[Amended effective 11-14-2011]
The intent of this regulation is to allow for greater flexibility and creativity in the design of residential developments and to provide for larger areas of open space and the preservation of Newtown's rural community character.
8.15.210 
Any proposed residential subdivision of a parcel(s) of land located within an R-1, R-2 or R-3 zone is eligible to apply for an OSCS.
8.15.310 
An application for an OSCS filed pursuant to Newtown Subdivision Regulations, Article V, Open Space Conservation Subdivisions.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See Ch. 560, Art. V, of this Code.
(a) 
The maximum number of dwelling units described on the OSCS Concept Plan can exceed the Commission's determination of the maximum number of lots that could be developed on the parcel(s) as a conventional subdivision by 10%, to the nearest whole division. Number of conventional lots allowed shall be determined by the Commission, utilizing a conceptual conventional subdivision plan submitted by the applicant.
(b) 
A guideline of 50% preserved open space shall be used in the project design.
(c) 
The open space areas that are planned for preservation in the OSCS, shall result in the protection of the unique features of the particular site.
(d) 
The applicant shall prepare an estimate of the total square footage of impervious surface that would result from the proposed development.
Single-family detached housing located on individual lots which are subject to application approval pursuant to the subdivision regulations.
The regulations concerning the minimum lot area, number of stories, yard dimension, setbacks and similar requirements for an OSCS are set forth in Article VII, Area Height and Yard Requirements, Chart Number VII-I. The requirements for conventional subdivision are also set forth in Chart VII-I. All applicable sections of these regulations apply and in addition, the following rules shall apply to all OSCS developments.
(a) 
Minimum lot size shall be 35,000 square feet and the lot shall be in compliance with the Newtown Health District and State septic and well regulations.
(b) 
When street frontage is less than 150 feet, garage door openings that face the street serving the lot shall be set back 15 feet or more from the front wall of the house.
(c) 
Where proposed development will front on an existing public street, the Commission reserves the right to require the application of the area, height and yard requirements for the respective zone contained in Chart VII-I of these regulations.
(d) 
Rear lots. One rear lot may be created for every lot with street frontage subject to Section 595-7.04.900 of these regulations.
(e) 
Rear lots shall have a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet from the front lot line.
(f) 
Minimum setback requirements shall be recorded as deed restrictions for each approved lot.
(g) 
Buffer areas. A buffer area of 75 feet shall be provided along the perimeters of the OSCS parcel(s). Streets and driveways necessary for access and egress to and from the subject parcel(s) may cross such buffer areas. No vegetation in this buffer area will be disturbed, destroyed or removed, except for normal maintenance of structures and landscapes or as a result of landscape improvements approved by the Commission. The Commission may waive the buffer requirement in certain locations when it determines that a smaller buffer, or no buffer, will suffice.