Impact Fees
Authorized by W.Va. Code §7-20, known as the Local Powers Act, Impact Fees are collected to offset the cost of new commercial and residential development within Berkeley County, including the municipalities of Martinsburg and Hedgesville.
Impact Fees are defined by state law as any charge, fee, or assessment levied as a condition of the following: (1) Issuance of a subdivision or site plan approval; (2) issuance of a building permit; and (3) approval of a certificate of occupancy, or other development or construction approval when any portion of the revenues collected is intended to fund any portion of the costs of capital improvements for any public facilities or county services not otherwise permitted by law.
Berkeley County assesses Impact Fees at the time of the issue of Building Permit(s).
NOTE: An impact fee does not include charges for remodeling, rehabilitation, or other improvements to an existing structure or rebuilding a damaged structure, provided there is no increase in gross floor area or in the number of dwelling units that result therefrom.
Affordable Housing Discount
Eligibility for the Affordable Housing Discount, as provided by W.Va. Code 7-20-7a, is determined upon the submission and review of an Affordable Housing Discount Application (here) and required documentation in support of the application.
Affordable House Discount Applications, once completed, should be sent to:
Berkeley County Assessor’s Office
400 W. Stephen St.
Suite 106
Martinsburg, WV 25401
• Single Family Homes that assess BELOW the Median Home Value in Berkeley County are eligible to receive a proportional discount based upon the assessed value determined by the Assessor’s Office.
• Current Median Home Values, reported annually by the West Virginia State Tax Department are available here.
• Upon completion of the valuation by the Assessor’s Office, Affordable Housing Discount applications must be returned to: Berkeley County Planning Department, 400 W. Stephen St., Suite 203, Martinsburg, WV 25401 for payment of the Impact Fee.
For general questions about Impact Fees, please contact Community Development Director Brian Ross at 304-267-5095 or Deputy Director Laura Hoffmaster at 304-264-1963.