§ 13-61. Perimeter open space criteria

This area shall be kept free of buildings and structures and permanently maintained in landscaping. If the design of this buffer area enhances the overall development plan and is readily accessible to the residents of the planned development, it may be included as partial fulfillment of the common open space requirements listed in section 13-60 required open space criteria for planned development residential.

Exceptions:

(a) In planned development commercial and planned development residential—North Costa Mesa districts, the required perimeter open space may include, in addition to landscaping, architectural features (such as arcades, awnings, and canopies) and hardscape features (such as paving, patios, planters, and street furniture) if the planning commission determines that:

(1) These other features provide usable, visually interesting pedestrian amenities and facilitate pedestrian circulation;

(2) These additional features enhance the overall urban design concept of the planned development and promote the goals of the general plan, applicable specific plan, and/or redevelopment plan;

(3) Adequate landscaping is retained to shade the outdoor use areas and to complement the architecture and the design of buildings and pedestrian areas; and

(4) The design of the perimeter setback area will be compatible with contiguous development.

(b) In planned development commercial and planned development residential—North Costa Mesa districts, buildings may encroach into the required perimeter open space if the planning commission determines that:

(1) An adequate, well defined pedestrian circulation system is provided within the planned development;

(2) Pedestrian oriented landscaped and/or public use areas (plazas, patios, etc.) are provided within the planned development;

(3) The reduced open space area will not be detrimental to developments on contiguous properties;

(4) The reduced building setback will not deprive the street nor other properties of necessary light and air; and

(5) These additional features enhance the overall urban design concept of the planned development and promote the goals of the city's general plan, applicable specific plan and/or redevelopment plan.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 05-14, § 1f., 1g., 11-1-05 )