§ 6.02.18. Community Gathering Places

A.

Purpose

Community gathering places are intended to improve neighborhood design by providing conveniently accessible areas for leisure and or recreation within walking distance of all lots.

B.

Applicability

Community gathering places as defined in this Code shall be provided in all subdivisions with 50 or more single-family detached, two-family attached, and/or townhouse dwellings when such lots are less than 14,520 square feet in size.

C.

Exemptions

The following shall be exempt from the requirements of this Section:

1.

Unexpired preliminary plats approved prior to January 30, 2014.

2.

Conservation Subdivisions and Planned Villages developed in accordance with this Code.

3.

Planned Development zonings approved prior to January 30, 2014. However, all PD districts for which a minor or major modification is granted to allow single-family residential development in lieu of approved non-residential entitlements shall be subject to these requirements. In such case, these requirements shall apply only to the area of the PD for which such modification or change is granted.

D.

Requirements for Minimum Area

A minimum of 50 square feet of upland area for each single-family lot or a total of 5,000 square feet, whichever is greater, shall be provided for community gathering places. The required area shall not include trails, off-street vehicular use areas, Conservation and Preservation Areas protected by this Code or other ordinances, storm water retention/detention areas and golf courses and related clubhouse facilities.

E.

Placement and Distribution of Minimum Area

Gathering places shall be connected to all dwelling units by a system of sidewalks and crosswalks and shall be plainly visible from subdivision streets to promote user safety. They shall be distributed throughout the subdivision so the single-family lots within the subdivision are located within 1,320 feet of a gathering place as measured in a straight line, and pedestrian access from those lots to the gathering place is not precluded by natural or man-made barriers. The total amount may be distributed into a single area or multiple areas as necessary to provide the required placement; however, at least one space shall be a minimum of 3,000 square feet.

F.

Improvements

Required community gathering places shall be improved and maintained by the developer and successors in a manner which makes such areas distinguishable and suitable for recreational, social or leisure purposes. Such improvements may include, but are not limited to, sod, pavers, flower beds, shade trees, playground equipment, pergolas, gazebos, benches, fountains, and/or public art.

G.

Parking

Required community gathering places shall be exempt from the parking standards found in Section 6.05.00 of the Land Development Code.

H.

Maintenance

Required community gathering places shall be owned and maintained by the developer, homeowners association, community development district or similar entity. The County shall not accept ownership or maintenance of community gathering spaces.

(Ord. No. 14-3, § 2(Item IV-C), (13-0720), 1-30-14, eff. 2-6-14)