The purpose of the Open Space (OS) district is to designate lands in public or private ownership that are essentially unimproved and should remain in open space use for the preservation of identified scenic values, habitat for endangered plants or animals, unique geologic features, natural resources, passive recreational values, or for the protection of public health and safety. The OS district may also be utilized as an interim district in conjunction with county-initiated changes in zoning district classification for those properties designated as "commercial" or "industrial" by the Kern County general plan or adopted specific plan, where the current zoning district classification for those properties is inconsistent with said "commercial" or "industrial" designations.

(Ord. G-5346 § 71, 1990: prior code § 7095.01)

The following uses and all others determined to be similar to these uses pursuant to Sections 19.08.030 through 19.08.080 of this title are permitted in the OS district:

A.

Agricultural Uses.

1.

Breeding and raising animals:

— Beef cattle or animal grazing;

B.

Recreation, entertainment and tourist facilities:

— Hiking or equestrian trails;

C.

Utility and communications facilities:

— Transmission lines and supporting towers, poles, pipelines and underground facilities for gas, water, electricity, telephone or telegraph service owned and operated by a public utility company under the jurisdiction of the California Public Utilities Commission pursuant to Section 19.08.090 of this title;

D.

Miscellaneous uses:

— Hunting or fishing club, not including buildings or structures

— Wildlife or nature preserve, not involving structures.

(Ord. G-4832 § 141, 1988; prior code § 7095.02)

The following uses and all others determined to be similar to these uses pursuant to Sections 19.08.030 through 19.08.080 of this title are all permitted in the OS District subject to securing a conditional use permit in accordance with the standards and procedures set out in Chapter 19.104 of this title:

A.

Recreation, Entertainment, and Tourist Facilities.

— Park

— Roads or trails for motor driven vehicles, excluding race courses;

B.

Institutional Uses.

— Public service uses;

C.

Transportation Facilities.

— Auto parking lot;

D.

Resource Extraction and Energy Development Uses.

— Oil or gas exploration and production pursuant to Chapter 19.98 of this title;

E.

Miscellaneous Uses.

— Restrooms and shelters

— Scientific study sites for the systematic exploration and classification of archaeological, anthropological, or historic artifacts or remains

(Prior code § 7095.03; Ord. G-4832 § 142, 1988; Ord. G-5346 §§ 72, 73, 1990; Res. No. 2020-116, § 2, 5-19-20; Ord. No. G-8992, § 12, 3-8-21)

All other uses not permitted by Sections 19.44.020 and 19.44.030 of this chapter or accessory thereto under Section 19.08.110 are prohibited in the OS district.

(Ord. G-7189 § 47, 2005: prior code § 7095.04)

There is no minimum lot size required in the OS district; provided, however, that no lot zoned Open Space (OS) may be divided or separated in any manner, except in the case of a conveyance or dedication of land to a government agency, public entity or public utility for public purposes or public utility purposes.

(Prior code § 7095.05)

There is no requirement for minimum lot area per dwelling unit in the OS district. Dwellings are not permitted.

(Prior code § 7095.06)

There are no yard and setback requirements in the OS district.

(Prior code § 7095.07)

There are no height limits required in the OS district.

(Prior code § 7095.08)

There is no requirement for minimum distance between structures in the OS district.

(Prior code § 7095.09)

Off-street parking shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 19.82 of this title.

(Prior code § 7095.10)

The following signs are permitted in the OS district in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 19.84 of this title:

A.

Institutional identification signs identifying a permitted use on the property. Such signs shall be limited to monument signs not to exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area and not to exceed fifteen (15) feet in height;

B.

Temporary real estate signs advertising the property for sale or rent, not to exceed eight (8) square feet each, excluding the area of any vertical and/or horizontal support members.

(Prior code § 7095.11)

Landscaping is not required in the OS district.

(Prior code § 7095.12)

Development in the OS district shall comply with the interpretations and provisions of Chapter 19.08 of this title.

(Prior code § 7095.13)