Applicable standards described in this section apply to new construction, whether such construction constitutes a new development or an expansion of an existing development. Multi-family dwelling units in mixed-use buildings are governed by § 156.517 Mixed Use Residential.
(A) Livability space ratio. A livability space ratio of 0.35 must be established for multi-family developments. A maximum of one-third of the livability space required for a development may be impervious surface. Fifty percent of the required livability space shall be designated to a defined area exclusively for ground floor units. This space must consist of a shared yard with accompanying private outdoor space for each ground-level unit or individual yards contiguous with the unit served. Either configuration must provide direct access from all ground floor units. The remaining livability space shall be designated for the development's use as a whole and shall be located to provide direct auditory, visual, and physical access from the dwelling units served.
(B) Recreation space.
(1) Recreation spaces shall be maintained in a safe and sanitary manner. A minimum of 10% of the parcel’s livability space shall be provided as recreation space for residents of the development. Each recreation space shall have a minimum area of 2,500 square feet. Recreation space requirements can be reduced at the discretion of the Zoning Board of Adjustment if any of the following are applicable: 1) a portion of the recreation space is a suitably improved roof area or enclosed floor area; 2) the anticipated needs of the residents require smaller or unique facilities; or 3) dedication of a greenway easement is provided by the developer when deemed reasonable.
(2) Multi-family dwelling projects shall include one playground consisting of a minimum 2,500 square feet defined area for children aged two through 12 for each 75 units. If the project is close to an existing recreation facility or park, alternative compliance can be agreed to at the discretion of the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Multi-family projects in the B1 – Central Business District are exempt from the recreation space and playground provision.
(C) Sidewalks and greenway connections. If an existing or planned greenway or sidewalk is near the project site, the Zoning Board of Adjustment may require connection to said right(s)-of-way via private trail, sidewalk, or conveyance of a public easement.
(D) Garbage disposal, outdoor storage, and screening. All solid waste, recycling, and outdoor storage shall be located along the side or the rear of the principal structure and screened to minimize any negative impact on persons occupying the development, neighboring properties, or public rights-of-way. Screening shall be architecturally compatible with the main buildings on site. Screening materials may include fences, walls, and landscaping and shall provide an opaque area screening.
(E) Building separation and orientation. No building shall be closer than 20 feet from any other building. Separate buildings shall not be arranged in straight rows.
(F) Building height. No building shall exceed the maximum building height specified in the zoning district.
(G) Access and adjoining streets. All developments shall have direct primary access to a publicly maintained street.
(1) Any development with more than 50 dwelling units shall provide a certified traffic engineering report. The aforementioned report shall be required as a condition of an approved special use permit.
(a) The report shall evaluate the capability of the adjoining street system to carry the traffic generated by the development and necessary improvements (i.e., widening, curb and gutter, acceleration/deceleration lanes, etc.).
(b) Improvements to adjoining streets (i.e., widening, curb and gutter, acceleration/deceleration lanes, etc.) shall be required if it is determined that the impact of the development warrants such improvements.
(c) Nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring the developer to obtain the traffic report prior to approval of the special use permit by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
(H) Parking. Surface parking shall be located away from each public street to the extent possible and, if practical, to the rear and sides of the principal building(s). In no case shall parking extend beyond the front building setback line. Parking shall be provided at a rate of no less than one space per unit, nor more than one space per bedroom, and a designated parking area for visitors shall be included. At the discretion. of the Zoning Board of Adjustment, alternative compliance may be agreed to when supported by a parking demand analysis or report completed by a competent agent.
(I) Design standards. Reserved.
(Res. 2022-23, passed 8-1-2022; Ord. 2024-05, passed 5-6-2024)