TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Parks |
Loreen Hamilton |
425-556-2336 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Parks |
Cameron Zapata |
Senior Parks Planner |
|
Parks |
Lindsey Falkenburg |
Parks Planning Manager |
TITLE:
title
Park Impact Fee Schedule Update
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Park impact fees are one-time charges collected by the City from new commercial and residential developments to fund park facilities needed to support growth. These fees are authorized under RMC 3.10. Last evaluated in 2017, the current fee methodology now requires an update to ensure it aligns with the 2023 PARCC Plan and anticipated growth. To support this comprehensive update, City staff are working with the consultant FCS Group to analyze existing park assets, the Parks CIP, and projected future needs. Staff and FCS Group will present an overview of the different park impact fee schedule options and seek feedback on which options meet the City and Park system’s needs.body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☒ Provide Direction ☐ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
2023 Park, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation (PARCC) Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
N/A
• Other Key Facts:
Parks last updated impact fees in 2017 and the existing methodology must be re-evaluated to ensure it remains consistent with best practice, anticipated growth patterns, and park system usage.
OUTCOMES:
Impact fees are one-time charges collected when development occurs. Park impact fees specifically support public parks and help expand the park system to keep pace with the City’s growing population. By updating the Park impact fee rates, the fees collected will better align with the City’s current Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) projects and our updated population growth projections. This ensures that new development contributes its fair share toward park facilities and amenities needed to serve both current and future residents.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Parks, Trails, and Recreation Commission Meeting, May 7th, 2026
Parks will present with Fire to One Redmond and the Master Builders Association in early summer, 2026.
• Outreach Methods and Results:
FCS presented to the Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission to summarize findings and calculation methods on May 7, 2026 and receive feedback and input from the commission.
• Feedback Summary:
Parks, Trails and Recreation Commission provided feedback on the proposed options, noting the importance of balancing impact fee levels so that they adequately support the park system without becoming so high that they discourage density, affordable housing or middle housing.
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$79,890
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000271
Budget Priority:
Healthy and Sustainable
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☒ No ☐ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
N/A
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
10/28/2025 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Provide Direction |
|
11/3/2025 |
Special Meeting |
Approve |
|
4/28/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Parks and Environmental Sustainability |
Receive Information |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/22/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
N/A
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If Park Impact Fees are not updated, the City will continue to rely on outdated information, cost estimates, and methodology. The fees collected will no longer reflect the true cost of expanding the park system to serve new growth. This could lead to a significant loss of potential revenue, which leaves the City without the funding needed to build, improve, or expand park facilities that support the growing population.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Parks Impact Fee Memo
Attachment B: Impact Fee Study Session Presentation Slides
Attachment C: Impact Fee Supplemental Slides