17.26.030 Requirements.
A. All subdivisions and short subdivisions in the R-1 zoning district shall be required to be clustered pursuant to this section when the property is located wholly or partially within an urban separator as designated on the city of Auburn comprehensive land use plan map.
B. Cluster subdivisions and short subdivisions shall be subject to the development standards outlined in Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC. These standards include, but are not limited to, minimum lot size, width, yards, setbacks, parking, landscaping, signage, etc.
C. Applicants for cluster subdivisions shall demonstrate compliance to all applicable design standards and construction standards for the city of Auburn.
D. The provisions of this title, as well as other applicable portions of the Auburn City Code, shall apply unless specifically exempted. In addition, the following standards shall apply to clustered subdivisions or short subdivisions:
1. Location. The cluster residential development shall be required in the R-1 zoning district within urban separator areas.
2. Permitted Uses. Permitted uses in cluster residential developments shall be consistent with Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC. In no case shall zero lot line development be permitted in a cluster subdivision.
3. Minimum Area. No minimum area is established for a cluster residential development.
4. Permitted Density. The maximum number of dwelling units permitted in a cluster development shall be no greater than the number of dwelling units allowed pursuant to Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC.
5. Lot Size. The lot area of individual building lots within a cluster subdivision or short subdivision shall be no less than that provided for in Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC. New lots created by any subdivision or short subdivision action shall be clustered in groups not exceeding eight units. There may be more than one cluster per project. Separation between cluster groups shall be a minimum of 120 feet.
6. Lot Width. The lot width for individual building lots in a cluster subdivision or short subdivision shall be no less than that provided for in Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC.
7. Other Development Standards. Development standards other than lot size and lot width shall be the same as are required by Chapter 18.07 ACC, as modified by Chapter 18.21 ACC.
8. Common Open Space.
a. Amount Required. The common open space in a cluster subdivision or short subdivision shall be a minimum of 50 percent of the parcel, and may include critical areas and their buffers.
b. Nonconstrained Areas Defined. For purposes of this section, the nonconstrained area of the parcel is defined as all areas of the parcel, minus critical areas, as defined in Chapter 16.10 ACC as currently and hereinafter amended, and buffers.
c. Buildable Area. After accounting for the 50 percent open space requirement, the remainder of the nonconstrained area of the parcel shall be the buildable area of the parcel.
d. Layout of Common Open Space. The common open space tracts created by clustering shall be located and configured in the manner that best connects and increases protective buffers for environmentally sensitive areas, connects and protects area wildlife habitat, creates connectivity between the open space provided by the clustering and other adjacent open spaces as well as existing or planned public parks and trails, and maintains scenic vistas.
e. Future Development Prohibited. Future development of the common open space shall be prohibited. Except as specified on recorded documents creating the common open space, all common open space resulting from lot clustering shall not be altered or disturbed in a manner that degrades adjacent environmentally sensitive areas, rural areas, agricultural areas, or resource lands; impairs scenic vistas and the connectivity between the open space provided by the clustered development and adjacent open spaces; degrades wildlife habitat; or impairs the recreational benefits enjoyed by the residents of the development.
f. Conveyance of Common Open Space. Such common open spaces shall be conveyed to residents of the development, conveyed to a homeowners’ association for the benefit of the residents of the development, or conveyed to the city with the city’s consent and approval. (Ord. 6239 § 1, 2009.)