The developer may construct a PRD in stages provided the following criteria are met.
(a) The application for tentative approval covers the entire PRD and shows the location and approximate time of construction for each stage, in addition to other information required by this Zoning Code.
(b) At least 25% of the dwelling units in the plan given tentative approval shall be included in the first stage.
(c) (1) The tentative and final plans shall designate the use of open space, a schedule for its phasing, the type of maintenance to be provided and a planting plan or schedule. No less than 25% of the total open space and recreational facilities shall be provided for each phase.
(2) In designating use and maintenance, the following classes may be used:
A. Lawn. A grass area, with or without trees, which may be used by the residents for a variety of purposes and which shall be mowed regularly to ensure a neat appearance;
B. Natural area. An area of natural vegetation undisturbed during construction or replanted; such areas may contain pathways. Meadows shall be maintained as such. Maintenance may be minimal but shall prevent the proliferation of undesirable plants. Litter, dead trees and brush shall be removed and streams kept in free-flowing condition; and
C. Recreation area. An area designated for a specific recreational use, including, but not limited to, tennis, swimming, shuffleboard, playfields and tot lots. Such areas shall be located and maintained in such a manner as not to create a hazard or nuisance and shall perpetuate the proposed use.
(d) The record and subsequent stages are completed consistent with the tentatively approved plan and are of such size and location, including a sufficient degree of completion of the road network and other infrastructure, that they constitute economically sound units of development. In no event shall such stages contain less than 15% of the dwelling units receiving tentative approval.
(e) Each stage shall include common open space in amounts and at locations deemed acceptable by the Board of Commissioners to meet, at minimum, the open space needs generated by that stage.
(f) All improvements within the particular stage shall be completed contemporaneously with the completion of the dwellings of that stage.
(g) Gross residential density may be varied from stage to stage, provided that final approval shall not be given to any stage if the gross residential density of the area, which includes stages already finally approved and the stage for which final approval is being sought, exceeds by more than 20% the gross residential density allowed for the entire PRD in the tentatively approved plan.
(Ord. 896, passed 12-21-2011)