§ 9-32.150. Ridge Line Development Standards

In order to implement the findings of the performance standards set forth in this Article, there shall be no development along visually prominent ridge lines in order to preserve the existing backdrop to the community and to maintain the open character of the visually prominent ridge lines surrounding the City. The purpose of this Section is to set forth standards for maintaining such ridge lines and their immediately adjacent slopes.

A.

Areas to remain undeveloped.

1.

Structures subject to the provisions of the performance standards shall not be constructed on top of any visually prominent ridge line as defined in Subsection (1) of Subsection C of this Section.

2.

No point on any structure subject to the provisions of the performance standards shall be closer to a visually prominent ridge line than 150 feet measured horizontally on a topographic map or 50 feet measured vertically on a cross section, whichever is more restrictive, except that this requirement shall not affect the location of structures to be placed at or below the lowest visible elevation of a visually prominent ridge line.

B.

Transfer of dwelling units. Allowed dwelling units may be transferred to another place on the subject parcel if such dwelling units could not be constructed due to the provisions of Subsection A of this Section. The place to which the subject dwelling units are transferred shall be buildable under the provisions of the performance standards.

C.

Definitions. The terms used in this Section shall have the following meanings:

1.

"Visually prominent ridge line" shall mean any hill location visible from the valley floor and subject to the provisions of the performance standards which location forms a part of the skyline visible from the valley floor or any hill location visible from the valley floor, the ground surface of which is seen as a distinct edge against a backdrop of land at least 300 feet horizontally behind it.

2.

"Visible from viewpoints from the valley floor" shall mean continuously visible for more than 1,000 feet along any of the following:

a.

The Simi Valley freeway between Kuehner Drive and Oak Park;

b.

Madera Road between the Simi Valley freeway and the East Valley Sheriff's Station;

c.

Tierra Rejada Road between the western City limit and Los Angeles Avenue; or

d.

Kuehner Drive between Katherine Road and the Simi Valley freeway.

D.

Maps on file. A map shall be kept on file with the Department of Environmental Services outlining visually prominent ridge lines to be used as a guide in complying with the provisions of this Section. If there should be a conflict between the written provisions of this Section or a detailed site analysis and the map, the written provisions shall control.

(§ 5, Ord. 1085, eff. January 6, 2006)