Intent. To provide the developer with an alternative to the rigid conformity to lot, bulk, and area requirements that is otherwise required in the R-3 District. Such opportunity for flexibility in design, along with density bonuses and other incentives, will enable developers to construct lower-cost housing in developed areas of the City with proper consideration for aesthetics, open space needs, buffering, landscaping and other design criteria. The option is only available where all public facilities and services, including water, sewer, storm drainage, schools, parks, streets, and fire service are available at the site and are adequate to handle the needs generated by the proposed development.

Maximum Parcel Size. The maximum parcel size for use of the flexible development option is two (2) acres.

Pre-Application Conference. The developer shall have a pre-application conference with the Planning Department prior to submitting a site development plan for the purpose of determining the appropriate uses of the flexible development option with respect to the site and to review the particular requirements and incentives that may be applicable.

The site development plan shall be submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission for its review and approval prior to the issuance of a building permit, but in conjunction with an application for the building permit.

In considering the site plan, the Planning and Zoning Commission may impose, in addition to the regulations and standards expressly specified in this Chapter, other conditions found necessary to protect the interests of the surrounding property and the City as a whole and to prevent nuisance conditions from arising.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall approve, disapprove, or approve with conditions the site development plan within sixty (60) days after its submission by the applicant.

In every case where the developer chooses to develop under the flexible development option, he/she shall submit a site development plan which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Clustering. The applicant may cluster the buildings on the site without regard for the lot size and building requirements otherwise required, except those dictated by health, firesafety, function and screening considerations.

Density. The applicant who chooses the flexible development option may be granted a density bonus not to exceed a factor of one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the number of dwellings otherwise permitted by the provisions of the R-3 District.

Off-Street Parking. The applicant will be required to provide off-street parking at a ratio of one and one-half (1 1/2) spaces for each dwelling unit.

Buffering. Landscaping or decorative architectural screening shall be required on all sides.

Lighting. Any lighting used to illuminate off-street parking area shall be directed away from residential properties.

Open Spaces. An area equal to not less than ten percent (10%) of the total acreage shall be set aside for usable open space.