Playing Smart changelabsolutions.org | kaboom.org 48 Zoning Bonuses Cities or counties may grant a developer a zoning bonus by allowing, for example, greater density or larger developed acreage than would normally be permitted under the existing zoning code.67 This bonus is given in exchange for the developer providing amenities such as natural open space, pedestrian pathways, parks and playgrounds, community plazas, or other community facilities. Tax Credits or Rebates Jurisdictions may offer tax credits or rebates to developers who include land and/or facilities for recreational purposes or community use. A tax credit or rebate could be structured to reduce the developer’s tax liability in proportion to the amount of land set aside or the investment in community facilities contained in the new development. Special Purpose Districts and Assessments Special purpose districts68 can be established to provide a public improvement (e.g., lighting, paving, sewer/water, parks, open space, tree planting) for the benefit of property owners within a defined geographic area. Funds for these improvements are raised directly from the property owners within the boundaries of the special district and are levied as a pro rata charge against the property. Special districts may be created by a request of property owners, through a voter initiative, by a subdivision developer, by a resolution or ordinance adopted by local government, or by a combination of the above. The size of a special district can range from an area within a city to multiple counties. In some instances, a special district is formed as a separate governmental entity that will manage the construction and operation of capital improvements and has the ability to raise funds – through taxes, user fees, or bond financing – directly from the property owners who receive the benefits. Special purpose districts and property owner assessments are a way to fund land acquisitions, capital improvements, and ongoing maintenance costs associated with parks, open space, and recreational facilities. In California, special districts have long been used to help pay for parks. For example, the Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District (MORPD) near Sacramento owns and maintains 11 local parks and provides for the maintenance of recreational facilities at four sites on school district property (through a joint powers authority agreement69 with the district). The MORPD put forth a ballot measure in 2006 to increase its assessment from $27 to $39 per single-family home equivalent, to add a consumer price index adjustment mechanism. Property owners approved the ballot measure, and the assessment funds the maintenance and improvement of the parks and recreation and school sites. For communities where new residential construction is taking place, special purpose districts to serve these new residents can be created through negotiations with the developer (the primary property owner), and the rate of assessment can be calculated to fund construction of school and park facilities along with annual operating and maintenance costs. To ensure that this type of funding mechanism is put in place when new developments are being approved, public health staff, community leaders, and others who advocate for parks and open spaces should work with planning staff during the development approval process and play an active role in evaluating proposed budgets to ensure that park and school facility costs are included. Redevelopment Agency Funding Redevelopment agencies70 can bring an array of tools and resources to revitalize distressed neighborhoods and fund infrastructure that can increase recreational opportunities. Redevelopment efforts are overseen by local agencies with the means and expertise to plan and finance a range of projects that could support joint use of public facilities for recreational purposes – from improving street safety to developing space for parks or community centers. Redevelopment agencies have budgets and income streams that are separate from those of the city or county. They can issue their own bonds and then pay them back by collecting the increase (or increment) in property taxes generated in the redevelopment area because of the agency’s improvements. These funds can be used to provide loans or grants, acquire or assemble parcels of land, and improve infrastructure. Redevelopment agencies can also negotiate with developers to provide certain types of facilities, such
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