(a) Intent. The multifamily design standards in this section and Section 1286.02 are intended to insure adequate open spaces, recreation areas and related design standards for the benefits of the residents of a multifamily complex, comparable to a single family neighborhood. (Ord. 139-05. Passed 1-9-06.)
(b) Common Open Space. Each multifamily development shall provide common open space equal to a minimum of 35 percent of the development area, excluding right-of- way. As used in this chapter, common open space includes outdoor areas or enclosed recreational areas designed for use by all of the residents, and their guests, of a multifamily complex. Common open space includes lawns and other landscaped areas, natural areas, paved terraces and sitting areas and indoor or outdoor recreation areas. Common open space excludes all areas within 20 feet of a building wall, vehicle parking or circulation areas, and individually controlled land. Common open space in excess of the above minimum may be considered for park and recreation credits as provided in Chapter 1232.
(Ord. 110-2020. Passed 2-22-21.)
(c) Recreation Space. Each multifamily development shall provide recreation space equal to a minimum of 5.8 percent of the development area, excluding right-of-way. Recreation space is a component part of the open space area required by (b) above. Recreation space shall be appropriately improved for use by residents and their guests, and shall include a mix of activities such as play apparatus; active use areas for tennis, basketball or comparable activities; areas for sitting or gathering; open play fields; and walkways or other recreation improvements (excepting walks adjacent to a private street or drive). All recreation space shall have a least dimension of 50 feet. In multifamily developments of 4 acres or less, the recreation area shall be located in a single block of land. In developments of more than 4 acres, at least one recreation area shall be a block with minimum dimensions of 100 feet by 100 feet and the balance shall be in large blocks to support its intended recreation use. Improvements to recreation space may be considered for park and recreation credits as provided by Chapter 1232.
(d) Private Open Space. Each multifamily dwelling unit shall be provided private open space at the ratio of 100 square feet per unit. Private open space shall not occupy any portion of the common open space or recreation space required in subsections (b) and (c) above. Private open space shall be specifically designed and constructed to be used and enjoyed by the residents of an individual dwelling unit, and shall be located adjacent to and reasonably accessible from the dwelling unit. Such space shall be screened or otherwise designed to provide privacy for the intended users.
(e) Exclusions. Stormwater detention areas may receive full credit towards the common open space requirement in (b) above if they are designed and improved for an appropriate open space use (such as a lake or playfield) in addition to stormwater detention. Single purpose detention basins shall not receive credit toward the open space requirement. Water areas shall not exceed 50 percent of the minimum recreation area in (c) above.
(Ord. 139-05. Passed 1-9-06.)