Sandy Springs has approved changes to ordinances that determine the impact fees assessed on new development.

The City Council approved an Annual Capital Improvements Element Update that establishes when and where new capital facilities are to be provided and the extent to which they may be financed with impact fees. Changes include the addition of paths, sidewalks and bike trial elements to the impact fee structure.

The Council also approved a revised impact fee ordinance that among other things clarifies the appeals process and when fees are paid; outlines criteria for exemptions; and amends the fees to more closely align with the projected costs of new public improvements.

The revisions also add exemptions for projects containing an affordable housing element, or that replace rental units with for-sale housing. The changes take effect immediately.

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Angie McBrayer, ex-wife of James Aaron McBrayer, leans her head on her son Sam McBrayer as she and her three children and two grandchildren (from left) Jackson McBrayer, 3, Piper Jae McBrayer, 7, Katy Isaza, and Jordan McBrayer, visit the grave of James McBrayer, Thursday, November 20, 2025, in Tifton. He died after being restrained by Tift County sheriff's deputies on April 24, 2019. His ex-wife witnessed the arrest and said she thought the deputies were being rough but did not imagine that McBrayer would die. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC