West Caldwell City Zoning Code
§ 20-9F.10
Open Space Standards.
[Added 6-15-2021 by Ord. No. 1838-2021]
a.
Open space and recreation areas provide environmental, aesthetic, recreation, and social benefits to the greater community. It is imperative to locate open space and recreation areas proximate to residential neighborhoods.
b.
A neighborhood park shall be provided on-site when more than 500 residential units are constructed within the R-10 District.
c.
Two neighborhood parks or one community park, as identified below, shall be provided on-site when more than 1,000 residential units are constructed within the R-10 District.
d.
The following standards apply to neighborhood parks:
1.
Minimum area - five acres.
2.
Minimum park width - 300 feet.
3.
For every acre a minimum of 10 shade trees, 10 ornamental trees, five evergreen trees, and 150 shrubs shall be planted. Existing trees being preserved within the park may count towards this requirement.
4.
Pedestrian-scaled lighting shall be provided along pathways.
5.
One bench shall be provided for every 300 linear feet of pathway.
6.
A neighborhood park shall include a playground area, equipped with at least three pieces of equipment. Two pieces of equipment shall accommodate at least eight users each and one piece of equipment shall accommodate 15 or more users. The equipment should serve at least two age group categories, which are defined six to 23 months, two to five years old, five to 12 years old, and 13 or more years old.
7.
If two neighborhood parks are to be constructed the second park shall provide a civic structure instead of a playground. A civic structure could include a pavilion, amphitheater or the like.
8.
Other park features are encouraged, such as a pathways, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc.
e.
The following standards shall apply to community parks:
1.
Minimum area - 10 acres.
2.
Minimum park width - 500 feet.
3.
For every acre a minimum of 10 shade trees, 10 ornamental trees, five evergreen trees, and 150 shrubs shall be planted.
4.
Pedestrian-scaled lighting shall be provided along pathways.
5.
One bench shall be provided for every 300 linear feet of pathway.
6.
A community park shall include a playground, equipped with at least three pieces of equipment. Two pieces of equipment shall accommodate at least eight users each and one piece of equipment shall accommodate 15 or more users. The equipment should serve at least two age group categories, which are defined six to 23 months, two to five years old, five to 12 years old, and 13 or more years old.
7.
A community park shall include a multi-purpose grass field.
8.
Other park features are encouraged, such as a water fountain, spray park, amphitheater, pathways, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc.
f.
All parks shall be connected to the greater residential community through a network of sidewalks and/or pathways.