ORD-2003-116 Amendments to Open Space Standards for Flexible Development Subdivisions

Browse Search

25 and cultural attributes. In some cases, this open use will be mandated by a Parks and Recreation land dedication, as part of the subdivision plan approval. There is, however, no requirement that private open space be open to the public. In some cases, open spaces may have limited access because of fragile habitats or steep slopes. Plans should at least accommodate local subdivision access to private Primary Conservation Areas for maintenance purposes. Secondary Conservation Areas are intended to be available to, at least, the subdivision residents, particularly when they include pedestrian paths and other active or passive private recreation areas. Again, this is not required. There are some defined Secondary Conservation Area uses that would not necessarily be compatible with public access, such as managed timber and agricultural resource areas. In all circumstances, the overall goals of a project's open space plan should be taken into account on a case -by -case basis when determining the level of public or private access to its open spaces. These plans of access and use would be according to the subdivision Resolution of Approval. 3 — What is the definition of a pedestrian access way? A pedestrian access way is a Secondary Conservation Area that is undeveloped, fifty feet wide, under common ownership and reasonably passable by foot. There is no requirement that a path be constructed in pavement, gravel, mulch, or any other material. The building of a path may be appropriate, and projects should be examined on a case - by -case basis to determine when the open space purpose and layout suggest that a path should be built. For example, a walkway ringing a development, or leading to a developed park may require a constructed path to be fully useful as an outdoor recreational amenity. An open channel between homes that leads into undeveloped Primary Conservation Area may not have as much use for a developed trail, since the stream bank, wetland or habitat area it leads to may itself not be suited for general pedestrian traffic. The language in this section has been changed from the version presented at the Public Hearing. At that time, this was referred to as a `Pedestrian Access Path'. This change was made to make it clearer that this open space is only required to be an open corridor. It is also now explicitly stated that an improved path is not required. Some landscaping may be requested for passability purposes or an improvement of the overall functionality of the space (rather than being a barren strip). The pedestrian access way is probably the easiest way to create Secondary Conservation Areas, since it does not have other composition requirements that increase cost or limit potential locations. It is intended that the liberal allowance of this open space will encourage developers to use pathways to ensure the accessibility of all residents to open space. The access ways are not intended to be interchangeable with wildlife corridors, and serve as linkages between large habitat and natural resource areas.