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Series 500 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS›Article 501 — HILLSIDE ZONE (HZ) OVERLAY DISTRICT

501.05: RIDGELINES:

Porterville Zoning Code · 2026-07 edition · updated 2026-07-09 · Porterville

A. Significant Ridgelines: The official significant ridgeline map, incorporated herein by reference and identified on the Porterville 2030 general plan land use diagram, identifies crests of significant ridgelines in the city for the purpose of this article. The precise delineation of a ridgeline shall be determined at the time a development application is received based on official significant ridgeline map and the following criteria. Significant ridgelines are those ridgelines characterized by any combination of the criteria specified below:

  1. The ridgelines that surround or visually dominate the surrounding valley landscape either through their size in relation to the hillside or mountain terrain of which they are a part.

  2. Their visual dominance as characterized by a silhouetting appearance against the sky.

  3. A significant natural backdrop feature or separation of communities.

  4. Visual dominance due to proximity and view from existing development or major corridors.

  5. As an area of significant ecological, historical, or cultural importance, such as those that connect park or trail systems.

  • B. Ridgeline Preservation:
  1. No grading or improvements shall occur within one hundred feet (100') of a designated and delineated significant

ridgeline area, as measured horizontally on a topographic map prior to any grading or improvements. No portion of any structure shall be closer to a designated and delineated significant ridgeline area, as measured fifty feet (50') vertically from a cross section of the area.

  1. No engineered slopes, housing construction, streets, utilities, excavation, or other permanent humanmade features shall be permitted within any significant ridgeline area. Exceptions may be granted as part of the hillside development permit process if findings are made that:

  • a. The encroachment into a significant ridgeline area will be in compliance with the intent and purpose of this article and the specific criteria set forth herein; and

  • b. Conditions of approval applied via the hillside development permit will implement the provisions of this article. FIGURE 501.05B1: RIDGELINE SETBACKS

  • (Ord. 1801, 12-3-2013)

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▸ Contents — Porterville Zoning Code
Porterville Zoning Code
  1. Series 100 — INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
  2. Series 200 — BASE DISTRICTS
  3. Series 300 — ADDITIONAL USE AND DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS
  4. Series 400 — LAND DIVISIONS
  5. ▸ Series 500 — OVERLAY DISTRICTS
    Overview
    1. Article 500 — AIRPORT ENVIRONS (AE) OVERLAY DISTRICT
    2. ▸ Article 501 — HILLSIDE ZONE (HZ) OVERLAY DISTRICT
      Overview
      1. 501.01: PURPOSE AND INTENT:
      2. 501.02: APPLICABILITY:
      3. 501.03: REQUIRED PLANS AND MATERIALS:
      4. 501.04: LAND USE REGULATIONS:
      5. 501.05: RIDGELINES:
      6. 501.06: GRADING:
      7. 501.07: SITE DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENTS:
      8. 501.08: STREET REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGN:
      9. 501.09: OPEN SPACE:
      10. 501.10: LANDSCAPING AND IRRIGATION:
      11. 501.11: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
    3. Article 502 — SINGLE STORY (S) OVERLAY DISTRICT
  6. Series 600 — ADMINISTRATION AND PERMITS
  7. Series 700 — GENERAL TERMS

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