The Santa Maria community is invited to participate in a public workshop to learn about and provide feedback on proposed updates to the city’s development impact fees.

Hosted by the Department of Public Works, the workshop will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10 in the Learning Center at Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St.

The public review process is designed to gather community recommendations on the proposed fee adjustments. The fees are one-time charges assessed on new development to help fund the infrastructure needed to support the city’s continued growth.

As Santa Maria’s population — 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 that 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.

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