Summary
The main use of land in residential zone districts is single-family and/or multi-family dwellings. The objectives of these districts are to protect residential properties from various disturbances, hazards, and nuisances, and to allow development that does not impair the natural environment, and preserve light, air, and privacy.
To further protect the health and safety of the campers and neighboring properties due to possible inadequacy of water and sanitation facilities, and potential fire dangers, camping (overnight or longer stays) is prohibited in certain areas of the County designated as “no camping zones”, pursuant to Santa Cruz County Code Section 10.16.040.
Uses and activities are allowed on vacant residential parcels
Includes parcels zoned SU (Special Use) if the General Plan designation is residential
- Fences and gates (in conformance with Section 13.10.525).
- Signs (in conformance with Section 13.10.580).
- Site investigations to find water sources, evaluate sewage disposal, analyze soils or geology, determine buildability or provide access to a permitted structure or use in conformance with Section 16.20.040.
- Minimal land clearing in conformance with Section 16.22.080(a). A land clearing permit is required:
- to clear any area of sensitive habitat,
- to clear more than ¼ acre in the San Lorenzo Valley or other water supply watershed, or an area with erosive soil,
- more than one acre in any other location.
- Shoreline protection structures (in conformance with Section 16.10.070(h)3(i)).
- Electric services (pursuant to County Policy Interpretation ES-01, dated 06/25/2009).
- Power for parcels zoned R-1, RM, RA, RR, RB, or SU (with a Residential General Plan designation) is limited to one 125-amp maximum service for well water use, as authorized by staff. Power for irrigation systems, lighting systems, electric gates, and similar incidental residential uses (not involving a structure) on a vacant parcel may be authorized only by the Planning Director. A Declaration of Restrictions is required to be recorded prior to Zoning approval of the Electric Permit application.
- Overnight parking of vehicles (excluding RVs), owned by the property owner and intended for private use only if ancillary and necessary to a permitted use on site. Vehicles must be operable and registered.
The following uses and activities are prohibited on vacant residential parcels:
Uses listed in the County Code which require a residence on site are not allowed on vacant residential parcels. Accessory structures are only permitted when incidental to a dwelling.
- Living in tents, vehicles, yurts, recreational vehicles, or any other structure not constructed in conformance with the California Building Code for use as a residence.
- All temporary uses, other than temporary storage associated with a building permit as listed below (in conformance with Section 13.10.616(C)(4)).
- Occupying a campsite not within an organized camp or approved multi-site tent or RV campground.
- Outdoor storage of personal property and materials, except for those materials, bins, dumpsters, etc. as required for work under construction on the site pursuant to a building permit (in conformance with Section 13.10.556)
- Small or large-scale commercial agriculture.
- Within the RA zone district, Section 13.10.321(b) states “…and where small-scale commercial agriculture, such as animal keeping, trucking farming and specialty crops, can take place in conjunction with the primary use of the property as residential.” The phrase “in conjunction” means these uses are not allowed unless a dwelling unit is present.
- Family or community gardens (General Plan policy BE-1.4.8).
- Storage or use of any RV, travel trailer, camper, mobile home, or tiny home except as allowed by Section 13.10.683.
- Land disturbance for the creation of, or access to, a building site without permits.
- Shoreline protection structures not meeting the restrictions in Section 13.10.070(h)3(i)
- Any use not indicated in the Residential Use Chart Section 13.10.322.