a. Intent: The intent of the Subdivision Open Space Plan is to promote the following objectives:
1. Provide a more desirable living environment by preserving the
such as woodlands, steep topography, water bodies and wetlands.
2. Encourage developers to
a more creative approach in the
of residential areas.
3. Encourage a more efficient, aesthetic and desirable
of open area while recognizing a reduction in
costs, and allowing the developer to avoid natural obstacles on the site.
4. Encourage the provision of
within reasonable distance to lots in the subdivision and to further encourage the
of recreational facilities, such as pathways which link up to the City’s
system.
b. Modifications to the standards as outlined in Article XX - Schedule of Regulations
be made in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Single-Family Residential Districts when the following conditions are met:
1. Individual lots in the R-1, R-2 and R-3 Single-Family Residential Districts
be reduced up to twenty percent (20%). In the R-2 Districts, this reduction may be accomplished in part by reducing lot widths up to five (5) feet. In the R-1 Districts, this reduction may be accomplished in part by reducing lot widths up to ten (10) feet. These
reductions
be permitted, provided that the
shall be no greater than if the
area to be subdivided were developed in the minimum square-foot lot areas as required for each Single-Family District under Article XX - Schedule of Regulations. The area remaining through the reduction of lot sizes shall be retained as permanent
. The City may require submission of a “parallel” plan to illustrate that the
of lots provided under the Open Space option would be feasible with a traditional subdivision layout (for example, each lot in the parallel plan must have buildable envelope meeting
requirements and not including ponds or wetlands regulated by the MDNR).
2. The City
allow up to fifty percent (50%) of the area considered not to be buildable under traditional subdivision practices (such as MDNR regulated wetlands, non-regulated wetlands, floodplain, steep slopes, etc.) to be used in the “parallel” plan for determining
if the City finds that the project will result in a recognizable benefit to the City and the residents of the proposed subdivision.
3. Rear
be reduced to no less than thirty (30) feet when such lots border
dedicated for park, recreation and/or
purposes, provided the width of the dedicated
shall not be less than one hundred (100) feet measured at the point at which it abuts the
of the adjacent lot.
4. The area to be dedicated for subdivision
purposes shall in no instance be less than four (4) acres, and
be in a location and shape approved by the
.
5. This plan, for reduced lot sizes,
be permitted only if it is mutually agreeable to the City and the subdivider or developer.
6. This plan, for reduced lot sizes,
be started within six (6) months after having received approval of the final plat, and must be completed in a
. Failure to start within this period shall void all previous approval.