Part 21 — EM-SC—Special Condition District

The purpose of the Special Condition District is to establish provisions whereby the special or unique needs or characteristics of particular districts, or the uses proposed therein, may be met, and to assure a harmonious relationship between the existing and proposed uses in all areas, and to coordinate and promote the community improvement efforts of both private and public sources.

(Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980)

In considering any proposed amendment, the Commission may recommend and the Council may impose conditions to any zoning classification of property where it is found that such conditions must be imposed so as not to create problems inimical to the public health, safety, and general welfare of the City, or to assure that uses made of property so reclassified are consistent with, and not detrimental to, the uses of adjacent or nearby property, and to assure the adequacy of public facilities which may be required by reason of the development of any such use.

(Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980)

In any district to which special conditions have been applied (designated by the letter “X” on the Zoning Map), such conditions shall be fully set forth as a part of the ordinance adopting and establishing such district. When so designated, no development shall take place and no permits shall be issued for

(Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980, as amended by § 2(3) (Exh. A), Ord. 1481-25 (CM), eff. October 9, 2025)

798-14

(Watsonville Supp. No. xx, 10-25)

14-16.2305

land. Geologic reports shall be required prior to development as follows:

(a) Zayante Fault Zone. Permit applications for subdivisions, minor land divisions, critical structures, and structures for human occupancy other than building permit applications for a single-family wood frame dwelling not exceeding two (2) stories within the Zayante Fault Zone shall be accompanied by a geologic report.

(b) “A” Liquefaction Zone. Permit applications for subdivisions, minor land divisions, critical structures, and structures for human occupancy other than building permit applications for a single-family wood frame dwelling not exceeding two (2) stories within the “A” Liquefaction Zone shall be accompanied by a geologic report.

(c) “B” Liquefaction Zone. Permit applications for critical structures within the “B” Liquefaction Zone shall be accompanied by a geologic report.

The Planning Director may waive a requirement for a geologic report if sufficient geologic information is on file.

Geologic reports shall be reviewed for adequacy, if necessary, by a geologist retained by the City. Based on the geologic report, the decision-making body shall determine the specific geologic hazard at the site and shall evaluate the suitability of the proposed use in relation to the hazard. In granting any permit, the decision-making body shall attach such conditions as may be deemed necessary to fulfill the purposes of the district. Such conditions may include, but shall not be limited to, alternative locations of structures, special foundation design, and special structural design or equipment which will facilitate restoration of utility service in the event of displacement. A permit shall be denied if the decision-making body finds that the site is unsuitable for the proposed use because of geologic hazards which cannot be mitigated.

(Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980)

No structure for human occupancy subject to the geologic report requirement shall be permitted within fifty (50') feet of the tract of an active or

potentially active fault. Critical structures, other than major utility transmission lines, shall be permitted within 100 feet of the tract of an active or potentially active fault. These setback requirements may be waived only if the geologic report has satisfactorily demonstrated that the fault is inactive. (Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980)

Alterations or additions to any structure permitted in the Seismic Safety District, the value of which does not exceed fifty (50%) percent of the value of the structure, shall be exempt from the regulations of the Seismic Safety District. Structural alterations or additions to any structure requiring a Use Permit under this district shall be subject to the regulations of this district.

(Ord. 506-80 C-M, eff. September 11, 1980)