Explanation
Background: This ordinance authorizes the Director of the Recreation and Parks Department to issue a Parkland Dedication Ordinance (PDO) park development fee refund to M/I Homes, Inc The refund amount being authorized by this ordinance is $30,292.50.
The Woodlands at Central College Project was first proposed in 2022 and, during the preliminary process, the property required a change in use to allow the project to be built. The practice per Columbus City Code Chapter 3318, ParklandDedication, is to require a Parkland Dedication Ordinance (PDO) park development fee for a development like this proposal. When a land use change of over 1 acre is required to build residential dwelling units, the PDO is triggered to support the fiscal needs of the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department for land acquisition and park development in order to meet the needs of the new residents living in those units. Initially, the Central College plans were reviewed and, through standard rules and regulations, a park development fee instead of land was assessed. A total of $133,207.00 was paid as required for final engineering approval. Due to subsequent design changes in 2025, there was an updated review and during that time, it was found that the density of the project was reduced. Therefore, $30,292.50 is requested to be refunded to M/I Homes, Inc.
Principal Parties:
M/I Homes, Inc.
4131 Worth Avenue, Suite 3110
Columbus, Ohio 43219
Dan Bruin, (614) 418-8618, dbruin@MIHOMES.com
Contract Compliance Number: 004849
Emergency Justification: Emergency action is requested to expedite the reimbursement of overpayment of funds received for the parkland dedication requirement prior to the end of the second fiscal quarter of 2026.
Benefits to the Public: The Parkland Dedication Ordinance provides a tool to offset the intensity of development and preservation of open space in Columbus.
Community Input/Issues: Developers have emph...
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