services for fire protection, the cost of those services should be borne by that growth instead of by people who may have lived in the area for many years.
The ordinance would allow the Canon City Fire District to assess $304 in impact fees on any new residential dwelling and $304 for every 2,000 square feet of commercial space. New motels and hotels would pay higher fees because of the impact they pose to fire protection.
Money collected from the impact fees would be held by Fremont County in a separate account and could be used only for future construction of another fire station and new fire equipment. The money could not be used for day to day operating costs.