Neighborhood Parks Basis of Special Assessments Policy

Cost Allocation

• Cost allocation based on parcel/lot square footage.
• Residential parcels will have a factor of 1.0 applied to their square footage. Commercial parcels will have a factor of 2.0 applied to their parcel square footage.*
• The term of a Park Improvement Special Assessment District shall be 15 years.

Benefitting Property

• Boundaries are drawn to include all parcels within the neighborhood park service area that is typically defined as the area within a 0.5 mile walking distance of the proposed park.
  • Walking distance is measured from the edge of the proposed park along public sidewalks, trails, or other designated public right-of-ways.
  • Boundaries will not cross arterial streets or bodies of water.
• If a parcel is within 0.5 mile of two neighborhood parks, parcel will only be assessed for one park.
• Parcels zoned P – Public will not be assessed for park improvements except that the Park District property may be assessed for District-wide park amenities and any costs associated with benefitting property outside corporate city limits (costs held in abeyance).

*Commercial property is defined as any parcel with four or more residential units or parcels not zoned R5 – Single Family or R10 – Duplex.  Residential property is defined as any parcel not determined to be commercial property.

Approved December 18, 2014, by the Board of Park Commissioners.