Developers Face Policy Challenges in Building Parks at Roberts Ranch

The Parks and Recreation Commission meeting held on September 3, 2025, in Vacaville focused on the development impact fees related to park construction and compliance with existing policy documents. A key discussion point was the connection between these fees and the types of parks that can be built in the city.

Commission members emphasized that the current policy documents do not include provisions for stroller or pocket parks. This omission means that if developers, such as the one involved with Roberts Ranch, wish to create these types of parks, they must do so at their own expense. The conversation highlighted the challenges developers face when trying to align their projects with city policies, particularly when those policies do not account for certain park types.

The meeting underscored the need for a review of existing policies to better accommodate diverse park options that meet community needs. As the city continues to grow, the commission's discussions may lead to future adjustments in policy to ensure that all types of parks can be developed in a cost-effective manner.