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Santa Maria City Zoning Code

CHAPTER 12

2 DEFINITIONS

Section 12-2.01 Applicability.

For the purpose of carrying out the intent of this title, the following regulations, words, phrases and terms have the meaning ascribed to them and shall be interpreted to contain the standards and include the parts, elements and features set forth in this chapter.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.02 Access.

"Access" means the place, means or way by which vehicles shall have safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property and/or use as required by this title.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.03 Accessory building.

"Accessory building" means a separate building the use of which is subordinate and incidental to that of the main building, structure or use on the same lot, but is not an "accessory dwelling unit."
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)

Section 12-2.04 Accessory use.

"Accessory use" means a use incidental, related, appropriate, and clearly subordinate to the main use of the lot or building, which accessory use does not alter the principal use of the subject lot or adversely affect other properties in the zone.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.04A Agricultural use.

"Agricultural use" is limited to farming or ranching activities. An agricultural use denotes the active use of land for the purpose of agricultural production, including, but not limited to, cultivation and growing of crops, and raising and keeping of livestock for commercial purposes. "Agricultural use" does not include the keeping of chickens or a vegetable garden on a residential parcel for the personal use of the residents.
(Ord. 2010-15, eff. 1/20/11; Ord. 2017-10 § 20, eff. 8/31/17)

Section 12-2.05 Alley.

"Alley" means any public or private vehicular way which affords a secondary means of access to abutting property.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.06 Antenna.

"Antenna" means a device for radiating or receiving radio waves.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.07 Antenna, satellite dish.

"Satellite dish antenna" means a dish-like device used to receive television and radio signals which are transmitted from satellites and other sources.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.08 Apartment.

"Apartment" means a multifamily dwelling.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.09 Apartment hotel.

"Apartment hotel" means a residential building designed or used for both, two or more dwelling units and six or more guestrooms or suites of rooms.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.09A Arbor.

"Arbor" means an open horizontal structure made of lattice work used as a screen or a support for growing vines or plants.
(Ord. 2000-18, eff. 12/5/00)

Section 12-2.10 Area, gross.

"Gross area" means that area of a lot or parcel of land which includes all portions of such lot or parcel proposed to be burdened by the following:
(a) 
Public alleys, highways, streets or other necessary public sites when required as part of a proposed development project.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 85-1093 § 1 (1), eff. 3/5/85)

Section 12-2.11 Area, net.

"Net area" means that area of a lot or parcel of land exclusive of:
(a) 
Public alleys, highways or streets; or
(b) 
Proposed public facilities such as alleys, highways, streets or other necessary public sites when included within a proposed development project; or
(c) 
Other public or private easements where the owner of the servient tenement does not have the right to use the entire surface of the land.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.12 Arterial.

"Arterial" means "arterial" as defined in the circulation element of the General Plan.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.13 Auto repair.

"Auto repair" means all servicing of motor vehicles except the following: sale of motor fuels, tires, tubes, and lubricants; lubricating vehicles, minor tube and tire repairs, battery recharging, hand auto washing and hand polishing.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.14 Auto wash, mechanical.

"Mechanical auto wash" means the washing of cars using an assembly line method in which vehicles are moved through a series of sprays and brushes or any washing process in which water is employed.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.15 Automobile service station.

"Automobile service station" means a structure or premises where gasoline, oil, grease, batteries, tires and automobile accessories are supplied and dispensed at retail and where, in addition, the following services as accessory to the principal use may be rendered and sales made, and no other:
(a) 
Sale and servicing of spark plugs, batteries and distributors and distributor parts;
(b) 
Tire servicing and repair, but not recapping or regrooving;
(c) 
Replacement or adjustment of automobile accessories;
(d) 
Radiator cleaning and flushing; provision of water, antifreeze and other additives;
(e) 
Washing and polishing, and sale of automotive washing and polishing materials;
(f) 
Greasing and lubrication;
(g) 
Providing and repairing fuel pumps, oil pumps and lines;
(h) 
Servicing and repair of carburetors;
(i) 
Adjusting and repairing brakes;
(j) 
Emergency wiring repairs;
(k) 
Motor adjustment not involving removal of the head or crankcase;
(l) 
Provision of cold drinks, packaged foods, tobacco and similar convenience goods for gasoline supply station customers, but only as accessory and incidental to the principal operation;
(m) 
Provision of road maps and other information material to customers;
(n) 
Provision of restroom facilities;
(o) 
Parking lot, as an accessory use only.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 82-1046 § 1(A), eff. 1/20/83; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.16 Banner, flag, or pennant.

"Banner," "flag" or "pennant" means any cloth, bunting, plastic, paper or similar material used for advertising purposes attached to, appended on or from any structure, staff, pole, line, framing or vehicle. When the flag of a nation or of the state is displayed in an appropriate manner, it shall be excepted from these regulations.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.16A Barbecue or street barbecue or open air barbecue facility.

"Barbecue" or "street barbecue" or "open air barbecue facility" means any outdoor facility at an approved location for cooking food directly over hot coals or another method approved by the County Health Department.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.17 Barn.

"Barn" means any building designed or used for housing livestock, and other uses permitted in the R-A district.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.18 Baths.

(a) 
"Full bath" means an interior space which contains a water closet, a lavatory and a bathtub with or without a shower.
(b) 
"One-half bath" means an interior space which contains a water closet and a lavatory.
(c) 
"Three-quarter bath" means an interior space which contains a water closet, a lavatory and a shower.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 2016-2016 § 25, eff. 3/2/16)

Section 12-2.18.18A Battery energy storage systems.

"Battery energy storage systems" ("BESS") means a facility in part consisting of rechargeable electro-chemical storage batteries, battery chargers, controls and associated electrical equipment designed to collect energy from the grid or an associated distributed generation system and then discharge that energy at a later time to provide electricity or other grid services when needed.
(Ord. 2025-01, eff. 6/5/2025)

Section 12-2.18.1 Blimps and balloons.

"Blimps and balloons" means a gas or air-filled device with or without a printed message used to advertise products, goods, services or otherwise promote the sale of objects or identify business establishments.
(Ord. 86-32 § 1(A), eff. 2/19/87)

Section 12-2.19 Boardinghouse.

"Boardinghouse" means a residence or dwelling, other than a hotel, wherein three or more rooms, with or without individual or group cooking facilities, are rented to individuals under separate rental agreements or leases, either written or oral, whether or not an owner, agent or rental manager is in residence.
(Ord. 2003-25, eff. 2/6/04)

Section 12-2.20 Buffer.

"Buffer" means an open space or landscaped area, the purpose of which is to prevent the direct abutting of incompatible uses or structures.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.21 Building.

"Building" means any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or property of any kind.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.22 Building, main.

"Main building" means a building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot or building site on which it is situated.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.23 Building permit.

"Building permit" means written authorization from the City building official for the erection of any structure.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.24 Building setback line.

"Building setback line" means the line appearing on the zoning map delineating the space between such line and the property line as the required yard in lieu of the front, side or rear yard otherwise described for the zone.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.25 Building site.

"Building site" means a lot or parcel of land in single common or joint ownership and occupied or to be occupied by a main building and accessory buildings, or by a dwelling group and its accessory buildings, together with such open spaces as are required by the terms of this title and having frontage on a dedicated street, road or highway.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.26 Business office, commercial.

"Commercial business office" means a commercial activity characterized by administrative and/or clerical operations with a low volume of customer contact on the premises with no transfer of merchandise on the premises.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.27 Business, retail.

(a) 
"Retail business" means the retail sale of any article, substance or commodity for profit or livelihood, but not including the sale of lumber, bulk goods, or other building materials or the sale of used or second-hand goods or materials of any kind.
(b) 
"Heavy retail business" means the retail sale of goods for profit or livelihood, such as lumber, bulk goods, building equipment and supplies, landscape material and equipment, flooring, carpeting materials, paint, tile and tires.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.28 Business, wholesale.

"Wholesale business" means the wholesale handling of any article, substance or commodity for the profit or livelihood, but not including the processing or manufacture of any product or substance.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.29 Care of nonrelated persons (seven or more persons).

"Care of nonrelated persons (seven or more persons)" means a state-licensed care home giving nonmedical services on a 24 hour a day basis to seven or more mentally handicapped, physically handicapped, disabled or aged persons, or dependent and neglected children.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.30 Care of nonrelated persons (six or less persons).

"Care of nonrelated persons (six or less persons)" means a state-licensed family care home giving nonmedical services on a 24 hour a day basis to six or fewer mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped persons or dependent and neglected children. For the purposes of this title the care of nonrelated persons as defined in this section shall be considered a single-family residential use subject only to the provisions of this title dealing with single-family residential uses.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.31 Caretaker's residence.

"Caretaker's residence" means an accessory building containing a dwelling for caretakers or servants for the land or main building(s). "Caretaker's residence" includes servants' quarters. No caretaker's residence shall be rented, let or otherwise hired out.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.32 Carport.

"Carport" means a permanent roofed structure with not more than two enclosed sides, used for automobile shelter.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.32A Charitable event barbecue or sponsored event barbecue or benefit barbecue.

"Charitable event barbecue" or "sponsored event barbecue" or "benefit barbecue" means a qualified fundraising barbecue that occurs not more than three consecutive days in any calendar quarter for the purpose of assisting people after a catastrophic event.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.33 Charitable or religious institution.

"Charitable or religious institution" means a church or other building devoted to philanthropic or nonprofit social welfare activities.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.33.1 Child day care center.

"Child day care center" means any child day care facility other than a family day care home, and includes infant centers, preschools and extended day care facilities.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.34 Church.

"Church" means a permanently located building commonly used for religious worship. Such building shall be fully enclosed with walls (including windows and doors), having a roof of other than canvas or fabric, and shall conform to applicable legal requirements affecting design and construction.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.35 Code.

"Code" means the "Santa Maria Municipal Code."
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.36 Collector.

"Collector" means as defined in the circulation element of the General Plan.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.37 Commercial uses.

"Commercial uses" means those uses other than residential, religious or public educational uses which are permitted in any of the commercial zones contained in this title.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.38 Commission.

"Commission" means the Planning Commission of the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.39 Community Development Director.

"Community Development Director" means the Director of Community Development of the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.39A Community event.

"Community event" means an event that is of a civic, political, public, or educational nature, including county fairs, city festivals, certified farmers' market, and other public gathering events as specifically declared by the City Council.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.39B Community event barbecue.

"Community event barbecue" means a qualified fundraising barbecue operating out of temporary facilities approved by the County Health Department at an approved location for a period of time not to exceed 25 consecutive or nonconsecutive days in any calendar quarter in conjunction with a single, weekly, or monthly community event as declared by the City Council.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.40 Conditional use.

"Conditional use" means a use which requires a special degree of control because of characteristics peculiar to it, or because of size, technological processes or type of equipment, or because of the exact location with reference to surroundings, streets and existing improvements or demands upon public facilities. Such control is to ensure that the particular use at the particular site on which such use is proposed to be located is compatible with other existing or permitted uses surrounding the site.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.41 Conforming structure.

"Conforming structure" means a structure designed and built for a use permitted in the zone and complying with the property development standards of the zone in which such structure is located.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.42 Conforming use.

"Conforming use" means a use permitted under the terms of this title in the zone in which such use is carried on.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.43 Convenience business establishments.

"Convenience business establishments" means neighborhood businesses designed and intended to serve the daily trade or service needs of adjacent and surrounding population. Such establishments include convenience-type small grocery stores, variety stores, drug stores, coin-operated laundry and dry cleaning establishments, beauty shops, barbershops and medical and dental offices. Specifically excluded are the sale of gasoline, repair garages and drive-in eating and drinking establishments.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 82-1046 § 1(B), eff. 1/20/83; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.44 Corner cutback.

"Corner cutback" means the provisions for maintenance of adequate space for safe visibility to protect vehicular and pedestrian traffic at all intersections of streets, alleys and/or private driveways, as provided in the zones. Such space will be kept free of building, structures and landscaping which would constitute a visual obstruction.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.44.1 Cottage food operation.

"Cottage food operation" means a business or enterprise located in a private home as set forth in Subdivision (a) of Section 113758 of the Health and Safety Code.
(Ord. 2014-04, eff. 8/14/2014)

Section 12-2.45 Country club.

"Country club" means a recreation activity carried on by an association of persons organized for nonprofit recreation and occupying a site containing not less than 10 acres of land. "Country club" does not include activities organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.46 Curb.

"Curb" means a City-approved concrete or asphalt concrete structure along the edge of the street pavement and raised above the pavement.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.47 Day care home, large family.

"Large family day care home" means a home which regularly provides care, protection and supervision in the provider's own home to nine to 14 children, including children who reside at the home, for periods of less than 24 hours per day, and has all appropriate licenses.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 2000-18, eff. 12/5/00)

Section 12-2.48 Day care home, small family.

"Small family day care home" means a home which regularly provides care, protection and supervision in the provider's own home to eight or fewer children, including children who reside at the home, for periods of less than 24 hours per day, and has all appropriate licenses.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90; Ord. 2000-18, eff. 12/5/00)

Section 12-2.49 Dedicated street.

"Dedicated street" means a street offered to and accepted by the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.50 Density.

"Density" means the number of dwelling units that may be constructed per acre or per square foot of lot area.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.51 District.

"District": see Section 12-2.149, "Zone."
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.52 Drive-in restaurants or drive-in eating and drinking establishment.

"Drive-in restaurant" or "drive-in eating and drinking establishment" means any commercial establishment serving food and drinks, making provisions encouraging consumption of food or beverages in automobiles, whether such consumption in automobiles is on the premises or at the curb adjacent to the premises.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.52A Driveway.

"Driveway" means a private access with paving to a street, highway, alley, parking lot or easement.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05)

Section 12-2.53 Dwelling.

"Dwelling" means a building or portion thereof designed or used exclusively for residential purposes or occupancy. For the purposes of this title, "dwelling" does not include hotels, apartment hotels, motels, roominghouses, nursing homes, housing for the elderly, rest homes, university owned or leased housing or institutions.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.54 Dwelling, four family.

"Four family dwelling" means a dwelling containing four dwelling units, a fourplex.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.55 Dwelling, group.

"Group dwelling" means two or more single-family, two family, three family or four family dwellings located on the same lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.56 Dwelling, multifamily.

"Multifamily dwelling" means a dwelling containing five or more dwelling units, an apartment.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.58 Dwelling, single-family.

"Single-family dwelling" means a detached dwelling containing only one dwelling unit. "Single-family dwelling" includes mobile homes certified under the National Mobilehome Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 (U.S.C. Section 5401, et seq.) and placed on a permanent foundation system approved by the state of California or the local building official.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.59 Dwelling, three family.

"Three family dwelling" means a dwelling containing three dwelling units, a triplex.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.60 Dwelling, two family.

"Two family dwelling" means a dwelling containing two dwelling units, a duplex.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.61 Dwelling unit, accessory.

"Accessory dwelling unit" means one or more rooms with exterior access suitable for occupancy by one or more persons and containing sanitation facilities and one kitchen as provided in Government Code section 65852.2 and Chapter 12-56 of this Title 12.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 85-1109 § 1 (5), eff. 1/2/86; Ord. 2017-21, eff. 1/18/18)

Section 12-2.62 Entrada Plan.

"Entrada Plan" means the "Entrada Specific Plan of the City of Santa Maria, California, SP-1," adopted by Council Resolution No. 75-406l, on June l, 1976, as the same may be amended from time to time.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.63 Expressway.

"Expressway" means "expressway" as defined in the circulation element of the General Plan.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.65 Fence.

"Fence" means any device forming a physical barrier by means of wood, wire mesh, plastic, brick or other similar materials; provided, however, that where a fence is required as a condition of the improvement of the land pursuant to this title, the same shall consist of chain link with slats or a solid masonry wall, as approved by the Planning Commission, except that upon finding of special conditions unique to the property, the Planning Commission may allow such a fence to consist of other material or design.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.66 Flammable gases.

"Flammable gases" means acetylene, hydrogen, nitrous oxide and any other material so determined by the fire marshal.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.67 Flammable liquids.

"Flammable liquids" means solvents, paint thinner, oil base paint, lighter fluid, gasoline, kerosene, white gas and any other material so determined by the fire marshal.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.68 Floor area, gross.

"Gross floor area," for the purposes of determining total gross building area and calculating parking requirements, means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors, mezzanines and lofts of the building. Horizontal dimensions shall be taken from the exterior faces of the exterior walls of the building and shall include all enclosed and conditioned areas except stairways and elevators.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 86-32 § 1(c), eff. 2/19/87; Ord. 97-12, 12/4/97)

Section 12-2.68A Freeway tower sign.

"Freeway tower sign" means a sign structure located along US Highway 101 allowed only in a PD-f (Planned Development/Freeway Tower Overlay) zoning district (see Section 12-25.03(b)(5)).
(Ord. 2015-12 § 2, eff. 12/3/15)

Section 12-2.69 Garage.

"Garage" means an accessory building or part of a main building of not less than 11 by 20 feet interior dimension, designed for the shelter and storage of a motor vehicle or vehicles and enclosed on three or more sides. Garages must be open and usable for the parking of vehicles to satisfy the parking requirements of this Code.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 86-32 § 1(D), eff. 2/19/87)

Section 12-2.70 Garage, repair.

"Repair garage" means a structure or portion thereof, other than a storage or parking garage, designed or used for the repairing, equipping or servicing of motor vehicles. Such garages may also be used for housing, storage or sale of motor vehicles.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.71 Grade, finish.

"Finish grade" means the natural or artificial slope of the land as it is to be maintained upon completion of the structure.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.72 Guest home.

"Guest home" means temporary living quarters, not a dwelling unit, however, within an accessory building, provided that no cooking facility is installed or maintained therein.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 86-32 § 1(E), eff. 2/19/87)

Section 12-2.73 Guestroom.

"Guestroom" means a portion of a main building consisting of living quarters, not a dwelling unit, however, so arranged that there is no more than one egress to the outdoors or to a public way, so that there is interior access to the common living areas of any dwelling unit occupying the main building, and providing that no cooking facility is installed or maintained.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.74 Height of building.

(a) 
"Height" of building means the vertical distance from the average finish grade of the building site as determined from the highest and lowest point of that portion of the lot covered by the building to the highest point of the roof.
(b) 
Maximum Height Exceptions:
(i) 
Subject to a Planned Development (PD) permit pursuant to Section 12-35.201, structures may exceed the maximum allowable building height of the zoning district.
(ii) 
The following items may be permitted to a height in excess of that permitted within the zone when approved in the discretion of the Community Development Director when he or she determines they are safe and have no significant adverse effect upon surrounding property: penthouse or roof structures for the housing of elevators, stairways, mechanical equipment required to operate and maintain the building, skylights, spires, tanks, flag poles, chimneys and antennas.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 2016-15 § 1, eff. 8/10/16)

Section 12-2.75 Height of fences, walls or hedges.

(a) 
"Height" of fences, walls or hedges shall be determined by the vertical distance from the highest ground-level elevation on either side of the wall.
(b) 
Exception: Where the rear, side or front property line is lower than the finished pad elevation, the height of the wall shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.76 Hospital.

"Hospital" means an institution housing and caring for patients who may not be ambulatory and who require nursing and medical care on the premises. "Hospital" does not include an institution housing persons requiring restraint.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.76A Hotel.

"Hotel" means any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for lodging or sleeping purposes, where said transients access individual rooms through interior corridors.
(Ord. 2016-05 § 26, eff. 3/2/16)

Section 12-2.77 Household pets.

"Household pets" means animals which can reasonably be domesticated and kept in a residential environment without interfering with the health, safety and welfare of adjacent residents. Household pets do not include roosters, sheep, goats, cows, pigs, horses, donkeys, burros, raccoons or other similar animals.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.77.A Intensification.

"Intensification" means the addition of uses or expansion of physical space or increase of potential impacts (parking, noise, odor, environmental contamination, etc.) to a site.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05)

Section 12-2.78 Kennel.

"Kennel" means any lot or premises on which four or more dogs more than six months of age are kept, boarded or trained; provided, however, that if other animals or birds or fowl are bought, sold or bartered, the classification to apply shall be that of a pet shop.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.79 Kitchen.

"Kitchen" means any room or portion of room used or intended or designed to be used for cooking and the preparation of food.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.80 Landscaping.

"Landscaping" means the configuration of trees, shrubbery and other plant material, earth patterning and bedding materials in conjunction with open space. It shall not be construed to mean artificial turf or plants.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.80A Lattice.

A framework or structure of crossed strips arranged to form a regular pattern of open spaces.
(Ord. 2000-18, eff. 12/5/00)

Section 12-2.81 Less-intense use.

"Less-intense use" means a use which serves fewer people or one which has less potential for detriment to persons and property in the immediate vicinity or requires fewer parking spaces in accordance with Chapter 32 of this title.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.82 Liquefied petroleum gas.

"Liquefied petroleum gas" means butane or propane gas.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.83 Local street.

"Local street" means "local street" as it is defined in the circulation element of the General Plan.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.84 Lodge.

"Lodge" means a private institution whose purpose is fraternal and nonprofit.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.85 Lot.

"Lot" means a parcel of land of at least sufficient size to meet zoning requirements for use, coverage, area and open space as required by this Code.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.86 Lot area.

"Lot area" means the total area of land measured in a horizontal plane within the lot lines of the lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.87 Lot, corner.

"Corner lot" means a lot located at the intersection of two streets at an angle of not more than 120 degrees.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.88 Lot coverage.

"Lot coverage" means that area covered by building or structures.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.89 Lot depth.

"Lot depth" means the horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.90 Lot, interior.

"Interior lot" means a lot which is not a corner lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.91 Lot dimensions.

"Lot dimensions" means the width and depth of a lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.92 Lot line.

"Lot line" means any line bounding a lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.93 Lot line, front.

"Front lot line" means the property line or lines separating a lot from street or streets in the case of an interior lot and the line separating the narrowest street frontage of a lot from the street in the case of a corner lot or reverse corner lot. A lot may have more than one front lot line.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.94 Lot line, rear.

"Rear lot line" means a lot line which line is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of an irregular, triangular or gore-shaped lot, the rear lot line shall be a line within the lot, 10 feet long parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line. A lot which is bounded on all sides by streets may have no rear lot line.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.95 Lot line, side.

"Side lot line" means any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.96 Lot width.

"Lot width" means the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the line representing the lot depth at a point on the line midway between the front and rear lot lines. In the case of a lot with a long narrow appendage abutting the street, the horizontal distance shall be measured at a point midway between the rear lot line and the beginning of the main body of the lot.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.97 Mechanical riding machines.

"Mechanical riding machines" means stationary amusement machines designed to support a person and vigorously gyrate in an attempt to throw the person off the machine. Commonly referred to as a "mechanical bull."
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.98 Medical, chiropractic, physical therapy or dental office.

"Medical, chiropractic, physical therapy or dental office" means an office in which those professionals and allied professionals and assistants are associated for the purpose of carrying on their profession.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.99 Microwave antenna.

"Microwave antenna" means a directional microwave antenna having a concave reflector.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.100 Miniwarehouse.

"Miniwarehouse" means a building or group of buildings in a controlled-access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized and controlled-access stalls or lockers for the dead storage of customer's goods or wares.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.101 Mobile home.

"Mobile home" means a structure or vehicle, without its own motor power, used or designed for living or sleeping purposes. It is equipped with wheels for the purpose of transporting such from place to place but is generally located on a fixed or semi-permanent base. A mobile home or house trailer is not a dwelling unit. In addition, a travel trailer is not to be considered as a mobile home. (Compare "recreational vehicles.")
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.102 Mobile home park.

"Mobile home park" means any lot or parcel of land where trailer or mobile home sites are rented or leased or offered for rent or lease for one or more house trailers or mobile homes. (Compare "tourist camp.")
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.103 Mobile home site.

"Mobile home site" means that portion of a mobile home park set aside and designated for the occupancy of a mobile home and including the area set aside or used for parking or structures including awnings, cabanas or ramadas which are accessory to the mobile home.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.103A Motel.

"Motel" means any structure, or any portion of any structure, which is occupied or intended or designed for occupancy by transients for lodging or sleeping purposes, where said transients access individual rooms through exterior corridors.
(Ord. 2016-05 § 27, eff. 3/2/16)

Section 12-2.104 Neighborhood commercial (convenience) center.

"Neighborhood commercial (convenience) center" means a development intended for limited commercial uses which will serve only the needs of the immediate residential neighborhood for convenience goods and personal services, excluding the sale of gasoline, repair garages and drive-in eating and drinking establishments.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 82-1046 § 1(D), eff. 1/20/83; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.104A Neo-traditional neighborhood.

"Neo-traditional neighborhood" means a residential neighborhood consisting of a variety of architectural styles with the following mandatory design elements: city approved nostalgic street lights, front property line located at back of curb, a 14 to 16 foot deep public utility easement paralleling the street with an 8 foot wide landscaped parkway and a 4 foot wide sidewalk, garages set back a minimum of 6 feet from the main structure, canopy street trees from the Recreation and Parks Department approved canopy street tree list. Other design features that are encouraged are alleys, front porches, multipurpose trails, and interconnecting streets.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05)

Section 12-2.105 Nonconforming lot.

"Nonconforming lot" means a lot created lawfully and existing on the effective date of the applicable zoning regulations and existing since that time in nonconformance to the zoning regulations.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.106 Nonconforming structure.

"Nonconforming structure" means a lawful structure existing on the effective date of the applicable zoning regulations and existing since that time in nonconformance to the zoning regulations.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.107 Nonconforming use.

"Nonconforming use" means a lawful use existing on the effective date of the zoning regulations and continuing since that time in nonconformance to the zoning regulations.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.107.1 Non-taxable merchandise floor area.

"Non-taxable merchandise floor area" means floor area devoted to merchandise, including but not limited to food products, commodities and/or goods, where said items are not subject to California state sales tax. This includes areas for meat and produce processing, packaging, storage, display and merchandising.
(Ord. 97-12, eff. 12/4/97)

Section 12-2.108 Non-profit or not-for-profit or qualified or sponsored.

"Non-profit" or "not-for-profit" or "qualified" or "sponsored" means the same definition used by the State Health and Safety Code section 113823.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.108A Occasional event barbecue.

"Occasional event barbecue" means a qualified fundraising barbecue that occurs not more than three consecutive days in any calendar quarter for the purpose of funding community programs and projects or charities.
(Ord. 2006-09, eff. 6/16/06)

Section 12-2.110 Outdoor storage.

"Outdoor storage" means storage of goods, equipment or materials outside of any building or structure, but not including storage of a temporary or emergency nature.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.110A Patio cover.

A roof like-like structure not exceeding 12 feet in height which is placed over a patio to provide shade or protection from the elements. A patio cover is typically supported by vertical posts.

Section 12-2.111 Parcel map.

"Parcel map" means a map showing the division of land as defined and described in the Subdivision Map Act of the state Government Code.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.111A Paving.

"Paving" means the following:
(a) 
A created surface, such as brick, stone, concrete, or asphalt, permanently affixed/placed on the land to facilitate passage;
(b) 
That part of a street having an improved surface.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05; Ord. 2006-13, eff. 10/2/06)

Section 12-2.112 Penny arcade.

"Penny arcade" means shall mean the commercial activity involving four or more coin-operated machines, as defined in Section 4-6.101 of this Code, within a building or a portion of a building.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.113 Pet shop.

"Pet shop" means the building in which animals are bought, sold or bartered and boarded therein.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.113A Physical fitness center/health club.

"Physical fitness center/health club" means an establishment that includes facilities for exercise activities, such as aerobic exercises, running and jogging, or exercise equipment, game courts, or swimming facilities, and may also include saunas, showers, massage rooms, and lockers. These facilities may also include pro shops selling a variety of sports equipment and clothing. Instruction programs, aerobic classes, and weight control programs may be part of the club. They are open only to members and guests on a membership basis and not to the public at large paying a daily admission fee.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05)

Section 12-2.113.1 Pipeline.

A pipeline used for the transmission of oil, gas, wastewater, toxic or hazardous materials over, across, through or in private property or public right-of-way, excluding incidental on-site pipelines serving a permitted use including utility lines serving an approved subdivision or development.
(Ord. 86-32 § 1(F), eff. 2/19/87)

Section 12-2.114 Plan, general.

"General Plan" means as it is defined by the state laws.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.115 Plan, specific.

"Specific plan" means as it is defined by the state laws.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.116 Planned community.

"Planned community" means the comprehensive, unified design of a parcel or parcels of contiguous property for the planned arrangement of uses permitted within the zone or zones in which the project is to be developed.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.117 Planning Commission.

"Planning Commission" means the Planning Commission of the City, which is the designated planning agency of the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.118 Private recreation club.

"Private recreation club" means a privately owned and operated recreation activity carried on by an association of persons for a nonprofit purpose, but shall not include an activity organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.119 Property line.

"Property line" means a line separating a parcel of land from another parcel or from the street or alley.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.120 Public utility.

"Public utility" means any legal entity authorized by the state laws or pursuant to local franchise to provide the community water, gas, electricity, telephone or other services.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.121 Recreation area.

"Recreation area" means any portion of a mobile home park or other residential complex devoted to community leisure activities exemplified by swimming pools, patios, barbecue areas, game rooms, play yards or landscaped open space.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.122 Recreational vehicles.

"Recreational vehicles" include the following:
(a) 
"Boats and boat trailers" includes boats, floats of every kind and rafts, plus the normal equipment to transport the same on a highway.
(b) 
"Folding tent trailer" means a canvas folding structure mounted on wheels and designed for travel and vacation use.
(c) 
"Camper" means a structure designed primarily to be mounted upon a motor vehicle and with sufficient facilities to render suitable for use as a temporary dwelling for camping travel, recreational and vacation purposes.
(d) 
"Motorized home" means a portable dwelling designed and constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle.
(e) 
"Travel trailer" means a vehicular portable structure built on a chassis designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses permanently identified as a travel trailer by the manufacturer.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.123 Residential use.

"Residential use" means a use for permanent or quasi-permanent dwelling purposes in a single-family dwelling, two family dwelling, three family dwelling or multifamily dwelling and all of the incidental uses thereto.
(Prior Code § 10-10)

Section 12-2.124 Rest home.

A "rest home" generally consists of the premises and buildings used for the housing and care of aged, infirm or handicapped persons for compensation, but in which are kept for such compensation no persons suffering from mental illness or communicable disease, and in which are performed no surgery or maternity care or any other treatment customarily provided for in a sanitarium or hospital, so that such homes may not include any persons requiring regular nursing care. For the purposes of this definition, "aged persons" are persons whose chronological ages meet the qualifications established by the state Welfare and Institutions Code for recipients of old age security benefits. In no event shall the number of rest home guests be permitted to exceed one guest for each 1,000 square feet of lot area.
(Prior Code § 10-10)

Section 12-2.125 Restaurant.

"Restaurant" means a place that is designed and used for the sale and consumption of prepared food on the premises.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.126 Restaurant, fast-food.

"Fast-food restaurant" means a place that is primarily designed and used for the sale of prepared foods to be consumed off the premises.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.127 Retail business.

"Retail business" means a place that is designed and used for the sale of commodities or goods to consumers. "Retail business" does not include the sale or serving of prepared food.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84)

Section 12-2.127.1 Retail floor area.

"Retail floor area," for the purposes of determining gross floor area, means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of all enclosed floors, mezzanines, and lofts of the building devoted to retail sales of merchandise, as defined in Sec. 12-2-2.2, including floor areas to display, merchandise, access aisles, storage, warehousing and distribution.
(Ord. 97-12, eff. 12/4/97)

Section 12-2.127.2 Retail sales.

"Retail sales" means the sale of merchandise for which California state sales tax is required by the State Franchise Tax Board and applicable state law(s).
(Ord. 97-12, eff. 12/4/97)

Section 12-2.128 Room.

"Room" means a room enclosure or portion of a room enclosure within a dwelling unit, room rental or hotel. Bathrooms, hallways, closets and service porches are not "rooms."
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.128.1 Sanitation facilities.

"Sanitation facilities" means a full bath or a three-quarter bath.
(Ord. 85-1109 § 1 (5), eff. 1/2/86)

Section 12-2.129 School, elementary and high.

"Elementary school" and "high school" mean institutions of learning which offer instruction in the several branches of learning and study required to be taught to the public by the state Education Code. "High school" includes junior and senior.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.130 School, private.

"Private school" means a nongovernmental institution of learning which offers instruction in the several branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools by the state Education Code.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.131 Screening.

"Screening" means solid walls, solid fences or dense, living hedges for the purpose of concealing from view the area behind such structure or hedges. (See also "fence" and "landscaping.")
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.132 Secretary of the Planning Commission.

"Secretary of the Planning Commission" means the secretary of the Planning Commission of the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.133 Setback.

"Setback" means a minimum horizontal distance between the planned street line, and the building line. (See also "yard" and "building line.")
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.134 Shopping center.

"Shopping center" means a group of retail stores and service establishments containing a minimum of 40,000 square feet of gross floor area, with common access from the public street and common parking, designed to serve a community or neighborhood. If a shopping center contains more than one parcel, reciprocal parking and access agreements must be recorded for all properties.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 83-1065 § 1, eff. 1/5/84; Ord. 90-22 § 1, eff. 10/18/90)

Section 12-2.135 Side and front of corner lots.

The narrowest frontage of a corner lot facing the street is the "front" and the longest frontage facing the intersecting street is the "side," irrespective of the direction in which the dwelling faces, except when the Zoning Administrator has designated the wide frontage to be the "front" of the building site for setback purposes.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.136 Signs.

"Sign" is defined in Section 12-34.03.
(Ord. 92-19, eff. 12/31/92; Ord. 2005-09, eff. 9/2/05)

Section 12-2.136.1 (Repealed)

Repealed.
(Ord. 2005-04, eff. 5/19/05; Ord. 2012-08, eff. 5/17/2012)

Section 12-2.137 Street.

"Street" means a public or private thoroughfare which affords a primary means of access to abutting property. "Street" includes, in addition to the paved travel way, all land within the street right-of-way.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.138 Street plan line.

"Street plan line" means a line delineating the proposed right-of-way for a planned street, and appearing in a precise street plan adopted by the City.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.139 Structural alterations.

"Structural alteration" means any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.140 Structure.

"Structure" means anything constructed or built, any edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts jointed together in some definite manner, which requires location on the ground or is attached to something having a location on the ground, except outdoor areas such as patios, paved areas, walks, swimming pools, tennis courts and other similar recreation areas; provided, however, that swimming pools are and shall be governed by the provisions of Chapter 9-7 of this Code.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.140.1 Supportive Housing.

"Supportive housing" means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to onsite or offsite 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." Supportive housing is a project that meets the requirements of, and is funded with funds appropriated for supportive housing projects pursuant to, California Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14, and Title 25, Division 1, Chapter 7, Subchapter 4, Article 6 of the California Code of Regulations, Supportive Housing Loans, and as such is a project that contains supportive housing units at least equal to the greater of 5 units or 35 percent of the total number of units in the project. Supportive housing shall be considered a residential use of property, and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
(Ord. 2013-03, eff. 6/6/13)

Section 12-2.141 Transient.

"Transient" means any person who exercised occupancy for a reason of concession, permit, right of access, license, or other agreement for a period of 30 consecutive calendar days or less, counting portions of calendar days as full days.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.141.1 Temporary Retail Sales.

"Temporary Retail Sales" means the sales of goods, usually in small quantities, not exceeding 72 consecutive hours and not more than once per calendar quarter.
(Ord. 2011-06, eff. 8/18/11)

Section 12-2.141.2 Temporary Buying.

"Temporary buying" means the acquisition of goods by paying or promising to pay an equivalent, especially in a currency exchange not exceeding 72 consecutive hours and not more than once per calendar quarter.
(Ord. 2011-06, eff. 8/18/11)

Section 12-2.141.3 Transitional Housing.

"Transitional housing" and "transitional housing development" means buildings configured as a rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months, and that is has been determined to be eligible to receive transitional housing funding as administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development, through the Multi-Family Hosing Program, California Health and Safety Code Section 50675 et al. As a "Rental housing development" as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2, a transitional housing project shall contain five or more dwelling units. Transitional housing shall be considered a residential use of property, and shall be subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
(Ord. 2013-03, eff. 6/6/13)

Section 12-2.141A Trellis.

"Trellis" means an open vertical frame supporting open latticework, used as a screen or a support for growing vines or plants.
(Ord. 2000-18, eff. 12/5/00)

Section 12-2.142 Truck stop.

"Truck stop" means a facility used to serve the needs of the transient truck driver where petroleum products, light vehicle maintenance, food and lodging may be obtained.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 82-1046 § 1(C), eff. 1/20/83; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.143 Wall.

"Wall" means any structure or device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that 50% or more of the vertical surface is closed and prevents the passage of light, air and vision through the surface in a horizontal plane; provided, however, that where a wall is required as a condition of the improvement of land pursuant to this title, the same shall consist of solid masonry, as approved by the Planning Commission, except that upon a finding of special conditions unique to the property, the Planning Commission may allow such a fence to consist of other material or design.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.144 Wholesale distributor.

"Wholesale distributor" means a business establishment engaged in the selling of goods to retailers or industrial, institutional and commercial users for resale or business use.
(Prior Code § 10-67; Ord. 90-1 § 2, eff. 3/8/90)

Section 12-2.145 Yard.

"Yard" means any open space other than a court on the same lot with a building or a dwelling group, which space is clear of structures and thus open from ground to sky, except for the projections and/or accessory buildings permitted by these regulations. No required yard or other open space around a building existing as of the effective date of the ordinance from which this section derives, or which is thereafter provided around any building for the purpose of complying with the provisions of these regulations, may be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other building; nor may any yard or other required open space on an adjoining lot be considered as providing a yard or open space on a lot whereon a building is to be erected.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.146 Yard, front.

"Front yard" means a space extending the full width of the lot, between the front lot line or the street plan line and a line parallel thereto at a distance equal to the depth of the required front yard for the zone in which the lot is located.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.147 Yard, rear.

"Rear yard" means a space extending the full width of the lot, between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto at a distance equal to the depth of the required yard for the zone in which the lot is located.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.148 Yard, side.

"Side yard" means a space extending from the front yard to the rear yard, between the side lot line or the street plan line and a line parallel thereto at a distance equal to the depth of the required side yard for the zone in which the lot is located.
(Prior Code § 10-67)

Section 12-2.149 Zone.

"Zone" means a land area shown on the official zoning map of the City to which uniform regulations apply and referred to as a district or zoning district.
(Prior Code § 10-67)