WCOM NEWS

5-02-04

Miramar increases parks impact fee

MIRAMAR--It soon may cost a little more to build a home in Miramar.

During a recent meeting, commissioners voted 5-0 to increase the fees developers pay to build in the city, and they reserved the right to re-examine those costs every three years.

Public Resources Management Group of Maitland, a consultant hired by the city, said the fees will generate $15.7 million for the city by 2025. The money will be used to help pay for new parks, tot lots and sports fields.

The increase, which will become effective in June, means purchasing a home in the city could be more expensive because builders typically tack the fee onto the cost of the house.

Under the new fee structure, developers now paying $865 for a four-bedroom house will have to pay $1,255. On a three-bedroom home, the fee goes from $658 to $955.

This increase does not affect commercial development.

City officials have collected park and recreation impact fees from developers to provide a minimum 4 acres of park area for every 1,000 residents. There are about 95,000 residents in Miramar, and the number is expected to grow to about 145,000 in 2025.

The city owns and operates about 678 acres of recreational area, including neighborhood parks, community parks and a regional park.

(source) Sun Sentinel (Lori Sykes) 5-02-04