A. Purpose: The purpose of this article is to encourage well- designed open space within the Dry Creek Ranch Planned Community and to provide standards for dedicated open space areas as specified in the Dry Creek Ranch Comprehensive Plan and/or uses approved as part of a development application.
B. Applicability: The following regulations shall apply to open space lots created within the Dry Creek Ranch Planned Community.
C. General Regulations:
1. Plat Approval: In approving each preliminary plat within Dry Creek Ranch, the Board shall determine that the plat is in accordance with the open space plan as was approved with the Dry Creek Ranch Comprehensive Plan with consideration of the flexibility provisions of this article and the plan.
2. Allowed Open Space Uses: Allowable uses on lands designated as in the "Park District" or "Natural Open Space District" shall include the uses set forth in section 8-3N-6, table 8-3N-6B of this article.
3. Restrictions For Permanent Open Space: All open space lots in the "Park District" or "Natural Open Space District" shall be dedicated open space protected by either a deed restriction or a conservation easement prepared subject to the regulations of Idaho Code section 55-2105.
D. Design Standards: The provision, development and use of open space shall be in conformance with this article and the Dry Creek Ranch Comprehensive Plan.
1. Consistency: The design shall be consistent with the Dry Creek Ranch Comprehensive Plan.
2. Accessibility: The dedicated open space shall be easily accessible to residents of Dry Creek Ranch as deemed appropriate by the Dry Creek Ranch Wildlife Management Plan.
3. Roadways: The number of private or public roadways that divide the dedicated open space shall be limited to those necessary for proper traffic circulation, and the roadways shall not detract from the efficient use of the open space.
4. Structures: The dedicated open space shall be free of all structures, except those that enhance the use of the dedicated open space including, but not limited to: structures related to outdoor recreational use; structures of historic and/or cultural significance, educational buildings; way-finding or informational signage; parking facilities; well houses; and utility infrastructure and facilities.
5. Stormwater Basins: Stormwater retention or detention basins designed and approved as part of the stormwater management system for the property may be located within the dedicated open space.
6. Impervious Surface: Please see section 8-3N-5, table 8-3N-5D of this article for maximum coverage for impervious surfaces per land use district.
7. Additional Standards For Open Space In The "Park District" Or "Natural Open Space District":
a. Width: The dedicated open space shall be an appropriate width as determined by the Director and may include natural open space, a trail system, pathway network, greenways, parkways, pocket parks, recreational fields or pocket parks for active or passive recreational use or linear open spaces.
b. Neighboring Properties: The dedicated open space shall be connected to open space areas on neighboring properties wherever possible including provisions for pedestrian walkways to create linked walkway or pathway systems.
c. Parking Spaces: The dedicated open space shall have the required number of automobile and bicycle parking spaces as set forth in this title.
(1) Parking areas shall have safe and convenient access from an abutting public street or other rights-of-way or easements capable of accommodating pedestrian, bicycle or vehicle traffic.
(2) Required parking areas for outdoor amusement or recreation facilities may be included in calculating the amount of dedicated open space.
d. Alternative Open Space Plan: Following recommendations from the DRC, the Director may approve, or recommend approval of, an alternative open space plan when the overall design as proposed by the applicant, meets or exceeds the requirements of this article and the Dry Creek Ranch Comprehensive Plan and shall not be detrimental to the public health, safety and welfare. (Ord. 703, 2-10-2010; amd. Ord. 864, 2-21-2017)