Example data table
| Scenario | Site area (ha) | Rate (%) | Units | Land value/ha | Net dedication (ha) | Fee-in-lieu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medium-density residential | 3.20 | 5.00 | 110 | $5,000,000.00 | 0.374 | $0.00 |
| Commercial plaza | 1.80 | 2.00 | 0 | $6,500,000.00 | 0.036 | $245,700.00 |
| Mixed-use block | 2.40 | 5.00 | 90 | $7,200,000.00 | 0.285 | $844,830.72 |
Formula used
- Percentage method: Required_ha = Site_ha × (Rate% ÷ 100)
- Population method: Population = Units × HouseholdSize, Required_ha = (Population ÷ 1000) × Standard_ha_per_1000
- Selected requirement: Selected_ha = max(Required_pct_ha, Required_pop_ha) (when “Higher of two” is chosen)
- Credits and split: Net_ha = max(Selected_ha − Credit_ha, 0), Onsite_ha = Net_ha × (Onsite% ÷ 100), Cash_ha = Net_ha − Onsite_ha
- Fee-in-lieu estimate: Fee = Cash_ha × Value_per_ha × (Cash% ÷ 100) × (1 + Admin% ÷ 100)
How to use this calculator
- Enter your site area and choose units.
- Select the calculation method your policy requires.
- Set dedication rate, population standard, and credits.
- Choose how much dedication is onsite land conveyance.
- Add land value to estimate any cash-in-lieu fee.
- Press Submit to view results and export files.
Regulatory intent and timing
Parkland dedication is typically secured at draft approval or permit stage, so the land need can be aligned with road layouts, stormwater corridors, and trail links. Using an early estimate reduces redesign risk and helps negotiators compare onsite land versus fee-in-lieu when parcels are irregular or constrained.
Comparing percentage and population standards
The calculator evaluates a land percentage of the site and, when residential units are provided, a population-based requirement tied to residents served. Many policies apply the higher outcome to protect service levels. Tracking both outputs also supports staff reports by showing the sensitivity to unit count and household assumptions.
Credits, deductions, and net dedication
Credits represent prior conveyances, cash payments, or eligible improvements that your jurisdiction recognizes. The tool subtracts credits from the selected required area and clamps the result at zero to avoid negative dedication. This net value is the practical commitment that can be split between conveyance and cash.
Onsite conveyance split and cash planning
Onsite conveyance percent allocates the net requirement between land conveyed and cash-in-lieu. When you set onsite below 100%, the remaining area is valued using a land rate per hectare and a cash percentage. Adding an administration premium supports program costs and produces a budgeting-ready fee estimate.
Reporting outputs for project controls
Exported summaries provide a consistent record for internal review. Include site area, selected method, net dedication, and fee results in your cost plan and schedule risk register. For transparency, retain assumptions such as household size and parkland standard so reviewers can validate the basis of the estimate. For land value, use an appraised developable rate and document the valuation date. If your policy rounds to the nearest 0.01 ha or 0.1 acre, apply the same rounding after the net result. Consider excluding environmentally constrained land from the site area if your by-law permits. When dedication is cash only, set onsite percent to zero and treat the output as a preliminary cap for negotiations during early design.
FAQs
1) What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates parkland land dedication and an optional cash-in-lieu fee based on your chosen method, inputs, and credits. Use it for early budgeting and scenario testing, then confirm the final requirement with local approvals.
2) When should I select “Higher of percentage or population”?
Select it when your policy requires meeting both a land percentage and a service standard for residents. The calculator compares the two results and applies the larger value as the required dedication.
3) How are credits applied?
Credits are deducted from the selected required area after the method is applied. The tool prevents negative results by clamping the net dedication at zero, helping you reflect prior conveyances or eligible contributions consistently.
4) Can I work in acres or square meters?
Yes. Enter the site area in hectares, acres, or square meters. The calculator converts everything to hectares internally and reports results in hectares, plus an equivalent value in your chosen unit.
5) How is the fee-in-lieu calculated?
The cash portion of dedication is valued using land value per hectare and an optional cash percentage. An administration premium can be added. If you set onsite conveyance to 100%, the cash portion becomes zero and the fee estimate is zero.
6) Is the output legally binding?
No. Outputs are planning estimates. Final dedication, rounding, exemptions, valuation methods, and credit eligibility depend on municipal by-laws and agreements. Always rely on the signed conditions and appraisal evidence for final numbers.