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

Abandonment. (for wireless telecommunication facilities) The condition in which an antenna support structure ceases to be utilized for providing wireless service for a period of six (6) months.

Above ground level (AGL). (for wireless telecommunication facilities) When referring to a support structure, the distance measured from ground level at the base of the structure to an object or point on the structure such as an antenna, lightning rod or the top of the structure.

Accessory structure. A subordinate structure incidental to and located upon the same lot occupied by the primary structure or use. This includes prefabricated buildings, whether located on permanent foundations or not.

Acreage. A parcel of land, regardless of area, described by metes and bounds which is not a numbered lot on any recorded subdivision plat.

Adapted support structure. (for wireless telecommunication facilities) Any structure designed primarily for other purposes that can be utilized to support antennas and other associated equipment.

Adjacent. Nearby, but not necessarily touching.

Adjoining. Touching; abutting; contiguous.

Administrator, zoning. See "Zoning administrator."

Agricultural products. Any aquaculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, viniculture, silviculture, livestock, poultry, or other farm crops.

Agricultural research. Basic, applied, and developmental research of regional, national, or international concerns in the fields of livestock; plants; soil, water, and air quality; energy; food safety quality; nutrition; food processing, storage and distribution efficiency; nonfood agricultural products; and international development.

Agricultural Resource Reclamation Facilities. See "Biomass conversion facility."

Agriculturally related products. Products that support agriculture or an agricultural activity. Examples of such products are hand tools, spreaders, and tractors.

Agriculture. Land used exclusively for purposes including aquaculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, viniculture, silviculture, livestock and poultry husbandry, and other farming, with necessary accessory uses such as packing, treating, or storing the produce, provided that the operation of the accessory use is clearly incidental to the agricultural activity.

Agriculture-related business, not otherwise listed. A small-scale business selling agricultural supplies, such as agricultural fencing, nails, bolts, and hand tools, in direct support of the local agricultural community.

Agritourism. Any activity carried out on a farm that allows members of the general public, regardless of fee charged, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy farming or farm wineries; historical, cultural, or harvest-your-own activities; value-added agricultural activity; or natural activities and attractions.

Airport elevation. The highest point on any usable landing surface expressed in feet above mean sea level.

Airport, heliport, or flight strip. A place where aircraft may take off or land, discharge or receive cargo and/or passengers, be repaired, take on fuel, or be stored. May include flight instruction.

Alley. A permanent service way providing a secondary means of access to adjoining properties.

Alteration. Any change in the total floor area or use of an existing structure.

Animal, domestic. Animals as defined in animal husbandry, but kept only for personal use or casual sales, and are limited to one (1) animal unit per acre, not to exceed four (4) animal units.

Animal hospital. A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and are cared for during the time of such treatment. An accessory kennel shall be limited to short-time boarding and shall be only incidental to such hospital use.

Animal husbandry. The production of livestock or poultry such as cattle, sheep, goats, llamas, poultry, ducks, geese, horses and hogs. This may include animals in dairy operations but does not include animals in commercial stables, poultry facilities, animal hospitals, animal shelters, dog kennels, fur farms, livestock sales pavilions, hog operations, or game farms.

Animal shelter. A facility used to house or contain stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a public body, or nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals.

Animal unit. For the purpose of this chapter, one (1) animal unit consists of domestic or domesticated: one (1) adult bovine animal (cattle, buffalo, etc.), two (2) juvenile bovine animals less than one (1) year old, two (2) camelid animals (llamas, alpacas, etc.), one (1) equine animal (horse, donkey, etc.), five (5) ovine animals (sheep, etc.), five (5) capridae animals (goats, etc.), two (2) porcine animals (pigs, etc.), fifty (50) small poultry (chickens, ducks, etc.), ten (10) medium poultry (turkeys, geese, etc.), or three (3) large poultry (ostriches, emus, etc.).

Antenna. (for wireless telecommunications facilities) Any exterior electronic device used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals designed for telephonic, radio, satellite or television communication.

Antenna support structure. (for wireless telecommunications facilities) Any structure designed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas including, but not limited to self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, and monopoles.

Antique. A work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or the like, of or belonging to the past, at least thirty (30) years old.

Antique shop. A place offering antiques for sale.

Apartment building. A building or structure arranged, intended, and designed to be occupied by three (3) or more families living independently of each other, and each with private kitchen and bathroom accommodations.

Applicant. (for wireless telecommunications facilities) Any entity requesting approval to construct a telecommunication facility through the county's permitting process.

Approach surface. A surface longitudinally centered on the extended runway centerline, extending outward and upward from the end of the primary surface, and at the same slope as the approach zone height limitation slope set forth in this chapter. The perimeter of the approach surface coincides with the perimeter of the approach zone.

Approach, transitional, horizontal, and conical zones. The airspace zones as set forth in of this chapter.

Aquaculture. The cultivation of water plants, fish, and other marine life for human use or consumption.

Arbitrary. Fixed or arrived at through an exercise of will or by caprice, without consideration or adjustment with reference to principles, circumstances, or significance, or given to making decision thus; decisive but unreasoned.

Area. Synonymous with the word "tract," which is a piece of land capable of being described with such definitiveness that is location may be established and boundaries definitely ascertained.

Art gallery. An establishment engaged in the sale, loan, or display of art books, paintings, sculpture, or other works of art. This clarification does not include libraries, museums, or non-commercial art galleries.

Assembly. The gathering of persons for such purposes as civic, social, or religious functions; recreation, food or drink consumption; or awaiting transportation.

Assisted living facility. See "Group home."

Auction facility. A building, area, including an outdoor area, used for the public sale of goods, wares, merchandise, or equipment to the highest bidder.

Automated teller machine (ATM). A pedestrian-oriented machine used by bank and financial service patrons for conducting transactions including deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers, without contact with financial institution personnel. The machines may be located at or within banks, or in other locations, in compliance with these regulations.

Automobile graveyard. Any lot or area which is exposed to the weather upon which more than three (3) inoperable motor vehicles of any kind are located. May include sale of parts removed from the vehicles stored within the auto graveyard.

Balloon test. A technique utilizing a balloon to demonstrate the height of a proposed antenna support structure or proposed wind energy structure.

Banner. A temporary sign of lightweight fabric or similar material that is mounted to a structure.

Base zoning district. Any district delineated on the official zoning map and as described in article III of this chapter.

Bed and breakfast inn. Small, owner-operated businesses where lodging or lodging with meals is provided for a fee, usually by the day or week, excluding hotels and motels.

Biomass conversion facility. A facility in which agriculturally related materials including vineyard, grain or crop residues, animal wastes, straws, aquatic plants, and crops and trees planted for energy production is converted into heat, power, or biofuels. Also includes Agricultural Resource Reclamation Facilities defined as a waste reformation facility in which agricultural or other organic waste is collected, processed, and converted for such uses as, but not limited to, sources of energy or agriculturally beneficial materials, such as, but not limited to, liquid fertilizer, soil amendment, or animal bedding, using processes such as, but not limited to, anaerobic co-digestion. Biomass Conversion Facility and Agricultural Resource Reclamation Facilities shall not include poultry incinerators.

Block. The lot or lots fronting on the same side of the same street between two (2) streets intersecting such street on such side with no other intersecting street intervening.

Board of supervisors (BOS). The governing body of Rockingham County, Virginia.

Board of zoning appeals (BZA). The board of zoning appeals as established under this chapter.

Buffer. An area of land, including, but not limited to, landscaping, berms, walls, and fences designed to separate, in a continuous manner, one (1) use from another.

Building. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls.

Building code. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code as adopted by the board of supervisors and as amended.

Building contractor's operation. See "Contractor's operation, building."

Building footprint. The outline of the total area covered by a building's perimeter at the ground level.

Building height. The vertical distance measured from the highest finished grade to the highest point of the roof. Utilities or ornamental features may extend no more than an additional five (5) feet.

Building mass. Building mass is the overall footprint, height, and bulk of a structure.

Building official. The person or designee responsible for administering and enforcing the provisions of the building code.

Bus or rail terminal. See "Terminal, bus or rail."

Business. Office, professional, or service-type transactions, including storage of records and accounts.

Cab service. A business operating one (1) or more taxicabs, limousines, or vans.

Camp. Buildings and land used for organized group camping for the purposes of communal activities, such as crafts, sports, educational, and recreational activities, which are organized by a central entity. May include day camps.

Camper trailer. Vehicular unit mounted on wheels and towed by another vehicle to provide temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel. Includes camper mounted on the bed of a pick-up truck.

Campground. An area with two (2) or more individualized camping or recreational vehicle sites. Public use facilities, including roads, restrooms, and service buildings may be required. These sites may have individual water, sewer, and electrical connections. An inherent element of a campground is temporary occupancy.

Car wash. A site used for washing and cleaning passenger vehicles, recreational vehicles, or other motor vehicles.

Caregiver. For purposes related to a temporary family health care structure, a caregiver means an adult who provides care for a mentally or physically impaired person within Rockingham County. A caregiver shall be either related by blood, marriage, or adoption to, or the legally appointed guardian of the mentally or physically impaired person for whom he is caring.

Carport. Space for the housing or storage of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than two (2) sides by walls and is accessory to and not larger than the primary structure.

Catering facility. An establishment in which the principal use is the preparation of food and meals on the premises, and where such food and meals are delivered to another location for consumption.

Cemetery. Land used for the burial of the dead, and dedicated for interment purposes, including columbaria and mausoleums.

Cemetery, adjoining a church or other place of worship. A cemetery (as defined immediately above) owned by the church or other place of worship and being on the same property or on property immediately adjoining or across a road from the church or other place of worship.

Central energy plant. A facility which houses the necessary equipment for the production and distribution of utilities, such as hot water, electricity, and steam within a development project.

Child daycare. See "Daycare, child."

Church or other place of worship. A building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, where persons regularly assemble for religious worship, and is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to conduct public worship.

Clear zone. The area between the closest point of a manufactured home, including any accessory structure or structural addition, and the closest point of the neighboring manufactured home, including any accessory structure or structural addition, delineated by straight, parallel lines.

Clerk. The Clerk of the Circuit Court of Rockingham County, Virginia.

College, university. A post-secondary institution for higher learning that grants associate or bachelor degrees and may also have research facilities and/or professional schools that grant master and doctoral degrees. This may also include community colleges that grant associate or bachelor degrees or certificates of completion in business or technical fields.

Collocation (for wireless telecommunications facilities). The shared use of an antenna support structure by two (2) or more wireless service providers or other entities that operate antennas.

Common area. A tract or parcel of land owned in common by the property owners, intended for use by all residents, customers, or employees within the development, and used collectively for passive or active recreation. Common area includes indoor space and outdoor space.

Community center. A place, structure, area, or other facility used for and providing educational, fraternal, recreational, religious, or social programs, generally open to the public, designed to accommodate and serve the community.

Community development director. See "Director of community development."

Community garden (plant-a-garden). (1) Land from which smaller plots are used by individuals for garden space, or (2) land gardened collectively by a group of individuals.

Community property. Community property consists of common area and non-recreational open space within a development project.

Companion animal. Any domestic or feral dog, domestic or feral cat, nonhuman primate, guinea pig, hamster, rabbit not raised for human food or fiber, exotic or native animal, reptile, exotic or native bird, or any feral animal or any animal under the care, custody, or ownership of a person or any animal that is bought, sold, traded, or bartered by any person. Agricultural animals, game species, or any animals regulated under federal law as research animals shall not be considered companion animals for the purposes of this chapter.

Company store. A use accessory to a business or industry that offers for sale items produced by the company.

Comprehensive plan. Rockingham County Comprehensive Plan as adopted and as amended.

Confined feedlot or loafing lot. A structure or fenced and denuded area used for the occupancy of livestock which are not permitted to graze, roam or exercise outside of the structure or area.

Conical surface (for the airport overlay district). A surface, whose design standards are referenced in this chapter, extending and sloping horizontally and vertically from the periphery of the horizontal surface.

Conservation easement. A nonpossessory interest of a public body in real property, whether easement appurtenant or in gross, acquired through gift, purchase, devise, or bequest imposing limitations or affirmative obligations, the purposes of which include retaining or protecting natural or open-space values of real property, assuring its availability for agricultural, forestal, recreational, or open-space use, protecting natural resources, maintaining or enhancing air or water quality, or preserving the historical, architectural or archaeological aspects of real property.

Contractor's operation. The use of land and/or structures for businesses that contract to provide mostly off-site services, including, but not limited to: construction trades, excavation, service/repair work, and landscaping. The use may include offices and indoor/outdoor storage, repair and maintenance of the business' vehicles, equipment or materials.

Contractor's operation, small. Contractor's operation on a limited basis pursuant to section 17-607.

Convenience store. A retail establishment that sells convenience goods, such as food items, tobacco, periodicals, and household goods and may sell automotive fuel.

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

County administrator. The chief administrative official of Rockingham County who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the board of supervisors.

Craft brewery. An independent brewery of beer or ale, a majority of which shall derive its flavor from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients and their fermentation. The product may be available for wholesale distribution, and for retail sales made directly to the consumer through an on-premises tap room or an associated on-site restaurant. This use may include an event center. All applicable Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control laws and regulations shall be met.

Cul-de-sac. The turn-around at the end of a dead-end street having an appropriate width for a safe and convenient reverse traffic movement.

Cultural center. A building or complex of buildings having public significance by reason of its architecture, former use or occupancy, or serving as a repository for a collection of natural, historic, cultural, scientific, or literary objects of interest or works of art open to the public with or without an admission charge, and which may include as an accessory use the sale of related goods. A cultural center may also be a museum, art gallery, or botanical or zoological gardens.

Curb spacing. The linear feet of curb occupied by one (1) parking space.

Dairy facility, intensive. A barn with accessory uses or structures, including, but not limited to, loafing barns, manure pits, and milking parlors. See "Agricultural facility, intensive."

Daycare, adult. Any facility licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia that provides supplementary care and protection during only part of the day to four (4) or more aged, infirm or disabled adults who reside elsewhere.

Daycare, child. A regularly operating service arrangement, licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia, for children where, during the absence of a parent or guardian, a person or organization has agreed to assume responsibility for the supervision, protection, and well-being of a child under the age of thirteen (13) for less than a twenty-four-hour period.

Decommissioning plan. A decommissioning plan specifies the procedure by which the applicant or its successor would remove a solar energy facility after the end of its useful life and to restore the property for prior or future usage consistent with the Comprehensive Plan or future zoning.

Development. Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, the placement of manufactured homes, streets, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, or storage of equipment or materials.

Development project. The development project may contain one (1) or more lots or parcels of land to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for a use or complex of uses, units, or structures, which may be constructed in one (1) or more phases, and includes all undevelopable areas within the project.

Director of community development. The official or designee of Rockingham County charged with directing community development activities.

Director of planning. The official or designee of Rockingham County charged with directing planning activities.

Director of public works. The official or designee of Rockingham County charged with directing public works activities.

Distribution center. A warehouse providing logistics services, related to the distribution of goods, which may include labeling, breaking bulk, inventory control and management, light assembly, order entry and fulfillment, packaging, pick and pack, price marking and ticketing, and transportation arrangement. However, these establishments shall always provide warehousing or storage services in addition to any logistic services.

Drive-in facility. See "Drive-through facility."

Drive-through facility. Any portion of a building or structure from which customers can receive a service or obtain a product while in their motor vehicle. Regulated as a subordinate use to a primary use, regardless of the nature of the principal use.

Dwelling, accessory. A complete, detached dwelling unit located on the same parcel as a primary single family detached dwelling.

Dwelling, accessory apartment. A complete dwelling unit that is accessory to a commercial or office use.

Dwelling, duplex. Two (2) dwelling units constructed as side-by-side units, which may be on separate lots, or upper and lower units. Each dwelling unit shall be occupied by one (1) family. Also known as two-unit attached dwellings.

Dwelling, in-house security service. A dwelling unit on the site of an industrial use used solely for housing an individual (and family) who provides twenty-four-hour on-site security. The dwelling may be located within an industrial structure or it may be a stand-alone dwelling.

Dwelling, live/work. A structure or portion of a structure that combines a commercial activity with a residential living space for the owner of the commercial activity, or the owner's employee, and that person's family and to which the residential use of space is accessory to commercial activity.

Dwelling, manufactured home. A structure subject to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regulation, which is transportable in one (1) or more sections; is eight (8) body feet or more in width, and forty (40) body feet or more in length in the traveling mode, or is three hundred twenty (320) or more square feet when erected on site, is built on a permanent chassis; is designed to be used as a single-family dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation, when connected to the required utilities; and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure. This definition shall exclude on-frame modular dwellings, industrialized buildings, mobile units, mobile offices, mobile classrooms, recreational vehicles, and camping trailers.

Dwelling, rowhouse. Three (3) or more attached units, each of which shall be a dwelling unit for a single family, on its own lot, separated from adjoining units by a vertical wall with no openings; and having separate, direct access to the outside. Also known as townhouse.

Dwelling, single-family detached. A dwelling unit designed for and occupied exclusively by one (1) family, including a modular dwelling on a permanent foundation, but not including a manufactured home. Permanent foundation is defined herein.

Dwelling, single-family with independent living quarters. A separate living unit located within a single-family dwelling and having direct interior access to the primary living unit.

Dwelling unit. A unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

Easement. A grant by a property owner of the use of land for a specific purpose or purposes by the general public, a corporation, or a certain person or persons.

Educational structure. A structure used by six (6) or more persons at any one (1) time for educational purposes through the twelvth grade.

Engineer. A professional engineer licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Electrical substation distribution centers and transformer stations. A premises which may or may not contain buildings, where the interconnection and usual transformation of electrical service takes place between systems. An electrical substation shall be secondary, supplementary, subordinate, and auxiliary to the main system.

Electronic data storage or processing center. Facilities where electronic data is processed, including, data entry, storage, conversion or analysis, subscription and credit card transaction processing, telephone sales and order collection, mail order and catalog sales, and mailing list preparation.

Emergency and protective facility. A permanent facility, other than a community living arrangement, managed by a public or nonprofit agency that provides temporary housing and protective sanctuary for victims of fire, natural disaster, economic hardship, crime, abuse, or neglect. Such facility may contain individual sleeping rooms and may or may not have food preparation facilities and private shower or bath facilities. A facility may also include a food bank.

Energy storage system. Equipment, facilities, or devices capable of absorbing energy, storing it for a period of time, and redelivering that energy after it has been stored.

Entity. Any person, firm, partnership, association, corporation, company, or other legal entity, private or public, whether for profit or not for profit.

Event center. A building and land, which may include on-site kitchen/catering facilities, where indoor and outdoor activities such as weddings, receptions, banquets, and other such gatherings are held by appointment.

Existing facility (for wireless telecommunications facilities). A telecommunications facility that exists, is under construction, or for which a special use permit has been issued.

Facility, research. A facility for scientific laboratory research, investigation, testing, or experimentation, in technology-intensive fields, such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, genetics, plastics, polymers, resins, coatings, fibers, fabrics, films, heat transfer, and radiation research facilities. This term does not include the manufacture or sale of products, except as incidental to the main purpose of the laboratory.

Fairgrounds. An area of land use including but not limited to: agricultural related office buildings, animal shows and judging, carnivals, circuses, community meeting or recreational buildings and uses, concerts, food booths and stands, games, rides, rodeos, sales and auctions, storage, theaters. Does not include racetracks.

Fall zone (for wireless telecommunications facilities and wind energy conversion systems). An area within a radius equal to the height of the antenna support structure or wind energy structure within which there is a potential hazard from falling debris or collapsing material. A fall zone is distinct from a setback.

Family. A single housekeeping unit comprised of one (1) of the following: (i) one (1) person living alone; (ii) two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption; (iii) as many as five (5) unrelated individuals; or (iv) as defined by section 15.2-2291 of the Code of Virginia, eight (8) or fewer individuals residing together as a family unit in a residential facility, as defined below, with a resident counselor or other staff persons.

Family, immediate. For the purpose of this chapter, an immediate family member shall be any person who is a natural or legally defined offspring, stepchild, spouse, parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, or sibling.

Farm. One (1) or more areas of land, totaling at least six (6) acres and qualifying for land use valuation, used for the production, cultivation, growing, harvesting, or processing of agricultural products.

Farm brewery. A facility for the brewing and production of beer located on a farm and meeting all regulations of the state alcoholic beverage control board for a limited brewery.

Farm building. A building or structure not used for residential purposes, located on a property where farming operations take place, utilized for either the storage, handling, production, display, sampling, or sale of agricultural products produced on the farm; the sheltering or raising of farm animals; the maintenance and storage of farm equipment used on the farm; or storage or use of supplies and materials used on the farm.

Farm cider mill. A facility for the extraction of juice from fruit, the processing of the juice into fruit cider and the bottling of the fruit cider, but not including distilling. At least fifty-one (51) percent of the fresh fruits or agricultural products used by the owner to manufacture the cider shall be grown or produced on the farm or land in Virginia leased by the licensee, and meeting all regulations of the state alcoholic beverage control board.

Farm distillery. A facility for the distillation of alcohol and/or spirits where upon at least fifty-one (51) percent of the fresh fruits or agricultural products used by the owner to manufacture the distilled product shall be grown or produced on the farm or land in Virginia leased by the licensee, and meeting all regulations of the state alcoholic beverage control board.

Farm equipment repair shop. Establishments repairing agricultural machinery and equipment.

Farm market. A market held in an open area or in a structure, where groups of individual sellers offer for sale to the public such items as fresh produce, seasonal fruits, fresh flowers, arts and craft items, and food and beverages. Items shall not include those generally associated with thrift stores.

Farm winery. A winery as defined by the state alcoholic beverage control board where upon at least fifty-one (51) percent of the fresh fruits or agricultural products used by the owner to manufacture the wine shall be grown or produced on the farm or land in Virginia leased by the licensee, and meeting all regulations of the state alcoholic beverage control board.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An agency of the federal government which regulates all activities affecting air navigation.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC). An agency of the federal government that regulates all intrastate, interstate, and international communications via wire, wireless, satellite, and cable.

Fee simple. Absolute ownership of real property.

Feed mill. A facility where animal feed is produced which may include wholesale and/or retail.

Fitness center. An establishment where passive or active exercises and related activities are performed for the purpose of physical fitness, improved circulation or flexibility, and/or weight control.

Flea market. A structure or land, excluding community centers and publicly owned property, used more than three (3) times per twelve-month period for the purpose of sale of any of the following items or similar items: clothing, housewares, appliances, novelties, antiques, farm implements, and furniture.

Floor area. The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the total number of floors of a building measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two (2) buildings, but not including any attic space providing headroom of less than seven (7) feet, unusable basement or cellar space not used for retailing, uncovered steps or fire escapes, open porches, accessory water or cooling towers, accessory, off-street parking spaces, and accessory off-street loading spaces.

Floriculture. The use of land for the growing or production for income of flowering and ornamental plants and trees.

Foundation, permanent. Any footer with a wall that shall meet all the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Frontage. That line of a lot which adjoins a street or right-of-way unless the primary building location dictates otherwise.

Funeral home and crematory. A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial or cremation and display of the decreased and rituals connected therewith before burial. A funeral home, as defined for purposes of this code, includes a funeral chapel.

General development plan. A plan describing the proposed development project, which, when proffered by the applicant of a rezoning request, becomes part of the zoning for the property, if the rezoning request is approved by the board of supervisors.

Golf course. A tract of land with at least nine (9) holes for playing a game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards. A golf course may include a pro shop, restaurants, restrooms, a driving range and practice facilities, and shelters as accessory uses.

Government forests and parks. Forests and parks managed by the local, state, or federal government and open to the public.

Graveyard, automobile. See "Automobile graveyard."

Green. A compact and distinct area of usable open space, consisting of grassy areas and trees, spatially defined by adjacent features such as building facades and/or vegetation. Improvements to the green may consist of paths, benches, landscaping, and other improvements.

Greenhouse. A building or structure devoted to the protection or cultivation of flowers and other tender plants.

Group home. More than eight (8) individuals residing together as a family unit in a residential facility, as defined herein, with one (1) or more resident counselors or other staff persons.

Gun shop, repair and sales. Any premises or portion thereof used for the sale, vending, dealing, exchange, transfer, or repair of guns, ammunition, and hunting equipment.

Halfway house. A licensed home for inmates on release from more restrictive custodial confinement or initially placed in lieu of such more restrictive custodial confinement, wherein supervision, rehabilitation, and counseling are provided to mainstream residents back into society, enabling them to live independently.

Hazard to air navigation. An obstruction determined by the Virginia Department of Aviation or the Federal Aviation Administration to have a substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization of navigable airspace in the commonwealth.

Health department. The Virginia Department of Health or its designated agent or representative.

Height. For the purpose of determining the height limits in all zoning districts set forth in this chapter and shown on the zoning map, the datum shall be mean sea level (M.S.L.) elevation unless otherwise specified.

Height, building. See "Building height."

Height, telecommunications facility. See "Telecommunication facility height."

Historic structure. Any structure that is (a) listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the department of interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirement for individual listing on the National Register; (b) certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the secretary to qualify as a registered historic district; or (c) individually listed on the Virginia State Inventory of Historic Places.

Hog operation. An enterprise in which hogs are kept and raised, regularly involving the use or presence of one (1) or both of the following: (a) two (2) or more acres of non-vegetative land (excluding land used for crops) and used for confined feeding, growing, raising, or birthing of hogs prior to slaughter; or (b) an enclosed confinement structure containing five hundred (500) or more square feet of floor space primarily for such enterprise.

Home business. A commercial use of a scale greater than home occupation but which is still secondary to the residential use, but not including agricultural or horticultural activities.

Home occupation. An occupation or activity which is clearly incidental and secondary to use of the premises as a dwelling and which is carried on wholly within a main building or accessory building by a member of the family who resides on the premises.

Horse stable, commercial. A building, group of buildings, or use of land, or any combination thereof, used for the sheltering, care, riding, or showing of horses. A horse stable does not include equestrian facility.

Horizontal surface. A horizontal plane above the established airport elevation, the perimeter of which coincides with the perimeter of the horizontal zone.

Horticulture. The use of land for the growing or production for income of fruits, vegetables, flowers, nursery stock, including ornamental plants and trees, and cultured sod.

Hospice center. A licensed facility with provides palliative and supportive medical and other health services to meet the physical, psychological, social, spiritual, and special needs of terminally ill patients and their families in an inpatient setting.

Hospital. An institution rendering medical, surgical, or other care, which is licensed as a hospital by the state hospital board.

Hotel or motel. A building or buildings in which lodging is provided and offered to the public for compensation, and which is open to transient guests and is not a rooming house as herein defined. This definition includes convention and conference center as accessory to the hotel or motel.

Hybrid system. (for wind energy conversion systems) An energy system that uses more than one (1) technology to produce energy or work, such as a wind-solar system.

Impound lot. A lot on which wrecked vehicles awaiting insurance settlement or vehicles impounded by law enforcement are kept for no more than one hundred eighty (180) days or repossessed vehicles by a lending institution. An impound lot is not an automobile graveyard.

Industrial. Assembling, disassembling, fabricating, finishing, manufacturing, packaging, repair or processing operations that are not classified as high-hazard or storage.

Industry, heavy. The manufacturing, compounding, packaging, assembly, fabrication or processing of goods and materials using processes that have (a) the potential for external impacts on the environment, including but not limited to uses involving storage of large quantities of explosives, acids, fireworks, pesticides, or other volatile or hazardous materials which could pose hazard to life, property or the environment in the event of an accident; or (b) adverse impacts on adjacent property in terms of noise, smoke, fumes, odors, glare, health or safety regardless of whether such impacts occur.

Industry, light. The manufacturing, compounding, packaging, assembly, fabrication or processing of goods and materials using processes that do not generally have the potential for external impacts on the environment or adversely impact adjacent properties in terms of noise, smoke, fumes, odors, glare, health or safety regardless of whether such impacts occur.

Inoperable vehicle. See "Vehicle, inoperable."

Institutional. A structure in which people are cared for or live in a supervised environment, having physical limitations because of health or age, are harbored for medical treatment or other care or treatment, or in which people are detained for penal or correctional purposes or in which the liberty of the occupants is restricted.

Joint and several responsibility. With respect to ground-mounted large solar energy facilities, wherever responsibility is assigned to two or more private parties, such as but not limited to, the operator and the landowner, the responsibility shall be construed to be jointly and severally borne by the parties assigned, and shall be so construed regardless of whether the wording is conjunctive or disjunctive.

Junk. Any scrap, discarded, dismantled or inoperable: vehicles, including parts or machinery thereof; household furniture and appliances; construction equipment and materials; tanks, containers, drums, and the contents thereof; and tires, pipes, wire, wood, paper, metals, rags, glass, plastic, food and related types of waste material.

Junked vehicle. See "Vehicle, junked."

Jurisdictional waterway. Non-navigable tributaries to traditional navigable waters, that contain water at least seasonally and the wetlands that directly abut them.

Kennel operation, commercial. A facility to house, board, breed, groom, handle, or otherwise keep or care for dogs for sale or housed in return for compensation.

Laundry, commercial or industrial. A facility in which laundry services are provided to commercial and industrial customers, such as the laundering of uniforms or hotel sheets and towels.

Laundry, dry cleaning, laundromat. A facility where patrons, wash, dry, or dry clean clothing or other fabrics in machines operated by the patron, or where customers drop off and pick up clothing or other fabrics which are laundered or dry cleaned by the establishment's employees.

Library. A facility for the public use, but not regular sale, of literary, musical, artistic, or reference materials.

Live/work. A single unit within a mixed-use structure which can be used by one occupant or family for residential uses, for commercial uses, or for both types of uses interchangeably.

Livestock. Animals as defined in Virginia Code section 3.2-6500.

Livestock sales facility. A commercial establishment wherein livestock and poultry are collected and sold.

Loading space. An unobstructed area not within the public right-of-way provided and maintained for the temporary parking of trucks and other motor vehicles for the purpose of loading and unloading goods, wares, materials, and merchandise.

Lot. See "Parcel."

Lot, corner. A lot abutting on two (2) or more streets at their intersection.

Lot coverage. The portion of a site that is impervious (i.e. does not absorb water). This includes, but is not limited to, all areas covered by buildings, parking structures, including surface parking, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and any area of concrete or concrete. For the purpose of calculating lot coverage, any outdoor display or storage is considered impervious.

Lot, depth of. The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.

Lot, double frontage. An interior lot having frontage on two (2) streets. Also known as a through lot.

Lot, interior. Any lot other than a corner lot.

Lot of record. A lot, described by a deed or on a plat which has been recorded in the office of the clerk.

Lot, pipe stem or flag. A lot where access to the public road is by a right-of-way or driveway not less than twenty (20) feet in width.

Lot, width of. The average horizontal distance between side lot lines.

Lumber mill. See "Sawmill" or "lumber mill."

Machinery and equipment center. Establishments primarily engaged in the repair, maintenance, rental, or sales of large-scale commercial, farming, or industrial machinery and equipment.

Mail services. A commercial business or governmental agency, which conducts the retail sale of stationery products, and provides packaging and mail services (both U.S. Postal Service and private service), and provides mailboxes for lease.

Master plan. A plan that illustrates the development proposal for the subject property, including but not limited to building footprints and square footage; proposed uses; landscape areas, buffering, and screening; plazas; bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular circulation; parking; site access; service areas; and the identification of potentially sensitive design issues; and the relationship of the proposed development to existing, surrounding developments.

Meat processing facility. A building where game or domestic animals are killed and/or processed.

Medical office or clinic. An office used exclusively by physicians, dentists, and similar personnel for the treatment and examination of patients solely on an outpatient basis. This use may include one (1) or more of the following: an outpatient surgical facility, an emergency care facility, a related medical support lab, a pharmacy, or a medical spa associated with the medical practice within the office. This term shall not include group homes, halfway houses, hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, residential facilities, substance abuse treatment facilities, or schools.

Mentally or physically impaired person. For the purposes related to a temporary family health care structure, a mentally or physically impaired person means a person who is a resident of Virginia or whose caregiver is a resident of Rockingham County, and who requires assistance with two (2) or more activities of daily living, as defined in section 63.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia, as certified in a writing provided by a physician licensed by the commonwealth.

Mercantile. The display and sale of merchandise, including storage of goods incidental to sales, and accessible to the public.

Metal-working facility. A facility used to transform metal into intermediate or end products. Important fabricated metal processes are forging, stamping, bending, forming, painting and machining, used to shape individual pieces of metal, and other processes, such as welding and assembling, used to join separate parts together. Establishments may use one (1) of these processes or a combination of these processes.

Millwork. The production of wood products such as doors, window casings, baseboards, mantels, and crown molding.

Mini-storage. A building or group of buildings divided into separate compartments used to meet the temporary storage needs; may include temperature controlled facilities.

Mitigation (for wireless telecommunications facilities). The reduction or elimination of visual impacts through either concealment, camouflage, and/or disguise.

Mixed-use structure. A single structure that includes individual units for residential uses and individual units for commercial uses.

Motor vehicle. Any passenger vehicle, such as cars, trucks, and vans, any motorcycle or all-terrain vehicle, any recreational vehicle or mobile home, or any tractor-trailer.

Motor vehicle parts sales. The display and sale of new, reconditioned, or used parts for automobiles, panel trucks or vans, trailers, or recreation vehicles, but not including an automobile graveyard.

Motor vehicle repair shop. A facility for the general repair, rebuilding, or reconditioning of engines, motor vehicles and trailers, or providing collision services, including body, frame, or fender repair, and overall painting. May include vehicle detailing and hand washing of vehicles.

Motor vehicle sales lot. Any business establishment that sells or leases new or used automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, tractor-trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles, or other similar motorized transportation vehicles, and may provide on-site facilities for the minor, incidental repair and service of vehicles to be prepared for sale on the sales lot.

Motor vehicle towing service. Establishment that provides for the removal of vehicles but does not include on-site storage.

Multi-purpose trail. See "Shared-use path".

Natural state or natural area. Land, usually open space, remaining in a natural, predevelopment condition in regard to vegetation and topography, as opposed to landscaping. Natural areas may be used for the preservation of existing trees, streams, etc.

Neighborhood center. Small-scale commercial development designed and built to ensure safe pedestrian and vehicular access internal to the site and to adjoining properties, which meets the social, cultural, and service needs of the community.

Net residential area. All land in private residential lots or sites exclusive of streets, parking areas, common open spaces, commercial or other non-residential land.

Nonconforming structure, valid. A structure that complied with all regulations at the time of construction but, as a result of the subsequent amendments to this chapter, does not conform to the requirements of this chapter by reason of height or condition, or by reason of its impingement upon required yard area.

Nonconforming use, valid. A use that complied with all regulations at the time of establishment but, as a result of the subsequent amendments to this chapter, does not conform to the requirements of this chapter.

Nursery. The cultivation, storage, and sale of garden plants, flowers, trees, shrubs, and fertilizers, as well as the sale of garden tools and similar accessory products.

Nursing home. Any institution or facility meeting the licensing requirements as a nursing home under the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended, including, but not limited to, nursing homes owned or administered by any agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia or a political subdivision thereof.

Obstruction. Any structure, growth, or other object, including a mobile object, which exceeds a limiting height, or penetrates any surface or zone floor, set forth in this chapter.

Office. A room or group of rooms used for conducting the affairs of a business, profession, service industry, or government.

Off-street parking area. Space provided for vehicular parking outside the dedicated street right-of-way.

On-farm activities. Any activity detailed in section 15.2-2288.6 of the Code of Virginia, carried out on and accessory to an agricultural operation.

Overlay zoning district. A district where certain additional requirements are superimposed upon the underlying base zoning district and where the requirements of the underlying base zoning district may or may not be altered.

Owner. An owner or owners of fee simple title to real property.

Parcel. A measured portion of land separate from other portions of land by a metes and bounds description or described as a separate, distinct area in an instrument of conveyance or device and recorded with the clerk. Also known as "lot" or "tract".

Parent tract. The parcel from which a subdivision is made.

Park. Open space maintained on a regular basis for passive and/or active recreation consisting of paved paths and trails, open lawns, vegetation, open shelters, recreational facilities, community gardens, or any combination thereof.

Park-and-ride facility. An off-street parking facility designed or intended to provide peripheral collection and storage of vehicles to accommodate commuter traffic into or out from the community; including accessory structures such as passenger shelters.

Parking facilities. An off-street facility including paved parking spaces and drives and aisles for maneuvering, providing access and for entrance and exit, developed in a way to accommodate the parking of automobiles. May include parking structures.

Person. Any individual, firm, organization, partnership, trust, corporation (including municipal corporation), company, limited liability company, association, joint stock association, or governmental entity. The term includes a trustee, a receiver, an assignee, or a similar representative of any of them.

Pharmacy. A business predominantly for the sale of pharmaceutical items, supplies, and equipment.

Photometric Plan. A point by point plan depicting the intensity and location of lighting on the property.

Planning commission (PC). The Planning Commission of Rockingham County, Virginia.

Planning director. See "Director of planning."

Plat. The schematic representation of land divided or to be divided, prepared by a licensed surveyor. When used as a verb, "plat" is synonymous with "subdivide."

Plaza. Usable open space, usually at the intersection of important streets, set aside for civic purposes and commercial activity, bordered by civic and/or private buildings. Plazas may range from very active places with adjacent complementary uses such as restaurants and cafés, to quiet areas with formal landscape plantings having seating, fountains, or public art.

Poultry operation. A poultry house with other accessory uses customarily required for operation.

Prescriptive right-of-way. An easement obtained by usage across another's property allowing access through such property.

Primary. The main purpose for which land or a structure is used.

Primary surface. (for the Airport Overlay district) A surface, with a specified width as provided in this chapter, longitudinally centered on a runway. The elevation of any point on the primary surface is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway centerline.

Print or copy shop. A facility for the reproduction and copying of printed material or drawings. This does not include sign shops or printing establishments.

Produce stand. Any structure or land used for the sale of agricultural or horticultural products, produced by the owner or his family, grown by the owner or tenant of the property and sold on the property.

Project perimeter. The outer or exterior boundary of a residential, commercial, or industrial development project.

Property. For the purposes of section 17-520 et seq., a property is a parcel or group of parcels that are contiguous and held by a single owner (individual, family, or business entity).

Property owner. Any entity with fee simple title to any plot of land within the county.

Property owners' association. A corporation or other legal entity or a nonprofit organization to which has as its purpose maintenance of streets or other common areas in a subdivision or development.

Public safety facility. A facility for public safety and emergency services, such as police, fire, or rescue stations, including related administrative facilities, and assembly and training space used for public or private events.

Public sewer. Any system of pipelines or conduits, pumping stations, force mains, and all other constructions, devices, and appliances appurtenant thereto, used for conducting or treating sewage, which is owned or controlled by the county or any authority or district created thereby, or any municipal corporation or other public entity created thereby located within the boundaries of the county, or which is owned and operated by a public utility as defined in section 56-265.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public water. Any system of pipelines or conduits, pumping stations, force mains, and all other constructions, devices, and appliances appurtenant thereto, used for providing water services, which is owned or controlled by the county or any authority or district created thereby, or any municipal corporation or other public entity created thereby located within the boundaries of the county, or which is owned and operated by a public utility as defined in section 56-265.1 of the Code of Virginia.

Public works director. See "Director of public works."

Quarry operation. The extraction and processing of stone, sand, gravel, or topsoil, wherein processing does not transform the initial chemical composition of the extracted product. May involve the sale of quarried products.

Radio frequency engineer (for wireless telecommunications facilities). An individual or firm with documented expertise in radio frequency propagation and engineering.

Radio or television station. A broadcasting facility licensed by the Federal Communications Commission, which may include transmitting and receiving equipment, studios, offices, utility buildings, and other necessary accessories needed to operate the facility.

Rail siding. A short stretch of railroad track that is used to store rolling stock or enable trains on the same line to pass.

Railroad yard. An area used for the switching, storing, and repairing of railroad cars, including freight pick-up and distribution.

Rated nameplate capacity (for purposes of wind energy conversion systems). The maximum rated output of electric power production equipment, which is typically specified by the manufacturer with a "nameplate" on the equipment.

Recreation or entertainment, inside a building (and not otherwise listed). An establishment providing completely enclosed recreation activities, such as bowling, roller skating, billiards, equestrian facility, and other like activities or entertainment activities such as a musical production, live theater production, and other like activities. Accessory uses may include the preparation, serving and sale of food, and the rental or sale of equipment related to the enclosed use.

Recreation or entertainment, outside a building (and not otherwise listed). An establishment in which recreation activities such as miniature golf, rock climbing, motor sports, batting cages, equestrian facility, and other like activities are provided outside a building and in which entertainment activities such as musical productions, live theater productions, or other like activities are provided outside a building. Accessory uses may include bleachers, the rental of equipment related to the use, and the preparation, serving and sale of food.

Recreational lodge. A building or buildings used for temporary housing in support of outdoor recreation. Does not include campgrounds.

Recreational vehicle. A vehicle which is built on a single chassis, is four hundred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, is designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty vehicle, and which is designed not for use as a primary dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational camping, travel, or seasonal use.

Refuse and recycling collection center. A facility used for the collection of refuse and county-approved recyclables.

Rehabilitation facility. An inpatient or outpatient facility providing therapy and rehabilitation. This facility may offer occupational therapy, physical therapy, vocational training, and special training such as speech therapy but does not include therapy or rehabilitation for drug or alcohol abuse.

Residential facility. A facility in which no more than eight (8) individuals with mental illness, intellectual disability, or developmental disabilities reside, with one (1) or more resident counselors or other staff persons for which the department of behavioral health and development service is the licensing authority pursuant to the Code of Virginia; or a facility in which no more than eight (8) aged, infirmed, or disabled persons reside, with one (1) or more resident counselors or other staff persons for which the department of social services is the licensing authority pursuant to the Code of Virginia. For purposes of this definition, mental illness and developmental disability shall not include current, illegal use of, or addiction to, a controlled substance as defined in section 54.1-3401 of the Code of Virginia. In accordance with the Virginia State Code, a residential facility is considered as residential occupancy by a single family.

Residential facility, children's. Any facility, child-caring institution, or group home that is maintained for the purpose of receiving children separated from their parents or guardians for full-time care, maintenance, protection and guidance, or for the purpose of providing independent living services to persons between eighteen (18) and twenty-one (21) years of age who are in the process of transitioning out of foster care for which the department of social services is the licensing authority pursuant to the Code of Virginia. This definition does not include private homes providing foster care under the supervision of the department of social services.

Restaurant. A commercial establishment where foods and beverages are provided for immediate consumption; including, but not limited to, lunchrooms, cafeterias, coffee shops, cafés, taverns, delicatessens, hotel dining rooms, dinner theaters, soda fountains, fast food restaurants, full-service restaurants, and dining accommodations of public or private clubs.

Retreat center. A building and land used for conferences, seminars, and training programs. Accommodations for sleeping, eating and recreation by participants shall be accessory and incidental to the retreat center.

Right-of-way. A strip of land acquired by grant, reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary or storm sewer, and other similar uses; generally, for the right of one (1) to pass over the property of another.

Right-of-way line. The dividing line between a lot, tract, or parcel of land and a right-of-way.

Rooming house. A structure used for residential occupancy on a rental basis, where for compensation and by prearrangement for defined periods, lodging or lodging and meals are provided for at least five (5) and up to fourteen (14) persons. A rooming house may also include the dwelling unit occupied by the owner or operator.

Rowhouse. See "Dwelling, rowhouse."

Runway. A specified area on an airport prepared for landing and takeoff of aircraft.

Sawmill or lumber mill. A facility where logs or partially processed cants are sawn, split, shaved, stripped, planed, chipped, kiln-dried, or otherwise processed to produce wood products, such as making boards and trusses and components. Wood products may also include mulch and firewood. The use may include the production of wood products, such as doors, window casings, baseboards, mantels, and crown molding, or wholesale and retail sales.

School. Educational institution or educational organization, maintained or conducting classes for the purpose of offering instruction of students.

Screening. Visually concealing or obscuring an abutting or nearby structure or use from another by fencing, walls, berms, or densely planted vegetation.

Seasonal worker housing. Temporary residential space owned or managed by a company or firm whose primary business does not include housing. Space is provided to individuals, including family members, employed by the company or firm for the duration of a season.

Setback. The minimum distance by which any structure shall be separated from a street right-of-way or lot line.

Setback line, minimum. The width required on any lot for construction.

Shadow flicker (for wind energy conversion systems). The visible flicker effect when rotating turbine blades cast shadows on the ground and nearby structures, causing the repeating pattern of light and shadow.

Shared-use path. A path or trail that is physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic by open ground or a barrier and is typically located either within the road right-of-way or within a separate right-of-way. A multi-purpose trail may be used by bicyclists, pedestrians, skaters, users of wheel chairs or wheel chair conveyances, joggers, and other non-motorized users. A multi-purpose trail may also be a multi-use trail or shared-use path.

Shooting range, indoor. A completely enclosed building designed for the safe discharge of archery equipment and firearms at targets for marksmanship practice or competitions.

Shooting range, outdoor. An outdoor area or structure designed for the safe discharge of archery equipment and firearms at targets for marksmanship practice or competitions.

Sidewalk. An improved pedestrian surface that is typically located adjacent to a road, which meets handicap-accessibility requirements.

Sign. Any words, lettering, parts of letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, designs, trade names or marks, or combinations thereof, by which anything is made known, such as the designation of an individual, a firm, an association, a profession, a business, a commodity, or product, which are visible from any public way and used as an outdoor display. A display of less than one (1) square foot in area is excluded from this definition.

Sign area. The advertising area, excluding architectural trim and structural supports.

Sign, business. A sign, painted, electrical, or otherwise erected for the purpose of conveying information, knowledge, or ideas to the public about a subject related to the premises upon which said sign is located.

Sign, development. A sign near or on a construction site displaying the names and logos of any associated construction or design companies and a description of the development project.

Sign, directional. A sign which may have one (1) end pointed or on which an arrow may be painted indicating only the name and the direction to the institution, business, or industry noted on the sign.

Sign, outdoor advertising. A structural poster panel or painted sign, either freestanding or attached to a building, for the purpose of conveying information, knowledge, or ideas to the public about a subject unrelated to the premises upon which it is located.

Sign, portable. A sign that is not permanently affixed to a structure or the ground and is designed to be easily moved.

Sign structure. A structure composed of a single pole or multiple poles which is located on the ground or on top of another.

Sign structure facing. The surface of the sign upon, against, or through which the message of the sign is exhibited, not including architectural trim and structural supports.

Sign, temporary. Any sign, banner, pennant, valance, or advertising display constructed of cloth, canvas, light fabric, cardboard, wallboard, or other materials with or without frames intended to be displayed for a period of not more than twenty-one (21) consecutive days within any one-hundred-twenty-day period.

Silviculture. Any forest management activity, including, but not limited to, the harvesting of timber, the construction of roads and trails for forest management purposes, and the preparation of property for reforestation.

Site plan. A detailed, engineering drawing of proposed improvements to a given lot. A site plan shall include, as applicable, but not limited to, a building footprint, travel ways, parking, drainage facilities, sanitary sewer and waterlines, trails, lighting, and landscaping.

Site plan, minor. Any required site plan meeting the following criteria:

(1)

The site development involves new construction or use of less than one thousand (1,000) square feet of gross floor area.

(2)

The site development involves an addition to an approved site and the addition is less than twenty-five hundred (2,500) square feet of gross floor area and has no increase in the parking required in this chapter or a change in utilities.

(3)

The site does not require additional ingress/egress or alteration of existing ingress/egress.

(4)

The site does not require engineering work to develop the building or site.

Ski area. A ski slope and a lodge, which may include sales, rentals, and services of related equipment and accessories, and food services.

Small appliance or small engine repair shop. A facility engaged in repairing and servicing household appliances and or/home and garden equipment.

Solar energy facility, large. An energy conversion system consisting of photovoltaic panels, their support structures, and associated infrastructure, such as but not limited to control, conversion, and transmission hardware, and energy storage systems, occupying more than two (2) acres of total land area. "Occupying" means actual ground coverage, not acreage of the parcel on which the facility is installed.

Solar energy facility, small. An energy conversion system consisting of photovoltaic panels, support structures, and associated control, conversion, and transmission hardware occupying no more than twenty-five (25) percent coverage of the parcel, not to exceed two (2) acres.

Spa. An establishment, including, but not limited to massage therapy which offers massage and body or facial treatments, hair salons, make-up consultation and application, or manicure and pedicure services. Anyone rendering services on premises shall be licensed by the State for the services that are provided.

Sports complex. An indoor, outdoor, or partially enclosed facility, with or without seating for spectators, and providing accommodations for a variety of individual, organized, or franchised sports, including, but not limited to, football, baseball, basketball, ice hockey, or volleyball, with accompanying support activities, such as locker rooms, snack bars, or associated retail sales.

Stealth structure (for wireless telecommunications facilities). Any structure designed to conceal or disguise wireless telecommunications facilities including but not limited to flag poles, silos, tree poles, and lookout towers.

Storage container. A container specifically manufactured for use in shipping, moving, or storage of products or freight and which may be used for storage in compliance with the requirements of this chapter. Shall not include semi-trailers, manufactured homes, or any portion of a motor vehicle.

Story, half. A space under a sloping roof, which has the line of intersection of roof decking and wall face not more than three (3) feet above the top floor level and in which space of not more than two-thirds of the floor space is finished off for use.

Street. Any public or private roadway providing access to three (3) or more lots, or abutting properties. Does not include driveways.

Street centerline. A line generally parallel to the street right-of-way lines that equally divides the street right-of-way.

Street, private. A street or road not maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Street, public. A street or road maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Street, stub. A street, with no cul-de-sac, with right-of-way terminating at a parcel abutting the development or a future phase of the same development.

Street width. The total width of the strip of land dedicated or reserved for public travel, including roadways, curbs, gutters, sidewalks and planting strips.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a location on the ground.

Structure height (for wind energy conversion systems). The vertical height of a wind energy measured from existing average grade to the tip of the rotor blade at its highest point, or blade tip height.

Subdivide. To divide, partition, or develop any land into two (2) or more lots or parcels in compliance with chapter 16 of the Rockingham County Code.

Subdivider. Any person owning a tract or parcel of land to be subdivided.

Substance abuse treatment facility. A facility for the purposes of temporary or long-term inpatient treatment of victims of alcohol or drug use or addiction.

Surveyor. A land surveyor licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Taxidermy. The business of preparing and mounting the skins of animals.

Telecommunication facility height. The distance measured from ground level to the highest point on the structure, even if said highest point is an antenna.

Temporary family health care structure. A transportable residential structure, providing an environment facilitating a caregiver's provision of care for a mentally or physically impaired person, that (i) is primarily assembled at a location other than its site of installation, (ii) is limited to one (1) occupant who shall be the mentally or physically impaired person, (iii) has no more than three hundred (300) gross square feet, and (iv) complies with applicable provisions of the Industrialized Building Safety Law (section 36-70 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) and the Uniform Statewide Building Code (section 36-97 et seq. of the Code of Virginia). Placing the temporary family health care structure on a permanent foundation shall not be permitted.

Temporary structure. A structure placed on a parcel for use only during construction of the primary structure and removed after completion of construction of the primary structure.

Temporary use. A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent that such use will terminate automatically upon expiration of the fixed time period unless permission to conduct the use is renewed.

Terminal, bus or rail. A place where the transfer of people between modes of transportation takes place.

Tower development company. Any entity that builds antenna support structures for the sole purpose of leasing space for the placement of antennas.

Tower height (for wind energy conversion systems). The height above grade of the fixed portion of the wind energy system tower.

Tract. See "Parcel".

Transit shelter. A structure that provides protection from the weather to persons who are waiting to board a publicly owned or franchised transit vehicle.

Transitional surfaces (for the Airport Overlay district). Surfaces, whose design standards are referenced in this chapter, which extend outward perpendicular to the runway centerline extended sloping from the sides of the primary and approach surfaces to where they intersect the horizontal and conical surfaces.

Travel center. A facility typically providing fuel, food, convenience items, and rest and hygiene facilities for commercial truck drivers as well as interstate travelers.

Truck terminal. A facility where trucks are stored and dispatched when not accessory to another use on the premises. The use may include maintenance and service of dispatched vehicles.

Turbine (for wind energy conversion systems). The parts of the wind system including the blades, generator and tail.

Unified control. A method by which two (2) or more landowners and/or contract purchasers may act as a single entity for the purpose of making application for rezoning land to a planned zoning district.

Urban growth areas. Areas adjacent to growing unincorporated areas, towns, or the city that are planned for public infrastructure expansion and urban growth. Generally designated by an urban growth boundary, these areas provide a distinction between urban and rural uses and aid in the protection of the county's rural character. Also referred to as "service areas".

Uses, permitted. A use which is allowed in the district in which the land is situated. Where the proposed use is permitted and is in accordance with other regulations herein, the use shall be permitted by the zoning administrator, without a public hearing.

Uses, prohibited. Any use not specifically permitted by right or special use permit shall be prohibited.

Uses, special. A special use which may be allowed when the board of supervisors, after review of the application and hearing thereon, finds as a fact that the proposed use or uses are consistent with the comprehensive plan and the policies of the county, the standards of this chapter and the public interest. A special use permit will be issued by the zoning administrator after such special use has been approved by the board of supervisors.

Utility building, small. A single-story building of five hundred eighty (580) square feet or less for use as a non-commercial, non-residential, accessory structure located on a lot that has no primary structure.

Utility building, large. A building of more than five hundred eighty (580) square feet for use as a non-commercial, non-residential, accessory structure located on a lot that has no primary structure.

VDOT. Virginia Department of Transportation.

Variance. A departure of the terms of this chapter by the board of zoning appeals under procedures in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.

Vehicle. Any device treated as a vehicle in Virginia Code section 46.2 except manufactured homes.

Vehicle, inoperable. Any motor vehicle, trailer or semitrailer, as those vehicles are defined in section 46.2-100 of the Virginia Code, which has one (1) or more of the following characteristics: (i) it is not in operating condition; (ii) it does not display valid license plates if the vehicle is required by state law to display valid license plates; (iii) it does not display an inspection decal if the vehicle is required by state law to display a valid inspection decal; or (iv) it displays an inspection decal that has been expired for more than sixty (60) days.

Vehicle, junked. Any motor vehicle which is not in operating condition; or which has been partially or totally disassembled and on which one (1) of the following is missing (or on which the date has been expired for more than forty-five (45) days): valid inspection sticker or valid license plates.

Viniculture. The cultivation of grapes for the production of wine.

Viticulture. The cultivation of grapes and grapevines.

Warehouse. A structure primarily engaged in operating warehousing and storage facilities for general merchandise, refrigerated goods, maintenance and other equipment storage, and other warehouse products. These establishments provide facilities to store goods and do not sell the goods they handle. These establishments take responsibility for storing the goods and keeping them secure.

Water storage tank. A tank used to satisfy water pressure demand or fire suppression deficiencies.

Water/wastewater treatment facility. Any facility used for collection, treatment, testing, storage, or pumping of water or wastewater for distribution or disposal in compliance with state and local regulations.

Wind energy. Power generated by converting the mechanical energy of the wind into electrical energy through the use of a wind generator.

Wind energy conversion system. Wind energy conversion systems include all equipment, machinery and structures utilized in connection with the conversion of wind to electricity. This includes, but is not limited to, new transmission lines needed to connect to local utility's electric transmission and/or distribution system, storage, collection and supply equipment, substations, transformers, service and access roads, and one (1) or more wind turbines.

Wind energy structure. A wind energy conversion system consisting of a single wind turbine, wind energy tower, and associated controls or conversion electronics.

Wind energy system, large scale. A wind energy conversion system with a structure height greater than eighty (80) feet or a rated output of electrical power production equipment greater than five (5) megawatts.

Wind energy system, small. A wind energy conversion system with a maximum power that does not exceed one hundred (100) kw, which will be used primarily to reduce on-site consumption of utility power.

Wind energy tower. The structure on which the wind system is mounted.

Wind energy tower height. The height above grade of the fixed portion of the wind energy tower, excluding the wind turbine itself.

Wind farm. A piece of land on which a wind energy conversion system is sited for the purpose of electricity generation.

Wind monitoring or meteorological tower. A temporary tower equipped with devices to measure wind speeds and direction, and used to determine how much wind power a site can be expected to generate.

Wind turbine. A device that converts kinetic wind energy into rotational mechanical energy that derives an electrical generator to create electrical energy, in compliance with state and local regulations.

Winery, farm. See "Farm winery."

Wireless service provider. Any entity licensed or operating under a license issued by the FCC to provide wireless telecommunications services.

Wireless telecommunications facility. All infrastructure and equipment including but not limited to antenna support structures, antennas, transmission cables, equipment shelters, equipment cabinets, utility pedestals, ground systems, fencing, signage and other ancillary equipment associated with the transmission or reception of wireless communications.

Wireless telecommunications facilities, stealth. Any communications facility which is designed to blend into the surrounding environment. Examples of stealth facilities may include but are not limited to antenna tower alternatives structures, architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing or proposed trees and landscaping, and antenna structures designed to look like light poles.

Yard, front. An area on the same lot with the main building, extending the full width of the lot and situated between the frontage and the front line of the building. The minimum depth of the front yard is defined by the front setback.

Yard, rear. An area on the same lot with the main building, such space may have an accessory building, and the yard extends the full width of the lot and situated between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the main building projected by the sidelines of the lot.

Yard, side. An area on the same lot with a main building situated between the sideline of the building and the adjacent sideline of the lot extending from the rear line of the front yard to the front line of the rear yard. If no front yard is required, the front boundary of the side yard shall be the front line of the lot; and if no rear yard is required, the rear boundary of the side yard shall be the rear line of the lot.

Yard sale. The sale of miscellaneous, used items commonly associated with residential use. The term "yard sale" includes "garage sale," "basement sale" and "estate sale."

Zero lot line. A common lot line on which a wall or a structure may be constructed.

Zone (for the Airport Overlay district). All areas provided for this chapter, generally described in three (3) dimensions by reference to ground elevation, vertical distances from the ground elevation, horizontal distances from the runway centerline and the primary and horizontal surfaces, with the zone floor set at specific vertical limits by the surfaces found in this chapter.

Zoning administrator. The official or designee, of Rockingham County, charged with enforcing, administering, and interpreting the zoning ordinance. The zoning administrator shall also be referred to as the administrator.

(P.C. Ord. No. 14-03, 9-24-14; P.C. Ord. No. 15-16, 4-22-15; P.C. Ord. No. 15-45, 10-28-15; P.C. Ord. No. 15-48, 10-28-15; P.C. Ord. No. 15-50, 11-18-15; P.C. Ord. No. 15-52, 12-9-15; P.C. Ord. No. 16-04, 1-13-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-08, 2-24-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-13, 3-23-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-16, 3-23-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-18, 4-27-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-20, 6-8-16; P.C. Ord. No. 16-26, 10-26-16; P.C. Ord. No. 17-22, 9-27-17; P.C. Ord. No. 19-01, 1-9-19; P.C. Ord. No. 19-12, 5-22-19; P.C. Ord. No. 19-16, 7-17-19; P.C. Ord. No. 19-18, 8-28-19; P.C. Ord. No. 20-05, 10-28-20; P.C. Ord. No. 21-01, 1-13-21; P.C. Ord. No. 21-07, 7-28-21; P.C. Ord. No. 21-16a, 11-17-21; P.C. Ord. No. 21-17a, 11-17-21; P.C. Ord. No. 23-07, 5-24-23; P.C. Ord. No. 23-11, 6-28-23)