7.11.01: Open space is generally considered to be a naturally landscaped area with no more than 10 percent of its area paved and surrounded by development on at least 75 percent of its perimeter. Parks and public recreational facilities generally fall under this categorization. Areas committed to the preservation of drainage uses including ponds also are considered open space.

Open space, as it relates to parks and landscaping is described in Article 12 in detail.

7.11.02: In Mary Esther, all development projects where there is an addition, alteration or intensification of land uses affecting fifty (50) percent or more of the development area are subject to regulation specified below:

A.

Open Space Landscape - All land uses not specifically exempted by this Code shall devote a minimum of eighteen (18) percent of the total area to Open Space landscape.

B.

Front Perimeter Landscape - A minimum ten (10) foot wide strip of land abutting the right-of-way shall be landscaped. Width of sidewalks shall not be included within the ten (10) foot wide front setback for landscaping.

C.

Parking - For every 2,500 square feet of garage parking spaces, 171 square feet of exterior green area is required.

D.

Buffer Zone Landscaping - A landscaped buffer zone at least ten (10) feet in depth shall be provided between multi-family and single-family zones and between commercial and any residential zone. Such landscaped buffer shall be designed not less than six (6) feet in height to form a continuous, opaque screen between the zoning districts. Any required privacy fencing may be included in the landscaped buffer.