Chapter 15 - Zoning
Division 11 - Special Provisions

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SEC. 15.11-1 BONUS PROVISIONS. It is the intent of these bonus provisions to encourage certain types of development or the creation of specific amenities that are deemed in the public interest. More specifically, these bonus provisions are intended to encourage developments which allow for ample public open space, free flow of pedestrian traffic, abundant light and air, housing for the elderly, and other related elements that protect and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the community.

SEC. 15.11-2 FLOOR AREA BONUSES. In the C-1, C-2 and B-2 Zoning Districts, the normal maximum floor area as calculated by the percentages set forth in each district may be exceeded to the extent provided below, subject to the requirement that no normal maximum floor area be exceeded by more than fifty (50) percent. The open space in required front yards or side yard abutting a street shall be excluded in computing the bonuses allowed. Floor area bonuses apply to any structure located on the same lot as the amenity which gives rise to the bonus.

1. Open Plaza Bonus. Ten (10) square feet of floor area in excess of the normal maximum floor area may be allowed for each square foot of open plaza. An open plaza is a non-publicly owned area which is:
    
   1. Not bounded on more than one side by a building or structure.
       
   2. Open from the plaza level to the sky.
       
   3. Open for its entire width and accessible from a public right-of-way.
       
   4. Not less than ten (10) feet in depth, measured perpendicularly to the public right-of-way from which it is accessible.
       
   5. Not less than forty (40) feet in width, measured parallel to the public right-of-way from which it is accessible.
       
   6. A publicly usable pedestrian space developed with no less than thirty (30) percent of its area landscaped in natural plant materials and provided with street furniture.
       
2. Inner Arcade Bonus. Six (6) square feet of floor area in excess of the normal maximum floor area may be allowed for each square foot of inner arcade. An inner arcade is a non-publicly owned area which is:
    
   1. Entirely within the face of the exterior wall of a building or structure.
       
   2. Not less than twelve (12) feet in height.
       
   3. Accessible to a public sidewalk directly, or through an outer arcade or open plaza, by an entrance not less than twenty (20) feet in width.
       
   4. Not less than twenty (20) feet in depth, measured perpendicularly to the public right-of-way from which it is accessible.
       
   5. Not less than twenty (20) feet in width, measured parallel to the public right-of-way from which it is accessible.
       
   6. Not more than four (4) feet above or below the elevation of the public right-of-way from which it is accessible.
       
   7. A publicly usable pedestrian space developed with no less than thirty (30) percent of its area landscaped in natural plant materials and provided with street furniture.
       
3. Outer Arcade Bonus. Five (5) square feet of floor area in excess of the normal maximum floor area may be allowed for each square foot of outer arcade. An outer arcade is a non-publicly owned area which extend for the entire dimension of a building measured parallel to a public right-of-way from which it is accessible, and which is:
    
   1. Entirely open in its long dimension and accessible from a public sidewalk, open plaza or inner arcade, with the exception of structural columns not exceeding five (5) percent of the total arcade area.
       
   2. Not less than eight (8) feet in depth, measured perpendicularly to the public right-of-way or accessible open space from which it is accessible.
       
   3. Not less than ten (10) feet in height.
       
   4. A publicly usable pedestrian space developed with no less than thirty (30) percent of its area landscaped in natural plant materials and provided with street furniture.
       
4. Elderly and Low and Moderate Income Housing Bonus. One (1) square foot of floor area in excess of the normal maximum floor area may be allowed for each two (2) square feet of living space designated for occupancy by elderly persons or low and moderate income families. Eligibility for this bonus provision will be determined by the project’s qualification for federal or state funding in these categories.
    
5. Covered Vehicle Parking Bonus. One (1) square foot of floor area in excess of the normal maximum floor area may be allowed for each four (4) square feet of covered vehicle parking. Such covered vehicle parking shall be below grade and enclosed.

SEC. 15.11-3 PARKING REQUIREMENT BONUS. In the R-3B, C-1 and B-2 zoning districts, the parking space requirements for dwelling units may be reduced to one (1) parking space for each dwelling unit designated for occupancy by elderly persons, when more than eight (80) percent of the dwelling units in a particular development are designated for occupancy by elderly persons. Eligibility for this bonus provision will be determined by the project's qualification for federal or state funding in this category.