Title
Conduct a Public Hearing to Consider/Discuss/Act on a Request by the City of McKinney to Amend Article VI. Conveyance of Land for Recreational Areas and Facilities, of the Code of Ordinances
Summary
COUNCIL GOAL: Enhance the Quality of Life in McKinney
(5A: Create affordable recreational and cultural arts activities for all ages throughout the city)
(5B: Develop Parks strategy to preserve green space for future park land)
(5C: Continue to market and highlight McKinney as a unique destination for residents and visitors alike)
(5E: Develop sustainable quality of life improvements within the City of McKinney)
MEETING DATE: February 15, 2022
DEPARTMENT: Parks and Recreation
CONTACT: Michael Kowski, Director of Parks and Recreation
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION: Staff recommends approval of the proposed amendments to the ordinance.
ITEM SUMMARY:
• The current parkland dedication ordinance has been in place since the early-2000’s with little substantive updates since that time.
• There is limited supporting documentation for the current methodology, which exposes to the city to challenges and litigation.
• This amendment will put in place a defensible methodology for the revised parkland calculations as well as provide options and standards for reductions and credits, as appropriate.
• The current requirement is one acre of parkland required for every 50 residential units. When land is not dedicated, the city accepts cash in lieu of land. This fee is determined by multiplying the average per acre value as determined by the appraisal district by the acreage that is due.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
• Updating this ordinance was the number one recommendation in our Parks Master Plan approved by Council in 2017.
• The city engaged Dr. John Crompton, professor at Texas A&M, who is widely seen as the “expert” on parkland dedication fees across Texas, to assess and make recommendations for modifications to our existing ordinance.
• The development of these amendments have been presented and vetted in various formats throughout the last year and a half via the Parks and Recreation Board, Development Committee meetings and City Council work sessions.
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS:
• Require one acre of parkland for every 37 residential units.
• Provide a methodology for establishing the required amount of parkland due.
• Add a park development fee for both single family and multi-family developments, along with appropriate reductions.
• Establish guidelines for credits for developer constructed parks, both dedicated and privately owned.
• Expand the parkland dedication zones from 4 to 8.
OPPOSITION TO OR SUPPORT OF REQUEST: Staff has received no emails or phone calls in support of or opposition to the proposed amendments.