(a) Cluster developments shall comply with the following specific standards and conditions upon a finding by the Planning Commission that such cluster development will:
(1) Preserve or protect natural features or environmental conditions of a land area proposed to be developed;
(2) Meet the open space or recreational needs of the future residents of a land area proposed to be developed;
(3) Assure an arrangement or placement of improvements and/or dwelling units on the land area proposed to be developed which will be functional and serviceable in all respects; and,
(4) Will not have significant impact on the use of the land area proposed to be developed or the adjacent property when considered as a whole for the purposes and to the extent permitted under this Code and the Comprehensive Plan.
(b) Permitted Uses.
(1) Single-family dwelling, detached.
(2) Single-family dwellings, attached, that contain no more than four dwelling units in a single building.
(3) Accessory uses and structures as permitted in the S-1, R-1, and R-2 Districts.
(4) Common open space.
(c) Minimum Development Area. The minimum development area for cluster development shall be four contiguous acres.
(d) Maximum Density. The residential density of the entire development area shall not exceed the maximum density of two units per acre in the S-1 District and four units per acre in the R-1 and R-2 District.
(e) Minimum Square Footage. A minimum floor area of 1,700 square feet per dwelling unit shall be required. The minimum floor area shall be net livable area exclusive of storage rooms, unfinished basements, garages, porches or other common areas.
(f) Maximum Height. A maximum height of any dwelling unit shall be 35 feet.
(g) Required Open Space. In any cluster development the total public or common open space area shall be not less than 30% of the gross acreage of the entire development area.
(h) Architectural Style and Review. The architectural style shall not be restricted. The applicant shall have the latitude and freedom and is encouraged to provide variety in the arrangement of the bulk and shape of buildings, open space and landscape features. The dwellings may be arranged in various groups, courts, sequences or clusters with open spaces organized and related to the dwellings so as to provide privacy and to form a unified composition of buildings and space. The Planning Commission shall evaluate the appearance of a project based on the quality of the design and its compatibility with its surroundings.
(i) Lot and Yard Requirements. Lot and yard requirements for any detached single-family portion of the development shall be as set forth for single-family units in the R-2 Zoning District in Chapter 1117. Lot and yard requirements for single-family, attached dwelling units shall be as set forth in the approved development plan provided, however, that the following minimums shall be maintained:
(1) Front yard. The front setback for each dwelling unit area shall be not less than 30 feet from the nearest edge of street pavement.
(2) Building separation. The minimum separation between buildings shall be:
A. Side to side, 20 feet.
B. Side to rear, 30 feet.
C. Rear to rear, 40 feet.
(3) Cluster area building spacing. Dwelling units shall be set back not less than 25 feet from any common open space boundary line, and 50 feet from the side and rear property lines of the cluster area. The Planning Commission may modify this requirement to account for any specific site topography and if it finds that the intent of this section will be adequately met.
(j) Access and Vehicular Circulation. The cluster development shall be served by a dedicated street. However, each dwelling unit need not so abut, provided that:
(1) Each dwelling unit is accessible, by means of a private drive, to service and emergency vehicles in a manner acceptable to the City Engineer and Fire Chief.
(2) Construction methods, standards and materials for private drives meet accepted engineering practice and are approved by the City Engineer.
(3) The location, design and construction of all utilities on private or common land is approved by the City Engineer and the appropriate utility division.
(4) The preservation and maintenance of all private drives and utilities on private land is assured by firm commitment of the abutting owners through documents recorded in the office of the County Recorder and approved as to form by the Law Director.
(k) Parking. Except as otherwise required herein, parking shall be required in accordance with the requirements set forth in Chapter 1125. Not less than one guest parking space shall be provided for every three dwelling units. Such parking shall be reasonable dispersed throughout the development and may be either on streets within the cluster development or in off-street parking areas. The Planning Commission may waive or modify this requirement if it finds that the intent of this section will be adequately met.
(l) Garages. A minimum of two enclosed parking spaces shall be provided for each unit.
(m) Ownership and Perpetual Maintenance. Proposed ownerships of all recreation, park, common areas and open space areas shall be identified and a perpetual maintenance plan for such areas submitted to the City for review and approval.
(Ord. 16-19. Passed 9-16-19.)