Dallas BA Continues to Weigh in on Denton Park Fees
After outreach to Denton Parks, Recreation and Beautification board members, regarding the proposed increase in Denton Park Dedication Fee-in-Lieu and Park Development Fees, in early February, Dallas BA followed up by communicating the residential building and development industry’s concerns to members of the City Council ahead of its March 1st work session.
Dallas BA had voiced its concerns about the impact the significant increase in fees will have on already challenging new home costs. The Association requested the replacement homes be exempted from applicability of the ordinance, as those are homes built on lots where there was an existing home, meaning there is no added dwelling units. We also raised the question of whether the proposed credit for park-like facilities in private developments was adequate, as well as the need for clarification regarding certain park development cost items.
The letter from the Dallas Builders Association to the Denton City Council can be found HERE.
The exception for replacement homes was included in the ordinance draft presented to Council
During the City Council’s work session on March 1, multiple council members echoed the concerns of Dallas BA. Core among them was the worry about increasing fees ten-fold at one time and the impact on housing affordability. The issue of such an increase looking like an anti-growth measure was raised. Members of the council noted that the proposed increase comes at a time when the cost of home construction faces historic challenges in labor and materials. Reference was made to the fact that Denton has bond funds and council members cited the need to consider phasing in the fees over time.
Council members have requested additional information and the item will likely return for further action by mid to late April.