(A) In the R-3 Zone, no new development of any multi-family dwellings or group dwelling shall be approved and no building permits, use permits or other entitlements shall be issued for any such development unless and until the owner or his designated representative files with and to the satisfaction of the Community Development Director, a site plan showing, in addition to the buildings and front, side and rear yards, recreational and leisure areas, passive amenities, private areas and common areas as required by this section.
(B) In the R-3 Zone, a minimum 400 square feet of recreational and leisure area shall be provided for each bedroom within each multi-family dwelling or group dwelling project site.
(C) Such recreational and leisure areas may consist of the following:
(1) Private areas. Private areas consisting of patios, yards, or balconies shall constitute a minimum of 40% of the total recreational and leisure area provided. Private areas located on the ground floor shall have a minimum dimension of ten feet, a minimum area of 200 square feet and shall be provided with solid enclosures between three and six feet in height and composed of material that is compatible in design and color with the adjoining dwelling unit. Private areas located above ground level shall have a minimum dimension of six feet and a minimum area of 50 square feet. Such balconies shall be enclosed with railings which meet the safety standards of the latest adopted edition of the California Building Code.
(2) Common areas. All recreational and leisure areas which are not used for private areas shall consist of common areas. Common areas shall have a minimum dimension of 20 feet and may include open lawn areas with less than a 10% grade, passive amenities, courtyards, and open spaces between buildings. Pergolas, swimming pools, tennis courts, play lots, volleyball pits, enclosed structures such as a gymnasium or racquetball court, or community gardens may also count as common areas but shall not be located in the front yard. Enclosed structures shall not constitute more than 10% of the total recreational and leisure area. Paved game courts and rooftops specifically designed for outdoor leisure activities shall not constitute more than 10% of the total recreational and leisure area. The remaining common area shall be open space, which shall be usable and integral to the project.
(3) On-site open space reductions. The Planning Commission may grant up to a 50% reduction in common open space requirements for developments that:
(a) Locate and allow public access to common open space areas immediately contiguous and directly accessible to a public park;
(b) Provide publicly accessible trail easements or pedestrian connections to existing open spaces, parks, or other public amenities; or
(c) Dedicate scenic and public access easements access along the Alhambra wash or Rubio wash.
(4) Off-site dedication. As part of a citywide long-range park and open space master plan, the city may establish a program where required recreational and leisure area may be provided off-site through the dedication and improvement of public open space consistent with city goals and policies. Improvements may include but are not limited to pocket parks, trails, or public plazas.
(5) In-lieu fee. The city may establish a program allowing for the payment of fees in lieu of providing on-site common open space. If this program is established, an applicant may opt to pay a fee at the rate established in lieu of providing common-site open space. Fees collected may be used to provide, enhance, or expand park and open space areas for residents.
(Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04; Am. Ord. 601-C.S., passed 3-4-14)