40.240.900    Special Management Area Recreation Resource Review Criteria

A.    The following shall apply to all new recreation developments and land uses in the Special Management Area:

1.    New development and land uses shall not displace existing recreational use;

2.    Only natural resource-based recreation shall be allowed;

3.    Recreation resources shall be protected from adverse effects by evaluating new development and land uses as proposed in the site plan. An analysis of both on- and off-site cumulative effects shall be required;

4.    New pedestrian or equestrian trails shall not have motorized uses, except for emergency services;

5.    Mitigation measures shall be provided to preclude adverse effects on the recreation resource;

6.    The Facility Design Guidelines in Section 40.240.890(E) are intended to apply to individual recreation facilities. Development or improvements within the same Recreation Intensity Class are considered as separate facilities if they are separated by at least one-quarter (1/4) mile of undeveloped land (excluding trails, pathways, or access roads); and

7.    New development and reconstruction of scenic routes shall include provisions for bicycle lanes.

B.    SMA Recreation Intensity Class Guidelines.

    Each Recreation Intensity Class includes a description of the desired social, physical and managerial setting for recreation development within each Recreation Intensity Class. Each Recreation Intensity Class also includes a list of allowable uses, subject to compliance with Section 40.240.890(E).

1.    Recreation Intensity Class 1 – Very Low Intensity.

a.    Social Setting. Visitors in this designation have a high chance of finding solitude and opportunities to experience activities that rely on self-reliance, challenge and risk. Encounters with other visitors are low throughout the designation. Perceived crowdedness is low to non-existent away from roads and recreation sites. Visitor encounters and perceived crowdedness are low to moderate at or near (within one (1) mile) roads and recreation sites.

b.    Physical and Managerial Setting. Predominately natural or natural appearing landscapes with rustic improvements characterize this designation. Nodes of developed recreation facilities may be allowed. Developed recreation site regulations and controls (signing, regulations or other regimentation) are noticeable but harmonize with the natural characteristics of the landscape setting. Away from developed recreation sites there is minimal or subtle control of users.

c.    Trail development is simple and typically accommodates low use levels. Users are highly skilled with a high degree of orienteering skills.

d.    The maximum design capacity for parking areas shall be ten (10) vehicles.

e.    The following uses may be permitted:

(1)    Trails and trailheads;

(2)    Parking areas;

(3)    Dispersed campsites accessible only by a trail;

(4)    Viewpoints and overlooks;

(5)    Picnic areas;

(6)    Signs;

(7)    Interpretive exhibits and displays;

(8)    Restrooms;

(9)    Accommodations for mass transportation facilities should be considered where compatible with the social and physical settings.

2.    Recreation Intensity Class 2 – Low Intensity.

a.    Social Setting. RIC 2 is characterized by opportunities to experience relaxation, physical fitness, and outdoor learning, and where there is a moderate probability to experience solitude. Visitor encounters are low to moderate on trails and away from developed recreation sites and roads, and usually moderate to high near (within one (1) mile) recreation sites and roads.

b.    Physical and Managerial Setting. Predominately natural or natural appearing landscapes with rustic improvements characterize this designation. Nodes of highly developed recreation facilities may be allowed. Developed recreation site regulations and controls (signing, regulations or other regimentation) harmonize with the natural characteristics of the landscape setting. Away from developed recreation sites there is minimal or subtle control of users.

    Trails are moderately developed (native surface or gravel, trail bridges and other facilities are provided for user convenience). Trail use is typically low to moderate. Trails are suitable for a wide range of users and are challenging and involve intermediate to advanced skills.

c.    The maximum design capacity shall be twenty-five (25) vehicles.

d.    All uses permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 1 are permitted in Recreation Intensity Class 2. The following uses may also be permitted:

(1)    Campground for twenty (20) units or less, tent sites only;

(2)    Boat anchorages designed for no more than ten (10) boats at one (1) time; and

(3)    Swimming areas;

(4)    Accommodations for mass transportation facilities should be considered where compatible with the social and physical settings.

(Amended: Ord. 2006-05-04; Ord. 2021-12-02)