(A) General recreational space requirements. A recreational space requirement is required for all R-1 and R-2 zones and any agricultural or other zone where residential housing is being planned or proposed. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-1, passed 5-11-98)
(B) Criteria for guidance. In a Commission- approved development plan, and in the approval of subdivisions requiring recreational space, the Commission-approved recreation space shall be approved in all zones as defined in division (E) of this section. The purpose of providing this space shall be to meet the immediate and future recreational needs of the developments residence and a neighborhood setting. Recreation space may be provided in a centrally located site, in distinctly separate sites, as connecting links between separated activity areas, or adjacent to other existing or proposed recreation spaces. The Commission shall determine if the proposed recreation space is suitable for the intended use. Consideration shall be given to the location of the proposed recreation space, and it shall be reasonably close to and adjacent to residential areas or centrally located between phased developments. Wasteland or land undesirable for development shall not be substituted for recreational space unless its location and suitability is consistent with recreational use. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-2, passed 5-11-98)
(C) Covenants. All developments with recreational space must contain acceptable covenants which, in the opinion of the Commission, insure adequate maintenance of those recreation spaces. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-3, passed 5-11-98)
(D) Amount of recreational space required. Recreational space shall be required when, in the opinion of the Commission, it would be desirable for the proposed development considering the surrounding area and the density of families benefitting from open space and recreational uses. Therefore, a recreational space requirement may be required by the Commission for minor subdivisions if, in the opinion of the Commission, all the above criteria are present and it would be desirable for the proposed development and surrounding area to have recreational space included as part of the plan. Unless extenuating circumstances exist, recreational space will generally not be required in case of minor subdivisions. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-4, passed 5-11-98)
(E) Recreational space and major subdivisions.
Recreational space shall be required in all major subdivisions of more than ten lots and may be required in major subdivisions of ten or fewer lots if, in the opinion of the commission, it is determined that the recreational space is desirable and necessary to the orderly development of the area. In major subdivisions of over ten lots the minimum amount of recreational space which shall be required shall be a minimum of 10% of the total area developed with a minimum of 32,670 square feet. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-5, passed 5-11-98)
(F) Physical improvements. The term RECREATIONAL SPACE shall be interpreted to mean void of non-recreational structures, street rights-of-way, open parking areas and driveways for dwellings. The space qualified for recreational space shall be made reasonably level and suitable for organized or unorganized play and recreation by children and adults. The developer may but is not required to provide specific playground equipment and physical improvements. (Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-6, passed 5-11-98)
(G) Use of recreational space. Space intended for limited recreational activity or other uses, such as golf courses, to which all residents of the development may not be permitted free access because of the payment of a fee or charge, shall not qualify in meeting the recreational space requirement herein.
(Ord. 466, § 2-11.5-7, passed 5-11-98) Penalty, see § 152.999