(a)

It shall be the policy of the county to promote progressive development of land and construction thereon by encouraging planned unit developments to achieve:

(1)

A maximum choice of living environments by allowing a variety of housing and building types and permitting an increased density per acre and a reduction in lot dimensions, yards, building setbacks and area requirements.

(2)

A more useful pattern of open space and recreation areas and, if permitted as part of the project, more convenience in the location of accessory commercial uses and services.

(3)

A development pattern which preserves and utilizes natural topography and geologic features, scenic vistas, trees and other vegetation, and prevents the disruption of natural drainage patterns.

(4)

A more efficient use of land than is generally achieved through conventional development resulting in substantial savings through shorter utilities and streets.

(5)

A development pattern in harmony with land use density, transportation facilities and community facilities objectives of the comprehensive plan.

(b)

The county is also prepared to accept a greater population density in undeveloped areas than that reflected by present zoning, provided the developer can demonstrate that any increment of public cost clearly attributable to increased densities will be compensated for by the private amenities and public benefits to be achieved by the plan of development.

(Code 1991, § 16-321; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 1)

Because of the special characteristics of planned unit development, special provisions governing the development of land for this purpose are required. Whenever there is a conflict or difference between the provisions of this article and those of the other articles of this chapter, the provisions of this article shall prevail for the development of land for planned unit developments. Subjects not covered by this article shall be governed by the respective provisions found elsewhere in this chapter.

(Code 1991, § 16-322; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 2)

(a)

Only those uses permitted or conditionally permitted in each district of this chapter may be proposed for development under the planned unit development approach. Compatible residential, commercial, industrial, public and quasi-public uses may be combined, provided that the proposed location of the commercial or industrial uses will not adversely affect adjacent property and/or the public health, safety and general welfare.

(b)

The amount of land devoted to commercial and/or industrial use in a residential commercial industrial or residential-commercial development shall be determined by the planning commission and approved by the board of supervisors.

(Code 1991, § 16-323; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 3)

(a)

The gross area of the tract to be developed under the planned unit development approach shall conform to the following schedule:

(b)

When the planned unit development is a mixture of uses, no more than eight percent of the tract may be devoted to commercial activities, no more than 12 percent of the tract to industrial activities.

(Code 1991, § 16-324; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 4)

The project land may be owned, leased or controlled either by a single person or corporation, or by a group of individuals or corporations. Such ownership may be by a public or private corporation.

(Code 1991, § 16-325; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 5)

A minimum of ten percent of the land developed in any planned unit development project shall be reserved for common open space and recreational facilities for the residents or users of the area being developed. The open space shall be disposed of as required in section 34-712.

(Code 1991, § 16-326; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 6)

(a)

The required amount of common open space land reserved under a planned unit development shall either be held in corporate ownership by owners of the project area for the use of each owner who buys property within the development or be dedicated to the county and retained as common open space for parks, recreation, and related uses. All land dedicated to the county must meet the planning commissions' requirements as to size, shape and location. Public utility and similar easements and rights-of-way for watercourses and other similar channels are not acceptable for common open space dedication to the county unless such land or right-of-way is usable as a trail or other similar purpose and approved by the planning commission.

(b)

The responsibility for the maintenance of all open spaces shall be specified by the development before approval of the final development plan.

(Code 1991, § 16-327; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 7)

Underground utilities, including telephone and electrical systems, are required within the limits of all planned unit developments. Appurtenances to these systems which can be effectively screened may be accepted from this requirement if the planning commission finds that such exemption will not violate the intent or character of the proposed unit development.

(Code 1991, § 16-328; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 8)

Residential planned unit developments may be developed following the provisions of this division.

(Code 1991, § 16-329; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 9)

(a)

Lot area per dwelling unit may be reduced by not more than 60 percent of the minimum lot area required in the official schedule of district regulations. A planned unit development need not conform to the density requirements of article III, divisions 2 through 8 of this chapter. A diversification of lot sizes is encouraged.

(b)

Lot widths may be varied to allow for a variety of structural designs. It is also recommended that setbacks be varied.

(Code 1991, § 16-330; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 10)

Every property developed under the planned unit development approach should be designed to abut upon common open space of similar areas. A clustering of dwellings is encouraged. In areas where townhouses are used, there shall be no more than eight townhouse units in any contiguous group.

(Code 1991, § 16-331; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 11)

For each foot of building height over the maximum height regulations specified elsewhere in this chapter, the distance between such buildings and the side and rear property lines of planned unit development project area shall be increased by a one-foot addition to the side and rear yard required in the district.

(Code 1991, § 16-332; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 12)

The provisions of this division shall apply to commercial planned unit developments.

(Code 1991, § 16-333; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 13)

(a)

Commercial buildings and establishments shall be planned as groups having common parking areas and common ingress and egress points in order to reduce the number of potential accident locations at intersections with thoroughfares. Planting screens or fences shall be provided on the sides of the development abutting areas occupied or likely to be occupied by residences.

(b)

The plan of the project shall provide for the integrated and harmonious design of buildings and for adequate and properly arranged facilities for internal traffic circulation, landscaping, and such other features and facilities as may be necessary to make the project attractive and efficient from the standpoint of the adjoining and surrounding existing or potential developments.

(c)

All area designed for future expansion or not intended for immediate improvement or development shall be landscaped or otherwise maintained in a neat and orderly manner as specified by the planning commission.

(Code 1991, § 16-334; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 14)

Off-street parking, loading and service areas shall be provided in accordance with divisions 2 through 8 of article III of this chapter. However, off-street parking and leading areas shall not be permitted within 15 feet of any residential use.

(Code 1991, § 16-335; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 15)

Open space gained through the varying of setback and area requirements as established in section 34-711 is to be used for the development of open plazas, pedestrian malls, tot lots and other public spaces and used with adequate arrangement, design and planting.

(Code 1991, § 16-336; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 16)

The provisions of this division shall apply to industrial planned unit development.

(Code 1991, § 16-337; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 17)

(a)

Planned unit development of industrial establishments is encouraged by varying the setback and other requirements if it can be shown that the development results in a more efficient and desirable use of land.

(b)

Industrial uses and parcels shall be developed in the park-like surroundings utilizing landscaping and existing woodlands as buffers to screen lighting, parking areas, loading areas, or docks, and/or outdoor storage of raw materials or products. A planned industrial area shall provide for the harmony of buildings and a complete grouping in order to economize in the provision of such utility services as are required. Thoroughfares shall be kept to a minimum throughout a planned industrial area in order to reduce through traffic.

(c)

Project side yards for 40 feet and a rear yard of 50 feet shall be required if the project is located adjacent to any residential district or residential planned unit development. All intervening spaces between the right-of-way lines and project building line and intervening spaces between buildings, drives, parking area and improved areas shall be landscaped with trees and planting and properly maintained at all times.

(Code 1991, § 16-338; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 18)

Certain types of commercial uses such as restaurants, central secretarial and stenographic pools, or other business service type uses, repair services, or clinics may forma small commercial center to serve the needs of the industries or their personnel may be permitted in an industrial planned unit development as accessory uses.

(Code 1991, § 16-339; Ord. of 11-18-1988; Ord. of 4-18-1991(2), § 19)