(a)
General.
The planned development zone (PD) is intended for large or complex developments planned as a single contiguous project which is developed in a manner guided by the town comprehensive plan that will preserve usable open spaces and landscape features. The PD is intended to allow single- or multi-use projects within its boundaries and provides greater design flexibility in the placement of buildings and structures on the land. Use of this zone is appropriate only when the resulting development is considered more beneficial to the community as a planned development than that which would occur using conventional zoning and subdivision regulations. PD zoning is appropriate if the PD enhances preservation of the natural environment; encourages high-quality development and innovative design; and ensures adequate public facilities and service for development within the PD.
(b)
Uses of planned development.
Planned development zoning shall be used to:
(1)
Define and condition land uses permitted within each zone, including expanding or restricting uses permitted by conditional use permit within a zoning district. Planned development zoning shall specify the location of land uses and define standards for operation and performance of land uses.
(2)
Specify development standards and actions required to protect the environment, preserve natural features and vegetation within the zone, and provide requirements for open space. The natural topography, soils, critical environment features, waterways and vegetation should be preserved and used, where possible, through careful location and design. A greenbelt, buffer zone or floodplain within a development tract may not be used toward the town land conveyance ordinance without approval through the specific PD ordinance.
(3)
Define development requirements pertaining to the size, height, bulk, coverage, placement, setback, configuration and number of buildings; set residential unit density; regulate the design and exterior appearance of buildings; define standards for lot size, dimensions and street frontage; and specify the location, extent and design standards for open space, landscaping, lighting, screening, noise, buffers, appurtenances, signage and amenities.
(4)
Specify the location and design of streets, private drives, parking, streetlights, street signage, pedestrian walkways and/or bikeways. Planned development zones may be used to modify the standards of road and subdivision ordinances related to design and private facilities, but only where a specific finding is made by the planning and zoning commission and the town council that the alternative standard does not decrease public safety, [or] impair traffic movement for safety and efficient use within the development. Roadways and pedestrian walkways shall be separated from public rights-of-way. Where appropriate, a system of walkways and bicycle paths connecting buildings, common open spaces, recreation areas, community facilities, and parking areas may be provided and appropriately lighted for night use.
(5)
Specify the timing, sequencing and phasing of development, including coordinating the type, location and intensity of development permitted at specific development milestones consistent with the construction and availability of public facilities and services.
(6)
Provide for the construction of public improvements such as sewer, water, drainage facilities and facilities on site or within public easements and rights-of-way abutting the site as required to serve and benefit development within the zone or as may be required to mitigate impacts resulting from the development on other properties and users outside of the zone. Standards within the subdivision, site plan, or roads ordinance for public improvements may be amended by a specific planned development zone.
(Ordinance 2013-3-5C adopted 3/5/13)