San Gabriel : Park and Recreation Fees
The City Council last week tentatively approved an ordinance increasing park and recreation fees levied on builders of dwellings from $300 to $800 per unit.
In a unanimous vote in favor of the law Tuesday, the council declared an urgency, allowing the fee to be collected on projects immediately after the measure receives final approval.
The measure also broadens allowable use of the fees--previously restricted to land acquisition--to include renovation and development of existing parks.
George E. Kotchnik, director of the Parks and Recreation Department, said the increase was needed because parks receive more wear and tear as multifamily projects replace single-family homes.
The city’s park fee is low compared to many other cities, Kotchnik added. Neighboring Alhambra charges $1,000 per dwelling unit.
The new law also provides that future increases in the fee may be enacted by a simple majority resolution of the council.
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