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What is it?
Residential cluster development is a form of land
development in which
principal buildings and structures are
grouped together on a site, thus saving the remaining land
area for common open space, conservation, agriculture,
recreation, and public and semipublic uses.
Cluster development has a number of distinct advantages over
conventional subdivision development. A well-planned cluster
development concentrates dwelling units on the most
buildable portion of the site and preserves natural drainage
systems, vegetation, open space, and other significant
natural features. Clustering also enhances the sense of
community, allowing parents better supervision of children
playing in common areas and promoting social interaction
among neighbors.
Cost savings during construction are achieved by the
reduction in street lengths and utility installations. This
reduction in development costs is a major incentive for a
developer to design a cluster development rather than a
conventional subdivision. Due to the reduction in
street and utility lengths, later savings can also be
realized in street and utility maintenance.
It is important to note that there is no overall increase in
density in a cluster development. A calculation is
made to determine the maximum density permitted in the
underlying zoning district for a conventional development.
This is also the maximum density for the cluster.
How Do I Create a Cluster Development?
Residential cluster developments are
conditional uses in the RA, RF, RE, RR, and GU zoning
districts.
The process for creating a cluster
development is a combination of conditional use and
platting actions. Your cluster development proposal will be
reviewed by both platting and zoning staff, and a
recommendation to approve or deny the proposal will be
presented to the Planning Commission at a public hearing.
The Planning Commission is the sole decision body for
cluster developments, although Platting board input may be
solicited.
See the following files for more
information:
 Cluster
Development Application Form and Checklist
(PDF)
Cluster
Development Standards (PDF)
Questions? Contact the Planning
Department at (907) 459-1260. |
