Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 13 — Planning and Zoning Regulations›Chapter 13.10 — ZONING REGULATIONS›Part III — Districts
Santa Cruz County Municipal Code § 13.10.351 Purposes of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District
Santa Cruz County Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Santa Cruz County
Cite as: Santa Cruz County Municipal Code § 13.10.351 · Text as of 2026-10-04
13.10.351. Purposes of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.¶
In addition to the general objectives of this chapter, the PR District is included in the zoning ordinance to achieve the following purposes:
(A) General. To preserve the County's undevelopable lands and public park lands as open space; and to protect open space in the County by allowing commercial recreational uses which preserve open space by means of large acreage sites with low intensity uses which are compatible with the scenic values and natural setting of the County; and to preserve agriculture as an open space use.
(B) Commercial Recreation. To provide for commercial recreation facilities and uses which aid in the conservation of open space in the County; to recognize and encourage these uses as a major component in the County's economy; to provide standards for their development and operation so as to ensure the preservation of open space, an appropriate intensity of uses, adequate public access and services, and proper management and protection of the environment and the natural resources of the County.
(C) State and Federal Parks, Preserves, and Biotic Research Stations. To provide for the State and Federal park lands, preserves and biotic research facilities in the County; to provide density and development standards for such uses consistent with the availability of adequate access and services, land development capacities, agricultural protection, and the preservation of open space.
(D) Local Parks. To recognize existing park sites and to designate and protect those locations designated by the adopted County General Plan for local park use, and to provide development and operation standards for such uses.
(E) Open Space. To designate and to preserve, through careful and limited development and use, those lands designated on the General Plan which are not appropriate for development due to the presence of one or more of the following resources or constraints:
(1) Coastal bluffs and beaches;
(2) Coastal lagoons, wetlands and marshes;
(3) Riparian corridors and buffer areas;
(4) Flood ways and floodplains;
(5) Wooded ravines and gulches which separate and buffer areas of development;
(6) Slopes over 30 percent inside the urban services line; over 50 percent outside the urban services line;
(7) Sensitive wildlife habitat areas and biotic resource areas.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983)
13.10.352. Uses in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.¶
(A) Allowed Uses. The uses allowed in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space District shall be as provided in the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Uses Chart below. Certain disallowed uses that were legally established and are preexisting on a parcel may be considered legal nonconforming uses. See SCCC § 13.10.260 and § 13.10.261 for regulations regarding legal nonconforming uses. For amendments to a use with a valid discretionary permit, see SCCC § 18.10.134.
(B) Use Permits. A discretionary permit for an allowed use is known as a "use permit." Certain allowed uses are permitted by right and other allowed uses require a use permit as indicated in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Uses Chart. The processing procedures for use permits are detailed in Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Discretionary Permit Approval Procedures.
(C) Other Discretionary Permits. Physical site development may require a site development permit pursuant to SCCC § 13.11.035, a Coastal Development Permit pursuant to SCCC § 13.20.050, or other discretionary review.
(D) Parks, Recreation and Open Space Uses Chart. Allowed uses and permit requirements in the PR zone district are identified in the following chart. Uses that are not specifically identified in the chart but are determined by the Planning Director to be of the same general character as an identified use, may be permitted subject to the same permit requirements as the identified use.
KEY:
| P | Permitted by right: Use is allowed without a use permit. |
|---|---|
| ZC | Zoning Clearance: Ministerial review for conformance with Zoning Ordinance, no use permit required. |
| MUP | Minor Use Permit: Discretionary permit, no public notice. |
| AUP | Administrative Use Permit: Discretionary permit with public notice. |
| CUP | Conditional Use Permit: Discretionary permit with public notice and a public hearing. Hearing is before the Zoning Administrator except where the Planning Commission (PC) is specified. |
| A | Use must be ancillary or complementary to another allowed use. A primary allowed use must first be in place or must be proposed concurrently on a site to allow an ancillary or complementary use. |
Table 13.10.352-1: Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR Uses Chart
| Use | Permit Required 1 | References and Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Parks, Recreation and Open Space | Parks, Recreation and Open Space | Parks, Recreation and Open Space |
| Open Space Uses, Not Involving Permanent Structures, such as: | P | |
| Beach uses | P | |
| Ecological preserves; wildlife and biotic habitat reserves | P | |
| Hiking and horseback riding trails | P | |
| Open space | P | |
| Parks, state, local and private picnicking facilities | P | |
| Playgrounds, nonpaved | P | |
| Sports fields, nonpaved | P | |
| Watershed management | P | |
| Recreational support facilities, such as: | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Group meeting facilities, including educational and religious facilities | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Maintenance facilities | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Management offices | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Recreational facilities, including swimming pools and appurtenant facilities, picnic shelters, indoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, spas, dressing rooms, club houses, tennis courts, and other paved sports areas | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Recreational uses, public and private, such as: | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Country clubs | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Golf courses | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Golf driving ranges | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Low intensity commercial recreation facilities primarily involving open space uses, including historic theme parks | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Organized camps; group camps; and conference centers pursuant to SCCC § 13.10.692 | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Stables, boarding, and riding | CUP-PC | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Agriculture and Timber | Agriculture and Timber | Agriculture and Timber |
| All CA Zone District uses not otherwise provided in this chart, excluding the following uses which are not allowed in the PR District: agricultural processing, agricultural employee housing, or agricultural service establishment | Same approval as CA Zone District | 13.10.312 |
| Timber growing | P | |
| Timber harvesting | P | Outside the Coastal Zone only. |
| Commercial Sales and Services | Commercial Sales and Services | Commercial Sales and Services |
| Commercial retail and service uses, such as: | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Art galleries | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Boat sales, rentals, and services | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Day care centers | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Food stores; convenience stores | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Gift shops | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Laundries, self-service | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Marine services | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Recreational equipment sales, rentals, and services | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Restaurants; sandwich shops; snack bars; cafes | CUP A | Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Commercial structures over 10,000 square feet | CUP-PC | |
| Outdoor ATM | AUP A | |
| Community Facilities | Community Facilities | Community Facilities |
| Community centers 10,000 square feet or less | CUP | |
| Community centers over 10,000 square feet | CUP-PC | |
| Museums | CUP-PC | |
| Restrooms, public | AUP | |
| Infrastructure and Utilities | Infrastructure and Utilities | Infrastructure and Utilities |
| Energy cogeneration | MUP | 13.10.700-C |
| Utilities, such as: | CUP | 13.10.700-M |
| Drainage and flood-control facilities | CUP | 13.10.700-M |
| Microgrids | CUP | 13.10.700-M |
| Radio, television and communications antennas, transmission towers, and related equipment | CUP | 13.10.700-M |
| Wireless communication facilities | P/CUP | Subject to 13.10.660 through 13.10.664, inclusive |
| Research | Research | Research |
| Research facilities for biotic and wildlife observation, research, and education | AUP/CUP | AUP for structure up to 5,000 sf.; CUP for structure >5,000 sf. Pursuant to approved master site plan (13.10.355). |
| Residential Units | Residential Units | Residential Units |
| One single-family dwelling | AUP | Chapter 15.01 |
| One single-family dwelling on property designated urban open space | CUP | 13.10.672; Chapter 15.01 |
| Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) | P | 13.10.681 13.20.107 13.10.418 13.10.354 |
| Junior ADU | P | 13.10.681 |
| Accessory structures (habitable and non-habitable) incidental to a residential use | MUP A | 13.10.611 |
| Dwelling units, associated with an open space or private recreational facility for the owner or lessee of the land or for staff, a caretaker, watchman, or manager of the property | AUP A | 13.10.353(B) |
| Expansion of dwelling units in organized camps and recreational support facilities up to a cumulative total of an additional 500 square feet per unit | MUP | 13.10.692 |
| Residential Units—Commercial Uses (Ancillary to Residential Use) | ||
| Family (child) day care homes | P A | Serving up to 14 children (see § 13.10.700-D ). § 13.10.613 |
| Home occupations | P A /CUP A | See § 13.10.613 to determine when a CUP is required. |
| Hosted rentals | MUP A | Hosted rental permit required per § 13.10.694 . |
| New hosted rental in dwellings with JADUs | AUP A | Hosted rental permit required per § 13.10.694 . |
| Non-hosted rentals | AUP A /CUP A | AUP for new rentals with 3 or fewer bedrooms. CUP for new rentals with 4 bedrooms or more. AUP for all non-hosted permit renewals. Non-hosted permit required per § 13.10.694 . |
| Visitor Accommodation | Visitor Accommodation | Visitor Accommodation |
| Type A, such as: hotels, inns, motels, "bed and breakfast inns" | CUP | 13.10.689 (density requirements) 13.10.691 |
| Type B, such as: group quarters, tent camping, recreational vehicle camping | CUP | 13.10.689 (density requirements) 13.10.692 |
| 1 Table indicates use permits only. Other discretionary permits may be required. For uses on land acquired by the State Department of Parks and Recreation for state park system purposes, see Public Resources Code Section 5003.17(a) . |
|---|
(E) Use Conditions.
(1) Amplified Entertainment. A CUP is required for outdoor amplified entertainment.
(2) Hours of Operation. No business or service establishment shall be open between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except pursuant to a CUP. Within 150 feet of any residentially zoned property, no non-emergency outdoor activity, including loading, sweeping, landscaping, or maintenance shall occur between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. except pursuant to a CUP, and no business or service shall be open between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. or between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m., except pursuant to an MUP.
(a) Twenty-four-hour outdoor ATMs attached to banks, credit unions or grocery stores shall not be subject to a CUP if the following criteria are met:
(i) Safety lighting is screened so as not to cast direct light on any dwelling unit; and
(ii) Physical maintenance of the ATM is limited to the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
(3) Outdoor Dining/Seating. Permanent (long-term) outdoor seating is allowed subject to an MUP to add 12 or fewer seats or an AUP to add more than 12 seats. Outdoor seating includes outdoor dining as well as other uses such as seating in common plaza areas, or outdoor exercise equipment for a fitness facility. Conditions of approval for outdoor seating must ensure public health and safety, including but not limited to: standards from the Americans with Disabilities Act; adequate alternate parking arrangements if parking spaces will be lost to outdoor seating; and permit requirements from other agencies as needed, such as: the County Department of Public Works; County Health Services Agency; County Department of Parks, Open Space and Cultural Services; Sheriff's Office; County Fire Districts; California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control; or California Department of Motor Vehicles. Temporary outdoor seating may be approved with a temporary use permit, subject to SCCC § 13.10.616.
(4) Outdoor Storage. Outdoor storage of stock-in-trade is allowed subject to an AUP; provided, that the storage area is adequately screened from view from adjacent parcels.
(5) Signage. Signage may be allowed per SCCC § 13.10.582, subject to an MSP per SCCC § 13.11.037.
(6) Temporary/seasonal use, including temporary outdoor seating, may be allowed pursuant to a temporary use permit (TUP), subject to SCCC § 13.10.616.
(7) Additional conditions for specific uses are found in other sections of the County Code as referenced in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Uses Chart.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3593 § 10, 1984; Ord. 3968 § 1, 1988; Ord. 4036 § 5, 1989; Ord. 4099 § 4, 1990; Ord. 4346 § 23, 1994; Ord. 4496-C §§ 27, 28, 1998; Ord. 4577 § 7, 1999; Ord. 4715 § 7, 2003; Ord. 4744 § 7, 2003; Ord. 4770 § 7, 2004; Ord. 4808 § 19, 2005; Ord. 4814 § 3, 2006; Ord. 4873 § 4, 2007; Ord. 4921 § 11, 2008; Ord. 5092 § 3, 2011; Ord. 5229 § 3, 2016; Ord. 5266 § 4, 2018; Ord. 5325 § 12, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 12, 2020; Ord. 5345 § 3, 2020; Ord. 5365 § 3, 2021; Ord. 5372 § 6, 2021; Ord. 5382 § 3, 2021; Ord. 5402 § 5, 2022; Ord. 5423 § 14, 2022; Ord. 5439 § 5, 2023; Ord. 5497, 8/19/2025; Ord. 5515, 6/30/2026)
13.10.353. Development standards in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.¶
(A) Site Development Permit. A discretionary permit for physical site development such as an addition, exterior remodel, or new construction associated with an allowed use is known as a "site development permit." SCCC § 13.11.035 identifies the types of site development projects which require a site development permit. The processing procedures and findings for site development permits are detailed in Chapter 18.10 SCCC, Discretionary Permit Approval Procedures.
(1) Design review is required for some site development permits pursuant to SCCC § 13.11.040 through § 13.11.080.
(2) Modification of a site or structure with a valid site development permit may be processed as an amendment to the existing site development permit in accordance with SCCC § 18.10.134. For modifications to a legal nonconforming structure, or modifications to a structure accommodating a legal nonconforming use, see SCCC § 13.10.260, et seq.
(B) Site and Structural Dimensions Chart. The following development standards shall apply within the PR District.
Table 13.10.353-1: PR Site and Structural Dimensions Chart 1,2
| Minimum Site Area (net developable acres) | Minimum Site Width (feet) | Minimum Site Frontage (feet) | Minimum Building Setback Distance From Property Line 3 (feet) | Maximum Building Height (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 100 | 60 | 30 (Front, Side, Rear Yards) | 28 |
| 1. For single-family dwellings and accessory structures, the district development standards shall be the same as those contained in SCCC § 13.10.323 pertaining to residential districts and shall further be based on the size of the parcel for purposes of applying SCCC § 13.10.323(B) . Accessory dwelling units shall be subject to the site and structural dimensions in SCCC § 13.10.681 . |
|---|
| 2. Certain land uses may have special development standards per SCCC § 13.10.355 . |
| 3. Sidewalks and other amenities for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders are required based on street typology and roadway classification. See SCCC § 15.10.050 and County Design Criteria. |
(C) Retention of Open Space.
(1) The purpose of the PR District to preserve open space in the County shall be strictly adhered to.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (A) of this section, Footnote (1), development in the PR District shall be allowed as follows:
(a) Ten percent of the net developable acreage of the property may be disturbed by improvements of a structural nature, including all habitable buildings and accessory structures.
(b) Twenty percent of the gross acreage of the property may be disturbed by improvements of a nonstructural nature involving impervious surfaces, including roads, paved play areas, tennis courts, patios, and swimming pools.
(c) Eighty percent of the gross acreage of the property shall be retained in open space, which may include nonpaved RV sites, paddocks, nonpaved play fields, picnic areas, and hiking and horseback riding trails.
(D) Minimum Site Area for Commercial Recreation. The minimum area for the development of new commercial recreation uses shall not be less than 20 acres. For the purposes of this section commercial recreation includes such uses as: organized and group camps, conference centers, amusement parks such as Roaring Camp, golf courses, commercial stables, commercial beaches, and visitor accommodations such as RV parks.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3968 § 2, 1988; Ord. 4406 § 7, 1996; Ord. 4416 § 7, 1996; Ord. 4496-C § 29, 1998; Ord. 4836 § 90, 2006; Ord. 5119 § 25, 2012; Ord. 5325 § 13, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 13, 2020; Ord. 5423 § 14, 2022)
13.10.354.¶
Special standards and conditions for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.
(A) Master Site Plan Requirements.
(1) Master Site Plans. Prior to or concurrently with the approval of any new or expanded use for which a conditional use permit approval is required in the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District, a development permit for a master site plan shall be approved by the Zoning Administrator or Planning Commission. Master site plans for public agency facilities shall be subject to approval by the Planning Commission. Such approval shall be accompanied by a finding of General Plan consistency pursuant to Section 65402 of the California Government Code.
(2) Master Site Plan Elements. The master site plan shall include:
(a) A description of all proposed uses;
(b) Proposed immediate and future phases of construction;
(c) Anticipated future boundary expansions, if any;
(d) Provisions for adequate access and public services; and
(e) A management plan for the conservation and use of the open space resource.
(3) Environmental Review. The adoption or amendment of a master site plan is a "project" within the meaning of CEQA and is subject to environmental review.
(4) Development Permit Approval. Site and facility development permits, when applied for pursuant to an approved master site plan, may be processed as an administrative site development permit approval or according to an over-the-counter staff review specified by the conditions of the master site plan planned development permit approval.
(B) Agricultural Land Conservation. The following conditions shall apply to all development plans and projects within the PR District in the Coastal Zone:
(1) The maximum amount of prime agricultural land shall be retained in agricultural production;
(2) A site-specific justification with regard to maximum public benefit shall be required for removing agricultural lands from production or for not offering lands capable of farm production for lease; and
(3) The regulations and requirements of Chapter 16.50 SCCC, Agricultural Land Preservation and Protection, and the General Plan and Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan policies pertaining to agricultural resource lands, shall apply to all agricultural resource lands within the PR District.
(C) Visitor Accommodations Permit Review.
(1) Permits for Type A facilities and tent and RV camping sites shall be reviewed and conditioned as provided in SCCC § 13.10.689.
(2) Permit conditions for hostels and group quarters shall be as follows:
(a) The permit shall run with the property owner and shall not be transferred without a permit amendment;
(b) A management plan shall be submitted to the Planning Director for review and approval prior to the issuance of a building permit or occupancy of an existing structure for this use;
(c) An annual report shall be prepared and submitted by the owner or their agent to the Planning Director to substantiate the occupancy and other conditions of this permit; and
(d) The site is subject to an annual inspection for which a fee, set by the Board of Supervisors, may be charged.
(Formerly 13.10.355; Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5171 § 4, 2014; Ord. 5423 § 14, 2022)
13.10.355.¶
Public facilities requirements for Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.
(A) All regulations of the local fire department or County Fire Marshal shall be met to ensure adequate road access and water availability for fire protection.
(B) All requirements of the local sanitation district and water district shall be met, or requirements for on-site sanitation and water systems if applicable to the site location.
(C) All improvement requirements and impact fees for community facilities shall be met where required by district or section regulations (SCCC Title 15).
(Ord. 5423 § 14, 2022)
13.10.356.¶
Other standards and conditions for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space PR District.
Other use and development standards applicable to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space District include but are not limited to the following provisions of the SCCC:
Table 13.10.356-1: Other Use and Development Standards Applicable to the PR District
| Topic | SCCC Section |
|---|---|
| Nonconforming uses and structures | 13.10.260, et seq. |
| General site standards | 13.10.500—13.10.600 |
| Use of non-developable land | 13.10.671 |
| Use of urban open space land | 13.10.672 |
| Commercial visitor accommodation | 13.10.689 |
| Organized camps and conference centers | 13.10.692 |
| Design review and site development | 13.11 |
| Parking and circulation | 13.16 |
| Coastal Zone regulations | 13.20 |
| Roadway and roadside improvements | 15.10 |
| Environmental and resource protection restrictions | Title 16 |
(Ord. 5423 § 14, 2022)
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