A. 
It is the purpose of this district to create and promote an alternative method of residential development through the cluster zoning concept which is permitted by special exception as an option in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 Residential Districts.
[Amended 5-28-2019 by Ord. No. 869[1]]
[1]
Editor's Note: This ordinance also changed the title of this article from "RCZ Cluster Districts (Overlay R-1, R-2, R-3 and RCD Districts)" to "RCZ Cluster Districts (Overlay R-1, R-2, R-3)."
B. 
Use of the cluster zoning option will promote the following:
(1) 
Allow for a more attractive, varied arrangement of dwelling units and open space on a particular parcel;
(2) 
Allow specific parcels to be developed more efficiently and economically and with greater environmental sensitivity than is possible under the standard lot-by-lot zoning; and
(3) 
Allow for the preservation of natural features such as tree masses, stream valleys and steep slopes.
In the RCZ Cluster District, land, buildings or premises shall be used only for one or more of the following uses and shall be subject to the regulations contained in Articles XVIII and XIX of this chapter:
A. 
All residential uses permitted by right within the R-1 Residential District.
B. 
All residential uses permitted by right within the R-2 Residential District.
C. 
All residential uses permitted by right within the R-3 Residential District.
[Amended 5-28-2019 by Ord. No. 869]
The following are accessory uses:
A. 
All accessory uses permitted in the R-1 and R-2 Residential Districts.
A. 
The tract of land shall be not less than one acre.
B. 
The tract of land shall be in single and separate ownership.
C. 
The height restrictions of the underlying district shall apply to the cluster district.
D. 
No structure shall be nearer than 30 feet from any lot line.
E. 
Where a developer elects to develop the entire tract in single-family dwelling units, the area of the individual lots may be reduced by not more than 25% of the lot requirements of the underlying district.
F. 
The number of units on the tract shall not exceed the number allowed within the underlying district regulations.
G. 
The design and layout of buildings on the tract shall take into account the topographical features of the particular site and shall, to the maximum extent, be consistent with reasonable and sound development practices and permit the preservation of natural features which the Zoning Hearing Board deems worthy of protection.
The following requirements shall be met before approval of cluster-type development is granted:
A. 
The areas designated as open space shall be those which will serve to preserve woodlands, stream valleys, unusual topography or other natural features of the tract or which are appropriate for park, recreation, or other open space purposes.
B. 
Such areas shall be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for the Borough of Clifton Heights and shall contain no structure other than a structure related to outdoor recreational use.
C. 
Areas for common open space use may be reserved for private use or may, subject to agreement by the Borough, be dedicated to the Borough. Areas to be set aside and reserved for private open space use shall be the subject of a written legal agreement, such as a deed restriction, for perpetual preservation and maintenance, which shall be acceptable to the Borough Solicitor.
The parking and unloading regulations shall follow the requirements of Article XII, relating to the specific uses.