§ 12.08. Public and semi-public parks, playgrounds and schools

A. Purpose. The purpose of this provision is:

1. To foster the appropriate location and layout of public parks and playgrounds and recreational areas.

2. To harmonize the various features and facilities of parks and playgrounds with the surrounding areas, so as to produce sound, stable residential neighborhoods.

3. To foster a coordination of public recreational facilities on the part of the County, the School Districts, and other public and semi-public agencies.

B. Approvals necessary; plans. Before a permit for the construction of a public or semi-public park, playground or school shall be issued, the overall plan of said park, playground or school shall be prepared and submitted to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission may also act on its own initiative in preparing and approving plans for parks and playgrounds.

An application for approval of a permit shall be accompanied by plans showing the general layout and location of roadways, entrances and exits, walks, paths, and buildings, and structures; the general layout and location of landscaped areas, play areas, play apparatus areas, hard-surfaced areas, off-street parking, drainage, water supply, sewerage and other features of design.

C. Standards and requirements.

1. Trees, shrubs, grass and other forms of landscaping shall be provided in sufficient quantities to insure a park-like appearance.

2. Facilities involving lights shall be so located, and the lights shall be designed and located so that glare and discomfort will not be unreasonably detrimental to surrounding residences.

3. Off-street parking areas and other facilities which attract or are intended to accommodate spectators, shall be screened or located so that the detrimental effects of noise and traffic on any surrounding residential area will be kept to a minimum. Further, no required front yard of the lot on which the building is located shall be used for play or parking purposes.

4. The entire layout and design of the park and playground shall be so arranged as to harmonize with the objectives and characteristics of the zone in which the park and playground are located.

5. Adequate ingress and egress shall be provided for both vehicles and pedestrians which the park, playground, and/or school are intended to serve.

6. All buildings shall maintain a setback of twenty-five (25) feet from every boundary line of any property included in any residential district.

D. Dedication or conveyance and improvements of public streets or the granting of public utility easements shall be determined by the County of Saline.