Ridley Park City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VII
RC Cluster Zoning Overlay
§ 213-32 Purpose.
The purpose of cluster zoning is to create and promote an alternative and optional method of new residential development through a cluster zoning concept that would encourage good site planning on environmentally sensitive tracts but that would maintain the same density as permitted by the underlying zoning district. This cluster zoning is an overlay district that applies only to land zoned as R-3 Residential.
§ 213-33 Objectives.
The use of cluster zoning is herein included to advance the following objectives:
A.
To permit a more attractive, varied arrangement of dwelling units and open space on a particular tract.
B.
To allow specific parcels of land to be developed more efficiently and economically and with greater environmental sensitivity than is possible under standard lot-by-lot zoning.
C.
To preserve natural features such as tree masses, stream valleys, woodlands, steep slopes, and other natural features which are appropriate for park, recreation, and/or other open space uses.
§ 213-34 General building regulations.
A.
The tract of land must be held in single and separate ownership and contain not less than five acres.
C.
The housing types permitted in this Cluster Overlay shall be single-family attached dwellings (townhouses) and single-family semidetached dwellings (twins) only.
D.
No structure shall be nearer than 30 feet to the tract boundary.
E.
Where the developer elects to develop not less than two acres with the permitted housing types, a reduction in lot area of 10% shall be permitted.
F.
The total number of units permitted shall not exceed the number allowed under the regulations of the R-3 District.
§ 213-35 Open space.
The following requirements shall be met before approval of the cluster-type development is granted:
A.
The areas designated as open space areas shall be those which will serve to preserve woodlands, stream valleys, steep slopes, unusual topography, or other natural features of the tract or which are appropriate for park, recreation, or other open space purposes.
B.
Areas for common open space use may be reserved for private use or may, subject to agreement of Borough Council, be dedicated to the Borough. Areas to be set aside and reserved for private use shall be restricted by dedicated easement, covenant, or other legal written agreement acceptable to the Borough for perpetual preservation and maintenance of the subject open space.