Council amends park-dedication code to require land or fee prior to final plat approval

The council adopted amendments to Section 66-102 of the city code governing public sites and open spaces to clarify when developers must dedicate land or pay park-dedication fees. City Attorney Pam Whitmore told the council the amendment applies to subdivisions in residential and commercial districts and is intended to ensure adequate open space or recreation facilities when development increases housing density. The ordinance exempts minor lot splits and previously subdivided land where the number of lots does not change. Under the amendment, developers must either dedicate green space at the time of final plat approval or pay a park-dedication fee in lieu. The fee is based on a reasonable estimate of fair market value determined by the assessor. Developers may request a reduction; staff will analyze requests and recommend approval or denial to counsel. Staff said the fee is normally collected at final plat approval or, if no plat exists, at building permit application for the primary structure. Council members asked about past fund collections; staff noted a balance of about $42,000 in the park fund per a 2024 memo and said timing of invoices and follow-up communications have improved. A motion to approve the ordinance amendment passed on a council vote.