§ 58.499.11. District Standards.

In addition to all other requirements of this Code, the standards of this Section shall apply to development sites comprising 5 acres or more.

(a)

Open Space Ratio. Development sites that include a residential component shall conform to the following standards:

1.

Where 20 percent or more of the gross land area is vacant or undeveloped, the minimum ratio of open space shall be 20 percent of the gross land area. No variance to the minimum ratio shall be permitted.

2.

Where less than 20 percent of the gross land area is vacant or undeveloped, the minimum ratio of open space shall be 20 percent of the gross land area, except where special conditions and circumstances justify a lower ratio. Any variance to the minimum ratio shall be subject to the standards and procedures for a Board of Zoning Adjustment Variance as provided in Chapter 58, Part 2J.

(b)

Open Space Standards. Open space required under this Section shall conform to the following standards:

1.

Location. Open space shall be located in a manner that will:

a.

Minimize impervious surface on property within the Resource Protection Overlay designation;

b.

Protect sensitive natural habitats;

c.

Connect new open space to existing or proposed open space on adjacent properties; and

d.

Create the largest contiguous open space feasible.

2.

Permitted Development. Open space may include:

a.

Natural water bodies;

b.

Wetlands and wetland buffers;

c.

Protected wildlife corridors;

d.

Passive parks; and

e.

Stormwater retention areas, not to exceed 50 percent of the total open space required.

3.

Prohibited Development. Open space may not include:

a.

Required building setback areas, privately owned yards on single family lots, street rights-of-way, parking lots, active recreation areas, and golf courses;

b.

Impervious surfaces, except for sidewalks and pedestrian or bicycle baths shown on an approved Development Plan.

4.

Recording. The boundaries of required open space areas shall be clearly delineated on a subdivision plat and shall remain protected and undeveloped in perpetuity through the use of conservation easements or plat restrictions.

5.

Reserved.

(c)

Stormwater Retention. Stormwater retention areas shall be:

1.

Designed as natural amenities;

2.

Landscaped with native vegetation;

3.

Located outside protected wetland buffer areas; and

4.

Consistent with the best practices presented in Protecting Florida's Springs Manual - Land Use Planning Strategies and Best Management Practices (November 2002), as it may be amended from time to time.

(d)

Golf Courses. All golf course siting, design, construction, and management shall be consistent with the best practices presented in Protecting Florida's Springs Manual - Land Use Planning Strategies and Best Management Practices (November 2002), as it may be amended from time to time.

(e)

Impervious Surface Ratio. No increase shall be allowed to the Impervious Surface Ratio (ISR) for the applicable zoning district, nor shall any increase be allowed through the adoption of PD zoning.

(f)

Density and Intensity Bonuses. No density or intensity bonus shall be allowed on property within the Resource Protection Overlay District.

(g)

Density Transfer. Development may be transferred within a development site from property inside a Resource Protection Overlay area to property outside a Resource Protection area, provided, however, the total net density or intensity of development outside the Resource Protection Area shall not increase by more than 40 percent.

(h)

Groundwater Recharge. New development shall, at a minimum, maintain surface and groundwater flow rates and volumes at pre-development levels, or enhance recharge so that the natural function of groundwater recharge areas is maintained or improved.

(Ord. of 10-16-2006, § 1, Doc. #0610161006; Ord. No. 2016-68, § 1(Exh. A), 11-14-2016, Doc. #1611141201)