(A) The purpose of this section is to provide flexibility in site design in order to allow developers to preserve common open space and natural resources. The specific purposes of this section are to:
(1) Protect the public health, safety and general welfare by avoiding surface and ground water pollution, contaminated run-off, air quality contamination and urban heat islands that result from pavement and the clearing of natural vegetation;
(2) Protect and preserve natural resources, such as wetlands, streams, lakes, steep slopes, woodlands and water recharge areas;
(3) Reduce infrastructure and housing costs by reducing the engineering and construction costs produced by conventional subdivision design, which requires more pavement, wetland crossings, grading of trees and natural areas and maintenance from lawn and landscaping maintenance;
(4) Protect property values by allowing open space design features that enhance the marketability of development;
(5) Provide design flexibility; and
(6) Promote development on soils that are most suitable for urban densities while preserving soils that are primarily adaptable to other uses, such as woodlands, wildlife habitat and agriculture.
(B) A conservation subdivision (see Figure 153.0040(A) below) is permitted in any zoning district excluding the following: “D” (Downtown), “IL” (Industrial Light), “IH” (Industrial Heavy) or “MX” (Mixed Use).
Conservation subdivisions (left) feature smaller lots with a high percentage of open space. Conventional subdivisions (right) feature large lots with little common open space. A conventional subdivision is subject to all of the base zoning district standards, such as minimum lot size, front setbacks, landscaping and adequacy of public facilities.
(Ord. 3020, passed 9-10-2013, § 2.2.1)