Park Mitigation Fee Instructions

Effective January 11, 2017, the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) will be responsible for calculating the required park fees owed by each residential development project, including subdivision projects, pursuant to Ordinance 184,505 and issuing the fee calculation letters to applicants. RAP will also be responsible for calculating the required fees for vested projects that are not subject to a park fee pursuant to Ordinance 184,505 but were subject to the Recreation and Park Fee provisions that were effective prior to January 11, 2017.

Park Fee Calculation Application and Instructions:

All residential projects are required to fill out the Park Fee Calculation Application, including vested projects that are not subject to a park fee pursuant to Ordinance 184,505 but were subject to the Recreation and Park Fee provisions that were effective prior to January 11, 2017, in order for the Department of Recreation and Parks to determine if the project is subject to park fees and to calculate the fee that is required to be paid. 

• Subdivision Projects - Per LAMC 12.33, E.6, the park fee for residential subdivisions shall be calculated and collected prior to final subdivision map approval.
• Non-Subdivision Projects -  Per LAMC 12.33, E.6, the park fee shall be calculated and collected prior to the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Your Department of Building and Safety inspector MUST send "Verification" in the Automated Certificate of Occupancy System to Department of Recreation and Parks staff before an application can be processed.

Affordable Housing:

New residential dwelling units which are rented or sold to persons or household of very-low, low, or moderate income may be eligible to receive an affordable housing exemption for the park fee and land dedication requirement (Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 12.33 G). In projects with a mix of market-rate and affordable housing units, only the affordable housing units are eligible to receive this exemption. Applicants requesting an exemption for affordable housing units should note the affordable units on the Park Fee Calculation Application (PF-1001) and are required to provide a copy of the recorded covenant with the Los Angeles Housing Department. 

Click here for more information regarding Affordable Housing Dwelling Units.

Recreation Credits

In lieu of paying the park fee:

1. Land may be dedicated to the City of Los Angeles for public park and recreational purposes, at the City’s option. The Department of Recreation and Parks shall determine whether the proposal complies with the Department’s standards and requirements.​
2. The City may permit improvements to be made to land dedicated as a City park or recreational facility. The Department of Recreation and Parks shall determine whether the proposal complies with the Department’s standards and requirements.
3. Where facilities for park and recreational purposes are provided in a proposed residential development and such facilities will be privately owned and maintained by the future owners of the development, the areas occupied by such facilities may be partially credited against the requirement of dedication of land for park and recreational purposes or the payment of a park fee.

Click here for more information on how to apply for Recreation Credits.

Application Filing Process:

Electronically: Applications and additional attachments can be submitted electronically via the Los Angeles RAP OpenGov Portal.