(A) Purpose. This section allows for residential conservation subdivisions to preserve open space and accommodate creative site plans on lots where development is constrained by gulches, trees, steep slopes and other physical features. See Figure 332-5 for an example conservation subdivision in the RE Zoning District.
Figure 332-5: Example Conservation Subdivision
(B) Eligibility. Conservation subdivisions are permitted in any residential zoning district on lots 10,000 square feet or more.
(C) Approvals required. Conservation subdivisions require city approval of a tentative and final or parcel map as required by the California Subdivision Map Act and Municipal Code Ch. 154 (Subdivision Regulations). Proposed conservation subdivisions must be clearly identified as such on the tentative map.
(D) Development standards.
(1) Lot size.
(a) There is no minimum lot size within a conservation subdivision, provided the overall density of the subdivision does not exceed the maximum density of the applicable zoning district.
(b) Project density is calculated using the number of homes, not the number of lots and includes all open space areas. See Figure 332-5.
(2) Setbacks.
(a) There are no minimum setbacks from lot lines within a conservation subdivision that do not abut a property outside of the conservation subdivision. See Figure 332-5.
(b) The applicable zoning district will govern setbacks from lot lines that abut a property outside of the conservation subdivision.
(3) Height. Buildings within a conservation subdivision may not exceed a maximum height of 35 feet.
(4) Site coverage. Table 332-1 identifies the maximum site coverage for individual lots within a conservation subdivision.
(5) Floor area ratio. The maximum floor area ratio in a conservation subdivision is as required by Table 204-2 in § 155.204 (Residential Zoning Districts).
Table 332-1: Maximum Site Coverage | ||
Lot Size | Maximum Site Coverage | |
RE | R1 | |
Table 332-1: Maximum Site Coverage | ||
Lot Size | Maximum Site Coverage | |
RE | R1 | |
Less than 3,000 sq. ft. | 75% | 90% |
3,000 - 4,000 sq. ft. | 70% | 80% |
4,000 - 5,000 sq. ft. | 65% | 70% |
5,000 - 6,000 sq. ft. | 60% | 60% |
6,000 - 7,000 sq. ft. | 55% | 60% |
7,000 - 8,000 sq. ft. | 50% | 60% |
8,000 - 9,000 sq. ft. | 45% | 60% |
9,000 - 10,000 sq. ft. | 40% | 60% |
Over 10,000 sq. ft. | 35% | 60% |
(E) Allowed land uses. The applicable zoning district will govern allowed land uses in a conservation subdivision.
(F) Conservation area. Dedicated conservation areas within a conservation subdivision must be separated from residential parcels and comply with the following standards:
(1) Open space minimums. A conservation subdivision project must designate a minimum of 50% of the total project site as permanent open space. See Figure 332-5.
(2) Conservation easement required. Designated open space must be guaranteed in perpetuity using one or more of the following control mechanisms:
(a) Dedication of a conservation easement to a public agency or a public interest land trust;
(b) Dedication of land in fee-title to a public agency; or
(c) Deed restrictions recorded with the County Recorder.
(3) Use of conservation area. Conservation areas will remain as undeveloped open space in accordance with the following:
(a) Development is prohibited within a conservation area, except for development necessary for natural resource protection and restoration as determined by the Director;
(b) Animal grazing and crop production is allowed in a conservation area consistent with Municipal Code Ch. 91 (Animals). Accessory structures serving an agricultural use, such as pole barns, are allowed;
(c) Trees may not be removed within a conservation area, except as allowed by § 155.304.140 (Tree Removal); and
(d) A subdivider or property owner is not required to provide public access to a conservation area.
(4) Contiguity. Fragmentation of dedicated open space areas must be avoided. Dedicated open space areas must be consolidated or linked to facilitate wildlife movement, maintain functioning biological communities and accommodate agricultural activity where appropriate. Open space connections to adjoining land beyond the project site should be anticipated and identified where possible.
(Ord. 885-C.S., passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 931-C.S., passed 2-15-22)