State of Washington Department of Commerce Impact Fees & System Development Connection Fees Analysis

Washington State Department of Commerce's core challenge was the lack of a consistent, statewide framework for calculating and applying residential impact fees and system development charges (SDCs). Jurisdictions across Washington often faced uncertainty and inconsistency in how fees were determined, leading to confusion among developers, administrative inefficiencies, and potential legal risk. Without clear guidance, agencies struggled to strike a balance between funding critical infrastructure and maintaining fairness and proportionality in fee programs. The client needed a comprehensive, accessible guidebook that would provide clarity, promote uniformity, and support jurisdictions—regardless of size or capacity—in implementing legally defensible and financially sound fee structures that align with Washington’s statutory requirements.

Harris & Associates was selected to develop Washington State’s first-ever Guidebook on Residential Proportional Impact Fees and System Development Charges a significant milestone for our team and our first statewide guidebook. Delivered on an exceptionally accelerated schedule, the project demanded close collaboration, creative problem-solving, and a deep commitment to quality. The final product is a comprehensive, user-friendly resource designed to support jurisdictions across Washington in implementing consistent, equitable impact fee and SDC practices. Our selection over several well-established local firms underscores the strength of our team, the quality of our work, and the trusted relationships we’ve built through years of leadership in impact fee policy and infrastructure funding.

• Provided strategic leadership and oversight to guide the project’s direction, ensuring technical accuracy, alignment with Washington-specific requirements, and high-quality outcomes.

• Led impact fee and SDC analyses, including methodology development, regression and data analysis, and incorporation of innovative approaches tailored to local jurisdictions.

• Managed stakeholder engagement, facilitating complex discussions and integrating feedback from diverse perspectives to create a practical, user-focused resource.

• Delivered quality assurance and technical reviews, maintaining consistency, clarity, and accuracy throughout the document while meeting a highly accelerated schedule.

• Conducted in-depth research, analysis, and documentation to support data-driven recommendations and organized project workflows.

• Enhanced readability and accessibility, with professional editing, plain language compliance, and the creation of user-friendly layouts.

• Produced high-quality graphics and visual elements that simplified complex concepts while meeting state branding guidelines.

• Coordinated all phases of project management, from initiation to final delivery, ensuring deadlines were met and the final product exceeded client expectations.