Article 5: Development Standards
Section 5.5. Common Open Space and Public Recreation Area
5.5.1. Common Open Space
June 23, 2017
Morrisville, NC
Page 5-14
Unified Development Ordinance
d.
Residential subdivisions subject to public recreation area standards in Section
5.5.2, Public Recreation Area;e.
Multifamily Dwelling developments subject to public recreation area standards in Sectio
n 5.5.2, Public Recreation Area;and
f.
Development of one single-family detached, duplex, or manufactured home dwelling on an
existing lot.
(Ord. No. 2015-066, 07/28/2015; (Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
C.
Required Open Space Area
Required Total Common Open Space Area
A development shall provide the minimum area of common open space identified in Table
5.5.1.C.1, Required Total Common Open Space Area,based on the development’s base zoning
district and use classification.
Table
5.5.1.C.1: Required Total Common Open Space AreaUse Classification
Minimum Total Common Open Space Area
(as percentage of lot area)
Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD) and
Town Center Districts
All Other Districts
Mixed-Uses
5%
15% [1]
Institutional Uses
5%
10%
Commercial Uses (includes Animal Related Uses)
5%
10%
Industrial Uses
5%
5%
Notes:
[1] If residential dwelling units are proposed, the Minimum Total Common Open Space Area is reduced to 5%.
(Ord. No. 2015-002, 04/29/2015; Ord. No. 2015-066, 07/28/2015; Ord. No. 2016-001, 05/10/2016)
Allowable Common Open Space Areas
The features and areas identified in Table
5.5.1.C.2, Allowable Common Open Space Areasshall
be credited towards compliance with the open space set-aside standards of this section. They are
listed generally in the order of priority.
Table
5.5.1.C.2: Allowable Common Open Space AreasArea Counted as Common
Open Space
Description
Design and Maintenance Requirements
Natural Resource and Hazard Areas
Natural water features (including
lakes, ponds, rivers, streams,
rivers, wetlands, drainageways),
riparian buffers, flood hazard
areas, existing tree canopy and
specimen trees, steep slopes, and
important wildlife habitat areas,
including such areas used for
required public recreation area
Preservation of any existing natural resource
and hazard areas shall have highest priority for
locating open space.
Maintenance is limited to the minimum removal
and avoidance of hazards, nuisances, or
unhealthy conditions.