2005.04.04 ORD 2005-397 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

ORDINANCE 2005-397 NOTICE: THIS PUBLISHED MATERIAL IS ONLY A SUMMARY OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HUGO. THE FULL TEXT OF THE ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AT THE HUGO CITY HALL DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS. TITLE AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A RURAL PRESERVATION PROGRAM ALLOWING FOR CERTAIN DEVELOPMENT AND REQUIRING THE PRESERVATION OF OPEN SPACE IN THE AREAS OF THE CITY THAT ARE ZONED AGRICULTURAL OR RURAL RESIDENTIAL. SUMMARY OF THE ORDINANCE: 1. Section 1 defines the purpose of this ordinance allowing an alternative to large lot development in the rural areas by allowing smaller lots and higher densities and requiring the protection of the City's rural character. 2. Section 2 outlines the intent of the ordinance, which is to preserve natural amenities and other important rural elements, while providing guidance for the development of land on large tracts of land that will provide additional residential density while successfully integrating the development into the rural landscape and providing open space. Section 3 outlines procedures for processing an application for a rural preservation plat. It encourages a pre -application meeting, followed by a sketch plan review of the project by the Planning Commission and City Council. Following the sketch plan review is the required submission of a preliminary plat. The ordinance outlines the information that is required to be submitted with the application for the sketch plan or the preliminary plat. 4. Section 4 specifies the development standards. The minimum parcel size for a rural preservation plat is 40 acres. Exceptions to the 40 acre rule can be obtained where the property is adjacent to other property that is or can be enrolled in the Rural Preservation Program. Exceptions can also be granted for property that provides a unique opportunity to preserve an important natural feature or provide public access to it, or for other property that meets the intent of the ordinance. The ordinance requires 50 percent of the land to be dedicated as preserved open space. At least 25 percent of the open space shall be buildable area. The ordinance defines buildable area. There is no minimum lot size for the lots within the development. Minimum setbacks for buildings are 50 feet from the front property line, 10 feet from the side property line, and 25 feet from the rear property line or side property line adjacent to a street. Buildings must be setback at least 100 feet from arterial roads. Standards for accessory structures are outlined in a separate development agreement for each project. Section 4 continues by specifying standards for open spaces and Homeowners Associations. Open spaces within the development shall be protected by a conservation easement. Open spaces shall be connected and should be contiguous to adjacent natural areas and parks. Open spaces shall be owned and maintained by a homes association or other entity that is qualified to care for the land. Homeowners Associations may be established to permanently maintain the open spaces. Standards are established for