What is a System Development Charge (SDC)?

SDCs are fees the City uses to help fund capacity upgrades to city water, sewer, storm and transportation systems that are necessary as a result of growth and new development. These fees are considered any time a new development, alteration, or change of use occurs within the city. SDCs are assessed as a one-time charge in addition to the standard utility hook-up charges, and remain attached to the building/suite even after a change of tenant. The City charges SDCs for Transportation, Water, Sewer, and Storm Water systems.

New residential buildings (Single-Family, Multi-Family, Accessory Dwelling Units, etc.) also are assessed a Hood River Valley Parks and Recreation District SDC.

How are SDCs Calculated?

Click Here to view the FY 2021-2022 Fee Schedule.

Click Here to view the FY 2020-2021 Fee Schedule.

SDCs are calculated at the plan review stage by the City Engineering Department. All new construction, renovation, alteration, or change of use within an existing building receive SDC reviews to help address the impact these developments have on city systems. Combining both Improvement and Reimbursement Fee Schedules; Water and Sewer SDCs are based on the connection size and/or an average equivalent residential unit (ERU) calculation, while Storm Water and drainage system impacts can also be based on the amount of impervious surface that contributes to run-off into the City’s collection and disposal system. To calculate Transportation impacts, City Engineering relies on the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual in combination with either the Residential or Non-Residential Fee Schedule.

Hood River Parks and Recreation SDC is calculated based on the type and quantity of new housing unit(s) constructed.

It is important to know that all applicable SDCs must be paid in full before a permit can be issued or a change of use authorized.

Sourced from: Ord 1692 (1993); Ord 1821 (2002); Ord. 2005 (2013); Municipal Code Chapter 12.07.X