The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPRD) recommended that the council approve an increase in a developer fee that has not been adjusted in nearly 20 years.
Explained
HPRD collects a fee from developers as part of the city’s open space ordinance, which provides parks, recreational amenities and open space for residential areas.
If a developer receives a permit or certificate of occupancy for a property, such as a multi-family unit, the developer must pay a fee per unit. That fee goes toward the fund, which is used partly to maintain city parks, officials said.
The fee is $700, but HPRD director Kenneth Allen said the department is looking to increase the fee to $900, which would be the first adjustment since the creation of the fund in 2007.
What’s changed
The proposed increase is in response to the rising appraised land values and is considered below the allowed amount under state law, which caps the fee at $1,260.
Earlier this year, the council updated the ordinance to expand territories to include suburban, urban or central business districts. It also established an appeals process for developers and, notably, allowed 30% of the fees to be used citywide, not just in individual park sectors.
Also of note
Since its inception, the fund has collected $104 million in fees, funded 290 park projects and earmarked $17.4 million to spend on future projects.
The city will hold a public hearing on the changes Nov. 12. City Council will need to vote on the proposal, which is expected to take place by the end of the year.
Allen said if approved, the proposed changes will take effect by the beginning of 2027.
