Discussion and Review of Tiffin Municipal Code Revisions – Preparation for Setting the Public Hearing — Tiffin City Code - DRAFT

CHAPTER 170 SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS section is also intended to encourage, wherever reasonably feasible, the dedication of sensitive areas in conjunction with useable open space. 1. Applicability. As a condition of approval for residential subdivisions, commercial subdivisions containing residential uses, and planned developments, the applicant will dedicate land, pay a fee in lieu of land, or a combination thereof, for park, greenway, recreational and open space purposes, as determined by the City and in accordance with the provisions of this section. 2. Dedication of Land. A. Amount Of Land To Be Dedicated. The amount of land will be determined by first calculating the entire size of the land area of the proposed development as shown on the preliminary plat or site plan and then to require dedication or reservation of five percent of this amount for parks and open space. B. Nature Of Land To Be Dedicated. Except as otherwise required by the City, all dedications of land will meet the following criteria: (1) Usability. At least 90 percent of the land required to be dedicated must be located outside of floodways, lakes, or other water bodies, areas with slopes greater than 15 percent, wetlands subject to federal or State regulatory jurisdiction and other areas the City reasonably deems unsuitable for neighborhood open space due to topography, flooding, or other appropriate considerations. The City encourages the dedication of natural land that includes lakes, ponds, creeks, other water bodies, wetlands falling under the jurisdiction of State or federal agencies, and other sensitive areas including woodland areas, both as 10 percent in addition to the dedicated land required by this section, if sufficient abutting land is dedicated as a usable, public recreation area or park. (2) Unity. The dedicated land must form a single parcel of land, except where the City determines that two or more parcels or greenways-trails would best serve the public interest, given the type and distribution of neighborhood open space needed to adequately serve the proposed development. If the City determines that two or more parcels would best serve the public interest, the City may require that such parcels be connected by a dedicated strip of land at least 20 feet wide in order to provide access and continuity between said parcels. (3) Location. The dedicated land must be located so as to reasonably serve the recreation and open space needs of the residents of the subdivision or planned development. (4) Shape. If a sufficient amount of land is dedicated to accommodate recreational facilities and activities, such as fields, courts, or playground equipment, the shape of the dedicated land must be suitable for such facilities and activities. Linear open space should be of sufficient width to accommodate trails and adjacent greenways. CODE OF ORDINANCES, TIFFIN, IOWA - 1844 -