Oxford City Zoning Code
CHAPTER 1159
Definitions
1159.01 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY.
For the purposes of this Zoning Code, the following definitions for certain terms or words used herein shall be used in the interpretation of the provisions of this Zoning Code. Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense; the singular number shall include the plural and the plural the singular; the word “person” shall include a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust company or corporation; the words “used or occupied” include the words “intended, designed or arranged to be used or occupied”. The word “shall” or “will” is mandatory; and the word “may” is permissive. Any other words used and not defined herein shall be construed as having the commonly accepted meaning as defined in a standard dictionary.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.02 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “A”).
(1) ACCESS - A way or means of approach to provide vehicular or pedestrian physical entrance to a property from a public right-of-way.
(2) ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE - A structure detached from a principal building located on the same lot and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or use. Such as fences, garages, and parking spaces.
(3) ACCESSORY USE - A use that is incidental to the principal use of the building or lot.
(4) ACREAGE, NET - Land area remaining after deductions are made for, including streets, easements for access, street dedications, and similar areas.
(5) ADDITION - Any extension or enlargement of a structure that results in additional square foot area.
(6) ADULT ENTERTAINMENT USE - An establishment consisting of, including, or having characteristics of any or all of the following:
A. ADULT BOOKSTORE - An establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade books, magazines, publications, tapes, or films that are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to sexual activities or anatomical genital areas.
B. ADULT CABARET
1. An establishment devoted to adult entertainment devoted to adult entertainment, either with or without a liquor license, presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to sexual activities or anatomical genital areas;
2. A cabaret that features topless dancers, go-go dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers for observation by patrons.
C. ADULT MINI MOTION PICTURE THEATER - An enclosed building with a capacity for less than fifty persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to sexual activities or anatomical genital areas.
D. ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER - An enclosed building with a capacity for fifty or more persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to sexual activities or anatomical areas.
E. ADULT PARAPHERNALIA STORE - An establishment having as a significant portion of its stock in trade, mechanical and/or non-mechanical devices which are distinguished or characterized by their intended use for sexual arousal and / or massage of “specific anatomical areas,” as herein defined.
(7) AFFORDABLE HOUSING - Housing with purchase values or rent costs that are less than thirty percent (30%) of the annual household income of a household with an annual income eighty percent (80%) or less of the median income for Butler County as defined on the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s annually published tables.
(8) AGRICULTURE - The use of land for farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture or animal or poultry husbandry and the necessary accessory uses for packing, treating or storing the produce, provided that the operation of any such accessory use is secondary to that of normal agricultural activities and provided, further, that the uses do not include the commercial feeding of garbage or offal to swine or other animals.
(9) AISLE - That portion of the off-street parking and loading area that provides access to parking, cueing or loading spaces, exclusive of driveways and parking and loading spaces. Minimum aisle width to serve a loading space shall be 15 feet.
(10) ALLEY - A service, space, or roadway providing a secondary means of public access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.
(11) ALTERATION - Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, or interior partitions, as well as any change in doors, windows, means of ingress or egress, or any enlargement to or diminution of a building or structure, whether horizontally or vertically, or the moving of a building or structure from one location to another.
(12) AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) - An act to establish a clear and comprehensive prohibition of discrimination on the basis of disability.
(13) AMUSEMENT ARCADE - A building or part of a building in which five or more pinball machines, video games, or other similar player-operated amusement devices are maintained.
(14) ANIMAL HOSPITAL/CLINIC - A building with necessary appurtenances, for the treatment of and/or temporary occupancy of ailing animals.
(15) ANTENNA - Any panel (directional antenna), whip or rod (omni-directional antenna), dish or disc (parabolic antenna), or other similar, devices used for communications through the sending and /or receiving of electromagnetic waves. The definition of antenna does not include any support structure other than mounting brackets.
(16) APARTMENT - A dwelling unit in a multi-family building, complex, duplex, or tri-plex. (also see “dwelling”).
(17) AQUIFER - A geologic formation, group of geologic formations, or a portion of a geologic formation capable of yielding ground water to wells or springs.
(18) AQUIFER RECHARGE AREA - An area that has soils and geological features conducive to allowing significant amounts of surface water to percolate into the groundwater.
(19) AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION - Any building, land area, or other premises, or portion thereof, used for the retail dispensing or sales of vehicular fuels; servicing and repair of automobiles; and including as an accessory use the sale and installation of lubricants, tires, batteries, and similar vehicle accessories.
(20) AUTOMOBILE OR CAR WASH - Any building or premises or portions thereof used for washing vehicles.
(21) AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR SERVICES & GARAGES - Establishments primarily engaged in furnishing automotive repair, rental leasing, and parking services to the general public.
(22) AUTOMOBILE SALES - The display or sale of new or used passenger motor vehicles, motorcycles or trucks and where no repair work is done except minor incidental repair of passenger motor vehicles, trucks, or motorcycles to be displayed and sold on the premises.
(23) AUTOMOTIVE WRECKING - The dismantling or wrecking or used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
(24) AWNING - A shelter supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.03 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “B”).
(1) BANK - A building, or part of a building, used principally for the deposit and withdrawal of money and other financial transactions.
(2) BASEMENT - The portion of a building which is partly underground and which has one-half or more of its ceiling height above the average finished grade of the ground adjoining the building.
(3) BED & BREAKFAST -A principal use/building, sometimes the primary residence of the owner, where sleeping accommodations are offered for compensation, with or without meals, to transients occupying a room or rooms.
(4) BLOCK - A tract of land bordered on all sides by a street, or by one or more streets and a railroad right-of-way, stream, river or un-subdivided acreage.
(5) BUILDING - Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind.
(6) BUILDING, ACCESSORY - Building Height:
A. The vertical distance from the average elevation of the finished grade along the front of the building to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between the eaves and the ridge for gable, hip or gambrel roofs.
B. When referring to a telecommunications tower or steeple, sign, or other structure, the distance measured from the ground level or the structure's point of attachment (such as the roof for a residential TV antenna) to the highest point on the tower or other structure even if said highest point is an antenna.
(7) BUILDING HEIGHT - The vertical distance from the average elevation of the finished grade along the front of the building to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between the eaves and the ridge for gable, hip or gambrel roofs.
(8) BUILDING LINE - A line parallel to the street right-of-way line at any story level of a building and representing the distance which all or any part of the building is to be set back from said right-of-way property line.
(9) BUILDING, MAIN - A building in which the principal use of the site is conducted.
(10) BUILDING PERMIT - A document certifying that the plans reviewed conform to the requirements of the Building Code.
(11) BUILDING, TEMPORARY - A building used temporarily for the storage of construction materials and equipment incidental and necessary to on-site permitted construction of utilities, or other community facilities, or used temporarily in conjunction with the sale of property within a subdivision under construction.
(12) BUSINESS - Retail, wholesale, and service establishments which cater to the community needs for goods and services.
A. Retail Business: The sale of products directly to the consumer for personal, household or farm use including restaurants.
B. Wholesale Business: The sale of products to retailers or to institutional, industrial, commercial and professional users.
C. Personal Service: Any enterprise conducted for gain which primarily offers services to the general public including, but not limited to, shoe repair, barbershop, beauty parlor, or doctor's office.
D. Business Services: Any activity conducted for gain which renders services primarily to other commercial or industrial enterprises, or which services and repairs appliances and machines used in homes or businesses.
(13) BUSINESS INCUBATOR: - An organization designed to accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial companies through an array of business support resources and services that could include physical space, capital, coaching, common services and networking connections.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.04 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “C”).
(1) CATERING - The supplying of prepared food, to be sold, served and consumed on premises other than those where food is prepared.
(2) CELLAR - A space with less than one-half of its floor-to-ceiling height above the average finished grade of the adjoining ground or with a floor-to-ceiling height of less than six and a half feet.
(3) CELLULAR COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES - Personal communications accessed by means of cellular equipment and services.
(4) CEMETERY - Property used for the interring of the dead, associated chapels, mausoleums, and landscaping features.
(5) CHILD DAY CARE TYPES
A. Child Day Care: Administering to the needs of infants, toddlers, preschool children and school children outside of school hours by persons other than their parents or guardians, custodians or relatives by blood, marriage, or adoption, for any part of the 24-hour day in a place or residence other than a child's own home.
B. Child Day Care Center: Any place in which child day-care is provided, with or without compensation, for 13 or more children at one time or any place that is not the permanent residence of the holder of a day-care license from the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services or the residence of the administrator in which child day-care is provided, with or without compensation, for seven to 12 children at one time. In counting children for the purpose of this definition, any children under six years of age who are related to a licensee, administrator or employee and who are on the premises of the center shall be counted.
C. Type-A Family Day Care Home: A permanent residence of the administrator in which child daycare is provided for seven to 12 children at one time or a permanent residence of the administrator in which child day-care is provided for four to 12 children at one time if four or more children at one time are under two years of age. In counting children for the purpose of this definition, any children under six years of age who are related to a day-care licensee, administrator or employee registered with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, and who are on the premises of the Type A home shall be counted. "Type A family day-care home" does not include a residence in which the needs of children are administered to, if all of the children whose needs are being administered to are siblings of the same immediate family and the residence is in the home of the siblings. Type A day-care facilities shall also be in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 5101:2 Division of Social Services
D. Type-B Family Day Care Home: A permanent residence of the provider in which the child daycare services are provided for one to six children at one time and in which no more than three children may be under two years of age at one time. In counting children for the purpose of this definition, any children under six years of age who are related to the provider registered with the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and who are on the premises of the Type B home shall be counted. Children six years of age or older who are related to the provider and who are on the premises of the Type B home shall not be included in this count. A "type B home" also includes a home which is the permanent residence of both the provider and the parent. Type B day-care facilities shall also be in accordance with the Ohio Administrative Code, Chapter 5101:2 Division of Social Services
(6) CHURCH - Church, synagogue, temple, rector, parish house, meditation center, or similar building incidental to the particular use which is maintained and operated by an organized group of people for religious purposes.
(7) CITY COUNCIL - The City Council of the City of Oxford, Ohio
(8) CLEAR & CONVINCING EVIDENCE -
The measure of proof which will produce a firm belief as to the allegations sought to be established.
(9) CLINIC - An establishment where patients receive medical or dental examination or treatment but are not lodged overnight.
(10) CLUB (LODGE) - A nonprofit association, other than a fraternity or sorority, of persons (bona fide members) who are organized for some common purposes and paying regular dues; not including a group organized solely or primarily to render a service customarily carried on as a commercial enterprise.
(11) CO-LOCATION / SITE SHARING - The process of providing space for more than one user on a tower, facility, and / or site.
(12) COLLECTOR - A thoroughfare which provides for distribution of traffic between major and local streets and abutting properties, including the principal entrance and circulation routes within residential subdivisions.
(13) COMMERCIAL - Having profit as the primary aim.
(14) COMMERCIAL TYPES
A. COMMERCIAL, HEAVY - An establishment or business which generally uses open sales yards, outside equipment storage, or outside activities that generate noise or other impacts considered incompatible with less-intense uses. Typical businesses in this definition are lumberyards, construction specialty services, heavy equipment suppliers or building contractors.
B. COMMERCIAL, LIGHT - An establishment or business which generally has retail or wholesale sales, office uses or services that do not generate noise or other impacts considered incompatible with less-intense uses. Typical businesses in this definition are retail stores, offices, catering services or restaurants.
(15) COMMERCIAL CENTER
A. COMMERCIAL CENTER, COMMUNITY - A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and / or convenience goods and services. A community commercial center shall provide for the sale of general merchandise, and may include a variety store, discount store or supermarket.
B. COMMERCIAL CENTER, CONVENIENCE - A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and / or convenience goods and services. A convenience commercial center shall provide a small cluster of convenience shops or services.
C. COMMERCIAL CENTER, NEIGHBORHOOD -A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and / or convenience goods and services to the immediate neighborhood. A neighborhood commercial center shall provide for the sales of convenience goods and services, with a supermarket as the principal tenant.
D. COMMERCIAL CENTER, REGIONAL - A completely planned and designed commercial development providing for the sale of general merchandise and / or convenience goods and services to the region. A regional center shall provide for the sale of general merchandise, apparel, furniture, home furnishings, and other retail sales and services, in full depth and variety.
E. COMMERCIAL, RETAIL - Sales and service establishments, which engage in the sale of general retail goods and accessory services. Businesses within this definition include those, which conduct sales and storage entirely within an enclosed structure (with the exception of occasional outdoor “sidewalk” promotions); businesses specializing in sale of either general merchandise or convenience goods.
(16) COMMISSION - The Planning Commission of the City of Oxford, Ohio.
(17) COMMUNITY RESIDENCE - A single dwelling unit occupied on a relatively permanent basis as a single housekeeping unit in the family-like environment by more than four unrelated persons with handicaps, plus paid professional support staff provided by a sponsoring agency either living with the residents on a 24-hour basis or present on shifts.
(18) COMPREHENSIVE PLAN - The declaration of purposes, policies, and programs for the development of the jurisdiction adopted by the City Council.
(19) CONDITIONAL USE - A use permitted in a district other than a principally permitted use, such use requiring a conditional use permit and the approval of Council, following public hearings before the Planning Board and Council.
(20) CONDOMINIUM - Land, together with all buildings, improvement, and structures thereon, including all easements, rights and appurtenances belonging thereto, which has been submitted to the provisions of Ohio R.C. Chapter 5311.
(21) CONGREGATE RESIDENCES - Apartments and dwellings with communal dining facilities and services, such as housekeeping, organized social and recreational activities, transportation services, and other support services appropriate for the residents.
(22) CONVALESCENT CENTER - A facility which is publicly or privately operated for long-term patient care due to illness or infirmity, including the elderly and developmentally disabled, normally employing the services of skilled and licensed practitioners, excluding hospitals.
(23) COURT, COURT YARD - Any open space, unobstructed from the ground to the sky that is bounded on two or more sides by the walls of a building that is on the same lot.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.05 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “D”).
(1) DECK - A roofless above-ground platform projecting from the wall of a building, connected by structural supports at grade or by the building structure, and primarily utilized by the occupants of a structure for outdoor enjoyment, socializing or recreation.
(2) DENSITY, GROSS - The number of dwelling units which are allowed on an area of land, which area of land shall be permitted to include dedicated streets contained within the development.
(3) DENSITY, NET - The number of dwelling units which are allowed on an area of land, excluding streets and rights-of-way.
(4) DISTRICT - A part, zone, or geographic area within the municipality within which certain zoning or development regulations apply.
(5) DISTRICT MAP - The official district map of the City of Oxford, as adopted by Oxford City Council, together with all amendments subsequently adopted by the Oxford City Council, on file in the City Building and being the official zoning map for the City.
(6) DISTRICT, ZONING - A section or sections of the City in which the regulations governing the use of land, buildings and premises, or governing the height and area requirements of buildings, are uniform.
(7) DRIVE-IN USE - An establishment that by design, physical facilities, service, or by packaging procedures encourages or permits customers to receive services, obtain goods, or be entertained while remaining in their motor vehicles. A “drive-in” shall include any car wash in which cars are either driven, pushed, or pulled through a washing apparatus, but shall not include a parking lot, nor a private, public, or storage garage, nor a gasoline station.
(8) DWELLING - A building or structure designed or occupied exclusively for non- transient residential use and permitted accessory uses for one or more households, but not including a tent, cabin, trailer, hotel, motel, or mobile home.
(9) DWELLING TYPE
A. DWELLING, EFFICIENCY - A dwelling unit consisting of not more than one habitable room together with kitchen or kitchenette and sanitary facilities.
B. DWELLING, MULTIPLE UNIT - A building with three or more dwelling units in which they may or may not share common entrances and/or other spaces. Individual dwelling units may be owned as condominiums, or offered for rent.
C. DWELLING, SINGLE FAMILY - A building consisting of only one dwelling unit, detached or separated from other dwelling units by open space.
D. DWELLING, TWO FAMILY - A building consisting of two single dwelling units, detached or separated from other dwelling units by open spaces.
E. DWELLING, THREE UNIT - A structure having only three dwelling units.
F. DWELLING UNIT - One or more rooms which are arranged, designed, or occupied as living quarters for a family as a single housekeeping unit. A dwelling unit includes bathroom and kitchen facilities in addition to sleeping and living areas. Publicly accessible space separates a dwelling unit from any other dwelling unit. No doorway or perforated walls exist between dwelling units. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.06 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “E”).
(1) EASEMENT - Authorization by a property owner for the use by another, and for a specified purpose, of some designated part of his property.
(2) EQUIPMENT BUILDINGS - Any accessory structure in which the electronic receiving and relay equipment for a wireless and cellular telecommunications facility is housed.
(3) ESSENTIAL SERVICES - Services created by the erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance by public utilities or governmental agencies, of underground or overhead, gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems, collection, communication, supply, or disposal systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, and other similar equipment for the furbishing or adequate service by such public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies or for the public health or safety or general welfare, but not including buildings other than accessory buildings.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.07 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “F”).
(1) FAMILY - In all districts (zones), a family shall be a person living alone, or two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, including minor children in the lawful custody of an adult member of members of the family, living together as a single housekeeping unit and occupying a single dwelling unit, or a group of not more than four unrelated persons living together as a single housekeeping unit occupying a single dwelling unit and using only common entrances and exits.
(2) FAMILY COMMUNITY RESIDENCE - A single dwelling unit occupied on a relatively permanent basis in a family-like environment by a group of no more than four persons (at least three of whom are unrelated persons with handicaps), plus up to one paid professional support staff provided by a sponsoring agency either living with the residents on a 24-hour basis or present on shifts.
(3) FARM ANIMALS - Animals other than household pets that shall be kept and maintained for commercial production or sale; or family food production, education, or recreation. Farm animals are identified by these categories: large animals, e.g., horses and cattle; medium animals, e.g., sheep, goats, pigs; or small animals, e.g., rabbits, chinchillas, chickens, turkeys, pheasants, geese, ducks, and pigeons.
(4) FARM IMPLEMENT SALES - The retail sales and service of mechanical equipment customarily used for agricultural purposes.
(5) FLOOD PLAIN AREA - Those lands in the City of Oxford, Ohio, that are subject to flood hazards as determined on the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the Butler County Soil & Water Conservation District or both.
(6) FLOOR AREA, GROSS - The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all 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 six feet. The gross floor area ratio includes all stairways that serve multi-story buildings.
(7) 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 or service to the public.
(8) FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR) - The gross floor area of all buildings or structures on a lot divided by the total lot area, excluding any land vacated by Ordinance No. 103 (16 1/2 foot vacated right-of-way).
(9) FOOTPRINT - Horizontal area within and including the exterior walls of a structure.
(10) FRATERNITY/SORORITY HOUSE - A building that is occupied by a group of enrolled Miami University students who are active members of a fraternal organization recognized by Miami University. These organizations shall be limited to fraternities, sororities, and like groups approved by Miami University for communal off-campus living on that site. Occupancy exception: may include employees or agents of the organization not to exceed three (3) persons.
(11) FRONTAGE - The width of a lot or parcel abutting the public right-of-way of a street or road (excluding alleys), as measured at the front property line.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.08 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “G”).
(1) GASOLINE SALES (SERVICE STATION) - The premises, including the buildings and equipment, used for the retail sale of products, other than liquefied petroleum gases, for the propulsion of motor vehicles, and in addition thereto, may include the following:
A. The sale of kerosene, package naphtha, Stoddard solvent, lubricants, tires, batteries, anti-freeze, and items of motor vehicle accessories customarily associated with such retail business;
B. Lubricating of motor vehicles;
C. Rendering of services, including making of adjustments and repairs other than major repairs to motor vehicles;
D. Washing, polishing, and application of wax and similar protective finishes.
(2) GRADE
A. For buildings having walls facing one street only, the elevation of the sidewalk at the center of the wall facing the street.
B. For buildings having walls adjoining more than one street, the average of the elevation of the sidewalk and the centers of all walls adjoining the streets.
C. For buildings having no wall adjoining the street, the average level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior walls of the building. Where no sidewalk exists, the grade shall be that which has been established by the City Engineer.
(3) GREENHOUSE - A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for subsequent sale or for personal enjoyment. See NURSERY. A noncommercial greenhouse shall be considered an accessory building.
(4) GROSS LEASABLE AREA (GLA) - The total floor area for which the tenant pays rent and that is designed for the tenant’s occupancy and exclusive use.
(5) GROUP COMMUNITY RESIDENCE - A single dwelling unit occupied on a relatively permanent basis in a family-like environment by a group of more than four but not greater than eight unrelated persons with handicaps, plus up to one paid professional support staff provided by a sponsoring agency either living with the residents on a 24-hour basis or present on shifts. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.09 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “H”).
(1) HABITABLE SPACE - Space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, and halls.
(2) HANDICAP - With respect to a person, a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities, a record of such an impairment, or being regarded as having such an impairment. This definition does not include current illegal use of, or addiction to, a controlled substance. For purposes of this part, an individual shall not be considered to have a handicap solely because that individual is a transvestite. As used in this definition:
A. "Physical or mental impairment" includes: Any physiological disorder or condition, cosmetic disfigurement, or anatomical loss affecting one or more of the following body systems: Neurological; musculoskeletal; special sense organs; respiratory, including speech organs; cardiovascular; reproductive; digestive, genitourinary, hemic and lymphatic; skin, and endocrine; or any mental or psychological disorder such as mental retardation, organic brain syndrome, emotional or mental illness, and specific learning disabilities. The term "physical or mental impairment" includes but is not limited to such diseases and conditions as orthopedic, visual, speech and hearing impairments, cerebral palsy, autism, epilepsy, muscular immunodeficiency virus infection, mental retardation, emotional illness, drug addiction (other than addiction caused by current illegal use of a controlled substance) and alcoholism.
B. "Major life activities" - Functions such as caring for one's self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning and working.
C. "Has a record of such an impairment" - Has a history of, or has been misclassified as having, a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
D. "Is regarded as having impairment":
1. Has a physical or mental impairment that does not substantially limit one or more major life activities but that is treated by another person as constituting such a limitation;
2. Has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities only as a result of the attitudes of others toward such impairment; or
3. Has none of the impairments defined in subsection 1159.09 (2) of this definition but is treated by another person as having such an impairment.
(3) HEDGE - A dense row of shrubs, grasses or low trees.
(4) HOME OCCUPATION - A service occupation conducted within a dwelling unit by the residents.
(5) HOSPITAL - An institution providing health services primarily for in-patient medical or surgical care of the sick or injured and including related facilities such as laboratories, out-patient department, training facilities, central service facilities, and staff offices which are an integral part of the facility.
(6) HOTEL - A commercial facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and providing additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment, and recreational facilities.
(7) HOUSEHOLD ANIMALS - Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and chickens for non-commercial family use only. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.10 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “I”).
(1) IMPERVIOUS SURFACE - A surface which has been compacted or covered with a layer of material so that it is resistant to infiltration by water, including semi-pervious surfaces such as compacted clay, gravel, most conventionally surfaced streets, roofs, sidewalks, parking lots, and other similar surfaces.
(2) INDUSTRIAL PARK - A tract of land that is planned, developed, and operated as an integrated facility for a number of individual industrial uses, with consideration to transportation facilities (rail and highway), circulation, parking, utility needs, aesthetics, and compatibility.
(3) INSTITUTION - Buildings or land occupied by a non-profit corporation or a non- profit establishment for public or semi-public use including community residence living arrangements for more than twelve unrelated individuals.
(4) INTENSITY - The measure of collective activities related to the principal use within a building or site based upon trip generation, number of employees (ex. Barber chairs, mechanical lifts, number of shifts, and hours of operation.)
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.11 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “J”).
(1) JUNK STORAGE OR SALES - Any lot, land, or structure, or part thereof, used primarily for the collection, storage and sale of waste paper, rags, scrap metal, or discarded material, or for the collecting, dismantling, storage, or salvaging of machinery or vehicles not in operating condition, and for the sale or parts thereof.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.12 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “K”).
(1) KENNEL - Any lot or premises on which four or more dogs, cats, or other household pets over four months of age are kept, boarded, trained, bred, or sold, for compensation or not.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.13 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “L”).
(1) LAND USE PLAN - See definition of Comprehensive Plan
(2) LANDSCAPING - Changing, rearranging, or adding to the original vegetation or scenery of a piece of land to produce, an aesthetic effect appropriate for the use. It may include reshaping the land by moving the earth, as well as preserving the original vegetation or adding vegetation.
(3) LIVESTOCK - Includes, but is not limited to, horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, reindeer, donkeys, mules, and any other hoofed animals.
(4) LOADING SPACE - An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials; and which abuts upon a street, alley or other appropriate means of access.
(5) LODGING HOUSE - A dwelling where lodging, but not meals, is provided for compensation for no more than 12 persons who are not transients or members of the owner's family, and do not live as a single housekeeping unit in a family-like environment on a relatively permanent basis, and in which no cooking or dining facilities are provided in individual rooms.
(6) LOT - A designated parcel, tract, or area of land established by plat, subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be separately owned, used, developed, or built upon.
(7) LOT AREA - The total horizontal area within the lot lines of the lot except any portion in the right-of-way of any public thoroughfare.
(8) LOT CONSOLIDATION - The joining together of two or more lots, sites, tracts, or parcels into one or more lots.
(9) LOT, CORNER - A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection or upon which two parts of the same street form an interior angle of les than 135 degrees. The point of intersection of the lines is the corner.
(10) LOT, COVERAGE - The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the sum of the enclosed ground floor area of all buildings and all decks, porches, driveways, and parking areas, to the total area of the lot.
(11) LOT, DEPTH - The horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured along the median between the two side lot lines.
(12) LOT, INTERIOR - A lot other than a corner lot.
(13) LOT, IRREGULAR - A lot whose opposing property lines are generally not parallel, such as a wedge shaped lot on a cul-de-sac, or where the side property lines are not parallel to each other.
(14) LOT LINE - The legal demarcation between properties either public or private.
(15) LOT LINE
A. FRONT - The lot line separating an interior or through lot from the street or streets upon which it abuts. For a corner lot, both lot lines abutting the streets are considered front lot line.
B. REAR - A lot line parallel to, or within 45 degrees of being parallel to, the front lot line, which does not abut upon a street. The rear lot line may abut upon an alley.
C. SIDE - Any other lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
(16) LOT OF RECORD - Real estate recorded in the deed records in the office of the Butler County Recorder as a distinct lot or parcel, the description of which is complete and sufficient, in and of itself, for conveyance purposes without combination with other lots or parcels; or real estate recorded in the subdivision of lots records of the Butler County Recorder's office as a distinct lot or parcel capable of being conveyed without a combination with other lots or parcels.
(17) LOT SPLIT -Any division of land into less than three lots, sites, tracts or parcels.
(18) LOT, THROUGH - An interior lot having frontage on two or more streets.
(19) LOT WIDTH - That distance from the point of intersection of one side lot line and the required front setback line, measured in a straight line to the point of intersection of the opposite side lot line and the required front setback line.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.14 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “M”).
(1) MANUFACTURED HOME - A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is eight fee or more in width or 40 feet in length, or when erected on site is 320 square feet or more, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical systems contained therein. (See Ohio Revised Code)
(2) MANUFACTURING
A. MANUFACTURING, HEAVY - All other types of manufacturing not included in the definitions of light manufacturing and medium manufacturing.
B. MANUFACTURING, LIGHT - The manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembling, packaging, or testing of goods or equipment, including research activities, conducted entirely within an enclosed structure, with no outside storage, serviced by a modest volume of trusts or vans and imposing a negligible impact on the surrounding environment by noise, vibration, smoke, dust or pollutants.
C. MANUFACTURING, MEDIUM - The manufacturing, compounding, processing, assembling, packaging or testing of goods or equipment within an enclosed structure or an open yard that is capable of being screened from neighboring properties, serviced by a modest volume of trucks or other vehicles.
(3) MARQUEE - Any hood, canopy, awning, or permanent construction that projects from a wall of a building without ground mounted supports, usually above an entrance.
(4) MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT - Any establishment having a fixed place of business where massages are administered for pay. This definition shall not be construed to include a hospital, nursing home, medical clinic, or the office of a physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, or massage therapist duly licensed by the State of Ohio, nor barbershops or beauty salons in which massages are administered only to the scalp, the face, the neck, or the shoulder.
(5) MILE SQUARE - The area bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the intersection of Chestnut Street and Patterson Avenue; thence northwardly with the centerline of Patterson Avenue to a point, which was the 1976 North Corporate line; thence with the 1976 North Corporate line to a point in the centerline of Brown Road; thence southwardly with the centerline of Brown Road to a point in the centerline of Sycamore Street; thence westwardly with the centerline of Sycamore Street to a point in the centerline of Locust Street; thence with the centerline of Locust Street southwardly to a point in the intersection of the centerline of Chestnut Street and Locust Street; thence with the centerline of Chestnut Street eastwardly to the place of beginning.
(6) MINI-WAREHOUSE (SELF-STORAGE UNITS) - A building or group of buildings consisting of individual, small, self-contained units that are leased or owned for the storage of business and household goods.
(7) MINOR REPAIR - The renewal or replacement of any part of a building in keeping with the existing type of construction, arrangement of parts, and occupancy of the building, for maintenance purposes only, when the structural, plumbing, gas piping, wiring, heating, or ventilation branches of the building are not affected; but not including any additions or replacement of entire segments of a structure, structural alterations, or any changes affecting safety, required exit facilities, or use.
(8) MOBILE HOME - A self-propelled or non-self-propelled vehicle so designed, constructed or added to by means of accessories in such manner as will permit the use and occupancy therein for habitation, whether resting on wheels, jacks or other foundations and used or so constructed as to permit its being used as a conveyance upon the public highway.
(9) MOBILE HOME PARK - Any premises occupied by, or designed to be occupied by, more than one family in mobile homes, tents, camp cars or similar facilities, and including any roadway structure, vehicle or enclosure used or intended for use as a part of the facilities of such Mobile Home Park.
(10) MOBILE HOME SALES - An open area, other than a street, used for the display or sale of new or used mobile homes and where no repair work is done except minor incidental repair of mobile homes to be displayed and sold on the premises.
(11) MODEL HOME - A dwelling temporarily used as a sales office for a residential development under construction; said home being used for on-site sales and not for general real estate business.
(12) MODULAR HOME - A factory-built home, other than a manufactured home, which meets all of the following requirements:
A. Is designed only for erection or installation on a site-built permanent foundation;
B. Is not designed to be moved once so erected or installed;
C. Is designed and manufactured to comply with a nationally recognized model building code or an equivalent local code, or with a state or local modular building code recognized as generally equivalent to building codes for site-built housing; or
D. To the manufacturer's knowledge, is not intended to be used other than on a site-built permanent foundation.
(13) MOTEL - An establishment providing sleeping accommodations for transients with a majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.15 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “N”).
(1) NATURAL WATERWAYS - Those areas, varying in width along streams, creeks, springs, gullies or washes, which are natural drainage channels as determined and identified by the jurisdiction.
(2) NIGHT CLUB - A place operated for profit, where food is served for consumption on the premises and one or more forms of amusement are provided or permitted for a consideration which may be in the form of a cover charge or may be included in the price of the food and beverages, or both, purchased by the patrons thereof.
(3) NONCONFORMING LOT - A lot, the area, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.
(4) NONCONFORMING SIGN - Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance, or amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of the adopted or amended ordinance.
(5) NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE OR BUILDING - A structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment to the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.
(6) NONCONFORMING USE - A use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.
(7) NUISANCE - A use of property or course of conduct that interferes with the legal rights of others by causing damage, annoyance, or inconvenience.
(8) NURSING HOME - A home for the aged, chronically ill or persons with a contagious disease in which three or more persons not of the immediate family are received, kept of provided with food or shelter and care for compensation, but not including hospitals, clinics or similar institutions devoted primarily to the diagnosis, treatment or care of the sick or injured and not including community residences where the unrelated residents with handicaps live as a single housekeeping unit in a family-like atmosphere on a relatively permanent basis.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.16 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “O”).
(1) OFFICE - A place for the transaction of business where reports are prepared, records kept and professional, administrative or business-related services are rendered. No retail or wholesale sales are offered and no manufacturing, production, assembly or distribution takes place, except those activities that are customarily incidental to the services rendered.
(2) OUTSIDE STORAGE - The temporary or permanent warehousing, displaying or selling of supplies, inventory, equipment, or other items not within the confines of a building.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.17 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “P”).
(1) PARK - A tract of land designated and used by the public for active and passive recreation.
(2) PARK AND RIDE FACILITIES - Parking lots or structures located along public transit routes designed to encourage transfer from private automobile to mass transit or to encourage carpooling for purposes of commuting, or for access to recreation areas.
(3) PARKING GARAGE - A building, other than a private garage, used for the parking of automobiles with or without a fee.
(4) PARKING LOT - An open area, other than a street, used for the parking of vehicles.
(5) PATIO - An uncovered floor, usually made of concrete, brick, or other masonry material, which is not elevated above the surface of the ground and generally used for outdoor enjoyment or dining.
(6) PERFORMANCE STANDARD - A criterion established in the interest of protecting the public health and safety for the control of noise, odor, smoke, noxious gas, and other objectionable or dangerous elements generated by and inherent in, or incidental to, certain uses and activities.
(7) PERSONAL WIRELESS SERVICE - Commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services and common carriers wireless exchange access service, including, cellular services.
(8) PLACE OF WORSHIP - Church, synagogue, temple, rector, parish house, meditation center, or similar building incidental to the particular use which is maintained and operated by an organized group of people for religious purposes.
(9) PLANNED DEVELOPMENT - An area of land that is planned, developed, and maintained as a cohesive development according to the provisions of this Zoning Code.
(10) PLOT PLAN - A plat of a lot, drawn to scale, showing the actual measurements, the size and location of any existing buildings or buildings to be erected, the location of the lot in relation to abutting streets, and other such information.
(11) POOL - Any structure that contains water over 24 inches (610 mm) in depth and which is used, or intended to be used, for swimming or recreational bathing as an accessory use. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.
(12) PORCH - A covered platform, usually having a separate roof, at an entrance to a dwelling or building, or an open or enclosed gallery or room which is not heated or cooled that is attached to the outside of a building.
(13) PREMISES - Any lot or combination of contiguous lots held in single ownership, together with the development thereon; a condominium complex constitutes one premises.
(14) PRINCIPAL BUILDING - A building on a lot containing the primary use of the lot.
(15) PRINCIPAL ENTRANCE - The place of ingress and egress used most frequently by the public.
(16) PRINTING & PUBLISHING - The setting of type and the printing and publishing of books, newspapers, etc. for sale.
(17) PROFESSIONAL OFFICE - An office of a practitioner or practitioners of a specific occupation, vocation or calling in which a professed knowledge of some department of science or learning, not purely commercial, mechanical or agricultural, is used in its practical application to the affairs of other, either by advising or by guiding them in serving their interests or welfare. Such uses include, but are not limited to, offices of medical doctors, dentists, engineers, surveyors, city planners, lawyers, real estate brokers, insurance agents, architects, landscape architects, optometrists, and chiropractors.
(18) PUBLIC SERVICE FACILITY - A structure or facility used by a public or utility agency to store, distribute, generate electricity, gas, communications, and related equipment, or to pump or chemically treat water. This does not include storage or treatment of sewage, solid waste, or hazardous waste.
(19) PUBLIC USE - The public use of parks, schools and administrative, cultural and accessory building, not including public land or buildings devoted solely to the storage and maintenance of equipment and material.
(20) PUBLIC UTILITY - Any firm, corporation, governmental department, or board duly authorized to furnish and furnishing under State or Municipal regulation to the public, electricity, gas, steam, communications, telegraph, transportation, water, or sewers.
(21) PUBLIC WAY - Any street, alley or similar parcel of land essentially unobstructed from the ground to the sky which is deeded, dedicated or otherwise permanently appropriated to the public for public use.
(22) PUBLICLY OWNED PROPERTY - Any real property owned by the City of Oxford, Talawanda School District, Miami University, or Oxford Township.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.18 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “Q”).
(1) QUASI-PUBLIC USE - A use owned or operated by a nonprofit, religious, or charitable institution and providing educational, cultural, recreational, religious, or similar types of programs.
(2) QUEUE - A line of people or vehicles awaiting individual turns.
(3) QUORUM - A majority of the authorized members of a board or commission.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.19 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “R”).
(1) RECONFIGURATION - interior or exterior modification to change the layout of a building or to make substantial/structural repair or alteration
(2) RECONSTRUCTION - Rebuilding as a result of destruction or demolition of an existing building to allow for a new building to be constructed on the same site.
(3) RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (COMMERCIAL) - Recreational facilities open to the public and operated for gain.
(4) RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (NON-COMMERCIAL) - Private and semipublic recreational facilities which are not operated for gain.
(5) RENOVATION - interior or exterior maintenance and/or upgrade of a structure, which does not involve any structural alteration.
(6) RESIDENTIAL USE - Land designated in the Zoning Code and official map for buildings consisting only of dwelling units.
(7) RESTAURANT - An establishment which sells prepared food for consumption. Restaurants shall be classified as follows:
A. Restaurant, fast food: An establishment which sells food already prepared for consumption, packaged in paper, Styrofoam or similar materials, and may include drive-in or drive-up facilities for ordering.
B. Restaurant, general: An establishment which sells food for consumption on or off the premises.
C. Restaurant, take-out: An establishment which sells food only for consumption off the premises.
(8) RETAIL - The disposal, by sale or exchange, of specific goods to, or the acquisition of specific goods by, a person for use other than for purposes of resale.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.20 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “S”).
(1) SALVAGE YARD - Any location whose primary use is where waste or scrap materials are stored, bought, sold, accumulated, exchanged, packaged, disassembled or handled, including, but not limited to, materials such as scrap metals, paper, rags, tires and bottles.
(2) SCHOOL, COMMERCIAL - A school establishment to provide for the teaching of industrial, clerical, managerial or artistic skills. This definition applies to schools that are owned and operated privately for profit and that do not offer a complete educational curriculum (e.g., beauty school, modeling school).
(3) SETBACK - The distance between the building and any lot line.
(4) SHOPPING CENTER - A group of five or more commercial establishments on one lot and managed as a unit with off-street parking on-site, and having 30,000 square feet or more of floor area.
(5) SIGN - Any object, device, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is used to advertise, 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.
(6) SIGN TYPES
A. ILLUMINATED SIGN, DIRECTLY- A sign with internal electronic circuitry emitting light through the sign face.
B. ILLUMINATED SIGN, INDIRECTLY - A sign which is illuminated by an external source which reflects light off the surface of a sign face.
C. POLE SIGN - A sign erected on a single pole or multiple poles regardless of size and shape.
(7) SITE PLAN - A plan which outlines the use and development of any tract of land.
(8) SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS - Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or human male genitals in a discernible turgid state even if completely and opaquely covered.
(9) SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES - Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; Acts, real or simulated, of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, sodomy, cunnilingus, or fellatio; or fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
(10) STOOP - An exterior floor or platform typically, but not necessarily, constructed of concrete and/or masonry and sometimes having an overhead roof, utilized for the primary purpose of accessing a building entrance.
(11) STORY - That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it and including those basements used for the principal use.
(12) STREET - Any vehicular way that: (1) is an existing state, county, or municipal roadway; (2) is shown upon a plat approved pursuant to law; (3) is approved by other official action.
A. ARTERIAL - A major roadway that provides intra-community travel and access to the county or regional highway system. Access to an arterial should be provided at collector and local streets.
B. COLLECTOR - A thoroughfare which provides for distribution of traffic between major and local streets and abutting properties, including the principal entrance and circulation routes within residential subdivisions.
C. LOCAL - A street primarily used for providing access to individual properties as shown of the official Thoroughfare Plan.
D. PRIVATE - A street that has not been accepted by the municipality or other governmental entity.
(13) STREET LINE - A dividing line between a lot, tract or parcel of land, and a continuous street.
(14) STRUCTURE - Anything permanently constructed, erected or located on the ground, including, but not limited to, advertising signs and backstops for tennis courts.
(15) STRUCTURAL ALTERATION - Any change in the supporting member of a building such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders, or any substantial change in the roof or in the exterior walls or change in the design or dimensions of the roof or exterior walls.
(16) STUDIO - Means the working place of a painter, sculptor or photographer or other artists, or a place maintained and equipped for the transmission of radio or television programs.
(17) SUBDIVISION - The division of a tract, lot or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, sites or other divisions of land. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.21 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “T”).
(1) TALL STRUCTURE / SUPPORT STRUCTURE - Any building or structure, other than a tower, which can be used for location of wireless and cellular telecommunication facilities.
(2) THEATER - A building used primarily for the presentation of live stage productions, performances, or motion pictures.
(3) TOWER - Any freestanding structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guy towers, or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, and alternative tower structures.
(4) TRAILER - A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle, and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying of materials, goods, or objects, or as a temporary office.
(5) TRANSIENT - A person staying at a location such as a hotel, motel, bed & breakfast, or a dwelling offering transient guest lodging for less than thirty (30) consecutive days and does not use the location as his or her permanent address.
(6) TRANSIENT GUEST LODGING - An accessory use occupying an entire dwelling unit or portion thereof where sleeping accommodations are offered for compensation to transients occupying a room or rooms.
A. TRANSIENT GUEST LODGING BOOKING - Each instance of a reservation by an individual or group for transient guest lodging.
B. TRANSIENT GUEST LODGING HOST - Any person who is the owner of record of residential real property, or any person who is a lessee of residential rental property pursuant to a written agreement for the lease of such real property, who offers a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, for transient guest lodging.
C. TRANSIENT GUEST LODGING HOSTING PLATFORM - An internet-based platform that generally allows an owner or tenant to advertise the dwelling unit through a website and provides a means for potential transient users to arrange transient guest lodging and payment through the hosting platform. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.22 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “U”).
(1) USE - The activity occurring on a lot or parcel for which land or a building is arranged, designed, or intended, or for which land or a building is or may be occupied, including all accessory uses.
A. USE, CHANGE OF - The change within the classified use of a structure or premise.
B. USE, NONCONFORMING - A use which lawfully occupied a building or land at the time this Zoning Code became effective, which has been lawfully continued and which does not now conform with the use regulations.
C. USE, PRINCIPAL - A use which fulfills a primary function of a household, establishment, institution, or other entity.
D. USE, TEMPORARY - A use that is authorized by this Zoning Code to be conducted for a fixed period of time. Temporary uses are characterized by such activities as the sale of agricultural products, contractors’ offices and equipment sheds, fireworks, carnivals, flea markets, and garage sales.
(2) USEABLE FLOOR AREA - The sum of the gross floor area of all of the floors of a building or structure and of all accessory buildings on a lot as measured from the interior face of the exterior walls and usable for human occupancy but which excludes the floor area of heater rooms, mechanical equipment rooms, utility rooms, storage rooms, attics, unenclosed porches, light shafts, public corridors, public stairwells, and public toilets.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.23 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “V”).
(1) VARIANCE - A modification of the strict terms of the relevant regulations where such modification will not be contrary to the public health, safety, or welfare and where owning to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the regulations would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.
(2) VETERINARY HOSPITAL - A place where animals are given medical care and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care incidental to the hospital use.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.24 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “W”).
(1) WAREHOUSE - A building used primarily for the storage of goods and materials.
(2) WIRELESS AND CELLULAR TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES - Any cables, wires, lines, wave-guides, support structures, antenna, and any other equipment or facilities associated with the transmission or reception of communications, as authorized by the Federal Communication Commission, which an applicant seeks to locate, or have installed, upon or within a tower or existing structure.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.25 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “Y”).
(1) YARD - An open space that lies between the principal building or buildings and the nearest lot line. The minimum required yard as set forth in the ordinance is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be specifically provided in the zoning ordinance.
A. YARD, FRONT - A space extending the full width of the lot between any building and the front lot line and measured perpendicular to the building at the closest point to the front lot line.
B. YARD, REAR - A space extending across the full width of the lot between the principal building and the rear lot line and measured perpendicular to the building to the closest point of the rear lot line.
C. YARD, SIDE - A space extending from the front year to the rear yard between the principal building and the side lot line and measured perpendicular from the side lot line to the closest point of the principal building. (Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
1159.26 DEFINITIONS (BEGINNING WITH LETTER “Z”).
(1) ZONING ADMINISTRATOR - That official appointed by the City Manager to administer and enforce the Zoning Code and subdivision regulations.
(2) ZONING MAP - The official Zoning Map of the City of Oxford is the District Map, 1989 edition, together with all amendments subsequently adopted by the Oxford City Council, on file in the Municipal Building.
(3) ZONING PERMIT - A document issued by the Zoning Administrator authorizing buildings, structures, or uses consistent with the terms of this Zoning Code including “non-conforming” situations.
(Ord. 3805. Passed 2-18-25.)
CODIFIED ORDINANCES OF OXFORD