The following standards shall apply in order for land to be deemed preserved open space required by this subchapter.
(A) Features to be preserved. In order to approve an OS-PUD project, the Planning Commission must determine that the parcel of land contains natural features which would be preserved through the use of cluster development. Such features must include at least two of the following:
(1) Natural stands of large trees;
(2) Significant or unusual natural habitat for wildlife within the developed portion of the property;
(3) Unusual topographic features;
(4) Annually productive farmland; or
(5) Water or wetland areas.
(B) A substantial portion of the open space shall be reasonably usable by the residents of the land for passive recreational uses such as hiking or picnicking.
(C) The open space may include a recreational trail, picnic area, children's play area, community building or other use that as determined by the Planning Commission, is substantially similar to these uses.
(D) A portion of the dedicated open space shall be located along the public road frontage abutting the site. The depth of this area shall be at least 50 feet not including public road right-of-way, and this area shall be left in its natural condition or landscaped to help reduce the view of houses on-site from the adjacent roadway and preserve the rural view.
(E) Open space areas are encouraged to be linked with any adjacent open spaces, public parks, bicycle paths, or pedestrian paths.
(F) The open space shall be available for all residents of the development, subject to reasonable rules and regulations and shall be reasonably accessible to the residents of the open space development. Safe and convenient pedestrian access points to the open space from the interior of the open space shall be provided.
(G) If the land contains a lake, stream, or other body of water, the Planning Commission may require that a portion of open space abut the body of water.
(H) Open space shall be located so as to preserve significant natural resources, natural features, scenic or wooded conditions, bodies of water, and wetlands.
(I) All open space must be determined by the Planning Commission to be:
(1) Quality and desirable land;
(2) For preserved farmland, of a size, topography, soil type and location so as to be able to be productively and reasonably used for crops;
(3) Not merely left over or undevelopable land; and
(4) Involving features that will enhance the desirability and value of the lots/units.
(J) The overall design of the open space development should emphasize the rural character of the township, provide views to open spaces from as many areas of the development as possible, and avoid long, straight, street segments and rows of homes.
(Ord. passed 7-12-2012, § 12.8; Ord. 2022-1, passed 1-13-2022)