The standards controlling open space areas shall be provided according to the minimum standards specified below. Additional standards per Subsection 12-4.18 shall be applied to the TC and TCI districts. Where a conflict is evident with the regulations of Subsection 12-4.18, the standards contained within this subsection shall control.

Development within the TCI zoning district shall provide for a minimum of 20% total open space. At least 50% of the open space within this district shall be functional uplands and not part of environmentally sensitive areas or stormwater management facilities.

The location of the open space shall be coordinated with the adjacent existing open space areas, and, if appropriate, shall connect with, expand, or enhance adjacent open space or recreational areas.

Agricultural properties located adjacent to the TC and TC1 districts shall be protected and buffered from residential encroachment to the maximum extent possible. The agricultural buffer shall be established on the perimeter of any TC or TCI district that adjoins an agricultural activity. The buffer shall be at least 50 feet wide and shall be planted with native plant material. Pedestrian or bicycle paths may traverse the agricultural buffer.

Open spaces shall be used for social, recreational, and/or natural environment preservation purposes. The uses authorized must be appropriate to the character of the open space, including its topography, size and vegetation, as well as to the character of the development, including its size, density, characteristics of the expected population, and the number and type of dwellings to be served.

Open space, particularly peripheral open space areas, containing existing attractive or unique natural features, such as streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands, woodlands, specimen trees, and other areas of mature vegetation worthy of preservation is encouraged to be preserved and in its natural state. Certain improvements such as the clearing of trails for walking, jogging, hiking and/or picnicking may be made in the open space. Recreation facilities may also include soccer, baseball, football, and other field sports that utilize open, unlit fields.

Walkways, jogging, and bicycle paths shall be integrally designed into the open space system. These pedestrian and bicycle paths shall be continuous and shall connect with the sidewalks and bicycle paths of adjacent streets. They shall be of adequate width and design to accommodate the projected volume of pedestrians and bicycles.

The buildings, structures and improvements permitted in the open space shall be appropriate to the authorized uses and shall conserve and enhance the amenities of the open space with regard to its topography and aesthetic value.

The construction schedule of the development shall coordinate the improvement of the open space with the construction of residential dwellings. It is intended that 100% of the open space be developed and usable at 75% completion of the residential units in the TCI district.

All public open space shall front on or have access to a public street on at least one side and shall be accessible by a pedestrian/bicycle path to residents within the TC and TC1 districts.

Internal open spaces shall be provided and designed as active gathering areas for all residents of the development in both day and evening and shall include places for strolling, sitting, social interaction and informal recreation by various age categories. The internal open spaces shall be such that a minimum of 60% of the area is covered with trees, shrubs, lawn and ground cover.