Heads up, developers and future homeowners in Washington County: get ready to dig a little deeper into your pockets. Starting July 1, 2025, the Transportation Development Tax (TDT) rates are set to take an upward hike of 8.32%, the county announced. This means if you're building a single-family detached home, your TDT rate will now be $12,433—a noticeable jump from last year's rate of $11,478. That's $955 more, in case you're not a fan of math.
The TDT is not just a random fee, it's a crucial tool in managing the transportation infrastructures that inevitably come under pressure from new development. This tax helps to ensure that our roads don't crumble under the additional traffic, and that there's room for pedestrians and cyclists with the addition of sidewalks and bike lanes. And, just so you know, these rates aren't just pulled out of thin air. They're carefully calculated based on the estimated traffic each new development is likely to unleash on our roads, as the county code says, and these rates are adjusted annually with a cap of 10% to keep things in check. A little solace, perhaps?
For those wanting the nitty-gritty details, or who maybe need to tweak their project budgets, you can find the full rate schedule and more info on Washington County's website. They've got all you need to know about the TDT and the Transportation System Development Charges. And, taking a closer look at those charges might not be a bad idea because, whether we like it or not, they play a part in shaping the convenience and safety of our daily commutes and leisurely strolls.
So, there you have it, folks. Come July, the cost of building new developments in Washington County will inch up yet again. It's a reminder that growth comes with a price tag, one that funds the necessary expansions and refinements of our transportation network. Whether you're a developer or a soon-to-be homeowner, planning ahead will be key. Start accounting for those additional costs now, and hopefully you won't be blindsided by the time summer rolls around.
