(A) Generally. In order to ensure that a variety of functional, well-designed civic and open spaces are distributed throughout the city, cluster developments shall have a civic and open space component as required in § 156.B.004, Residential District Development Standards, and § 156.B.005, Nonresidential and Mixed-Use District Development Standards.
(B) Function. Open space may be integrated into the on-site stormwater management system to maximize the usable portion of a property. Low-impact development improvements may be used and count toward the open space requirements of the development. Such improvements include, but are not limited to, bioretention, enhanced detention, and infiltration basins, such as inverted vegetated islands within parking lots, rain gardens, reduced impervious areas, vegetated swales, rain barrels and cisterns, and pervious pavements.
(C) Location. Civic and open space shall be readily accessible to and visible from the street and connected to a public sidewalk.
(D) Perimeter access. A minimum of 25% of the perimeter of required open space shall abut a street.
(E) Accessibility. The civic and open space shall be designed in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
(F) Availability. If the open space permits general public access, the space shall include signage posting the hours available for public usage. The signage shall not count against total signage permitted as set forth in Article G, Signs.
(G) Exclusions. The following areas shall not be counted as open space:
(1) Yards. Private yards on individual lots;
(2) Driveways and landscaping. Driveways, parking areas, and required landscape islands;
(3) Stormwater management. Stormwater management areas that do not count as stormwater best management practices according to the requirements of Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) requirements and the water quality management provisions of Iowa Stormwater Management Manual, Chapter 2;
(4) Structures. Land covered by structures not designated for active or passive recreational uses; and
(5) Outdoor display and storage. Designated outdoor display and storage areas, as permitted.
(H) Open space categories. Permitted public civic and open spaces include any open space in Table 156.B.007-1, Public Civic and Open Space Standards. Permitted private open space includes such amenities as forecourts, courtyards, or other amenities acceptable to the Zoning Administrator.
Public Civic and Open Space Standards | |
Type | Standard |
 | General Character Formal open space Defined seating areas Balance of hardscape and plantings Spatially defined by building entries Location and Size Minimum area: 900 square feet Maximum area: 22,000 square feet Minimum width: 30 feet Minimum pervious cover: 25% Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC, GC, PI |
 | General Character Formal open space Spatially defined by buildings or streets Open shelters, paths, lawns, and trees Walkways and plantings at all edges Abundant seating opportunities Location and Size Minimum area 2,500 square feet Maximum area: 10,000 square feet Minimum width: 60 feet Minimum pervious cover: 60% Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC, GC |
 | General Character Small semi-urban open space responding to specific user groups and space available Range of character can be for intense use or aesthetic enjoyment Location and Size Minimum area 5,000 square feet Maximum area: 2 acres Minimum pervious cover: 75%; the remainder may consist of amenities, crushed stone, pavers, or other materials and features acceptable to the Zoning Administrator Within a ¼ mile of all residences Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC, GC, PI |
 | General Character Linear shaded public open space Allow for social and commercial activity to spill into the public realm Consist of a hardscape pathway with permeable and/or impermeable pavers and surfaces, and activated by building entries that face onto it Landscaped, and activated with seating areas, patios, sidewalks, fountains, and similar amenities Location and Size Minimum width: 16 feet Maximum width: 30 feet Minimum pedestrian passage width: 8 feet Minimum pervious cover: 20% Located to provide inter-block connections from one street to another Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC, GC |
 | General Character Vegetated space on top of a flat or gently-sloped roof Space is usable by the general public, residents, employees, or customers Location and Size Roof load: A registered professional engineer shall certify that the roof can support any proposed new loads and whether any additional steps are required to keep new roof components in place when subjected to a wind speed of more than 90 mph. Roof edge protection: To avoid loose material from falling, a perimeter opaque barrier shall be established on the perimeter of the garden with a minimum height of 42 inches. Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC, GC |
 | General Character Sidewalk extension that provides seating, plantings, and other amenities. Typically installed in parallel, on-street parking spaces Extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the parking space(s) Location and Size Minimum area: 180 square feet Maximum area: 360 square feet Minimum planted area: 25% Encroachment: Temporary or permanent right-of-way permit required Protection: A perimeter barrier shall be established with a minimum height of 36 inches and a maximum height of 42 inches. Permitted zoning districts: MU, UC |
 | General Character Consists of permitted uses for the district in the government facilities, office, and retail repair, sales, and service use categories Serves as a focal point in the development. In a cluster development may only consist of 10% of the site area and may only count toward a maximum of 10% of required open space Location and Size Minimum area: Minimum lot size for the district Maximum area: 7,500 square feet Minimum landscaped area: 25% Permitted zoning districts: RL, MU, UC, GC, PI |
 | General Character Informal natural space and/or green infrastructure for stormwater treatment purposes Spatially defined by natural features Paths, meadows, and wooded areas are designed to reflect the natural and cultural heritage of the site Potential to interconnect with other natural areas Location and Size Minimum area: 1 acre Minimum width: 25 feet at its narrowest point Located in areas of sensitive environmental resources, including but not limited to woodlands, waterways and riparian buffers, steep slopes, and floodplains Permitted zoning districts: RL (Must comprise 75% of open space in a cluster development), RM |
(Ord. 15039, passed 4-11-2022)