Sacramento County expands residential fee deferrals; ordinance returns July 14

Sacramento County supervisors approved a resolution on June 16 that expands the county’s residential fee deferral program to all residential projects, including eligible mixed-use developments with housing.

The change is aimed at lowering upfront costs for builders. County leaders say that can make it easier to finance projects without erasing the fees themselves.

What the program does

The deferral does not eliminate county impact fees. It shifts when they are due. Under the county’s program page, eligible fees can include plan-area, fire facilities, park facilities, library facilities and transportation development fees. Applicants must secure approval, sign a recordable agreement and pay 10% upfront, plus administrative costs.

County code says deferred fees are paid later, with the deadline depending on project type. For single-family homes, payment is generally due at close of escrow or within 15 months of permit issuance, whichever comes first. For multifamily projects, timing is tied to permanent financing or the same 15-month limit.

Why it matters

For developers, deferrals can ease cash-flow pressure early in construction and help a project clear financing hurdles. For residents, the practical effect is indirect: the county is trying to keep housing proposals moving without giving up fee revenue.

The county also says the expanded program aligns with state housing law context, including SB 937.

What happens next

The ordinance needed to update county code and fully implement the expanded program is scheduled to return to the Board of Supervisors on July 14, 2026.

Sources

• Sacramento County news release: county expands residential fee deferral program
• Sacramento County residential fee deferral program page
• Sacramento County Code Chapter 16.120: Deferral of Certain Impact Fees for Residential Projects
• California Legislature: SB 937 bill text