(a) At least twenty-five percent (25%) of the total land area in the Planned Residential District shall be reserved for open space.
(b) Irreplaceable natural features shall be included in open space. Examples of irreplaceable natural features include, but are not limited to, streams, significant stands of trees, significant habitat, unique flora, wetlands, rock outcroppings and ravines.
(c) The suitability of open space for scenic value and purposes shall be determined by its visibility from dwelling units and the length of the streets, sidewalks, or walking trails from which it is visible.
(d) A Planned Residential District (PRD) shall provide useable open space and recreation opportunities Useable recreation opportunities shall include active recreational activities such as playgrounds with play apparatus, court games areas, walking/jogging tails and the like provided for the residents of the Planned Residential District. A minimum area of 260 sq. ft. for every dwelling unit shall be devoted to active recreation. See National Recreation and Parks Association planning standard for neighborhood parks. The usability of open space intended for recreation or scenic use shall be determined by the size, shape, topography, and location requirements of the particular recreational activity. Useable open space/recreation shall be accessible to pedestrians, handicapped and elderly.
(e) Open space areas within the PRD shall be interconnected.
(f) An open space area may vary in width but shall not be less than 50 feet wide at any point.
(g) Any area within the designated open space that is disturbed during or after construction and is not preserved or restored to its natural state, shall be landscaped with vegetation that is compatible with the remaining floral and trees in the restricted open space. A disturbed area within the open space shall be landscaped before 35% of the dwelling units approved are constructed in the phase in which the restricted open space area is located..
(h) To encourage large areas of open space, the following shall not be considered open space:
(1) Public or private streets;
(2) Parking areas, access drives, common drives and driveways, except as permitted by the Planning Commission to provide access to the open space;
(3) Required setbacks from lot boundaries and streets for buildings and parking areas;
(4) Required spacing between buildings and between buildings and parking areas; and,
(5) The private yards within a sublot.
(i) Prohibition of Further Subdivision of Open Space. Further division or development of open space shall be prohibited by deed restriction, conservation easement, or other instrument acceptable to the Law Director and recorded in the Office of the Recorder of Geauga County.
(j) Ownership of Open Space. Open space may be owned by an owners association, a land trust, or other conservation organization approved by the City. An owners association which takes title to open space shall comply with Section 1147.11 (Requirements for Owners Associations).
(Ord. 2635. Passed 1-13-11.)
(Ord. 2635. Passed 1-13-11.)