[Ord. No. 16-019 §1, 5-2-2016]
For the purpose of interpreting this Article and the Sections
contained herein, certain terms are defined as follows:
An element of the off-street pedestrian system similar to
a sidewalk which may or may not be located within a public or private
street right-of-way. Linear park connector(s) provide pedestrian access
between adjacent streets, residential developments, shopping or employment
centers, parks, schools or other public facilities.
A multi-use path which accommodates a variety of non-motorized
transportation options such as walking, cycling, skating, jogging,
etc. Linear park trails are an element of the greenway system and
can be utilized for recreational purposes and as part of the off-street
transportation network.
[Ord. No. 16-019 §1, 5-2-2016]
A.
Purpose. The purpose of these requirements is to
provide for the continuation of planned linear park trails and connectors
necessary to access the linear park trail system. Linear park trails
provide options for recreation and non-motorized travel between where
citizens live, shop, work, learn and recreate.
B.
Linear Park Trail Easement Dedication. An easement
through property to be subdivided shall be dedicated for the construction
of a linear park trail where:
1.
A trail is to be constructed in a linear park as identified
by the City of Ozark Comprehensive Plan as shown on a graphic exhibit
known as the Ozark Linear Trail System which shall be maintained in
the office of the Director of Planning and Development and/or incorporated
into said Comprehensive Plan, as said exhibit may be amended from
time to time; and
2.
A trail easement has not been previously dedicated. The easement
shall have a minimum width of thirty (30) feet. New easements for
linear park trails shall generally follow the alignment identified
in the Ozark Linear Trail System exhibit and/or be located within
the property to be subdivided in such a manner that they align with
previously established easements on adjacent properties. Easements
for linear park trails shall be required by either:
C.
Neighborhood Linear Park Connectors. Where there
is a linear park trail on the property to be subdivided or the immediately
adjacent property, an easement for a linear park connector shall be
provided and a linear park connector constructed on the property to
be subdivided.
2.
The easement to be dedicated shall extend between a public street
within, or adjacent to, the property to be subdivided and to either:
a.
An easement for a linear park trail, if the linear park trail
easement is located either on the subdivider's property or abuts the
proposed subdivision and is on adjoining property; or
b.
The boundary of the property being subdivided, if the linear
park trail easement is located on adjacent property and the linear
park trail easement does not abut the property being subdivided.
3.
If the neighborhood linear park connector is between a designated
trailhead and a linear park trail, the easement for the connector
shall be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet wide; otherwise the easement
for a neighborhood linear park connector shall be of sufficient width
to:
4.
An easement for a neighborhood linear park connector must permit
free and unimpeded pedestrian, access to both residents and non-residents
of the subdivision. Private linear park trail connectors, provided
in addition to a neighborhood linear park connector, need not provide
this pedestrian access.
5.
Neighborhood linear park connectors are encouraged to be located
on other types of easements provided the easements permit these connectors.
6.
An easement for a neighborhood linear park connector is not
required if a public street within the subdivision abuts an existing
or proposed easement for a linear park trail located on abutting property.
7.
The subdivider is encouraged to provide additional neighborhood
linear park connectors.
D.
Standards for Neighborhood Linear Park Connectors.
1.
A neighborhood linear park connector shall be constructed by
the subdivider within the neighborhood linear park connector easement.
The neighborhood linear park connector must be constructed from a
sidewalk within street right-of-way located on the property to be
subdivided to either:
a.
The linear park trail, if the trail exists, and the easement
for the linear park trail is located on the proposed subdivision or
is located on adjacent property and the linear park easement abuts
the property being subdivided; or
b.
To the easement for the linear park trail, if the trail does
not yet exist but is identified in the Ozark Linear Trail System exhibit;
or
c.
To the subdivision boundary if the easement for the linear park
trail is located on adjacent property and the linear park trail easement
does not abut the property being subdivided. If no sidewalk exists,
the connector shall be constructed from the street pavement.
2.
A neighborhood linear park connector shall be a minimum of six
(6) feet wide and shall be constructed to the standards for the design
of sidewalks as set forth within the City of Ozark Design Standards
for Public Improvements if the connector is between a designated trailhead
and a linear park trail. If the connector is not between a designated
trailhead and a linear park trail, a neighborhood linear park connector
may be constructed with a smooth gravel surface which is as nearly
level as possible.
E.
Related Improvements. A Neighborhood Improvement
District may be established to assist in paying for improvements related
to neighborhood linear park connectors.
F.
Alternative recommendations. The Director of Planning
and Development shall make a recommendation to the Planning and Zoning
Commission regarding alternatives to requiring a neighborhood linear
park connector where a connector is not feasible due to physical or
natural barriers or where it creates an unsafe public use.
