Developers will be much more inclined to use Open Space Residential Design (OSRD) if they trust that the permitting process will be predictable and efficient.  If municipalities require a special permit, developers will be less likely to spend the time and money on developing a plan that is not certain to be approved.  Municipalities can create this predictability by adopting OSRD bylaws that allow cluster developments “as of right,” with a detailed and rigorous design site plan review process.  Conventional subdivisions would be permitted by special permit.  The zoning requirements for cluster would have to be fully described in the bylaw so that a subdivision plan could reasonably be drawn there from.  A methodology would be needed to calculate basic underlying density for the whole parcel, then a process to locate houselots juxtaposed with a required area of open space.  This "area allocation" formula is also more cost-effective because it does not require preparation of a conventional subdivision plan to determine lot count. 

29.a    Municipalities should adopt zoning bylaws/ordinances that permit OSRD “as of right”

29.b    MAPC should seek funding to assist municipalities with the development and adoption of “as of right” OSRD bylaws

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