13.32.010 CLUSTER SUBDIVISIONS AND OPEN SPACE: Cluster Subdivisions Standards

The purpose of cluster development is for maximum design flexibility, separate residential uses from agricultural uses, and to preserve the rural and agricultural character of the County to the maximum extent possible, while still permitting new residential uses. 1. Clustering of residential development shall be done in such a way that: a. Unbuilt areas of the property are maintained by any one or combination of the following: i. Creation of a Homeowners Association with approved covenants. ii. A deed restriction following procedures outlined in Section 13.32.030. iii. Alternate option approved by the Land Use Authority. b. No building, structure, or fence shall be placed on greater than the percentage of built area for any zone. c. Minimum setbacks are reserved. d. Traditional access through the property to public lands shall be maintained in accordance with the County’s General Plan. e. The area surrounding and included in the development are not adversely affected by the design. f. All lots in cluster subdivisions shall be served by an internal access road with limited access to existing County roads. 2. Cluster subdivisions shall follow all procedures outlined in this title. 3. The following rules should apply in cluster subdivisions: a. The density permitted in cluster subdivisions will be as specified in each individual zone. b. All parcels in a cluster subdivision except the residual parcel should be grouped together and contiguous. c. The open space that is created through clustering should allow for agricultural lands to continue to be farmed, storm water to be channelized or detained by grass swales and ponding areas, and preserve open spaces that provide natural habitat areas. d. If open space of the cluster development is to be used for agriculture a buffer between residential and agricultural uses may be necessary. e. Where development exists adjacent to proposed development an attempt should be made to interconnect development and open space. f. The location of buildings in clustering should follow the following criteria for site selection: i. Buildings should be built on least fertile soils. ii. Buildings should not occur on wetlands, buffers, transition areas, flood plains, or areas with steep slopes. iii. Buildings should be clustered in the least visible portions of the site, such as the edges of fields.