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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/16/2003 - STAFF REPORTS (19) DATE: July 16, 2003 TO: City Council FROM: Director of Planning and Zoning CASENO.5.0967: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, REQUIRING THE DEDICATION OF LAND AND/OR TO IMPOSE A REQUIREMENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES IN-LIEU THEREOF, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH, FOR PARK AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES AS A CONDITION TO THE APPROVAL OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council conducta publichearing on the ordinance request,in regards to the dedication of land and/or the imposition of fees in-lieu thereof, or a combination of both, for park and recreational purposes (park fees) as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel map for residential development (pursuant to the authority granted by Section 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code),and other new residential development entitlements,where a subdivision map is not required. 1. That the City Council approve the attached Park Land and In-lieu Fee Ordinance as proposed (Exhibit A). 2. Direct Staff to continue working on the Capital Improvement Plan for City Park Land for further consideration and possible incorporation into the subject Ordinance. Based upon a detailed review of Quimby Act and City procedures, there is little advantage to adopting an urgency ordinance. SUMMARY: There are three(3)main components of the Park Fee ordinance: 1)park land dedication; 2)park land fee in-lieu of dedication; and 3) combination of No. 1 and 2 with limited credit on fee. The Non-urgency Ordinance would be in effect 30 days after its second reading on July 23, 2003. Once adopted, the City can collect park fees 30 days thereafter on all applicable new residential development,as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel map(pursuant to the authority granted by Sections 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code), or as a condition in the design review process for a residential development which does not require a subdivision. BACKGROUND: Park Impact Fees: The City of Palm Springs does not currently levy park fees for the purpose of acquisition and improvement of new parks,as well as preservation of its existing parks. Within the last few years, the City has experienced a significant increase in applications for residential development and usage of its existing parks;and due to various fiscal constraints the City is unable to expend its own funds or otherwise expand and preserve park and recreational space. The Department of Planning and Zoning, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the City Attorney have been reviewing the options for achieving future park and recreational needs,as well Page 2 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees as possible upgrades of aging parkfacilities. On June 18, 2003, ajoint Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was held to discuss existing parks and future needs in relation to the General Plan policies. There was a general consensus thatthere is an immediate need for a one(1)or two(2)20 to 30 acre community type park,to augment recreational activities at Demuth Park. In accordance with the Palm Springs General Plan Policies(Policy 10.1.1, 10.2.1, 10.2.3, 10.2.4a, 10.2.4b, 10.2.4c, 10.7.1, 10.8.6, 10/c(3) ) staff realized the timing was appropriate to consider adoption and implementation of a Park Land Dedication Ordinance with in-lieu fee provisions for new residential development (Quimby Act). It is stated in the General Plan that specialized parks provide a backbone for the proposed City Bikeway and horse trail plans. Community parks provide the large,high-investment type of facilities, such as lighted ball fields,craft and recreation buildings,amphitheaters and bandshells,community centers,where planned,and provide local neighborhood requirements. Neighborhood parks are to be evenly distributed throughout the community and may contain a range of facilities and amenities. Quimby Act: Staff has drafted a Parks and Recreation Fee Ordinance along with a detailed fee analysis. The proposed parks and recreation fee ordinance is consistent with the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element, Implementation Program 10/C(3), to adopt and implement a parkland dedication ordinancewith in-lieu fee provisions,and pursuantto Government Code Section 66477 (Quimby Act), and Government Code Section 66000. The Quimby Act(§ 66477)authorizes cities and counties to require the dedication of parks and recreation land,orthe payment of in-lieu fees,as a condition of tentative subdivision map approval. The Quimby Act can only be invoked when the City "has adopted a General Plan...containing policies and standards for parks and recreation facilities." These exactions are limited to the impacts caused by new residential development,and they must bear a reasonable relationship to the use of the park and recreational facilities by the future inhabitants of the area (§66477(e)). Please refer to Exhibit B, for additional Quimby Act provisions. The project is composed of requestto amend the Palm Springs Municipal Code,Title 3, Revenue and Finance,to levy parkfees forthe purpose of acquisition and improvement of new parks,as well as preservation of its existing parks. Page 3 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE - TITLE 3, REVENUE AN FINANCE Analysis: The proposed Ordinance follows theformatand prescribed components specified by Government Code Section 66477. Specifically, the proposed Ordinance establishes the following: 1. Computation of area of park to be dedicated. The dedication of park land required for any development will be determined by multiplying the number of dwelling units in the development by the occupancy factor and .005(i.e., the ratio of the park area standard of five (5) acres to one thousand population (1,000)). This is represented as follows: (# dwelling units) (occupancy factor) (0.005) = Area of park land to be dedicated • City of Palm Springs current park land acreage: 279 acres • City of Palm Spring population (2000 Census): 42,848 • Current park land ratio: 6.5 acres per 1,000 residents. (231.62 acres of park land x 42,848(2000 census population)) • Current City Owned/Operated Parks: - Desert Highland Park = 17.58 acres -Victoria Park = 7.67 - Ruth Hardy Park = 21.31 - Sunrise Plaza Park = 37.17 - DeMuth Park = 62.00 - Baristo Park = 1.36 - Frances Steven Park = 3.58 - Dog Park = 1.5 - Village Green = .5 - Lykken Equestrian Trail Head = 1.13 - Bikeway facilities = 13.52 - Desert Riders Park = 2.1 - Tahquitz Canyon Interpretive Ctr. = 3.0 -Tennis Center = 7.8 - JPA for School Sites = 98.40 Total =278.62 acres • The proposed Ordinance includes a park ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 population. This ratio is permissible under the Quimby Act when the current ratio of neighborhood and community parks exceeds three(3)acres per 1,000 population, but shall not exceed 5.0 acres per 1,000 population. Based upon existing conditions the City mayadopt a park land ratio offive(5)acres to 1,000 population. 4?A 3 Page 4 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees 2. Dwelling unit occupancy factor(or average household size). Based upon the latestavailable census data(2000 Census), the occupancy factor is 2.05, overall City average household size (Staff Recommendation). • This figure may be updated from time-to-time by resolution of the City Council based on the latest available census figure. 3. Cost of acquisition and development of park land. The Ordinance includes factors for determining cost of acquisition and development of park land planned for in the current General Plan and an estimated total cost estimate for future park facilities. a. Acquisition Cost. • The acquisition cost was determined by averaging the per acre cost of "vacant"residential land in Palm Springs,which according to recent market profiles, ranges from $25,000 to $150,000 per acre. For purposes of estimating total future park acquisition cost,$50,000 per acre was utilized in the example listed in this report. Actual revenue will depend upon the number of units constructed and land values. b. Development Cost. • $150,000 per acre for basic park and recreation facilities, such as landscaping and tot lot. • $200,000 per acre for the basic park and recreation facilities plus larger facilities,such as a waterfeature and athletic field. Staff has recommended this higher amount to justify a reasonable park development cost component. Staff recommends using this figure due to the current/existing level of park amenities, and based upon General Plan policies to provide substantial improvements, amenities, and facilities at existing and future parks. • General Plan park land need: 96 acres (48 acres of community parks, and 48 acres of neighborhood parks) Park Type/General Location: Acres: 1. Community Park A. Gene Autry/Mesquite 30 B. Expand Desert Highland 18 2. Neighborhood Parks A. Tramway/N. Palm Canyon 12 B. N. Indian Canyon Drive 12 C. N. Sunrise Way 12 D. Vista Chino/Cerritos 12 Total Acres: 96 Page 5 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 6.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees • Estimated costof acquisition and development($50,000 est.land value per acres + $200,000.00 development cost per acre x 96 acre park need): $24,000,000.00 • The Ordinance also includes a recommended cost recovery level for acquisition and developmentof 75%of the calculated value,which reduces the estimate to $18,000,000. • City currently budgets$300,000 per yearfor parks facilities or roughly30% of this total over a 20 year period. • Sources of revenue to augment the future cost of acquisition and development include, state and federal park grants, private donations,and Measure-Yfunds. Measure Y funds currently generate$400,000 per year for library and park facilities. 4. Fees in lieu of dedication. The developer, at the sole discretion of the City, may be required to pay to the City a fee in-lieu of making the dedication. The in-lieu fee is computed as follows: (# dwelling units)(occupancy factor)(0.005) = Area of park land to be dedicated (Area of park land to be dedicated)(fair market value per acre)+( fair share cost recovery)/(units) = Fee per unit in lieu of dedication Sample Project: • 60 units single family detached residential project • Occupancy factor of 2.05 average household size • Land value of $50,000 per acre • $200,000/acre park acquisition Total fee per unit = '$1,944.00 Notes: 1 (60)(2.05)(0.005) = .43 acres of park land required (.43)($50,000)+($18,000,000/12,608 x 60)=$116,659.90 total park fee ($116,659.90)/(60) = $1,944 per unit Page 6 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees 5. Developer Credits. The Ordinance proposes a credit for any land dedicated for park purposes and for any park improvements provided by the developer. • The value of such improvements shall be based on fair market value. • No credit will be given to a developer for more than 50% of the required land dedication or in-lieu fee. • No credit is proposed for golf course development because it does not serve the general public's recreational needs. 6. Affordable housing exemption. Staff recommends that development of affordable housing may be exempted for the percentage of the development which is restricted to affordable, housing. Park Fee Revenue Potential: Based on the amount of vacant residential land available for development including Palm Hills Specific Plan (not including Conservation areas)and applying a minimum and maximum density factorallowable underthe General Plan, it is conceivable that a total of 9,800to 16,800 units could be constructed at General Plan build-out. Applying the occupancy factor of2.05 average persons per households,the City could plan on an additional 20,000 to 34,000 plus, people using its parks and recreational facilities. Applying the proposed park land dedication ratio(.005 to 1,000 population),the City could anticipate 101 to 172 acres of newpark land to be dedicated. In terms of in-lieu fees,the amount is dependent on a couple of variables, such as the fair market value of land being subdivided. Assuming a sample 60 unit residential project and land values from $25,000 to$150,000 per acres,the range of park fees per unit could be $1,686 to $2,978. In accordancewith the QuimbyAct,funds collected underthe Ordinance mustbe committed within five(5)years after the payment, or issuance of building permits or paid back to the owners of the subdivision without any deductions. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND NOTIFICATION The Cityof Palm Springs has determined thatthe proposed Ordinance pertaining to parkfees could not have an impact on the environment,and is exemptfrom the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)provisions, the State CEQA Guidelines(Section 15378, (b)(4), creation of governmental funding mechanism not a project), and the City's CEQA procedures contained in the City's CEQA Guidelines, and a Notice of Exemption has been prepared. q111-6 Page 7 of 3 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees Director g(*lanning and Zoning Approved: i City Manager EXHIBITS: A. Ordinance (Park Fee) B. Quimby Act Provisions summary (City Council handout dated May 14, 2003) �r PALM SA City of Palm Springs AO City Council F May 14, 2003 C \r LIFO FORN Quimby Act Provisions (Government Code Section 66477) - Park and Recreation, Dedication, and Fees Purpose: The Act authorizes the City to require by ordinance the dedication of land or payment of fees for park or recreational purposes. To achieve this purpose the following criteria in summary must be met: 1. An ordinance must be in place 30 days prior to filing a tentative or parcel map. 2. The ordinance must include definite standards fordetermining proportion of land to be dedicated and amount of fee. The dedication or payment shall not exceed a proportionate amount to provide 3 acres of park land per 1,000 subdivision residents with certain exceptions. 3. Land or fees to be used only for new or rehabilitating existing park or recreational facilities to serve subdivision. The size, location and fee shall be proportional to the use of the park and recreational facilities. 4. The City must have General Plan or Specific Plan policies and standards for park and recreational facilities. 5. The City shall develop a schedule (such as a Capital Improvement Plan, and Park Master Plan), specifying how,when,and where it will use the land and fees or both to develop park or recreational facilities. Fees collected shall be committed within five years after payment. Fees unallocated shall be paid back proportionally to each record owner of the subdivision. 6. The payment of fees may only be required for subdivisions containing 50 or fewer parcels. 7. The Act does not apply to commercial and industrial subdivisions, or condos or stock coops that consist of air space in an existing apartment building more than 5 years old when no new units are added. 8. Planned developments, community apartment, condos, and stock coops with private recreational open space shall be eligible for credit as determined by the City. 9. Subdividers that provide parks and recreational improvements to the dedicated land,shall be credited against the payment of fees and dedication of land as required by the ordinance. Page 1 of t �� M1 04 PALM S,►c City of Palm Springs Department of Planning &Zoning II11A1• ,`' C'�IIFoVL MEMORANDUM Date: July 16, 2003 To: City Council From: Director of Planning & Zoning via City Manager Subject: Quimby Act— Municipal Code Amendment— Park Fees Attached please find the following: 1. Revised Ordinance of City of Palm Springs establishing park fees. Minor changes were made and references to Urgency Ordinance were deleted. 2. Revised staff report pages — both are in legislative draft format. Page 1 of 7 DATE: July 16, 2003 TO: City Council FROM: Director of Planning and Zoning CASE NO. 5.0967: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, REQUIRING THE DEDICATION OF LAND AND/OR TO IMPOSE A REQUIREMENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF FEES IN-LIEU THEREOF, ORA COMBINATION OF BOTH, FOR PARK AND RECREATIONAL PURPOSES AS A CONDITION TO THE APPROVAL OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. RECOMMENDATION That the City Council conduct a public hearing on the ordinance request, in regards to the dedication of land and/or the imposition of fees in-lieu thereof, or a combination of both, for park and recreational purposes (park fees) as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel map for residential development (pursuant to the authority granted by Section 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code), and other new residential development entitlements,where a subdivision map is not required. 1. That the City Council approve the attached Park Land and In-lieu Fee Ordinance as proposed (Exhibit A). 2. Direct Staff to continue working on the Capital Improvement Plan for City Park Land for further consideration and possible incorporation into the subject Ordinance. Based upon a detailed review of Quimby Act and City procedures, there is little advantage to adopting an urgency ordinance. SUMMARY: There are three (3) main components of the Park Fee ordinance: 1) park land dedication; 2) park land fee in-lieu of dedication; and 3) combination of No. 1 and 2 with limited credit on fee. The Non-urgency Ordinance would be in effect 30 days after its second reading on July 23, 2003. Once adopted, the City can collect park fees 30 days thereafter on all applicable new residential development, as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel map (pursuant to the authority granted by Sections 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code), or as a condition in the design review process for a residential development which does not require a subdivision. BACKGROUND; Park Impact Fees: The City of Palm Springs does not currently levy park fees for the purpose of acquisition and improvement of new parks, as well as preservation of its existing parks. Within the last few years, the City has experienced a significant increase in applications for residential development and usage of its existing parks; and due to various fiscal constraints the City is unable to expend its own funds or otherwise expand and preserve park and recreational space. The Department of Planning and Zoning, the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the City y�q Page 2 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees Attorney have been reviewing the options for achieving future park and recreational needs, as well as possible upgrades of aging park facilities. On June 18, 2003, ajoint Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission meeting was held to discuss existing parks and future needs in relation to the General Plan policies. There was a general consensus that there is an immediate need for a one (1) or two (2) 20 to 30 acre community type park, to augment recreational activities at Demuth Park. In accordance with the Palm Springs General Plan Policies (Policy 10.1.1, 10.2.1, 10.2.3, 10.2.4a, 10.2.4b, 10.2.4c, 10.7.1, 10.8.6, 10/c(3) ) staff realized the timing was appropriate to consider adoption and implementation of a Park Land Dedication Ordinance with in-lieu fee provisions for new residential development (Quimby Act). It is stated in the General Plan that specialized parks provide a backbone for the proposed City Bikeway and horse trail plans. Community parks provide the large, high-investment type of facilities, such as lighted ball fields, craft and recreation buildings, amphitheaters and bandshells, community centers,where planned, and provide local neighborhood requirements. Neighborhood parks are to be evenly distributed throughout the community and may contain a range of facilities and amenities. Quimby Act: Staff has drafted a Parks and Recreation Fee Ordinance along with a detailed fee analysis. The proposed parks and recreation fee ordinance is consistent with the General Plan Parks and Recreation Element, Implementation Program 10/C(3), to adopt and implement a parkland dedication ordinance with in-lieu fee provisions, and pursuant to Government Code Section 66477 (Quimby Act), and Government Code Section 66000. The Quimby Act (§ 66477) authorizes cities and counties to require the dedication of parks and recreation land, or the payment of in-lieu fees, as a condition of tentative subdivision map approval. The Quimby Act can only be invoked when the City "has adopted a General Plan...containing policies and standards for parks and recreation facilities." These exactions are limited to the impacts caused by new residential development, and they must bear a reasonable relationship to the use of the park and recreational facilities by the future inhabitants of the area (§66477(e)). Please refer to Exhibit B, for additional Quimby Act provisions. The project is composed of a request to amend the Palm Springs Municipal Code,Title 3, Revenue and Finance, to levy park fees for the purpose of acquisition and improvement of new parks, as well as preservation of its existing parks. 01 011 \ Page 3 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees AMENDMENT TO THE MUNICIPAL CODE -TITLE 3, REVENUE AN FINANCE Analysis: The proposed Ordinance follows the format and prescribed components specified by Government Code Section 66477. Specifically, the proposed Ordinance establishes the following: 1. Computation of area of park to be dedicated. The dedication of park land required for any development will be determined by multiplying the number of dwelling units in the development by the occupancy factor and .005 (i.e., the ratio of the park area standard of five (5) acres to one thousand population (1,000)). This is represented as follows: (# dwelling units) (occupancy factor) (0.005) =Area of park land to be dedicated • City of Palm Springs current park land acreage: 279 acres • City of Palm Spring population (2000 Census): 42,848 • Current park land ratio: 6.5 acres per 1,000 residents. (231.62 acres of park land x 42,848(2000 census population)) • Current City Owned/Operated Parks: - Desert Highland Park = 17.58 acres - Victoria Park = 7.67 - Ruth Hardy Park = 21.31 - Sunrise Plaza Park = 37.17 - DeMuth Park = 62.00 - Baristo Park = 1.36 - Frances Steven Park = 3.58 - Dog Park = 1.5 -Village Green = .5 - Lykken Equestrian Trail Head = 1.13 - Bikeway facilities = 13.52 - Desert Riders Park = 2.1 - Tahquitz Canyon Interpretive Ctr. = 3.0 - Tennis Center = 7.8 - JPA for School Sites = 98.40 Total =278.62 acres • The proposed Ordinance includes a park ratio of 5.0 acres per 1,000 population. This ratio is permissible under the Quimby Act when the current ratio of neighborhood and community parks exceeds three (3) acres per 1,000 population, but shall not exceed 5.0 acres per 1,000 population. Based upon existing conditions the City may adopt a park land ratio of five(5) acres to 1,000 population. Page 4 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees 2. Dwelling unit occupancy factor (or average household size). Based upon the latest available census data (2000 Census), the occupancy factor is 2.05, overall City average household size (Staff Recommendation). • This figure may be updated from time-to-time by resolution of the City Council based on the latest available census figure. 3. Cost of acquisition and development of park land. The Ordinance includes factors for determining cost of acquisition and development of park land planned for in the current General Plan and an estimated total cost estimate for future park facilities. a. Acquisition Cost. 0 The acquisition cost was determined by averaging the per acre cost of "vacant" residential land in Palm Springs, which according to recent market profiles, ranges from $25,000 to $150,000 per acre. For purposes of estimating total future park acquisition cost, $50,000 per acre was utilized in the example listed in this report. Actual revenue will depend upon the number of units constructed and land values. b. Development Cost. • $150,000 per acre for basic park and recreation facilities, such as landscaping and tot lot. • $200,000 per acre for the basic park and recreation facilities plus larger facilities, such as a water feature and athletic field. Staff has recommended this higher amount to justify a reasonable park development cost component. Staff recommends using this figure due to the current/existing level of park amenities, and based upon General Plan policies to provide substantial improvements, amenities, and facilities at existing and future parks. • General Plan park land need: 96 acres (48 acres of community parks, and 48 acres of neighborhood parks) Park Type/General Location: Acres: 1. Community Park A. Gene Autry/Mesquite 30 B. Expand Desert Highland 18 2. Neighborhood Parks A. Tramway/N. Palm Canyon 12 B. N. Indian Canyon Drive 12 C. N. Sunrise Way 12 D. Vista Chino/Cerritos 12 0�111\ Page 5 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees Total Acres: 96 • Estimated cost of acquisition and development($50,000 est. land value per acres + $200,000.00 development cost per acre x 96 acre park need): $24,000,000.00 • The Ordinance also includes a recommended cost recovery level for acquisition and development of 75% of the calculated value,which reduces the estimate to $18,000,000. • City currently budgets $300,000 per year for parks facilities or roughly 30% of this total over a 20 year period. • Sources of revenue to augment the future cost of acquisition and development include, state and federal park grants, private donations, and Measure-Y funds. Measure Y funds currently generate $400,000 per year for library and park facilities. 4. Fees in lieu of dedication. The developer, at the sole discretion of the City, may be required to pay to the City a fee in-lieu of making the dedication. The in-lieu fee is computed as follows: (# dwelling units)(occupancy factor)(0.005) = Area of park land to be dedicated (Area of park land to be dedicated)(fair market value per acre)+( fair share cost recovery)/(units) = Fee per unit in lieu of dedication Sample Project: • 60 units single family detached residential project • Occupancy factor of 2.05 average household size • Land value of$50,000 per acre • $200,000/acre park acquisition Total fee per unit = '$1,944.00 $1,988 Notes: 1 (60)(2.05)(0.005) _ .43 acres of park land required (.43)($50,000)+($18,000,000/12,608 x 60) _ $116,659.90 119,296 total park fee ($116,659.90 119,296)/(60) _ $4-,W 1,988 per unit k�i�1 Page 6 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5,0967, Ordinance - Park Fees 5. Developer Credits. The Ordinance proposes a credit for any land dedicated for park purposes and for any park improvements provided by the developer. • The value of such improvements shall be based on fair market value. • No credit will be given to a developer for more than 50% of the required land dedication or in-lieu fee. • No credit is proposed for golf course development because it does not serve the general public's recreational needs. 6. Affordable housing exemption. Staff recommends that development of affordable housing may be exempted for the percentage of the development which is restricted to affordable housing. Park Fee Revenue Potential: Based on the amount of vacant residential land available for development including Palm Hills Specific Plan (not including Conservation areas) and applying a minimum and maximum density factor allowable under the General Plan, it is conceivable that a total of 9,800 to 16,800 units could be constructed at General Plan build-out. Applying the occupancy factor of 2.05 average persons per households, the City could plan on an additional 20,000 to 34,000 plus, people using its parks and recreational facilities. Applying the proposed park land dedication ratio (.005 to 1,000 population), the City could anticipate 101 to 172 acres of new park land to be dedicated. In terms of in-lieu fees, the amount is dependent on a couple of variables, such as the fair market value of land being subdivided. Assuming a sample 60 unit residential project and land values from$25,000 to$150,000 per acres, the range of park fees per unit could be $-1f861,732 to $2 97-8 3,013. In accordance with the Quimby Act,funds collected underthe Ordinance must be committed within five (5) years after the payment, or issuance of building permits or paid back to the owners of the subdivision without any deductions. ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND NOTIFICATION The City of Palm Springs has determined that the proposed Ordinance pertaining to park fees could not have an impact on the environment, and is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) provisions, the State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15378, (b)(4), creation of governmental funding mechanism not a project), and the City's CEQA procedures contained in the City's CEQA Guidelines, and a Notice of Exemption has been prepared. Page 7 of 7 July 16, 2003, City Council Meeting Case No. 5.0967, Ordinance - Park Fees Director of Planning and Zoning Approved: City Manager EXHIBITS: A. Ordinance (Park Fee) B. Quimby Act Provisions summary (City Council handout dated May 14, 2003) Palm Springs Investment Company July 15, 2003 City Council CITY OF PALM SPRINGS 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way P.O. Box 2743 Palm Springs, California 92663-2743 Re: Case No. 5.0967 — Quimby Act — Municipal Code Amendment— Park Fees Dear Council: This letter is in response to the City's Proposed Municipal Code Amendment requiring park fees, in conformance with California Government Code Section 66477. We certainly support the City's efforts to provide additional parkland for existing and future residents of Palm Springs, but feel that the Draft Ordinance as it is currently written contains two provisions that are far more excessive than those required by other jurisdictions. Park Area Standard The current Draft Ordinance proposes a park area standard of five (5) acres of parkland for every one thousand (1,000) persons projected to inhabit the development. While state law does permit the exaction of up to five acres per one thousand population for those cities that currently provide a minimum of five acres per one thousand population, the majority of cities that were researched, require three (3) acres of parkland for every one thousand (1,000) persons. Growing jurisdictions requiring three acres per thousand include: Ranch Mirage La Quinta; Riverside County Rancho Cucamonga; Orange County; and Laguna Niguel. These communities are representative of amenity-oriented life styles that are also represented in Palm Springs. The five-acre requirement is more appropriate for communities that exhibit a more conventional suburban lifestyle than Palm Springs offers. The amount of private recreation available in Palm Springs is extensive so there is less pressure on public parks. This is demonstrated by the current ratio of public park land to population in Palm Springs, which is 3.1 acres per thousand population as stated in the General Plan. (,�® A Park Ordinance requiring three (3) acres of public parkland per one thousand would maintain the current standard established in the City and would place an equitable burden on new residents. Private Park Credit Our plans for the Classic incorporate a very extensive recreation program including a championship golf course; an amenity that has a high priority for the community as stated by the City's General Plan (Policy 10.2.5.b—Encourage and support the development of new golf courses as part of major projects within a specific plan area). Our residents will have little more to desire and certainly will have a low demand for public park space because of the options in their community and Palm Springs overall. The current Draft Ordinance permits credit for private parks, but the credit shall not exceed one third of the park dedication requirement. Again, a review of other jurisdictions shows that this provision is more restrictive than that required by other cities. Park standards in growing communities usually permit at least 50% credit for private recreation where the developer takes on the challenge of serving the residents with active recreation. Rancho Mirage, Irvine and Laguna Niguel allow up to full credit for private parks under certain circumstances. Riverside County, Indian Wells and Yorba Linda permits up to one-half credit for private parks a minimum of three acres in size. These private parks provide the majority of the recreational requirements of the residents of these planned communities, who therefore are not creating as much additional impact to existing facilities. We would support an ordinance that was more in line with those of other resort jurisdictions as well as the current City standard at 3 acres of public parks per 1000 residents. We also support a requirement that would allow up to one-half credit towards the park dedication requirement for private recreation facilities. This will allow planned developments to receive appropriate credit for highly amenitized recreation facilities within their developments, and also provide additional fees at an equitable level for the City to use to expand the existing public parks system. Vie appreciate the opportunity to address this issue, and would be happy to discuss it further at your convenience. Very truly yours, d Pat Blew Cc: David Ready Doug Evans David Aleshire Van Stephens FROM LINDA HOLMES FAX NO. : 760 31802BG Jul. 15 2003 11:09AM R1 Linda Holmes 501 North Phillips Road Palm Springs, CA 97262 July 1.5, 2003 Mayor and City Council City of Palm Springs Via Fax: (760) 332-8332 Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council: Subject: Sunport for the Quimby Act for Park Development 1 read in today's issue of The Desert Sun that the Council will be discussing the Quimby Act at the July 16 City Council meeting. This letter is to request your support for a city ordinance to enact the Quimby Act. I am a retired City Manager and have worked for six cities in Southern California, all of which had the Quimby Act. Most California cities use the Act, and I was amazed to read that Palm Springs has never incorporated it into the City Code. Developers have probably been pleasantly surprised that some Coachella Valley cities, including Palm Springs, don't use the Quimby Act. California developers expect cities to have the Quimby Act and generally have no complaints because it's a normal operating expense for them. In two cities, I performed as Park Development Coordinator and administered the Quimby Act funds for park development projects, In basically built-out cities such as Palm Springs, there may not be the huge of amount of funds available from the Act as in developing cities, but the funds never-the-less can be substantial enough to provide excellent park projects to benefit the community. I urge your support for adopting an ordinance enacting the Quimby Act in the City of Palm Springs. Sincerely, Linda Holmes NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Case No. 5.0967 An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, requiring the dedication of land and/or to impose a requirement of the payment of fees in-lieu thereof, or a combination of both, for park and recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of residential development. Applicant: City of Palm Springs NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Palm Springs, California, will hold a public hearing at its meeting of July 16, 2003. The City Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs. The purpose of the hearing is to consider Case No. 5.0967, an Ordinance by the City of Palm Springs in regards to the dedication of land and/or the imposition of fees in-lieu thereof, or a combination of both, for park and recreational purposes (park fees) as a condition to the approval of a tentative or parcel map for residential development (pursuant to the authority granted by Section 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code). The collection of park fees will greatly benefit the City's citizens by ensuring the expansion of park and recreational facilities within the City in proportion to new development. The City is currently in the process of conducting such an impact study to determine the appropriate level of the park fee reasonably required to meet the demands created by proposed new development projects. The City of Palm Springs has determined that the Ordinance pertaining to park fees could not have an impact on the environment,and is exemptfrom the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA)provisions,the State CEQA Guidelines (Section 15378, (b)(4), creation of governmental funding mechanism not a project), and the City's CEQA procedures contained in the City's CEQA Guidelines. Related documents and CEQA Notice of Exemption are available for public review daily. Members of the public may view these documents in the Department of Planning and Zoning, City Hall, 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, and submit written comments at or prior to the City Council hearing. If any group challenges the action in court, issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to the City Council hearing. An opportunity will be given at said hearing for all interested persons to be heard. Questions regarding this case may be directed to Lawrence A. Mainez, Principal Planner, at (760) 323-8245. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clerk Publish: July 4, 2003 The Desert Sun PROOF OF PUBLICATION This Is space for County Clerk's Filing Stamp (2015.5.C.C.P) STATE OF CALIFORNIA - - - - -- County of Riverside INo 5047 NOTICE OF CITY COUNCIL MEETING CITY OF PALM SPRINGS Case Nothe. 5.0967 An City Ordinance PalmfSpringsty council requrrng the he dedication of land and/or to impose a I am a citizen Of the United States and a resident Of dedication requirement of combl payment both,for park hereof, r the County aforesaid;I and over the age of eighteen and recreational purpoaes as e condition to years,and not a party to or interested in the the approval of residential development above-entitled matter.I am the principal clerk of a Applicant: City of Palm Springs printer of the,DESERT SUN PUBLISHING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the Clay of Palm Springs,California, will hold a COMPANY a newspaper of general circulation, public hearing at its meeting of July 16,zoos.The City Council meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the printed and published in the city of Palm Springs, enmmll Chamber at City Hall,3200 Past Tanquitz Palm Springs Way, County of Riverside,and which newspaper has been Canyon � adjudged a newspaper of enerid circulation b the The ppurppose of the hearing Is to consider Case gg y No. 5.0967, an Ordinance by the City of Palm Superior Court of the Count of Riverside,State of Springs in regards to the dedication of land p y and/or the imposition of fees in-lieu thereof, or a California under the date of March 24, 1988.Case combination of both, for park and recreational purposes(park fees)as a condition to the approv- Number 191236;that the notice,of which the al of a tentative or parcel map Per residential de-i annexed is a printed copy(set in type not smaller ve aIio� n Y ( ursuana to the ofthe granted by Sea 66800 and to the authority the Government than non pariel,has been published in each regular code) and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any The collection of park fees will greatly benefit the City r,citizens by ensuring the ex Anson of park supplement thereof on the following dates,to wit: and recreationa�factlrties within the City in pro- portion to new development,The Cily is ammittly m the p[oeess of conducting such 2n impact study to determine the appropriate level of the I park fee reasonably required to meet the de- July 4d' mends created by proposed new development protects. The City of Palm Springs has deter mined of an in that the I Ordinance pertaining to on s ---- ______ _________—---------______,_____________- act on the environment andldisnexempt — fromvir he CaliforniaCaions, t e State of CLl Quality Act All in the year 2003 (CEGA) provisions, the State of CEQA Guidelines Soong mechanism (m dri creation project), of governmental f certify(or declare)under penalty of perjury that fire unding meedur sin not i ed in th and me calla foregoing is true and correct. CEQA procedures contained in the Cdy's CE A g g ' Guidelines. a. 8 Related documents and CEQA Notice of Exemp- Dated at Palm Springs,California this---------day ton are available for public review daily Members of the public may view these documents in the July Deppartment of Planning and Zoning, City Hall, Ot----------- ------- 2003 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springgs, --'-- ------, and submit written comments at or prior to tfre City Council hearing If any group challenges the action In court,issues raised may be limited to only those issues raised at the public hearing described in this notice or in written correspondence at, or prior to the City ----------------------------- ---------^- Council hearing. An opportundy�will be given as Signature said heannpp For all Interested persons to be g heard. Ouestrous regarding this case nr be if reefed to Lawrence a. Wittier, Principal Planner, at(760)323-8245. PATRICIA A. SANDERS City Clark PUB: July 4, 2003 ORDINANCE NO. AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE DEDICATION OF PARK LAND OR TO IMPOSE A REQUIREMENT FOR THE PAYMENT OF PARK FEES IN LIEU THEREOF WHEREAS, Government Code Sections 66000 and 66477 authorizes the City of Palm Springs ("City") to require the dedication of land or to impose a requirement of the payment of fees in lieu thereof, or a combination of both (collectively "Park Fees"), for park or recreational purposes as a condition to the approval of a tentative map or parcel map or as a condition in the design review process for a residential development which does not require a subdivision; and WHEREAS, the City of Palm Springs does not presently levy Park Fees; and WHEREAS, the collection of Park Fees would greatly benefit the City's citizens by ensuring the expansion of park and recreational facilities within the City in proportion to new development within the City; and WHEREAS, over the last several years, the City has experienced a significant increase in applications for residential development; and WHEREAS, due to various fiscal constraints, the City is currently unable to exact fees, compel dedication, expend it own funds or otherwise ensure the preservation of park and recreational space such that the City is experiencing a general shortage of new park and recreational space in comparison to surrounding communities, particularly in the developing areas of the City; and WHEREAS, the City is precluded from collecting Park Fees until an ordinance has been enacted and such ordinance has been in effect for thirty days; and WHEREAS, the City's General Plan contains policies and standards for parks and recreational facilities to be acquired and the Park Fees will be in accordance with the General Plan's principles and standards; and WHEREAS, the creation of a governmental funding mechanism which does not involve any commitment to any specific project is not a "project" pursuant to the terns of the California Enviromnental Quality Act ("CEQA"), such that the adoption of this fee is not a "project" under CEQA and a Notice of Exemption has been prepared and will be distributed for public review and colu vent in accordance with CEQA. NOW THEREFORE, it is found, determined and resolved by the City Council of the City of Palm Springs as follows: 1003/005/23674 v8 Section 2. The "Program for Dedication and Improvement of Park and Recreation Areas or Payment of In Lieu Fees," as set forth below, is hereby adopted. I. AUTHORITY, PURPOSE AND SCOPE A. Authority and Purpose. This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by Sections 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code of the State of California and shall be interpreted to be consistent with the provisions thereof. The park and recreational facilities for which dedication of land and/or payment of a fee are required by the terms of this section shall be provided and located in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the General Plan of the City, any specific plan adopted pursuant thereto, this ordinance and any other adopted resolution, policy or standard of the City. B. Conflict with Other Laws. This ordinance shall be interpreted, insofar as possible, to be consistent with other ordinances or regulations of the City. In the event of conflict, this ordinance supersedes all other ordinances or regulations of the City. C. Exemptions. The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to the following: 1. Commercial or industrial development; 2. Condominimn or stock cooperative projects which consist of the subdivision of airspace in an existing apartment building which is more than five years old when no new dwelling units are added; 3. Proposed development for which entitlements, including building permits and architectural permits, have already been obtained; or 4. A proposed development for which a tentative map has already been obtained; or 5. Subdivisions containing less than five parcels and not used for residential purposes, except that a condition may be placed on the approval of a parcel map that if a building permit is requested for construction of a residential structure or strictures on one or more of the parcels, the fee may be required to be paid by the owner of each parcel as a condition of the issuance of the permit. 6. Development of affordable housing projects may be exempted for that percentage of the development which is restricted to Affordable Units. II. DEFINITIONS—PARK AND RECREATION, DEDICATION AND FEES Words and phrases used herein shall have the following meaning: qD:; 1003/005/23674 v8 Section 1. All of the facts set forth in the above recitals are true and correct and are incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2. The "Program for Dedication and Irnprovement of Park and Recreation Areas or Payment of In Lieu Fees," as set forth below, is hereby adopted. I. AUTHORITY, PURPOSE AND SCOPE A. Authority and Purpose. This ordinance is enacted pursuant to the authority granted by Sections 66000 and 66477 of the Government Code of the State of California and shall be interpreted to be consistent with the provisions thereof. The park and recreational facilities for which dedication of land and/or payment of a fee are required by the terns of this section shall be provided and located in accordance with the standards, specifications and requirements of the General Plan of the City, any specific plan adopted pursuant thereto, this ordinance and any other adopted resolution, policy or standard of the City. B. Conflict with Other Laws. This ordinance shalt be interpreted, insofar as possible, to be consistent with other ordinances or regulations of the City. hi the event of conflict, this ordinance supersedes all other ordinances or regulations of the City. C. Exemptions. The provisions of this ordinance shall not apply to the following: 1. Commercial or industrial development; 2. Condominium or stock cooperative projects which consist of the subdivision of airspace in an existing apartment building which is more than five years old when no new dwelling units are added; 3. Proposed development for which entitlements, including building permits and architectural pen-nits, have already been obtained; or 4. A proposed development for which a tentative map has already been obtained; or 5. Subdivisions containing less than five parcels and not used for residential purposes, except that a condition may be placed on the approval of a parcel map that if a building pennit is requested for construction of a residential structure or structures on one or more of the parcels, the fee may be required to be paid by the owner of each parcel as a condition of the issuance of the permit. 6. Development of affordable housing projects may be exempted for that percentage of the development which is restricted to Affordable Units. II. DEFINITIONS —PARK AND RECREATION, DEDICATION AND FEES Words and phrases used herein shall have the following meaning: t003/005/23674 A �� i A. Affordable Housing/Affordable Units: Shall be defined pursuant to State and federal law. The City may adopt additional standards only if such standards are applicable through the community. B. Dwelling Unit: Shall mean a building or mobilehome designed for residential occupancy. For purposes of this ordinance, the number of Dwelling Units created by a land division shall be as follows: One Dwelling Unit per lot created in a single-family residential zone, one dwelling per unit approved in a multifamily residential zone is unknown; the maximum number of Dwelling Units allowed under that zone. For a condominium project or apartment, the number of Dwelling Units created shall be the number of units approved. C. Fair Market Value: Shall mean the value ascribed to land dedicated by the developer for park and recreation purposes, and shall generally be (1) the value of the land being subdivided based upon the current assessed value, modified to equal market value in accordance with the current practice of the county assessor, or at the option of City, (2) based upon an appraisal by a licensed and qualified appraiser selected by City after consultation with developer. In the event an appraiser is utilized, all costs of said appraisal shall be paid or a deposit made therefore by the subdivider prior to the recordation of any final map or the issuance of any building permit. An appraiser selected pursuant to this ordinance shall find the fair market value of land to be equal to the amount of cash or its equivalent that such land would bring if exposed for sale in the open market under conditions in which neither buyer nor seller could take advantage of the exigencies of the other, and both the buyer and the seller have knowledge of all of the uses and purposes to which the land is adapted and for which it is capable of being used, and of the enforceable restrictions upon those uses and purposes. The fair market value shall be determined before the final map or parcel map of a development is filed. With regards to any park and recreation improvements or equipment provided by the developer, the fair market value shall be the actual cost to the developer to acquire, construct, and install the improvement or equipment. It shall be the responsibility of the developer to keep proper records to demonstrate the cost of all improvements and equipment and to segregate such costs from all other development costs. Developer shall not allocate profit to such construction. D. Park Shall mean a parcel or contiguous parcels of land owned, operated and maintained by a public agency or private association and which provides recreational land and facilities for the benefit and enjoyment of the residents of the development and of persons residing, working or visiting in the City. Parks may be classified as community parks, including community centers,pavilions, auditoriums, athletic facilities, large multiuse swimming pools, equestrian centers, bike and trail systems, picnic areas, water courses, museums, libraries, historic and cultural centers or similar facilities; public neighborhood parks, including playground equipment, sports fields, and picnic areas; and private neighborhood parks, generally intended to serve only the immediate development or specified planned community in which they are located. Parks may also include desert, canyon and mountain open space areas or landscaped areas suitable for active or passive uses. 1003/005/23674 v8 � E. Park and Recreational Facilities: Shall mean any public improvements deemed necessary by the City to develop, improve or rehabilitate land and facilities for park and recreational purposes. Such improvements may include, but are not limited to, grading; landscaped areas for active and passive recreational use, open space and sports fields; irrigation and drainage systems; lawn, shrubs and trees; facilities for recreational community gardening; walkways; bicycle and trail facilities; lighting; playground or other recreational equipment; picnic facilities; equestrian centers, swimming pools; volleyball, basketball, tennis, racquetball and other courts; a skate park; historic structure; vehicle driveways and parking areas and any other facilities which may hereafter be authorized by state law or approved by the City. F. Private Open Space: Shall mean privately owned land and facilities for park and recreation purposes provided within a development and perpetually maintained and operated by the future residents or owner of the development, which land and facilities may be credited against the dedication and payment requirements established in this ordinance, at the option of the City, when the following criteria are met: 1. That the proposed private park land be reasonably adaptable for use for park and recreational purposes, taking into consideration such factors as size, shape, topography, geology, access and location of the private park land; 2. That the following areas or development design features shall not be eligible for private park credit: golf courses, yards, court areas, setbacks, development edges, slopes, hillside areas, unless the area includes a public trail, landscaped development entries, meandering streams, land held as open space for wildlife habitat, flood retention facilities and circulation improvements such as bicycle, hiking and equestrian trails unless such systems are directly linked to the City's community-wide system and shown on the City's master plan; 3. That the location of the land provides convenient access to the residents; 4. That the property be under common private ownership and that perpetual private ownership and maintenance of the land is adequately provided for by a recorded written agreement to which the City is a party with the right to enforce the restrictions; 5. That the use of the private park land is perpetually restricted for park and recreational purposes which cannot be defeated or eliminated without the consent of the City Council and in no event without providing equivalent park and recreational space elsewhere in the development; and The yards, court areas, setbacks and other open areas required to be maintained shall not be included in the computation of the private open spaces. Facilities for which credit is given shall not exceed that which is needed by the development being served unless it is easily available to the general public, 1003/005/23674 0 �� in which case credit shall be limited to identify park deficiencies for the general public. III. DEDICATION OF LAND OR FEE AS A CONDITION TO APPROVAL OF FINAL MAP OR PROJECT As a condition of approval of a tentative or final tract map or parcel map for a residential subdivision, or a new multiple family residential project, the subdivider shall be required to dedicate land, pay a fee in lieu thereof or both, at the option of the City, in an amount determined pursuant to this ordinance, for park or recreational purposes, unless the subdivider is exempted from this requirement by the express provisions of this ordinance. The dedication of land and/or payment of a fee shall be at the time and according to the standards and formula contained in this ordinance. As a condition of approval imposed during the entitlement process for an application made in connection with the construction of new residential development which does not require a subdivision, such as an apartment building or planned development, the applicant shall be required to dedicate land, pay a fee in lieu thereof or both, at the option of the City, in an amount determined pursuant to this ordinance, for park or recreational purposes, unless the developer is exempted from this requirement by the express provisions of this ordinance. The dedication of land and/or payment of a fee shall be at the time and according to the standards and formula contained in this ordinance. IV. STANDARDS FOR DETERMINING DEDICATION A. General. If a park dedication is required under the terns of this ordinance, the park area required shall be determined in accordance with the standards provided in this Section. Further, the amount and location of land to be dedicated and/or fees to be paid shall bear a reasonable relationship to the use of the park and recreational facilities by the future inhabitants of the development. B. Standard of Park Area to Population. It is found and determined that the public interest, convenience, health, safety and welfare of the residents of the City require that the City maintain the level of its existing park stock at a ratio of five (5) acres of property for every one thousand (1,000) persons projected to inhabit the development be devoted to local and community park and recreational purposes, and that such park area is necessary to provide for the needs of the current and future persons residing and working in the City. Said ratio of"5 acres per thousand populations"is hereafter referred to as the park area standard. C. Dwelling Unit Occupancy Factor. Based upon the latest available census data, the dwelling unit occupancy factors shall be 2.05. This figure maybe revised from time to time by resolution of the City Council. t003/005/23674 v8 9 UP D. Computation of Area of Park to be Dedicated. The dedication of park land required for any development shall be determined by multiplying the number of dwelling units in the development for each housing type by the occupancy factor for each housing type by .005 (i.e., the ratio of the park area standard of five (5) acres to one thousand population). This is represented as follows: (# dwelling units) (occupancy factor) (0.005) =Area of park to be dedicated E. Costs of Acquisition and Development of Land. Recent park development analysis indicates an acquisition and development cost of two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) per acre for park and recreation facilities. This cost applies to ninety- six (96) acres of new parkland for a total cost of twenty-four million dollars ($24,000,000). The recommended and approved cost recovery level of new residential projects for park and recreation facilities improvements is seventy-five percent (75%) or eighteen million dollars ($18,000,000). V. FEES IN LIEU OF DEDICATION The developer, at the sole discretion of the City, may be required to pay to the City a fee in lieu of making the dedication computed pursuant to Section IV. The in-lieu fee shall be computed by multiplying the area of park to be dedicated by the fair market value of the land being developed plus the cost to acquire and improve the property plus the fair share contributions, less any credit given by the City, as may be reasonably determined by the City, based upon the fonmulas contained in this ordinance, as they may be amended from time to time by City Council. VI. DETERMINATION OF DEDICATION, FEES OR COMBINATION A. Dedication Generally Required. Where a park or recreational facility has been designated in the General Plan of the City or other adopted resolution policy or standard of the City, and is to be located in whole or in part within the proposed development to serve the immediate and filture needs of the residents of the development and other members of the public, the developer shall dedicate land for a park and provide recreational facilities thereon as provided in this ordinance unless the City determines that dedication is not desirable as provided in this ordinance. If the fair market value of the park and recreational facilities provided pursuant to City specifications is less than that required hereunder, no additional fees shall be required, otherwise, the developer shall pay the difference. Land dedicated to the City shall be conveyed in fee simple to the City free and clear of all encumbrances except those which will not interfere with the use of the property for its intended purposes and which the City agrees to accept. No deed for dedication of land shall be accepted unless it is accompanied by a policy of title insurance, secured by the subdivider, in an amount equal to the value of the land dedicated. B. Dedication Requirements. Whenever land will be dedicated, the following provisions shall apply:1003/005/23674 v8 %7 iL�... � J 1 )�� (1) Whenever land is dedicated, the developer shall, in the City's discretion, without credit, provide the following for the benefit of the land dedicated: (a) Full street improvements and utility connections including, but not limited to, curbs, gutters, relocation of existing public utility facilities, street paving, traffic control devices, street trees, and sidewalks to the dedicated land; (b) Fencing along the property lines of the development which are contiguous to the park; (e) hnprove the drainage through the park site; (d) Provide minimal physical improvements, not including recreational facilities, building, or equipment, which the City determines are necessary for acceptance of the land for park and recreational purposes; (e) Provide access from the park and recreational facilities to an existing or proposed public street, unless the City determines that such access is unnecessary for maintenance of the park areas or use of the park by the residents of the area; (f) Water, sewer, grading and drainage improvements in addition to those grading, drainage, irrigation and planting improvements required under other City ordinances. All land to be dedicated and improvements to be made should be approved by the City prior to the approval or disapproval of a development; (g) All grading plans for land to be dedicated shall be reviewed and approved by the City for conformance with the City's general plan and any other parks and recreation plans and the needs of the City; (h) No grading, drainage, irrigation, planting, street or utility improvements required under this section shall be eligible for a credit against the land to be dedicated or fees paid under the provisions of this section. C. In-Lieu Fees. Where no park or recreational facility, other than excluded private park features such as those specified in Section II(F)(2), located in whole or in part within the proposed development is designated in the General Plan of the City or other adopted resolution policy or standard of the City, the developer shall, in lieu of dedicating land, pay a fee computed in accordance with this ordinance to be used for park and recreational purposes to serve the residents of the area being subdivided and other members of the public. 1003/005/23674 vS D. Combination of Land and Fees. The City may accept a combination of land and fees, with the respective amounts to be determined in the sole discretion of City, as long as the aggregate fair market value plus in-lieu fees does not exceed the limits established in this ordinance. If the developer provides park and recreation improvements to the dedicated land, the value of the improvements together with any equipment located thereon shall be a credit against the payment of fees and/or dedication required by this ordinance. E. Determination of Land or Fee. Whether the City accepts land dedication or elects to require payment of a fee in lieu thereof, or a combination of both, shall, in the City's sole discretion,be determined by consideration of the following: 1. The provisions of the City's General Plan, any specific plan adopted thereto, and any other adopted resolution, policy or regulation of the City; 2. Topography, geology, access and location of land in the development available for dedication; 3. Size and shape of the development and land available for dedication; 4. The feasibility of dedication; 5. Access and location of other park sites to development; and 6. Need of other accessible park sites for development, improvement and rehabilitation. The City has broad discretion in the application of these standards. For example, the City has no obligation to accept hillside and slope areas not adaptable for developed parks and fields, nor must the City accept private park areas which are only adaptable for private use and whose proximity to other neighborhood parks exceed the City's standards. Accordingly, the determination of the City as to whether land shall be dedicated, or whether a fee shall be charged, or a combination thereof, shall be final and conclusive. F. In-Lieu Fees for Subdivisions of Fifty Parcels or Less. If the development contains fifty parcels or less, only the payment of in-lieu fees may be required, except that one (1) lot subdivisions such as condominiums, stock cooperative or community apartment projects may be required to dedicate land if they have more than fifty dwelling units. VII. DEVELOPER CREDITS A. Public Parks. The developer shall receive a credit against the park dedication requirement for the fair market value of any land dedicated for park purposes and for the value of any park and recreation improvements provided by developer in 1003/005/23674 A 167 conjunction with any public park which meets the requirements of this ordinance. The value of such improvements shall be determined by City based upon"fair market value." B. Private Park. In conjunction with any planned development, real estate development, stock cooperative, comm amity apartment or condominium, as defined by state law, if the developer provides private open space, then the developer may receive a credit equal to the fair)market value of the private open space against the park dedication requirement of this ordinance, but such credit shall not exceed one-third of such park dedication requirement. The actual amount of such credit shall be determined by the City based upon the comparability of the private open space to public park area and the adequacy of such private open space to serve the needs of the development for active recreational uses. C. Application of Credits. The credits provided in this ordinance shall be applied to reduce the developer's obligation to dedicate and/or pay an in-lieu fee as required under this ordinance, but only to the extent of such credit. To receive a credit hereunder, the land or park and recreation improvements must meet the requirements of this ordinance, and, pursuant to Section VI, the determination of acceptance and establishment of fee or credit by the City shall be final. No credit shall be given to a developer for more than fifty percent(50%) of the required land dedication or in-lieu fee. VIII. DISPOSITION OF LAND OR FEES The amount and location of land to be dedicated or the fees to be paid shall bear a reasonable relationship to the use of the park and recreational facilities by the future inhabitants of the development. In accordance with Government Code Sections 66000 and 66477, it is expressly acknowledged that the land to be dedicated or fees to be paid may be for both neighborhood and community parks. Such fees may be also used to improve or rehabilitate existing parks. Such fees may be used to purchase land, construct a venue, or rehabilitate a venue where a variety of cultural activities could take place. Fees paid by a developer pursuant to this ordinance may be spent to develop, improve and rehabilitate community and neighborhood parks even though such parks may be used by nonresidents of the development, so long as the benefit of the park and recreational facilities to residents of the development is reasonable in relation to the location of the park and amount of the fees. IX. RESERVATIONS As a condition of approval, the developer may be required to reserve real property to be used for park, recreational facilities, fire stations, libraries or other public uses pursuant to Government Code Sections 66479 and 66480, as amended. As a condition of approval, a developer may be required to dedicate real property for the construction of an elementary school to assure the residents of the subdivision adequate public school service. The dedication and subsequent repayment to the developer shall comply with the provisions of Government Code Section 66478. 1003/005/23674 v8 �/ '� X. TIME OF DEDICATION OR PAYMENT OF FEES At the sole discretion of the City, all park fees shall be paid directly to the City cashier at the time of the payment of fees for building permits pursuant to a development agreement. XI. ACCOUNTING FOR EXPENDITURE OF FEES A. Placement of Fees in Separate City Account. The Finance Director shall receive all fees paid and place them in a separate Park and Recreation Fund. The Finance Director shall keep account of all fiends received, their source, all expenditures there from and the propose of all expenditures. The Finance Director shall prepare an annual report thereon pursuant to Government Code 66006, and shall periodically prepare a public report stating: (1) the type of fee in the account, (2) the amount of the fee, (3) the beginning and ending balance of the account or fund, (4) the amount of the fees collected and the interest earned, (5) information relating to the public improvements on which the fees were expended, (6) the approximate date by which the construction of the improvement will commence if sufficient funds have been collected, (7) a description of interfund transfers or loans and (8) the amount of any refunds. The City Council shall review said report at the next regularly scheduled public meeting not less than fifteen (15) days after the report is made available to the public. B. Developer's Development Schedule. The development of public park and recreational facilities requires considerable time for developing a concept plan, public review and approval, project design, preparation of specifications, public bidding, contract award and construction. To coordinate this process with the development project, if developer desires the public project to be coordinated with the development project, developer shall provide the City with a detailed plan for issuance of building permits and constriction of units (the "development phasing plan") concurrent with submission of the tentative map, and shall update such plan to keep current. C. Developer's Park Improvement Schedule. hi the event that the developer improves or develops parks for public or private ownership, developer shall prepare a schedule specifying when, how and where he will develop the park or recreational facilities to serve the residents of the development. This schedule will be required as a condition of subdivision map approval and must be approved by the City. D. City's Schedule. The Director of Parks Facilities shall prepare and maintain a schedule specifying how, when and where the land or fees, or both, which were dedicated to the City to develop park or recreational facilities will be used. Any fees collected under this ordinance shall be committed within five years after the payment of such fees or, provided developer has provided City with its development phasing plan, the issuance of building pen-nits on one-half of the lots created by the development, whichever occurs later. 1003/005/23674 v8 I XII. PROCEDURE A. Approval of Subdivision Map. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this ordinance, any decision or action required by City pursuant to this ordinance shall be made after the duly noticed public hearing at the time of approval of the tentative tract map or parcel map by the advisory body. Such decision or action shall be a condition of approval of the subdivision map. B. Entitlement Process. Unless otherwise expressly provided in this ordinance, any decision or action required by the City pursuant to this ordinance with respect to the construction of a new residential development which does not require a subdivision shall be made as part of the entitlement process for said development. Such decision or action shall be a condition of approval which is imposed as part of the entitlement process. C. Appeals. Any person may appeal a determination of the advisory body made pursuant to this ordinance. Appeals shall be made as provided in the Palm Springs Municipal Code. Section 3. SEVERABILITY It is the intention of the City Council that the sections, subsections, clauses and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and of any portion of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or the remainder of the ordinance, and the City Council would have enacted such remainder without the portion found to be invalid or unconstitutional. Section 4. LEGAL CONSTRUCTION The provisions of this ordinance shall be construed as necessary to effectively carry out its purposes, which are hereby found and declared to be in furtherance of the public health, safety and convenience. Section 5. CEQA Adoption of this ordinance is not subject to CEQA by virtue of Public Resources Code § 21080(b)(9) and CEQA Guideline 15378(b)(4), as the creation of a government funding mechanism which does not involve any commitment to any specific project is not a"project." 1003/005/23674 v8