The Horse Stable and Horsekeeping use types are permitted in areas with certain animal designators as indicated in Section 3100 Animal Schedule, and may be subject to the approval of, a Zoning Verification Permit, an Administrative Permit or a Major Use Permit, as specified below.
a. D, E, F, J, L, M, N, U, and V Animal Designators allow a Horse Stable as follows:
1. Boarding of and riding lessons for up to 3 horses not owned by the property owner, on any property with the above animal designators is permitted without the need for a Zoning Verification, Administrative Permit or Major Use Permit. No other equine uses, such as breeding, riding academies or events are allowed with the Horse Stable. All structures, animal enclosures and uses are subject to all other regulations of this ordinance including the following limitations:
2. Ten horses per acre of usable area, up to a maximum of 5 acres of useable area and a maximum of up to 50 horses may be allowed with a Zoning Verification Permit.
3. Ten horses per acre of usable area, of more than 5 acres and up to a maximum of 10 acres of useable area and between 50-100 horses total may be allowed upon approval of an Administrative Permit.
4. More than ten horses per acre of usable area, more than 10 acres of usable area or more than 100 horses shall require a Major Use Permit.
5. The total number of horses and the usable acreage for horses calculated shall include both those horses allowed pursuant to Horsekeeping as well as the Horse Stable and all of the combined areas for both use types.
6. Usable area. A plot plan for a permit shall clearly indicate the usable area for a project. The usable area as noted in the Animal Schedule shall be the area used by all horses on the lot or a combination of contiguous lots including structures, animal enclosures, riding arenas, corrals, stalls and paddocks used by horses. The usable area shall not include driveways, road easements, parking areas, areas within the animal enclosure setbacks, pastures exempt from animal enclosure setbacks, residences, other accessory structures, landscaping, areas with active agriculture and other areas where horses would not be permanently kept on the property.
7. Horse Events. The temporary gathering of additional people and horses for a horse event, show or competition which is not a part of the active operations of a Horse Stable shall be considered an Outdoor Entertainment Event and may be allowed in compliance with the Temporary Use Regulations in Sections 6100-6149. However, additional events or time restrictions may be allowed as part of an Administrative Permit or Major Use Permit for a Horse Stable
8. Archaeological, historical or cultural resources. A proposed Horse Stable of more than 50 horses shall complete a full records search with the South Central Information Center (SCIC) when the application for an Administrative or Major Use Permit is submitted. The SCIC shall provide a recommendation regarding potential cultural resources and may recommend consultation with appropriate tribe(s).
In addition to the regulations contained in the Animal Enclosure Setback Table, Section 3112, a Horse Stable or Horsekeeping use shall comply with the following requirements:
1. A Horse Stable or Horsekeeping shall conform to the regulations contained in County Code Title 3, Division 6, Chapter 4, Noise Abatement and Control.
2. Dust and odors from the Horse Stable or Horsekeeping shall not create a nuisance or a hazard to adjoining properties or uses and shall be in compliance with this ordinance, including but not limited to section 6300 and specific sections 6316 regarding Particulate Matter and Air Contaminants and 6318 regarding Odors.
3. A Horse Stable or Horsekeeping shall conform to the standards and regulations for the humane treatment of equine animals found in County and State codes, including, but not limited to, State Health and Safety Code.
4. A Horse Stable or Horsekeeping shall maintain the use subject to standard best management practices for equine uses in compliance with the Grading, Stormwater and Watershed Protection Ordinances.
c. A Horse Stable shall comply with the following requirements which shall be documented in a Manure Management Plan, Fire Protection Plan and Vector Control Plan:
1. The stable shall be kept in a clean and sanitary manner by the daily removal of manure to a manure management area from all usable horse areas to prevent the accumulation of flies, the spread of disease or offensive odor.
2. Manure shall be kept in the manure management area in a covered or enclosed bin or container unless being composted. Manure shall be removed from the property a minimum of every other week or properly composted onsite.
3. The manure management area shall meet Animal Enclosure setbacks.
4. The interior of electrical appliances, such as fans and heaters, shall be kept clean.
5. Industrial grade extension cords are allowed only if the use of extension cords is unavoidable, for example for a temporary event. Extension cords shall not be used as a permanent electrical conduit.
6. Hay shall be stored in an enclosed building, a covered area or a covered bin, meeting Animal Enclosure and Main Building setbacks, and may consist of only dry, well-cured hay.
7. Rags and cloths used to clean tack and hooves shall be stored in an orderly fashion within an enclosed building or covered bin that meets the Animal Enclosure and Main Building setbacks. Bedding materials shall also be stored in the same location.
8. All wiring and electric cords shall be properly run and installed with insulated wiring routed and strung through metal conduits.
9. Light fixtures shall have a caged enclosure to prevent damage and sparking.
10. Large structures over 1000 square feet in area shall meet a minimum fire separation setback of 50 feet to reduce risk of fire between structures.
11. Hydrants shall be installed near each barn or main structure with sufficient hoses for watering all potential fire areas.
12. The electrical system shall allow for the power to be shut off to each building, without losing power to the water pumps.
13. Stables shall have a written fire plan and evacuation plan, which includes the limitations above and shall post it onsite for employees and visitors.
14. Recognizing the natural drainage on a property, structures permitted as part of a horse stable shall be located away from any locations that collect water. Feed, waste, standing water (water troughs), and other items attractive to vectors must regularly be cleared and cleaned.
15. Feed/grain areas must be covered and swept, droppings must be picked up daily, and manure piles, if not removed from the lot, must be routinely turned or tilled into pastures to prevent fly breeding areas.
16. Automatic fly spray devices or strips shall be utilized in building or structure areas.
17. To prevent vector infestations, all areas that would allow for standing water to collect, must be designed to fully drain within 72 hours. Water features such as ponds related to a horse stable must be stocked with mosquito fish.
d. Equine Living Area. An equine shall be provided with adequate living facilities including an enclosed paddock, corral or stall for keeping. Such area shall be located within an animal enclosure or stable. Paddocks, corrals or stalls shall have enough room for the equine to move about and lay down without restriction.
e. A Horse Stable may include an office, employee break area, full bathroom and other associated areas or structures related to a commercial use.
f. Employee Housing. A Horse Stable may include a dwelling unit(s) for a stable employee(s) pursuant to the State Employee Housing Act. Employee housing is only allowed while a permitted stable is in operation. Prior to issuance of a Building Permit, the property owner shall enter into a contract with the County agreeing to specific terms and conditions limiting employee housing to bona-fide stable employees in conjunction with on-going stable operations.
g. Sign. Pursuant to section 6252.v a sign is allowed for a Horse Stable at the entrance to the property to identify the stable or ranch name only. The sign shall not be illuminated.
h. Outdoor Lighting. Pursuant to sections 6322 and 6324 outdoor lighting is allowed for an animal enclosure or stable. However, as noted, other than security lighting, the stable area shall not be illuminated between 10pm and dawn. Lighting must comply with Dark Skies limitations.
i. Setbacks. Additional setbacks shall be required for a Horse Stable as follows:
1. All storage areas of materials related to the horse stable use and parking shall meet the Animal Enclosure setbacks, this includes trailer parking, loading and delivery areas, hay storage, etc.
2. Any structure permitted as part of a Horse Stable that is over 1000 square feet in area shall meet the standard setbacks and additionally meet a minimum 25 foot setback from all property lines. Such structures include barns, hay barns, covered arenas, covered riding areas, stables and other structures.
3. On a lot or a combination of lots under the same ownership of less than 5 acres in area, Animal Enclosures and all structures associated with a Horse Stable shall be a minimum 50 feet from the nearest residence on any adjacent property under separate ownership.
(Added by Ord. No. 10285 (N.S.) adopted 9-11-13)