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Chapter 14.38 — REC RECREATION DISTRICT

Carpinteria Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-06 · Carpinteria

14.38.010 - Purpose and intent.

The purpose of the REC district is to ensure the preservation, maintenance, and enhancement of recreation areas and open space of either a public or private nature. The intent is to provide for appropriate recreational use of public parks, beaches, and other open space, and standards for development which will protect the natural beauty of these areas.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.020 - Applicability.

The provisions of the REC district shall apply to existing public or private outdoor recreational areas as shown on the city's official land use map and any future parcels which may be rezoned to the recreation district. Prior to approving a rezoning to the REC district, the city council shall determine that the following criteria have been met:

1.

The level of facility development with is in conformance with the environmental carrying capacity of the area to be rezoned, i.e., the proposed recreational activities are of the kind, intensity, and location to ensure protection of habitat resources.

2.

Coastal-dependent and coastal-related recreation uses as defined in Chapter 14.08 are given priority in areas adjacent to the shoreline.

3.

The proposal conforms with all applicable policies in the city's adopted coastal plan and access and recreation implementation program.

4.

The proposed recreational activities are compatible with land uses on adjacent parcels.

5.

If the proposed site is adjacent to the beach, adequate public access to the beach shall be provided.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.030 - Processing.

Prior to the issuance of any permit for development on property zoned or to be rezoned to the recreation district, a development plan shall be submitted, processed, and approved as provided in Chapter 14.68.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.040 - Uses permitted subject to development plan approval.

Uses permitted in the REC district subject to development plan approval are as follows:

1.

Public and/or private recreational uses, e.g., parks, campgrounds, riding, hiking, biking, and walking trails;

2.

Public recreational facilities, including tennis courts, handball and racquetball courts, golf course;

3.

Watercourses, flood control easements;

4.

Structures and facilities required to support recreational activities, e.g., parking areas, water and sanitary facilities, boat launching facilities, ranger station and limited concession activities for persons using the recreational facilities;

5.

Any other public, quasi-public or community service recreation use which the planning commission determines to be similar in nature to the above uses, to not reduce existing recreational opportunities, to be open to the general public and organized recreational and youth organizations, and not located on a city or state beach or beach park, or any environmentally sensitive habitat overlay.

(Ord. 456 § 1, 1991; Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.050 - Uses permitted with a conditional use permit.

Uses permitted in the REC district with a conditional use permit are as follows:

1.

Outdoor swimming and tennis club;

2.

Stables, corrals, and other animal care facilities;

3.

Residential structures for a caretaker and family;

4.

Restaurants, provided such facilities are in conjunction with the recreational use;

5.

Quasi-public and community service district recreational facilities not located on a city or state beach or beach park, or within any environmentally sensitive habitat overlay, and subject to the building coverage limitations of Section 14.38.090 (except private land in which case building coverage may not exceed twenty-five percent). Building heights in excess of Section 14.38.080 may be considered, provided that the height of the building is the maximum height necessary to accommodate the activity proposed within the facility. All quasi-public facilities and uses located on public property shall be subject to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the city and the applicant, for the review and approval of the planning commission, allocating space and time to various groups, to ensure that the proposed development does not reduce existing recreational opportunities and is open to the general public and organized recreational and youth organizations.

(Ord. 456 § 2, 1991; Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.060 - General requirements.

1.

All permitted and conditionally permitted uses shall be in conformance with applicable policies of the coastal land use plan and the access and recreation implementation program.

2.

In any area within two hundred fifty feet of the mean high tide line, priority shall be given to coastaldependent and coastal-related recreational activities. Camping facilities should be set back from the beach and bluffs and near shore areas should be reserved for day use activities.

3.

In order to ensure recreational rather than residential use of overnight accommodations, the maximum period for individual occupancy of the facilities shall be thirty days.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.070 - Minimum lot size.

No lot shall be created with an area less than one acre.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.080 - Building height.

No building or structure shall exceed a height of sixteen feet.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.090 - Building coverage.

No more than ten percent of the net area of the property shall be covered by buildings or structures.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

14.38.100 - Setbacks.

No building or structure shall be located within ten feet of any property line. In addition, no buildings, structures, or facilities shall be located on the dry, sandy beach except for temporary structures required for health and safety, i.e., lifeguard towers, or temporary recreational facilities such as volleyball nets, etc. Underground pipelines may be located in this area subject to all of the applicable development standards and policies of the coastal land use plan.

(Ord. 315 § 1 (part), 1981)

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Contents — Carpinteria Zoning Code
Carpinteria Zoning Code
  1. Chapter 14.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 14.04 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  3. Chapter 14.08 — DEFINITIONS
  4. Chapter 14.12 — R-1 SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
  5. Chapter 14.14 — PRD PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
  6. Chapter 14.14 — PRD PLANNED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
  7. Chapter 14.16 — PUD PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
  8. Chapter 14.17 — MHS/PUD MOBILE/MODULAR HOME SUBDIVISION/ PLANN…
  9. Chapter 14.17 — MHS/PUD MOBILE/MODULAR HOME SUBDIVISION/ PLANN…
  10. Chapter 14.18 — MHP MOBILE HOME PARK PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTR…
  11. Chapter 14.18 — MHP MOBILE HOME PARK PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTR…
  12. Chapter 14.20 — CPD COMMERCIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
  13. Chapter 14.20 — CPD COMMERCIAL PLANNED DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT
  14. Chapter 14.22 — CB CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
  15. Chapter 14.22 — CB CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT
  16. Chapter 14.24 — RES RESORT DISTRICT
  17. Chapter 14.24 — RES RESORT DISTRICT
  18. Chapter 14.26 — M-RP INDUSTRIAL/RESEARCH PARK DISTRICT
  19. Chapter 14.26 — M-RP INDUSTRIAL/RESEARCH PARK DISTRICT
  20. Chapter 14.28 — M GENERAL INDUSTRY DISTRICT
  21. Chapter 14.28 — M GENERAL INDUSTRY DISTRICT
  22. Chapter 14.30 — M-CD COASTAL INDUSTRY DISTRICT
  23. Chapter 14.30 — M-CD COASTAL INDUSTRY DISTRICT
  24. Chapter 14.32 — A AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
  25. Chapter 14.32 — A AGRICULTURE DISTRICT
  26. Chapter 14.34 — CF COMMUNITY FACILITY DISTRICT
  27. Chapter 14.34 — CF COMMUNITY FACILITY DISTRICT
  28. Chapter 14.36 — UT PUBLIC UTILITIES DISTRICT
  29. Chapter 14.36 — UT PUBLIC UTILITIES DISTRICT
  30. Chapter 14.38 — REC RECREATION DISTRICT
  31. Chapter 14.38 — REC RECREATION DISTRICT
  32. Chapter 14.40 — FH FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY DISTRICT
  33. Chapter 14.40 — FH FLOOD HAZARD OVERLAY DISTRICT[[1]]
  34. Chapter 14.41 — WHITNEY SITE OVERLAY DISTRICT
  35. Chapter 14.41 — WHITNEY SITE OVERLAY DISTRICT
  36. Chapter 14.42 — ESH ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE HABITAT AREA OVE…
  37. Chapter 14.42 — ESH ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE HABITAT AREA OVE…
  38. Chapter 14.43 — ELLINWOOD PARCEL (APN 004-013-026) OVERLAY DIS…
  39. Chapter 14.43 — ELLINWOOD PARCEL (APN 004-013-026) OVERLAY DIS…
  40. Chapter 14.45 — TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR WETLAND OVERLAY DISTRICT
  41. Chapter 14.45 — TRANSPORTATION CORRIDOR WETLAND OVERLAY DISTRICT
  42. Chapter 14.46 — S SPECIFIC PLAN OVERLAY DISTRICT
  43. Chapter 14.46 — S SPECIFIC PLAN OVERLAY DISTRICT
  44. Chapter 14.47 — VACATION RENTAL OVERLAY DISTRICT
  45. Chapter 14.47 — VACATION RENTAL OVERLAY DISTRICT
  46. Chapter 14.54 — PARKING REGULATIONS
  47. Chapter 14.54 — PARKING REGULATIONS
  48. Chapter 14.56 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS
  49. Chapter 14.56 — WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS[[3]]
  50. Chapter 14.58 — SIGN REGULATIONS
  51. Chapter 14.58 — SIGN REGULATIONS
  52. Chapter 14.59 — PERSONAL USE AND COMMERCIAL CANNABIS REGULATIONS
  53. Chapter 14.59 — PERSONAL USE AND COMMERCIAL CANNABIS REGULATIO…
  54. Chapter 14.61 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURES
  55. Chapter 14.61 — REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION PROCEDURES
  56. Chapter 14.62 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
  57. Chapter 14.62 — CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
  58. Chapter 14.64 — TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
  59. Chapter 14.64 — TEMPORARY USE PERMIT
  60. Chapter 14.66 — EMERGENCY PERMITS
  61. Chapter 14.66 — EMERGENCY PERMITS
  62. Chapter 14.68 — DEVELOPMENT PLAN
  63. Chapter 14.68 — DEVELOPMENT PLAN
  64. Chapter 14.70 — VARIANCES
  65. Chapter 14.70 — VARIANCES
  66. Chapter 14.71 — ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  67. Chapter 14.71 — ADULT-ORIENTED BUSINESSES
  68. Chapter 14.72 — ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS AND JUNIOR ACCESSORY …
  69. Chapter 14.73 — RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT DEMOLITION
  70. Chapter 14.73 — RESIDENTIAL RENTAL UNIT DEMOLITION
  71. Chapter 14.74 — OWNERSHIP CONVERSIONS AFFECTING APARTMENTS; CO…
  72. Chapter 14.75 — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING REQUIREMENT
  73. Chapter 14.75 — INCLUSIONARY HOUSING REQUIREMENT
  74. Chapter 14.76 — NOTICING REQUIREMENTS
  75. Chapter 14.76 — NOTICING REQUIREMENTS
  76. Chapter 14.77 — DENSITY BONUS
  77. Chapter 14.77 — DENSITY BONUS[[8]]
  78. Chapter 14.78 — APPEALS
  79. Chapter 14.78 — APPEALS
  80. Chapter 14.80 — REAPPLICATIONS
  81. Chapter 14.80 — REAPPLICATIONS
  82. Chapter 14.82 — NONCONFORMING USES
  83. Chapter 14.82 — NONCONFORMING USES
  84. Chapter 14.84 — LEGAL ISSUES AND PROCEDURES
  85. Chapter 14.84 — LEGAL ISSUES AND PROCEDURES

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