1. A minimum of 25% of the total tract, except in the AG district, shall be set aside as common open space. In the case of the AG district, the open space requirement shall be 50% in order to maintain the open character of the agricultural land and a corresponding open space environment within the PRD.
2. It is the express intent that this requirement for open space be used to protect valuable resources of the Township. Where possible the PRD shall feature preservation of existing natural features. Required open space shall be designed and arranged to achieve at least one of the following objectives, and the applicant shall demonstrate those specific measures employed to achieve these objectives:
A. Protection of important natural resources (e.g., streams, ponds, wetlands, woodlands, unique geologic features, wildlife habitats, aquifer recharge areas, etc.).
B. Protection of important historical and/or archaeological sites.
C. Provision of usable play and recreation areas that are conveniently accessible to residents of the planned residential development and the Township.
D. Integration of green belts that link residences with nearby parks, schools or other similar features.
3. Common open space shall be subject to the following:
A. The Township may at any time accept or refuse to accept the dedication of land or any interest therein for public use and maintenance. The Township need not require, as a condition of the approval of a planned residential development, that land proposed to be set aside for common open space be dedicated or made available to public use.
B. The Township may require that the landowner provide for and establish an organization for the ownership and maintenance of the common open space.
C. The common open space shall not be disposed of, by sale or otherwise, without first offering to dedicate the same to the public.
D. In the event of public dedication, any Township costs including maintenance shall be assessed ratably against the properties within the planned residential development that have a right of enjoyment of the common open space, and shall become a lien on said properties. The Township at the time of entering upon said common open space for the purpose of maintenance shall file a notice of lien upon the affected properties in the County Office of the Prothonotary.
(Ord. 3/9/1993B, § 607)