Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance – September 2018

Article 5: Development Standards Section 5.5. Common Open Space and Public Recreation Area 5.5.1. Common Open Space

Required common open space shall be located to be readily accessible and useable by occupants and users of the development. Where possible, a portion of the open space should provide focal points for the development through prominent placement or easy visual access from streets. If the development site is adjacent to existing or planned parks, greenways, or other public open space, required common open space shall, to the maximum extent practicable, be located to adjoin, extend, and enlarge the park, greenway, or other public open space. If the development contains, or adjoins an existing or planned transit station, required common open space shall, to the maximum extent practicable, adjoin the transit station site or be integrated with the transit station or other open space adjoining the transit station in accordance with any Town- adopted plans for the transit station area. Such required common open space shall be furnished with at least three of the following types of community amenities: a. Benches or seating areas; b. Raised landscape planters; c. Shade structures; d. Public art (e.g., sculptures, murals, water elements, carvings, frescos, mosaics, mobiles); e. A courtyard; f. Decorative shelters for transit riders (as approved by the Town); or g. Similar community amenities approved by the Town. E. Development Within Required Common Open Space Areas Development within required common open space areas shall be limited to that appropriate to the purposes of the type(s) of common open space (see Table 5.5.1.C.2 , Allowable Common Open Space Areas). Where appropriate to the type of common open space, such development may include, but is not limited to: a. Walking, jogging, and biking paths or trails; b. Benches or other seating areas; c. Tables, shelters, grills, and other picnicking facilities; d. Docks and other facilities for fishing; h. Tot lots and play structures for children; i. Gardens or seasonal planting areas; and j. Swimming pools, athletic fields and courts, and associated clubhouses. F. Ownership, Management, and Maintenance of Common Open Space Required common open space area shall be managed and maintained as permanent open space through one or more of the following options: a. Open space may be held in common ownership by the owner(s) of the development, who will be responsible for managing and maintaining the land for its intended open space purposes. e. Environmental education guides and exhibits; f. Gazebos and other decorative structures; g. Fountains or other water features;

Morrisville, NC

September 25, 2018

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 5-17