Subdivision 3-4 DESIGN STANDARDS: Planned Unit Developments – Open Space

Purpose. This section is provided as an alternative subdivision layout option to encourage the preservation and protection of open space and scenic, cultural, historic, and sensitive lands located within the County. This subdivision layout option is designed to promote efficiencies in the delivery of required infrastructure, facilities, and services in subdivision development. The planned unit development also provides an opportunity to promote the desired goals and policies to enhance the community character of the County. Zoning Districts. Planned Unit Developments may be allowed in the following zoning districts: 1. Agricultural (A); 2. Commercial (C); and 3. Residential (R). Application. A planned unit development application shall be made as a preliminary subdivision application and a final subdivision application, and is subject to subdivision review and approval standards as provided by this ordinance for a preliminary and final subdivision application. General Requirements. 1. Lot Area. In order to achieve the effect of clustering and provide desirable open space, the minimum lot area within a planned unit development may be smaller than the minimum size required in the zoning district, as approved by the ALUA. 2. Lot Width and Frontage. The minimum lot width and minimum lot frontage provided for each lot located within a planned unit development may be reduced from the minimum requirements of the zoning district, as approved by the ALUA. 3. Setbacks. The minimum front, side, and rear yard setback requirements provided for each lot located within a planned unit development may be reduced from the minimum requirements of the zoning district, as approved by the ALUA. Open Space. 1. Minimum Area. A planned unit development shall provide for a minimum of 50% of the total acreage of the subdivision site as open space in accordance with the open space standards, maintenance and dedication requirements provided by this section. As practicable, the open space lands within a planned unit development shall be contiguous and shall provide connectivity to other open space areas. 2. Preservation and Protection. Open space areas provided in a planned unit development shall be identified as permanently restricted from any future development by a plat note, conservation easement, or other method of long-term protection and preservation. Open space protection and preservation methods shall be recorded concurrent with the recording of the final subdivision plat. 3. Ownership. The ownership of any open space areas shall be in a single ownership and may be owned and maintained by one of the following entities: homeowners’ association, land trust, conservation organization, governmental agency or private individual, as approved by the County Commission. 4. Maintenance Responsibility. a. All preliminary and final subdivision applications proposing a planned unit development shall provide an open space ownership and maintenance plan addressing the proposed ownership and permanent maintenance of the open space area within the planned unit development. The maintenance responsibility of open space areas shall be clearly stated by a plat note, recordable document, or other method approved by the ALUA in concurrence with the final approval of the subdivision plat. b. Any amendments to an approved open space ownership and maintenance plan shall be approved by the ALUA. Improvements Guarantee. All preliminary and final subdivision applications proposing a planned unit development shall comply with all land use ordinances of the County, including all on-site and off-site improvements and guarantee for the installation of subdivision improvements.