Section 175-37.01      STATEMENT OF INTENT.


Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2201 and 15.2-2286 of the Code of Virginia, the Town Council of the Town of Front Royal establishes the Planned Neighborhood Development (PND) zoning ordinance to allow planned neighborhood development on large tracts of land characterized by unified site design for a variety of housing types and densities, clustering of buildings, common open space, and a mix of building types and land uses in which project planning (as permitted herein) and density calculation are performed for the entire development rather than on an individual basis.  The purposes of the ordinance are to provide an alternative form of development that:

 

A.  Eliminates standard dimensional requirements while reserving sufficient natural open space for common use, conservation or recreational purposes, and providing adequate buffering between structures and adjacent properties;

 

B.  Enhances the physical appearance of the town by preserving the town's natural assets and distinctive character;

 

C.  Promotes more efficient use of land and provision of public facilities, utilities, streets, and services;

 

D.  Provides the opportunity for innovative combinations of integrated housing, recreation, neighborhood-oriented commercial, professional uses, and increased public amenities within a single development;

 

E.  Conserves natural and environmental resources and the integrity of natural systems;


F.  Encourages innovative residential development so that housing demands are met by a greater variety of types, designs, and layouts of residential structures;

 

G.  Encourages creative and site-sensitive developments by allowing increased overall density in exchange for planned neighborhood development pursuant to this chapter.


H. Promotes the design of a walkable environment for pedestrians within the neighborhood which provides a circulation system for various transportation modes.


I.  Satisfies the general purposes of zoning regulations to promote health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community.


(Ord. No. Z-1-05 Added Entire Section 4-11-05-Effective Upon Passage)