Cities in the Des Moines Metro area have been collecting a fee from
homebuilders to use for parks. In recent months the Home Builders
Association of Greater Des Moines have sued to stop the collection of
this fee and have won. A decision last month in a lawsuit filed by the
home builders prohibits cities from requiring home builders  to create
parks within residential subdivisions or charging  fees that would help
pay for city parks in Johnston.

West Des Moines officials are working on a way to return about $480,000
collected from developers for park and trial improvements after losing
in court. The city and the Home Builders Association of Greater Des
Moines must agree ot a process by Nov.29, or the issue returns to court.
The association had planned legal action against five other Des Moines
metro area cities that collected the development fees and have decided
against the plan. The association says that it wants to meet with city
officials and develop an agreement.

At one time it was reported in the Des Moines Register that cities were
considering a change in state law as a remedy.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to:
[log in to unmask]