Chapter 17.134 — PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

The purpose of this chapter is to establish standards for public open space types within the form-based zones. The standards in this chapter are intended to ensure that publicly accessible open space is provided to reinforce walkable environments. Open space is a public benefit intended for use by the general community and is distinct from private or common open areas typically required as part of a residential project. (Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

This chapter applies to all projects subject to the requirements of this article. The standards in this chapter must be considered in combination with the standards in the applicable form-based zone (see chapter 17.130 (Zone and Building Standards)).

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

This subsection applies to all open space types listed in this section.

• A. Public Open Space Types. Table 17.134.030-1 (Allowed Public Open Space Types by Zone) specifies the allowed open space types by form-based zone. Public open space types not listed are not allowed in that zone. The standards for each open space type are included in this chapter.

• B. Minimum Open Space Required.

  1. Projects less than three acres in site size must provide open spaces as follows:

     • a. All residential projects including 20 or more units must provide a minimum of one open space type.

     • b. All nonresidential or mixed-use projects including two or more structures, or over 10,000 square feet of building space, must provide a minimum of one open space type.

  2. All projects three acres or greater in total site area must provide at least two open space types.

• C. General Characteristics.

  1. Natural. Public open spaces with natural character must be designed in a natural manner with no formal arrangement of elements.

  2. Formal. Public open spaces with a formal character must be designed in a more rigid layout that follows geometric forms and has trees and other elements arranged in formal patterns.

  3. Informal. Open spaces with an informal character must be designed to have a mix of formal and natural characteristics.

• D. Design Criteria. An area used for open space must comply with the following:

  1. Unless the land includes sensitive natural resources, a public open space area must be readily accessible and usable.

  2. The area must be developed using any practical combination of high-quality plant and hardscape materials such as bricks, stone, concrete, permeable paving, or tile.

  3. The surface of the public open space must be suitable for outdoor activities, such as a lawn or paving for designated activities.

  4. Seating areas and plazas must be located in areas with good solar exposure and wind protection.

  5. Public open spaces shall include benches or other seating. Amenities shall be included that enhance the comfort, aesthetics, or usability of the space, for example trees and other landscaping, shade structures, drinking fountains, water features, public art, trash receptacles, information kiosks, or performance areas.

• E. Objective Design Standards. Projects subject to the provisions of this section must also comply with article VII (Design Standards and Guidelines).

(click here to view the full table)

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

A town square is a formal open space area with landscaping, hardscaping, and other amenities. A town square is located at the intersection of major streets or pedestrian paths, is highly visible, and serves as a gathering space, supporting civic and commercial activities such as farmers' markets, concerts, and art fairs.

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Examples of town squares.

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

A neighborhood park is a landscaped area for unstructured and structured recreation located central to a residential neighborhood. Neighborhood parks may include passive open areas, picnic areas, playgrounds, recreational fields, or other programming/event spaces.

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Examples of neighborhood parks.

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

A neighborhood green is an informal small space within a neighborhood defined by streets, alleys, paseos, and/or building frontages that accommodates passive recreation and children's play. While greens may include playgrounds, they are intended to be informal spaces with no dedicated recreational use.

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Examples of neighborhood greens.

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)

A pocket park is a small space tucked into a mid-block space interspersed within neighborhoods or urban areas. Pocket parks are generally intended for quiet, passive recreation and may include small gardens, open shelters, or other passive recreational amenities.

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Examples of pocket parks.

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022; Ord. No. 1023, 1/17/2024)

A paseo is a pedestrian way that provides mid-block connections. A paseo should be employed in blocks with large perimeters to enhance connectivity within neighborhoods, between residential and urban areas, and between open spaces, as well as to provide opportunities for passive recreational activities such as bicycling and jogging. Paseos also provide locations for store frontages, patios, or outdoor dining in appropriate areas.

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Examples of paseos.

(Ord. No. 1000 § 4, 2022)