§ 68-490. Residential uses—Townhouses.

To encourage and facilitate attractive townhouse development, the following general set of standards shall be used by the city. Townhouse developments are permissible in all zoning districts permitting multiple-family dwellings. Unless otherwise provided in this section, all provisions and development standards of the applicable zoning district shall apply to townhouse developments. Each townhouse unit shall be constructed on a separately platted lot.

(1)

Development criteria.

a.

The overall density shall not exceed the maximum permitted in the district as set forth in section 68-431, the schedule of lot and bulk regulations.

b.

Setbacks. The setbacks for the townhouse group(s) located on the townhouse development site are defined in this chapter. Properties located on the Gulf of Mexico shall also meet the alternate setbacks in this chapter.

c.

The minimum individual lot width shall be 16 feet.

d.

No interconnection or overlapping between individual dwelling units shall be permitted.

e.

The screening requirements of this chapter shall apply hereto.

f.

Each interior individual townhouse lot not having a street front access shall have a minimum access easement of 12 feet provided along the rear property line of such lot.

g.

Townhouse developments, in addition to complying with all applicable sections of this chapter, shall comply with one of the following methods of land transfer and ownership:

1.

The subdivision of the whole tract into individual parcels in accordance with this chapter, together with the platting of the property for record in accordance with the state plat law and applicable ordinances of the city;

2.

Providing for the development of the entire tract in accordance with this chapter, retaining, however, title to all of the lands in the name of a condominium corporation and providing for all other usual condominium documents and procedures;

3.

Providing for the development of the entire tract in accordance with this chapter, retaining, however, title to all of the lands in single ownership by recording a duly executed unity of title in the office of the clerk of the circuit court of the county, thereby stipulating that such tract shall not be eligible for further subdivision.

h.

Height of structure. Maximum height for any townhouse structure shall not be greater than that which is permitted in the specific zoning district described for multiple-family in which the townhouse development is proposed.

i.

A townhouse development must have ingress and egress onto public street(s).

j.

Lot coverage. The maximum lot coverage and impervious surface ratio shall apply to the established and specific zoning district in which the townhouse development project is proposed. The maximum lot coverage requirement and the maximum impervious surface ratio shall apply to the townhouse development, not to an individual townhouse lot.

k.

Each townhouse unit shall have an individual identity from the neighboring unit to establish as a separate unit. This may be achieved by at least one of the criteria below:

1.

Varying building unit height;

2.

Varying building unit forms;

3.

Varying roof pitch and pitch directions;

4.

Addition or deletion of patio and patio walls;

5.

Staggering of exterior walls; or

6.

Any another type of architectural design that gives an individual identity.

l.

Parking. There shall be a minimum of two parking spaces per townhouse or townhouse unit.

(2)

Utilities and services.

a.

Each townhouse shall be independently served by separate potable water, sanitary sewer, electric power and other utility services hereinafter referred to as "infrastructure", to ensure each are individual dwelling units.

b.

No townhouse shall be in any way dependent upon services or utility lines located within another townhouse, except as may be installed in public easements.

c.

All townhouses must be connected to public infrastructure and all utility lines in a townhouse development site shall be placed underground per section 68-514 "Placement of utilities."

d.

All townhouse developments shall have proper and adequate access for public safety purposes and access to services, areas to provide for solid waste collection, and for the other necessary services that shall be provided.

(3)

Subdivision approval. Prior to a building permit being issued for construction, a subdivision plat shall be recorded with the county clerk of the circuit court. The plat of the townhouse development shall be developed in accordance with the standards and procedures set out in the city's land development regulations, chapter 74 and pursuant to F.S. ch. 177.

(Ord. No. 95-10, § 36-295, 9-19-95; Ord. No. 15-03, § 3, 7-7-15 ; Ord. No. 16-03, § 1, 5-3-16 )