The Baltimore County Council could vote next week to reduce fees that developers pay to help the county build parks and buy recreational land.

A council resolution would lower — in some cases by nearly 90 percent — so-called open-space waiver fees. A vote is set for May 23.

Under county law, developers must set aside land for recreation or open space when they build housing developments. But since 2000, the county has allowed developers to pay cash into a fund instead of preserving land, if approved by the county’s director of parks and recreation. The county has used the money to acquire land and improve parks at various sites.

Supporters of the resolution say the county has not adjusted the fees to reflect changing land values. The Home Builders Association of Maryland had lobbied for reductions.

via Measure would reduce open-space fees for Balto. Co. developers – baltimoresun.com.