Table of Contents

Form-Based Zoning

The county’s zoning code includes mapped mandatory form-based districts. It includes nine transect zones (districts) all with different permissible land uses, form standards, building frontage types, façade design standards, parking standards, and landscaping standards.

Inclusionary Housing

The county's community development code offers incentives for the voluntary provision of affordable housing (§4.1.350). In the county’s Regional Center Mixed Use District, the code waives maximum density and minimum lot size requirements and offers reduced impact fees in exchange for the provision of 30 percent affordable units deed-restricted for 20 years, or 20 percent affordable units deed-restricted for 25 years. Rental units must be affordable to households at or below 80 percent AMI; for-sale units must be affordable to households at or below 100 percent AMI. Standards require affordable units to be comparable to and integrated with market rate units within the development. The code provides additional details on submittal requirements, procedures, and enforcement.

Outdoor Lighting

The county’s community development code addresses exterior lighting for the unincorporated parts of the county (§5.7.10). It is intended to regulate lighting to prevent excessive light spillage and glare while providing adequate lighting and security. The ordinance provides design standards for exterior lighting that address general standards, and minimum and maximum illumination levels. It provides additional standards for outdoor sports fields and performance areas.

Zoning Reform and Code Writing

The county adopted a new Community Development Code in 2014. It includes a mix of use-based and form-based zoning standards. It also includes a mix of transect-based and conventional zoning districts. It defines and regulates uses based on broad categories, with select specific use types, and includes use-specific standards to minimize reliance on discretionary use permits.

Its general purpose statements address implementing the comprehensive plan; providing for adequate light and air; lessening traffic congestion; protecting against fire and natural hazards; protecting natural resources; protecting historic and cultural resources; promoting sustainable development; and maintaining comprehensive, consistent, effective, efficient, and equitable standards and procedures for the review and approval of land development (§1.2.10.A).

It includes a preamble explaining its place-based approach to zoning.