Chapter 18.50 — OPEN SPACE ZONING DISTRICT

• A. Purpose of Chapter. In addition to the general purposes listed in Section 18.05.020 (Purpose, Intent, and Authority), this Chapter establishes land use regulations and development standards for the Open Space (OS) Zoning District. The standards in this Chapter are intended to:

  1. Preserve and protect natural resources;

  2. Maintain scenic views and open landscapes to improve community quality of life.

  3. Establish clear land use regulations for Open Space zoned parcels to ensure consistency with the General Plan.

• B. Summary of the Open Space Zoning District. The purpose of the Open Space (OS) zoning district is to designate land with environmental, scenic, or conservation value. Lands in this district are intended to remain largely undeveloped to protect natural resources, preserve wildlife habitats, support watershed protection, and maintain the landscape's natural character. The OS zoning district implements the Open Space (OS) land use designation in the General Plan.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

No development or land use activities are permitted within the OS zoning district except those expressly permitted by this Chapter or as required by applicable State or Federal law. Any proposed activity or land use within the OS district must comply with the regulations established in this Chapter and Zoning Ordinance.

• A. Permitted Land Uses and Activities. The following land uses and activities are permitted in the OS zone subject to all other applicable standards established in this Chapter:

  1. Habitat Conservation and Restoration: Protection and restoration of natural habitats, including wetlands, forests, and grasslands.

  2. Watershed Protection: Activities related to the protection and management of watersheds, including water resource conservation and stormwater management.

  3. Cultural and Historic Resource Protection: Preservation and maintenance of sites with historical, archaeological, or cultural significance.

  4. Utility Easements: Installation and maintenance of essential public utilities (such as power lines or water pipelines) when aligned with local, state, or federal regulations.

• B. Other Land Uses and Activities. Any land use or activity not established in Subsection A of this Section is not permitted in the OS zoning district.

• (Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA

ZONING ORDINANCE

§ 18.50.030

§ 18.50.030

• 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 OS zoning district.

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

• C. Development Standards. Development standards for the OS zoning district, including but not limited to setbacks, lot coverage, and building height, shall be consistent with the purpose and intent of the OS zoning district and shall be established by the Zoning Administrator.

• D. Additional Regulations. The following development standards are applicable to the OS 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. Signs (Chapter 18.95);

  3. Nonconforming Provisions (Chapter 18.200);

  4. Water-Efficient Landscaping (Chapter 18.105);

  5. Creek Setbacks (Chapter 18.70); and

6. Tree Removal (Chapter 18.100)

(Ord. 978, 11/17/2025)

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City of Pleasant Hill, CA