(A) (1) Within any R One-Family Residential District, the minimum lot sizes may be reduced in accordance with the percentage figures stated below, providing the dwelling unit density shall be no greater than as if the land area to be subdivided were developed in the minimum square foot lot areas as required for each One-Family Residential District under § 154.020(D).
Residential District | Percent of Reduction |
R-1 | 15 |
R-2 | 13 |
(2) This reduction may be accomplished in part by reducing lot widths up to ten feet. All calculations shall be predicated upon the One-Family Districts having the following gross densities (including roads):
Residential District | Dwelling Units Per Acre |
R-1 | 4.1 |
R-2 | 3.2 |
(B) For each square foot of land gained, under the provisions above, within a residential subdivision, through the reduction of the lot area below the minimum requirements as outlined in § 154.020(D), at least equal amounts of land shall be dedicated to the common use of the lot owners of the subdivision in a manner approved by Council.
(C) The area to be dedicated for subdivision open space purposes shall not be less than five acres and shall be in a location and shape approved by the Planning Commission. The developer or subdivider shall dedicate the total park area at the time of filing the final plat on all or any portion of the plat. Such park areas shall not include as part of their minimum land area bodies of water, swamps or excessive grades which make the land unusable for recreational purposes.
(D) This plan for reduced lot sizes shall only be permitted if it is mutually agreeable to Council and the subdivider or developer.
(E) This development for reduced lot sizes shall be started within one year after having received approval of the final plat, and shall be completed in a reasonable amount of time. Failure to start within this period shall automatically void all previous approval.
(F) In approving the application of the open space development technique, the Planning Commission shall be cognizant of the following objectives:
(1) To provide a more desirable living environment by preserving the natural character of the site: stands of trees, hills, streams and similar natural assets.
(2) To encourage developers to use a more creative approach in the development of residential areas, thereby designing safety into the street pattern.
(3) To encourage a more efficient and desirable use of open areas designed for common use while recognizing a reduction in development costs and by allowing the developer to bypass natural obstacles on the site.
(4) In approving an open space development, the Planning Commission shall determine that the width, depth and shape of adjacent lots are similar and large variations shall not be permitted.
(`94 Code, § 1177.02) (Ord. 26-82, passed 12-28-82)