Legal Definitions - residential cluster

A residential cluster is a land-use planning strategy where a parcel of land is developed as a unified project, featuring multiple homes grouped together, often on smaller individual lots, alongside significant areas of shared open space accessible to all residents. This approach aims to preserve natural features, reduce infrastructure costs, and foster community by concentrating housing and dedicating remaining land to common use.

• Example 1: Suburban Conservation Development

  A developer purchases a 100-acre plot of land on the outskirts of a growing town. Instead of dividing the entire property into 100 individual one-acre lots, they design a plan to build 80 homes on half-acre lots, clustered together in one section of the property. The remaining 60 acres are preserved as a shared nature conservancy with walking trails, a community garden, and a small playground, all accessible to the residents of the clustered homes.

  This illustrates a residential cluster because the 80 homes represent the "group housing" developed as a single unit, while the 60-acre nature conservancy, trails, garden, and playground serve as the "open common space" shared by all residents.

• Example 2: Rural Village Infill

  In a small rural village, a 15-acre field is designated for new housing. To maintain the village's open character, the local planning board approves a design where 25 small cottages are built around a central village green and pond. Each cottage has a compact private yard, but the majority of the 15 acres is dedicated to the shared green space, which includes picnic areas, walking paths, and a community-managed orchard.

  This is an example of a residential cluster because the 25 cottages form the "group housing" element, and the central village green, pond, and orchard constitute the "open common space" that is an integral part of the unified development.

• Example 3: Urban Redevelopment Project

  An old, abandoned factory site in an urban area is redeveloped into a new housing complex. Instead of building individual townhouses with separate small yards, the plan calls for 40 multi-story townhouses to be constructed in a horseshoe shape around a large, central landscaped courtyard. This courtyard features benches, decorative plantings, and a small water feature, serving as a tranquil retreat for all residents.

  This demonstrates a residential cluster as the 40 townhouses are "group housing" developed as a cohesive unit, and the central landscaped courtyard functions as the "open common space" shared by everyone living in the complex.