System Development Charges and Construction Charges

What are system development charges, or SDC's?  SDC's are charged in most cities in the State of Oregon.  SDC's are an equitable way for a City to impose a portion of the public cost of improvements for municipal infrastructure upon those developments that create a greater demand upon capital improvements.  The timing and extent of a development is within the control and discretion of a developer.

Residential SDC's:  Any builder constructing a new home in Harrisburg will be paying SDC's based upon each dwelling unit.   Property owners adding an accessory dwelling unit will be charged SDC's depending upon the size of the dwelling unit being added.

Commercial & Industrial SDC's:  Commercial Properties will be charged SDC's based upon their direct impact on the City's infrastructure.  Please be aware that certain changes to a commercial property will likely require a site plan application.  Please contact City Administrative staff for information and to find out if a planned future project might require a land use application process.

General Costs for SDC's and a new home in Harrisburg:  SDC's for standard residential construction is $13,107.  Additional costs are for utility connections, building permit, and utility account set up.  A standard cost for a typical new home in Harrisburg ranges from $18,000 to $22,000, depending upon the size of the home, and whether or not city municipal services are already stubbed out to the property.  These charges must be paid in full when a building permit is issued. 

If utilities are not stubbed out to the property, as they are in most new subdivisions, then you may be responsible for the actual cost of bringing utilities to the property.  For instance, if the nearest utility lines are located across the street, then the actual cost you pay can be substantial, because bringing utilities to your property involves tearing up and repairing the street.  Also, please keep in mind that a new home, or certain improvements on an existing home, will require the construction of a garage or carport, paved driveway with paved parking pad, as well as curbs, gutters and sidewalks, depending on the street that the home is located on, if you don't already have these things in place. 

Most of this information can be found in the Harrisburg Municipal Code.  For questions about Building Permits, SDC's and Connection Charges, you may contact Carol Canham at 541-995-6655, or at ccanham@ci.harrisburg.or.us, with any questions.  Michele Eldridge is also available, at 541-995-6655, or meldridge@ci.harrisburg.or.us.