HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/25/2005 B A K E R S F I E L D
Sue Benham, Chair
David Couch
Mike Maggard
Staff: John W. Stinson
SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMI'I-rEE
of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Monday, April 25, 2005
12:00 noon*
City Manager's Conference Room, Suite 201
Second Floor - City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
3. CLOSED SESSION
A. Conference with Legal Counsel--Potential Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(3)(A) of Government
Code section 54956.9 - one case
4. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
5. ADOPT MARCH 28, 2005 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
6. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
7. DEFERRED BUSINESS
A. Urban forestry discussion and Committee recommendation -Tandy
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding strengthening the Hillside
Ordinance - Grady
B, Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding inconsistencies between
zoning and the General Plan -Grady
9. COMMI'I-rEE COMMENTS
10. ADJOURNMENT
* Please note that this time is earlier than usual, due to the closed session item. it is
uncertain when the Committee will resume the open portion of the meeting.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: Apdl 25, 2005 I AGENDA SECTION: Closed Session
I
ITEM:
TO: Planning & Development Committee APPROVED
Sue Benham - Chair
David Couch
Mike Maggard
FROM: Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney DEPARTMENT HEAD /'/'~---~
DATE: April 22, 2005 CITY ATTORNEY ~'
CITY MANAGER
SUBJECT: Conference with Legal Counsel -- Potential Litigation
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b)(1)(3)(A) of Government Code
section 54956.9 - one case
VG:do
S:\COU NClL\Committee~,DMINS\04_27.05 Potential.doc
^ D AFT
~--~-~ ~ Sue Benham, Chair
Staff: John W.'Stinson David Couch
For: Alan Tandy, City Manager Mike Maggard
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
SPECIAL MEETING
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMI3'I'EE
Monday, March 28~ 2005 -1:00 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room
1. ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 1:02
Present: Councilmember Sue Benha~m, Chair
Present: Councilmember David Couch
Absent: Vice-Mayor Mike Maggard
2. ADOPT JANUARY 31, 2005 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
Adopted as submitted.
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
4. DEFERRED .BUSINESS
A. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding downtown
development incentives
Community Development Coordinator George Gonzales reported Economic
Development Director Donna Kunz was serving on a panel and unable to attend the
Committee meeting. At the Committee's request, Donna Kunz has met with Cathy
Butler from the Downtown Business Association (DBA). A map was provided of
locations in the downtown in which the :DBA would like to see redevelopment efforts
directed and has'requested Redevelopment Agency assistance for future
redevelopment opportunities. Donna Kunz will be meeting with the Redevelopment
Agency on the request from the DBA. It was noted Redevelopment Agency
assistance triggers minimum wage on development projects. Donna Kunz will also
be meeting with Sherman Gross, one of the property owners whose properties have
been identified as a potential redevelopment site.
Committee_ Chair Benham stated she would like to be included when staff meets
with Mr. Gross.
DRAFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, March 28, 2005
Page 2.
Cathy .Butler,-Downtown Business Association, spoke regarding code enforcement
on properties in the area identified for redevelopment efforts and not knowing which
agency to contact. Complaints to code enforcement turn out to be environmental
health or sanitation issues, and responses take longer when reported to the wrong
agency. The' DBA would also like to form a graffiti team to help with graffiti clean-up
efforts.
City Manager Alan TandY responded if the DBA will direct specific code
enforcement type issues to him, he will coordinate with the different departments.
Public Works Director Raul Rojas explained if the DBA would contact Steve
Hollingsworth in General Services when the graffiti team is organized, paint and
brushes would be provided for the team's graffiti cleanup.
Committee' Chair Benham requested a report back to the Planning and
Development Committee at its May meeting from Economic Development Director
Donna Kunz on the results of her meeting with the Redevelopment Agency.
B. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding appeals of
extension of vesting rights
Committee Member Couch requested this item be deferred one more time.
The Committee agreed and deferred this item (Committee Member Maggard
absent). It was noted the April agenda may already be full.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A; Discussion and Committee recommendation, regarding Bakersfield
growth indicators
Committee Chair Benham explained the Smart Growth Coalition of Kern County
had a study done on Growth Indicators for Metropolitan Bakersfield, which they
provided to the Committee for review and comment.
Development Services Director Stan Grady stated the areas in the study of most
interest to the City are those that address population density, transportation, air
quality and public service resources. During review of the study, staff found
discrepancies in some of the statistics, but tried to foCus more on the overall study.
Density. The following is an important difference, which should be noted: The
statistics on density in the study indicate Bakersfield will end up with a density of
1,275 persons per square mile. Bakersfield's average density is about 2,300
persons per square mile (117 square miles and 280,000 people). Some of the
areas are not yet fully developed so the 2,300 persons per square mile will.
increase.
TransPortation Costs, Public Works could provide more details, but addressing
transportation, road maintenance, and repair costs have been made a priority.
DRAFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, March 28, 2005
Page 3
Air Quality. There is a lengthy report on the City's website, which was presented to
the Planning Commission. There is a State requirement to reach certain reductions
by 2010. Although the City may not reach these reductions by 2010, the City's air
quality is improving. The technology being applied to newer care is working to cut
pollutants. Progress is being made, but there is much to be done. The City is
working with the building industry and the Sierra Club to address an air-quality
program, which staff feels will be .an improvement in addressing the issues
regarding development and CEQA requirements.
Development Services Director Stan Grady explained staff tried not to take a
position for or against the study, but just give a look at what is going on in our
community. The underlying sentiment in the study was address during the General
Plan update process. There are people in the community concerned about the way
the community is developing regarding the need for higher density and transit
organized development, which is more related to the look and feel of the community
than 'overall environmental issues. Bakersfield's density is comparable to emerging
communities throughout California and although there is a difference of opinion on
how we should be developing, the policy has already been set by virtue of the
adoption of the General Plan .Update.
There are some developments being envisioned in the future with higher denSity,
walkable communities and parkways with a mixture of offices and housing. The
developers are cautious with their approach and want to make sure that there is a
market with demand for this type of development.
Holly Hart, the person who worked to get the grant to do the Growth Indicators
Study of Metropolitan Bakersfield for the Smart Growth Coalition, spoke regarding
cities finding .ways and indicators to measure against the word "quality," as in
quality of life issues. These indicators can then be used to monitor and quantify
those things that are valuable and important to the community.
Committee Member CoUch requested staff to identify the discrepancies in what staff
sees and what the report says. Also, in figuring density, take out the Kern River
corridor, California State University Bakersfield and the other nOn-developable
areas to arrive at the square miles used in the equation.
Ms. Hart explained the density statistic used was overall including Bakersfield and
the outlying metro area, not just Bakersfield.
Development Services Director Stan Grady responded sales in high density
developments could be tracked; however, the information may not give a good
picture in the current market, as everything being built is selling.
Ms. Hart stated there are two cities that have built the high density, mixed-use
developments and have significantly increase revenue from sales and property
taxes.
DRAFT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
Monday, March 28, 2005
Page 4
City Manager Alan Tandy agreed with this conclusion, but explained the increased
revenue is often off-set by extra services needed in high density developments,
such as police services. ' ·
Committee Chair Benham requested staff to track and report back in a year on the
success of the higher density housing developments that are being built in
Bakersfield; and to provide statistics from other cities on increased revenue
generated by high density mixed-use developments from sales and property taxes
at the June Committee meeting.
B. Discussion and .Committee recommendation regarding.railroad crossings
and traffic control devices
Committee Member Couch explained at the meeting with Senator Florez regarding
railroad crossings he discussed with the Senator that State Vehicle Code
regulations make it difficult to get stop signs put in because a traffic study shows
the intersection does not warrant placement of a stop sign. He referred this to
Committee for review because the idea of waiting and having traffic accidents
doesn't seem logical unless there are underlying reasons.
City Manager Alan Tandy explained the State actually uses Federal Code for most
of its regulations, but mostly this is a liability limiting issue. There are a lot of traffic
accidents where traffic engineering shows statistically the evidence on the cause of
the accident contradicts what common perceptions are. For-example, most
neighborhoods perceive it is safer if stop signs are put in because of an assumption
that this makes people slow down and if people slow down, it will be safer.
Unfortunately, what actually happens if stop signs appear in places where they are
not natural and are contrary to a driver's normal experience, a high percentage of
drivers will not see it and roll through the intersection making it dangerous for
pedestrians who rely on the stop sign thinking the stop sign makes crossing safe.
There is a lot about traffic engineering where statistically the evidence is contrary to
popular belief.
Public Works Director Raul Rojas explained although there may be accidents or
even a fatality at an intersection, the worst accidents happen at controlled
intersections, because someone runs the light and the oncoming traffic relies on the
traffic light and the impact causes the worst accidents and fatalities. Traffic lights
and stop signs are a perceived safety issue and that makes it more dangerous.
There are some instances when the traffic engineer can use a little discretion.if the
intersection is close to meeting warrants. However, the Public Works Director
expressed staff would not like to deviate from current practice of relying on traffic
engineering studies to determine if the intersection warrants a signal or stop signs.
Committee Member Couch requested Public Works staff to provide him with a copy
of the sections in the code relating to determination if an intersection warrants a
signal or stop signs. The Committee took no further action.
D AFT
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING
MondaY, March 28, 2005
Page 5
C. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding local control of
group'homes
Development Services Director Stan Grady reported there is a 300 foot separation
restriction for residential care facilities. The 300 foot separation restriction does not
apply to alcohol and drug rehabilitation homes. State law preempts local zoning
controls over licensed residential care facilities. If a licensed facility serves six or
fewer persons, State law states this is a residential use and, therefore, cannot be
treated any differently that a typical family living situation. If a facility serves more
than six people, City regulations require a conditional use permit in a residential
zone (except in the R-4 zone for people with disabilities).
Staff attended a workshop and there was discussion the 300 foot separation may.
be extended. Staff is researching to verify if this is actually going to be law and if
the City can apply this to group homes.
Committee Chair Benham requested staff to bring this back to the Committee when
staff determines if the City can be more restrictive than the City's current
requirements under State law.
6. COMMI'R'EE COMMENTS
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 1:51 p.m.
AttendanCe-staff: City· Manager Alan Tandy; City Attorney Ginny Gennaro;
Assistant City Manager John Stinson; Development Services Director Stan Grady;
Public Works Director Raul Rojas; Assistant Public Works Director Jack
LaRochelle; Assistant Finance Director Nelson Smith; Community Development
Coordinator George Gonzales; Public Works Traffic Engineer Steven Walker; and
Public Works Civil Engineer Ryan Starbuck
Attendance-others: Brian Todd, BIA of Kern County; Mike Turnipseed, Kern Tax;
Holly Hart and Terrie Stoller, Smart Growth Coalition; Kath McWhorter, Castle and
Cooke; Chris Bagdikian, reporter, The Bakersfield Californian; Cathy Butler and
Mimi Audelo, the Downtown Business and Property Owners Association; and Grant
Simpson, KGET-TV
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
SSJOHN~Council Committees\05Planning&Development\05Mar28summary.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
April 20, 2005
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager,~='_
SUBJECT: Strengthening the Urban Forestry Program
Staff has been working on ways to strengthen the Urban Forestry program taking a
holistic approach to include increased staffing, additional equipment, private contracts,
expanded training, closer relations with the Tree Foundation, and other reorganization
plans. Then just recently the Urban Forester resigned, which puts a wrinkle in our
reorganization plans. The following highlights of our plan include:
· Replace Urban Forester position with a Parks Supervisor to oversee tree
maintenance operation.
· Budget two (2) additional Service Maintenance Work positions for Trees.
· Budget one (1) Parks Technician position to assist with reviewing plans and
meeting growth demands (This position is paid for with development fees).
· Reassign Fleet System Analyst to fill a Parks Services Technician position to
assist with tree inventory and work orders systems.
· Budget for (1) Truck with chipper bed, (1) Tree Spade, and (1) Boom Truck for
tree maintenance.
· Require Parks Supervisors, Tree Supervisor, and Parks Technicians to earn
Certified Arborist designation.
· Parks Supervisors will have responsibility for tree issues in their assigned areas
· Train all Tree Section and Plan Checking staff in Citizen Forester and Certified
Tree Worker programs.
· Budget $150,000 for contract tree maintenance in FY 05-06.
· Contract with West Coast Arborists to finish tree inventory in electronic format.
· Conduct monthly planning meetings with the Tree Foundation to coordinate
activites.
· Contract with Tree Foundation for grant applications and administration.
· Develop an independent tree planting program sponsored by Tree Foundation.
· Tree Foundation to take a larger role in educating private owners of trees and in
public relations.
· Ensure that Planning and Parks staff review commercial plans 30% shade
canopy.
Staff feels this broad initiative Will produce a more effective working relationship
within the department and with the Tree Foundation, and provide better service to
the public overall.
B A K E R S F I E L D
MEMORANDUM
April 20, 2005
TO: Planning and Development Committee
FROM: ~.?'!:Stanley C. Grady, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: GPA/ZC Inconsistency
Development Services staff researched the number of properties with inconsistencies between
their general plan land use designation and zoning. We have reviewed the parcels and have developed
recommendations to correct the inconsistencies.
Staff prepared a map (which we will provide at the Planning and Development meeting due to its
size) using the GIS to compare existing general plan designations verses the underlying zoning on a
parcel-by-parcel basis. Until recently, when both zoning and general plan information became available
at the parcel level in the GIS, this comparison was not possible except on a generalized scale.
The comparison identified those parcels where the general plan and zone were inconsistent, such
as a lot having a land use designation as residential but zoned commercial, or a land use designation
that limited housing density to a lower level than permitted by zoning. The result shows approximately
2,620 acres or 4 square miles that have inconsistencies. Of that total, 1,958 acres are zoned residential,
289 acres are zoned commercial, and 373 acres are zoned manufacturing.
Alternatives:
1. Change the zoning
o Initiate a comprehensive zone change to bring each parcel's zoning into compliance with
the existing general plan designation (city pays processing costs).
2. Change the general plan
o Initial a comprehensive general plan amendment so that the land use designation is
consistent with each parcel's zoning (city pays processing costs).
3. Address the most pressing land use classification
o Initiate a general plan amendment or zone change for either the residential, commercial,
or manufacturing affected properties - changes to occur in phases based on land use
type (city pays processing costs).
4. Change developed properties to existing use
o Initiate a general plan amendment or zone change for only those properties with existing
development. The land use designation and zoning would be based on the existing use;
undeveloPed or vacant lands would be brought into consistency when the property owner
developed (city pays processing costs for existing developed lands, developer pays cost
for undeveloped lands).
... ;~Planning and Development Committee
April 20, 2005
Page 2
5. Process owners request consistent with general plan
o The property owner would initiate said changes and pay.for processing at the time they
develop or change uses.
Alternative number 3 is preferred if the committee desires the City to take an active role in
addressing the inconsistencies. The intent would be to only pursue inconsistencies for residential use of
property where the inconsistency involves enough property to constitute a neighborhood. Individual
scattered parcels would not be addressed. The general plan or zoning would be changed as necessary
to make the existing land use consistent with the general plan. It is likely that there will be disagreement
among property owners regardless of which course we pursue.
CC: 'Alan Tandy, City Manager
John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager
S:\Stanley\devel commit MEMO.doc
The following documents pertain to the:
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMM.
meeting of Monday, April 25, 2005
at 12:00 Noon.
Bakersfield Municipal Code - T'rde 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
DRAFT ..D FT
Chapter 17.$$'
HD
HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT
COMBINING ZONE
Sections:
17.66.010 Purpose and intent
17.66.020 Applicability
17.66.030 Maximum grade of access
17.66.040 Contour grading
17.66.050 Development plan requirements
17.66.060 Vicinity plan
17.66.070 Key box requirements
17.66.080 Driveway requirements
17.66.090 Fire apparatus access roads
17.66.100 Emergency secondary access
17.66.110 Bridges
17.66.120 Address markers
17.66.130 Building construction
17.66.140 Roof repair or replacement
17.66.150 Fire scape plant selections
17.66.160 Defensible space
17.66.170 Drainage sumps
17.66.180 Grading
17.66.190 Appeals
April 2005
Chapter 17.66, Page 1
,Bakersfield Municipal Code - 7'Ele 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
The purpose of this chapter is to define and implement the goals and policies of the
Metropolitan Bakersfield 2010 General Plan as they relate to the preservation and
maintenance of hillsides as a scenic resource of the City and' to protect the general
public from the threat of wildfire. The HD zone district is an overlay zone. The
regulations established by the HD distdct are in addition to those uses allowed and the
regulations of the base zone distriCt.
Development projects within the HD zone shall'be subject to plan review before .the
Planning Commission and City Council to ensure hillside/open space development
policies in the general plan are incorporated into the.project. In addition, the City
Council shall adopt development standards by resolution or ordinance ~which aid in the
implementation of general plan policies and ordinances, and provide detailed written
or pictorial depictions regarding polity and/or ordinance intent.
The provisions of this ordinance are intended to apply to areas zoned HD (Hillside
Development). This oveday zone will generally be applicable to those larger contiguous
areas generally having average natural slopes of 8% or more (see Exhibit A - refer-to
the end of this chapter). These regulations shall apply to all projects relating to grading,
building permits, parcel maps, tentative tract maps, conditional use permits, zone
changes, general plan amendments and site plan review.
The following pro~isions are intended to apply to allparcels of landwithin the 9CCD zone.
These regulations shallapply to allprojects relating to grading, building permits, parcelmaps,.
tentative tract maps, cortafftionaluse permits, andplansfor development revie~a~. Generalplan
amendments andzone changes affecting this land shaIIalso be subject to revie~v in accordance
with the provisions of these regulations.
A. Permit deve~nt in hillside areas that minimize erosion and geologic hazards, and
that provide for the protection of the pubic health, safety, andwelfare.
Provide for orderly andsensitive development at a density that respects and is
reflective of the natural terrain.
C. Bncourage grad~ng techniques that 61end with the natural terrain, minimize
eanhmaving activity, minimize visual impacts of large cut and fillslopes, andprovide
for the presewation of unique andsignificant natural landforms.
-. CD. P4duce water use in slope replanting and retention by encouraging grading design that
minimizes manufactured slopes.
Apdl 2OO5
Chapter 17.66, Page 2
Bakersfield Municipal Code - 7-~e ~ 7, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
D AFT
B. fl4aximize the positive impacts of site design, tlrading, landscaping, and build~ng design
consistent with the goals andpo&'ies of the generalp~n.
9ffaintain the integrity andnaturalcharacteristics of major landform, vegetation and
wildlife communities, hydrolotIic features, scenic qua~ties, and open space.
17.66.020Appl. lOABll_l'l'Y.
This overlay district shall apply to areas zoned HD (Hillside Development).'
A. The folloxdng provisions are intended to apply to parcels or portions thereofun'thin the
yfcD zone. (Development shall be subject to these additional regulations for all grading,
building permits, parcel maps, tentative tracts, cortditional ~ae permits, and site plan
reviews, Generalplan amendments andzone changes that propose or will apply to this
zone, shallalso be subject to review in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
· . Slope calculation. The average naturalslope shallbecalculatedby using thefollrun'~
formula:
ooo229.)
S= A
Key:
S = average naturalslope in percent
I = contour intewalinfeet
L = totallength ofallcontour lines within the boundary of the area
being measured
)I = net acreage of the area being measured
0.00229 = constant usedto convert one square foot to acres, andslope to
percent
Where a site has dramatically different topographic characteristics, the city may divide the site
into severalareas in order to differentiate slolxs of 30% or more from those that are less than
30%.
C. Bxceptions. This chapter shall not be appEcable to the following activities or projects:
1. Pool~spa construction on the same parcelas an existing single family dwelling.
April 2005
Chapter 17. 66, Page 3
' ~ Bakersfield Municipal Code - T'~e 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
accessory structure that predates this ord~nanc~ Bfis exemption 8halI not
inc£ude an increase in t~ num~er of units or c[mn~e in use.
3. AccessOry structures on the same lot as an e~sting single family dwel~ng.
4. Bire breab6 and fire roads required by the $akerqcield Gire Department.
5. Recreation trails for pedestrian, equestrian, or multi-use purposes.
6. Lot line adjustments.
7. Landscaping on single family parcels.
8. 9dod~fications to yard, height, lot area and fence/wall regulations.
9. Petroleum wells pursuant to Chapter 1J. 66.
10. Agricultural gra~'ng and planting.
11. Pu61ic Works projects
17.66.030 MAXIMUM GRADE OF ACCESS.
Maximum grade of streets, public or pdvate, and other access easements shall be
determined in accordanCe with "A Policy on Geometric Desiqn of Highways and
,Streets," Amedcan Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO) 1990, for design of maximum grades for arterials, collectors and local
streets.
17.66.040CONTOUR GRADING.
All manufactured cut and fill slopes 'exceeding 10 feet in height which are exposed to
any public view shall be landform graded (see Diagrams 1-4 for illustrations of the intent
.- refer to the end of this chapter) so that their ultimate appearance will resemble a
natural slope. This will include slopes along streets and highways, slopes adjacent to
parks, schools, open spaces, and other public facilities.
17.66.050 DEVELOPMENT PLAN REQUIREMENTS.
Apa12005'
Chapter 17.66, Page 4
· ~ Bakersfield Municipal Code - T'~e 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
The following shall be shown on all development plans as applicable (confer with
Planning staff) associated with planned commercial developments, planned unit
developments, conditional use permits, tentative tracts, site plan reviews, and
applications for single family dwellings not already reviewed as part of parcel maps or
tentative tracts:
A. Topography.
B. Access road width and percent of grade.
C. Landscape and vegetation details.
D. Structure location.
E. Overhead utilities.
F. Building occuPancy class.
G. Type of ignition-resistant construction of structure.
H. Roof classification of buildings.
I. Water supply system.
J. Fuel loading and model, available from City of'Bakersfield Fire Department, and
data to verify classification of fire-resistive vegetation.
A. At the time an app&ant appliesfor a tentative map, conditional use permit, site plan
revie~o, generalplan amendment, zone change, or grading permit in an area cleft'ned'in
Section 17.66. 020, the appbzant, shall in addition to or in-lieu of all information
required by the city's zoning, subdivision, building and grading ordinances, and
environmental reviexv procedures, submit the folleun'ng:
1. A site or plot plan draum to scale of 1"= 100' or larger., rq"lecting the proposed
project, incluaqng property lines, and recorcled and proposed ea~ments, private
roads, pubbc rights-of-way, and average natural slope of all lots.
2. A topographic map of the project site which shaftalso extendoffsite 300feet
in d'~stance to incorporate the topography of all abutting properties as it relates
to project site. The map shall be drav. m at the same scale as the site plan and
shall be based on contour intervals no greater than lO feet except where steep
terrain Svarrants a greater contour inte~val as approved by the Planning
cDirector.
3. A preliminary grading plan prepared by a registered civil engineer inacwating the
height andwidth of all manufactured slopes, proposed drainage patterns,
methods of storm water retention/detention, and identification of areas that
wil~ remain in a natural state. Of-jcsite contours for adjacent, unimproved areas
~ithin 300feet of the project's boundaries shall be provided If the adjacent.
Chapter 17.66, Page 5
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
property is improved pad elevations, street grades, wall sections, and any
approved or existing improvements s~ll be sheurn,
4. Ho less t~n two cross sections (number to be determined by the Planning
~)irector) which completely traverse the property at appropriately spaced
inter~als in locations where topographic variation is the greates, t shall be
prepared b~ a registeredcivilengineer.. The cross sections shallcleady depict the
verticalvariation between naturaland finished grade andshallextend 3OOfeet
6eyond the project 6oundaries.
5. A landscape plan is required, for any conditionaluse permit or site plan review,
drawn at the same scale as the site plan sho~ing e.T-tsting andproposed trees
andw~t trees are planned to be removed, as wellas any significant plant
additions and irrigation.
In addition to the information listed in subsectionA of this section, the Planning
Director, Oty Engineer, $oardof Zoning Adjustment, Planning Commission or City
Council may require submittal of any or all of the follougng:
1. A soils engineering report which shallcontain, but not be limitedto, data
regarding the nature, distribution and strengths of exgsting soils, conclusions
and recommendations for grading procedures, design criteria for any identified
corrective measures, and opinions and recommendations covering the adequacy
of sites to be developed The report shall indude e~idence t~t adequate soil
percolation e~sts to permit disposalof domestic sewage effluent if such septic
system is proposed for the development. This investigation and report shall be
performed by a professionalcivilengineer who is e~perienced in thepractice of
soilmec~nics andwho is registeredwith the State of Cal~forn~ '
2. A geology report which shall inclucle, but not be ~mited to, the surface and
suesurface geology of the site, degree of seismic Imzard, conclusions and
recommendations regardng the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed
development, opinions and recommendations covering the adequacy of the sites
to be developed, and design criteria to mitigate any identified geologic hazards.
This investigation and report shall be con~leted by a certi_fied engineering
geologist who is ePperienced in the practice of engineering geology and who is
re~.istered with the State of Cal~fornia.
3. A hydrology report which shall include, but not be ~mited to, the hydrologic
Apr# 2OO5
' Chapter 17.66, Page 6
' ~ .Bakersfield Municipal Code - 7-~e 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
natural drainage courses, conclusions and recommendations regarding the ~fect
of hydrologic conditions on the proposed development, opinions and
recommendations co~ering the adequacy of the sites tobe developed, and acesign
criteria to mitigate any identified hydrologic hazards consistent with these
regulations. This report shall account for all runoff and debris from tributary
areas and shall prox6de consideration for each lot or dwelling unit sitein a
proposed development project. This investigation and report shall be completed
by a registered Ci~il Engineer e~perienced in the science of hydrology and
hydrologic investigation.
4. A computer generatedthree-dimensionalgraphic representation of the project
site may be required if deemednecessary for reason of clarity.
D. Residential development shall not exceed the maximum density permitted by the general
plan land use category applicable to the area in zvhich the property is located except
that:
1. Ho lot shall be createdafter the effective date of this ordinance on which the
average naturalslope exceeds thirty O0) percent except if the lot contains a
contiguous area of six thousand(6000) square feet and there is not slope in the
site greater than ten (lO)percent ~ohere development isproposd This
information will be shou,n on the tentative map.
E. Ho habita6le structure shall 6e built within 150' of an area of 30% naturalslope.
17.66 060VICINITY PLAN.
The Fire Chief may require additional information on the plan beyond the property lines
related to slopes, vegetation, fuel breaks, water supply systems and access ways
(driveways, secondary access, etc.)as needed.
17.66.070KEY BOX REQUIREMENTS.
Fire Department approved key boxes shall be required for driveways and access roads
with private security gates if any part of a building is more than 150 feet from the gate
entrance.
17.66.080DRIVEWAy REQUIREMENTS.
April 2005
Chapter 17.66, Page 7
,,Bakersf'~ld Municipal Code. 7-~tle 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
clearance of 13 feet 6 inches. Driveways over 150 feet in length shall have
turnarounds with a minimum turn radius not less than 30 feet and an outside turning
radius of not less than 45 feet. Driveways in excess of 200 feet in length and less
than 20 feet in width shall be required to have turnouts, as determined by Fire Chief, in
addition to turnarounds. Turnouts shall be constructed of an all weather road surface
at least 10 feet wide by 30 feet long.
Allproposed driveways and-access roads shall 6e designed to provide convenient andsafe
access while minimizing the extent of grading. The follozving standards shallapply to all
lands subject to this ankle in addition to the requirements of the City of $akersfieldLand
Division Ordinance.
1. Driveways and access roads shall enter the fronting pu66c road or street shall
not deviate from a 90 degree angle by more than 15 degrees unless otherudse
approved by the Traffic Bngineer.
2. cDriveways shall be designed and constructed in such a mannerthat stormzvater
runoff originating on the road~way ~ill not drain dozvn the drive, and
stormzvater runoff originating on the private property zvill not drain down the
roadway, except in the ditch or gutter line.
3. Adequate and safe sight d'tstance shall beprovided for at design speedof fifteen
(15) miles per hour.
4. gVhenever feasible, driveways andaccess roads shall be installedparallel to
elevation contours and shall not cut perpendicularly across contours. Be
maximum grade for driveways shall be f~en (15)percent.
Slope easements for streets ~ill be required zvherever deemed necessary by the
City Bngineer. Where slop easements occur, public utility easements shall be
locatedoutside (azoayfrom the street right-of-way)of the slope easement.
6. Be Rvalues for the determination of pavement section design shall only be
taken after rough grading of the streets has been completed Allstreet
construction plans shall, based on the results of a soil investigation, inacwate
whether reactive, ezrpansive, or sulfate-containing soils e~st in the street areas
andat any potential borrow sites. If any of these e:~st, then the plans shaft
Chapter 17.66, Page 6
Bakersfield Municipal Code - Title 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
construction details are to be implemented tomitigate tltese condltib~rff; ~'-~a a
17.66.090 FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS.
When reqUired by the Fire Chief, apparatus roads shall have a minimum width of 20
feet and a minimum.height clearance of 13 feet 6 inches. This will accommodate the
loads and turning radius, and a grade traversable by fire apparatus not to exceed the
maximum as approved by the Fire Chief. Dead end roads in excess of 150 feet in
length must be provided with turnaround as approved by the Fire Chief.
17.66.100EMERGENCY SECONDARY ACCESS.
An emergency secondary access shall be required when it is determined by the Fire
Chief that access by a single road might be impaired by vehicle congestion, condition
of terrain, climatic conditions or other factors that could limit ingress or egress. Plans
for emergency secondary access roads shall be submitted to the Fire Chief for review
and approval prior to their construction.
17.66.110BRIDGES.
Vehicle load limits must be posted at both entrances to bridges on driveways and
private roads. Bridge design loads shall be established by the Public Works Director.
1'7.66.120 ADDRESS MARKERS.
All buildings shall have a permanently posted address readily legible from the public
way. Otherwise, the address must be placed at each driveway entrance and be visible
from both directions of travel. Address signs along one way streets shall also be
visible from both directions of travel. Where multiple addresses are required at a
single driveway, they shall be mounted on a post, and additional signs shall be posted
at locations where driveways divide. Where a roadway provides acCess solely to a
single commercial or industrial business, the address shall be placed at the nearest
road intersection providing access to the site.
17.66.130BUILDING CONSTRUCTION.
Class ^ or class B noncombustible roof covedng or roof assembly shall be required.
Not withstanding the aforementioned, no wood shake or wood shingle roofs will be
permitted. For roof coverings where the profile allows a space between the roof
covering and roof decking, the space at the eave ends shall be fire stopped to preclude
entry of flames or embers. One-hour rated fire-resistive construction shall be required
April 20O5
Chapter 17.66, Page g .
.Bakersfield Municipal Code - T'rSe 17, Zoning Ordinance HD
for eave assemblies or non combustible assembly approved by the Fire Chief and
Building Director. Protection shall be required on the exposed underside by materials
approved for a minimum of one-hour rated fire-resistive construction. Fascias are
· required and must be protected on the backside by materials approved for a minimum
one,hour rated fire-resistive construction or 2-inch nominal dimension lumber.
Exceptions: Accessory structures not exceeding 120 square feet in floor area when
located at least 50 feet from any habitable structure. Roofs shall have at least Class C
roof covering, Class C roof assembly of an approved noncombustible roof covering. No
wood shake or wood shingle roofs will be permitted, for roof coverings where the profile
allows a space between the roof covering and roof decking, the space at the eave ends
shall be fire stopped to preclude entry of flames or embers.
17.66.140ROOF REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT.
Roof covedng on buildings or structures in existence prior to the adoption of this chapter
that are replaced or have 25 percent or more replaced in a 12-month period shall be
replaced with a roof covedng consistent with Section 17.66.130.
17.66.15'0 FIRE SCAPE PLANT SELECTIONS.
Every tract and parcel map shall contain an "advisory notice" within the conditions of.
approval recommending that property owners use plant materials which are fire
resistant. A comprehensive list is available from the Fire Department (see Table I -
refer to the end of this chapter).
17.66.160DEFENSIBLE SPACE.
Maintain around and adjacent to any such building or structure a firebreak made by
removing and clearing away, for a distance of no less than 30 feet on each side
thereof or to the property line, whichever is nearer, all flammable vegetation or other
combustible growth. This section does not apply to single specimens of trees,
ornamental shrubbery, or similar plants which are used as ground cover, if they do not
form-a means of rapidly transmitting fire from the native growth to any building or
structure.
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Chapter 17.66, Page 10
"~ Bakersfield Municipal Code - ]'die 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
O N^ E suMpS.
All drainage sumps shall have direct access to public roads.
Allproposed drainage facilities shall respect the natural terrain, preserve major drainage
channels in their naturalstate, and be designed in such a manner as to minimize soilerosion
and to othemfse preserve the pub& health, safety, andwelfare. The follow~'ng standards
shall apply to all lands subject to this article in addition to the requirements of Title 16 (Land
cDi~ision Ordinance).
1. To the maximum extent possible, allnaturaldrainage courses serving major
drainage areas, and containing significant perennial vegetation which may
constitute a significant wild~fe habitat, shouldremain in their naturalstate.
2. In the event that off site drainage facilities will be required to handle increased
runoff, interior drainage facilities which provide for no increase in peak runoff
from a ten (lO)year storm shall be constructed and maintained until such time
as the permanent facilities are completed
3. The overalldrainage system shall6e completedandmacle operatiomlat the
earliest possible time during construction or shall be otherwise provided for in a
manner acceptable to the City of ~aker~ield.
4. The 5-year design~ is street gutters shall not top the curve, shall not exceed
a velocity of lO feet per seccrtd,, andshallnot exceedaflow of 15 cubic feet per
secoytd...
J. cDrainage basins shallnot be constructed of fillmateria6 nor shall they be
constructedwhere the design high water elevation is greater than that of any
adjacent natural grade (the sides 9c the basin shall not act as a dam to retain
drainage from lower-l_)n'ng areas).
6. Other than for street gutters, all drainage shall be conveyed within closed
conduits unless othevudse approved by the City Bngineer. Analysis and design
of erosion controlmeasures shall be approved by the Oty Bngineen
.April 2005
Chapter 17. 66, Page 11
Bakersfield Municipal Code - T~tle 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone
?.66. 8o raD NG. D AFT
All grading shall be contoured to conform to the natural slopes to the greatest degree
possible. Examples of such grading is shown in Diagrams 1-4 (refer to the end of this
chapter). The Building 'Director shall have the final determination that the final grading
plan retains as much natural slope as possible considering the proposed
improvements and other required codes.
Grading shall respect the natUra£contour of the existing l~rrain. The following grading
standards shall app£y to all land subject to this article in addition to the grading requirements
of Chapter 70 of the latest edition of the -Uniform Suilding Code as adopteclandmodified, or
as may be adopted or modified from time-to-time.
I. Grading shall be l~mited to 6uilding pads andaccess streets thereto, and
e~ensive grading shall be discouraged
2. Ho cuts in excess of sixteen (16)feet in height.from topto-toe shall be alloxved
3. ~Vhere grading is necessary, thefollowing principles of contour grading shall be
employed:
a. Graded slopes shall be rounded and shaped to simulate the natural
terrain.
b. Grading shallfolloxv the naturalcontours as much as possible.
c. Graded slopes shall blend with naturally oarurdng slopes at a radius
compatible with the e:ffsting natural terrairc
d Gradedslopes shallbe revegetatedwith a mixture ofgrass seedorshrubs
as recommended by the Planning ~irector. Planting may be ~vaived by
the Planning cDirect° r for slopes that, due to the amount of rock
material or poor soi6 will not support plant growth.
· e. Unless aflatterslope is othemoise recommendedin a soilinvestigation,,
the steepest slope allowed shall not exceed2 unit horizontal to I unit
vertical Allslopes steeper than 4 unit horizontal to I unit verticalshall
have a type of slope protection as approved by the City Bngineer,
~uilding Offu'ialand/or the Parl6 ~epartment (as appFurable).
Ap#120O5
Chapter 17.66, Page 12
Bakersfield Municipal Code TTtle 17, Zoning Ordinance HD Zone'
f . Only slopes within pubic parkways sltall be maintained by a city
maintenance district. Allotlter slopes shall bemaintained by the
property oumer unless approved by tlte Pff. creation and Parks
Department.
17.66.190 APPEALS.
A. A determination bY staff of the provisions of this Chapter may be appealed to
the Planning Commission'. The action of staff shall be final unless, within 10
days of their decision, the applicant or any other person appeals in writing to
the Planning Commission by filing such appeal with the Planning Director and
paying appropriate fees.
B. A determination by the Planning Commission or Board of Zoning Adjustment
pursuant to this Chapter may be appealed to the City Council pursuant to the
appeals procedures of Chapter 16.52 in the case of subdivision map approvals,
or Chapter 17.64, in the case of modifications, conditional use permits, or zone
changes.
C. On appeal, the City Council or Planning Commission may grant modifications
from the provisions of this Chapter where the appellant clearly demonstrates a
practical difficulty in carrying out a specified provision. In granting the
modification, the City Council or Planning Commission shall first find that the
strict application of a specified provision is impractical and that the modification
is in conformance with the intent of this Chapter and that the modification does
not lessen any fire protection or other public safety requirements.
April 2005
Chapter 17.66, Page 13
HILLSIDE
DEVELOPMENT
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HER ?
GENERAL PLAN POLICIES
· . RIDGELINES WITHIN THE PLANNING AREA SHOULD
CO.NSIDER NATURAL TOPOGRAPHIC
CONSTRAINTS
·HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT SHOULD EXHI.BIT
SENSITIVITY AND BE COMPLIM'ENTARY TO THE
NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY
·REQUIRE THE USE OF GRADING TECHNIQUES IN
HILLSIDE AREAS THAT PRESERVE THE FORM OF
NATURAL TOPOGRAPHY AND RIDGELINES
ADOPTED ORDINANCE'
· STREET GRADES- AASHTO STANDARDS
·APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
-TOPO, ROAD GRADES, LANDSCAPING, STRUCTURES,
UTILITIES, BUILDING OCCUPANCY, IGNITION-RESISTANT
CONSTRUCTION, ROOF CLASS, WATER SUPPLY, FUEL
LOADING MODEL
·FIRE PROTECTION STANDARDS
·DEFENSIBLE SPACE- 30' AROUND BUILDING
·GRADING CONTOURED TO CONFORM TO NATURAL
SLOPES
ORIGINAL PROPOSED ORDINANCE
· 30% SLOPE THRESHOLD / PROTECTION
· APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
-TOPO, GRADING PLAN, CROSS SECTIONS, SOILS REPORT,
GEOLOGY REPORT, HYDROLOGY REPORT
· NO LOT CREATED ON 30% SLOPE / UNLESS
·GRADING TO RESPECT NATURAL CONTOURS
- LIMITED TO BUILDING PADS AND STREETS
- NO CUTS IN EXCESS OF 16 FEET
- SLOPES ROUNDED AND SHAPED
- FOLLOW NATURAL CONTOURS
- GRADING TO BLEND WITH NATURAL SLOPES
· REVEGETATION OF GRADED SLOPES
·SIGNIFICANT NATURAL DRAINAGES TO REMAIN IN
NATURAL STATE
· STREET GRADE 10%
· BLUFF SETBACK 150' FROM 30% (STRUCTURES)
Greater Than 30% Slope