The regulations specified in Chapters 20.02-20.60 shall be subject to the general provisions and exceptions set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. 67-10 § 5.0100, 1967)

The following uses may be permitted in any district subject to the securing of a use permit in each case:

1. Public parking lots.
2. Public uses, quasi-public uses, or utility provider uses (e.g. water districts, etc.). Such uses shall only be permitted with the consent of the landowner if the applicant is other than the landowner.
3. The commercial removal of minerals, earth or construction materials.
4. Signs, not over twenty square feet, advertising the sale of a subdivision.
5. Signs not otherwise prohibited, and which are placed above the permitted height of buildings.
6. Cemeteries.
7. Temporary asphalt, rock aggregate, and concrete plants for a period not to exceed the duration of the project being constructed by the permittee or the permittee's representative. See also Section 20.56.30.
8. A temporary real estate sales office in conjunction with a recorded major subdivision permitted pursuant to this title, and Title 16 of Del Norte County Code, Subdivisions, and subject to the following requirements:
   1. A building permit shall be obtained for the temporary unit/use and shall comply with the Uniform Building Code applicable at the time of permit application.
   2. Temporary real estate sales units may be a manufactured commercial coach or a permanent dwelling unit located within an approved building area within a recorded major subdivision. A notice of conditional approval shall be recorded for a temporary office.
   3. If the unit is a commercial coach, it may be served by temporary utility connections (sewage disposal, water), including a separate electrical service. The proponent shall submit with any commercial coach application a siding/landscaping plan as part of the use permit. If the office is incorporated into a permanent dwelling unit, the unit shall be connected to permanent utility connections. All temporary utilities shall be removed at the time the temporary unit is removed.
   4. Temporary real estate sales offices shall be approved by the Del Norte County Health Department prior to issuance of a building permit.
   5. Temporary real estate sales offices shall comply with Chapter 20.46 of Del Norte County Code, Parking. Parking areas may be a temporary all-weather surface within all areas including those designated as urban land use by the general plan.
   6. Temporary real estate sales offices shall comply with Title 18 of Del Norte County Code, Signs, and shall be considered compatible with the light commercial zone district.
   7. A temporary real estate sales office shall be removed within sixty days after the sale of seventy-five percent of the lots in the recorded subdivision where the sales office is located. This includes any temporary utilities and signs approved as part of the temporary use not typically allowed by Del Norte County Code (signs advertising the sale of real estate as defined by Title 18, Signs).
   8. Use permits issued for temporary real estate sales offices shall be subject to annual review and renewal by the Del Norte County planning commission. The applicant is responsible for demonstrating the total percentage of lots sold at the time of a request for renewal of the use permit.
9. A second electrical meter for commercial purposes may be allowed on a legally established parcel in conjunction with a use permit for a home enterprise on the same parcel if all of the following requirements are met:
   1. A specific need for a second electrical meter for commercial purposes has been demonstrated, such as a second meter which provides commercial service, is necessary to run specific work-related tools or machinery on the subject parcel as part of the home enterprise activity; and
   2. A recorded notice which states that the second electrical meter is for the permitted home enterprise only and must be removed prior to the sale or transfer of the subject parcel, is recorded on the subject parcel; and
   3. A valid building permit has been issued for the second electrical meter for commercial purposes on the subject parcel.
10. A second electrical meter may be allowed with an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit.
    

(Ord. 2023-006 § 5 (part), 2023; Ord. 2014-005 § 2, 2014: Ord. 2000-002 § 3 (part), 2000: Ord. 97-23 (part), 1997: Ord. 68-12 § 2 (part), 1968: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0101, 1967)

No circus, carnival, open air theater, race track or similar establishment, or use involving assemblages of people and automobiles shall be permitted in any district unless a use permit is first secured in each case.

(Ord. 67-10 § 5.0102, 1967)

1. Signs, not over six square feet in area may be displayed on any parcel of land or building for the purpose of advertising such parcel or building for sale or lease.
2. Signs which are appurtenant to any permitted use may be displayed in any RH, C, or M district, provided that no more than three signs of not more than two square feet of area per foot of frontage to a maximum of two hundred square feet of aggregate area shall be permitted for any one establishment. Where double faced signs are used, the area of one side only shall be included in the aggregate area. Lot frontage used in determining sign areas shall include property frontage wherein the main entrance to the business is located. Where a public or private parking lot is adjacent to a business, only the frontage whereon the business is conducted shall be counted as business frontage. These provisions shall not apply to signs using the wall of a building as the surface, or attached to the wall of a building, providing such signs do not project more than twelve inches beyond the exterior face of such wall, providing such wall is a nonprojecting, integral part of the building, and providing the aggregate area of such wall sign does not exceed twenty percent of the total area of such wall and further provided that such signs shall advertise only such general product, or products and/or services as is or are, actually sold, dispensed, or rendered on the premises.
3. No red, green or amber lights or illuminated signs may be placed in such a position that they could reasonably be expected to interfere with, or be confused with any official traffic control device or traffic signal or official guide sign.
4. Name plates and numbers not over two square feet in area, may be permitted in any R district.

(Ord. 69-4 § 2, 1969: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0103, 1967)

In all districts the lighting, including any permitted illuminated sign shall be arranged so that there will be no annoying glare directed or reflected toward residence building or residence district.

(Ord. 67-10 § 5.0104, 1967)

1. Storage of trailers shall be as follows:
   1. No trailer will be permitted in the front yard of any R, RA, R-H, or C-1 district.
   2. In all districts listed in subdivision A,l., unoccupied and functional travel trailers, and trailers other than those having sleeping accommodations may be stored in any side or rear yard providing that the trailer is placed on the lot in compliance with side and rear yard setbacks for auxiliary buildings.
   3. Unoccupied and functional trailers may be stored in all U, A, C-3, M, FR, and T districts in any location on the lot provided that the yard setbacks for the particular zone are complied with.
2. No vehicle undergoing repair or inoperable shall he stored in the front yard of any R, R-A, R-H, or C-1 district.
3. The storage or keeping of junk in any district shall be confined to areas not visible from any street.

(Ord. 67-10 § 5.0105, 1967)

1. Chimneys, vents, and other architectural or mechanical appurtenances, and towers, poles, water tanks and similar structures may be erected to a greater height than the limit established for the district in which they are to be located, subject to securing a use permit in each case.
2. No fence, wall or hedge shall be constructed or grown to exceed four feet in height along the front edge or sides of any required front yard of an interior lot (i.e. not a corner lot) or eight feet in height along any side yard or rear yard of an interior lot (i.e. not a corner lot) unless a use permit is first secured in each case. Refer to Section 12.08.10 of Chapter 12.08, Title 12 of Del Norte County for height restrictions on corner lots.

(Ord. 2010-006: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0106,1967)

1. A legal use of land as a building site may be permitted on lot of less area or frontage than that required by the regulations of Chapters 20.02 through 20.60, providing such site is shown as a lot on a subdivision map of record or is a parcel of land which was under one ownership on the effective date an area is zoned or rezoned under Chapters 20.02 through 20.60, and provided that in either case the owner of such lot or parcel has not owned or purchased any adjoining property since the effective date the area is zoned or rezoned under Chapters 20.02 through 20.60.
2. When two or more subdivision lots are held by the same owner, and when separate sales, leasing or financing of said lots would create a building site not meeting existing zoning lot are minimums, general plan density or sewage disposal system requirements, the county of Del Norte permit issuing agencies shall not approve any permits on such lots pursuant to Sections 66424.2 and 66499.34 of the State Subdivision Map Act. All parcels or units of land which merged prior to July 24, 1978, and which meet or exceed the above requirements are deemed unmerged and separate parcels.
   Whenever the county has knowledge that such a separation of lots has taken place, creating a building site area not meeting zone district or sewage disposal system requirements, it shall cause to be filed for record with the recorder a tentative notice of violation if, within thirty days after notification to the property owner evidence to the contrary is not presented, a final notice of violation shall be recorded. Such tentative or final notice, when recorded, shall be deemed to be constructive notice of the violation to all successors in interest in such property (Section 66499.36 of the State Subdivision Map Act).
3. Land proposed as a building site and not having its principal access on a state or county maintained road, but is in accordance with all other requirements of Chapters 20.02 through 20.60, may be used as a building site only if a use permit is first obtained.
4. Special lot sizes for C, R-H, and M districts shall be as follows:
   1.  Lot sizes for buildings with a commercial or manufacturing use only, and with no living quarters of any type, using large amounts of water such as restaurants, self service laundries, etc., may be required by the county planning consultant or health department to have more area than those specified in Chapters 20.06 through 20.44.
      
   2. Lot sizes smaller than those set forth in Chapters 20.06 through 20.44 may be used if approved by the planning consultant and health department.
   3. Where a combined commercial and residential use is proposed for a parcel, a larger area than set forth in Chapters 20.06 through 20.44 may be required by the county planning consultant or health department.

(Ord. 78-26 § 2, 1978: Ord. 70-9 § 1, 1970: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0107, 1967)

1. Where the front yard setback requirements, as set forth in Chapters 20.06 through 20.44, are less than those specified hereinafter, then in that case the front yard setback shall be as follows in all districts:
   1. On major highways, one-half the right-of-way width in commercial or industrial manufacturing areas but in no case less than sixty feet. In all other areas one-half the right-of-way width plus twenty feet but in no case less than seventy feet.
   2. On major county roads in commercial, industrial, or manufacturing areas, one-half the right-of-way width, but in no case less than forty feet.
   3. On major county roads in all other areas, one-half the right-of-way width, plus twenty feet but in no case less than fifty feet.
   4. On all minor county roads and non-county public roads in commercial, industrial, or manufacturing areas, one-half the right-of-way width but in no case less than thirty feet.
   5. On all other minor county roads and noncounty public roads, except private driveways, one-half the right-of-way width plus twenty feet, but in no case less than forty feet.
   6. When a right-of-way or access easement is not designated, the limit of the prescriptive use/easement shall be reasonably identified in the field and used as the lot line from which the setback shall be determined.
2. Where public or mutual water or public sanitary systems are available, the lot coverage on any residential lot may be increased to permit up to sixty percent lot coverage, providing all other regulations to Chapters 20.02 - 20.60 are followed.
3. Cornices, eaves, canopies, balconies, galleries, and similar architectural features may extend into any required yard a distance not exceeding three feet.
4. Uncovered porches or stairways, fire escapes or loading docks may extend into any required front or rear yard a distance not exceeding six feet and into any required side yard a distance of not exceeding three feet.
5. The average setback of adjacent buildings may be substituted for front yard requirements on approval of the planning commission.
6. In case a dwelling is to be located so that the front or rear thereof faces any side lot line such dwelling shall be located not less than ten feet from such lot line.
7. In the case of a corner lot adjacent to a key lot in any R district, the required side yard on the street side of the corner lot within twenty-five feet of the side line of a key lot shall be equal to the front yard required on the key lot and the balance of such side yard shall be equal to not less than one-half of the front yard required on the key lot.
8. In case an accessory building in any R district is attached to the main building it shall be made structurally a part thereof and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of Chapters 20.02 - 20.60 applicable to the main building.
9. A detached accessory building shall be located no less than five feet from any point or portion of the main building or another accessory building. Any building located closer than five feet from the main building shall be considered as an addition to the main building and shall therefore be deemed attached to the main building and be subject to code requirements applicable to a main building.
10. Where such is not specified, detached accessory buildings shall be located not less than five feet from any side lot line, alley, or rear lot line and shall not encroach on any easement or right-of-way of record.
11. Any accessory building used as a private stable shall be located not less than twenty feet from any side or rear property line, not less than fifty feet from the front property line, not less than twenty feet from any dwelling unit on the line.
12. Yards for the use of horses shall be fenced to keep animals not less than twenty feet from any dwelling.
13. Minimum side and rear yard requirements for a main building, where such are not specified, shall be five feet for side yards and ten feet for rear yards.
14. Nothing contained in the general provisions shall be deemed to reduce special yard requirements as set forth in the regulations for any R or A district.
15. The shorter street frontage of a corner lot shall be considered the front of the lot.
16. When a residence or an accessory building is proposed to be placed on a corner lot not adjacent to a key lot, in all R and FR zones, the street side setback shall be equal to one-half of the required front yard setback, but in no case less than ten feet.

(Ord. 95-17 §§ 7 (2), (4), 10 (1), 1995: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0108, 1967)

In accordance with the Del Norte County General Plan Policy 1.G.14 which "requires development within or adjacent to designated agricultural areas to include location, design, construction, and maintenance techniques that protect agriculture and minimize conflicts with adjacent agricultural uses", the County shall apply agricultural setbacks/buffers of at least 100 feet to new development requiring a discretionary review process and that are adjacent to lands that meet the definition of "agricultural lands" defined therein. No new residential structure or portion thereof, edible garden or orchard plants or wells shall be allowed within the 100 foot agricultural setback/buffer. The County may alter 100 foot setback/buffer requirement based on sit specific conditions and recommendations from the County Agricultural Commissioner.

(Ord. 2008-05 § E, 2008.)

The following provisions shall not apply to accessory dwelling units or junior accessory dwelling units as defined by this Code.

1. In case the buildings of a group are so located on the lot that the rear of the building which faces the street is faced by the front of a building to the rear (i.e., in a "front to back" series) no such building shall be closer than twenty feet to any other such buildings and the side yard providing access shall not be less than eight feet.
2. In case the buildings of a group are so located on the lot that the rears thereof abut upon one side yard and the fronts thereof abut the other side (i.e., in a single row "side to side" series) the side yard providing front access shall have a width of not less than twelve feet.
3. In case the buildings of a group are so located on the lot that the rears thereof abut each side yard and the fronts thereof face a court (i.e., in a double row "side to side" series) the court shall have a width of not less than thirty feet.
4. Any separate building of the group shall be located not less than ten feet from any other building of the group.
5. No building in any group shall be so located on the lot that the rear thereof abuts on any street line except where architectural treatment similar to the building front is provided.
6. Distances required between buildings on the same lot and as yards and courts for dwelling groups shall be increased by two feet for each story that the height of any building or dwelling group exceeds two stories.

(Ord. 2023-006 § 6 (part), 2023; Ord. 67-10 § 5.0109, 1967)

Household pets will be permitted in all districts provided they do not create a nuisance.

The keeping of any small livestock on parcels of less than an acre in size is prohibited unless the zoning district in which the subject parcel is located specifically permits small livestock farming except where the occupant of a one-family residence wishes to participate in a 4-H, FFA or other recognized youth program. In such case they may do so regardless of zoning subject to the below listed conditions:

1. The project animal is registered with the sponsoring agency.
2. An emblem, sign, decal or other official insignia of the sponsoring organization is paced within clear view from the street or access road.
3. No portion of a pen, cage or shelter for the animal(s) shall be located closer to a neighboring residence than to the one in which the project participant dwells.
4. No health hazard or neighborhood nuisance is created. In cases of a complaint of a neighborhood nuisance, a determination shall be made by the planning commission regarding the retention of the animal at the site. Where a parcel one acre or greater in size is located in a zoning district which does not specifically permit small livestock farming, up to eleven chicken hens, pigeons or similar fowl or eleven rabbits or similar animals may be kept. However, no roosters, quacking ducks, geese or similar animals are permitted.

(Ord. 94-18 §§ 2, 3 (part), 1994: Ord. 82-09 § 2 Exh. A(9), 1982: Ord. 67-10 § 5.0110, 1967)

The installation of manufactured homes on individual lots in areas zoned for single-family residential dwellings (any R, RR and FR zones) or in a zone which permits the placement of a manufactured home subject to the securement of a use permit (not including CT and TPZ zones), is permitted in compliance with the requirements of this section:

1. The manufactured home shall be subject to the same development standards to which a conventional single family residential dwelling on the same lot would be subject, including but not limited to, building setback standards, side and rear yard requirements, standards for enclosure and access, vehicle parking, any applicable aesthetic requirements, and minimum square footage requirements.
2. Pursuant to Section 65852.3 of California Government Code, the manufactured homes installed pursuant to this section shall conform to the following: 1. The unit shall be placed on a permanent foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the Health and Safety Code. 2. Roofing material shall consistent with those approved by the State of California. 3. The exterior covering material shall consistent with those approved by the State of California. 4. The exterior covering material shall extend to within six inches of the ground, except that when a solid concrete or masonry perimeter foundation is used the exterior covering material need not extend below the top of the foundation. 5. The unit shall have a covered entryway and steps sufficient to provide access to the unit. 6. The requirement for a permanent foundation shall not apply when a use permit has been granted by the planning commission for the temporary placement of a manufactured home.

(Ord. 2023-007 § 50, 2023; Ord. 95-17 § 2, 1995: Ord. 95-06 § 3, 1995: Ord. 92-05 § 1, 1992: Ord. 88-32 § 1 (part), 1988: Ord. 87-26 § 1 (Exh. A (part)), 1987: Ord. 85-09 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 81-18 § 1, 1981)

Subject to the issuance of a use permit, mobile home parks are permitted on all land designated by the general plan and zoned for residential land use, providing that:

1. Project density, including existing or non-mobile home park residential development, does not exceed that designated by the zoning district which is in effect.
2. Project development shall meet any mobile home park standards in effect at the time of approval.
3. Mobile home units are subject to Section 20.48.130 of this code.
4. No recreational vehicle spaces or occupancy shall be permitted; and
5. All other policies of the county general plan and ordinances regarding development shall apply.

(Ord. 82-09 § 2 Exh. A(10), 1982)