Starting this summer, it will cost you more to build anything in Raleigh.

The city council voted Tuesday to more than double the city's impact fees. Those are fees the city charges developers to pay for roads and parks. It's been debated for years and it became an issue in last falls election. By a 7-1 vote, members decided it's time to stop talking about it.

"It's time to move on, we've talked long enough," said Councilwoman Mary-Ann Baldwin, before the vote.

"These fees can only be used for capital projects, roads and parks," said Mayor Charles Meeker. "That means there can be future development in the city, so these benefit everyone, including those paying the fees."

Builders had lobbied for the fees to be phased in, saying raising fees in a slow economy would hurt the city.

"I definitely don't think it will help the economy recover any quicker," said Suzanne Harris, vice-president of the Home Builders Association of Raleigh and Wake County.

But supporters maintained there are still growth-related costs that must be paid. The fees would bring in about $7 million per year.

The new fees take effect July 1 and are paid when a building permit is issued.

Breakdown
House
2,000 to 2,999 square feet
$528 now $1,386 new fee

Industrial
Per 1,000 square feet
$311 now $1,084 new

Multi-family
Per unit
$322 now $925 new

Church
Per 1,000 square feet
$232 now $865 new

Research University
Per acre
$814 now $3,451 new

Retirement Community
Per unit
$174 now $388 new

Cemetery
Per acre
$218 now $595 new

Golf Course
$292 per parking space now $4,486 per hole new