The standards established by this section shall apply to multiple-family units (including apartments, condominiums, and “Townhouses For Sale,” and the like).
(A) Types of recreational facilities. Outdoor recreational space provided by the owner/builder should meet the needs of the project residents. Definitions of the particular types of facilities appear below:
(1) Tot lot (500 to 1,000 square feet) designed for preschool children and shall include such equipment as swings, sandboxes, slides, climbing apparatus, wading pools, grassy areas, paved play areas, benches, and the like, and they shall be adequately fenced;
(2) Project playground designed for child, adult, and family use, and may include play apparatus, grassy areas, paved game courts, playfields, shelter, pool, tables, picnic shelter, trees, shrubbery, walks, or benches;
(3) Courtyard and garden space designed for adult family and elderly use. Facilities may include trees, walks, patios, shrubbery, lawns garden plots, table, benches, fountains, or lighting. They are usually enclosed on two or more sides by buildings, fences, or hedges; and
(4) Greenway or natural areas bordering streams, lakes, rivers, or woodlands primarily used for walking or sightseeing. Facilities may include walks, benches, or lakes.
(B) Area required. At least 350 square feet of useable land per bedroom shall be provided by the owner/builder for recreational use. Front, side, or rear yards required by this chapter may be used for recreational space provided that these areas are suitable for recreational use as measured by the criteria listed in division (C) below.
(C) Suitability of land. Criteria for evaluating suitability of recreation, park, and open space areas shall include but not be limited to the following:
(1) Unity. The land shall be a single parcel except where it is determined that two or more parcels would be in the public interest. The governing board may require that such parcels be connected;
(2) Shape, topography, soil. The shape, topography, and soil of the land shall be useable for active recreation (play areas, ballfields, tennis courts, or similar recreation uses);
(3) Location. The land shall be located to serve the recreational needs of the residents in the development;
(4) Accessibility. Access to the land shall be provided either by an abutting street, walkway, or easement. Such easement shall not be less than ten feet wide if for pedestrian use, or 30 feet if vehicular access is intended; and
(5) Vegetative cover. If possible, the existing vegetative cover shall be retained to lend attractiveness to the land parcel and to give protection from the sun’s rays so as to facilitate recreational use of the site.
(D) Maintenance. Recreational areas required by this chapter must be maintained by the owner or builder so that such areas are safe and useable for the residents. This maintenance shall include but not be limited to cleanup, mowing, painting, and replacement of broken or damaged equipment on a regular basis.
(E) Time period. Recreational areas required in this chapter must be in place prior to or at the time of issuance of final inspection permit or certificate of occupancy. Where a project is to be built in phases over a period of time, the necessary recreational areas may be provided using the same phasing program.
(1996 Code, § 155.171) (Ord. passed 5-21-1984)