PZ - Multifamily Open Space Standards
11-4-3-27: MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENT:
Commented \[BEM1\]: Many of these changes are to
require the same level of standards adopted now, prior to
Multi-family developments with multiple properties shall be considered as one property
changes in 11-3G, which is now for single-family and
for the purpose of implementing the standards set forth in this section.
excluding multi-family.
A. Purpose:
Commented \[BEM2\]: Copied one from draft changes to
11-3G
1. To implement the goals and policies of the Comprehensive Plan:
a. Plan for safe, attractive, and well-maintained neighborhoods that have ample
open space, and generous amenities that provide varied lifestyle choices.
b. Require the design and construction of pathways connections, easy pedestrian
and bicycle access to parks, safe routes to schools, and the incorporation of
usable open space with quality amenities as part of new multi-family residential
and mixed-use developments.
1.2. To create multi-family housing that is safe and convenient and that enhances the
quality of life of its residents.
a. 2.To create quality buildings and designs for multi-family development that
enhance the visual character of the community.
b. 3.To create building and site design in multi-family development that is sensitive
to and well integrated with the surrounding neighborhood.
c. 4.To create open space areas that contribute to the aesthetics of the community,
provide an attractive setting for buildings, and provide safe, interesting outdoor
spaces for residents. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
B. Site Design:
1. Buildings shall provide a minimum setback of ten feet (10') unless a greater setback
is otherwise required by this title and/or title 10 of this Code. Building setbacks shall take
into account windows, entrances, porches and patios, and how they impact adjacent
properties. (Ord. 19-1833, 7-9-2019)
2. All on site service areas, outdoor storage areas, waste storage, disposal facilities, and
transformer and utility vaults shall be located in an area not visible from a public street, or
shall be fully screened from view from a public street.
3. A minimum of eighty (80) square feet of private, usable open space shall be provided
for each unit. This requirement can be satisfied through porches, patios, decks, and/or
enclosed yards. Landscaping, entryway and other accessways shall not count toward this
requirement. In circumstances where strict adherence to such standard would create
inconsistency with the purpose statements of this section, the Director may consider an
alternative design proposal through the alternative compliance provisions as set forth in
section 11-5B-5 of this title.
4. For the purposes of this section, vehicular circulation areas, parking areas, and
private usable open space shall not be considered common open space.
5. No recreational vehicles, snowmobiles, boats or other personal recreation vehicles
shall be stored on the site unless provided for in a separate, designated and screened area.
6. The parking shall meet the requirements set forth in chapter 3, "Regulations
Applying To All Districts", of this title.
7. Developments with twenty (20) units or more shall provide the following:
a. A property management office.
b. A maintenance storage area.
c. A central mailbox location, including provisions for parcel mail, that provide safe
pedestrian and/or vehicular access.
d. A directory and map of the development at an entrance or convenient location for
those entering the development. (Ord. 18-1773, 4-24-2018)
C. Common Open Space Design Requirements:
1. The total baseline land area of all qualified common open space shall equal or
exceed ten percent (10%) of the gross land area of the development. All common
open space shall meet the following standards:
Commented \[BEM3\]: Intent is to match single-family
(as it currently does)
a. The development plan shall demonstrate that the open space has been
integrated into the development as a priority and not for the use of land after all
other elements of the development have been designed. Open space areas that
has been given priority in the development design have direct (a) direct
pedestrian access, (b) high visibility, (c) comply with Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CTED) standards, and (d) support a range of leisure and
play activities and uses. Irregular shaped, disconnected or isolated open spaces
do not meet this standard.
b. Open space shall be accessible and well connected throughout the development.
This quality can be shown with open spaces that are centrally located within the
development, accessible by pathway and visually accessible along collector
streets or as a terminal view from a street.
c. The open space promotes the health and well-being of its residents. Open space
shall support active and passive uses for recreation, social gathering and
relaxation to serve the development.
1.2. In addition to the baseline open space requirement, an Aadditional minimum area
of outdoor common open space shall be provided as follows:
a. One hundred fifty (150) square feet for each unit containing five hundred (500)
or less square feet of living area.
b. Two hundred fifty (250) square feet for each unit containing more than five
hundred (500) square feet and up to one thousand two hundred (1,200) square
feet of living area.
c. Three hundred fifty (350) square feet for each unit containing more than one
thousand two hundred (1,200) square feet of living area.
2.3. Common open space shall be not less than four hundred (400) square feet in area,
and shall have a minimum length and width dimension of twenty feet (20').
3.4. In phased developments, common open space shall be provided in each phase of
the development consistent with the requirements for the size and number of
dwelling units. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
4.5. Unless otherwise approved through the conditional use process, common open
space areas shall not be adjacent to collector or arterial streets unless separated
from the street by a berm or constructed barrier at least four feet (4') in height, with
breaks in the berm or barrier to allow for pedestrian access. (Ord. 09-1394, 3-3-
2009, eff. retroactive to 2-4-2009)
D. Site Development Amenities:
1. All multi-family projects over 20 units shall provide at least one common grassy
area integrated into the site design allowing for general activities by all ages. This
area may be included in the minimum required open space total. Projects that
providecan show safe access to adjacent public parks or parks under a common
HOA, without crossing an arterial roadway, are exempt fromnot required to meet
this standard. This area may be included in the minimum required open space total.
a. Minimum size of common grassy area is at least fifty feet by one hundred feet
(50' x 100') in area. A, plus an additional ten feet by ten feet (10’ x 10’)
commonin area shall be provided for every additional ten (10) dwelling units.
Commented \[BEM4\]: This is only 10 SQFT per dwelling
unit, or 1% of a 1,000 SQFT apartment. This ensures
Additional area shouldall generally be grouped linearly, unhindered by large
some scalability for larger projects, but is not onerous or
obstructions, and shall not be wrapped around building corners or out of site
requiring “extra” minimum open space. It does require
from the baseline area. Areas larger than the baseline size may be separated and
better design, but so does the new qualifications for open
space.
included elsewhere in a development.
b. Alternative Compliance is available withfor this standard, forif a project has s
Essentially, the area is increased by the baseline amount,
for every 50 units.
witha unique targeted demographics, for projects or utilizes other place-making
design elements in the Old-Town future land use, forand Mixed-Use future land
Commented \[BP5\]: May need a graphic to demonstrate
this idea. Good design versus bad design.
use designations with collectively integrated and shared open space areas, and
for projects showing other unique opportunities such as infill with urban site
Commented \[BEM6\]: New thought.
design such as increased hardscape..
Commented \[BEM7\]: This is attempting to allow some
of the other qualified active/passive area options in the
1.2. All multi-family developments shall provide for quality of life, open space and
current standards.
recreation amenities to meet the particular needs of the residents as follows:
Commented \[BP8\]: Going to require a change to UDC
a. Quality of life:
11-5B-8. This section of code only allows modifications to
(1) Clubhouse.
the private open space standards.
(2) Fitness facilities.
(3) Enclosed bike storage.
(4) Public art such as a statue.
b. Open space:
(1) Open grassy area of at least fifty by one hundred feet (50 x 100') in size.
(12) Community garden.
(23) Ponds or water features.
(34) Plaza.
c. Recreation:
(1) Pool.
(2) Walking trails.
(3) Children's play structures.
(4) Sports courts.
23. The number of amenities shall depend on the size of multi- family development as
follows:
a. For multi-family developments with less than twenty (20) units, two (2) amenities
shall be provided from two (2) separate categories.
b. For multi-family development between twenty (20) and seventy five (75) units,
three (3) amenities shall be provided, with one from each category.
c. For multi-family development with seventy five (75) units or more, four (4)
amenities shall be provided, with at least one from each category.
d. For multi-family developments with more than one hundred (100) units, the
decision making body shall require additional amenities commensurate to the size of the
proposed development.
34. The decision making body shall be authorized to consider other improvements in
addition to those provided under this subsection D, provided that these improvements
provide a similar level of amenity. (Ord. 05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005)
E. Landscaping Requirements:
1. Development shall meet the minimum landscaping requirements in accord with
chapter 3, "Regulations Applying To All Districts", of this title. (Ord. 16-1672, 2-16-2016)
2. All street facing elevations shall have landscaping along their foundation. The
foundation landscaping shall meet the following minimum standards:
a. The landscaped area shall be at least three feet (3') wide.
b. For every three (3) linear feet of foundation, an evergreen shrub having a
minimum mature height of twenty four inches (24") shall be planted.
c. Ground cover plants shall be planted in the remainder of the landscaped area. (Ord.
05-1170, 8-30-2005, eff. 9-15-2005; amd. Ord. 16-1672, 2-16-2016)
F. Maintenance And Ownership Responsibilities: All multi-family developments shall
record legally binding documents that state the maintenance and ownership
responsibilities for the management of the development, including, but not limited to,
structures, parking, common areas, and other development features. (Ord. 16-1672, 2-16-
2016)