(A) Generally. The land use intensity (LUI) system is a development option allowed pursuant to G.S. 160D-406 and 160D-705 for special use permit approval of the Board of Adjustment and designed with the intent to:
(1) Provide an organized and comprehensive system for determining and controlling the intensity with which land is developed;
(2) Replace conventional fixed yard, height, spacing and density standards with floor area, open space, recreation space and livability space ratios which widen development options while maintaining public benefits;
(3) Allow and encourage a variety of horizontal and vertical building configurations;
(4) Encourage innovations in residential development so that the growing demands of population may be met while insuring the livability of the developments; and
(5) Provide a procedure which can evaluate a specific development on a particular site to the particular demand for housing at the time of development in a manner consistent with the preservation of property values within established or future residential areas.
(B) Terms and definitions.
Floor area (FA) and floor area ratio (FAR). FA is the total floor area including mezzanines, interior balconies and upper floors, of all floors measured from the outside faces of exterior walls. The floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area is the FAR. FAR x GLA = maximum floor area acceptable at a given LUI number.
Gross land area (GLA). The sum of site land for residential use plus one-half of the area of any abutting walk, alley or street right-of-way or permanent open space (maximum width in feet of countable abutting open space is equal to the LUI number of the parcel).
Livability space (LS) and livability space ratio (LSR). LS is non-vehicular open space and is part of total open space. LS is open space that is designed for pedestrian use such as walkways, landscaped areas, and recreation areas which are barred to automotive use. LSR x GLA = minimum livability space acceptable for a given LUI number.
Open space (OS) and open space ratio (OSR). OS is the sum of uncovered open space and one-half of covered open space including off-site space used in computing GLA. “Open space” need not be at ground level, if appropriately improved. OSR x GLA = minimum open space acceptable for a given LUI number.
Primary wall. Contains the principal windows in a habitable room, except bedrooms and kitchens (thus including living rooms, dining rooms, family rooms and the like).
Recreation space (RS) and recreation space ratio (RSR). RS is the outdoor area that is improved for the recreational use of all residents. RS is part of both livability and open space. RSR x GLA = minimum recreation space acceptable for a given LUI number.
Secondary wall. Contains the windows of rooms other than those described above for primary walls.
Windowless wall. Contains no windows or only windows which do not involve loss of privacy.
(Ord. No. 2337, § 1, passed 6-13-1991; Ord. No. 21-032, § 1, passed 6-21-2021)