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Bakersfield City Zoning Code

17.37 OS

Open Space Zone

17.37.010 Generally.

The regulations set out in this chapter shall apply in the OS (open space) zone unless otherwise provided. (Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)

17.37.020 Purpose.

The purpose of the OS (open space) zone is to provide for permanent open spaces and recreational uses and to safeguard the health, safety and welfare of the people by limiting developments in areas where protection from unstable soils, flooding, seismic activity or other special circumstances is required. (Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)

17.37.030 Uses permitted.

The following uses are permitted in the OS zone:

A. Agricultural use;

B. Parks for passive recreational use;

C. Wildlife preserves;

D. Riding and hiking trails;

E. Permanent unlighted recreation facilities for small-scale, unorganized use such as softball diamonds, soccer or football fields, playground equipment and tennis courts. (Ord. 3835 § 23, 1998; Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)

17.37.040 Uses permitted subject to planning director permit.

The following uses are permitted subject to a permit issued by the planning director:

Private or public open recreational or sporting uses or events for a period not to exceed one week at a time. (Ord. 3835 § 24, 1998; Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)

17.37.050 Uses permitted only by conditional use permit.

While any use may be permitted by conditional use permit pursuant to Section 17.64.020(B), the following uses are not permitted in the OS zone except by conditional use permit issued in accordance with the procedures provided in Chapter 17.64 of this code:

A. Single-unit residential uses;

B. Public and private campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks;

C. Public utility structures;

D. Archery ranges;

E. Equestrian facilities;

F. Golf courses and driving ranges;

G. Gun clubs or shooting ranges;

H. Racetracks;

I. Baseball batting ranges;

J. Wholesale nurseries. (Ord. 5168 § 1, 2024; Ord. 3746 § 14, 1997; Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)

17.37.060 Additional requirements.

The following requirements shall apply to all development permitted by this chapter:

A. All permitted and conditional uses pursuant to this chapter shall be subject to site plan review as provided in Chapter 17.08 of this code.

B. Building height, distance between buildings, and yard requirements shall be determined by the appropriate approving authority for each use based on established city ordinances and policies to ensure compatibility with adjoining land uses and promote the public health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood and community.

C. Landscaping shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 17.61 of this code.

D. Off-street parking and loading shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 17.58.

E.  Signs shall be subject to the requirements of Chapter 17.60 of this code.

F. Open storage of material and equipment permitted in this zone shall be surrounded and screened by a solid wall or fence, including solid gates where necessary, not less than six feet in height. Materials shall not be stacked above the height of the screening.

G. For developments under this section using outside storage, the areas devoted to outside storage shall be treated with a permanent dust binder or other permanent dust control measures consistent with air pollution control regulations, as approved by the planning director. (Ord. 3835 § 25, 1998; Ord. 2832 § 1, 1983; Ord. 2713 § 1, 1982)