Mariposa County Municipal Code § 17.325 Scenic Resource

17.325.010 Scenic Resource-5 Acre Zone (SR-5)¶

This zoning classification identifies an area of land whose potential use for building sites is limited to very steep slopes which offer adverse conditions for road building, surface drainage, septic systems, and especially road and site grading. This classification is applied to the steep hillside areas surrounding the community and generally outside of the service area for community water and sewer, and to parcels in existence at the time the zoning district is applied which are less than twenty (20) acres in size.

HISTORY

Adopted by Ord. 862 Sec. I on 11/9/1993 17.325.020 Development Standards For SR-5

1. Uses:

Permitted Uses:
1. One single family residence per parcel;
2. Open space recreational uses including parks, recreational uses, hiking trails and similar non-intensive uses;
3. Limited agricultural including grazing and the raising of crops;
4. Timber harvesting conducted in accordance with the scenic highway overlay standards contained in Chapter 17.65 of this title;
5. One (1) secondary residence per parcel.
Conditional uses: None.
Prohibited uses: All uses listed in section 17.334.055 of the Mariposa County Code and uses not listed as permitted or conditional shall be prohibited, except similar uses in compliance with section 17.334.060.
Minimum lot size/density: Minimum lot size shall be 1/2 acre (21,780 sq. ft.) exclusive of road easements. The maximum density shall be one (1) single family residence per parcel including a secondary residence as provided for in this section.
Minimum lot size/density: Minimum lot area shall be five (5) acres. The maximum density shall be one (1) single family residence per parcel and a secondary residence as provided for in this section.
Special development standards for SR-5:
1. Grading:
  1. No grading plans shall be approved and no grading shall occur except in conjunction with approved development plans (including subdivisions) associated with construction for a permitted use.
  2. Grading shall be minimized by utilization of multiple parking areas and multiple or stepped buildings which conform to the natural topography; and by design of access and interior roads or routes which conform to the natural topography and contours.
  3. Natural features which contribute to the scenic quality of the hillsides, including vegetation, natural drainages, and existing topography or topographic features, shall be addressed in grading and development plans. These natural features shall be incorporated into the proposed grading and development where possible.
2. All earthmoving activities which expose soil surfaces shall be followed by application of soil stabilization and revegetation measures to prevent erosion and to revegetate exposed surfaces. Revegetation and soil stabilization methods in accordance with the recommendations or standards of the Soil Conservation Service or the Mariposa County Resource Conservation District shall be required.
Site Development:
Buildings and structures shall be designed so as to minimize their visual impact from State Highways 49 and 140 within the Mariposa TPA. The exterior of all buildings and structures shall be constructed of non-reflective, earth tone color materials.
1. A visual buffer area shall be required between State Highways 49 and 140 within the Mariposa TPA and all new buildings and structures to minimize the views of the buildings or structures from the highways. Use of natural topography, existing vegetation, and landscaping which is equally effective at all times of the year are appropriate to achieve this standard.
Exceptions: These special development standards shall not apply if the planning director determines the grading and/or structure is not visible from State Highways 49 and 140 within the Mariposa TPA.

HISTORY

Adopted by Ord. 822 Sec. I on 1/22/1992 Amended by Ord. 862 Sec. I on 11/9/1993 Amended by Ord. 912 Sec. II on 1/7/1997 Amended by Ord. 1086 Sec. IV on 12/20/2011

Exceptions & meaning →