The Town of Chapin unanimously approved a new impact fee for new developments and properties at its latest council meeting. 

The impact fees for sewer and water services will be calculated based on the size and type of the development. These funds will be utilized to make improvements and upgrades to sewer treatment facilities, water lines and other infrastructures.

"Impact fees allow the Town to address the growing demands of our community while guaranteeing developers and new property owners share in the cost of enhancing and maintaining essential infrastructure,'' town administrator Nicholle Burroughs said.

This fee must be paid in full before any permits are issued. 

An impact fee study conducted and discussed at the council work session meeting in December 2024 by the town projected that Chapin would experience growth over the next 10 years. The town is expected to see the addition of 2,900 new housing units, which is approximately 290 new homes per year. 

This will bring significant growth to Chapin’s population as well. The Town of Chapin is projected to increase by 6,670 residents in the next 10 years. 

Officials say that approving these fees for new developers eases the burden on individual taxpayers.

Mayor Al Koon expressed that these impact fees will ensure that the town's sewer and water territories are reliable and support the demands of the community. 

Chapin’s impact fee is based on data gathered during the study conducted. According to public documents, in 2023, the town served 1,631 residential customers and accounted for 138.2 million gallons of water, or 378,672 gallons per day. 

The town found that the average daily consumption was 232 gallons per customer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that the average American uses around 80 to 100 gallons of water per day.

Property owners and developers are encouraged to contact the town's utility department for further information regarding the payment and calculation of impact fees. 

The town council meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Chapin Town Hall located at 157 NW Columbia Ave. in Chapin.