The City of Delta will be imposing a new development fee to help fund new parks and recreation amenities.
Council last week approved the creation of a parks, recreation and culture community amenity contribution reserve for recreation facilities, community centres, indoor sports centres, sport field upgrades, field houses and other community amenities to be determined at council's discretion.
Council also decided to include library facilities on the list.
The fee structures includes a $1,000 charge per unit for multi-unit and/or mixed-use developments that involve rezoning or the creation of three or more units or lots.
There’s also a target of 25 per cent of a so-called land lift, which is the additional land value arising from development, for large, complex projects including those that involve an Official Community Plan amendment, a development more than six storeys, large industrial projects, master planned communities, multi-phased developments or other projects considered to have significant impacts to the community.
Council will still retain the ability to negotiate in-kind contributions or another “suitable package of different amenities tailored to a specific project.”
Other developments such as non-profit housing and industrial proposals consistent with the OCP are exempt, as well as single-detached residential, duplex or infill projects that result in the creation of less than three new lots.
Purpose-built rental apartments or townhouses are also exempt, however, projects involving six or more storeys may require the provision of common on site amenities, such as recreational, social or other facilities above the minimum zoning requirements for building residents.
There’s also an exempt area for Ladner Village.
City manager Sean McGill said the new fund is not aimed at buying land but the city is always looking for opportunities to add additional space to parks.
Council last week also approved a motion for the city to review Delta’s current development cost charges.
The review will includes an analysis what other municipalities are charging for certain construction projects and could lead to a reduction or waiving of DCC’s in certain instances.
