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Open space development, also called "cluster development," is an alternative site planning technique that concentrates
dwelling units in a compact area to reserve undeveloped space elsewhere on the site. In this technique, lot sizes, setbacks,
and frontage distances are minimized to allow for open space. The typical open space development creates less impervious
cover and reduces the need to clear and grade 35 percent to 60 percent of the site. Open space areas are often used for
neighborhood recreation, stormwater management facilities, or conservation purposes. Open space preserved in a natural
condition needs little maintenance and helps to reduce and sometimes to treat stormwater runoff from development.
The model open space ordinance is
intended to be a guide. It contains language that fosters development
that is substantially consistent with many local zoning standards yet
allows for modifications from the original standards to ensure appropriate,
fair, and consistent decision making. The model ordinance sets guidelines
for management of open space and the amount of open space required on
a site, but it is not intended to be a "one size fits all" document.
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Certain issues are not covered in this ordinance because many localities provide for them in other ordinances or they are too
specific to each community. For example, language on road widths is not included because it is often a part of subdivision
or other ordinances. Although most ordinances contain a section on the development review process, such language was not
included because the review process varies widely by locality.
In addition to the model ordinance, this section includes other information you might find useful in drafting an open space
development ordinance:
Open Space Development Ordinance
from Calvert County, MD
An example of a mandatory open space ordinance. PDF Format (109KB, 31pages).
- Land Preservation District
Model Zoning from Montgomery County, PA
This ordinance would also require the preservation of open space certain
districts.
PDF Format (20KB, 8pages).
- Open Space Ordinance from Hamburg
Township, MI
This ordinance incorporates commercial land uses (e.g., mixed use) for
projects of a certain size, and provides an example of the application
procedure for one community.
PDF Format (13KB, 36pages).
Although open space development is desirable, there are challenges to applying open space development criteria in every
community. For open space development to be successful, the ordinance needs to be crafted in a way that fosters development
that is both marketable and environmentally sensitive. The ordinance needs to effectively address issues such as
maintenance, liability, and emergency vehicle access. In addition, the community needs to be prepared to manage the space or
to dedicate open space to a responsible organization. Finally, decisions about when and where open space development is
desired need to be made early.
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