Denton Considering Increases to Park Dedication and Development Fees
The city of Denton is currently considering amendments to the city’s ordinance that addresses park land dedications. The proposed language includes changes to the dedication calculation, as well as increases to the fee-in-lieu and park development fee. Denton’s ordinance has not been amended since 1998, so builders should consider how this will impact new home prices.
As with other cities, the ordinance applies to residential subdivisions and every building permit for construction of a dwelling unit approved after the effective date that would be designated by the final ordinance. This means it impacts both single- and multifamily construction. The ordinance does not apply to activities involving the remodeling, rehabilitation or other improvements to an existing residential structure, or the rebuilding of a damaged structure unless the rebuilding results in an increase in the number of dwelling units.
The proposed ordinance includes dedications for neighborhood parks, as well the use of funds on city-wide parks.
The fee-in-lieu for single family would be $435 per unit, while multifamily would be assessed a fee per unit of $301. The rise in park development fees brings more concern. The development fee per unit would increase to $2,753 per single family unit and $1,906 for each multifamily unit.
The city is proposing a credit if a development provides their own park-like amenities within a subdivision. However, Dallas BA feels the proposed credit of “up to fifty percent (50%)” does not adequately represent the service provided those amenities.
The ordinance is expected to be brought before the city’s Parks, Recreation and Beautification Board in early February and then on to City Council in March. Dallas BA will continue to monitor this issue.