Article 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS AND DEFINITIONS Sec. 1-11. Definitions. Courtyard means a paved and/or landscaped open area that is partially or completely surrounded by buildings and used as an outdoor gathering space. Green infrastructure means the use of natural features, restored or engineered, to provide multiple benefits to communities including reducing flooding, minimizing urban heat island impacts, and improving water and air quality. Green infrastructure often refers specifically to stormwater infrastructure and stormwater control design approaches and technologies that mimic the natural hydrologic cycle processes of rainfall infiltration, evapotranspiration, and reuse. The phrase is generally contrasted with “gray infrastructure,” which relies on a constructed system of pipes and mechanical devices to capture and convey stormwater runoff. Open space means land or water area not covered by enclosed structures, vehicular use areas, or streets. Such an area may be predominately in a natural condition or modified for uses such as recreation, education, aesthetics, cultural or natural resource management or public health and safety. Common area is a specific type of usable outdoor area which is managed and maintained for common use by groups of residents, occupants, or users of a development. Common areas are owned by a private individual or entity, such as an owners association or other mechanism. Common areas shall be designed to enhance the visual character of the area, protect public safety, and minimize conflicts with adjacent land uses. Useable area is the general outdoor area of a lot intentionally designed for outdoor living and pedestrian access. Such areas include unenclosed ground and roof space a minimum of ten (10) feet wide, and balconies, porches and the like a minimum of five (5) feet wide. Useable open space may include hardscape, landscape, or portions of water areas designed to accommodate or support use. Streets, vehicular use areas, and required vehicular use area interior landscaping do not qualify as useable open space. Vegetated area means the outdoor area of a lot at ground-level or roof-level consisting of preserved existing vegetation or new vegetation. At least seventy five (75) percent of the area must be covered by living plants. Required vehicular use area interior landscaping is not included. Invasive tree and plant species, per the LFUCG Planting Manual, are not included. Walkable route means the route that a pedestrian may travel between origins and destinations without obstruction and with clear delineation through vehicle use areas. Walkable routes consist of a continuous network of sidewalks, all weather-surface footpaths, crosswalks, or equivalent pedestrian facilities which are accessible to people of all ages and abilities, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act and other Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance. Walkable routes connect accessible building entrances to pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. Walking distance is specified as the length of the walkable route.
Created: 2021-12-09 06:36:19 [EST]
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