In addition to the findings required for all special use permits in this Chapter, the following standards shall be utilized by the Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission in reviewing all Planned Unit Development permit applications. These standards shall be used to guide the ingenuity, imagination, and design efforts of applicants.
A. Preservation of Landscape. The landscape shall be preserved in its natural state, insofar as practicable, by minimizing tree and soil removal, and any grade changes shall be in keeping with the general appearance of neighboring developed areas.
B. Relationship of Proposed Structures. Proposed structures shall be related harmoniously to the terrain and to existing structures in the vicinity and have a visual relationship to the existing nearby structures. The achievement of such relationship may include the creative enclosure of space in conjunction with other existing buildings or other proposed buildings and the creation of focal points with respect to avenues of approach, terrain features or other buildings.
C. Functional and Mechanical Features. Exposed storage areas, trash, and garbage retainers, exposed machinery installations, service areas, truck loading areas, utility buildings and structures, and similar accessory areas and structures shall be accounted for in the design of the project and made as unobtrusive as possible. They shall be subject to such setbacks, special planting or other screening methods as shall reasonably be required to prevent their being incongruous with the existing or contemplated environment and the surrounding properties.
D. Visual and Acoustical Privacy. The development shall provide reasonable visual and acoustical privacy for each building and dwelling unit. Fences, insulation, walks, barriers and landscaping shall be used as appropriate, for the protection and aesthetic enhancement of property and the privacy of its occupants, screening of objectionable views or uses, and reduction of noise.
E. Common Open Space. Each residential Planned Unit Development special use permit shall have a site plan which contains at least twenty percent (20%) usable common open space, except as it may be modified by the Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission in accord with this Chapter.
1. Ineligible Area. Such usable common open space shall not include:
a. Areas reserved for the exclusive use or benefit of an individual occupant;
b. Dedicated streets and other public rights-of-way;
c. Vehicular drives, private streets, and parking, loading and storage areas; nor
d. Strips of land less than ten (10) feet wide.
2. Access. Primary (abutting) access from such common open space to each building site need not be provided; however, convenient access through permanent easement must be provided and perpetually guaranteed to all residents not granted primary access.
3. Recreational Facilities. The only recreational facilities permitted within any common open space tract are those which are graphically shown on the face of the development plan at the time of approval by the President and Board of Trustees; provided however, that any development plan may be amended through the procedures specified in this Article.
4. Character and Quality. No proposed area on a site plan may be accepted as usable common open space unless its character and quality have been approved by the Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission. When making its determination, the Zoning, Planning and Appeals Commission shall give consideration to the following variables:
a. The size and character of the structures to be constructed within the Planned Unit Development;
b. The character of surrounding development;
c. The topography and existing amenities of the proposed area, including trees, ground cover and other natural features;
d. The manner in which the proposed area is to be improved and maintained for recreational or amenity purposes; and
e. The existence of public parks or other public recreational facilities in the vicinity and the relationship thereto.
5. Ownership and Maintenance. All land shown on the final development plan as common open space must be conveyed to a private association or similar organization formed by a condominium agreement, townhouse declaration, indenture, restrictive covenant or other binding agreement acceptable to the President and Board of Trustees. The legal instrument(s) creating such association or organization must specify that the common open space and related authorized improvements will be maintained according to the criteria enumerated in this Article, and shall include a provision granting the Village a right to enforce the same.
F. Surface Water Drainage. In conformance with the Stormwater Management regulations contained in Article XVIII of this Chapter, special attention shall be given to proper site surface drainage so that removal of surface waters will not adversely affect neighboring properties or the public storm drainage system. Surface water in all paved areas shall be collected at intervals so that it will not obstruct the flow of vehicular or pedestrian traffic.
(Ord. 397, passed 5-12-99; Am. Ord. 688, passed 5-17-2011)