Chapter 17.39 SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICTS

Chapter 17.39
SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICTS

Sections:

17.39.010 Happy Valley Special Standards District.

17.39.020 Placerita Canyon Special Standards District.

17.39.030 Sand Canyon Special Standards District.

17.39.010 Happy Valley Special Standards District.

A. Purpose. The purpose of the special standards district is to maintain, preserve and enhance the rustic California ranch character of the Happy Valley neighborhood. Happy Valley is an area located in the Newhall community of the City of Santa Clarita. Happy Valley is situated just north of Wildwood Canyon and local mountain ranges containing large oak tree groves. Numerous streets within this area are lined with large oak trees with no sidewalks or curbs, presenting a hybrid of a rural and suburban community character.

The area has been historically comprised of single-family ranch homes, with a variety of architectural styles reflecting a rustic character. There are a variety of lot sizes and configurations throughout Happy Valley. Many of the homes located within Happy Valley are on varying sized lots, providing a neighborhood layout different from most areas of the City. These special characteristics make Happy Valley a unique area of the City, which these special standards intend to preserve.

B. Community Character and Design Guidelines. Development of new single-family homes shall utilize the concepts contained within the single-family residential design guidelines section of the Community Character and Design Guidelines.

C. Property Development Standards. The following requirements shall apply in all zones in the area identified as Happy Valley on the official zoning map and as described in subsection (D) of this section:

1. Animal Keeping. Animals which are kept or maintained as pets shall be permitted to continue when in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 17.62 (Animal Keeping).

a. Large animals such as horses, cows and similar animals are permitted pursuant to the requirements set forth in Section 17.62.020 (Keeping of Large Animals).

b. Small animals such as sheep, goats, dogs, rabbits, and birds and similar animals are permitted pursuant to the requirements set forth in Section 17.62.030 (Keeping of Small Animals).

2. Oak Tree Preservation. The purpose of this subsection is to protect and preserve oak trees in the City of Santa Clarita in accordance with the requirements of this section and Section 17.51.040 (Oak Tree Preservation).

a. Heritage oak tree shall be defined as any oak tree measuring one hundred eight (108) inches or more in circumference, measured four and one-half (4 1/2) feet above the natural grade surrounding such tree. The Planning Commission and/or City Council may classify any oak tree, regardless of size, as a heritage oak tree if it is determined that the tree has historic, aesthetic and/or environmental qualities of major significance or prominence to the community.

b. The removal of heritage oak trees shall be strongly discouraged even if mitigation is offered as an alternative.

c. Pursuant to requirements set forth in Chapter 17.57 (Property Development Standards—Residential), all new residential development shall require the planting of one (1) twenty-four (24) inch box tree in the required front yard area to the satisfaction of the Director. This requirement may be waived or modified by the Director where it is found to be impractical due to topographical conditions, is not in keeping with the neighborhood or otherwise will not benefit the area. The planting of oak trees or other native trees shall be encouraged for this requirement.

3. Street Development Standards. Any new development shall adhere to the following standards or provide the following amenities:

a. Street lights, in accordance with City standards, shall be installed only at road-to-road intersections.

b. Street curbs, gutters, and sidewalks shall not be required of new development. In areas which currently have sidewalks, sidewalks for new development shall be installed in order to provide streetscape consistency, as appropriate.

c. Minimum City and Fire Department standards for all-weather access shall be provided.

d. Fences and gates may remain legal nonconforming until demolished or modified, after which time compliance with the City’s Code is required.

D. Legal Description of District Boundaries.

THE BOUNDARY OF THE HAPPY VALLEY SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT, LOCATED IN THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, STATE OF CALIFORNIA DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF VALLEY STREET AS SHOWN ON F.M. 20959-3, SAID MAP ALSO FILED AS LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP 364-1222-RW 3, AND THE WESTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE NORTH TRACT BOUNDARY LINE OF TRACT MAP 35001 M.B. 946/43-44 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTH TRACT BOUNDARY LINE TO A POINT ON THE WESTERLY LINE OF PARCEL MAP 14563 M.B. 161/76-77, SAID WESTERLY LINE SHOWN ON SAID PARCEL MAP AS NORTH 04°01'11" WEST 350.89 FEET THENCE NORTH ALONG SAID WESTERLY LINE TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY LINE OF A 150.00 FOOT WIDE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON RIGHT OF WAY SHOWN ON THE LICENSED SURVEYORS MAP L.S. 31/38-45 THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHWESTERLY LINE TO A POINT ON THE SOUTHEAST LINE OF LOT 122 OF TRACT MAP 1059 M.B. 17/94-95, SAID SOUTHEAST LINE SHOWN ON SAID TRACT MAP AS SOUTH 25°01' WEST 1065.38 FEET THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTHEAST LINE TO THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF PARCEL MAP 6067 M.B. 116/92-93 THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE EAST PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE TO THE SOUTH PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID PARCEL MAP THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE TO A POINT ON AN EASEMENT FOR DEBRIS BASIN TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT SHOWN ON F.M. 20959-6, SAID MAP ALSO FILED AS LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP NO. 364-1222-RW 6 THENCE ALONG THE PERIMETER OF SAID EASEMENT THE FOLLOWING COURSES: NORTH 38°51'34" WEST 77.61 FEET, NORTH 33°51'41" WEST 30.00 FEET, SOUTH 56°08'19" WEST 60.00 FEET, SOUTH 33°51'41" EAST 45.64 FEET, HAPPY VALLEY SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT, SOUTH 12°55'45" EAST 157.06 FEET THENCE SOUTH 03°55'45" EAST 345.00 FEET TO THE NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DAVEY AVENUE, 40.00 FEET WIDE, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED 4604-26 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR ROAD EASEMENT PURPOSES AND SHOWN ON F.M. 20959-6, SAID MAP ALSO FILED AS LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP NO. 364-1222-RW 6 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTH RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF DAVEY AVENUE TO THE NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD, 40.00 FEET WIDE, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED 8806-130 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR ROAD EASEMENT PURPOSES AND SHOWN ON F.M. 20959-6, SAID MAP ALSO FILED AS RIGHT OF WAY MAP NO. 364-1222-RW 6 THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHEASTERLY RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD TO THE SOUTH LINE OF PARCEL MAP 19950 M.B. 227/47-48 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID SOUTH LINE 147.85 FEET TO THE BEGINNING OF A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 125.00 FEET EAST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD, 40.00 FEET WIDE, SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED PARCEL MAP THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 310.53 FEET TO A LINE PERPENDICULAR TO THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PERPENDICULAR LINE 10.00 FEET TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 135.00 FEET EAST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD, 40.00 FEET WIDE, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED 8806-130 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR ROAD EASEMENT PURPOSES AND SHOWN ON THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP NO. 470-9101-RW 1 THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 120.00 FEET TO A LINE PERPENDICULAR TO THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE THENCE NORTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PERPENDICULAR LINE 75.00 FEET TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 210.00 FEET EAST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE EAST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF HAPPY VALLEY SPECIAL STANDARDS DISTRICT. WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD, 40.00 FEET WIDE, AS DESCRIBED IN DEED 8806-130 OF OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, TO THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR ROAD EASEMENT PURPOSES AND SHOWN ON LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP NO. 470-9101-RW 1 THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE TO A POINT ON NORTHERLY LINE OF RECORD OF SURVEY 115/22, SAID NORTHERLY LINE SHOWN ON SAID RECORD OF SURVEY AS NORTH 80°45'00" EAST 465.55 FEET THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTHERLY LINE TO ITS NORTHEASTERLY TERMINUS AND CONTINUING ALONG THE PERIMETER OF SAID RECORD OF SURVEY THE FOLLOWING COURSES: SOUTH 57°01'10" EAST 280.04 FEET, NORTH 78°55'20" EAST 319.66 FEET, SOUTH 20°44'20" WEST 132.69 FEET, SOUTH 58°07'50" WEST 614.25 FEET THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE PROLONGATION OF THE LAST DESCRIBED COURSE TO THE CENTERLINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD AS SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED RECORD OF SURVEY THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF WILDWOOD CANYON ROAD TO THE NORTHEASTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE NORTHWESTERLY LINE OF PARCEL MAP 26026 M.B. 329/41-42 THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY FROM SAID INTERSECTION TO THE SOUTHWESTERLY TERMINUS OF SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE PROLONGATION OF SAID NORTHWESTERLY LINE TO THE WESTERLY LINE OF LOT 56 OF TRACT 2703 M.B. 28/20-27, SAID WESTERLY LINE SHOWN ON SAID TRACT MAP AS NORTH 23°16' WEST 931.60 FEET THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID WEST LINE TO A 2 INCH IRON PIPE TAGGED “RCE 21649” SHOWN AS THE SOUTHEASTERLY TERMINUS OF A LINE SHOWN ON RECORD OF SURVEY 163/86 AS NORTH 36°47'08" WEST 363.11 FEET THENCE ALONG THE PERIMETER OF SAID RECORD OF SURVEY THE FOLLOWING COURSES: NORTH 36°47'08" WEST 363.11 FEET, NORTH 16°52'40" EAST 153.93 FEET, NORTH 75°27'30" WEST 40.03 FEET, SOUTH 72°41'01" WEST 519.61 FEET, THENCE SOUTH 84°55'44" WEST 133.80 FEET TO THE NORTHEAST TERMINUS OF A LINE ON THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF PARCEL MAP 2293 M.B. 46/95 SHOWN AS NORTH 30°52'00" EAST 180.70 FEET THENCE SOUTHWESTERLY ALONG THE SOUTHEASTERLY LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED PARCEL MAP THE FOLLOWING COURSES: SOUTH 30°52'00" WEST 180.70 FEET, SOUTH 60°16'40" WEST 234.01 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST TERMINUS OF A LINE ON THE EASTERLY LINE OF LOT 69 OF TRACT MAP 38300 M.B. 1008/1-12 SHOWN AS NORTH 43°02'28" WEST 151.00 FEET THENCE ALONG THE TRACT BOUNDARY LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED TRACT MAP THE FOLLOWING COURSES: NORTH 43°02'28" WEST 151.00 FEET, NORTH 05°51'28" WEST 406.50 FEET, NORTH 37°03'00" WEST 414.24 FEET, NORTH 23°10'16" EAST 200.32 FEET, NORTH 66°49'44" WEST 75.00 FEET, NORTH 59°29'43" EAST 126.61 FEET, NORTH 23°10'16" EAST 40.84 FEET, SOUTH 85°33'26" WEST 660.00 FEET, NORTH 23°10'16" EAST 338.31 FEET, SOUTH 85°33'26" WEST 29.65 FEET, SOUTH 85°30'00" WEST 480.94 FEET, NORTH 04°32'00" WEST 208.70 FEET, SOUTH 8.5°30'00" WEST 208.70 FEET, NORTH 21°51'51" WEST 69.47 FEET, SOUTH 85°30'00" WEST 139.31 FEET, THENCE NORTH 04°32'00" WEST TO THE CENTERLINE OF MAPLE STREET, AS SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED TRACT MAP THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF MAPLE STREET TO THE CENTERLINE INTERSECTION OF MAPLE STREET AND APPLE STREET, SHOWN ON TRACT MAP 1437 M.B. 20/54-55 THENCE NORTH ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF APPLE STREET TO THE EASTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 18 OF THE LAST MENTIONED TRACT MAP THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID PROLONGATION OF SAID LOT 18 TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 152 FEET WEST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE CENTERLINE OF APPLE STREET THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 190 FEET TO A LINE PERPENDICULAR TO THE NORTH LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED LOT 18 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID PERPENDICULAR LINE TO THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF APPLE STREET, 40 FEET WIDE, AS SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED TRACT MAP THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID WEST LINE 40 FEET TO A LINE PERPENDICULAR TO SAID WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID PERPENDICULAR LINE TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 170 FEET WEST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE CENTERLINE OF APPLE STREET THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 100 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 17 OF THE LAST MENTIONED TRACT MAP THENCE WESTERLY ALONG SAID NORTH LINE 217.98 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF TRACT MAP 25339 M.B. 737/11-12 THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE EAST TRACT BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID TRACT MAP TO THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF PARCEL 4 OF PARCEL MAP 7400 M.B. 93/63-64 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID PARCEL 4 AND ITS EASTERLY PROLONGATION TO THE CENTERLINE OF APPLE STREET, 60 FEET WIDE AS SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED PARCEL MAP THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF APPLE STREET TO THE WESTERLY PROLONGATION OF THE NORTHERLY PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE OF PARCEL MAP 14920 M.B. 187/61-62 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTH PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE TO THE EAST PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE OF SAID PARCEL MAP THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID EAST PARCEL MAP BOUNDARY LINE TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 4 OF TRACT MAP 1437 M.B. 20/54-55, SAID POINT SHOWN AS THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 7 OF TRACT MAP 25344 M.B. 694/57-58 THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 7 TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 50 FEET SOUTH, MEASURED ALONG THE EAST LINE OF SAID LOT 7, OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED LOT 4 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE TO THE EASTERLY SIDE LINE OF A 17 FOOT WIDE EASEMENT SHOWN ON THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP 364-1222-RW 2 THENCE SOUTHEASTERLY ALONG SAID EASTERLY SIDE LINE TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 150 FEET SOUTH, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED LOT 4 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 150 FEET WEST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF VALLEY STREET, 60 FEET WIDE, AS SHOWN ON THE LAST MENTIONED FLOOD CONTROL RIGHT OF WAY MAP THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG SAID PARALLEL LINE 100 FEET TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 250 FEET SOUTH, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE NORTH LINE OF THE LAST MENTIONED LOT 4 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG THE LAST MENTIONED PARALLEL LINE 30 FEET TO A LINE PARALLEL WITH AND DISTANT 120 FEET WEST, MEASURED AT RIGHT ANGLES, OF THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF VALLEY STREET, 60 FEET WIDE AS SHOWN ON THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP 364-1222-RW 2 THENCE SOUTHERLY ALONG THE LAST MENTIONED PARALLEL LINE 80 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 5 OF TRACT MAP 1437 M.B. 20/24-55 THENCE WESTERLY ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 5 160 FEET TO THE SOUTHEAST TRACT BOUNDARY CORNER OF TRACT MAP 25344 M.B. 694/57-58 THENCE SOUTHERLY FROM SAID SOUTHEAST TRACT BOUNDARY CORNER TO A POINT ON THE NORTH LINE OF LOT 6 OF TRACT MAP 1437 M.B. 20/54-55, SAID POINT BEING DISTANT 280 FEET WEST, MEASURED ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF SAID LOT 6, OF THE WEST RIGHT OF WAY LINE OF VALLEY STREET, 70 FEET WIDE, AS SHOWN ON THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL DISTRICT RIGHT OF WAY MAP 364-1222-RW 2 THENCE EASTERLY ALONG SAID NORTH LINE AND ITS EASTERLY PROLONGATION TO THE CENTERLINE OF VALLEY STREET AS SHOWN ON F.M. 20959-3, SAID MAP ALSO FILED AS RIGHT OF WAY MAP 364-1222-RW 3 THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF VALLEY STREET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING BASIS OF BEARINGS. THE DIRECTION OF ALL LINES MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE DESCRIPTION ARE THE DIRECTIONS AS SHOWN ON THE REFERENCED MAP THE ABOVE DESCRIBED LAND IS SHOWN ON EXHIBIT “B” WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO. THIS LEGAL DESCRIPTION WAS PREPARED FOR AND FROM INFORMATION PROVIDED BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA. SCRIVENER: C.G. VANDREY, CHECKED BY: L.J. JORDAN, DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2009

(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exhs. A, E), 6/11/13)

17.39.020 Placerita Canyon Special Standards District.

A. Intent and Purpose. The purpose of the Placerita Canyon special standards district (PCSSD) is to protect, maintain, preserve and enhance the secluded, rural equestrian character of the community, to enhance the community’s unique appeal and to help mitigate the cumulative impacts of residential development. Additionally, it is the purpose of these special standards to ensure that new and expanded structures are compatible with the characteristics of surrounding single-family residential neighborhoods, and protect the light, air, and privacy of existing single-family residences from negative impacts. These standards are also intended to ensure reasonable access to public riding and hiking trails, and to minimize the need for installation of infrastructure such as sewers, street lights, concrete sidewalks and concrete flood control systems that would alter the community’s character, while providing for adequate drainage and other community safety features.

B. Property Development Standards. The following requirements shall apply in all zones in the area identified as Placerita Canyon on the official zoning map and as described in subsection (G) of this section:

1. Animals which are kept or maintained as pets shall be permitted to continue when in accordance with the following:

a. Two (2) horses or other similar animals which, in the opinion of the Director, are neither obnoxious nor detrimental to the public welfare may be kept on a lot or parcel of land which has a minimum area of five thousand (5,000) square feet, but less than fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet.

b. The requirements of Chapter 17.62 (Animal Keeping) with respect to animal keeping are met, with the exception of the minimum lot area above.

2. Any new development shall adhere to the following standards or provide the following amenities:

a. Trails.

i. Riding and hiking trails shall be provided as depicted on the latest Placerita Canyon Backbone Trails exhibit on file with Parks, Recreation and Community Services, to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services;

ii. Trails shall be fenced to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, with fences of a rustic wood appearance;

iii. Trail access shall be provided at all river crossings;

iv. There shall be no obstructions including, but not limited to, landscaping, trash receptacles, or other similar structures within a designated trail;

v. Fencing shall not be permitted to cross riverbeds in such a manner as to deny trail access;

vi. All new residential projects of greater than four (4) dwelling units and all new commercial, industrial and institutional projects (including expansion thereof) shall provide trail easements, consistent with community goals and the Placerita Canyon backbone trails exhibit, to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services;

vii. Unobstructed multipurpose pathways for both pedestrian and equestrian uses shall be developed in each new development to the satisfaction of both the Director of Public Works and the Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. Although alignments that are not adjacent to roadways will generally be preferred, road easements may be used when the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services determines that other locations are inappropriate; and

viii. Trail construction shall be completed and maintained in accordance with the conditions set forth by the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services. All information pertaining to trail requirements shall be shown on the tentative parcel or tract map and on the final parcel or tract map prior to the final map recordation;

b. A property maintenance or homeowner maintenance association shall be established to maintain the private access route, private roads and drives, trail easements and other specific project amenities in all new residential projects of greater than four (4) dwelling units and all new commercial, industrial and institutional projects;

c. Street lights, in accordance with City standards, shall be installed only at road-to-road intersections; exterior lighting shall be designed to minimize off-site illumination, within the requirements for public safety. Exterior lighting on residential parcels shall be of top-shielded design to prevent direct off-site illumination; hoods shall be used to direct light away from adjacent parcels. Exterior lighting on nonresidential parcels shall be prohibited except where necessary for the safety of pedestrian and vehicular traffic, as determined by the City. To minimize off-site illumination where lights are required, cut-off fixtures in keeping with a rural equestrian architectural style will be specified;

d. River bottoms and sides shall not be improved with concrete. Fencing shall not be permitted to cross riverbeds in such a manner as to deny trail access;

e. Bridges shall be limited to those required for public safety and shall be designed to accommodate equestrian access;

f. All new residential projects of greater than four (4) dwelling units and all new commercial, industrial and institutional projects (including expansion thereof) shall connect to public sewer systems. Utilities shall be undergrounded to the nearest off-site connection; and

g. Existing and future drainage shall be accommodated to provide adequate carrying capacity and erosion protection and shall not create or extend detrimental hazards or consequences upstream.

C. Residential Zones.

1. Residential Areas.

a. Street paving, curbs, gutters and sidewalks shall not be required of new development. Minimum City standards for all-weather access shall be provided. An engineering analysis shall be required to determine how all-weather access will be provided for emergency vehicles. Surface material may consist of graded dirt, gravel, or asphaltic concrete to achieve the required standards.

b. On-street parking shall not be permitted in a designated trail.

c. Street trees shall not be required.

d. Fences. Non-view-obscuring fences, not to exceed five (5) feet in height, shall be permitted to be located within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback. Where a non-view-obscuring fence is constructed within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback, and is five (5) feet in height, the applicant shall be required to landscape the frontage of their property along the property line that abuts the adjacent right-of-way. View-obscuring walls or fences that are higher than three (3) feet six (6) inches shall not be permitted to be located within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback.

2. Melody Ranch. (Applicable only to the area bounded by Oak Orchard Road on the north, Oak Creek Avenue on the east, Placerita Creek on the south, and to a line approximately nine hundred ninety (990) feet from and parallel to Oak Creek Avenue on the west.) Melody Ranch is a permitted use in the NU5 zone, subject to the following: the primary land use shall include full service motion picture and television studios including facilities for production of feature films, television series, commercials, telethons, videos and all related facilities and audience participation. Incidental community activities and social events are permitted. Related office space and limited commercial retail sales incidental to the primary use shall be permitted.

D. Commercial/Industrial Zones.

1. Landscaping Requirements.

a. Adequate buffering between residential and nonresidential areas shall be provided, in accordance with the provisions of this code;

b. Street trees shall be required;

c. Landscaped berms or other landscape treatment shall be used to screen the view of parking areas from the street; and

d. Landscape plans shall incorporate twenty-four (24) inch box trees.

2. Lot Orientation. Properties fronting on Lyons Avenue shall be oriented with their primary access on Lyons Avenue. Site orientation shall discourage use of Placerita Canyon Road as a primary access.

3. Noise Limits. Any loud music (live or recorded) shall comply with the noise limits as set forth in Section 11.44.040 (Noise Limits).

E. North Newhall Area. The following requirements shall apply to those properties in the Placerita Canyon special standards district that are within the North Newhall Area (NNA), as identified in the General Plan. The future uses and development within this area require careful advance planning and consideration of any potential projects shall be required to address each of the following subject areas:

1. Public Participation/Outreach.

a. Be subject to public participation and outreach led by the applicant(s) or the applicant’s representative, at the onset of and during conceptual planning and prior to formal submittal of a proposed project to the City. Outreach would include, but is not limited to, the Placerita Canyon property owners’ association.

2. Traffic Intrusion/Gateways.

a. Be internally and externally pedestrian-oriented, and have equestrian and bicycle amenities and accommodations;

b. Understand and acknowledge that any development at these locations will increase existing vehicular traffic and create new vehicular traffic, and that there will be impacts to equestrian and pedestrian circulation in the existing neighborhood, and therefore to minimize those impacts, special attention must be given to mitigate impacts caused by such identified access points;

c. Layout and orientation of any developments shall be designed to discourage and where possible prevent additional trips into Placerita Canyon caused by or resulting from such developments;

d. Include defined entry gateways or monuments into the Placerita Canyon special standards district, at Railroad Avenue, complete with landscaping and architectural elements with signage expressly stating there is no through traffic allowed; and

e. A traffic study shall be prepared for all new developments that are projected to generate two hundred fifty (250) or more new daily trips, within the areas encompassed by the NNA. The traffic study shall analyze those potentially impacted intersections within the NNA area and those that lie within a one (1) mile radius of the subject development site.

3. Buffering and Transitions.

a. Preserve the existing rural equestrian community, generally known as Placerita Canyon, and provide adequate buffers and graduated transitional design to ensure existing neighborhood protection and compatibility of character resulting from any proposed development;

b. Incorporate the current Santa Clarita Valley Trails Advisory Committee (SCVTAC) network of multi-use trails into adjacent neighborhoods which shall have rural and equestrian characteristics; and

c. Require use of the MWD right-of-way as a landscaped buffer (subject to MWD approval) between the NNA within the PCSSD and the rest of Placerita Canyon, which landscaping shall consist of low water, low maintenance landscape material.

4. Architecture.

a. Consist of three hundred sixty (360) degree architectural design with pedestrian-scaled building massing and forms where adjacent to existing residences, with the use of landscaping to visually soften hard edges of buildings;

b. Structures shall have varied building heights and designs shall create east/west sight lines. Building heights up to thirty-five (35) feet may be permitted. Additional height, not to exceed fifty (50) feet, may be permitted subject to the approval of a conditional use permit;

c. Have transitional densities, as described above, decreasing in density and height in an easterly direction towards the MWD right-of-way away from Railroad Avenue, to include the MWD right-of-way as a landscaped buffer and detached single-family residences adjacent to the MWD right-of-way; and

d. Building heights shall be subject to the same Unified Development Code requirements that apply to all of Placerita Canyon.

5. Flood Control.

a. Waterway bottoms and sides shall not be improved with concrete or hard impervious surfaces and shall be maintained in a natural appearance;

b. Fencing shall not be permitted to cross riverbeds or waterways in a manner which denies or interferes with easy trail access; and

c. On-site flood control mitigation would provide assistance or relief to other hydrology/drainage impacts within Placerita Canyon due to changes of topography on NNA properties.

6. Housing Types.

a. It is not the City’s intent to see affordable housing located on this site; and

b. The desired housing type in the NNA will attract residents who will assist in the economic revitalization of Downtown Newhall.

7. Economic Development.

a. Based on the area’s proximity to the nearby Metrolink station and Old Town Newhall, development in the NNA would be supportive of revitalization efforts, with an appropriate mix of retail, office, restaurant, and general commercial square footage combined with neighboring and integrated housing types.

8. Recreation.

a. Include a site-specific and a community-based recreational component.

F. Applicability. The preceding standards shall apply as appropriate to any land division, land development, building permit for either a new structure or a specified addition to an existing structure, or grading permit. Modifications to any standards in this subsection are only available pursuant to the terms and conditions of a conditional use permit, as provided for in Section 17.25.100 (Conditional Use Permit).

G. Description of District Boundaries.

Beginning at a point in the boundary of Tract No. 1078, recorded in Book 18, Page 169, of Maps, said point being the northwest corner of said Tract No. 1078; thence northeasterly, and easterly along the northwesterly, and northerly boundary of Tract No. 1078 to a point in the northerly boundary of Tract No. 1079, recorded in Book 18, Page 155, of Maps; thence easterly along the northerly boundary of said Tract No. 1079 to a point, said point being the northeasterly corner of said Tract No. 1079; thence northerly along the northerly prolongation of the easterly boundary of said Tract No. 1079 to a point in the northerly right-of-way boundary of the Los Angeles aqueduct; thence southeasterly and southerly along the northerly, and easterly boundary of said right-of-way to a point in the northerly boundary of Tract No. 10699, recorded in Book 165, Pages 36-37 of Maps; thence easterly along the northerly boundary of said Tract No. 10699 and, thence continuing along the easterly prolongation of the northerly boundary of said Tract No. 10699 to a point in the westerly right-of-way boundary of Sierra Highway; thence southwesterly along the said westerly right-of-way to the intersection of a line parallel with and 215 feet northerly measured at right angles from the southwesterly boundary of Tract No. 1274 recorded in Book 18 Pages 110-111 of Maps; thence northwesterly along said parallel line to a point in southerly boundary of said Tract No. 1274; thence northwesterly and westerly, along the southerly boundary of said Tract No. 1274 to a point, said point being the northeast corner of the parcel of land as described in Document No. 5906 recorded December 10, 1964, as shown on Record of Survey 95-78 thence southwesterly, westerly, and northwesterly along the southeasterly, southerly, and southwesterly boundary of said Record of Survey, to a point, said point being the westerly corner of said Record of Survey, thence southwesterly along the southeasterly boundary of Lot 194 of said Tract No. 1078 to the southwest corner of said tract; thence northwesterly along the southwesterly boundary of said tract to the point of beginning.

Except: that portion that lies within the boundaries of Tract No. 44452 recorded in Book 1137 Pages 59-68, Tract No. 34143 recorded in Book 969 Pages 7-14, and Tract No. 34144 recorded in Book 969 Pages 15-20, all of Maps.

(Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)

17.39.030 Sand Canyon Special Standards District.

A. Purpose. The purpose of the special standards district is to maintain, preserve and enhance the rural and equestrian character of Sand Canyon.

B. Property Development Standards. The following requirements shall apply in all zones in the area identified as Sand Canyon and described in subsection (C) of this section:

1. Animals which are kept or maintained as pets shall be permitted to continue when in accordance with the following:

b. The requirements of Chapter 17.62 (Animal Keeping) with respect to animal keeping are met, with the exception of the minimum lot area above.

2. Any new development shall adhere to the following standards or provide the following amenities:

a. Trails.

i. Riding and hiking trails shall be provided as depicted on the latest Sand Canyon Backbone Trails exhibit on file with Parks, Recreation and Community Services to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services;

ii. Trails shall be fenced to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services, with fences of a rustic wood appearance;

iii. Trail access shall be provided at all river crossings;

iv. There shall be no obstruction including, but not limited to, on-street parking, landscaping, trash receptacles, or other similar structures within a designated trail;

v. Fencing shall not be permitted to cross riverbeds, in such a manner as to deny trail access;

vi. Private access routes to the Backbone Trails are encouraged to be incorporated into new subdivisions to the satisfaction of the Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the concurrence of the property owner;

b. River bottoms and sides shall not be improved with concrete;

c. Bridges shall be limited to those required for public safety and shall be designed to accommodate equestrian access;

d. Street lights, in accordance with City standards, shall be installed only at road-to-road intersections;

e. Sewer. All new residential projects of greater than four (4) dwelling units and density greater than one-half (1/2) unit per acre shall connect to public sewer systems. Utilities shall be undergrounded to the nearest off-site connection;

f. Street paving, curbs, gutters and sidewalks shall not be required of new development. Minimum City standards for all weather access shall be provided. An engineering analysis shall be required to determine how all weather access will be provided for emergency vehicles. Surface material may consist of graded dirt, gravel or asphaltic concrete to achieve the required standards;

g. Drainage. Existing and future drainage shall be accommodated to provide adequate carrying capacity and erosion protection;

h. Street trees shall not be required; however, the planting of oaks and other mature trees shall be encouraged;

i. Gating of proposed or existing residential areas shall be subject to the approval of a conditional use permit;

j. Clustering of residential projects shall be discouraged except where deemed necessary to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas. Where clustering is approved, the minimum lot size shall not deviate more than ten percent (10%) from the required minimum lot size;

k. Screening of Dumpsters. New residential development shall provide for the screening and placement of dumpsters located within the front yard;

l. Maintenance. A property maintenance or homeowner maintenance association shall be established to maintain the trails, private roads and drives and other specific project amenities;

m. Fences. Non-view-obscuring fences, not to exceed five (5) feet in height, shall be permitted to be located within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback. Where a non-view-obscuring fence is constructed within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback, and is five (5) feet in height, the applicant shall be required to landscape the frontage of their property along the property line that abuts the adjacent right-of-way. View-obscuring walls or fences that are higher than three (3) feet six (6) inches shall not be permitted to be located within the twenty (20) foot front yard setback;

n. Structures Within or Adjacent to Right-of-Way.

i. In instances where properties along Sand Canyon Road have offered for dedication land that is in excess of current right-of-way dedication requirements, structures shall be permitted to be constructed in such land subject to the current development requirements of the zone in which it is located with the approval of an adjustment;

ii. In instances where properties have frontage on Sand Canyon Road where there exists a minimum of twenty (20) feet between the edge of the right-of-way that is currently required and the ultimate street pavement of Sand Canyon Road, accessory structures may encroach into the street yard setback with the approval of an adjustment.

C. Description of District Boundaries. That portion of the City of Santa Clarita lying southerly of the Santa Clara River and within Sections 13, 14, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 34, 35 and 36, in Township 4 North, Range 15 West, in the San Bernardino Base and Meridian; also within Sections 1 and 2, Township 3 North, Range 15 West, in the San Bernardino Base and Meridian. (Ord. 13-8 § 4 (Exh. A), 6/11/13)