Sheffield City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 1109

Planned Unit Developments

1109.01 PURPOSE.

The purpose of the Planned Unit Development (PUD) Overlay District is to provide a means for encouraging ingenuity, imagination, and flexibility in the planning and designing of medium and large-scale developments where traditional zoning districts may be too restrictive for the range of proposed uses or design. The PUD regulations provide controlled flexibility by utilizing objectives and performance standards rather than rigid design requirements. The intent is to encourage developments that possess greater amenities and/or provide greater environmental protection than standard zoning district requirements. It is not the intent of the PUD to allow applications to circumvent the intent of this code to permit residential density, uses, housing types, or street and utility layouts that conflict with adopted plans and policies or the character of the area. It is, furthermore, the purpose of the PUD regulations to:

(a) Help achieve the goals of plans adopted by the Village in a manner that allows for the comprehensive review of a medium to large-scale development;

(b) Encourage creative and high-quality developments that are compatible with surrounding land uses, achieve a high degree of pedestrian-vehicular separation, and contribute to the overall quality of Sheffield Village;

(c) Provide for the flexible arrangement of buildings, densities, and a variety of housing types to meet the needs of the residential market;

(d) Encourage the design of residential development in a manner that will conserve open space and the rural character of Sheffield Village

(e) Promote a harmonious design amongst the various elements and uses within the development while mitigating any potential negative impact on surrounding properties;

(f) Allow phased construction with the knowledge that subsequent phases shall be approved as originally planned and approved by the Village;

(g) Ensure that there are adequate services and infrastructure to serve the proposed development; and

(h) Reserve adequate land areas for schools, parks, and other public uses.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1109.02 SCOPE AND APPLICABILITY.

(a) The intent of the PUD regulations is to provide a means for applying comprehensive and flexible planning and design techniques on properties substantially sized to accommodate such a plan. As such, the minimum size of any PUD project or plan shall be five acres. PUD proposals should not be applied to small areas as a means of bypassing traditional district regulations.

(b) A PUD of less than five acres may be considered for high-intensity areas as defined by adopted plans. Planning Commission and Village Council must approve such a reduction in size.

(c) Any PUD approved and constructed prior to the effective date of this amendment shall carry forward with the approved plans. All future construction or changes in previously approved PUDs shall comply with the applicable approved plan unless a modification is required, in which case, the modification shall be reviewed in accordance with this chapter.

(d) In order to submit an application for PUD review, the tract or tracts of land included within the proposed PUD shall be in one ownership or control or shall be subject to a joint application by the owners of all properties included within the proposal.

(e) A PUD shall be considered an overlay district in that any approval of a PUD shall result in the placement of the PUD boundaries on the zoning map while retaining the underlying base zoning district (R, C-2, I-1, etc.). The underlying base zoning district shall control what uses are permitted in the PUD (See Section 1107.05.). A PUD overlay district may only be applied to areas that have an existing zoning of R, C-2, C-3, C-4, or I-1).

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1109.03 PUD REVIEW PROCESS.

(a) PUD Submission and Review Procedure.

(1) Step 1 - Pre-Application Meeting (Optional). An applicant shall have the option to request a pre-application meeting with the Village Administrator and additional staff to informally discuss the application and any concept plans. Such a meeting shall be subject to Section 1105.02(f).

(2) Step 2 - Application. The applicant shall submit an application in accordance with Section 1105.02 and the provisions of this section.

(3) Step 3 -Development Plan and Zoning Map Amendment.

A. The PUD Development Plan approval procedure involves a zoning map amendment to rezone the subject property to a PUD with an approved PUD Development Plan.

B. The procedure for this stage of review shall comply with the requirements of Section 1105.03.

C. In accordance with the zoning map amendment review procedure, the Planning Commission shall review the PUD Development Plan and make a recommendation to Village Council to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the application. The recommendation shall be made based on the review of the application using the criteria contained in Section 1109.04. The Planning Commission may, in its recommendation to Village Council, require that the PUD Development Plan be submitted in stages upon evidence assuring completion of the entire development in accordance with the PUD Development Plan and phased development schedule.

D. In accordance with the zoning map amendment review process, Village Council shall hold a public hearing on the PUD Development Plan and PUD zoning map amendment and decide to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the recommendation of the Planning Commission using the criteria contained in Section 1109.04, of this chapter.

i. If Village Council moves to make any of the following decisions, such action shall only require the concurring vote of a simple majority of the Village Council:

a) Approve the recommendation of the Planning Commission;

b) Approve the recommendation of the Planning Commission with some modification; or

c) Deny the application following a recommendation for approval from Planning Commission.

ii. If Village Council moves to overturn a recommendation for denial from the Planning Commission, such action shall require three-fourths of the full membership of the Village Council to concur.

E. Approval of the PUD Development Plan and zoning map amendment will result in the addition of the PUD overlay district on the zoning map.

F. In making its recommendations or decisions, the Planning Commission and/or Village Council may impose such conditions of approval as are in its judgment necessary to ensure conformity to the applicable criteria and standards of this zoning code and with adopted plans. In so doing, the Planning Commission and/or Village Council may permit the applicant to revise the plan and resubmit it as a PUD Development Plan within sixty (60) days of such action.

(4) Step 4 - Subdivision, Site Plan Review, and Zoning Compliance Review.

A. Within one year after the approval of the PUD Development Plan, the applicant shall file a major subdivision application if a subdivision of land is required. Such application shall be in accordance with Section 1105.10, and the submitted plats shall be in conformance with the approved PUD Development Plan.

B. If a subdivision of land is not required, then within one year after approval of the PUD Development Plan, the applicant shall file a site plan review or zoning compliance review, as applicable.

C. If more than one (1) year passes from the date of approval of the PUD Development Plan and no applications have been filed in accordance with the above provisions, or a request for an extension not to exceed one (1) year has been filed with the Planning Commission, then the PUD Development Plan shall be deemed expired, and the applicant must resubmit such plan.

D. In no case shall a PUD Development Plan be valid for more than two (2) years, including an approved extension.

E. After the PUD Development Plan has expired, the PUD zoning designation shall remain in place, but no development shall be authorized unless the property owner, or authorized agent, submits a new PUD Development Plan for a review pursuant to this chapter or submits an application for a zoning map amendment to another zoning district.

(b) Changes to Approved PUDs.

(1) A PUD shall be constructed and completed in accordance with the approved PUD Development Plan, including all supporting data and conditions. The PUD Development Plan and supporting data, together with all recorded amendments, shall be binding on the applicants, their successors, grantees, and assignees and shall limit and control the use of premises (including the internal use of buildings and structures) and the location of structures in the PUD as set forth therein.

(2) Where a property owner on a lot in a PUD seeks a variance from the applicable standards for an individual property that will not apply to any other property in the PUD, the property owner shall request such variance in accordance with Section 1105.07.

(3) Any request to change or otherwise modify the approved PUD Development Plan, as it applies to more than one property owner, shall be reviewed based on whether the change is considered major or minor, in accordance with this subsection.

A. Major Change.

i. Major changes to a PUD require the prior approval of the Planning Commission and the Village Council in the same process, and with the same hearings, as that used to review the PUD Development Plan. The Village Administrator shall have the authority to determine if a proposed change is a major change. Major changes include, but are not limited to:

a) Expansion of the PUD project beyond the original tract coverage;

b) Removal or subtraction of land from the original tract coverage; and

c) Proposed changes that will result in an increase in residential dwelling units of more than five percent (5%) of the total dwelling units proposed or an aggregate increase of more than ten percent (10%) in nonresidential square footage.

ii. Changes that require the approval of only the Planning Commission at a public hearing include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) Changes in the site plan relative to the size and arrangement of buildings, the layout of streets or circulation patterns, the size, configuration, and location of common open space, and changes in any approved elements of the PUD; and

b) Amendments to the conditions that were attached to the PUD Development Plan approval.

B. Minor Changes.

i. Minor changes are those proposed by the developer/owner which do not disturb or affect the basic design and approved PUD Development Plan and which are essentially technical in nature, as determined by the Village Administrator.

ii. Examples of minor changes include but are not limited to, changes in the intensity of lighting, changes in the size and location of water and sewer lines within approved easements, and changes in the location and number of fire hydrants.

iii. Additionally, the Village Administrator shall have the authority to approve structural dimensional changes that do not increase density; that do not change building height by more than ten (10) feet; or that do not change building or perimeter setbacks by more than fifteen (15) feet when necessary to accommodate minor shifts in the location of improvements or infrastructure.

iv. The Village Administrator shall notify the Planning Commission of all such approved minor changes.

(1) In the event of a failure to comply with the approved plan or any prescribed condition or approval, including failure to comply with the stage development schedule, the Planning Commission may, after notice and hearing, revoke the approval of the PUD Development Plan. The Planning Commission shall, at the same time, recommend whether to maintain the PUD zoning district or the rezoning of the properties to another zoning district.

(2) The revocation shall become final thirty (30) days after Village Council passes an ordinance to rezone the property to a zoning district, other than a PUD, or a decision by the Planning Commission to revoke the approved plans but retain the PUD zoning.

(3) Where the PUD zoning remains without an approved PUD Development Plan, the property owner or agent shall be required to submit a new PUD Development Plan in accordance with the review procedures of this chapter.

(d) Recording. The recording of the subdivision related to the PUD approval shall be done in the same manner as outlined in Section 1105.10.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1109.04 REVIEW CRITERIA.

All PUD applications shall be reviewed based on the following general criteria, and the applicable review body shall consider such criteria in the creation of their specific findings when making recommendations and decisions regarding PUD applications, especially for the review of the PUD Development Plan:

(a) The proposed development is in conformity with the goals, policies, and any applicable recommendations of the Sheffield Village Comprehensive Land Use Plan;

(b) The proposed development meets the intent and spirit of this code and all other applicable Village ordinances or adopted plans;

(c) The development provides an environment of stable character that promotes a harmonious relationship between land uses within the site and a harmonious relationship with surrounding development, utilizing adequate screening where necessary;

(d) The proposed development provides a development pattern that preserves and utilizes the natural topography, geologic features, scenic vistas, natural vegetation, and natural drainage patterns of the site;

(e) The proposed development maximizes the opportunity for privacy within residential areas and minimizes nuisances between residential areas and other land uses;

(f) The proposed development, while compatible with its surroundings, provides a more diverse environment for living, shopping, and/or working than would be possible under strict application of the standard minimum design requirements of other districts provided within this code;

(g) The proposed development promotes greater efficiency in the use of land and does not impose an undue burden on public services and facilities such as fire and police protection, public works, schools, water supply, and wastewater disposal due to excessive population densities;

(h) The proposed development is not likely to result in significant adverse impacts upon the natural environment, including air, water, noise, stormwater management, wildlife, and vegetation, or such impacts will be substantially mitigated;

(i) Where common open space is required, appropriate arrangements with the applicant have been made, which will ensure the reservation of common open space as identified in the PUD Development Plan and PUD Development Plan. Furthermore, the PUD Development Plan shall demonstrate how the open spaces shall be duly transferred and maintained by a legally established homeowner's association or another public or quasi-public agency for preservation and maintenance;

(j) The proposed development is accessible from public thoroughfares adequate to accommodate the traffic which will be imposed on them by the proposed development, and the proposed streets and parking areas within the site are adequate to serve the proposed arrangement and densities of land uses;

(k) The internal connectivity will assist in creating safe traffic patterns for pedestrians and cars while also minimizing the need for multiple curb cuts;

(l) The proposed development minimizes pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle conflicts;

(m) The proposed development provides a higher quality and more useful design of landscaping and open space and amenities than would normally be required under the strict application of existing zoning and subdivision requirements;

(n) The proposed development contains such proposed covenants, easements, association by-laws, and other such provisions as may reasonably be required for the public health, safety, and welfare;

(o) The proposed development is designed in such a way that each individual section of the development, as well as the total development, can exist as an independent section capable of creating an environment of sustained desirability and stability or that adequate assurance has been provided that such an objective shall be attained;

(p) The proposed development can be substantially completed within the time specified in the schedule of development submitted by the developer; and

(q) The PUD plans have been transmitted to all other agencies and departments charged with the responsibility of review, and any identified issues have been reasonably addressed by the applicant.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1109.05 PERMITTED USES.

(a) Principal Uses.

(1) Only those uses listed in this code (See Section 1107.05.) as a permitted use in the underlying base zoning district, whether permitted as-of-right, permitted with standards, or permitted as a conditional use, may be considered in the application of a PUD.

(2) In general, any use-specific standards that apply to a use in Table 1107 3 shall also apply to those same uses in a PUD. However, the Planning Commission and Village Council may adjust or waive any of those use-specific standards (See Section 1107.06.) based on unique circumstances specific to the applicable development.

(3) As part of any approval, the Planning Commission and/or Village Council may restrict the uses permitted within an individual PUD by adopting a list of uses permitted within the PUD.

(4) Any changes in uses within an approved PUD shall be required to be reviewed as part of a major PUD amendment.

(b) Accessory Uses.

(1) Unless otherwise allowed for in the approved plans, accessory uses associated with development in a PUD shall be allowed in accordance with the following:

A. Accessory uses permitted in the R District shall be allowed on lots with any single-family dwelling.

B. Accessory uses allowed in the M-1 District shall be allowed on lots with any multi-family dwelling.

C. Accessory uses allowed in the C-3 or I-1 Districts shall be allowed on lots with nonresidential uses.

D. Any allowed accessory uses shall still comply with the applicable accessory use-specific standards established in this code in Section 1111.01.

(2) As part of any approval, the Planning Commission and/or Village Council may restrict the accessory uses permitted within an individual PUD.

(Ord. 2879. Passed 10-23-23.)

1109.06 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS.

(a) General Development Standards.

(1) For PUD applications that are related to property with an underlying base zoning district of C-2, C-3, C-4, or I-1, the Planning Commission and Village Council shall have the authority to restrict the intensity of development based on the compatibility of the development with surrounding development, the scale of the overall project, traffic impacts, and recommendations from adopted plans. No common open space is required for such PUD applications.

(2) For PUD applications that are related to property with an underlying R District, the total number of dwelling units permitted within the development shall be calculated based on a maximum density of three units per acre applied to the Total Buildable Area. The Total Buildable Area shall be calculated by subtracting the following areas from the total project area:

A. The total area of land in a designated floodway;

B. The total area of land that is defined as a wetland by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency;

C. Ten percent (10%) of the total project area for rights-of-way and other dedications.

(3) Table 1109-1 includes an example of a calculation and the resulting total buildable area and maximum dwelling units for a residential PUD.

TABLE 1109-1: RESIDENTIAL DWELLING UNIT CALCULATION EXAMPLE
Areas and Standards		Calculation
Total Project Area	50 acres	50 acres - 1 acre - 2 acres - 5 acres = 42 acres of Total Buildable Area 42 acres x 3 units per acres = 126 units maximum
Floodway Area	1 acre
Wetland Area	2 acres
10% Rights-of-Way/ Dedications	5 acres
Maximum Density	3 units per acre of total buildable area

(4) For PUD applications that are related to property with an underlying base zoning district of R, there shall be a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the total project area dedicated to common open space that complies with Section 1109.06(b) below. If the total area of floodways and wetlands exceeds the fifty percent (50%) total project site, then the amount of open space shall be increased to include all floodways and wetlands. The total allowed building units shall be clustered on the remaining land areas outside of the open space. Table 1109-2 provides two (2) illustrative development examples of how the total number of units and open space apply based on the existence of floodways or wetlands.

TABLE 1109 2: DEVELOPMENT EXAMPLES
Examples	Areas and Standards		Calculation
Example 1: Area of Floodways and Wetlands IS LESS THAN 50% of Total Project Area	Total Project Area	50 acres	50 acres - 1 acre - 2 acres - 5 acres = 42 acres of Total Buildable Area 42 acres x 3 units per acres = 126 units maximum
	Floodway Area	1 acre
	Wetland Area	2 acres
	10% Rights-of-Way/ Dedications	5 acres
	Maximum Density	3 units per acre of total buildable area
	Open Space and Resulting Development	50% - includes all areas of wetlands and floodway	126 dwelling units is clustered onto the 25 acres (50% of 50 acres) that is not set aside for open space - no single lot is less than 8,000 square feet
Example 2: Area of Floodways and Wetlands IS MORE THAN 50% of Total Project Area	Total Project Area	50 acres	50 acres - 24 acres - 6 acres - 5 acres = 15 acres of Total Buildable Area 15 acres x 3 units per acres = 45 units maximum
	Floodway Area	24 acres
	Wetland Area	6 acres
	10% Rights-of-Way/ Dedications	5 acres
	Maximum Density	3 units per acre of total buildable area
	Open Space and Resulting Development	60% - includes all areas of wetlands and floodway	45 dwelling units is clustered onto the 20 acres (40% of 50 acres) that is not set aside for open space - no single lot is less than 8,000 square feet

(5) All development under a PUD shall be connected to public water and public sanitary sewer systems.

(6) No residential lot shall be smaller than 8,000 square feet with a sixty (60)-foot lot width.

(7) The PUD Development Plan shall illustrate lot areas and setbacks (e.g., building area for each lot) for each lot.

(8) Every building in a PUD shall have access either to a street, walkway, or other area dedicated to common use.

(b) Common Open Space.

(1) Common open space shall be required in all applications where there is a proposed PUD that contains any residential uses.

(2) The common open space requirements for a PUD shall be based on the proposed residential density and shall be in accordance with Table 1109-1.

(3) In the case of phased developments, open space shall be provided in proportion to each developed phase.

(4) The percentage of open space shall be based on the gross site area of the proposed project, including all rights-of-way.

(5) When open space is required, such space should be designed in a manner that is beneficial to the entire development and is not solely land that is not developable or appears to be an extension of proposed lots. The design of the common open space shall be approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council during the PUD Development Plan review.

(6) Retention or naturalized stormwater management areas that are designed to be an amenity (e.g., improved ponds, decorative features, etc.) may be considered as open space if approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council during the PUD Development Plan review.

(7) The following areas shall not be counted toward compliance with open space requirements:

A. Private and public roads and the associated rights-of-way;

B. Public or private parking spaces, access ways, and driveways related to any residential use;

C. Required minimum spacing between buildings and required yard setbacks;

D. Vehicular use areas;

E. Land that is subject to pre-existing conservation easements or other similarly protected open spaces;

F. Above-ground buildings, pipes, apparatus, and other equipment for community or individual use, septic or sewage disposal systems;

G. Stormwater areas that are not designed as an amenity pursuant to Section 1109.06(b)(6) above.

H. Substations, public utility easements;

I. Leftover land that has no value for development and is not a natural resource (e.g., river or stream corridor, large forest stand, wetland) that contributes to the quality of the overall project, as determined by the Planning Commission or Village Administrator, as may be applicable based on the review procedure.

(8) All common open spaces shall be designed in accordance with the following:

A. The location, shape, size, and character of common open space shall be suitable for the proposed residential uses in relation to the location, number, and types of dwelling units it is intended to serve. In any case, it shall be highly accessible to all residents or users of the PUD.

B. The common open space shall be used for amenity and/or recreational purposes. Any uses and/or buildings authorized for the common open space must be appropriate to the scale and character of the PUD in relation to its size, density, expected population, topography, and type of dwellings.

C. The common open space shall be suitably improved for its intended use, but common open space containing natural features worthy of preservation may be left unimproved. The buildings, structures, and improvements which are permitted in the common open space shall be appropriate to the uses which are authorized for the common open space and shall conserve and enhance the amenities of the common open space regarding its topography and unimproved condition.

D. Where appropriate, open space should be arranged in order to provide connections to existing or future open space areas, trails, or similar features on adjoining parcels.

(9) Protection and Maintenance of Common Open Space. Adequate provision shall be made for the long-term maintenance and/or operation of all common open spaces in accordance with this section.

A. Reclamation of Disturbed Open Space. Any required land areas designated for use as open spaces that are disturbed during construction or otherwise not preserved in their natural state shall be landscaped with non-invasive vegetation that appeared in those respective areas prior to construction or with other native vegetation. The planting of invasive plant species is prohibited.

B. Future Subdivision and Development of Open Space. All required open space shall be restricted from further subdivision or development by deed restriction, conservation easement, or other agreement in a form acceptable to Sheffield Village and duly recorded in the office of the Lorain County Recorder. Subject to permanent restrictions as set forth above, required open space in an open space residential subdivision shall be owned by a homeowners' association, a land trust, or other conservation organization recognized by Sheffield Village or by a similar entity. Required open space may be held by the individual members of a homeowners' association as tenants-in-common or may be held in common ownership by a homeowners' association, community association, or other similar legal entity.

C. Conservation Easements. With the permission of Sheffield Village, the owner(s) of the required open space may, in accordance with the applicable provisions of the ORC, grant or transfer a conservation easement to any entity described in the ORC, provided that the entity and the provisions of the conservation easements are acceptable to Sheffield Village. When a deed restriction is proposed as the method of restricting further subdivision of land designated as open space, Sheffield Village shall be named as a party to such deed restrictions with approval authority over any changes thereto. The conveyance must contain appropriate provisions for the assignment of the conservation easement to another entity authorized to hold conservation easements under the ORC in the event that the original grantee becomes unwilling or unable to ensure compliance with the provisions of the conservation easement.

D. Homeowners' Associations. The following shall apply where a homeowners' association will be established to maintain any open space or other common areas as required by this article:

i. A homeowners' association shall be established to permanently maintain all open space, common areas, and conservation easements related to the open space unless such open space is preserved in another manner allowed by this chapter.

ii. All homeowners' association agreements shall be submitted for approval as part of a zoning certificate, conditional use, or planned unit development application, as applicable. Copies of the proposed covenants, articles of incorporation, and bylaws of the association shall be submitted with said agreements. No set of proposed covenants, articles of incorporation, or bylaws of a homeowners' association shall permit the abrogation of any duties set forth in this section.

iii. All homeowners' associations shall guarantee the maintenance of all open spaces and common areas within the boundaries of the development. In the event of a failure to maintain such open space or common areas, the Village may do any of the following:

a) If the open space or common area is owned by the Village, Village approved land trust, or other qualified organization, county, state, or park district, the Village may remedy the failure to maintain it at its own cost and seek reimbursement from the homeowner's association, or seek to enforce the homeowner's association's duty to maintain through an injunction or any other civil remedy.

b) If the open space or common area exists pursuant to a conservation easement in which the Village is a party to such easement, the Village may seek to enforce the terms of the conservation easement as provided in Section 1109.06(b)(9)C.

iv. If the open space or common area is owned jointly or in common by the owners of the building lots or by any other owner of the property to be maintained, the Village may seek to enforce the association's nonperformance of its obligations and duties through an injunction or any other civil remedy.

(c) Design and Development Standards. Where this code provides for design and development standards (e.g., parking, landscaping, architectural standards, etc.) not specifically addressed in this chapter, development within a PUD shall comply with the applicable standard.

(1) Resource Protection.

A. All current and future buildings, structures, or land within a floodway shall be used, erected, altered, enlarged, repaired, rebuilt, moved, and/or designated to be used, either in whole or in part, only for the uses listed hereafter and in conformity with Section 1113.09.

B. Wetlands that are required, either by the Army Corps of Engineers or the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to be retained shall be protected by the following:

i. A buffer area having a width of not less than twenty (20) feet, measured from the edge of the designated Wetland (the area within this buffer shall not be disturbed and shall be retained in its natural state); and

ii. A minimum building and pavement setback of thirty-five (35) feet, measured from the edge of the designated wetland.

C. The following regulations relating to riparian zones shall apply in a PUD and shall be conserved in common open space:

i. A riparian buffer shall be provided along the entire length and on both sides of any river or perennial stream channel within a conservation development. The riparian buffer shall have a width of not less than fifty (50) feet and shall be measured from the bank of the river or perennial stream.

ii. Walkways may be permitted to be located within riparian buffers, provided that the Planning Commission first determines that such walkways will create minimal or no change to the riparian buffer and approves such walkways.

(2) Illumination. All development shall comply with the exterior lighting standards of Section 1113.03 unless the Planning Commission and Village Council allow for modification of the standards.

(3) Off-Street Parking and Loading. All development shall comply with the requirements of Chapter 1119: Parking, Access, and Connectivity unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council, where shared parking, on-street parking, or other arrangements will not necessitate as much parking.

(4) Landscaping and Screening.

A. All uses in a PUD shall comply with the applicable landscaping and screening requirements of Chapter 1117: Landscaping and Screening., which shall be established as the minimum landscaping and screening requirements.

B. All development and common open space shall be landscaped according to all overall coordinated plans, utilizing a variety of trees, including evergreen type, whenever possible to maximize screening potential year-round. Plantings, walls, fencing, and screens shall be so designed and located as to optimize privacy and aesthetic quality without encroaching upon required automobile sight distances.

C. The amount of landscaping shall be comparable to the intensity of the development proposed to soften the developed areas. Particular care shall be taken to introduce trees and other landscaping into parking and other paved areas that are sustainable, given the proximity to large expanses of pavement.

D. Outdoor areas or containers holding or storing trash, garbage, and recycled or reused materials shall be screened on three (3) sides from adjoining properties, streets, and other public areas. Such areas or containers shall be screened in accordance with this code and shall include a decorative gate for access.

(5) Development Layout. Dwelling units shall be grouped or clustered to provide interest and diversity in the arrangement, maximize privacy, collect and maximize the common open space and promote the individual character and coordinated layout of each lot, cluster, and grouping. Streets and cul-de-sacs shall be laid out so as to discourage through and high-speed traffic unless such through street is needed to be in compliance with the approved Village plans.

(6) Signs.

A. Signs shall be integrated into the building and landscaping plans to enhance the overall appearance while providing adequate identification of the development.

B. The requirements of Chapter 1121: Sign Regulations, may only be waived as part of the approval of the preliminary PUD plan when the applicant submits a master sign plan for the entire PUD. In such cases, the master sign plan shall not allow for more than a ten percent (10%) increase in the total sign area allowed in Chapter 1121: Sign Regulations.

(7) Vehicular Access Points.

A. Adequate and properly arranged facilities for internal pedestrian and traffic circulations shall be provided.

B. Topography, landscaping, and existing vegetative clusters shall be utilized as necessary to make the project attractive and provide screening between areas of a substantially different character.

C. The street and thoroughfare network shall be designed to minimize truck and through-traffic passing through residential areas of the development.

D. Where a PUD is located adjacent to a vacant lot, connections shall be planned for the future connection to the future development of the vacant lot unless otherwise approved by the Planning Commission and Village Council. Where such connections are made, a temporary turnaround may be established, and the future connection shall be noted on the PUD Development Plan and the final subdivision plat. An easement shall be provided on the final plat of the subdivision to keep the land open in perpetuity for the connection.

(8) Circulation Plan.

A. The circulation system and parking facilities shall be designed to fully accommodate the automobile with safety and efficiency. Any driveway to arterial and collector streets shall be placed at locations where the traffic can be controlled and operated effectively with minimum interference with the capacity and flow of the existing streets.

B. An interconnecting walkway system shall be designed to promote easy and direct barrier-free access, using accepted criteria, to all areas of the development in a carefully conceived total service plan while also considering the security of the residents in the design. Wherever possible, the vehicular and pedestrian circulation patterns shall be completely separate and independent of one another.

C. A PUD shall consider bicycle plans adopted by the Village and/or a regional agency, where applicable, on or adjacent to the site. A component of the bike plan which is proposed within a planned unit development shall be assured for public access by easements, agreements, or covenants as may be appropriate after review by appropriate departments and approval by Council.

(d) Improvement Standards.

(1) Subdivision Compliance. Subdivision compliance including, but not limited to, sidewalks, street design, drainage, and utilities.

(2) Subdivision compliance including, but not limited to, sidewalks, street design, drainage, and utilities.