§ 24-42. Scenic highway overlay zone.

A.

Purpose. The Scenic Highway (-SH) overlay zone establishes standards to preserve the natural aesthetic qualities of areas visible from roadways designated as scenic highways by the State of California or the Butte County Board of Supervisors (Butte County General Plan Figure COS-9, Scenic Highway Overlay Zones). Development within the -SH overlay zone is intended to feature high quality architectural design, preserve views from the highway, and maintain existing topographic features on the site.

B.

Applicability.

1.

The -SH overlay zone extends three hundred fifty (350) lineal feet outward from the edges of the scenic highway right-of-way. See Figure 24-42-1 (Scenic Highway Overlay Zone).

2.

The -SH overlay zone may be combined with any base zone.

FIGURE 24-42-1 SCENIC HIGHWAY OVERLAY ZONE

C.

Permit Required. Any development within the -SH overlay zone requiring the approval of a Building Permit shall also require the approval of a Minor Use Permit, except for:

1.

A single-family home;

2.

Accessory structures associated with a single-family home;

3.

Parking facilities with ten (10) or fewer parking spaces; and

4.

Demolitions.

5.

Walls and Fences pursuant to Article III, Division 3 shall be subject to an Administrative Permit.

D.

Land Use Regulations. Permitted or conditionally permitted uses in the -SH overlay zone, including minimum parcel sizes required for land divisions, are the same as the base zone, subject to the requirements of this section.

E.

Development Standards. All structures and improvements to land in the -SH overlay zone shall comply with the following development standards:

1.

All utilities and electric and communication distribution facilities shall be located underground.

2.

The following signs as defined and discussed in Article III, Division 10 (Signs) shall be prohibited:

a.

Off-site signs;

b.

Temporary signs in all forms, including banners, pennants, streamers or posters; and

c.

Freestanding signs.

3.

Walls and fences shall be constructed of high quality materials and not detract from the aesthetic qualities of the -SH overlay zone or block views from the highway. Design standards as set forth under Section 24-60B (Design) shall apply.

F.

Findings. To approve a Minor Use Permit for a proposed project within the -SH overlay zone, the review authority shall make all of the following findings, in addition to the findings required by Article V, Division 5 (Conditional Use and Minor Use Permits):

1.

The architectural design of the proposed structures complements the scenic qualities of the site and surrounding areas.

2.

The proposed project maintains existing views of scenic resources as viewed from the public right-of-way.

3.

To the greatest extent possible, site grading and excavation associated with the proposed project preserves natural features on the site.

4.

Landscaping associated with the proposed project complements the scenic qualities of the site and surrounding areas.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)