Earlier editions: 2026-07
Title 11 — Zoning›Part II — Base District Regulations
Seal Beach Municipal Code Ch. 11.2.25 Open Space, Parks, and Recreation Districts
Seal Beach Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Seal Beach
Cite as: Seal Beach Municipal Code Chapter 11.2.25 · Text as of 2026-10-04
11.2.25.005. Applicability.¶
The provisions of this chapter are applicable to the following zoning code district designations:
OS-N: Open Space—Natural. To preserve publicly owned parklands, environmentally sensitive lands and habitats in their natural state. Uses permitted shall be limited to those that maintain the property in its natural state.
OS-PR: Open Space—Parks and Recreation. To provide appropriately located areas for recreation and recreational uses. Uses permitted shall be limited to those that are devoted to public recreation including parks, playgrounds, swimming centers, tennis and basketball courts, golf courses, community centers within the facilities, and accessory concession sales.
(Ord. 1598)
11.2.25.010. Limits on Calculation of Parks.¶
No privately owned parks located in the OS-PR District shall be counted towards parklands or other publicly accessible open space areas required by the general plan.
(Ord. 1598)
11.2.25.015. Land Use Regulations.¶
Table 11.2.25.015 prescribes the land use regulations for open space and parks districts. The regulations for each district are established by letter designations as follows:
"P" Uses permitted as-of-right that require no discretionary review if in compliance with all standards.
"L" Uses permitted as-of-right subject to limitations restricting location, size, or other characteristics to ensure compatibility with surrounding uses. Limitations are referenced by number designations listed at the end of Table 11.2.25.015: Use Regulations—Open Space and Parks Districts.
"M" Uses subject to a minor use permit following discretionary review by the planning commission pursuant to Chapter 11.5.20: Development Permits.
"C" Uses subject to a conditional use permit following discretionary review and public hearing by the planning commission pursuant to Chapter 11.5.20: Development Permits.
"—" Uses that are not permitted.
The "Additional Regulations" column includes specific regulations applicable to the use classification and specifies regulations located elsewhere in this zoning code. Use classifications are defined in Chapter 11.4.85: Use Classifications. Use classifications not listed in Table 11.2.25.015: Use Regulations—Open Space and Parks Districts are prohibited.
Table 11.2.25.015 USE REGULATIONS—OPEN SPACE AND PARKS DISTRICTS
| OS - N | OS - PR | Additional Regulations | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public, Semi-Public, and Service Use Types | |||
| Cemeteries | — | C | |
| Clubs and Lodges | — | — | |
| Community Center | — | L-1 | |
| Cultural Institutions | — | C | See Section 11.4.05.080 |
| Day Care Centers | — | C | See Section 11.4.05.045 |
| Park and Recreation Facilities | L-2 | P | |
| Parking Facilities, Public | L-1 | L-1 | See Chapter 11.4.20 : Off-street Parking and Loading |
| Public Safety Facilities | M | M | For the accommodation of operations which are essential to the maintenance of public safety, including fire stations. |
| Commercial Use Types | Commercial Use Types | Commercial Use Types | Commercial Use Types |
| Commercial Recreation | |||
| Large-Scale (Greater Than 20,000 Sq. Ft.) | — | C | |
| Small-Scale (Less Than 20,000 Sq. Ft.) | — | M | |
| Eating and Drinking Establishments | |||
| Restaurants, Full Service Restaurants, Limited Service Restaurants, Take Out Only | — | M | Limited only to concessions for snacks and beverages as an accessory use in connection with any other authorized use. See also Section 11.4.05.090 : Outdoor Dining, Display and Sales Standards |
| Food and Beverage Sales | |||
| Convenience Market General Market | — | M | Limited only to concessions for snacks and beverages as an accessory use in connection with any other authorized use. |
| Transportation, Communication, and Utility Use Types | |||
| Communication Facilities | — | C | See Chapter 11.4.70 : Wireless Telecommunications Facilities |
| Utilities, Major | C | C | |
| Utilities, Minor | M | M | |
| Agricultural Use Types | Agricultural Use Types | Agricultural Use Types | Agricultural Use Types |
| Crop Raising | M | M | |
| Nurseries | L-1 | L-1 | |
| Other Use Types | Other Use Types | Other Use Types | Other Use Types |
| Accessory Use | See Section 11.4.05.010 : Accessory Business Uses and Activities | See Section 11.4.05.010 : Accessory Business Uses and Activities | See Section 11.4.05.010 : Accessory Business Uses and Activities |
| Temporary Use | See Chapter 11.5.25 : Director Determinations | See Chapter 11.5.25 : Director Determinations | See Chapter 11.5.25 : Director Determinations |
| L-1: Limited to facilities related to and in conjunction with park and public recreational facilities. Otherwise, requires a conditional use permit. |
|---|
| L-2: Limited to trails, wildlife preserves, and open space uses that maintain the property in its natural state. No building, structure, or improvements shall be constructed in these areas, except for those required for public access, public restrooms, interpretative and educational facilities, public signage, trash containers, parking facilities, and facilities needed for protecting environmental resources and general upkeep and maintenance of the property. |
(Ord. 1598)
11.2.25.020. Development Standards.¶
A. Applicable Base District.
Generally. The regulations of the surrounding base district shall serve as a guide for establishing appropriate development regulations.
Use Different From Base District Uses. In cases where structures or components of the proposed use are not addressed by the regulations of the base district, the director may require compliance with development standards from other base districts.
Multiple Base Districts. In cases where there is more than one base district surrounding or abutting the property, the director shall determine which base district regulations shall apply.
Director Determination. Applicants should request a director determination of the applicable base district pursuant to Section 11.5.25.010: Zoning Conformance Review Procedures prior to preparing an application for development. Applicants may also request an optional pre-application review as described in Chapter 11.5.10: General Procedures.
B. Use Permit. If a use permit is required, the minor use permit or conditional use permit shall establish all final development standards.
C. Other Applicable Development Regulations. The following regulations shall also apply:
| □ | General Site Standards: See Chapter 11.4.10 . |
|---|---|
| □ | Fences, Hedges, and Walls: See Chapter 11.4.15 . |
| □ | Off-Street Parking and Loading: See Chapter 11.4.20 . |
| □ | Sign Regulations: See Chapter 11.4.25 . |
| □ | Landscaping and Buffer Yards: See Chapter 11.4.30 . |
| □ | Coastal Development Permit: See Chapter 11.4.35. |
| □ | Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots: See Chapter 11.4.40 . |
(Ord. 1598)
11.2.25.025. Review of Plans.¶
All development is subject to development review under the city's administrative provisions, found in Part V: Land Use and Zoning Decisions of this zoning code.
(Ord. 1598)
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