Public (Mandatory) Dedication and Fees-in-Lieu Ordinances

House Bill 1052 P.N. 3691 (2013) was signed by Governor Corbett on Sep. 24, 2014 following passage in the Senate on September 16, 2014 (49-0) and a House concurrence vote on Senate amendments on September 22, 2014 (194-4). The legislation amends the Municipalities Planning Code to give municipalities great flexibility in the use of fees paid by developers in lieu of dedication of land for public recreation as part of the land development process. (Act of Sep. 24, 2014, P.L. 2474, No. 135)

This is a county model ordinance that municipalities can use to create their own Dedication of Land for Parks or Cash in Lieu of Land ordinance. Contains both a simple (for small municipalities) and a complex Model Ordinance.

Adams County developed this model of Public Dedication of Land for Parks ordinance for use by the small municipalities within the county. Go to page E-6 on the accompanying document.

A summary of public dedication ordinances adopted by municipalities across Pennsylvania

An example of a township's public dedication and fee-in-lieu ordinance.

An excerpt from the New Hanover Township (Montgomery County) Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance, "Section 835. Standards for Park and Recreation Areas; Fee in Lieu of Dedication

This is the complete Fee schedule for Newtown Township. Scroll to Part 9 of this document to see the fees associated with land dedication and fee in lieu of.

This document is an excerpt from North Coventry Township's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance pertaining to public dedication and fees-in-lieu. Of particular note in this ordinance is that the dedication requirements are tied to the size of the lots to be developed rather than the more typical dwelling unit approach.

If you are considering amending a Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO) to provide for public dedication, you will need to consult this Chapter of the PA MPC on the proper amending methods. Specifically, Sections 504, 505, and 506 specify applicable procedures for adopting and amending your SALDO.

Pennsylvania municipalities may require developers to provide parkland for new developments. They may also offer developers the option to instead pay fees, construct facilities, or establish private parkland. WeConservePA guide. 18 pages.

A good example of a Regional Joint Comprehensive Plan. Chapter VI includes topics related to public dedication of land and fee in lieu.

Spriggettsbury Township's Fee in Lieu Ordinance

Spriggettsbury Township's public dedication ordinance.

Spring Township's public dedication ordinance.

Whitemarsh Township's adopted public dedication ordinance.