Subdivision Exactions

Communities may require the dedication of land for specific public uses as a condition of subdivision approval. Such a requirement is called an exaction. Exactions have traditionally included streets and rights-of way for public utilities within subdivisions. However, exactions may be required for other public uses as well.

New York State law makes particular provision to allow communities to require exactions for the reservation of parkland within residential subdivisions. In cases where there is no suitable land available within a subdivision for the required parkland, the community may require a sum of money in lieu of the land to be used for the provision of parks, playgrounds or other recreational purposes elsewhere in the community.