This project explores the thesis that development impact fees are a fair and effective means of financing capital improvement projects. Impact fees are found to be a remedy to the revenue cuts which are seen as a result of "taxpayer revolt" and society's concern with the urban environment. The fees are seen as a way to deal with the needs caused by growth, without causing excessive financial hardship on the existing taxpayers. Case law, state legislation, and common court tests should all be considered in the discussion of impact fees. A model ordinance and a planning checklist are offered. Finally, a recommendation is presented for dealing with growth/funding problems being faced by King County (Washington) fire districts.