§ 26-64-020. Community separators and scenic landscape units.

(a)

All structures, except certain telecommunications facilities as provided for in Section 26-64-040, located within community separators and scenic landscape units illustrated on Figures OS-5a through OS-5i, inclusive, of the general plan open space element and included within the SR district shall be subject to the following criteria:

(1)

Structures shall be sited below exposed ridgelines;

(2)

Structures shall use natural landforms and existing vegetation to screen them from view from public roads. On exposed sites, screening with native, fire resistant plants may be required;

(3)

Cuts and fills are discouraged, and where practical, driveways are screened from public view;

(4)

Utilities are placed underground where economically practical;

The above criteria shall not apply to agricultural accessory structures which do not require a use permit in the district with which this district is combined.

In the event that compliance with these standards would make a parcel unbuildable, structures shall be sited where minimum visual impacts would result.

(b)

In addition to the criteria listed in subsection (a) of this section, the following standards shall apply to subdivisions within community separators and scenic landscape units and included within the SR district unless otherwise provided herein:

(1)

Building envelopes shall be established for structures. Use of height limitations should be considered, if necessary to further mitigate visual impacts;

(2)

Clustering shall be used to reduce visual impact where consistent with the applicable base district;

(3)

Building sites and roadways shall be located to preserve trees and tree stands as provided in Section 26-88-040(m) of this chapter;

(4)

To the extent allowed by law, dedication of a permanent scenic or agricultural easement shall be required at the time of subdivision for projects in community separators. Consider requiring such easements in critical scenic landscape units pursuant to general plan Policy OS-2g.

(c)

Where development occurs on parcels located both within scenic landscape units and adjacent to scenic corridors, the more restrictive provisions set forth in this article shall apply.

(d)

Require development within community separators to be clustered and limited in scale and intensity.

(e)

Minor timberland conversions shall be allowed within community separators and scenic landscape units, subject to compliance with the requirements of this article and Section 2-88-140.

(f)

Certain single-family dwelling units and appurtenant structures within the area covered by the Taylor Mountain/Sonoma Mountain development guidelines shall be subject to Section 26-90-050, as specified therein. Where the provisions of this section conflict with the provisions of Section 26-90-050, the general plan, or any applicable area plan, the more restrictive provisions shall apply.

(Ord. No. 6252 , § II(Exh. C), 12-4-2018; Ord. No. 5132 § 2, 1999: Ord. No. 4985 § 1(d), 1996; Ord. No. 4973 § 12(a), 1996; Ord. No. 4643, 1993.)