Chapter 130.25 — SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES

A.

Special purpose zones are used to provide for, promote and regulate certain recreational, transportation and open space uses.

B.

This Chapter lists the uses that may be allowed within the special purpose zones established by Section 130.12.020 (Zoning Map and Zones) in Article 1 (Zoning Ordinance Applicability) of this Title, determines the type of planning permit/approval required for each use, and provides basic standards for site layout and building size.

C.

Special purpose zones and the manner in which they are applied are as follows:

1.

Recreational Facilities, Low-Intensity (RFL). The RFL Zone is applied to regulate and promote dispersed recreational and tourist accommodating uses and activities primarily in Rural Regions or Rural Centers of the County where such uses are compatible with adjacent or nearby rural residential, agricultural or resource development. Uses include but are not limited to camping, picnicking, equestrian staging, and river put-in and take-out.

2.

Recreational Facilities, High-Intensity (RFH). The RFH Zone applies to regulate and promote recreational uses and activities with high concentrations of people or activities of a more urban nature, such as recreational vehicle parks, sports fields and complexes, and amusement parks or facilities that are primarily located in Community Regions and Rural Centers.

3.

Transportation Corridor (TC). The TC Zone is intended to protect and preserve established and identified future transportation corridors within the County, including corridors for motor vehicle, bicycle, hiking, equestrian, and rail transportation.

4.

Open Space (OS). The OS Zone is applied to set aside for primarily open space purposes including, but not limited to, the protection of rare and endangered plant or animal habitat; wildlife habitat, such as critical winter deer range and migration corridors; sensitive riparian areas; oak woodlands; visual resources as a part of a development plan or along a designated scenic corridor; and watersheds and groundwater recharge areas. Intensive agriculture is not compatible, although low intensity agriculture such as seasonal grazing may be compatible. Recreational uses that have little impact and do not require substantial permanent structures or facilities are also compatible.

The OS Zone can also designate land set aside to protect agricultural lands covered by an open space easement or as a part of a development plan in an Agricultural District, as identified on the General Plan land use maps, or on other identified agricultural lands.

Where the OS Zone is applied as part of a development plan, the uses allowed under the development plan permit are allowed, including a full range of recreational facilities.

Where the County determines it is necessary or in the public interest, limited infrastructure, including but not limited to, roads, water, wastewater, drainage facilities and other utilities are expressly allowed in the OS zone.

Sec. 130.25.020 - Matrix of Allowed Uses.

Uses are allowed in Special purpose zones subject to the requirements of this Title as designated in Table 130.25.020 (Special Purpose Zones Use Matrix) below in this Section:

Table 130.25.020—Special Purpose Zones Use Matrix

(Ord. No. 5241, §§ 4, 16, 8-19-2025)

Sec. 130.25.030 - Special Purpose Zone Development Standards.

Allowed uses and associated structures shall comply with the following development standards listed in Table 130.25.030 (Special Purpose Zone Development Standards) below in this Section, in addition to any other applicable requirements of this Title, unless a variance is obtained in compliance with Section 130.52.070 (Variance) in Article 5 (Planning Permit Processing) of this Title.

Table 130.25.030—Special Purpose Zone Development Standards

1 Lots that are created for access road, parking areas, common area landscaping and open space purposes are exempt from the area and width standards of the respective zones