It is the intent of these regulations to recognize, encourage and accommodate in a unified project creative and imaginative planned residential developments that utilize innovations in the technology of land development that are in the best interests of the City of Stow and which are consistent with the residential objectives in the Comprehensive Plan to preserve sensitive natural features that contribute to the character of Stow. In order to accomplish this purpose, it is the intention in establishing these regulations to conditionally permit residential developments that provide for a variety of dwelling types, including single family detached, clustered, and attached; two-family; and townhouse dwellings in various locations of the City where, because of the natural features of a property, a departure from traditional development standards contained in the O, R-1, R-2 & R-3 Residential districts is warranted. The Planned Residential Development (PRD) regulations are designed to achieve the following objectives:
(a) To allow flexible residential development on larger sites, especially sites that are impacted by the existence of such natural features as swamps, wetlands, natural ponds, marshes, steep slopes, rock outcroppings, floodplain and large wooded areas.
(b) To permit the flexible spacing of lots and buildings in the O, R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts in order to encourage the separation of pedestrian and vehicular circulation; the conservation of the natural amenities of the landscape; the provision of readily accessible recreation area and green spaces; and the creation of functional and interesting residential areas.
(c) To promote a more efficient and economical arrangement, distribution and use of such facilities as public and private streets, sanitary sewers and central water supply.
(d) To ensure that the general building appearance of new development occurs in a manner and at a scale consistent with and otherwise maintains the basic character of the underlying single-family residential districts.
(e) To permit suitable associated recreational, service and accessory uses and facilities consistent with the demand created by the planned residential development and compatible with the existing and proposed use of lands adjacent to the planned residential development.
(f) To ensure that PRDs comply with these objectives by requiring a site plan and establishing a review process to ensure that all development is consistent with the plans that have been reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission and Council.
(Ord. 2007-222. Passed 1-10-08.)