COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alex Posada, Director of Recreation and Parks
DATE: April 15, 2025
SUBJECT: Introduction of an Ordinance Amending Section 11 -9.05 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Quimby Park Fees.
Description:
The City Council will conduct the first reading and introduction of an amending Section 11-9.05 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code Concerning Quimby Park Fees.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Conduct the first reading and introduce an Ordinance amending Section 11-9.05(d)(2) of the Santa Maria Municipal Code; and
2. Set for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting
BACKGROUND:
The State of California recognized the need for municipalities and other local government agencies to provide new park and open space areas to meet the demands brought on by new residential development when it enacted Government Code Section 66477, more commonly known as the Quimby Act in 1974, which established a mechanism for cities to impose fees on new residential development to provide land and/or funds for parks and recreation purposes. In the City of Santa Maria, this fee is referred to as the “Subdivision In-Lieu Fee” (SDIL) and was adopted by the City Council as Section 11-9.05 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code (SMMC) in 1994 as part of the City’s Subdivision Ordinance. This fee program funded much of the expansion of existing parks and the development of new parks necessitated by the construction of new residential developments in the City.
SMMC Section 11-9.05(d)(2) has been titled “sub -division in-lieu fee” since its’ adoption in 1994. One of the proposed updates to the SMMC is to retitle this section as “Quimby Park Fee”, replacing “sub -division in-lieu fee”. This change would more clearly id entify the fee for future developers, staff, and residents, the term Quimby Park Fee is recognized statewide in the residential development industry. In preparation for future growth of the City it is important to update the terms and conditions of existin g ordinances that were created over 30 years ago to meet today’s demands for housing and open space.
Attachment B is the proposed update to the current ordinance and Attachment A is the existing Ordinance with redactions. Proposed changes include the auth orization for the Recreation and Parks Commission to act on the City Council’s behalf on most matters related to requests for land dedication vs. in -lieu fees, credits against the Quimby Park Fee and to consider/approve requests for the deferment of fees. The update also provides clarity on the terms for consideration of granting credits against the Quimby Park Fee for private recreational improvements. Provides a range of credit options for consideration under the Quimby Park Fee, depending on the general public benefit of the improvements/project. Eliminate s the terms under which credits are granted for senior projects or senior conversion projects. Senior housing projects may request credits under other sections of this Ordinance. Continue to provide opportunities for the deferment of fees, should the project qualify.
DISCUSSION:
SMMC Section 11 -9.05(d)(2) provides one of three fee programs that provide for the mitigation of new residential construction in the City. Over the past several years the City has been underwriting the cost of new residential development by having park fees in place that are insufficient to fund the open space needs created by new residential development. This update to the Ordinance is intended to provide clarit y to the City’s process, while still adhering to the terms and conditions of Government Code Section 66477. As City continues to expand, especially with a new General Plan underway and the concentration of new residential development in the core of the Ci ty, updates to this Ordinance are critical to be prepared for our anticipated growth.
Alternatives:
The City Council can choose to leave the Ordinance unchanged or adopt portions of the recommendations, and direct staff to bring back the item for further consideration in the future.
Fiscal Considerations:
Proposed updates to this section of the SMMC have no immediate impact on the City’s park fee program, it is intended to improve clarity, guidance, and oversight of the park fee program as the City contin ues to grow. The actual fees proposed under this section of the SMMC will come to the City Council later this year. It is important to note that the City has been successful in receiving over $15 million in state grants for park projects, however, these grant funds should not be co nsidered or used to supplant the requirements for park projects placed on new development and provided for by the Quimby Park Fee.
Impact to the Community:
Park development fees provide for the acquisition of park land and provide funding for the City to develop new and improve existing recreation and park facilities. Without the availability of such fees, park development would not be possible, adversely affecting the quality of life, and possibly impacting the decision of companies and businesses to base their operations in the City of Santa Maria.
Attachments
A: Ordinance- Quimby fee with Changes
B: Quimby Fee Proposal Update