Cluster/Conservation Subdivision in Rural/Urban Area

• Author: Alec LeSher
• Pages: 7-12

Part I: Remove Code Barriers 7

CLUS TER /CO NSE RVATIO N

SUBD IVI SIO N IN RUR AL/

URBA N AR EA

Alec LeSher (author)

Jonathan Rosenbloom & Christopher Duerksen (editors)

INTRODUCTION

Clustered/Conservation Subdivision (CCS) ordinances al low residential

developments in rural and urban fringe areas while retaining the natural

character and signic ant wildlife habitat in the newly developed area. CCS

developments are an alternative to traditional residential developments (often

subdivisions and/or planned unit developments) that typically result in sub-

stantial destruction of natural features and habitat.1 In contrast, CCS ordi-

nances allow or require dense clusters of residential units in one part of the

proposed project area, in exchange for permanently preserving open space

and natural features.2 Under this model, the open space is rendered unde-

velopable, but may be used by the community for recreation, agriculture,

or conservation (for alternative ways to zone the PUD open space see Limit

PUDs Near Sensitive Natural Area s). Placing CCS developments near the

urban/rural boundary helps provide a natural transition from dense urban

areas to more open and natural space s.

Local governments may struct ure CCS ordinances in a variety of ways.

Some local governments have chosen to create overlay districts that indicate

where a CCS may be located.3 Others may choose to allow a CCS d irectly in

the regulations for various zones, most typically residential zones.4 e ordi-

nance should also describe the design standards for the CCS, such as maxi-

mum allowable surface coverage, minimum amount of open space required,

and where or how the new residences will be clustered on the parcel. Loc al

governments should note that CCS developments often require smaller min-

imum lot sizes than the underlying zoning district would otherwise allow to

accommodate for tight clusters of buildings, so t hat more open space may be

preserved. Many jurisdictions simply exempt CCS developments from mini-

mum lot size requirements.5 In many ordina nces, there is a formula or ratio

that indicates how much space developers must leave open. ese formulas