Access to civic and public spaces

Intent

To improve physical and mental health and social capital by providing a variety of open spaces close to work and home to facilitate social networking, civic engagement, physical activity, and time spent outdoors.

Requirements

Locate or design the project such that a civic or passive-use space, such as a square, park, or plaza, at least 1/6 acre (675 square meters) in area lies within a ¼-mile (400-meter) walking distance of 90% of planned and existing dwelling units and nonresidential use entrances. Spaces less than 1 acre (0.4 hectares) must have a proportion no narrower than 1 unit of width to 4 units of length.

Projects larger than 10 acres (4 hectares) must have a median space size of at least 1 acre (.4 hectares). Spaces over ½ acre (0.2 hectares) that are used to meet the 90% threshold are included in the median calculation.