File: FEA-R - Site Acquisition File: FEA-R - Site AcquisitionThe selection and acquisition of a school site involves a well-coordinated team effort by knowledgeable, experienced facility planning, demographic planning and real property staff in cooperation with local government officials, the school community and property owners.
Selection Criteria
School sites may be acquired through various methods but the following criteria are to be considered when evaluating school sites in the selection process:
1. Net developable size of site
2. Appropriate site configuration for school use
3. Location with respect to area to be served
4. Suitability of topography for school use
5. Appropriate vehicular and pedestrian access for proposed use
6. Drainage/flood zones/storm water systems
7. Availability and adequacy of utilities such as water, sewer, natural gas, electricity and telephone
8. Geologic/soils report, geotechnical consultant and Colorado Geological Survey
9. Compatibility with surrounding land uses
10. Impact of easements and rights of way
11. Municipal services such as fire and police protection, recreational programs, etc.
12. Natural/environmental factors such as attractiveness of site, orientation, exposure, microclimate, wetlands, air traffic patterns, radon, electromagnetic fields, mine activity, hazardous materials, lakes, streams, irrigation ditches, etc.
13. Anticipated relative cost for site development
14. Evidence of title to the property
Methods of Site Acquisition
The methods of site acquisition may include the following:
1. Dedication
The appropriation of land for school use by a private owner or public entity the staff will identify appropriate school sites and endeavor to obtain dedication of those sites in conjunction with the review of land development and rezoning requests submitted to the District.
2. Negotiated Purchase or Lease
An appraisal by a certified real estate appraiser will be obtained by the District to establish a basis for determining fair market value in negotiating a purchase price for school sites. Sites may be obtained by direct purchase, installment purchase, lease agreement with or without the option to purchase, or similar agreement approved by the Board.
3. Eminent Domain
The right of the District to take property for public use upon payment of just compensation. The legal proceeding for this method of acquisition is called a condemnation proceeding. Board approval is required for a condemnation proceeding to be initiated.
4. Exchange
A transaction involving the exchange of ownership of properties between the District and one or more other property owner(s). An appraisal by a certified real estate appraiser will be obtained by the District on the properties to be exchanged to determine fair market value of each property.
5. Title
An ownership and encumbrance report or title commitment prepared by an abstract or title company will be obtained for any property to be acquired. Title to the property will be conveyed to the District in fee simple and not subject to any conditions that would limit title to the property without approval by the Board. When possible, conveyance is to be by general warranty deed. The property will not be subject to any easements or rights of way that adversely affect the full utilization of the property.
Adopted, May 10, 2016