A.
It is the intent of this Article regulating planned unit developments (PUD's) to provide performance criteria in the context of flexible use and design regulations so that small-to-large-scale residential neighborhoods may be developed, within designated districts, incorporating a variety of residential types and nonresidential uses and containing 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.
B.
This Article specifically encourages innovation in residential development so that the growing demands for housing at all economic levels may be met by greater variety in type, design and siting of dwellings and by the conservation and more efficient use of land in such developments. 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 that 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 concept. Further, this Article recognizes that a rigid set of space requirements, along with bulk and use specifications, would frustrate the application of the planned unit development concept. Thus, where PUD techniques are deemed appropriate through the rezoning of land to a planned unit development by the Town Board, the set of use and dimensional specifications otherwise set forth in this chapter are herein replaced by an approved process in which an approved plan with proper rezoning becomes the basis for continuing land use controls during the development period.
C.
In order to carry out the intent of this Article, a PUD shall achieve the following objectives:
(1)
A maximum choice in the types of environment; occupancy; tenure, e.g., cooperatives, individual ownership, condominium and leasing; types of housing; lot sizes; and community facilities available to Town residents at all economic levels.
(2)
More usable open space and recreation areas.
(3)
More convenience in location of accessory commercial and service areas.
(4)
A development pattern which preserves trees, outstanding natural topography and geologic features and prevents 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 Development Plan.
(8)
A more desirable environment than would be possible through the strict application of the provisions of this chapter as a whole.