§ 62-327. Requirements for park land dedications.

(a)

Calculation of requirement. The estimated ultimate population of a proposed development shall bear directly upon the amount of land required to be dedicated for park and recreational purposes. The minimum requirement shall be 5.5 acres of land per 1,000 of ultimate population in accordance with the standards set out in this section.

Type of Recreation Area	Recommended Size Range	Minimum Acres per 1,000 People
School park neighborhood playground	Minimum park of 5 acres adjacent to school site	1.25
Neighborhood park	Minimum 3½ acres	1.0
District wide park or play field	Minimum 4 acres up to 30 acres	1.25
Community wide recreation park	Minimum 12 acres up to 30 acres	2.0
Total		5.5 acres of land per 1,000 people

 

(b)

Park site size and location standards. The park land to be dedicated shall be located in accordance with the city's comprehensive plan and with the requirements of the park district having jurisdiction over the proposed development. The size and general location of sites to be dedicated shall be subject to the approval of the park district having jurisdiction, prior to approval of the preliminary plat. The suitability of land to be dedicated for park sites shall be evaluated according to the following standards:

(1)

The site should be essentially regular in shape to facilitate maintenance and to provide the optimum opportunity for recreational use.

(2)

The site should not be located on a major road if such a location would present a traffic hazard to park users.

(3)

A maximum of 50 percent of the site may be utilized for stormwater control facilities, if approved by the park district having jurisdiction. Park sites including retention or detention facilities shall be a minimum of five acres in size, unless otherwise approved by the park district.

(4)

The site should have soil and topographic conditions suitable to accommodate the facilities anticipated for the site, such as parking areas, play fields, tennis courts, playground equipment, or other recreational facilities.

(5)

The site should be located in the approximate center of the residential area to be served, adjacent to a school site where applicable.

(6)

The site should be located in conjunction with compatible land uses.

(c)

Credit for private open space and recreational facilities. The provision of private open space and recreational facilities has the effect of reducing the demand for public parks and recreational facilities. Therefore, consideration may be given to reducing the required dedication or contribution for park and recreational land by the substitution of private open space and recreational facilities. The extent of this substitution shall be determined by the city council, based on the following standards:

(1)

Detailed plans of private open space and recreational facilities shall be submitted as part of the preliminary plat approval process, and shall be subject to approval by the city and park district.

(2)

Any private open space or recreational facilities which are substituted for required dedications shall be reasonably related to the needs of the projected residents.

(3)

The private facilities shall not be disruptive to the plan for public parks and recreational land in the area.

(4)

Private open space which is substituted for required dedications shall be improved by the developer or subdivider so as to provide recreational opportunities for the projected residents.

(5)

Permanent maintenance of private open space and recreational facilities shall be guaranteed by the execution of appropriate legal documents.

(Code 1996, § 62-327; Ord. No. F-0663, § 3, 11-19-2001)