Santa Maria commission advances draft to update Quimby park-fee rules; key credits and timing debated

The Recreation and Parks Commission on Tuesday advanced staff'proposed updates to the municipal code that would rename the city's subdivision-in-lieu charge the Quimby park fee and change how the fee is collected, credited and deferred.

The commission voted to ask staff to complete a draft ordinance for presentation to the City Council after a lengthy staff briefing and comment from builders and planning consultants.

The draft would keep the fee'collection language at the "earliest time allowed by law," rather than explicitly requiring payment at building-permit issuance. Staff said that preserves flexibility to collect at either building permit or certificate of occupancy depending on project size and financing; developers and the Home Builders Association urged clear wording that would permit collection at occupancy. "We're asking that all reference to paying the fees are clearly stated at occupancy," said Lori Tamura of Urban Planning Concepts, who spoke for the Home Builders Association.

Why it matters: The Quimby fee provides city funding to buy or improve public parkland as new residential development adds demand for recreation. Changes to collection timing, crediting and exemptions affect both developer cash flow and the city's ability to hold funds for park acquisitions or construction.

What staff proposed and what changed - Name and statutory reference: The draft changes Section 11-9.05 of the municipal code to use the common term "Quimby fee" (currently called "subdivision in lieu fee"). Staff said…