Marion County officials are considering significant changes to transportation impact fees, particularly for drive-through restaurants and automated car washes, during a public hearing held on May 23, 2025. The discussion highlighted the need to adjust current fee structures to better reflect the traffic generated by these businesses.

Commissioners noted that drive-through restaurants, such as fast-food chains, create more traffic than traditional sit-down establishments, despite often having smaller square footage. One commissioner emphasized, “We need to differentiate between a fast-food restaurant and a sit-in restaurant,” pointing out that the volume of traffic generated is not proportional to the space occupied. The proposed adjustment could see fees for drive-throughs rise to nearly $50,000 per thousand square feet, reflecting their higher impact on local traffic.

The conversation also touched on automated car washes, with staff recommending a pause on adopting new fees until a localized study can be conducted. This study aims to evaluate the traffic patterns associated with different types of car washes, as their impact can vary significantly based on their location and operational model. “We need to ensure we do it right,” one commissioner remarked, stressing the importance of accurate data for future planning.

As the county moves forward, officials plan to gather more localized data to inform these adjustments, ensuring that businesses contribute fairly to the infrastructure they utilize. The outcome of these discussions could reshape how Marion County manages growth and development in the coming years.