Park Fee (Parks Dedication and Fee Ordinance)

“A. Purpose. New residential dwelling units increase demand on existing park and recreational facilities and create the need for additional facilities. The purpose of this Section is to enable the acquisition of land and the collection of fees to be used for the purpose of developing new or rehabilitating existing recreational facilities in order to create a healthy and sustainable city.”

“J. Use of Park Fees or Lands Dedicated Pursuant to this Section. 1. The dedicated lands or park fees collected pursuant to this section shall be used for the acquisition, improvement and expansion of public parks and recreational facilities. The fees shall be committed and expended in accordance with the provisions and procedures established in this section. The park fee may be used to pay the principal sum and interest and other finance costs on bonds, notes or other obligations issued by, or on behalf of, the City to finance such park and recreational facility improvements; and any administrative costs incurred by the City in accordance with this section.”

“C. Subject Properties. All new residential dwelling units and joint living and work quarters shall be required to dedicate land, pay a fee or provide a combination of land dedication and fee payment for the purpose of acquiring, expanding and improving park and recreational facilities for new residents. For the purposes of this Section, dwelling units, second dwelling units in a single family zone, and joint living and work quarters shall be referred to as 'dwelling units' or 'residential dwelling units.'”

2016-09-07 (Council adoption); effective 2017-01-11 (120th day after adoption)

“I MOVE that the matter of the Categorical Exemption, Communication from the Mayor, Los Angeles City Planning Commission and Department of City Planning, Resolution and Ordinance First Consideration relative to amending the Public Recreation Plan of the Services System Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, Item No. 3 on today's Council Agenda (CF 16-0529), BE AMENDED to PRESENT and ADOPT the attached ordinance in lieu of the Ordinance dated June 16, 2016 and the revised draft Ordinance dated September 2, 2016 … and to extend the effective date of the Ordinance from 60 days to 120 days following its adoption.”

“I MOVE that the matter of the Categorical Exemption, Communication from the Mayor, Los Angeles City Planning Commission and Department of City Planning, Resolution and Ordinance First Consideration relative to amending the Public Recreation Plan of the Services System Element of the City of Los Angeles General Plan, Item No. 3 on today's Council Agenda (CF 16-0529), BE AMENDED to PRESENT and ADOPT the attached ordinance in lieu of the Ordinance dated June 16, 2016 and the revised draft Ordinance dated September 2, 2016 … and to extend the effective date of the Ordinance from 60 days to 120 days following its adoption.”

“6. Fee Payment Timing. (a) Residential Subdivision Projects. The park fee for residential subdivisions shall be calculated and collected prior to final subdivision map approval. (b) Residential Non-Subdivision Projects. For other residential development projects, the park fee shall be calculated and collected prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy.”

“1. Fees and Fee Schedule. The park fee amount depends on the type of project. The Department of Recreation and Parks shall collect these fees pursuant to Section 19.17 and the Department of Recreation and Parks rate and fee schedule.”

“3. Exemptions. The following types of development shall not be required to pay a park fee: (a) Alterations, renovations or expansion of an existing residential building or structure where no additional dwelling units are created. (b) Replacement of existing dwelling units on the same lot resulting in no net increase of residential dwelling units. (c) The replacement of a destroyed or partially destroyed or damaged building or structure where no additional dwelling units are created. (d) Affordable housing pursuant to Subsection G of this Section. (e) Second dwelling units in single-family zones. (f) Non-residential development.”

“H. Credits. 1. Public Land Dedication or Improvement to Dedicated Land. (a) Public Land Dedication. In lieu of paying the park fee, land may be dedicated to the City of Los Angeles for public park and recreational purposes, at the City's option. This may be with or without recreational facility improvements. The amount of land to be dedicated shall be determined pursuant to one of the following formulas, and credit shall be granted, square foot for square foot, for any land dedicated to the City … (c) The total amount of credits shall not exceed 100 percent of the calculated requirement for the park fee or land dedication.”

“4. Phase-in Period. The park fee shall be phased in as described in Section 19.17 of this Code." (LAMC 12.33.E.4) and "SEC. 19.17. PARK FEE. … Subdivision (Quimby in-lieu) fee: At effective date of ordinance: $7,500, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code. First annual RAP rate and fee schedule update after effective date of ordinance: The prior year's fee amount plus $2,500, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code. Each subsequent annual RAP rate and fee schedule update: The fee of the previous year, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code. Non-subdivision (park mitigation) fee: At effective date of ordinance: $2,500, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code. First annual RAP rate and fee schedule update after effective date of ordinance: The prior year's fee amount plus $2,500, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code. Each subsequent annual RAP rate and fee schedule update: The fee of the previous year, adjusted for inflation pursuant to Section 12.33.E.5 of this Code.”