§ 33-284.44. Site plan review.

(A)

[ Purpose. ] The purpose of the site plan review is to encourage logic, imagination, innovation and variety in the design process and ensure the congruity of the proposed development and its compatibility with the surrounding area. The Department shall review plans for compliance with zoning regulations and for compliance with the site plan review criteria.

(B)

Required exhibits. The following exhibits shall be prepared by design professionals, such as architects and landscape architects, and submitted to the Department of Planning and Zoning:

(1)

A location map indicating existing zoning on the site and adjacent areas.

(2)

Site plan at no less than one (1) inch equals one hundred (100) feet, including the following information:

(a)

Lot lines and setbacks.

(b)

Location, shape, size and height of existing and proposed buildings, decorative walls and elements and entrance features.

(c)

Landscaping in accordance with Chapter 18A of this Code.

(d)

Recreation facilities (if applicable).

(e)

Stages of development, if any.

(f)

Location of off-street parking.

(g)

Indication of exterior graphics.

(h)

Indication of design methods used to conserve energy.

(3)

Floor plans, and elevations of all typical units and any other structures such as recreation buildings. The total amount of lineal exterior wall area and that portion which has visual and physical access to outside patio/court areas shall be indicated for each typical unit.

(4)

Information indicating the following:

(a)

Gross and net acreage.

(b)

Lot sizes (dimensions and square footage).

(c)

Building heights and stories.

(d)

Building coverage for each lot.

(e)

Amount of common open space in square feet (if applicable).

(f)

Total trees provided and total trees required in accordance with Chapter 18A of this Code.

(g)

Parking required and provided.

(h)

Such other architectural and engineering data as may be required to evaluate the project.

(C)

Plan review standards. The following criteria shall be utilized in the plan review process:

(1)

Planning studies. Planning studies approved by the Board of County Commissioners that include development patterns or environmental and other design criteria shall be utilized in the plan review process.

(2)

Definition of private outdoor living spaces. The zero lot line unit shall be designed to integrate interior and exterior living areas. The configuration of the exterior walls of the unit shall define and enclose and/or partially enclose outdoor living areas.

(3)

[Block length.] Visual monotony created by excessive block lengths shall be avoided.

(4)

Landscape. Landscape shall be preserved in its natural state insofar as is practicable by minimizing removal of existing vegetation. Landscape shall be used to shade and cool, direct wind movements, enhance architectural features, relate structure design to the site, visually screen noncompatible uses and ameliorate the impact of noise.

(5)

Buffers. Architectural and/or landscape elements that provide a logical transition to adjoining, existing, or permitted uses shall be provided.

(6)

Subtropic architectural characteristics. Architecture and site development should incorporate consideration of the subtropical characteristics of the area. The provision of sun-control devices, shaded areas, vegetation, roof terraces and similar features characteristic of subtropical design is encouraged.

(7)

Energy conservation. Design methods to reduce energy consumption are encouraged. Energy conservation methods may include, but not be limited to, natural ventilation of structures, siting of structures in relation to prevailing breezes and sun angles, insulation of structures, use of landscape materials for shade and transpiration, and orientation of breezes.

(8)

Graphics. Outdoor graphics shall be designed as an integral part of the overall design of the project.

(9)

Visual access. Visual access shall be provided for the driver of an automobile backing out of the individual lot into the adjacent roadway. Dwelling units on corner lots shall be so situated and set back so as to provide unobstructed visual clearance at a roadway intersection.

(10)

Private open space. Open space intended for the private use of each individual dwelling unit should be so located and designed as to maximize its utility to the dwelling unit it serves and maximize its privacy, especially in relation to adjacent dwelling units.

(11)

Trash containers. Trash containers shall be screened and so designed as to be conveniently accessible to their users and collectors.

(12)

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 two and one-half (2½) feet from the right-of-way line and 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 (1) or more of the following planting materials:

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

Vines. Climbing vines shall be a minimum of thirty-six (36) inches in height immediately after planting.

(b)

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. 81-9, § 1, 2-3-81; Ord. No. 88-9, § 2, 2-16-88; Ord. No. 95-19, § 21, 2-7-95; Ord. No. 95-223, § 1, 12-5-95; Ord. No. 98-125, § 21, 9-3-98)