(A) 
It is the purpose of this chapter to enact a zoning ordinance for the development and use of the property known as Sycamore Hills. It is recognized that the subject area, because of its remote nature, has specific problems which are best solved with specific planning solutions, development controls and public actions.
(B) 
The intent of this zoning ordinance is:
(1) 
To establish acceptable uses, intensity of use, location of uses, relationship between uses, development character, and development planning;
(2) 
To ensure that any use and development of the property will conform with the goals and policies of the adopted elements of the general plan.
(C) 
All proposed uses within this plan are intended to be economically viable uses.
(D) 
This chapter is not intended to be a complete specific plan as defined by Government Code Section 65451, but is rather intended to provide a broad plan in the form of a zoning ordinance pursuant to Government Code Section 65850, under which a more detailed project plan can be adopted prior to development of said property.
(Ord. 907 § 1, 1977)
It is intended that the property should be devoted exclusively to uses under either subsection (A) (Active Recreation), subsection (B) (Agricultural/Horticultural), subsection (C) (Residential), or subsection (D) (Trails) and that such categories should not be mixed except as a part of a planned development subject to a conditional use permit. Combined uses are to be encouraged.
(A) 
Active Recreation.
(1) 
Intent and purpose is to develop a day use area to provide for both passive and active recreation needs of people in the region.
(2) 
Uses permitted are as follows:
Swimming pools;
Tennis courts;
Skateboard area;
Bicycle Center, rental and retail sales;
Athletic field;
Picnic and park facilities;
Equestrian center; boarding, rental and tack shop;
Related concessions for any of the above, including off-sale food and beverages, one only;
Parking;
Golf courses, country clubs and related facilities, including but not limited to, overnight lodging, meeting rooms, administrative offices, pro shops, restaurants, etc.;
Overnight camping facilities.
(3) 
Development Standards. All development shall be subject to the provisions of Chapter 25.46 (Conditional Use Permits) and Chapter 25.40 (Design Review).
(B) 
Agricultural/Horticultural.
(1) 
Intent and purpose is to provide areas where agriculture and related uses will have a permanent location and to preserve identified Class I and Class II soil types for agricultural use.
(2) 
Uses permitted are as follows:
Rental organic garden plots;
Wholesale or retail nursery;
Fruit and vegetable stands, farmers market;
Agricultural uses as allowed in the A-R Zone, Section 25.34.004(A) and (B) (limited to one dwelling), (C), (D) and (E).
Uses Prohibited are as follows:
Per the A-R Zone, Section 25.34.007(A), (B) and (C).
(3) 
Development standards are as follows: All structures shall be subject to the issuance of a conditional use permit. Sections IV and V of this specific plan shall apply.
(C) 
Residential.
(1) 
Intent and purposes is to provide residential uses of a planned development nature which will be consistent with the goals of the general plan, and which will provide housing oriented to minimize site disruption and environmental impact.
(2) 
Uses permitted are as follows:
Single-family dwelling, attached or detached;
Multiple family.
(3) 
Development standards are as follows: Residential development to be of a planned residential housing development type, subject to Chapter 25.40 (Design Review) and Chapter 25.46 (Conditional Use Permits). In addition, Chapters 25.50 and 25.51 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code shall apply. The residential capacity of the site shall be based on a gross density of one unit per ten acres, totaling fifty-two units; provided, that the gross site density may be increased to a maximum of one unit per five acres upon the issuance of a conditional use permit for clustered development of a planned residential development nature. The site capacity may be increased a total of fifty percent; provided, that one-half of the increase be provided as low or moderate income housing.
(D) 
Trails.
(1) 
Intent and purpose is to provide a trail network maximizing on-site circulation and providing linkages to regional trail systems.
(2) 
Uses permitted are as follows: Bicycle, hiking and equestrian trails.
(3) 
Development standards are as follows: Installation of a bicycle trail along Laguna Canyon and El Toro Roads shall be mandatory at the time of development. All trail systems shall be subject to Chapter 25.46 (Conditional Use Permits).
(Ord. 907 § 1, 1977)
(A) 
Floodplain. No buildings shall be located within the limits of the standard project flood, as identified by the U.S. Corps of Engineers.
(B) 
Natural Drainage Courses. The provisions of Section 25.50.030 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code shall apply.
(C) 
Lakes. No structures or grading shall occur within the watershed area of the lake.
(D) 
Class I and Class II Soils. These soils shall be used primarily for agriculturally related uses.
(E) 
Vegetation. Identified areas of riparian vegetation and identified stands of Platnus racemos (Sycamore) and Quercus agricifolia (Coast Live Oak) shall not be disturbed except in such manner necessary to maintain the vegetation in a healthy manner. Irrigation and drainage systems shall not expose said trees to any additional water beyond normal rainfall and runoff.
(F) 
Outcroppings. Rock outcroppings shall not be disturbed in any manner.
(G) 
Slopes. All grading shall be in accordance with Title 22 of the Laguna Beach Municipal Code. No structures shall be placed such that they intrude beyond the base plane or foot of the hillside slopes unless they are approved by design review as being of such scale, color and general appearance that they are integrated into the natural setting. Slopes exceeding thirty percent grade shall not be disturbed in any manner except as necessary to provide recreational trails.
(H) 
Archeological Resources. Prior to development, known archeological sites shall be evaluated by the following procedure:
(1) 
An archeological survey, at the applicant's expense and performed by a qualified archeologist, is required. Such a survey, although methodologically the responsibility of the archeological consultant, should take into account the following aspects:
(a) 
A short description of the location and nature of the project and of the environmental setting,
(b) 
Methods used for the survey, i.e., whether controlled intuitive reconnaissance (spot-checking of likely areas), complete reconnaissance (investigation of every visible portion of the impact area), or other sample technique;
(c) 
Maps of the areas surveyed and maps showing areas of direct or indirect impact;
(d) 
Short cultural history of the area;
(e) 
Descriptions of any sites found and artifacts found at the site;
(f) 
Environmental impact of the proposed action on areas of archeological interest (direct or indirect);
(g) 
Evaluation of the affected resources (including cultural associations):
(h) 
Research potential:
(i) 
Any mitigating measures proposed to minimize the adverse environmental impacts; (e.g., redesign of portions of the project to avoid impact on the resources; protection by the construction activity itself; or salvage excavation);
(j) 
Alternatives to the proposed project. (Alternative ways to mitigate adverse impacts on archeological resources);
(k) 
List of persons and organizations consulted;
(l) 
A bibliography.
(2) 
Information regarding archeological resources of a proposed project site will be evaluated by the planning department through the environmental documents process, to determine what mitigation measures, if any, should be required to minimize adverse environmental impact. Such measures shall generally include those recommended by the reporting archeologist. Examples may include:
(a) 
Site preservation;
(b) 
Salvage;
(c) 
Grading after adequate survey and testing;
(d) 
Placement of protective fill;
(e) 
Modification of footing design.
(3) 
It is recommended that any materials collected during surface surveys or salvage operations be donated to an appropriate nonprofit institution. In the event that the property owner wishes to retain his legal right to keep possession of artifacts found on his property, it is necessary that these artifacts be thoroughly analyzed by a professional archeologist, and that a report, including photographs and drawings, where applicable, be filed with the appropriate institution.
(4) 
Maps of any archeological sites, as well as site report records, will not be made available to the general public. This is necessary to prevent vandalism and exploitation of identified sites. These records will be available for review by qualified archaeologists.
(Ord. 907 § 1, 1977)
(A) 
Environmental Impact Reports. Separate phases of development, as projects are submitted for approval, shall each be subject to environmental documents procedures as specified in "Procedures for the Preparation, Evaluation and Review of Environmental Impact Reports," as revised. Any individual EIRs shall be funded by the project developers.
(B) 
Utilities and Public Services. Development shall be timed in relation to the availability of sanitary sewers, waterlines, electrical and other utility systems and installations, such that neither extension nor enlargement of such systems will be required in any manner, form, character, location, degree, scale or timing which would result in a higher net public cost or earlier incursion of public cost. Project developers may extend the utilities at their own expense, providing such extensions do not have a significant growth-inducing impact, as determined through the environmental documents process.
(2) 
Development shall take place in an energy efficient manner.
(C) 
Impact Mitigation. In order to minimize environmental impacts, the following mitigation measures shall be incorporated into the project:
(1) 
Drainage and Runoff Control. Development within Sycamore Hills which could cause an impact resulting in increased runoff shall first evaluate the impact of the runoff and incorporate mitigation measures into the project which mitigate the impact to the greatest degree possible, and are consistent with community goals.
(2) 
Visual Impact. All development will be subject to the provisions of Chapter 25.40 (Design Review). View control from adjacent roads will receive special consideration in the design review evaluation. All improvements will be done in a manner which maintains or emphasizes the rural character of the area through the proper use of color, material, scale or mass, and landscape material.
(Ord. 907 § 1, 1977)
This chapter is applicable to that property in the city of Laguna Beach known as Sycamore Hills and being that triangular parcel of property bounded on the west by Laguna Canyon Road, on the east by El Toro Road, and on the north by the northernmost city limits.
(Ord. 907 § 1, 1977)