Mandatory dedication of open space within subdivision regulations

Abstract

Most municipalities in Missouri do not have enough park land, and park lands continue to be at a premium in newly-developed subdivisions. Subdivision regulations, which require the developers to set aside park land for recreation purposes, offer local elected officials one of the most promising ways to insure that the community obtains adequate open space and park land for newly developing areas within the city.Today, most municipalities in Missouri have adopted the philosophy that the private development of land imposes burdens upon the community-at-large. One of these burdens is the provision of park land to serve increased numbers of people created through the development. At least a portion of this burden should be recognized as a legitimate cost of development to be borne initially by the developer and ultimately by those who purchase land and/or housing from them.