A. Purpose. This section of the Code serves to specify the purposes, objectives, procedures, standards, requirements, conditions and other information necessary to accomplish a planned unit development (PUD). The purpose and intent of this section is to allow an alternative to the traditional subdivision that encourages conservation of natural features by relating design to the existing landscape; through the efficient use of land and public services (particularly, but not limited to situations where the existence of slopes, drainageways, or other natural features may preclude traditional subdivision design); and the creation of public and private common open space.
B. Objectives. The following, though not requirements, are the objectives of the PUD portion of this chapter and shall be utilized to realize the inherent advantages of coordinated, flexible, comprehensive, longrange planning of such development:
1. To provide more desirable living environments by preserving the natural character of open field, stands of trees, brooks, ponds, floodplains, hills and similar natural assets;
2. To encourage, with regard to residential use, the provision of open space and the development of recreational facilities in a generally central location and within reasonable distance of all living units;
3. To encourage developers to use a more creative and flexible approach in the development of living areas within the City;
4. To provide for more efficient and aesthetic use of open areas;
5. To encourage variety in the physical development pattern of the community by providing a variety and mixture of housing types and siting as well as the design of access and circulation.
C. Area of Applicability. PUDs may be established in residential, commercial or industrial districts on parcels of land, which are suitable for and of sufficient size to be planned and developed in a manner consistent with the purposes and objectives of this section.
D. All residential developments shall be developed as PUDs pursuant to the provisions in Section
16.63.130 whenever one or more of the following criteria apply:
1. Any site larger than two acres where a minimum of 10% of the site contains environmentally constrained areas subject to Chapters
16.35 and/or Sections
16.34.010 through
16.34.080;
2. All properties, either individual tax lots or contiguous lots under common ownership, consisting of 50 or more acres on which are proposed to be developed more than 100 units;
3. Any development utilizing density transfer pursuant to the provisions of Chapter
16.63.
E. Necessity for Application. For the purpose of considering any planned unit development, the developer may apply to the City at any time after the pre-application conference and review, using such forms as may be provided for the processing of a preliminary planned unit development. If the planned unit development includes a subdivision, one form for both purposes will be satisfactory.
F. Filing Requirements.
1. These requirements shall be the same as found in Section
16.63.050.
2. At the time of formal application, the developer shall submit the following plan elements in detailed graphic form:
a. Proposed land use and densities (see Section
16.63.020(F) for density and calculations);
b. Building types and densities;
d. Parks, playgrounds, open space, land dedication and easements;
e. Existing natural features;
f. Related land maps (topography, etc.);
g. Location, arrangement, etc. of auto parking;
h. Preliminary renderings of typical buildings;
i. Preliminary tree planting schedule;
j. Preliminary landscape plan in accordance with the requirements of Chapter
16.42.
3. At the time of formal application, the developer shall submit the following program elements in detailed written form:
a. Proposed ownership pattern;
b. Operation and maintenance proposal;
c. Waste disposal facilities;
f. Tables illustrating acres for dwellings, off-street parking, streets, parks, playgrounds, dedicated lands, open space, schools and percentages of the gross and net development areas for each;
g. Tables illustrating overall density, density by dwelling types and details of any density bonus or calculations;
h. Preliminary documents providing for maintenance of open space and dedication of public spaces, development rights, easements, drainageways and land dedications or fees in lieu thereof;
i. General time table of development;
j. Qualifications of Proposed Design Team. All master plans for residential and neighborhood planned unit developments shall be prepared by professionals qualified in at least two of the four following: (i) a licensed architect, (ii) a registered professional engineer, (iii) a registered landscape architect, or (iv) a member of the American Planning Association;
k. Proof of authorization for the agent to act on the landowner's behalf, if appropriate, on a form supplied by the City, with all signatures notarized;
l. Stages of development and construction.
G. Distribution of Preliminary Subdivision Plats or Planned Unit Development Plans. As found in Section
16.63.050.
H. Approval Criteria.
1. The preliminary plat approval criteria as described in Section
16.63.030;
2. In considering the preliminary planned unit development proposal, the Planning Commission shall apply the following additional criteria when making a determination:
a. Density.
ii. Where any site contains more than one development district within its project boundaries, any density calculations shall be applied in the same proportion as that of the development district which are represented in the project area,
iii. In any planned unit development, the total siting of density as calculated through Section
16.63.020(F) in any steep slopes and natural resource overlay area shall not exceed the net density of the applicable district.
iv. If a use is proposed that is not permitted except through the Planned Unit Development process, the lowest density for the development district shall apply, based on the lower of minimum lot size or dwelling units per net acre.
b. Open Space.
i. All planned unit developments shall have a minimum of 20% of the development's gross land area dedicated to public or commonly held open space and/or recreational area. The extent to which any type of open space satisfies the total open space requirement shall be in the sole discretion of the City. This 20% requirement does not affect the density calculation.
(A) Publicly dedicated open space must be adequate to carry out the Happy Valley Parks Master Plan, at the determination of the City. In all other instances, lands which are least suitable for development and/or which offer the greatest natural habitat potential should be given the highest priority for dedication as open space. Dedicated open space shall be suitable for linkage through a network of trails, bike paths, and greenways.
(B) Considering the existing and planned public parks within the City, publicly dedicated open spaces within any PUD should focus on activities not otherwise available or planned for in existing and planned public parks.
ii. Land area to be used for scenic, landscaping or open recreational purposes within the development shall not include streets, rights-of-way, driveways or parking spaces.
iii. All open space areas shall be improved, preserved and maintained as a natural area and/or recreation area. All proposed open space areas that are identified as significant natural resources by the City's significant wetlands and riparian corridors map, the urban forestry plan tree inventory, or any other ordinance of the City, shall be enhanced, preserved and maintained as natural areas. Prior to preliminary plat approval, the applicant shall submit a landscape plan showing the required elements detailed below in the corresponding subsections (H)(2)(c) (Natural Area) and (H)(2)(d) (Recreational Area) for approval by the review body. Landscape plans shall incorporate existing natural features wherever possible.
iv. All trees in open space areas, except hazard trees and trees in utility or access easements, over six inches in diameter at breast height (DBH) shall be retained on the site regardless of proposed use and incorporated into the required landscape plan. Open space areas shall provide assurance to the City for 125% of the estimated cost of the open space project through a bond, escrow account or certified letter of credit. Open space areas shall be completed as shown in the approved plans and inspected and approved by the City prior to final approval ("walk-through") of the infrastructure improvements, or shall be provided for by financial guarantee. The City will require a maintenance bond or other financial guarantee for the open space improvements which will be held for two years after improvements are made to ensure plant survival. Plants that do not survive shall be replaced by the applicant during the first two years after the open space is improved. The applicant may obtain park system development charge credits for open space areas that are improved according to this section and then dedicated to the City if located within the Happy Valley Parks Master Plan. The City reserves the right to refuse offers of dedication.
v. For all natural features on the site, including streams, intermittent streams, ponds and/or wetlands, the applicant shall obtain verification from the appropriate State and Federal agencies of jurisdiction over the feature. If a State and/or Federal agency claims jurisdiction over a natural feature on the site, and where the requirements of this chapter conflict with the requirements of the regulatory agency(s), the most stringent requirements shall apply.
c. Natural Area. The required landscape plan for a natural area shall be prepared by a certified professional biologist, ecologist and/or landscape architect and include:
i. Clearly defined methods for improving and protecting native vegetation and habitat on the site and mitigating the impacts of the proposed PUD;
ii. Planting of native plants that are on the City native plant list (see Happy Valley Plant List, Appendix A) and of the same ecosystem type that existed on the site prior to initial development disturbances;
iii. All proposed open space areas that are included in the City's urban forestry plan tree inventory shall incorporate the management suggestions from the plan for that area;
iv. Plantings shall include a mix of at least three species each of groundcover, shrubs and trees. Plantings adjacent to significant water features shall be designed to provide shade for the water feature;
v. Plantings shall be of a sufficient quantity to provide structurally diverse vegetation on the site;
vi. Native vegetation shall be verified by the professional preparing the plan to cover at least 70% of the site in five years. Plantings shall be arranged to replicate natural conditions, using methods such as clustering where appropriate. Exceptions to 70% cover requirement may be granted by the review body if the applicant submits substantial evidence to convince the review body that the site cannot achieve this level of cover;
vii. A plan for removal of harmful or invasive species, as identified in the Nuisance or Prohibited Plants sections of the Happy Valley Plant List (Appendix A), on the site detailing specific treatments, timing and long-term maintenance to rid the site of invasive species. All invasive species on the site shall be removed prior to dedication of the site to the homeowner's association or the City. The use of herbicides for controlling harmful and invasive species should be minimized. The following best management practices are required where herbicide application is deemed necessary by the professional preparing the landscape plans:
(A) If herbicides, pesticides and/or fertilizers are proposed, an evaluation of application methods, effects on target and nontarget species, and the potential impacts to aquatic and terrestrial systems shall be included in the plan. Consider persistence, soil/water mobility, toxicity and plant uptake when selecting appropriate chemicals,
(B) Treatments for the control or removal of invasive plants in riparian/wetland areas shall be limited to hand or wick applications by qualified personnel,
(C) Apply chemicals during calm, dry weather to avoid transport from target areas by wind and/or water. Avoid applications where irrigation water may wash chemicals from target areas,
(D) Maintain unsprayed buffer areas near aquatic habitats and other sensitive areas. A minimum 200 foot radius, no-spray buffers shall be maintained around all known populations of sensitive, threatened and endangered plant and animal species,
(E) Application shall not occur in the vicinity of wetlands or ponds from January through June to minimize the potential for adverse impacts to amphibians during the breeding and egg development periods;
viii. A detailed map showing the natural area, the proposed improvements on the site, and the site's connections to other wildlife habitat areas as determined by a certified wildlfe biologist. If there are no existing connections, detail methods for providing connections. Exceptions to this requirement may be granted by the review body if the applicant submits substantial evidence to the review body that the site has no opportunity for connectivity;
ix. A three-year irrigation plan for new plantings detailing available irrigation facilities or other watering methods that will be used to serve the site. The applicant shall water the new plantings using a timed irrigation system or other watering method during the months of June through September;
x. If a passive recreational facility is proposed, a plan for the facility including methods for installing the facility with minimal impact on the natural area. The professional preparing the plan shall considering buffers for streams and wetlands, erosion, and removal of trees when locating the passive recreational facility. Areas with significant natural resources may require permits from state and/or Federal regulatory agencies to install such facilities. All trails and pathways shall conform to the City's transportation system plan;
xi. A 10 year maintenance plan for the open space with cost projections to be provided to the future owners of the property (the homeowner's association or Happy Valley). If the open space is dedicated to the homeowner's association, the codes, covenants, and restrictions of the PUD shall include a provision requiring the homeowner's association to abide by the approved 10 year maintenance plan or submit an alternative plan to the Planning Official or designee for approval. If the open space is dedicated to the City, the City Public Works Department agrees to abide by the 10 year maintenance plan or provide an alternative plan for approval by the Planning Official or designee.
d. Recreational Area. Proposed recreational uses may be passive or active. The recreational use shall be approved by the review body and shall conform with the Happy Valley Parks Master Plan, as appropriate, and the City's Transportation System Plan. Passive recreational facilities proposed in a natural area are subject to the requirements of the Natural Area (subsection (I)(b)(5)(A) of this section). Active recreational facilities in a recreational area are subject to the criteria of this subsection and shall not abut arterial roadways or include non-active spaces such as stormwater detention facilities. Recreational facilities located near an arterial roadway shall be separated by a minimum distance of 20 feet, to include landscaping per subsection (I)(2)(d)(i) and a minimum six-foot tall solid wood fence. The required landscape plan for a recreational area shall be prepared by a certified professional landscape architect or other qualified professional and shall include:
i. Planting plans to include a mix of at least three species each of groundcover, shrubs, and trees. Plantings shall not include any plants on the City's nuisance plant list (see Happy Valley Plant List, Appendix A). Plantings shall provide for at least 50% groundcover of the site and shall provide for at least 20% of the site being planted with a mix of trees and shrubs. Use of native plant species is encouraged;
ii. A plan for removal of harmful or invasive species, as identified by in the nuisance or prohibited plants sections of the Happy Valley Plant List (Appendix A), on the site detailing specific treatments, timing, and long-term maintenance to rid the site of invasive species. All harmful or invasive species on the site shall be removed prior to dedication of the site to the homeowner's association or the City. The use of herbicides for controlling harmful and invasive species should be minimized. The following best management practices are required where herbicide application is deemed necessary by the professional preparing the landscape plans:
(A) If herbicides, pesticides and/or fertilizers are proposed, an evaluation of application methods, effects on target and nontarget species, and the potential impacts to aquatic and terrestrial systems shall be included in the plan. Consider persistence, soil/water mobility, toxicity and plant uptake when selecting appropriate chemicals,
(B) Treatments for the control or removal of invasive plants in riparian/wetland areas shall be limited to hand or wick applications by qualified personnel,
(C) Apply chemicals during calm, dry weather to avoid transport from target areas by wind and/or water. Avoid applications where irrigation water may wash chemicals from target areas,
(D) Maintain unsprayed buffer areas near aquatic habitats and other sensitive areas. A minimum 200 foot radius, no-spray buffers shall be maintained around all known populations of sensitive, threatened and endangered plant and animal species,
(E) Application shall not occur in the vicinity of wetlands or ponds from January through June to minimize the potential for adverse impacts to amphibians during the breeding and egg development periods;
iii. A description of the recreational use provided and a plan for installing the associated capital improvements to provide the recreational use. Plans shall include facilities for pedestrian access to the use and around the site. All pedestrian connections shall conform to the City's transportation system plan;
iv. Plans for an irrigation and drainage system to serve the site. Timed irrigation systems and drainage systems shall be installed prior to landscaping the site;
v. A 10 year maintenance plan for the open space with cost projections to be provided to the future owners of the property (the homeowner's association or Happy Valley). If the open space is dedicated to the homeowner's association, the codes, covenants, and restrictions of the PUD shall include a provision requiring the homeowner's association to abide by the approved 10 year maintenance plan or submit an alternative plan to the Planning Official or designee for approval. If the open space is dedicated to the City, the City Public Works Department agrees to abide by the 10 year maintenance plan or provide an alternative plan to be approved by the Planning Official or designee;
vi. The applicant shall submit a landscape plan for any proposed detention facility. The landscape plan shall include a mixture of native plants, trees and shrubs suitable to the environment of the facility, with the intention of screening and buffering the facility from surrounding residences and providing shade to the interior of the facility. An irrigation system shall be installed to water plants in the detention facility during the months of June through September;
vii. Open space tracts shall be recorded as tracts on the final plat. For the assurance of permanent open space, the applicant shall record all open space tracts as permanent open space on the final plat.
e. Lot Size and Dimensions. Minimum area, width, depth, frontage and setback requirements may be less than development district minimums if in accordance with the general development plan, except that the garage of any structure shall not be located less than 20 feet from a public right-of-way and minimum lot size for single-family detached lots shall not be less than 5,000 square feet within 80% of the net developable area of the subject development. Within the 20% remainder area, lot sizes may decrease by a maximum of 10%. Lots which are located on the perimeter of a proposed development in all residential zones which are adjacent to lots in an R-10, R-15, R-20, or R-40 zone upon which are constructed single-family dwellings, may not be less than 75% of the average lot area per unit of the immediately abutting lots, or the development district minimum lot size of the subject parcel, whichever is less. If adjacent lands are undeveloped or minimum densities on the subject parcel cannot be met due to natural resource protection requirements, this provision does not apply. All PUD development involving clustered development due to natural resource constraints or involving attached housing shall be subject to a perimeter setback equal to the minimum rear, interior side or street side yard setback of the adjacent residential district, as applicable.
f. Staging.
i. Applicant can elect to proceed with the development in successive stages and steps (schedule must be included in the general development plan). Each stage must be 80% complete within itself before the successive stage may be commenced.
ii. The review body shall require development to proceed in stages if Level I facilities serving the site are not adequate to permit full development of the project at any given time. Full development must be staged to be commensurate with the full and adequate provision of Level I facilities and services.
J. Minimum Improvement Standards. As pursuant to Section
16.63.060(D).
K. Final Procedure—Planned Unit Development.
2. Changes and Modifications.
a. Major Changes. Major changes in the approved PUD shall be considered the same as a new petition and shall be made in accordance with the procedures specified in this section.
b. Minor Changes. Minor changes in the general plan may be approved by the Planning Official or designee or designee following the administrative decision process provided that such changes:
i. Do not increase residential or employment densities;
ii. Do not change boundaries;
iv. Do not change the location or amount of land devoted to specific land uses.
Such changes may include minor shifting of the location of buildings, setbacks, proposed streets, public or private ways, utility easements, recreation facilities, public open spaces, etc. For quantifiable changes, a general threshold of 10% shall be used in determining if a proposed change is minor in nature. For example, 10% of a required yard, 10% of lot size, etc. |
L. Density Calculations.
1. Purpose. Density calculation is the means by which density for any parcel may be determined and ultimately within that parcel in a more efficient and land conscious manner. This portion of the Land Development Code provides the method for calculating the overall density for any given parcel of land which may contain both buildable and unbuildable areas.
2. Benefit. The following benefits may accrue to the property developer and the City from density calculations:
a. The minimal extension of services within a cluster as opposed to the entire parcel;
b. Overall reduced development costs and the resultant lower housing prices;
c. Greater ease of maintenance of services and facilities;
f. Greater efficiency of land use;
g. Protection of slope and resource areas, such as drainageways and creek channels, and hazard areas.
3. Procedure. Density calculations shall be determined by the procedures in Section
16.63.020(F).
(Ord. 389 § 1(Exh. A), 2009; Ord. 398 § 1, 2010; Ord. 406 § 1, 2010; Ord. 411 § 1, 2011; Ord. 422 § 1, 2012; Ord. 501 § 1, 2016; Ord. 521 § 3, 2017; Ord. 534 § 1, 2017; Ord. 539 § 1, 2018; Ord. 561 § 1(Exh. A), 2022; Ord. 582, 3/19/2024)