Chapter 155     Printable pdf

Zoning and Development  

Table of Contents

 

155.1               Introduction                                              

        

155.1.1             How to Use the Development Code                                                                        

            155.1.2             General Administration                                                                                          

            155.1.3             Definitions                                                                                                

            155.1.4             Enforcement                                        

        

155.2               Land Use Districts                                     

                                                                         

            155.2.0             Land Use District Administration                       

            155.2.1             Residential (R-1) District                      

            155.2.2             Community Commercial (CC) District

            155.2.3            Open Space Overlay (OS) Zone

            155.2.4                         Fragile Lands Overlay (FL) Zone

            155.2.5            Wetland Overlay Zone

            155.2.6             Riparian Overlay Zone

 

155.3               Design Standards                                             

                                                                         

            155.3.0             Design Standards Administration                              

            155.3.1             Access and Circulation                                      

            155.3.2             Landscaping, Street Trees, Fences and Walls                

            155.3.3             Vehicle and Bicycle Parking                                   

            155.3.4             Public Facilities Standards                                   

            155.3.5             Surface Water Management                       

            155.3.6             All Uses

            155.3.7             Solar Access

            155.3.8             Traffic Impact Studies

 

155.4               Applications and Review Procedures                                                                                 

        

155.4.0            Administration of Land Use and Development Permits

            155.4.1            Types of Applications and Review Procedures

            155.4.2            Site Review

            155.4.3            Land Divisions and Lot Line Adjustments                        

            155.4.4            Conditional Use Permits                                     

            155.4.5            Planned Unit Development Procedures

            155.4.6                         Modifications to Approved Plans and Conditions of Approval        

            155.4.7            Land Use District Map

            155.4.8                         Code Interpretations

            155.4.9                         Miscellaneous Permits

 

155.5               Exceptions to Code Standards

 

155.5.0             Introduction

155.5.1             Variances

155.5.2                           Non-Conforming Uses and Development

 

155.6                           APPENDIX: Lot, Street, and Block Diagrams

 

155.6.1     Lot lines, depth and width

155.6.2     Corner Lots

            155.6.3     Interior Lots

            155.6.4    Thorough and double frontage lots

            155.6.5     Flag Lots

            155.6.6     Subdivision Street types

            155.6.7     Vision Clearance

 

Section 155.1

INTRODUCTION

 

 

155.1               Introduction

 

Sections:

 

155.1.1       How to Use the Development Code                                                                         

155.1.2       General Administration                                                                                          

155.1.3       Definitions                                                                                                 

      155.1.4       Enforcement                                        

 

155.1.1      How to Use the Development Code

                                   

Welcome to the Dunes City Development Code.  This is a comprehensive land use and development code that governs all of the land within the incorporated limits of Dunes City (See Dunes City Zoning Map).  The six sections of the code are used together to review land use applications.  They are organized as follows:

 

155.1 - In addition to this brief introduction, Section 155.1 provides definitions for selected terms and information on the legal construct of the code.  It also explains the City’s authority to enforce the Development Code.

 

155.2 - Every parcel, lot, and tract of land within the City’s incorporated boundaries is also within a “land use district”.  (Land use districts are shown on the City’s official zoning map.)  Section 155.2 identifies the land uses that are permitted within each district, and the standards that apply to each type of land use (e.g., lot standards, setbacks, and use-specific design standards).  As required by state law, the zones or “land use districts” conform to the Dunes City Comprehensive Plan.  The districts reserve land for planned land uses, provide compatibility between different uses, and implement planned housing densities.

 

155.3 - The design standards contained in Section 155.3 apply throughout the City.  They are used in preparing development plans, and reviewing applications, to ensure compliance with City standards for access and circulation, landscaping, parking, public facilities, surface water management, housing densities, and sensitive lands.

 

155.4 - Section 155.4 provides all of the application requirements and procedures for obtaining permits required by this code.  Four types of permit procedures are covered: Type I (non-discretionary, “ministerial” decision); Type II (discretionary, “administrative” decision); Type III (discretionary, quasi-judicial decision with public hearing); and Type IV (“legislative” decision by City Council).

 

155.5 - Section 155.5 provides standards and procedures for variances and non-conforming situations (i.e., existing uses or development that do not comply with the code).  This code cannot provide standards to fit every potential development situation.  The City’s varied geography, and complexities of land development, require flexibility.  Section 155.5 provides that flexibility, while maintaining the purposes and intent of the code.

 

155.6 – Appendix: Lot, Street, and Block Diagrams.

 

 

155.1.2 — General Administration

 

Sections:

 

      155.1.2.1     Severability

      155.1.2.2     Compliance and Scope

      155.1.2.3     Consistency with Plan and Laws

      155.1.2.4     Use of a Development

      155.1.2.5     Pre-Existing Approvals

      155.1.2.6     Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

      155.1.2.7     Official Action

 

155.1.2.1   Severability

 

The provisions of this Title 15 are severable.  If any chapter, section, sentence, clause or phrase of this title is adjudged to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this title. 

 

155.1.2.2   Compliance and Scope

 

      A.  Compliance with the provisions in the Development Code.  Land and structures may be used or developed by construction, reconstruction, alteration, occupancy and use only as this Development Code (“Code”) or any amendment thereto permits.  No plat shall be recorded nor building permit shall be issued without compliance with the provisions of this Code.

 

      B.   Obligation by successor. The requirements of this Code apply to the owner(s) of record, persons undertaking the development or the use of land, and to those persons’ successors in interest.

 

      C.   Most restrictive regulations apply.  Where this Code imposes greater restrictions than those imposed or required by other rules or regulations, the most restrictive or that imposing the higher standard shall govern.

 

      D.  Variances.  The provisions of Section 155.5.1 shall govern variances.

 

E.      Transfer of development standards prohibited.  No lot area, yard or other open space or off-street parking or loading area which is required by this Code for one use shall be a required lot area, yard or other open space or off-street parking or loading area for another use, except as otherwise specifically allowed by this Code.

155.1.2.3   Consistency With Plan and Laws

 

Each development and use application and other procedure initiated under this Code shall be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan of Dunes City as implemented by this Code, and with applicable State and Federal laws and regulations.  All provisions of this Code shall be construed in conformity with the adopted comprehensive plan.

 

155.1.2.4   Use of a Development

 

A development shall be used only for a lawful use.  A lawful use of a development is one that is permitted by this Code (including non-conforming uses, subject to Section 155.5.2), and is not prohibited by law.

 

155.1.2.5   Pre-Existing Approvals

 

A.  Legality of pre-existing approvals.  Developments, including subdivisions, projects requiring development review or site review approval, or other development applications for which approvals were granted prior to the effective date of this Code, may occur pursuant to such approvals, except that modifications to development approvals shall comply with Section 155.4.6 - Modifications to Approved Plans and Conditions of Approval.

 

B.   Subsequent development applications.  All development proposals received by the City after the adoption of this Code shall be subject to review for conformance with the standards under this Code or as otherwise provided by State law. 

 

155.1.2.6   Building Permit and Certificate of Occupancy

 

      A.  Building permit.  A building permit is required as defined in Chapter 151 of the Dunes City Code.

 

B.   Certificate of occupancy required.  To ensure completion of a development or use in the manner approved, a development shall not be occupied and a use shall not begin until the City has issued a certificate of occupancy following completion of the work in substantial conformance to the applicable land use and building permits.

 

C.   Prior to final completion.  Prior to the final completion of all work, a certificate of occupancy may be issued for a portion of the structure conditioned upon further work being completed by a date certain.

 

155.1.2.7   Official Action

 

A.  Official Action.  All officials, departments, employees (including contractor-officials), of the City vested with authority to issue permits or grant approvals shall adhere to and require conformance with this Code, and shall issue no permit or grant approval for any development or use which violates or fails to comply with conditions or standards imposed to carry out this Code.

 

B.   Severability.  Any permit or approval issued or granted in conflict with the provisions of this Code shall be void. 

 

C.   Notice.  The failure of any person to receive mailed notice or failure to post a notice shall not invalidate any actions pursuant to this Code.

 

 

155.1.3           Definitions

 

For the purpose of this Chapter (155), the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

 

Abate To end a violation of this code.

 

Abatement The process to end a violation of this code.

 

Abutting - Contiguous or adjoining. It shall include the terms adjacent, adjoining and contiguous.

 

Access - The area of a street right-of-way where a vehicle may move to and from the street and an abutting property.

 

Access Easement - An easement recorded for the purpose of providing vehicle, bicycle, and/or pedestrian access from a public street to a parcel across intervening property under separate ownership from the parcel being provided access.

 

Access Point - The connection of a driveway at the right-of-way line to the street.

 

Access Management -The control of access for the purpose of improving the efficiency, safety or operation of a street for vehicular movement.  This control may include prohibiting, closing or limiting direct access to a street from abutting properties by physical barriers (curbs, medians, etc.), land dedication or easement.

 

Accessible - Approachable and useable by people with disabilities.  Complies with the Americans With Disabilities Act.

 

Accessory Building - Any subordinate building or portion of a main building, the use of which is incidental, appropriate, and subordinate to that of the main building.

 

Accessory Dwelling – A dwelling unit separate from or subordinate to the main dwelling.  Accessory dwellings are not a permitted or conditional use in Dunes City.

 

Accessory Use - A use incidental, appropriate, and subordinate to the main use of a lot or building.

 

Adjacent - Abutting or located directly across a street right-of-way.

 

Administrative Decision - A discretionary action or permit decision made without a public hearing, but requiring public notification and an opportunity for appeal.  See also Sections 155.4.1.4 or 155.4.1.4.

 

Adverse Impact - Negative effect of development that can be measured (e.g., noise, air pollution, vibration, dust, etc.).

 

Agriculture - The tilling of the soil, the raising of crops, horticulture, small livestock farming, dairying and/or animal husbandry, and the raising of Christmas trees.

 

Alter - To change any of the supporting members of a building or structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.

 

Alley - A narrow street through a block primarily for vehicular service access to the back or side of properties otherwise abutting on another street.

 

And/or – For the purposes of this chapter the grammatical use of “and/or” shall mean any one item or any combination of items in the phrase.

 

Arterial - A Street of considerable continuity, which is primarily a traffic artery for intercommunication among large areas.  Arterial streets in the City are defined as Canary Road, Clear Lake Road, and Highway 101.

 

Basement - A story partly or wholly underground.  A basement shall be counted as a story for purposes of height measurement where more than one-half of its height is above the average level of the adjoining ground.

 

Bed and Breakfast  - Provides accommodations plus breakfast on a daily or weekly basis in an operator‑ or owner‑occupied home that is primarily used for this purpose. This use is operated as a commercial enterprise, encourages direct bookings from the public, and is intended to provide a source of income to the proprietors.

 

Berm - A small rise or hill in a landscape.

 

Block - A parcel of land or group of lots bounded by intersecting streets.

 

Block Length - The distance measured along all that part of one side of a street which is between two intersecting or intercepting streets, or between an intersecting or intercepting street right-of-way, water course, body of water, or unsubdivided acreage.

 

Boarding Float - A platform-type floating structure that provides a pedestrian access to and from a boat in the water.

 

Boathouse A covered or enclosed structure used exclusively to store, shelter, or protect a boat or boats and boating equipment A structure used in part, or only occasionally for any purpose other than to shelter or protect a boat or boats and boating equipment shall be considered a combination structure. See OAR 141-082-0020(12).

 

Bollard - A post of metal, wood or masonry that is used to separate or direct traffic (vehicles, pedestrians and/or bicycles).  Bollards are usually decorative, and may contain sidewalk or pathway lighting.

 

Bond or Performance Agreement - A financial commitment by the petitioner or subdivider executed by a state licensed surety company in an amount equal to the full cost of construction and improvements as required in this chapter and conditioned upon the faithful performance thereof.

 

Boulevard - A street with broad open space areas; typically with planted medians.  See Section 155.3.4, Sub-Section 1.F.

 

Building - The term Building shall mean that which is framed, erected, constructed, or placed to stand temporarily or permanently on a parcel of land.  This definition shall specifically include a mobile home and accessories thereto.  See Structure.

 

Building Footprint - The outline of a building, as measured around its foundation.

 

Building Height  - The vertical distance from the average grade to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitch or hip roof.

 

Building, Main - A building within which is conducted the principal use permitted on the lot.

 

Building Site - The ground area of a building or buildings, together with all required open spaces.

 

Bulkhead - A vertical or nearly vertical bank protection structure placed parallel to the shoreline consisting of concrete, timber, steel, rock, or other permanent material not readily subject to erosion [OAR 141-085-0010(19)].

 

Campgrounds - Any lot, tract, or parcel of land under the same ownership where two or more campsites are located which provide facilities for living in any manner other than in a permanent building constructed of wood, and the like.

 

Capacity- Maximum holding or serviceability, as used for land use, water flow, transportation, utilities, parks and other public facilities.

 

Carport - A stationary structure which may be free standing or attached, and open on at least one side consisting of a roof with its supports to shelter motor vehicles, recreational vehicles, or boats.

 

Cemetery - Land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for cemetery purposes; including columbaria, crematoria, mausoleum, and mortuaries, when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery.

 

Childcare Center, Family Childcare - See Family Child Care Facility.

 

Church - A building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, where persons regularly assemble for worship, and which building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to sustain public worship.

 

City Council - The Common Council of Dunes City, which is the governing body of the City.

 

Clear and Objective - Relates to decision criteria and standards that do not involve substantial discretion or individual judgment in their application.

 

Clinic - Single or multiple offices for physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and other members of the healing arts, including a dispensary in each such building to handle only merchandise of a nature customarily prescribed by occupants in connection with their practices.

 

Club - Any organization, group, or association supported by the members thereof, the purpose of which is to render a service customarily rendered for members and their guests.  This shall not include any organization, group, or association of which the chief activity is to render a service customarily carried on as a business.

 

Cluster -  To situate buildings close together to preserve open space, reduce the overall land use impact of development, and reduce the amount of roads, services and facilities needed to serve a development. The number of living units in a cluster development shall not exceed, on the average, one living unit per acre within the development.

 

Collector - A street used to provide for traffic movement between arterials and local streets, and which provides direct access to abutting property.

 

Commercial - Land use involving buying/selling of goods or services as the primary activity.

 

Common Area - Land commonly owned to include open space, landscaping or recreation facilities (e.g., typically owned by homeowners associations).

 

Concept Assistance - An informal meeting between the applicant and the Planning Commission where a development concept is presented.  This meeting is for the exchange of information only; no action will be taken.  This step is required by the City for subdivisions and PUDs, and is at the applicant’s discretion for other land use actions.

 

Conditional Use - A use which requires a Conditional Use Permit.  See Section 155.4.4.

 

Consensus - Agreement or consent among participants.

 

Conservation Easement - An easement that protects identified conservation values of the land, such as wetlands, woodlands, significant trees, floodplains, wildlife habitat, and similar resources.

 

Corner Radius - The radius of a street corner, as measured around the curb or edge of pavement.

 

Cottage - see Guest House.

 

County Recording Officer - The director of records and elections of the County.

 

Cul-De-Sac - A circular area at the end of a dead-end street.

 

Day Nursery - See Family Child Care Facility.

 

Dead-End Street A street that allows ingress/egress at only one end.

 

Deciduous - Tree or shrub that sheds its leaves seasonally.