§ 68.206. Estate Residential Land Use Guidelines and Standards.

In certain Residential Neighborhood areas within the Southeast Plan area, a more rural development pattern which recognizes unique environmental conditions may be appropriate. Designations of such areas shall be determined through Master Plan review of individual projects. General guidelines for Estate Residential areas are discussed below, while more specific building guidelines and standards are provided in Part 3: Building Guidelines and Standards. Allowable uses include:

clustered residential development with a gross density of 1 dwelling unit per acre;

parks, recreation, and open space; and

public or private golf courses.

The most environmentally sensitive areas (i.e., wetlands, tree stands, clusters of high quality shrubs and undergrowth) should be preserved with residential clusters, roadways, trails, and developed open space elements knitted around these areas.

(a)

Residential Clusters. The pattern of residential clusters shall allow for sensitive development of some natural areas within the Southeast Plan area. The maximum number of units that can be developed within Estate Residential areas is 1 unit per gross acre. Buildings shall be sited within a one-quarter (¼) acre buildable envelope. Areas outside of the building envelope shall be kept in a more natural state, but can include roads and trails. Only areas within the buildable envelope may be fenced, irrigated, landscaped or built upon. The City has prepared a Southeast Plan guidebook which includes an illustration of this important concept, and applicants are urged to review this document. Several methods of ownership and protection of the areas outside of the buildable envelope are possible, including:

1.

Private ownership with protective covenants and public trail easements;

2.

Joint ownership with protective covenants and public trail easements;

3.

Ownership by a private conservation trust; or

4.

Public ownership.

(b)

Street Design. Streets within the Estate Residential areas should be more rural in character. Only more heavily traveled streets should have sidewalks and planter strips. Landscaping should have a less formal structure and native plantings should be used for street trees and ground cover. Swales may be used within the Estate Residential areas, only after approval by the City Planning Official and City Engineer.

(c)

Wildlife Corridors. Site planning of the Estate Residential areas shall take into consideration the provision of wildlife corridor connections between adjacent areas within the Primary Conservation Network. To the greatest extent possible, street crossings of the corridors should be minimized. The corridors should also link the highest quality habitats within the Estate Residential area.

(d)

Trails. Site planning shall also provide public trail connection links from trails within the Primary Conservation Network.

(Ord. of 5-10-1999, § 10, Doc. #32070)