Council adopts Kent School District facilities plan; district recommends keeping school impact fee at $0

The Covington City Council on Nov. 12 approved the Kent School District's six-year capital facilities plan and the district's recommendation to continue a $0 school impact fee for 2026, according to staff presentations and council action recorded at the meeting.

Selena Lyons, city staff, said school impact fees are one-time charges collected from residential and multifamily development to offset the capital cost of additional classroom space. "Under state law, these impact fees can only be used for brick-and-mortar projects," Lyons said, adding that the district reported sufficient capacity in existing schools and is not proposing new major schools in this planning cycle.

Councilmember Christina spoke in favor, noting declining enrollment and the district's bond and levy funding for modernization and maintenance; Councilmember Jennifer also supported the motion. The council unanimously approved an ordinance in substantial form adopting the district's plan and then voted to incorporate the 2026 school impact fee into the city's 2026 fee resolution so the city can collect any fees per district instruction.

Staff noted the district is monitoring enrollment and could revisit fees in future cycles; the council's action updates the city's comprehensive plan elements and fee resolution as required when a school district plan is adopted.