§ 33-203.2. Site plan review criteria.

The following criteria shall apply in the plan review process for multi-family housing developments permitted by Section 33-203(6.1) of this Code:

Purpose and intent: The proposed development authorized herein shall promote urban design, connectivity and walkability. The site plan shall foster high quality public space within the development through the use of urban design principles.

Planning studies: Design, planning studies or neighborhood area studies approved by the Board of County Commissioners that include development patterns or environmental design criteria which would apply to the development proposal under review shall be utilized in the plan review process.

Landscape: Landscape shall be preserved in its natural state insofar as is practicable by minimizing tree removal. Landscape shall be used to shade and cool, direct wind movements, enhance architectural features, relate structure design to site, visually screen noncompatible uses and block noise generated by the major roadways and intense use areas.

Buffers: Buffering elements in the form of architectural design and landscape design that provide a logical transition to adjoining existing or permitted uses shall be provided.

Scale: Scale of proposed structures shall be compatible with surrounding proposed or existing uses or shall be made compatible by the use of buffering elements.

Circulation: Pedestrian, bicycle and motor vehicle circulation shall be separated insofar as is practicable and all circulation systems shall adequately serve the needs of the development and be compatible and functional with circulation systems outside the development. Gates which control ingress/egress to the development shall be prohibited.

Energy consideration: Site design methods to reduce energy consumption shall be encouraged. Site conservation method may include siting of structures in relation to prevailing breezes and sun angles and use of landscape materials for shade and transpiration.

Parking areas: In addition to the requirements of the landscape regulation of the code, building wall extensions, planting, berms or other innovative methods shall be used as a means of minimizing the adverse effect of the visual impact of parking areas.

Open spaces: Open space shall relate to natural characteristics in such a way so as to preserve an enhance their scenic and functional qualities.

Recreational amenities: Recreational amenities such as swimming pools, athletic courts and fields, jogging and bicycle paths, community buildings, and the like, shall be included within the development to meet the needs of the residents and designed as an integral part of the overall design of the development.

Graphics: Graphics, as required, shall be designated as an integral part of the overall design of the development.

Art display: Permanent interior and exterior art displays and water features shall be encouraged in the overall design of the development.

Visual screening for decorative walls: In an effort to prevent graffiti vandalism, the following options shall be utilized for walls abutting zoned or dedicated rights-of-way:

(a)

Wall with landscaping. The wall shall be setback 2½ feet from the right-of way line. The resulting setback area shall contain a continuous extensively landscaped buffer which must be maintained in a good healthy condition by the property owner, or where applicable, by the condominium, homeowners or similar association. The landscape buffer shall contain one or more of the following planting materials:

(1)

Shrubs. Shrubs shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height when measured immediately after planting and shall be planted and maintained to form a continuous, unbroken, solid, visual screen within 1 year after time of planting.

(2)

Hedges. Hedges shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height when measured immediately after planting and shall be planted and maintained to form a continuous, unbroken, solid, visual screen within 1 year after time of planting.

(3)

Vines: Climbing vines shall be a minimum of 36 inches in heights immediately after planting.

(4)

Metal picket fence. Where a metal picket fence abutting a zoned or dedicated right-of-way is constructed in lieu of a decorative wall, landscaping shall not be required.

(Ord. No. 05-189, § 3, 11-3-05)