Lawsuit Filed Over Doubling of Park-Development Fees

WEST LINN, OR-The City’s of West Linn’s decision in May to double of park-development fees has prompted a lawsuit. Filed last week in Clackamas County Circuit Court, the writ of review asks for a judge to examine the formula used to back up the need for increased fees.

The May increase in fees has meant developers must now pay $5,817 for each new apartment unit instead of $2,886, the rate that had been in effect since 2000. For single family homes, the fee was raised from $4,082 to $8,228.

In addition to parks, system development fees are charged to developers for new street, sewer and water facilities. The city says the increased fee means the city will now be able to recover the full cost of maintaining the quality of life for its residents.