DEVELOPERBUILT PARK PROJECTS

In many cases in the City, developers build new parks on behalf of the City as a condition of residential subdivision construction. California law requires that either land or fees be dedicated for park or recreational use. Developer-built parks can oftentimes be delivered faster than a City-built park project. Below is an outline of the various steps and milestones for a Developer to build a park.

To ensure successful, usable parks, the City will not accept for reimbursements or payment:

> Land that has any easements (underground or overhead) that precludes the City from building or using the easement space;

> Any area that useability less than 50 feet wide;

> Any grade or slope that does not allow full use and access;

> Any land or area that has hazardous or environmental limitations;

> Land that is otherwise serving a conservation purpose aside from a useable park;

> Land that could not be developed for any other purpose other than a non-useable park space.

Step 1: Project Initiation

Developer to contact Planning Division of Development Services Department as the first point of contact when planning a new housing development/project. The assigned planner will route the project to various departments/ divisions. At that time, the Parks & Recreation Department will make the determination if a park is required.

Step 2: Master Plan and Park Naming

> After approval of a tentative map, Developer creates a conceptual plan for the park that meets City design criteria and complies with CEQA, and this Parks, Recreation and Trails Master Plan. Once the Parks & Recreation Department determines the plan substantially meets the City’s criteria, Developer will be required to present the plan to the City’s Parks & Community Services Commission at a public meeting for review and approval.

> Typically, it is at this time that decisions related to maintenance responsibilities and funding are determined and the preparation of a maintenance agreement between the City and Developer is initiated.

> The park will need to establish a name through the City’s Park Naming Policy prior to starting construction documents.

Step 3: Construction Document Preparation

> Once a plan is approved, Developer prepares & submits 60%, 90% and 100% documents through the Engineering Division of Development Services Department

> 60% submittal is departmentspecific review, 90% and 100% submittals are City-wide review.

> As details of the plan are finalized, the Public Works

Department works with the Developer and the Finance Department to establish estimated costs for the ongoing maintenance, operation and capital replacement of the facility. The Developer is required to join a CFD to ensure these financial obligations are met in perpetuity. (On rare occasions, such as in-fill projects, the Developer may be required to join the existing citywide Landscape Maintenance District.)

Step 4: Plan Approval

City Engineer to notify Developer of approval.

Step 5: Park Improvement & Refund Agreement

Execute a park specific development agreement.

Step 6: Bid and Award of Construction Bid

Developer to bid project from a City pre-qualification list. Developer to review bids with City and mutually agree on the award .

Step 7: Construction

Developer to contract w/ contractor and oversee project. City to actively participate throughout construction.

Step 8: Establishment (3-4 months)

The start of the 90-day establishment period shall be mutually agreed to by developer and City.

Step 9: Project Completion

Developer and City to mutually agree. Developer to prepare deed papers.

Step 10: Project Dedication and Opening

Developer to participate with the City in the public dedication.