1. Residential Areas: It is encouraged that all residential developments or the residential portions of multiuse developments retain at least thirty percent (30%) of their gross square footage of land area in natural or improved open space. Streets and driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, decks, planter boxes, rooftop gardens, or small landscaping strips shall not count as open space. Where possible, open space shall be placed adjacent to rights-of-way and other public areas.

Exception for single-family residences outside Conservation District: No positive points shall be awarded under this policy in connection with an application to develop a single-family residence located outside the town's Conservation District. Negative points may be assessed under this policy if an application to develop a single-family residence outside the Conservation District does not provide for the preservation of at least thirty percent (30%) of the site in natural or improved open space.

2. Commercial Areas: It is encouraged that all commercial (nonresidential) developments or the commercial portions of multiuse developments contain at least fifteen percent (15%) of their gross square footage of land area in natural, improved or functional open space. Streets and driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, decks, planter boxes, rooftop gardens, or small landscaping strips shall not count as open space. Where possible, open space shall be placed adjacent to rights-of-way and other public areas.

Exception for Character Area 6 in the Conservation District: Properties within Character Area 6 (Core Commercial) as identified in the Handbook of Design Standards for the Historic and Conservation Districts, are allowed to be built up to the property line to match the historic development pattern and thus leave little area for provision of open space. As such, commercial properties in Character Area 6 shall not be assessed negative points for failing to provide at least fifteen percent (15%) open space. (Ord. 1, Series 2019)