Shafter Zoning Code § 10.280 Scenic Resources

1. Intent

The scenic resources regulations are intended to establish development standards which protect, preserve and enhance the aesthetic resources of the City by incorporating design considerations which minimize interference with the preservation of unique natural resources, roadside views and scenic corridors. It is also the intent of the Scenic Resources regulations to implement state and federal programs and regulations regarding scenic highway routes.

2. Locational Requirements

The Scenic Resources regulations may be applied to the following areas:

• a. Areas with unique views of mountain and valley areas or any other aesthetic natural land formations.

3. Development Standards

   • a. When a land use is proposed within a scenic area, the following criteria shall be used to evaluate the project compliance with the intent of the district:

     • (1) Building and Structure Placement

The building and structure placement shall be compatible with and shall not detract from the visual setting or obstruct significant views.

• (2) Setbacks

Intensive land development proposals, including, but not limited to, residential facilities, commercial, and industrial

General Development Standards

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activities shall be designed to blend into the natural landscape and maximize visual attributes of the natural vegetation and terrain. The design of such development proposals shall also provide for maintenance of a natural open space parallel to the right of-way. This represents the visible land area outside the highway right-of-way which may be described as the “view from the road.”

(3) Access Drives

Right-of-way access drives shall be minimized. Developments involving concentrations of commercial activities shall be designed to function as an integral unit with common parking and right-of-way access drives when feasible.

(4) Roads, Pedestrian Walkways, Parking and Storage Areas

Large scale development shall restrict the number of access points by providing common access roads. Parking and outside storage areas shall be screened from view, to the maximum extent feasible from adjacent scenic or recreational resources by placement of buildings and structures, or by landscaping and plantings.

(5) Above Ground Utilities

Utilities shall be constructed and routed underground except in those situations where natural features prevent the underground routing or where safety considerations necessitate above ground construction and routing. Above ground utilities shall be constructed and routed to minimize detrimental effects on the visual setting of the designated area. Where practical, above ground utilities shall be screened from view from adjacent scenic or recreational resources by placement of buildings and structures.

(6)

Grading

The alteration of the natural topography of the site shall be minimized and shall, to the extent feasible and practical, avoid detrimental effects to the visual setting of the designated area and the existing natural drainage system.

(7) Storage Areas

Outside storage areas associated with commercial or industrial activities shall be completely screened from view from the right-of-way with landscaping and plantings.

General Development Standards

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CHAPTER 10

CITY OF SHAFTER DEVELOPMENT CODE