Pay Development Impact Fees in Tempe, AZ

Land Use and Zoning Arizona 3 Minutes Read · published February 20, 2026 Flag of Arizona

Tempe, Arizona requires developers and property owners to pay development impact fees and assessments to fund public infrastructure tied to growth. This guide explains where fees come from, how Tempe calculates and collects them, payment and appeal steps, and enforcement procedures so you can complete permits and avoid delays. It summarizes official sources and practical action items for builders, contractors, and homeowners working on taxable development or improvements.

Overview of Impact Fees and Assessments

Impact fees in Tempe are charges assessed on new development or expansion to fund streets, parks, drainage, libraries, and public safety facilities proportionate to growth. Assessments may also include special district or improvement district charges for localized infrastructure. Fee schedules and the city approach to assessments are published by the City of Tempe Development Services and by the city code.[1][2]

Paying fees early avoids permit holds and interest charges.

How Fees Are Calculated

  • Impact fees are typically calculated by unit type (e.g., per dwelling unit) or by building square footage.
  • Assessment amounts reflect the developer's proportional share of capital improvement costs identified in city studies or special assessments.
  • Adjustments, credits, or phased payments may be specified by ordinance or policy.

Penalties & Enforcement

The City enforces fee payment and assessment collection through administrative holds, permit refusal, and legal remedies. Specific enforcement authorities and penalty amounts are set in city rules and the municipal code. Where the official pages do not list a monetary fine or escalate amounts, that detail is not specified on the cited page.[2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; consult local fee and code references.[2]
  • Escalation: the code may provide for first, repeat, or continuing offence treatment; specific ranges are not specified on the cited page.[2]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: permit suspensions, stop-work orders, lien filings, or referral to court are possible enforcement actions.
  • Enforcer and contact: Development Services is the primary point for fees, permitting, and collections; see official Development Services resources for contact and procedures.[1]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes are set by ordinance or administrative policy; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited pages and must be confirmed with the city.
If a fee is unpaid, the city can withhold permits or record liens against the property.

Applications & Forms

Official fee schedules, application forms, and deposit requirements are published by Development Services. The city posts forms for permits, fee payment, and requests for credits or deferrals; if a specific form name or number is not listed on the official pages, that form is not specified on the cited page.[1][2]

Common Violations and Typical Outcomes

  • Failing to pay required impact fees prior to final inspection — outcome: permit finalization withheld and collection action.
  • Starting construction without assessed payment or security — outcome: stop-work order or administrative penalties.
  • Incorrect credit or exemption claims — outcome: reassessment, additional fees, or interest.
Document credits and exemptions before permit issuance to prevent later reassessment.

Action Steps

  • Confirm applicable fees for your project early via Development Services and review the fee schedule.[1]
  • Include fee estimates in project budgets and check for possible credits, offsets, or phased payment options.
  • Pay required fees when instructed during the permit application process to avoid holds.
  • If you dispute an assessment, follow the city's appeal process and submit required documentation within the time frame stated by the administrative rules.

FAQ

Who must pay development impact fees in Tempe?
Developers and property owners of new construction or certain expansions that increase demand on public facilities are generally required to pay impact fees; check project applicability with Development Services.[1]
When are impact fees due?
Fees are typically due at permit issuance or at a time specified in the permit conditions; verify timing on the project permit notice or with Development Services.[1]
Can I get a credit or waiver?
Credits, offsets, or waivers may be available under specific circumstances set by ordinance or policy; consult the official fee schedule and Development Services for eligibility rules.[1]

How-To

  1. Confirm which impact fees and assessments apply to your property during pre-application with Development Services.[1]
  2. Obtain the permit application and fee estimate from the Development Services fee schedule and project intake materials.[1]
  3. Submit required documentation, pay assessed fees at the time requested, and retain receipts for final inspections.
  4. If you disagree with an assessment, file an appeal or request a review following the city's appeal procedures; include supporting evidence.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm fees early to avoid permit delays.
  • Official fee schedules and forms are published by Development Services.
  • Appeals and enforcement follow city code procedures; check code details for remedies.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Tempe Development Services - fee information and contacts
  2. [2] Tempe Municipal Code - city ordinances and enforcement provisions

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