(A) Public uses. Where a proposed park, playground, school, trail system or other public use shown on the Comprehensive Guide Plan is located in whole or in part within a subdivision, the area shall be dedicated to the public or reserved for public purchase at fair market value. If, within two years of recording of the plat, the purchase is not consummated, the reservation shall be cancelled.
(B) Dedication. In all new subdivisions, the city shall require that a sufficient portion of the land be used aside and dedicated to the public for parks, schools, playgrounds or other public use exclusive of property dedicated for streets and other public ways. It shall be presumed that a sufficient amount of land has been dedicated for parks, schools and playgrounds for the present and future residents if the subdivider dedicates at least 10% of the land in the subdivision. The city, upon consideration of the particular type of development proposed in the subdivision, may require larger or lesser amounts of land to be dedicated if it determines that the present and future residents of the subdivision would require greater or lesser amounts of land for those purposes. In lieu of dedication of the land, the Council shall have the option to require a cash payment equivalent to the fair market of the land in lieu of a land dedication.
(C) Private parks. Subdividers shall be encouraged to provide small, privately owned parks and open spaces in all commercial, industrial and residential developments to satisfy the needs of employees, shoppers and small children.
(D) Natural features. Existing natural features which add value to and enhance the attractiveness of the development and the community (trees, watercourses and the like) shall be preserved, insofar as possible, in the design of the subdivision.
(1989 Code, § 12.06, Subd. 7)