7.2.3 Design and Use of Required Open Space
A. Recreational Open Space
Where open space is required, at least one-third shall consist of recreational open space.
1. Table of Recreational Open Space
Recreational open space shall be provided by the type and percentages indicated in the following table:
|
Types of Recreational Open Space |
Maximum Percent by Tier |
||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Suburban |
Urban |
Compact |
|
|
Property developed for active recreational purposes with fixed improvements (ballfields (e.g., goals, backstops, bleachers, etc.), tennis or basketball courts, golf courses, swim clubs, etc.); all-weather trails; playgrounds |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Benches, picnic tables, shelters, gazebos, multi-use fields |
30% |
30% |
30% |
|
Publicly accessible plazas and courtyards |
– |
100% |
100% |
2. Exemptions
a. Recreational open space is not required in the Rural Tier or for development pursuant to Sec. 6.9, Nonresidential and Group Living Development in Residential Districts.
b. The recreational open space requirement shall not apply to the additional open space required for a cluster subdivision. The recreational open space requirement shall only be applied to the amount that would be provided for a conventional subdivision.
3. Minimum Street Frontage Dimension and Accessibility
Except for walking paths and bicycle trails, recreational open space areas shall have at least one side with street frontage of at least 50 feet in length, and shall be accessible to residential development by sidewalks, pursuant to Article 12, Infrastructure and Public Improvement.
4. Minimum Location Requirements
a. In the Urban Tier, recreational open space shall be located so that at least 95% of the residential units in the subdivision or development are within a 1,300-foot walking distance of useable open space.
b. In the Suburban Tier, recreational open space shall be located so that at least 95% of the residential units in the subdivision or development are within a 2,600-foot walking distance of usable open space.
c. In the MU District, recreational open space shall be located in a central commons area around which different uses are located.
(1) If the development is greater than 100 acres, multiple common areas shall be provided.
(2) Central commons areas are not required if the entire mixed use development is solely vertically integrated.
B. The remaining required open space, and 100% of required open space where recreational open space is not required as indicated in paragraph 7.2.3A.2, shall consist of the types and percentages indicated in the following table:
|
Open Space Use |
Maximum Percent by Tier |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Rural |
Suburban |
Urban |
Compact |
|
|
Natural or Vegetated |
||||
|
Agriculture, horticulture, silviculture or pasture uses |
100% |
50% |
— |
— |
|
Naturally vegetated or revegetated to appear naturally vegetated. |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Severe development constraints or other conditions that affect their usability by residents of the development, including properties in the flood fringe, floodway, water bodies, exceptionally low or wet soils, or steep slopes. |
100% |
50% |
100% |
100% |
|
Durham Inventory Sites |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Tree protection areas, project boundary buffers |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
|
Recreational |
||||
|
Property developed for active recreational purposes with fixed improvements (ballfields (e.g., goals, backstops, bleachers, etc.), tennis or basketball courts, golf courses, swim clubs, etc.); all-weather trails; playgrounds). |
100% |
50% |
50% |
50% |
|
Benches, picnic tables, shelters, gazebos, multi-use playfields |
100% |
50% |
50% |
50% |
|
Publicly accessible plazas and courtyards |
— |
— |
100% |
100% |
|
Other |
||||
|
Stormwater management and community wastewater disposal systems if active recreational uses are incorporated. Easements for drainage, access and underground utilities |
25% |
25% |
50% |
50% |
|
Land dedicated per Sec. 12.5, Recreation Land |
100% |
100% |
100% |
100% |
C. Notwithstanding the above requirements, area within required riparian buffers can be used to satisfy any open space requirement.
D. Dog Park or Play Area
A dog park or play area used to satisfy the requirements of this section shall be enclosed with a galvanized or coated chain-link fence measuring four to six feet in height and include a double-gate entry system. The following shall also be provided within the area:
1. Seating with benches.
2. A designated pet waste receptacle.
3. Signage providing City, County, and other applicable rules.
4. At least one of the following:
a. A plumbed drinking water station.
b. A shade area, with either a structure or mature shade trees.
E. All-Weather Trails
1. Material
A trail used to satisfy the requirements of this section shall be paved with an all-weather material such as asphalt, concrete, or another similar material that would satisfy the State accessibility code.
a. Gravel is not considered an all-weather surface.
b. Exceptions may be made regarding paving if a trail is proposed in a required riparian buffer.
2. Pet Waste Disposal
A designated pet waste receptacle must be provided at each trail head.