§ 27A-502. Purpose and Intent.

(a)

Although commonly thought of as just squares, greens, plazas, or parks, the urban space (or public realm) is much more; it includes the complete Street-Space—the public domain between the building Façades: the travel lanes between the curbs as well as the sidewalks; the public plazas as well as urban parks and greens.

(b)

The 2002 General Plan clearly encourages pedestrian-oriented development as a high priority for the Developed and Developing Tiers and establishes pedestrian-oriented design as a goal for the designated Centers and Corridors. The urban space and recreation standards are directly related to that goal. Specifically:

(1)

They establish an environment that encourages and facilitates pedestrian activity, creating "walkable" Streets that are comfortable, efficient, safe, and interesting.

(2)

They ensure the coherence of the Street-Space, serving to assist residents, building owners, and managers with understanding the relationship between the Street-Space and their own lots.

(3)

They contribute to ultimate sustainability. Native trees and plants contribute to privacy, the reduction of noise and air pollution, shade, maintenance of the natural habitat, conservation of water, and rainwater management.

(4)

They enhance the health, fitness, and general welfare of the citizens of Prince George's County.

(c)

Property frontages and building Façades are part of the public realm, literally forming the walls of the public Street-Space and are therefore subject to more regulation than the other portions of private property.

(d)

The private, interior portions of the lots (toward the Alley or rear lot lines) allow commercial operators to utilize these spaces as efficient working environments unseen by the public and allow residents to have private (semi-private for apartment and condominium dwellers) gardens and courtyards.

(CB-1-2010)