This zone is intended to protect and preserve open space lands which are of notable ecological, scenic, cultural and scientific value so that such land remains a permanent community resource. The open space zone recognizes two land use designations that differ in their allowed intensities of use. The Open Space/Conservation designation is established solely for the purpose of preserving land in its natural state on behalf of the public interest. The Open Space/Passive designation is established to also protect important open space lands while permitting passive recreational use of these areas with trails, viewpoints and other compatible support facilities.
(Ord. 1187 § 2(3), 1989)
The following uses are permitted in the open space zone:
(A) 
Open Space/Conservation.
(1) 
Local and buffer greenbelts;
(2) 
Natural water recharge, percolation and watershed areas;
(3) 
Wildlife preserves and sanctuaries;
(4) 
Marine preserves and tidepools.
(B) 
Open Space/Passive.
(1) 
All uses permitted in open space/conservation;
(2) 
Hiking trails;
(3) 
Historical preserves;
(4) 
Scientific study;
(5) 
Vista and viewpoints.
(Ord. 1187 § 2(3), 1989)
The following uses may be permitted subject to the granting of a conditional use permit as provided in Section 25.05.030:
(A) 
Open Space/Conservation.
(1) 
Vista and viewpoints;
(2) 
Scientific study;
(3) 
Hiking trails, provided that they do not interfere with sensitive plant and animal habitats.
(B) 
Open Space/Passive.
(1) 
Public buildings and improvements, such as nature centers, interpretive signs and restrooms, related to the use and enjoyment of open space land;
(2) 
Public utility buildings and structures;
(3) 
Archaeological and paleontological sites;
(4) 
Limited-access roads servicing facilities identified in subsections (1), (2) and (3) above;
(5) 
Peripheral parking;
(6) 
Bicycle and equestrian trails;
(7) 
Informal picnic areas with minimal structures.
(Ord. 1187 § 2(3), 1989)
The following uses are prohibited in the open space zone:
(A) 
The launching or landing of jet-skis or other similar types of motorized marine vehicles, except as may be determined necessary by the Coast Guard or Laguna Beach marine safety department for the public health and safety;
(B) 
Any off-road vehicles and bicycles, including but not limited to motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), four-wheel-drive vehicles and mountain bikes, unless specifically permitted on designated trails or roads;
(C) 
All structures, including radio, television or telecommunication antennas and related support structures and equipment, shall be prohibited within areas zoned as Open Space/Conservation.
(Ord. 1187 § 2(3), 1989; Ord. 1320 § 4, 1996)
The city's open space lands provide a valuable contribution to Laguna Beach's identity that distinguishes it from other communities. In addition, this area contains important biological habitats as well as unique aesthetic resources. Due to the importance and sensitivity of these open space lands, the need for thorough evaluation of all proposed improvements or modifications is critical. Therefore, all such improvements or modifications shall be subject to design review board approval; the design review board shall solicit a recommendation from the open space commission prior to its review. Such proposals shall be consistent with the following design objectives:
(A) 
Trails. Hiking, biking and equestrian trails shall be subject to the following criteria:
(1) 
Trail development should be environmentally sensitive to the natural terrain and minimize disruption or degradation of sensitive environmental resources such as unique landforms and biological habitats of high value.
(2) 
Trails should be designed for handicap access wherever possible, provided that it results in minimal disruption to the natural terrain and biotic communities.
(B) 
Signage. To ensure minimal visual disruption to open space lands, the design review board may approve, deny or modify a sign proposal based on compliance with the following criteria:
(1) 
Signage should be limited to identification, directional and educational information; such signage should utilize international symbols and display the minimal amount of text necessary.
(2) 
Sign(s) should be strategically located in order to minimize the number of signs necessary and minimize any visual impact.
(3) 
The size and design of the sign should be compatible with the open space environment and should incorporate natural materials and earth tone colors.
(C) 
All buildings, structures and improvements, including landscaping, fuel modification plans and related signage proposed in areas zoned Open Space/Passive shall also be subject to the following criteria:
(1) 
Buildings, Structures and Improvements. All buildings, structures and improvements including pipelines and service roads, should incorporate designs in which the scale, mass and height respect the undisturbed character of the area. Designs should follow existing topography, blend in with the natural landscape and otherwise minimize their visual prominence. Natural materials and earthtone colors shall be used.
(2) 
Screening. While a primary goal of the development proposal is to integrate the building design with the surrounding landscape to minimize visual impacts, certain situations may warrant additional screening to achieve this goal. However, any walls, fences or other screens should utilize natural materials and they should be integrated, to the greatest extent possible, with the natural setting of the area.
(3) 
Landscaping. Landscaping plans should minimize any impact on existing native vegetation, especially those species that are of high biological value. In addition, restorative landscaping should incorporate indigenous plant materials and is also encouraged as a means of mitigating visual impacts associated with the construction of new buildings, structures or other improvements within the zone.
(4) 
Building Height. Building height shall be limited to one story, not to exceed fifteen feet as measured from natural grade.
(5) 
Natural Environment. Buildings and structures should be unobtrusive and designed to minimize visual impact. and should be constructed only as necessary for purposes of the public health, safety and general welfare. Maintaining open space land in a natural state is the paramount objective when considering any development proposals.
(Ord. 1187 § 2(3), 1989)
Those publicly owned parcels that were zoned OS/C by Ordinance No. 1342 may be rezoned by the city council, but only to OS/P. Those publicly owned parcels that were zoned OS/P by Ordinance No. 1342 may be rezoned by the city council, but only to OS/C. This section expires December 31, 2028.
(Ord. 1342 § 1(B), 1998)