(A) Parks, playgrounds and recreation areas. The Commission shall require that land be reserved for parks and playgrounds or other recreational purposes in locations designated on the Comprehensive Plan or where such reservations would be appropriate. Each reservation shall be of suitable size and topography and shall have adequate road access for the intended purpose. Any such areas shall be identified on the subdivision plat.
(1) When recreation areas are required, the Commission shall determine the number of acres to be reserved based on an allotted area of three acres per 100 dwelling units or a minimum of 5% of the total subdivision land area, whichever is greater. Land reserved for recreational purposes shall be of a character and location which is suitable for use as a playground or other recreation purposes and shall be relatively dry and level. It shall be improved by the developer to the standards required by the Commission, and the cost of the improvements shall be included in the amount of the performance bond.
(2) A recreation site shall have a total frontage on one or more streets of at least 200 feet and shall not be any narrower than 50 feet in depth at any point.
(3) The developers of adjoining subdivisions may cooperate in allocating open space for joint use by all residents of the subdivisions concerned. Where this is done, the size, location and design are subject to Commission approval.
(B) Exceptions subject to discretion. At the discretion of the Commission, the requirement for dedicated parks and playground areas may be waived based on specific circumstances, such as the proximity to existing parks and recreational facilities. If desired, it shall be the responsibility of the subdivider to request such a waiver at the time of preliminary plat submittal.
(Ord. 2002-13, passed 9-3-2002)