Ongoing Projects

At their meeting on December 8, 2026 (6:30 pm), the Independence City Council will consider potential revisions to the park and open space dedication requirements for new subdivisions and apartments. The revisions were suggested as part of the recently amended Park and Open Space Master Plan for Independence.

For Subdivisions

What is the Problem?

Existing standards in the Independence Development Code require the dedication of 6.25 percent of the land in new subdivisions for parks and open space purposes, or the payment of a fee-in-lieu of 13 percent of the market value of the land in lieu of the land dedication. As written, however, the requirements do not offer guidance about appropriate sizes or locations of parks, or provide any detail about floodplains, wetlands, or stormwater ponds and whether they are “suitable and adaptable for park and recreation uses.”

What is Proposed?

The proposed revisions would establish basic standards for park suitability and articulate new standards for subdivisions that are tailored for different

portions of the community. A flexible option that would allow developers to suggest an alternative approach to the city standards is also included in the draft.

For Apartment Development

What is the Problem?

Existing standards in the Independence Development Code additionally require a certain amount of common open space/landscaping and private open space for all new apartment developments. The standards, however, vary depending on the location of the development and do not include any sort of standards that require usable open space (such as a sports court or swimming pool).

What is Proposed?

The proposed draft would establish three sets of standards that would apply to multifamily housing (usable open space, total landscaping/open space, and private open space). This multi-factor approach would not require large blocks of landscaping in contexts that are more urban in nature but would rely on smaller patches of “usable open space” to serve as recreation amenities. More suburban settings, on the other hand, would be required to have landscaping that covers a set portion of the site and includes a certain amount of usable space.

For More Information

A draft of the code is available HERE

A copy of the notice for the hearing is available HERE

If you have any questions, please contact Fred Evander at fevander@ci.independence.or.us.