Chapter 17.43
OPEN SPACE (OS) ZONE
Sections:
17.43.040 Development standards.
17.43.010 Purpose.
The primary purposes of the open space zone are to preserve open space for future generations, maintain water quality in lakes and streams, provide educational opportunities, protect significant and sensitive natural resource areas and enhance the city’s scenic beauty. The open space zone is intended to ensure that designated lands remain in their natural state, including reclaimed areas, by protecting such areas from development and preserving open space. The secondary purpose includes uses such as passive recreational activities such as nature walks and educational activities.
Areas designated within the open space zone include lands having valuable wildlife habitat, exceptional aesthetic or flood control value, wetlands, riparian areas and areas with significant environmental constraints. Protecting sensitive natural areas is important for maintaining water quality and aquatic habitat, preserving wildlife habitat and sensitive plant communities, and providing flood control. (Ord. 2002-03 § 3; Ord. 84-2 § 3.096(1))
17.43.020 Permitted uses.
The following uses are permitted in the open space (OS) zone:
A. Passive recreational activities such as hiking, biking on designated trails, birdwatching, picnicking, nature walks and other similar uses.
B. Development and maintenance of trails, including pedestrian footbridges, in accordance with standards set forth in the parks master plan with a maximum width of eight feet.
C. Educational activities and ecological research projects only if the director finds the use to be in accordance with the primary purposes of the open space zone.
D. Natural resource restoration and enhancement projects.
E. Interpretive displays.
F. Removal of timber, rocks or other materials in established public use areas for purposes of public safety.
G. Such other uses as the director determines to be in accordance with the primary purpose of the open space zone. (Ord. 2022-25 §§ 37, 38; Ord. 2002-03 § 3; Ord. 84-2 § 3.096(2))
17.43.030 Conditional uses.
The following uses may be permitted in the open space (OS) zone subject to a receipt of a conditional use permit, and subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.60 LCMC and the primary purpose of the open space zone:
A. Public facilities limited to a nature center and single-stall, unisexed, handicapped accessible restrooms.
B. Public driveways and parking areas for uses permitted in this zone.
C. Public utilities and drainage facilities.
D. Docks, subject to the provisions of LCMC 17.44.040. (Ord. 2019-23 § 7; Ord. 2002-03 § 3; Ord. 84-2 § 3.096(3))
17.43.040 Development standards.
A. Setback Requirements. Setback requirements will be those set forth in LCMC 17.16.070 unless the director determines that imposing said setback requirements will negatively impact the resource value.
B. Height. Maximum building height is 18 feet.
C. Vegetation Removal. Native vegetation may not be removed except for the area occupied by permitted uses or required for clear vision per LCMC 17.52.060. (Ord. 2022-25 § 39; Ord. 2020-10 § 15; Ord. 2002-03 § 3; Ord. 84-2 § 3.096(4))
17.43.050 Other requirements.
A. Off-street parking and loading shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 17.56 LCMC.
B. Signs. No signs shall be permitted except for government signs. (Ord. 2020-13 § 20; Ord. 2019-14 § 7; Ord. 2002-03 § 3; Ord. 84-2 § 3.096(5))