Santee, CA Zoning Ordinance

Santee City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 13

16 PARK/OPEN SPACE DISTRICT

§ 13.16.010 Purposes and General Plan consistency.

The park/open space district indicates areas of permanent open spaces, biological resource protection, parks and/or areas precluded from major development because of land constraints or habitat preservation. The use regulations, development standards, and criteria are intended to provide low intensity development and encourage recreational activities and the preservation and management of natural resources. Recreational uses such as golf courses with customary support facilities are considered appropriate for these areas. Agricultural uses and sand extraction operations may, under special conditions, be allowed.

The following objectives have been formulated for the park/open space district for the implementation of the General Plan goals and objectives:

Promote a balanced mix of open space uses with development throughout the City in order to provide the enhancement of visual resources, avoidance of hazards, and conservation of resources.

Preserve significant natural resources, such as mineral deposits, biological resources, watercourses, hills, canyons, and major rock outcroppings, as part of a citywide open space system.

Maintain floodways as open space in order to reduce flood hazards, and to preserve the aesthetic quality along water corridors.

Encourage the preservation of significant historical and archaeological sites in the City.

Preserve open space to adequately protect the public from fires, flooding and landslides.

Provide adequate recreational acreage and facilities in all areas of the City.

Encourage private recreational uses which exhibit large amounts of open space.

(Ord. 566 § 3, 2019)

§ 13.16.020 Park/open space use regulations.

Uses listed in Table 13.16.020A shall be allowable. Where indicated with the letter "P," the use shall be a permitted use. Where indicated with the letter "C," the use shall be a conditional use subject to the conditional use permit. Where indicated with the letters "MC," the use shall be subject to a minor condition use permit. Where indicated with a dash "—," or if the use is not specifically listed in Table 13.16.020A, the use shall not be permitted. This section shall not be construed to supersede more restrictive use regulations contained in the conditions, covenants and restrictions of any property. However, in no case shall uses be permitted beyond those allowable in this section. In the event a given use cannot be categorized in one of the districts by the Director, the procedure outlined in Section 13.04.040, Use determination, shall be followed.

Table 13.16.020A Use Regulations
Use	P/OS District
1. Residential Uses
a. Single-family dwelling (not to exceed an average density of one unit per 40 acres)¹	P
b. Single-family attached	—
c. Multiple-family dwellings	—
d. Day care home, family	P
2. Caretaker quarters (accessory to a permitted use)¹	P
3. Home occupations (pursuant to Section 13.06.060(A))	P
4. Auxiliary structures such as detached garages, carports, cabanas, barns, storage sheds, corrals²	P
5. Agricultural uses
a. Row crops, truck gardens	C
b. Plant storage or propagation	C
c. Orchards, vineyards, Christmas and other tree farms	C
d. Community gardens	C
e. Greenhouses	C
f. Livestock grazing, breeding (no feed lots)	C
g. Hydroponic culture	C
h. On-site sales of products grown onsite	C
6. Cemeteries, crematories, mausoleums, columbariums, and related uses	C
7. Biological habitat preserves (unless otherwise approved by other entitlement)	P
8. Facilities for stormwater detention or water quality	P
9. Flood control structures and facilities	P
10. Recreational uses
a. Parks, picnic areas, playgrounds	C
b. Hiking, biking, equestrian trails	P
c. Greenway	P
d. Golf course	C
e. Riding schools (equestrian)	C
f. Commercial stable	C
g. Country club and related uses	C
11. Public buildings and facilities	C

Notes:
1	Development review permit required.
2	Development review permit required if structure size exceeds 1,000 square feet.

(Ord. 566 § 3, 2019; Ord. 591 § 2, 2021; Ord. 599 § 2, 2022)

§ 13.16.040 Site development regulations.

Site Dimensions, Height Limitations, and Setbacks. Development standards such as site dimensions, height limitations, and setbacks shall be determined on a site-by-site basis. Consideration shall be given to surrounding properties and developments in order to blend and remain consistent with the area. Other factors for determination of standards shall be topography, water drainage, circulation, use of site, and any other environmental factors related to the site.

Development Criteria.

Development shall adhere to the following criteria:

Minimize alteration to the natural landform;

Protect areas capable of replenishing groundwater supplies;

Protect the natural drainage of the area;

Protect waterways from indiscriminate erosion and pollution;

Protect lands having biological significance, especially riparian (water related) areas and their associated woodland vegetation;

Protect areas with significant native vegetation and habitat value;

Protect natural areas for ecological, education, and other scientific study purposes.

Outdoor Uses. All uses shall be conducted completely within an enclosed building. The following uses may be permitted to operate outdoors, and subject to any required review and permits:

Agricultural uses;

Wildlife preserves and sanctuaries;

Outdoor recreational facilities;

Other activities and uses similar to those above as determined by the Director.

(Ord. 566 § 3, 2019)

§ 13.16.050 General provisions.

Enclosures of Uses. Unless otherwise specified within this code, or by conditional use permit, all activities, work and storage of materials within the park/open space district shall be entirely within an enclosed building.