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A. Minimum development size. There shall be no minimum site size for any type of planned development.

B. Applicability of base zone development standards. The provisions of the base zone are applicable as follows. When the zoning districts within the planned development have been shifted as permitted in Section 20.260.020 (C) VMC, the applicable development standards for the underlying zones shall shift accordingly.

1. Lot dimensional standards: The minimum lot depth and lot width standards shall not apply.

2. Lot coverage: The site coverage provisions of the base zone shall apply.

3. Setbacks

a. Front and rear yard setbacks for structures at the perimeter of the project shall be the same as required by the base zone except when an adjustment is approved, per Section 20.260.030(D).

b. The side yard setback provisions shall not apply except that all detached structures shall meet the City’ s adopted building code requirements for type of construction.

c. Front yard and rear yard setback requirements in the base zone setback shall not apply to structures on the interior of the project except that any garage facing a street shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet from the front or side street property line.

d. All other provisions of the base zone shall apply except as modified pursuant to this Chapter, except for maximum height for which a variance shall be sought, as governed by Chapter 20.290 VMC.

4. The planning commission or hearings examiner can reduce the minimum lot size requirement for attached and detached single-family residential uses in planned developments.

C. Common open space. In exchange for the approval of higher residential densities, smaller lots and relaxed development standards, the developer of a planned development is required to provide common open space for the active and passive recreational activities of residents, employees and visitors. Such space shall be aggregated and centralized to the development to the fullest extent feasible and shall consist primarily of a combination of landscaped open areas. Unlandscaped natural areas or paved hardscape areas may also be included if they also promote active or passive recreational uses. Features may include plazas, arbors, sitting areas, picnic areas, playing fields and trails.

1. In planned developments, the following requirements shall apply.

a. At least 10% of the gross area of the site must be devoted to such open space. Such space must be fully accessible to the residents, employees, visitors and/or other users of the site. Reduction of this standard in PDs of two acres or more is prohibited. A reduction of this standard in PDs of less than two acres is subject to an adjustment per Section 20.260.030(D) VMC using approval criteria in Section 20.260.050(B) VMC.

b. Fenced yards associated with buildings immediately adjacent to designated open space and landscaping in parking lots shall not count toward the total requirement.

c. Environmentally-constrained land within the planned development, including wetlands, geologically hazardous areas, sensitive wildlife habitats, pursuant to Section 20.740 VMC or native vegetation and healthy soil preservation pursuant to 20.770 VMC or stormwater facilities pursuant to Chapter 14.25 VMC; may be used to meet up to 50% of the total requirement specified in Subsection (a) above, provided that these areas are not fenced and are either accessible to pedestrians to the extent practical or are visually accessible from adjacent and adjoining common open space.

2. The common open space designated to meet this requirement shall be permanently maintained by and conveyed to one of the following:

a. A homeowners’ or property owners’ association as regulated by State law.

b. A public agency that agrees to maintain the common open space and any buildings, structures or improvements placed within it.

3. The applicant may not seek a variance or adjustment to reduce the minimum open space requirement specified in Subsection (2)(a) above.

4. The open space created under this provision is not subject to the Park Impact Fee (PIF) credit unless so authorized by the Vancouver-Clark Parks Department.

D. Residential density.

1. On-site density transfers. An applicant for a planned development may shift allowed residential densities around the site to protect and preserve critical or sensitive areas while providing the overall maximum density permitted by the underlying zoning district.

2. Density bonuses. An applicant for a planned development shall be entitled to an automatic residential density bonus of 15 percent above the maximum density allowed in the underlying base zone on the portions of the site devoted to housing. (Ord. M-4325 § 3, 2020; Ord. M-4289 § 4, 2019; Ord. M-4179 § 68, 2016; Ord. M-3931 § 8, 2009; Ord. M-3840 § 11, 2007; Ord. M-3701 § 7, 2005; Ord. M-3643, 2004)