Roseville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE VI
Definitions
§ 19.95.010 Purpose.
This chapter provides definitions of the terms and phrases used in this title that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. This chapter also determines how language used throughout this title will be construed. Where any of the definitions in this chapter may conflict with definitions in other titles of the Roseville Municipal Code, these definitions prevail for the purposes of this title.
(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014)
§ 19.95.020 General rules for construction of language.
The meaning and construction of works and phrases as set forth shall apply throughout this title, except where the context of such words or phrases clearly indicates a different meaning or construction. Definitions contained in the Uniform Building Code shall be applicable except when in conflict with definitions contained in this title, in which case the zoning definition shall apply.
The following general rules of construction shall apply to the textual provisions of this title:
A.
Headings. The section and subsection headings of this title do not govern, limit, modify, or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of any provision of this title.
B.
Illustrations. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of any provision and any illustration, the text of the provision shall control.
C.
Shall, May and Should. “Shall” is always mandatory and not discretionary. “May” is permissive or discretionary. “Should” is advisory and not mandatory.
D.
Tense, Number, and Gender. Words used in the present tense include the past and future tense. Words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary. The masculine and feminine genders are both inclusive of the masculine, feminine, and neuter.
E.
Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
1.
“And” indicates that all connected items or provisions shall apply.
2.
“Or” indicates that the connected items or provisions may apply singly or in any combination.
3.
“Either... Or” indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.
(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014)
§ 19.95.030 Definitions.
A.
"A" Definitions.
1.
Accessory Building or Structure: (See Building, Accessory).
2.
Act: The Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988.[1]
[1]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.
3.
Amendment: Any change, modification, deletion, or addition to the wording, text or substance of this title or any change, modification, deletion, or addition to the application of this title to property within the City of Roseville, including any alteration in the boundaries of a zone district, when adopted by ordinance passed by the City Council in the manner prescribed by law.
4.
Antenna: A device used in communications which transmits or receives radio signals. Common forms of antennae are panel arrays and whip antennas. Panel arrays are designed to concentrate a radio signal in a particular area and are typically flat and rectangular in design. Whip antennas transmit a signal 360 degrees and are cylindrical with an 18-foot height limit.
a.
Co-Location. Locating wireless communications equipment from more than one provider on a single site.
b.
Telecommunication Facility. A land use facility supporting antennas and microwave dishes that sends and/or receives radio-frequency signals. Communication facilities include structures (aka monopole, towers) and accessory buildings.
c.
Dish Antenna. A dish-like antenna used to link communication sites together by wireless transmission of voices or data. Also called microwave antenna or microwave dish antenna.
d.
Equipment Building, Shelter or Cabinet. A structure designed and used to house equipment used by telecommunication providers at a facility.
e.
Monopole. A structure of a single spire used to support communications equipment.
f.
Related Equipment. All equipment ancillary to the transmission and reception of voice and data via radio frequencies. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, cable, conduit and connectors.
g.
Satellite Antennas. A satellite antenna is a dish like antenna used to link communications sites together by wireless transmission of voice or data. Also called microwave antenna or microwave dish antenna.
h.
Stealth Facility. Any communications facility which is designed to blend into the surrounding environment. Examples of stealth facilities may include architecturally screened roof-mounted antennas, building mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure, antennas integrated into architectural elements, and antenna structures designed to link like light poles. Also called concealed antennas.
i.
Telecommunication Tower. A mast, pole, monopole or guyed or lattice, freestanding tower designed and primarily used to support antennas, to include dishes, arrays and similar devices.
5.
Appellate Approving Authority: As designated in Section 19.80.020, it is either the Planning Commission or the City Council that is authorized to hear and act on appeals to actions and decisions provided by this title.
6.
Approving Authority: As designed in Section 19.80.020, it means one of the following depending on the nature of the application: City Council, Planning Commission, Design Committee, Planning Manager, or designee.
B.
"B" Definitions.
1.
Building: Any structure having a roof supported by columns and/or walls and intended for the shelter, housing and enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, vehicles, goods or materials of any kind or nature.
2.
Building or Structure, Accessory: A building or structure detached from a principal building on the same lot and incidental to the principal building.
3.
Building or Structure, Nonconforming: A building or structure, or portion thereof, which was lawfully erected, altered or maintained, prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, but which, because of the application of this title to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zoning district in which it is located.
4.
Building(s), Primary: A building(s) devoted primarily to the principal or conditionally permitted use of the lot or building site on which it is situated, as permitted by this title.
5.
Bus Depot or Station: A place of business serving as a point of arrival or departure for passengers traveling by intercity or interstate bus, except those buses operated by a governmental entity.
C.
"C" Definitions.
1.
City: The City of Roseville, California.
2.
City Council: The City Council of the City of Roseville.
3.
Clear Vision Triangle, Commercial: That portion of both private property and public right-of-way located at any corner where two streets intersect. The clear vision triangle is defined by the triangular area created by the diagonal connection of two points measured 30 feet back from the intersection of the prolongation of points measured along the front and corner street side back of curb (see figure below). The dimensions of the clear vision triangle may be required to be increased if the Director of Public Works determines that additional area is needed to ensure that a potential traffic hazard is not created.
 CLEAR VISION TRIANGLE — COMMERCIAL (NO SCALE) |
4.
Clear Vision Triangle, Residential: The clear vision triangle is defined by the path of travel of a vehicle making a right turn at an intersection, and is intended to preserve appropriate line-of-sight for the driver and pedestrians at a turn. The clear vision triangle is the area created by the diagonal connection of two points measured 25 feet along the back of curb on the right-hand side of the vehicle as it approaches the intersection to turn right, and 75 feet along the perpendicular side of the back of curb on the right-hand side of the vehicle as it completes the turn and departs the intersection (see figure below).
 CLEAR VISION TRIANGLE — RESIDENTIAL (NO SCALE) |
5.
Clear Vision Triangle, Residential Driveway: — The clear vision triangle is defined by the path of travel of a vehicle exiting a driveway and is intended to preserve appropriate line-of-sight for the driver and pedestrians at the driveway-street interface. The clear vision triangle is the area created by the diagonal connection of two points measured 10 feet along the edge of driveway on the right- or left-hand side of the vehicle as it approaches the street, and 10 feet along the perpendicular side of the back of curb on the right- or left-hand side of the vehicle as it enters the street (see figure below).
 CLEAR VISION TRIANGLE-RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY (NO SCALE) |
6.
Compact Residential Development: Attached or detached single-family housing units on a parcel or parcels with a General Plan land use designation of medium density residential or higher (seven dwelling units per acre or higher, as depicted on the General Plan Land Use Map).
7.
Condominium: An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in portions of a parcel of real property together with a separate interest in a dwelling, industrial or commercial building on such real property, such as an apartment, office, warehouse or store. A condominium may include, in addition, a separate interest in other portions of such real property.
8.
Condominium Conversion: Condominium conversion occurs whenever a multiple residential dwelling unit building or a residential housing project containing three or more dwelling units under the same ownership, or such a project that has been granted an occupancy permit is subdivided so that individual dwelling units are available for sale as condominiums within the meaning of Civil Code Section 783.
9.
Cooking: As referred to in Section 19.08.080 and Chapter 19.60, "cooking" means that the unit will contain a residential stove/oven/cooktop requiring dedicated utility connections such as large amperage wiring or a dedicated gas connection.
a.
Efficiency kitchen: As referred to in Section 19.08.090 and Chapter 19.60, an "efficiency kitchen" provides provisions for cooking and food preparation and must at minimum include a kitchen sink with minimum 1.5 inch drain line, a minimum 110V receptacle, a cooking appliance, a refrigerator with a minimum capacity of five cubic feet, a counter for food preparation, and storage cabinets. The sink and cooking appliance must each have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches. Cooking appliances include, but are not limited to, built-in or tabletop ovens and built-in or countertop ranges. Pursuant to Civil Code Section 1941.1, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended, in order to be tenantable an efficiency kitchen must include a stove maintained in good working order that is capable of safely generating heat for cooking. Efficiency kitchens must be located within a communal area of the dwelling.
b.
Kitchen: As referred to in Section 19.08.080 and Chapter 19.60, a "kitchen" provides permanent provisions for cooking and food preparation and includes a kitchen sink with a minimum drain size of 1.5 inches, either a minimum 220V receptacle or a dedicated gas line for a permanent cooking appliance (a 110V for a microwave, toaster, hotplate, or other tabletop appliance is not a permanent provision), a permanent cooking appliance, a refrigerator with a minimum capacity of five cubic feet, a counter for food preparation, and a food storage area. The sink and cooking appliance must each have a clear working space of not less than 30 inches. Kitchens must be located within a communal area of the dwelling.
c.
Wet bar: As referred to in Section 19.08.080, a "wet bar" is an area or space located within an open communal area of the dwelling (such as a living room, family room, or recreation room) with a counter intended for the preparation of beverages but not for the preparation or cooking of food. A wet bar is permitted to have one sink with a waste drain not to exceed 1.5 inches in diameter, a refrigerator or freezer with a maximum capacity of five cubic feet, and up to 110V AC power outlets. A wet bar may not include any built-in appliances for the heating or cooking of food.
10.
Council, or City Council: The City Council of the City of Roseville, California.
11.
Construction Trailer: A trailer used as an on-site office only during actual construction of an approved building site.
D.
Reserved.
E.
"E" Definitions.
1.
Expansion, Building or Structure: An alteration of a building/structure that results in an increase in its size, either in extent or bulk, or an increase in its area or volume.
2.
Expansion, Use: An alteration of a use that results in an increase in its size, either in extent, intensity or in the nature of the activities conducted.
F.
"F" Definitions.
1.
Family: An individual or group of two or more persons occupying a dwelling and living together as a single housekeeping unit in which each resident has access to all parts of the dwelling and where the adult residents share expenses for food or rent.
2.
Fence: An artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose, screen, or separate areas.
G.
"G" Definitions.
1.
Garage Sale: The temporary sale of used household or personal articles held on the seller's own residential premises, also referred to as a yard sale or rummage sale.
2.
General Plan: As used in this title, the term General Plan means the City of Roseville General Plan, and all revisions and amendments to the Plan.
3.
Group Home: Those uses or facilities identified with Sections 19.08.070.J.3 and 19.08.080.C and D and such other sections of this title, which provide for the care of disabled or supervised individual(s).
H.
"H" Definitions.
1.
Height, Building and Other Structures: The vertical distance from the highest point of the building or structure to the average of the highest and lowest points where the exterior walls or supports touch the natural grade.
 BUILDING HEIGHT FROM AVERAGE GRADE (NO SCALE) |
2.
Height, Fence or Wall: The height of a fence or wall shall be determined from the highest finished grade adjacent to the fence or wall.
3.
Home, Model Complex: One or more dwelling units or one temporary trailer temporarily used for display purposes as an example of dwelling units available or to be available for sale or rental for the first time in a particular subdivision or residential development which may be comprised of single detached, semi-detached, or multiple unit dwellings, or a combination thereof. It also includes one sales office and associated parking.
I.
Reserved.
J.
"J" Definitions.
1.
Junk Yard: Any area of 200 square feet or more used for the storage of junk, scrap materials, materials, salvaged from wrecked or demolished buildings, machinery or equipment; or used for the wrecking or demolishing of automobiles, other vehicles, or machinery.
K.
Reserved.
L.
"L" Definitions.
1.
Landscaped Area: An area devoted to lawn, groundcover, trees, or shrubs or hardscape, and as specified in this title, the Design Guidelines, any applicable specific plan or by other City requirement.
2.
Loading Space: An area, other than a street, alley, or driving aisle, on the same lot with a building or a group of buildings which is permanently reserved and maintained for the temporary parking of commercial vehicles while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.
3.
Lot: A legally created parcel of land used or capable of being used under the regulations of this title.
4.
Lot, Corner: A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets, with one property boundary bordering on each street frontage (see figure).
 LOT TYPES (NO SCALE) |
5.
Lot, Developed: A lot with buildings or structures.
6.
Lot, Flag: A lot having access to a public or private street by a narrow strip of land (see figure under Lot, Corner).
7.
Lot, Frontage: That portion of the lot contiguous to the street.
8.
Lot, Interior: A lot, other than a corner lot, abutting only one street (see figure under Lot, Corner).
9.
Lot, Key: A lot with a side line that abuts the rear line of any one or more adjoining lots (see figure under Lot, Corner).
10.
Lot Line, Front: The lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way. The front lot line of a corner lot may face either street frontage, at the option of the owner, provided that the required rear yard setback is obtainable opposite from the front lot line.
11.
Lot Line, Rear: That lot line, not intersecting a front lot line, which is most distant from and most closely parallel to the front lot line. In the case of an irregularly shaped lot or a lot bounded by only three lot lines, a line within the lot having a length of 30 feet parallel to and most distant from the front lot line shall be interpreted as the rear lot line for the purpose of determining required yards, setbacks, and other provisions of this title (see figures below).
 REAR LOT LINE - IRREGULAR LOTS (NO SCALE) |
12.
Lot Line, Side: Any lot line which is not a front or rear lot line.
13.
Lot, Reversed Corner: A corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot (see figure under Lot, Corner).
14.
Lot, Area: The area contained within the boundary lines of a lot.
15.
Lot, Coverage: The land area covered by all primary buildings on a lot, including cantilevered enclosed space located above the ground floor.
16.
Lot, Through: A lot having frontage on two generally parallel streets (see figure under Lot, Corner).
17.
Lot, Width: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at the front setback line.
M.
"M" Definitions.
1.
Manager: The Planning Manager of the City of Roseville or the Planning Manager's designee.
2.
Manufactured Home: A factory built or manufactured home permitted by State of California and federal laws.
3.
Mobile Home: Same as manufactured home, but subject to the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974.[2]
[2]
Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 5401 et seq.
4.
Mobile Home Park: Any area or tract of land where one or more mobile home lots are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease to accommodate mobile homes used for human habitation. The rental paid for any such mobile home shall be deemed to include rental for the lot it occupies.
5.
Model Home Complex: One or more dwellings used for the display and sale of units and lots within a subdivision.
N.
"N" Definitions.
1.
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 comply to the present requirements of the zoning district.
2.
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 comply to the present requirements of the zoning district.
O.
"O" Definitions.
1.
Open Air Vending Facilities: The sale of prepared food, fresh cut flowers or plants, or the sale of items determined by the Planning Manager to be consistent with this type of use, from a stand or non-motorized non-stationary cart or pushcart.
2.
Outdoor Sales Area: An outdoor area located on the same lot as the principal business used for merchandise display or storage as allowed under this title.
P.
"P" Definitions.
1.
Parcel: Means an area of land.
2.
Parcel, Nonconforming: A parcel of land having less area, frontage, or dimensions than required in the zoning district in which it is located.
3.
Parking Lot: An area of land, a yard or other open space on a lot legally used for or designed for parking motor vehicles.
4.
Parking Space: An unobstructed space or area other than a street or alley which is permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one motor vehicle.
5.
Peak Load: The generation of electricity during the highest electrical demand within a particular period of time. Daily electric peaks on weekdays occur in late afternoon and early evening. Annual peaks occur on hot summer days.
6.
Permitted: Means any use or activity allowed by the provisions of this title, and subject to the applicable regulations contained within this title.
7.
Person: An individual, firm, co-partnership, joint venture, association, social club, fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, City, local agency, or any other group or combination acting as an entity.
8.
Planning Commission: The Planning Commission of the City of Roseville.
9.
Property Owner: A person or persons having a possessory interest in the property, other than a periodic tenancy, estate at will, or sufferance, or a person having a contractual right which will ripen into such a possessory interest in the property.
Q.
"Q" Definitions.
1.
Qualified Affordable Housing Project: A qualified affordable housing project is defined as either: (a) a residential multi-unit (three or more units) or mixed use housing project that provides a minimum of 20% of the units as affordable units for low, very-low or extremely low income; complies with the City's Objective Design Standards; and agrees to enter into an Affordable Housing Agreement prior to issuance of building permits; or (b) a residential project consistent with Government Code Section 65913.4, as it now exists or may hereafter be amended.
R.
Reserved.
S.
"S" Definitions.
1.
Sale, Fundraising: The temporary sale of new or used merchandise conducted by a charitable, eleemosynary, or non-profit organization or by groups associated with churches, schools and clubs.
2.
Seating Capacity: The actual seating capacity of an area based upon the number of seats of one seat per 18 inches of bench or pew length. For other areas where seats are not fixed, the seating capacity shall be determined as indicated by the Uniform Building Code.
3.
Secondary Use: A purpose for which land or a building is or may be intended, occupied, maintained, arranged, or designed, which is less visible, prominent, or important than the primary use(s) on the same lot or parcel.
4.
Setback: The required distance that a building, parking lot or other designated item must be located from a lot line. For buildings and structures, the setback is measured to the exterior face/finish of the wall, post or railing.
5.
Setback, Front: The front setback is an area formed by a line parallel to a front lot line. The front setback is measured at right angles to the front lot line.
6.
Setback, Rear: The rear setback is an area formed by a line parallel to the rear lot line. Rear setbacks are measured at right angles to the rear lot lines.
7.
Setback, Side: The side setback is an area formed by a line parallel to the side lot line, that extends between front and rear setback areas. Side setbacks are measured at right angles to the side lot lines.
8.
Shopping Center: Two or more contiguous or separate retail commercial stores that share access and/or parking, which function by design, or ultimately function, as a single entity.
9.
Street: A public or permanent private way 30 feet or more in width, which affords a primary means of access to property.
10.
Structural Alterations: Any change in the supporting members of a building such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joints, girders or rafters, or changes in roof or exterior lines.
11.
Structure: Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground, including, but not limited to, antennas, signs and billboards, but not including outdoor areas such as paved areas, tennis courts, driveways, parking spaces where the area is unobstructed from the ground up.
T.
"T" Definitions.
1.
Theater: A building or structure used for the purpose of conducting live dramatic, comedic or musical performances, the showing of motion pictures or similar recorded media, or other live performing arts.
U.
"U" Definitions.
1.
Uniform Building Code: The Uniform Building Code currently in use and adopted by the City of Roseville.
2.
Usable Open Space: One or more open areas adjacent to residential uses, the purpose of which is to provide an outdoor area designed for outdoor living and recreation, and which is located at, below, or above grade. This space is typically accommodated within side and rear yard areas. The area covered by accessory structures meeting the standards for unenclosed structures (see Section 19.22.030) may be counted towards usable open space.
3.
Use: The purpose of which land or a building is arranged, designed, or intended, or for which either land or a building is or may be occupied or maintained.
4.
Use, Accessory: See Accessory Uses, Chapter 19.22.
5.
Use, Conditionally Permitted: A use type subject to a Conditional Use Permit, which use may be essential or desirable to the public convenience or welfare in one or more zones but which may also impair the integrity and character of the zone or adjoining zone or be detrimental to the public health, safety or welfare unless additional restrictions on location and extent of use are imposed and enforced. Such use shall be permitted when all specific additional restrictions are completed and permanently satisfied in conformance with an approved Conditional Use Permit. Should such restrictions be of a continuing nature, the use will remain conditional so long as the restrictions are complied with, but shall become an illegal use whenever and so long as the restrictions are not complied with.
6.
Use, Primary: The primary use or uses for which land or a building is or may be intended, occupied, maintained, arranged or designed and includes principally, conditionally and administratively permitted uses.
7.
Use, Principally Permitted: The primary use of land or of a main building which use is compatible with the purpose of the zone and which is permitted in the zone. If a use is listed in a specific zone as a principally permitted use, it means that the owner, lessee or other person who has legal right to use the land, has right to conduct such principally permitted use subject to the regulations and procedural requirements of this title.
8.
Use, Temporary: See Temporary Uses, Article IV, Chapter 19.64.
9.
Use Type: A category or class of land uses which share common functional, product or compatibility characteristics and which have been classified under a discreet use type in these regulations, commencing at Article II of this title.
V.
Reserved.
W.
Reserved.
X.
Reserved.
Y.
Reserved.
Z.
"Z" Definitions.
1.
Zoning District: A designated/mapped portion of the City within which a uniform set of regulations apply.
(Ord. 5428 § 1, 2014; Ord. 5974 § 15, 2018; Ord. 6198 § 1, 2020; Ord. 6363 § 2, 2021; Ord. 6829, 6/19/2024; Ord. 7029, 1/21/2026)
