Question 1

What is an impact fee?

Accepted Answer

An impact fee is a one-time charge that local governments impose on new development to help pay for the public infrastructure needed to serve that development. Common categories include water and sewer, transportation/road, parks and recreation, schools, and fire/rescue.

Question 2

How does the calculator work?

Accepted Answer

Two steps: first pick your project type, then pick the location by searching an address or dropping a pin on the map. We automatically resolve the city, county, and state, then look up impact fees for that jurisdiction — sourced schedules where we have them, a clearly-labeled estimate where we don't.

Question 3

What types of development does the calculator support?

Accepted Answer

Our calculator supports single-family, multifamily, commercial, industrial, and office projects. Residential types are priced per unit and the others per square foot, with fee levels varying by jurisdiction.

Question 4

Are the figures accurate?

Accepted Answer

There are two tiers. Where we've researched a jurisdiction, figures come from its adopted fee schedule and every line links to the source document. Where we haven't, the calculator shows a clearly-labeled illustrative estimate built from national fee-survey research — useful for early budgeting, but not an adopted rate. Our methodology page explains exactly how each is produced. Always verify the final amount with the jurisdiction before closing.

Question 5

Is this a substitute for professional advice?

Accepted Answer

No. The calculator is an illustrative tool to help you budget and compare sites early in the process. It is not legal, financial, or engineering advice. We recommend confirming all estimates with the relevant jurisdiction and your professional team.

Question 6

How often is the data updated?

Accepted Answer

Sourced schedules are added and updated as we research jurisdictions, and each entry carries its source link. Illustrative estimates come from a published national fee-survey model rather than live monitoring. If you need a jurisdiction we haven't researched yet, use the “Request sourced fees” form on the calculator and we'll prioritize it.

Question 7

Which states are covered?

Accepted Answer

The calculator works for all 50 states. Sourced fee schedules — each with its source link — are currently strongest in Florida; everywhere else you'll see clearly-labeled model estimates while our research expands. You can browse our Impact Fee Database to see every state.

Frequently Asked Questions