Development Fee Schedule
Current Rates, by Land Use Authority
| Land Use Authority | Development Fee | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| County of Kern, Unincorporated Areas | $1,680 per unit | Jul. 13, 2010 |
| City of Bakersfield | $3,278 per unit | Jan. 1, 2026 |
| City of Shafter | $ per unit |
Kern County Ordinance Approving Current Development Fee Rate
City of Bakersfield Ordinance Approving Current Development Fee Rate
City of Shafter Ordinance Approving Current Development Fee Rate
The fee is also referred to as an "in-lieu" fee. The 1975 Quimby Act is intended to secure adequate open space for parks and recreational purposes. It also authorized cities and counties to pass ordinances requiring developers to set aside land, donate conservation easements, pay fees and/or a combination thereof for park development. Any fees collected may not be used for the operation and maintenance of park facilities.
North of the River Recreation and Park District (NOR) developed the Quimby Act with the County of Kern and City of Bakersfield. Implementation of the ordinances begins when a developer files an application with the City/County for a residential tentative tract, parcel map or other residential development within the NOR District. NOR receives the application and determines whether the development will be required to provide land as dedication or reservation, pay fees based on a fair market value appraisal or a combination of both. Prior to final recordation of the map, the developer will be required to present NOR with proper documentation of the land dedication and/or the required fees. In return, the developer will be provided with a Certificate of Payment to satisfy City/County conditions of approval.
NOR_Appraisal_Req.pdf
The Park Development Fee, allowed by Ordinance, is a flat fee assessed to each residential unit built within the North of the River Recreation and Park District and is used for development of park sites. The development fee must be paid to the Land Use Authority at the time the developer obtains a building permit and before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. Development fees cannot be used for maintenance expenses.
The developer may desire to build the park within the associated service area instead of paying fees on each unit. This request shall fit within the guidelines of the NOR Master Plan and requires approval of the North of the River Recreation and Park District Board of Directors. The Planning and Construction Department will help facilitate site planning as to ensure the park meets NOR’s guidelines and amenities, as well as considers the constituents within the specified service area.
Review North of the River Recreation and Park District's Adopted Park Development Fee Policy here.
The North of the River Park Maintenance District was formed January 17, 2006 by Board Resolution #04-06. The Resolution adopted maintenance district requirements within the entire boundary of the North of the River Recreation and Park District. New residential developments, with condition approval after the adoption date, are required to join the NOR Park Maintenance District as mitigation to the impact of residential growth within NOR boundaries. It is a condition for recording residential tract and parcel maps.
When developers propose to construct residential development within NOR boundaries, they are required to complete the form ‘Agreement to Join NOR Park Maintenance District and Waive Proposition 218 Voting Rights’ and submit it to NOR as mitigation to the environmental impact of the residential growth. Planning and Construction staff then reviews the application and when approved and the Quimby fees/land have been accounted for, completes the ‘Certificate Payment of Fees and Completion of Requirements Related to the NOR Park Maintenance District’ form. This final form serves as proof to the County of Kern or City of Bakersfield that NOR park and recreation conditions have been met and that the tract, parcel map or other instrument is ready to finalize in respects to park and recreation impacts.
Each fiscal year from March through June, Planning and Construction staff hold public meetings regarding annual review of the assessment district based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Information regarding these board meetings can be found here and public notices are found here.
The Chevron North Meadows Maintenance District was formed July 17, 1989 and amended September 18, 1988 by Board Resolutions #37-89 and #44-89 respectively, through the 1972 Landscape and Lighting Act. This assessment district is specifically for the maintenance of approximately 6 acres of streetscape landscaping within the North Meadows development area in the Oildale CDP. This assessment district does not include any North of the River Recreation and Park District park lands. New residential development within the Chevron North Meadows boundary are required to join the Chevron North Meadows Maintenance District as a condition for recording residential tract and parcel maps.
When developers propose to construct residential development within the Chevron North Meadows boundary, they are required to complete the form ‘Agreement to Join Chevron North Meadows Maintenance District and Waive Proposition 218 Voting Rights’ and submit it to NOR. Planning and Construction staff then reviews the application and when approved and the Quimby fees/land have been accounted for, completes the ‘Certificate Payment of Fees and Completion of Requirements Related to the Chevron North Meadows Maintenance District’ form. This final form serves as proof to the County of Kern that NOR park and recreation conditions have been met and that the tract, parcel map or other instrument has satisfied conditions of approval as requested by North of the River Recreation and Park District.
Each fiscal year from March through June, Planning and Construction staff hold public meetings regarding annual review of the assessment district based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Information regarding these board meetings can be found here and public notices are found here.