(a) Procedure for Allocating Open Space. The allocation of areas for parks, playgrounds, school sites and other public open spaces shall be by one (1) of the following methods:
(1) Dedication to the City;
(2) Reservation of land for use of property owners by deed or covenants.
(b) Conformance with the City Open Space Plan. Conformance with the City plan for parks and other open public grounds shall be required where a designated site shown on the City plan is located in whole or in part within a proposed subdivision. The Planning Commission may request the subdivider to dedicate or reserve such area which lies within the subdivision, provided that the amount of land to be dedicated for park purposes shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the total area of the subdivision.
(c) Large-scale Developments. For large-scale developments, the Planning Commission may request the subdivider to dedicate or reserve sites for playgrounds and parks whose character, extent and location will be suitable to the needs created by such development, whether or not such sites are shown on the City open space plan. Such areas shall be in the judgment of the Planning Commission, of reasonable size for the particular use. In general, the subdivider shall be required to set aside ten percent (10%) of the gross area of the subdivision for this purpose.
(d) Money Payments. In lieu of a provision of land for parks and playgrounds, particularly where such public land will be too small for use, the Planning Commission may request payment of money to the City. This payment must be not more than ten percent (10%) of the market value of the entire tract prior to subdivision and cannot be used by the City except to create, improve, expand or maintain public recreational uses serving the neighborhood created by or including the subdivision.
(e) Surface Water Areas.
(1) Easement along streams. Whenever any stream or important surface drainage course is located within the area being subdivided, the subdivider shall provide a permanent easement dedicated to the proper authority for the purpose of widening, deepening, relocating, improving or protecting the stream for drainage or public use.
(2) Flooding and poor drainage. The right is reserved to disapprove any subdivision which is subject to periodic flooding or which contains extremely poor drainage facilities. However, if the subdivider agrees to make such improvements as will make the area completely safe for residential occupancy, the subdivision may be approved, subject, however, to the approval of the City Planning Commission, the Sandusky County Public Health Department, and the City Engineer.
(f) Preservation of Outstanding Features. The preservation of outstanding features such as scenic spots, historic sites, watercourses or exceptionally fine groves of trees shall be shown due regard. Dedication to and acceptance by a public agency is usually the best means of assuring their preservation.
(Ord. 2020-4053. Passed 1-7-21.)