Lawndale Municipal Code Ch. 12.34 Park Development Fees

As used in this chapter:

"Dwelling unit"

includes each single-family dwelling and each unit of apartment, condominium, duplex, or multiple dwelling constructed or designed to be utilized as living quarters for one or more persons as defined in Section 17.28.020 of this code.

"Person"

includes every person, firm, or corporation constructing, remodeling or enlarging a dwelling unit itself or through the services of any employees, agents or independent contractors.

"Enlarge"

means increasing the total gross floor area of the dwelling, excluding any garage, more than eighty-five percent.

"Remodel"

means improving or enhancing the dwelling unit to the extent that the cost of such improvement or enhancement exceeds eighty-five percent of the replacement value of the dwelling unit before such remodeling.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1; Amended during 6/30/96 supplement)

The fees imposed by this chapter shall be applicable to every dwelling unit constructed, enlarged, or remodeled in the city.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1)

Every person constructing, enlarging, or remodeling any dwelling unit in the city shall pay a fee as established by resolution of the city council, as may be amended from time to time.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1)

A. The fees imposed by Section 12.34.030 shall be due and payable at the time of issuance of a building permit for construction, enlargement, or remodeling of any such dwelling unit.

B. Payment of the fees imposed by Section 12.34.030 shall be a condition precedent to the issuance by the city of a building permit for construction, enlargement, or remodeling of any such dwelling unit; provided, however, that there shall be a refund of such fees in the event the building permit is not approved, or is not used, for such construction.

C. In the event construction, enlargement or remodeling of any such dwelling unit is not commenced within one hundred eighty days after the issuance of a building permit therefor, and an extension of time for commencement of such construction is granted by the director of community development, or other official or body of the city, then such building permit shall be deemed to have been issued at the time such extension is granted and payment of any additional fee due under the schedule set forth in Section 12.34.030 shall be a condition precedent to the granting of such extension.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1)

A. There shall be exempted from fees set forth in Section 12.34.030 the construction, enlargement, or remodeling of any dwelling unit to be used exclusively for housing elderly or handicapped persons which is owned and operated by foundations or corporations which are entitled to the welfare exemption provided for in Article 13, Section 4 of the State Constitution.

B. There shall be exempted from the fees set forth in Section 12.34.030 the construction, enlargement, or remodeling of any dwelling which serves as the owner-occupied residence. The standard for establishing an owner-occupied residence shall be the homeowner's exemption as listed in the latest Los Angeles County Assessor's rolls.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1; Amended during 6/30/96 supplement)

A. The city shall deposit any fees collected in a separate capital facilities account in a manner to avoid any commingling of the fees with other revenues and funds of the city, except for temporary investments, and expend those fees solely for the purpose for which the fee was collected. Any interest income earned by moneys in the capital facilities account shall also be deposited in that account and shall be expended only for the purpose for which the fee was originally collected.

B. Within sixty days of the close of each fiscal year, the city shall make available to the public an accounting of the funds established pursuant to this chapter, which accounting shall show the beginning and ending balance, the amount of fees, interest, and other income collected, and the expenditures made during the fiscal year. The city shall review this information at the next regularly scheduled city council meeting not less than fifteen days after the availability of the information required by this section.

(Ord. 676-91 § 1)