Chapter 12.42

DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS—DISPLACEMENT OF SPORTS FIELDS

"Sports fields," as used in this chapter, means and includes any and all property used, as of the date of the ordinance codified in this chapter, for baseball, softball, or soccer by one or more identifiable groups. "Sports fields" also includes those structures or improvements constructed or installed to facilitate use of the property for sports activities, such as lights, buildings or bleachers.

(Ord. 565 § 3, 2019)

• A. An applicant for a development project that displaces a sports field must, if feasible, provide for the relocation of the displaced sports field.

• B. Prior to approving a development project that displaces a sports field, the City Council of the City must conduct a public hearing to determine arrangements for relocation of those facilities.

• (Ord. 565 § 3, 2019)

• A. The Director must provide notice of the hearing by mail to the property owner, the proponent of the development project, and all organizations known to the City that have, within the 12 months prior to the hearing, used the sports facilities. Notice must also be posted at the site of the sports facilities.

• B. Notice of the hearing must be mailed, posted and published in a newspaper of general circulation no less than 10 days prior to the hearing.

• (Ord. 565 § 3, 2019)

At the close of the hearing and before approving a development project that displaces a sports field, the Council must either:

• A. Find that relocation of the sports fields is feasible and direct the appropriate actions be taken to accomplish such relocation; or

• B. Find that relocation of the sports facilities is not feasible. (Ord. 565 § 3, 2019)

In making its finding that relocation is feasible or infeasible, the Council considers the following:

• A. The geographical requirements placed on past users by their respective athletic charters;

• B. The cost to relocate facilities should be borne by the developer, the property owner, and then, if necessary, by the City;

C. Improvements at relocated facilities should be equal to or better than facilities displaced. (Ord. 565 § 3, 2019)