Placement: Second Reading of Ordinances / Public Hearing
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Ordinance 25-42, Public Hearing, an Ordinance Amending and Restating the City of Port St. Lucie Code of Ordinances Chapter 159, Article IV, Entitled “Public Buildings Impact Fee Schedule” (P25-128).
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Submitted By: Bethany Grubbs, AICP, Senior Planner
Strategic Plan Link: The City's Goal of high-quality infrastructure and facilities.
Executive Summary (General Business): This is a request to adopt an updated Public Buildings Impact Fee Ordinance, Fee Schedule and the 2025 Impact Fee Study.
Presentation Information: Staff and TischlerBise, the City’s consultant, will provide a presentation.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council adopt the Ordinance amending the City’s Public Building Impact Fee Ordinance and Fee Schedule (Option#1).
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve the Ordinance amending the City’s Public Building Impact Fee Ordinance and Fee Schedule by selecting another option.
2. Move that the Council not approve the Ordinance and provide staff direction.
Background: The City of Port St. Lucie (“City”) is in the process of updating its Development Impact Fees for Public Buildings, with a focus on the residential component, to fund capital facilities needed to support future growth. The City has contracted with TischlerBise, a fiscal, economic, and planning consulting firm, to prepare the 2025 Public Buildings Impact Fee Study.
Local governments in Florida may assess impact fees to offset infrastructure costs necessitated by future growth. Public Buildings Impact Fees are one-time charges assessed on new development to fund capital improvements such as administrative offices, public works facilities, and structured parking. These fees ensure that new development pays its proportionate share of the cost of growth-related infrastructure, as authorized by § 163.31801, Florida Statutes. Fees may only be used for capital construction or debt service, not for operations, maintenance, or correcting existing deficiencies.
The proposed update includes a phased implementation schedule in compliance with the Florida Impact Fee Act:
• Single-family residential: Increase under 25%, phased over two years.
• Multi-family and mobile home: Increase between 25% and 50%, phased over four years.
• Nonresidential: Continues previously adopted four-year phase-in (two years remaining), approved under the Act’s extraordinary circumstances provision.
Two public workshops were held on July 22, 2025, to inform and engage the community on the proposed changes.
During the City Council workshop on July 28, 2025, consensus was reached to designate Option #1 as the preferred choice among the three presented.
Issues/Analysis: See attached, the 2025 Impact Fee Study for the full analysis.
The current impact fee rates are insufficient to recover the full cost of growth-related infrastructure. Without an adjustment, existing taxpayers would subsidize new development. The updated fees ensure that growth pays its proportionate share, complying with Florida’s dual rational nexus requirements. The proposed fee adjustment reflects the updated costs for construction and land acquisition, expanded facility needs based on functional population growth, and legal compliance with Florida Impact Fee Act phasing limits.
Total capital costs associated with new development are estimated at over $45 million.
Port St. Lucie anticipates significant population and employment growth over the next decade:
• Residential: Projected population increase of 61,795 over 10 years.
• Nonresidential: Projected job growth of 7,995 over 10 years.
This growth will increase demand for public infrastructure and require additional administrative buildings, expanded public works facilities, and new structured parking to accommodate municipal staff and operations.
To maintain existing levels of service, Port St. Lucie plans to:
• Construct 24,536 sq. ft. of administrative space at an estimated cost of $12.9 million.
• Add 25,221 sq. ft. of public works facilities (net new) at a cost of $16.5 million.
• Build a 525-space parking garage at a cost of $15.75 million.
The Florida Impact Fee Act places limitations on how much local governments, school districts, or special districts may increase an impact fee.
Financial Information: The projected revenue to be generated from each option is provided in the attached presentation.
Special Consideration: The residential fees would become effective on November 1, 2025.
Location of Project: N/A
Business Impact Statement: Yes
Attachments:
1. Ordinance 25-42
2. 7.16.25 Impact Fee Study (Technical Report)
3. 2023 - Single-Family Fee Comparison
4. PSL Planning + Infrastructure Study
5. FY 24/25 CIP Budget
6. July 22nd Workshop - Sign-in Sheets
7. Staff Presentation: Workshops Q&A
8. Consultant’s Presentation
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 25196-02
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Margaret M. Carland, Senior Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by Richard Berrios, City Attorney.