The city of Santa Maria will hold public workshops for community members to learn about and provide feedback on proposed updates to the city’s development impact fees.

The next workshop will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 6 in the City’s Council chambers at City Hall, 110 E. Cook St.

Hosted by the Department of Public Works, the workshop is part of the city’s public review process to gather people’s thoughts and comments on the proposed fee adjustments.

The fees are one-time charges assessed on new development to help fund the infrastructure needed to support Santa Maria’s continued growth, the city said.
 
“As Santa Maria’s population — currently estimated at 112,000 — could grow by up to 30,000 residents by 2040, the city must prepare to meet the increased demand for public facilities and services,” the city said.

Development impact fees are intended to ensure new development contributes its fair share toward the cost of expanded infrastructure, such as:
 
• Police and Fire facilities and equipment.
• Library, recreation and parks improvements.
• Roadway and transportation infrastructure.
• Water production capacity.
• Sewer system expansion.
 
These facilities must be built, expanded, or equipped to accommodate the additional residents, employees, and visitors generated by new development, the city said.

Additional workshops may be scheduled as needed. The Santa Maria City Council will make the final decision on fee adjustments at a future public meeting, with the date to be determined.

For more, call the Department of Public Works, 805-925-0951 ext. 2225.