A.
Intent.
(1)
it is the intent of this article to provide flexible land use and design regulations through the use of performance criteria so that small- to large-scale neighborhoods or portions thereof may be developed within the Town which incorporate a variety of residential types and nonresidential uses and contain both individual building sites and common property which are planned and developed as a unit. Such a planned unit is to be designed and organized so as to be capable of satisfactory use and operation as a separate entity without necessarily needing the participation of other building sites or other common property in order to function as a neighborhood. This article specifically encourages innovation in residential development so that the growing demands for housing at all economic levels may be met by a greater variety in type, design and siting of dwellings and by the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments.
(2)
This article recognizes that, while the standard zoning function (use and bulk) and the subdivision function (platting and design) are appropriate for the regulation of land use in areas or neighborhoods which are already substantially developed, these controls represent a type of preregulation, regulatory rigidity and uniformity which may be inimical to the techniques of land development contained in the planned unit development concept. Further, this article recognizes that a rigid set of space requirements along with bulk and use specifications would frustrate the application of this concept. Thus, where planned unit development techniques are deemed appropriate through the rezoning of land to a planned unit development district by the Town Board, the set of use and dimensional specifications elsewhere in this chapter are herein replaced by an approval process in which an approved plan becomes the basis for continuing land use controls.
B.
Objectives. In order to carry out the intent of this article, a planned unit development shall achieve the following objectives:
(1)
A maximum choice in the types of environment, occupancy tenure (for example, cooperatives, individual ownership, condominium or leasing), types of housing, lot sizes and community facilities available to existing and potential Town residents at all economic levels.
(2)
More suitable open space and recreation areas.
(3)
More convenience in location of accessory commercial and service areas.
(4)
The preservation of trees, outstanding natural topography and geologic features and prevention of soil erosion.
(5)
A creative use of land and related physical development which allows an orderly transition of land from rural to urban uses.
(6)
An efficient use of land resulting in smaller networks of utilities and streets and thereby lower housing costs.
(7)
A development pattern in harmony with the objectives of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
(8)
A more desirable environment than would be possible through the strict application of other articles of this chapter.