The purpose of this section is to provide an organizational framework or structure for the layout of new residential subdivisions. On a neighborhood-wide scale, residents will have easy access to at least one central neighborhood identity feature or gathering place (i.e. neighborhood park or recreation center). Such neighborhood identity features lend a "sense of place" to a new subdivision, thereby encouraging people to connect with their physical surroundings and interact with their neighbors. A neighborhood identity feature shall be provided within all eligible single- family, two-family, multifamily and mixed use residential developments as shown in Section 1185.05(a). Identity features may include a school (as approved by the appropriate school district), pocket park, trail system, pedestrian plaza or courtyard, community (clubhouse) building or garden, artwork such as a sculpture, water feature, fountain, picnic/barbeque area, or playground. When parks, trails, pedestrian plazas or courtyards, gardens, or picnic/barbeque areas are provided, the acreage that constitutes these features may count toward meeting fifty percent (50%) of the open space/parkland dedication requirements of the zoning code/subdivision regulations. Signage, fencing, and/or other aspects of a required perimeter treatment shall not be counted as an identity feature. In no event shall an identity feature credit be given for the area associated with features such as landscaping or perimeter treatment, entrance features, retention and detention area, or other items that are required by other provisions of the zoning and subdivision code unless specifically stated herein. A mechanism shall be defined and established by the developer to ensure approval and perpetual maintenance of all neighborhood identity features, per the development agreement.
(a) Neighborhood Identity Feature Table: Where the number of acres and the number of dwelling units proposed in a development results in two different numbers of required identity features, the larger number of required identity features shall be used.
Size of Residential Development (Residential Acreage, Dwelling Units) | Number of Required Features |
Under 5 acres or up to 20 dwelling units | None |
5 -10 acres or 21 - 50 dwelling units | One |
11 - 50 acres or 51 -150 dwelling units | Two |
51 - 100 acres of 151 - 300 dwelling units | Three |
Over 100 acres or over 301 dwelling units | Four |
(b) Credit shall be given for identity features as follows:
(1) A system of trails throughout the entire development shall count as one (1) identity feature. Trails should be designed to provide interesting and distinct areas for walking, bicycling and/or riding in areas separate from and in addition to traditional sidewalks. Trails shall be designed and constructed using one of the following designs appropriate for the location as determined by the Planning and Zoning Administrator and Parks & Recreation Director or designee:
A. Ten (10) foot wide concrete or asphalt shared use trail;
B. Five (5) foot wide concrete or brick trail;
C. Five (5) foot wide crushed fines trail with collared edges - this trail is intended for the preservation of wetland and natural riparian areas; or
D. Five (5) foot wide decking or boardwalk trail.
(2) A pocket park, two (2) to five (5) acres in size shall count as one (1) identity feature. A park of 10 acres shall count as two (2) identity features. One neighborhood identity credit will be given for each five acre increment of contiguous parkland set aside. All parkland must be deeded to the Village.
(3) A water feature, fountain, or artwork such as a sculpture, shall count as one-half (½) identity feature.
(4) Play grounds with commercial grade equipment, picnic/barbeque areas with commercial grade equipment, or court games (tennis, volleyball or basketball) at least one-thousand (1,000) square feet in size shall each count as one (1) identity feature. Such features shall be reviewed and approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.
(5) Plazas, courtyards, or community gardens with collars to define garden hedges, which cover at least one thousand (1,000) square feet in size shall each count as one (1) identity feature.
(6) A community (clubhouse) building at least two thousand (2,000) square feet in size shall count as two (2) identity features.
(7) An in-the-ground swimming pool site at least (2,000) square feet in size shall count as two (2) identity features. If these facilities are utilized, they shall be maintained by the property owner/developer or homeowner's association.
(8) Other features may be considered credit toward meeting the identity feature requirement, subject to approval by the Planning and Zoning Administrator or designee. (Ord. 38-04. Passed 10-11-04.)