City of Jersey Village officials are examining a simpler system of applying impact fees for businesses and developers looking to build in the city. Impact fees are charged when new developments are constructed to help the city pay for the costs of running water and wastewater pipes to and from the structure.

“Without impact fees, the burden falls on rate payers,” said Richard Weatherly, who made a presentation to city officials Aug. 17 on behalf of consulting firm Freese and Nichols. “When someone new comes in to develop, somebody has to pay for it.”

Under the current system, developers pay impact fees based on where they build in the city and how the land will be used. The new system, which would be the subject of a public hearing before adoption, would make the fee the same citywide and for all land uses, but it would adjust fees based on the size of the pipes used. The new system would allow council to revisit and make changes to the fee structure every five years.

At its Aug. 17 meeting, City Council set Oct. 19 for the public hearing on the change. Prior to the public hearing, Weatherly will give a presentation on the rate changes. Council plans to adopt the new ordinance during regular session.