The Planned Unit Development District is intended and designed to promote and encourage development or redevelopment of tracts of land on a planned, unified basis by allowing greater flexibility for those developments that propose a creative and innovative design whose layout is not achievable under the standards of other zoning districts. A planned unit development shall consist of an arrangement and selection of land uses in groupings that are organized and designed as an integrated unit rather than a collection of independent building and sites. The integrated design shall include a holistic presentation of elements such as building orientation and materials, utilities, parking areas, traffic and pedestrian circulation, landscaping and open spaces that satisfy the individual site needs while achieving greater value for the entire development area.

   The Planned Unit Development District shall be reserved for only those developments, which meet one or more of the following criteria:

   1.   Developments that provide for varying land uses to coexist within the same development so that the growing demands of the population may be met by greater variety in type, design, and layout.

   2.   Developments which encourage a more efficient use of land through the incorporation of public/private spaces or uses which enhance the community at large.

   3.   Developments that provide both public and private open spaces that accent and enhance both the architectural and natural features of the development and provide for the protection and preservation of existing vegetative and water resources.

   4.   Developments that present a common and unified theme through the use of architecturally compatible detailing to form a part of a larger composition rather than separate land uses designed in isolation of one another.

   Principal permitted uses for planned unit development zoned property shall consist of residential uses, neighborhood commercial uses, and neighborhood office uses. If it is determined by the Council that a proposed use is not compatible and consistent with the proposed planned unit development, the property owner shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Board of Adjustment pursuant to the regulations and requirements as expressed in Chapter 3 of this title.

   1.   “Residential uses” shall be defined as single-family residential, attached dwellings, multiple-family residential, assisted, and independent living facilities and nursing homes.

   2.   “Neighborhood commercial uses” shall be defined as those uses which normally and customarily service the surrounding residential properties. Neighborhood commercial uses shall include, but not be limited to, dry cleaners, delis, coffee shops, markets, convenience stores, and small retail establishments.

   3.   “Neighborhood office uses” shall be defined as those office uses which normally and customarily service the surrounding residential properties. Neighborhood commercial uses shall include, but not be limited to, small medical clinics, veterinarians, and banks.

   1.   Accessory buildings may be constructed in planned unit development zoned lots as permitted in Section 11-4-7 of this title.

   2.   Accessory structures may be constructed in planned unit development zoned lots as permitted in Section 11-4-8 of this title. Where the planned unit development is not specifically mentioned, the requirements shall be consistent with the commercial district regulations.

   Signage within a planned unit development shall serve as a unifying element while creating measured and consistent identification of the various land uses within the planned unit development.

   Adequate parking shall be provided within the planned unit development based upon the proposed uses. Shared parking for varying uses shall be strongly encouraged.

   Open space requirements within a planned unit development shall consist of both public and private landscape areas, natural areas, plazas, and courtyards designed to enhance the architectural and natural features of the development.

   Buildings within a planned unit development shall be designed to be architecturally compatible with each other and should be seen as a larger composition as opposed to individual buildings. Buildings shall be designed to promote quality architecture and design elements along all four building elevations. The use of colors, materials, facade projections and recesses, articulated rooflines, enhanced entrances, lighting, windows, or awnings shall be used to make the development architecturally compatible as a whole.

   Density, setbacks, and height requirements shall be clearly specified within the development plan and development agreement.

   A development plan and development agreement shall be required for all Planned Unit Development Districts. The development plan shall include a narrative section that identifies the primary objectives of the development, as well as providing specific guidelines and design standards related to the development including, but not limited to, size, location, and uses of buildings, bulk regulations, parking configurations and requirements, architectural standards, landscaping, open space design, signage design and location, pedestrian access, and utilities. In addition to the development plan, a development agreement shall be required of the developer, which shall acknowledge the developer’s commitment to develop the property in accordance with the development plan.