I'll bet you didn't know about the infrastructure fees charged to developers since 1980 that help to pay for our facilities here in Highlands Ranch. I didn't know until recently. I did know that developers are required to donate land to be used for schools and, thus, here in Highlands Ranch, we do not pay for school lands.

Now I have learned about these system development fees charged to all developers. The Metro District's facilities plan, a long range planning tool that includes the cost of all the infrastructure essential for the community build-out, is used to calculate the fees for developers. Both the plan and the calculation of fees are reviewed annually.

The total estimated cost of infrastructure in the current facilities plan is $165 million and, as of last December, the Metro District had collected $134 million in system development fees. This plan has been highly successful because it was implemented when Highlands Ranch began in 1980.

This unique plan is one of the reasons that property taxes in Highlands Ranch are lower than most similar communities in south metro Denver. It could also explain why home prices are usually slightly higher than other areas. The developers have, of course, passed these costs on to buyers. However, I am sure that all of the amenities here in Highlands Ranch (paid for mostly by those development fees) also contribute to making living here more desirable and, thus, homes slightly higher in price.

Read the current Highlands Ranch Metro District Messenger magazine Spring issue for more current news about Highlands Ranch. You can also log on to www.highlandsranch.org.

barbara@kennarealestate.com