§ 20-506. Standards and guidelines for single-family detached residential planned unit developments.

(a)

Intent. The use of planned unit developments for residential purposes should result in a reasonable and verifiable exchange between the city and the developer. The developer gains the potential for offering reduced lot sizes and flexibility in development standards which results in a combination of reduced development costs and improved marketing flexibility. At the same time, the city should be offered enhanced environmental sensitivity beyond normal ordinance requirements. Lot sizes should reflect the site's environmental limitations and opportunities and offer a range of housing pricing options. In addition, quality of development, as evidenced by landscaping, construction quality, provision of public/private open and recreational space, should also be enhanced.

(b)

Minimum lot size. The standard single-family residential PUD allows lot sizes down to a minimum of 11,000 square feet (excluding identified wetland areas from lot calculations). The applicant must demonstrate that there are a mix of lot sizes and proposed housing types consistent with the local terrain conditions, preservation of natural features and open space and that lot sizes are consistent with average building footprints that will be concurrently approved with the PUD. The applicant must demonstrate that each lot is able to accommodate a 60-foot by 60-foot building pad without intruding into any required setback area or protective easement. Each home must also have a minimum rear yard 30 feet deep.

(c)

Minimum lot width at building setback: 90 feet.

(d)

Minimum lot depth: 100 feet.

(e)

Minimum setbacks:

(1)

Front yard: 30 feet. The 30-foot front yard setback may be waived by the city council when it is demonstrated that environmental protection will be enhanced. In these instances, a minimum front yard setback of 20 feet shall be maintained.

(2)

Rear yard: 30 feet.

(3)

Side yard: Ten feet.

(4)

Accessory buildings and structures: Located adjacent to or behind principal structure a minimum of ten feet from property line.

(f)

Protection and preservation of natural features. The applicant must demonstrate that the flexibility provided by the PUD is used to protect and preserve natural features such as tree stands, wetlands, ponds and scenic views. These areas are to be permanently protected as public or private tracts or protected by permanently recorded easements.

(g)

Landscaping plan. An overall landscaping plan is required. The plan shall contain the following:

(1)

Boulevard plantings. Located in front yard areas shall require a mix of over-story trees and other plantings consistent with the site. A minimum of one over-story tree must be provided in each front yard. In place of mass grading for building pads and roads, stone or decorative block retaining walls shall be employed as required to preserve mature trees and the site's natural topography.

(2)

Exterior landscaping and double-fronted lots. Landscaped berms shall be provided to buffer the site and lots from major roadways, railroads, and more intensive uses. Similar measures shall be provided for double-fronted lots. Where necessary to accommodate this landscaping, additional lot depth may be required.

(3)

Rear yard. The rear yard shall contain at least two over-story trees. Preservation of existing trees having a diameter of at least six inches at four feet in height can be used to satisfy this requirement of the PUD and the plans should be developed to maximize tree preservation.

(h)

Architectural standards. The applicant should demonstrate that the PUD will provide for a high level of architectural design and building materials. While this requirement is not intended to minimize design flexibility, a set of architectural standards should be prepared for city approval. The primary purpose of this section is to assure the city that high quality design will be employed and that home construction can take place without variances or impact to adjoining lots. The PUD agreement should include the following:

(1)

Standards for exterior architectural treatments.

(2)

Prohibition against freestanding garages may be required by the city when it is felt that unattached garages will be difficult to accommodate due to small lot sizes. If an attached garage is to be converted to living space at some time in the future, the applicant will have to demonstrate that there is sufficient room to accommodate a two-car garage without variances to obtain a permit.

(3)

Guidelines regulating the placement of air conditioners, dog kennels, storage buildings, and other accessory uses that could potentially impact adjoining parcels due to small lot sizes.

(Ord. No. 179, § 1, 11-23-92; Ord. No. 377, §§ 69, 70, 5-24-04; Ord. No. 542, § 1, 6-25-12; Ord. No. 628, § 24, 12-11-17)