(a) Definition. This section establishes standards for group housing projects. A group housing project, for the purposes of this Zoning Ordinance, is any structure or series of structures of:
(1) Single-family dwelling units;
(2) Two or more apartment buildings; or
(3) Three or more attached single-family row dwellings, where there is no intent to subdivide for sale of individual lots or buildings.
(b) Intent. This section is intended to provide certainty and flexibility in the application of the ordinance to the construction of group housing projects which, because of their nature, raise special questions concerning placement, bulk and the interrelationships between buildings within such projects, as well as other problems. Nothing in this section shall authorize uses or construction contrary to use, density or other limitations for the district in which the project is located, as contained in other provisions of this ordinance.
(c) Unauthorized Projects Forbidden. The construction of a group housing project except according to a plan approved as provided in this section is forbidden.
(d) Application; Filing. Applications for the construction of group housing projects shall be filed with the Planning Commission.
(e) Fee; Plan. An application for approval of a group housing project shall be accompanied by an application fee of fifty dollars ($50.00) and an overall development plan which shall include at least the following:
(1) A site map or maps drawn to scale, showing:
A. Proposed finished grades with contour intervals of two feet.
B. Proposed street system, including driveways, curb cuts and parking areas.
C. Proposed locations of buildings, fences, planting, pedestrian walkways and open areas.
D. Proposed locations of any external lighting and signs.
E. Locations of essential services.
(2) A tabulation of:
A. Total area of the premises.
B. Area of usable land.
C. Area of land proposed for streets.
D. Area of land per dwelling unit.
E. Area of land devoted to open space.
(3) A vicinity map showing the location of the site in relation to the surrounding neighborhood.
(4) Architectural sketches at an appropriate scale showing building height, bulk, i.e. external layout, and proposed use.
(5) A statement listing and fully explaining the specific modifications of the provisions of this ordinance which are necessary.
The applicant's filing plans required by this section shall demonstrate his financial capacity to complete the buildings and structures proposed within a reasonable time after approval is given.
(f) Standards for Review. The Planning Commission shall review any plans filed according to the following standards:
(1) General conformance with ordinance. The plan shall demonstrate that the proposed uses shall conform to those permitted in the district, that the open spaces provided will at least equal the minimums required in the district, that off-street parking and loading facilities meet the requirements of this ordinance and that all other general or special requirements of this ordinance are complied with.
(2) Traffic. The plan shall make adequate provision for the safe and convenient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic both within the site plan and to and from adjacent streets.
(3) Utilities and similar concerns. The plan shall demonstrate adequate access to necessary utilities, provision for essential services and adequate provision for drainage waste disposal and exterior elimination.
(4) Neighboring property. The plan shall demonstrate that light, heat, glare or any use or activity on the property subject to the plan will not adversely affect neighboring property nor discourage orderly development of adjacent properties in keeping with the uses permitted in the district.
(g) Commission Action. The Commission shall approve the plan, request modification of the plan or disapprove the plan. If the plan is approved or if requested modifications are made by the applicant and approved by the Commission, the plan shall be filed with the Building Inspector and construction of the project may proceed according to the plan.
(h) Minor Adjustment Following Approval. After the approval of the plan, minor changes may be made, with the approval of the Building Inspector, if such changes do not:
(1) Increase the ratio of gross floor area in structures to the total area of the premises;
(2) Change the nature or intensity of the use;
(3) Substantially reduce open spaces between buildings or setbacks from lot lines;
(4) Increase external effects on adjacent properties;
(5) Reduce off-street parking or loading spaces; or
(6) Substantially change any provisions for essential services.
(1970 Code Sec. 32-51)