Home prices soar ever higher. But the return of the housing market does not come without much legitimate hand-wringing about those being priced out of decent shelter. The obligatory building industry line is that, by reducing their developer impact fees, we will get more affordable housing.
Costs are undoubtedly high for anything new.
Market prices for houses are rising by the thousands because new wealth from the economic boom is bidding what they have to for the existing supply. Furthermore, builders are protected by a state law requiring that all fees must have direct connection to the project. If the fees do not, or are excessive, builders move politically - and legally to adjust them. They did so at the County under the leadership of Ron Roberts who brought in auditors in response to complaints from builders. Builders' fees should match the cost of the infrastructure required for the public systems we all need.