Chapter 18.45 — PARKS AND RECREATION ZONING DISTRICT

• A. Purpose of Chapter. In addition to the general purposes listed in Section 18.05.020 (Purpose, Intent, and Authority), the purpose of this Chapter is to establish land use regulations and development standards for the Parks and Recreation Zoning District. This Chapter is intended to:

  1. Preserve, protect, and enhance areas in the City appropriate for parks and recreational facilities consistent with the General Plan and Parks, Facilities and Recreation Master Plan;

  2. Support the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District's efforts to offer high-quality park and recreation services and facilities; and

  3. Establish clear land use regulations and development standards for parks and recreation facility development to ensure an efficient project review and entitlement process.

• B. Summary of Parks and Recreation Zoning District. The purpose of the Parks and Recreation (REC) zoning district is to designate land owned, leased, or otherwise operated by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District that is appropriate for parkland and recreational service provision and facility development. The REC zoning district implements the Parks (P) land use designation in the General Plan.

• C. Role of the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (Rec & Park) is an independent Special District established in 1951 pursuant to the Public Resources Code of the State of California. The District is governed by a fivemember Board of Directors elected by residents within the District's boundaries during the general election in November of even-numbered years. Rec & Park is a separate government entity from the City of Pleasant Hill and other agencies, with policy direction provided by its Board of Directors. In addition to the City of Pleasant Hill, the Board of Directors is responsible for reviewing and taking action on development proposals for Rec & Park owned properties.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Permitted Land Uses. When leased, owned, or operated by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, the following land uses and activities are permitted subject to the issuance of a Zoning Permit:

  1. New Facilities and Accessory Structures. The construction of new facilities and the modification/expansion of existing park or recreation facilities and accessory structures, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields, childcare centers, community rooms, picnic areas, restrooms, or hiking and biking trails.

  2. Parks. Development, maintenance, operation, and or modification of parks, open spaces (including passive open space as defined by Part 6 (Definitions and Land Use Classifications)), including alteration of existing park boundaries.

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 18.45.020

§ 18.45.030

• B. Other Land Uses and Activities. Any land use or activity not established in Subsection A of this Section and land uses which are not owned, leased, or operated by the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District are not permitted.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Density. Consistent with the General Plan, there is no established minimum or maximum density (e.g., floor area ratio (FAR) or dwelling units per acre) for lots within the REC zoning district.

• B. CEQA Review. All development within the REC zoning district is subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.).

• C. Applicability of Development Standards. All development within the REC zoning district shall comply with the development standards established in Table 18.45-A (Parks and Recreation Land Use Regulations). If a project does not meet these standards, entitlement permits are required, including, but not limited to, a Development Plan, Architectural Review, Minor Exception, Variance, and/or Use Permit shall be obtained. The applicable review authority has the discretion to approve, approve with conditions, or deny these applications.

• D. Additional Regulations. The following development standards are applicable to the REC zoning district and can be found in Part 3 and Part 5 of this Title.

  1. General Site and Development Standards (Chapter 18.55).

  2. Nonconforming Provisions (Chapter 18.200).

  3. Water-Efficient Landscaping (Chapter 18.105).

  4. Off-Street Parking and Loading (Chapter 18.80).

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Table 18.45-A: Parks and Recreation Land Use Regulations
Development Standard Zoning District Additional
(minimum unless stated Development
otherwise) REC Regulations
Setbacks (Buildings and Accessory Structures)
Front (ft) 20
Rear (ft) 15
Side (ft) 5
Corner Side (ft) 15
Aggregate Side (ft) 15
Creek Setbacks See Chapter 18.70
regarding creek
setbacks.
Scenic Route Setback (ft) 25
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City of Pleasant Hill, CA § 18.45.030

PLEASANT HILL CODE

§ 18.45.040

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Table 18.45-A: Parks and Recreation Land Use Regulations
Development Standard Zoning District Additional
(minimum unless stated Development
otherwise) REC Regulations
Height and Lot Coverage (maximum)
Building and Accessory 35
Structure Height (ft)
Lot Coverage 30%
Floor Area Ratio –
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(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Exempt Activities. The following activities within the REC zoning district are exempt from City Review:

  1. Structures and Buildings. Routine maintenance or repairs to existing park facilities, structures, or equipment, where no expansion of use or development is proposed.

  2. Landscaping. Installation, modification, maintenance, or removal of landscaping materials, including irrigation systems.

  3. Tree Removal. Removal of trees, both protected and not protected under Chapter 18.100 (Tree Preservation).

  4. Signs. Signs within the REC zoning district, including the number, size, and location, that comply with the requirements established in Chapter 18.95 (Signs).

• B. Zoning Permit Required. Any new buildings, accessory structures (e.g., field light, play equipment), and building modifications, where an expansion of use or development is proposed, that complies with the development standards established in Table 18.45-A (Parks and Recreation Land Use Regulations). These land uses shall also comply with all applicable development, grading, and building code standards requirements. If a project does not comply with the standards established in Table 18.45-A (Parks and Recreation Land Use Regulations), then entitlement permits are required, including, but not limited to, a Development Plan, Architectural Review, Minor Exception, Variance, and/or Use Permit.

• C. Other Permits and Entitlements. The following activities within the REC zoning district require the issuance of additional permits or entitlements, such as a Development Plan Permit, Architectural Review Permit, Building Permit, and Grading Permit, before a land use can be established:

  1. Subdivision Map Actions. In addition to issuance of a Zoning Permit, all subdivisions, parcel mergers, lot line adjustments, and other parcel modification requests shall comply with Title 17 (Subdivisions) and all applicable provisions established in the Subdivision Map Act.

  2. Land Use Entitlements. All new buildings and building modifications that do not comply with the development standards established in Table 18.45-A (Parks and

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 18.45.040

§ 18.45.050

Recreation Land Use Regulations) shall require the issuance of additional land use entitlements including, but not limited to, Development Plan, Architectural Review, or Use Permit.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

• A. Zoning Permit. Zoning Permits issued to the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District in compliance with this Chapter are exempt from the appeals process established in Chapter 18.185 (Appeals and Calls for Review).

• B. Use Permit or other Discretionary Entitlements. Decisions regarding Use Permits and other discretionary entitlements are subject to the appeals process in Chapter 18.185 (Appeals and Calls for Review) and may be appealed in compliance with its provisions.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA