(a) Generally. To the extent practical, a residential lot shall be rectangular, have dimensions that do not exceed a depth to width ratio of three to one, and have a rear lot line that does not abut the side lot line of a contiguous lot.
(b) Building envelope; cluster development. A residential lot shall be of sufficient size to have a building envelope unencumbered by easements or restrictions that substantially restrict the use of the building envelope. Residential dwelling units on residential lots shall be clustered to the maximum extent practicable as determined by the Office of Planning and Zoning. In determining the extent to which clustering will be required for a minor subdivision or subdivision of lots shown on a previously recorded plat, the Planning and Zoning Officer shall evaluate the development patterns and lot sizes of adjoining properties and approve development that does not substantially alter the character of the neighborhood. Cluster development shall include landscaped screening and buffer areas that have a width of 25 feet, along adjacent, non-local roads and adjoining properties that are not a part of the development.
(c) Relationship to roads. Unless the Office of Planning and Zoning determines that variation produces a better road or lot plan, a residential lot shall be designed so that side lot lines are at right angles to roads or radial to curving roads. A lot other than a corner lot that abuts two roads is allowed only if necessary to avoid having the lot front on a non-access road or to address other site planning or land use issues.
(d) Multifamily lots. A multifamily residential lot shall be designed so that the location of a building on the lot makes efficient use of parking, driveways, and common yard areas.
(e) Flag lots disfavored. Flag lots are disfavored because of impervious surface and neighborhood impacts and subdivisions shall be designed to avoid the creation of flag lots. The developer shall evaluate all other design options and the Planning and Zoning Officer may approve flag lots only if no other practical alternative is available. Approved flag lots shall be designed so that no more than two flag lots have a common or shared driveway entrance to a public right-of-way, except that the Office of Planning and Zoning may approve up to three additional flag lots with common or shared entrances to protect natural features or to provide a better lot layout.
(f) Easements on cluster lots disfavored. To the extent practicable, forest conservation easements, natural area easements, historic resource easements, archaeological easements, and cemetery easements may not be located on cluster lots.
(Bill No. 3-05; Bill No. 59-10; Bill No. 73-22)