In an ASF District, attached single-family dwellings and other structures shall be developed and maintained in accordance with the following design regulations and standards.
(a) Building Design. In order to enhance privacy and to reduce the apparent mass of the buildings, the alignment of attached single-family dwellings should be varied and the facades of not more than every two dwelling units shall be offset by at least sixteen inches. Variations in exterior features such as facade, width, color, exterior materials and roof lines shall be deemed desirable. Furthermore, parallel arrangements of buildings should be avoided.
(b) Site Design. Attached single-family developments shall be designed to complement the topography of the land in order to utilize natural contours, economize in the construction of utilities, reduce required grading, and maximize the conservation of trees, watercourses and other natural features. Natural features and other distinctive characteristics of the site shall be integrated into the plan to create functional variations in the arrangements of dwellings, open spaces and accessory uses.
(c) Modifications to Area, Yard and Setback Requirements. With respect to properties of irregular shape, or unusual topography, relative to other properties in the same Zoning District, the Planning and Zoning Commission may modify requirements regarding areas, yards, setbacks and distances between uses if compliance with these requirements is either clearly infeasible or contrary to compliance with the design regulations and standards of this section. However, the maximum permitted density shall not be increased by reason of this provision. Applicants shall first seek modifications under this section prior to filing an application as set forth in Section 1111.03 for a variance for areas, yards, setbacks and distances between uses.
(d) Common Open Space. As required in Section 1127.03(i), at least 750 square feet of land per dwelling unit shall be reserved as common open space in each ASF District.
(1) Required characteristics. Land designated as common open space under the provisions of this section shall conform to the characteristics described below.
A. Common open space shall consist of land or a combination of land and water of such condition, size and shape as to be usable for passive recreation and/or scenic enjoyment as appropriate to the site, the surrounding area, and the expected resident population. Such area shall contain no structures other than those related to recreational use and shall not include roads, parking areas or private open space.
B. Setback areas shall be excluded in the computation of common open space.
C. Consideration shall be given to the arrangement and location of common open space to take advantage of physical characteristics of the site and to place common open space within easy access and view of dwelling units. Common open space shall not be separated from the development by existing roads.
D. Common open space shall not be depleted, reduced in size or converted to any other use.
(2) Ownership and maintenance.
A. The applicant shall submit copies of the proposed documents which provide for the permanent preservation of open space at the time of application for development. No application shall be approved until such documents are acceptable to the Municipality and the Law Director in form and content.
B. Such common open space, including any recreational facilities proposed to be constructed in such space, shall be clearly delineated on the site plan together with descriptive data as to the methods to be employed to preserve and maintain such open space.
C. In the event the open space is owned in common by more than one owner directly or indirectly, a non-profit association shall be incorporated under the laws of the State of Ohio and shall own the open space in unencumbered fee simple title.
D. All common open space shown on the site plan must be owned by an association or corporation solely owned and controlled by the dwelling unit owners, and subject to legally enforceable declarations and restrictions. Such declarations and restrictions shall grant enforcement rights to the Municipality as a third-party beneficiary, and shall be reviewed by and must obtain approval of the Law Director before final approval for development will be granted. .
(e) Pedestrian Circulation. Each attached single-family residential development shall be served by a comprehensive walkway system adequately separated from vehicular circulation, connecting residential buildings to parking and recreation areas.
(f) Utility Equipment. All utility lines serving an attached single-family residential development shall be located underground.
(Ord. 2019-39. Passed 8-13-19.)