(a) Minimum Area for Development. A Planned Development shall contain a minimum of one (1) acre. All land within the development shall be contiguous in that it shall not be divided into segments by a limited access highway or by a tract of land, other than streets or rights-of-way for public or private utility transmission lines, not owned by the landowner of the PD.
(b) Density of Development. A PD should not exceed the gross density permitted in the conventional zoning district most similar in nature and function to the pertinent portion of the PD, with the following exceptions:
(1) All densities are to be determined on the basis of gross dwelling units per acre, excluding such acreage as is used for nonresidential purposes.
(2) Densities may be increased in the net project area where the factors listed herein make a substantial improvement in the PD:
A. Landscaping, streetscape, open spaces and plazas, use of existing landscape, pedestrian way treatment, and residential areas;
B. Setting, visual focus points, use of existing physical features such as topography, view of sun and wind orientation, circulation pattern, physical environment, variation in building setbacks, and building groups (such as clustering);
C. Design features, street sections, architectural styles, harmonious use of materials, parking areas broken by landscape features, and varied use of building types;
D. Common open space exceeding the district requirements; or
E. Availability of contiguous publicly-owned open space, off-street parking, storm water retention basins and other facilities that reduce the need for such facilities within the PD.
(c) Minimum Requirements.
(1) Dwelling unit size, yard setback, type of dwelling unit, frontage and use restrictions, as established by conventional zoning may be waived for PDs, provided that the intent and objectives of the Comprehensive Plan are complied with in the total development plan. Building separation shall be maintained in accordance with the requirements of the Fire Prevention Code and other safety codes of the City and in accordance with good design principles.
(2) Every dwelling unit shall have continuous paved pedestrian access to adequate vehicle parking facilities conveniently located nearby.
(d) Perimeter Requirements. If topographical or other barriers within the development do not provide reasonable privacy for existing uses adjacent to the development, the City shall impose either of the following requirements, or may impose both if required by unique circumstances:
(1) Structures located on the perimeter of the development should be set back in accordance with the provisions of the conventional zoning district most similar in nature and function to the portion of the PD in which the structure within the development is situated.
(2) Structures located on the perimeter of the development must be well screened in a manner approved by the City. Screening shall be according to Section 1149.11 of this Zoning Code but may be more or less stringent at the sole discretion of the City if in the best interests of adjacent property owners.