Pocket Park in Philadelphia.
Assemblymember Nazarian Secures $15 Million for Los Angeles Park Development
AB 1191 Clarifies that Interest Collected by Quimby Fees Can Be Used to Build or Repair Park Land
(Sherman Oaks, CA) Recently, Governor Brown signed into law legislation championed by Assemblymember Nazarian that recognizes the interest generated off Quimby Fees can now be used for park development. State law did not explicitly grant cities the statutory authority to use interest generated from Quimby fees.
AB 1191 allows Los Angeles to use over $15 million in collected interest on park and public space development.
“This is a common sense solution that allows the Los Angeles Park’s Department to build and repair some of our parks and public space,” stated Assemblymember Adrin Nazarian. “Quimby Fees were always meant to better our community; helping protect open space and ensuring a place for children to play and the neighborhood to come together.”
“As a Councilmember and now Mayor, I fought to reform and enhance Quimby fees; ensuring all communities throughout Los Angeles have access to parks and open space,” said Los Angeles Mayor Garcetti. “I want to thank Assemblymember Nazarian for championing this issue in Sacramento. It is my responsibility to create a more livable city for all Angelenos. AB 1191 will allow our Recreation and Parks Department to enhance and repair some of our existing parks, improving the quality of life in our communities.”
“As our city continues to urbanize and grow, the need to preserve our public green space is more important than ever,” said Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Krekorian. “Parks, recreation facilities and other open spaces enhance the quality of life in our community and give kids a place to get together and play. This law will ensure that our neighborhood parks and playgrounds continue to flourish in Los Angeles and across the state.”
The key components of Assembly Bill 1191:
- AB 1191 recognizes that interest generated off a Quimby Fee as part of a Quimby fund, is to be used for park development consistent with the Quimby Act of 1965.
- Requires the city to hold a public hearing before expending the funds. The interest must be used to develop and maintain community parks or recreational facilities within the city.
- Gives Los Angeles 5 years to commit and dispense of the funds.
- Clarifies that interest generated from Quimby Fees is to be used for the same purpose as Quimby Fees.
Governor Jerry Brown signed AB 1191 into law on September 9, 2015.
Background on Quimby Fees:
The State Quimby Act was first established by the California legislature in 1965. It provided requirements for the dedication of parkland and/or payment of in-lieu fees as a condition of approval of certain types of residential development projects.
The legislation was enacted in response to California’s increased rate of urbanization. The need to preserve open space and provide parks and recreation facilities for growing communities led to the enactment of the Quimby Act.
The State Quimby Act allows local municipalities to establish ordinances requiring residential subdivision developers to pay fees or give land that can be used to purchase parks and recreation facilities.
Many cities including Los Angeles, utilize the State Quimby Act to provide a community benefit during residential development. The City of Los Angeles has implemented the Quimby Act since the 1970’s. In that time, the city has accrued interest on Quimby fees collected, but has not utilized these funds for lack of clarity in state statue.
Adrin Nazarian represents the 46th Assembly District, serving the San Fernando Valley communities of Hollywood Hills, Lake Balboa, North Hills, North Hollywood, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Universal City, Van Nuys, and Valley Village.