Maintaining open space areas provides recreational opportunities, allows sunlight to enter into living spaces and provides a spacious and inviting feel. The minimum required open space areas, as listed in Table 153.040.030, shall be maintained pursuant to these regulations.
(A) Residential open space. The following regulations apply to required open space areas within all residentially zoned lots:
(1) More than one open space area may be provided on a lot. The sum of square footages for all eligible open space areas on a lot shall comprise the total open space area for that lot.
(2) Required side or rear yard areas may be included in the calculated open space area but a required front yard area may not.
(3) Open space areas may not be located between a dwelling unit and the street.
(4) Open space areas shall be equally distributed for all dwelling units on a lot.
(5) Open space areas shall have no structural, parking, driveway or right-of-way encroachments except for swimming pools, spas and similar accessory uses used for recreational purposes.
(B) Private open space minimum dimensions in R-1 and R-1-7,500. Within R-1 and R-1-7,500 zoned lots, the minimum length and width of each open space area shall be 15 feet.
(C) Private open space regulations in R-G and R-3. The following regulations apply to private open space areas within R-G and R-3 zoned lots:
(1) The minimum length and width of each open space area shall be ten feet.
(2) The minimum length and width of each open space area within small-lot single-family developments shall be 15 feet.
(3) The open space area for an individual dwelling unit shall be directly accessible to that dwelling unit.
(4) Encroachments such as roofs and eaves may project into an open space area provided such encroachments observe a minimum vertical clearance of 8 feet. A minimum distance of three feet shall be maintained between any encroachment and any lot line, per the requirements contained in § 153.130.030 Permitted Projections into Required Yard Areas.
(B) Common open space regulations in R-G and R-3. The following regulations apply to common open space areas within R-G and R-3 zoned lots:
(1) The minimum length and width of each open space area shall be 20 feet.
(2) The common open space area shall be open and accessible to all residents.
(Ord. 1346, passed 5-2-12)