An ordinance to amend Section 17.16.220 of Title 17 of the Metropolitan Code of Laws, the Zoning Ordinance of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, relative to the buffer, setback, and access standards for Recreation Center Special Exception uses, all of which is more particularly described herein (2003Z-003T).

WHEREAS, it is often desirable for recreation facilities to be integrated into or located near residential neighborhoods to encourage walking and bicycling between home and recreational opportunities; and,

WHEREAS, certain recreation uses in residential areas have the potential for high levels of activity, including noise and light; and,

WHEREAS, enhanced buffering, setbacks, and access management are effective measures to reduce the effects of noise, light, and other potential disturbances on nearby residences;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNTY OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

SECTION 1. By amending Section 17.16.220, “Recreation and entertainment special exceptions” by modifying the development standards for Recreation Center special exception uses as follows:

E. Recreation Center.

1. Setback. Where any building, or outdoor storage area, or developed outdoor recreation area that includes athletic fields, excluding passenger car parking lots abuts a residential zone district or district permitting residential use, there shall be a minimum setback of one hundred feet from the property line. The setback requirement shall not apply to passenger car parking lots built for recreation center users.

2. Landscape Buffer Yard. Along all residential zone districts and districts permitting residential use, screening in the form of landscape buffer yard standard A B shall be applied along common property lines.

3. Street Standard. At a minimum, driveway access shall be from a collector street. A recreation center of less than 5 acres may be accessed from a local street upon a finding by the board that the surrounding area will not be substantially impacted.

SECTION 2. BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this ordinance take effect immediately after its passage and such change be published in a newspaper of general circulation, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: John Summers