(A) General description and purpose. Planned unit developments are planned developments in which the principal use of land within a development is for both attached and detached single-family dwellings and/or condominiums, townhouses other multi-family dwellings and commercial development. A planned unit development is an alternative procedure for development that may be utilized by owners and developers with regard to the development of any parcel of land in those districts where planned unit developments are special uses listed in Table 4-1, Use Table. The purposes of a planned unit development are as follows:
(1) To provide for the preservation of large areas of open space for recreation and preservation of natural amenities;
(2) To provide flexibility in design to take the greatest advantage of natural land, water, trees and environmental and historical features;
(3) To provide for the creation of compatible neighborhood arrangements that give the home buyer greater choice in selecting his or her living environment;
(4) To provide sufficient freedom for the developer to submit plans that embody a creative approach to the use of lands and related physical development, as well as utilizing innovative techniques to enhance the visual character of the development;
(5) To provide for the efficient use of land that may result in smaller street and utility networks, better maintenance and upkeep of sewage disposal systems, and reduced development and maintenance costs;
(6) To establish criteria for the inclusion of compatible or associated uses to complement the residential area within the planned unit development;
(7) To simplify the procedures for obtaining approval of proposed development through expeditious review of proposed land use, site layout, public needs and health and safety factors;
(8) To minimize expenditures of public funds for services and maintenance of streets, roads, central sewage systems and similar utilities, and to promote the efficient investment of community resources; and
(9) To improve the level of amenities such as open space, appropriate and harmonious variety, creative design and a better environment.
(B) Location. Planned developments may be established in those zoning districts in which a planned unit development is shown as a special use in Table 4-1. Single-family dwellings, townhouses, condominiums, multi-family dwellings and commercial development or combinations thereof may be located within a planned unit development.
(C) Preliminary and final review procedures and approvals. The procedure for both preliminary and final approval by the Planning Board and the Board of Aldermen as described in § 2.06.04, Special Use Permits and § 2.06.05, Subdivision of Land, shall also be applicable to planned unit developments. The preliminary and final plats and documents shall meet the requirements of § 6.02, Planned Unit Developments and, in addition thereto, the following additional information and documents shall be submitted to the Planning Board and Board of Aldermen simultaneously with the final plat:
(1) A copy of the proposed declaration of unit ownership and the proposed bylaws meeting the requirements of G.S. Ch. 47A, in the event condominiums are involved in the planned unit development.
(2) If the proposed planned unit development is to consist of townhouses or other attached single-family dwellings other than condominiums, a copy of the proposed restrictions, covenants and easements shall be provided. The proposed annual budget for the homeowners' association shall also be included.
(Ord. passed 7-1-2021)