Unless the context requires otherwise, the following definitions shall be used in the interpretation and construction of this title. Words used in the present tense include the future; the singular number includes the plural, and the plural the singular; the word “structure” includes the word “building”; the word “used” includes arranged, designed, constructed, altered, converted, rented, leased, or intended to be used or occupied; the word “shall” is mandatory; the word “may” is permissive. Whenever any of the following terms is used, it shall mean the corresponding officer or designated representative, department, board or commission of the city of Santa Cruz, California, herein referred to as “the city”: city council (or council), city planning commission (or commission), zoning board (or board), historic preservation commission, director of planning, director of public works (or building official), zoning administrator (or administrator). Various definitions from this section are also part of the Local Coastal Implementation Plan and are identified in the General Plan glossary by a wave symbol.

(Ord. 94-33 § 78, 1994: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A dwelling unit accessory to a residential use on a parcel of land and which meets the requirements of Chapter 24.16, Part 2.

(Ord. 2019-29 § 3 (part), 2020: Ord. 2003-17 § 12, 2003: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A living area attached to a single-family dwelling unit that is no more than five hundred square feet in size and which meets the requirements of Section 24.16.170.

(Ord. 2019-29 § 4, 2020).

A use or building subordinate to the principal use of a lot, or of a building on the same lot, and serving a purpose clearly or customarily incidental to the principal use of the lot or of the building.

(Ord. 2020-23 § 10, 2020: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The performance of construction work, the maintenance of any structure, or the conduct or maintenance of any use of land.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(Repealed by Ord. 94-33 § 80, 1994).

A fund established by the council to develop or preserve affordable housing.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Average monthly housing costs, during the first calendar year of a household’s occupancy, including mortgage payments, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and homeowners association dues, if any, which do not exceed the following:

(1)    For moderate-income households: one-hundred ten percent of area median, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty-five percent, and divided by twelve.

(2)    For lower-income households: eighty percent of area median, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(3)    For density bonus lower income households: seventy percent of area median, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(4)    For very-low-income households: fifty percent of area median, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

Monthly rent, including utilities and all fees for housing services, which does not exceed the following:

(1)    For lower-income households: eighty percent of area median, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by forty percent, and divided by twelve.

(2)    For density bonus lower income households: sixty percent of area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(3)    For very-low-income households: fifty percent of area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(4)    For extremely low-income households: thirty percent of area median income, adjusted for assumed household size based on unit size, multiplied by thirty percent and divided by twelve.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

Dwelling units or single-room occupancy units which are affordable to very low, lower, average, or moderate income households as defined by this Zoning Ordinance or by any federal or state housing program and are subject to rental, sale, or resale provisions to maintain affordability.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

An aged person who does not require professional nursing services because of physical or mental conditions, other than supervision because of infirmities of advanced age, confusion, loss of memory or disorientation. The term includes a person, who, under emergency conditions, is able to leave a building unassisted except when suffering from a minor or temporary illness as determined by a physician.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An aged person who is unable to leave a building unassisted, under emergency conditions; and a person who, for any reason, requires professional nursing services. The term may include those persons who depend upon mechanical aids such as canes, crutches, wheelchairs, etc.; and may also include those mentally handicapped persons with mild symptoms such as confusion, loss of memory, or disorientation, as determined by the department of social welfare of the county of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any authorized person acting for the property owner.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A person qualified to file an appeal of city council action on a coastal permit, as defined in Public Resources Code Section 30801 as follows:

Any person who in person or through a representative, appeared in a public hearing held in conjunction with the decision on the action appealed, or who, by other appropriate means prior to a hearing, informed the City of the nature of his or her concerns, or who for good cause was unable to do either.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The use of the land for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturage, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, apiaries, and animal farms; but not including stockyards or the commercial feeding of garbage or offal to swine or other animals.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A public or private way which affords only secondary access to abutting property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any change, addition or modification in construction.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A revision, addition, or deletion in the wording of this title, or a change in the zone classification or zoning district boundary upon the zoning map.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any animal, poultry, bird, reptile, fish, or any other creature or any live vertebrate creature other than a human being.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Small animals of the type generally accepted as pets, including dogs, cats, rabbits, pigeons, hens, and the like; but not including roosters, quacking ducks, geese, pea fowl, goats, sheep, hogs, or the like.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any premises on which the primary use is the breeding, raising or maintaining of animals for sale, or where the primary income from the premises is derived from the aforesaid occupation. For the purposes of this title, animals shall include cattle, horses, sheep, rabbits, poultry and the like, but not hogs.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any structure or enclosure, including but not limited to barns, stables, pens, paddocks, yards, or the like, designed and intended for the keeping of animals on private property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A facility owned, maintained and operated by a public or quasi-public body or agency for the purpose of the impounding and care of animals.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.320, Dwelling unit.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.334, Dwelling unit, efficiency.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: § 24.22.450, Hotel.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: § 24.22.306, Dwelling, multiple.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: § 24.22.550, Motel.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An application shall be deemed complete when it contains all maps, drawings and other information requested by the planning department and, where necessary, an environmental assessment is completed.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A development application for a coastal permit which can be appealed to the Coastal Commission under the terms of this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any person, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, or any entity, combination of entities or consortium who seek city permits and approval.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any evidence of human occupation and activity which may be used to reconstruct the history and culture of past peoples. This evidence shall include, but not be limited to, human remains, sites, structures, artifacts, and physical remains which existed prior to 1860.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Area median income for Santa Cruz County as published by the State of California pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 25, Section 6932, or successor provision. Commonly abbreviated as AMI.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

Includes the base, face and top of all bluffs and cliffs. The extent of the bluff top considered should include the area between the face of the bluff and a line described on the bluff top by the intersection of a plane inclined at a twenty-degree angle from horizontal passing through the toe of the bluff or cliff, or fifty feet inland from the edge of the cliff or bluff, whichever is greater. However, the commission may designate a lesser area of demonstration in specific areas of known geologic stability (as determined by adequate geologic evaluation and historical evidence) or where adequate protective works already exist.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Art that is so located as to be visible to persons in public places, such as, but not limited to, streets, sidewalks, and parks. Public art may not advertise a product or service but may identify a place of business or sponsor. Where public art is in the nature of a sign, such public art may identify a place of business but, may not advertise products or services. A public art exception to the sign regulations is required in such a case.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A household of one person in a studio apartment, two persons in a one bedroom unit, three persons in a two bedroom unit and one additional person for each additional bedroom thereafter.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

All adjacent land owned or controlled by the applicant, the property lines of which are contiguous at any point, or the property lines of which are separated only by a public or private street, road, or other public or private right-of-way or separated by other land owned or controlled by the applicant.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.550, Motel.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building or site, or portion thereof, designed and intended for washing motor vehicles; containing mechanical equipment, conveyors, blowers; and washing, rinsing, or drying facilities and the like, for such purposes; whether designed as a principal or an accessory use, and attended or unattended.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An open area used for the display, sale or rental of new or used motor vehicles, boats, or trailers in operable condition, and where no repair work is done.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.474, Junkyard.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A cantilevered landing or porch projecting from the exterior wall of a building above the first floor.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A piece of paper, cloth, canvas or other similar lightweight material containing no written information which is attached to a staff or a structure.

(Ord. 88-20 § 3, 1988).

Any retail establishment which is not a bona fide restaurant and at which the sale of alcohol beverages for consumption on the premises is the principal use, without the full range of meals provided in a bona fide restaurant. For purposes of regulations regarding on-sale establishments that sell alcohol, this definition shall include any bar, tavern, cocktail lounge, or other similar facility which has obtained an Alcohol Beverage Control license including but not limited to: Type 40, 42, 48, 51, 52, or 61.

(Ord. 95-03 § 2, 1995).

1.    Full. A full bathroom should contain at least a sink, toilet and bathtub, shower or bath/shower combination. However, a facility will be considered a full bath if it has a combination of a toilet and a bathing facility.

2.    Partial. A partial (half) bathroom shall have at least a toilet and sink.

(Ord. 94-34 § 18, 1994).

Any floor level below the first story in a building, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a basement unless such floor level qualifies as the first story as defined herein. (See: Story.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A large window or group of windows projecting from outer wall of a building and forming a small recessed or partly enclosed extension of the room.

(Ord. 88-19 § 2, 1988).

The Pacific Ocean side of Beach Street, from the west side of the Municipal Wharf to the west side of the San Lorenzo River.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any habitable room with no less than seventy square feet of floor area and no dimension less than seven feet in a dwelling other than bathroom(s), kitchen, living and dining room and three other rooms which are not used for sleeping.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building containing not more than eight guest rooms, which may be occupied by not more than sixteen persons, which provides guest rooms and breakfast for guests and which is managed and occupied by the owner of the property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The incorporation of labor and material in the foundation of a structure.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(Repealed by Ord. 93-09 § 4, 2-23-93).

A seat located upon, or adjacent to, public property for the accommodation of passersby or persons awaiting transportation.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An “electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than seven hundred fifty watts.

(1)    A “class 1 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.

(2)    A “class 2 electric bicycle,” or “low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty miles per hour.

(3)    A “class 3 electric bicycle,” or “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of twenty-eight miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer.

(Ord. 2020-23 § 11, 2020).

A facility intended for bicycle travel within the public right-of-way which designates separate space for bicyclists distinct from motor vehicle traffic.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 18, 2025).

A tract of land bounded by streets, dead-ends of streets, railroad rights-of-way, watercourses, city boundaries, or large tracts of land in uses such as parks and golf courses.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.662, Retirement home or center.)

(Ord. 2025-14 § 19, 2025; Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lodging house in which meals are provided. (See: §24.22.490, Lodging house.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A place where boats are constructed, dismantled, stored, serviced or repaired on a commercial basis, whether within a building or in the open.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any hotel or motel provided with landing facilities to accommodate boats or other vessels.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An area specially designated and set aside for the removal of natural soils for the use as off-site fill material.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A banking facility generally subsidiary to a central or headquarters bank. Such branch banks may or may not offer the full range of banking services; are located primarily for service and convenience to a particular neighborhood service area; and generally contain less than five thousand square feet of floor area.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A roofed open passage connecting two buildings.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An establishment in which beer or wine is manufactured in limited quantities for on-site and off-site consumption.

(Ord. 95-03 § 3, 1995).

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The sum of the footprints of all buildings on the site, divided by the net lot area.

(Ord. 93-19 § 14, 1993).

The outer surface of a main exterior wall of a building. For example, a building with a rectangular plan has four main exterior walls and four building faces.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The vertical distance from average grade, as defined herein, to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average midpoint of roof planes (calculated by using the intersection of the roofline with the exterior building wall, not including eaves or overhangs, as the low point and the peak of the roof as the high point) of the highest gable of a pitch or hip roof. In calculating the height of a stepped or terraced building, the height of each individual segment of the building shall first be calculated; the height of a stepped or terraced building is the height of the tallest segment of the building. Height limitations shall not apply to uses listed in Section 24.12.150, Height limit modifications.

(Ord. 2022-18 § 26, 2022; Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot or parcel on which it is situated. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed to be a main building on the lot or parcel on which it is located.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the building, housing, plumbing, electrical and related codes, as provided by Section 18.04.030 of the Municipal Code.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A line parallel to the centerline of an existing street and at such specified distance therefrom as is established by this title, from which the required setbacks for any use or any zoning district are measured.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.494, Lot.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Total volume as measured from the exterior surface of a structure.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structure, including riprap or sheet piling constructed to separate land and water, and to establish a permanent shoreline.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The state agency established by state law responsible for carrying out the provisions of the Coastal Act and for review of coastal permits on appeal from local agencies.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structural, ornamental roof-like appendage, free-standing or attached to a building, including roof overhangs, but excluding awnings or metallic hoods.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.394, Garage, private.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A mobile home, modular unit, or structure which is used as a residence by a security guard or caretaker of an industrial use, which is located on or adjacent to the premises occupied by the industrial use, and which is reasonably necessary to provide adequate security for the industrial use.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.794, Street, centerline of.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A modification not affecting an essential meaning of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance or any other action authorized by this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A modification affecting an essential meaning of an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance or any other action authorized by this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A child daycare facility other than a family daycare home, Section 24.22.355, including, but not limited to, infant centers, preschools, extended daycare facilities, and school age child care centers. This definition is applicable for the purposes of Section 24.16.250 only.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

A triangular area formed by lot lines adjacent to street, as defined herein, and a line connecting them at points equidistant from their intersection. This distance shall be at least ten feet in residential districts and equal to the front yard setback required in all other districts in which the lot is located.

DISTANCE (in brackets) = At least 10’ in residential districts and no less than front yard setback required in all other districts.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A triangular area formed by a line drawn diagonally across the corner of a property, which is adjacent to an A- or an R-District, connecting points at a distance from the property corner equal to the depth of the front or exterior side yard required for such adjacent A- or R-District.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A facility owned or operated by the members of an organization for living or recreational purposes, for the benefit of the members or their guests. The term includes country clubs, tennis and swim clubs, social clubs, athletic clubs, fraternal lodges, fraternity and sorority houses, and the like.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

“Coastal development” means, on land, in or under water, the placement or erection of any solid material or structure; discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid, solid, or thermal waste; grading, removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials; change in the density of use of land, including, but not limited to, subdivision pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (commencing with Section 66410 of the Government Code), and any other division of land, including lot splits, except where the land division is brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for public recreational use; change in the intensity of use of water, or access thereto; construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of the size of any structure, including any facility of any private, public, or municipal utility; and the removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes, kelp harvesting, and timber operations which are in accordance with a timber-harvesting plan submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 (commencing with Public Resources Code Section 4511). Projects which cause the loss of public parking of ten spaces or more in the Seabright or Beach Area Plan area shall be considered coastal development.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any zoning district classification, the symbol for which has a “C” prefix. The terms shall include the P-A District.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The city planning commission of the city of Santa Cruz, California.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building housing electrical and mechanical equipment necessary for the conduct of a communications business, with or without personnel.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any facility, place, or building that is maintained and operated to provide nonmedical residential care, day treatment, adult daycare, or foster family agency services for children, adults or children and adults, including, but not limited to, the physically handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent persons, and abused or neglected children, and as further defined under state Health and Safety Code Section 1502. All community care facilities shall be appropriately licensed or registered pursuant to state law, unless exempted therefrom by state law. This definition and all other definitions relating to community care facilities shall be interpreted so as to be consistent with definitions found in state law or state administrative regulations.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 20, 2025; Ord. 2016-12 § 9, 2016: Ord. 95-03 § 4 (part), 1995: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

1.    A community care residential facility is any family home, group-care facility, or similar facility determined pursuant to state law, for twenty-four-hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal service, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual.

2.    A small community care residential facility is one which serves six or fewer persons.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 10, 2016: Ord. 2012-01 § 4 (part), 2012: Ord. 95-03 § 4 (part), 1995: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A facility licensed under Chapter 7.5 of Part 2 of Division 10.5 of the California Health and Safety Code and providing services which include one or more of the following: detoxification, rehabilitation services, educational sessions, and recovery or treatment planning to promote treatment and maintain recovery from alcohol or other drug problems.

(Ord. 95-03 § 4 (part), 1995).

A “community housing project” means and includes a community apartment project, a condominium, a condominium project, a stock cooperative, or a planned development designed for or capable of being used for residential purposes. “Community housing project” does not mean or include:

1.    Financing or leasing of apartments, offices, stores, or store space within apartment buildings, industrial buildings, commercial buildings, mobile home parks or trailer parks;

2.    Mineral, oil or gas leases;

3.    Land dedicated for cemetery purposes under the Health and Safety Code of the state of California.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Public and privately owned lands utilized for small-scale flower and vegetable gardens.

(Ord. 93-19 § 12, 1993).

An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a parcel of real property together with a separate interest in space in a residential, industrial, or commercial building or such real property, such as an apartment, office or store.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a parcel of real property together with a separate interest in other portions of such real property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Bordering on.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Commercial activities include the retail sale of a limited selection of food, nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and sundry items, primarily for off-premises consumption, and typically found in establishments exhibiting one or more of the following characteristics: (1) sale of alcohol after 11:00 p.m.; (2) designed for brief shopping visits; (3) one to two clerks on duty; (4) having four thousand square feet or less of retail floor space. Establishments which have a sizable assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables and fresh-cut meats are excluded from this category. For purposes of regulations regarding the retail sales of alcoholic beverages, this definition shall include multipurpose service stations of any size, or other similar commercial uses.

(Ord. 95-03 § 5, 1995).

Change of a residential to a nonresidential use or a nonresidential to a residential use.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 11, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Change of a rental dwelling unit to a community housing project as defined herein.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A type of hospital which provides bed care for persons suffering chronic illness, or convalescent care for patients who, by reason of illness or physical infirmity, are unable to care for themselves properly.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any work for which a building permit is required, and also includes grading, landscaping, and the erection, installation or painting of signs or public art.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

*    Editor’s Note: § 2 of Ordinance 91-18, on the topic of “Construction Activity,” was formerly codified herein. Said ordinance was originally effective 6/11/91, and was scheduled to expire 1/3/92: it was subsequently extended until 1/13/93 by § 2 of Ord 92-02.

A form of multiple ownership of real estate in which a corporation or business trust entity holds title to a property and grants occupancy rights to particular units to shareholders by means of proprietary leases or similar arrangements.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A centralized or coordinated assessment system developed pursuant to 24 CFR Section 576.400(d) or 578.7(a)(8), as applicable, as those sections read on January 1, 2020, and any related requirements designed to coordinate program participant intake, assessment, and referrals.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 21, 2025).

The city council of the city of Santa Cruz, California.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A space, open and unobstructed to the sky, located at or above grade level on a lot, and bounded on two or more sides by the walls of the building. An inner court is a court entirely within the exterior walls of a building; all other courts are outer courts.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The raising for commercial purposes of any truck, or field, or orchard crops, or wholesale nursery or greenhouses, including the necessary buildings incidental to such crops.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A small, usually domed structure surmounting a roof for decorative purposes only. It does not contain flooring nor does it serve as a story.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.432, Hearing body.)

(Ord. 85-65 § 3, 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Platform requiring ground supports usually extending from the main wall of the structure and used as exterior floor space and open on at least three sides.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Parcel of land developed with buildings or structures.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Destruction of more than fifty percent of the exterior walls of a structure.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 13, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An increase in the number of dwelling units over the otherwise allowable residential density under the applicable Zoning Ordinance provisions.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Anew.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any project undertaken for the purpose of development. Includes a project involving the issuance of a permit for construction or reconstruction, but not a permit to operate. Does not include ministerial projects proposed to be carried out or approved by the city.

(Ord. 88-57 § 1, 1988).

As used in Part 3 of Chapter 24.16, any site or construction condition that applies to a residential or commercial development pursuant to any ordinance, General Plan element, specific plan, or other local condition, law, policy, resolution, or regulation. A “site or construction condition” is a development regulation or law that specifies the physical development of a site and buildings on the site in a residential or commercial development.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 14, 2016: Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

The shortest horizontal distance between the walls of two buildings.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A portion of the territory of the city of Santa Cruz within which certain uniform regulations and requirements, or various combinations thereof, apply under the provisions of this title; includes zoning district and zone.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A landing pier for boats; a wharf; a structure supported by pilings or floats in such a manner as to allow flow of water beneath it and on which any buildings constructed are incidental to the use of said structure as a wharf or landing pier.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A residential facility that provides sleeping quarters for a number of people, usually along with common bathroom facilities and recreation areas, generally for students.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 15, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The outermost circumference of a tree’s canopy, from which water drips onto the ground.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 22, 2025).

A facility, offering food and/or nonalcoholic beverages, at which persons may expect to be served and/or eat or drink in their automobiles.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any use which provides goods, food, or services to persons in automobiles passing past a pickup station, excluding auto-related uses where the products or services are provided for the motor vehicle.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A private vehicular access, the use of which is limited to persons residing, employed, or otherwise using or visiting the premises on which it is located.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.326, Dwelling, two-family)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A four-family dwelling or fourplex is a building which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including four separate dwelling units.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A group of two or more detached buildings, each of which contains one or more dwelling units, located on a parcel of land in one ownership.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A multifamily dwelling is a building which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including three or more separate dwelling units or any combination of dwelling unit types.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A single-family dwelling is a building which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including only one dwelling unit, and may also contain one area meeting the standards of a junior accessory dwelling unit complying with Section 24.16.170.

(Ord. 2019-29 § 3 (part), 2020: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A three-family dwelling or triplex is a building which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including three separate dwelling units.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A single dwelling unit in a townhouse group, located or capable of being located on a separate lot; and being separated from the adjoining dwelling unit by an approved wall, extending from the foundation through the roof and structurally independent of the corresponding wall of the adjoining unit.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A dwelling unit is a building or portion of a building including one or more rooms which is/are designed or used as a residence by one family or housekeeping unit, with facilities for living, sleeping, eating, sanitation, and food preparation. A dwelling unit shall have only one domestic food preparation facility, except that a single-family dwelling may also include one area meeting the standards of a junior accessory dwelling unit complying with Section 24.16.170. A dwelling unit shall have interior access between all habitable spaces, except that a junior accessory dwelling unit containing all facilities necessary for living, sleeping, eating, food preparation and sanitation need not maintain interior access to the remainder of the dwelling unit.

(Ord. 2019-29 § 3 (part), 2020: Ord. 88-51 § 5, 1988).

A group of not fewer than two townhouse dwellings, arranged side-by-side and separated from any other townhouse group by a yard area. All townhouse dwelling groups shall comply with the underlying zoning district development standards.

(Ord. 2005-15 § 16, 2005: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A two-family dwelling or duplex is a building which is designed or used exclusively as a residence, including two separate dwelling units.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any habitable room having cooking facilities, and intended or designed to be used for combined living, dining, and sleeping purposes. The term includes efficiency apartment and studio apartment.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A limited right of one person or class of persons to use real property owned or occupied by another, which right is generally described specifically as to location and entitlement to use.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A bona fide restaurant is a retail establishment which is regularly and in a bona fide manner used and kept open for the principal purpose of serving a variety of meals or menu items to patrons for compensation, and which has (1) suitable kitchen facilities on the premises which contain conveniences for cooking and/or preparing an assortment of foods which may be required for ordinary meals and for which the kitchen must be kept in a sanitary condition and must be in compliance with the local department of health regulations; (2) a primary use of sit-down service to patrons; (3) adequate eating arrangements for patrons on the premises; (4) sale of alcoholic beverages as an incidental use and only when served at tables or counters; (5) does not include live entertainment except incidental live entertainment. A bona fide restaurant, which includes, but is not limited to, any facility which has obtained a Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control license such as a Type 41 or Type 47, does not include any billiard or pool hall, video arcade, game parlor, card room, gambling establishment, bowling alley, shooting gallery or adult entertainment business; and (6) a minimum of fifty-one percent of the monthly gross receipts shall be from the sale of meals, not to include cover or admission charges, or alcoholic beverages sales, during the same period. The owner/operator may be required to submit certified records or evidence pertaining to the sales of meals and alcoholic beverages to the finance department as part of review of the use permit, upon request by city officials, for the purpose of verifying compliance.

(Ord. 2017-11 § 9, 2017: Ord. 2015-06 § 7 (part), 2015: Ord. 95-03 § 6, 1995: Ord. 88-26 § 17, 1988).

Any use devoted to education and learning, whether it be public, private, commercial or noncommercial.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Housing with minimal supportive services that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter in any facility because of an inability to pay. Emergency shelter operators are not obligated to accept individuals if the shelter is at capacity.

(Ord. 2012-01 § 4 (part), 2012).

Live entertainment involves music, comedy, readings, dancing, acting or other entertainment performed by one or more persons, whether or not such person or persons are compensated for such performances. This use includes dancing by patrons to live or recorded music.

(Ord. 2015-06 § 7 (part), 2015: Ord. 2005-30 § 15 (part), 2005).

Incidental live entertainment is live entertainment with instrumental and vocal music with small personal amplifiers provided for the listening pleasure of patrons, and which does not include karaoke or a disc jockey format or dancing and has an indoor stage/performance area not exceeding eighty square feet.

(Ord. 2015-06 § 7 (part), 2015: Ord. 2005-30 § 15 (part), 2005).

Includes erect, construct, place, relocate, enlarge, substantially alter, attach, suspend, paint, post, or display. Normal maintenance, including refinishing is not included in this definition.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The erection, construction, installation, alteration, or maintenance by public utilities or municipal or other governmental agencies of gas, electrical, steam or water transmission or distribution systems, including transformers, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, and other similar equipment and accessories in connection therewith, reasonably necessary for the furnishing of adequate service by such utilities and municipal or other governmental agencies, or for the public health or safety or general community welfare. The term does not include any buildings, electrical substations, or transmission lines of fifty KV or greater capacity.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The side yard of a corner property adjacent to the side street.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 16, 2016).

When a building permit is required, a zoning permit shall be considered exercised following the issuance of a valid building permit. When only an occupancy permit is required, a zoning permit shall be considered exercised when the occupancy permit is issued.

(Ord. 94-33 § 81, 1994).

(This section was added to the code by Ord. 91-29 § 3, 9-24-91. It was subsequently repealed by Ord. 93-22 § 1, 5-11-93).

A residential building, dwelling unit or habitable room thereof which is either wholly manufactured or is in substantial part manufactured at an off-site location to be wholly or partially assembled on site, in accordance with regulations adopted by the Commission of Housing and Community Development of the state of California pursuant to Section 19990 et seq. of the Health and Safety Code of the state of California.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An individual, or two or more persons living together and occupying a dwelling which is not a rooming house, lodging house or residential institutional use.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any premises on which breeding, raising or maintenance of animals for family consumption takes place. For the purposes of this title, “animals” shall include sheep, rabbits, poultry, pigeons, and female goats, and shall specifically exclude hogs, cattle, quacking ducks, roosters and geese. “Small animals” are defined as rabbits, poultry, and pigeons. “Large animals” are sheep and female goats.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

1.    A “family daycare home” means a home that regularly provides care, protection, and supervision for fourteen or fewer children, in the provider’s own home, for periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away, and is either a large family daycare home or a small family daycare home. Such facilities must be licensed by the state of California and operate under the standards of state law. The capacities include children under the age of ten who live in the home.

A family daycare home, either small or large, includes a detached single-family dwelling, a townhouse, a dwelling unit within a dwelling, or a dwelling unit within a covered multifamily dwelling in which the underlying zoning allows for residential uses. A family daycare home, either small or large, is where the daycare provider resides, and includes a dwelling or a dwelling unit that is rented, leased, or owned.

a.    “Large family daycare home” means a facility that provides care, protection, and supervision for seven to fourteen children, inclusive, including children under ten years of age who reside at the home, as set forth in Section 1597.465 of the state Health and Safety Code and as defined in state regulations.

b.    “Small family daycare home” means a facility that provides care, protection, and supervision for eight or fewer children, including children under ten years of age who reside at the home, as set forth in Section 1597.44 of the state Health and Safety Code and as defined in state regulations.

(Ord. 2022-18 § 27, 2022; Ord. 2016-12 § 17, 2016: Ord. 96-39 § 2, 1996: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technical factors.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A barrier enclosing or defining an area, as separating or screening areas, usually made of posts and wires or wood, and including walls or like structures.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.678, Service station.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Approval, denial or withdrawal of a project. Appeals of final actions are not subject to statutory time limits.

(Ord. 88-57 § 7, 1988).

Inspection performed by the city planning department to verify completion of the project per approved plans and necessary to allow occupancy.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The first of the following approvals to occur with respect to a residential development: specific plan, development agreement, planned development permit, tentative map, minor land division, use permit, design permit, building permit, or any other permits listed in Section 24.04.030.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

“Flexible density unit” or “FDU” is a dwelling unit ranging from two hundred twenty to six hundred fifty square feet that is exempt from General Plan and zoning ordinance density standards. Developments including this unit type may consist solely of FDUs or include other residential units.

(Ord. 2022-02 § 8, 2022).

The sum of the gross horizontal real floor area within the perimeter of the outside walls of all buildings, including accessory buildings and accessory dwelling units, on a lot as measured from the exterior surface of the exterior walls, with no deduction for hallways, stairs, closets, wall thickness. The area includes covered residential parking and is the total of all stories. Stairways shall count only once for floor area, however, any portions of buildings, including stairwells, over seventeen feet in interior height, are counted twice for the purposes of computing floor area. Uncovered courtyards or atriums enclosed by three sides and with the space open to the street above the first floor do not count as floor area. Unenclosed porches, balconies, decks, patios, roof overhangs and similar architectural features and non-habitable basements that are fully subterranean below finished grade do not count as floor area.

(Ord. 2000-27 § 7, 2000: Ord. 93-19 § 11, 1993: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A division between one story and another formed by a horizontal surface composed of an assemblage of components (as framing) or a continuous mass of material (as reinforced concrete).

(Ord. 93-19 § 13, 1993).

The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot, divided by the net lot area.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any room or portion of a room used or designed to be used for cooking and/or preparation of food and containing two or more of the following appliances and/or fixtures; any sink (larger than fourteen inches by fourteen inches and/or having a drain outlet larger than one and one-half inches in diameter), refrigerator (larger than two and one-half cubic feet), hot plate, microwave, burner, stove or oven.

(Ord. 91-13 § 6, 1991; Ord. 88-51 § 2, 1988).

Any room or portion of a room in a dwelling unit used or designed to be used for the preparation of food to serve a special purpose (e.g., a canning kitchen, a catering kitchen). This may be installed in addition to the domestic food preparation facility when approved by administrative use permit in accordance with Section 24.12.145.

(Ord. 88-51 § 3, 1988).

A community care residential facility which is the family residence of the persons operating the facility, in which twenty-four-hour care and supervision are provided for not more than six foster children exclusive of the operator’s own children. See 22 California Administrative Code Section 85023 and Health and Safety Code Section 1502.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: Section 24.22.298, Dwelling, four-family.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A travelway designated by the California Department of Transportation (CALTRANS) as being a freeway.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The front of a building or lot facing on a street, place or way.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building or portion thereof in which motor vehicles may be stored or kept.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structure or portion thereof, other than a private garage, used for the storage, sale, care, repair, or refinishing of motor vehicles or trailers. (See: Boatyard.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Comprehensive, long-term plan for the orderly development of the land and the preservation of open space in the city according to Section 65300 et seq., of the California Government Code. The plan is an integrated, internally consistent and compatible statement of land use policies, consisting of maps and texts stating principles, standards, proposals, and objectives as contained in the area plans, required elements or other permitted elements. The Zoning Ordinance shall be consistent with the General Plan.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from the building.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The average of the finished ground level (grade, as defined herein) at the outermost four corners of a building.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: Section 24.22.302, Dwelling, group.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A detached structure of a permanent type of construction containing living and sleeping quarters which is clearly subordinate and incidental to the main building on the same lot, and which is not separately rented, let, or leased, whether compensation is direct or indirect.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A vacation resort, generally a farm or ranch, which derives all or part of its income from the use of its facilities by paying visitors or guests, and provides food, lodging, and entertainment.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any room or rooms used or intended to be used by a guest for sleeping purposes in a principal or detached accessory building, but without kitchen or cooking facilities.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Space within a structure for living, sleeping, eating and/or food preparation.

(Ord. 88-51 § 1, 1988).

Official or group of officials designated by this title to serve in an advisory capacity and also to hear testimony and take actions on matters relating to the contents of this title. Hearing body is also a decision-making body and includes zoning administrator, zoning board, city planning commission, historic preservation commission, advisory review board, California Coastal Commission and city council.

(Ord. 85-65 § 3, 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A landing area for helicopters on public or private lands, or buildings, for the picking up and discharging of passengers or freight.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A small project involving an historic building located on the City’s Historic Building Survey or within an historic district but not including a landmark building. Such projects include, but are not limited to, the replacement, addition or deletion of windows and doors and minor additions/alterations to the rear of the property, as approved or amended by resolution of the historic preservation commission.

(Ord. 2003-36 § 1, 2003: Ord. 99-17 § 7, 1999).

All non-residential occupation and use of the property for financial gain which is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes.

(Ord. 99-09 § 2, 1999: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An institution in which patients are given medical or surgical care and which is licensed by the state to use the title “hospital” without qualifying descriptive word.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any building intended or designed to be used, or which is used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which is occupied for sleeping purposes by guests, and with access to units primarily from interior lobbies, courts or halls. (See: Motel)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any vessel used or intended to be used primarily as a dwelling unit, in contrast to a vessel used or intended to be used primarily as a pleasure or business craft for transporting persons and goods.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The combined adjusted gross household income for all adult persons living in a living unit as calculated for the purpose of the Section 8 program under the United States Housing Act of 1937, as amended, or its successor provision.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

A household whose income does not exceed the lower income limits applicable to Santa Cruz County, as published and periodically updated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

A household whose income does not exceed area median income.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

A household whose income does not exceed the moderate income limits applicable to Santa Cruz County, as published and periodically updated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

A household whose income does not exceed the very low income limits applicable to Santa Cruz County, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development pursuant to Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

(See: §24.22.050, Animal, domestic.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The Santa Cruz County housing authority.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The executive director of the Santa Cruz housing authority.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Buildings for residential or mixed commercial and residential buildings composed fully or primarily (over fifty percent) of modules or building systems that are manufactured off site in such a manner that all concealed parts or processes of manufacture cannot be inspected on the construction site. These factory-finished modules are then stacked and joined on site in accordance with building standards published in the California Building Standards Code and other regulations adopted by the California Building Standards Commission pursuant to Section 19990 of the Health and Safety Code to form a substantially complete building. Ideally, only bolting and interconnection of building services is required at the site. This definition does not apply to mobilehomes or recreational vehicles.

(Ord. 2022-18 § 28, 2022).

The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, or its successor.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any material which prevents absorption of stormwater into previously undeveloped land.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Regulatory concessions as listed in Section 24.16.255.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

An ownership or rental dwelling unit which is affordable (as defined by city council) as households with moderate, low or very-low incomes in perpetuity.

(Ord. 96-25 § 2, 1996: Ord. 94-33 § 79, 1994: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any zoning district classification the symbol for which has an “I” prefix. The term shall include the IL-R District.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

*    Editor’s Note: Section 24.22.466, Institution for the Aged, previously contained herein, has been repealed in its entirety by Ord. 88-25, 1988.

*    Editor’s Note: Section 24.22.470, Institution for the Children previously contained herein, has been repealed in its entirety by Ord. 88-25, 1988.

A place where waste, discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, baled, packed, disassembled or handled. The term includes vehicle wrecking and salvage yards, house wrecking yards, used-lumber yards, and places or yards for the storage of salvaged house wrecking and structural steel materials and equipment; but does not include places where such uses are conducted entirely within a completely enclosed building. The term does not include pawnshops and establishments for the sale, purchase or storage of used furniture and household equipment (when conducted within a completely enclosed building), or for the sale of used cars in operable condition, or salvaged materials incidental to manufacturing operations, nor the holding of damaged or wrecked motor vehicles pending investigation and disposition by any law enforcement agency, court or insurance adjustor.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any premises, except where accessory to an agricultural use, where three or more dogs, ten weeks in age or older, are kept.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Areas containing cultural resources which are known to exist within the city and which are listed in the inventory of known archaeological sites adopted by resolution of the city council.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An area or place containing living quarters including dwellings, tents, bunkhouses, trailer coaches, or other housing accommodations, and any accessory dining, sanitary or recreational facilities, maintained by a labor contractor for the housing of farm laborers, for hire for work off the site.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any site, building, structure, or natural feature that has visual, historic or cultural significance and is so designated by the city council.

(Ord. 86-13 § 7, 1986: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A use of land for permanent, planted ornamental planting and related structures.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Single-family homes over four thousand square feet in R-1-10 Zoning Districts, three thousand five hundred square feet in R-1-7 Zoning Districts, and three thousand square feet in R-1-5 Zoning Districts are considered “large homes.”

(Ord. 2016-12 § 18, 2016).

A retail business engaged primarily in the off-premises sale of alcoholic beverages. For the purpose of regulating retail businesses of this type, “primary business” shall mean, the sales of alcoholic beverages represent fifty-one percent or more of gross sale receipts.

(Ord. 95-03 § 8, 1995).

The term means the mean or middle sound level during a six-minute period as measured with a precision sound level meter, using low response and ‘A’ weighting. The mean or middle sound level shall be determined with the noise source at issue silent, and in the same location as the measurement of the noise level of the source or sources at issue. However, in no case shall the local ambient be considered or determined to be less than forty dB. If a significant portion of the local ambient is produced by one or more individual identifiable sources which would otherwise be operating continuously during the six-minute measurement period, contributing significantly to the ambient sound level, determination of the local ambient shall be accomplished with the separate identifiable noise sources silent.

(Ord. 85-34 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The city plan consisting of land use plans and implementation measures to carry out and be in full conformity with the California Coastal Act, of 1976. The Local Coastal Program has two components – the Local Coastal Land Use Plan and the Local Coastal Program Implementation Plan.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any building, or portion thereof, containing not more than five guest rooms, which are used by a total of not more than five guests, where rent is paid in money, goods, labor or otherwise.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A space directly beneath the roof structure raised above the main floor which opens into interior space. When the total area of such loft exceeds thirty-three and one-third percent of the floor area below the loft it shall be considered a “story.”

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A space directly beneath the roof structure raised above the main floor in which scenery is stored; not found in any residential structure.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A piece or parcel of land, occupied or intended to be occupied, or capable of being occupied, by a permitted principal building or a group of such buildings and accessory buildings, or utilized for a principal use and uses accessory thereto, together with such open spaces as are required by this title; and having frontage on a dedicated, accepted, and improved public street or on a private street which has been approved by the city council, or on a publicly owned plaza, mall, wharf, or parking facility.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The computed area contained within the lot lines.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The contiguous area within the lot lines with less than thirty percent slope and not within a riparian corridor as defined in Section 24.08.2110(2)(g) or a Floodplain (F-P) District.

(Ord. 2022-08 § 5, 2022; Ord. 2006-02 § 6 (part), 2006: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection, or upon two parts of the same street, such streets or parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than one hundred thirty-five degrees.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The average horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot lines, or between the front lot line and the intersection of the two side lot lines if there should be no rear lot line.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lot other than an exterior lot.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The property line bounding the lot.

1.    Lot Line, Front. The line separating the lot from the street, or the line separating the principal access to the lot from a publicly owned plaza, mall, wharf, or parking facility. In the case of an exterior lot, the front line is the shorter of any two adjacent street lot lines.

2.    Lot Line, Rear. The lot line opposite to, and most distant from, the front lot line, other than a side lot line.

3.    Lot Line, Side. Any lot line, other than a front or rear lot line, which intersects a front lot line.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lot or parcel of land held in a separate ownership, as shown on the records of the county recorder on or before November 30, 1957; or a lot legally created and recorded subsequent to that date.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any parcel of land in any residential district less than fifty feet wide or less than minimum lot area for district in which located.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lot having a frontage on two parallel, or approximately parallel, streets.

(Ord. 2020-23 § 12, 2020: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A lot created for a single townhouse dwelling as part of a larger townhouse dwelling group. A townhouse lot is not subject to the minimum lot area/width standards for the underlying zoning district. A townhouse lot would follow the footprint of townhouse dwelling but may include private open space area for the townhouse dwelling.

(Ord. 2005-15 § 17, 2005).

The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and the rear lot lines.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A housing-first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. “Low barrier” means best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

a.    The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.

b.    Allowance to keep pets.

c.    The storage of possessions.

d.    Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 23, 2025).

“Major transit stop” shall have the meaning set forth in California Public Resources Code Section 21155.

(Ord. 2023-06 § 9, 2023).

A manufactured home means a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or forty body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Manufactured home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this section except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Sec. 5401, and following).

(Ord. 2016-12 § 21, 2016).

A dwelling unit which is not subject to the rental, sale or resale regulations of Part 1, Chapter 24.16.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structural flat roof structure attached to and supported by a building and projecting over public property.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any exterior alteration for which a building permit is required and which will cause a change in the exterior appearance of a structure. This shall not include painting and ordinary maintenance, which do not require a permit.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The maximum number of dwelling units or single-family occupancy units permitted by the Zoning Ordinance on the date an application for a residential development is deemed complete. This definition is used to calculate a density bonus pursuant to Part 3 of Chapter 24.16.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

An establishment occupied by persons licensed to practice medicine and where business hours extend beyond 9:00 p.m. on any weekday and/or into Saturday afternoons and/or Sundays.

(Ord. 88-17 § 3, 1988: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A nonresidential occupancy that is limited to the cultivation, production, acquisition and dispensing of medical marijuana and further by the siting criteria, performance standards and conditions of approval imposed on each establishment by the zoning board and zoning administrator, pursuant to Sections 24.08.040 and 24.12.1300. In addition, this use shall not be permitted as an accessory use to any other principal, special, or conditional use, nor may it be permitted as a home business, within any district of the city.

(Ord. 2010-08 § 1 (part), 2010: Ord. 2000-12 § 7, 2000).

An establishment occupied by persons licensed to practice medicine and where business hours do not go beyond 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and/or beyond Saturday morning on weekends.

(Ord. 88-17 § 4, 1988).

A ministerial project is one where there is no special discretion or judgment required to be exercised in granting a permit. The project is evaluated by the application of fixed standards or objective measurements.

(Ord. 88-57 § 8, 1988).

A structure that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, transportable in one or more sections, which, in a travel mode, is eight feet or more in width, or forty feet in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty square feet or more, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Mobile home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this section and complies with the state standards for mobile homes in effect at the time of construction. “Mobile home” does not include a commercial modular, as defined in Section 18001.8, factory-built housing, as defined in Section 19971, a manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007, a multifamily manufactured home, as defined in Section 18008.7, or a recreational vehicle, as defined in Section 18010, of the California Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 22, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A mobile home built and transported on two or more separate chassis, designed to be joined at the location of use to form a single dwelling.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any parcel of land or portion thereof which is used or offered for use as a location for two or more mobile homes.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A building or a group of buildings designed to provide individual sleeping or living units for transient guests, not more than one-half containing cooking or other kitchen facilities, and with access to the units primarily from exterior courts, malls, balconies, parking areas or grounds.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: Section 24.22.550, Motel.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Water treatment plants, pumps for water or sewage, tanks for storage of water or gas, gas regulating stations, communication equipment buildings, electrical generating plants, electrical distribution and transmission stations, and electric transmission lines with a capacity of more than thirty-four thousand five hundred volts.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 20, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985. Formerly 24.22.530).

(See: Section 24.22.306, Dwelling, multiple.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A painting or other artwork which is applied to a wall surface. A mural is distinguished from a sign in that it does not advertise a business as its principal purpose.

(Ord. 91-29 § 3, 1991).

An area within a one-half-mile radius of a specified site.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A nightclub is a retail establishment which is regularly and in a bona fide manner used and kept open for the principal purpose of providing live entertainment, food, and beer and wine or distilled spirits; is considered a public premises which does not allow entrance to any person under twenty-one years of age; does not allow for sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises and is considered a high-risk alcohol establishment.

(Ord. 2015-06 § 7 (part), 2015: Ord. 95-03 § 10, 1995).

The term means the maximum continuous sound level of repetitive peak level produced by a source or group of sources as measured with a precision sound level meter using the “A” weighting scale, and the meter response function set to “slow.”

(Ord. 85-34 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structure which was lawfully erected prior to the adoption of this title, but which, as a result of changes to this title, does not conform to the standards of coverage, yards, height of structure, or distance between structures prescribed in the regulations for the district in which the structure is located.

(Ord. 90-15 § 3, 1990: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A use which was lawfully established and maintained prior to the adoption of this title, but which, as a result of changes to this title, does not conform to use requirements of this title. A use is nonconforming if it is not a permitted use in the district in which it is located, has not been issued a use permit if one is required, fails to meet parking requirements, or violates performance standards. A residential use is also nonconforming if it entails more dwelling units than are permitted by the district in which the use is located.

(Ord. 90-15 § 4, 1990: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Something offensive or annoying to individuals or to the community, especially in violation of their legal rights.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any premises with sleeping rooms where persons are lodged and furnished with meals and nursing care, not including persons suffering from contagious disease, mental disease, alcoholism, or drug addiction.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A required permit allowing nonresidential occupancy of a building or structure after it has been determined that conformance with all conditions of approval and applicable ordinances has been achieved.

(Ord. 85-47 § 4, 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any establishment which is applying for or has obtained a liquor license from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption only, including license Types 20 and 21.

(Ord. 95-03 § 11, 1995).

Land below “mean higher high water” as defined by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any establishment wherein alcoholic beverages are sold, served or given away for consumption on the premises including, but not limited to, any facility which has obtained an Alcoholic Beverage Control license Type 42, 48, 51, 52, or 63. Typical on-sale uses include, but are not limited to, the following establishments: bars, taverns, brewpubs, restaurants, ballrooms, dance bars, piano bars, billiard and/or game parlors, nightclubs or other private clubs, and veterans’ clubs.

(Ord. 95-03 § 12, 1995).

Land above “mean higher high water” as defined by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Outdoor area on the ground, roof, balcony, deck, or porch which is designed and used for outdoor living, recreation, pedestrian access, or landscaping. The term shall not include off-street parking or driveway areas, nor shall such area have a slope greater than ten percent, or any dimension of less than ten feet. The term may include private balconies if their smallest dimension is four linear feet or more.

For new construction, where trees are retained on a site, the area under the canopy of a retained tree shall count double toward the usable open space requirement. This area shall be calculated as the area contained within the circumference of a circle drawn using a radius equivalent to the average depth of the canopy from the center of the tree.

(Ord. 2022-18 § 29, 2022; Ord. 2020-23 § 13, 2020: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A person, persons, or corporation holding fee title to property within the city of Santa Cruz as shown in the most recent assessor’s roll in the county of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any fossilized remains, traces, or imprints of organisms, preserved in or on the earth’s crust, that are of paleontological interest and that provide information about the history of life on earth, except that the term does not include:

(A)    Any materials associated with an archaeological resource (as defined in Section 3(1) of the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (16 U.S.C. 470bb(1)); or

(B)    Any cultural item (as defined in Section 2 of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (25 U.S.C. 3001)).

(Ord. 2013-09 § 3, 2013).

An open area for the same uses as a private garage.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A site or a portion of a site, devoted to off-street parking or vehicles, including parking spaces, aisles, access drives and landscaped areas, and providing vehicular access to a public street.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An off-street parking facility intended for use during a limited period of time not to exceed one year.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any electronic, hydraulic, or mechanical device used for the vertical stacking and storage of automobiles.

(Ord. 2023-06 § 9, 2023).

A permanent parking space designed for bicycles, measuring no less than six feet long by two feet wide, with a parking rack securely fastened to the lot surface and capable of storing bicycles of various sizes in a vertical position.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An off-street parking space designed specifically for use of compact cars, measuring not less than sixteen feet in length by seven and one-half feet in width.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A permanently surfaced area for vehicular parking, measuring not less than eight and one-half feet in width by nineteen feet in depth, at any point, either within a structure or in the open, and excluding aisles, driveways, and access drives; and connected to a public street, alley or other public way by a permanently surfaced driveway or access drive.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A roof of approved translucent material, or combination of noncombustible opaque and translucent material, supported upon posts and open on two or more sides.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Regulations for the control of the output of dangerous or objectionable elements by industries, and for the control of potential nuisance factors by any use, commercial, industrial and residential, or regulations necessary for the compatible existence of a particular use with its surroundings.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An establishment designed to promote health through participation in physical activity. A single-program facility provides space and equipment for one specific activity, for example, racquetball or weightlifting; a multiprogram facility provides two or more activities within the structure and/or site occupied by the use.

(Ord. 90-38 § 2, 1990).

An establishment operated by persons licensed to practice physical therapy and providing physical therapy services.

(Ord. 90-38 § 3, 1990).

The term means a device for measuring sound level in decibel units within the performance specifications in the American National Standards Institute Standard S1.4 Specification for Sound Level Meters.

(Ord. 85-34 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

For the purpose of this title, a permitted use in any district shall include any use listed as a principal permitted use or as an accessory use. The term further includes a conditional use, as listed for the particular district, provided a conditional use permit is obtained.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Includes individual persons and any form of organization, including but not limited to sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, trusts, and any other form of commercial or noncommercial enterprise; “person” applies to any person who is the owner, lessee, sublessee, manager of premises, to any other person who is in possession of or in charge of premises, and to any person who has management or supervisory authority or responsibility to direct construction work or any other activity or use taking place on premises.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Planning and community development department of the city of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A roofed approach to a doorway usually extending from the exterior wall of the structure and requiring ground supports.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A description of the development proposed within a particular P-D District, consisting, at a minimum, of a map and a written statement setting forth the regulations governing, and the location and arrangement of, all proposed uses and improvements to be included in the development. Precise development plans may include, but are not limited to, a legal description, a subdivision map, precise site and plot plans, architectural drawings, landscape plans, building plans, building elevations; studies and analysis of population, density, traffic, engineering, economic and social factors, community and environmental impact, and the like. Precise development plans shall be supplemented and accompanied by such other material and information as may be required to initiate actual development of construction.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The dwelling a person physically occupies and lives in on a day-to-day basis. A person may have only one principal residence at a time. If a person alternates between two or more properties, the principal residence will be the one lived in the majority of days during the year. Whether a property qualifies as a principal residence depends on the facts and circumstances in each case, including the good faith of the homeowner. In addition to a homeowner’s use of the property, the following factors are relevant when determining principal residence: the address listed on the homeowner’s federal and state tax returns, bank account, car registration, driver’s license, voter registration and employment records; the mailing address for bills and correspondence; and whether the homeowner has been granted a homeowner’s exemption pursuant to California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 218 which is on file in the County Assessor’s Office.

(Ord. 2007-20 § 1, 2007).

*    Editor’s Note: Ord. 2007-20 added this section as Section 24.22.540. It was editorially renumbered to avoid duplication and to preserve alphabetization.

An outdoor area either at ground level or on a balcony, including patios, decks, or other privately accessed outdoor space, which is appurtenant to a dwelling unit and designed for the exclusive use of the occupants of that dwelling unit.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 24, 2025; Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any recreational use limited to members and their invitees whether for profit or otherwise.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A land use or a building open to the public, whether free or on a fee basis.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The term means a vertical plane including the property line which determines the property boundaries in space.

(Ord. 85-34 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A meeting noticed as required by this ordinance in which testimony and arguments are presented publicly before any of the hearing bodies established herein: zoning administrator, zoning board, city planning commission, city council, etc.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any recreational use that is not private.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Land or buildings owned or operated by a governmental or other public agency.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Used as, or seemingly, public.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Recreation facilities operated as a business and open to the public for a fee.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Clubs or noncommercial recreation facilities which are operated by a not-for-profit organization and open only to bona fide members and guests of such not-for-profit organizations.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Publicly owned or operated recreation facilities.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A facility designed to accept recyclable materials such as aluminum, glass, plastic or paper intended for remanufacture or clothing and household goods intended for redistribution or resale. Such facilities may take the form of mobile or stationary units or reverse vending machines. Such facilities may also be accessory uses when they are in connection with other principal uses.

(Ord. 87-22 § 11, 1987: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

To improve a structure in order to correct a health and/or safety problem.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

To renovate or add-on to a structure for purposes other than health and safety.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any project requiring any discretionary permit from the city, or a building permit, for which an application has been submitted to the city, and which would create two or more new or additional dwelling units or single-room occupancy units by construction or alteration of structures.

(Ord. 2006-17 § 1 (part), 2006).

An establishment providing living quarters including dormitories for five or more persons, with or without meals, by the week or by the month, for rent paid in money, goods, labor, or otherwise; and providing communal kitchen and dining facilities.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A computation expressing the number of dwelling units per acre, based on the net lot area, where acreage excludes land with greater than thirty-percent slopes, within a riparian corridor as defined in Section 24.08.2110(g), and land dedicated to streets and alleys.

(Ord. 2006-02 § 6 (part), 2006: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any district classification the symbol for which has an “R” prefix. The term shall include the E-A and the OF-R Districts.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.130, Boarding home for the aged.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

*    Editor’s Note: Section 24.22.660, Restaurant, as originally adopted by Ord. 85-05, and amended by Ord. 86-12, has been repealed in its entirety by Ord. 88-26 § 17, 5-10-88.

An establishment whose principal business is the sale of food for consumption either on or off premises; where orders are served at a counter and where food is frequently served in disposable packaging.

(Ord. 86-12 § 4, 1986: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A facility, including but not limited to a residential care facility for the elderly or a continuing care retirement community, that is designated and intended to provide suitable living quarters and specialized services to elderly or retired ambulatory persons. These units are designed to serve elderly persons, and may include such special facilities and services as, but not limited to, communal cooking and eating areas, special dietary programs, wheelchair ramps, hallway handrails and other special features and programs intended to serve the needs of elderly retired persons.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 25, 2025; Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.042, Amendment.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The whole or any part of the width of a road, street or highway whether or not such entire area is actually used for road, street or highway purposes.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A private residence providing living quarters, with or without meals, by the week or by the month, for rent paid in money, goods, labor, etc., for at least six but not more than fifteen guests.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See: §24.22.474, Junkyard.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An industrial use devoted to research and development.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A federal rent subsidy program (or its successors) in which eligible, very-low-income and low-income households receive financial assistance to rent housing units.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A parcel of land, or any portion of a parcel of land, developed for the purpose of, and with facilities for, the sale of motor vehicle fuels; and which may also provide lubricants, tires, batteries accessory items, and other customary services for motor vehicles.

The servicing of vehicles shall be limited to lubrication, nonmechanical washing, the replacement of spark plugs, lamps, fanbelts and batteries, the repair or replacement of tires and tubes; and minor engine and body repair. Major engine, differential and transmission repair shall not be permitted.

Service stations may be full-service, self-service or include a sizable nongasoline retail component (multipurpose service station).

1.    Service Station, Full-Service. A service station where one or more gasoline pumps are staffed by a station attendant during all business hours, and which may include not more then two hundred twenty-five square feet of retail use.

2.    Service Station, Self-Service. Service stations which provide gas, oil, water and air, delivered by the consumer, and public restrooms and which may include not more than two hundred twenty-five square feet of retail use.

3.    Service Station, Multipurpose. A service station which is either full- or self-service or a combination and includes over two hundred twenty-five square feet of retail activities.

(Ord. 87-02 § 1, 1987; Ord. 85-32 § 2, 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(Repealed by Ord. 85-32 § 3, 1985).

A facility, generally a raised concrete apron, designed primarily to hold motor vehicle fuel dispensing devices, and separated from other pump islands by sufficient space for the maneuvering of an automobile. No pump island shall be designed to contain more than three dual-outlet dispensing units, or a total of six hose outlets.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The distance between any use or structure and a property line, street or alley, right-of-way line, building, mean high tide line, or the like. Required setbacks are included in the district standards.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 23, 2016: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A combination of five or more retail businesses on a single or commonly owned parcel of land.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The boundary between land above and land below “mean higher high water,” as defined by the latest United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

“Short term/vacation rental” is a residential unit in which overnight accommodations are offered for hire, or in which living accommodations for periods of less than thirty days are customarily offered for hire, or otherwise used in a manner or purpose that would require the owner to comply with the requirements of Chapter 3.28, Transient Occupancy Tax.

(Ord. 2015-15 § 3, 2015).

“Sidewalk” means that portion of the street between the curblines or the lateral lines of roadway and the adjacent property lines intended for use by pedestrians.

(Ord. 91-29 § 3, 1992).

A cluster of residential units of a smaller size than normally found in multiple dwellings within a residential hotel, motel, or facility providing sleeping or living facilities in which sanitary facilities may be provided within the unit and/or shared, and kitchen or cooking facilities may be provided within the unit or shared within the housing project.

(Ord. 2002-02 § 3, 2002: Ord. 93-21 § 12, 1993; Ord. 89-47 § 1, 1989; Ord. 89-38 § 3, 1989).

An inclined ground surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of vertical distance to horizontal distance.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A smoking lounge is a business establishment that is dedicated, in whole or in part, to the smoking of tobacco and/or other substances on the premises, including but not limited to establishments known variously as cigar lounges, hookah parlors (as regulated per Chapter 5.54), tobacco clubs or tobacco bars.

(Ord. 2009-20 § 4, 2009).

Sound level, as expressed in decibels (dB), is a logarithmic indication of the ratio between the acoustic energy present at a given location and the lowest amount of acoustic energy audible to sensitive human ears, weighted by frequency to account for characteristics of human hearing, as given in American National Standards Institute’s Standard S1.1, Acoustic Terminology, paragraph 2.9, or successor reference. All references to “dB” in this title utilize the ‘A’-level weighting scale, dBA.

(Ord. 85-34 § 1 (part), 1985: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Consistent with Government Code Section 65451 of state law, a compilation of all ordinances, maps, regulations, documents, or other descriptive materials, based on the General Plan, setting forth in detail a plan or program for the effectuation of a particular element, or portion of an element, of the General Plan.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An illustration accurately indicating the precise location of a right-of-way, including any proposed street and the future right-of-way of an existing street as it is proposed to be widened, and including all lands necessary for the building, widening, or maintenance of any road, street, highway, including collector streets, local streets, or other types of public way, which planned right-of-way is based upon the intent of the General Plan of the city of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any building, barn, corral, or paddock used or designed to shelter or keep livestock, as regulated herein.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An establishment where livestock is kept, boarded, groomed, or trained, rented for riding, or bred for profit, etc.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The term means a stock cooperative as defined in Section 11003.2 of the Business and Professions Code of the state of California, containing two or more rights of exclusive occupancy.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above; except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above unless that portion of a building is a half story. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is more than six feet above grade, as defined herein, for more than fifty percent of the total perimeter or is more than twelve feet above grade, as defined herein, at any point, such basement shall be considered a story.

    If Distance A is more than six feet above grade for more than fifty percent of perimeter of building or more than twelve feet above grade at any point then = story.

    If Distance A does not qualify as a story then = basement.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The lowest story in a building which qualifies as a story, as defined herein, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a first story, provided such floor level is not more than four feet below grade, as defined herein, for more than fifty percent of the total perimeter, or more than eight feet below grade, as defined herein, at any point. (See Figure B.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A partial story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof, of which the wall plates of two opposite exterior walls are not more than four feet above the floor.

    If Distance B is not more than four feet, then A equals a half story.

    If Distance B is more than four feet, then A equals a story.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A way, the entire width of which is within a publicly or privately owned right-of-way and which contains pedestrian, vehicular, and utility improvements, facilities, and appurtenances. The term shall include avenue, drive, road, circle, parkway, boulevard, highway, thoroughfare, or any other similar term.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The line drawn at points midway between the face of curbs of an improved street; or as determined by the city engineer, in the case of unimproved or partially improved streets.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A street which serves an area primarily developed or intended to be developed in industrial uses.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A street which provides direct access to abutting properties, primarily in residential districts.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A street designed to serve high-volume inter- and intra-city traffic and to act as a distributor between freeways, other thoroughfares, and major traffic generators.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A major street developed in such a way that opposing lanes of traffic are separated from each other by a median barrier or strip.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A right-of-way or easement in private ownership, not dedicated or maintained as a public street, and not an alley, and which affords the principal means of access to two or more sites.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any dedicated street accepted by the city for maintenance.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Changes to the essential part of any structure.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Anything which is built or constructed, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts jointed in some definite manner. (See Section 24.22.154, Building.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A structure designed and intended to be located on a site for a period not to exceed one year; not affixed to a permanent foundation, and capable of being easily and readily moved from location to location. The term does not include a mobile home as defined herein.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population as defined by State Housing Element Law, and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community.

(Ord. 2016-12 § 24, 2016: Ord. 2012-01 § 4 (part), 2012).

Every outdoor pool, lake, or other natural or artificial body of water designed, constructed or used for swimming, dipping, or immersion purposes, and having a depth in excess of twenty-four inches, or with a surface area exceeding one hundred square feet.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any swimming pool which is open on any one side or at the top.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

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

(Ord. 2016-12 § 25, 2016).

A retail store and related donation facilities engaged primarily in the sale of secondhand clothing, shoes, apparel, toys, and standard household goods, including furniture, fixtures, and small household appliances, and the collection of those goods for resale. Does not include the sale of large household appliances such as refrigerators or stoves and does not include the sale of cars or anything automotive-related.

(Ord. 2025-14 § 25, 2025; Ord. 97-17 § 8, 1997).

Land between “mean higher high water” and “mean lower low water” as defined by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

As used herein, the term “title” shall refer to Title 24, Zoning, of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.318, Dwelling, townhouse.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.322, Dwelling, townhouse group.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any vehicle constructed in such a manner as to permit occupancy thereof as living or sleeping quarters, or the conduct of any business, trade or occupation, or the use as a selling or advertising device, or its use for storage or conveyance for tools, equipment, or machinery, and so designed that it is, or may be, mounted on wheels and may be used as conveyance on highways and streets, propelled or drawn by other than a self-contained source of motive power.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any parcel of land or portion thereof which is used or offered for use as a location for one or more trailers, used for any of the residential purposes set forth in this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

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

(Ord. 2016-12 § 26, 2016: Ord. 2012-01 § 4 (part), 2012).

The total of all trips entering plus all trips leaving a designated land use or building.

(Ord. 88-23 § 2, 1988).

(See Section 24.22.314, Dwelling, three-family.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Land below “mean lower low water” as defined by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Open on at least one side.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.013, Accessory use or structure.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any expansion of floor area, addition of dwelling unit(s), or addition of bedrooms which results in an increased parking requirement.

(Ord. 90-15 § 5, 1990).

Conditional use permits which may be issued under the terms of this title by the zoning administrator.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Conditional use permits which may be issued under the terms of this title by the zoning board.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.614, Permitted use.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Generally, any use with a life of one year or less.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Parcel of land undeveloped with buildings or structures.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The term applied to the procedure whereby the strict application of the provisions of this title relating to height, area, yard requirements, or other requirements of this title may be modified in a particular instance. The term “variance” does not apply to a use or density modification.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any motor vehicle designed to be operated on a street that cannot be moved under its own power, or which is not currently registered for operation.

(Ord. 2020-23 § 15, 2020).

A device by which any person or property may be propelled, moved or drawn upon a street, except an electric bicycle (e-bike) as defined in Section 24.22.124 or a device moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

(Ord. 2020-23 § 16, 2020).

(1)    Major. General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, motor vehicles, or trailers, collision service, including body, frame, or fender repair; overall painting.

(2)    Minor. Upholstering, replacement or adjustment of accessories and parts and motor service to passenger cars, boats, motorcycles, and trucks not exceeding one and one-half tons capacity, but not including other operations named under subsection (1) of this section, or those similar thereto, as determined by the zoning administrator.

(Ord. 96-03 § 3, 1996).

A columnated porch or promenade.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An infirmary for the treatment of animals not including overnight care.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An establishment for the care and treatment of the diseases and injuries of animals, and where animals may be boarded during their convalescence.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Any lot above “mean higher high water” as defined by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey, and having frontage directly upon the shoreline as defined herein.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

When an application is denied without prejudice, it is meant as a declaration that no rights or privileges of the applicant are considered waived or lost with respect to the submittal of his/her application. Under these conditions, an application may be resubmitted at any time.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

(See Section 24.22.474, Junkyard.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An open space, other than a court, on the same lot with a building, which open space is occupied and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except for such encroachments as are specifically permitted by this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An open space extending the full width of the lot, except: in the case of exterior lots, and measured between the building closest to the front lot line and said front lot line. (See Figure D, Section 24.22.918.)

1.    Front Yard, Least Depth. The shortest horizontal distance between any part of a building and the front lot line, or any official setback line, or any adopted plan line, whichever is applicable.

(Ord. 88-21 § 1, 1988: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An open space extending the full width of the lot, except in the case of exterior lots, and measured between the main building and the rear lot line, or the centerline of an abutting street or alley. (See Figure D, Section 24.22.918.)

1.    Rear Yard, Least Depth. The shortest horizontal distance between any part of the main building and the rear lot line.

(Ord. 88-21 § 2, 1988: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard, between a building and the adjacent side lot line.

1.    Side Yard, Least Width. The shortest horizontal distance between any part of a building and the adjacent side lot line. (See Figure D, Section 24.22.918.)

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A side yard adjacent to a street, alley, court, or other required open space. (See Figure D)

1.    Exterior Side Yard, Least Width. The shortest horizontal distance between any part of a building and the adjacent street, alley, court, or other required open space, or any official setback line, or any adopted plan line, whichever is applicable.

    Note: sidewalk edges are not necessarily related to property line.

(Ord. 88-21 § 3, 1988: Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An agricultural education endeavor undertaken by a child up to the age of eighteen (18), for a limited period of time, and as part of the activities of an organized group dedicated to furthering agriculture and agricultural interests of children.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

All of the area within a distance of three hundred feet of the exterior boundaries of the parcel to which a structure is proposed to be moved.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The zoning board of the city of Santa Cruz.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

The officially adopted zoning map or maps of the city of Santa Cruz, California, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

Title 24 of the Santa Cruz Municipal Code consisting of the officially adopted zoning map and text.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

A zoning district in which the regulations allow uses of lesser intensity or fewer types, under more restrictive regulations relating to yards, height of buildings, lot coverage, etc., than those of another district.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

An administrative use permit, a special use permit, a variance, a design permit, a coastal permit, an exception to the conservation regulations, or any other official approval required by this title.

(Ord. 85-05 § 1 (part), 1985).

General Rule of Interpretation. In determining the number of units in a particular building or group of buildings, the city shall consider and weigh any or all of the following factors: the design of any building, including the internal floor plan and the availability of access between various parts of the building; the fixtures and furnishings installed or capable of being installed; the number and types of different rooms (including their actual or potential uses); the size of any building; the number of families or housekeeping units actually or capable of occupying the building; the location of the building; the number and location of primary entrances to the building; and any other factor that may be relevant. In making this determination with respect to proposed new uses, the city shall give primary consideration to design-related factors. In making this determination with respect to existing uses, the city may give primary consideration to the number of families actually using the premises, or to design-related factors, or to both, as may be appropriate under the circumstances. No building shall be deemed to be a dwelling with a fewer number of units based on its actual use if the design-related factors indicate that it has a greater number of units.