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Robins planning commission begins work on park land dedication fee schedule; staff to return in April
Summary
On March 11 the Robins Planning & Zoning Commission directed staff to develop a park land dedication fee proposal after city engineer outlined options including per-acre versus per-lot charges, commercial rates, and integrating stormwater detention features; no formal action was taken.
The Robins Planning & Zoning Commission on March 11 opened a detailed discussion on creating a park land dedication fee schedule intended to fund future park acquisition and development tied to new construction.
Planning & Zoning Administrator Vance McKinnon told commissioners the commission should make progress on a recommended fee schedule, particularly because of interest in development of the Zieser property. City Engineer Kelli Scott described the city’s shift from requiring land dedication to adopting fees in lieu of dedication and said fees would typically be paid by the developer at the time of final plat submittal.
Scott outlined options commissioners should consider: per-lot versus per-acre fees, separate rates for residential and for commercial/industrial development, and whether stormwater detention areas could count as park land. Scott said stormwater detention land itself cannot be considered park land, though park areas may incorporate detention features such as a wet-bottom pond designed for recreational use. She described a proposed northwest detention basin that would collect runoff from more than 400 acres and be designed to hold water year-round while accommodating additional storm event flows.
Commissioners debated tradeoffs. CJ McDonald and others noted a per-acre fee could better accommodate later subdivision and avoid disproportionate burden on small lots; Matt Mitzel said per-acre calculations are more complex but could simplify application if land is subdivided. Jay Goodin suggested fees should be reviewed within one to three years; Scott agreed the ordinance could require periodic review.
Mayor Chuck Hinz emphasized that the commission’s role is to recommend a fee that funds park development tied to new construction and that the City Council will adopt rules governing a dedicated fund and audits to protect those monies. Scott said residential zoning currently references per-unit fees, so an ordinance change would be needed if the commission recommends a per-acre system. No formal motion was made; staff were asked to return to the April meeting with a proposed fee structure and calculations.
