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Dana Point City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 9

21 RECREATION, OPEN SPACE AND CONSERVATION DISTRICTS

§ 9.21.010 Intent and Purpose.

The Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation Districts provide a range of public and private uses to meet the recreation and open space uses needs of City residents, visitors, and employees; and to conserve the City's significant natural resources.
(a) 
Recreation District. The Recreation (REC) district permits a wide range of higher intensity public and private active recreational uses. These uses are primarily outdoor and activity orientated. Recreation district uses include community facilities, outdoor athletic facilities, golf courses/health clubs, public parks and similar uses.
(b) 
Open Space District. The Open Space (OS) district provides for a more limited range of public and private open space areas for low intensity, passive recreational purposes and related uses. The primary use within the Open Space district is passive recreation, such as trails, picnic areas, and other non-intensive or structured recreational activities.
(c) 
Conservation District. The Conservation (CONS) district is intended for those lands that should remain in a natural state. Some minor intrusions from passive recreational uses may be appropriate if the primary goal of conservation and protection is achieved and there is a demonstrated need for such recreational uses. For areas within the coastal zone designated as the CONS district, "passive recreational uses" shall be limited to hiking, viewing of scenic areas, limited picnicking, and nature study.
(Added by Ord. 93-16, 11/23/93; amended by Ord. 97-05, 9/9/97)

§ 9.21.020 Permitted Uses, Accessory Uses, Temporary Uses, and Conditional Uses.

(a) 
Several classes of uses are allowed in Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation Districts. Each of these classes must promote the recreational, open space, or conservation character of the districts. These classes of uses are:
(1) 
Permitted Use — allowed by right if no discretionary review is required.
(2) 
Accessory Use — allowed by right if accessory to a permitted or conditional use.
(3) 
Temporary Use — allowed on a temporary basis in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9.39.
(4) 
Conditional Use — allowed subject to the approval of a Conditional Use Permit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9.65.
(5) 
Prohibited Use — not allowed in the Recreation, Open Space, or Conservation District.
(b) 
The following Table lists the classification of allowable uses in Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation Districts. Any use not expressly allowed is prohibited.
SECTION 9.21.020(b)
RECREATION/OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION DISTRICTS
LAND USES
REC
OS
CONS
Agriculture
 
C
 
Animal Shelter
C
C
X
Athletic Field
P
P
X
Camp, Public
C
C
X
Caretaker's Residence
C
C
X
Cemetery
C
C
X
Commercial Antennas
C
C
X
Commercial Recreational Uses
C
C
X
Community Center
P
P
X
Cultural Uses
P
P
X
Equestrian Facility
P
P
X
Food Services Uses, Specialty
C
X
X
Open Space
P
P
C
Open Space Uses
P
P
P
Park, Public
P
P
C
Public Land Uses
P
P
C
Public Utility Uses
C
C
C
Recreational Uses
P
C
X
Recreational Vehicle Park
C
X
X
Restaurant, Walkup
C
X
X
Stable, Private
P
C
X
Stable, Public
P
C
X
Temporary Uses
T*
T*
X
Trails, Riding and Hiking
P
P
P
LEGEND:
 
P = Permitted Use
P* = Permitted Use subject to special use standards (see Chapter 9.07)
C = Conditional Use
C* = Conditional Use subject to special use standards (see Chapter 9.07)
T = Temporary Use
T* = Temporary Use subject to special use standards (see Chapter 9.39)
X = Prohibited Use
A = Accessory Use
(Added by Ord. 93-16, 11/23/93; amended by Ord. 96-10, 8/13/96; Ord. 97-05, 9/9/97)

§ 9.21.030 Development Standards.

The following general development standards Table provides the minimum acceptable standards for development within the Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation Districts necessary to assure quality development and attractive local Recreation, Open Space, and Conservation areas. The development standards are supplemented, and where applicable, superseded by the special development standards described in Chapter 9.05, Chapter 9.07, and Section 9.21.040. Parking standards are provided in Chapter 9.35.
SECTION 9.21.030
RECREATION/OPEN SPACE/CONSERVATION DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
Development Standards (1)
Recreation/Open Space/Conservation Districts
REC
OS
CONS
(a) Minimum Lot Size (2)
10,000 sf
N/A
N/A
(b) Maximum Building Coverage
20%
10%
N/A
(c) Maximum Height (3)
31 - 35 ft (4)
2 stories
18 ft/1 story
N/A
(d) Standard Floor Area Ratio (5)
.1:1
.1:1
N/A
(e) Minimum Setbacks
 
 
 
From Ultimate Street R/W Line
50 ft
50 ft
N/A
From Adjoining Property Lines
25 ft
25 ft
N/A
(f) Minimum Open Space and Landscaping
80%
90%
100%
Footnotes for Section 9.21.030:
(1)
See Chapter 9.75 for definitions and illustrations of development standards.
(2)
Development standard applies to proposed subdivisions of land. The standards may be waived by the Planning Commission when necessary to accommodate the parcel configuration for an integrated community development.
(3)
The maximum height limit shall not apply to lighting standards providing illumination for recreational fields or parking facilities.
(4)
Subject to the design and measurement criteria in Section 9.05.110(b)(4).
(5)
A maximum FAR of .2:1 may be permitted in accordance with Section 9.05.210.
N/A — Development standard not applicable to this zoning district.
(Added by Ord. 93-16, 11/23/93; amended by Ord. 94-21, 12/13/94)

§ 9.21.040 Special Development Standards.

(a) 
Accessory Uses and Structures. Accessory buildings and structures are subject to the same height and setback requirements described for primary buildings and structures in Section 9.21.030, except as modified by Section 9.05.080, Maximum Projections into Required Yard Areas.
(b) 
Design Compatibility. Every new building or structure addition to an existing building or structure and site improvement shall result in a unified site design and architectural style that creates compatibility and an enhanced relationship.
The primary design objective in the recreation, open space, and conservation districts is to convey and achieve a sense and presence of public open space. Design within the District should strive to achieve visual, and where appropriate, physical public access. Where appropriate, the site should be lushly landscaped. Signage within the District should be clear but subdued and clearly indicate the use of a particular site.
(c) 
"Art-in-Public-Places" Program. All new development projects located in the zoning districts described in this Chapter are subject to the provisions of the "Art-in-Public-Places" Program as described in Section 9.05.240.
(Added by Ord. 93-16, 11/23/93; amended by Ord. 94-13, 8/23/94)