ANAHEIM : Law to Tap Builders for Parks Is Rebuilt

Anaheim’s parks are about to receive a boost under a new ordinance that restores the city’s power to require developers to set aside land or money for parks.

The parkland requirement had been in place for years. However, a 1988 revision of the park ordinance inadvertently removed the city’s ability to enforce the parkland provision.

The City Council unveiled the revised ordinance this week and it is likely to be approved next week.

The law says that developers of residential projects must dedicate a portion of the land for park space, or be charged a fee. All developers of projects having 50 or more units must also provide the city with funding to build the park.

These requirements must be met before the developer can be granted a building permit. Specific acreage and funding amounts are determined according to the size of the project.