Opinion ID: 1145145
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Lack of Benefit to the Subdivision

Text: In their point No. (2), the plaintiffs attack the ordinance on the ground that the land dedicated (or the money in lieu thereof) is not to be used solely and exclusively for the benefit of the created subdivision. They point to the provision that the land is received for the benefit and use of the citizens of the City of West Jordan and the money is used for its [West Jordan's] flood control and/or parks and recreation facilities. We agree that the dedication should have some reasonable relationship to the needs created by the subdivision. [6] But in the planning for the expansion of a city, it is obvious that no particular percentage of each subdivision, or of each lot, could be used as a park or playground in that particular subdivision; and likewise, that it could not be so used for flood control. But it is so plain as to hardly require expression that if the purpose of the ordinance is properly carried out, it will redound to the benefit of the subdivision as well as to the general welfare of the whole community. The fact that it does so, rather than solely benefiting the individual subdivision, does not impair the validity of the ordinance. [7] These observations are also pertinent: Although the money which was collected from the plaintiffs in this case was deposited in the City's general fund, it should not be assumed that the money thus becomes usable for other purposes by the City and is of no special benefit to the area sought to be subdivided. On the contrary, that it will be used for its stated purpose is assured, first, by the integrity and good faith of the public officials charged with that responsibility; and second, by the fact that the recognized principle is that if money is collected from the public for a specific purpose, it becomes a trust fund committed to the carrying out of that purpose. [8]