This article defines terms and phrases used in the zoning code that are technical or specialized, or which may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this article conflict with others in the County Code, these definitions shall control only for the provisions of the zoning code. If a word is not defined in this article or in other provisions of the zoning code, the director shall determine the appropriate definition.

A’s:

Abandoned sign. Abandoned sign means a sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal business establishment, product or activity on the premises where such sign is displayed.

Accessory building or structure. A detached building, the uses of which are secondary, supportive, and/or subordinate to the primary structure or principal permitted use on a parcel. An accessory dwelling unit is not considered an accessory building.

Accessory building or structure – attached. An attached building or structure the use of which is secondary, supportive, and/or subordinate to the primary structure or principal permitted use on a parcel. A second dwelling unit is not considered an accessory building.

Accessory retail use. The sale of goods or merchandise in support of the alternate primary use of the site. Examples include the sale of pet food at a veterinary office, the sale of hair care products at a salon, or the sale of laundry detergent at a laundromat.

Accessory sign. Any sign relating to business, service, or products including national brand products, supplied on the premises on which the sign is located.

Accessory unit or dwelling. A detached or attached permanent dwelling unit located on a lot which contains a single-family dwelling. A second unit provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation, and parking. Any term contained within this Chapter referring to second unit or secondary unit shall mean accessory unit.

Accessory use. A use that is permitted in the zone, is incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the site or a primary building on the site, and does not alter the primary use of such parcel, building, or zone, nor serve property other than the parcel of land on which the primary use is located.

Adult entertainment. An adult business establishment having a substantial or significant portion of its stock or fare in books, magazines, pictures, films, trade, media or live entertainment, which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter or live conduct depicting, describing, exposing, or relating to nudity or sexual activity.

Advertising. Advertising means that copy on a sign describing products or services being offered.

Agricultural buffer. An area of land void of development between an urban land use (such as housing or commercial uses) and an agricultural parcel.

Agricultural chemicals, commercial storage and distribution. The commercial sale, wholesale, storage, and/or distribution of chemicals and hazardous substances used in connection with agricultural operations. Examples include pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides.

Agricultural chemicals, manufacturing. The manufacturing and/or production of chemicals and hazardous substances used in connection with agricultural operations. Examples include pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides.

Agricultural chemicals, use and storage. The on-site storage and on-site use of chemicals and hazardous substances used in connection with agricultural operations conducted on site. Examples include pesticides, fertilizers, and fungicides. Excludes the storage of chemicals intended for commercial sale or distribution.

Agricultural easement. An agricultural easement is a legal property interest that dedicates land to agricultural uses. A landowner who enters into an agricultural easement agreement with an “easement holder” (such as a government or nonprofit entity) agrees to use the land predominantly for agricultural purposes, and forfeits the right to develop the land for other purposes.

Agricultural industrial. Industrial uses that directly support on- or off-site agricultural operations, including agricultural research, processing and storage, supply, services, crop dusting, agricultural chemical and equipment sales, and facilities and technologies that use agricultural byproducts.

Agricultural processing. The cooking, dehydrating, refining, milling, pressing, or other treatment of agricultural products that changes the naturally grown product for consumer use or for further processing, and receiving agricultural products from other growers for such processing. Examples of agricultural processing uses include cold storage houses, wineries (pursuant to the definition of “Winery production facility, limited”), hulling operations for on-site or off-site products, fruit dehydrators, dryers, and the sorting, cleaning, packing, bottling, storing or warehousing, pruning, and sale of orchard and farm wood, and the wholesaling, transportation, and distribution of agricultural products. Uses classified as “agricultural industrial” are excluded from this definition.

Agricultural processing, off-site. The processing of agricultural products grown or produced on a site different from where processing occurs.

Agricultural processing, on-site. The processing of agricultural products grown or produced on the same site where processing occurs.

Agricultural product sales, off-site. The sale of agricultural products grown or produced on a site different from where growing and/or production occurs.

Agricultural product sales, on-site. The sale of agricultural products grown or produced on the same site where growing and/or production occurs.

Agricultural products. Products that are the result of agriculture, including cultivating, harvesting, or raising orchards, field crops and/or livestock, or agricultural processing.

Agricultural tourism. Tourism and visitor-serving uses related to the agricultural industry. Examples include self-pick farms, dude ranches, farm tours, crop-based seasonal events, farmstays, and lodging.

Agricultural worker housing center. Housing for agricultural employees consisting of no more than thirty-six beds in a group quarters or twelve units designed for use by a single family or household.

Agricultural worker housing center, large. Housing for agricultural employees consisting of more than thirty-six beds in a group quarters or more than twelve units designed for use by a single family or household.

Agricultural worker housing unit. A dwelling unit accommodating six or fewer agricultural employees.

Agriculture. The use of land for the raising of crops, trees, or animals, including farming, dairying, pasturage, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, apiaries, and animal and poultry husbandry, and the necessary accessory uses thereto; provided, however, the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of the normal agricultural activities. As used in this definition, “accessory use” means supply, service, storage, and processing areas and facilities for any other agricultural land. Stockyards, slaughterhouses, fertilizer works, or plants for the reduction of animal matter are excluded from this definition.

Agriculture auction and sales yards. Areas designated for the temporary storage and sale of agricultural and farm equipment and supplies.

Airport, airstrip, and heliport. Any area of land or water where aircraft take off or land. This does not include places where aircraft land and take off solely for emergency purposes. It includes accessory structures and areas for aircraft storage, cargo, passengers, airport and airspace control facilities, repairs, or refueling.

Airport-related uses. Uses and activities commonly associated with airports and necessary to support airport operations. Examples include unscheduled air carrier and facilities; charter aircraft operations; pilot training operations; aircraft rental and sightseeing services; aerial photography; aerial advertising and surveying; aircraft sales and service; aircraft storage; sale of aviation petroleum products; aircraft repair, restoration, and maintenance; sale of aircraft parts; unscheduled air cargo carriers; pilot lounges and airport offices; blast fences; taxiways, navigational aids, and obstruction lights; airport support facilities such as terminal buildings, control towers, hangars, fire training facilities, and flight service stations; airport parking facilities; and communication equipment and facilities associated with airport operations.

Airports for commercial farm services. Any area of land or water where aircraft dedicated to support operations for agricultural activities take off or land. Examples include airports used for crop dusting or other aerial chemical applications to farmlands. It includes accessory structures and areas for aircraft storage, cargo, materials storage, airport and airspace control facilities, repairs, or refueling. Passenger and/or cargo air services or passenger and/or cargo airports are excluded from this definition.

Animal and poultry husbandry. The agricultural practice of caring and breeding of livestock. This mainly involves raising and caring of domestic animals that are used for food or products. Such animals may include, but are not limited to, sheep, pigs, cattle, horses, and chickens.

Animal grazing. The keeping of cattle, sheep, goats, or other similar animals on fields for the purpose of grazing and feeding. Uses classified as dairy, intensive animal operations, and stables are excluded from this definition.

Animal hospitals. Any establishment that provides medical treatment for animals on the premises or regularly offers temporary boarding facilities for animals in association with the provision of medical care. Examples of animal hospitals include veterinarian clinics.

Animal processing and rendering. A facility where the slaughtering and processing of animals raised off-site for commercial purposes takes place, including rendering plants.

Animal raising and keeping, commercial. Any kennels, fowl or poultry ranches, rabbit farms, fur-bearing animal ranches, hog ranches, livestock feed lots, livestock ranches, and dairies kept and used for the purposes of raising or keeping animals that are used for food or products to be sold commercially.

Animal raising and keeping, private. “Private animal raising” means the keeping of any domestic animals within the standards established in this chapter for domestic animal raising including but not limited to household pets, club project animals, apiaries, aviaries, fowl, rabbits, or hoofed animals for private, noncommercial use.

Animal services. Any establishment that keeps animals for sale or hire provides medical treatment for animals on the premises or regularly offers temporary boarding facilities for animals. Examples of animal services uses include veterinarian clinics, commercial dog and cat grooming businesses, animal hospitals, commercial kennels, and animal shelters.

Apiaries. Any place where one or more colonies or nuclei of bees are kept.

Applicant. The party or individual applying for a permit or other approval subject to the requirements of this zoning code.

Architectural projection. Architectural projection means a marquee, porch, canopy or other similar projection.

Awning sign. Any sign incorporated into, attached to, or painted on an awning.

B’s:

Banner sign. A sign made of fabric, cloth, or any other nonrigid material.

Bars, nightclubs, and lounges. Businesses devoted to the on-site sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages and in which the service of food is only incidental to the consumption of such beverages. Uses may include indoor entertainment such as live music and dancing.

Base zoning classification. The primary zoning classification on a parcel of land, as shown on the Colusa County zoning map and shown in Table 44-2.10-1.

Bed and breakfast. A structure with one or more managers in permanent residence and from one to eight guestrooms without individual cooking facilities rented for overnight lodging, and serving at least one meal per day. Hotels and motels are excluded from this definition.

Bioenergy. Bioenergy is energy contained in living or recently living biological organisms, a definition which specifically excludes fossil fuels. Organic material containing bioenergy is known as biomass. Examples include wood pulp and agricultural prunings.

Boat ramps and landings. Facilities used for the launching and removal of boats to and from the water.

Breeders. Individuals, groups, or organizations involved in the breeding of animals for commercial purposes.

Building. Any structure having a roof intended and/or used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, property, or for use in commercial, industrial, or other enterprises.

Business frontage. The lineal frontage of a business that abuts a public right-of-way or other area accessible to the public such as business frontage on a parking lot or parking structure generally open to the public or on a publicly used waterway such as the Sacramento River.

C’s:

Cabin. A dwelling for vacation or recreation uses that is subject to the same requirements as a single-family residence, except as specified under section 44-4.100.

Camper. A portable unit, consisting of a roof, floor, and sides, designed to be loaded onto, and unloaded from, a truck and designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy (Health and Safety Code Section 18012.4).

Campground. An area of land used for overnight camping activities where guests pay a fee to use the site and/or facilities. Facilities may include, but are not necessarily limited to, fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, and firewood sales. Recreational vehicle parks are excluded from this definition.

Caretaker quarters. A permanent residence that is provided as an accessory use to a nonresidential use, and is used to house an owner, operator, guard or caretaker, and his or her family, to provide around-the-clock service, support, care or monitoring of the use and/or site.

Cemetery. A place used for the interment of human or animal remains or cremated remains. Burial parks, crematoriums, and mausoleums are included in this definition.

Child day care center. Any child day care facility other than a family day care home, including centers for infants, preschools, and school age child care centers (Health and Safety Code Section 1596.76).

Child day care facility. A facility that provides nonmedical care to children under eighteen years of age in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on less than a twenty-four-hour basis. Child day care facilities include family day care homes and child day care centers (Health and Safety Code Section 1596.750).

Club project animals. Those animals raised or kept for a temporary club project such as 4-H or FFA.

Clubs, lodges, and private meeting halls. An organization and its premises catering primarily to its members for social, educational, recreational, or athletic purposes. This definition does not include hunting and fishing clubs or adult entertainment uses.

Clustered development. Clustered development is the grouping of residential properties on a development site in order to utilize the extra land as open space, recreational or agricultural uses. Clustered development often includes individual lots that are below the minimum lot sizes established in the base zoning classification.

Cogeneration energy facility. Combined heat and power systems that result in the simultaneous production of electricity and heat from a single fuel source, such as: natural gas, biomass, biogas, coal, waste heat, or oil.

Combination zoning classification. Any zoning classification which permits expansion of or limitations on the uses or development standards allowed or permitted under the regulations of the principal zoning classification with which it is combined.

Commercial coach. A structure transportable in one or more sections, designed and equipped for human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, which is required to be moved under permit, and shall include a trailer coach as defined in Vehicle Code Section 635 (Health and Safety Code Section 18001.8).

Commercial energy facilities. Commercial energy facilities are facilities where energy, primarily electricity, is generated for the primary purpose of selling the energy on the open market for use in off-site locations.

Commercial recreation, indoor. An establishment that provides entertainment activities or services in an indoor setting for a fee or admission charge. Examples include movie theaters, bowling alleys, electronic game arcades, billiard rooms, sports clubs, commercial gymnasiums, and dance clubs. Establishments such as a restaurant or laundromat that offer a small number of game machines to its customers as an accessory use are excluded from this definition.

Commercial recreation, outdoor. An establishment that provides entertainment activities or services outside of a building for a fee or admission charge. Examples include: golf driving ranges, shooting ranges, water parks, amusement parks, fairgrounds, commercial sports centers, amphitheater or theater entertainment facilities for the performance of concerts or other entertainment events, facilities for rodeos and equestrian events, ranges, boat ramps, docks, landing facilities, commercial camps and campgrounds, and other similar uses. Water ski lakes, golf courses and country clubs, hunting and fishing clubs, duck clubs, adult entertainment uses, and off-highway vehicle uses are excluded from this definition.

Common interest development. A type of housing, composed of individually owned units, such as condominiums, townhouses, or single-family homes, that share ownership of common areas, such as swimming pools, landscaping, and parking. Common interest developments (also known as community interest developments or CIDs) are managed by homeowners’ associations.

Common sense. Sound and prudent judgment based on a simple and reasonable perception of the situation or facts.

Community apartment. A development as defined by California Business and Professions Code Section 11004 in which an undivided interest in land is coupled with the right of exclusive occupancy of any apartment located thereon.

Community centers. Public locations where members of a community tend to gather for group activities, social support, public information, and other purposes. They may sometimes be open for the whole community or for a specialized group within the greater community.

Community colleges and universities. Public or private institutions or facilities offering educational services beyond the high school level. Facilities may include classrooms, support facilities, on-site lodging, and other support services and facilities related to higher education.

Community event sign. Any temporary sign for a temporary event, including signs for a carnival or fair, for a farmer’s market, for an athletic event or competition, for a vehicle show, or for an election campaign, but not including those signs which are otherwise differentiated in this chapter.

Community identification sign. A sign that identifies or announces entry into a community.

Compost. Compost means the product resulting from the controlled biological decomposition of organic wastes that are source-separated from the municipal solid waste stream, or which are separated at a centralized facility. “Compost” includes vegetable, yard, and wood wastes which are not hazardous waste.

Composting facility. An operation or facility that processes, transfers, or stores compostable materials. Handling of compostable materials results in controlled biological decomposition. Handling includes composting, screening, chipping and grinding, and storage activities related to the production of compost, compost feedstock, and chipped and ground materials. “Compostable materials handling operation or facility” does not include activities excluded from regulation in California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 17855. “Compostable materials handling operation or facility” also includes (1) agricultural material composting operations; (2) green material composting operations and facilities; (3) research composting operations; and (4) chipping and grinding operations and facilities. (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 17852(a)(12)).

Condominium. As defined by Section 783 of the California Civil Code, an undivided interest in common in a portion of real property coupled with a separate interest in space called a unit, the boundaries of which are described on a recorded final map, parcel map, or condominium plan in sufficient detail to locate all boundaries thereof.

Conservation easement. An agreement between a landowner and a government agency or a qualified land trust organization or other entity creating a legally enforceable encumbrance on real property imposing limitations, restrictions, or affirmative obligations, the purposes of which include retaining or protecting agriculture, natural, scenic, or open space values of real property; assuring its availability for agricultural, forest, recreational, or open space use; protecting natural resources, including wetlands, riparian and wildlife habitat; or maintaining air or water quality. Examples include agricultural preservation easements, wetland conservation easements, Swainson’s hawk foraging habitat easements or land trusts, and wetland/vernal pool mitigation banks.

Construction, maintenance, and repair services. Businesses providing construction, maintenance, and repair services off site, but that have an office, store equipment and materials, and/or perform fabrication or similar work on site. Examples include off-site plumbing shops, general contractors, appliance repair, janitorial services, electricians, pest control, heating and air conditioning, roofing, painting, landscaping and septic tank service.

Construction sign. A sign that identifies the name of the contractor, builder, architect, etc., for a project that is under development.

Convenience store. A small store that stocks a range of everyday items such as groceries, toiletries, alcoholic and soft drinks, tobacco products, and newspapers. Such stores may also offer money order and wire transfer services.

Corner lot. A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets. The front of the lot shall be the lesser of two street frontages.

Correctional institutions and facilities. Publicly or privately operated facilities housing persons awaiting trial or persons serving a sentence after being found guilty of a criminal offense.

Cottage food operation. The business of preparing and/or packaging certain foods in private home kitchens as defined at Section 113758 of the Health and Safety Code.

Country club. A country club is a private club, often with a closed membership, that typically offers a variety of recreational sports facilities and is located in city outskirts or rural areas. Activities may include, but are not limited to, golf, tennis, swimming or polo.

Crop production and cultivation. The growing and harvesting of agricultural produce for food and fiber. Examples include farms, orchards, groves, greenhouses and wholesale nurseries primarily engaged in growing crops, plants, vines, or trees and their seeds, excluding the growing of marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Cultural institutions. A public or nonprofit facility for the cultural, intellectual, scientific, environmental, or artistic enrichment of the people of Colusa County. Examples of cultural institutions includes historic areas, interpretative institutions, public theaters and auditoriums, libraries, museums, botanic gardens, and zoos.

Cumulative remedies. A remedy created by statute in addition to one which still remains in force. All remedies contained in this zoning code for the handling of violations or enforcement of the provisions of this zoning code shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any other applicable provisions of local, state, or federal law.

D’s:

Dairy. A place where five or more cows, sheep, or goats are kept and maintained for the purpose of producing milk or other dairy products for commercial purposes.

Day. Calendar day.

Design flood. Design floods are hypothetical floods used for planning and floodplain management investigations. A design flood is defined by its probability of occurrence (for example the one-hundred-year or one- percent-probability flood).

Development. Any human-caused change to land that requires a permit or approval from the county.

Development footprint. The development footprint is the total area affected by development or by project site activity. Access roads, parking lots, paved and improved areas, nonbuilding facilities, and the building itself are all included in the development footprint.

Development plan. A plan for development submitted by a project applicant that includes details deemed necessary by the director in order for an application to be processed. A development plan may be required to include details regarding parcel lines, proposed site access, building envelopes, surrounding land uses, water and sewer infrastructure, and other project details deemed necessary by the director.

Directional sign. An on-site sign that is designed and erected solely for the purposes of directing vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic within a project.

Directory sign. A sign listing the tenants of a multiple tenant center.

Disability. The meaning of “disability” is the same as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at Title 42, Chapter 126 of the United States Code beginning at Section 12102. As defined by the ADA, the term “disability” means, with respect to an individual: (1) a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities of such individual; (2) a record of such an impairment; or (3) being regarded as having such an impairment. “Major life activities” include, but are not limited to, caring for oneself, performing manual tasks, seeing, hearing, eating, sleeping, walking, standing, lifting, bending, speaking, breathing, learning, reading, concentrating, thinking, communicating, and working. A “major life activity” also includes the operation of a major bodily function, including, but not limited to, functions of the immune system, normal cell growth, digestive, bowel, bladder, neurological, brain, respiratory, circulatory, endocrine, and reproductive functions.

Domestic animals. Animals adopted by humans so as to live and breed in tame conditions. Examples include, but are not limited to, cows, horses, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, and chickens.

Duck club. Any establishment that provides outdoor duck hunting activities or services for a fee or admission charge, or common interest share. The establishment may include day use facilities, such as a clubhouse, and/or overnight accommodations in the form of seasonal residences. Facilities must be connected to an approved sewage disposal system. Seasonal residential unit densities may not exceed the standards established in this zoning code. On-site residency is limited to not more than a total of six months of a year. A duck club must be licensed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW).

Duplex. A structure that contains two dwelling units with a shared roof, separated by a common wall, each with its own entrance. Each unit within a duplex home provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

Dwelling, multifamily. A building containing three or more dwelling units.

Dwelling or dwelling unit. A building or a portion of a building containing one or more habitable rooms used or designed for occupancy by one family for living and sleeping purposes, including kitchen and bath facilities.

Dwelling, single-family. A building containing one dwelling unit.

Dwelling, two-family. A building containing two dwelling units.

E’s:

Electronic changeable display. The display of electronic text or graphical information in which each graphic, alphanumeric character, or symbol is defined by a small number of matrix elements using different combinations of light emitting diodes (LEDs), fiber optics, light bulbs or other illumination devices within the display area. Electronic changeable displays include computer-programmable, microprocessor-controlled electronic displays.

Emergency shelter. Housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay (Health and Safety Code Section 5080 l (e)).

Energy generation for off-site use. The production and generation of electricity for use in areas outside of the site on which the energy was generated. Examples include solar or wind farms where electricity generated is sold to a utility provider for use in off-site locations.

Energy generation for on-site use. The production and generation of electricity on a site for use on the same site. Examples include solar arrays or wind turbines used to power on-site operations.

Environment. The land, air, water, minerals, organisms, and all other external factors surrounding and affecting the natural resources in Colusa County and the surrounding areas.

Equestrian facilities, commercial. A facility for keeping horses available to the public for hire. This may also include larger facilities, including accessory structures, that specialize in breeding and raising of horses, equestrian training, exhibitions, and boarding. Commercial stables do not include the keeping or breeding of horses for personal use, training, or horse boarding consistent with a home occupation.

Equestrian facilities, private. A facility that is used for the shelter, breeding, and raising of horses for the exclusive use of the property owner or occupant, or for training and horse boarding consistent with a home occupation.

Equipment sales and rentals. Businesses selling or renting tools, trucks, tractors, construction equipment, agricultural implements, and similar equipment. Equipment sales and rental uses may include the storage, maintenance, and servicing of such equipment.

Exclusive remedy. For the purposes of this zoning code, the term “exclusive remedy” applies to the procedure for appeals to zoning decisions made by the director, zoning administrator, or planning commission. An appeal to the board of supervisors is the exclusive remedy, or sole available option, for challenging any decisions made by the director, zoning administrator, or planning commission.

F’s:

Family. Two or more related persons living in a dwelling unit or any group of up to six individuals living together in a dwelling unit as the functional equivalent of a family where the residents may share living expenses and responsibilities. A family includes, for example, the residents of group homes for seniors or persons with disabilities. A family does not include larger institutional group living situations such as large residential care facilities, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, monasteries, or convents. “Household” has the same definition as “family.”

Family day care home. A dwelling where care, protection, and supervision for fourteen or fewer children are provided in the provider’s own home, for periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away, and is either a large family day care home or a small family day care home (Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78).

Family day care home, large. Facilities providing family day care for seven to fourteen children, inclusive, including children under the age of ten years who reside at the home, as set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465 (Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78(b)).

Family day care home, small. A home that provides family day care for eight or fewer children, including children under the age of ten years who reside at the home, as set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44 (Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78(c)).

Farm equipment. Tools, implements, apparatus, and vehicles used in support of farming activities. Examples include tractors, hailers, haulers, generators, etc.

Farm supply and feed store. A retail/wholesale business selling supplies for use in soil preparation and maintenance, the planting and harvesting of crops, the keeping and raising of farm animals, and other items directly related to the day to day operations and processes of farming and ranching.

Farmstays. A form of agricultural tourism where a farmer or rancher hosts tourists at their farm or ranch to familiarize the visitors with the daily activities associated with farming or ranching. Farmstays are a secondary use to the primary agricultural use of a property.

Floor area. The sum of the horizontal areas of each floor of a structure, measured from the interior faces.

Floor area ratio (FAR). The ratio of the total gross floor area of all buildings on a site, excluding structured parking areas, divided by the total site area. See Figure 1 – Floor Area Ratio (FAR).

Food truck. A vehicle from which food items are sold.    Food items may include items cooked and prepared on the food truck, as well as food items cooked elsewhere.

Forestry and logging. The growing and harvesting of timber, pulp woods, and other forestry products for commercial purposes. Timber processing activities for finished products, such as wood mills, are excluded from this definition.

Foster home. Any residential facility providing twenty-four-hour care for six or fewer children, licensed pursuant to the regulations of the state, which is owned, leased, or rented and is the residence of the foster parent or parents in whose care the foster children have been placed.

Freestanding sign. A sign that is supported by a base structure that rests on the ground and is not supported by or attached to a building. Freestanding signs include monument, pole, and pylon signs.

Freight and truck terminals and yards. A building or area in which freight brought by motor truck is assembled, stored, and/or transferred for routing in intrastate or interstate shipment by motor truck. May include provisions for truck parking and maintenance/repair services.

Future tenant sign. A temporary sign that identifies the name(s) of future businesses, organizations, and/or entities that will occupy a site or structure.

G’s:

Garage, commercial. A building other than a private garage used for the parking, repair or servicing of vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and boats. A commercial garage is considered a commercial or light industrial use.

Garage, private. A fully enclosed accessory building, either attached or detached, or a portion of a building designed and/or used primarily for the shelter or storage of vehicles, trailers, recreational vehicles, and boats by the occupants of the dwelling.

Garbage. Discarded items, food waste, and materials, including animal, vegetable, or other waste matter.

Gas and service station. Any facility used primarily for the retail sale and dispensation of motor fuels, lubricants and motor vehicle accessories. A gas and service station may include food and beverage sales, as well as a car wash, as an accessory use. Vehicle repair and maintenance services are not included in this definition.

Golf course. An area of land laid out for golf with a series of nine or eighteen holes each including tee, fairway, and putting green and often one or more natural or artificial hazards. Golf courses may include related accessory uses such as a clubhouse, restaurant, putting greens, driving range, and sales shops (pro shop).

Grading. The act of excavation, cutting, or filling or combination thereof or any leveling to a horizontal or sloping surface on a property.

Greenhouse. An agricultural structure, with transparent or translucent roof and/or wall panels intended for the raising of agricultural plants.

Grocery store. A store selling foodstuffs and various household supplies.

Group day care center. A facility that provides nonmedical care to persons eighteen years of age or older in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on less than a twenty-four-hour basis.

Group home. See “residential care home.”

Group quarters. A place where people live in a group living arrangement.

Guest houses. Detached living quarters of permanent construction, without a kitchen, which are clearly subordinate and incidental to the use of the main building on the same lot. Guest houses shall not be let, leased, or rented, in whole or in part, independently of the main building. Guest houses may include a bathroom.

H’s:

Habitat management. The active management of land or natural resources for the purposes of providing compensatory mitigation for off-site projects, or for the active management of resource lands that may or may not involve active agricultural production and use of the land.

Habitat mitigation. The establishment of a mitigation bank, conservation easement, or other similar mechanism for the purposes of offsetting or mitigating impacts to sensitive habitat that occurred in an off-site location.

Height. The vertical distance from the structure’s average finished grade (the midway point between the highest and lowest points of where the structure contacts the ground) to the highest point of the structure.

Home occupation. “Home occupation” means any use customarily carried on within a dwelling by the inhabitants thereof which is incidental to the residential use of the dwelling, and which use:

(1) Is confined completely within a legal structure and occupies not more than twenty-five percent of the floor space of a dwelling or fifty percent of that of an accessory building;

(2) Involves no sales of merchandise other than that produced on the premises, or directly related to and incidental to the service offered;

(3) Is carried on by the members of the family occupying the dwelling with no other persons employed;

(4) Produces no evidence of its existence upon or beyond the premises such as external alteration creating nonresidential or unsightly appearance of a structure, noise, smoke, odors, vibrations, etc., except one sign not to exceed two square feet in area and pertaining directly to the particular home occupation.

Hospital. A medical facility engaged primarily in the provision of diagnostic services and extensive medical treatment, including surgical services and inpatient beds.

Hotel and motel. A facility containing guestrooms where lodging is provided for a fee, where no provision is made for cooking and occupancy of any guestroom(s) by any individual(s) is limited to six days or less within any thirty-consecutive-day period. Transient occupancy tax shall be paid pursuant to the Colusa County Code requirements. Bed and breakfast establishments are excluded from this definition.

Hotel and motel – extended stay. A facility containing guestrooms where lodging is provided for a fee, and where cooking provisions are provided in a maximum of sixty percent of the individual rooms or suites, and occupancy of any guestroom(s) by any individual(s) is limited to no more than twenty-nine days within any thirty-consecutive-day period. Transient occupancy tax shall be paid pursuant to the Colusa County Code requirements. Bed and breakfast establishments are excluded from this definition.

Household. Two or more related persons living in a dwelling unit or any group of up to six individuals living together in a dwelling unit as the functional equivalent of a family where the residents may share living expenses and responsibilities. A household includes, for example, the residents of group homes for seniors or people with disabilities. A family does not include larger institutional group living situations such as large residential care facilities, dormitories, fraternities, sororities, monasteries, or convents.

Household pets. Small domestic animals that are not used for the production of food or fiber. Examples include dogs and cats. Other small animals that may potentially be used for food or fiber, such as rabbits or chickens, are excluded from this definition, regardless of whether or not the owner intends to use the animals for food or fiber. Animals kept exclusively indoors are excluded from the standards established in this zoning code.

Hunting and fishing club. Any establishment that provides outdoor hunting and fishing activities or services for a fee, admission charge, or common interest share. The establishment may include day use facilities, such as a clubhouse, and/or overnight accommodations in the form of seasonal residences. Facilities must be connected to an approved sewage disposal system. Seasonal residential unit densities may not exceed the standards established in this zoning code. On-site residency is limited to not more than a total of six months of a year.

Hydrozone. A portion of a landscaped area having plants with similar water needs. A hydrozone may be irrigated or nonirrigated.

I’s:

Identification sign. An identification sign identifies the name of a specific business, organization, or entity.

Immature animals. Animals that have not yet reached the age of maturity for sexual reproduction.

Impervious surface. Any surface that does not permit the passage of water. Impervious surfaces include buildings, parking areas, and all paved surfaces.

Install. Refers to the erection, placement, location, relocation, or other action putting a building or sign up, replacing an existing building or sign, or modifying an existing building or sign.

Intensive animal operations. The raising or fattening of animals in a manner that produces potentially adverse environmental impacts or adverse impacts to neighboring properties. Examples of intensive animal operation uses include dairies, hog farms, feedlots, aquaculture, confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs), large-scale bee keeping, and other similar operations. Animal processing, dairy, and stables are excluded from this definition.

J’s:

Junk yard. Any area of two hundred square feet or more used for the storage of junk or scrap materials, or for the wrecking or dismantling of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery. This definition includes “wrecking yards.”

Jurisdiction. “Jurisdiction” refers to the geographical area of land and range of legal decisions and authorizations subject to the legal authority of Colusa County. The geographical jurisdiction for this zoning code includes all unincorporated lands within Colusa County. Zoning and land use decisions subject to the legal jurisdiction of Colusa County are identified in Article 44-1.

K’s:

Kennel. Any place used for the breeding, boarding or keeping of six or more dogs or eight or more cats over the age of four months. The term “kennel” includes for-profit establishments, such as a pet boarding service, as well as nonprofit and charitable organizations, such as an animal shelter. The term “kennel” does not include veterinarians, provided that all animals in the veterinary office are housed indoors.

Kitchen. A “kitchen” means an area within a structure that is used or designed to be used for the preparation or cooking of food and that contains one or both of the following:

(1) Cooking appliances or rough in facilities including, but not limited to: ovens, convection ovens, stoves, stove tops, built-in grills or microwave ovens or similar appliances, two-hundred-forty-volt electrical outlets or any gas lines; or

(2) A sink less than eighteen inches in depth with a waste line drain one and one-half inches or greater in diameter and a refrigerator exceeding five cubic feet in capacity or space opening with an electrical outlet that may reasonably be used for a refrigerator exceeding five cubic feet in capacity.

An approved kitchen may have more than one sink, stove, oven or refrigerator in the same room.

L’s:

Lineal street frontage. The lineal distance that a parcel or parcels occupied by a business or businesses abuts a public right-of-way. This lineal distance will be used to calculate sign area for multiple tenant center signs and to determine additional business identification and/or multiple tenant center signs.

Live/work unit. A live/work unit is defined as a single unit (e.g., studio, loft, or one bedroom) consisting of both a commercial/office and a residential component that is occupied by the same resident. The live/work unit shall be the primary dwelling of the occupant.

Livestock. Larger animals traditionally kept for use on a farm, including but not limited to pigs, sheep, goats, equine, and bovine animals such as horses and cows, and large flightless birds such as ostriches and emus.

Lot. A parcel of land of record in the county under one ownership (i.e., individual, corporation, or trust) and used, or capable of being used, under the regulations of this chapter. “Parcel” has the same meaning as “lot.”

M’s:

Manufactured housing. Housing, including modular and mobile homes, that is transportable in one or more sections but is not constructed with a permanent hitch and does not have permanently attached wheels or axles. When placed on a permanent foundation, manufactured housing is the same as a dwelling. Manufactured housing does not include a recreational vehicle, commercial coach, or camper, as defined by state law.

Manufacturing, general. A facility accommodating manufacturing processes where the intensity or scale of operations is greater than those classified under “manufacturing, light,” but where impacts on surrounding land uses or the community can typically be mitigated to acceptable levels. Examples include establishments that makes or processes raw materials into finished machines or parts for machines; the manufacturing of motor vehicles and transportation equipment; establishments that cut, shape, and finish marble, granite, slate, and other stone; and establishments that produce brick and structural clay products.

Manufacturing, heavy. Manufacturing or processing operations that necessitate the storage of large volumes of hazardous or unsightly materials, or which produce dust, smoke, fumes, odors or noise at levels that would affect surrounding uses. Examples include the manufacturing of chemical products; the manufacturing of concrete, gypsum, and plaster products; glass product manufacturing; paving and roofing materials manufacturing; petroleum refining and related industries; plastics, other synthetics, and rubber product manufacturing; primary metal industries including the smelting and refining of ferrous and nonferrous metals from ore or scrap; asphalt and concrete plants; medical waste processing/incineration; paint removal and sandblasting; hazardous material disposal; wrecking, junk or salvage yards; and pulp and pulp product manufacturing, including paper mills.

Manufacturing, light. The manufacturing and assembly of finished products or parts, primarily using previously prepared materials. Examples include clothing and fabric product manufacturing; electronics, equipment, and appliance manufacturing; food and beverage product manufacturing; commercial bakeries; laundry, dry-cleaning, and carpet cleaning plants; establishments manufacturing and assembling small products primarily by hand, including jewelry, pottery and other ceramics; woodworking, including cabinet making and furniture manufacturing; metal products fabrication, including machine, sheet metal and welding shops; repair of scientific or professional instruments and electric motors; printing, publishing and lithography; establishments that convert premanufactured paper or paperboard into boxes, envelopes, paper bags, wallpaper, and that coat or glaze premanufactured paper; and photo/film processing labs. Businesses primarily engaged in the sale of consumer products produced off site are excluded from this definition.

Marina. A boat basin that has docks, moorings, supplies, and other supporting facilities for small boats. Examples of supporting facilities include boat ramps, boat hoists, boat storage, refueling, washing and repair facilities, marine and boat chandlers, stores and restaurants. A marina may include ground facilities such as parking lots for vehicles and boat trailers.

Marquee sign. A sign that is attached to a marquee or architectural projection.

Medical offices and clinics. A facility, not including a hospital, where medical, mental, dental, or other personal health services are provided on an outpatient basis using specialized equipment. Examples include, but are not limited to, offices providing medical services and containing medical professionals such as physicians, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists or other similar medical professionals.

Mining. The extraction of sand, gravel, rock, soil, minerals, or other material from the land in the amount of one thousand cubic yards or more and the removal thereof from the site. For the purpose of this zoning code, mining shall not include: the removal of materials associated with the construction of a building, the removal of excess materials in accordance with approved plats or utility and highway construction, minor agricultural and sod removal except as further regulated herein.

Mobile home. A detached residential dwelling unit designed for transportation after fabrication on streets or highways on its own wheels or a flatbed or other trailer, and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, location on jacks or other temporary or permanent foundations, connections to utilities, and the like. “Mobile home” does not include recreational vehicle, commercial coach, or factory built housing as defined in Section 19971 of the Health and Safety Code.

Mobile home park. An area of land where two or more mobile home lots are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease to accommodate mobile homes used for human habitation. The rental paid for any such mobile home shall be deemed to include rental for the lot it occupies. “Mobile home park” also means a mobile home development constructed according to the requirements of paragraph 2.1 (commencing with Section 18200) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, and intended for use and sale as a mobile home condominium or cooperative park, or as a mobile home planned unit development.

Modular home. A modular home is constructed of premade parts and unit modules. A complete kitchen and bath may be preset in the house. Wall panels, trusses, and other prefabricated house parts are transported on a flatbed truck from the factory to the building site. Modular homes must meet all applicable local and state building code requirements. Mobile homes and manufactured homes are excluded from this definition.

Monument sign. A permanent freestanding sign where the entire supporting base of the sign is affixed to the ground and is not attached to or supported by a building.

Multiple family dwelling. A structure that contains three or more dwelling units. Each unit within a multiple family dwelling provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Examples include apartment buildings, single-room occupancy buildings, residential condominiums, townhouses, and rowhouses.

Multiple tenant center. A development consisting of three or more separate uses or tenancies that share either the same parcel, set of parcels or structure and use common access and parking facilities.

N’s:

Nameplate. A sign which designates the name of a person, persons or building occupying the premises upon which it is located. A nameplate may include the address.

Natural resources buffer area. Lands within fifty feet of a wetland, waterway, riparian habitat, or sensitive habitat shall be referred to as a natural resources buffer area. Natural resource buffer areas shall include areas between the banks and fifty feet in width measured outward from the top of bank of any lakes, perennial ponds, rivers, creeks, sloughs, and perennial streams. Natural resource buffer areas shall also include lands within fifty feet of sensitive habitat, as determined by a qualified biologist, and lands within fifty feet of a wetland subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Excluded from this definition are culverted creeks and engineered systems developed by a public agency for the collection of storm- or floodwaters, or systems other than natural creeks designed to deliver irrigation or water supplies.

Nonconforming structure. A structure that was lawfully constructed, but that no longer conforms with the development standards of the zoning classification in which it is located.

Nonconforming uses. “Nonconforming uses” means those structures, buildings, mobile homes, and uses which were lawful when established, but which do not conform to subsequently established zoning requirements. “Nonconforming uses” includes uses, and buildings and structures.

Nursery. Commercial agricultural establishments engaged in the production of agricultural and ornamental plants and other nursery products, grown under cover or outdoors. A nursery can be wholesale and retail, incidental to agriculture, or a combination of both.

Nursing home. A facility in which nursing, dietary and other personal services are rendered to convalescents, invalids, or aged persons and in which surgery is not performed and primary treatment, such as customarily is given in hospitals, is not provided. A “convalescent home” means the same as a “nursing home.”

O’s:

Off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation area. An area designated for the use of offhighway vehicles. “Off-highway vehicle” means a motorized vehicle of any size that is operated or used exclusively off the roads or highways and not legally equipped for operation or use on such highways. Examples include dirt bikes, quads, dune buggies, etc.

Off-site signs. A sign identifying a use, facility, service, or product which is not located, sold, or manufactured on the same premises as the sign or which identifies a use, service, or product by a brand name which, although sold or manufactured on the premises, does not constitute the principal item for sale or manufactured on the premises. An off-site sign is the same as a billboard sign.

Offices, governmental. A place of employment occupied by governmental agencies and their employees.

Offices, professional. A place of employment occupied by businesses providing professional services. Examples include offices for accountants, attorneys, commercial art and design services, news services, photographers, counselors and psychologists, engineers, real estate agents, and other professions.

Oil and gas extraction. The operation or development of oil and gas fields and wells. Oil and gas extraction uses include exploration for crude petroleum and natural gas; drilling, completing, and equipping wells; reinjection wells for natural gas; operating separators, emulsion breakers, desilting equipment, and field gathering lines for crude petroleum and natural gas; and all other activities in the preparation of oil and gas up to the point of shipment from the producing property.

Orchard. An orchard is an intentional planting of trees or shrubs that is maintained for food production. Orchards comprise fruit- or nut-producing trees which are grown for commercial production.

P’s:

Parcel. See definition of “lot.”

Parking area. The portion of a parcel or lot dedicated to vehicle parking.

Parks and recreational facilities, private. A privately owned facility that provides active or passive recreational opportunities, including tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasiums and other similar facilities. Commercial amusement facilities such as water slides, go-carts and miniature golf courses are included in this definition.

Parks and recreational facilities, public. A noncommercial public facility that provides active or passive recreational opportunities. Parks and recreational facilities include neighborhood parks, regional parks, ball fields, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, gymnasiums and other similar facilities.

Perennial stream. A perennial stream or perennial river is a stream or river (channel) that has continuous flow in parts of its stream bed all year round during years of normal rainfall. “Perennial” streams are contrasted with “intermittent” streams which normally cease flowing for weeks or months each year, and with “ephemeral” channels that flow only for hours or days following rainfall. During unusually dry years, a normally perennial stream may cease flowing, becoming intermittent for days, weeks, or months depending on severity of the drought.

Permanent sign. A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.

Permissive. Allowed but not mandatory.

Permittee. A person, business, or entity that receives a permit.

Person with a disability. Any individual who has an impairment as defined in Section 705(20) of 29 U.S. Code Section 794. An individual with a disability as: (1) having a physical or mental impairment which for such individual constitutes or results in a substantial impediment to employment and can benefit in terms of an employment outcome from certain vocational rehabilitation, or (2) in certain cases, an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Personal services. An establishment other than a professional office that provides services to individuals as a primary use, and that may provide accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided. Examples include beauty and barber shops, shoe repair shops and tailor shops, dry cleaners, launderettes, driving schools, martial arts studios, fitness centers, photography studios, funeral parlors and mortuaries, and other similar uses.

Planned development. A planned development is a document, adopted by the board of supervisors, which establishes details specific to an individual development project on one or more contiguous parcels. The planned development establishes, among other things, allowed land uses, development standards, lot sizes, development phasing, infrastructure plans, and other development criteria specific to an individual project. A planned development must be accompanied by a planned development overlay zone applicable to the parcel, or contiguous parcels, upon which the planned development applies.

Pole sign. A permanent freestanding sign that is supported by one upright, brace, pole, or similar structural element and is not attached to or supported by a building.

Poultry husbandry. The raising of domesticated birds such as chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese, for the purpose(s) of breeding and/or producing meat and/or eggs.

Primary business frontage. Where a business has more than one business frontage, the longest single frontage is considered the primary business frontage.

Primary structure. A structure that accommodates the primary use of the site.

Primary use. The main purpose for which a site is developed and occupied, including the activities that are conducted on the site a majority of the hours during which activities occur. The primary use constitutes the principal use, permitted by right, in a particular zoning classification.

Private farm airstrip. A privately held and privately used runoff and/or strip where small aircraft land and take off. The primary purpose of private farm airstrips is to facilitate the aerial application of crop pesticides and fertilizers.

Produce stand. A business established and operated for the display and sale of agricultural products grown on the premises or on other lands in Colusa County owned or leased by the operator, which may include a limited amount of prepackaged food, such as preserved, baked, or packaged products from crops grown on site that have been prepared on site, subject to all applicable health codes.

Project. A proposed development, such as a single-family home, subdivision, multifamily development, restaurant, grocery store, manufacturing facility, or other commercial, residential, industrial, or other development, or proposed land use, including the uses listed in Article 44-2.

Projecting sign. A sign, other than a wall sign, that is suspended from or supported by a structure attached to a building and projecting or is placed outward from the building. This sign type includes signs that hang from marquees or architectural projections.

Promotional sign. A sign erected on a temporary basis to promote the sale of new products, new management, new hours of operation, new service, grand opening, or to promote a special sale.

Public/mini storage. A building or group of buildings with controlled access that contains individual and compartmentalized stalls or lockers for storage of customers’ goods.

Public safety facility. A facility operated by a public agency for the purpose of protecting public safety, including but not limited to fire stations and other firefighting facilities, police stations and ambulance dispatch facilities.

Pylon sign. A permanent freestanding sign that is supported by two or more uprights, braces, poles, or similar structural elements and is not attached to or supported by a building.

Q’s:

None.

R’s:

Real estate sign. A sign indicating that a property or any portion thereof is available for inspection, sale, lease, rent, or directing people to a property.

Reasonable accommodation. An adjustment to the provisions within the zoning code to accommodate the needs of persons with disabilities.

Recreational facilities, public and private. See “parks and recreational facilities, public” and “private.”

Recreational lodging facility. An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of commercial lodging to the general public on a short term or transient basis (on a transient basis, thirty days or less). Lodging may include the incidental provision of food, drink, sales, and services for the convenience of overnight guests.

Recreational vehicle. A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) It contains less than three hundred twenty square feet of internal living room area, excluding built-in equipment, including, but not limited to, wardrobe, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms.

(2) It contains four hundred square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections.

(3) It is built on a single chassis.

(4) It is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a permit.

Recreational vehicle park. Any area or tract of land, or a separate designated section within a mobile home park where two or more lots are rented, leased, or held out for rent or lease, or were formerly held out for rent or lease and later converted to a subdivision, cooperative, condominium, or other form of resident ownership, to accommodate owners or users of recreational vehicles, camping cabins, or tents.

Recycling collection facility. A center for the acceptance by donation, redemption or purchase, of recyclable materials from the public.

Recycling processing facility. A building or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials. Processing means preparation of material for efficient shipment, or to an end-user’s specifications, by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning, and remanufacturing.

Rehabilitated landscapes. A previously landscaped area that is reconstructed, reconfigured, or repurposed with new landscaping on sixty percent or more of the previously landscaped area. Applies to landscaped areas two thousand five hundred square feet or larger.

Religious facilities and institutions. A site or building used by a religious group for regular organized worship and ancillary used associated with the religious facility or institution. Religious facility uses include churches, synagogues, mosques, temples and other similar places of worship.

Rendering plant. An establishment engaged in the rendering of inedible stearin, grease, and tallow from animal fat, bones and meat scraps.

Repair shop. See “vehicle repair and maintenance.”

Research and development. A business that engages in research, testing, and development of commercial products or services in technology-intensive fields. Research and development uses do not involve the mass manufacture, fabrication, processing, or sale of consumer products, and do not produce dust, smoke, fumes, odors or noise at levels that would affect surrounding uses. Prototype development and product testing may be included as part of a research and development use. Examples of research and development uses include bio-technology laboratories, alternative energy technology development, agricultural research, and aviation and aerospace technology development.

Residential care facility. A residential care home for more than fourteen persons.

Residential care home. Facilities providing residential, social, and personal care, but where medical care is not a major element, for persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. Residents may include children, the elderly, and/or people with limited ability for self-care. Convalescent hospitals, nursing homes, and similar facilities with medical care services are excluded from this definition. A residential care home is the same as a group home and a special care home.

Residential care home, large. A residential care home for seven to fourteen persons.

Residential care home, small. A residential care home for six or fewer persons. A small residential care facility is the same as a group home serving six or fewer persons. The count of “six or fewer” does not include the licensee, members of the licensee’s family, or the residential care home’s staff. A small residential care facility is considered a residential use of property, and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone (Health and Safety Code Sections 1267.8(c), 1267.16(a), 1566.2, and 1568.031(a)).

Restaurant. Any retail business that sells cooked or hot ready-to-eat food or beverages primarily for on-premises consumption.

Retail, general. Stores and shops selling merchandise to the general public. Examples include retail banks, appliance stores, bookstores, clothing stores, convenience stores, department stores, drug stores, food and beverage stores, furniture stores, art galleries, home improvement stores, vehicle parts and accessories sales, and hardware stores.

Retail, large projects. Stores greater than forty thousand square feet selling merchandise to the general public. Examples include bulk discount stores, club stores, and national chain specialty stores. Grocery stores are excluded from this definition.

Reverse vending machine. An automatic mechanical device which accepts at least one or more types of empty beverage containers including, but not limited to, aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip with a value not less than the container’s redemption value as determined by the state.

Rider sign. An additional smaller sign that is attached to the primary sign.

Right-of-way. A piece of land acquired by fee title or easement that is occupied or intended to be occupied by certain transportation and/or public use facilities, such as roadways, railroads, and/or utility lines, whether or not the entire area is actually used for such purpose(s).

Riparian habitat. A habitat that is strongly influenced by water and that occurs adjacent to streams, shorelines, and wetlands.

S’s:

Schools. Facilities for primary, secondary, or higher education. Includes trade and vocational schools, colleges and universities.

Sensitive habitat. Sensitive habitat means vegetation types and habitat types that are relatively limited in distribution, and support concentrations of plants or animals legally protected under the California Endangered Species Act or the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Sensitive receptors. A land use that is sensitive to noise, such as a school, library, church, group of homes or residences, and/or hospital.

Setback line. A line established by this chapter to govern the placement of buildings with respect to lot lines, streets, and alleys.

Sewage disposal site. A location where sewage effluent generated off site is discharged.

Shooting range. An indoor or outdoor facility used primarily for the discharge of firearms in a controlled and regulated environment.

Sign. Any device, structure or fixture designed or used to attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected image.

Sign height. The vertical distance from the uppermost part of a sign to the highest elevation of the finished grade immediately below and adjoining the sign. See Figure 44-3.50-2.

Single-family home. See “dwelling, single-family.”

Single room occupancy. A residential use where occupants have separate bedrooms and living quarters and share common kitchen and bathroom facilities.

Soil amendment. Soil amendment includes all inorganic and organic substances which may be added to the existing soil, ground, or property either directly or mixed into other substances, including but not limited to compost, mulch, soil, or other delivery medium for the purpose of improving a property’s agricultural productivity. Examples include, but are not limited to, gypsum, lime, sulfur, perlite, vermiculite, manure, peat, humus, and finished compost.

Soil amendment facility. An operation or facility that stores, mixes and/or distributes soil amendments for off-site use.

Solar photovoltaic system. A solar photovoltaic system (PV system) is an arrangement of components designed to supply usable electric power for a variety of purposes, using sunlight as the power source.

Solid waste disposal site. A location where solid waste is disposed.

Special care home. A residential home providing twenty-four-hour nonmedical care and supervision that is eligible for a license from the State Department of Social Services, Community Care Licensing Division or a licensing agency authorized by the Department as a “group home – children,” “transitional home,” “adult residential home,” “residential care facility for the elderly or handicapped,” or “foster home.”

Special-status species. A species that is listed, is proposed to be listed, or is a candidate for listing as threatened or endangered under the federal or state Endangered Species Act, a California species of concern, or a plant that is identified by the California Native Plant Society as rare, threatened, endangered, or of limited distribution in California.

Stables, commercial. A stable, other than a private stable, where sixteen or more equine animals are boarded, that are not owned or leased pursuant to a written agreement, by either the property owner or resident. Commercial stables may include the retail or wholesale sales of tack, feed, and other equestrian products. Shows, exhibitions, or other public/quasi events related to equine animals may be included as a part of the commercial stable.

Stables, private. Those facilities used for the shelter, breeding, and/or training of horses and similar equine animals for the use of the residents and their guests. Private stables may include the boarding of fifteen or fewer equine animals that are not owned or leased pursuant to a written agreement, by either the property owner or resident. Private stables that hold more than six events per year shall be considered a commercial stable, regardless of the number of horses boarded.

Stock cooperative. A development as defined by Section 11003.2 of the California Business and Professions Code in which a corporation holds title to improved real property, and all or substantially all of the shareholders of the corporation receive a right of exclusive occupancy in a portion of the real property, title to which is held by the corporation. The owners’ interest in the corporation shall be deemed to be an interest in a common interest development and a real estate development.

Street. A public or private right-of-way, which provides a primary means of vehicular access to abutting property.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected that requires attachment to the ground or permanently located on the ground, including swimming pools, but excluding driveways, patios, or parking spaces where the area is unobstructed from the ground up.

Substandard legal parcel. A parcel that does not conform to the development standards, including the lot size and/or width regulations, of the zoning classification in which it is located, and which was lawfully established pursuant to the State Subdivision Map Act and/or this Code, or has subsequently become a lawful parcel.

Substantial commencement, new construction. The site has been graded and the foundation is complete.

Substantial commencement, rehabilitation. The portion of the existing structure that will be rehabilitated has been demolished and any new foundation has been completed. For rehabilitation projects that do not involve demolition or foundation, any new framing must be complete.

Supportive housing. Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an on-site or off-site service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community (Government Code Section 65582(f)). Supportive housing is considered a residential use of property, and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

T’s:

Target shooting range. See “shooting range.”

Tasting rooms. A part of a winery or olive oil production operation at which guests and customers may sample products produced on site.

Telecommunications facilities. An unstaffed facility for the transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals.

Temporary sign. A sign intended to be displayed for a limited period of time and capable of being viewed from a public right-of-way, parking area, or neighboring property.

Temporary structure. A structure that is erected for a limited period of time, typically no longer than one hundred eighty days, except as otherwise provided in Article 44-4, and that does not permanently alter the character or physical facilities of a property.

Temporary use. A short-term activity, as specified in Article 44-4, that may or may not meet the normal development or use standards of the applicable zone, but that occurs for a limited period of time and does not permanently alter the character or physical facilities of a property.

Three-dimensional sign. A sign that has a depth or relief on its surface greater than six inches.

Timber processing. Facilities for forest product processing including sawmills, pulp mills, veneer mills, other timber processing plants, log decks, by-product storage sites, and related operating areas.

Tiny home. A tiny home is a structure that meets the definition of a tiny house in Appendix Q of the 2019 California Residential Code. A tiny home (park trailer) located outside of a county and state approved mobile home and/or special occupancy parks is considered an approved type of accessory dwelling unit if the following criteria are met:

(1) All utilities are connected to county approved systems under an issued county permit;

(2) The wheels and tongue are removed, and the structure is supported by a county approved foundation system for which a building permit has been issued;

(3) The exterior design shall include typical residential design elements so that the structure resembles a residential structure and not a recreational vehicle. Such design elements shall include but not be limited to slope roofs, roof material, siding material, window details and the like to the satisfaction of the community development director; and

(4) Skirting shall be installed which matches/complements the exterior of the structure and screens the underside chassis and foundation system to the satisfaction of the community development director.

Trail head parking or staging area. Parking lots, restrooms, and similar noncommercial facilities for the convenience of pedestrians, hikers, equestrians, and/or bicyclists at a trail head or intersection of a trail and road easement or right-of-way.

Transitional housing. A dwelling unit or building used as temporary housing targeted to recently homeless persons that is operated under a program that requires the termination of assistance and recirculating of the assisted unit to another eligible resident at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance (Government Code Section 65582(h)). Transitional housing is considered a residential use of property, and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.

U’s:

Use. The purpose, form or activity for which a site or structure is used, occupied, or maintained.

Utilities, major. Large-scale facilities of a regional nature including power plants, electricity transmission substations, water storage tanks, community wastewater treatment plants, commercial and industrial composting operations, and similar facilities. Photovoltaic power stations and large wind turbines are included in this definition.

Utilities, minor. Utility facilities that are necessary to support development within the immediate vicinity and that involve only minor structures. Examples include power lines, water and sewer lines, water transmission lines, storm drainage facilities, transformers, and water and sewer pump stations.

V’s:

Vector control. Vector control is any method to limit or eradicate the mammals, birds, insects or other arthropods which transmit disease pathogens. The most frequent type of vector control is mosquito control using a variety of strategies.

Vehicle repair and maintenance. An establishment for the repair, alteration, restoration or finishing of any vehicle, including body repair, collision repair, painting, tire and battery sales and installation, and towing. Gasoline sales are allowed under this definition. Repair shops that are part of a vehicle sales or rental establishment on the same site are excluded from this definition.

Vehicle sales and rental. A facility from which vehicles are sold, leased, or rented.

Vineyard. A plantation of grape-bearing vines, commercially grown mainly for winemaking, but also raisins, table grapes and nonalcoholic grape juice.

Visitor-serving agricultural support use. A tourism-based use that provides opportunities to generate additional income in support of a primary on-site agricultural use or operation. Examples include self-pick farms, dude ranches, lodging, crop-based seasonal events, and accessory restaurants or stores.

W’s:

Wall sign. A sign attached to, painted on, or erected against a wall of a structure with the exposed face of the sign generally parallel to the structure wall.

Warehousing, wholesaling, and distribution. Establishments engaged in wholesaling, storage, warehousing, and bulk sale distribution of goods to retailers, contractors, commercial purchasers, or other wholesalers.

Water bodies. Any significant accumulation of water on the Earth’s surface. Water bodies include lakes, rivers, streams, creeks, ponds, wetlands, canals, or sloughs.

Waterways. A waterway is any navigable body of water. Waterways can include rivers, lakes, seas, oceans, and canals. In order for a waterway to be navigable, it must meet several criteria: the waterway must be deep enough to allow the draft depth of the vessels using it; the waterway must be wide enough to allow passage for the beam width of the vessels using it; the waterway must be free of barriers to navigation such as waterfalls and rapids, or have a way around them (such as canal locks and boat lifts); and the current of the waterway must be mild enough to allow vessels to make headway.

Wayfinding sign. A noncommercial sign, landmark, or other visual graphic communication that is part of a coordinated and county-sponsored program for the purpose of directing pedestrian and vehicular traffic to local destinations.

Wetlands. Land that qualifies as a jurisdictional wetland by displaying hydric soils, hydrophilic plants, and wetlands hydrology, as defined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Wetlands include those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions.

Wind anemometers. A device used for measuring wind speed.

Wind farm. A concentration or array of wind turbines assembled and operated for the purposes of generating electrical power.

Window sign. A sign posted, painted, placed, or affixed in or on a window exposed to public view. Wall signs include any interior sign which faces a window exposed to public view and is located within five feet of the window.

Winery. A building, or portion thereof, used for the crushing of grapes, the fermenting and/or processing of grape juice, the aging, processing, storage, and bottling of wine, or the warehousing and shipping of wine. It shall also include accessory uses, such as: related office, laboratory, wholesale, and retail sales activities and wine tasting and winery tours.

Wrecking yard. Any enclosed or unenclosed surface area of more than two hundred square feet within any parcel, lot or contiguous lots which is used for the storage, keeping, dismantling, processing, baling, or wrecking of inoperable vehicles or portions thereof, inoperable machines, scrap metal, discarded tire casings, used lumber yards or yards for storage of salvaged buildings, wrecking and structural steel materials and equipment and similar materials. This definition includes auto wrecking yards and junk yards; however, it does not include any noncommercial use of the land which is accessory or incidental to an agricultural operation on such land including use, storage, and repair of farm equipment.

X’s:

Xeriscape landscaping. Landscaping and/or gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water from irrigation. Examples include rocks, gravel, bark, or other such materials.

Y’s:

Yards. The area of a lot extending between the property line and the setback line(s) and/or structures on a parcel.

Z’s:

Zoning administrator. The zoning administrator shall be the director of the department of planning and building or his or her designee.

Zoning classification. A portion of the land within the county where certain uniform regulations and requirements, or various combinations thereof, apply pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Ord. No. 765 § 2 (Exh. A) (part): Ord. No. 788 § 1; Ord. No. 796, § 2; Ord. No. 819, § 2; Ord. No. 827, §§ 2, 3; Ord. No. 832, § 2; Ord. No. 839, § 3.)