(a) The purpose of permitting residential clustering is to provide savings in sewer, water, facilities, land resources, and energy use through the concentration of dwellings, construction, and physical impact to specific areas of a tract. Cluster development permits variation in lot size, shape, and orientation without an increase in overall site density.
(b) Clustering may be permitted by the Planning Commission for PUD developments approved pursuant to this chapter. The decision of the Planning Commission as to whether or not to permit clustering for a particular project shall be guided by the following standards:
(1) Individual lots, buildings, streets, and parking areas shall be designed and situated to minimize alteration of the natural features and topography.
(2) Individual lots and buildings shall be arranged and situated to relate to surrounding properties to provide improved views from the buildings.
(3) Individual lots, buildings, streets, and parking areas shall be situated to avoid the adverse effects of shadows, noise, and traffic on the residents of the site and to lessen the area devoted to motor vehicles.
(4) Diversity, originality, lot layout, and individual building design shall be encouraged to achieve a more compatible relationship between development and the land.
(5) Cluster open space intended for recreational or public use shall be easily accessible to pedestrians. Open space intended for scenic value shall be visible from a significant number of units or buildings.
(c) Front, side, and rear yard requirements and lot areas that are otherwise required by this Zoning Code shall not apply in a cluster development except for perimeter lots. Variations from these required dimensions shall be shown on the PUD site plan and must be approved by the Planning Commission.
(d) The number of dwelling units (and other permitted nonresidential uses) permitted in a cluster development shall not exceed the density that would be permitted by applying the following procedure:
(1) Determine the gross site area of the PUD.
(2) Subtract all wetland areas as defined in Act 203 of 1979.
(3) Subtract all areas to be used for street right-of-way purposes.
(4) Divide the remaining net area available by the applicable lot size requirements.
(Ord. 52. Passed 6-16-97.)