Larkspur City Zoning Code
18.49 OS
Open Space District Regulations
18.49.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this district is to implement the open space element of the Larkspur General Plan and provisions of the Government Code related to open space zoning and to preserve the unique open spaces found in Larkspur. This district is specifically designed to:
A. Preserve natural resources found in Larkspur including but not limited to ridgelines, forested areas, marshlands, water bodies, riparian corridors, and other urban open spaces.
B. Provide for both active and passive outdoor recreation areas.
C. To protect the public health and safety by limiting lands which are subject to flooding, slides, or other hazards to open space use. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 1992)
18.49.020 Permitted Uses.
The following uses are permitted in the Open Space District:
A. Public park, recreation or open space uses;
B. Regional park or open space uses;
C. Ridgeline view preservation areas;
D. Habitat/species preservation areas;
E. Public access to open space, and path/trail systems;
F. Areas of historic and cultural value;
G. Water bodies;
H. Group homes, transitional and supportive housing, family daycare homes, and accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.23. (Ord. 1079 § 8, 2024; Ord. 1078 § 7, 2024; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 832 § 1 (part), 1992)
18.49.030 Conditional Uses.
A. The following uses are allowed only with the granting of a use permit by the Planning Commission, at a public hearing:
1. Public uses which are ancillary to the open space use of the site.
2. Structures including, but not limited to, shelters, restrooms, storage sheds, and other structures needed to accommodate public use, or provide for maintenance of the land.
3. Development of new trail systems, or extensions to existing systems.
4. Parking lots, driveways, roadways, transit lines.
5. Utility lines.
6. Grading, dredging, filling.
B. These conditional uses shall be subject to the following open space use permit findings:
1. The use is consistent with the General Plan designation applied to the open space proposed for modification.
2. The use is necessary to further enhance the open space use in question.
3. The use will not be detrimental to the health, safety, morals, comfort, convenience or general welfare of persons residing or working in the neighborhood of such proposed use, nor be injurious to property or improvements in the neighborhood.
C. Legally existing private parcels may be developed at up to one (1) residential unit per ten (10) acres subject to approval of a single residence master plan review pursuant to Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.36.080(C). (Ord. 1079 § 9, 2024; Ord. 1078 § 8, 2024; Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 841 § 1 (part), 1993)
18.49.040 Floor Area Ratio.
The maximum floor area ratio (FAR) in the OS District is 0.10, subject to the following exceptions:
A. Properties exceeding the maximum FAR on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this chapter shall not be considered nonconforming. If such buildings are damaged or destroyed, floor area equal to the building(s)’ original size may be reconstructed, provided:
1. The floor area of the reconstructed or altered structure does not exceed that of the original.
2. The reconstruction or alteration otherwise meets the provisions of the Larkspur Municipal Code.
B. Exceptions. Exceptions to the floor area ratio set by this section may be granted by the Planning Commission at a public hearing to allow architectural spaces within a building, provided the Commission is able to make the following findings in the affirmative:
1. The architectural space is an amenity and publicly accessible such as, but not limited to, an atrium lobby.
2. The architectural space will not increase the traffic generation of the structure.
3. The design of the proposed building has been determined to be consistent with Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.64, Design Review.
C. Application for Exceptions. The application for this exception shall include an application form, fees or deposits to cover the costs of processing, and plans, drawings, and other documents of the type and number required by the Planning Department.
D. Noticing for Exceptions. Public hearings for this exception shall be noticed as required for use permits in Larkspur Municipal Code Section 18.76.030. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 933 § 3, 2004; Ord. 929 § 50, 2004; Ord. 841 § 1 (part), 1993)
18.49.050 Building Height Limit.
No structure shall be erected to a height in excess of fifteen (15) feet. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 841 § 1 (part), 1993)
18.49.060 Signs.
Signs shall be permitted only in accordance with Larkspur Municipal Code Chapter 18.60. (Ord. 1030 § 2(12), 2018; Ord. 841 § 1 (part), 1993)