re: Altair EcoVillage’s “Getting It Built” workshop tomorrow
reference: https://AltairEcoVillage.org
Kimberton Low Impact Development Overlay
A little history and the benefits
Background: The current Zoning in Kimberton Village for the KV (Kimberton Village) and KR (Kimberton Residential) zones call for 3.4 homes/acre maximum, car-oriented (2 cars per home), only one type of home (single-family or town house), a minimal amount of open space, and a continuation of the typical fabric of a suburb (as opposed to a vibrant village).
Purpose of the Ordinance: “The KLID Overlay District is established to encourage coordinated land development for projects designed for low impact development or age-restricted housing developments. Development is encouraged that provides housing stock for the senior population, is low impact to the community and environment and is sustainable in nature.”
(from page four of the Ordinance under PURPOSE)
Some major points include:
1) Supports Seniors (55+ 15% Bonus)
Aside from the acknowledgement that seniors comprise a growing demographic and that there need to be more alternatives open to them, this Ordinance goes far to promote a healthier way to live. Studies show that communities with some of the features of this Ordinance help provide seniors lead a longer and more active life. By “seniors,” we are speaking of folks 55 and older with many years of life remaining, so it may be more appropriate to speak of “active adults”.
2) Traffic and Fiscal Considerations
The Ordinance reduces the amount of vehicles to 1.5/home, slashing 25% off the standard regulation. In addition, the age-restriction option in and of itself results in fewer vehicles, with many residents no longer in the “double income no kids” category or now working from home due to dramatic shifts in the way work is done. A comparative analysis of the By-Right Zoning with the Ordinance clearly shows that the number of vehicles with its subsequent traffic patterns and the fiscal impact are equal or less.
3) Sustainable Features (SITES Silver Rating = 15% Bonus)
Currently, there are few Zoning Ordinances throughout Chester County that encourage sustainability. Building Codes are improving regarding energy-efficiency but are slow to catch up with the increasing urgency to reduce greenhouse gases. Chester County is noted for open space, but Zoning does not mandate much to guarantee this. The Chester Co Planning Commission has a plan in place to address these and other important priorities called “Landscapes 3,” but East Pikeland had no Zoning in place to demonstrate they are on board. This Ordinance is the first to embrace these important steps.
Other positives:
. Required open space: up to 50% taking both bonuses
. Required pervious paving: 50% for the sustainable bonus (no requirement in By-Right Zoning)
. Alternative Energy Generation: 50% for the sustainable bonus (no requirement in By-Right Zoning)
. Exceptional Energy Efficiency: 50% HERS score, none for By-Right Zoning
. A car-sharing program, further reducing traffic
. A model for other progressive East Pikeland Zoning changes by using the US Green Building Council’s Sustainable SITES Initiative as a guideline to measure performance.
. Through the SITES integrative design process, the developers using this Ordinance will educate the community and the Township in sustainable practices which can be adopted elsewhere.
. Reduced reliance on utilities and Township services, including water consumption, close to net zero electric usage, extensive recycling, and an HOA that maintains the development, including snow removal.
. Enhance wildlife habitat for the benefit of the whole Village.
. Reasonable market-priced housing possible through clustering homes, providing guest rooms in the Clubhouse, allowing smaller homes, and reducing utility bills.
. This Township is asking developers to monitor the various sustainable features yearly, unlike all other Zoning throughout the Township.
