LDC changes to Parks Dedication Ordinances

At the October 22nd Parks and Recreation Board meeting, city staff presented the current policy and proposed changes to parkland dedication ordinances under draft one of the Land Development Code (LDC).

Parkland dedication is a requirement mandating developers of new residential developments and hotel-motel developments dedicate land for a park and/or pay a fee to be used to acquire and develop park facilities. This aims to provide parkland to all city residents within a 1/4 mile walk within the Urban Core and a ½ mile walk for the rest of the city.

As proposed in draft one of the Land Development Code (LDC), most of the Parkland Dedication Ordinance remains the same including current dedication formulas, and an urban core cap at 15%.

Draft one of the LDC only made two substantiative changes.

First, the addition of a parkland dedication development bonus, as directed by Council. Current incentives include density bonuses, impervious cover allowances, and benefits of parkland adjacency.

Second, the proposed LDC revisions codify parkland assessment, which was previously followed as a general “rule” when PARD staff conducts early determination.

PARD staff supports the current draft of the LDC for the Parkland Dedication section.

At the meetings conclusion, the Parks and Recreation Board passed a resolution urging City Council to keep the Parkland Dedication ordinance in its current version.

For more information, contact Bingham Group at info@binghamgp.com

//The Bingham Group, LLC