HomeMy WebLinkAboutAGENDA REPORT 2010 0106 CC REG ITEM 09BITEM 9_B.
CITY OF kjOORRARK, CALIFORNIA,
City Council Meeting
ACTION:
MOORPARK CITY COUNCI
AGENDA REPORT ^ .
TO: Honorable City Council'
FROM: David A. Bobardt, Planning Director
DATE: December 21, 2009 (CC Meeting of 1/6/2010)
SUBJECT: Consider Proposed, Ventura County Zoning Ordinance Amendment
Related to Assembly Uses, Uses Allowed in the Open Space Zone,
and Nonconformities
BACKGROUND /DISCUSSION
On April 14, 2009, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors enacted a moratorium on
assembly uses in the Open Space (OS) zone that, as amended on May 12, 2009, will
expire on March 27, 2010. The moratorium was enacted to afford time for preparation
of new regulations concerning assembly uses in the OS zone. On December 11, 2009,
the County of Ventura Planning Department released a draft ordinance amending the
County's Non - Coastal Zoning Ordinance with respect to assembly uses. This draft
ordinance will be presented to the County Planning Commission on January 14, 2010.
Proposed amendments include:
1. grouping of assembly uses such as churches, clubhouses, and community
centers into one use category;
2. removal of historic repositories, colleges and universities, government buildings
except correctional institutions, fire stations and law enforcement facilities, and
golf courses with night lighting from the list of permitted uses in the OS zone; and
3. establishment of a new process to allow for continuation and minor expansion of
nonconforming uses.
A copy of the draft ordinance is attached. Much of the Tierra Rejada Greenbelt and
other unincorporated land surrounding Moorpark is zoned OS and would be affected by
these changes. New uses noted above would be prohibited in the OS zone and the
existing lighted golf driving range in the Tierra Rejada Greenbelt would become a legal
nonconforming use. The current Conditional Use Permit for this golf driving range
expires on January 14, 2017. Under the draft ordinance, the County Planning
Honorable City Council
January 6, 2010
Page 2
Commission would be given the authority to determine whether or not nonconforming
uses may be continued. For a nonconforming use like the golf driving range to
continue, the County Planning Commission would have to find that there are special
circumstances that apply to this use that do not apply to other uses in the same vicinity
and zone and that the continuance is not detrimental to the public interest, health,
safety, convenience, or welfare. The proposed ordinance would also give the County
Planning Commission the authority to approve an expansion of a nonconforming use in
the open space zone for up to 25 percent of the total building area or use area with
similar findings as a continuance.
The County staffs position on the Discovery Christian Church application in the Tierra
Rejada Greenbelt is that it could proceed under, the current rules as it has "taken over'
the Cornerstone Church application, which was filed prior to the County's current
moratorium on new assembly uses in the OS zone. This recent decision by the County
Planning Director has been appealed, with a claim that the Discovery Christian Church
proposal constitutes a new application. The appeal has been scheduled to go before
the County Planning Commission on February 4, 2010. The decision of the Planning
Commission could be further appealed to the Board of Supervisors. If the appeal is
successful, Discovery would not be able to file an application at this time due to the
moratorium and it would be subject to whatever rules are in place when the moratorium
expires.
Assembly uses, colleges, and lighted golf courses are not appropriate in the OS zone
as they are urban in nature and not in keeping with the intent of the County's OS zoning
designation. The proposed amendments would prohibit these uses and require specific
findings for the continuation or expansion of existing nonconforming uses. In addition,
the amendments would address a couple of the concerns raised by the City Council on
strengthening the land use regulations in the Tierra Rejada Greenbelt. City staff
supports these amendments as they further the policies of the Moorpark General Plan
that discourage urban land uses outside the City's boundaries. Comments provided by
the City Council on this ordinance will be transmitted to the County Planning
Commission prior to its meeting on January 14, 2010.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Direct staff as deemed appropriate.
ATTACHMENT:
Draft County Ordinance
SACommunity Development \GEN PLAN \OSCAR Element \Tierra Rejada Greenbelt \100106 CC Rpt County Open Space
Amendments.doc
59
Draft
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE VENTURA COUNTY BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS AMENDING DIVISION 8, CHAPTER 1,
ARTICLES 2, 41 Sr 7, 10, 11, AND 13 OF THE VENTURA
COUNTY ORDINANCE CODE
(NON- COASTAL ZONING ORDINANCE)
RELATING TO ASSEMBLY USES, USES ALLOWED IN OPEN
SPACE ZONE AND NONCONFORMITIES
The Board of Supervisors of the County of Ventura do ordain as follows:
Section 1
ARTICLE 2 - DEFINITIONS
Article 2, Section 8102 -0, Application of Definitions, of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the addition of "Assembly Use" located in its
appropriate alphabetical order:
Assembly Use = A building or structure where groul2s or individuals voluntarily meet
to pursue their common social, educational . religious, recreational, or other interests.
For the purposes of this definition, assembly uses do not include tem6rary festivals,
animal shows and similar outdoor events, or conference centers /convention centers.
[Staff Explanation: Creates new "Assembly Use" category. Eliminates the distinction
between religious and secular assembly uses. Replaces several uses eliminated by
the proposed amendment, including clubhouses and community centers. Temporary
outdoor events, animal shows, and conference /convention centers are not
considered part of this use category.]*
Article 2, Section 8102 -0, Application of Definitions, of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions of the following definitions located in
their appropriate alphabetical order:
Amusement and Recreational Facilities - Facilities such as etKl4tef6ffr=, billiard and
pool establishments, bowling alleys, , dance halls and studios, golf
driving ranges, indoor motion picture theaters, miniature golf, parks, playgrounds and
yoga and martial arts instruction.
All bracketed Staff Explanations are for explanatory purposes only. They are not part of the
Ordinance or the proposed amendments to the Ordinance.
CC ATTACHMENT
. i►
(Staff Explanation: Removes uses from the "Amusement and Recreational
Facilities" definition that now fall under the category of "Assembly Use.' j
Article 2, Section 8102 -0, Application of Definitions, of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the deletion of the definition for "Clubhouse"
and "Community Center."
[Staff Explanation: Removes "Clubhouse" and "Community Center" use categories,
which are included as part of "Assembly Use" in the proposed amendment.]
Section 2
ARTICLE 4:
PURPOSES OF ZONES
Article 4, Section 8104 -1.1 — Open Space (OS) Zone, of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
Sec. 8104 -1.1 - Open Space (OS) Zone
net ✓6r1.n U1141 G'l,lZ extent ,
Be purpose of this zone is to provide for an of the following on garcels or areas of
land or water that are essentially unimproved:
a. The preservation of natural resources including, but not limited to: areas
required for the preservation of Ip ant and animal life including habitat for fish
and wildlife species: areas required for ecologic and other scientific study
purposes rivers, streams, bays and estuaries: and, oc astal beaches, lakeshores,
banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands.
b. The managed production of resources, including but not limited to: forest lands,
rangeland agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the
production of food or fiber: areas required for recharge of groundwater basins:
bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the
management of commercial fisheries: and, areas containing major mineral
deposits, including those in short supply.
c. Outdoor recreation, including but not limited to: areas of outstanding scenic,
historic and cultural value: areas particularly suited for park and recreation
purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams: and.
areas which serve as links between major recreation and open -space
2
61
en as a Eeffiffir
[Staff Explanation: Removes "Clubhouse" and "Community Center" use categories,
which are included as part of "Assembly Use" in the proposed amendment.]
Section 2
ARTICLE 4:
PURPOSES OF ZONES
Article 4, Section 8104 -1.1 — Open Space (OS) Zone, of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
Sec. 8104 -1.1 - Open Space (OS) Zone
net ✓6r1.n U1141 G'l,lZ extent ,
Be purpose of this zone is to provide for an of the following on garcels or areas of
land or water that are essentially unimproved:
a. The preservation of natural resources including, but not limited to: areas
required for the preservation of Ip ant and animal life including habitat for fish
and wildlife species: areas required for ecologic and other scientific study
purposes rivers, streams, bays and estuaries: and, oc astal beaches, lakeshores,
banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands.
b. The managed production of resources, including but not limited to: forest lands,
rangeland agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the
production of food or fiber: areas required for recharge of groundwater basins:
bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the
management of commercial fisheries: and, areas containing major mineral
deposits, including those in short supply.
c. Outdoor recreation, including but not limited to: areas of outstanding scenic,
historic and cultural value: areas particularly suited for park and recreation
purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams: and.
areas which serve as links between major recreation and open -space
2
61
reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and
scenic highway corridors.
I The ublic health and safety, including, but not limited to areas which require
special management or regulation because of hazardous or s ecial conditions
such as earthguake fault zones, unstable soil areas, flp-0 lains watersheds,
areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality
and wa_ rgservoirs and areas re uired for the protection and enhancement of
air gualily.
e. The formation and continuation of cohesive communities by defining the
boundaries and by helping to preverit urban s rawl.
L The promotion of efficient municipal services and facilities by confining urban
development to defined development areas.
g_ SLipgort of the mission of military installations that comprises areas adjacent to
military installations, military training routes, and underlying restricted airspace
that can provide additional buffer zones to military activities and complement the
resource values of the military lands.
h. The protection of places, features, and objects described in Sections 5097.9 and
5097.993 of the Public Resources Code.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies the purpose of the Open Space zone to reflect the
language in the Ventura County General Plan and California Government Code.
Subsections a -f are included in both the General Plan and Government Code.
Subsections g and h are only included in the Government Code.]
Section 3
ARTICLE 5:
USES AND STRUCTURES BY ZONE
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the addition of the heading "Assembly Uses" as follows:
M1000=0
MM
I.�
_•
►z�
►z�
►z�
►z�
►z.
Key: ® = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Adds Assembly Uses to the Use Matrix and allows them with a
Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit in the RA, RE, RO, R1, R2,
and RPD zones.]
62
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the deletion of the heading "Churches, Synagogues and Other
Buildings Used for Religious Worship ":
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for
Religious Worship from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses heading above.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the deletion of the heading "Clubhouses (No Alcoholic
Beverages)."
I■
mm���m��m,
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
i - - - . --
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for
Religious Worship from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses heading above.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the deletion of the heading "Clubhouses (No Alcoholic
Beverages)."
I■
mm���m��m,
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
_
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Clubhouses (No Alcoholic Beverages) from the Use
Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the revision of the heading "Cultural /Historic Uses" as follows:
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Historic Repositories from allowable uses in the Open
Space zone, consistent with the clarified purpose of the Open Space zone in Section
8104 -1.1.]
4
63
OS
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
CULTURAUHISTORIC USES
Cultural Heritage Sites with
Ordinance Deviations
Pursuant to Article 7 and principal or accessory uses
Historic Repository
l�
Interpretive Centers
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Historic Repositories from allowable uses in the Open
Space zone, consistent with the clarified purpose of the Open Space zone in Section
8104 -1.1.]
4
63
Article 5, Section 8105-4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the revision of the heading "Education and Training" as follows:
Key: ® = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation
Open Space zone,
Section 8104 -1.1.1
Removes colleges and universities from allowable uses in the
consistent with the clarified purpose of the Open Space zone in
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the revision of the heading "Government Buildings" as follows:
OS
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
-0
Colleges and universities
Z
Schools, elementary and
secondary (boarding and
nonboarding)
❑
❑
❑
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Key: ® = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation
Open Space zone,
Section 8104 -1.1.1
Removes colleges and universities from allowable uses in the
consistent with the clarified purpose of the Open Space zone in
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the revision of the heading "Government Buildings" as follows:
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
❑ = Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit
E = Allowed, but exempt from obtaining a Zoning Clearance
[Staff Explanation. Removes the general use category of Government Buildings
from allowable uses in the Open Space zone, consistent with the clarified purpose of
the Open Space zone in Section 8104 -1.1.]
5
.�
OS
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS
-0
Correctional Institutions
Fire Stations
❑
❑
❑
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Law Enforcement Facilities
❑
❑
Z
Z
Z
Z
Z
Public Works Projects Not
Otherwise Listed As Uses In This
Section Constructed By The
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
County Or Its Contractors
Key: Z = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
❑ = Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit
E = Allowed, but exempt from obtaining a Zoning Clearance
[Staff Explanation. Removes the general use category of Government Buildings
from allowable uses in the Open Space zone, consistent with the clarified purpose of
the Open Space zone in Section 8104 -1.1.]
5
.�
Article 5, Section 8105 -4 — Permitted Uses in Open Space, Agricultural,
Residential, and Special Purpose Zones, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is
hereby amended by the revision of the heading "Recreational, Sport and Athletic
Facilities" as follows:
Key: El = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
❑ = Planning Director- approved Conditional Use Permit
■ = Board of Supervisors- approved Conditional Use Permit
Q= Zoning Clearance, or other ministerially approved permit unless specifically
exempted
E = Allowed, but exempt from obtaining a Zoning Clearance
(Staff Explanation. Removes Community Centers from the Use Matrix (replaced by
Assembly Uses). Community centers serving farmworkers continue to be allowed in
0
65
OS
AE
RA
RE
RO
R1
R2
RPD
TP
RECREATIONAL, SPORT AND
ATHLETIC FACILITIES
Botanic Garden and Arboreta*
Camps
Campgrounds
GemmuAity Gentem-
Fields, athletic, without buildings,
With Or Without Night Lighting
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
Without Night Lighting
❑
Geothermal Spas, with or without
accessory commercial eating
facilities
Golf Courses And /Or Driving
Ranges, Except Miniature Golf,
With h&ht LI(rhtiny
-9
Without Night Lighting
Motocross /Off - Highway Vehicle
Parks
Parks
Q
❑
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
with Buildings
Periodic Outdoor Sporting Events
❑
Recreational Vehicle Parks
Recreation Projects, County-
Initiated
■
.
Caretaker Recreational Vehicle,
Accessory *
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Q
Retreats, Without Sleeping
Facilities *
❑
❑
❑
With Sleeping Facilities
Shooting Ranges And Outdoor
Gun Clubs
Key: El = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
❑ = Planning Director- approved Conditional Use Permit
■ = Board of Supervisors- approved Conditional Use Permit
Q= Zoning Clearance, or other ministerially approved permit unless specifically
exempted
E = Allowed, but exempt from obtaining a Zoning Clearance
(Staff Explanation. Removes Community Centers from the Use Matrix (replaced by
Assembly Uses). Community centers serving farmworkers continue to be allowed in
0
65
the Open Space zone when associated with farmworker housing complexes (see
Sec. 8107 - 41.4). Clarifies that eating facilities associated with Geothermal Spas are
only allowed as accessory uses. Removes Golf Courses with Night Lighting from
allowable uses in the Open Space zone; consistent with the clarified purpose of the
Open Space zone in Section 8104 -1.1.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -5 — Permitted Uses in Commercial and Industrial Zones,
of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the addition of the
heading "Assembly Uses" as follows:
Key: ❑ = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Adds Assembly Uses to the Use Matrix and allows them with a
Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit in the CO, C1, CPD, M1 and M2
zones.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -5 — Permitted Uses Commercial and Industrial Zones, of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the deletion of the
heading "Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for Religious Worship."
CO
C1
CPD
M1
M2
M3
ASSEMBLY USES
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
!
Key: ❑ = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Adds Assembly Uses to the Use Matrix and allows them with a
Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit in the CO, C1, CPD, M1 and M2
zones.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -5 — Permitted Uses Commercial and Industrial Zones, of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the deletion of the
heading "Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for Religious Worship."
Key: ❑ = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for
Religious Worship from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -5 — Permitted Uses Commercial and Industrial Zones, of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the deletion of the
heading "Clubhouses" and its subheading "With Alcoholic Beverages."
m��
®
®®
I IMMMMME
MMM
!
Key: ❑ = Planning Commission - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Churches, Synagogues and Other Buildings Used for
Religious Worship from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses.]
Article 5, Section 8105 -5 — Permitted Uses Commercial and Industrial Zones, of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by the deletion of the
heading "Clubhouses" and its subheading "With Alcoholic Beverages."
Key: O = Planning Director - approved Planned Development Permit
❑ = Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Clubhouses and Clubhouses with Alcoholic Beverages
from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses.]
7
..
m��
®
®®
MMM
!
Key: O = Planning Director - approved Planned Development Permit
❑ = Planning Director - approved Conditional Use Permit
[Staff Explanation: Removes Clubhouses and Clubhouses with Alcoholic Beverages
from the Use Matrix. Replaced by Assembly Uses.]
7
..
Section 4
ARTICLE 7:
STANDARDS FOR SPECIFIC USES
Article 7, Section 8107- 36.3.2(a), of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby
amended by revisions as follows:
a. In residentially zoned areas, such centers shall only be allowed as accessory
uses when they are accessory to government or similar private facilities
frequented by the general public, such as schools, parks, and eernmuni
eenter-s assembly uses.
[Staff Explanation: Replaces "Community Centers" with new "Assembly Uses"
category.]
Article 7, Section 8107 -41.4, of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby
amended by additions as follows:
Sec. 8107 -41.4 — Farmworker Community Centers
Farmworker housing complexes may include community centers for the primarx
benefit of farmworkers.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies that community centers for the primary benefit of
farmworkers may be included as part of farmworker housing complexes.]
Section 5
ARTICLE 10:
SIGN REQUIREMENTS
Article 10, Section 8110 -5.1— Sign Standards, Regulatory Note "m," of the
Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
(m) Assembly
Uses may have up to 20 square feet of attached sign regardless of lot width.
[Staff Explanation: Replaces "Churches, Synagogues, and other buildings used for
religious worship" with new "Assembly Uses" category.]
Article 10, Section 8110 -5.1- Sign Standards, Regulatory Note "n," of the
Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
(n) Assembly
Uses may have up to 25 square feet of freestanding sign regardless of lot width.
[Staff Explanation: Replaces "Churches, Synagogues, and other buildings used for
religious worship" with new "Assembly Uses" category.]
M
67
Section 6
ARTICLE 11:
ENTITLEMENTS — PROCESS
Article 11, Section 8111- 1.2.1(e)— Continuation Permits for Nonconforming
Uses and Structures of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by
revisions as follows:
e. Continuation Permits for Neneefiferml Nonconformina Uses and
Structures — A Continuation Permit for Nonconfo_rmin9 Uses and Structures.
is a Planning Commission.- agl2roved discretionary ermit for the time
extension of nonconforming uses and structures. These permits II. -eRted
as Gend2t*enal Use are subject to the criteria of Sec. 8113 -2
for mobilehomes, and Sec. 8113 -5.54 for other nonconforming uses no
longer permitted.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies intent of Continuation Permits for Nonconforming Uses
and Structures. Updates section reference.]
Article 11, Section 8111-1.2.1 (f)— Expansion Permits for Nonconforming Uses of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby added as follows:
L Expansion Permits for Nonconforming Uses z An Expansion Permit for
Nonconforming Uses is a Planning Commission - approved discretionary
ermit for the expansion of existina lawfully permitted uses in the Open
Space zone that were made nonconforming by changes to zoning
regulations approved on Date of Adoptionl. Expansion Permits for
Nonconforming Uses are subject to the standards in Ip ace at the time the
use was made nonconforming.
[Staff Explanation: Adds the new Expansion Permit for Nonconforming Uses in
order to allow for the limited expansion of only those uses in the Open Space zone
made nonconforming by the proposed amendment.]
Section 7
ARTICLE 13:
NONCONFORMITIES AND SUBSTANDARD LOTS
Article 13, Section 8113 -4— The Keeping of Animals of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
Sec. 8113 -4 - The Keeping of Animals
Nonconformities due to the keeping of animals as a use, number of animals, type of
animals, minimum lot area required for animals, or other standards for the keeping of
animals as an accessory use to dwellings, shall be brought into conformance not later
than three years after the same becomes nonconforming, unless a continuance is
granted in accordance with Section 8113 - 5.54.
[Staff Explanation: Updates section reference.]
Article 13, Section 8113 -5.2— Uses Within Structures Subject to Amortization of
the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
Sec. 8113 -5.2 Uses Within Structures Subject to Amortization
All nonconforming commercial or industrial uses in Residential (R), Open Space or
Agricultural zones, within conforming or nonconforming structures, shall be
amortized from the effective date of this Chapter or a later amendment which
renders the use nonconforming, based on the square footage of the structure at the
time the use is rendered nonconforming, as follows: Ten years for 1,000 square feet,
plus 1.25 years for each additional 100 square feet over 1,000 square feet;
maximum 60 years. At the end of the amortization period, the use shall be brought
into conformance with this Chapter or terminated, unless a continuance is obtained
pursuant to Section 8113- 5.2. -54
Sec. 8113 -5.2.1 - Expansion and Change of Use Prohibited
Nonconforming uses under Sec. 8113 -5.2 above shall not be changed to another
use or be expanded or extended in any way on the same or any adjoining land
nor into any other portion of a structure or lot during the amortization period,
except for structural alterations which may be required by law. or expansions as
allowed by Section 8113 -5.5.
theFein as r-eElUiFed by law. Furthermore, such nonconforming uses shall not be
expanded or extended beyond the scope of specific conditions to a continuance
of nonconformity granted pursuant to Sec. 8113 -5.54 of this Article, and
subsequent to the period of amortization.
Sec. 8113 -5.2.2 - Discontinuance or Change of Use Status
The discontinuance for a period of 180 or more days of a nonconforming use or a
change of nonconforming use to a conforming use constitutes abandonment and
termination of the nonconforming status of the use.
Sec. 8113 -5.2.3 - Notice of Amortization
The Planning Director shall give notice by certified mail of the date upon which
an amortization period will end to each owner of record whose property, or use
of property, is not in conformance with the regulations of this Chapter, in those
instances where the Planning Director has knowledge of such nonconformity.
Such notice shall be sent in a timely manner. If the amortization period ends
before or less than six months after such knowledge of the nonconformity, notice
shall be given that the amortization period in each instance shall be not less than
six months from the date the notice is sent. The notice shall set forth all
pertinent provisions of this Article, including the declared purposes thereof.
Failure to send notice by mail to any such owner where the address of such
owner is not a matter of public record shall not invalidate any proceedings under
this Article.
Sec. 8113 -5.2.4 - Notice of Termination and Order to Comply
Notice of Termination of a nonconforming use and order to comply shall be
served by the Planning Director at the end of the amortization period upon the
owner of record whose property contains such nonconforming use. In those
instances where the Planning Director is unable with reasonable effort to serve
such notice to the property owner, such notice and order shall be served within
30 days of the end of the amortization period by delivering same to an occupant
of the structure containing the nonconforming use.
10
.•
AiRm
_ • ■ -
_ _ _ • _
W- WNW
_ • ■ -
W- WNW
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies that Section 8113 -5.2.9 does not apply to the expansion
of uses made nonconforming by this ordinance amendment. Updates section
references. Moves Section 8113 -5.2.5 to Section 8113 -5.4.]
Article 13, Section 8113 -5.3 — Uses Not Amortized of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby amended by revisions as follows:
Sec. 8113 -5.3 - Uses Not Amortized
Upon the effective date of this Chapter or a later amendment thereto, any
nonconforming use within a structure not otherwise identified in Section 8113 -5.2,
such as schools, boardinghouses, residential uses in commercial and industrial zones,
uses in excess of the number permitted per lot, commercial uses in commercial
zones, and industrial uses in industrial zones, may continue, provided that:
Sec. 8113 -5.3.1 - Expansion
No additions or enlargements shall be made to such nonconforming use or the
structure in which it is located, except for alterations which may be required by
law, expansions within the existing structure if no structural alterations are made,
11
70
expansions as allowed by Section 8113 -5.5, or additions to existing principal
dwellings and ehure+ies in residential zones, which otherwise conform to the
specific development standards of the zone in which the use is located. In the
case of principal dwellings in excess of the number permitted per lot, only one
such dwelling may be expanded. The height and setback standards of the R1 zone
shall apply to a nonconforming residential use in a commercial or industrial zone.
Sec. 8113 -5.3.2 - Change of Use
The nonconforming use may be changed to a use that is similar, provided that it
has a parking requirement which is the same as or less than the nonconforming
use, except that the nonconforming use may not be changed to a use that
requires a Conditional Use Permit under this Chapter.
Sec. 8113 -5.3.3 - Discontinuance and Change of Use Status
The discontinuance for a period of 180 or more days of the nonconforming use, or
a change of the nonconforming use to a conforming use, a dissimilar use or a
Conditionally Permitted Use, constitutes abandonment and termination of the
nonconforming status of the use.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies that Section 8113 -5.3.1 does not apply to the expansion
of uses made nonconforming by this ordinance amendment. Removes churches,
which are no longer a separate land use in the amended code.]
Article 13, Section 8113 -5.4— Continuation of Nonconforming Uses and
Structures of the Ventura County Ordinance Code is hereby added as follows:
Sec. 8113 -5.4 - Continuance of Nonconforming Uses and Structures
a. Grounds for Continuance - A Continuation Permit for Nonconforming Uses and
Structures may only be granted if all of the following standards are met, or if the
Planning Commission imposes conditions and limitations as necessary to allow the
following standards to be met:
fl
JS12ecial circumstances apply to Any such use or structure that do not apply
generals to other uses and structures in the same vicinity and zone: and
The continuance is not detrimental to the public interest, health, safety,
convenience, or welfare.
b. Application Process for Continuance - Any application for a Continuation Permit for
Nonconforming Uses and Structures must be filed with the Planning Division prior
to germit expiration or within 30 days following the service of a Notice of
Termination and Order to Comply.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies grounds and procedure for continuance of amortized
and time- limited nonconforming uses and structures. Changes the decision- making
authority for continuances from the Planning Director to the Planning Commission.]
Article 13, Section 8113 -5.5— Uses in the Open Space Zone of the Ventura County
Ordinance Code is hereby added as follows:
Sec. 8113 -5.5 = Expansion of Nonconforming Uses in the Open Space
Zone
Uses that are no Ion er permitted in the Open Sl2ace zone due to changes to zoning
regulations approved on DATE OF ADOPTIONI may be expanded with an Expansion
Permit for Nonconforming Uses. An Expansion Permit for Nonconforming Uses may
12
71
PO nly be rca anted if all of the following standards are met, or if the Planning
Commission im oses conditions and limitations as necessary to allow the following
standards to be met.
a. The expansion is 25 percent or less of the total square footage of the buildings or
use area that existed, or were lawfully permitted, on DATE OF ADOPTION]; and
b. The expansion of the ose_ is not detrimental to the public interest. health. safe
convenience, or welfare.
[Staff Explanation: Clarifies that uses made nonconforming by the adoption of the
proposed amendment may physically expand with a new Expansion Permit for
Nonconforming Uses. This permit applies only to those uses in the Open Space zone
made nonconforming by the adoption of the proposed amendment. Outlines the
standards and findings for the new Expansion Permit for Nonconforming Uses.
Conditions may be imposed as part of the new permit, and proposed expansions
must not be detrimental to public welfare.]
Section 8
UN- CODIFIED PROVISION
Consistent with Section 2 of Ventura County Ordinance No. 4402, Conditional Use
Permit applications for conditionally permitted assembly uses in the open space zone
received on or before March 25, 2009 may be approved subject to all regulations and
standards in effect the time of permit application. Such uses, if subsequently
approved by the County, shall assume legal nonconforming status upon approval
and be subject to the provisions of Sections 8113 -5.4 and 8113 -5.5.
13
72