The Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone identifies areas with special environmental qualities, or areas containing unique or endangered vegetation or habitat resources. The purpose of these standards is to require that proposed uses be designed with consideration of the identified sensitive resources, and the need for their protection.
(Ord. 68 § 9-3.631, 1983)
The standards of Sections 9-3.633 through 9-3.635 apply to all uses requiring a zoning approval that are located within a Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone except agricultural uses not involving buildings, agricultural accessory buildings and one single-family residence on a single lot of record.
(Ord. 68 § 9-3.632, 1983)
The requirements established by Chapters 9-3 and 9-6 are modified for the Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone as follows:
(a) 
Initial Submittal. The type of application to be submitted is to be as required by Chapter 9-3. That application will be used as the basis for an environmental determination as set forth in subsection (c) of this section, and depending upon the result of the environmental determination, the applicant may be required to amend the application to a conditional use permit application as a condition of farther processing of the request (see subsection (d) of this section).
(b) 
Application Content. Applications for projects within a Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone are to include a description of measures proposed to protect the resources.
(c) 
Environmental Determination.
(1) 
When a plot plan, precise plan or conditional use permit application has been accepted for processing as set forth in Section 9-2.102, it shall receive an environmental determination pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
(2) 
The initial study of the environmental determination is to evaluate the potential effect of the proposed project upon the particular features of the site or vicinity that are identified as the reason for the sensitive resource designation.
(d) 
Final Application Requirement and Processing.
(1) 
If an environmental determination results in the issuance of a negative declaration, the entitlement requirement is to remain as established for the initial submittal. In the event that a negative declaration identified mitigation measures necessary to reduce environmental impacts, such mitigation measures are to be applicable to the approved entitlement as conditions of approval.
(2) 
If an environmental impact report is required, the project shall be processed and authorized only through conditional use approval (Section 9-2.110).
(Ord. 68 § 9-3.633, 1983)
Where a conditional use permit is required by the provisions of the Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone, it may be approved only where the following findings are made:
(a) 
The development will not create significant adverse effects on the natural features of the site or vicinity that were the basis for the Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone and will preserve and protect such features through the site design.
(b) 
Natural features and topography have been considered in the design and siting of all proposed physical improvements.
(c) 
Any proposed clearing of topsoil, trees, or other features is the minimum necessary to achieve safe and convenient access and siting of proposed structures and will not create significant adverse effects on the identified sensitive resource.
(d) 
The soil and subsoil conditions are suitable for any proposed excavation. Site preparation and drainage improvements have been designed to prevent soil erosion and sedimentation of streams through undue surface runoff.
(Ord. 68 § 9-3.634, 1983)
All uses within a Sensitive Resource Overlay Zone are to conform to the following standards:
(a) 
Surface mining is not permitted.
(b) 
Shoreline areas may not be altered by grading, paving, or other development of impervious surfaces for a distance of 75 feet from any lakeshore or 50 feet from any streambank, except where authorized through conditional use permit approval. Where the requirements of the California Department of Fish and Game or other public agency having jurisdiction are different, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.
(c) 
Construction and landscaping activities shall be conducted to not degrade lakes, ponds, wetlands, or perennial watercourses through filling, sedimentation, erosion, increased turbidity, or other contamination.
(d) 
Where a Sensitive Overlay Zone is applied because of prominent geological features visible from off-site (such as rock outcrops), those features are to be protected and remain undisturbed by construction activities or subsequent operation of the use, except where authorized by conditional use permit approval.
(Ord. 68 § 9-3.635, 1983)