§ 16.1. Intent and purpose.

A.

Intent. The intent of this article is to offer an alternative to conventional development and traditional zoning districts by permitting flexibility in the regulations for development by authorizing planned unit developments (PUD). The standards in this article are intended to promote and encourage development on lots of record that are suitable in size, location, and character for the uses proposed while ensuring compatibility with adjacent land uses.

B.

Base zoning district. The base zoning district is the zoning district applicable to the subject property. The PUD review process is applied to lands that are traditionally zoned but allows for consideration of flexibility of zoning requirements applicable to the base district as well as those development requirements that apply to all properties, regardless of zoning.

C.

Purpose. The PUD process is provided as a design option to allow for one or more of the following:

1.

Innovative land development in terms of variety, design, layout, and type of structures constructed;

2.

Efficient use of land to facilitate a more economic arrangement of buildings, circulation systems, land use, and utilities;

3.

Adaptive re-use of significant or historic buildings;

4.

Mixed use development projects and/or mixed use buildings;

5.

Preservation and protection of significant natural features, open space, and cultural/historic resources;

6.

Promote efficient provision of public services and utilities;

7.

Minimal adverse traffic impacts and accommodate safe and efficient pedestrian access and circulation;

8.

Convenient recreational facilities;

9.

Use and improvement of land where site conditions make development under conventional zoning difficult or less desirable; and

10.

Open space development option, per section 16.3E.

D.

Design flexibility. The PUD process and standards provide for flexibility in design and permit variation of the specific bulk, area, and in some situations, the density requirements of the zoning ordinance on the basis of the preliminary PUD development plan, subject to the approval of the PUD. A PUD shall not be sought primarily to circumvent the standards and requirements of the applicable base zoning districts.