Chapter 17.14 — REGULATIONS FOR THE OPEN SPACE OR "OS" DISTRICT

To preserve, protect, and enhance public and private lands identified by the general plan as having unique natural beauty and containing irreplaceable natural resources. To ensure that there will be sufficient open space for natural resources, agriculture, recreation, and for the protection of public health and safety. To protect and enhance water quality, watercourses, wetland and riparian areas, floodprone areas, and groundwater resources. To regulate development in sensitive areas so that it does not adversely affect aquatic wildlife, plant habitat, hillsides, watersheds, and scenic views of Clear Lake and the surrounding mountainous areas. To preserve natural resources such as riparian corridors and sensitive plant and animal habitats. To provide limited recreational opportunities in areas with scenic and/or interesting natural environments. To provide a visual buffer between developed areas. To preserve resources that have a distinctive community identity. (Ord. 796 Att. A(part), 1999)

This zoning district may be applied to publicly and privately owned lands designated by the Lakeport general plan as open space. Lands that may be designated open space include: significant plant and animal habitat, forest areas, parks, recreation areas, hazardous areas, watershed areas, lakeshore areas, wetland areas, flood areas, and other areas having similar characteristics.

(Ord. 796 Att. A(part), 1999)

• A. Public or private parks and recreation areas.

• B. Natural areas which include: plant and animal habitats, forest lands, watersheds, wetland and riparian areas, lakeshore areas, and floodplains.

• (Ord. 796 Att. A(part), 1999)

• A. Special events, sales, short term promotional events, etc.

• B. Wireless facility minor modification, collocation, small wireless facility subject to the regulations set forth in Chapter 17.41 .

• (Ord. 821 § 1(part), 2003; Ord. 923 § 24, 2019)

• A. Agricultural uses.

• B. Golf courses excluding commercial putting facilities.

• C. Cemeteries.

• D. Prospecting or preliminary geophysical investigations for natural resources, including oil, gas, geothermal, or mineral resources.

• E. The removal of native vegetation.

• F. Grading.

• G. Recreation facilities of an active nature such as ballfields, tennis courts, recreation centers, swimming pools, beaches, rest rooms, or other similar uses.

• H. Utility facilities including overhead or buried cables, drainage facilities, water or sewer lines, pump stations, and related facilities.

• I. Parking lots related to permitted or use permitted uses.

• J. Boat docks, piers, floats, ramps, and related uses.

• K. Wireless facility, wireless facility substantial modification subject to the regulations set forth in Chapter 17.41 . (Ord. 796 Att. A(part), 1999; Ord. 923 § 25, 2019)

• A. Minimum Lot Size. Two acres.

• B. Minimum Average Lot Width. Three hundred feet.

• C. Maximum Length to Width Ratio. No limit.

• D. Maximum Lot Coverage. For uses involving the construction of structures or other impervious surfaces, the maximum lot coverage shall be ten percent.

• E. Minimum Yards (Setbacks).

  1. Front yard: thirty feet measured from the lot line. Yards abutting any street are considered front yards.

  2. Rear yard: twenty-five feet measured from the lot line.

  3. Side yard: fifteen feet measured from the lot line.

• F. Maximum Height. Fifteen feet measured from existing natural grade.

The planning commission shall consider the following criteria in making a decision on an application for a proposed development for which a use permit is required in the "OS" open space district.

• A. The proposed use shall comply with the goals, policies, and programs of the conservation, open space, and parks element of the Lakeport general plan.

• B. The proposed use shall be consistent with all related standards and criteria set forth in the Lakeport zoning ordinance.

• C. The proposed use shall be of the minimum size necessary to achieve the intended purpose while complying with the intent of the Lakeport general plan.

• D. Particularly unique, limited, or sensitive resource areas shall be preserved to a maximum extent.

• E. Mitigation for the loss or degradation of natural resources impacted by a proposed use shall be incorporated into the conditions of approval for the project.

• F. The planning commission may deny an application for a use permit should the following findings be made: that the proposed use is inconsistent with the intent of the Lakeport general plan, or has the potential to reduce the availability of open space land area, or create environmental consequences inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, or is contrary to the public health, safety, and general welfare.

• (Ord. 796 Att. A(part), 1999)