The purpose of a planned unit development subdivision is to encourage owners and developers to apply new technology and land designs, to conserve natural resources (such as wetlands, wildlife and plant habitats, views and open spaces), to mitigate natural hazards (such as wildfire, flooding, and earth movement), to mix land uses, and to provide special recreational, social and business amenities to occupants within subdivision developments. To accomplish this objective, this chapter sets forth the standards and criteria for authorizing prescribed departures from the general development and zoning standards for subdivisions, when such departures help the development accomplish one or more of the benefits described above. The nature, extent and value of the benefits, and methods of securing performance, shall be matters wholly within the judgment of the Review Body. This chapter is intended to provide the minimum standards, criteria and procedures to be used in the exercise of this judgment.
(2005 RLDC § 55.010)