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Article 88.

General Use and Bulk Exceptions - Building Lines.

§ 26-88-010 General use provisions and exceptions.
§ 26-88-020 General lot area and width regulations and exemptions.
§ 26-88-030 General height regulations and exceptions.
§ 26-88-040 General yard regulations and exceptions.
§ 26-88-050 Building lines.
§ 26-88-060 Second dwelling units.
- Amended by Ordinance 5711 PDF Document
§ 26-88-070 Recycling collection and processing facilities.
§ 26-88-080 Large family day care.
§ 26-88-090 Manufactured homes placed on permanent foundations.
§ 26-88-100 Mobile home park standards.
§ 26-88-110 Low water use landscaping.
§ 26-88-120 Repealed.
§ 26-88-121 Home Occupations.
- Amended by Ordinance 5711 PDF Document
§ 26-88-122 Live/Work Uses.
§ 26-88-123 Mixed-use developments.
§ 26-88-124 Work/live units.
§ 26-88-125 Single room occupancy (SRO) facilities.
- § 26-88-126 Medical Cannibis Dispensary Uses added by Ordinance 5715 PDF Document
§ 26-88-130 Telecommunication facilities.
§ 26-88-135 Small wind energy systems.
§ 26-88-140 Minor timberland conversions.
§ 26-88-150 Timberland conversions of less than three acres in the TP (timberland production) district.
§ 26-88-160 Medical Cannibis Dispensary Uses added by Ordinance 5651 PDF Document
§ 26-88-170 Compliance with right to farm ordinance.
§ 26-88-180 Agricultural homesite parcels.
§ 26-88-190 Limitations on lot line adjustments.


Sec. 26-88-010. General use provisions and exceptions.

The use regulations specified in this chapter shall be subject to the following general provisions and exceptions:

(a) Public Transmission and Utility Lines. Public utility, transmission and distribution lines, both overhead and underground, shall be permitted in all districts without limitation as to height and without the necessity of obtaining a use permit; provided, that the routes of all proposed transmission lines shall be submitted to the planning commission for review and recommendation prior to acquisition of rights of way therefore or application to the public utilities commission.

(b) Natural Resource Development. The development of natural resources as used within this chapter shall not be construed to mean the drilling of wells or other development or improvements made for the production of water for domestic or irrigation purposes by a person or persons not engaged in the business of furnishing or developing water.

(c) Manufactured Home Storage. Manufactured homes for which zoning clearance for residential use has not been issued and which are in excess of eight feet (8') in width and thirty feet (30') in length may not be stored on any lot in any district other than in the C3, M1 M2 and M3 districts in compliance with adopted regulations for such land use.

(d) Christmas Tree Sales. Christmas tree sales may be permitted in the C, and M districts with a zoning permit provided, that the zoning permit is limited to a period not to exceed one month.

(e) Landfill Operations. Zoning permits may be issued for landfill operations utilizing imported material in any district only when the project review and advisory committee is satisfied that there has been prior compliance with Article 1, Chapter 22; Chapter 7; Article 7, Chapter 11 of the Sonoma County Code and Chapter 70 of the Uniform Building Code, or similar superseding agency, and that the filling will not be detrimental to neighboring property.

(f) Entertainment Establishments. No dance hall, road house, night club, commercial club or any establishment where liquor is served, or commercial place of amusement or recreation, or any place where entertainers are provided, whether as social companions or otherwise, shall be established in any district closer than two hundred feet (200') to the boundary of any residential district unless a use permit is first secured in each case.

No adult entertainment establishment shall be established except in the C3 (general commercial) district and except subject to the following limitations:

(1) A minimum of one thousand feet (1,000') from any other adult entertainment business;

(2) A minimum of one thousand feet (1,000') from any residential zoning district.

(g) Minor Land Use Alterations; Grading within Waterways. Use permit procedures for minor land use alterations and additions or for grading and excavation within a waterway which is also exempt from Section 26A-3a(i) of the county surface mining ordinance may be waived when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the planning director that the addition/alteration will not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of adjacent land uses or properties or when such alterations are required by another public agency. (Ord. No. 3436.)

(h) Multifamily, Commercial and Industrial Uses within Cities’ General Plan Boundaries. The board of supervisors finds and determines that cities have a special and important concern with respect to multifamily (fourplex or larger), commercial and industrial uses that might be established in unincorporated portions of the county that lie within the boundaries of the various city general plans. It is possible that cities will annex at least some of such property in the future. When annexed, the development then existing on such property should be consistent with the particular city’s development plan for the area. The procedure established in this section is intended to protect the integrity of city general plans and to permit development that is consistent with the most appropriate development plan for the area involved.

When multifamily (fourplex or larger), commercial or industrial uses are permitted uses under the applicable zoning district regulations, no zoning permit or building permit for any of such uses shall be approved unless:

(1) The planning director sends a written notice to the affected city stating “The Sonoma County Planning Department will issue a zoning permit for a (use) on this property if written appeal is not received within twenty (20) days from the date of this notice;” and

(2) The affected city does not file a written appeal with the planning director requesting a hearing before the board of zoning adjustments within ten (10) days from the date notice is sent. In the event that the affected city does file a written appeal requesting a hearing before the board of zoning adjustments within the required time period, the board of zoning adjustments shall hold a hearing and the decision of the board of zoning adjustments shall be based on whether the use requested by the application will be consistent with the various elements and objectives of the general plan and will promote the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Notice shall be given in the manner set forth in Section 26-92-050(a). If an appeal is taken to the board of supervisors, the board’s decision shall be governed by the same standard.

This subsection shall apply only if both of the following conditions are met:

(i) The property is within an existing city public sewer service area as shown on the map attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the public works department, or within an area projected to be served by public sewers by the Sonoma County local agency formation commission or within the area designated on those certain maps submitted by cities as growth areas and adopted from time to time by the board of supervisors entitled “City-County Permit Referral Maps;”

(ii) The existing zoning and city general plan are not identical.

(i) Outdoor Vendors. Outdoor vendors are authorized subject to the following standards:

(1) All sales will take place at least twenty feet (20') from the nearest property line, but in no case shall such sales take place within twenty feet (20') from the edge of any road right-of-way.

(2) Parking shall be designated for a minimum of three automobiles, located at least twenty feet (20') off the public right-of-way or twenty feet (20') from the front property line with no automobile maneuvering permitted in the public right-of-way. The use permit may require additional parking, depending on the nature of the sales proposed.

(3) No freestanding signs shall be allowed. Two attached signs shall be permitted no larger than sixteen (16) square feet each in area and not located within twenty feet (20') of the public right-of-way.

(4) The outdoor sales shall not be conducted in a manner so as to cause a traffic hazard to passing motorists due to poor visibility and/or inadequate sign distance for safe ingress and egress.

(5) The area designated for outdoor vendor activities, excluding parking, shall not be greater than five hundred (500) square feet unless the board of zoning adjustments finds that a larger area so designated will not be detrimental to the health, safety or general welfare of persons residing or working the area.

(6) The use permit shall remain in effect for a maximum of one (1) year, after which approval of a new use permit will be required to continue. The planning director or designee may issue the second and subsequent use permit without a public hearing based upon evidence submitted by the applicant that the operation was conducted in compliance with the conditions and provision of the previous use permit. Uses not authorized by a valid use permit will be subject to abatement proceedings.

(7) All applicable permits from other county departments shall be obtained prior to operating the outdoor vendor business on the premises. (Ord. No. 3348.)

(j) Open Space Easements. The board of supervisors may require, on appeal or otherwise, and the planning commission or board of zoning adjustments may recommend, as a condition of approval of a development application, the dedication of an open space easement on all or a portion of the property to be developed. Applications for development shall include, but not be limited to, applications for general plan amendments, specific plan amendments, rezonings, major and minor subdivisions, use permits or precise development plans. Prior to requiring an open space easement or an offer of easement pursuant to this section, the board or commission shall make one of the findings set forth in subsections (j)(1) through (3) in addition to making the findings set forth in subsections (j)(4) and (5).

(1) The area which is to be the subject of the open space easement is characterized by great natural scenic beauty; or

(2) The existing openness, natural condition or present state of use, if retained, would enhance the present or potential value of abutting or surrounding urban development; or

(3) The existing openness, natural condition or present state of use, if retained, would maintain or enhance the conservation of natural or scenic resources;

(4) The imposition of the open space easement bears a reasonable relationship to the public welfare;

(5) The acquisition of the scenic/open space easement is consistent with the general plan.

Open space easements exacted pursuant to this section may, at the discretion of the board or commission include, but not be limited to, any of the following:

(i) A provision that the subject property shall be used only for those purposes which will maintain the existing open and scenic character of the property;

(ii) A prohibition on the placing or erecting or causing the placement or erection of any new building, structure or vehicle intended for human occupancy or commercial purposes at the site;

(iii) A prohibition of any act which will materially change the general topography or the natural form of the subject property;

(iv) A prohibition on the division of the subject property into two or more parcels under separate ownership by sale, gift, lease or otherwise except such divisions necessary for public acquisition;

(v) A reservation of rights to the grantors for all uses not inconsistent with the restrictions specifically enumerated in subsections (i) through (iv), inclusive including the right to prohibit entry thereon by unauthorized persons;

(vi) A reservation of rights to the grantor to develop water sources, including springs, and to lay, construct, repair and replace pipes and conduits for the transportation of water;

(vii) A reservation of rights to the grantors to manage the land and its resources in a manner consistent with accepted principles of conservation practice;

(viii) A reservation of rights to the grantor to use and develop the subject property from time to time for agricultural purposes.

Open space easements exacted pursuant to this section shall run with the land and shall continue until such time as the board of supervisors, at its discretion, abandons the county’s right to the easement or, if the easement so provides, the easement expires in accordance with its terms.

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the county to exact, as an alternative, open space easements in accordance with the provisions of Government Code Section 51070 et seq. (Ord. No. 3606).

(k) Reserved.

(l) Seasonal farmworker housing shall meet the following standards:

(1) Seasonal farmworker housing shall be located on parcels of one and one-half (1.5) acres or more having an agricultural or resources and rural development general plan land use designation. Such parcels shall be owned by the applicant. If less than ten (10) acres, such parcels shall be located within one (1) mile of a minimum of twenty (20) contiguous acres of land cultivated and either owned or long term leased by the applicant.

(2) Seasonal farmworker housing shall be located on parcels having direct access to a county maintained road. If a private road is to provide such access, the applicant shall file with the planning department a written agreement signed by all of the property owners entitled to use such road acknowledging and agreeing to the road’s use as access for the seasonal farmworker housing.

(3) Seasonal farmworker housing located on parcels of less than ten (10) acres shall house no more than nineteen (19) persons, including a caretaker, at any time.

(4) Seasonal farmworker housing and support structures shall be set back a minimum of fifty-five feet (55') from the center line of any roadway, sixty feet (60') from any other property line, forty feet (40') from any other structure, and forty feet (40') from watering troughs, feed troughs and accessory buildings. Seasonal farmworker housing and support structures shall also be set back seventy-five feet (75') from barns, pens or similar quarters of livestock or poultry.

(5) Seasonal farmworker housing shall have off-street parking provided at a ratio of one (1) space per four (4) persons housed. The parking does not need to be covered or paved, but may not be located within any scenic corridor setback unless screened from public view by buildings, fences, landscaping or terrain features.

(6) Seasonal farmworker housing may be either one (1) or two (2) story structures.

(7) Seasonal farmworker housing shall be occupied no more than one hundred eighty (180) days in any calendar year. The director of environmental health may restrict the occupancy of seasonal farmworker housing to one hundred thirty-seven (137) days between July 1st and November 15th in any calendar year for health and safety reasons.

(8) Seasonal farmworker housing having accommodations for at least six (6) persons may have a single caretaker unit per parcel occupied year-round, provided year-round occupancy of the caretaker unit is authorized by the director of environmental health.

(9) Seasonal farmworker housing shall not be located within any floodway.

(10) Seasonal farmworker housing located within the one hundred (100) year flood elevation shall have the structure of the finished floor of the living quarters above the one hundred (100) year flood level, but may have a storage area before the living quarters.

(11) Seasonal farmworker housing located within the one hundred (100) year flood elevation shall have its septic tank and disposal field at least one hundred feet (100') removed from the ten (10) year flood elevation unless otherwise authorized by the director of environmental health.

(12) Seasonal farmworker housing shall be maintained in such a manner so as not to constitute a zoning violation or a health and safety hazard.

(13) Prior to the issuance of a building permit for seasonal farmworker housing, the applicant shall place on file with the planning department an affidavit that the seasonal farmworker housing will be used to house persons employed for agricultural purposes. Further, a covenant shall be recorded, in a form satisfactory to county counsel, acknowledging and agreeing that park and traffic mitigation fees for the seasonal farmworker housing shall be waived unless and until the housing units are no longer used to house persons employed for agricultural purposes and further acknowledging and agreeing that in the event the housing units are converted to some other use, the park and traffic mitigation fees existent at the time of conversion shall be immediately due and payable and the housing units shall be either removed or, if the new use is otherwise permitted, brought into compliance with the provisions of this code and state laws in effect at the time of conversion.

(m) Tree Protection Ordinance.

General Provisions. Projects shall be designed to minimize the destruction of protected trees. With development permits, a site plan shall be submitted that depicts the location of all protected trees greater than nine inches (9") and their protected perimeters in areas that will be impacted by the proposed development, such as the building envelopes, access roads, leachfields, etc. Lot line adjustments, zoning permits and agricultural uses are exempt from this requirement. The provisions of this section shall not apply to trees which are the subject of a valid timber harvesting permit approved by the state of California. This section shall not be applied in a manner that would reduce allowable density lower than that permitted as a result of C.E.Q.A. or by other county ordinances or render a property undevelopable. To achieve this end, adjustments may be made.

Agricultural uses exempt from the tree protection ordinance are as follows: the raising, feeding, maintaining and breeding of confined and unconfined farm animals, commercial aquaculture, commercial mushroom farming, wholesale nurseries, greenhouses, wineries and agricultural cultivation.

Construction Standards. Applicants are encouraged to use a qualified specialist to establish tree protection methods.

(1) Protected trees, their protected perimeters and whether they are to be retained or removed are to be clearly shown on all improvement plans. A note shall be placed on the improvement plans that “Construction is subject to requirements established by Sonoma County to protect certain trees.”

(2) Before the start of any clearing, excavation, construction or other work on the site, every tree designated for protection on the approved site plan shall be clearly delineated with a substantial barrier (steel posts and barbed wire or chain link fencing) at the protected perimeter, or limits established during the permit process. The delineation markers shall remain in place for the duration of all work. All trees to be removed shall be clearly marked. A scheme shall be established for the removal and disposal of brush, earth and other debris as to avoid injury to any protected tree.

(3) Where proposed development or other site work must encroach upon the protected perimeter of a protected tree, special measures shall be incorporated to allow the roots to obtain oxygen, water and nutrients. Tree wells or other techniques may be used where advisable. No changes in existing ground level shall occur within the protected perimeter unless a drainage and aeration scheme approved by a certified arborist is utilized. No burning or use of equipment with an open flame shall occur near or within the protected perimeter (except for authorized controlled burns).

(4) No storage or dumping of oil, gasoline, chemicals or other substances that may be harmful to trees shall occur within the drip line of any tree, or any other location on the site from which such substances might enter the drip line.

(5) If any damage to a protected tree should occur during or as a result of work on the site, the county shall be promptly notified of such damage. If a protected tree is damaged so that it cannot be preserved in a healthy state, the planning director shall require replacement in accordance with the arboreal value chart. If on-site replacement is not feasible, the applicant shall pay the in-lieu fee to the tree replacement fund.

(6) The following design standards for protected trees shall be adhered to:

(i) Underground trenching for utilities should avoid tree roots within the protected perimeter. If avoidance is impractical, tunnels should be made below major roots. If tunnels are impractical and cutting roots is required, it shall be done by hand-sawn cuts after hand digging trenches. Trenches should be consolidated to serve as many units as possible.

(ii) Compaction within the drip line or protected perimeter shall be avoided.

(iii) Paving with either concrete or asphalt over the protected perimeter should be avoided. If paving over the protected perimeter cannot be avoided, affected trees shall be treated as removed for purposes of calculating arboreal values.

(iv) Wherever possible, septic systems and/or leachlines shall not be located on the uphill side of a protected tree.

(7) Security posted for the purpose of insuring the proper construction of public or private improvements shall also include an amount sufficient to secure any requirements imposed pursuant to this section. In addition, security for potential tree damage shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount posted for planned tree replacement. In lieu fees shall be paid prior to recording any maps. Such security shall not be released until protection requirements, including planting replacement trees, and any long term maintenance requirements have been satisfactorily discharged. The initial bond amount may be reduced to cover only the maintenance and replacement of trees after construction is completed.

(8) The Valley Oak-Quercus lobata shall receive special consideration in the design review process to the extent that mature specimens shall be retained to the fullest extent feasible. Valley Oaks contribute greatly to Sonoma County’s visual character, landscape and they provide important visual relief in urban settings. On existing parcels created without the benefit of an accompanying EIR, design review shall focus on the preservation of Valley Oaks to the fullest extent feasible. Where such preservation would render a lot unbuildable, partial protection with accompanying appropriate mitigations developed by a certified arborist shall be incorporated into the project design. In such cases where only partial protection can be achieved, full replacement in accordance with the arboreal value chart shall be required.

Arboreal Value Charts. One of the following charts is to be used for determining arboreal values. The applicant shall indicate at time of application which chart is to be used. Chart No. 1 requires analysis to be done only in the development areas (building envelopes, access roads, etc.) and requires one hundred percent (100%) replacement or in-lieu fees. Chart No. 2 requires analysis of the entire site but allows for removal of up to fifty percent (50%) of the arboreal value. Compensation for the loss of greater than fifty percent (50%) arboreal value will require replacement by using the chart.

Chart No. 1: To Be Used For Measuring Trees Removed Only in The Development Areas.

d.b.h.* (inches)

Removed Trees Weighted Value Arboreal Value
9-15   1  
over 15-21   2  
over 21-27   3  
over 27-33   4  
over 33   5  
 Total ________________________
   

 This value (the A.V.) is used to
calculate the replacement number.

Chart No. 2: Complete Site Analysis.

a.  To Be Used For Measuring Existing Trees On The Entire Site.

d.b.h.* (inches) Existing Trees Weighted Value Existing Arboreal Value
9-15   1  
over 15-21   2  
over 21-27   3  
over 27-33   4  
over 33   <5  

 Total

________________________

b. To Be Used For Measuring Trees To Be Removed.

d.b.h.* (inches) Removed Trees Weighted Value Removed Arboreal Value
9-15   1  
over 15-21   2  
over 21-27   3  
over 27-33   4  
over 33   5  

 Total

________________________
* d.b.h. (diameter at breast height, four and one-half (4½) feet above ground) can be calculated by measuring the circumference of the tree and dividing by 3.14 or pi.
**

The large trees must come from nurseries where they have been irrigated.
They must have on-site irrigation to insure their survival.

*** Annual average retail cost can be changed to reflect cost increases.

Subtract the removed arboreal value from the existing arboreal value. If the removed arboreal value is more than fifty percent (50%) of the existing arboreal value, the developer must replace the difference between removed arboreal value and fifty percent (50%) of existing arboreal value using the arboreal valuations.

Arboreal Valuations. All trees to be replaced shall be the same native species as that removed unless specific approval has been granted by the planning director.

1 point A.V. = six 5-gallon trees (can be existing trees on site that are below 9" d.b.h. if preservation methods are part of the development permit)
= two 15-gallon trees**
= $200 in-lieu fee***
2 points A.V. = 24" Box Tree**
= $400 in-lieu fee***

Replacement trees may be located on residentially zoned parcels of at least one and one-half acres and on any commercial or industrial zoned parcel, regardless of size, where feasible. Where infeasible, they may be located on public lands or maintained private open space. In-lieu fees may be used to acquire and protect stands of native trees in preserves or place trees on public lands.

(n) Area Design Review Committees. Where development is proposed on parcels which are subject to area design review committees which have been created by resolution of the board of supervisors, the following shall apply.

(1) Prior to issuance of a building permit, the development plan will be reviewed and approved, conditionally approved, or denied by the planning director on the basis of site planning as it relates to designated open space or design policies of adopted general, specific or area plans or other such design criteria as may have been adopted by the board of supervisors.

(2) Concurrent with the submittal of the development plan to the planning director, the owner shall submit the advisory recommendation of approval, conditional approval or denial of the local design review committee with jurisdiction over the parcel.

(3) The planning director shall consider the advisory recommendation of the local design review committee but shall not be bound by it.

(4) Decisions of the planning director approving, conditionally approving or denying a building permit pursuant to this section are appealable in accordance with Section 26-92-040.

(o) Year-round Farmworker Housing. Year-round farmworker housing shall meet the following standards:

(1) Year-round farmworker housing shall be located on parcels of ten (10) or more acres having an agricultural general plan land use designation. Year-round farmworker housing may also be located on a parcel of ten (10) acres or more having a resources and rural development general plan land use designation, provided the parcel is under Williamson Act contract.

Notwithstanding the above, year-round farmworker housing may be located on a parcel five (5) acres or less pursuant to Government Code Section 51230.2, when such farmworker housing otherwise meets the provisions of this subsection and the standards of the underlying zoning district. Such parcels shall be owned or leased by the applicant, unless the parcel is being subdivided pursuant to Government Code Section 51230.2 in which case it shall be owned by a public entity, or by a qualified non-profit agency.

(2) Year-round farmworker housing shall be located on parcels having direct access to a county maintained road.

If a private road is to provide such access, the applicant shall file with the planning department a written agreement signed by all of the property owners entitled to use such road acknowledging and agreeing to the road’s use as access for the year-round farmworker housing.

(3) Year-round farmworker housing located on any parcel shall house no more than thirty-eight (38) persons at any time.

(4) Year-round farmworker housing and support structures shall be set back a minimum of fifty-five feet (55') from the centerline of any roadway, sixty feet (60') from any other property line, forty feet (40') from any other structure, and forty feet (40') from watering troughs, feed troughs, and accessory buildings. Year-round farmworker housing and support structures shall also be set back seventy-five feet (75') from barns, pens or similar quarters of livestock or poultry. On parcels adjacent to a residential zoning district, year-round farmworker housing shall be set back a minimum of five hundred feet (500') from the property line adjacent to the residential zoning district.

(5) Year-round farmworker housing shall have off-street parking provided at the ration of one (1) space per four (4) persons housed. The parking does not need to be covered, but shall be screened from public view by buildings, fences, landscaping or terrain features.

(6) Year-round farmworker housing may be either one (1) or two (2) story structures.

(7) Year-round farmworker housing shall not be located within any floodway.

(8) Year-round farmworker housing located within the one hundred (100) year flood elevation shall have the structure of the finished floor of the living quarters above the one hundred (100) year flood level, but may have a storage area below the living quarters.

(9) Year-round farmworker housing located within the one hundred (100) year flood elevation shall have its septic tank and disposal field at least one hundred feet (100') removed from the ten (10) year flood elevation unless otherwise authorized by the director of environmental health.

(10) Year-round farmworker housing shall be maintained in such a manner so as not to constitute a zoning violation or a health and safety hazard.

(11) Prior to the issuance of a building permit for year-round farmworker housing, the applicant shall place on file with the planning department an affidavit that the year-round farmworker housing will be used to house persons employed for agricultural purposes. Further a covenant shall be recorded, in a form satisfactory to county counsel, acknowledging and agreeing that park and traffic mitigation fees for the year-round farmworker housing shall be waived unless and until the housing units are no longer used to house persons employed for agricultural purposes and further acknowledging and agreeing that in the event the housing units are converted to some other use the park and traffic mitigation fees existent at the time of conversion shall be immediately due and payable and the housing units shall be either removed or, if the new use is otherwise permitted, brought into compliance with the provisions of this code and state laws in effect at the time of conversion.

(p) Residential use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle shall meet the following standards:

(1) Parcel shall be at least six thousand (6,000) square feet in size.

(2) Use of the travel trailer or recreational vehicle shall be limited to residential use by (a) an ill, convalescent or otherwise disabled friend or relative needing care from the occupant of the primary residence, or (b) a friend or relative providing necessary care for an ill, convalescent or otherwise disabled occupant of the primary residence. The need for care shall be documented by a letter from a physician.

(3) No more than two (2) people may occupy the travel trailer or recreational vehicle.

(4) The temporary unit may only be placed on a legal parcel with an existing primary residence.

(5) The temporary unit shall have an approved connection to the existing or expanded septic system or sanitary sewer system. The unit shall also have an approved connection to the existing well or a public water system.

(6) The temporary unit shall meet zoning setback requirements, scenic resource (SR) requirements and, where applicable, have approval from board or specific plan designated design review committees.

(7) The temporary unit must be currently licensed as required by the Vehicle Code of the state of California, have a valid state insignia and remain in a mobile condition.

(8) The temporary unit shall not be considered a separate residential unit for the purpose of calculating development impact fees (sewer system, park and traffic fees, etc.).

(9) The temporary unit shall not be rented, let or leased.

(10) An administrative permit for residential use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle shall be obtained. Such permits shall expire one year from the date of issuance. Permits may be renewed annually. Permit and renewal applications shall be accompanied by a written statement, signed by the applicant under penalty of perjury, that the use will conform to the standards set forth in this subsection. Renewal applications shall be submitted prior to permit expiration and shall include an updated letter from a physician.

(11) Within sixty (60) days of cessation of the residential use described in subsection (q)(2) of this section, all occupancy of the unit shall cease and the unit shall be disconnected from all utilities and/or sewage disposal systems. (Ord. No. 5570 § 2, 2005; Ord. No. 5569 § 9, 2005; Ord. No. 5154 § 1(a), 1999; Ord. No. 5016 § 1(q), 1997; Ord. No. 4839 § 1(F), 1994; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-020. General lot area and width regulations and exemptions.

(a) The use of land as permitted for the district in which it is located shall be permitted on a lot of less area or width than that required by the regulations for such district, unless the owner of such lot owns any contiguous lot, in which case such lots shall be treated as one lot; provided, however, that such lots shall not be treated as one (1) lot if any of the following four (4) conditions are met:

(1) That each lot was created in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances in effect at the time of its creation, is served by public sewer and is at least five thousand (5,000) square feet in area;

(2) That each lot was created in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances in effect at the time of its creation, is not served by public sewer and is at least twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in area;

(3) That each of the lots was created in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances in effect at the time of its creation, is subject to Williamson Act Agricultural Preserve Contract, and conforms to minimum income requirements set forth in the Agricultural Preserve Contract;

(4) That each of the lots was created in compliance with applicable laws and ordinances in effect at the time of its creation, is subject to timber preserve and is eighty (80) acres or larger.

(b) For purposes of the section, “served by public sewer” means that a governmental agency providing sewer service states in writing and without qualification that it will provide sewer service to the subject property.

(c) Contiguous parcels not conforming to subsections (a)(1), (2), (3) and (4) of this section may be merged into one (1) parcel subject to the provisions of Section 26-12-030 of the subdivision ordinance. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-030. General height regulations and exceptions.

(a) In an AR, RR, R1, R2, R3 or K district, no fence shall hereinafter be constructed to exceed six feet (6') in height within any required side yard to the rear of the front line of any dwelling, or along any rear property line, nor to exceed three feet (3') in height within any required front yard nor within fifteen feet (15') of the street corner nor within any required exterior side yard on any corner lot, without first securing a use permit in each case. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993; Ord. No. 3180, § VI.)

Sec. 26-88-040. General yard regulations and exceptions.

(a) In the case of a through lot abutting on two (2) streets, no building shall be located so as to encroach upon the front yard required on either street. This provision may be waived for swimming pools when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the planning director that the location will not be detrimental to the health, safety or welfare of adjacent land uses or properties. The planning director may require a use permit or signatures from adjacent property owners. (Ord. No. 3932.)

(b) Any dwelling use to be located in any C district shall provide front, side and rear yards as required in the R3 district; provided, that this shall not apply to any dwelling use to be located over a commercial or industrial establishment.

(c) Where irregular lot shapes prevent the direct determination of the area and yard requirements for a lot, the planning director shall make such determinations as necessary for the administration of this chapter.

(d) In any case where an official plan line has been established as part of the street and highway plan, the required yards on the street side shall be measured from such official plan line, and in no case shall the provisions of this chapter be construed as permitting any structure to extend beyond any such official plan line.

(e) In any case where a building setback line or building envelope has been established by a recorded parcel map, final subdivision map or a specific plan, and such setback is different from the setback required by the zoning district in which the parcel is located, the established building setback line cannot be waived by the planning director nor through a variance procedure. (Ord. No. 3932.)

(f) Protect and encourage agricultural production by establishing a buffer between agricultural production on lands either designated in one (1) of the three (3) agricultural land use categories in the general plan or lands included within the AR zoning district, where any such lands abut a nonagricultural land use conducted on land outside the three general plan land use categories. Generally, buffers shall be defined as a physical separation of one hundred (100) to two hundred feet (200'). These may be modified based upon topographic feature, a substantial tree stand, watercourse or similar existing feature. In some circumstances, a landscaped berm or other man-made feature may enhance the buffer. The requirement for buffer may be modified after hearing by the advisory agency following a written recommendation by the agricultural commissioner.

Notwithstanding the provisions of Article 94 (nonconforming uses) where the imposition of the buffer creates a nonconforming condition, expansion or modification of such use may be permitted, provided that encroachment into the setback does not exceed that of the existing structure.

“Agricultural production,” as used herein, means either an existing agricultural operation or an agricultural operation that would be a reasonably anticipated use. No buffer or setback shall be created by the acquisition of a portion of a parcel devoted to an agricultural operation.

The provisions of this subsection (g) of this section shall only apply to discretionary permits which are either appealable pursuant to the chapter or over which the board of supervisors has original jurisdiction.

(g) In any TP, LIA, LEA, DA, RRD, RRDWA, AR or RR district the required yard standards may be reduced when the planning director finds that such reduction(s) are appropriate in light of topography, vegetation or unique physical characteristics. In determining such findings, consideration will also be given to visibility from public roads and adjacent properties. Such reduction shall not result in a front yard of less than ten feet (10') for any garage or carport opening. The planning director may require a use permit or signatures from adjacent property owners. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-050. Building lines.

(a) Building lines may be established for the purpose of determining building locations. Such building lines shall be indicated on the zoning maps.

(b) Building lines shall be measured from the property line or adopted plan lines and shall supersede the front yard setback requirements of the zoning district within which the particular parcel(s) is located.

(c) Building lines shall be established in the manner provided by Article 94. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-060. Second dwelling units.
- Amended by Ordinance 5711 PDF Document

(a) Purpose. This section implements the requirements of Government Code Section 65852.2 and the provisions of the general plan housing element that encourage the production of affordable housing by means of second dwelling units.

(b) Applicability. Second dwelling units shall be permitted only in compliance with the requirements of this section, and all other requirements of the applicable zoning district, except as otherwise provided by this section, in the following agricultural and residential zoning districts: LIA (Land Intensive Agriculture), LEA (Land Extensive Agriculture), DA (Diverse Agriculture), RRD (Rural Resources and Development), AR (Agricultural Residential), RR (Rural Residential), R1 (Low Density Residential), and R2 (Medium Density Residential). Second dwelling units are prohibited in the Z (second dwelling unit exclusion) combining district.

(c) Permit Requirements. A zoning permit (Section 26-92-170) shall be required for a second dwelling unit. Additionally, second dwelling units must comply with all other applicable building codes and requirements, including evidence of adequate septic capacity and water yield.

(d) Use. Second dwelling units may not be sold separately from the main unit, but may be rented separately. Occupant(s) need not be related to the property owner. Units may not be rented on a transient occupancy basis (periods less than thirty (30) days) unless allowed by the underlying zoning district and a use permit is first secured.

(e) Unit Type. A second dwelling unit may be attached or detached from the primary dwelling on the site. A detached second dwelling unit may also be a manufactured home on a permanent foundation, in compliance with Section 26-02-140.

(f) Timing. A second dwelling unit allowed by this section may be constructed prior to, concurrently with, or after construction of the primary dwelling.

(g) Density. As provided by Government Code Section 65852.2(b)(5), second dwelling units are exempt from the density limitations of the general plan, provided that no more than one (1) second dwelling unit may be located on any parcel. A second dwelling unit may not be located on any parcel already containing a dwelling unit that is non-conforming with respect to land use or density, or developed with a duplex, triplex, apartment or condominium.

(h) Site Requirements.

(1) Water Availability.

(i) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a second dwelling unit shall be permitted only in designated groundwater availability classification areas 1 or 2, or where public water is available.

(ii) A second dwelling unit in a Class 3 groundwater availability area shall be permitted only if:

(A) The domestic water source is located on the subject parcel, or a mutual water source is available; and

(B) Groundwater yield is sufficient for the existing and proposed use, pursuant to Section 7-12 of this code.

(iii) Second dwelling units shall not be established within designated Class 4 groundwater availability classification areas except where both requirements for Class 3 areas, above, are met and a groundwater report determines that there is no long-term or cumulative impact to groundwater resources. All applications for a zoning permit to allow a second dwelling unit within a Class 4 area shall be accompanied by a groundwater report containing information and analysis as specified by the director. Said report shall be prepared and certified by an appropriate licensed professional, specific for the subject site and the existing and proposed use, and the report must find and determine that:

(A) Water yield will be sufficient year-round to serve both the primary and the secondary residential use; and

(B) The establishment and continuation of the use will not result in significant impacts to local groundwater availability or yield, nor is it expected to have significant long-term or cumulative impacts.

(2) Minimum Parcel Size.

(i) A second dwelling unit shall be permitted only on parcels with a minimum gross lot area of at least two (2) acres, except as provided for below:

(A) An exception will be made to permit an affordable second dwelling unit on a parcel with a minimum of 1.5 acres in gross lot area in designated Class 1 or 2 groundwater availability areas, provided that an affordable housing agreement pursuant to Article 89 is executed and recorded, restricting the occupancy and rent of the subject unit to low- or very low-income households for a period of at least thirty (30) years. The agreement shall be subject to review and approval of the county counsel and the executive director of the community development commission.

(B) In designated urban service areas, where the parcel is served by public sewer, second dwelling units shall be permitted only on parcels with a minimum gross lot area of at least six thousand (6,000) square feet without restriction as to tenancy or affordability.

(C) In designated urban service areas, where the parcel is served by public sewer, second dwelling units shall be permitted on parcels with a gross lot area of at least five thousand (5,000) square feet, provided that an affordable housing agreement pursuant to Article 89 is executed and recorded restricting the occupancy and rent of the subject unit to low- or very low-income households for a period of at least thirty (30) years. The agreement shall be subject to review and approval of the county counsel and the executive director of the community development commission.

(i) Design and Development Standards.

(1) Height. In designated urban service areas, a second dwelling unit shall not exceed sixteen feet (16') in height except that where the unit is attached to the primary unit, or where the second dwelling unit is proposed to be located above a garage, carport or barn, the maximum height shall be that established for the primary dwelling in the underlying zoning district. In no case shall the provision of a second dwelling unit result in a substantial reduction in solar access to surrounding properties.

(2) Design. The second dwelling unit shall be similar or compatible in character to the primary residence on the site and to the surrounding residences in terms of roof pitch, eaves, building materials, colors and landscaping. Second dwelling units shall also meet all standards set forth in any applicable combining district, specific plan or area plan, or local area development guidelines.

(3) Size. A second unit shall not exceed eight hundred forty (840) square feet in floor area. When the second dwelling unit is provided as an affordable rental unit, the size limit shall be one thousand (1,000) square feet so long as an affordable housing agreement pursuant to Article 89 is first executed and recorded, restricting the occupancy and rent for the subject unit to low- or very low-income households for a period of at least thirty (30) years. The agreement shall be subject to review and approval of the county counsel and the executive director of the community development commission.

(i) Calculating the Size of Second Dwelling Units. Floor area shall be calculated by measuring the exterior perimeter of the second dwelling unit and the length of any common walls. In the case of straw bale or similar construction, floor area may be calculated using interior dimensions. Any storage space or enclosed areas attached to the second dwelling unit shall be included in the size calculation, except: a) a garage, as described in subsection (i)(3)(ii) of this section; or b) where the second dwelling unit is constructed over or attached to an unconditioned accessory structure, as described in subsection (i)(3)(iii) of this section.

(ii) Allowable Garage Area. An attached garage up to four hundred (400) square feet in unconditioned floor area shall be permitted for a second dwelling unit provided that all required setbacks are met. An attached garage of up to five hundred (500) square feet shall be permitted if an affordable housing agreement pursuant to Article 89 is recorded restricting the rent to low- or very low-income households for a period of at least thirty (30) years. No conditioned space shall be allowed within the garage area. An interior access door between the attached garage and the second dwelling unit may be provided. A deed restriction shall be recorded limiting the floor area of the second dwelling unit to eight hundred forty (840) square feet, and declaring that no portion of the attached garage or barn area is to be utilized as a part of the conditioned residential space.

(iii) Units Attached to Accessory Structures. A second dwelling unit may be located above or attached to a barn or other unconditioned, unfinished accessory structure of greater than four hundred (400) square feet only where the accessory structure serves the primary residential or agricultural use of the property. In such cases, access to the second dwelling unit shall be provided by an exterior entrance only. An interior access door between the attached structure and the second unit is prohibited. A deed restriction shall be recorded limiting the floor area of the second dwelling unit to eight hundred forty (840) square feet, and declaring that no additional portion of the structure may be converted or utilized as a part of the conditioned or habitable space.

(4) Lot Coverage Limitation. The total lot coverage for parcels developed with a second dwelling unit shall not exceed that allowed within the applicable zoning district in which the parcel is located.

(5) Setback and Location Requirements.

(i) A second dwelling unit and any attached or detached garage must comply with the setback requirements of the applicable zoning district in which the second dwelling unit is located, except that the rear yard setback for second dwelling units located in urban service areas within zone districts RR, R1 and R2 shall be reduced to five feet (5'). In the case of an existing legal structure that is nonconforming with respect to setbacks, yard requirements may be reduced through use permit approval in order to allow the legal conversion of the existing structure for use as a second dwelling unit.

(ii) In the case of a second dwelling unit in a rural zone district that is located more than one hundred feet (100') from the primary dwelling, the second dwelling unit shall maintain minimum front, rear and side setbacks of sixty feet (60'), unless otherwise provided through use permit.

(6) Access and Parking Requirements.

(i) Driveway Access. Both the primary unit and the second dwelling unit shall be served by one common, all-weather surface access driveway with a minimum width of twelve feet (12'), connecting the second dwelling unit to a public or private road. The requirement for a single driveway connection may be waived in each of the following instances if the director determines that the waiver of the requirement would not be detrimental to the public health, safety or general welfare:

(A) Where an applicant seeks to convert an existing structure to use as a second dwelling unit, and that structure was served by an access driveway separate from the primary dwelling; or

(B) Where the applicant can show that there are already two (2) legally established access driveways to the parcel that are available to serve the primary and secondary dwelling units separately; or

(C) Where the parcel is split by a public or private road, or where the parcel has frontage on two (2) roads (public or private); or

(D) Where the applicant demonstrates an alternative access design that provides an overall reduction in the expanse of driveway area is preferable.

(ii) Parking Required. One (1) off-street parking space with an all-weather surface shall be provided for the exclusive use of the second dwelling unit, in addition to the parking that is required for the primary dwelling. The parking space for the second dwelling unit may not be provided within a required front yard setback.

(iii) Surfaces. Wherever feasible, the use of permeable surfaces for parking, driveway and walkway areas is strongly encouraged. (Ord. No. 5569 § 3, 2005: Ord. No. 5429 § 6, 2003.)

Sec. 26-88-070. Recycling collection and processing facilities.

The criteria and standards for recycling collection and processing facilities are as follows:

(a) Permits Required.

(1) No person shall place or permit placement, construction or operation of any recycling facility, including reverse vending machine, large or small collection facility, or light or heavy processing facility without first obtaining a use permit or design review approval pursuant to the provisions set forth in this section. Subject to the restrictions and requirements of this section, recycling collection and processing facilities may be permitted as set forth in the following table:

Type of Facility

Zones Permitted

Permit Required

Reverse vending machine

LC, C1, C2, C3, PF, RC, M1, M2, M3, PC

Administrative design review

Small collection facility

LC, C1, C2, C3, PF, RC, M1, M2, M3, PC

Administrative design review

Large collection facility

C3, M1, M2, M3

Use permit

Light processing facility

C3, M1, M2, M3

Use permit

Heavy processing facility

M2

Use permit

(2) A planned community (PC) district may expressly permit or prohibit recycling facilities. Where a PC district does not specifically address such facilities but allows uses permitted in the C1, LC, RC, C2, C3, PF, M1, M2 districts, reverse vending machines and small collection facilities may be permitted with an administrative design review permit.

(3) A single administrative design review permit may be granted to allow more than one reverse vending machine or more than one small collection facility, even if located on different sites, pursuant to the following criteria:

(i) The operator of each of the proposed facilities is the same;

(ii) The proposed facilities are determined by the director of planning to be similar in nature, size and intensity of activity;

(iii) All of the applicable criteria and standards set forth in this section are complied with.

(b) Reverse Vending Machines. Reverse vending machines shall meet the following conditions:

(1) Shall be established in conjunction with a commercial use, industrial or public facility use, which is in compliance with all chapters of the codes of the county of Sonoma including but not limited to Sonoma County fire code, Uniform Building Code and zoning ordinance;

(2) Shall, when associated with a commercial or industrial use, be located within thirty feet (30') of the entrance to the primary use and shall not obstruct pedestrian or vehicular circulation;

(3) Shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof and rustproof material and shall be covered;

(4) Shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material to be deposited;

(5) Shall have a sign area of a maximum of four (4) square feet and sign(s) shall be attached to the machine;

(6) Shall be no more than eighty (80) cubic feet in bulk and no more than eight feet (8') in height per machine;

(7) The operator of the reverse vending machine and the operator of the primary use, on a daily basis, shall remove any and all recyclable materials or refuse which has accumulated or is deposited outside the reverse vending machines;

(8) Reverse vending machines located within a structure in which the primary use is located shall not require any permits under this section;

(9) Where a reverse vending machine is located nearer than fifty feet (50') to a residential property, structure barriers shall be provided to reduce noise impacts;

(10) Reverse vending machine operation may be limited to the hours of operation of the host use.

(c) Small Collection Facilities. Small collection facilities shall meet the following conditions:

(1) Shall be established in conjunction with a commercial use, industrial use institutional or community facility public facility use which is in compliance with all chapters of the codes of the county of Sonoma including but not limited to the Sonoma County fire code, Uniform Building Code and zoning ordinance;

(2) Containers shall be constructed and maintained with durable waterproof, rustproof and fire resistant material and shall be covered at all times when not attended;

(3) Containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of recyclable materials which may be deposited. A sign shall be displayed stating that no materials shall be left outside designated containers;

(4) Facilities shall be clearly marked to identify the name and telephone number of the facility operator;

(5) The site shall be swept and maintained in a dust-free, litter-free condition on a daily basis;

(6) The facility shall be placed on a site so as not to obstruct on-site or off-site pedestrian or vehicular circulation, or any loading facilities;

(7) The facility shall be set back at least twenty feet (20') from any street or right-of-way;

(8) The facility shall not impair the landscaping required for any concurrent use or any permit issued pursuant thereto;

(9) The noise level for the collection facility shall not at any time exceed fifty-five (55) dBA as measured at the property line of any residentially zoned or residentially used property, and shall not exceed sixty-five (65) dBA;

(10) The facility shall not include power-drive sorting and/or consolidation equipment such as crushers, balers or bulk reverse vending machines;

(11) Signs may be provided as follows:

(i) Maximum sign area shall be four (4) square feet,

(ii) No illuminated signs, and

(iii) Signs must be consistent with the character of the location;

(12) Use of the facility for collection or disposal of refuse or hazardous material is prohibited;

(13) The facility shall be removed from the site no later than the date following expiration of the zoning permit for the primary use of the property or the state certification permit, whichever expires earlier;

(14) The facility shall be in operation only during the hours of operation of the primary use, unless permission is otherwise given by the operator of primary use;

(15) The facility shall conform to all development regulations for the zoning district in which it is located;

(16) The occupation of parking spaces by the facility and by the attendant may not reduce available parking spaces below the minimum number required for the primary use unless all of the following conditions exist:

(i) The facility is located in a convenience zone or a potential convenience zone as designated by the California Department of Conservation,

(ii) A parking study shows that existing parking capacity is not already fully utilized during the time the recycling facility will be on the site,

(iii) The use permit or design review approval will be reconsidered at the end of eighteen (18) months.

If the conditions set forth in subsections (c)(16)(i) through (iii) of this section exist, a reduction in available parking spaces in an established parking facility may then be allowed as follows:

For a priority commercial or industrial host use:

Number of Available Parking Spaces

Maximum Reduction

0-25

0

26-35

2

36-49

3

50-99

4

100+

5

For a primary institutional use. A maximum five (5) spaces reduction will be allowed when not in conflict with parking needs of the primary use;

(17) The facility operator shall, on a daily basis, remove any and all recyclable materials or refuse which has accumulated or is deposited outside the containers, bins or enclosures intended as receptacles for such materials;

(18) Small collection facilities are encouraged to accept all types of recyclable materials including, but not limited to all types of beverage and food containers made from aluminum, nonaluminum metal, glass and plastic, and in appropriate circumstances the county may require collection of all types of recyclable materials as a condition of design review approval. Small collection facilities may collect newspapers and cardboard in containers constructed of nonflammable materials.

(d) Large Collection Facilities. Large collection facilities shall meet the following conditions:

(1) The facility will be screened from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties zoned, planned or used for residential purposes by operating in an enclosed building or:

(i) Will be located within an area enclosed by an opaque fence at least six feet (6') in height with landscaping;

(ii) Will meet all the noise standards set forth in subsection (d)(7) of this section.

(2) Setbacks and landscape requirements shall be those provided for the zoning district in which the facility is located.

(3) Materials stored outside shall be bailed, palletized, densified or in sturdy containers maintained in good condition. Storage containers for flammable material shall be constructed of nonflammable material. Oil storage must be in containers approved by the fire district, California Department of Forestry and the Sonoma County public health department. No storage, excluding truck trailers and overseas containers, will be visible above the height of the fencing.

(4) The site shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials and will be cleaned of loose debris on a daily basis.

(5) Space will be provided on site for six (6) vehicles or the anticipated peak customer load, whichever is higher, to circulate and to deposit recyclable materials, except where the planning director determines that allowing overflow traffic above six (6) vehicles is compatible with surrounding businesses and public safety.

(6) In addition to the parking spaces required in subsection (d)(5) of this section, one (1) parking space will be provided for each commercial vehicle operated by the recycling facility. Parking requirements will be as provided for in the zone, except that parking requirements for employees may be reduced when it can be shown that parking spaces are not necessary such as when employees are transported in a company vehicle to a work facility.

(7) Noise levels shall not exceed fifty-five (55) dBA as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or occupied property, and shall not otherwise exceed seventy (70) dBA.

(8) If the facility is located where it abuts property zoned, planned or occupied for residential use, it shall not be in operation between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

(9) Any containers provided for donation of recyclable materials will be adequately screened from any property zoned or occupied for residential use and shall be of sturdy, rustproof construction, shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected, and shall be secure from unauthorized entry or removal of materials.

(10) Unattended donation areas will be kept free of litter and any other undesirable material and the containers will be clearly marked to identify the type of material that may be deposited; the facility shall display a notice stating that no material shall be left outside the recycling containers.

(11) The facility will be clearly marked with the name and phone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation. Identification and informational signs will meet the standards of the zone. Directional signs, bearing no advertising message, may be installed with the approval of the planning director, if necessary to facilitate traffic circulation or if the facility is not visible from the public right-of-way.

(12) Power-drive processing, including aluminum foil and can compacting, bailing, plastic shredding, or other light processing activities necessary for efficient temporary storage and shipment of material, may be approved through a use permit process where noise standards can be shown to be complied with.

(13) Other conditions may be required in connection with the use permit process.

(e) Light and Heavy Processing Facilities. A light or heavy processing operation shall meet the following conditions:

(1) The facility shall be screened from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties zoned, planned or occupied for residential use.

(2) Processors will operate in a wholly enclosed building except for incidental storage, or shall operate within an area enclosed on all sides by an opaque fence or wall not less than eight feet (8') in height and landscaped on all street frontages.

(3) Power-drive processing shall be permitted, provided noise level requirements of subsection (e)(11) of this section are met. Light processing facilities are limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding and sorting of source-separated recyclable materials and repairing of reusable materials.

(4) A light processing facility shall be no larger than forty-five thousand (45,000) square feet and may not shred, compact or bale ferrous metals other than food and beverage containers.

(5) A processing facility may accept used motor oil for recycling from the generator in accordance with Section 25250.11 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(6) Setbacks and landscaping requirements shall be those provided for the zoning district in which the facility is located.

(7) Materials stored outside shall be baled, palletized, densified or shall be in sturdy containers maintained in good condition. Storage containers for flammable material shall be constructed of nonflammable material. Oil storage must be in containers approved by the local fire district, Department of Forestry and Department of Public Health. No storage excluding truck trailers and overseas containers will be visible above the height of the fencing.

(8) The site shall be maintained free of litter and any other undesirable materials, will be cleaned of loose debris on a daily basis, and will be secured from unauthorized entry and removal of materials when attendants are not present.

(9) Parking space shall be provided on site for the anticipated peak load of customers to circulate, park and deposit recyclable materials. If the facility is open to the public, space will be provided for a minimum of ten (10) customers except where the planning director determines that a lesser amount is surrounding business and public safety.

(10) In addition to the parking required by subsection (e)(g) of this section, one (1) parking space will be provided for each commercial vehicle operated by the processing center. Parking requirements will otherwise be as mandated by the zone in which the facility is located.

(11) Noise levels shall not exceed fifty-five (55) dBA as measured at the property line of residentially zoned or occupied property, and shall not exceed seventy (70) dBA.

(12) If the facility is located within five hundred feet (500') of property zoned or planned or occupied for residential use, it shall not be in operation between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. The facility will be administered by on-site personnel during the hours the facility is open.

(13) Any containers provided for donation of recyclable materials will be adequately screened from any property zoned or occupied for residential use and shall be of sturdy, rustproof construction, shall have sufficient capacity to accommodate materials collected, and shall be secure from unauthorized entry or removal of materials.

(14) Donation areas shall be kept free of litter and any other undesirable material. The containers shall be clearly marked to identify the type of material that may be deposited.

(15) Sign requirements shall be those provided for the zoning district in which the facility is located. In addition, the facility will be clearly marked with the name and phone number of the facility operator and the hours of operation.

(16) No dust, fumes, smoke, vibration or odor above ambient level shall intrude on neighboring properties.

(17) Other conditions may be required as part of the use permit process. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-080. Large family day care.

(a) Performance Standards. Any applicant for large family day care shall provide evidence to the planning director at the time of application for a zoning permit of conformance to the following standards:

(1) Application. An application for a zoning permit shall be accompanied by all information, plans, fees and descriptions required by the planning department to process the application.

(2) Fencing. Any front side or rear yard areas intended for day care use shall be surrounded by a barrier to separate the children from neighboring properties. Examples of acceptable barriers include hedgerows, chainlink or wood fences, walls and the like. Fences shall be installed to protect the children from possible hazards (e.g., swimming pools, ravines, vicious animals, etc.) according to state Social Services licensing provisions. The application shall state the type of barrier proposed and the area to be fenced.

(3) Health and Safety Codes. Proposed day care homes shall comply with applicable building and fire code provision, with the applicable building codes, health codes, fire code standards adopted by the state and administered by the county fire marshal, and with Social Services Department licensing requirements (California Administrative Code, Title 22, Division 2).

(4) Spacing and Concentration. Properties used for large family day care homes may be located closer than three hundred feet (300') from one another in all directions unless there is an appeal from a neighbor. In no case shall a residential property be directly abutted by large family day care on two (2) or more sides.

(5) Noise. Noise emanating from a large family day care home or child care facility site shall not exceed sixty (60) decibels on the A scale measured at the property line. A noise wall or other sound attenuating device may be required to insure that this level of noise is not exceeded.

(6) Circulation. Residences located on arterial streets (as shown on the general plan circulation map) must provide a drop-off/pick-up area designed to prevent vehicles from backing onto the arterial roadway. An accurate circulation plan, including parking, circulation and drop-off areas, shall be included with the application.

(7) Parking. All dwellings used for large family day care facilities shall provide at least three (3) automobile parking spaces. These may include spaces already provided to fulfill residential parking requirements and on-street parking so long as it abuts the site.

(8) Review and Enforcement.

(i) One (1) Year Review. The zoning permit for large family day care shall be reviewed after one (1) year by the director to identify and achieve mitigation of any adverse conditions related to the day care activities conformance to these Zoning Ordinance regulations. The director may mitigate problems related to noise, traffic, parking and code violations by imposing new conditions, such as limiting hours of operation, requiring installation of solid fencing, subsequent or periodic review, etc. at his/her discretion. The director shall give notice of this review to owners and residents of property within one hundred feet (100') of the large family day care to allow at least ten (10) days for comment.

(b) Procedure for Application for Large Family Day Care.

(1) An application for a zoning permit shall be accompanied by all information, plans, fees and descriptions required by the planning department. Large family day care is exempt from CEQA.

(2) After the application is submitted, it will be referred to all interested agencies.

(3) At least ten (10) days prior to the date upon which the zoning permit would be issued, the planning department shall mail notice of the application to all property owners within one hundred feet (100') of the subject property and shall post a notice on the property for at least ten (10) days indicating the applicant’s intent to locate a large family day care on the property. The written notice which is mailed and posted shall state that the county intends to issue a zoning permit on the property unless a written protest is received by the planning department within the ten (10) day period.

(4) If no written protest and fee is received within the ten (10) day period, the planning department may issue a zoning permit for the day care, subject to the adopted standards.

(5) If a written protest is filed within ten (10) days of posting or publication, it must be accompanied by a fee in an amount set by resolution of the board of supervisors. The only grounds for a written protest shall be that the proposed family day care does not meet the criteria set forth in this section.

(6) If a written protest on proper grounds and fee is received within the ten (10) day period, the planning department will schedule a hearing on the proposed large family day care before the board of zoning adjustments. The board of zoning adjustments will determine whether the proposed day care meets the criteria set forth in this section.

(7) Decisions of the board of zoning adjustments are appealable to the board of supervisors within twelve (12) days from the date of the board of zoning adjustment’s action. Appeals shall be accompanied by a fee to be set by resolution of the board of supervisors. The board of supervisors shall hear the matter de novo.

(8) If the day care application is appealed to the board of zoning adjustments or the board of supervisors, the appropriate board may approve, or deny or conditionally approve the permit based on the criteria set forth in this section.

(9) Operators of existing large family day care homes shall have twelve (12) months after adoption of the ordinance codified in this chapter in which to apply for a zoning permit, thereby establishing the use as a legal day care facility. A fee shall be required for the zoning permit, but posting and standards shall be waived. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-090. Manufactured homes placed on permanent foundations.

(a) Purpose. To increase the supply of housing and variety of housing types available to the public by establishing a method for placement of manufactured homes on permanent foundations on individual lots, while architecturally integrating the mobile home into the surrounding neighborhood.

(b) Application. One (1) manufactured home per lot is permitted pursuant to subsection (c) of this section, wherever the single-family dwelling is permitted, provided that no other residential structures exist on the property. Additional manufactured homes, or manufactured homes which constitute additional residential units, may be permitted pursuant to this section where additional single-family dwellings are permitted, subject to obtaining a use permit or use permit waiver.

The provisions of this section shall not apply to the J (manufactured home exclusion) or HD (historic combining) districts, nor shall these provisions apply to manufactured homes used to house full-time agricultural employees where not placed on a permanent foundation. Manufactured homes in the SD combining district will require design review.

(c) General Requirements.

(1) Effect of Locating a Manufactured Home on a Permanent Foundation System. A manufactured home which has been placed on a single lot and on a permanent foundation system pursuant to this section shall be deemed to be a single-family dwelling, and subject to local property taxation pursuant to Section 18551 of the Health and Safety Code and Section 109.7 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.

(2) Construction Standards. A manufactured home shall not be located on a permanent foundation system on a single lot unless:

(i) (A) It has been certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 and less than ten (10) years have elapsed between the date of manufacture of the manufactured home and the date of application for the issuance of a permit to install the manufactured home; or

(B) It is factory-built housing as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 19971; and

(ii) It has not been altered in violation of applicable codes. (Ord. No. 2985, § 2.)

(d) Criteria. In the LIA, LEA, DA, RRD, RRDWA, TP, RR, AR, R1, R2, R3 and PC districts, manufactured homes placed on permanent foundations shall:

(1) Be occupied only as a residential use type in compliance with all applicable regulations;

(2) Be subject to all provisions of this chapter applicable to residential structures;

(3) Have a minimum width of twelve feet (12'), not including “expander”;

(4) Be covered with an exterior material (including wood, stucco, masonite and horizontal “lap” siding) customarily used on conventional dwellings and approved by the planning director. The exterior covering materials shall extend to the ground, except that when a solid concrete or masonry perimeter foundation is used, the exterior covering materials need not extend more than six inches (6") above finished grade;

(5) Have a roof with a pitch of not less than three inches (3") vertical rise for each twelve inches (12") of horizontal run and consisting of shingles or other material customarily used for conventional dwellings and approved by the planning director;

(6) Have eaves of a conventional design. (Ord. No. 2985, § 2.)

(e) Installation of Manufactured Home.

(1) Surrender of Registration. Subsequent to applying for the required building permits and prior to occupancy, the owner shall request a certification from the building department that a certificate of occupancy be issued pursuant to Section 18551(b)(2) of the California Health and Safety Code. Thereafter, any vehicle license plate, certificate of registration issued by a state agency is to be surrendered to the appropriate state agencies. Any manufactured mobile home which is permanently attached with underpinning or foundation to the ground must bear a California insignia or federal label pursuant to Section 18550(b) of the Health and Safety Code.

(2) Compliance. The directors of building and planning shall determine that the project is in compliance with all requirements and conditions of the building permit prior to issuing final approval for occupancy.

(3) Building Permit. Prior to installation of a manufactured home on a permanent foundation system the manufactured home owner or a licensed contractor shall obtain a building permit from the building department. To obtain such a permit, the owner or contractor shall comply with all requirements of Section 18551(a) of the Health and Safety Code. (Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)

Sec. 26-88-100. Mobile home park standards.

(a) Design and Development Standards. All mobile home parks where approved by a use permit in the R1, R2, R3 or PC district shall be developed in conformance with the minimum design and improvement standards in this section.

(b) Design Review. All mobile home parks shall be subject to design review in accordance with Article 82.

(c) Submittal of Plans. Development plans shall be submitted to the director at least ten (10) days prior to application for those permits required by Section 18500 of the Health and Safety Code or its successors, and any other pertinent permit requirements of the county and the Department of Housing and Community Development of the state.

Detailed drainage plans shall be submitted to and approved by the county water agency. (Ord. No. 1928.)

(d) Expansion and Staged Development. Development may be in stages so long as each stage meets the minimum standards of this section.

(e) Density. The maximum permitted residential density for a mobile home park shall be one hundred thirty-five percent (135%) of the density established on the zoning map.

(f) Park Area. No mobile home park shall be less than three (3) acres in area within the R1 Low Density Residential Zone District, or less than two (2) acres in area within the R2 Medium Density Residential and R3 High Density Residential Zones.

(g) Setbacks. All structures and mobile homes shall maintain setbacks from the exterior property lines of the mobile home park in accordance with the regulations of the applicable zoning district; provided, however, that a setback of at least twenty feet (20') shall be maintained from all exterior public roadways, so as to allow for fencing and landscaping in accordance with subsection (p) of this section.

(h) Parking. Mobile home parks shall provide parking pursuant to Article 86, Parking. At least one (1) guest parking space shall be provided within a designated guest parking bay for every three (3) mobile homes. Guest parking shall be dispersed in parking bays throughout the development, and shall be in addition to the parking requirement which may be made for a community or recreational building commonly open to visitors. Where the interior streets of a mobile home park do not allow for parking on both sides, scattered parking bays of a minimum nine feet (9') depth and containing from three (3) to five (5) visitor parking spaces are required to meet fire safe accessibility standards.

(i) Recreational Space. Each mobile home park shall provide recreational space in accordance with applicable zoning district regulations for residential developments of similar size. Such recreation space may be provided as outdoor or indoor space, and may include such facilities as community swimming pools and other active recreational facilities, common landscaped and accessible walkways, developed recreational trails, parcourses, play areas and picnic areas, and indoor community gathering facilities. In no case shall credit toward the required minimum recreational area be granted for roadways, fire lanes, or parking areas. Recreation space design and location shall be approved by the director.

(j) Utilities. All utility distribution facilities, including but not limited to electric, communication and cable television lines, installed in and for the purpose of supplying service to any mobile home park shall be placed underground, except as follows: equipment appurtenant to underground facilities, such as surface-mounted transformers, pedestal-mounted terminal boxes and meter cabinets and concealed ducts. The developer is responsible for complying with the requirements of this subsection and shall make the necessary arrangements with the utility companies involved for the installation of such facilities.

(k) Storage Facilities and Garbage Collection. A minimum three-foot (3') by five-foot (5') by five-foot (5') cabinet for storage shall be provided within the rear yard, or within the rear half of a side yard, on each site. Adequate trash enclosures and facilities for park residents which allow for the source separation and collection of household recycling and garbage collection shall be provided to the satisfaction of the director.

(l) Accessory Uses. Accessory uses are those uses that are incidental to the original use, exist for the sole purpose of service to residents, are customarily found in multiple-family development, and do not alter the character of the original use. Any structure used for an accessory use shall meet all requirements for a main structure. Allowable accessory uses include vending machines, a common car wash, storage area for travel trailers and boats, a management facility, recreational facility, and other uses which in the opinion of the director are of a similar nature.

(m) Occupancy of Recreational Vehicles (Travel Trailers). In the R2 or R3 zoning districts, and where allowed by the HCD license and the use permit, short-term overnight use of recreational vehicles may be permitted where adequate sewer and water hook-ups, parking capacity, and compliance with all applicable health and safety and building codes can be shown. In each case, such proposed use shall be included in the application for use permit so that compatibility may be reviewed. All such recreational vehicle spaces shall be designated on the development plan and shall be separated from permanent mobile home spaces. Overnight use of recreational vehicles o