Lady Lake adopts phased utility impact-fee increases for growth
Lady Lake, Florida · Meeting date: November 2, 2026 · Published: November 3, 2026
Lady Lake commissioners unanimously approved new water, wastewater and reclaimed-water impact-fee rates, with the largest charge—wastewater—rising from $3,737 to $4,983 per equivalent residential unit by 2030. The rates apply to new development and take effect on February 2, 2027.
Key points
- Water impact fees will start at $1,614 per ERU in February 2027 and rise to $2,153 in 2030.
- Wastewater impact fees will increase from $3,737 per ERU to $4,983 per ERU over the four-year schedule.
- Reclaimed-water impact fees will rise from $171 to $228 per ERU by February 2030.
- Commissioners approved Ordinance 2026-18 5-0; staff said the charges apply to new development, not existing residents and businesses.
- The rates were calculated through Stantec's 2026 water, wastewater and reclaimed-water impact-fee study and will be reviewed at least every five years.
Full report
Lady Lake has approved a phased reset of its water, wastewater and reclaimed-water impact fees, establishing charges on new development that will rise annually through 2030.
The Town Commission voted 5-0 on November 2 to adopt Ordinance 2026-18 on second and final reading. The ordinance sets charges per equivalent residential unit (ERU), beginning on February 2, 2027—90 days after adoption.
Water impact fees will begin at $1,614 per ERU in 2027, rising to $1,794 in 2028, $1,973 in 2029 and $2,153 in 2030. Wastewater charges will start at $3,737 per ERU and increase to $4,153, $4,568 and $4,983 respectively. Reclaimed-water fees will move from $171 per ERU in 2027 to $190 in 2028, $209 in 2029 and $228 in 2030.
Public Works Director C.T. Eagle described the ordinance as an amendment to utility impact-fee rates covering water, sewer and reuse. A commissioner stressed during the hearing that the charges would apply to “new construction, not current residents and businesses.” Eagle confirmed that impact fees are charged to new developments, new businesses and other new development.
The ordinance states that Lady Lake must expand water, wastewater and reclaimed-water facilities to maintain current standards as development occurs. It frames the charges as a means of requiring growth to contribute its proportionate share of capital-improvement costs.
The rates were calculated using Stantec's 2026 Town of Lady Lake Water, Wastewater and Reclaimed Water Impact Fee Study. The town will review the schedule at least every five years, or sooner if updated data, capital plans or growth trends warrant it. Interim adjustments may be made by resolution using recognised inflationary indices, including the consumer price index or ENR Construction Cost Index.
The new fees are payable in addition to other charges at building-permit issuance and do not apply retroactively to applications filed before the ordinance takes effect.
This summary was generated by AI based on the source document and may contain errors.
Source: Town Commission Meeting, Lady Lake