The intent of this article is to encourage and promote improved
environmental design in the development of land by allowing greater
freedom and flexibility than is possible under the precise and rigid
requirements of conventional zoning districts, through the use of
objective standards establishing goals and criteria for judgment rather
than the application of a fixed formula. To this intent it allows
diversification in the uses permitted and variation in the relationship
of uses, structures, open spaces and heights of structures in developments
conceived and implemented as comprehensive and cohesive unified projects,
while still requiring substantial compliance to the general plan for
community development. It is further intended to encourage more imaginative
site planning, to assist in achieving more rational and economic development
with relationship to public services, to permit optimum development
of land and to encourage and facilitate the conservation of open land
and other natural features such as woods, streams, wetlands, etc.,
as integral components of a balanced ecology. It is expected that
the planned community development tool will be used to provide comprehensive
mixed-use developments within the community design districts.
To qualify for consideration as a planned community development,
the site shall be of sufficient size in relation to the proposed uses
to justify the application of the special regulations set forth in
this article and shall be under the single or unified ownership of
the applicant.
In a planned community development, any use may be permitted,
subject to the standards as herein set forth, provided no use shall
be permitted except in conformity with a specific and precise development
plan pursuant to the procedural and regulatory provisions as set forth.