A.   For the purpose of carrying out the intent of this title, words, phrases, and terms shall be deemed to have the meaning ascribed to them in this chapter.

   B.   When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense include the future; words in the singular number include the plural and those in the plural include the singular; "or" includes "and," and "and" includes "or."

(Prior code §§ 19.08.005, 19.08.010 (Ord. 557 §§ 103, 104 (part), 1964))

   "Aboveground deck" means outdoor living area, either common or private, other than a balcony, which is not permanently covered and is above ground.

(Ord. 83-03-904 § 1 (part))

   "Abut" or "abutting" means two or more lots or parcels of land sharing a common boundary line, or two or more objects in contact with each other.

(Prior code § 19.08.090 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Accessory living quarters" means living quarters within an accessory building located on the same premises with the main building, for use by temporary guests of the occupant of the premises; such quarters having no kitchen facilities and not rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit. See Section 20.04.093.

(Prior code § 19.08.095 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Acre" means a full acre containing 43,560 square feet of area within the property lines of a lot or parcel.

(Prior code § 19.08.100 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Adjacent" means near, close, or abutting. For example, an industrial district across an alley, street, highway, or recorded easement from a residential district shall be considered as "adjacent."

(Prior code § 19.08.105 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Adjoin" means the same as "abut."

(Prior code § 19.08.110 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Adult oriented business" means any business described in section 9.64.020 of this code.

(Ord. 2004-07-1334 § 1)

   "Advertising structure" means any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, and all such structures used as an outdoor display, regardless of size and shape, for the purposes of making anything known, the origin or place of sale of which is not on the property with such advertising structure.

(Prior code § 19.08.115 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   The city planning commission is designated as the advisory agency to the city council on all matters related to the planning, zoning, and use of land and structures.

(Prior code § 19.08.120 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Aircraft" means any contrivance, now known or hereafter invented, for use or designed for navigation of or flight in the air or outer space, including missiles.

(Prior code § 19.08.125 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Airport" means any area which is used or is intended to be used for the taking off and landing of aircraft, including helicopters, and any appurtenant areas which are used or are intended to be used for airport building or facilities, including open spaces, taxiways, and tiedown areas.

(Prior code § 19.08.130 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   “ABM Tasting Room” or tap room means an accessory use associated with an ABM facility that is devoted to the purchase, consumption and tasting of beer, wine or distilled spirits produced on-site. An ABM with tasting room may also have a full service kitchen and may prepare and serve food on- site pursuant to the conditions of approval of the associated conditional use permit. An ABM tasting room may also include ancillary retail sales directly associated with the primary ABM use. (Ord. 2020-12-1516 § 1: Ord. 2016-07-1490 § 1 (part))

   "Alley" means a public or private way, other than a street, intended for vehicular access to the rear or side of property served by a street. Buildings facing an alley shall not be construed as satisfying the requirements of this title related to frontage on a dedicated street.

(Prior code § 19.08.135 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Altered" has the same meaning as "structural alteration."

(Prior code § 19.08.140 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Ambulatory persons" means persons who are able to walk about unassisted; patients who are not bedridden.

(Prior code § 19.08.145 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Amendment" means a change in the wording, context, or substance of this title; or an addition or deletion or a change in the zone district boundaries or classifications upon the zoning map when adopted by ordinance by the city council. See also Section 20.04.804.

(Prior code § 19.08.150 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

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

(Prior code § 19.08.155 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Apartment" means a room or suite of two or more rooms in a multiple dwelling, occupied or suitable for occupancy as a residence for one family.

(Prior code § 19.08.160 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Apartment hotel" means a building designed for or containing both dwelling units and guest rooms or suites of rooms.

(Prior code § 19.08.165 (Ord. 582 § 1(1)(a), 1965: Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Apartment house" means a building or portion thereof designed or used for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other, and containing three or more dwelling units.

(Prior code § 19.08.170 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Assessor" means the county assessor of the County of Los Angeles.

(Prior code § 19.08.015 (Ord. 557 § 104(A), 1964))

   "Auto court" means the same as "motel."

(Prior code § 19.08.175 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Automobile and trailer sales lot" means an open area used for the display, sales, or rental of new or used automobiles and trailer coaches, but where no repair, repainting, or remodeling is done.

(Prior code § 19.08.180 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Automobile wrecking yard" means any lot or the use of any portion of a lot for the dismantling or wrecking of automobiles or other motor vehicles, or for the storage or keeping for sale of parts and equipment resulting from such dismantling or wrecking.

(Prior code § 19.08.185 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Automotive service station" means a retail place of business engaged primarily in the sale of motor fuels but also in supplying goods and services generally required in the operation and maintenance of automotive vehicles and the fulfilling of motorist needs. These may include sale of petroleum products; sale and servicing of tires, batteries, automotive accessories and replacement items; washing and lubrication services; the performance of minor automotive maintenance and repair; and the supplying of other incidental customer services and products. Major automotive repairs, painting, and body and fender work are excluded except where such uses are otherwise specifically permitted.

(Prior code § 19.08.190 (Ord. 557 § 105(A) (part), 1964))

   "Balcony" means a private outdoor living area attached to a residential unit, open or partially open to light and air permanently on at least two sides.

(Ord. 83-03-904 § 1 (part))

   "Basement" means a space wholly or partly underground, and having more than one-half of its length, measuring from its floor to its ceiling, below the average adjoining finished grade. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is more than six feet above finished grade at any point, such space shall be considered a story.

(Prior code § 19.08.195 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Billboard" means the same as "advertising structure."

(Prior code § 19.08.200 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Block frontage" means all property fronting on one side of a street between a street and right-of-way or waterway, or between intersecting or intercepting streets, the end of a dead-end or cul-de-sac street, or a city boundary measured along a street line. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the frontage on the side of the street that it intercepts.

(Prior code § 19.08.205 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Boardinghouse" or "roominghouse" means a building containing a single dwelling unit and provisions for not more than five guest rooms and where lodging is provided with or without meals for compensation, but not to include rest homes.

(Prior code § 19.08.210 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Borrow pit" means any place or premises where dirt, soil, sand, gravel or other material is removed by excavation or otherwise below the grade of surrounding land for any purpose other than that necessary and incidental to grading or to building construction or operation on the premises. The special standards of Section 20.68.030 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.215 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Breezeway" means a roofed passageway, open on at least two sides, where the roof is structurally integrated with the structure of the main building.

(Prior code § 19.08.220 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building" means any structure built and maintained for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind, but does not include temporary buildings as defined in Section 20.04.714. Trailers, with or without wheels, shall not be considered as buildings.

(Prior code § 19.08.225 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Accessory building" means a building, part of a building, or structure which is subordinate to and the use of which is incidental to that of the main building, structure or use on the same lot. The special standards of Section 20.68.020 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.230 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Area of building" means the sum of square feet of the ground area occupied by all buildings and structures on a lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.235 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building envelope" means the ground area of a building or structure including appurtenances thereto and all interior courts or yards.

(Ord. 70-1-636 § 1: prior code § 19.08.237 (Ord. 582 § 1(1)(b) (part), 1965: Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building height" means the vertical distance measured from the highest point of the structure to the datum line immediately opposite the highest point. The datum line shall begin at the midpoint of the front lot line at natural grade and shall follow the natural contour of the lot to the midpoint of the rear lot line. (See Std. Drawing No. 807.) In determining the natural ground elevation, the director of planning and community development shall determine the same from the topographic maps prepared by photogrametric methods on June 24, 1960, on file in the city hall.

(Ord. 80-6-847 § 3: Ord. 70-1-636 § 2: prior code § 19.08.240 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Main building" means a building within which is conducted the principal use permitted on the lot, as provided by this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.245 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building setback line" means the minimum distance, as prescribed by this title, between any property line and the closest point of the foundation of any building or structure related thereto.

(Prior code § 19.08.250 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building site" means the ground area of a building, together with all the open space required by this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.255 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Temporary building" means the same as "temporary structure."

(Prior code § 19.08.260 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Building unit group" means two or more buildings grouped on a lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.265 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Bungalow court" means a group of two or more detached buildings used or intended to be used as one-family or two-family (duplex) dwelling, located on a single lot, together with all of the open spaces required by this title, but not including tourist courts, motor courts, or motels, or any other commercial uses.

(Prior code § 19.08.270 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Business" means the same as "commerce."

(Prior code § 19.08.275 (Ord. 557 § 105(B) (part), 1964))

   "Cabana" means any portable, demountable, or permanent cabin, small house, room, enclosure, or other building or structure erected, constructed, or placed on any trailer park site within six feet of any house trailer on the same site in a trailer park and used for human habitation; but said structure shall not be used for sleeping purposes. The special standards of Section 20.68.040 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.280 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Caretaker's residence" means the dwelling place attached to a business and occupied by the business owner, manager, or person hired to take care of the business. A caretaker's residence is subordinate to and its use incidental to that of the main use on the same property.

(Ord. 81-5-870 § 2)

   "Carport" means a permanent roofed structure with not more than two enclosed sides used or intended to be used for automobile shelter and storage.

(Prior code § 19.08.285 (Ord. 557(C) (part), 1964))

   "Cellar" means the same as "basement."

(Prior code § 19.08.290 (Ord. 557(C) (part), 1964))

   "Cemetery" means land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for such purposes, and includes columbariums, crematoriums, mausoleums, and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundaries of such premises.

(Prior code § 19.08.295 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Centerline" means the same as "street centerline."

(Prior code § 19.08.300 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Child care nursery" means the same as "day nursery."

(Prior code § 19.08.305 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Chiropractic college" means a postsecondary educational institution (nonprofit corporation) granting the degree of Doctor of Chiropractic.

(Ord. 91-01- 1085)

   "Church" means a permanently located building, commonly used for religious worship, fully enclosed with walls, including windows and doors, and having a roof (canvas or fabric excluded) and conforming to applicable legal requirements affecting design and construction.

(Prior code § 19.08.310 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Coin-operated cleaning service" means any premises whereon are located coin-operated dry-cleaning machines with a capacity not to exceed eight pounds, using nonvolatile materials and providing a service similar to that provided at a self-service launderette.

(Prior code § 19.08.315 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Clinic" means a place for group medical services not involving overnight housing of patients.

(Prior code § 19.08.320 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Club" means an association of persons, whether or not incorporated; religious or otherwise, for a common purpose, but not including groups which are organized primarily to render a service carried on as a business for profit.

(Prior code § 19.08.325 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Cluster" means a development design technique that concentrates buildings in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally sensitive features.

(Ord. 86-03-969 § 7, 1986)

   "College" means an educational institution offering advanced instruction in any academic field beyond the secondary level, not including trade schools or business colleges.

(Prior code § 19.08.330 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Trade college" means the same as "trade school."

(Prior code § 19.08.335 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Commerce" means the purchase, sale, or other transaction involving the handling or disposition (other than that included in "industry" as defined in Section 20.04.408) of any article, substance, or commodity for profit or a livelihood, including operation of automobile or trailer courts, tourist courts and motels, public garages, office buildings, offices of doctors and other professionals, outdoor advertising signs and structures, public stables, recreational and amusement enterprises conducted for profit, shops for the sale of personal services, places where commodities or services are sold or are offered for sale, either by direct handling of merchandise or by agreements to furnish them, but not including dumps and junkyards.

(Prior code § 19.08.340 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   Commercial classifications shall be obtained from the latest edition of the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, Executive Office of the President, Bureau of the Budget, on file at the city hall.

(Prior code § 19.08.345 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   “Commercial marijuana activity” includes the cultivation, possession, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation, delivery, or sale of marijuana and marijuana products, including but not limited to as those terms are defined in Section 5.15.020 of this code; but not including personal marijuana cultivation in compliance with Chapter 9.50 (Personal Marijuana Cultivation) of this code.

(Ord. 2017-11-1497 § 2 (part))

   "Commercial office" means any administrative or clerical office maintained as a business and any office established by a public service over which this title has jurisdiction.

(Prior code § 19.08.350 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Commission" means the planning commission of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.030 (Ord. 557 § 105(D), 1964))

   "Community garden" means a garden where residents may grow flowers and/or produce for their own use and which is managed by a nonprofit, community organization.

(Ord. 97-02-1216 § 1)

   "Condominium" means 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 on such real property, such as an apartment, office, or store.

(Ord. 78-11-809 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.352)

   "Condominium conversion" means the subdivision of an existing or substantially constructed residential, industrial, or commercial building into condominium units.

(Ord. 78-11-809 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.353)

   "Condominium units" means the elements of a condominium which are not owned in common with the owners of other condominiums in the project.

(Ord. 78-11-809 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.354)

   "Contiguous" means the same as "abut."

(Prior code § 19.08.355 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Convalescent home" means the same as "rest home."

(Prior code § 19.04.360 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Corner cutoff" means the provision for and maintenance of adequate and safe visibility for vehicular and pedestrian traffic at all intersections of streets, alleys, or private driveways.

(Prior code § 19.08.365 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "County recorder" means the county recorder of the county of Los Angeles.

(Prior code § 19.08.045 (Ord. 557 § 104(G), 1964))

   "Court" means an open, unoccupied space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building or buildings and bounded on two or more sides by such buildings.

(Prior code § 19.08.370 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Apartment court" means a group of dwellings arranged about two or more sides of a court on a lot which opens onto a dedicated street.

(Prior code § 19.08.375 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Enclosed court" means a court surrounded on all sides by exterior walls of a building and lot lines on which fences, hedges, or walls are permitted.

(Prior code § 19.08.380 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Inner court" means a court enclosed on all sides by the exterior walls of a building or buildings.

(Prior code § 19.08.385 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Outer court" means a court enclosed by all but one side by exterior walls of a building or buildings or lot lines on which fences, hedges, or walls are permitted.

(Prior code § 19.08.390 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Coverage" means the same as "lot coverage."

(Prior code § 19.08.395 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.453.

(Prior code § 19.08.400 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.456.

(Prior code § 19.08.405 (Ord. 557 § 105(C) (part), 1964))

   "Drive-in dairy" means a facility for the selling of dairy products only to the consumer while such consumer is occupying a motor vehicle. The special standards of Section 20.68.060 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.412 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dairy farm" means any place or premises upon which milk is produced for sale or other distribution and where three or more cows or goats, or any combination thereof equalling three or more animals, are kept or maintained for the purpose of producing milk.

(Prior code § 19.08.410 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.102.

(Ord. 70-1-636 § 3: prior code § 19.08.414)

   "Day nursery" or "child care nursery" means the same as "foster home." The special standards of Section 20.68.050 shall apply.

(Ord. 68-1-629 § 1: prior code § 19.08.415 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dwelling unit density," with regards to residential zones, means the ratio of the number of dwelling units to the lot area. For purposes of calculating dwelling unit density, the lot area shall be the area of the lot prior to making any dedications, as provided in Section 20.52.070.

(Ord. 83-07-910 § 1)

   "Director of finance" means and includes the duly appointed director of finance of the city, his assistant and deputies.

(Prior code § 19.08.050 (Ord. 557 § 104(H), 1964))

   "District" means a zoning district established by this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.417 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dormitory" means a building intended or used principally for sleeping accommodations where such building is related to an educational or public institution, including religious institutions and fraternities and sororities.

(Prior code § 19.08.420 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Drainage channel" means any existing or proposed open ditch, open culvert, or open channel naturally created or designed to transmit water for flood control or irrigation purposes.

(Prior code § 19.08.422 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Driveway" means any vehicular access to an off-street parking or loading facility. The special standards of Section 20.68.090 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.430 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dump" means a place used for the disposal, abandonment, or discarding by burial, incineration, or by any other means, of any garbage, sewage, trash, refuse, rubble, waste material, offal, or dead animals. Such use shall involve any industrial or commercial process.

(Prior code § 19.08.432 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Duplex" means the same as "two-family dwelling."

(Prior code § 19.08.435 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dwelling" means a building or portion thereof designed and used exclusively for residential occupancy and permitted home occupations, including one-family, two-family, and multiple-family dwellings, but not including hotels, motels, boardinghouses or lodginghouses, or trailers except in the T-P district.

(Prior code § 19.08.438 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dwelling group" means two or more dwellings located on a single lot and each having separate kitchen and toilet facilities.

(Prior code § 19.08.448 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Multiple dwelling" means a building or buildings designed and used for occupancy by two or more families, all living independently of each other, and having separate kitchen and toilet facilities for each family.

(Prior code § 19.08.440 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "One-family dwelling" means a detached building designed or used exclusively for the occupancy of one family, and having kitchen and toilet facilities for only one family.

(Prior code § 19.08.442 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Townhouse dwelling" means a one-family dwelling where no unit is located over another unit and where each unit is separated from other units by one or more common walls.

(Ord. 86-03-969 § 6, 1986)

   "Two-family dwelling" means a building designed or used exclusively for the occupancy of two families living independently of each other and having separate kitchen and toilet facilities for each family.

(Prior code § 19.08.445 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Dwelling unit" means one or more rooms in a dwelling, apartment house, or apartment hotel designed for or occupied by one family for living or sleeping purposes and having only one kitchen and separate toilet facilities.

(Prior code § 19.08.450 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Easement" means a space on a lot or parcel of land reserved for or used for public utilities or for an approved and specified public or private use. The special standards of Section 20.68.100 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.452 (Ord. 557 § 105(E) (part), 1964))

   "Educational institutions" means public and other nonprofit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at preschool, kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels, and including graduate schools, universities, nonprofit research institutions, and religious institutions.

   A.   Such institutions must either:

   1.   Offer general academic instruction equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education; or

   2.   Confer degrees as a college or university of undergraduate or graduate standing; or

   3.   Conduct research; or

   4.   Give religious instruction.

   B.   This definition does not include schools, academies, or institutes, incorporated or otherwise, which operate for a profit; nor does it include commercial or trade schools.

(Prior code § 19.08.455 (Ord. 557 § 105(E) (part), 1964))

   "Emergency shelter" means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of inability to pay.  (Ord. 2014-01-1467 § 1)

   "City engineer" means the city engineer of the city of Signal Hill.

(Prior code § 19.08.060 (Ord. 557 § 104(J), 1964))

   "Explosives" means any explosive substance having a power equal to or greater than that of ordinary black powder, including but not limited to blasting caps; detonating, fulminating, or electric caps; gun powder and dynamite; but does not include fixed ammunition for small arms.

(Prior code § 19.08.458 (Ord. 557 § 105(E) (part), 1964))

   “Family” means one or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit.

(Prior code § 19.08.460 (Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part); Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Feedlot" or "feed yard" means a lot or portion of a lot used for the enclosing and fattening of livestock for market, and not operated in connection with a bona fide farm.

(Prior code § 19.08.463 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Federal" means the government of the United States of America.

(Prior code § 19.08.055 (Ord. 557 § 104(I), 1964))

   "Fence" means any structural device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that not less than fifty percent of the vertical surface is open to permit the transmission of light, air, and vision through the surface in a horizontal plane. (For board or other solid barriers, see Section 20.04.771.) The special standards of Section 20.68.110 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.465 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Filling station" means the same as "automotive service station."

(Prior code § 19.08.468 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Flood-control channel" means the same as "drainage channel."

(Prior code § 19.08.470 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   Wherever "floor area" is used in this title as a basis for requiring off-street parking for any structure, it shall be assumed that, unless otherwise stated, said floor area applies not only to the groundfloor area but also to any additional stories or basement of said structure. All horizontal dimensions shall be taken from the exterior faces of walls, including enclosed porches.

(Prior code § 19.08.472 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   Section 20.04.301/Food Truck Event was repealed by Ord. 2023-11-1545 § 7, 2023.

   "Fortunetelling business" means the acts of prophesying or predicting future events or happenings affecting the personal life of another, or the furnishing of any information not otherwise obtainable by the ordinary process of knowledge gained through scientific methods, through the use of any occult or psychic power, faculty or force; clairvoyance; clairaudience; psychometry; phrenology; spirits; mediumship; seership; augury; astrology; palmistry, necromancy; mind reading; telepathy; art; cards; talisman; charm; potion; magnetism; magnetized article or substance; crystal gazing; spirit photography, writing, voices or materialization; etherialization; mysteries; or magic of any kind or nature, when such acts are carried on for compensation or consideration of any kind or nature; provided, that "fortunetelling business" does not include entertainment activities held in a public place and pursuant to which demonstrations of mind reading, mental telepathy, thought conveyance, or horoscopic readings are made in the presence of and within the hearing of a group of persons; provided, that no questions are answered as a part of such demonstrations except in such a manner as to permit all persons present at the public place to hear the answers, career counseling, the practice of law, journalism, psychiatry, or the buying and selling of securities.

(Ord. 2011-09-1432 § 2, 2011; Ord. 86-08-978 § 1 (part))

   "Foster home" means any building or facility which provides care for children or ambulatory, aged persons and includes child care nurseries, day nurseries, nursery schools, rest homes, homes for the aged or infirm, and any other uses similar thereto. The special standards of Section 20.68.050 shall apply.

(Ord. 68-10-629 § 2: prior code § 19.08.473)

   "Freeway" means a highway, including ingress and egress ramps and roadways, in respect to which the owners of abutting lands have no right or easement of access to or from their abutting lands or in respect to which such owners have only limited or restricted right or easement of access, and which is declared to be a freeway in compliance with the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California, or is officially declared to be such by the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.475 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   See "Trucking yard."

(Ord. 2006-05-1359 § 3)

   "Frontage" means that portion of a parcel of property which abuts a dedicated public street or highway.

(Prior code § 19.08.478 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Frontage street," "service road," or "outer highway" means those roads which parallel freeways, expressways, or important highways and providing for access to abutting property or for circulation, and being separated from the highway by a dividing strip.

(Prior code § 19.08.480 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Common garage," when utilized in relation to the regulation for tandem parking, means a detached accessory building or a portion of a main building on the same lot for the parking or temporary storage of vehicles. A common garage shall enclose the parking spaces required for more than one dwelling unit, but shall not include any interior partitions separating the parking spaces for individual dwelling units.

(Ord. 78-4-790 § 2: prior code § 19.08.484)

   "Private garage" means a detached accessory building or a portion of a main building on the same lot for the parking or temporary storage of vehicles.

(Prior code § 19.08.485 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Public garage" means any garage other than a private garage.

(Prior code § 19.08.488 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Repair garage" means a building other than a private garage used for the care, repair, or equipment of automobiles or where such vehicles are parked or stored for remuneration, hire, or sale.

(Prior code § 19.08.490 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Storage garage" means any premises used exclusively for the storage of vehicles.

(Prior code § 19.08.492 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Garbage" means any waste food material of any animal or vegetable nature, including that which may be used for the fattening of livestock.

(Prior code § 19.08.495 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Golf course" means a lot or portion of a lot used for the playing of golf, including pitch and putt courses, but does not include driving ranges, miniature golf courses, or other similar commercial enterprises.

(Prior code § 19.08.498 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Grade" means the gradient; the rate of incline or decline expressed as a percent. For example, a rise of twenty-five feet in a horizontal distance of one hundred feet would be expressed as a grade of twenty-five percent. See also Section 20.04.672.

(Prior code § 19.08.500 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Finished grade" means the final elevations of the ground on a lot or public right-of-way following the completion of any grading or construction work. Ground elevations shall be delineated in feet above or below a city-recognized datum point as noted on the city's official topographic maps on file in the city hall.

(Prior code § 19.08.501 (Ord. 582 § 1(1)(b) (part), 1965: Ord. 557 § 105 (part), 1964))

   "Natural grade" means the ground elevations existing on a parcel of property or public right-of-way as delineated on the city's official topographic maps. Said maps have been prepared by photogrametric methods on June 29, 1960, and are on file in the city hall.

(Prior code § 19.08.502 (Ord. 582 § 1(1)(b) (part), 1965: Ord. 557 § 105 (part), 1964))

   "Greenhouse" means a building or structure constructed chiefly of glass, glass-like translucent material, cloth or lath, which is devoted to the protection or cultivation of flowers or other tender plants. The special standards of Section 20.68.120 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.503 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   Grocery store means a dealer who predominantly sells staple foodstuffs, meats, produce, dairy products and household supplies. Stores also typically sell baked goods, pharmaceutical products, flowers, alcoholic beverages like wine, beer and spirits, magazines and books, DVDs and pet supplies. Grocery stores may also lease space or enter into franchise agreements or partnerships with third party vendors like coffee, fast food or banking services.

(Ord. 2008-03-1379 § 1, 2008)

   "Group houses" means two or more separate buildings, each containing one or more dwelling units.

(Prior code § 19.08.505 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Guest" means any transient person who occupies a room for sleeping purposes.

(Prior code § 19.08.508 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Guest home" means the same as "rest home."

(Prior code § 19.08.510 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Guesthouse" means the same as "accessory living quarters."

(Prior code § 19.08.512 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Guest room" means a room which is designed to be occupied by one or more guests for sleeping purposes, having no kitchen facilities. "Guest room" does not include dormitories.

(Prior code § 19.08.515 (Ord. 557 § 105(G) (part), 1964))

   "Gymnastics Academy" means a facility or school for teaching or training of gymnastics, not including health club or racquetball club.

(Ord. 2008- 11-1391 § 2; Ord. 85-12-968 § 3)

   "Half story" means a space under a gable, hip, gambrel, mansard, or other sloping roof where the useable floor area does not exceed fifty percent of the total floor area of the floor below, subject to applicable requirements for livable area contained in Chapter 15.04 of this code.

(Ord. 84-08-932 § 1: prior code § 19.08.518 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   “Hardscape” means paved or installed materials both permeable and non-permeable such as concrete, grasscrete, pavers, asphalt, or a combination of such materials. (Ord. 2015-11-1481 § 3)

   "Health club" means a commercial facility providing instruction or equipment designed to promote or improve the health of the clients including reducing salon and racquetball clubs.

(Ord. 85-12-968 § 4)

   "Hedge" means a plant or series of plants, shrubs, or other landscape material so arranged as to form a physical barrier or enclosure.

(Prior code § 19.08.520 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.102.

(Prior code § 19.08.522 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Heliport" means the same as "airport."

(Prior code § 19.08.525 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Highway setback line" means the future right-of-way line or plan lines of any highway as shown on the Official General Plan of the City of Signal Hill. A yard abutting such a highway shall be measured from this future right-of-way line.

(Prior code § 19.08.528 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Hog ranch" means any premises where three or more weaned hogs are kept.

(Prior code § 19.08.530 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Home for the aged" means the same as "rest home."

(Prior code § 19.08.532 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Home occupation" means any use customarily conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the inhabitants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the structure for dwelling purposes and which use does not change the character thereof.

   A.   Home occupations may include the following:

   1.   Consultive professional occupations whose function is one of rendering a service and does not involve the dispensation of goods or products;

   2.   The selling or otherwise disposing of agricultural services and products produced on the premises;

   3.   Secondary business offices where the business has its principal office, staff, and equipment located elsewhere;

   4.   The giving of music lessons, and similar occupations;

   5.   The home office of a salesman when all sales are done by written order with no commodities or displays on the premises;

   6.   Drafting, designing, and the like, using only the normal drafting equipment.

   B.   The following criteria shall apply for the determination of a home occupation:

   1.   There shall be no employment of help other than the members of the resident family.

   2.   There shall be no use of material or mechanical equipment not recognized as being part of normal household or hobby uses.

   3.   There shall be no sales of products or services not produced on the premises.

   4.   The use shall not generate pedestrian or vehicular traffic beyond that normal to the district in which it is located.

   5.   It shall not involve the use of commercial vehicles for delivery of materials to or from the premises, other than a vehicle not to exceed one ton, owned by the operator of such home occupations, which shall be stored in an entirely enclosed garage.

   6.   There shall be no excessive or unsightly storage of materials or supplies, indoor or outdoor, for purposes other than those permitted in the district.

   7.   It shall not involve the use of signs or structures other than those permitted in the district of which it is a part.

   8.   Not more than one room in the dwelling shall be employed for the home occupation.

   9.   In no way shall the appearance of the structure be so altered or the conduct of the occupation within the structure be such that the structure may be reasonably recognized as serving a nonresidential use either by color, materials or construction, lighting, signs, sounds or noises, vibrations, etc.

   10.   There shall be no use of utilities or community facilities beyond that normal to the use of the property for residential purposes as defined in the district.

   11.   No commercial marijuana activity shall operate as a home occupation.

(Prior code § 19.08.535 (Ord. 2017-11-1497 § 2 (part); Ord. 2016-01-1484 § 1 (part); Ord. 2011-04-1424 § 10; Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Hospital" means any building or facility used for the inpatient or overnight accommodation and medical care of sick, injured, or infirm persons and includes convalescent hospital, psychiatric hospital, sanitarium, nursing home, maternity home, alcoholic sanitarium, institution for the cure of drug addicts, and similar uses as determined by the planning commission.

(Ord. 68-10-629 § 3: prior code § 19.08.538 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.045.

(Prior code § 19.08.540 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Hotel" means one or more buildings in which there are guestrooms where transient lodging, with or without meals, is provided to overnight guests for a period of twenty-eight or fewer consecutive days, for compensation, with access provided through a common entrance, lobby or hallway, and where no provision is made for cooking in any individual room or suite; provided, that the "hotel" may include a building in which there is one dwelling unit for nontransient use of a resident manager; but the term "hotel" shall not include jails, hospitals, asylums, sanitariums, orphanages, prisons, detention homes and similar buildings where persons are housed or detained under legal restraint or for treatment.

(Ord. 85-11-963 § 2: prior code § 19.08.543 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "House court" means the same as "bungalow court."

(Prior code § 19.08.545 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Household pet" means any domesticated animal normally kept as a pet.

(Prior code § 19.08.550 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "House trailer" means the same as "residential trailer."

(Prior code § 19.08.548 (Ord. 557 § 105(H) (part), 1964))

   "Industrial classifications" means that, when a use is listed as permitted, permitted subject to conditions, or is expressly prohibited, the use shall be as defined in the latest edition of the Standard Industrial Classification Manual, Executive Office of the President, U.S. Bureau of the Budget, on file at the city hall.

(Prior code § 19.08.552 (Ord. 557 § 105(I) (part), 1964))

   "Industry" means the manufacture, fabrication, processing, assembly, reduction or destruction of any article, substance or commodity, or any other treatment thereof in such a manner as to change the form, character, or appearance thereof, and including storage elevators, truck storage yards, warehouses, wholesale storage and other similar types of enterprise.

(Prior code § 19.08.555 (Ord. 557 § 105(I) (part), 1964))

   "Intent and purpose" means that the commission and council, by the adoption of this title, have made a finding that the health, safety, and welfare of the community will be served by the creation of the district and by the regulations prescribed in this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.558 (Ord. 105(I) (part), 1964))

   "Junk" means any wornout, castoff, or discarded article or material which is ready for destruction or has been collected or stored for salvage or conversion to some use. Any article or material which, unaltered or unchanged and without further reconditioning, can be used for its original purpose as readily as when new, shall not be considered junk.

(Prior code § 19.08.560 (Ord. 557 § 105(J) (part), 1964))

   "Junkyard" means any lot, or the use of any portion of a lot, for the dismantling of machinery, not including motor vehicles, or for the storage or keeping for sale of parts and equipment resulting from such dismantling or wrecking, or for the storage or keeping of junk, including scrap metals or other scrap materials, with no burning permitted. For motor vehicles, see Section 20.04.066.

(Prior code § 19.08.562)

   "Kennel" means any lot or premises on which four or more dogs and/or cats at least four months of age are cared for during the day, boarded overnight, or trained inside an enclosed building.

(Prior code § 19.08.565 (Ord. 557 § 105(K) (part), 1964); Ord. 2012-02-1443 § 1, 2012)

   "Kitchen" means any room or area intended or designed to be used or maintained for the cooking, storing, and preparation of food.

(Prior code § 19.08.568 (Ord. 557 § 105(K) (part), 1964))

   “Landscaping” and “landscape materials” means the planting and maintenance of some combination of trees, shrubs, vines, groundcovers, flowers, or lawns and, in addition, the combination or design may include natural materials or features such as as bark, mulch, rock, stone, and structural features including fountains, reflecting pools, artwork, screens, walls, fences, and benches. The combination of plant and natural materials shall be consistent with the “Sufficient Plant Materials” Exhibit pursuant to Chapter 8.12, entitled “Nuisances,” Section 8.12.010(R)5. (Prior code § 19.08.570 (Ord. 2015-11-1481 § 4; Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Licensed Group Home" means a group home housing six or fewer persons that is licensed by the State of California under the provisions of the Health and Safety Code.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part))

   "Loading" means the removal or placement of any commodity in, on, or from a vehicle of any type.

(Prior code § 19.08.572 (Ord. 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Loading space" means an off-street space or berth on the same lot with a main building, or contiguous to a group of buildings, for the temporary parking of commercial vehicles while loading or unloading, and which abuts a street, alley, or other appropriate means of ingress and egress.

(Prior code § 19.08.575 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Local street" or "local highway" means a street or road primarily for service to abutting property.

(Prior code § 19.08.578 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lodginghouse" means the same as "boardinghouse."

(Prior code § 19.08.580 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot" has the following meanings:

   A.   A parcel of land with a separate and distinct number or other designation shown on a plat recorded in the office of the county recorder; or

   B.   A parcel of land delineated on an approved record of survey, lot split, or subparceling map, as filed in the office of the county recorder, and abutting at least one public street or right-of-way; or

   C.   A parcel of land containing not less area than required by the district in which it is located, abutting and having vehicular access to at least one public street or right-of-way and held under separate ownership from adjacent property.

(Prior code § 19.08.582 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot area" means the total of the area, measured in a horizontal plane, within the lot line of a lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.615 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Corner lot" means a lot located at the intersection or interception of two or more streets at an angle of not more than one hundred twenty degrees. If the angle is greater than one hundred twenty degrees, the lot shall be considered an interior lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.585 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot coverage" means that portion of a lot or building site which is occupied by any building or structure, excepting paved areas, walks, and swimming pools, regardless of whether the building or structure is intended for human occupancy.

(Prior code § 19.08.618 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Cul-de-sac lot" means a lot fronting on, or with more than one-half of its lot width fronting on, the turnaround end of a cul-de-sac street.

(Prior code § 19.08.590 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Curve lot" means a lot fronting on the outside curve of the right-of-way of a curved street, which street has a centerline radius of two hundred feet or less.

(Prior code § 19.08.593 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "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 § 19.08.620 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Flat lot" means any lot with a slope of less than ten percent as calculated from the high and low points from the front property line to the rear property line.

(Ord. 70-1-636 § 4: prior code § 19.08.594)

   "Interior lot" means a lot other than a corner lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.595 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Key lot" means any lot where the side property line abuts the rear property line of one or more lots, and where said lot is not separated by an alley or any other public way.

(Prior code § 19.08.598 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot line" means any line bounding a lot as defined in Section 20.04.441.

(Prior code § 19.08.602 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Front lot line" means the property line abutting a street. The special standards of Section 20.66.170 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.605 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Rear lot line" means a lot line, not abutting a street, which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. The special standards of Section 20.68.150 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.608 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Side lot line" means any lot line not a front lot line or rear lot line. The special standards of Section 20.68.160 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.610 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Nonconforming lot" means a parcel of land having less area than that required in the district in which it is located.

(Prior code § 19.08.600 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot of record" means a lot held in separate ownership as shown on the records of the county recorder at the time of the passage of an ordinance or regulation establishing the zoning district in which the lot is located.

(Prior code § 19.08.622 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Reversed corner lot" means a corner lot, the side line of which is substantially a continuation of the front lot lines of the lots to its rear, whether across an alley or not.

(Prior code § 19.08.588 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Sloped lot" means any lot with a slope of ten percent or more, as calculated from the high and low points from the front property line to the rear property line.

(Ord. 70-1-636 § 5: prior code § 19.08.612)

   "Through lot" means a lot having frontage on two dedicated streets, not including a corner or reversed corner lot. The special standards of Section 20.68.130 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.613 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Lot width" means the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at the front building setback line.

(Prior code § 19.08.625 (Ord. 557 § 105(L) (part), 1964))

   "Major street" or "major highway" means a highway with intersections at grade and on which partial control of access and geometric design and traffic-control measures are used to expedite the safe movement of through traffic. Major streets or major highways are designated on the official plan of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.630 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   “Marijuana” has the same definition as provided in Section 26001 of the Business & Professions Code for the term “cannabis,” and as may be amended, defined as “all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or Cannabis ruderalis, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds, or resin. ‘Cannabis’ also means the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from cannabis. ‘Cannabis’ does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plant, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seed of the plant which is incapable of germination.

(Ord. 2017- 11-1497 § 2 (part))

   "Marquee" means a permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building and projecting over a public right-of-way.

(Prior code § 19.08.635 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   "Medical office" means any building or portion of a building used or intended to be used as an office for the practice of any type of medicine, including chiropractics or dentistry. It shall also include clinics of a medical or dental nature.

(Prior code § 19.08.640 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   "Medical or dental clinic" means the same as "medical office."

(Prior code § 19.08.643 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   "Mental health facility" means the same as "hospital."

(Ord. 68-10-629 § 4: prior code § 19.08.644)

   "Mobile home" means a vehicle without motive power, designed or used for human habitation, and constructed to travel on the public thoroughfares in accordance with the provisions of the Vehicle Code of the state or to be placed on a permanent foundation for long-term occupancy if built to the specifications of the National Housing and Construction Safety Standards Act of 1976 and issued an insignia of approval from the State Department of Housing and Community Development or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Mobile homes placed on permanent foundations are exempt from vehicle license fees and must surrender vehicle license plates, certificate of ownership and certificate of registration to the Department of Motor Vehicles.

(Ord. 82-2-888 § 1: prior code § 19.08.645 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   "Model home" means a dwelling unit or units, with or without office fixtures for sales, rental, or leasing personnel, and open to the public, for the purpose of displaying and promoting the sale, lease, or rental of ten or more dwelling units to be constructed, under construction, or constructed in conjunction with the model home unit.

(Ord. 92-10-1132 § 1)

   See subsection C of Section 20.04.018.

   "Drive-in movie" means any lot or portion of a lot used for the parking of automobiles for the purpose of the occupants viewing a motion picture or other entertainment. The special standards of Section 20.68.070 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.425 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Motel" means a building or group of buildings containing guestrooms where transient lodging, with or without meals, is provided to overnight guests for a period of twenty-eight or fewer consecutive days, for compensation, with automobile space provided therewith and where no provision is made for cooking in the guestrooms; the term "motel" shall also include auto cabins, motor courts, motor-hotels and similar designations. There may be one dwelling in a motel which may be used for nontransient purposes by a resident manager.

(Ord. 85-11-963 § 1: Ord. 82-2-887 § 1: prior code § 19.08.648 (Ord. 557 § 105(M) (part), 1964))

   "Nonconforming lot" means a lot, the area, dimensions or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

(Ord. 88-12-1023 § 2: prior code § 19.08.650 (Ord. 557 § 105(N) (part), 1964))

   "Nonconforming sign" means a sign which was erected legally but which does not comply with present sign restrictions and regulations.

(Ord. 88-12-1023 § 3)

   "Nonconforming structure" means a structure or building the size, dimensions or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment to the zoning ordinance, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment, to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

(Ord. 88-12-1023 § 4)

   "Nonconforming use" means a use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of a zoning ordinance, but which fails, by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment, to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

(Ord. 88-12-1023 § 5: prior code § 19.08.652 (Ord. 557 § 105(N) (part), 1964))

   "Nursery school" means the same as "day nursery."

(Prior code § 19.08.655 (Ord. 557 § 105(N) (part), 1964))

   "Nursing home" means the same as "hospital."

(Prior code § 19.08.658 (Ord. 557 § 105(N) (part), 1964))

   "Official plan lines" means the same as "highway setback lines."

(Prior code § 19.08.660 (Ord. 557 § 105(O) (part), 1964))

   "Oil production" includes the definitions and provisions set forth in Title 16.

(Prior code § 19.08.662 (Ord. 557 § 105(O) (part), 1964))

   "Ordinance" means an ordinance of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.665 (Ord. 557 § 105(O) (part), 1964))

   "Outdoor advertising" includes the definitions of "advertising structure," "sign," and "billboard."

(Prior code § 19.08.668 (Ord. 557 § 105(O) (part), 1964))

   "Parcel of land" means a contiguous quantity of land in the possession of, or owned by, or recorded as the property of the same claimant or person.

(Prior code § 19.08.670 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Private parking area" means an area, other than a street, used for the parking of automotive vehicles capable of moving under their own power and restricted from general public use, but does not include parking provided for residential uses unless such parking provides spaces for more than four cars.

(Prior code § 19.08.672 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Public parking area" means an area, other than a private parking area or street, used for the parking of vehicles capable of moving under their own power, either free or for remuneration.

(Prior code § 19.08.675 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Residential parking area" means an area, other than a street, located on the subject lot for the parking of vehicles owned by the residents of such lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.678 (Ord. 557 § 105 (P) (part), 1964))

   (Reserved)

   "Automobile parking space" means an area, other than a street or alley, reserved for the parking of an automobile.

(Prior code § 19.08.683 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Tandem parking space" means an off-street parking stall arrangement, not more than two spaces in depth, wherein one space is located directly in front of another space and requires the moving of the rear vehicle in order for another vehicle to enter or leave the forward space. See Section 20.04.720 for "tandem parking access."

(Ord. 78-4-790 § 3: prior code § 19.08.684)

   "Pay phones" means any telephone designated for public use and operated by coin, credit card, or other method of payment. The regulations contained in Section 20.20.020 (II) shall apply.

(Ord. 98-12-1243 § 5 (part))

   "Patio covers" mean one-story structure with a solid roof that may be enclosed as provided by the Uniform Building Code.

(Ord. 2001-06-1285 § 1: Ord. 83-03-904 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.685 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Patio covers - open trellis" means a decorative one-story structure with unenclosed roof and sides.

(Ord. 2001-06-1285 § 2)

   "Petroleum bulk plant" means a local wholesale distribution facility designed to serve the needs of the surrounding area.

(Prior code § 19.08.690 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Pharmacy" or "prescription pharmacy" means a retail store engaged in, and limited to, the sale of prescription drugs, patent medicines, and surgical supplies.

(Prior code § 19.08.693 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Planned unit development" means a neighborhood residential development under common ownership which is designed and built as a planned unit.

(Prior code § 19.08.825 (Ord. 557 § 105(U) (part), 1964))

   "Porte cochere" means an accessory structure open on three sides and attached to the side or front of a building through which cars pass and which is established for the convenient loading and unloading of passengers from an automobile.

(Prior code § 19.08.695 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Professional office" means any building or portion of a building used or intended to be used as an office for a doctor, lawyer, architect, engineer, land surveyor, optometrist, dentist, accountant, and other similar professions.

(Prior code § 19.08.698 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Property line" means the same as "lot line."

(Prior code § 19.08.700 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Provisions" means all regulations and requirements referred to in the text.

(Prior code § 19.08.703 (Ord. 557 § 105(P) (part), 1964))

   "Quarry" means any premises from which rock, sand, gravel, and similar resources are being removed or are intended to be removed.

(Prior code § 19.08.705 (Ord. 557 § 105(Q) (part), 1964))

   "Quasi-public organizations" means any nongovernment organization that is devoted to public service and welfare.

(Prior code § 19.08.708 (Ord. 557 § 105(Q) (part), 1964))

   "Ramada" means an arbor or pergola-like structure.

(Prior code § 19.08.710 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Residence" means a building used, designed, or intended to be used as a home or dwelling place, for one or more families.

(Prior code § 19.08.712 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Restaurant" means any building or structure in which food and drink are prepared for service to customers within such structure.

(Prior code § 19.08.715 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   20.04.612

   "Drive-in restaurant" means any building or structure in which food and drink are prepared for service to customers within such structure or occupying vehicles outside of such structures and including self-service restaurants for takeout food. The special standards of Section 20.68.080 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.428 (Ord. 557 § 105(D) (part), 1964))

   "Rest home" or "home for the aged" means the same as "foster home."

(Ord. 68-10-629 § 5: prior code § 19.08.718 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Retail store" means a business selling goods, wares, or merchandise directly to the ultimate consumer.

(Prior code § 19.08.720 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Rezoning" means the same as "change of zoning district."

(Prior code § 19.08.722 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Road" means the same as "street."

(Prior code § 19.08.725 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Room" means an unsubdivided portion of the interior of a dwelling unit, excluding bathroom, kitchen closets, hallways, and service porches.

(Prior code § 19.08.728 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Roominghouse" means the same as "boardinghouse."

(Prior code § 19.08.733 (Ord. 557 § 105(R) (part), 1964))

   "Sanitarium" means the same as "hospital."

(Ord. 68-10-629 § 6: prior code § 19.08.735 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Elementary, junior high, or high school" means public and other nonprofit institutions conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels. Such institutions shall offer general academic instruction equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education.

(Prior code § 19.08.738 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Private school" means an institution conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels operated by a non-governmental organization.

(Prior code § 19.08.740 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Trade school" means private schools offering preponderant instruction in the technical, commercial, or trade skills, such as real estate schools, business colleges, electronic schools, automotive and aircraft technicians' schools, and similar commercial establishments operated by a nongovernment organization.

(Prior code § 19.08.743 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Separate servants' quarters" means complete living quarters either attached or detached from that of the main dwelling but not rented or used for permanent or temporary living quarters by members of the family.

(Prior code § 19.08.745 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Service station" means the same as "automotive service station."

(Prior code § 19.08.748 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Front yard setback line" means the line which defines the depth of the required front yard. The setback line shall be parallel with the right-of-way line or highway setback line when one has been established.

(Prior code § 19.08.750 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Highway setback line" means the same as "highway setback line."

(Prior code § 19.08.752 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Rear yard setback line" or "side yard setback line" means the line which defines width or depth of the required rear or side yard. The setback line shall be parallel with the property line removed therefrom by the perpendicular distance prescribed for the yard in the district.

(Prior code § 19.08.755 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Sexual conduct" includes the following:

   A.   The fondling or other touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, or female breasts;

   B.   Ultimate sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, sodomy;

   C.   Masturbation; and

   D.   Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in subsections A through C of this section.

(Ord. 77-11- 776 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.756)

   "Sign" means any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, used as an outdoor display for the purpose of advertising the property or the establishment or enterprise, including goods and services, upon which the sign is exhibited. This definition shall not include official notices issued by a court or public body or officer, or directional warning or information sign or structures required by or authorized by law or by federal, state, county or city authority.

(Prior code § 19.08.758 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Single Housekeeping Unit" means any group of individuals living together as the functional equivalent of family where the residents share living expenses and chores, eat meals together and are a close group with social, economic and psychological commitments to each other.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part))

   "Single room occupancy" housing means a rental dwelling unit with occupancy restricted to low income households as set by the Los Angeles County Community Development Commission within a multiple-family dwelling structure of at least sixteen units. It shall consist of a room that includes a closet, sink and stove, range top or oven and a space for a bed and a bathroom (toilet, sink and bathtub). The unit shall have a maximum occupancy of two persons and the structure shall have on-site management.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part))

   "Site plan" means a plan, prepared to scale, showing accurately and with complete dimensioning, all of the uses proposed for a specific parcel of land. See Chapter 20.52 for requirements.

(Prior code § 19.08.760 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Site plan review" means the review by the commission of a site plan and other studies to assist the commission to determine the manner in which the applicant intends to make use of his property and the relationship that said use may have on abutting property.

(Prior code § 19.08.762 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Slope" or "sloping terrain" means a natural or artificial incline, as a hillside or terrace. Slope is usually expressed as a ratio. For example, a horizontal distance of one hundred feet with a rise of fifty feet would be expressed as a 2:1 slope. See also Sections 20.04.336, 20.04.723, and 20.04.726.

(Prior code § 19.08.765 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Specified anatomical areas" includes human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, and female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola.

(Ord. 77-11-776 § 1 (part): prior code § 19.08.766)

   "Stable" means a detached accessory building for the keeping of horses owned by the occupants of the premises.

(Prior code § 19.08.768 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Temporary stand" means the same as "temporary structure." The special standards of Section 20.68.200 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.770 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Story" means a space in a building between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above or, if there is no floor above, then the space between such floor and the ceiling or roof above.

(Prior code § 19.08.773 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "One-half story" means the same as "half story."

(Prior code § 19.08.775 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Street" means a public thoroughfare, other than an alley, or right-of-way dedicated, deeded, or condemned for use which affords the principal means of vehicular and pedestrian access to abutting property, and includes avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare except as excluded in this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.778 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Street centerline" means the centerline of a street right-of-way as established by official surveys.

(Prior code § 19.08.785 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Street line" means the boundary line between a street right-of-way and abutting property.

(Prior code § 19.08.788 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Local street" means any street, dedicated as such, serving as the principal means of vehicular and pedestrian access to property, which street is not shown as a major or secondary highway or major traffic street on the general plan of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.780 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Side street" means that street bounding a corner lot or reversed corner lot and which extends in the same general direction as the line determining the depth of the lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.782 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Structural alteration" means any change in the supporting members of a building, such as in a bearing wall, column, beam or girder, floor or ceiling joist, roof rafters, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles, or retaining walls or similar components.

(Prior code § 19.08.798 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "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 joined together in some definite manner, which requires location on the ground, and including swimming and wading pools and patios, excepting outdoor areas such as paved areas, walks, tennis courts, and similar recreation areas.

(Prior code § 19.08.790 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   See Section 20.04.021.

(Prior code § 19.08.793 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Temporary structure" means a structure which is readily movable and used or intended to be used for a period not to exceed ninety consecutive days. The special standards of Section 20.68.200 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.795 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Suites lodging facility" means a building or group of buildings composed of lodging units consisting of suites or two or more contiguous rooms, not counting bathrooms, kitchen area, or closets, intended for occupancy for transient dwelling, lodging or sleeping by overnight guests, for compensation, for periods of thirty or fewer consecutive days.

    "Suites lodging facilities" may include kitchen facilities for in-room preparation of convenience foods, but such kitchen facilities shall be limited to microwave ovens, refrigerators with capacity no greater than three cubic feet, and wet-bars with single bowl bar sinks to accommodate transient occupancies. Full size refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, stoves, trash compactors, or other major conventional kitchen appliances or facilities capable of accommodating permanent residency shall not be permitted.

(Ord. 90-07-1072 § 1)

   "Supportive Housing" (per Government Code § 65582(f)) means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population as defined in subdivision (g) of Government Code § 65582, 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.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part))

   "Swimming pool" means any permanent structure containing a body of water intended for recreational uses, and includes wading pools. The special standards of Section 20.68.190 shall apply.

(Prior code § 19.08.800 (Ord. 557 § 105(S) (part), 1964))

   "Access," when utilized in relation to the regulations for tandem parking means a means of vehicular ingress or egress to a common garage, such as a single, double, or multiple vehicular garage door. There shall not be more than two such means of access for any enclosed common garage utilized for tandem parking.

(Ord. 78-4-790 § 1: prior code § 19.08.093)

   "Tattoo and/or body piercing studio" means a permanent premise, business, location, facility, room, or any portion thereof, used or operated for the business of permanently marking or coloring the skin with tattoos through the use of ink or dyes inserted under the surface of the skin by pricking with a needle or used for the business of creating openings in the human body, other than in the ear lobes, for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decorations. (Ord. 2011-10-1440 § 1)

   "Toe of slope" means the point or line of initial break in grade where the terrain changes to an upward direction.

(Prior code § 19.08.803 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part), 1964))

   "Top of slope" means that point or line of initial break in grade where the terrain changes to a downward direction.

(Prior code § 19.08.804 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part), 1964))

   "Tourist court" means the same as "motel."

(Prior code § 19.08.805 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part) 1964))

   "Trading area" means the area served by an existing commercial development or to be served by the proposed commercial development and from which the development draws its principal support.

(Prior code § 19.08.808 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part), 1964))

   "Trailer court" or "trailer park" means a space, area, or building designed, equipped, or maintained for the harboring, parking, or storing of two or more trailers or house cars which haul such trailers, or house cars being used as living or sleeping quarters for humans.

(Prior code § 19.08.815 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part), 1964))

   "Transitional Housing" (per Government Code § 65582(h)) means buildings configured as 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 from the beginning of assistance.

(Ord. 2014-08-1471 § 1 (part))

   "Truck and trailer sales lot" means an open area where trucks or trailers are sold, leased, or rented and where no repairs, repainting, or remodeling is done.

(Prior code § 19.08.823 (Ord. 557 § 105(T) (part), 1964))

   "Trucking yard" means any truck yard; freight yard; freight terminal; transportation yard; containerized storage unit yard; shipping yard; including any dispatch office or yard; any business where a regular or substantial portion of the activity includes storage of handling of goods, freight, containers or packages whether left in the original packaging or not; and any similar commercial use if any of the following apply: (i) a regular and substantial portion of the activity involves the use of tractor-trailer trucks to pick-up or deliver trailers and containers to the ports or other destinations, (ii) the primary use of the site is the temporary storage of tractor-trailer trucks, cargo or shipping containers and goods; or (iii) a regular or substantial portion of the activity includes the pick up or delivery of goods, and where temporary storage of goods, cargo, raw materials, or merchandise occurs on site. "Trucking yard" shall not include a business with significant buildings or improvements occupying a majority of the site, where substantial retail sales are transacted at the site, where transit vehicles are stored, or where the site is used primarily for long-term storage of equipment, materials, goods or merchandise for periods in excess of one month.

(Ord. 2006-05-1359 § 2)

   "Urban lot" means any lot which lies in whole or in part within the boundaries of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.828 (Ord. 557 § 105(U) (part), 1964))

   "Use" includes construction, establishment, maintenance, alteration, enlargement, operation, or occupancy.

(Prior code § 19.08.830 (Ord. 557 § 105(U) (part), 1964))

   "Used" includes the words arranged for, designed for, occupied, or intended to be occupied for.

(Prior code § 19.08.075 (Ord. 557 § 104(M) (1964))

   "Utility easement" means the same as "easement."

(Prior code § 19.08.832 (Ord. 557 § 105(U) (part), 1964))

   "Vending machine" means any mechanical device which dispenses or vends a product, service or exchange of equal value, other than newspapers or telephone service. The regulations contained in Section 20.20.020(II) shall apply.

(Ord. 98-12-1243 § 5 (part))

   "Visual obstruction" means any fence, hedge, tree, shrub, wall or structure exceeding three feet in height, measured from the crown of intersecting or intercepting streets, alleys, or driveways, which limit the visibility of persons in motor vehicles on said streets, alleys, or driveways. This does not include trees kept trimmed of branches below a minimum height of seven feet.

(Prior code § 19.08.835 (Ord. 557 § 105(V) (part), 1964))

   "Wading pools" means the same as "swimming pools."

(Prior code § 19.08.838 (Ord. 557 § 105(W) (part), 1964))

   "Wall" means any structure or device forming a physical barrier which is so constructed that fifty percent or more of the vertical surface is closed and prevents the passage of light, air, and vision through the surface in a horizontal plane. The special standards of Section 20.68.110 shall apply.

(Ord. 84- 08-929 § 1: prior code § 19.08.840 (Ord. 557 § 105(W) (part), 1964))

   "Front wall" means the wall of a building or structure nearest the street which the building fronts, but excluding certain architectural features such as cornices, canopies, eaves, or embellishments.

(Prior code § 19.08.483 (Ord. 557 § 105(F) (part), 1964))

   "Warehouse" means a building or buildings used for the storage of goods of any type when such building or buildings contain more than five hundred square feet of storage space, and where no retail operation is conducted. See also Section 20.04.780.

(Prior code § 19.08.842 (Ord. 557 § 105(W) (part), 1964))

   "Wholesaling" means the selling of any type of goods for the purpose of resale.

(Prior code § 19.08.845 (Ord. 557 § 105(W) (part), 1964))

   "Yard" means any required open space on the same lot with a building or a dwelling group, which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward to the sky, except for the projections or accessory buildings or structures permitted by this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.848 (Ord. 557 § 105(Y) (part), 1964))

   "Front yard" means a space between the front yard setback line and the front lot line except in the case where there is a precise highway setback line, and extending the full width of the lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.850 (Ord. 557 § 105(Y) (part), 1964))

   "Rear yard" means a space between the rear yard setback line and the rear lot line, extending the full width of the lot.

(Prior code § 19.08.853 (Ord. 557 § 105(Y) (part), 1964))

   "Side yard" means a space extending from the front yard, or from the front lot line where no front yard is required by this title, to the rear yard, or rear lot line, between a side lot line and the side yard setback line.

(Prior code § 19.08.855 (Ord. 557 § 105(Y) (part), 1964))

   "Zone" means the same as "district."

(Prior code § 19.08.858 (Ord. 557 § 105(Y) (part), 1964))

   "Zone map" or "zone plan" means the official zone map of the city of Signal Hill which is a part of the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city codified in this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.080 (Ord. 557 § 104(N), 1964))

   "Zoning district" means the same as "district."

(Prior code § 19.08.860 (Ord. 557 § 105(Z) (part), 1964))

   "Change of zoning district" means the legislative act of removing one or more parcels of land from a zoning district and placing them in another zoning district on the official zone map of the city.

(Prior code § 19.08.863 (Ord. 557 § 105(Z) (part), 1964))

   "Zoning ordinance" or "ordinance" means the comprehensive zoning ordinance of the city as codified in this title.

(Prior code § 19.08.085 (Ord. 557 § 104(O), 1964))