Article 8 — Open Space and Street Standards

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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8-2 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

Sections:

• 8.10.010 Purpose of Open Space Standards

• 8.10.020 Open Space Standards

• 8.10.030 Small Town-Scale Open Spaces and Intended Physical Character

• 8.10.040 Required Criteria

• 8.10.050 Requirements by Zone

• 8.10.060 Nature Standards

• 8.10.070 Agriculture Standards

• 8.10.080 Greenway Standards

• 8.10.090 Green Standards

• 8.10.100 Plaza Standards

• 8.10.110 Square Standards

• 8.10.120 Passage Standards

• 8.10.130 Playground Type Standards

• 8.10.140 Sportsfield Standards

• 8.10.150 Roof Garden Type Standards

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted | 8-3

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8-4 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

This chapter of the Tehachapi Code is intended to provide standards that generate new open space or the revitalization and/or modification of open space to successfully implement the Tehachapi General Plan.

Any parcel subject to the Tehachapi Code shall be developed in compliance with the open space standards identified in Table 8.10, as applicable. Applications, or portions thereof, that do not comply with the applicable requirements shall be considered inconsistent with the intent and purpose of the Tehachapi Code.

Property subject to the Tehachapi Code is intended to generate and support the small town-scale and physical character intended by the Tehachapi General Plan as described below.

Design Objectives. Open spaces and their improvements shall be designed and maintained to generate small town-scale open spaces as follows:

Natural. These are open spaces that are intended as part of Tehachapi's system of nature and agriculture to sup-

port the zone. See Tables 8.10.060 and 8.10.070;

Civic. These are open spaces that are intended to serve as civic, gathering space within neighborhoods, districts or corridors to support the zone. See Tables 8.10.080 through 8.10.150.

Support the intended physical character of the zone;

Express small town physical character through the design of appropriate civic spaces and their plantings and architectural details.

In order to be approved, each application shall be consistent with the following, as applicable.

“The proposed application...”

1. Supports or maintains the intended character as identified by the zone;

2. Supports or maintains the pedestrian-oriented streetscape as identified by the zone;

3. Supports or maintains compatible adjacencies with neighboring buildings and neighborhoods;

4. Provides for vehicular and service access without adversely affecting the pedestrian-orientation of the open space;

5. Is in compliance with the requirements of the applicable zone(s).

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

In support of the intent and intended physical environment for each zone, Table 8.20 identifies the allowed open space types in each zone.

1. Requirement for Open Space. When required by Section A.2d of the zone standards, open space shall be provided per the requirements of Table 8.10.

2. Types. The allowed types in each zone are for the general purpose of supporting or generating open space for the range of intended physical environments. All open space shall be provided as one or more of the allowed types in the zone.

3. Multiple Types. As allowed by Section 8.10, a site or building may utilize multiple open space types subject to City review and approval.

TABLE 8.10 ALLOWED OPEN SPACE TYPES

SEE 8.10.090 Type allowed in zone, see reference for requirements blank Type not allowed in zone

8-6 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

KEY TO NOTES FOR TABLE 8.10

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted | 8-7

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

A. Description and Intent

1. Description. Areas that are to remain undeveloped and that generate their physical character through their natural topography, trees and plants. This type of open space generally surrounds and helps visually define Tehachapi and sometimes occurs within the town itself. This type is preserved from any development except for occasional utility-oriented buildings as allowed by the zone.

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Nature type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of natural open space with a water storage tank.

B. Design Standards

Natural open space is subject to the following as applicable.

ALL ALLOWED ZONES

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Above: Example of natural open space including foothill areas.

8-8 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

AGRICULTURE STANDARDS TABLE 8.10.070 gallery standards 8.20.070

A. Description and Intent

B. Design Standards

1. Description. 1. Description. Areas in some form of cultivation Areas that are not developed in any way and generate their physical character such as row crops, orchards, and greenhouses. primarily through their natural topography, trees These areas generally surround Tehachapi and a re referred to as 'out of town' areas. Areas within nd plants. This type of open space generally surrounds and helps define Tehtown are referred to as 'in-town' griculture. a chapi and sometimes occurs within In-town agriculture consis t s of areas producing he town itself. This type is preserved from any development except agricultural produce within or adjacent to for occasional utilneighborhoods, d stricts and corridors. In- i ty-oriented buildings as allowed by the zone.town agricultural areas are smaller than regular agricultural areas and do not contain the typical agricultural equipment and operations of the regular agricultural areas. Regular agricultural areas may include some limited, rural development as allowed by the zone.

n or adjacent to for occasional utilneighborhoods, d stricts and corridors. In- i ty-oriented buildings as allowed by the zone.town agricultural areas are smaller than regular agricultural areas and do not contain the typical agricultural equipment and operations of the regular agricultural areas. Regular agricultural areas may include some limited, rural development as allowed by the zone.

2. Exampl es of Intended Physical Character. The es of Intended Physical Character. The followin g examples are il ustrative of the range of g examples are i l lustrative of the range physical character for the Agriculture type in thof physical character for the Nature open spac e allowed zones.type in the zones allowed by this code.

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Above: Typical 'Out of Town' agricultural area with row crops and supporting agricultural operations buildings, including a house.

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Agriculture spaces are subject to the following as applicable.
T2, T2.5 T3 T4 T4.5, T5, SD2.1
Size and Location
Width 'Out of
min 400
Town'
Width 'In-
min 100 no min no min
Town'
Acreage: 'Out
3 ac n/a n/a n/a
of Town'
Acreage: 'In-
n/a 10,000 sq ft to 3 ac
Town'
Physical Character
Cultivated
allowed allowed allowed allowed
row crops
Greenhouses: 25% of 50% of
1 ac 60% of site
(max) site site
Irregular or
Shape Regular Regular
Regular
----- End of picture text -----

Ground Surface: Primarily food production plants and trees with supporting non-food producing landscape; farm operations area as allowed by zone

Trees and plants: Occasional

Buildings: Few, utility- or agriculturally-oriented as allowed by the zone

Lighting: for agricultural buildings and house per General Standards Section 4.40.090 (Lighting).

Parking: only required for house per applicable zone

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Agriculture and supporting operations

Fruit/Produce stand as allowed by zone

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, dry wells, french drains, swales

Above: Typical 'In-Town' agricultural area within a neighborhood.

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

A. Description and Intent

B. Design Standards

1. Description. Large community gathering places that provide natural, open space for passive recreation, with areas available for playgrounds and bicycle/pedestrian paths. Parks and greenways have their own character as they can span the entire length of a neighborhood or of multiple neighborhoods. Greenways may contain an amphitheater.

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Greenways are subject to the following as applicable.
T2, T2.5 T3, T4 T4.5, SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 100 75 50
Width (min) avg 75 avg 50 avg 25
Acreage (min) 0.30 0.30 0.25
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Physical Character

Overall: Natural or formal

Shape: Regular or irregular

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Greenway type in the allowed zones.

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2. Examples of Intended Physical Character
The following examples are illustrative of the
insert example
range of physical character for the greenway
photo in this
type in the allowed zones.
box
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Above: Example of a greenway that spans several neighborhoods and includes a playground.

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Ground Surface: Primarily natural landscape, meadows, woodlands

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Few, limited to open shelters

Lighting: Decorative poles with lighting along pathways

Parking: none required; where provided shall not exceed 25 spaces and shall be at least 150 feet from nearest parking area

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Passive/Active

Playground(s) located to complement natural park setting

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, dry wells, french drains, swales

Above: Example of a path within a greenway.

8-10 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

GREEN STANDARDS TABLE 8.10.090 gallery standards 8.20.070

A. Description and Intent

1. Description. Informal community gathering places that provide open space for unstructured recreation at the neighborhood scale. Greens are located within a neighborhood or may define the edges between neighborhoods. Greens may contain an amphitheater.

B. Design Standards

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Greens are subject to the following as applicable.
T2.5 T3, T4 T4.5, SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 150 100 75
Width (min) avg 100 avg 75 avg 50
Acreage (min) 0.75 0.50 0.25
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Physical Character

Overall: Natural or formal

Shape: Regular or irregular

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Green type in the zones allowed by this code.

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Above: Example of a formally arranged green that terminates the view at the end of a street.

Ground Surface: Primarily natural landscape, nonformal groupings of plants and trees

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Few, limited to open shelters

Lighting: Decorative poles with lighting along pathways

Parking: none allowed off street; on-street parking allowed

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Passive/Active

Playground(s) located to complement natural park setting

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, dry wells, french drains, swales

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Above: Example of the open character and views to and from adjacent buildings and sidewalks.

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

A. Description and Intent

1. Description. Open spaces available for civic purposes and commercial activities intended to add to the vibrance of streets within downtown or neighborhood center areas. Building frontages define the edges of these spaces. The landscape consists of primarily hardscape. If trees are included, they are formally arranged and of appropriate scale to the space. Plazas may contain an amphitheater.

B. Design Standards

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Plazas are subject to the following as applicable.
T4.5 T5 SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 50 75 75
Width (min) avg 50 avg 75 avg 75
Area (min) 2,000 sq ft 2,000 sq ft 2,000 sq ft
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Physical Character

Overall: Natural or formal

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Plaza type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of a plaza serving downtown with central hardscape and areas of landscape for passive use and for civic activities.

Shape: Regular

Ground Surface: Primarily hardscape with landscape through informal or formal planting and trees with an emphasis on providing gathering space

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Few, limited to open shelters

Lighting: Decorative poles along sidewalk, within the plaza; Lighting mounted on adjacent buildings

Parking: none allowed off-street; on-street allowed

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards) Passive/Active Civic activities Stormwater Management Techniques Natural percolation, french drains, swales

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Above: Example of a smaller plaza with a balance of hardscape of landscape that incorporates the public sidewalk into the plaza's edge along the street.

8-12 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

SQUARE STANDARDS TABLE 8.10.110 gallery standards 8.20.070

A. Description and Intent

1. Description. A formal gathering place within or at the edges of neighborhoods, smaller than a Green that provides open space for unstructured recreational or civic activities. The square is the neighborhood version of the Plaza as it provides a gathering place for a community focus at the neighborhood scale. Squares are typical with a neighborhood center either within or at the neighborhood's edges. Squares may contain an amphitheater.

B. Design Standards

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Squares are subject to the following as applicable.
T4 T4.5 SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 100 75 100
Width (min) avg 75 avg 50 avg 75
3,500 3,000 3,500
Area (min)
sq ft sq ft sq ft
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Physical Character

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Square type in the zones allowed by this code.

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Above: Example of a square with a large landscape area flexible for a variety of events and a substantial perimeter of hardscape for vehicular access.

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Overall: Formal

Shape: Regular

Ground Surface: Primarily turf with formal planting and trees; combination pathway / service drive along edges of square allowed

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Few, limited to open shelters

Lighting: Decorative poles along sidewalk, within the plaza; Lighting mounted on adjacent buildings

Parking: none allowed off-street; on-street allowed

Range of Allowed/Typical Uses (per zone)

Passive/Active

• Civic activities

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, french drains, swales

Above: Example of a larger square with a large landscape area accented by formal plantings and an open shelter along the perimeter.

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

A. Description and Intent

1. Description. An informal or formal community gathering place that serves equally as a pedestrian connector between other gathering places or between streetscapes. Passages are near the middle of a block, providing easy walking access through the block. A passage provides additional frontage opportunities for the shops and/or houses along its edges.

B. Design Standards

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Passages are subject to the following as applicable.
T4 T4.5 T5 SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 20 15 15 20
Width (min) avg 20 avg 15 avg 15 avg 20
Length (max) 150 ft to alley or other public area
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Physical Character

Overall: Informal or Formal

Shape: Regular

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Passage type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of a passage between several buildings with each building providing interest by having windows and / or doors accessible from the passage.

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Ground Surface: Primarily hardscape with landscape through informal or formal planting and trees with an emphasis on providing visible space for pedestrian access to nearby destinations.

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Along the edges of the Passage as allowed by the zone

Lighting: Decorative street lights along middle of Passage or mounted on sides of adjacent buildings.

Parking: none allowed

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Temporary vendors as allowed Pedestrian and bicycle access

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, french drains, swales

Above: Example of a passage between a main street and the rear parking areas. The adjacent buildings feature murals and operable windows and doors.

8-14 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

PLAYGROUND TYPE STANDARDS TABLE 8.10.130 gallery standards 8.20.070

A. Description and Intent

B. Design Standards

1. Description. An informal community gathering place primarily designed and equipped for the recreation of children. A playground is typically interspersed within neighborhoods to provide easy walking access. A playground may be located on a vacant lot between houses or at a street corner and may also be included within a Greenway, Green, Square, or Sportsfield. Playgrounds are sometimes fenced for safety with fencing that is visually compatible with the adjacent streetscape and park setting.

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Playground type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of a playground within a Sportsfield type featuring activity areas for small children.

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Playgrounds are subject to the following as applicable.
T4 T4.5 T5 SD2.1
Size and Location
Width along street (min) 50 35 35 50
Depth (min) 50 35 35 50
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Physical Character

Overall: Informal

Shape: Regular or irregular

Ground Surface: Combination of hardscape and landscape, planting and trees with an emphasis on providing area for activity areas and equipment for children and limited areas for organized sports activities.

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: an open shelter and playground equipment

Lighting: Decorative street lights along paths and adjacent sidewalk.

Parking: none allowed off-street; on-street allowed

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Passive and Active open space

• Pedestrian and bicycle access

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, french drains, swales

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Above: Example of a playground on a small site.

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

A. Description and Intent

B. Design Standards

1. Description. A space or series of open spaces designed for sports activities. Sportsfields often accommodate several individual sports games at the same time and may feature a concession area and seating for spectators. Because of the larger amounts of people attracted to this type, Sportsfields are located to maintain compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods.

Physical Character

Overall: Informal or Formal

Shape: Regular

Ground Surface: Primarily turf with planting and trees at edges of spectator or parking areas with an emphasis on providing unobstructed sports areas.

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Sportsfield type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of a Sportsfield with baseball diamond and areas for spectators.

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Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: Concession stand(s), seating for spectators, and utilities

Lighting: Decorative street lights along paths, in areas for concession stand(s), and in parking areas

Parking: 50 spaces per sportsfield; max 100 spaces per parking area; each parking area to be at least 50 feet from nearest parking area; on-street allowed

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Temporary vendors as allowed

Sports activities, civic events

Playground(s) located to complement the areas adjacent to sportsfields.

Stormwater Management Techniques

Natural percolation, french drains, swales

Above: Example of a Sportsfield with multiple fields for several types of sports activities along with areas for spectators and concession stands.

8-16 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code

Chapter 8.10 Standards Specific to Open Spaces

ROOF GARDEN TYPE STANDARDS TABLE 8.10.150 gallery standards 8.20.070

A. Description and Intent

• B. Design Standards

1. Description. A gathering space on the roof of a building as allowed by the zone. Roof Gardens may be for private use as part of a civic building or activity, restaurant. On large civic buildings, Roof Gardens may have recreational space such as tennis or basketball enclosed by appropriate and decorative fencing.

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Roof Gardens are subject to the following as applicable.
T2
T3 T4 T4.5 T5 SD2.1
T2.5
Size and Location
no no no
Width (min) 20 30 30
min min min
no no no
Depth (min) min min min 20 30 30
Size (max) Area of roof
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Physical Character

2. Examples of Intended Physical Character. The following examples are illustrative of the range of physical character for the Roof Garden type in the allowed zones.

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Above: Example of Roof Garden on the front half of the roof of this house with direct access to the space from a room.

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Overall: Informal or Formal

Shape: Regular or irregular

Ground Surface: Combination of hardscape and landscape, planting and trees in containers

Trees and plants: Native

Buildings: open shelter or small enclosed pavilion as allowed by the zone

Lighting: Decorative pole(s) or lighting mounted to shelter or pavilion

Parking: none allowed; none required for restaurants, civic or other such activities

Range of Allowed Uses (per zone standards)

Passive open space

Recreational area or restaurant as allowed by the zone

Stormwater Management Techniques

Downspouts to rainwater collection; filter through turf on roof through to rainwater collection system

Above: Example of Roof Garden on a large building with a portion of the roof featuring a shade structure and outdoor seating areas.

Tehachapi Zoning Code | October 2014 Adopted |

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8-18 | Adopted October 2014 | Tehachapi Zoning Code