§ 20.30.060. Open space standards.

1.

Common Open Space. Each planned residential development shall dedicate not less than thirty percent of the gross land area for common open space for the use of its residents.

2.

Location.

a.

The area proposed for open space shall be within the PRD and within reasonable walking distance of all dwelling units in the PRD.

b.

Where practical, the proposed dedicated property shall be located adjacent to other established or planned park and recreational areas in adjacent developments, schools, or county parks; provided, that such dedication would increase the overall benefit to the residents of the subject PRD and conform to other criteria in the section.

3.

Access.

a.

All dwelling units within the PRD must have legal access to the proposed area for dedication at the time of final PRD approval. Private or access roads, trees or other landscaping may separate the area proposed for dedication. However, access should not be blocked by major obstacles such as arterials or collectors, canyons or ravines.

b.

Areas dedicated for active recreational open space shall have reasonable access from street frontages. Design measures should accomplish the purposes of access and security.

4.

Types of Open Space.

a.

Land dedicated for open space should be usable for either (i) greenbelts that serve as a buffer between land uses, using existing vegetation, or an aesthetic amenity such as boulevard trees; (ii) active recreational activities; or (iii) for protecting environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.

b.

Except as provided in subsection (4)(c) or (d) below, thirty percent of the dedicated open space area shall be suitable for active recreation. The topography, soils, hydrology, and other physical characteristics of the area proposed for active recreation shall be of such quality as to provide a dry, obstacle-free space in a configuration which is suitable for active recreation.

c.

The percentage of active recreational areas may be increased to as high as fifty percent if it is determined that anticipated recreational needs will require a larger percentage. In increasing this percentage, the following standard should be used: the ratio of one acre to one hundred twenty-five residential units.

d.

The percentage of active recreational area may be decreased to as low as zero if it is determined that: (i) inclusion of buffers or environmentally sensitive lands such as wetlands would better meet the open space needs of the residents of the subdivision; or (ii) meeting the standard would require detrimental grading or other disturbance of the natural setting.

5.

Structures. Common open space may contain complimentary structures, such as a gazebo or maintenance equipment shed, and improvements as are necessary and appropriate for the benefit and enjoyment of residents of the PRD, provided that the building coverage of such building or structure combined with the building coverage of the residential structures shall not exceed the maximum permitted by the underlying zone.

6.

Qualification for Density Bonus in the Grand Mound Urban Growth Area. The provision of improved recreational or parks facilities such as improved playfields, basketball and tennis courts, boat launches and fishing docks, or the preservation of unique natural features such as habitats of threatened or endangered wildlife or plant species, unique geologic formations, wetlands, and environmentally sensitive areas shall qualify the developer for the density bonus as described in Section 20.30.050(4).

7.

Implementation.

a.

The area proposed for open space shall be dedicated in common to the lot owners within the plat or to a lot owner's association. Maintenance and operation of the dedicated open space shall be the responsibility of the lot owners.

b.

The county may choose to accept dedication, maintenance and operation responsibilities when the area to be dedicated is either one or a combination of the following:

i.

Greater than ten acres;

ii.

Adjacent to an established or future county park or school grounds;

iii.

Is an access to a body of water greater than three acres in size;

iv.

Is an environmentally sensitive area;

v.

If the county feels it is in the public interest to accept dedications.

c.

The dedication shall be identified on the master plan.

8.

Improvements. Additional improvements to the area proposed for dedication may be required prior to final approval of the PRD, as specified in TCC 20.32.050.

9.

Equivalent Facilities. When areas proposed for dedication do not meet the criteria for dedication in TCC 20.30.060(1), such land may be improved by grading, filling, landscaping, or with installation of recreation equipment so as to be equivalent in result to the intent of this chapter. Determination of equivalency shall be made by the department according to the following guidelines:

a.

The proposed land and improvements must create recreational opportunities generally equivalent to or greater than the land required for the residents within the PRD.

b.

The proposed land and improvements must not result in significant disturbance or alteration of an environmentally sensitive area, unless otherwise allowed by Thurston County.

c.

The proposed land and improvements shall be dedicated in accordance with Section 20.30.060(7).

10.

Stormwater Facilities. Stormwater facilities may be allowed by the county as part of dedicated open space subject to the criteria in TCC 20.32.060.

11.

Rights and Duties. The owners of open space shall have the following rights which may be exercised in respect of such land, subject to restrictive covenants or other restrictions:

a.

The right to locate recreational facilities, such as tennis courts, swimming pools, picnic tables, and fireplaces accessory to picnic tables designed to be used exclusively for the use of residents of the development and their guests;

b.

The right to locate pedestrian paths, bicycle paths and bridle paths;

c.

The right to take whatever measures are reasonably necessary to protect and maintain such land, or land or property adjacent thereto, or to correct a hazardous condition posing a threat to life or limb;

d.

The right to conduct agricultural activities, including the selective harvesting of mature trees;

e.

The right to regulate access to or entry on the open space land and duty to maintain such land.

(Ord. 11398 § 3 (part), 1997: Ord. 8034 § 15, 1985: Ord. 6708 § 3 (part), 1980)

(Ord. No. 14524, § 6, 6-7-2011; Ord. No. 14773, § 10(Att. I), 7-24-2012; Ord. No. 15355, 1(Att. A, § JJ), 10-18-2016)