A. General Requirements
1. Applicability
Common open space is required for any:
a. optional method development in an RNC or Residential zone;
b. standard method development with a townhouse or apartment building type in a Residential Townhouse or Residential Multi-Unit zone;
c. townhouse development in a Commercial/Residential or Employment zone; and
d. Floating zone, as required under the equivalent Euclidean zone that determines uses.
2. Defined
Common open space means an outdoor area that is intended for recreational use by residents and their visitors. Common open space does not include private individual lots.
B. Design Requirements
1. Standard Method Development
a. Common open space must be located in a central position or central positions in the neighborhood bordered by streets or building lots. It may be public or private. Common open space may also be placed in a location taking advantage of an important adjacent natural feature or open space.
b. The minimum width for any required common open space is 50 feet unless the deciding body grants an exception for items such as a trail easement, a mid-block crossing, or a linear park, by finding that its purpose meets the intent of Division 6.3.
c. A minimum of 50% of the required common open space must be in one contiguous area or only separated by a residential street. Any other areas must be a minimum of 2,000 square feet each and connected by sidewalks, paths, or trails.
2. Optional Method Development
Common open space must:
a. abut a public sidewalk or other public pedestrian route that provides easy access to all planned dwellings;
b. include space for pedestrian circulation, landscaping, seating, shade, or recreation; and
c. be in a contiguous space or spaces that abut other open space, adjacent or on-site natural features, or sidewalks or pedestrian routes, and are not so fragmented and disconnected by structures, parking, or stormwater management that they do not satisfy Section 6.3.1.
(Legislative History: Ord. No. 18-08, § 21; Ord. No. 19-35, § 2.)