4-1-240 COMMON OPEN SPACE SUBSTITUTIONS:

A. APPLICABILITY:

This Section is applicable to any development where common open space or a park is required by RMC 4-2-115, Residential Design and Open Space Standards, or RMC 4-3-100, Urban Design Regulations, or King County vested projects where tot lots or similar spaces are required.

B. PUBLIC TRAIL OR PARK IMPROVEMENTS OR FEE-IN-LIEU FOR COMMON OPEN SPACE:

Improvements to public trails, public parks, or payment of a fee may occur to reduce common open space requirements, if approval for such substitution is accepted by the Parks and Recreation Administrator.

1. Public Trail Improvement in Lieu of Common Open Space: The requirements for open space may be reduced where public trail improvements are being provided. On-site public trail improvements may occur as a substitute to common open space requirements on a square footage basis, provided the trail has been identified in the Renton Trails and Bicycle Master Plan or the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan or an adopted community plan. Trails shall be constructed by the developer to standards specified by the Parks and Recreation Department and dedicated to and accepted by the City of Renton as a public trail prior to final plat recording or short plat recording, or building permit final occupancy for non-subdivision projects.

2. Public Park Improvement in Lieu of Common Open Space: The requirements for open space may be reduced where public park improvements are being provided. On-site public park improvements may occur as a substitution to common open space requirements on a square footage basis provided the park has been identified in the Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas Plan or an adopted community plan. The park shall be constructed by the developer to standards specified by the Parks and Recreation Department and dedicated to and accepted by the City of Renton as a public park prior to final plat recording or short plat recording, or building permit final occupancy for non-subdivision projects.

3. Fee in Lieu of Common Open Space: A fee-in-lieu may occur as a substitute to common open space requirements; provided, that an off-site public park is within one-quarter (1/4) mile of the site proposed for development, safe and easy pedestrian access is provided to such public park, and the public park shall be an integral part of the design approach of the development.

a. Fee Calculation: The fee shall be the equivalent of the monetary value of the required improvements for common open space plus the monetary value of the land area required to be placed in common open space. The project applicant shall provide the City with an estimate of the improvement value and an appraisal for the value of the land for the identified intended use with utilities and other non-structural improvements. The total monetary value of the fee-in-lieu shall be approved by the Parks and Recreation Department.

b. The fee shall be paid prior to final plat recording or final short plat recording or building permit issuance for non-subdivision projects. (Ord. 5591, 2-28-2011; Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5984, 10-26-2020)