(a)

Development projects which, by virtue of density or extent, have the potential to remove significant areas of open space from the natural environment shall reserve a minimum percentage of the project's land area as open space. The purpose of this reservation is two-fold:

(1)

The first purpose is related to the rural character of the city as a resource, which has attracted residents. As is true of many rural areas, intensive development tends to spoil much of the resource originally responsible for that growth. Therefore, in order to protect the city's quality living environments, all development of sites in R-CT, RM-12, RM-36, O&I, and P&O districts shall preserve open areas according to the following formula:

a.

Projects which disturb areas of open space greater than one-acre shall retain a minimum of 30 percent of the gross site acreage in permanent open space.

b.

Projects which disturb areas of open space greater than one-acre and provide a variety of site amenities, including but not limited to walking paths or trails, benches, lighting, picnic areas, and recreation facilities, shall retain a minimum of 20 percent of the gross site acreage in improved open space.

c.

Projects which disturb areas of open space greater than one acre and provide site amenities consistent with the provisions of subsection (a)(1)b., and link those areas to similar areas on adjoining property which currently exist or could reasonably be utilized as open space, shall retain a minimum of ten percent of the gross site acreage in improved open space.

(2)

The second purpose of the open space reservation is related to the storm drainage pattern of the city. As a rural community, the city relies on surface runoff systems, and has no significant infrastructure in storm drainage. This system depends on a great deal of porous surfaces and open areas to function properly. The cost of construction of a storm drainage utility system is prohibitive. As a result, the city must protect its open areas and natural storm drainage system. This protection will be achieved through enforcement of the provisions of this section in all development projects proposed for R-CT, RM-12, RM-36, O&I, and P&O districts on sites greater than one acre.

(b)

Projects which alter the site's natural drainage system by grading an area greater than 50 percent of the gross acreage of the site, or by installing drainage structures requiring piping above 18 inches in diameter shall retain 30 percent of the gross acreage in open space.

(c)

Projects which preserve natural drainage swales and associated areas in permanent, natural settings shall retain 20 percent of the gross acreage in open space.

(d)

Projects which preserve natural drainage swales and associated areas in permanent, natural settings, and which are linked to natural drainage routes on adjoining properties, shall retain ten percent of the gross acreage in open space.

(e)

Acreage on development sites affected by this section encompassed by natural water features, floodplains or areas preserved as greenbelts or wetlands may be credited toward the open space reservation. The requirements of this section are, however, in addition to those required under article IX.

(f)

Required yard areas are not credited toward the open space reservation.

(Ord. No. 2008-10Z, exh. A, § 14.08, 8-25-2008; Ord. No. 2012-14, § 1, 12-10-2012; Ord. of 10-28-2019(1))