This title shall be known as the "Zoning Ordinance of the County of Inyo, California."

Because of California statutes it is necessary for this title to be in accordance with the county's general plan. This title is the expression of public policy so that all future development can be regulated to:

The provisions of this title, to the extent that they are substantially the same as those in effect prior to its adoption, shall be construed as restatements and continuations thereof and not as new enactments.

The provisions of this title shall be held to the minimum requirements. Nothing in this title shall repeal or amend any ordinance requiring a permit or license to cover any business activity. These regulations are not intended to impair or interfere with any existing easement, covenant or other agreement between parties; provided, however, that where this title imposes a greater restriction upon any use or upon the height or bulk of a building or structure, or requires larger building sites, yards or other open spaces than are imposed or required by any other law, ordinance, covenant or easement, than the provisions of this title shall control.

The territory of Inyo County lying outside the jurisdiction of incorporated cities is divided into parts, designated as districts, within each of which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted and certain others are restricted or prohibited, and within which certain combinations of regulations are applied with reference to building site dimensions, yards and other matters, all as set forth in this title.

There are the following districts, designated by the symbol shown opposite each in the listing contained in this section:

OS, open space;

R1, one family residential;

R2, multifamily residential;

R3, multiple residential;

RR, rural residential;

RR-0.5 - Starlite zone;

CB, central business;

C1, general commercial-retail;

C2, highway services and tourist commercial;

C3, administrative—professional offices;

C4, heavy commercial;

C5, commercial recreation;

M1, general industrial and extractive;

M2, light industrial;

PP, precise plan;

PUD, planned unit development;

D, architectural design review board;

P, public;

SAHO, snow avalanche hazard overlay.

The districts established and the boundaries of such districts are shown upon the map entitled "Zoning Map of the County of Inyo," adopted by the county supervisors. The map shall be on file in the office of the county clerk or the planning department, and all notations, references and other information shown thereon shall be as much a part of this title as if fully described herein.

The zoning map may for convenience be divided into parts, and such parts may be separately employed for the purpose of amending the map or for any official reference thereto.

Wherever any uncertainty exists as to the boundary of any district as shown on the zoning map, the county supervisors, upon written application, or upon its own motion, shall determine the location of said boundary.

No building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed or structurally altered or enlarged, nor shall any building, structure or land be used for any purpose except as specifically provided in this title and allowed in the district in which such building, structure or land is located. No lot shall be reduced in area in relation to any building or structure existing thereon so as to be smaller than required by these regulations, and if already less, the deficient dimension or area shall not be further reduced. Every department, official and employee of the county having the authority to issue any permit or license required by law shall comply with the provisions of this title. Any license or permit issued in conflict with the provisions of this title shall be void and of no effect.