§ 24-173.2. Heavy equipment storage in the RCR (rural country residential) and FCR (foothill country residential) zones.

A.

Purpose. This section establishes minimum standards and permit requirements for the storage of heavy equipment used by individual contractors/drivers for off-site commercial jobs in conjunction with their primary residence. This section does not apply to heavy equipment and vehicles used primarily for on-site maintenance and/or on-site agricultural activities or heavy duty vehicles with an un-laden weight of less than ten thousand (10,000) lbs. that are used for primary transportation to and from a property either for private or commercial purposes. This section additionally does not apply to recreational vehicles or horse trailers.

B.

Location/Applicability. This section applies to the RCR (Rural Country Residential) and FCR (Foothill Country Residential) Zones as shown under Article II (Zoning Districts, Land Uses, and Development Standards). The allowance of Heavy Equipment Storage for all other zones is set forth under Section 24-173.1 (Heavy Equipment Storage in the VLDR (Very Low Density Residential) Zone and Section 24-156 (Accessory Uses and Structures).

C.

Definition. Heavy Equipment Storage as it applies to the RCR and FCR zones includes the storage of all heavy equipment such as graders, excavators, bulldozers, backhoes and similar equipment; heavy vehicles such as dump trucks, semi-tractor trailers, and similar vehicles. Configurations are defined as follows:

1.

One (1) piece of heavy equipment may be configured as one (1) truck without a trailer, one (1) truck and a single trailer (loaded or unloaded), or one (1) truck and two (2) trailers (loaded or unloaded).

2.

If heavy equipment that is intended for transportation on a trailer(s) is in an unloaded configuration (e.g. a backhoe parked on the ground), it is still counted as one (1) piece along with its related truck and trailer(s).

D.

Permits Required.

1.

For parcels less than or equal to ten (10) acres, the storage of up to two (2) pieces of heavy equipment in conjunction with a primary residence is a permitted use. The storage of greater than two (2) pieces of heavy equipment requires the approval of a Minor Use Permit.

2.

For parcels greater than ten (10) acres the storage of up to four (4) pieces of heavy equipment in conjunction with a primary residence is a permitted use. The storage of greater than four (4) pieces of heavy equipment requires the approval of a Minor Use Permit.

E.

Standards. All Heavy Equipment Storage sites shall comply with the following standards:

1.

The heavy equipment and vehicle storage area may not exceed one-half (½) acre in size where all vehicles shall be stored.

2.

The storage area shall be setback from property lines in accordance with the setbacks required for structures in the applicable zone.

3.

All heavy equipment vehicles shall be screened from direct view from any adjacent public or private right-of-way or private easement through vegetation, or approved fencing/walls or other approved means.

4.

No heavy mechanical work is allowed. Light maintenance such as fluid changes, tire changes, and other minor repairs are permitted.

5.

Inoperative vehicles are not permitted to be stored at the site.

6.

Heavy equipment vehicles shall not idle longer than five (5) minutes at the site prior to leaving or upon return.

7.

The Minor Use Permit shall require that all access roads are sufficient to carry the equipment without sustaining undue damage to the roads.

8.

The Minor Use Permit shall require that mud, run-off, erosion, and drainage, to be controlled at all times and contained on-site.

9.

Dust shall be mitigated during dry conditions.

10.

Storage of oil, gas, or other fluids/materials associated with the maintenance of heavy vehicles must comply with State law regulating the storage of hazardous materials.

11.

Commercial storage of construction related material such as aggregate, sand, soil or debris is prohibited.

12.

Measures shall be taken to prevent leaks and spills. Any leaks and spills shall be immediately addressed.

F.

Amortization of Heavy Equipment Storage Uses. All existing Heavy Equipment Storage uses that do not comply with the provisions of this chapter taking place in the RCR and FCR zones shall be amortized over a one (1) year period initiated upon adoption of this section. At the conclusion of the one (1) year period all non-complying Heavy Equipment Storage uses shall cease and desist and shall be removed, or a permit shall be obtained.

(Ord. No. 4062, § 1, 9-10-13)