Section 175-37.09        DENSITY BONUSES.


Residential density bonuses up to a density of 6.0 dwelling units per acre dedicated to uses other than the commercial uses set forth in Sections 175-37.3(B) and (C) may be approved and granted at the discretion of the Town Council upon a finding that a proposed density bonus promotes the purposes of the Planned Neighborhood Development and provides additional public benefit. Each of the following amenities and any other amenities or proffered conditions will be evaluated by the Town Council and used in negotiations with the applicant:

 

A residential density up to 6.0 dwelling units per acre acceptable to both the applicant and the Town Council.

 

A. Dedicated Open Space - In exchange for increasing the dedicated natural open space beyond the required 25 percent, the project may qualify for a density bonus, provided the natural open space is increased by a minimum of 5 percent of the developable acreage. A bonus shall not be permitted for preservation areas or without sufficient justification of demonstrated benefit to the Town. Priority shall be given to protecting existing stands of mature trees.


B. Bikeways/Greenways - A system of bike paths and pedestrian greenways may qualify for a density bonus. In order to qualify, the bike paths or greenways shall form an integrated system of access within the development to principal off-site destinations, and be integrated with other planned or existing systems (i.e., Happy Creek Trail, Conservancy Park Trail, etc.).


C. Walk-Up Housing - A dwelling unit located above the ground floor of a structure that contains a non-residential use on the ground floor may be applied toward the allowable base density as one-half of a dwelling unit.  

 

D. Community and Institutional Uses    

 

Day Care Center: In a PND with 75 or more residential units, a parcel may be designated, dedicated and developed for use as a day care center.  This lot shall have a minimum of 100 square feet per residential unit within the PND, and be developed in accordance with the requirements of Town Code Section 175-107.1.  

 

Community Hall: In a PND with 100 or more residential lots or units, a community hall may be constructed, with an enclosed area of no less than 25 square feet for each residential unit or lot.  


E. Developed Recreational Facilities -  Such facilities may include, but shall not be limited to, tot lots and pocket parks, ball fields, courts or other athletic facilities, swimming pools, public pedestrian plazas or arcades with benches, water fountains and reflecting pools, terraces, sculptures, public art, involving unique design features and amenities.  To be considered for a density bonus, such recreational facilities shall be developed at a minimum ratio of three acres per 100 units, in addition to the minimum requirement in Section 15.


F. Enhanced streetscapes - Streets s developed with widened sidewalk area, substantial landscaping above the required minimum, approved traffic calming measures, pedestrian-oriented features, and bicycle parking facilities may be considered for a density bonus.


G. Other - Additional density bonuses may be granted based upon such other innovative factors as may be proposed by the applicant and accepted by the Town Council in its sole discretion.


(Ord. No. Z-1-05 Added Entire Section 4-11-05-Effective Upon Passage)