The purpose of this zone is to provide consistency with and implement policies related to those locations which are designated open space and parks on the general plan land use map and in the general plan text. The open space (O-S) zone is intended both to provide adequate recreational opportunities and to preserve open space for the anticipated needs of both present and future residents and employees in the city. This is to be achieved by preserving and protecting natural resources; providing visual relief from intense urban development; developing new recreational opportunities and preventing incompatible development of areas that should be preserved or regulated for scenic, recreation, conservation, transportation, or public health and safety purposes. (Ord. 1212, 11-16-1993)

The following uses are permitted in the O-S zone:

   A.   Public outdoor recreation, including, without limitation, ballparks and bleachers, swimming pools, parks and other areas of active or passive recreational usage; trails and other suitable corridors including off road bicycle paths.

   B.   The preservation and conservation of natural resources, including, without limitation, areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life and areas required to provide visual relief from intense urban development and growth.

   C.   The managed production of mineral deposits.

   D.   The regulation of areas for public health and safety, including, without limitation, areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions.

   E.   Other similar uses approved by the director, as provided by chapter 22 of this title. (Ord. 1497, 10-21-2014)

The following accessory uses are permitted in the O-S zone when developed and used in conjunction with one or more permitted uses in the zone:

   A.   Comfort stations.

   B.   Concession stands.

   C.   Maintenance buildings.

   D.   Parking areas.

   E.   Roof-mounted solar energy systems.

   F.   Small and medium-scale ground-mounted solar energy systems.

   G.   Other similar uses approved by the Director, as provided by chapter 22 of this title. (Ord. 1212, 11-16-1993; amd. Ord. 1315, 1-18-2000; Ord. 1639, 9-20-2022; Ord. 1648, 6-21-2023)

The following uses shall be allowed subject to obtaining a conditional use permit consistent with chapter 23 of this title:

   A.   Buildings or structures allowed in conjunction with permitted uses which exceed the height limitations of subsection 15-8-5C of this chapter.

   B.   Intermodal transit facilities entirely within five hundred feet (500') of a Metro Green Line station, a minimum of five hundred feet (500') from residential property, and with a parking time limit of twenty four (24) consecutive hours.

   C.   Landscape nurseries (no wholesale or retail sales on premises).

   D.   Private recreation.

   E.   Recreational or multipurpose recreational building in conjunction with park or playground facilities.

   F.   Utility facilities.

   G.   Other similar uses approved by the Director of Community Development, as provided by chapter 22 of this title. (Ord. 1260, 9-17-1996; amd. Ord. 1315, 1-18-2000; Ord. 1639, 9-20-2022)

All uses within the O-S Zone shall comply with the development standards contained in this section.

   A.   General Provisions: As provided by chapter 2 of this title.

   B.   Lot Area: No minimum requirements. (Ord. 1257, 6-18-1996)

   C.   Height:

      1.   Buildings and structures with a pitched roof shall not exceed a height of thirty two feet (32'). Buildings and structures with a flat roof shall not exceed twenty six feet (26').

      2.   A maximum grade differential of eight feet (8') is permitted on sloping lots, measuring from the grade plane to the lowest finished grade immediately adjacent to the exterior walls of the building. The vertical height which exceeds the maximum grade differential limit is included in measuring the maximum building height. On sloped lots, a segmented grade plane may be applied to different portions of a building.

      3.   See section 15-2-3 of this title for exceptions to building height. (Ord. 1571, 9-4-2018)

   D.   Setbacks:

      1.   Front Yard: The front yard setback shall be not less than the average front yard setback requirements of abutting properties that have the same street frontage.

      2.   Side Yard: The side yard shall not be less than the average side yard setback requirements for those properties which abut the side yard of the subject property.

      3.   Rear Yard: The rear yard shall not be less than the average rear yard setback requirements for those properties which abut the rear yard of the subject property.

   E.   Lot Frontage: No minimum requirements.

   F.   Building Area: No maximum floor area ratio requirements.

   G.   Walls And Fences: Walls and fences shall be located in compliance with the requirements of chapter 2 of this title.

   H.   Lot Coverage: Buildings shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the lot area. (Ord. 1257, 6-18-1996)

Five percent (5%) of the at grade total vehicular use area must be landscaped. Landscaping must conform to chapter 15A of this title. (Ord. 1515, 12-15-2015)

Off street parking spaces shall be provided as required by chapter 15 of this title. (Ord. 1212, 11-16-1993)

Signs in the O-S Zone shall be in compliance with the requirements of chapter 18 of this title. (Ord. 1212, 11-16-1993)