(2022-356, 10/05/2022) 

This chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Development Code that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this chapter conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Municipal Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Development Code. If a word is not defined in this chapter, or other provisions of the Municipal Code, the Community Development Director shall determine the most appropriate definition in compliance with Chapter 9.10 (Rules of Interpretation). State law definitions, as they may be amended from time to time, control over the definitions in this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Effective on: 1/1/1901

This chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Development Code that are specific to regulated uses or the application of certain development standards contained in this Title and are intended to apply in addition to those terms defined in Chapter 9.300 (Universal Definitions). If any of the definitions in this chapter conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Municipal Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Development Code. If a word is not defined in this chapter, or other provisions of the Municipal Code, the Community Development Director shall determine the most appropriate definition in compliance with Chapter 9.10 (Rules of Interpretation). State law definitions, as they may be amended from time to time, control over the definitions in this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

Abandonment. A discontinuance of any use with intent to permanently discontinue such use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Abatement. The method of reducing the degree and intensity of pollution, nuisances or violations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Abut. To physically touch or border upon; to share a common property line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Access. A way or means of physical entry to a property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or a detached dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit is situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes an efficiency unit, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1, and a manufactured home, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Accessory Use. See Use, Accessory.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Accessory Structure. See Structure, Accessory.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Acre. A measure of land area containing 43,560 square feet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Acre, Gross. Gross acreage refers to the total number of acres of an area, including all roads, railroads, and flood control facilities.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Acre, Net. Gross acreage minus the acreage used for major public roads (classified as Collector roads and above), railroads, and flood control facilities.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Action. A decision on a permit application or other land use matter, made by the approval authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Addition. An extension or increase in floor area or height of an existing building or structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Adverse Impact. A condition that creates, imposes, aggravates or leads to inadequate, impractical, unsafe, unsightly or unhealthy conditions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Agricultural Labor Housing. Living accommodations for employees and their immediate families employed for the exclusive purpose of agricultural pursuits either on the premises or off site. It includes single or multi-unit dwellings, including mobile homes and dormitories.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Agricultural Operations, Commercial. Use of land for the propagation, care, maintenance, production of food and fiber, including the growing of crops and/or the grazing of animals on natural or improved pastureland for the purpose of sale of goods and/or crops for profit. Agriculture uses include agricultural labor housing (see Agricultural Labor Housing).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Agricultural Operations, Noncommercial. Use of land for the propagation, care, maintenance, production of food and fiber, including the growing of crops and/or the grazing of animals on natural or improved pastureland for personal use. Agriculture uses include agricultural labor housing (see Agricultural Labor Housing).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Aisle. The traveled way by which cars enter and depart parking spaces.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Alcoholic Beverage Sales. An activity or business engaged primarily in the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site or off-site consumption.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Alley. A service roadway providing a secondary means of public access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Alteration. Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders and all interior partitions; any change in doors, windows or means of ingress or egress; any enlargement or diminution of a building or structure, whether horizontally or vertically; or the moving of a building or structure from one location to another.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Amenity. Aesthetics or other characteristics of a development that increase its desirability to the community, such as swimming pools, tennis courts, security systems, views, landscaping or enhanced open space.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Amusement Park. Facilities or uses that provide participant recreation indoors or outdoors. Amusements parks may include a variety of recreational uses, including but not limited to go carts, amusement arcades, miniature golf courses, batting cages and other similar uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Annexation. The incorporation of a land area into an existing city or district resulting in a change in the boundaries of the city or district.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Apartment.  A building, or group of buildings, in which all dwelling units in the building are owned by a single party and rented out to individual tenants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Appeal. A request for a review of a decision or action taken on a proposed permit application or other land use matter by the approving authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Appeal Authority. The agency, board, group or legally designated individual empowered to review and deny, uphold, or refer back to the approval authority, an appeal of an action taken by an approval authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Applicant. The owner(s) or lessee(s) of property, or their authorized agent(s), or person(s) who have contracted to purchase property contingent upon their ability to obtain the required entitlements, and who requests in writing, on the appropriate forms, the approval of a permit, license, certificate or other entitlement from the City.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Application, Accepted. An application filed with and accepted for processing by the City in accordance with the requirements of this Title, containing all items required as stated on the applicable application form.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Application, Complete. An application that has been deemed complete in accordance with California Government Code Section 65943 (Permit Streamlining Act).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Approval Authority. The agency, board, group or other legally designated individual empowered to review and approve a proposed permit application or other land use matter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Approved Plan. A final plan that has been approved by the appropriate authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Assisted Living Facility. See Residential Care Facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Attached. Any structure that has an interior wall or roof in common with another structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Auction. The sale of new and used merchandise offered to bidders by an auctioneer for money or other consideration.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Awning. A roof-like cover attached to and extending from the wall of a building to provide shielding of windows and/or entrances.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Balcony. A platform that projects from the wall of a building, typically above the first level, and is surrounded by a rail, balustrade or parapet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Bar. Premises used primarily for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-site consumption.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Battery. A single cell, stack, core building block, or a group of cells connected together electrically in series, in parallel, or a combination of both, which can charge, discharge, and store energy electrochemically. For the purposes of this chapter, batteries utilized in consumer products are excluded from these requirements.

(2023-369, 04/05/2023)

Effective on: 5/5/2023

Battery Management System. An electronic system that prevents storage batteries from operating outside their safe operating parameters and disconnects electrical power to the energy storage system or places it in a safe condition if potentially hazardous temperatures or other conditions are detected. The system generates an alarm and trouble signal for abnormal conditions.

(2023-369, 04/05/2023)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Battery Energy Storage Systems. A system consisting of electrochemical storage batteries, battery chargers, controls, power conditioning systems and associated electrical equipment, assembled together, capable of storing energy in order to supply electrical energy at a future time, not to include a stand-alone 12-volt car battery or an electric motor vehicle.

(2023-369, 04/05/2023)

Effective on: 5/5/2023

Battery Energy Storage Facility, Utility Scale. Stationary batteries that are connected to distribution/transmission networks or power-generation assets. Utility scale may also be referred to as “front-of-the-meter”, large-scale or grid-scale battery storage. Utility Scale systems are intended primarily to interact with the electric grid and are not intended to serve a specific end user “behind-the-meter”. Utility-scale systems increase flexibility in power systems, provide grid reliability support and enable an optimal use of variable electricity sources like photovoltaic and wind.

(2023-369, 04/05/2023; 2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Bed and Breakfast. A business operated in an owner-occupied residence offering short-term rental of overnight accommodations, which provides on-site breakfast service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Bedroom. A private room for sleeping, separated from other rooms, and accessible to a bathroom without crossing another bedroom.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Berm. A mound of earth or the act of pushing earth into a mound.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Buffer Area. A strip of land established to protect one type of land use from another land use. A buffer may include a physical separation in the form of a specified distance, landscaping, berms or other screens which block vision, noise or other negative impacts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Buildable Area/Building Envelope. The area of a lot remaining after the minimum setback and open space requirements have been met; the area within which primary and accessory structures may be located, unless an encroachment into the setback is otherwise permitted.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Building. Any structure having a roof, or fully enclosed by walls, and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Building, Accessory. See Structure, Accessory.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Building Permit. Written permission issued by the City for the construction, repair, alteration or addition to a structure or building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Building, Primary. A building in which the principal use is conducted.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Business Services. Rendering services to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, including printing and copying, blueprint services, advertising and mailing, office-related equipment rental and leasing, commercial research, development and testing, photo finishing and model building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Can Sign. A sign in which the sign copy is placed on a transparent face, which is attached to an enclosed box or can, usually made of metal, that has an internal light source.

(2022-351, 09/21/2022)

Effective on: 10/21/2022

Canopy. A fixed roofed structure of any material projecting from and connected to a building, column or post or supported by a frame extending from a building and/or post.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Caretaker Residence. Separate or attached living quarters, usually including kitchen facilities, for employees living on-site, and accessory to the primary use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Car-share Vehicle. A motor vehicle that is operated as part of regional fleet by a public or private car sharing company or organization and provides hourly or daily service.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Carport. A permanently roofed structure with not more than two enclosed sides, used or intended to be used for motor vehicle shelter and storage.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Cemetery, Mausoleum, Crematory. Property used for the preparation and/or interring of the dead.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Certificate of Compliance. A document issued by the City and recorded by the County Recorder certifying that a specified real property complies with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Sections 66410 et seq.).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Certificate of Use/Occupancy. A document issued by a governmental authority allowing the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure has been constructed in compliance with all the applicable municipal codes and ordinances.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Change of Use. A conversion of use that substantially differs from the previous use of a building or land.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Charging Levels, Electric Vehicles. The standardized voltage at which an electric vehicle battery is recharged. 

Level 1 Charging provides charging through a 120V AC plug and does not require the installation of additional charging equipment. 

Level 2 Charging provides charging through a 240V (residential) or 208V plug and requires the installation of additional charging equipment. 

Level 3 Charging provides fast charging through a 480V AC input and requires highly specialized, high-powered equipment as well as special equipment in the electric vehicle itself. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Church. See Religious Facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

City. The City of Menifee, including land as may be annexed from time to time.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Cluster Development. Development in which a number of dwelling units are placed in closer proximity than usual, or are attached, with the purpose of retaining an open space area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Collection Container. Any unattended drop-off box, container, receptacle, or similar facility that is operated by a person, organization for the primary purpose of receiving or storing collected items, including household goods, clothing, or other salvageable personal items.  Collection Containers do not provide a cash refund for collected items and do not include reverse vending machines.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

College. An educational institution authorized by the state, awarding associate or higher degrees.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Commercial Use. An activity involving the sale of goods or services for profit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Commission. The Planning Commission of the City of Menifee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Common Open Space. Land within or serving as a part of a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, which is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the occupants of the development and may include such accessory structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Community Care Facility. A facility licensed to provide a living environment for unrelated residents who operate as the functional equivalent of a family, or in a group setting, including such supervision and care by support staff as may be necessary to meet the physical, emotional and social needs of aged persons, physically disabled or handicapped persons, developmentally disabled persons, nondangerous mentally ill persons, or children as defined in the appropriate statutes. Community care facilities include but are not limited to the following: day care center, group residential facility, congregate care facility, and residential care facility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Community Center. A building used for recreational, social, educational and cultural activities, open to the public or a designated part of the public, usually owned and operated by a public or nonprofit group or agency; a building or structure owned and operated by a governmental agency and used to provide a governmental service to the public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Community Development Department. The Community Development Department of Menifee, which is responsible for implementing the City's vision and goals for community development and land use as established in the General Plan and Development Code. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Community Development Director. The Community Development Director of the City of Menifee or his/her designee. Also includes Planning Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Community Garden. The use of land for and limited to the cultivation and tillage of soil for the production, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural, floricultural, or horticultural commodity for public use and access.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Conditional Use. A use permitted in a particular zone district upon showing that such use will comply with all the conditions and standards as specified in the Development Code and authorized by the approval authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Conditional Use Permit. A permit for land use classifications with unusual site development features or operating characteristics requiring special consideration so that they may be designed, located and operated compatibly with uses on adjoining properties and the surrounding area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Condominium. A building, or group of buildings, in which dwelling units, offices or floor area are owned individually, and the structure, common areas and facilities are owned by all the owners on a proportional, undivided basis.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Congregate Care Facilities. Establishments that provide 24-hour medical, respite, convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness, infirmity or disability, are unable to care for themselves on an intermediate or long-term basis, and licensed by the State of California, including, but not limited to, rest homes and convalescent hospitals, but not residential care facilities, hospitals or clinics.

Contiguous Property. Those properties which touch property lines of any parcel, including those properties which touch said property lines of a subject parcel when such lines are projected across public or private rights-of-way, easements, roads or streets, including property owned by a public agency in fee title.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Convenience Store. Any small retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food products, household items, newspapers, magazines, sandwiches and/or prepared foods for off-site consumption.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

County. Unless otherwise specified, the County of Riverside, California.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC&Rs). A term used to describe restrictive limitations that may be placed on property and its use, and which usually are made a condition of holding title or lease.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Coverage, Lot. That portion of the lot that is covered by buildings, sidewalks, driveways or other impervious surface, expressed as a percentage of total lot area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Coverage, Building. The area of a parcel covered by a structure or structures, expressed as a percentage of the total lot area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Day Care Centers. Establishments providing nonmedical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than in a family day care home (see Family Day Care Home). This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day-care facilities for children or adults, and any other day-care facility licensed by the State of California.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Days. Shall always be consecutive calendar days, unless otherwise stated.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Decommissioning Plan. A plan to retire the physical facilities of the Project, including decontamination, dismantlement, rehabilitation, landscaping and monitoring. The plan contains detailed information on the proposed decommissioning and covers the schedule, type and sequence of decommissioning activities; waste management, storage and disposal of the waste from decommissioning; the timeframe for decommissioning and site rehabilitation.

(2023-369, 04/05/2023)

Effective on: 5/5/2023

Dedication. The transfer of property, such as streets and roads or other public usage, to a public agency or utility for specific purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Density. The number of dwelling units, households or housing structures per unit of land. Consistent with the City of Menifee General Plan, areas where the lots are over half an acre, density is calculated by using gross acres; all other areas utilize adjusted gross (net) acres to determine the maximum number of units allowed in a given area.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Density Transfer. The transfer of all or part of the permitted density from one parcel to another parcel.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Detached. Any building or structure that does not have a wall or roof in common with any other building or structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Developer. The legal or beneficial owner or owners of property to be developed or being developed, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase or other person(s) having enforceable proprietary interests in such property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development. Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development Agreement. A contract between the City and a developer through which the developer receives vested rights to construct a project subject to specific requirements benefiting the community.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development Code. A set of land use regulations, as contained in Title 9 of the Menifee Municipal Code, adopted by the City which prescribes standards and regulations for land use and development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development Rights. The legally established right to develop land by a party.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Director. The Community Development Director of the City of Menifee or his/her designee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Discretionary Decision. An action taken by a governmental agency that calls for the exercise of judgment in deciding whether to approve and/or how to carry out a project.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

District. A zone or geographic area in the municipality within which certain zoning or development regulations apply.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Drainage. Surface water runoff; the removal of surface water or groundwater from land by drains, grading or other means, which include runoff controls to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Drainage Area. A geographical area, formed by topography, which collects and directs surface runoff from precipitation to natural or man-made channels.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Drive-through. Any portion of a building or development intended to allow service direct from the building through a window, kiosk or automated delivery system to vehicle occupants. Such facilities include but are not limited to food service windows, automatic teller machines or similar service systems.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Driveway. A roadway providing direct access for vehicles between a street or highway and an area containing parking spaces, loading, storage or refuse collection areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Dwelling. A structure or portion thereof which is used for human habitation, including provision for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

Easement. A right to cross or otherwise use land for a specified purpose.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Eave. The projecting lower edges of a roof overhanging the wall of a building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Educational Institution. An institution conducting academic instruction at the preschool, elementary school, junior high school, high school or college level.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Elevation. A vertical distance above or below a fixed reference level; a dimensioned drawing of the front, rear or side of a building showing features such as windows, doors and relationship of grade to floor level.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Emergency Shelter. A temporary, short-term residence providing housing with minimal supportive services for families or individuals experiencing homelessness, where occupancy is limited to 180 days or less, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50801. Medical assistance, counseling, and meals may be provided.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Emission. A discharge of pollutants into the air or water.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Employee Housing. Employee housing shall have the same meaning ascribed in Health and Safety Code Section 17008.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Encroachment. The placement or construction of a fence, building, structure or other improvement or use on another’s property or on a public right-of-way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Expansion. The creation or use of additional land or floor area for a specific use or activity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Extension. An increase in the amount of time that a permit or approval may be valid.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Façade. The exterior walls of a building exposed to view.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Family. Family means any individual or group of individuals living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit. Family does not include larger institutional group living situations, such as in a boarding house or hotel/motel/long-term stay.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Family Day Care Home. State-licensed facilities that provide nonmedical care and supervision of minor children for periods of less than 24 hours within a single-family dwelling.

Farm Operations, Commercial. See Agricultural Operations, Commercial.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Farm Operations, Noncommercial. See Agricultural Operations, Noncommercial.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Farmers’ Market. An outdoor market where farmers and other producers of agricultural and related foodstuffs and products (including, but not limited to, bread, cheese and hand-made crafts such as seasonal goods, ornaments, hand-dipped or rolled candles, hand-made soap) may bring the products for sale to the general public. Meat, poultry, fish and similar foods will be allowed only to the extent there is proper refrigeration. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Farmworker. A person whose primary income is earned through permanent or seasonal agricultural labor. 

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Farmworker Housing. Farmworker Housing has the same meaning as “Employee Housing” as set forth in this Code.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Fence. An exterior physical barrier erected to enclose, screen or separate areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Flag. The symbol, insignia or display of a governmental or nonprofit organization when not displayed in connection with a commercial promotion or used as an advertising mechanism. As used in commercial promotion or used as an advertising mechanism, see Flag in Section 9.305.050 (Signs and Related Terms Defined).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Floor Area, Gross. The sum of all areas of the floors of a building or structure from the exterior face of exterior walls, or from the centerline of a wall separating two buildings but excluding any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than 6 feet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Floor Area, Net. The total of all floor areas of a building, excluding stairwells and elevator shafts, equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking or loading, and all floors below the first or ground floor, except when used or intended to be used for human habitation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Floor Area Ratio. The net floor area of all buildings on a parcel to the total adjusted lot square footage of that parcel. FAR calculations do not include floor areas for parking structures or outdoor open storage. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Footprint, Building. The outline of a building at all of those points where it meets the ground.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Frontage. See Lot Frontage or Yard, Front. As used in signage calculation, see Business Frontage in Section 9.305.050 (Signs and Related Terms Defined).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Funeral Home, Mortuary. A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation and the display of the deceased and ritual connected therewith before burial or cremation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Garage. A building or a parking structure, or part thereof, used or intended to be used for the parking and storage of vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Garage, Private. A garage used exclusively for the parking and storage of vehicles owned by residents of nearby dwelling units and their guests, which is not operated as a commercial enterprise and is not available to the general public and which is owned, leased or cooperatively operated by such residents.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

General Plan. The City of Menifee General Plan as adopted by the City Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Glare. The effect produced by brightness sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss of visibility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Golf Driving Range. A commercial recreational use, or accessory use to a golf course, where persons may practice long distance shots. Such facilities are generally outdoor uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Governing Body. The local governing unit empowered to adopt and implement regulations to provide for the public health, safety and general welfare of its citizenry.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Government(al) Agency. Any department, commission, independent agency or instrumentality of the United States, or a state, county, incorporated local municipality, authority, district or any other agency so recognized as a governmental unit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Government Facility. Offices and support facilities for any seat of any federal, state, county or City agency, or special district providing services to the general population.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Greenhouse. A building with roof and sides made largely of transparent or translucent material used for the cultivation of plants.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Ground Floor. The first floor of a building other than a cellar or basement.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Group Residential Facilities. Shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit, offered for rent for permanent or semi-transient residents on a weekly or longer basis. Facilities are typically licensed by the State of California. This classification includes clean and sober living facilities, other types of organizational housing, private residential clubs and farmworker housing, but excludes bed and breakfasts, dormitories, fraternity and sorority houses, boarding homes, rest homes, hotels, motels and residential care facilities.

Guest Living Quarter. A building, generally detached from a primary building, which contains no cooking facilities, and which is used principally for temporarily housing members of the single family household and their nonpaying guests. Guest living quarters also may be known as casitas. A guest living quarter is not an accessory dwelling unit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Habitable Structure. A structure which includes habitable space for living, sleeping, eating and cooking. Closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas are not considered habitable space.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Handicapped Person. A person who may be classified as having a physical impairment that manifests itself in one or more of the following ways: non-ambulatory; semi-ambulatory; visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing; having faulty coordination; and having reduced mobility, flexibility, coordination or perceptiveness due to age or physical or mental conditions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Health Studio. An establishment that provides exercise facilities for use on-site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Home-Operated Business. A commercial or service activity conducted at a dwelling, incidental and accessory to the residential use of the dwelling, which does not change the character of the dwelling or surrounding area by generating more traffic, noise, odor, or storage of material than would be normally associated with a residential zone.

Homeowners Association. An association of owners in a condominium, planned unit development or residential subdivision established to provide management of property in which they own an undivided, common interest.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Hospitals and Clinics. State-licensed facilities providing medical, surgical, psychiatric, or emergency medical services to sick or injured persons. This classification includes facilities for inpatient or outpatient treatment, including substance-abuse programs as well as training, research, and administrative services for patients and employees. This classification excludes animal hospitals and veterinary clinics.

Hotel. A lodging facility offering transient accommodations to the general public, typically on a less than monthly basis, and which may provide additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms and recreational facilities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Household. See Single Housekeeping Unit.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Impact. The effect of any direct man-made actions or indirect repercussion of man-made actions on existing physical, social or economic conditions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Impervious Surface. A surface through which water cannot penetrate, such as roof, road, sidewalk or paved parking lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Individual Property Owner. Means a natural person holding fee title individually or jointly in the person’s own name or a beneficiary of a trust that holds fee title. “Individual property owner” does not include any corporation or corporate person of any kind (partnership, LP, LLC, C corp., S corp., etc.) except for a community land trust (as defined by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 402.1 (a)(11)(C)(ii)) or a qualified nonprofit corporation (as defined by Revenue and Taxation Code Section 214.15).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Individual with a Disability. Someone who has a physical or mental impairment that limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment, or anyone with a record of such impairment.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Industrial. The manufacture, production, processing and/or storage of consumer goods. See also Manufacturing.

(2022-351, 09/21/2022)

Effective on: 10/21/2022

Infrastructure. Public facilities needed to sustain industry, residential, commercial and other land use activities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Intensification of Use. A change to the existing use of a property which results in a change or increase in vehicular or pedestrian traffic or an increase in parking requirement, or induces additional environmental impacts, including but not limited to noise, light, glare, vibration, traffic, water quality, air quality or aesthetics.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Intensity of Use. The number of dwelling units per acre for residential development and floor area ratio (FAR) for residential or nonresidential development such as commercial, office and industrial development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Intersection. The location where two or more roadways cross at the same grade.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Junk. Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material or debris, whether or not stored, for sale or in the process of being dismantled, destroyed, processed, salvaged, stored, baled or disposed of.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Junk Yard. The use of any lot or parcel of land for outside storage, wrecking, dismantling or salvage of any used or secondhand materials, including but not limited to lumber, auto parts, household appliances, pipe, drums, machinery or furniture.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit. A dwelling unit that is contained entirely within a single-family dwelling or attached garage and does not exceed five hundred square feet in size.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Kitchen. Any room, all or part of which is designed and/or used for storage, refrigeration, cooking and the preparation of food. The presence of a range or oven, or utility connections suitable for servicing a range or oven, shall normally be considered as establishing a kitchen.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Landscape Plan. A plan on which is shown: proposed landscape species (such as number, spacing, size at time of planting, and planting details), proposals for protection of existing vegetation during and after construction, proposed treatment of hard and soft surfaces, proposed decorative features, grade changes, buffers and screening devices, and any other information that can reasonably be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approval authority.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Land Use. A description of how land is occupied or utilized.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Land Use Permit. A permit issued by the City pursuant to the Menifee Municipal Code allowing a specific activity to be conducted on an individual property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Legislative Act. The means by which the legislative arm of government renders decisions, such as minute actions, resolutions and ordinances.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Live Entertainment. Entertainment provided by or one or more professionals and utilizing sound amplification equipment, but not including, a single vocalist or piano player with a microphone, karaoke or open-mike amateur type performances and not including adult uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Living Area. Means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage, patios, screened enclosures, or any accessory structures. 

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Living Space. Means a space in a dwelling intended for human habitation, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, or sanitation.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025) 

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Loading Space. An off-street space or berth used for the loading or unloading of cargo, products or materials from vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot. Any parcel of real property approved by a record of survey, plat, parcel map, subdivision map, or certificate of compliance, or any parcel legally created or established pursuant to the applicable zoning or subdivision regulations in effect prior to the effective date of application of this Code to such parcel.

Lot Area, Gross. The total area within the lot lines of a lot, including any adjacent street rights-of-way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot Area, Net. The total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any street rights-of-way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot Coverage. See Coverage, Lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot Depth. The average distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot Frontage. The length of the front lot line measured at the street right-of-way line. For flag lots, that portion of a lot, not including the pole portion, that is generally parallel to the access street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot Line. A line of record bounding a lot that divides the lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.

Lot Width. The horizontal distance between the side lines, measured at the required front setback line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Lot of Record. A lot that exists as shown or described on a recorded plat or deed in the records of the County Recorder.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Low Barrier Navigation Center. See Supportive Housing – Lower Barrier Navigation Center.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Manufactured Home. A factory-built structure that is manufactured or constructed under authority of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5403, National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, and/or California law and is to be used as a place for human habitation. The structure is manufactured either in whole or in substantial part at an off-site location, transported to the site, assembled on-site, and placed on a permanent foundation. For the purpose of this Development Code, a manufactured home shall be considered the same as any site-built, single-family detached dwelling. Manufactured home is not inclusive of a mobile home unless the mobile home has been converted to real property and is taxed as a site-built dwelling.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Manufacturing. means a use engaged in the manufacture, predominately from previously prepared materials, of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment and packaging of such products, and incidental processing of extracted or raw materials. They are characterized by having grade level bay doors with a ratio of approximately 1:15,000-20,000 square feet. 

(2022-337, 03/16/2022)

Membership Club. A group of people organized for a common purpose to pursue common goals, interests or activities and usually characterized by certain membership qualifications, payment of fees and/or dues, regular meetings, and a constitution and bylaws.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Membership Organization. A group of people formally organized for a common interest, usually cultural, religious or entertainment, with regular meetings, rituals and formal written membership requirements.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Metal Shipping Container. Any metal container designed, built as, or formerly used for transporting seagoing cargo not to exceed the maximum dimensions of ten by ten by 40 feet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Ministerial Decision. An action taken by a governmental agency that calls for only objective determinations in deciding whether to approve and/or how to carry out a project.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mitigation. Methods used to alleviate or lessen the impact of development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mobile Food Truck. Motorized vehicles that function as transportable retail food and beverage facilities. This use includes mobile food trucks that provide sales to the general public of food and beverage (pre-packaged or prepared and served from the vehicle or an attached trailer) for consumption on or off of the premises.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mobile Home. A trailer that is transportable in one or more sections, was built before the enactment of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5403, National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which became effective June 15, 1976, is over eight feet in width and 40 feet in length, and is sited with or without a permanent foundation. Mobile home does not include recreational vehicle, commercial coach, or factory built housing.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mobile Home Park. Any area or tract of land where two or more lots are rented or leased, 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 mobile homes used for human habitation. The rental paid for a mobile home shall be deemed to include rental for the lot it occupies.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Model Home Complex. Residential units and a temporary sales office used to illustrate the design of the units to potential homebuyers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Modification. A change or alteration to an approved permit or plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Motel. An establishment providing transient sleeping accommodations with most rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Motor Vehicle. A vehicle that is self-propelled by a motor or engine.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Multiple Family Dwelling. See Dwelling, Multiple Family.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Museum. A building or room, or any grouping thereof, open to the public, used to exhibit works of art or displays of historic objects, scientific objects or memorabilia.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Nightclub. An establishment dispensing liquor with or without meals and in which music, dancing or entertainment is featured.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Noise Attenuation. Reduction of noise level using a substance, material or surface, such as earth berms and/or solid concrete walls.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Nonconforming Lot. A lot, the area or dimensions of which was lawful and legally established prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the Development Code but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the Code.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Nonconforming Structure or Building. A structure or building, the size, dimension or location of which was lawful and legally established, prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the Development Code but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the Code.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Nonconforming Use. A use or activity that was lawful and legally established prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the Development Code, but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the Code.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Nuisance. An interference with the enjoyment and legal use of property, including any act, condition or thing that is illegal and/or interferes with the rights of the public generally.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Occupancy or Occupied. The residing of an individual(s) overnight in a dwelling unit or the storage or use of equipment, merchandise or machinery in any building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Occupancy Permit. See Certificate of Use/Occupancy.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Off-Site. Located outside the lot lines of the lot in question.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Off-Site Improvements. Improvements required as a result of development and including but not limited to curb, gutter, sidewalk, road widening and upgrading, stormwater facilities and traffic improvements.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Off-Site Parking. Parking provided for a specific use but located on a site other than the one on which the specific use is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Outdoor Sales. The display and sale of products and services outside of a building or structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Outdoor Storage. The keeping, in an unenclosed area, of any goods, junk, material, merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parade. A parade, demonstration, procession, march, review, ceremony, rally or exhibition which is conducted in, on, upon or along any portion of any public street, sidewalk or other public property owned or controlled by the city which would impede, obstruct, impair or interfere with the free use of the public street, sidewalk or other public property, often to support or oppose a specific issue.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parapet. The extension of the main walls of a building above the roof level.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Park. A tract of land designated and used by the public for active and/or passive recreation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Park and Ride. A system where participants drive to a central location to carpool or gain access to public transportation to another location.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parking Lot. An off-street, ground-level open area, usually improved, for the temporary storage of motor vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parking, Shared. Joint use of a parking area for more than one use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parking Space. A clearly defined location for the parking of a motor vehicle in a public or private parking area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parking Space, Covered. An accessible and usable covered space of not less than 10 by 20 feet for storage of automobiles. Such covered parking space to be so located on the lot as to meet the requirements of this Title for an accessory building or, if attached to the primary building, to be so located as to meet all the requirements of this Title for a primary building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Parkway. The area of a public street between the curb and the adjacent property line or physical boundary definition such as fences or walls, which is used for landscaping and/or passive recreational purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Party Wall. A dividing partition between two adjoining buildings (or units) that is shared by the tenants of each residence or business.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Passageway. A pedestrian pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Permit. Written governmental permission issued by an authorized official, empowering the holder thereof to do some act not forbidden by law but not allowed without such authorization.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Permitted Use. Any use allowed in a zone district and subject to the restrictions applicable to that zone district.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Personal Services. Establishments providing non-medical services to individuals as a primary use. May also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided. Examples of such uses may include, but are not limited to, shoe repair, barber shops, hair salons, mailing centers, ticket sales, travel agencies, tattoo & piercing parlors, etc. 

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Physically Disabled. A person who has a permanent loss of, or loss of use of, a part of the body, or permanent impairment of a body function, resulting in actual disability and a diminished ability to compete in an open market.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Planning Department. See Community Development Department.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Planning Director. See Community Development Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Plat. A map representing a tract of land showing the boundaries and location of individual properties and streets; a map of a subdivision or site plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Plaza. An open space which is improved and landscaped, usually surrounded by streets and/or buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Plot. A single unit parcel of land; a parcel of land that can be identified and referenced to a recorded plat or map.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Plot Plan, Minor. The process established to provide for administrative review of projects that, because of their limited size and scope, have minor aesthetic, land use or traffic implications and do not create any significant impact on public utilities or services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Plot Plan, Major. The process established to examine proposed development to ensure a high standard of quality for buildings, landscaping, parking and general site design. Such review enables the City to maintain stability in property values and prevent deterioration of property and aesthetics throughout the community.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Porch. A roofed open area, which may be screened, usually attached to or part of and with direct access to or from a building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Prezoning. The process or action by which cities are able to designate that portion of an unincorporated area for future annexation, with specific zoning districts which will apply upon annexation of the property to the City.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Primary Building. See Building, Primary.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Primary Use. See Use, Primary.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Private Recreational Facilities. Facilities including but not limited to country clubs, tennis and swim clubs, golf courses, racquetball and handball facilities, and commercial uses which are commonly associated and directly related to these uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Processing. A method that changes a material’s nature, chemical composition, or physical qualities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Professional Office. The office of a member of a recognized profession maintained for the conduct of that profession.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Prohibited Use. See Use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Project, Non-Subdivision. The total development, not including subdivision of land, within the boundaries as defined on the plan for development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Project. The total development, including subdivision of land, within the boundaries as defined on the plan for development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Projection. That part of a building or structure which extends beyond the main wall of a building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Property. A piece or parcel of land or real estate, including buildings and easements.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Public Property. Property owned by a governmental agency or held open to the public, including, but not limited to, parks, streets, sidewalks and alleys.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Public Areas. Parks, playgrounds, trails, paths, recreation areas, open spaces, scenic and historic sites, schools and other buildings and structures for public use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Public Improvement. Any improvement or facility, together with the right-of-way necessary to provide transportation, drainage, utilities or other facilities that are usually owned, operated and/or maintained by a government agency.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Public Right-of-Way. An area or strip of land, either public or private, on which an irrevocable right of passage has been recorded for the use of vehicles or pedestrians or both.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Public Utility. An agency that provides electricity, gas, communications, transportation, water, sewage collection or other similar service deemed necessary for the public health, safety and welfare. See also Utility Service.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Reasonable Accommodation. In the land use and zoning context, reasonable accommodation means providing individuals with disabilities or developers of housing for people with disabilities with flexibility in the application of land use and zoning and building regulations, policies, practices and procedures, or even waiving certain requirements, when it is necessary to eliminate barriers to provision of housing or service opportunities.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recreation, Active. Leisure-time activities, usually of a formal nature and often performed with others, requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites or fields.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recreation, Passive. Activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities, such as walking, sitting, picnicking, card games, chess, checkers and other table games.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recreational Vehicle. A vehicle which is either:

1. 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:
2. It contains less than 320 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.
3. It contains 400 square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projection.
4. It is built on a single chassis.
5. It is self-propelled, truck-mounted or permanently towable on the highways without a permit.
6. A park trailer, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18009.3.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recommending Authority. The person or body granted authority to review and make a recommendation for final action to the approving authority on a proposed permit or approval.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recyclable Material. Reusable material, including but not limited to metals, glass, plastic, paper and wood, intended for reuse, remanufacture or reconstitution for the purpose of being used in an altered form. Recyclable material does not include hazardous or potentially hazardous material as may be defined by the County of San Bernardino Division of Environmental Health Services, California Department of Toxic Substances Control and/or U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Recyclable materials may include used motor oil.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recycling Collection Facility. An attended facility for the acceptance, by donation, redemption or purchase, of recyclable materials from the public.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Recycling Processing Facility. A facility for the collection and processing of recyclable material. Processing means the 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.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Religious Facility. A building or structure, or groups of buildings or structures, that are primarily intended for conducting organized religious services and associated accessory uses. Church includes mosque, temple, synagogue, cathedral or similar religious institutions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Research and Development. Facilities for scientific research, and design. Development and testing of computer software, and electronic, magnetic, optical and mechanical components in advance of product manufacturing, that are not associated with a manufacturing facility on the same site. Also includes chemical and biotechnology research and development. 

(2022-337, 03/16/2022)

Effective on: 4/15/2022

Residential Care Facilities. Facilities that are licensed by the State of California to provide permanent living accommodations and 24-hour primarily nonmedical care and supervision for persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living. Living accommodations are shared living quarters with or without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit. This classification includes facilities that are operated for profit as well as those operated by public or not-for-profit institutions, including hospices, nursing homes, convalescent facilities, assisted living facilities, and group homes for minors, persons with disabilities and people in recovery from alcohol or drug addictions. This use classification excludes transitional housing and social service facilities.

Resorts, Group Quarters, Group Camp. Any facility, place or building for the purpose of recreational activities, which may include overnight accommodations or camp areas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Restaurant. An establishment where food and drink are prepared and served.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Retail Sales. The selling of goods or merchandise not specifically listed under another land use, to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering of services incidental to the sale of goods.

Reverse Vending Machine. An automated mechanical device which accepts one or more types of empty beverage containers and issues a cash refund or other type of redemption bonus. A reverse vending machine may sort and process containers mechanically provided that the entire process is enclosed within the machine.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Rezoning. An amendment to the map and/or text of a zoning ordinance to effect a change in the nature, density, intensity or regulation of uses allowed on a designated parcel or land area; an amendment to procedures regarding implementation of zoning regulations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Ridgeline. A relatively narrow elevation that is prominent because of the steep angle at which it rises; an elongated crest, or series of crests, with or without individual peaks, significantly higher than the adjoining ground.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Right-of-Way. See Public Right-of-Way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

School. Any institution of learning for public or private, which offers instruction in those courses of study required by the California Education Code or which is maintained pursuant to standards set by the California Board of Education. This definition includes a nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school, senior high school or any special institution of education.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

School, Commercial. Any building or part thereof which is designed, constructed or used for education or instruction in any branch of knowledge or art form for commercial purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

School, Private. Any building or group of buildings the use of which meets state requirements for elementary, secondary or higher education and which use does not secure the major part of its funding from any governmental agency.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

School, Secondary. Any school licensed by the state, authorized to award diplomas for secondary education.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

School District. A district that serves as a unit for state financing and administration of elementary and secondary schools.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Screening. A method of visually shielding or obscuring a structure or use from another by fencing, walls, berms or densely planted vegetation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Secondhand Store. Retail establishment that buys and sells used products, including books, clothing, furniture and household goods, jewelry, appliances, musical instruments, business machines and office equipment, tools, motors, machines, instruments, firearms, or any similar secondhand articles or objects.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Senior Center. An assembly building intended to provide nonresidential services for senior citizens.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Senior Citizen. Any retired person over the age of 55 or any person over the age of 62 years.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Setback, Building. The required distance between the building and any lot line. See Figure 9.195.030-1 (Setback Designations).

Setback Line. The line that establishes the area of the property within which structures or other designated uses may be erected or placed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Self-Storage. A storage facility in which individual units are rented to the public. The term includes mini-storage and mini-warehouse.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Shooting Range. An area or structure specially designed for the safe discharge and use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, silhouettes, skeet, trap, or any similar firearm for the purpose of sport shooting or military/law enforcement training.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Short-Term Rentals. A transient vacation rental or use in which overnight accommodations are provided in dwelling units to guests for compensation, for periods of less than 30 days.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sidewalk. A paved, surfaced or leveled area paralleling and usually separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sight Visibility Area. The area established in accordance with the Public Works Department Standard 81 "Intersection Sight Distance."

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Similar Use. A use that has the same characteristics as the specifically cited uses in terms of the following: trip generation and type of traffic, parking and circulation, utility demands, environmental impacts, physical space needs and clientele.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Single Family Dwelling. See Dwelling, Single Family.

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Single Housekeeping Unit. One household where all the members have common access to and common use of all living, kitchen, and eating areas within the dwelling unit, and household activities and responsibilities such as meals, chores, expenses, and maintenance of the premises are shared or carried out according to a household plan or other customary method. If all or part of the dwelling unit is rented, the lessees must jointly occupy the unit under a single rental agreement or lease, either written or verbal.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Single Room Occupancy (SRO). A residential facility containing housing units that may have individual or shared kitchen and/or bathroom facilities and are guest rooms or efficiency units as defined by the California Health and Safety Code. Each housing unit is offered on a monthly rental basis or longer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Site. A parcel of land or contiguous parcels where land alterations or activities, including grading, clearing or construction, are performed or proposed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Slope. The land gradient described as the vertical rise divided by the horizontal run and expressed in terms of percentage.

Slope percentage = Rise x 100 = % Run

Slope Ratio = Run = (x) ft run to 1 ft rise = x: 1 Rise

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Steep Slope. Land with a natural gradient of at least 25 percent (25 feet of vertical distance for every 100 feet of horizontal distance) and a vertical elevation of at least 50 feet. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Solar Farm. A solar facility which is developed for purposes of generating solar power for purchase or sale, regardless of size or scale. Power generated from such fields is supplied to an electric distribution system for use by a utility service or energy provider with electric energy for wholesale or retail sale or use. A commercial solar field can be one of several solar technologies including but not limited to concentrating solar power (CSP), photovoltaics (PV) or concentrating photovoltaics (CPV). A solar farm does not include small-scale solar systems designed to provide electricity directly to a user on the same site, where the system is designed only to service the peak energy demand of the on-site user.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Specific Adverse Impact. Has the same meaning as in Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2), which is a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions, as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete and does not include (1) inconsistency with the zoning ordinance or general plan land use designation or (2) the eligibility to claim a welfare exemption under Revenue and Taxation Code Section 214 (g).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Specific Plan. A plan for the long-range development of properties, consistent with the local general plan, regulating such things as uses permitted, density allowances, and distribution of uses and services, and including a program for the implementation of the plan.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Stable, Horse. Riding academy, or any place where horses are rented or held for rent to the public, or where such horses are stabled, kept, or maintained for a fee, or where horses are boarded or cared for by a person or persons other than their owner.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Staff. The staff of the various departments or divisions of the City of Menifee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Standard. A rule or measure establishing a level of quality or quantity that must be complied with or satisfied; requirements of this Code regarding building and development specifications such as minimum lot area, height limit, frontage, landscaping and floor area ratio.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Story. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. If the finished floor level directly above a usable or unused under-floor space is more than 6 feet above grade, as defined herein, for more than 50 percent of the total perimeter or is more than 12 feet above grade at any point, such usable or unused under-floor space shall be considered a story.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Story, First. The lowest story in a building which qualifies as a story, as defined herein, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a first story, provided such floor level is not more than 4 feet below grade for more than 50 percent of the total perimeter, or not more than 8 feet below grade at any point.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Street Improvements. Any or all concrete curbs, gutters, sidewalks, driveway approaches and drainage structures; asphalt curbs; asphalt paving; connecting pavement; and related improvements such as back–filling and preparation of the road surface to rough grade, and the placement of paving.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Street, Private. A street that has not been accepted by the City or other governmental entity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Structure. Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground, but not including fences or walls used as fences 6 feet or less in height. All buildings are structures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Structure, Accessory. A structure which is detached from the main building on a parcel or lot, the use of which is incidental to that of the primary building. An accessory structure includes but is not limited to a detached garage,  gazebo, greenhouse, storage shed, studio, pool house, cabana, barn, pole barn, stable or workshop.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Structure, temporary. A structure without a foundation which is capable of being moved.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Subdivision. The division, by any subdivider, of any unit or units of improved or unimproved land, or any portion thereof, as defined in Section 66424 of the Subdivision Map Act.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Supportive Housing. Dwelling units with no limit on the length of stay, that are occupied by the target population as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14, and that are linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, where possible, work in the community.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. 1.
   The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.
2. 2.
   Pets.
3. 3.
   The storage of possessions.
4. 4.
   Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Supportive Services. “Supportive Services” include, but are not limited to, a combination of subsidized, permanent housing, intensive case management, medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, employment services, and benefits advocacy.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Swap Meet. Any indoor or outdoor place, location, or activity where new or used goods are offered for sale or exchange to the general public by a multitude of vendors, usually in compartmentalized spaces. The term swap meet is interchangeable with and applicable to flea markets, auctions, open air markets or other similar activities, but the term does not include a supermarket, department store or typical retail operations.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Target Population. Persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health condition, or individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans and homeless people.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Temporary Use. Special events which, by their nature, are non-recurring and which continue for a limited period of time. Temporary uses may occur indoors or outdoors, on improved or unimproved property and should be consistent with the zone for that property and its uses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Terrace. A level, landscaped and/or surfaced area, also referred to as a patio, directly adjacent to a primary building at or within 3 feet of finished grade and not covered by a permanent roof.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Tot Lot. An improved and equipped play area for small children usually up to elementary school age.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Toxic Substances. Any combination of contaminants, including disease-carrying agents, that, after discharge and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation or assimilation into any organism, can cause death or disease, mutations, deformities or malfunctions in such organisms, or their offspring, and that adversely affect the environment.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Tract Map. A map showing a subdivision of five or more parcels for which a tentative and final map are required by the Subdivision Map Act, prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act, and designed to be filed for recordation in the Office of the County Recorder.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Transit. The conveyance of persons or goods from one place to another by means of a public transportation system.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Transitional Housing. Dwelling units configured as rental housing developments but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months from the beginning of assistance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Transportation Station. A place where transfer between modes of transportation takes place; a terminating point where goods are transferred from a truck to a storage area or to another form of transportation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Two Unit Development. The development of two primary units or, there is already a primary dwelling unit on the lot, the development of a second primary dwelling unit on a legally subdivided lot.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Underground Facility. Any facility or structure built completely below grade to be used for storing personal property of the property owner such as a root cellar or a wine cellar or serving as a shelter or bunker for safety purposes in the event of a disaster, either natural or man-made. No underground facility may be rented for any purpose.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Urban Lot Split. The subdivision of an existing, legally subdivided lot into two lots in accordance with the requirements of Government Code Section 66411.7 pursuant to a ministerial approval process.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Use. The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged or intended or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Use, Accessory. A use incidental to and customarily associated with a specific primary use, located on the same lot or parcel.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Use, Primary. The principal or predominant use of any lot or parcel.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Utility. See Public Utility.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Utility Services. The generation, transmission and/or distribution of electricity, gas, communications and water; the collection and treatment of sewage and solid waste; and the provision of mass transportation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Variance. A grant of relief from the requirements of this Code which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this Code.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Body Repair, Paint or Restoration. A commercial use often referred to as a body and fender shop through which damaged or wrecked vehicles are repaired or restored.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Dismantling. See Vehicle Wrecking.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Leasing and Rental. A business whose primary purpose is to provide vehicles to serve customer transportation needs. Such vehicles may include automobiles, trucks, bicycles, motorcycles, trailers and/or recreational vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Repair, Major. A facility which provides heavy repair of vehicles and/or trucks including but not limited to body and fender repair, automotive painting, transmission and/or engine rebuilding, or other repair services which include the removal of major automotive mechanical components of a vehicle.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Repair, Minor. A facility which provides light repair of vehicles and/or light trucks, including but not limited to engine tune-up, oil change, brake repair and replacement, muffler replacement, and the sale and/or installation of tires, batteries and accessories.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Sales. A facility for the display and sale of new or used automobiles, light trucks, vans, trailers or recreation vehicles and including any vehicle preparation or repair work conducted as an accessory use in designated buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Storage Lot. A parcel or parcels of land utilized for long-term or short-term vehicle storage, including cars, motorcycles, trucks, light trucks and/or recreational vehicles.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Vehicle Wrecking. The dismantling and parting out of motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage and/or sale of dismantled or wrecked motor vehicles or their parts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Veterinary Clinic. A place where animals are given medical care and where the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to the medical care.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wall. The vertical exterior surface of a building; vertical interior surfaces that divide a building’s space into rooms; fences made of block or stucco, or similar permanent material.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Warehouse. 

Fulfilment Center. Is a facility whereby a building is primarily used to receive, process, and fulfill numerous consumer orders associated with electronic commerce ("e-commerce" retailers) or similar high capacity and high frequency orders and deliveries. The use includes the indoor storage of goods, products, and similar items and is typically characterized by a high intensity and a high frequency of truck traffic and may include multiple shifts of employees. 

Warehousing, logistics and distribution facility. Means warehouse/distribution facilities used for the storage and/or consolidation of manufactured goods (and to a lesser extent, raw materials and includes bulk storage of materials, which are flammable, or explosive or create hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions) before their distribution to retail locations or other warehouses. Warehouse/distribution centers are generally having a land coverage ratio of approximately 45-60 percent, and a dock-high loading doors, could be on opposing sides of the building (cross dock facility); significant movement and storage of products, materials, or equipment; truck activities frequently outside of the peak hour of the adjacent street system; and freeway access, including: 

• Freight yards/forwarding terminals
• Warehousing distribution/high cube distribution centers
• Moving agencies
• Parcel delivery terminals
• Railroad freight stations
• Shipping/receiving yards
• Truck terminals

(2022-337, 03/16/2022) 

Effective on: 4/15/2022

Watercourse. A lake, river, creek, stream, wash, arroyo, channel or other topographic feature on or over which waters flow at least periodically. Watercourse includes specifically designated areas in which substantial flood damage may occur.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wheel Stops. Permanent devices that block the front wheels of a vehicle in a parking stall.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Yard. The open space between a lot line and the required building setback line within which no structure shall be located except as otherwise provided in this Code. Yards shall be unobstructed from the ground to sky. See Figure 9.160.030-1 (Setback Designations).

Zone. The delineation of districts and the establishment of regulations governing the use, placement, spacing and size of land and buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Zone District. A designated section of the City for which prescribed land use requirements and building and development standards are uniform.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Zoning Map. The map or maps that are a part of a zoning ordinance that delineate the boundaries of zone districts.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Animal. Except for humans, any living, breathing creature, including mammals, birds, rodents, dogs, livestock, pets, reptiles, insect, fish, horse, livestock or other non-human creature, whether wild or domestic.

Animal Hospital. A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and care.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Animal Keeping, Commercial. The keeping, breeding, caring, boarding, training, or marketing of animals for sale or for profit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Animal Keeping, Non-Commercial. The keeping, breeding, caring, boarding, training, or marketing of animals for personal use.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Animal Rescue. The care and boarding of animals at a residence for noncommercial or not for profit purposes. The number and type of animals allowed are limited to that which would otherwise be allowed as pets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Apiary. A facility for the keeping of bees.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Aviary. A facility for the keeping of birds.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Cat. A domestic cat of the species Felis catus, including its young or kittens.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Cattery. Any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, ten or more cats, four months of age or older, are kept or maintained.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Cattle. All species of bovine.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Crowing Fowl. Roosters, peacocks, turkeys, and guinea fowl.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Dog. An animal, domestic dog of the species canine of either sex, altered or unaltered, that has reached the age of four months.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Enclosure. A fence, pen or structure suitable to securely and humanely prevent the animal from escaping or the entry of unauthorized persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Horse. Animal of the Equus genus, including mule, ass, donkey, and miniatures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Kennel. Any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, five or more dogs, four months of age or older, are kept or maintained.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Non-Crowing Fowl. Poultry other than crowing fowl.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Pet. Any animal that is kept and cared for, for companionship, protection or adornment of a home. Pets shall include but not be limited to: dogs, rabbits, cats, caged homing pigeons, nonpoisonous insects, ornamental or songbirds, fish, nonpoisonous snakes under 6 feet long, domesticated hedgehogs, or small animals kept in a cage such as hamsters, lizards, white mice, domestic rodents, or reptiles. Pets shall not include horses, pigs of any type, large or small livestock, or exotic animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Petting Zoo. A collection of farm animals, such as goats, ducks, and sheep, and sometimes docile wild animals such as turtles or deer, for children to feed and pet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Pig. All species and sizes of pigs and hogs, genus Sus.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Poultry. Winged and feathered animals including, but not limited to, chickens, hens, roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Includes both crowing fowl and non-crowing fowl.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Premises. Any dwelling, parcel of land, structure, residence, building, pen, corral, enclosure, fenced yard, or dog run.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Affordable Housing. Dwelling units with a sales price or rent within the means of a low- or moderate-income household as defined by state or federal legislation. As used in this development code:

1. Very low income refers to family units/households whose annual income is 50% or less of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50105 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(B)).
2. Low income refers to family units/households whose annual income is between 50% and 80% of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(A)).
3. Moderate income refers to family units/households whose annual income is between 80% and 120% of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50093 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Affordable Housing Benefits. Means one or more of the following:

1. A density bonus pursuant to Section 9.180.060.
2. An incentive pursuant to Section 9.180.120.
3. A development standard waiver or modification pursuant to Section 9.180.150.
4. A parking standard modification pursuant to Section 9.180.160.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Affordable Housing Cost. The definition set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5 (Government Code Section 65915(c)(1)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Affordable Housing Developer. The applicant or permittee of a qualified housing development and its assignees or successors in interest.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Affordable Rent. The definition set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 50053 (Government Code Section 65915(c)(1)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Childcare Facility. A child day-care facility other than a family day-care home, including but not limited to infant centers, preschools, extended day-care facilities and school-age childcare centers (Government Code Section 65915(h)(4)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Common Interest Development. Any of the following: a community Apartment project, a condominium project, a planned development or a stock cooperative pursuant to Civil Code Section 1351(c) and Civil Code Section 4100. All common interest development units must be offered to the public for purchase (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Condominium Conversion Project. A residential project in which the applicant proposes to convert Apartment units to condominiums pursuant to Government Code Section 65915.5(a).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Concession or Incentive. Means any of the following:

1. 1.
   A reduction in site development standards or a modification of zoning code requirements or architec­tural design requirements that exceed the minimum building standards approved by the California Build­ing Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, a reduction in setback and square footage requirements and in the ratio of vehicular parking spaces that would otherwise be required that results in identifiable and actual cost reductions, to provide for affordable hous­ing costs, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in Government Code Section 65915(c).
2. 2.
   Approval of mixed-use zoning in conjunction with the housing project if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will reduce the cost of the housing development and if the commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses are compatible with the housing project and the existing or planned development in the area where the proposed housing project will be located.
3. 3.
   Other regulatory incentives or concessions pro­posed by the developer or the city, county, or city and county that result in identifiable and actual cost reduc­tions to provide for affordable housing costs, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in Government Code Section 65915(c).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Density Bonus. A density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable gross residential density as of the date of ap­plication by the applicant to the city, if elected by the applicant, a lesser percent­age of density increase, including, but not limited to, no increase in density. The amount of density increase to which the applicant is entitled shall vary according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing units exceeds the percentage as mandated by Government Code Section 65915(b).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Density Bonus Units. Dwelling units granted pursuant to Section 9.180.030 which exceed the otherwise maximum allowable residential density.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Development Standard. A site or construction condition, including but not limited to a height limitation, a setback requirement, a floor area ratio, an on-site open-space requirement or a parking ratio, that applies to a residential development pursuant to the Development Code, the General Plan or other City condition, law, policy, resolution or regulation (Government Code Section 65915(o)(1)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Housing Development. A development project of five or more residential units, including mixed-use developments. A subdivision or common interest development that is approved by the city and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots, and either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing commercial building to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multi-family dwelling where the result of the rehabilitation would be a net increase in available residential units (Government Code Section 65915(i)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Incentive. Means “incentives and concessions” as that phrase is used in Government Code Section 65915.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Located within one-half mile of a major transit stop. Any point on a proposed development, for which an applicant seeks a density bonus, other incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions of development standards, or a vehicular parking ratio pursuant to this chapter, is within one-half mile of any point on the property on which a major transit stop is located, including any parking lot owned by the transit authority or other local agency operating the major transit stop.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Lower Income Student. A student who has a household income and asset level that does not exceed the level for Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award recipients as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of Section 69432.7 of the Education Code. The eligibility of a student to occupy a unit for lower income students under this section shall be verified by an affidavit, award letter, or letter of eligibility provided by the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled or by the California Student Aid Commission that the student receives or is eligible for financial aid, including an institutional grant or fee waiver from the college or university, the California Student Aid Commission, or the federal government.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Major Transit Stop. Has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Market-Rate Unit. A dwelling unit that is not an affordable unit.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Maximum Allowable Residential Density. The density allowed under the Development Code, specific plan, or the Land Use Element of the General Plan, or if a range of density is permitted, the greatest number of units allowed by the specific zoning range, specific plan, or Land Use Element of the General Plan applicable to the project. Density shall be determined using dwelling units per acre. However, if the applicable zoning ordinance, specific plan, or Land Use Element of the General Plan does not provide a dwelling-units-per-acre standard for density, then the local agency shall calculate the number of units by:

1. 1.
   Estimating the realistic development capacity of the site based on the objective development standards applicable to the project, including, but not limited to, floor area ratio, site coverage, maximum building height and number of stories, building setbacks and step backs, public and private open space requirements, minimum percentage or square footage of any nonresidential component, and parking requirements, unless not required for the base project. Parking requirements shall include considerations regarding number of spaces, location, design, type, and circulation. A developer may provide a base density study and the City shall accept it, provided that it includes all applicable objective development standards.
2. 2.
   Maintaining the same average unit size and other project details relevant to the base density study, excepting those that may be modified by waiver or concession to accommodate the bonus units, in the proposed project as in the study(Government Code Section 65915(o)(6)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Minimum Affordable Housing Component. A housing development project that includes a minimum of any of the following:

1. Very Low-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 5% of the total units for very low-income household residents (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(B)); or
2. Low-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 10% of the total units for low-income households (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(A)); or
3. Moderate-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 10% of the total dwelling units in a common interest development for moderate-income households (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Other Incentives of Equivalent Financial Value. The reduction or waiver of requirements which the City might otherwise apply as conditions of condominium conversion approval, but shall not be construed to require the City to provide cash transfer payments or other monetary compensation (Government Code Section 65915.5(c)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Qualified Housing Development. A housing development that meets the requirements of Section 9.180.030 for density bonus.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Qualified Land. Land offered for donation in accordance with Section 9.180.110 that meets the criteria set forth in Subsection 9.180.110.A.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Senior Citizen Housing Development. A residential development that is developed, substantially rehabilitated or substantially renovated for senior citizens and that has at least 35 senior citizen housing development units (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(C)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Senior Citizen Housing Development Unit. A residential dwelling unit in a senior citizen housing development that is available to, and occupied by, a senior citizen as defined in Civil Code Section 51.3.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Shared Housing Building. A residential or mixed-use structure, with five or more shared housing units and one or more common kitchens and dining areas designed for permanent residence of more than 30 days by its tenants. The kitchens and dining areas within the shared housing building shall be able to adequately accommodate all residents. If a local ordinance further restricts the attributes of a shared housing building beyond the requirements established in this section, the local definition shall apply to the extent that it does not conflict with the requirements of Government Code Section 65915(o)(7).

1. A.
   A “shared housing building” may include other dwelling units that are not shared housing units, provided that those dwelling units do not occupy more than 25 percent of the floor area of the shared housing building. A shared housing building may include 100 percent shared housing units.
2. B.
   A “shared housing building” may include incidental commercial uses, provided that those commercial uses are otherwise allowable and are located only on the ground floor or the level of the shared housing building closest to the street or sidewalk of the shared housing building.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Shared Housing Unit. One or more habitable rooms, not within another dwelling unit, that includes a bathroom, sink, refrigerator, and microwave, is used for permanent residence, that meets the “minimum room area” specified in Section R304 of the California Residential Code (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), and complies with the definition of “guestroom” in Section R202 of the California Residential Code.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024) 

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Specific, Adverse Impact. A significant, quantifiable, direct and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies or conditions as they existed on the date the application for the housing development was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the development code or General Plan land use designation shall not constitute a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety (Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2)).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Total Units and Total Dwelling Units. A calculation of the number of units that:

1. 1.
   Excludes a unit added by a density bonus awarded pursuant to the Development Code granting a greater density bonus.
2. 2.
   Includes a unit designated to satisfy an inclusionary zoning requirement of the city.

For purposes of calculating a density bonus granted pursuant to this section for a shared housing building, “unit” means one shared housing unit and its pro rata share of associated common area facilities.(Government Code Section 65915(o)(8)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Hookah. A glass or metal water pipe usually decorated and shaped somewhat like a bottle or small tank, with a long, flexible cord pipe. Also known as shisha, nargile, hubble bubble, nag and turkish water pipe.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Hookah Lounge. An area of a commercial establishment, whether enclosed, indoor or outdoor, designated specifically for the use of hookahs, but does not include private use of hookahs in personal residences if otherwise in compliance with applicable law.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Indoor Cultivation. Cannabis cultivation for personal, non-medicinal use within an individual’s private residence, or within an accessory structure that is fully enclosed and secure.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis. Any or all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or Cannibus rueralis, or other variations that contain the psychotropic compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whether growing or not; the seed thereof; the resin or separated resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin, including cannabis infused in foodstuff or any other ingestible or consumable product containing cannabis. The term cannabis shall also include “medical cannabis” as such phrase is used in the August 2008 Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical Use, as may be amended from time to time, that was issued by the office of the Attorney General for the State of California or subject to the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 (Compassionate Use Act of 1996) or California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.7 through 11362.85 (Medical Marijuana Program).

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Marijuana Cafe. An area of a commercial establishment, whether enclosed, indoor or outdoor, designated specifically for the use of cannabis, but does not include private use of cannabis in personal residences if otherwise in compliance with applicable law.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Cultivation. Growing, planting, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, trimming or processing of cannabis. The term cannabis cultivation shall also include “mobile cultivation,” that being the cultivation of cannabis within a movable conveyance such as a vehicle, truck, trailer, recreational vehicle, mobile home or other such mobile device.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Dispensary. Any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where cannabis is made available to or distributed by or distributed to any individual.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Processing. Any method used to prepare cannabis or its byproducts for commercial retail and/or wholesale, including but not limited to drying, cleaning, curing, packaging and extraction of active ingredients to create cannabis-related products and concentrates. Further, cannabis processing shall include cannabis byproducts created at another location and transported to a site to be used as an additive in another product.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Medical Cannabis Dispensary. Any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where medical cannabis is made available to or distributed by or distributed to one or more of the following: a primary caregiver, a qualified patient, or a patient with an identification card. All three terms are identified in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.4 et seq. A medical cannabis dispensary shall not include the following uses, as long as the location of such uses is otherwise regulated by this code or applicable law: A clinic licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a healthcare facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential hospice or a home health agency licensed pursuant to Chapter 8 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, as long as such uses comply strictly with applicable law, including but not limited to, Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Mobile Cannabis Dispensary. Any clinic, cooperative, club, business or group which transports or delivers, or arranges the transportation or delivery of, cannabis to a person for either personal, recreational or medical use.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Abandoned Sign. A sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal, existing business establishment, product or activity on or off the site where such sign is displayed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Address Sign. A sign that displays the address of a residence, business and/or property and that contains no advertising.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A-Frame Sign. A freestanding portable sign usually hinged or attached at the top and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A".

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Animated Sign. Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting, including reflective lighting, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Attached Sign. Any sign or advertising device which is permanently affixed to a structure or building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Automobile Center. A location at which new and/or used automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles or other similar motorized transportation vehicles are leased and/or sold on site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Awning Sign. Any sign or graphic attached to, painted on or applied to an awning or canopy.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Backlit Channel Letter Sign. A type of sign utilizing opaque channel letters with an open back. Backlit channel letters contain the only source of light that projects such light onto the background against which the channel letters are silhouetted. Also known as a halo sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Balloon. Any mobile device that is inflated with gaseous materials and is used for the purpose of attracting attention, whether or not it contains a written or graphic message.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Banner Sign. Any cloth bunting, plastic, paper, fabric or similar material attached to or pinned on or from any structure, used for the purposes of advertising a business, organization, service, product or event. Flags and flag signs shall not be considered banners.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Billboard. A freestanding off-site sign which advertises a name, place, product, service or any other subject not related to the property or use of the property on which it is located. Also see "off-site sign."

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Blade Sign. Any sign, other than a wall or projecting sign, which hangs from a building and extends perpendicular from the face of a building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Business Directory. A sign identifying the location of occupants of a building or a group of buildings which are divided into rooms or suites used as separate offices, studios or shops.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Business Frontage. That portion of a business facade which encloses an individual tenant and/or business fronting on either a public street, common use parking area, pedestrian area or driveway, excluding alleys.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Can Sign. A type of wall sign that utilizes a cabinet or similar enclosure affixed to a wall, and typically has a replaceable lens or sign face. Also known as a lens sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Channel Letter Sign. A sign utilizing individual letters and/or numbers that protrude away from the wall or structure on which the letters and/or numbers are individually mounted.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Common Use Parking Area. An on-site parking lot to which a business has access for providing parking for its tenants and customers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Construction Sign. A temporary sign containing information pertaining to the development on the site where the sign is located, which may include the name of the project, the developer, contractor, architect, financing source, future occupants or other information directly related to the development.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Copy. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Customary Maintenance. The replacing or repairing of a part or portion of a sign necessitated by ordinary wear and tear, or the reprinting of existing copy without changing the wording, composition or color of said copy.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Detached Sign. See “freestanding sign.”

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Directional Sign, On-Site. Any on-site sign which is designed, erected and maintained to serve as public convenience in directing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, but not used for the purpose of advertising uses or activities on the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Double-Faced Sign. A single structure designed with the intent of displaying copy on two sides.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Drive-Up Menu Board. A sign identifying the food items sold on the site. May include means to order the food from a vehicle to be picked up at a drive-up window.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Electronic Display Sign. Any sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a series of lights, but not including time and temperature displays.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Exposed Raceway. An enclosure or conduit that is used to conceal wiring for a lighted sign and is visible from any elevation, typically located between the sign and the building to which the sign is attached.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Externally Lighted Sign. A sign whose illumination is arranged so that the light is reflected from the sign to the eyes of the viewer.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Finished Grade. The established finished grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating a sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Flag. A visual device with no commercial copy, usually rectangular in shape and made of a cloth material suspended by, or attached to, a pole or post and that may be raised or lowered.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Flag Sign. A visual display device with commercial copy, usually rectangular in shape and made of a cloth material suspended by, or attached to, a post or pole and may be raised and lowered.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Flashing Sign. Any electric sign which intermittently flashes on and off, changes in intensity or creates the illusion of flashing in any manner.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Freestanding Sign. A sign which is supported by one or more braces, poles, posts or other similar structural components that are placed on or anchored in the ground and are not attached to a building or buildings. Freestanding signs include monument and pole signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Freeway-Oriented Sign. Any sign whose primary purpose is to identify the business to motorists on the freeway.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Freeway-Visible Sign. Any sign that may be visible from the freeway, but whose primary purpose is not to be freeway-oriented.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Frontage. That part of a building or a site that fronts on a street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Garage Sale Sign. A temporary sign for the purpose of advertising a garage sale.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Grand Opening Sign. A temporary promotional sign used by newly established businesses to inform the public of their new location and service. "Grand opening" does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by a business.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Human Sign. Any person wearing, carrying and/or moving a sign, or functioning as a sign, to attract the attention of motorists or pedestrians to a business, product or event. Human signs include, but are not limited to, sign spinners and costumed humans.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Illegal Sign. Any sign not authorized or permitted by this chapter, or a sign erected without first obtaining the required approval or for which the required permit has expired or been revoked.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Internal Directional Sign. A sign placed on private property that serves solely to guide or designate the location or direction to any place or area on that property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Internally Lighted Sign. A sign whose illumination is entirely within the sign, making the contents of the sign visible at night by means of a light being transmitted through translucent or semi-translucent material, but with the source of the illumination itself not being visible.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Kiosk. A freestanding round or multiple-sided structure whose main purpose is to display signs or information.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Logo. A trademark or symbol of an organization which is registered with the federal or state government and consistently used in conducting the business activities of said organization.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Marquee. A permanent structure that is typically attached to and supported by a building and that projects beyond the building wall and usually uses changeable copy.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Master Sign Program. A specific set of design standards established for the purpose of unifying a variety of signs associated with a multitenant or multiuse project, building or complex of buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Model Home Sign. Signs advertising or related to a model home complex.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Monument Sign. A freestanding sign mounted on or within a base, above grade, which is detached from any building, where the sign structure is not narrower than the display surface of the sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mural, Commercial. A display or illustration painted on a building or wall intended to advertise a product, service or business.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Mural, Noncommercial. A hand-produced work of visual art that is tiled or painted directly upon, or affixed directly to, a building or wall and that is not intended to advertise a product, service or business. Does not include mechanically produced or computer-generated prints or images, including but not limited to digitally printed vinyl, murals containing electrical or mechanical components, or changing image murals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Neon-Style Sign. A sign that, in part or in full, is made of lighting that utilizes neon or other gases in translucent tubing, or other lighting that has a similar look.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Off-Site Sign. A sign which advertises or directs attention to a person, establishment, merchandise, business, service, event or entertainment which is not located, sold, produced, manufactured, provided or furnished on the site, parcel and/or lot where the sign is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

On-Site Sign. A sign which advertises or directs attention to a person, establishment, merchandise, business, service, event or entertainment which is located, sold, produced, manufactured, provided or furnished on the site, parcel and/or lot where the sign is located.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Pole Sign. A freestanding sign directly supported by a sign structure consisting of poles, posts or braces or other similar components that is narrower than the display surface of the sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Portable Sign. A sign that is easily transported and not permanently fixed to a building, permanent structure, fixture or the ground and that is usually displayed in front of the business. Portable signs do not include banner signs, grand opening signs or real estate signs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Projecting Sign. A sign, other than a wall sign, that projects more than 12 inches from, and is supported by, the wall to which it is affixed, and does not project above the wall to which it is attached.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Pylon Sign. A freestanding sign, usually double-faced, mounted on one or two supports above ground level, also referred to as a pole sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Real Estate Sign. A sign indicating that the site or building is for sale, lease or rent.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Regional Center. A retail or business center exceeding 20 acres in overall project area and containing more than 200,000 square feet in building area.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Retail, Primary Establishment. A retail tenant of a multi-tenant center that serves as a primary attractor of customers to the center and has a larger lease space than other tenants in the center, as determined by the Community Development Director.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Retail, Sub-Establishment. A retail tenant of a multi-tenant center that is not a "retail, primary establishment," as defined in this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Roof Sign. Any sign which is erected, constructed or maintained on or above a roof system, plate-line, roof-line or parapet of any building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Service Station Sign. Signage that is utilized to identify or advertise the sale of gas for motor vehicles. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sign. Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, that is used to identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sign Area. The entire area of a sign face, including the nonstructural perimeter trim, but excluding structures or uprights on which the sign is supported, unless such supports or uprights are designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Subdivision Directional Sign. A sign consisting of the name of a subdivision and a directional arrow that directs people to a new residential subdivision.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Subdivision Sign. A sign advertising or identifying a residential subdivision.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Temporary Sign. Any sign that is intended to be displayed for a short duration of time, that is not permanently mounted and that is not intended for permanent display. Includes, but is not limited to, noncommercial murals, human signs, signs held by hand and signs personally attended to.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Unmaintained Sign. A sign that is not maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including, but not limited to, replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for proper sign maintenance. Signs which are faded, tattered and/or torn shall be considered unmaintained.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wall Sign. Any sign which is attached to, painted on or erected upon the exterior wall of a building or structure including the parapet, with the display surface of the sign parallel to the building wall.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Window Sign. Any sign painted, attached, glued or otherwise affixed to the interior or exterior surfaces of a window or located within 5 feet of the interior side of a window for the primary purpose of being visible from the exterior of the building.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wind-Driven Sign. A single or series of pennants or other similar objects which are fastened together at intervals by wire, rope, cord, string or by any other means and which are designed to move and attract attention upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze. Certain flags and flag signs may not be considered a wind-driven sign.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A-Weighted Decibel (dBA). The standard A-weighted frequency response of a sound level meter, which de-emphasizes low and high frequencies of sound in a manner similar to the human ear for moderate sounds.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Audio Equipment. A television, stereo, radio, tape player, compact disc player, MP3 player, iPod, music equipment/instrument or other similar device.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Decibel (dB). A unit for measuring the relative amplitude of a sound equal approximately to the smallest difference normally detectable by the human ear, the range of which includes approximately 130 decibels on a scale beginning with zero decibels for the faintest detectable sound. Decibels are measured with a sound level meter using different methodologies as defined below.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Equivalent Continuous Noise Level (Leq). The noise level energy averaged over the measurement period. For example, a 10-minute Leq would be averaged over a 10-minute period.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Motor Vehicle Sound System. A television, stereo, radio, tape player, compact disc player, MP3 player, iPod, music equipment/ instrument or another similar device attached to or installed within the vehicle.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Noise. Any loud, discordant or disagreeable sound.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Occupied Property. Property upon which is located a residence, business or industrial or manufacturing use. Property where a residential, commercial, business, industrial, manufacturing or storage activity is taking place.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Off-Highway Vehicle. A motor vehicle as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 38006, including without limitation off-highway motorcycle, sand buggy, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle or jeep.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sensitive Receptor. A living organism or land use that is identified as sensitive to noise in the Noise Element of the City's General Plan, including, but not limited to, residences, schools, hospitals, churches, rest homes, cemeteries or public libraries.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sound-Amplifying Equipment. A loudspeaker, microphone, megaphone or other similar device.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sound-Generating Equipment. A musical instrument/device, motor, generator or other mechanical equipment or device capable of generating sound not otherwise defined herein.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Sound Level Meter. An instrument meeting the standards of the American National Standards Institute for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters or an instrument that provides equivalent data.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Antenna. A device used for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals; does not include a satellite dish or antenna.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Antenna Structure. An antenna and its associated support structure, such as a monopole or tower.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Electric Utility Tower. A structure that supports, holds or contains wires that transfer electricity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Eligible Facilities Request. A request to modify an existing tower or base-station that, within the meaning of the Spectrum Act, does not substantially change the physical dimensions of that tower or base station, and involves (a) the collocation of new transmission equipment, (b) the removal of transmission equipment, or (c) the replacement of transmission equipment.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025) 

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Equipment Enclosure. Any freestanding or mounted structure, shelter, cabinet or vault used to house and protect the electronic and supporting equipment necessary for processing wireless communication signals. Supporting equipment includes, but is not limited to, air conditioners and emergency generators and other backup power suppliers.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Fixed Wireless Telecommunication Facility. An un-staffed facility for the transmission or reception of wireless telecommunications services, commonly consisting of an antenna array, connection cables, a support structure to achieve the necessary elevation, and an equipment facility or subterranean vault to house accessory equipment that may include cabinets, pedestals, shelters and similar protective structures.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025) 

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Monopole. A vertical, unguyed structure erected on the ground to support an antenna.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Support Facility. Equipment and structures constructed in support of wireless communication or antenna structures. Support facilities may include, but are not limited to vaults, equipment rooms, utilities and equipment enclosures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Tower. A structure that supports, holds or contains equipment that sends and/or receives wireless communication signals, including, but not limited to, antennas.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wireless Communication Service Provider. The private entity that is responsible for providing wireless communication to the general public or that owns or operates a wireless communication facility. Includes a company which owns the facilities and leases them to a wireless communication service provider. Shall also mean “telecommunication service provider.”

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities that send and/or receive personal wireless communication signals, including, but not limited, to antennas, microwave dishes or horns, antenna structures, towers, equipment enclosures and the land upon which they are all situated, but not including satellite antennas. Wireless communication facilities are classified as follows:

1. Concealed Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities blended into the environment so as not to be seen at all or, if seen, not to be recognized as wireless communication facilities; also called “stealth.” Concealed wireless communication facilities include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted facilities, facade-mounted design feature facilities, clock tower facilities and entry statement signage facilities.
2. Disguised Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities designed and sited so as to be minimally visually intrusive. Disguised wireless communication facilities include, but are not limited to, disguised palm trees (monopalms), disguised pine trees (monopines), disguised ball field light poles, disguised water towers, disguised streetlights, disguised electric utility poles, suspended wire antennas and painted poles located within a grove of live trees.
3. Co-located Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities owned by one wireless communication service provider that are attached to facilities owned by a different wireless communication service provider or facilities owned by another utility, such as an electric utility tower.
4. Other Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities that are not concealed, disguised or co-located.
5. Small Cell Telecommunication Facility. An unstaffed facility, excluding a satellite dish antenna, that consists of a base station which provides wireless device, data and/or image transmission within a designated service area ad may consist of a low-powered access node with no more than five watts of transmitter output power per antenna channel, and may not be larger than a maximum height of three feet and a maximum width of two feet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Small. A facility that houses six or fewer persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Large. A facility that houses seven or more persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Single Family, Attached. A dwelling unit designed for occupancy by one household, located on a single lot and typically grouped together with similar units. They may be attached through vertical party wall(s) to one or more dwellings on abutting lots or may be joined by carports or garages.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Single Family, Detached. A dwelling unit designed for occupancy by one household and located on a separate lot from any other dwelling, except permitted accessory dwelling units. This classification includes individual manufactured housing units installed on a foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the California Health and Safety Code

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Duplex. A single building on a lot that contains two dwelling units or two single-unit dwellings on the same lot. Duplex does not include a single family dwelling with an accessory dwelling unit on the same lot, which is an accessory residential unit as defined by State law and this Title (see Accessory Dwelling Unit).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Multiple Family. A single building on a lot that contains three or more dwelling units or three or more single-unit dwellings on the same lot, or any combination thereof.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Small. The occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for up to eight or fewer children, when specific conditions are met in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Large. The occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for between nine and up to 14 children, when specific conditions are met in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Small. A facility that houses six or fewer persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Large. A facility that houses seven or more persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Home Occupation. Related activities to the home-operated business that are conducted entirely within the residence. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Home-Based Business. Related activities to the home-operated business may be conducted outside or within a partially enclosed structure.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Hospital. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical services for sick or injured persons primarily on an in-patient basis, and including ancillary facilities for outpatient and emergency treatment, diagnostic services, training, research, administration, and services to patients, employees, or visitors.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Clinic. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical service for sick or injured persons exclusively on an out-patient basis including emergency treatment, diagnostic services, administration, and related services to patients who are not lodged overnight. Services may be available without a prior appointment. This classification includes licensed facilities such as blood banks and plasma centers, and emergency medical services offered exclusively on an out-patient basis. This classification does not include private medical and dental offices that typically require appointments and are usually smaller scale. This classification includes substance abuse treatment and recovery programs which are not residential in nature and which exclusively administer counseling services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Substance Abuse Treatment Clinic. A non-residential facility that administers medication, or supervises the self-administration of medication, for substance abuse treatment.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Corner. A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than 135 degrees.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Flag. A lot which utilizes a narrow strip as its means of providing frontage on a street and/or providing access to the lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Interior (Typical). A lot other than a corner lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Reverse Corner Lot. A lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Substandard. A parcel of land that has less than the required minimum area or dimensions.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Through. A lot that fronts upon two streets that do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Front. The lot line parallel to the street. On a corner lot, the shorter lot line abutting a street or the line designated as the front lot line by a subdivision or parcel map. On a flag lot, the interior lot line most parallel to the nearest street from which access is obtained.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Interior. A lot line which does not abut a street.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Rear. The lot line which intersects a side lot line and which is most distant from and most closely parallel to the front lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Side. Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Handcraft Manufacturing. On-site production, within an enclosed structure, of goods by hand manufacturing that involves the use of hand-tools and small-scale, light mechanical equipment (e.g., drills and saws; hammers and chisels; paint brushes and sprayers; pottery wheels and kilns; sewing machines; spinning wheels; welding) and that has no negative external impacts on surrounding properties. Handcraft manufacturing also includes the incidental direct sale to consumers of those goods produced on-site. Handcraft manufacturing does not include specialized retail uses (see Retail, Specialized).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Light-Intensity Manufacturing. The manufacturing, assembling, processing, storage or packaging of products, including:

1. The manufacturing of electric and electronic circuits and instruments and devices, such as, but not limited to, radio and television, phonographic equipment, calculators, computers, semi-conductors and transistors, and similar uses.
2. The manufacturing, assembly, processing, storage, or packaging of products from previously prepared materials such as, but not limited to, cloth plastic, paper, leather, and precious or semi-precious metals or stones.
3. The manufacturing of pharmaceutical products.

Light-intensity manufacturing does not include such operations as saw and planing mills, any manufacturing uses involving primary production of wood, metal or chemical products from raw materials and similar uses, uses involving the manufacturing, processing, storage or packaging of petroleum, and heavy agricultural products or other hazardous materials, or vehicle-dismantling yards, scrap and waste yards.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Medium-Intensity Manufacturing. Any manufacturing, storage, and distribution that does not include hazardous wastes or result in large truck usage/parking on the site.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Heavy-Intensity Manufacturing. The manufacturing, assembly, processing, storage, or packaging of products involving chemicals, petroleum, and heavy agricultural products or other hazardous materials.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Small. A facility providing care for six or fewer persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Large. A facility providing care for more than six persons.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Elderly. A housing arrangement chosen voluntarily by the resident or by the resident’s guardian, conservator or other responsible person; where residents are 60 years of age or older; and where varying levels of care and supervision are provided as agreed to at the time of admission or as determined necessary at subsequent times of reappraisal. This classification includes continuing care retirement communities and life care communities licensed for residential care by the State of California.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

General. Retail establishments that sell goods or merchandise to the general public for profit. General retail stores may include specialized retail stores (see Retail, Specialized) but does not include adult businesses, medical marijuana dispensaries, or secondhand stores.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Specialized. Retail establishments that sell goods or merchandise to the general public for profit but that are focused exclusively on a limited line of related products. Examples include, but are not limited to, bicycle shops, flower shops, book stores, music stores, gift shops, etc.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Front. The required distance between the building and the front lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Rear. The required distance between the building and the rear lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Side. The required distance between the building and the interior side lot line.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Street Side. The required distance between the building and the side lot line adjacent to a public right-of-way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Front. A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the side lot lines and between the front lot line and the front setback line. The front lot line shall be deemed to be the existing nearest right-of-way line of the abutting street, road or highway, unless a different right-of-way line for future use shall have been precisely fixed by law or ordinance, or by formal action of the City Council pursuant to law or ordinance, in which event the front lot line shall be deemed to be such different right-of-way line. In the event of multiple adjacent rights-of-way in residential zones, the front of the lot shall be that portion of the lot adjacent to the lowest classification of roadway as established in the General Plan Circulation Element. For all other land use districts, the front of a lot with multiple adjacent rights-of-way shall be that portion of the lot adjacent to the highest classification of roadway as established in the General Plan Circulation Element (unless otherwise established by the General Plan). In the event that more than one adjacent right-of-way are of the same classification, building orientation shall determine the front yard in all zones.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Rear. A yard extending across the full width of the lot between the side lot lines and measured between the rear lot line and the rear setback line. Where a rear yard abuts a street, it shall meet the front yard requirements of the district.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Side. That portion of a lot adjacent to a property line that is not a front or rear yard as defined herein.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Street Side. A side yard adjacent to a public right-of-way.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Small. Pygmy goats, potbelly pigs, poultry, rabbits, domestic dogs and cats and other comparably sized animals distinguished from those defined as medium or large animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Medium. Swine, pygmy horses, goats, sheep and other comparably sized animals distinguished from those defined as small or large animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Large. Horses, cows and other animals so categorized by their size, weight and/or appearance to be large animals.

Effective on: 1/1/1901