§ 16-28.012. Definition and measurement of public spaces.

(1)

Scope of Application: The following definitions and method of measurement are intended to apply only to those uses in those nonresidential districts where specifically so stated in the district regulations. Public space is credited to required open space in the C-4, C-5, SPI-1, SPI-2, SPI-3 and SPI-4 districts.

(2)

Definitions: For purposes of this part, public space shall include both exterior and interior public spaces appropriately improved for pedestrian amenity or for aesthetic appeal and shall not include areas used for vehicles, except for incidental service, maintenance or emergency actions only. Space provided as result of the pedestrian circulation requirement shall be credited to the requirement for public space. Such public space is required at ground level, and buildings may occupy such space above a height of one (1) story.

(a)

Exterior public space is that public space located on the exterior of a building or structure and intended to be available and accessible to the general public, and may include but is not limited to lawns and other landscaped areas, plazas, terraces, patios, observation decks, fountains, sidewalks, common areas and open spaces for outdoor recreation and similar public amenities.

(b)

Interior space is that public space located within the interior of a building or structure and intended to be available and accessible during normal business hours to the general public, and may include but is not limited to malls, galleries, atria, lobbies, concourses, plaza, walkways, fountains, landscaped areas devoted to public recreation, pedestrian seating, or eating, and similar public amenities.

(3)

Method of Measurement: Public space shall be computed as the sum of exterior public space and interior public space located within the net lot area of the parcel.

(a)

Exterior public space shall be computed as the total horizontal area of all exterior public spaces, as defined in (2)(a) above.

(b)

Interior public space shall be computed as the total horizontal area of all interior public spaces, as defined in (2)(b) above.

(Code 1977, § 16-28.012)