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170.16 CONSERVATION SUBDIVISIONS (Option for Residential Subdivisions).
The purpose of this section is to permit the development of conservation residential subdivisions in which buildings and dwellings are grouped closer together and on smaller sized lots than otherwise permitted per this chapter. The concept of conservation subdivision design will provide for flexibility in subdivision design to fit the natural characteristics of the land and will permit more usable open space, common ground and recreational areas. The provisions of this section shall not be construed to apply to any other section of this chapter. However, all other sections of this chapter shall apply to conservation subdivisions unless specifically exempted by this section. The district requirements may be varied provided that adequate open space shall be included to insure that the average land area per dwelling unit shall be equal to or greater than that permitted for the district in which the development is located. The following provisions apply:
1.   Open space, common ground or recreational areas shall be provided for the use and benefit of the family dwelling units in the development.
2.   All lots in the conservation subdivision must abut or have direct access to open space, common ground or recreational areas.
3.   The total land area of the development divided by the total number of dwelling units provides an average land area per family dwelling unit. Total land area of the development shall include all open space, common ground, and recreation areas, but shall not include land set aside for ponds, lakes or detention ponds within the subdivision, or the traffic surface area of subdivision roads.
4.   In no case shall approval be granted to developments which include lots containing less than fifty percent (50%) of the minimum lot area required by the Zoning Ordinance.
5.   As a condition of approving the conservation subdivision and permitting exceptions to the standard subdivision requirements, the subdivider shall submit with the final plat a subdivider’s agreement regarding the liability for and maintenance of the open space, common ground or recreation areas. A statement shall be included on the final plat indicating the open space covenants and designating the entity that maintains and enforces the covenants.