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. an open area, partially or completely surrounded by buildings, used as outdoor common area, generally paved and/or landscaped, and primarily for private use. This may also be used to meet the open space requirement of the zoning ordinance as herein defined. 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, useable, means outdoor area of a lot or tract which is designated and used for outdoor living, recreation, pedestrian access or planting. Such areas may be ground or roof space seventy-five percent (75%) open to the sky, balconies a minimum of five (5) feet wide, an enclosed deck, porch, or ground floor portions of a building constructed on columns. Off-street parking and loading areas, driveways, vehicular use area perimeter landscaping and interior landscaping, unenclosed fire escapes, or required front and side street side yard areas do not qualify as useable open space; provided, however, that those portions of the required side street side yard may qualify as useable open space, as long as such open space is separated from the street right-of-way by a fence or solid screen planting. 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
Created: 2021-12-09 06:36:19 [EST]
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