Adoption of an Open Space Zoning Ordinance

The City of Ukiah is proceeding with the legislative adoption of the Open Space (O-S) Zoning District Ordinance, which involves adding a new Article 11.5 to Division 9, Chapter 2 of the city code. This ordinance is designed to implement the conservation goals and policies established in the Ukiah 2040 General Plan by creating a regulatory mechanism to protect natural resources, preserve ecological systems, and safeguard scenic and cultural landscapes. The ordinance applies city-wide to lands designated for open space preservation, including areas marked as Public, Recreational, Open Space, and Agriculture. These lands are identified as having high conservation value or significant environmental constraints, such as flood risks, unstable soils, high fire hazards, or limited accessibility. The adoption of this ordinance fulfills state requirements under Government Code Sections 65302 and 65560-65570 to implement the Open Space and Conservation Elements of the General Plan. The O-S district restricts land use to low-intensity, non-residential activities, such as habitat restoration, native plant propagation, and the development of public trails for passive recreation. The project has received a statutory exemption from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) because it is consistent with the previously certified Environmental Impact Report and focuses on mitigating environmental hazards and conserving sensitive habitats like riparian areas and hillsides. This legislative action does not authorize or propose any specific development projects.