SIMI VALLEY : School Board OKs Development Fees

For the first time in its history, the Simi Valley school board voted Tuesday to assess fees on developers of residential and commercial property.

Under the fees, developers of new residential property will be charged $1.58 per square foot, while builders of new commercial property will be levied 26 cents per square foot, if the school district can show that the projects create a need for more schools. The fees, the maximum amount allowed under state law, can only be used for new construction and renovation of existing buildings.

The vote was 4 to 1, with board member Doug Crosse voting against the fees because he believes that commercial property should be exempt. The school district could begin imposing the fees in 60 days.

Enrollment in the Simi Valley Unified School District is 18,200 students and is expected to increase slightly in the fall, prompting school officials to implement the fees.

The fees have been opposed by representatives of the Chamber of Commerce and real estate and developer groups, who have said the levies would raise housing prices and discourage businesses from moving to Simi Valley.

For example, fees for a 25,000-square-foot commercial building would be $6,500 and an 1,800-square-foot house $2,844.

A study prepared earlier for the school board suggested that the district charge the maximum amount allowed by law. The report also stated that several school districts, including Conejo Valley Unified and Moorpark Unified, levy developer fees.

Business leaders and City Council members criticized the report, saying it did not accurately consider the effect of the city’s slow-growth ordinance on school enrollment.