§ 22.22.050. Rural Lands Category.

The minimum parcel size for new lots in the Rural Lands category is based upon site features including: remoteness, fire hazard and response time, access and slope. Minimum parcel size is determined by applying the following tests to the site features as described in Subsections A. through D. The allowable minimum size is the largest area obtained from any of the tests, except as provided for cluster divisions by Section 22.22.140.

A.

Remoteness test. The minimum parcel size shall be based upon the distance of the parcel proposed for division from the nearest urban or village reserve line. Such distance shall be measured on the shortest public road route between the reserve line and the site. Private roads shall be included in such measurements only when they provide the only access to the site from a public road. When a lot proposed for division is within the distances given from more than one reserve line, the smallest parcel size shall be used as the result of this test.

Distance (Road Miles)		Minimum Parcel Size
From Urban Reserve Line	From Village Reserve Line
26+	16+	320 Acres
21-25	11-15	160 Acres
16-20	6-10	80 Acres
11-15	0-5	40 Acres
0-10	N.A.	20 Acres

 

B.

Fire hazard/response time test. The minimum parcel size shall be based on the degree of fire hazard in the site vicinity, and the response time. Response time is the time necessary for a fire protection agency to receive the call, prepare personnel and fire equipment for response, dispatch appropriate equipment, and deliver the equipment and personnel to each proposed parcel from the nearest non-seasonal fire station. Fire hazard is defined by the Safety Element of the General Plan; response time is determined by the fire protection agency having jurisdiction.

Response Time (1)	Minimum Parcel Size
	Moderate Hazard (2)	High Hazard (3)
15 Minutes or Less	20 Acres	20 Acres
More than 15 Minutes	20 Acres	160 Acres

 

Notes:

(1)

Determined by applicable fire protection agency.

(2)

As defined by the Safety Element.

(3)

Includes the high and very high fire hazard areas of the Safety Element.

C.

Access test.

1.

General access test rules. The minimum parcel size is based upon the type of road access to the parcel proposed for division, provided that the proposed parcels will use the road considered in this test for access, either by way of individual or common driveways. Where access to a parcel is over roadways with differing quality of improvement, the minimum size is as required for the road with the least improvement.

2.

Timing of improvements and right-of-way availability. If the improvements do not exist at the time of the subdivision application, the conditions of approval for the tentative map shall require the construction of access improvements which meet the minimum requirements specified by this Section. Additional right-of-way width may be required to allow for the construction of required improvements. The right-of-way required by the table in Subsection C.4 shall exist as either: (1) an offer to dedicate to the public or (2) as a private easement prior to acceptance of the tentative map application for processing. If the access is a private easement, it may be required to be offered for dedication to the public as a condition of approval of the tentative map.

3.

Conditions of approval for improvements and maintenance. In the event that a land division application is approved, the extent of on-site and off-site road improvements required as a condition of approval, and acceptance of the new road for maintenance by the county may vary. This will depend on the parcel size proposed and the requirements of county standards and specifications in effect at the time the tentative map is approved. Paved roads will be required when:

a.

The access road is identified as a collector or arterial by the Circulation or Land Use Element; or

b.

The road will have the potential to serve 20 or more lots or the road will have the potential to experience a traffic volume of 100 or more average daily trips (ADT), based on the capability for future land divisions and development in the site vicinity as determined by the Land Use Element. In the event it is determined by staff that a road will serve 20 or more lots, or will experience 100 ADT or more, the basis for such a determination shall be explained in the staff report on the subdivision.

4.

Parcel size criteria. Minimum parcel size based on the access test shall be determined as shown in the following table (an existing road which is improved to higher standards than those specified in the table will also satisfy the following criteria).

Minimum Parcel Size	Access Standards
	Right-of-Way	Surfacing	Maintenance
320 Acres	Private easement (3)	Improved access (3)	Private maintenance
160 Acres	Private easement (3)	All weather road (2)	Private maintenance
80 Acres	Minimum 40 foot ROW to county road	All weather road (2)	Private maintenance
40 Acres	Minimum 40 foot ROW to county road	County standard gravel road (1)	Organized maintenance (2)
20 Acres	Minimum 40 foot ROW to county road	County standard gravel road (1)	Organized maintenance (2)

 

Notes:

(1)

A County Standard Gravel Road is a road that satisfies or has been constructed to meet the specifications for a gravel road set forth in the county's "Standard Specifications and Drawings."

(2)

An All-Weather Road is a road which can provide year-round access without interruption along a public road that has been established for or is utilized by the public. Organized maintenance is by an organized group of property owners through an association which collects fees and contracts for repairs.

(3)

An improved access road is a road which is passable but may be subject to closure during certain times of the year. A private easement is a road that is not open to the public.

D.

Slope test. Site slope shall be measured as defined in Article 8 (Definitions - Slope).

Average Slope	Minimum Parcel Size
	Outside GSA	Inside GSA (1)
over 30%	80 acres	160 acres
0 - 30%	20 acres	80 acres

 

Notes:

(1)

Geologic Study Area combining designation.

[Amended 1982, Ord. 2091; 1984, Ord. 2198; 1988, Ord. 2367; 1992, Ord. 2553; 1994, Ord. 2696] [22.04.025]