(a) Minimum Area. At least twenty five percent (25%) of the total land area in the Planned Residential Development (PRD) shall be reserved for restricted open space.
(b) Use of Restricted Open Space. Areas designated for restricted open space purposes shall be provided according to the following:
(1) Irreplaceable natural features shall be included in the restricted open space and conserved to the maximum extent feasible. 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.
(2) A minimum area of 260 sq. ft. for every dwelling unit shall be devoted to active recreation. 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 Development.
(3) Stormwater management facilities may be located partially or entirely within restricted open space areas. Where such facilities are so located, easements satisfactory to the Planning and Zoning Commission shall be established to require and enable maintenance of such facilities by the appropriate parties.
(c) Calculating Restricted Open Space. In order to encourage the creation of large areas of contiguous open space, areas that shall not be included in calculating restricted open space include:
(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.
(d) Design Criteria for Restricted Open Space.
(1) 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.
(2) 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.
(3) Open space areas within the PRD shall be interconnected.
(4) An open space area may vary in width but should not be less than 50 feet wide at any point.
(5) 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 thirty-five percent (35%) of the dwelling units approved are constructed in the phase in which the restricted open space area is located.
(e) Ownership of Open Space. Open space may be owned by a Homeowners Association, a land trust, or other conservation organization approved by the City. A Homeowners Association which takes title to open space shall comply with Section 1147.19 (Requirements for Homeowners Associations). Further division or development of open space shall be prohibited unless a Final Development Plan (FDP) is amended.
(Ord. 3273. Passed 5-9-24.)