§ 406.030. Open Space System., Chapter 406. Subdivision Design and Improvements, Unified Development Code, Code of Ordinances, Blue Springs

Intent. The intent of this Section is to:

Establish a system of open spaces as an important part of the civic infrastructure of the community.

Value the design, function, appropriate application of different types of open space, rather than solely the quantity of space.

Recognize open space, whether public, common or private, as a key determinant of community character.

Develop a greater perceived impact from open space by coordinating the design and location of open spaces throughout development and across multiple development projects.

Consider the context and multiple functions that open spaces can serve to support development, including ecological, recreation, aesthetic and urban design functions.

Create focal points for the community, neighborhood, district, or development site to which private development and site plans should respond to.

Integrate natural systems into the design of common or public open spaces.

Preserve buffers along stream corridors.

Applicability.

Generally. These standards apply to all divisions of land involving more than five (5) acres. All platted lots shall have access to one or more of the open space types in this Section, within the specified service area.

Exceptions. Any lot platted within the service area for any of the open space system types below does not require any new civic spaces, provided:

It is public; or

It is private or common and the property owner has a right to access this property through easements, covenants or other formal documentation of the entity with ownership and control of the civic space.

The open space requirement is in addition to any landscape, setback, buffer or frontage type requirement, however effective site design can allow areas to meet multiple standards.

Open Space Types. Open space systems shall be designed based on the planning context. The following tables indicate the types of open spaces that are eligible for each particular area based on the place types in the Comprehensive Plan. Standards and specifications for each open space type are provided in Subsection (E).

Editor's Note: Table 406.030-1, Open Space Systems Context, is included as an attachment to this Chapter.

Requirements.

Amount. The amount of space required shall be based on the base zoning district(s) proposed or existing for the project and based on the table below.

Table 406.030-2: Open Space Systems — Amount
RE	N/A
SF-12, SF-7, N-L	10%
TF, MF-10, MF-14, MF-18, N-O	15%
NB, SO	8%
GB, RC	12%
LI, HI	N/A
APD-O	15%, unless modified by development plan that equally or better meets the intent of the open space system standard and the APD-O District
PR-O	15%, unless modified by development plan that equally or better meets the intent of the open space system standard and the PR-O District

Location Criteria. The following location criteria shall be used in determining the most appropriate locations and characteristics of land to be designated as required open space systems.

Priority should be given to areas that provided the most visible impact.

(1)

Formal open spaces (pocket parks, greens, squares, or plazas) should be located at prominent focal points within a subdivision or development site, and included in or designed as an effective extension of the public rights-of-way, or other common areas.

(2)

Natural open space (preserves, parks and greenways, trails, or large parks) should be located along prominent ridges, valleys and view corridors or areas where other natural features such as significant vegetation or water features exist. See the Public Works Design and Construction Manual Section 5600 for stream buffer requirements.

Open spaces should be located to provide the greatest connectivity of open space systems with adjacent and future development sites.

(1)

Formal open space should be located according to an overall urban design theme for the area, considering where planned future transportation systems, block patterns, and key building and site entrances will be located for the site and for adjacent areas.

(2)

Natural open space should be located in areas that have the greatest potential for future expansion and connectivity to land areas with similar physical features and ecological characteristics on adjacent sites.

Open space shall be located in areas that maximize its functional characteristics.

(1)

Formal open space shall be centered in areas that will have the greatest population density or development intensity in order to provide the greatest pedestrian accessibility possible.

(2)

Natural open space shall be located in areas where the ecological, aesthetic, and recreational impact will be the greatest.

Reductions Of Open Space Requirements. The amounts required in Subsection (D)(1) above may be reduced:

Based on a plan through the planned development process that meets or exceeds the intent of this Section;

To the point where any lesser percentage of open space will clearly meet both the service area and level of service targets identified in Subsection (E) below; or

Any application that dedicates open space to the public in a type, location and design standard that is acceptable to meet general public needs.

Design Standards. Open space systems shall be designed according the specific type, and the standards below for each different type.

Preserve
The size, location, and design of a preserve shall be dependent on the planning context, the presence of natural amenities and ecological functions worthy of protection, and the ability of the designated area to provide significant continuity with nearby natural features. However in general these areas should provide the opportunity of at least 10 acres of contiguous preserved area; and ideally up to 50 or more acres. Service Area N/A Level Of Service 10 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Preserves include any area of existing or restored natural areas such as riparian corridors, flood hazard areas, unique geological formations, important habitats, significant plant types or substantial groupings of important plant types, wetlands, etc. The goal is to protect the edges to maximize intact areas that provide valuable ecosystem services for development, support preservation goals or enhance the aesthetics and amenities of the area. Location and design should be based on the guidance of Appendix A3 of the Comprehensive Plan, Natural Resources and Open Space Policy Map, and areas capable of expansion through further adjacent preservation efforts may be viewed more favorable.

Preserve

The size, location, and design of a preserve shall be dependent on the planning context, the presence of natural amenities and ecological functions worthy of protection, and the ability of the designated area to provide significant continuity with nearby natural features. However in general these areas should provide the opportunity of at least 10 acres of contiguous preserved area; and ideally up to 50 or more acres.

Service Area

N/A

Level Of Service

10 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Preserves include any area of existing or restored natural areas such as riparian corridors, flood hazard areas, unique geological formations, important habitats, significant plant types or substantial groupings of important plant types, wetlands, etc. The goal is to protect the edges to maximize intact areas that provide valuable ecosystem services for development, support preservation goals or enhance the aesthetics and amenities of the area. Location and design should be based on the guidance of Appendix A3 of the Comprehensive Plan, Natural Resources and Open Space Policy Map, and areas capable of expansion through further adjacent preservation efforts may be viewed more favorable.

Park Or Greenway
Size 2-5 acres (neighborhood) 5-10 acres (community) Service Area 1/4 mile (neighborhood) 1/2 mile (community) Level Of Service 10 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Parks shall generally be at least 300 feet wide in all directions, except that linear natural features ("greenway") may be designed as a park with portions as narrow as 40 feet, provided it has significant continuity between the natural area and other open space features and preserve significant aesthetic and ecological functions. One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage, plus 3 large shade trees per acre; 5 small shade trees or ornamental trees per acre. Between 30% and 70% of the area should be allocated to structured recreation such as ball fields, playgrounds or sport courts. The remainder of the area should be allocated to ground cover, treed areas, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity. Greenways should include a trail of 8 feet to 12 feet wide may be included to provide connections along bicycle or pedestrian routes and destinations.

Park Or Greenway

Size

2-5 acres (neighborhood)

5-10 acres (community)

Service Area

1/4 mile (neighborhood)

1/2 mile (community)

Level Of Service

10 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Parks shall generally be at least 300 feet wide in all directions, except that linear natural features ("greenway") may be designed as a park with portions as narrow as 40 feet, provided it has significant continuity between the natural area and other open space features and preserve significant aesthetic and ecological functions.

One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage, plus 3 large shade trees per acre; 5 small shade trees or ornamental trees per acre. Between 30% and 70% of the area should be allocated to structured recreation such as ball fields, playgrounds or sport courts. The remainder of the area should be allocated to ground cover, treed areas, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity.

Greenways should include a trail of 8 feet to 12 feet wide may be included to provide connections along bicycle or pedestrian routes and destinations.

Pocket Park
Size 1/4 to 2 acres Service Area All blocks within 1,320 feet walking distance Level Of Service 10 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Pocket parks shall generally be at least 50 feet wide in all directions. One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage, plus 1 large shade tree per acre; 3 small shade trees or ornamental trees per acre. Between 30% and 70% of the area should be constructed recreation surfaces such as playgrounds or sport courts. The remainder of the area should be allocated to ground cover, treed areas, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity.

Pocket Park

Size

1/4 to 2 acres

Service Area

All blocks within 1,320 feet walking distance

Level Of Service

10 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Pocket parks shall generally be at least 50 feet wide in all directions.

One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage, plus 1 large shade tree per acre; 3 small shade trees or ornamental trees per acre. Between 30% and 70% of the area should be constructed recreation surfaces such as playgrounds or sport courts. The remainder of the area should be allocated to ground cover, treed areas, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity.

Trail
Size 20 feet minimum width; Trails shall be located to provide continuity through the area, with existing or likely connections to other supporting facilities and the ability to link important destinations for those on foot or on bicycle. Service Area 1/8 mile Level Of Service 10 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Trails should include a paved or otherwise dust free stabilized surface at least 8 feet minimum width; 10 feet minimum if shared bike/pedestrian trail. The landscape buffer on each side of the trail should be at least 6 feet minimum. One large shade tree for every 100 feet of trail length; 2 small shade trees or ornamental trees for every 100 feet of trail length. Trails located along rights-of-way may be designed in conjunction with the overall cross-section design of the right-of-way to create the optimal multi-modal design for the street and trail.

Trail

Size

20 feet minimum width; Trails shall be located to provide continuity through the area, with existing or likely connections to other supporting facilities and the ability to link important destinations for those on foot or on bicycle.

Service Area

1/8 mile

Level Of Service

10 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Trails should include a paved or otherwise dust free stabilized surface at least 8 feet minimum width; 10 feet minimum if shared bike/pedestrian trail.

The landscape buffer on each side of the trail should be at least 6 feet minimum.

One large shade tree for every 100 feet of trail length; 2 small shade trees or ornamental trees for every 100 feet of trail length.

Trails located along rights-of-way may be designed in conjunction with the overall cross-section design of the right-of-way to create the optimal multi-modal design for the street and trail.

Green
Size 2 to 3 acres Service Area 2,000 feet Level Of Service 5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or 1 to 2 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Green shall be at least 250 feet wide in all directions and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2. Greens should have a public street along at least 2 sides; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street. Buildings fronting on the green should be designed with frequent entrances and outdoor seating areas to activate the space. One large shade tree for every 25 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet. At least 20% of the area shall be designed for formal gathering such as seating areas and other areas of concentrated amenity that serve as a focal point of the green. At least 50% of the area shall be allocated to ground cover, treed areas or other landscape amenity.

Green

Size

2 to 3 acres

Service Area

2,000 feet

Level Of Service

5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or

1 to 2 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Green shall be at least 250 feet wide in all directions and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2.

Greens should have a public street along at least 2 sides; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street.

Buildings fronting on the green should be designed with frequent entrances and outdoor seating areas to activate the space.

One large shade tree for every 25 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet.

At least 20% of the area shall be designed for formal gathering such as seating areas and other areas of concentrated amenity that serve as a focal point of the green.

At least 50% of the area shall be allocated to ground cover, treed areas or other landscape amenity.

Square
Size 1 to 2 acres Service Area 1,000 feet Level Of Service 5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or 1 to 2 acres per 1,000 people
Design Elements Squares shall be at least 150 feet wide in all directions, and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2. Squares should have a public street along all sides and be designed as a focal point for abutting blocks; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street. One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet. At least 50% of the area shall be designed for formal gathering such as seating areas and other concentrated amenity. At least 25% of the area shall be allocated to planter beds, seasonal plantings foundation plants, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity.

Square

Size

1 to 2 acres

Service Area

1,000 feet

Level Of Service

5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or

1 to 2 acres per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Squares shall be at least 150 feet wide in all directions, and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2.

Squares should have a public street along all sides and be designed as a focal point for abutting blocks; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street.

One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet.

At least 50% of the area shall be designed for formal gathering such as seating areas and other concentrated amenity.

At least 25% of the area shall be allocated to planter beds, seasonal plantings foundation plants, garden, lawns or other landscape amenity.

Plaza
Size 1/8 to 1 acre Service Area On block or immediately abutting blocks Level Of Service 5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or 1/2 to 1 acre per 1,000 people
Design Elements Plazas shall be at least 60 feet wide in all directions, and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2. Plazas should have a public street along at least 2 sides; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street. Plazas should include seating, art, formal landscape and other amenities and ornamentation as a focal point for gathering places. Buildings fronting on the plaza should be designed as street front buildings with frequent windows and entrances to activate the space. One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet. At least 10% of the area shall be allocated to planter beds, seasonal plantings or foundation plants.

Plaza

Size

1/8 to 1 acre

Service Area

On block or immediately abutting blocks

Level Of Service

5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or

1/2 to 1 acre per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Plazas shall be at least 60 feet wide in all directions, and should generally have width: depth proportion between 2:1 and 1:2.

Plazas should have a public street along at least 2 sides; streets should be designed for multi-modal transportation with direct pedestrian access to the street.

Plazas should include seating, art, formal landscape and other amenities and ornamentation as a focal point for gathering places.

Buildings fronting on the plaza should be designed as street front buildings with frequent windows and entrances to activate the space.

One large shade tree for every 40 feet of street frontage; and one small shade tree or ornamental tree for every 2,000 square feet.

At least 10% of the area shall be allocated to planter beds, seasonal plantings or foundation plants.

Community Garden
Size 1/8 to 3 acres Service Area 1,000 feet Level Of Service 5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or 1/2 to 1 acre per 1,000 people
Design Elements Community Gardens shall be at least 25 feet wide in all directions. Community gardens should have public access along the streetscape of at least 25. Community gardens should be organized and run by a property management association, non-profit organization or public entity, and be open to people within a defined safe area. Community gardens should be used for crops only and managed through practices that create no adverse effects on the adjacent property, including odors, pests, and maintenance activity.

Community Garden

Size

1/8 to 3 acres

Service Area

1,000 feet

Level Of Service

5% to 10% of non-right-of-way land area; or

1/2 to 1 acre per 1,000 people

Design Elements

Community Gardens shall be at least 25 feet wide in all directions.

Community gardens should have public access along the streetscape of at least 25.

Community gardens should be organized and run by a property management association, non-profit organization or public entity, and be open to people within a defined safe area.

Community gardens should be used for crops only and managed through practices that create no adverse effects on the adjacent property, including odors, pests, and maintenance activity.

Ownership And Management.

Required open space shall require specific designation on the final plat, including the ownership and management disposition and a no-build easement across such open space which may not be released without written consent of the City Council. Options for ownership and management of preserved area include:

Creation of or dedication to a non-profit entity capable of carrying out the ownership and management.

Creation of a Homeowners' and/or Leaseholders' Association capable of carrying out the ownership and management.

Private ownership, provided the open space is platted as part of a defined lot in the subdivision, and includes covenants and other restrictions that will maintain the area as private open space.

All open space shall require documentation that demonstrates the ongoing maintenance and management of the space, including the administrative and financial means to provide maintenance and management and a no-build easement dedicated for use by the residents of the development or the public which may not be released without the written consent of the City Council. This documentation shall be included as part of the final plat application and recorded with the approved final plat. Dedication to the City or other public entity subject to acceptance by and at the sole discretion of the City or other public entity satisfies this requirement.