Alden Town City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Subdivision Clusters
§ 365-44 Intent.
This provision is intended to promote imaginative, well-designed subdivisions which preserve open space, respect the physical qualities of the land and reduce overall development costs.
§ 365-45 Criteria for modifications.
Conventional lot and bulk requirements may be modified to provide the flexibility necessary to achieve the above goals. In its review of a proposed plan, the Planning Board shall give particular consideration to the following criteria:
A.
Individual lots, buildings, streets and parking areas shall be designed and situated to minimize alteration of the natural site features to be preserved.
B.
Cluster open space shall include irreplaceable natural features located in the tract (such as, but not limited to, stream beds, significant stands of trees, individual trees of significant size and rock outcroppings).
C.
Cluster open space intended for a recreation or public use shall be easily accessible.
D.
Diversity and originality in lot layout and individual building design shall be encouraged to achieve the best possible relationship between development and the land.
E.
Safer accommodations for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic shall be provided.
§ 365-46 General regulations.
A.
Permitted districts. Cluster development shall be permitted in any district permitting residential uses.
B.
Minimum development area. Cluster development shall be restricted to tracts of no less than 10 acres.
C.
Lot and yard modifications. Reduction of lot area shall not exceed 50% in cluster subdivisions. Reductions in lot width and other bulk dimensions shall not exceed 33%.
D.
Density. Maximum overall density of the cluster development shall not exceed the maximum density normally permitted in that district in which the cluster development lies.
E.
Open space.
(1)
All lot reductions shall be compensated for by an equivalent amount of land in cluster open space to be preserved and maintained for its scenic value, for recreation or conservation purposes, or for schools, community buildings or related uses.
(2)
At the Town's option, open space may be accepted by dedication and operated by the Town as a public recreational facility.
(3)
If open space is not dedicated to the Town, it shall be protected by legal arrangements, such as homeowners' associations which are satisfactory to the Town Board and sufficient to assure its maintenance and preservation.