Developers building in unincorporated Henry County must now pay more in construction impact fees. The county approved an update to its impact fees ordinance in July 2024.
The impact fee update essentially doubles the impact fees paid by new construction. It is effective immediately.
Henry County Impact Fees Update July 2024
The county commissioners approved the impact fees update at their July 23, 2024 meeting. The update increases the impact fee to $7,085.90 per new housing unit. The county charges the same amount whether the unit is a single-family home, townhome or apartment unit. Commercial and industrial construction also contributes impact fees. Their amount varies based on the project type and square footage. The new fees are effective immediately.
Earlier in the month, Henry County staff recommended the board adopt an eight-thousand dollar impact fee. The board passed the seven-thousand dollar fee by a 5–1 vote. Commissioner Wilson voted in opposition. He expressed his support for the eight-thousand dollar option instead, citing a preference to charge impact fees rather than other taxes to pay for capital projects.
The previous impact fee was $3,544.46 per housing unit. The board approved this impact fee in summer 2022 and it took effect in February 2023. Prior to 2023, the county’s impact fees had not changed since 2003.
The impact fee includes several categories. Below is a breakdown of the new fee:
| Category | 2024 Fee | 2024 Percentage | Max Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Library Services | $36.94 | 10% | $369.37 |
| Parks & Recreation | $2,531.42 | 73% | $3,467.70 |
| Greenspace | $51.49 | 5% | $1,029.85 |
| Animal Control | $42.84 | 68% | $63 |
| Fire & EMS | $405.52 | 45% | $901.15 |
| Sheriff’s Office | $187.98 | 25% | $751.93 |
| Police | $354.09 | 100% | $354.09 |
| E-911 | $29.36 | 50% | $58.72 |
| Road Improvements | $3,446.26 | 100% | $3,446.26 |
| $7,085.90 | $10,442.08 |
The maximum fee allowed is based on the county’s impact fee methodology report. This was completed in 2021. The report is available to view in its entirety online (PDF link – 117 pages).
Impact fees must be spent on capital projects. They may not be spent on general maintenance nor personnel costs.
Differences Between the 2023 & 2024 Fee
The 2024 update decreases the impact fees for library services and green space. All other categories have an increase. A full breakdown of the 2023 fee is available in our July 5 article for reference.
The county will now collect the maximum fee in police protection and road improvements.
Comparison to City Impact Fees
It should be noted the impact fees above apply in unincorporated Henry County only. Each city has a separate impact fee ordinance. As of August 2024, the four cities charge the following impact fees:
| City | Impact Fee | Last Update |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton | $2,262.85 | May 2021 |
| Locust Grove | $1,498.00 | 2005 |
| McDonough | $2,209.16 | June 2021 |
| Stockbridge | $2,420.92 | March 2019 |
The city of Locust Grove started an update to its impact fee ordinance in spring 2023. At this time, the city is not expected to consider any changes until 2025.
Featured image shows the Henry County impact fees update passed in July 2024. Henry County photo.
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