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Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 20 — ZONING ORDINANCE›Division I — MENDOCINO COUNTY ZONING CODE

Mendocino County Municipal Code Ch. 20.104 O-S Open Space District

Mendocino County Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Mendocino County

Cite as: Mendocino County Municipal Code Chapter 20.104 · Text as of 2026-10-04

Footnotes:

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Editor's note— Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), adopted September 10, 2024, repealed Ch. 20.104 and enacted a new Ch. 20.104 as set out herein and as may later be amended. Former Ch. 20.104 pertained to similar subject matter and derived from Ord. No. 3639, adopted 1987.

Sec. 20.104.005 - Intent.

This district is intended to be applied to lands not suited for development or to lands most valuable in their undeveloped natural state. Generally structures and significant grading shall be prohibited, but may be permitted with an Administrative Permit provided the structures or grading furthers the open space intent.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.010 - Permitted Uses.

The following use types excepting structures and significant grading are permitted in the O-S District:

(A) Civic Use Types (See Chapter 20.020).

Community recreation;

Essential services;

Fire and police protection services;

Minor impact utilities.

(B) Agricultural Use Types (See Chapter 20.032)

Animal raising—general agriculture;

Forest production and processing—limited;

Horticulture;

Packing and processing—limited;

Row and field crops;

Tree crops.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.015 - Uses Subject to an Administrative Permit.

The following use types are permitted in the O-S District upon issuance of an Administrative Permit:

(A) Structure or significant grading in conjunction with any permitted use.

(B) Residential Use Types (See Chapter 20.016).

Assisted Living Residential Care Facility;

Day Care Facility;

Employee Housing;

Family residential—single-family;

Low Barrier Navigation Centers;

Supportive Housing;

Transitional Housing.

(C) Accessory uses as provided in Chapter 20.164.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.020 - Uses Subject to a Use Permit.

The following use types are permitted in the O-S District upon issuance of a Use Permit:

(A) Civic Use Type (See Chapter 20.020).

Major impact services and utilities.

(B) Commercial Use Types (See Chapter 20.024).

Commercial recreation—outdoor sports and recreation;

Transient habitation—campground.

(C) Extractive Use Type (See Chapter 20.036).

Mining and processing.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.025 - Minimum Lot Area.

No divisions permitted unless it can be demonstrated that the division furthers the intent of the OS District.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.030 - Minimum Front and Rear Yards.

Twenty (20) feet each. See setback exceptions in section 20.152.015.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.035 - Minimum Side Yards.

Five (5) feet each. See setback exceptions in section 20.152.015.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

Sec. 20.104.040 - Building Height Limit.

Thirty-five (35) feet. See height exceptions in section 20.152.025.

(Ord. No. 4538, § 28(Exh. A), 9-10-2024)

Exceptions & meaning →

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