§ 32-4-402. COMPATIBILITY.

(a)

"Neighborhood" defined. In this section, "neighborhood" means the existing buildings and land uses adjacent to and extending from the proposed development to:

(1)

A definable boundary such as a primary collector street or arterial street;

(2)

An area with a significant change in character or land use; or

(3)

A major natural feature.

(b)

Exception. This section does not apply to a research park.

(c)

Recommendations by Director of Planning. The Director of Planning shall make compatibility recommendations to the Hearing Officer for:

(1)

A cluster subdivision;

(2)

A development in the RCC, R-O, OR-1, OR-2, O-3, SE, OT zones, the CR districts, or, except as provided for a development described in § 32-4-402.1, a Planned Unit Development; or

(3)

Alternative site design dwellings as provided in the comprehensive manual of development policies.

(d)

Compatibility objectives. Subject to subsection (c) of this section, development of property shall be designed to achieve the following compatibility objectives in accordance with the guidelines in the comprehensive manual of development policies:

(1)

The arrangement and orientation of the proposed buildings and site improvements are patterned in a similar manner to those in the neighborhood;

(2)

The building and parking lot layouts reinforce existing building and streetscape patterns and assure that the placement of buildings and parking lots have no adverse impact on the neighborhood;

(3)

The proposed streets are connected with the existing neighborhood road network wherever possible and the proposed sidewalks are located to support the functional patterns of the neighborhood;

(4)

The open spaces of the proposed development reinforce the open space patterns of the neighborhood in form and siting and complement existing open space systems;

(5)

Locally significant features of the site such as distinctive buildings or vistas are integrated into the site design;

(6)

The proposed landscape design complements the neighborhood's landscape patterns and reinforces its functional qualities;

(7)

The exterior signs, site lighting and accessory structures support a uniform architectural theme and present a harmonious visual relationship with the surrounding neighborhood; and

(8)

The scale, proportions, massing, and detailing of the proposed buildings are in proportion to those existing in the neighborhood.

(e)

Compatibility with standards in S-E zones; exterior materials.

(1)

In an S-E zone, in addition to other compatibility standards, a developer shall make buildings compatible with the streetscape and the landscape by methods that reduce the large-scale visual impact of the buildings.

(2)

(i)

The predominant exterior material on a building may not require periodic refinishing or maintenance such as painted wood, painted metal siding, pre-finished metal siding, or painted masonry.

(ii)

An exterior wall of a building may not be made from any unfinished material including raw wood, unfinished concrete block, or concrete surfaces.

(iii)

Acceptable predominant exterior materials on a building include brick, glass, architectural concrete surfaces, decorative masonry units, or stucco.

(1988 Code, § 26-282) (Bill No. 18, 1990, § 2, 3-30-1990; Bill No. 1, 1992, § 2, 3-2-1992; Bill No. 46, 1992, § 3, 6-25-1992; Bill No. 186-94, § 10, 1-14-1995; Bill No. 112-99, § 3, 1-10-2000; Bill No. 79-01, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 38-12, § 1, 6-6-2012)

Editor's note:
  Section 2 of Bill No. 38-12 provides that this Act, having been passed by the affirmative vote of five members of the County Council, shall take effect on June 6, 2012 and shall apply to any Planned Unit Development for which a hearing before the Administrative Law judge commences after the effective date of this Act.