1226.07 PARK LAND DEDICATION.
   (a)   In each new residential subdivision with five units or more, there shall be dedicated for active public use, parks, playgrounds or other recreational uses, a standard of five acres of land per 1,000 persons. Land dedicated for stormwater management shall not count unless it serves a dual purpose as a recreational or aesthetic feature. If there is a dedicated for public use area within one-half mile walking distance by way of existing public rights-of-way from the proposed subdivision (streets or sidewalks), the developer may pay a fee in lieu of dedication. Residential subdivisions of less than five units may pay a park and recreation fee established by Council in lieu of dedication. With five acres of park land per 1,000 persons, the dedication formula for required park land or fee in lieu shall be calculated by the following:
      (1)   Determine the number of proposed dwelling units.
      (2)   Multiply the number of dwelling units by three persons to determine the total number of persons .
      (3)   Multiply the total number of persons by 0.005 to determine the total acreage of land to be dedicated.
      (4)   If it is a fee-in-lieu, the fee will be calculated based on the appraised value of the land at the time the developer submits an application. The Planning Commission with input from Village administration may allow for a combination of part land/part fee in lieu.
   (b)   Dedicated park land must form a single parcel of land except in the event the Planning Commission determines that two or more parcels would be in the best public interest.
   (c)   The shape and topography of the dedicated parcel of land must be sufficiently geometric to be usable for recreational activities such as a playground, or for other active dry ground recreational pursuits.
   (d)   Dedicated park land for active recreational use in a subdivision or development must be located so that it is reasonably accessible from all dwelling units within the subdivision. Public access and maintenance access to the dedicated park land shall be provided by adjoining street frontage, allowing access to the dedicated parcel or parcels.
   (e)   It is encouraged that efforts be made to preserve natural vegetation areas, and it is further encouraged that, whenever possible, heavily wooded areas be designated as park reserves. Consideration shall be given to laying out streets, lots, structures and parking areas to avoid the unnecessary destruction of heavily wooded areas or outstanding tree specimens.
(Ord. 91-12. Passed 12-2-91; Ord. 2020-27. Passed 10-19-20; Ord. 2022-10. Passed 4-18-22.)