It is recognized by this article that the principal use of certain open areas within the townships is and ought to be the development, management and utilization of the natural resource base possessed by these areas. In order that this value may be maintained and this use encouraged, this article has established, based upon a well-considered plan, a zoning district designed to regulate the location of buildings and structures and the use of parcels and lots in order to protect the natural resources, natural habitats of wildlife, waterways and water bodies, agricultural capabilities, public and private recreation areas, and the public health, safety and welfare by reducing the hardships and burdens imposed upon the people of the township by the wanton destruction of resources, the improper and wasteful use of open land, wooded areas and the periodic flooding and overflow of creeks and streams. In addition, this district will help protect human life, prevent or minimize material losses, and reduce the cost to the public of rescue and relief efforts occasioned by unwise occupancy or construction of buildings in areas subject to periodic inundation, such areas being shown as floodplain by soil types as compiled by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service.

The following buildings and structures and uses of parcels, lots, buildings and structures are permitted in the OSC district:

(1)

Public and private conservation areas for the development, protection and conservation of open space, watersheds, water, soil, forest and wildlife resources.

(2)

A lot may be used for the raising or growing of crops, orchards, vineyards, tree farms and apiaries -provided that any lot that is kept as idle cropland shall be so treated as to prevent soil erosion by wind or water.

(3)

Keeping of livestock, poultry and other farm animals provided the area to be used for pasture and shelter meet the following requirements:

(4)

A lot may be used for the raising or growing of plants, trees, shrubs and nursery stock.

(5)

Drives and parking areas.

(6)

A sign, only in accordance with the regulations specified in article XXII of this chapter.

(7)

Essential services.

(8)

Essential service buildings except as provided in section 38-474.

The following buildings and structures and uses of parcels, lots, buildings and structures are permitted in this district, subject to obtaining a conditional use permit as provided in article XVI of this chapter:

(1)

Public or private forest preserve, game refuge, golf course, park, campgrounds including, but not limited to, seasonal tent and travel trailer campgrounds, playground, or other recreation purpose. (See section 38-481.)

(2)

The growing, stripping, and removal of sod, provided that said lot or portion thereof shall be seeded after stripping by fall of the same year in which it was stripped as to reduce the actual or potential erosion of soil by water or wind.

(3)

The removal of soil, sand, gravel and other materials. (See section 38-487.)

(4)

Country club house, swimming pool, bath house and the sale of food, beverages and recreation equipment which is incidental and accessory to a recreation use. (See section 38-479.)

(5)

Communication towers. (See section 38-488.)

(6)

An accessory use building or structures. (See sections 38-416 and 38-419.)

(7)

Keeping of species not specifically mentioned in section 38-359(3).

All uses either permitted or conditional in this district shall meet the off-street parking requirements of article XXIII of this chapter.

The following regulations shall apply in all OSC—Open Space and Water Body Conservation Districts:

(1)

Minimum lot size. No building or structure shall be established on any lot less than five acres in area.

(2)

Minimum width. The minimum lot width shall be 300 feet.

(3)

Maximum coverage. The maximum lot coverage shall not exceed ten percent.

(4)

Yard setback requirements.

a.

Front yard: Not less than 60 feet.

b.

Side yards: The least width of either yards shall not be less than 50 feet.

c.

Rear yard: Not less than 50 feet.

The above requirements shall apply to every lot, building or structure except for accessory buildings located totally behind the principal building.

(5)

Height. (See section 38-426.) No building or structure shall exceed three stories or 40 feet.

(6)

Required off-street parking as required in article XXIII of this chapter.

(7)

Preservation of environmental quality. As required in section 38-429, in a floodplain as indicated by soil types, the construction or location of bridges, outdoor equipment, bleachers and similar outdoor equipment or appurtenances, storage of materials and equipment is prohibited unless such elements would not cause any significant obstruction to the flow, or reduction in the impoundment capacity of the floodplain.

The depth of all newly created lots shall not exceed four times the lot width, as measured at the required building setback.

Fences and walls provisions as contained in section 38-427.