System Development Charge Update
August 6, 2024 – The City is planning to update its system development charges (SDCs) to help with upgrades to city water, sewer, storm, and transportation systems that are necessary because of development. A SDC study and report outlining the SDC methodology is now available for the public for review below.
System Development Charges (SDCs) were established in 1991 for the City of Hood River and help the City fund capacity upgrades to city water, sewer, storm, and transportation systems that are necessary as a result of growth and new development. The City charges SDCs for Transportation, Water, Sewer, and Storm Water systems. SDCs are paid by owners and developers applying to build new housing, additions, and other developments within the City. Stormwater SDCs were last revised in 2007, transportation SDCs were last revised in 2013, and water and sewer system development charges were most recently adjusted in 2015. The City of Hood River is currently reviewing changes to its SDC methodology used to calculate these fees. The new SDC methodology is based on a project list that contains the major improvements needed to serve growth. Any change in the SDCs rates will require formal Council action.
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 lodging and 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 2025-2026 SDC Fee Schedule.
Click Here to view the FY 2023-2024 Fee Schedule.
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 or lodging unit(s) constructed. Please contact Hood River Parks and Recreation directly to determine the required system development charges due. Call (541) 368-5720 or visit https://hoodriverparksandrec.org/contact
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