Crescent City City Zoning Code

The principal permitted use in the natural resource district is resource dependent activity which includes:

Other NR uses for which a use permit must first be secured:

The general plan land use map identifies the locations of environmentally sensitive natural resource areas (wetlands and riparian habitat areas). Where question or dispute arises over the location of a habitat boundary the applicant shall provide the following information:

Wetland Buffer. Where a wetland is not within a designated riparian vegetation corridor, a buffer area of one hundred feet shall be maintained, to be measured landward of the wetland edge. A buffer of less than one hundred feet may be utilized where it can be determined that there is no adverse impact on the wetland. A determination to utilize a buffer are of less than one hundred feet shall be made in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Game. The city's determination shall be based upon specific findings as to the adequacy of the proposed buffer to protect the identified resource. The required rear, front and side yard setbacks of a parcel may be located within the buffer area; however, no development other than that specified above may take place within that portion of the yard setbacks located within the buffer area.

Riparian Vegetation Corridor. Native vegetation along any river, stream or creek shall be maintained from top of highest bank to top of highest bank to provide bank stabilization, water quality and wildlife habitat. Additional setback from top of highest bank may be required for geologic or flooding safety. Within this top of bank/safety area eighty percent of the native vegetation canopy shall be retained. Native trees which canopy the watercourse shall be retained unless an existing structure is immediately threatened or a permitted use activity is approved. Where such a new permitted activity occurs native riparian vegetation shall be replaced and maintained on-site, in kind with native species. Where non-native vegetation is removed it shall be replaced and maintained on-site, in-kind with native species.

Any dredging and/or spoils disposal undertaken as part of the maintenance and repair of existing public facilities (such as flood-control and drainage channels, roads or road crossings or utilities) shall be planned and carried out to avoid significant disruption to marine and wildlife habitats and water circulation.

The offered lands within the natural resources zone district shall be substantially in a natural undisturbed state;

The offer for dedication and development agreement shall be negotiated with the city and approved by the city council prior to recordation of the dedication. The development agreement shall be recorded at the same time as the dedication;

The residential density bonus shall be calculated based only on the geometric area zoned NR which is to be dedicated;

The density bonus granted shall not exceed one-third of the density which would be permitted if the natural resources zone were designated the same land use as the adjacent area. Where the adjacent area is designated for residential use its density shall be used. If the adjacent area is designated for commercial use, up to twelve or fifteen units per acre shall be used, as specified for the commercial area density by the general plan. Where two designations are adjacent the lower density shall be used as typical; however the additional units may be located in either area; and

The development agreement bonus units shall be located only on immediately adjacent lands owned by the same property owner which are not in the resource conservation area. The units may not be applied to lands not adjacent nor to lands owned by another party. However, provision may be made in the development agreement permitting the right to the additional units to transfer with property title if the owner wished to sell at a later date.