Unified Development Ordinance - Currituck County Government

Chapter 7: Environmental ProtectionSECTION 7.1: OPEN SPACE SET-ASIDESSubsection 7.1.3: Open Space Set-Aside Standards(h)(i)(j)(k)Private Passive Recreational AreasPassive recreation areas such as trails, walkways, and open fields ormeadows.Functionally-Dependent FeaturesDocks, swimming platforms, boat launches, and boardwalks providingaccess to estuarine and surface waters.Urban FeaturesPlazas, fountains, roof gardens, atriums, and pedestrian seating/activityareas in the SFO, CC, and VC districts.Stormwater Management Site AmenitiesLand area occupied by stormwater management devices, includingretention ponds, fully vegetated detention basins, and other bioretentiondevices treated as a site amenity that includes access, gentleslopes of three-to-one (3:1) or less, and pedestrian elements such aspaths, benches, and similar aspects.(2) Not Counted as Open Space Set-AsidesThe following areas shall not be counted as open space set-asides:(a)(b)(c)(d)(e)Private yards not subject to an open space or conservation easement;Public street rights-of-way or private street easements;Open parking areas and driveways for dwellings;Land covered by structures not designated for active recreationaluses; andDesignated outdoor storage areas.(3) Insufficient Natural Features(a)(b)In cases where the land to be set aside as open space is outside of anFull Service Area and lacks environmental features like wetlands ortree cover (such as a former farm field), the open space set-aside areashall be reforested with mixed hardwoods at a rate of 40 trees peracre.The amount of land area to be reforested shall be the minimumnecessary to ensure at least half the open space set-aside is occupiedby trees or other environmental features.C. Design Standards for Open Space Set-AsidesLand used as an open space set-aside shall meet the following design standards:(1) LocationOpen space shall be located so as to be readily accessible and useable byresidents and users of the development. Where possible, a portion of theopen space set-aside should provide focal points for the development.(2) Adjacent to Existing or Planned Open SpaceWhere the development site is adjacent to existing or planned trails, parks, orother public open area land, the open space set-aside shall, to the maximumCURRITUCK COUNTY, NC UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE7.3