Chapter 11.65 — MASTER PLANS

This Chapter establishes a process for review and approval of Master Plans. Master planning helps ensure the orderly development of large areas of the County consistent with the General Plan, especially in growth areas where the appropriate mix of uses and site design can best be achieved through an integrated development plan. Master Planning allows development to be phased over time, consistent with an approved development framework.

(Ord. No. 1624)

The provisions of this Chapter apply to all proposals for the adoption or amendment of a Master Plan.

(Ord. No. 1624)

A Master Plan may be initiated by:

(1)

Application by any qualified applicant identified in Section 11.53.020, Application Forms and Fees; or

(2)

A motion of the Board of Supervisors or recommendation of the Planning Commission or CDSA Director.

(Ord. No. 1624)

(a)

Application. A qualified applicant shall submit an application for a Master Plan on a form prescribed by the Planning Department accompanied by the required fee in accordance with the procedures in Chapter 11.53, Common Procedures. The Planning Department may require an applicant to submit such additional information and supporting data as considered necessary to process the application.

(b)

Concurrent processing. An application for a Master Plan may be processed concurrently with other applications, at the discretion of the Planning Director. Entitlements approved in conjunction with a Master Plan that cannot be approved without the Master Plan shall not be effective until the Master Plan is effective.

(c)

Master Plan content.

(1)

Land uses. Land uses shall reflect the land use mix in the General Plan Land Use Diagram. Adjustments to the locations of land uses indicated on the General Plan Land Use Diagram may be approved, as long as the total allocation of each use within each plan area is generally consistent with the proportions indicated on the Land Use Diagram.

a.

Residential uses. The plan shall include proposed lot size ranges and residential dwelling types (single-family detached, small-lot single family, townhomes, multi-family) within the plan area.

b.

Public parks and open space. A Master Plan shall identify parks and open spaces. It shall contain an appropriate range of park facilities, such as local parks, regional parks, trails, and open space, to serve the plan area. Parks and open spaces shall be sized and located consistent with the Recreational Open Space Guidelines in the Natural Resources Element of the General Plan, and shall also be consistent with the Yuba County Parks Master Plan.

c.

Public uses. A Master Plan shall indicate the location of public uses needed to serve the plan area or surrounding area. Schools shall be located as shown on the General Plan Land Use Diagram or as determined through consultation with the County and the applicable school district.

(2)

Density and intensity standards. The Master Plan may identify more precise standards related to density and intensity to locations within the plan area provided the total development density and intensity in a Master Plan shall not exceed the amount permitted by the General Plan total area of the Master Plan.

(3)

Development standards. Development standards for the physical development of property. The General Plan provides for flexibility to allow reduced front yard setbacks, smaller driveways, and other techniques for compact housing that makes efficient use of land and still fits within the context of Yuba County.

(4)

Circulation system. A Master Plan shall indicate the location of transportation facilities that will serve the plan area and connect it to surrounding areas. It shall show the location of arterials and collector roads and their relation to existing and planned roads in adjacent areas. Streets shall be aligned with existing planned arterial and collector streets in adjacent areas in such a way that a continuous street pattern is created. The Master Plan shall include a system of bicycle and pedestrian routes that provides access to the plan area, according to the character and needs of the area. The circulation system shall be consistent with the vehicular circulation diagram, bicycle and pedestrian circulation diagram, and transit circulation diagram of the General Plan, though refinements and additional facilities needed to serve the plan area may be proposed.

(5)

Utilities. The locations and capacities of existing utilities in the vicinity of the site, and tentative extensions to the site.

(Ord. No. 1624)

A Master Plan application may include proposed zoning districts that accommodate the proposed land uses and densities and are consistent with this Chapter and the General Plan. If the Board of Supervisors approves a master plan, it shall concurrently adopt a set of zoning districts for a portion or all of the plan area.

(Ord. No. 1624)

A Master Plan shall be reviewed and acted upon by the Board of Supervisors in accordance with the procedures in Chapter 11.53, Common Procedures. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is required prior to Board of Supervisors review, and the Planning Commission shall make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.

(Ord. No. 1624)

The Board of Supervisors shall only approve a Master Plan if it makes all of the following findings:

(1)

The proposed Master Plan is consistent with the General Plan and any other applicable plan that the County has adopted;

(2)

The proposed land uses will be adequately, reasonably, and conveniently served by public services, utilities, and public facilities;

(3)

The potential effects of the proposed Master Plan have been evaluated and determined not to be detrimental to the public health, safety, or welfare; and

(4)

The proposed Master Plan has been processed in accordance with the applicable provisions of the California Government Code and the California Environmental Quality Act.

(Ord. No. 1624)

Plans for a project within the boundaries of a Master Plan shall be accepted for review only if they are consistent with the approved Master Plan.

(Ord. No. 1624)

A Master Plan may be amended in the same manner as it was adopted. Amendment of a Master Plan is subject to the same findings as required for the initial approval.

(Ord. No. 1624)