§ 22.334

The San Francisquito Canyon Community Standards District ("CSD") is established to protect and enhance the community's secluded rural, equestrian, and agricultural character as well as its natural features, including ridgelines, significant ecological areas, and flood plains. The standards contained in this CSD are intended to ensure reasonable access to public riding and hiking trails, encourage the keeping of animals, minimize the need for urban infrastructure, and preserve the beauty of this natural gateway into the Angeles National Forest.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

The boundaries of this CSD are shown on Figure 22.334-A: San Francisquito Canyon CSD Boundary, at the end of this Chapter.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

This CSD shall apply to all new development except for development depicted in Site Plan Reviews and Zoning Conformance Reviews that were submitted prior to the effective date of the ordinance establishing this CSD.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

22.334.050 - Application and Review Procedures.

(Reserved)

A.

Highway and Local Street Standards.

1.

Highway Standards. Alternate rural highway standards shall be utilized for routes shown on the Highway Plan, except for locations where existing infrastructure or commercial and pedestrian traffic are such that Public Works determines that curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are necessary for safety or to provide pedestrian access compliant with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

2.

Local Street Standards.

a.

Local streets shall be limited to the use of the inverted shoulder cross-section with a paved width of 28 feet, except for locations where additional pavement is required for geometric improvements by Public Works or where commercial, industrial, or institutional uses necessitate alternate designs, as determined by Public Works. This limit excludes the width of any inverted shoulder or concrete flow line.

b.

New curbs, gutters, and sidewalks are prohibited unless deemed necessary for the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic by Public Works after consultation with the Department.

B.

Street Lights. Street lights shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 22.80 (Rural Outdoor Lighting District). Where installed, street lights shall be compatible in style and material with the poles on which they are mounted.

C.

Outdoor Lighting. Outdoor lighting shall be provided in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 22.80 (Rural Outdoor Lighting District).

D.

Utilities. (Reserved)

E.

Signs.

Freestanding ranch entrance signs are permitted, provided that at least one driveway unobstructed by a sign is provided on a lot, as required by the Fire Department. Such signs are subject to the following standards:

a.

On a lot, not more than one sign shall be placed at each entrance;

b.

The height of each sign shall not exceed 20 feet as measured from mean natural grade; and

c.

The surface area of each sign shall not exceed 20 square feet.

2.

Signs that do not conform to the provisions of this Subsection E, but were existing and legally established as of the effective date of the ordinance establishing this CSD, may remain subject to the provisions of Section 22.174.050.A.2 (Termination by Discontinuance).

F.

Vegetation Conservation. (Reserved)

G.

Trails.

1.

When required by Parks and Recreation in accordance with the Trails Map in the Santa Clarita Valley Area Plan, all new land divisions, including minor land divisions, shall contain accessible multi-use trails for pedestrian hiking and walking, mountain bicycling, and equestrian uses. Where feasible, access to these trails must be in the vicinity of the subject land division. These trails shall provide connections, where feasible, to significant recreational uses, including but not limited to, open space areas, parks, trail heads, bike paths, historical trails or sites, equestrian centers, equestrian staging areas, camp grounds, and conservation or nature preserve areas.

2.

Trail construction shall be completed in accordance with the conditions set forth by Parks and Recreation. All information pertaining to trail requirements shall be shown on tentative parcel or tract maps and the final parcel or tract map prior to final map recordation.

3.

In reviewing land divisions, the Commission or Hearing Officer shall consider input by the Santa Clarita Valley Trails Advisory Committee, if provided, regarding trail development.

H.

Density-Controlled Development. Density-controlled development shall be permitted only if each lot contains a net area of at least two acres.

I.

Hillside Management. (Reserved)

J.

Significant Ridgeline Protection.

1.

The locations of the significant ridgelines within this CSD are shown on Figure 22.334-B: Significant Ridgelines at the end of this Chapter and the criteria used for their designation are provided in Appendix I at the end of this Chapter.

2.

The highest point of a structure shall be located at 50 vertical feet and 50 horizontal feet from a significant ridgeline, excluding chimneys, rooftop antennas, amateur radio antennas, and small-scale wind energy systems.

3.

Modification of Subsection J.2, above, shall comply with Section 22.334.090 (Modification of Development Standards).

4.

The provisions of this Subsection J shall not apply to:

a.

Additions to a single-family residence or accessory structure that were legally established as of the effective date of the ordinance establishing this CSD, provided that such single-family residence or accessory structure does not exceed 5,000 square feet in floor area after such additions are constructed; and

b.

The repair or replacement of a damaged or destroyed single-family residence or accessory structure that was legally established as of the effective date of the ordinance establishing this CSD, provided that such single-family residence or accessory structure is built in the same location as the one that was damaged or destroyed and does not exceed 5,000 square feet in floor area.

K.

Grading.

1.

An approved Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 22.158) shall be required for any grading on a lot or parcel of land, or in connection with any project, that exceeds 5,000 cubic yards of total cut plus total fill material within any 24-month period. For purposes of computing the 5,000-cubic-yard threshold amount, grading necessary to establish a turnaround required by the Fire Department shall be excluded, but not grading for any private street, right-of-way, or driveway leading to such turnaround.

2.

In approving such Conditional Use Permit application for grading, the Commission or Hearing Officer shall make the following findings in addition to those required by Section 22.158.050.B (Findings):

a.

The grading will be performed in a manner that minimizes disturbance to the natural landscape and terrain through design features, including but not limited to, the location of building pads in the area of the project site with the least slope and/or near a paved street traveled by the public; and

b.

The grading will be accompanied by other design features that maximize preservation of visual quality and community character, including but not limited to, reduced structural height, the use of shapes, materials, and colors that blend with the surrounding environment, and the use of native vegetation for concealment.

L.

Manure Storage. Manure shall be stored at least 50 feet away from any well, water source, or drainage channel, unless placed in a covered trash receptacle.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

22.334.070 - Zone Specific Development Standards.

A.

Residential and Agricultural Zones.

1.

Lot Design. Each new lot created by a land division shall contain a net area of at least two acres.

2.

Required Yards.

a.

Each lot shall have a required front yard of at least 25 feet in depth;

b.

Each lot shall have a required rear yard of at least 25 feet in depth; and

c.

Each lot shall have required interior side yards of at least 10 feet in depth.

3.

Fences. Fences or walls within required front yards may exceed three and one-half feet in height, provided that:

a.

Fences or walls shall not exceed six feet in height; and

b.

At least 75 percent of the fence or wall area above three and one-half feet in height shall be open and nonview obscuring. Any non-view obscuring area shall be evenly distributed horizontally along the entire length of the fence or wall.

4.

Structure Separation. Structures used in connection with the agricultural uses permitted by Section 22.16.030.C (Use Regulations) for Zone A-2 shall be located at least 35 feet from any street or highway or any building used or designed for human habitation.

5.

Temporary Animal Keeping. Fences for the temporary keeping of animals, including but not limited to pipe corrals, shall be exempt from the provisions of Subsections A.2 and A.4, above, provided that:

a.

Such fences are located at least five feet from any lot line; and

b.

Such fences do not exceed six feet in height.

B.

Other Zones. (Reserved)

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

A.

San Francisquito Canyon Creek Area.

Purpose. This Area is established to protect the San Francisquito Canyon Creek.

2.

Area Boundary. The boundaries of this Area are shown on Figure 22.334-C: San Francisquito Canyon Creek Area, at the end of this Chapter.

3.

Fences and Walls. Fences and walls are prohibited.

4.

Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage is prohibited.

B.

(Reserved)

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

22.334.090 - Modification of Development Standards.

A.

Modifications Authorized

1.

Modification of the development standards specified in Section 22.334.070.A.2 (Required Yards) shall be subject to a Yard Modification (Chapter 22.196) application. The application shall comply with all noticing requirements as required the Yard Modification (Chapter 22.196) application, except that the notification radius shall be 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property, as shown on the County's last equalized assessment roll;

2.

Modification of the development standards specified in Sections 22.334.070.A.3 (Fences) and 22.334.070.A.4 (Structure Separation) shall be subject to the procedures specified in Subsection B, below;

3.

Modification of the development standards specified in Section 22.334.060.J.2 (Significant Ridgeline Protection) shall be subject to the procedures specified in Subsection C, below; and

4.

Modification of other development standards in this CSD shall be subject to a Variance (Chapter 22.194).

B.

Modification of Specific CSD Standards.

1.

Applicability. Any modification to Sections 22.334.070.A.3 (Fences) and 22.334.070.A.4 (Structure Separation) shall be subject to a CSD Modification application, in compliance with this Subsection B.

2.

Application and Review Procedures.

a.

Application Checklist. The application submittal shall contain all of the materials required by the CSD Modification checklist.

b.

Type II Review. The application shall be filed and processed in compliance with Chapter 22.228 (Type II Review—Discretionary) and this Subsection B.

3.

Notification. The application shall comply with all noticing requirements as required by the Type II Review (Chapter 22.228), except that the notification radius shall be 1,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of the subject property, as shown on the County's last equalized assessment roll.

4.

Findings and Decision.

a.

Common Procedures. Findings and decision shall be made in compliance with Section 22.228.050 (Findings and Decision) and include the findings in Subsection B.4.b, below.

b.

Findings.

i.

The use, development of land, and application of development standards comply with all applicable provisions of this Title 22.

ii.

The use, development of land, and application of development standards, when considered on the basis of the suitability of the site for the particular use or development intended, are arranged to avoid traffic

congestion, to provide for the safety and convenience of bicyclists and pedestrians, including children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities, to protect public health, safety and general welfare, to prevent adverse effects on neighboring property and conform with good zoning practice.

iii.

The use, development of land, and application of development standards are suitable from the standpoint of functional developmental design.

iv.

There are exceptional circumstances or conditions applicable to the subject property or to the intended development of the property that do not apply to other properties within the CSD area; and

v.

That granting the request for modification will not be materially detrimental to properties or improvements in the area or contrary to the purpose of this CSD, as provided in Section 22.334.010 (Purpose).

C.

Modification of Significant Ridgeline Protection.

1.

Applicability. Any modification to Section 22.334.060.J.2 shall require a Minor Conditional Use Permit (Chapter 22.160) application.

2.

Additional Findings.

a.

Alternative sites within the project have been considered and eliminated from consideration due to their physical infeasibility or their potential for substantial habitat damage or destruction; and

i.

The project maintains the maximum view of the applicable significant ridgeline through design features, including but not limited to, one or more of the following:

ii.

Minimized grading.

iii.

Reduced structural height.

iv.

Use of shapes, materials, and colors that blend with the surrounding environment.

v.

Use of native drought-tolerant landscaping for concealment.

FIGURE 22.334-A: SAN FRANCISQUITO CANYON CSD BOUNDARY

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FIGURE 22.334-B: SIGNIFICANT RIDGELINES

==> picture [300 x 233] intentionally omitted <==

FIGURE 22.334-C: SAN FRANCISQUITO CANYON CREEK AREA

==> picture [300 x 232] intentionally omitted <==

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

APPENDIX I. - CRITERIA FOR SIGNIFICANT RIDGELINES

The designation of the significant ridgelines within the San Francisquito Canyon Community Standards District is based on the following criteria:

• Topographic complexity: Ridges that have a significant difference in elevation from the valley or canyon floor. Generally, these ridges can be seen from any location on the valley floor, from a community or neighborhood, or from a public road.

• Near/far contrast: Ridges that are part of a scene that includes a prominent landform in the foreground and a major backdrop ridge with an unbroken skyline. This includes a view into a valley from a public road or viewpoint located at a higher altitude, such as along the valley rim or a pass. This contrast can be experienced viewing an entire panoramic view or a portion of a panoramic view from an elevated point.

• Cultural landmarks: Ridges that frame views of well-known locations, structures, or other places which are considered points of interest within the community or region.

• Uniqueness and character of a specific location: Peaks and their buttressing ridges. This is represented by ridges that frame rocky outcroppings, other unique geological features, and areas of extraordinary natural beauty.

• Existing community boundaries and gateways: Ridges and surrounding terrain that provide the first view of predominantly natural, undeveloped land as a traveler emerges in the community. These lands introduce visitors to the visual experiences they will encounter in the community and gateways include the surrounding ridges that provide a skyline and boundary to the community.

(Ord. 2019-0004 § 1, 2019.)

Chapter 22.336 - SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NORTH AREA COMMUNITY STANDARDS DISTRICT