25.97.070 Open space.
Open space land use provides various functions, such as active and passive recreation, public realm, pedestrian interaction, contrasts to the built environment, environmental protection, etc.
(1) Intent and Applicability.
(a) Provide various recreational opportunities in parks and recreational areas.
(b) Protect public and/or private natural areas.
(c) Offer scenic qualities in a built environment.
(d) Protect sensitive or fragile environmental areas and functions of the environment.
(e) Preserve the capacity and water quality of the storm water drainage system.
(f) Provide pedestrian and bicycle transportation connections.
(g) Open space requirements are applicable to all developments within the Broadmoor Master Plan area. Open spaces are intended to be included within other land uses even if the land use designation is not open space. This includes plazas, trails, courtyards, etc.
(2) Standards.
(a) Standards for various types of open spaces shall be in compliance with zoning, streetscape, critical areas, and shoreline regulations and parks and recreation standards as applicable. However, certain open spaces identified in this section may retain the underlying zoning and land use designation of the primary use, such as private plazas, courtyards, etc.
(b) Open spaces shall be connected with bike and trail facilities. Some open spaces such as plazas can be extensions of the street environment as well as connected with the trail system.
(c) Developments shall provide open space in the form of parks, plazas, courtyards, bike and trail connections and natural and landscaped open space. Lands for public parks and open space shall be required in accordance with the City’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan’s LOS requirements.
(d) Additional design considerations for open space:
|
Natural Open Spaces |
Parks |
Plazas |
Trails/Greenways |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Open space types |
An open space intended for preservation in its natural condition; this also includes environmentally critical areas; unstructured and limited number of structures can be allowed. |
Parks are a combination of active and passive recreational uses, such as sports (active), fishing (passive) as indicated in the City’s PROS Plan. Parks can be public and/or private. |
An open space available for civic purposes and commercial activities. Building frontages should define these spaces. Plazas are primarily hardscape combined with landscaping. |
Trails are for pedestrian and bicycle users; they may be placed within developments and natural areas. This includes trails indicated in the PROS Plan, as well as private trails. |
|
Frontage/ Access |
Access can be restricted to protect the sensitive nature of the environment; public streets and pedestrian trails shall provide access according to existing codes. |
At least two street frontages are required. |
At least one street frontage is required. |
Connectivity points with street sidewalks, and public access points required. |
|
Size |
Varies. |
According to the PROS Plan standards. |
Width: 10 feet minimum. Length: 20 feet minimum. |
Width: 5 feet minimum. |
|
Facilities to consider |
Signage, trails, benches, drinking fountains, restrooms. |
Signage, trails, benches, sports facilities, drinking fountains, restrooms; additional facilities according to the PROS Plan. |
Seating arrangements, water features, drinking fountains, bike racks. |
Signage, benches, drinking fountains. |
(3) Residential Open Space Standards.
(a) Open spaces within residential development should provide private open space or courtyard for residents. Open spaces should be consolidated whenever possible, in accordance with the City’s open space and landscaping standards (PMC 25.180.080).
(b) Residential open space shall be no less than 25 feet wide, and not less than 800 square feet in area. Developments of more than 10 units shall add 50 square feet for each additional unit. [Ord. 4659 § 2, 2023.]