Earlier editions: 2026-09
Development Code›Article 2 — ZONES, ALLOWABLE USES, AND DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Duarte Municipal Code Ch. 19.20 Open Space Zone (o)
Duarte Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Duarte
Cite as: Duarte Municipal Code Chapter 19.20 · Text as of 2026-10-04
19.20.010 - Purposes of Open Space zone.¶
The Open Space zone is established to set aside areas necessary to maintain and protect open spaces for the purposes of recreation, natural resource protection and enhancement, hazards management, utility corridors, and the protection of prehistoric places, features, and objects.
19.20.020 - Open Space zone land uses and permit requirements.¶
A. Allowed land uses.
Table 2-13 indicates the uses allowed within the Open Space zone and any permits required to establish the use, pursuant to Article 7 (Permit Processing Procedures) and Article 8 (Development Code Administration).
See Article 9 for land use definitions.
Land uses that are not listed in Table 2-13 or are not shown in a particular zone are not allowed (see Uses Not Classified in Section 19.04.040), except as otherwise provided by Section 19.04.020 (Rules of Interpretation).
| TABLE 2-13 ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS | Open Space Zone Permit Requirements | Open Space Zone Permit Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| TABLE 2-13 ALLOWED USES AND PERMIT REQUIREMENTS | P = Permitted By Right A = Permitted as Accessory Use MUP = Minor Use Permit CUP = Conditional Use Permit — = Not Allowed | P = Permitted By Right A = Permitted as Accessory Use MUP = Minor Use Permit CUP = Conditional Use Permit — = Not Allowed |
| Land Use | O | Specific Use Regulations |
| Agriculture and Animal-Related | Agriculture and Animal-Related | Agriculture and Animal-Related |
| Agriculture | MUP | |
| Apiary | MUP | |
| Animal Keeping | MUP | |
| Horticulture — Commercial (includes plant nurseries) | CUP | |
| Recreation and Education | Recreation and Education | Recreation and Education |
| Commercial Recreation and Entertainment (outdoor only with passive uses and no major structures) | CUP | |
| Hiking Trails and Related Improvements — Public | P | |
| Parks and Recreational Facilities — Public | P | |
| Resources and Unimproved Open Space Uses | ||
| Unimproved Open Space — Private (deed restricted or otherwise limited in allowable use) | P | |
| Water Resource Management Facilities (flood control channels, groundwater recharge basins) | P | |
| Transportation, Communications, and Infrastructure Uses | ||
| Utilities — Transmission and Distribution Facilities (no utility office structures) | CUP | |
| Wireless Telecommunication Facilities (on publicly owned properties only) | CUP | See Section 19.60.190 (Wireless Telecommunication Facilities) |
| Other Uses | Other Uses | Other Uses |
| Accessory Structures and Uses | A | |
| Caretaker Residence | CUP | |
| Fire Fighting Facilities | P | |
| Special Events | See Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits) | See Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits) |
| Temporary Uses | See Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits) | See Chapter 19.124 (Temporary Use Permits) |
19.20.030 - Development standards.¶
Generally, development is not permitted in the Open Space zone. Allowed structures are limited to those necessary to support the primary open space function of the use, such as parking lots, restroom facilities, small accessory structures, and access ways. Where structures are permitted through a Conditional Use Permit or Minor Use Permit, the permit conditions shall specify the development standards for any structures. Table 2-14 identifies the minimum development standards applicable to all allowed development in the Open Space zone. Standards for accessory structures are set forth in Chapter 19.34 (Accessory Structures).
TABLE 2-14 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR OPEN SPACE ZONE
| Development Feature | O | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Lot Dimensions (minimum) | No minimum for any dimensions | |
| Floor-Area Ratio (maximum) | none | |
| Height (maximum) | 75 ft | See 19.32.040 for height measurement and exceptions |
| Setbacks | Setbacks | Setbacks |
| Front or adjacent to a street | 20 ft | |
| Side — interior | ||
| Abutting nonresidential | 10 ft | |
| Abutting residential | 20 ft | |
| Side — street side | 30 ft | |
| Rear | 45 ft |
19.20.040 - Other applicable regulations.¶
In addition to the requirements contained in this Chapter 19.15 (Open Space Zone), regulations contained in the following Chapters may apply to development in the O zone.
Chapter 19.32, Site Planning and General Development Standards.
Chapter 19.34, Accessory Structures.
Chapter 19.36, Fences, Walls, and Hedges.
Chapter 19.38, Off-Street Parking Regulations and Design.
Chapter 19.40, Landscaping.
Chapter 19.42, Signs.
Chapter 19.44, Architectural and Design Standards.
Chapter 19.48, Property Maintenance.
Chapter 19.50, Performance Standards.
Chapter 19.52, Sustainable Development Practices.
Article 4, Standards for Specific Land Uses and Activities.
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