For the purpose of interpreting this ordinance, certain words or terms are herein defined. All other words used in this ordinance shall carry their customary meaning.

Words used in the present tense include the future tense. Words used in the singular number include the plural, and words used in the plural include the singular.

The word "person" includes a firm, co-partnership, or corporation.

The word "lot" includes the word "plot" or "parcel."

The word "building" includes the word "structure."

The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely directory.

The word "used" or "occupied" as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the words "intended, arranged, or designed to be used or occupied."

The word "city" or words "City of Fort Valley" shall mean the mayor and city council of Fort Valley.

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this ordinance, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

Accessory use. A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or building and located on the same lot with such principal use or building.

Advertising signs. Any freestanding or partly or wholly attached structure displayed for the purpose of conveying some information, knowledge, or idea to the public.

Alteration of building. Any change in the supporting members of a building (such as bearing walls, beams, columns, girders) except such change as may be required for its safety; any addition to a building; any change in use from that of one district classification to another; or of a building from one location to another.

Building. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels.

Center line of street. That line surveyed and monumented by the governing body shall be the centerline of the street, or if such a centerline has not been surveyed, it shall be that line running midway between the rights-of-way lines of such street.

Continuing care facility. As defined in current state licensure requirements, a residential facility or development designed, operated and maintained for retired adults, which may also include skilled nursing, intermediate care, personal care, or assisted living facilities.

Correctional facility. A publicly- or privately-operated facility housing persons awaiting trial, serving a sentence after being found guilty of a criminal offense, being within the jurisdiction of a federal, state or local probation, parole or corrections agency and/or receiving treatment other than at a hospital while under the jurisdiction of such authority or agency. The term ["correctional facility"] shall include, but not be limited to, jails, prisons, juvenile detention centers, work release centers, pre-release centers and treatment centers.

Customary home occupation. An occupation or profession for gain or support conducted only by members of a family residing on the premises and conducted entirely within the principal building, provided that not more than 30 percent of the floor area of the principal building is used for such purposes.

Dwelling unit. A dwelling or portion thereof providing complete living facilities for one complete housekeeping unit.

Group development project. Two or more principal buildings devoted to a common or similar use constructed on a lot in one ownership and which are made a part of an integrated industrial, commercial, or dwelling unit project; provided, however, that such projects shall not include any use which is prohibited in the district in which such project is to be located.

Incidental or accessory sign. A professional or announcement sign not more than one square foot in area.

Lot. A portion of land devoted to a common use or occupied by a building or group of buildings devoted to a common use, together with the customary accessories and open spaces belonging to the same.

Lot of record. A lot or parcel of land whose existence, location, and dimensions have been legally recorded or registered in a deed or plat.

Lot width. The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the depth at the setback line.

Nonconforming use. A building, structure or use of land existing at the time of enactment of this ordinance, and which does not conform to the regulations of the district in which it is located.

Principal use. The main or primary use of the building or lot on which said building is located.

Setback. The distance from the right-of-way line of the street to the nearest point of a building.

Setback line. A line illustrating the setback distance.

Street. A public way for vehicular traffic which affords a primary means of access to abutting property.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent location on the ground, or which is attached to something having more or less permanent location on the ground.

Trailer camp. Any lot on which are parked two or more trailers, or one or more trailers for a longer period of time than 48 hours.

Treatment center. A publicly or privately operated facility other than a prison, which provides housing, treatment, rehabilitation and/or counseling to persons suffering from alcohol or drug dependency, whether or not such person is under the jurisdiction or control of any court, parole, probation or corrections agency.

Yard. An unoccupied space except possibly by an accessory building, open to the sky, on the same lot with a principal building.

Yard, front. A yard measured at right angles from the front lot line to the nearest point of the principal building, exclusive of steps and extending the full width of the lot.

Yard, rear. A yard measured at right angles from a rear lot line to the nearest point of the principal building, exclusive of steps and extending the full width of the lot.

Yard, side. A yard measured at right angles from a side lot line to the nearest point of the principal building, exclusive of steps, and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.

(Ord. No. 08-1016-31, § I(1)—(3), 10-16-2008)