The purpose and intent of this article is to regulate the manner in which land in the City of Carrollton is used and developed, to minimize adverse effects on surrounding property owners or the general public, and ensure that high quality development is maintained throughout the City.

A.

Use, occupation, erection and demolition.

No building or structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or structure or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, demolished, moved or altered except in conformity with the regulations of this ordinance.

B.

Height and density.

No building or structure shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed or altered to:

1.

Exceed the height limits.

2.

House a greater number of families per acre or occupy a smaller lot area per family than are herein allowed.

3.

Have narrower or smaller front, rear or side yards than are required.

C.

Reduction in Lot Size.

No lot shall be reduced in size so that lot width or depth, size of yards, lot area per family or any other requirement of this ordinance is not maintained. This limitation shall not apply when a portion of a lot is acquired for a public purpose.

D.

Yards and Other Spaces.

No part of a yard or the off-street parking or loading spaces that are required in connection with any building or use for the purpose of complying with the regulations of this ordinance shall be included as part of the yard of or the off-street parking or loading spaces required for another building, except as specifically provided herein.

E.

Minimum Lot Size for Residential Septic Tank Use.

1.

Regardless of the zoning classification, any lot which is served by an individual septic tank shall maintain at least 43,560 square feet of lot area, or as recommended by the Carroll County Health Department, whichever is greater.

2.

With respect to existing platted lots, the Carroll County Health Department will evaluate each individual request for a permit on a case-by-case basis.

3.

This restriction on lot size does not apply to residential development served by community sewer systems.

F.

Only One Principal Building or Use on One Lot.

Within single-family residential districts, no more than one (1) principal building or structure or use and its customary accessory buildings and uses shall be permitted on any lot. In all other districts, multiple uses per lot are permitted provided that each use is a permitted use within the base zoning district, and provided that yard and other requirements of this ordinance shall be met for each structure as though it were on an individual lot.

G.

Street Frontage Requirement.

No building or structure shall hereafter be erected on a lot that does not abut for at least forty (40) contiguous feet upon a single open street except that this restriction will not apply in the central business district.

H.

Standards for lot area, width, and density, and coverage are set forth in Table 4.01.01(H).

Table 4.01.01(H). Standards for Lot Area, Width, Density and Lot Coverage.

¹ For purposes of calculating the maximum residential units per acre (i.e., density) of a project, only developable property may be included in the calculation. Floodplains shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map, wetlands, submerged land, or other portions of the property that cannot be developed will not be included in the calculation.

² Residential units in C-2 are limited to six (6) units per acre, unless the property is located within the Lake Carroll Village Overlay, in which case the allowable residential density is fifteen (15) units per acre.

³ Residential units in C-3 are limited to six (6) units per acre, unless the property is located within the Maple Street Overlay, and meets the criteria set forth in Section 4.02.06(A)(2)(e), in which case the allowable residential density is ten (10) units per acre.

(Res. No. 05-2014, 5-5-14; Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17; Res. No. 01-2018, 2-2-18; Res. No. 05-2018, 3-5-18; Res. No. 09-2018, 6-4-18; Res. No. 06-2019, 2-4-19; Res. No. 08-2019, 2-4-19)

A.

Measurement of setbacks.

1.

Front setbacks shall be measured from the right of way line of the abutting street to the wall of the building or structure.

2.

Side and rear setbacks shall be measured from the property line to the wall of the building or structure.

B.

Encroachments into required setbacks.

1.

Architectural features, such as steps, porches, and fire escapes, may project not more than three (3) feet beyond a required setback line, except where such projections would obstruct driveways which are used or may be used for access of service and/or emergency vehicles.

2.

The following building features may project into a minimum side yard up to eighteen (18) inches: eaves, gutters, sills, cornices and chimneys.

3.

In the case of automobile service stations, motels, and similar uses which serve the motoring public, canopies shall be allowed over a driveway or walkway within the front yard not to extend from the principal building to a point any closer than fifteen (15) feet from the street right-of-way line. Such canopies shall provide a minimum twelve (12) feet vertical clearance.

C.

Lots with multiple frontage.

On lots having frontage on more than one (1) street, the minimum front yard shall be provided for each street.

D.

Maintenance of setbacks.

1.

No open space or yard established through standards for setbacks shall be encroached upon or reduced in any manner except in conformity to the yard, setback, off-street parking, and accessory buildings standards of this UDO. Shrubbery, driveways, retaining walls, fences, curbs, and planted buffer strips shall not be construed to be an encroachment of yards.

2.

No part of any required yard, other open space, or off-street parking or loading space shall be considered to be part of a required yard, other open space, or off-street parking or loading space for any other building or structure or use.

E.

Building setback and height standards are provided in Table 4.01.02(E).

Table 4.01.02(E). Standards for Building Location and Height.

1. Minimum side setback is five (5) feet from the side property line, with the least sum of both sides fifteen (15) feet.

2. ;hg;The minimum side setback for attached townhomes in both the R-T and R-M zoning districts and for detached single-family residential dwellings in the R-M zoning district is waived, while the minimum side setback to the project property shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet. These provisions notwithstanding, the city engineer may require side yards sufficient to allow access to the rear yard for utility access, maintenance, and repair.

3. The minimum right-of-way setback on all other streets for detached single-family residential dwellings in the R-M zoning district shall be a minimum of twenty (20) feet.

4. Not applicable in the Lake Carroll Village Overlay.

5. The City Manager is authorized to reduce the minimum setbacks from property lines within the Lake Carroll Village Overlay to the extent necessary or advisable to foster and promote the development, redevelopment, and beautification of the overlay district.

6. Maximum height in C-2 is [one hundred fifty] 150 feet, but not in the Lake Carroll Village Overlay. Maximum height in the Lake Carroll Village Overlay is [seventy-five] 75 feet, unless a special use permit is obtained from the Mayor and City Council pursuant to Section 2.04.24(B) to exceed the height limit.

⁷ Not applicable in the Maple Street Overlay.

⁸ The City Manager is authorized to reduce the minimum setbacks from property lines within the Maple Street Overlay to the extent necessary or advisable to foster and promote the development, redevelopment, and beautification of the overlay district.

F.

The height limitations of this UDO shall not apply to church spires, steeples, belfries, flag poles, monuments, cupolas, domes, ornamental towers nor to observation towers not intended for human occupancy, water towers, transmission towers, radio or television towers or aerials, chimneys, smokestacks, conveyors, derricks, parapet walls extending not more than four feet above the roof line of the building or to necessary mechanical roof appurtenances.

(Res. No. 05-2014, 5-5-14; Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17; Res. No. 05-2018, 3-5-18; Res. No. 09-2018, 6-4-18; Res. No. 06-2019, 2-4-19)

A.

General.

1.

This section applies to all single-family residential structures and townhouses, whether constructed on-site or partially or wholly constructed off-site.

2.

Structures subject to these standards shall meet the standards for the zoning district in which the structure is proposed for location.

B.

Additional standards for townhouses to ensure appearance consistent with the surrounding neighborhood are required as follows:

1.

Front and side yards shall be sodded.

2.

Vehicles may only be parked on paved areas designed for that purpose.

3.

Architectural Standards for the Structures:

a.

Vertical or Horizontal Modulations using one of the following methods:

i.

Setback variation between dwelling units. No more than two (2) units shall have the same setback. The minimum required setback variation is one (1) foot.

ii.

Vertical modulation within each dwelling unit. The modulation shall be a minimum of one (1) foot in depth and four (4) feet in width and the sum of these dimensions shall be no less than eight (8) feet.

b.

Architectural Elements. The facades for each dwelling unit shall incorporate three (3) of the following architectural elements:

i.

Horizontal modulation (upper level setbacks). The modulation shall have a minimum depth of two (2) feet.

ii.

Bay, bow, or garden windows.

iii.

Decorative window lintels.

iv.

Any other architectural element the city staff determines accomplishes intent.

c.

Exterior Siding shall consist of wood, masonry, rock, or fiber cement board. Vinyl siding is not permitted except on the cornices and soffits of the structure. A minimum of twenty (20) percent of the front of each home shall be brick, stone, stucco, or other masonry.

d.

Porches. Each dwelling unit shall have at least one (1) porch, balcony, patio, stoop or deck facing the street. Each exterior door shall have a landing no less than four (4) feet by four (4) feet.

e.

Windows. Walls facing the street other than an alley shall contain 20-percent in doors and windows. Garage doors may be utilized in this calculation if they have an architectural or carriage style and contain windows. Windows shall be provided with trim.

f.

Roofs. Roof materials shall be wood shakes, metal, clay tile, fiberglass tile, slate, or architectural shingles. The minimum roof pitch shall be 6:12 or greater on all main roof areas and any gables facing the street. Roofs shall utilize vertical or horizontal changes in rooflines, varied roof forms, and/or dormers.

g.

Garage doors shall not occupy more than forty (40) percent of the total building frontage. This measurement does not apply to garages facing an alley. Garages facing the street must provide glazing or another decorative element to provide visual interest.

h.

Pedestrian Entry. Each unit shall provide a clearly defined pedestrian entry utilizing the following standards.

i.

Each unit shall feature a main entry which includes architectural features that provide weather protection and visual interest to the structure.

ii.

The main entry to units adjacent to streets shall provide direct access to sidewalk system.

i.

Orientation. All homes shall be situated on the lot so that the conventional front of the home faces the front yard.

j.

Minimum Floor Area. The minimum floor area shall be nine hundred (900) square feet of heated space.

k.

Minimum Building Width. The minimum building width shall be sixteen (16) feet.

l.

Foundation. The dwelling shall be attached to a permanent foundation system, including the supporting, blocking, leveling, securing, and anchoring the home and connecting multiple and expandable sections of the home. The area beneath the home shall be enclosed by brick, concrete, wood, rock, or other materials specifically manufactured for this purpose and shall enclose the space between the floor joists and the ground level, except for the required minimum ventilation and access. Said access shall remain closed when not being used for that purpose.

m.

Connection to Carrollton GreenBelt. All townhouse developments within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Carrollton GreenBelt shall connect to the Carrollton GreenBelt with a path of the same dimensions, materials, and specifications as the Carrollton GreenBelt. The City Manager, at his sole discretion, is authorized to waive this requirement if topographic, property ownership, or other design or safety considerations prevent the construction of the path.

n.

Amenities. Common outdoor recreation space shall be provided in the form of trails, pavilions, multi purpose fields, playgrounds, community gardens, or another use consistent with the surrounding neighborhood.

C.

Additional standards for single-family dwellings to ensure appearance consistent with the surrounding neighborhood are required as follows:

1.

Front and side yards shall be landscaped in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the Unified Development Ordinance.

2.

Vehicles may only be parked on paved areas designed for that purpose.

3.

Architectural Standards for the Structures:

a.

Architectural Elements. The facades for each dwelling unit shall incorporate three (3) of the following architectural elements:

i.

Decorative window lintels.

ii.

Minimum of two (2) porch columns.

iii.

Decorative brackets.

iv.

Bay, bow, or garden windows.

v.

Dormers.

vi.

Any other architectural element city staff determines accomplishes intent.

b.

Exterior Siding shall consist of wood, masonry, rock, or fiber cement board. Vinyl siding is not permitted except on the cornices and soffits of the structures. Traditional style homes shall have a minimum of twenty (20) percent of the front of each home consisting of brick, stone, stucco, or other masonry; Farmhouse style homes shall contain siding types such as lap, board & batten or shakes.

c.

Porches. Each dwelling unit shall have at least one porch, patio or deck facing the street. Such shall be at least six (6) feet in depth and not less than forty (40) square feet. A three (3) foot by three (3) foot landing permanently affixed to the ground shall be provided at each exterior door.

d.

Windows. Walls facing the street other than an alley shall contain twenty (20) percent in doors and windows. Garage doors may be utilized in this calculation if they have architectural or carriage style features and contain windows. Windows shall be provided with trim.

e.

Roofs. Roof materials shall be wood shakes, metal, clay tile, fiberglass tile, slate, or architectural shingles. The minimum roof pitch shall be 5:12 or greater on all main roof areas and any gables facing the street shall have a minimum pitch of 7:12. Roofs shall utilize vertical or horizontal changes in rooflines, varied roof forms, and/or dormers.

f.

Garage doors shall not occupy more than 40-percent of the total building frontage. This measurement does not apply to garages facing an alley.

g.

Orientation. All homes shall be situated on the lot so that the conventional front of the home faces the front yard.

h.

Minimum Floor Area. The minimum floor area shall be nine hundred (900) square feet of heated space.

i.

Minimum Building Width. The minimum building width shall be sixteen (16) feet.

j.

Foundation. The dwelling shall be attached to a permanent foundation system, including the supporting, blocking, leveling, securing, and anchoring the home and connecting multiple and expandable sections of the home. The area beneath the home shall be enclosed by brick, concrete, wood, rock, or other materials specifically manufactured for this purpose and shall enclose the space between the floor joists and the ground level, except for the required minimum ventilation and access. Said access shall remain closed when not being used for that purpose.

k.

For manufactured homes, all tongues, wheels, axles, transporting lights, and other towing apparatus shall be removed from the site prior to occupancy.

D.

Variations. A variance from the design standards set forth in Section 4.02.01 can be requested from the Board of Development Appeals following the procedures and requirements set forth in Section 9.02.00 of this Unified Development Ordinance.

(Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17; Res. No. 01-2018, 2-2-18; Res. No. 03-2019, 1-7-19; Res. No. 04-2019, 1-7-19; Res. No. 13-2024, 12-2-24)

A.

Architectural Standards.

1.

Orientation. Buildings shall have their primary orientation toward the street. Lots with double frontage or through lots shall provide orientation and public entrances on facades along both street frontages.

2.

Buildings.

a.

Buildings shall incorporate arcades, roofs, alcoves, porticoes, and/or awnings at public entrances that protect pedestrians from rain and sun.

b.

Any wall adjacent to the street shall have thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances. For tenant spaces greater than 50,000 square feet, there shall be at least two public entrances.

c.

Building frontages greater than 100 feet in length shall have offsets and other distinctive changes in building facades.

d.

Buildings shall incorporate lighting and changes in mass, surface and finish giving emphasis to entrances.

3.

Building materials. Permitted materials for building facades include, without limitation, brick, natural decay resistant wood siding, rock, stone, decorative concrete block or concrete walls with textured surface materials, and hardi-board. Facade colors shall be earthtone or neutral. Building trim and accents may feature brighter colors, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any building facade. Vinyl lap siding may not be used.

4.

Roofs.

a.

Roofs shall at a minimum have parapets concealing flat roofs and rooftop equipment which are visible from adjoining streets or properties.

b.

On buildings greater than 50,000 square feet, parapets and facades shall be designed to give the appearance of three or more roof slope planes.

5.

Maximum square footage. No single retail space shall exceed 150,000 gross square feet.

6.

Minimum residential unit size. In mixed use buildings, residential units shall be a minimum of 800 square feet.

B.

Site Design Standards.

1.

Landscaping.

a.

A landscape strip at least ten (10) feet wide shall be provided between the right-of-way and any buildings, plazas, or parking areas. Properties located within the C-1 zoning district are exempt from this provision.

b.

Streetscape trees shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.07.00 along public right-of-way adjacent to the property.

c.

On buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, a minimum of seven (7) percent of the total parking area shall be located within the parking area in the form of landscape islands and peninsulas.

d.

Landscaping and buffering shall be completed in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

2.

Pedestrian Circulation.

a.

In order to encourage pedestrian-oriented developments, buildings sited within 40 feet of the street shall provide primary public access from the public sidewalk along the street.

b.

Sidewalks, no less than six (6) feet in width shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abuts a street.

c.

Pedestrian connections shall be made from the sidewalk to the entrance of the building.

d.

A pedestrian circulation plan shall be provided in developments with a building greater than 50,000 square feet.

3.

Parking.

a.

Location. Parking areas shall not be located between the building and the street within the C-1, C-3, and R-O-I zoning district. One parking isle is permitted between the building and the street in the C-2 and O-I zoning district. In the C-1 zoning district, if adequate public parking is available within 200 feet of the project, Staff may waive parking requirements. In the C-1 zoning district, on-street parking shall be permitted in designated areas only.

b.

Parking lots with 50 or more spaces shall be divided into separate areas and divided by landscape areas or walkways at least ten (10) feet in width or by a building or groups of buildings. Parking lots shall be landscaped and buffered in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

c.

Bicycle parking facilities. Bicycle parking facilities shall be provided in parking lots greater than fifty (50) spaces serving buildings that are open to the public.

d.

Interparcel connectivity. An internal driveway accessing adjacent commercial properties, whether developed or undeveloped, shall be provided unless the City Manager determines the connection is not feasible given the topography.

e.

For buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, no more than seventy-five (75) percent of the total number of required parking spaces shall be located between the building and the street.

4.

Solid Waste Storage Areas. Solid waste receptacles, shipping pallets, bundled cardboard and similar waste materials stored for collection shall be enclosed on all sides and screened from view from adjoining residential properties or streets with a solid enclosure (at least six feet high) with a gate and shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or other compatible material. The enclosure shall measure a minimum of 13 feet by 10 feet with an opening measuring no less than 13 feet. A ten (10) foot by twenty (20) foot concrete pad at least 6 inches thick shall be provided for the garbage truck loading/unloading area.

5.

Outdoor Storage and Loading Areas.

a.

Areas for truck parking and loading shall be screened by a combination of structures and landscaping to minimize visibility from adjacent streets and property lines. If visible from adjacent property, screening structures shall be made of similar materials as the principal structure.

b.

Non-enclosed areas for the storage and sale of inventory shall be permanently defined and screened with walls and/or fences. Materials, colors, and design of the screening walls and/or fences shall conform to those used in the principal structure. If such areas are to be covered, then the covering shall conform to the exposed roofing colors of the buildings.

6.

Community Spaces. For developments involving gross floor area in excess of 50,000 square feet, one square foot of plaza or community space shall be provided for every ten (10) square feet of gross floor area. Plazas and community spaces must incorporate three (3) of the following four (4) elements:

a.

Sitting spaces. At least one sitting space for each 250 square feet shall be included in the plaza. Ledge benches shall have a minimum depth of thirty-six (36) inches.

b.

Trees in accordance with the City of Carrollton Tree Species List at a minimum of one tree per 800 square feet.

c.

Water features or public art.

d.

Outdoor eating areas.

7.

Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be so arranged and constructed as to not produce direct illumination on adjacent properties.

(Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17)

A.

Architectural Standards.

1.

Orientation. Multifamily buildings within 100 feet of a public street shall have their primary orientation toward the street.

2.

Buildings.

a.

All buildings shall incorporate front entry porches oriented toward the street.

b.

Any wall adjacent to the street shall have a minimum of [twenty-five] (25) percent of the wall facing the street in functional doors and windows.

c.

Building frontages greater than 100 feet in length shall have offsets and other distinctive changes in building facades.

3.

Building materials. The exterior siding material shall consist of wood, masonry, concrete, stucco, masonite, or other materials of like appearance. Vinyl lap siding may not be used on multi-family buildings. Facade colors shall be earthtone or neutral. Building trim and accent colors areas may feature brighter colors, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any building facade.

4.

Minimum residential unit size. In mixed use buildings, residential units shall be a minimum of 800 square feet.

5.

Long-term maintenance requirements. All multi-family developments shall be required to provide periodic inspections by a licensed architect or professional engineer confirming all major construction components conform to all applicable codes and regulations. Upon completion of the project and prior to the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, the architect or engineer must certify that the project has been built in accordance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, regulatory standards, etc. In addition to meeting all other applicable criteria for the issuance of a certificate of occupancy, all developments subject to this subsection shall be required to enter into a "long-term maintenance compliance agreement" with the City as a condition for receiving a certificate of occupancy. The agreement form is made a part of this section by reference. Said agreement shall require that the owner submit to a comprehensive maintenance compliance inspection every two [(2)] years conducted by the City Building Official, his agents, or designee. At its discretion, the City may also ask other agencies with prescribed jurisdictional authority to participate in the inspection. The owner shall have the right to be represented at the inspection. The purpose of the inspection shall be to determine the development's compliance with all applicable codes, laws, ordinances, regulatory standards, guidelines, etc. Any violations, deficiencies, or noncompliance determined by the inspection must be corrected by the owner consistent with the applicable provisions of the City's housing and/or building codes. Violations, deficiencies, or non-compliance determined by other agencies must be corrected as directed by the respective agency. The agreement required herein shall be recorded with the deed for the property and shall be binding on all subsequent owners of the development. The agreement must be transferred to and assumed by all subsequent owners as a condition of any sale. Nothing in this section shall preclude the building official, any other city representative, or any other agency so authorized, from conducting additional inspections and ordering other corrective actions at any time as may be provided for by code, law, ordinance, regulatory standards, guidelines, etc.

B.

Site Design Standards.

1.

Location. The parcel shall have primary ingress and egress from a major or collector street, as identified on the Zoning Map.

2.

Landscaping.

a.

A landscape strip at least ten (10) feet wide shall be provided between the right-of-way and any buildings, plazas, or parking areas.

b.

Streetscape trees shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.07.00 along public rights-of-way adjacent to the property.

c.

Parking areas shall be shaded by large broadleaf canopied trees in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

[d.]

Landscaping and buffering shall be completed in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

3.

Open Space Requirements.

[a.]

An area equal to at least ten (10) percent of the total lot area shall be dedicated to open space for recreation for use by tenants of the development.

[b.]

Areas covered by shrubs, pine straw, park mulch and other ground covers which do not provide for suitable human use may not be counted toward this requirement.

[c.]

Common areas with decks, patios, and similar areas are eligible for open space criteria.

[d.]

Greenspace shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.05.00.

4.

Connection to Carrollton Greenbelt. All multifamily developments within one thousand (1,000) feet of the Carrollton Greenbelt shall connect to the Carrollton Greenbelt with a path of the same dimensions, materials, and specifications as the Carrollton Greenbelt. All multifamily developments beyond one thousand (1,000) feet of the Carrollton Greenbelt shall install a path one thousand (1,000) feet in the direction of the nearest Carrollton Greenbelt location, which path shall be of the same dimensions, materials, and specifications as the Carrollton Greenbelt. For multifamily developments beyond one thousand (1,000) feet of the Carrollton Greenbelt, the City may, in its discretion, complete the path in order to connect it to the Carrollton Greenbelt.

5.

Playgrounds. All multifamily developments shall provide a playground that meets the same standards and specifications as City-owned playgrounds and which must be approved by the Carrollton Parks and Recreation Commission.

6.

Sidewalks. All multifamily developments shall provide sidewalks that meet City standards and specifications within the development, and said sidewalks must connect to sidewalks outside of the development.

C.

Solid Waste Storage Areas. Solid waste receptacles shall be enclosed on all sides and screened from view from adjoining residential properties or streets with a solid enclosure (at least six feet high) with a gate and shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or other compatible material. The enclosure shall measure a minimum of 13 feet by 10 feet with an opening measuring no less than 13 feet. A ten (10) foot by twenty (20) foot concrete pad at least 6 inches thick shall be provided for the garbage truck loading/unloading area.

D.

Lighting. All developments shall be designed and constructed with street lights. Lighting shall be so arranged and constructed as to not produce direct illumination on adjacent properties.

E.

Density. The density of any multifamily development within the R-M zoning district shall not exceed six (6) units per acre, unless a special use permit pursuant to Section 2.04.24(B) is obtained from the Mayor and City Council allowing a greater density.

F.

"Unit" defined. For purposes of multifamily development, each unit shall have a kitchen and no unit shall exceed four (4) bedrooms.

(Res. No. 21-2016, 11-7-16; Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17; Res. No. 01-2018, 2-2-18; Res. No. 08-2019, 2-4-19)

The following standards shall apply to development within the M-1 and M-2 zoning districts.

A.

Architectural Standards.

1.

Orientation. Buildings shall have their primary orientation toward the street.

2.

Buildings or portions of buildings that are not put to industrial uses and instead are put to commercial uses or that are open to the general public (e.g., lobbies, reception areas, etc.) are subject to the following standards:

a.

Buildings shall incorporate arcades, roofs, alcoves, porticoes, and/or awnings at public entrances that protect pedestrians from rain and sun.

b.

Any wall adjacent to the street shall have a minimum of thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances. Building frontages greater than [one hundred] 100 feet in length shall have offsets and other distinctive changes in building facades.

c.

Buildings shall incorporate lighting and changes in mass, surface and finish giving emphasis to entrances.

3.

Building materials. The following standards apply to buildings that are open to the public:

a.

Building facades for buildings visible from the front or side yard adjacent to a street may not be clad in metal siding, plain concrete block, or plain concrete walls.

b.

Permitted materials for these facades include, without limitation, brick, natural decay resistant wood siding, rock, stone, decorative concrete block or concrete walls with textured surface materials, and hardi-board. Vinyl lap siding may not be used.

c.

Facade colors shall be earthtone or neutral. Building trim and accent colors areas may feature brighter colors, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any building facade.

d.

These requirements may be waived if the building is not accessed by the public, such as warehouses and industrial buildings without attached offices.

B.

Site Design Standards.

1.

Landscaping.

a.

A landscape strip at least ten (10) feet wide shall be provided between the right-of-way and any buildings, plazas, or parking areas.

b.

Streetscape trees shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.07.00 along public right-of-way adjacent to the property.

c.

Landscaping and buffering shall be completed in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

2.

Pedestrian Circulation. The following standards apply to buildings that are open to the public:

a.

Sidewalks, no less than six (6) feet in width shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abuts a street. The City Manager, at his sole discretion, is authorized to waive this requirement if the proposed development is located on a street where sidewalk does not currently exist within one-fourth (¼) mile in any direction, and the street is not suitable for pedestrian usage due to road design or other safety considerations.

b.

Pedestrian connections shall be made from the sidewalk to the entrance of the building.

3.

Reserved.

4.

Parking lots.

a.

Location. Parking areas may be located between the building and the street.

b.

Parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with Section 4.07.00. Landscaping may be waived within parking areas designed for tractor trailer parking or loading and unloading of materials.

5.

Solid Waste Storage Areas. Solid waste receptacles, shipping pallets, bundled cardboard and similar waste materials stored for collection shall be enclosed on all sides and screened from view from adjoining residential properties or streets with a solid enclosure (at least six feet high) with a gate and shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or other compatible material. The enclosure shall measure a minimum of 13 feet by 10 feet with an opening measuring no less than 13 feet. A ten (10) foot by twenty (20) foot concrete pad at least 6 inches thick shall be provided for the garbage truck loading/unloading area.

6.

Outdoor storage and loading areas.

a.

Outdoor storage areas and loading facilities shall be screened and buffered when adjacent to residentially zoned land.

b.

Materials, colors, and design of the screening walls and/or fences shall conform to those used in the principal structure. If such areas are to be covered, then the covering shall conform to the exposed roofing colors of the buildings.

7.

Lighting. Artificial lighting shall be so arranged and constructed as to not produce direct illumination on adjacent properties.

(Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17; Res. No. 08-2019, 2-4-19; Res. No. 02-2021, 3-1-21)

A.

Architectural Standards.

1.

Orientation. Buildings shall have their primary orientation toward the street. Lots with double frontage or through lots shall provide orientation and public entrances on facades along both street frontages.

2.

Buildings.

a.

Buildings shall incorporate arcades, roofs, alcoves, porticoes, and/or awnings at public entrances that protect pedestrians from rain and sun.

b.

Any wall adjacent to the street or that has a public entrance shall have thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances, with the bottom of the windows being no less than four (4) feet high so as to provide visibility from adjacent streets and sidewalks. For multi-story buildings, there must be an average of thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances for those floors above street level.

c.

Building frontages greater than [one hundred] 100 feet in length shall have offsets and other distinctive changes in building facades.

d.

Buildings shall incorporate lighting and changes in mass, surface and finish giving emphasis to entrances.

3.

Building materials. Permitted materials for building facades include, without limitation, brick, natural decay resistant wood siding, rock, stone, decorative concrete block or concrete walls with textured surface materials, and hardi-board. Facade colors shall be earthtone or neutral. Building trim and accents may feature brighter colors, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any building facade. Vinyl lap siding may not be used.

4.

Roofs. With the exception of satellite dishes, antennae, or other such related equipment the purpose of which is to transmit or receive television, radio, or telecommunications signals, all rooftop equipment shall be concealed so that it is not visible from the public right of way.

5.

Maximum square footage. No single tenant space shall exceed [fifty thousand] 50,000 gross square feet, unless a special use permit pursuant to Section 2.04.24(B) is obtained from the Mayor and City Council allowing additional square feet.

B.

Site Design Standards.

1.

Landscaping.

a.

A landscape strip at least ten (10) feet wide shall be provided between the right-of-way and any buildings, plazas, or parking areas.

b.

Streetscape trees shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO along the public right-of-way adjacent to the property.

c.

On buildings larger than [fifty thousand] 50,000 square feet, a minimum of seven (7) percent of the total parking area shall be located within the parking area in the form of landscape islands and peninsulas so as to facilitate access to the building by pedestrians and cyclists.

d.

Landscaping and buffering shall be completed in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO.

2.

Pedestrian Circulation.

a.

In order to encourage pedestrian-oriented developments, buildings sited within forty (40) feet of the street shall provide primary public access from the public sidewalk along the street.

b.

Sidewalks, no less than six (6) feet in width, shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abuts a street.

c.

Pedestrian connections shall be made from the sidewalk to any public entrance of the building, shall consist of a raised pedestrian sidewalk or a raised pedestrian crosswalk, and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width.

d.

A pedestrian circulation plan shall be provided.

3.

Parking.

a.

Number of spaces. The number of parking spaces required by Section 4.03.00 of the UDO shall be provided, unless a parking needs assessment demonstrates that more or less parking should be provided, in which case the number of parking spaces may be reduced or increased at the discretion of the City Manager.

b.

Location. Vehicular parking areas shall not be located between the building and the street. On-street parking may be permitted at the City Manager's discretion on side streets in designated areas only.

c.

Parking lots with fifty (50) or more spaces shall be divided into separate areas and divided by landscape areas or walkways at least ten (10) feet in width or by a building or groups of buildings. Parking lots shall be landscaped and buffered in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO.

d.

Bicycle parking facilities. Bicycle parking facilities that are open to the public shall be provided.

e.

Interparcel connectivity. An internal driveway accessing adjacent commercial properties, whether developed or undeveloped, shall be provided unless the City Manager determines the connection is not feasible given the topography.

4.

Solid Waste Storage Areas. Solid waste receptacles, shipping pallets, bundled cardboard and similar waste materials stored for collection shall be enclosed on all sides and screened from view from adjoining residential properties or streets with a solid enclosure (at least six (6) feet high) with a gate and shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or other compatible material. The enclosure shall measure a minimum of thirteen (13) feet by ten (10) feet with an opening measuring no less than thirteen (13) feet. A ten (10) foot by twenty (20) foot concrete pad at least 6 inches thick shall be provided for the garbage truck loading/unloading area.

5.

Outdoor Storage and Loading Areas.

a.

Areas for truck parking and loading shall be screened by a combination of structures and landscaping to minimize visibility from adjacent streets and property lines. If visible from adjacent property, screening structures shall be made of similar materials as the principal structure.

b.

Non-enclosed areas for the storage and sale of inventory shall be permanently defined and screened with walls and/or fences. Materials, colors, and design of the screening walls and/or fences shall conform to those used in the principal structure. If such areas are to be covered, then the covering shall conform to the exposed roofing colors of the buildings.

6.

Community Spaces. For developments involving gross floor area in excess of [twenty-five thousand] 25,000 square feet, one [1] square foot of plaza or community space shall be provided for every ten (10) square feet of gross floor area. Plazas and community spaces must incorporate three (3) of the following four (4) elements:

a.

Sitting spaces. At least one [1] sitting space for each [two hundred fifty] 250 square feet shall be included in the plaza. Ledge benches shall have a minimum depth of thirty-six (36) inches.

b.

Trees in accordance with the City of Carrollton Tree Species List at a minimum of one [1] tree per [eight hundred] 800 square feet.

c.

Water features or public art.

d.

Outdoor eating areas.

7.

Pedestrian scale lighting. Lighting shall be designed and located at a pedestrian scale consistent with pedestrian movements and the neighborhood. Lighting shall be concealed or shielded to avoid glare and off-site impacts on abutting properties. Lighting poles and fixtures shall be compatible with the function and design of the feature and abutting properties. All lamps shall be positioned, so that they are no higher than fifteen (15) feet above the ground.

8.

Utilities. All utilities within the development shall be underground and shall be installed in accordance with pursuant to Section 6.17.01(B).

(Res. No. 05-2018, 3-5-18)

The following design standards apply to all properties within the Maple Street Overlay, except those properties zoned R-20.

A.

Architectural Standards.

1.

Orientation. Buildings shall have their primary orientation toward the street. Lots with double frontage or through lots shall provide orientation and public entrances on facades along both street frontages.

2.

Buildings.

a.

Buildings shall incorporate arcades, roofs, alcoves, porticoes, and/or awnings at public entrances that protect pedestrians from rain and sun.

b.

Any wall adjacent to the street or that has a public entrance shall have thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances, with the bottom of the windows being no less than four (4) feet high so as to provide unobstructed visibility from adjacent streets and sidewalks. For multi-story buildings, there must be an average of thirty (30) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances for those floors above street level. All other walls shall have fifteen (15) percent in windows, display areas, and entrances.

c.

Building frontages greater than 100 feet in length shall have offsets and other distinctive changes in building facades.

d.

Buildings shall incorporate lighting and changes in mass, surface and finish giving emphasis to entrances.

e.

Residential units may be located on the first floor of an existing building that is being repurposed or renovated for multiple uses, provided the following criteria are met:

1.

The building is greater than fifty (50) years in age.

2.

At least fifty percent (50%) of the existing building square footage is preserved in the renovation.

3.

Building materials. Permitted materials for building facades include, without limitation, brick, natural decay resistant wood siding, rock, stone, decorative concrete block or concrete walls with textured surface materials, and hardie-board. Facade colors shall be earthtone or neutral. Building trim and accents may feature brighter colors, not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of any building facade. Vinyl lap siding may not be used.

4.

Roofs. With the exception of satellite dishes, antennae, or other such related equipment the purpose of which is to transmit or receive television, radio, or telecommunications signals, all rooftop equipment shall be concealed so that it is not visible from the public right of way.

5.

Maximum square footage. No single tenant space shall exceed 50,000 gross square feet, unless a special use permit pursuant to Section 2.04.24(B) is obtained from the Mayor and City Council allowing additional square feet.

B.

Site Design Standards.

1.

Landscaping.

a.

Streetscape trees shall be provided in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO along the public right-of-way adjacent to the property.

b.

On buildings larger than 50,000 square feet, a minimum of seven (7) percent of the total parking area shall be located within the parking area in the form of landscape islands and peninsulas so as to facilitate access to the building by pedestrians and cyclists.

c.

Landscaping and buffering shall be completed in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO.

2.

Pedestrian Circulation.

a.

In order to encourage pedestrian-oriented developments, buildings sited within forty (40) feet of the street shall provide primary public access from the public sidewalk along the street.

b.

Sidewalks, no less than six (6) feet in width, shall be provided along all sides of the lot that abuts a street.

c.

Pedestrian connections shall be made from the sidewalk to any public entrance of the building, shall consist of a raised pedestrian sidewalk or a raised pedestrian crosswalk, and shall be a minimum of five (5) feet in width.

d.

A pedestrian circulation plan shall be provided.

3.

Parking.

a.

Number of spaces. The number of parking spaces required by Section 4.03.00 of the UDO shall be provided, unless a parking needs assessment demonstrates that more or less parking should be provided, in which case the number of parking spaces may be reduced or increased at the discretion of the City Manager.

b.

Location. Vehicular parking areas shall not be located between the building and the street. On-street parking may be permitted at the City Manager's discretion on side streets in designated areas only.

c.

Parking lots with fifty (50) or more spaces shall be divided into separate areas and divided by landscape areas or walkways at least ten (10) feet in width or by a building or groups of buildings. Parking lots shall be landscaped and buffered in accordance with Section 4.07.00 of the UDO.

d.

Bicycle parking facilities. Bicycle parking facilities that are open to the public shall be provided.

e.

Interparcel connectivity. An internal driveway accessing adjacent commercial properties, whether developed or undeveloped, shall be provided unless the City Manager determines the connection is not feasible given the topography.

4.

Solid Waste Storage Areas. Solid waste receptacles, shipping pallets, bundled cardboard and similar waste materials stored for collection shall be enclosed on all sides and screened from view from adjoining residential properties or streets with a solid enclosure (at least six (6) feet high) with a gate and shall be constructed of wood, masonry, or other compatible material. The enclosure shall measure a minimum of thirteen (13) feet by ten (10) feet with an opening measuring no less than thirteen (13) feet. A ten (10) foot by twenty (20) foot concrete pad at least 6 inches thick shall be provided for the garbage truck loading/unloading area.

5.

Outdoor Storage and Loading Areas.

a.

Areas for truck parking and loading shall be screened by a combination of structures and landscaping to minimize visibility from adjacent streets and property lines. If visible from adjacent property, screening structures shall be made of similar materials as the principal structure.

b.

Non-enclosed areas for the storage and sale of inventory shall be permanently defined and screened with walls and/or fences. Materials, colors, and design of the screening walls and/or fences shall conform to those used in the principal structure. If such areas are to be covered, then the covering shall conform to the exposed roofing colors of the buildings.

6.

Community Spaces. For developments involving gross floor area in excess of 25,000 square feet, one square foot of plaza or community space shall be provided for every ten (10) square feet of gross floor area. Plazas and community spaces must incorporate three (3) of the following four (4) elements:

a.

Sitting spaces. At least one sitting space for each 250 square feet shall be included in the plaza. Ledge benches shall have a minimum depth of thirty-six (36) inches.

b.

Trees in accordance with the City of Carrollton Tree Species List at a minimum of one tree per 800 square feet.

c.

Water features or public art.

d.

Outdoor eating areas.

7.

Pedestrian scale lighting. Lighting shall be designed and located at a pedestrian scale consistent with pedestrian movements and the neighborhood. Lighting shall be concealed or shielded to avoid glare and off-site impacts on abutting properties. Lighting poles and fixtures shall be compatible with the function and design of the feature and abutting properties. All lamps shall be positioned, so that they are no higher than fifteen (15) feet above the ground.

8.

Utilities. All utilities within the development shall be underground and shall be installed in accordance with Section 6.17.01(B).

(Res. No. 09-2018, 6-4-18)

A.

Parking space requirements.

1.

Except as provided in this section, no application for a building permit shall be approved unless there is included with the plan for such building, improvements, or use, a development plan showing the required space reserved for off-street parking and loading. Occupancy shall not be allowed unless the required off-street parking and loading facilities have been provided in accordance with those shown on the approved plan.

2.

Minimum off-street vehicular parking spaces shall be provided at the time of the construction of the principal building or at the time of the conversion of a building having a previously existing use, to a more intensive use of the same property. In the C-1 zoning district, off-street parking may be waived by Staff if adequate public parking is available within 200 feet of a project.

3.

When an addition is made to a building containing less than the required parking or loading requirements, off-street parking shall be provided for the entire building, based upon the standards in this section.

4.

No addition to an existing building shall be constructed which reduces the number of spaces, area, or usability of an existing parking lot or loading space, unless such building and its addition conform with the regulations for parking and loading contained herein.

5.

Requirements for off-street parking for uses not specifically mentioned in this section shall be the same as required for the use most similar to the one sought.

6.

The minimum number of parking spaces shall conform to the standards in Table 4.03.01(A).

7.

Calculation of required parking[:]

a.

Where floor area determines the amount of off-street parking required, the floor area of a building shall be the sum of the gross horizontal areas of every floor of the building, using exterior wall dimensions.

b.

For places of public assembly, the number of seats shall be the maximum occupancy load established for the building by the Fire Marshall.

Table 4.03.01(A). Parking Space Requirements.

8.

Parking space requirements (number of spaces) may be adjusted by the City Manager. Adjustments may be granted for a multiple tenant establishment, commercial center, or joint use of two (2) or more adjacent or adjoining uses. The property owner shall provide the following information to support a request for reduction or waiver of otherwise required parking.

a.

There is one (1) or more paved driveway connections between the parking areas of the developments involved. The number, location(s), and design specifications of said driveway(s) shall be acceptable to the City.

b.

A parking study shall be provided to document the proposed number of parking spaces. The study shall include an estimate of the number of spaces required and the source of the estimate. Acceptable sources include studies such as conducted by the Urban Land Institute or the Institute of Transportation Engineers. Parking data for similar uses may be included, provided that the similar uses are documented as similar in density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, hours of operation, and location. The City shall retain the sole authority to accept the parking data as appropriate for the proposed use.

c.

A cross-access and cross-parking agreement, in recordable form acceptable to the City, shall be executed by the owners of developments involved. Said agreement shall guarantee the joint use of a specified number of parking spaces.

9.

Parking space requirements may be reduced, waived by the City Manager, or shared parking may be approved, based upon the availability of an off-site and non-contiguous parking facility or parking lot. The property owner shall provide the following information to support a request for reduction or waiver of otherwise required parking.

a.

One-half of the off-street parking spaces required by a use whose peak attendance will be at night or on Sundays may be assigned to a use that will be closed at night or on Sundays.

b.

The availability of the off-site parking lot shall be guaranteed in perpetuity, by virtue of common ownership with the primary site, recorded easements, or other binding agreements acceptable to the City.

c.

The off-site parking lot shall be located no more than 400 feet from the primary site. The distance shall be measured along the paved public right-of-way from the entrance driveway into the parking area to the entrance of the principal building.

d.

The off-site parking lot shall meet all development standards set forth in this UDO.

B.

Parking lot design requirements.

Off-street parking lots, individual parking spaces, loading areas, and loading stalls shall be designed to conform to the following criteria and standards.

1.

All multiple-family, commercial, and industrial uses shall provide a paved, dust-free surface. The use of approved permeable or pervious pavement materials shall be subject to approval by the City Engineer.

2.

All such areas shall be at all times maintained at the expense of the owners thereof in a clean, orderly, and dust-free condition such that it does not create a nuisance.

3.

All off-street parking and loading areas shall be well maintained. Parking lots and loading areas shall be free of potholes, debris, weeds, broken curbs, and broken wheel stops.

4.

All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be drained so as to prevent damage to abutting properties and/or public streets.

5.

All parking areas shall be arranged for convenient access and safety of pedestrians and vehicles.

6.

Parking lot shall be landscaped in accordance with Section 4.07.00.

7.

All parking areas shall provide barriers when located at the perimeter of the lot to prevent encroachment onto adjacent property.

8.

All off-street parking, loading, and service areas shall be separated from walkways, sidewalks, and streets by curbing. Loading stalls shall not hinder movement of pedestrians or vehicles over a street, sidewalk, or alley, or to and from an off-street parking area.

9.

Off-street parking and loading areas that are to be used at night shall include proper illumination for the safety of pedestrians, vehicles, and for security purposes. Lighting shall be located and shielded to avoid direct illumination of adjacent properties.

10.

Individual spaces and internal aisles shall be designed according to the standards below;

a.

Parking space dimensions shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet by eighteen (18) feet.

b.

The number, design, and location of parking spaces provided to ensure handicapped access shall comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act standards for accessible design.

1.

Handicapped designated parking shall be provided at the ratio of one (1) space for each twenty-five (25) spaces for the first 100 spaces, and

2.

A ratio of one (1) additional handicapped designated space for each additional 100 spaces.

c.

There shall be provided adequate interior driveways to connect each parking space with a public right-of-way.

Table 4.03.01(B). ;hg;Parking Lot Design.

11.

Each off-street parking space shall be clearly marked, and directional arrows or signs shall be provided wherever necessary. Markers, directional arrows, and signs shall be properly maintained so as to ensure their maximum efficiency.

C.

Loading space design standards.

1.

On every lot on which a business, commercial, or industrial use is hereafter established, space shall be provided for the loading and unloading of vehicles off the public street or alley.

2.

Off-street loading spaces shall be provided according to the standards below:

Table 4.03.01(C). Required Loading Spaces by Land Use.

3.

Such spaces shall have access to an alley or, if there is no alley, to a street.

4.

Off-street loading spaces shall be designed and constructed so that all maneuvering for loading and unloading can take place entirely within the property lines of the premises.

5.

Loading spaces shall be provided so as not to interfere with the free, normal movement of vehicles and pedestrians on public rights-of-way.

6.

Loading spaces shall not impair the movement of vehicles or pedestrians on streets, alleys, or sidewalks.

7.

Elementary, middle and junior high schools, day care centers, and childcare centers shall provide safe and convenient drop-off areas for students. The drop-off area is intended to allow a student to enter or exit a vehicle directly to a sidewalk abutting the entrance to the school or day care center.

(Res. No. 11-2008, § 1, 5-5-08; Res. No. 06-2017, 5-1-17)

A.

All uses and facilities providing drive-up or drive-through service shall provide stacking lanes in compliance with the standards of this section.

B.

Restaurants with drive-up or drive-through facilities shall provide a minimum stacking space to accommodate eight (8) vehicles. A by-pass lane shall be required.

C.

Banks and financial institutions shall provide stacking spaces according to Table 4.03.02(A). A by-pass lane shall be provided.

Table 4.03.02(A). Stacking Lane Requirements for Banks and Financial Institutions.

D.

Stacking lanes shall not be located within a designated delivery area or area designated for loading spaces.

A.

To improve public safety and reduce traffic congestion, the city establishes minimum distances between driveways and intersections as provided in Table 4.03.03 (A) for all zoning districts except the C-1 district.

Table 4.03.03(A) Minimum Distance between Driveways and Street Types

1. The distance between driveways is measured from centerline to centerline.

2. Circular driveways serving single-family residences shall not be subject to minimum driveway spacing standards.

3. The distance between driveways and intersections is measured between the centerline of the driveway and the extension of the nearest right-of-way line of the street that intersects the facing street.

4. The distance between street types is measured between the nearest right-of-way lines.

5. Driveways projected to carry more than 100 vehicle trips per day and fewer than 1,000 vehicle trips per day shall be considered local streets.

6. Driveways projected to carry more than 100 vehicle trips per day and fewer than 1,000 vehicle trips per day shall be considered local streets.

7. Driveways projected to carry 8,000 or more vehicle trips per day shall be considered major streets.

B.

Driveway access onto state roads. Access onto state roads shall meet existing Georgia Department of Transportation Driveway Grade Standards.

1.

Grades for new driveways in all zones shall not exceed a grade of twenty (20) percent for any portion of the driveway.

2.

All driveways shall be designed in accord with the criteria of the City Engineer and approved prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy for new construction.

3.

If required by the City of Carrollton, the developer or owner shall provide certification of driveway grade by a licensed land surveyor.

4.

All vision clearance standards associated with driveway entrances onto public streets shall not be subject to the variance section of this UDO.

A.

Except as specifically exempted in Section 4.04.01(B) below, it shall be unlawful for any person to pave any portion of property within the City without first obtaining a permit from the City. For purposes of this Section 4.04.01 the term "pave" shall mean to cover any portion of the ground with concrete, asphalt, stones, bricks, or like materials.

B.

Paving permits are not required in the following zoning districts: ER-3, ER-1, R-20, R-15, R-10, or R-8.

C.

Non-conforming paved areas may not be expanded. However, resurfacing or other repair and maintenance of existing non-conforming lots will be allowed with a paving permit issued pursuant to this Section.

D.

A thirty dollar ($30.00) application fee will be charged to cover administration costs.

(Res. No. 17-2018, 11-5-18)

A.

All residential subdivisions where more than four lots are created and multi-family developments shall provide no less than the percentage of gross area indicated in the table below as green space. If green space has been provided for multi-family projects as part of a subdivision process, then no additional green space shall be required as a condition of site plan approval. Tree canopy located within greenspace may count toward overall tree canopy requirements.

Table 4.05.01(A) Minimum greenspace requirement

B.

Types of green space. Buffers, landscaping, and open space, as required per this UDO, may count toward overall green space requirements if they meet one of the following types of green space.

Table 4.05.01(B) Greenspace by type

C.

Maintenance of greenspace. Unless dedicated to and accepted by the City as part of its Parks and Recreational Lands, the applicant shall establish a property owner's association or some other entity approved by the City to provide for the on-going maintenance of all landscaping and improvements.

A.

Purpose. The purpose of the Planned Development (PD) district is to encourage creative and flexible projects that include compatible residential, commercial, office, and related public facilities unified by a development plan. The PD district shall be a zoning district, and is permissible when approved according to a site plan and written narrative that ensures the conservation of the natural environment, more efficient use of land, and efficiency in the extension of streets and utilities.

B.

Objectives. The Planned Development District shall have the following characteristics:

1.

Open space. Encourage ingenuity and resourcefulness in land planning techniques by developing functional open spaces.

2.

Sense of place. Allow the design of developments that are architecturally and environmentally innovative and that achieve more efficient utilization of land than is possible through application of conventional zoning standards.

3.

Mixture of uses. Accommodate a mixture of land uses which are compatible both internally and externally.

4.

Protection of natural resources. Ensure the conservation of the natural environment including trees and vegetation, topography, and geological resources such as groundwater, soils, and drainage areas.

5.

Efficient land use. Encourage efficient use of land, street networks, and utility locations.

6.

Compatibility and consistency. Maintain compatibility with nearby development and consistency with the future land use element of the City of Carrollton Comprehensive Plan.

A.

Land Uses. Land uses within a PD district may include any specific use other than industrial uses and uses utilizing outdoor storage of materials or equipment. Section 4.06.02(D) and (E) describe the general types of uses and standards that apply to those uses. In addition, Table 4.06.02(B) indicates the minimum and maximum percentage of each type of use.

B.

Requirements. The PD district may be proposed in any location consistent with the future development map in order to provide flexibility in the application of development and site design standards. A PD development shall meet the following requirements for location, use provisions, and ownership:

Table 4.06.02(B). Planned Development Requirements.

C.

Provisions for the permanent ownership, operation, and maintenance of common open space shall be provided by covenant, deed restriction, easement, or ownership by and for the benefit of a property owners association, land trust, or other legal entity.

D.

Residential uses:

1.

Any type of residential dwelling unit is permissible, including single-family, multi-family, town house, apartments, duplex units, and manufactured housing;

2.

For PD projects including residential development, the density shall not exceed fourteen (14) units per acre; and

3.

Community centers, meeting facilities, and indoor or outdoor recreation facilities when maintenance for such uses is provided for as set forth in Section 4.06.02 (C).

E.

Commercial and office uses:

1.

Unless otherwise prohibited, any commercial or office use may be proposed;

2.

Development shall be designed and landscaped in a manner that ensures compatibility with residential uses within the PD and adjacent to the PD; and

3.

Traffic circulation shall not route commercial traffic through residential areas within or adjacent to the PD.

F.

"Unit" defined. For purposes of residential development, each unit shall have a kitchen and no unit shall exceed four bedrooms. This restriction does not apply to a free standing, detached, single family home.

(Res. No. 06-2015, 7-17-15)

A.

A site plan and a written narrative shall accompany an application to rezone as a Planned Development. The submittal and content requirements for the site plan and written narrative are set forth in Article 10.

B.

Specific site design and development standards shall be set forth on the site plan or in the written narrative and accompanying schedules of use and design standards.

C.

Upon approval of the rezoning to a PD district, the site plan and written narrative shall be recorded and shall be binding on all future development and use within the PD development.

D.

Building permits and public improvements shall not be authorized or installed for any PD development until final approval has been granted.

E.

Procedures for minor and major modifications to an approved PD site plan are set forth in Article 10.

F.

If no building permit or certificate of occupancy for an approved PD development is issued within twelve months from the date of approval of any such PD rezoning, the Mayor and City Council may, on its own motion, cause the property to revert to its original zoning category after notice by U.S. Mail addressed to the original applicant for rezoning or to such other person as may be substituted for said original applicant upon the records of the Clerk, and reasonable opportunity to said applicant to oppose the reversion to the original PD.

G.

No application to rezone property to PD shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation to the Mayor and City Council unless and until the application meets the minimum requirements set forth in this Section 4.06.03.

(Res. No. 11-2008, § 3, 5-5-08; Res. No. 06-2015, 7-17-15)

The City deems it necessary and desirable in the interest of public health, safety, and welfare to enact an ordinance for the conservation, planting and replacement of trees in the City without denying the reasonable use and enjoyment of real property. The importance of trees is recognized for their shade, cooling, noise and wind reduction, soil erosion prevention, oxygen production, dust filtration, carbon dioxide absorption, aesthetic and economic enhancement of all real property, and their contribution to the general well being and quality of life of the citizens of Carrollton. Consistent with the expressed purpose of this title, all persons shall make reasonable efforts to preserve and retain certain existing, self-supporting trees. It is also the intent of this article that all applicable sites within the city maintain a minimum tree canopy, as defined and described herein.

A.

Applicability. New developments and existing developments adding structural or site improvements and developments requiring preliminary plats, and developments for which a land development/Land-disturbance permit is required, shall be subject to the provisions of this article.

B.

Landscape plans. A plan showing required buffers, tree canopy, and landscaping shall be submitted in support of a site plan or building permit. All landscaping plans for buffers and related areas shall include the following information:

1.

The location, varieties, number and size of plantings to be planted within the development;

2.

Topographic information showing the final site grading and drainage for the landscape area;

3.

Impervious surfaces, including sidewalks, pavement areas and building footprints;

4.

Total tree canopy calculation by percent provided by both existing and proposed trees. See Appendix A, the City of Carrollton Tree Species table, to calculate tree canopy by percent;

[5.]

Buffer areas;

[6.]

Specimen Trees; and

7.

Property lines.

The applicant, property owner and/or subsequent or successor owners and their agents shall be responsible for maintenance of any landscaping and any landscaped buffer on the property on a continuing basis for the life of the development.

A.

Maintenance. All required landscaping shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner at all times. This shall include, but not be limited to, mowing, edging, pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding and other activities common to the maintenance of landscaping. Landscaped areas shall be kept free of trash, litter, weeds and other materials or plants not part of the landscaping. Failure to maintain landscape areas shall be considered a violation of this UDO.

B.

Plant material. All required plant material shall be maintained in a healthy, growing condition as is appropriate for the season. Plant materials that exhibit evidence of insect pests, disease and/or damage shall be appropriately treated, and dead plants promptly removed and replaced within the next planting season.

C.

Pruning. All tree pruning on public property shall conform to the ANSI A300 standards or other best management practices for tree care.

D.

Tree topping. It shall be unlawful for any person or firm to top or severely prune any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs larger than three inches in diameter within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Severe pruning seriously affects the tree's food supply, can scald the newly exposed bark, make trees vulnerable to insect invasion, stimulate the regrowth of dense, upright branches below the pruning cut, make the tree more vulnerable to wind damage, disfigure the tree aesthetically, and sometimes result in the death of the tree. Where appropriate, crown reduction by a qualified arborist may be substituted. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under obstructions such as utility wires where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this provision.

E.

Maintenance bond required. For new developments, a two-year maintenance bond shall, unless waived by the City Manager, be required for all maintained landscaping.

It is the goal of the City of Carrollton to achieve and maintain tree canopy cover and to promote the functional distribution of that canopy throughout and within the established zoning districts as development occurs through goals and requirements for tree canopy cover.

A.

Minimum total tree canopy requirements. New developments and existing developments adding structural or site improvements and developments requiring preliminary plats, and developments for which a land development/Land-disturbance permit is required, shall provide at least a minimum amount of tree canopy cover as shown in Table 4.07.04(C). Existing single family residential lots that appear on a preliminary plat approved prior to the adoption of this UDO are exempt.

B.

Minimum conserved tree canopy cover requirement. On lots equal or greater than 12,500 square feet in gross acreage a minimum amount of tree canopy cover shall originate from tree conservation as shown in Table 4.07.04(C). Trees within forested areas, open space, buffers, stormwater retention and detention areas and facilities, parks and open areas, passive recreation areas, 100-year floodplain, jurisdictional wetlands, and other similar forested areas shall count toward the minimum conserved tree canopy cover requirement if they meet the definition of a conservable tree or trees. All tree conservation shall be accomplished with the tree protection standards set forth in Section 4.07.07.

C.

Tree canopy cover required by zoning district. The amount of tree canopy cover required as measured in percent of total gross acreage of the site or lot varies by zoning district. Canopy calculations by species is specified in Appendix A in the City of Carrollton Tree Species table. Table 4.07.04(C) contains the minimum tree canopy cover required according to the zoning district. On new single family residential subdivisions, tree canopy cover is required for the overall site, as well as for each individual lot. Tree canopy cover required for each lot may be counted toward the tree canopy cover required for the entire site. The tree canopy cover located in the adjacent public right-of-way may be applied to the individual lot and overall tree canopy requirements.

Table 4.07.04(C) Tree Canopy Requirements by Zoning District

1.

See Section 4.07.07 for tree protection measures for conserved trees.

2.

No more than [thirty] (30) percent of any one tree species shall be planted on a lot.

3.

Lots that do not contain any pre-development tree canopy are not subject to the conserved tree canopy requirement.

4.

The City Manager may administratively waive or reduce the tree canopy percentage for those properties in a multifamily redevelopment overlay district.

(Res. No. 05-2014, 5-5-14; Res. No. 06-2019, 2-4-19; Res. No. 08-2019, 2-4-19)

A.

Buffers required. When any nonresidential use, other than agricultural uses, abuts a residential zoning district or when multi-family residences are adjacent to single-family residences or districts or subdivisions, one of the following buffers types shall be installed on the lot with the more intensive or nonresidential use along common lot lines.

B.

Buffer types.

a.

Natural buffers. A strip at least 50 feet wide, having existing natural growth equivalent to a densely planted evergreen screen. Planning staff may require additional planting to achieve a uniform buffer strip.

b.

Landscape buffers. A strip at least 20 feet wide, densely planted with an appropriate mix of trees and shrubs at least three feet high at the time of planting, of a type that will possess growth characteristics of such a nature as to produce a dense, compact evergreen screen capable of growing at least six feet within three years.

c.

Landscape buffer with fence structure. A buffer strip at least 10 feet wide, containing an opaque fence or barrier at least six feet in height. The wall or fence shall have at least five feet of landscape plantings on the exterior side of the wall and shall be planted with appropriate trees, shrubs, and ground cover as to provide a transition from the wall to both edges of the buffer strip. Planning staff may require additional plantings to acquire a uniform buffer strip.

A.

Site selection standards. Trees shall be placed such that they have adequate space to grow unobstructed to maturity. Minimum distances, at the time of planting as measured from the tree trunk to structures and infrastructure shall be required as listed in the table below. Staff may reduce these distance requirements as necessary if the growth of the tree will not be inhibited.

Table 4.07.06(A). Minimum Distances in Feet Required Between Trees and Structures or Infrastructure by Tree Canopy Size

B.

Landscaping requirements. Each project shall provide the amount of landscaping required by use as set forth in the table below. These percentages of landscaping are required for all properties that require a Land-disturbance permit.

Table 4.07.06(B). Landscaping Requirements

1.

Landscaped areas shall include all areas that are planted. Areas retained in a natural state may be included if they are comprised of native or non-invasive species.

2.

Landscaping in the adjacent public right-of-way may be counted toward meeting the overall landscaping requirement of this code.

3.

Landscaping design shall include a variety of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs and flowering plant species well adapted to the local environment.

4.

Landscaped areas at least 10 feet wide shall buffer buildings adjacent to streets.

C.

Landscaping in surface parking lots. For any off-street parking lot containing over ten (10) spaces, or for any combination of parking areas on a single lot providing more than ten (10) spaces, the following landscaping shall apply within the parking area.

1.

A ratio of one parking lot canopy tree for each seven parking spaces is required to create a canopy effect.

2.

Trees shall be selected from the parking lot canopy trees identified in the City of Carrollton Tree Species Table.

3.

To be considered a parking lot tree, the tree shall not be any farther than ten feet from, nor any closer than three feet to, the edge of the parking area pavement or curb.

4.

No more than 14 contiguous parking spaces shall be allowed without a minimum of one landscape island or peninsula containing trees.

5.

Trees shall be evenly distributed throughout the parking area.

6.

The landscaped area shall include open soil surface area required for the canopy size tree selected from the City of Carrollton Tree Species Table. However, one medium canopy tree may be planted in a landscape island or peninsula with a minimum dimension of nine feet by 18 feet or one parking stall.

7.

Planting strips in the interior of the parking lot shall have a minimum width of nine feet outside of curb to outside of curb to accommodate trees.

8.

Only large canopy trees shall be utilized for perimeter planting areas. For vehicle sales lots, smaller tree species may be used.

9.

Parking lots adjacent to residential uses shall incorporate a site obscuring hedge that shall grow no less than 36 inches higher than the finished grade of the parking area, except for required vision clearance areas.

D.

Streetscape trees. Trees shall be required as part of the streetscape on either side of the front property line. Tree establishment shall be done in accordance with the site selection standards identified in Table 4.07.06(A). Tree canopy cover along streets must meet the following minimum requirements.

1.

One street tree shall be planted for each 30 feet of frontage for that portion of the development fronting the street. Where feasible, existing healthy trees on the site shall be utilized to fulfill this requirement.

2.

Trees may be spaced at variable distances to conform to site selection standards; however, they must be more or less evenly distributed across the front lot line.

3.

Street trees may not be allowed in traffic vision clearance zones.

4.

Street trees shall be selected from the City of Carrollton Tree Species Table.

The following standards shall apply to trees identified as canopy trees and specimen trees, or that are counted toward the minimum required percentage of tree canopy identified in Table 4.07.04(C).

A.

Root protection zone. A root protection zone must be established around the trunk of each preserved tree, or grouping of trees. The root protection zone shall be an area defined by the drip line of a tree. The maximum size of the root protection zone shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) square feet per tree. During construction, the area within the root protection zone shall remain free of excess soil, additional fill, equipment, liquids or construction debris. No soil shall be removed from within the root protection zone.

B.

Protective fencing. A protective barrier shall be erected at the edge of the root protection zone. This barrier may be comprised of snow fencing, vinyl construction fencing, chain link, geotextile material, or other sturdy material approved by the Planning Department. The protective barrier must remain in place at all times during construction.

C.

Specimen trees. Trees unique due to age, size, species or historic relevance are to be identified on the landscape plan as specimen trees. Special consideration must be made to work around specimen trees. Reasonable effort shall include, but not be limited to, alteration of building design, alternate building location, parking area, detention area, drainage system, or relocation of utilities. Design of buildings, hardscapes and utilities are to be developed with consideration to preserving and featuring specimen trees. The following criteria are used to identify specimen trees. Both size and condition criteria must be met to qualify.

1.

Size Criteria.

a.

Large Hardwoods (oaks, poplars, sweetgums, etc.): twenty-seven (27) inch diameter or larger.

b.

Large Softwoods (pines, deodar, cedar, etc.): thirty (30) inch diameter or larger.

c.

Small Trees (dogwoods, redbuds, sourwoods, etc.): 8 inch diameter or larger.

2.

Condition Criteria.

a.

Life expectancy of more than fifteen (15) years.

b.

Relatively sound and solid trunk with no extensive decay.

c.

No more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only)

d.

No major insect or pathological problem.

3.

A lesser sized tree can be considered a specimen tree, if in the judgment of the City:

a.

It is a rare or unusual species or of historical significance.

b.

It is specifically used by a builder, developer, or design professional as a focal point in a project or landscape.

c.

It is a tree with exceptional aesthetic quality.

4.

Replacement of Specimen Trees. In the event that a specimen tree is removed or fatally harmed during the land development process, the applicant shall be required to replace any specimen tree with two trees of the same species with a minimum diameter of 4 inches per tree.