§ 30-203. Purpose and intent.

(a)

It is the purpose of this article to ensure conservation of open space within a new residential development. A conservation subdivision design preserves open space while maintaining the prorated density of residential units over the entire development. The overall density of each development is maintained by allowing smaller residential lots in neighborhoods that preserve aesthetically and ecologically important areas. The design process identifies and sets aside conservation areas prior to the delineation of transportation and residential layouts. Open space areas include wetlands, stream buffer zones, woodlands, farmlands, playing fields, and meadows, depending on the resources of the land.

(b)

The purposes of conservation subdivisions are as follows:

(1)

Preserve important areas of land for ecological, recreational, and agricultural purposes in perpetuity.

(2)

Preserve and protect exceptional terrain, scenic views, or sites of historic interest.

(3)

Protect water resources such as streams, wetlands, and aquifers.

(4)

Prevent flooding, erosion, and water pollution.

(5)

Preserve wildlife habitat and indigenous vegetation.

(6)

Promote interconnected greenways and corridors.

(7)

Promote contiguous open space with adjacent jurisdictions.

(8)

Encourage interaction in the community by clustering houses and orienting them closer to the street, providing public gathering places and encouraging use of parks and community facilities as focal points in the neighborhood.

(9)

Encourage street design that reduces traffic speed and reliance on arterial roads.

(10)

Promote construction of multi-use trails both within the subdivision and connected to neighboring communities, businesses, and facilities.

(Code 1997, § 19-101; Ord. of 12-5-2011(04), § 1)