Open space, wherever possible, shall consist of interconnected areas throughout the development and be adjacent to, or accessible to, the maximum number of dwelling units practicable. Highest priority shall be given to including those areas of the site which best preserve the natural landscape and/or unique natural features. Other open space areas shall be large enough to be suitable for the intended purposes of the area and shall otherwise comply with the following:
(a) The open space required in Section 1136.05 shall be permanently preserved as common land.
(b) In determining if the proposed open space is in compliance with this section and Section 1136.05, the Planning and Design Commission shall consider the following criteria:
(1) A portion of the open space should be visible from adjacent public streets so that the benefits of the open space extend beyond the project boundaries.
(2) The open space should not solely include land areas merely because they have a shape or natural characteristics which make them unsuitable for conventional development.
(3) The open space shall include recreation buildings and areas exclusive of parking.
(4) The open space shall include retention or detention basins or ponds so long as they are designed in a manner which contributes to and complements the open space characteristics of the project.
(5) The open space shall not include required yards, street rights-of-way, private drives, parking areas, or minimum spacing between buildings.
(c) Open Space Credit. A portion of any land which is designated as preservation area, which is not considered buildable area, may be counted towards required open space based upon the following formula:
Maximum percentage of preservation land area counted toward open space credit | = | Percentage of total dwelling units immediately adjacent to and benefiting from the preservation area |
(Ord. 2007-5. Passed 4-17-07.)