South San Francisco
City Zoning Code
City Zoning Code
Division VII
Uses and Definitions
§ 20.620.010 Purpose and Applicability.
Use classifications describe one or more uses of land having similar characteristics, but do not list every use or activity that may appropriately be within the classification. The Planning Commission upon request from the Chief Planner shall determine whether a specific use shall be deemed to be within one or more use classifications or not within any classification in this chapter. The Commission may determine that a specific use shall not be deemed to be within a classification, whether or not named within the classification, if its characteristics are substantially incompatible with those typical of uses named within the classification.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022)
§ 20.620.020 Residential Use Classifications.
A dwelling unit providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons that is located on a lot with a primary single-unit, or multiple-unit dwelling. An accessory dwelling unit may be within the same structure as the primary unit, in an attached structure, or in a separate structure on the same lot.
An accessory dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-unit dwelling. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the primary unit.
A dwelling unit designed for occupancy by one household, where all rooms are internally connected and internally accessible via habitable space and located on a separate lot from any other unit (except accessory dwelling units, where permitted). This classification includes individual manufactured housing units installed on a foundation system pursuant to Section 18551 of the California Health and Safety Code, and the use of a single-family residential structure as employee housing for six or fewer employees consistent with Section 17021.5 of the California Health and Safety Code.
Detached. A single-unit dwelling, on a single lot, within which all rooms are internally accessible and that is not attached to any other primary dwelling unit.
Semi-Attached. A single-unit dwelling with only the garage wall abutting, or in common with, the garage of the dwelling unit on the adjacent lot.
Attached. A single-unit dwelling on a single lot that is attached through common vertical walls to one or more dwellings on abutting lots. An attached single-unit dwelling may take the form of a townhouse.
This use classification refers to two or more dwelling units on a single lot. Multiple-unit residential types include duplexes and multi-family development, such as townhouses, single-unit groups, senior citizen residential developments, apartment buildings, and transitional residential development.
Duplex. A single building on a lot that contains two primary dwelling units or two single-unit dwellings on a single lot. This use is distinguished from an accessory dwelling unit, which is considered a secondary residential unit, or incidental to a primary dwelling unit as defined by State law and this chapter.
Multifamily. Three or more dwelling units on a single lot. Types of multifamily dwellings include townhouses, triplexes, fourplexes, cottage courts, senior housing developments, micro-units, and apartment buildings.
Senior Citizen Residential. A multi-family development in which individual units are occupied exclusively by one or more persons 60 years of age or older.
AB 2011 Development. A multifamily development that is subject to a streamlined, ministerial approval process if the development satisfies specified objective standards and affordability and site criteria, in compliance with California Government Code Section 65912.100 et seq.
SB 6 Development. A multifamily development in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.24.
A dwelling unit occupied by employees or caretakers of the primary use on the site.
A day care facility licensed by the State of California that is located in a single-unit dwelling or other dwelling unit where an occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for children under the age of 18 for periods of less than 24 hours a day.
Shared living quarters without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit, offered for rent for permanent or semi-transient residents on a weekly or longer basis. This classification includes rooming and boarding houses, dormitories and other types of organizational housing, private residential clubs, and residential hotels intended for long-term occupancy (30 days or more) but excludes Hotels and Motels (see Hotel and Motel), and Residential Care Facilities (see Residential Care Facilities).
An integrated housing unit and working space that has been constructed for such use or converted from commercial or industrial use and structurally modified to accommodate residential occupancy and work activity in compliance with the California Building Code. Living space includes, but is not limited to, a sleeping area, a food preparation area, and a full bathroom. The working space is reserved for and regularly used by one or more occupants of the unit.
A development designed and occupied by mobile homes including development with facilities and amenities used in common by occupants who rent, lease, or own spaces for mobile homes through a subdivision, cooperative, condominium or other form of resident ownership.
General. A facility that requires a State license or is licensed by the State to provide 24-hour primarily non-medical care and supervision for more than six persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living. Living accommodations are shared living quarters with or without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit. This classification includes facilities that are operated for profit as well as those operated by public or not-for-profit institutions. This category excludes transitional residential (see Dwelling, Multiple-Unit) and any facilities supervised by or under contract with the State Department of Corrections.
Limited. A facility that requires a State license or is licensed by the State to provide 24-hour non-medical care and supervision for six or fewer persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living, excluding the licensee or members of the licensee’s family or persons employed as facility staff. Living accommodations are shared living quarters with or without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room or unit. This classification includes facilities that are operated for profit as well as those operated by public or not-for-profit institutions, including hospices. A Residential Care Facility, Limited is considered a single-unit dwelling use.
Senior. A housing arrangement chosen voluntarily by the resident, the resident’s guardian, conservator or other responsible person, where residents are 60 years of age or older and where varying levels of care and supervision are provided as agreed to at time of admission or as determined necessary at subsequent times of reappraisal. Any younger residents must have needs compatible with other residents, as provided in Health and Safety Code Section 1569.316 or a successor statute. This classification includes continuing care retirement communities and lifecare communities licensed for residential care by the State of California.
Domestic Violence Shelter. A facility where victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse are provided temporary housing, food, and other specialized services in compliance with California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 18290 et seq.
Low Barrier Navigation Center. A housing-first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing, in compliance with California Government Code Sections 65660 through 65668.
Permanent Supportive Housing. Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community, and consistent with California Government Code Sections 65650 through 65656.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)
§ 20.620.030 Public and Semi-Public Use Classifications.
Institutions of higher education providing curricula of a general, religious or professional nature, typically granting recognized degrees, including conference centers and academic retreats associated with such institutions. This classification includes business and computer schools, management training, technical and trade schools, but excludes personal instructional services such as music lessons (see Instructional Services).
A facility for public or private meetings including clubs and lodges, community centers, senior centers, religious assembly facilities, convention centers, civic and private auditoriums, union halls, meeting halls for clubs and other membership organizations. This classification includes functionally related facilities for the use of members and attendees such as kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, and storage. It does not include gymnasiums or other sports facilities (see Indoor Sports and Recreation), residential accommodations available to club and lodge members (see Group Residential), or facilities such as day care centers and schools, all of which are separately defined and regulated.
Use of land for and limited to the cultivation of herbs, fruits, flowers, or vegetables, including the cultivation and tillage of soil and the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural, floricultural, or horticultural commodity.
Public or non-profit institutions engaged primarily in the display or preservation of objects of interest in the arts or sciences that are open to the public on a regular basis. This classification includes performing arts centers for theater, dance, and events; buildings of an educational, charitable or philanthropic nature; libraries; museums; historical sites; aquariums; art galleries; and zoos and botanical gardens.
Establishments providing non-medical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than Family Day Care Homes. This classification includes licensed nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults, and any other day care facility licensed by the State of California.
Establishment that provides 24-hour medical, convalescent or chronic care to individuals who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves, and is licensed by the California Department of Public Health. Uses include, but are not limited to, skilled nursing facilities, rest homes and convalescent hospitals. Does not include Senior Citizen Residential (see Dwelling, Multiple-Unit), Residential Care Facilities (Mobile Home Park), or Hospitals (see Hospitals and Clinics).
As defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50801(e), 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 an inability to pay.
Administrative, clerical, or public contact offices of a government agency, including postal facilities, together with incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles. This classification excludes corporation yards, equipment service centers, and similar facilities that primarily provide maintenance and repair services and storage facilities for vehicles and equipment of a public agency or public utility (see Utilities, Major).
State-licensed facilities providing medical, surgical, psychiatric, or emergency medical services to sick or injured persons. This classification includes facilities for inpatient or outpatient treatment, including substance-abuse programs as well as training, research, and administrative services for patients and employees. This classification excludes veterinaries and animal hospitals (see Animal Care, Sales, and Services).
Hospital. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical services for sick or injured persons primarily on an in-patient basis, and including ancillary facilities for outpatient and emergency treatment, diagnostic services, training, research, administration, and services to patients, employees, or visitors.
Clinic. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical service for sick or injured persons exclusively on an out-patient basis including emergency treatment, diagnostic services, administration, and related services to patients who are not lodged overnight. Services may be available without a prior appointment. This classification includes licensed facilities offering substance abuse treatment, dialysis centers, blood banks and plasma centers, and emergency medical services offered exclusively on an out-patient basis. This classification does not include private medical and dental offices that typically require appointments and are usually smaller scale (see Offices, Medical and Dental).
Parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, trails, wildlife preserves, and related open spaces, all of which are noncommercial. This classification also includes playing fields, courts, gymnasiums, swimming pools, picnic facilities, tennis courts, golf courses, and botanical gardens, as well as related food concessions or community centers within the facilities.
Facilities providing public-safety and emergency services, including police and fire protection and emergency medical services, with incidental storage, training and maintenance facilities.
Facilities for primary or secondary education, including public schools, charter schools, and private and parochial schools having curricula comparable to that required in the public schools of the State of California.
Any noncommercial facility that provides meals, showers, personal storage, and/or laundry facilities to families or individuals. Specialized programs and services related to the needs of clients may also be provided. This classification excludes Emergency Shelters and Supportive Housing.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)
§ 20.620.040 Commercial Use Classifications.
An establishment or concern that, as a regular and substantial course of conduct, offers, sells or distributes adult-oriented merchandise, or that offers to its patrons materials, products, merchandise, services, entertainment or performances that have sexual arousal, sexual gratification, and/or sexual stimulation as their dominant theme, or are characterized by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas and are not customarily open to the general public because they exclude minors by virtue of their age. This classification does not include any establishment offering professional services conducted, operated, or supervised by medical practitioners, physical therapists, nurses, chiropractors, psychologist, social workers, marriage and family counselors, osteopaths, and persons holding licenses or certificates under applicable State law or accreditation from recognized programs when performing functions pursuant to the respective license or certificate (see Offices, Medical and Dental).
Retail sales and services related to the boarding, grooming, and care of household pets including:
Kennel. Facilities for keeping, boarding, training, breeding or maintaining for commercial purposes, four or more dogs, cats, or other household pets not owned by the kennel owner or operator. It excludes Pet Stores and Veterinary Services that provide 24-hour accommodation of animals receiving medical or grooming services.
Pet Day Care. Facilities for providing non-medical care for four or more dogs, cats, or other household pets not owned by the pet day care owner or operator on a less than 24-hour basis.
Pet Store. Retail sales of animals and/or services, including grooming, for animals on a commercial basis. This classification excludes dog walking and similar pet care services not carried out at a fixed location and excludes pet supply stores that do not sell animals or provide on-site animal services (see Retail, General).
Veterinary Service. Medical care for small animals on a commercial basis. This classification allows 24-hour accommodation of animals receiving medical or grooming services but does not include kennels.
Uses intended for the creation, manufacturing, performance, exhibition, sale, or assemblage of art and goods by artists and makers. This classification may include the following uses; live-work residential, studios (arts, dance, music, etc.); arts exhibition space; maker's space; breweries or distilleries; artisan shops; media production; clean technology; food preparation; handicraft/custom manufacturing; manufacturing finished parts or products primarily from previously prepared materials; printing; engraving and publishing; furniture and related product manufacturing; college and trade school, public or private; cultural assembly; community garden; cultural institution; or similar uses.
Work space for an artist or artisan including individuals practicing one of the fine arts or performing arts, or skilled in an applied art or craft, with incidental retail sales of items produced on-site. Artist's studios do not produce significant odors, fumes, noise, particulate matter emissions, or other disturbances (see Maker's Space).
Retail or wholesale business that sell, rent, and/or repair automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, motorcycles including the following:
Automobile/Vehicle Rentals. Point of sale for rental of automobiles, including storage and maintenance.
Automobile/Vehicle Sales and Leasing. Sales or leasing of automobiles, boats, motorcycles, trucks, and motor homes, including storage and incidental maintenance.
Automobile/Vehicle Service and Repair, Major. Repair of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, boats and recreational vehicles, including the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts, generally on an overnight basis. This classification includes the servicing and repair of engines, body and fender, transmission, axles, wheels and brake, auto glass services, tire sales and installation, and vehicle painting. Excludes vehicle dismantling or salvaging and tire retreading or recapping.
Automobile/Vehicle Service and Repair, Minor. The service and repair of automobiles, light-duty trucks, boats, and motorcycles, including the sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts. This classification includes the replacement of small automotive parts and liquids as an accessory use to a gasoline sales station or automotive accessories and supply store, and quick-service oil, tune-up and brake and muffler shops, auto glass sales and replacement, stereo and alarm sales, and tire sales where repairs are made or service provided in enclosed bays and no vehicles are stored overnight. This classification excludes disassembly, removal or replacement of major components such as engines, drive trains, transmissions or axles; automotive body and fender work, vehicle painting or other operations that generate excessive noise, objectionable odors, or hazardous materials, and repair of heavy trucks, limousines or construction vehicles (see Automobile/Vehicle Service and Repair, Major). It also excludes towing services (see Towing and Impound) and fueling stations (see Service Station).
Automobile/Vehicle Washing. Washing, waxing, or cleaning of automobiles or similar light vehicles, including self-serve washing facilities.
Rental Car Storage. Parking or storage of operable motor vehicles for rental car agencies, leasing agencies, or any company or business engaged in the rental or leasing of motor vehicles, where more than 30 percent of annual rental transactions relating to those parked or stored motor vehicles occurs off site.
Service Station. Establishments primarily engaged in retailing automotive fuels or retailing these fuels in combination with activities, such as providing minor automobile/vehicle repair services; selling automotive oils, replacement parts, and accessories; and/or providing food services.
Towing and Impound. Establishments primarily engaged in seizing and retaining vehicles, in addition to parking associated towing vehicles.
Banks and Credit Unions. Financial institutions, including Federally-chartered banks, savings associations, industrial loan companies, and credit unions that provide retail banking services to individuals and businesses. This classification includes only those institutions engaged in the on-site circulation of money, and whose deposits are insured by the State or Federal government and/or a State or Federal sponsored entity, including credit unions. This classification specifically excludes other financial services.
Other Financial Services. Other financial services are business establishments that provide customers with some form of currency in a transaction as part of an alternative loan product. This use classification may include check cashing, payday loans, vehicle title loans, microfinance loans, or similar. This use classification specifically excludes banks and credit unions.
Alternative Loan Businesses. Establishments that conduct a check cashing business, and/or engage in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial enterprise defined herein. The term “check cashing business” as used herein includes a retail business owned or operated by a “check casher” as that term is defined in California Civil Code Section 1789.31, as amended from time to time. This classification also includes the business of deferred deposits, or “payday lending,” which is defined as an establishment owned or operated by a “licensee,” as that term is defined in California Financial Code Section 23001(d), as amended from time to time. Similar lending services that provide vehicle title loans or microfinance loans shall also be included in this classification. Microfinance institutions are characterized by their use of interest rates that are higher than traditional banks and credit unions and typically targeted towards low-income borrowers or borrowers with limited or no credit history. Alternative loan businesses do not include State or federally chartered banks, savings associations, credit unions, or industrial loan companies (see Banks and Credit Unions). They also do not include retail sellers engaged primarily in the business of selling consumer goods, such as consumables to retail buyers, that cash checks or issue money orders incidental to their main purpose or business.
Pawnbroker. Place of business where personal property is received and for which money is advanced, with the right of privilege granted to the person to whom said money is advanced to reclaim such property upon repayment of said money, together with all legal charges incident thereto. This does not include Banks and Credit Unions.
Retail sales or rental of building supplies or equipment. This classification includes lumber yards, tool and equipment sales or rental establishments, and establishments devoted principally to taxable retail sales to individuals for their own use. This definition does not include Construction and Material Yards and hardware stores less than 10,000 square feet in floor area (see Retail Sales) or plant nurseries (see Nurseries and Garden Centers).
Establishments that primarily provide goods and services to other businesses on a fee or contract basis, including printing and copying, blueprint services, advertising and mailing, equipment rental and leasing, office security, custodial services, photo finishing, and model building.
Includes the cultivation, possession, manufacture, distribution, processing, storing, laboratory testing, packaging, labeling, transportation, delivery, or sale of cannabis and cannabis products.
Cannabis Delivery-Only Operations. A commercial cannabis use that involves the transfer of cannabis or cannabis products from a fixed location that is not open to the public to a customer at a fixed address specified by the customer pursuant to the applicable state cannabis license.
Cannabis Distribution. The procurement, sale, and transport of cannabis and cannabis products between licensees.
Cannabis Indoor Cultivation. The cultivation of cannabis for commercial purposes within a fully enclosed, permanent, secure structure. Indoor commercial cannabis cultivation only includes cultivation that exclusively uses artificial lighting as licensed pursuant to State law. For the purposes of this chapter, indoor commercial cultivation does not include cultivation that is legally conducted pursuant to federally-regulated scientific research (see Research and Development).
Cannabis Manufacturing. Producing, preparing, propagating, blending, or compounding cannabis or cannabis products either directly or indirectly or by extraction methods, infusion methods, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis at a fixed location that packages or repackages cannabis or cannabis products, or labels or re-labels its container, or otherwise making or preparing cannabis products.
Cannabis Testing. Performing scientific analysis of cannabis or cannabis products to determine its chemical profile, the presence of contaminants, or other similar scientific or compositional information as a commercial enterprise.
The Commercial Entertainment and Recreation use type refers to establishments or places of business primarily engaged in the provision of sports, entertainment, or recreation for participants or spectators. The following are Commercial Entertainment and Recreation use types:
Indoor Entertainment. Predominantly spectator uses conducted within an enclosed building. Typical uses include movie theaters, arcades, meeting halls, video game activities and competitions such as e-sports, and dance halls.
Indoor Sports and Recreation. Predominantly participant sports conducted within an enclosed building. Typical uses include bowling alleys, billiard parlors, ice and roller skating rinks, indoor racquetball courts, athletic clubs, and physical fitness centers. Excludes operations where activities are primarily class- or appointment-based such as yoga studios and personal trainers (see Instructional Services).
Outdoor Entertainment. Predominantly spectator uses conducted open or in partially enclosed or screened facilities. Typical uses include sports arenas, racing facilities, and amusement parks.
Outdoor Sports and Recreation. Predominantly participant sports conducted in open or partially enclosed or screened facilities. Typical uses include driving ranges, miniature golf courses, golf courses, swimming pools, marinas, and tennis courts.
Use of land for agricultural production, vine or tree farm, truck garden, apiary, horticulture, vineyard, hopyard, and associated crop preparation and harvesting activities or any other type of agriculture determined to be substantially similar to the above. This use does not include nurseries and greenhouses (see Nurseries and Garden Centers), processing (see Food Preparation), or retail sales of agricultural products from the site (see Retail Sales, General).
Businesses primarily engaged in serving prepared food and/or beverages for consumption on or off the premises.
Bar/Night Club/Lounge. Businesses serving beverages for consumption on the premises as a primary use and including on-sale service of alcohol including beer, wine, and mixed drinks.
Coffee Shop/Café. Establishments that primarily serve beverages, such as coffee, juices or sodas for consumption on or near the premises, or a specialty snack, such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, cookies or popcorn.
Restaurant, Full Service. Restaurants providing food and beverage services to patrons who order and are served while seated and pay after eating. Takeout service may be provided.
Restaurant, Limited Service. Establishments where food and beverages may be consumed on the premises, taken out, or delivered, but where no table service is provided. This classification includes cafeterias, fast-food restaurants, carryout sandwich shops, limited-service pizza parlors and delivery shops, self-service restaurants, snack bars and takeout restaurants. This classification also includes catering businesses or bakeries that have a storefront retail component.
Retail sales of food and beverages for off-site preparation and consumption. Typical uses include food markets, convenience markets, grocery stores, liquor stores, and retail bakeries.
Convenience Market. Retail establishments that sell a limited line of groceries, prepackaged food items, tobacco, magazines, and other household goods, primarily for off-premise consumption and typically with long or late hours of operation and in a building that is less than 5,000 gross square feet. This classification includes small retail stores located on the same parcel as or operated in conjunction with a service station but does not include specialty food shops.
Grocery Store. Retail establishments that primarily sell food, but also may sell other convenience and household goods, and could include a delicatessen or specialty food shop, baked goods, frozen foods, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dairy, and prepared food, and which occupy at least 5,000 square feet dedicated to sales, but not more than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area.
Supermarket. Retail establishments that primarily sell food, but also may sell other convenience and household goods, and could include a delicatessen or specialty food shop, baked goods, frozen foods, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dairy, and prepared food, and which occupy more than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area, but not more than 80,000 square feet of gross floor area.
An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of services involving the care, preparation, or disposition of the human remains and conducting memorial services. Typical uses include a crematory, columbarium, mausoleum, or mortuary.
A commercial use conducted on residential property by the inhabitants of the subject residence, which is incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling. See Section 20.350.023 ("Home Occupations").
An establishment providing overnight accommodations to transient patrons for payment for periods of 30 consecutive calendar days or less.
Bed and Breakfast. A residential structure that is in residential use with one or more bedrooms dedicated for rental for overnight lodging and where meals may be provided. This use type specifically excludes Short-Term Vacation Rental (see Short-Term Vacation Rental).
Hotel and Motel. An establishment providing overnight lodging to transient patrons. These establishments may provide additional services, such as conference and meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, or recreation facilities available to guests or to the general public. This classification includes motor lodges, motels, hostels, extended-stay hotels, and tourist courts, but does not include rooming houses, boarding houses, private residential clubs (see Group Residential), or Bed and Breakfast establishments within a single-unit dwelling.
Short-Term Vacation Rental. A single-unit dwelling that is rented to a transient occupant for a period of 30 days or less. The full single-unit dwelling, or a portion of it, can be rented to a transient occupant in a short-term vacation rental use. This classification includes both hosted rentals (the primary resident, or host, is present in the dwelling unit that is being used as a short-term vacation rental) and non-hosted rentals (the host is not present in the dwelling unit that is being used as a short-term vacation rental).
Establishments engaged in the maintenance or repair of office machines, household appliances, furniture, and similar items. This classification excludes maintenance and repair of vehicles or boats (see Automotive/Vehicle Sales and Services) and personal apparel (see Personal Services).
A workspace for an artist or artisan or for a group of artists or artisans practicing an applied art or craft. Production involves only the use of hand tools or small mechanical equipment. Typical uses include jewelry-making, pottery and ceramic studios with a kiln, glassblowing, metalworking, woodworking, and other arts with some associated impacts related to odors, fumes, noise, particulate matter emissions, or other disturbances. May include incidental direct sale to consumers of only those goods produced on site. For uses with no associated impacts, see Artist’s Studio.
A self-contained truck or trailer or non-motorized push cart that is readily movable without disassembling, and is used to sell merchandise, prepare and serve food and beverages, or provide other services. All food sold must be prepared on site.
Establishments primarily engaged in retailing nursery and garden products—such as trees, shrubs, plants, seeds, bulbs, and sod—that are predominantly grown elsewhere. These establishments may sell a limited amount of a product they grow themselves. Fertilizer and soil products are stored and sold in package form only. This classification includes wholesale and retail nurseries offering plants for sale.
Offices of firms or organizations providing professional, executive, management, administrative or design services, such as accounting, architectural, computer software design, engineering, graphic design, interior design, investment, and legal offices, excluding banks, and savings and loan associations (see Banks and Financial Institutions). This classification also includes offices where medical and dental services are provided by physicians, dentists, chiropractors, optometrists, and similar medical professionals, including medical/dental laboratories within medical office buildings but excluding clinics or independent research laboratory facilities and hospitals (see Hospitals and Clinics).
Business and Professional. Offices of firms or organizations providing professional, executive, management, or administrative services, such as accounting, architectural, computer software design, engineering, graphic design, interior design, legal offices and tax preparations offices.
Medical and Dental. Office use providing consultation, diagnosis, therapeutic, preventive, or corrective personal treatment services by doctors, dentists, medical and dental laboratories, and similar practitioners of medical and healing arts for humans licensed for such practice by the State of California. Incidental medical and/or dental research within the office is considered part of the office use, where it supports the on-site patient services.
Walk-In Clientele. An office business providing direct services to patrons or clients that may or may not require appointments. This use type includes employment agencies, insurance agent offices, real estate offices, travel agencies, utility company offices and offices for elected officials. It does not include banks (see Banks and Credit Unions) or check-cashing facilities (see Other Financial Services).
Surface lots and structures offering parking to the public with or without a fee when such use is not considered accessory parking to another activity or use.
Commercial Parking. Privately owned or operated surface lots and structures offering parking to the public with or without a fee. Commercial parking facilities provide parking that is not considered accessory parking to a specific use.
Public Parking. City-owned and operated surface lots and structures offering parking to the public with or without a fee.
General Personal Services. Provision of recurrently needed services of a personal nature. This classification includes barber and beauty shops, nail salons, personal trainers, spa/wellness center, seamstresses, tailors, dry cleaning drop-off/pick up (excluding cleaning plants, see Industry, Limited), shoe repair shops, self-service laundries, photocopying and photo finishing services, and travel agencies mainly intended for the consumer.
Instructional Services. An establishment that offers specialized programs in personal growth and development such as music, martial arts, photography, vocal, fitness, yoga, dancing, and academic tutoring. Attendance is typically limited to hourly classes rather than full-day instruction. These establishments do not grant diplomas or degrees, though instruction could provide credits for diplomas or degrees granted by other institutions. Retail sales are permitted as an accessory use.
Massage Business. Any business that offers massage therapy in exchange for compensation, whether at a fixed place of business or at a location designated by the customer or client through outcall massage services. Also includes businesses that offer any combination of massage therapy and bath facilities, including, but not limited to, showers, baths, wet and dry heat rooms, pools and hot tubs. The term “massage business” includes a certified massage practitioner who is the sole owner, operator and employee of a massage business operating as a sole proprietorship. Exempted from this definition are physicians, surgeons, chiropractors, osteopaths, nurses or any physical therapists who are duly licensed to practice their respective professions in the State of California and persons working directly under the supervision of or at the direction of such licensed persons, working at the same location as the licensed person, and administering massage services subject to review or oversight by the licensed person.
Tattoo or Body Modification Parlor. An establishment whose principal business activity is one or more of the following: (1) using ink or other substances that result in the permanent coloration of the skin through the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin; or (2) creation of an opening in the body of a person for the purpose of inserting jewelry or other decoration.
General Sales. The retail sale or rental of merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes retail establishments with 80,000 square feet or less of sales area; including department stores, clothing stores, furniture stores, pet supply stores, small hardware stores (with 10,000 square feet or less of floor area), and businesses retailing the following goods: toys, hobby materials, handcrafted items, jewelry, cameras, photographic supplies and services (including portraiture and retail photo processing), medical supplies and equipment, pharmacies, electronic equipment, records, sporting goods, kitchen utensils, hardware, appliances, antiques, art galleries, art supplies and services, paint and wallpaper, carpeting and floor covering, office supplies, bicycles, video rental, and new automotive parts and accessories (excluding vehicle service and installation, see Automobile/Vehicle Service and Repair, Major and Minor). Retail sales may be combined with other services such as office machine, computer, electronics, and similar small-item repairs.
Firearm Sales. An establishment engaged in selling, dealing in, trading, transferring, or storing of firearms and ammunition.
Large Format Retail. Retail establishments over 80,000 square feet in size that sell merchandise and/or bulk goods primarily for individual consumption, including, but not limited to, department stores, home improvement stores, membership warehouses which emphasize bulk sales to the general public as well as to other businesses, and other big box format stores. Large format retail uses may include a limited (5,000 square feet or less) grocery store sales component. This use type specifically excludes Superstores (see Superstore).
Off-Price Merchandise. Retail establishments that sell a variety of overstock, off-season, or defective goods, including “99 cent” and “dollar” stores.
Outdoor Market. Any indoor or outdoor place, in an approved location, or for an approved activity where new or used goods or secondhand personal property is offered for sale or exchange to the general public by a multitude of individual licensed vendors, usually in compartmentalized spaces. The term swap meet is interchangeable with and applicable to: flea markets, auctions, open air markets, farmers markets, or other similarly named or labeled activities; but the term does not include the usual supermarket (see Grocery Store or Supermarket) or department store retail operations (see Retail, General Sales).
Second Hand Store. A retail establishment that buys and sells used products that may include clothing, furniture and household goods, jewelry, household appliances, musical instruments, business machines and office equipment, hand tools, and similar items. This use does not include bookstores, antique stores (see Retail, General Sales), junk dealers, scrap/dismantling yards, sale of used cars or other vehicles (see Automobile/Vehicle Sales and Leasing), or pawn shops (see Pawnbroker).
Superstore. Retail establishments (over 80,000 square feet of sales area) that serve as a one-stop shopping destination by offering a wide variety of goods and merchandise, often at a discounted price. They are distinguished by their size, and by the inclusion of grocery sales. Superstores typically feature a full-service food and beverage retail sales area that exceeds 5,000 square feet of the gross floor area, and could include a delicatessen, baked goods, frozen foods, fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, dairy, and prepared food. A superstore may also feature various business centers, such as a bank, pharmacy, vision center, pet center, photo center, and prepared food outlet(s).
Cluster of retail stores that provide off-street parking. Shopping centers are classified as community, neighborhood and regional centers.
Community Shopping Center. A shopping center greater than or equal to 100,000 and less than 400,000 square feet of gross floor area, capable of supporting two or more retail or commercial businesses. May include anchor tenants such as a discount department store and other outlets such as grocery, clothing, or furniture stores. Larger than a neighborhood center, but smaller than a regional center.
Neighborhood Shopping Center. A shopping center generally between 30,000 and less than 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, typically anchored by a grocery store, providing goods for day-to-day living and personal services. May include food, pharmancy, laundry and dry cleaner, beauty parlor and shoe repair.
Regional Shopping Center. A shopping center generally totaling 400,000 square feet or more of gross floor area, typically anchored by three or more anchor stores and a number of retail outlets. May include full-line department stores, supermarket, a bank and a pharmacy.
§ 20.620.050 Industrial/R&D Use Classifications.
A facility for technical research and the design, development, and testing of technology that uses less material and/or energy, generates less waste, and causes less environmental damage than the alternatives.
Storage of construction materials or equipment on a site other than a construction site.
An establishment for specialized business activities related to building construction. This classification includes establishments for trades such as painting, carpentry, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, roofing, landscaping, cabinetmaking, and sign-making.
Cooking, processing, packaging, and shipping of food products for off-site sales. Typical uses include wholesale bakeries, catering services, and commissary kitchens. This classification includes wineries and micro-breweries.
Manufacture of a wide range of products to serve niche or specialty markets. Includes the manufacture of crafts, art, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, apparel, electronic components, medical instrumentation or devices, nanotechnology components and similar at a smaller scale than industry sub-classifications. Custom manufacturing facilities may use innovative technology such as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, 3-D printing, automation, and sustainable and green processes and typically require only a small amount of raw materials, area and power. These facilities do not generate excessive noise, particulate matter, vibration, smoke, dust, gas fumes, odors, vehicle traffic or other nuisances.
General. Manufacturing of products from extracted or raw materials or recycled or secondary materials, or bulk storage and handling of such products and materials, where operations are conducted primarily within an enclosed building. This classification includes operations such as biomass energy conversion; food and beverage processing; textile mills; production apparel manufacturing; photographic processing plants; leather and allied product manufacturing; wood product manufacturing; paper manufacturing; chemical manufacturing; plastics and rubber products manufacturing; nonmetallic mineral product manufacturing; primary metal manufacturing; fabricated metal product manufacturing; recycling materials processing facilities in which post-consumer materials are sorted, condensed, baled, or transformed; and automotive, ship, aircraft, and heavy equipment manufacturing.
Heavy/High Impact. Activities that include high impact or hazardous manufacturing processes. This classification includes industrial operations where operations are conducted primarily outdoors. Characteristics of heavy industry include, but are not limited to, heavy trucking activity, noise, emissions requiring Federal or State environmental permits, use of large quantities of hazardous materials (as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), and requirements for specialized permits from Federal and State occupational health and safety agencies.
Limited. Establishments engaged in light industrial activities taking place primarily within enclosed buildings and producing minimal impacts on nearby properties. This classification includes operations such as manufacturing finished parts or products primarily from previously prepared materials; commercial laundries and dry cleaning plants; mobile home manufacturing; monument works; printing, engraving and publishing; computer and electronic product manufacturing; furniture and related product manufacturing; and industrial services.
A facility for receiving, temporarily storing, transferring and/or processing materials for recycling, reuse, or final disposal. A certified recycling facility or certified processor means a recycling facility certified by the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act. A recycling facility does not include storage containers or processing activity located on the premises of a residential, commercial or manufacturing use (see Warehousing, Storage, and Distribution) and used solely for the recycling of material generated by that residential property, business or manufacturer. This use type does not include waste transfer facilities that operate as materials recovery, recycling, and solid waste transfer operations (see Waste Transfer Facility).
Collection Facility. A center for the acceptance, by donation, redemption, or purchase, of recyclable materials from the public where limited processing and storing of such items is conducted on-site.
Intermediate Processing Facility. A facility that receives, sorts, compresses or bales, and stores recyclable materials for efficient transfer to other processing facilities or to an end-user.
A facility for scientific research and the design, development, and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical, pharmaceutical, chemical, and biotechnology components and products in advance of product manufacturing. Includes assembly of related products from parts produced off site. Research and development uses may include substantial laboratory space and/or other equipment for testing and development, as well as office settings with computers and related electronic equipment. On-site manufacturing activity must be secondary to the research and development activities. Where manufacturing is a primary use, see Industry, General.
The sale of used heavy equipment for use in agriculture or construction.
Storage and distribution facilities without sales to the public on site or direct public access except for public storage in small individual space exclusively and directly accessible to a specific tenant. This classification includes mini-warehouses.
Chemical, Mineral, and Explosives Storage. An establishment for specialized storage of hazardous materials including, but not limited to: bottled gas, chemicals, minerals and ores, petroleum or petroleum-based fuels, fireworks, and explosives. This classification excludes chemicals ancillary to a research and development use.
Freight/Truck Terminal and Warehouse. Facilities that handle third party goods for local or worldwide freight, courier, local messenger, and postal services by truck or rail. This includes fulfillment centers and parcel sorting centers, which provide storage and distribution of e-commerce products to consumers or end-users, either directly or through a Parcel Hub.
Indoor Warehousing and Storage. Storage within an enclosed building of commercial goods prior to their distribution to wholesale and retail outlets and the storage of industrial equipment, products and materials including, but not limited to, automobiles, feed, and lumber. Also includes cold storage, draying or freight, moving and storage, and warehouses. This classification excludes chemical, mineral, and explosives storage and freight/truck terminal and warehouse uses.
Parcel Hub. A “Last Mile” facility or similar establishment for the processing and/or redistribution of parcels or products. A Parcel Hub’s primary function is moving a shipment from one mode of transport to vehicles with rated capacities less than 10,000 pounds, for delivery directly to consumers or end-users primarily within a 10-mile radius.
Personal Storage. Facilities offering enclosed storage with individual access for personal effects and household goods including mini-warehouses and mini-storage. This use excludes workshops, hobby shops, manufacturing, or commercial activity (see Retail Sales, General Sales).
Wholesaling, Distribution, and Logistics. Indoor storage and sale of goods to other firms for resale; storage of goods for transfer to retail outlets of the same firm; or storage and sale of materials and supplies used in production or operations. Wholesalers are primarily engaged in business-to-business sales but may sell to individual consumers through mail or internet orders. Facilities normally operate from a warehouse or office having little or no display of merchandise and are not designed to solicit walk-in traffic. This classification does not include wholesale sale of building materials (see Building Materials Sales and Services).
§ 20.620.060 Transportation, Communication, and Utilities.
Facilities for the takeoff and landing of airplanes and helicopters, including runways, helipads, aircraft storage buildings, public terminal building and parking, and support activities such as airport operations and air traffic control, incidental retail sales, coffee shops and snack shops.
Facilities for the provision of broadcasting and other information relay services through the use of electronic and telephonic mechanisms.
Antenna and Transmission Towers. Broadcasting and other communication services accomplished through electronic or telephonic mechanisms, as well as structures designed to support one or more reception/transmission systems. Examples of transmission towers include, but shall not be limited to, radio towers, television towers, telephone exchange/microwave relay towers, and cellular telephone transmission/personal communications systems towers.
Facilities within Buildings. Includes radio, television, or recording studios; telephone switching centers; excludes Antenna and Transmission Towers.
Passenger transportation services, local delivery services, medical transport, and other businesses that rely on fleets of three or more vehicles. This classification includes parking, dispatching, and offices for taxicab and limousine operations, ambulance services, non-emergency medical transport, home cleaning services, pedicab services, and similar businesses. This classification does not include towing operations (see Automobile/Vehicle Sales and Service, Towing and Impound), taxi or delivery services with two or fewer fleet vehicles on site (see Business Services), facilities that handle third party goods for local or worldwide delivery (see Freight/Truck Terminal and Warehouse) or last mile parcel processing/redistribution facilities (see Parcel Hub).
Facilities for passenger transportation operations. This classification includes rail stations, bus terminals, ferry terminals, and scenic and sightseeing facilities, but does not include terminals serving airports or heliports (see Airports and Heliports).
Generating plants, electric substations, solid waste collection, including transfer stations and materials recovery (recycling processing) facilities, solid waste treatment and disposal, water or wastewater treatment plants, and similar facilities of public agencies or public utilities.
Facilities necessary to support established uses involving only minor structures, such as electrical distribution lines, and underground water and sewer lines.
A facility that operates as a materials recovery, recycling and solid waste transfer operation providing solid waste recycling and transfer services for other local jurisdictions and public agencies that are not located within the City of South San Francisco. The facility sorts and removes recyclable materials (including paper, metal, wood, inert materials such as soils and concrete, green waste, glass, aluminum and cardboard) through separation and sorting technologies to divert these materials from the waste stream otherwise destined for landfill.
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)
§ 20.621.010 Definitions.
Having a common boundary, except that parcels having no common boundary other than a common corner shall not be considered abutting.
See "Building, Accessory."
See "Structure, Accessory."
See "Use, Accessory."
A measure of total land area of a lot or site, including areas to be dedicated for public rights-of-way, streets, schools, or other dedications.
A measure of land area of a lot or site remaining after dedication of all areas for public rights-of-way, streets, schools, or other dedications.
Active uses mean commercial uses that are accessible to the general public, that generate walk-in clientele, and that contribute to a high level of pedestrian activity. Active commercial uses include retail shops, restaurants, bars, theaters and the performing arts, commercial recreation and entertainment, personal and convenience services, hotel lobbies, banks, travel agencies, airline ticket agencies, child care services, libraries, museums, and galleries.
Directly abutting, having a boundary or property line(s) in common or bordering directly, or contiguous to.
See Section 20.350.005 ("Adult-Oriented Businesses").
See "Lane."
When used in Chapter 20.360 (“Signs”) means any change in the weight, depth, height, area, thickness, location, or type of display of an existing sign but shall not be construed to prevent normal or periodic maintenance, upkeep, or repair of a sign or change of copy.
Any change, addition or modification that changes the exterior architectural appearance or materials of a structure or object. Alteration includes changes in exterior surfaces, changes in materials, additions, remodels, demolitions, and relocation of buildings or structures, but excludes ordinary maintenance and repairs. See also “Maintenance and Repair” and “Structural Alterations” for modifications to any of the supporting members of a structure.
United States Public Law 101-336, 104 Stat. 327 (July 26, 1990), codified at 42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.
Household Pet.
Any animal customarily permitted and kept in a dwelling and kept only for the company or pleasure provided to the occupants of the dwelling, such as a dog, cat, parakeet, tropical fish, hamster, rabbit, or Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.
Livestock.
Domestic animals including, but not limited to, cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, and goats, raised for home use or for profit.
A covered pedestrian way along the side of a building at the first floor with habitable space above which provides access to retail spaces.
A component, detail and/or treatment, which alone or as part of a pattern, embodies the style, design, or general arrangement of the exterior of a building or structure, including, but not limited to, the kind, color, and texture of building materials, and style and type of windows, doors, lights, porches, and signs.
A residential or mixed-use structure containing two to five dwelling units with an attached secondary building (garage) typically accessed from a rear lane.
Area located between the ceiling of the top story of a building and the building’s roof that is not usable as habitable or commercial space.
An automotive service bay is a singular automobile space, within or underneath a structure, that provides a technician, customer, and/or automated system adequate space to safely and efficiently service one vehicle.
A roof or cover that projects from the wall of a building over a door or window, and made of canvas, aluminum, or a similar material, which may be fixed in place or retractable for the purpose of shielding a doorway or window from the elements.
A platform that projects from the wall of a building and is enclosed by a parapet or railing.
A brightly colored bag made of flexible material, inflated with air or other gas, and sealed, often to make it rise in the air.
See "Zoning District."
A non-habitable space beneath the first or ground floor of a building the ceiling of which does not extend more than four feet above finished grade.
A window that projects from any building elevation.
Any room having the potential of being a bedroom and meeting the standards of the California Building Code as a sleeping room.
Property bounded on all sides by a public right-of-way.
All property including building frontages on one side of a block between two intersections that fronts upon a street or abuts a public right-of-way.
The area of a lot or development site excluding all required setbacks.
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials.
Building, Accessory.
A detached subordinate building used only as incidental to the main building on the same lot and does not contain living space or sleeping quarters.
Building, Main.
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is situated. In the event a garage is attached to the main building, it shall be made structurally a part of, and have a common wall with the main building and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this title applicable to the main building.
Any ordinance of the City governing the type and method of construction of buildings, signs and sign structures and any amendments thereto and any substitute therefore, including, but not limited to, the California Building Code, other State-adopted uniform codes and the Minimum Building Security Standards Ordinance.
The general outer surface of the structure or walls of a building. Where bay windows or pillars project beyond the walls, the outer surface of the windows or pillars shall be considered to be the face of the building.
The lineal dimension, parallel to the ground, of a building abutting on a public street or a parking lot accessory to that business even though another business may also have entitlement to that parking lot.
See "Footprint."
The overall shape and dimensions of a building.
See "Height."
A lot or parcel of land occupied or to be occupied, by a main building and accessory buildings together with such open spaces as are required by the terms of this title and having its principal frontage on a street, road, highway, or waterway.
A structure defined by a combination of its configuration, placement on a lot, and function.
The linear street frontage between the minimum and maximum setback lines along the front of a parcel and along the side street of a corner parcel.
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State law, pursuant to California Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq., or any successor statute, that requires public agencies to document and consider the environmental effects of a proposed action before a decision.
See Chapter 20.410 (“Regulation of Cannabis Activities”), Section 20.410.002 (“Definitions”).
A roofed shelter projecting over a sidewalk, driveway, entry, window, or similar area that may be supported by a building or may be partially supported by columns, poles, or braces extending from the ground.
An accessible and usable covered space enclosed on not more than two sides, designed, constructed and maintained for the parking or storage of one or more motor vehicles.
Three dimensional individual letters or figures, with an open back or front, illuminated or non-illuminated, that are affixed to a building or to a freestanding sign structure.
The Chief Building Official of the City of South San Francisco or designee.
The Chief Planner of the City of South San Francisco or designee.
The City of South San Francisco.
The City Council of the City of South San Francisco.
The City Engineer of the City of South San Francisco or designee.
Any vehicle currently registered as such with the State Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent out-of-state or federal agency and is used primarily in the conduct of a business as opposed to private family or individual use.
That which is harmonious with and will not adversely affect surrounding buildings and/or uses.
A development standard determined to be necessary to permit the harmonious classification of a use as listed in a district and therefore a prerequisite to place, or for application to place, such use as classified.
Permitted subject to approval of a Use Permit.
Construction, erection, enlargement, alteration, conversion or movement of any building, structures, or land together with any scientific surveys associated therewith.
A change of a residential dwelling, including a mobile home lot in a mobile home park, as defined in Section 18214 of the Health and Safety Code, or a residential hotel, as defined in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 50519 of the Health and Safety Code, to a condominium, cooperative, or similar form of ownership; or a change of a residential dwelling, including a mobile home lot in a mobile home park, or a residential hotel to a nonresidential use.
The County of San Mateo.
An unroofed area that is completely or partially enclosed by walls or buildings and often shared by multiple residential units or commercial spaces.
A large structure composed of multiple attached or stacked units accessed from a shared courtyard, a series of courtyards, or a common corridor.
A platform, either freestanding or attached to a building, that is supported by pillars or posts. See also “Balcony.”
The intentional destruction and removal of 50 percent or more of the enclosing exterior walls and 50 percent of the roof of any structure.
Density, Gross. The number of dwelling units per gross unit of land area.
Density, Net. The number of dwelling units per acre (du/ac) of land excluding street rights-of-way, easements, public open space, land under water, and certified wetlands and floodplains. Setbacks for wetlands and other sensitive areas and private open space shall not be excluded in calculating net density.
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbance; and any use or extension of the use of land.
A duly executed and legally binding contract entered into by and among the City and a developer(s), in accordance with Title 7, Division 1, Chapter 3, Article 2.5, Section 65864 et seq., of the California Government Code that delineates the terms and conditions agreed upon by two or more parties.
A portion of land delineated from others to accommodate no more than one primary building type. A parcel may have multiple development sites when each site meets the minimum width and depth required by the form-based zone. Development sites may be described and recorded as individual properties on a plat.
See "Zoning District."
A type of frontage that provides a limited amount of private open space at the primary building entry. The dooryard area is defined by a low wall, planter or fence that provides a buffer between the right-of-way and the building while preserving a sense of openness to the building entrance.
See "Lot, Through."
Facilities designed to enable persons to receive a service or purchase or consume goods while remaining within a motor vehicle, typically associated with banks, eating, and drinking establishments, pharmacies, and other commercial uses.
An accessway that provides vehicular access between a street and the parking or loading facilities located on an adjacent property.
Any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, for not more than one family. See also "Family."
A portion of land created by grant or agreement for specific purpose; an easement is the right, privilege or interest which one party has in the land of another.
The part of a roof that meets or overhangs the wall of a building.
The date on which this Zoning Ordinance is in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the City Council. Also applies to the date on which a permit or other approval becomes enforceable or otherwise takes effect, rather than the date it was signed or circulated.
Any ordinance of the City regulating the alteration, repair and the installation and use of electricity or electrical fixtures.
A sudden unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property or essential public services.
An entry that allows access to a building facing a primary street.
An opening, such as a door, passage, or gate, that allows access to a building.
A formal evaluation process to determine whether a proposed project may have a significant impact on the environment.
An Environmental Impact Report as required under the California Environmental Quality Act, Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend or affix to or upon any surface. Such term shall also include the painting of wall signs.
Those materials and quantities thereof that the Fire Chief and the Chief Building Official determine are equal to or in excess of “exempt amounts” identified in Tables 9-A, 9-A.1, 9B and 9F of the 1991 Uniform Building Code (including the 1993 supplement) as those tables may be amended or readopted as subsequent building codes or in Tables 79.202-A, 4.108-C, 80.303-A, 80-309-A, 80-312-A, 80-313-A, 80-314-A, 80.315-A and 80-402-B of the 1991 Uniform Fire Code (including the 1993 supplement) as those tables may be amended or readopted as subsequent Fire Codes.
The permanent storage of hazardous materials is storage of any individual explosive or hazardous material, as defined, for more than five years.
The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building. The portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from the grade to the top of a parapet wall or eave, and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.
A building, structure, or any improvement to land such as a parking lot or sign.
One or more persons living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit and sharing common living, sleeping, cooking and eating facilities. Members of a family need not be related by blood but are distinguished from a group occupying a hotel, club, fraternity or sorority house.
An artificially-constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose or screen an area of land.
Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social and technological factors.
Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security of the United States.
The uppermost surface of a building’s ground floor at the completion of construction.
The Chief of the South San Francisco Fire Department or designee.
A gun, pistol, revolver, rifle or any device, designed or modified to be used as a weapon, from which is expelled through a barrel a projectile by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.
Flood Insurance Rate Map. This is an official map on which FEMA (the Federal Emergency Management Agency) or Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.
A sign attached to a pole or a structure that has characters, letters, illustrations, or ornamentations applied to cloth, paper, fabric, or other lightweight material, with only such material for a backing. Flags include banners or pennants that are suspended so that they are actuated by wind currents.
A light or message that changes more than once every four seconds.
A building type that is three stores or less and is designed for occupancy by retail, restaurant, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor, with upper floors that support retail, service, office, and/or residential uses. Ground floor spaces are accessed directly from the street, and upper floor units may be accessed directly from the street through shared or individual entries or through a street-level lobby.
A building that is between four and eight stories and is designed for retail, restaurant, service, and/or office uses on the ground floor, with upper floors that support retail, office, service, and/or residential uses. The development typically faces a single right-of-way.
A building that is nine to 12 stories and is designed to accommodate a range of uses and configurations with multiple primary building frontages. Retail, restaurant, service, office, and residential uses may be accommodated on all floors.
The total gross horizontal area of all the floors below the roof and within the outer surface of the walls of a building or structure, including basements, mezzanines, interior balconies, and upper stories or levels in a multistory building unless otherwise stipulated. See also Section 20.040.008 (“Determining Floor Area”).
The ratio of the total floor area of all buildings on a lot to the lot area. See also Section 20.040.009 (“Determining Floor Area Ratio”).
See "Lighting Related Terms."
The horizontal area, as seen in plan view, of a building or structure, measured from the outside of exterior walls and supporting columns, and excluding eaves. See also Section 20.040.010 (“Determining Lot Coverage”).
The Forecourt Frontage has a portion of the façade close to the frontage line while the central portion is set back creating a small courtyard space. The courtyard may be used as an entry court or as shared garden space for apartment buildings, or as an additional shopping or restaurant seating area within retail and service areas.
A detached building that consists of four side-by-side and/or stacked units, typically with one shared entry or individual entries along the front.
A highway 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 restricted right or easement of access.
The building elevation which fronts on a public street, public or private parking lot available to the general public, or pedestrian walkway where customer access to a building is available.
That portion of a lot or parcel of land that borders a public street. “Street frontage” shall be measured along the common lot line separating the lot or parcel of land from the public street, highway, or parkway.
A building or portion thereof, containing accessible and usable enclosed space designed, constructed and maintained for the parking or storage of one or more motor vehicles.
The City of South San Francisco’s General Plan.
The effect produced by a light source within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes are adapted, such as to cause annoyance, discomfort or loss of visual performance and ability.
The location of the ground surface.
Grade, Existing.
The elevation of the ground at any point on a lot as shown on the required survey submitted in conjunction with an application for a building permit or grading permit.
Grade, Finished.
The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving, or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line, or when the property line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and a line five feet from the building.
A linear space that may be defined by tree-lined streets, which tends to have narrow dimensions that support passive use and can serve as a green connector between destinations.
The first floor of a building other than a cellar or basement that is closest to finished grade.
Regular and exclusive use of a space or structure for shelter and other residential purposes in a manner that is private and separate from another residence on the same lot.
Any material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property, or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
Thermal energy of a radioactive, conductive, or convective nature.
The vertical distance from a point on the ground below a structure to a point directly above. See also Section 20.040.005 (“Measuring Height”).
A large and tall structure built on a large lot that typically incorporates multi-level structured parking used to provide a vertical mix of uses with ground-floor retail or service uses, and service or residential uses on upper floors. This building type is a primary component of an urban downtown.
One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit, with common access to, and common use of, all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage of food; who share living expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, food costs and utilities; and who maintain a single mortgage, lease, or rental agreement for all members of the household.
Any use of land or building that does not have the currently required permits and was originally constructed and/or established without permits required for the use at the time it was brought into existence.
A cash payment required as a substitute for a dedication and/or improvement of land by an owner or developer of property.
The impacts a particular use or the use in combination with other uses has on its surroundings or on its demand for services and natural resources. Measures of intensity include, but are not limited to, requirements for water, gas, electricity, or public services; number of automobile trips generated by a use; parking demand; number of employees on a site; hours of operation; the amount of noise, light or glare generated; the number of persons attracted to the site, or, in eating establishments, the number of seats.
The area common to two or more intersecting streets.
Any room or space within a building intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.
See Section 20.300.008 (“Landscaping”).
A public way permanently reserved primarily for secondary vehicular service access to the rear or side of properties otherwise abutting on a street.
Foot-candle.
A quantitative unit of measure for luminance. One foot-candle is equal to the amount of light generated by one candle shining on one square foot surface located one foot away. Equal to one lumen uniformly distributed over an area of one square foot.
Light Fixture.a.
The assembly that holds a lamp and may include an assembly housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirrors, and a refractor or lens.
Light Fixture, Fully Shielded.
A light fixture or luminous tube constructed and mounted such that all light emitted by the fixture or tube, either directly from the lamp, tube, or a diffusing element, or indirectly by reflection or refraction from any part of the light fixture, is projected below the horizontal. If the lamp or tube, any reflective surface, or lens cover (clear or prismatic) is visible when viewed from above or directly from the side, from any angle around the fixture or tube, the fixture or tube is not fully shielded.
A two-part building consisting of an exterior occupiable building specifically designed to mask the interior building consisting of a parking structure, building with few windows, or parking lot, from a frontage. Also known as a “wrap building.”
An act such as a musical act (including karaoke); theatrical act (including stand-up comedy); play; revue; dance; magical act; disc jockey; or similar activity, performed live by one or more persons for the enjoyment of others, whether or not done for compensation and whether or not admission is charged.
The principal room in a dwelling unit designed for general living purposes rather than for sleeping.
A parcel, tract, or area of land whose boundaries have been established by a legal instrument such as a deed or map recorded with the County of San Mateo, and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title, except public easements or rights-of-way.
Lot, Abutting.
A lot having a common property line or separated by a public path or lane, private street, or easement to the subject lot.
Lot, Corner.
A lot or parcel bounded on two or more sides by street lines that have an angle intersection that is not more than 135 degrees.
Lot, Flag.
A lot so shaped that the main portion of the lot area does not have access to a street other than by means of a corridor having less than 20 feet of width. Also called a “panhandle” lot.
Lot, Interior.
A lot bounded on one side by a street line and on all other sides by lot lines between adjacent lots or that is bounded by more than one street with an intersection greater than 135 degrees.
Lot, Key.
An interior lot adjoining the rear lot line of a reversed corner lot.
Lot, Reversed Corner.
A corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot, whether across a lane or not.
Lot, Through.
A lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets or a street and a lane.
Figure 20.621(A): Lot and Yard Types  |
The area of a lot measured horizontally between bounding lot lines.
The portion of a lot that is covered by structures, including principal and accessory buildings, garages, carports, and roofed porches, but not including unenclosed and unroofed decks, landings, or balconies. See also Section 20.040.010 (“Determining Lot Coverage”).
The average distance from the front lot line to the rear lot line measured in the general direction of the side lines. See also Section 20.040.006 (“Measuring Lot Width and Depth”).
See "Frontage, Street."
The boundary between a lot and other property or the public right-of-way.
Lot Line, Front.
On an interior lot, the line separating the parcel from the street or lane. On a corner lot, the shorter lot line abutting a street or lane. On a through lot, the lot lines abutting the street and lane are both considered front. On a flag or panhandle lot, the interior lot line most parallel to and nearest the street or lane from which access is obtained.
Lot Line, Interior.
Any lot line that is not adjacent to a street.
Lot Line, Rear.
The lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. Where no lot line is within 45 degrees of being parallel to the front lot line, a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, will be deemed the rear lot line for the purpose of establishing the minimum rear yard (see Figure 20.621(B)).
Lot Line, Side.
Any lot line that is not a front or rear lot line.
Lot Line, Street Side.
A side lot line of a corner lot that is adjacent to a street.
Figure 20.621(B): Rear Lot Line for Purposes of Determining Setbacks  |
The average distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth. See also Section 20.040.006 (“Measuring Lot Width and Depth”).
The repair or replacement of nonbearing walls, fixtures, wiring, roof or plumbing that restores the character, scope, size or design of a structure to its previously existing, authorized, and undamaged condition.
As defined in California Public Resources Code Section 21064.3, a site containing any of the following:
A wall which has a slope equal to or greater than two vertical feet for each horizontal foot and has been designed to look like a roof.
A structure that is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Manufactured home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Section 5401, and following).
A coordinated program of signage designed to encourage consistency in signage for developments with multiple tenants or for developments with a single tenant, occupant, or user proposing multiple signs.
An intermediate floor within a building interior without complete enclosing interior walls or partitions that is not separated from the floor or level below by a wall and has a floor area that is no greater than one third of the total floor area of the floor below. (See "Story.")
Small studio apartment, up to 350 square feet, with a fully functioning and accessibility compliant kitchen and bathroom.
A building containing two or more different land uses.
As defined in Section 18008 of the Health and Safety Code, a structure constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. “Mobile home” includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and complies with the state standards for mobile homes in effect at the time of construction. “Mobile home” does not include a commercial modular, as defined in Section 18001.8, factory-built housing, as defined in Section 19971, a manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007, a multi-family manufactured home, as defined in Section 18008.7, or a recreational vehicle, as defined in Section 18010.
An automobile, truck, trailer or van, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, which is used for the collection of recyclable materials. A mobile recycling center also means the bins, boxes or containers transported by trucks, vans or trailers, and used for the collection of recyclable materials.
A medium- or large-sized structure consisting of side-by-side and/or stacked dwelling units, typically with one shared entry. This building type has the appearance of a medium- to large-size family home and is appropriately scaled to fit in medium-density neighborhoods and/or medium- to high-intensity corridors.
A civic space type for unstructured recreation that may be spatially defined by landscaping rather than building frontages.
Medium- to small-sized parks providing opportunities for neighborhood social life and recreation.
Ambient Noise Level.
The composite of noise from all sources excluding an alleged offensive noise. In this context, the ambient noise level represents the normal or existing level of environmental noise at a given location for a specified time of day or night.
Decibel (dB).
A unit used to measure the intensity of a sound by comparing it with a given level on a logarithmic scale.
Noise.
Any sound that annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.
Noise Level Reduction (NLR).
The difference in decibels of noise level from the outside of a building to the interior of a building, generally resulting from various construction methods and the materials used in walls, windows, ceilings, doors, and vents of a building.
Any use, building or structure that is not consistent with a provision or provisions of this Ordinance but was lawfully established or constructed and in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws prior to the effective date of the provisions which no longer complies. See Chapter 20.320 (“Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Lots”).
A discontinuance of an existing use and the substitution therefore of a use of a different kind or class.
A site or portion of a site devoted to the loading or unloading of motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives, and landscaped areas.
Located on the lot that is the subject of discussion.
Common Open Space.
Areas for outdoor living and recreation that are intended for the use of residents and guests of more than one dwelling unit.
Private Open Space.
Open areas for outdoor living and recreation that are adjacent and directly accessible to a single dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests.
Privately Owned Public Open Spaces (POPOS).
Privately owned outdoor living and/or recreation that are created in partnership between the developer and the City, with a stipulation that public access will be preserved in the context of development.
Usable Open Space.
Outdoor areas that provide for outdoor living and/or recreation for the use of residents.
Across from or across the street from.
A person or persons holding single or unified beneficial title to the property including, but not limited to, the settlor of a grantor trust, a general partner, firm or corporation.
A low wall along the edge of a roof or the portion of a wall that extends above the roof line.
See "Lot."
An area of a lot, structure, or any other area, including driveways, which is designed for and the primary purpose of which is to provide for the temporary storage of operable motor vehicles.
Accessory Parking.
An area of a lot, structure, or any other area, which is reserved for and the primary purpose of which is to provide off-street parking to serve a building or use that is the primary or main use of the lot.
Long-Term Parking.
An area designed for employee or parking when a vehicle is not normally moved during the period of an employee’s work shift, as opposed to customer or visitor parking.
A covered or uncovered area equipped with a rack or racks designed and usable for the secure, temporary storage of bicycles.
Long-term.
Bicycle parking that is designed to serve employees, students, residents, commuters, and others who generally stay at a site for four hours or longer.
Short-term.
Bicycle parking that is designed to serve shoppers, customers, messengers, guests, and other visitors to a site who generally stay for a period of less than four hours.
An area, covered or uncovered, designed and usable for the temporary storage of a vehicle, which is paved and accessible by an automobile without permanent obstruction.
A pedestrian lane located and designed to reduce the required walking distance within a neighborhood.
Period of time with the greatest amount of activity and vehicles on the site.
Any Site Clearance, Use Permit, Temporary Use Permit, Building Permit, license, certificate, approval, or other entitlement for development and/or use of property as required by any public agency.
Any use allowed in a zoning district without a requirement for approval of a Use Permit, but subject to any restrictions applicable to that zoning district.
Any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company, or corporation.
Persons who have a medical, physical, or mental condition, disorder or disability as defined in California Government Code Section 12926, that limits one or more major life activities.
Planning Commission of the City of South San Francisco.
A space available for civic purposes and commercial activities intended to add to the activity and vibrancy of streets and neighborhoods. Plazas are typically formal spaces with interior green spaces and defined edges made primarily of hardscaped materials.
A type of civic space that provides small-scale public urban open space intended to provide recreational opportunities where space is limited in close proximity to neighborhood residences.
A raised platform supporting a building that often contains parking or ground floor commercial uses but may include other land uses.
A private frontage where the façade is set back from the frontage line and has a set of stairs and landing attached to the façade. Porches may be open on two or three sides and may be covered or uncovered.
A plan that sets forth the design, location, and arrangement of proposed buildings, structures and other improvements, including, but not limited to, elements such as grading, utilities, architecture, and landscaping, within the defined area of an approved Specific Plan.
In existence prior to the effective date of this Ordinance.
The existing residential unit on a lot that is being used for habitation and occupied by the property owner at the time of the application for a building permit to construct an accessory dwelling unit.
A use that fulfills a primary or predominant function of an establishment, institution, household, or other entity and occupies at least 70 percent of the gross floor area.
Any proposal for a new or changed use or for new construction, alteration, or enlargement of any structure, that is subject to the provisions of this ordinance. This term also refers to any action that qualifies as a “project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
The physical and social domain of the public that is held in common either by their physical presence or by visual association. This includes, but is not limited to plazas, squares, parks, thoroughfares, public frontages, private frontages, civic buildings, and open spaces.
The property owner, the owner’s agent, or any person, corporation, partnership or other legal entity that has a legal or equitable title to land that is the subject of a development proposal or is the holder of an option or contract to purchase such land or otherwise has an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.
Any vehicle or trailer designed, or modified for use as a camp car, camper, motor home, trailer, trailer coach, boat, boat trailer, snow-mobile, snowmobile trailer, camping trailer, or for any similar purpose.
Reusable material, including, for example, metals, glass, plastic and paper, which are intended for reuse, remanufacture or reconstitution for the purpose of using the altered form. Recyclable material does not include refuse or hazardous materials. Recyclable material may include used motor oil collected and transported in accordance with Sections 25250.11 and 25143.2(b)(4) of the California Health and Safety Code.
Bulk Reverse Vending Machine. A reverse vending machine that is larger than 50 square feet; is designed to accept more than one container at a time; and will pay by weight instead of by container.
Heavy Processing Facility. A processing facility that is any processing facility other than a light processing facility and is not a permitted use in South San Francisco.
Large Collection Facility. A collection facility that may occupy an area of more than 500 square feet or be on a separate property not appurtenant to a host use, and which may include permanent structures.
Light Processing Facility. A processing facility that occupies an area of under 45,000 square feet of gross collection, processing and storage area and has up to an average of two outbound truck shipments per day. Light processing facilities are limited to baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding and sorting of source-separated recyclable materials and repairing of reusable materials sufficient to qualify as a certified processing facility. A light processing facility shall not shred, compact or bale ferrous metals other than food and beverage containers.
Processing Facility. A processing facility is a building or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials. "Processing" means the preparation of material for efficient shipment, or to an end-user's specifications, by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning and remanufacturing.
Reverse Vending Machine. An automated mechanical device that accepts at least one or more types of empty beverage containers, including, but not limited to, aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip with a value not less than the container's redemption value as determined by the state. A reverse vending machine may sort and process containers mechanically provided that the entire process is enclosed within the machine.
Small Collection Facility. A collection facility that may occupy an area of not more than 500 square feet and may include a mobile unit; bulk reverse vending machines or a grouping of reverse vending machines occupying more than 50 square feet; kiosk type units, which may include permanent structures; and unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials.
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied or occupied by a road, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer or other similar use.
A single-family dwelling that shares a party wall with another of the same type placed side-by-side with individual entries along the front and dedicated private open space for each unit typically located in the rear. Each unit has its own front access at the ground floor. Also known as a "townhouse" or "townhome."
Screening refers to a wall, fence, hedge, informal planting, or berm, provided for the purpose of buffering a building or activity from neighboring areas or from the street.
See "Auto Service Bay."
The area between a property line and a building or structure which must be kept clear or open. See also Section 20.040.004 (“Measuring Distances”), and Section 20.040.012 (“Determining Setbacks (Yards)”).
A type of frontage, typically for commercial and retail use, where the façade is aligned close to the frontage line with the building entrance at the level of the sidewalk.
A paved, surfaced, or leveled area, paralleling and usually separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
A structure, device, figure, display, message placard or other contrivance, or any part thereof, situated outdoors or indoors, which is designed, constructed, intended or used to advertise, provide information in the nature of advertising, provide historical, cultural, archaeological, ideological, political, religious, or social information, or direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, business, product, service, message, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, or illumination.
Direct Illumination. Illumination resulting from light emitted directly from a light bulb or light fixture, and not light diffused through translucent signs or reflected from other surfaces such as the ground or building face.
Raceway. An enclosed conduit for electrical wiring.
Sign Area. The area included within the outer dimensions of a sign face display area including all portions not part of the necessary supporting structure.
Sign Copy. That portion of a sign which consists of the actual writing, pictorial representation, decoration, emblem, or flag, or any other device, figure, logo, or similar character, as distinguished from that portion of the sign which forms the background of any such writing or other said elements.
Sign Face. That portion of a sign containing sign copy, which constitutes a single plane, which is intended to be visible from a single vantage point.
Sign Structure. The supports, uprights, bracing, and/or framework of a sign.
Sign Walker. A person who wears, holds, or balances a sign.
Static Display. A sign face that does not change within a 24-hour period.
Sign, Animated. A sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.
Sign, Awning. Any permanent building-mounted sign painted or otherwise affixed permanently to the exterior surface of an awning.
Sign, Bandit. Any sign that is placed on public or private property without the consent of the property owner or as authorized in Chapter 20.360 ("Signs").
Sign, Billboard. Any permanent freestanding structure for the display of a commercial or non-commercial message.
Sign, Building-Mounted. Any sign mounted or erected on or against any building or façade, including all wall signs, awning and canopy signs, projecting signs, and shingle signs.
Sign, Cabinet. A permanent building-mounted or freestanding sign with its text and/or logo symbols and artwork on a translucent face panel that is mounted within a metal frame or cabinet that contains the lighting fixtures which illuminate the sign face from behind.
Sign, Canopy. Any permanent building-mounted sign of any nature which is painted, printed, stamped, sewed, or otherwise attached to a canopy.
Sign, Changeable Copy. A permanent sign whose informational content can be changed or altered either automatically or manually.
Sign, Digital Billboard. An off-site sign utilizing digital message technology, capable of changing the static message or copy on the sign electronically. A Digital Billboard is distinct from, and shall not constitute an "Animated Sign" in the context of Chapter 20.360 ("Signs").
Sign, Double-Faced. A sign designed to be viewed from two directions.
Sign, Electronic Changeable Copy. A type of "Changeable Copy Sign" whose informational content can be changed or altered electronically.
Sign, Employee-Oriented. A permanent sign that does not otherwise meet the standards of Chapter 20.360 ("Signs") for multi-building campus-like facilities in the East of 101 Area in which at least 400,000 total square feet of development is occupied by a single tenant.
Sign, Feather Banner. A temporary sign that is taller than it is wide and made of a flexible material (typically cloth, nylon, or vinyl) and mounted to a pole.
Sign, Freestanding. A sign that is permanently supported upon the ground by poles or braces and is not attached to any building or other structure. Examples of freestanding signs are pole and monument signs.
Sign, Fuel Pump Topper. A temporary sign affixed to the top of an operable fuel dispensing pump used to advertise goods offered for sale on the same parcel on which the fuel pump is located.
Sign, Government. Any sign, posting, notice or similar signs placed, installed, or required by law by a city, county, or a federal or state governmental agency in carrying out its responsibility to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
Sign, High-Rise Building Identification. A wall sign located on the upper-most story of a building of at least four stories that identifies the occupant of the building, company logo, generic type of business, or the name of a business or building.
Sign, Identification. A permanent sign used to identify a building or group of buildings, residential area, shopping district, industrial district, or any area that fulfills the definition of an identifiable area.
Sign, Incidental. A sign which provides incidental information, including security, credit card acceptance, business hours, open/closed, directions to services and facilities, or menus.
Sign, Illuminated. A sign with an artificial source of light incorporated internally or externally for the purpose of illuminating the sign.
Sign, Inflatable. A form of inflatable device (e.g., shaped as an animal, blimp, or other object) that is displayed, printed, or painted on the surface of an inflatable background, and is primarily installed outside a building to attract attention to or to advertise a business, a business location, a service, a product, or an event. An inflatable sign shall not be considered a balloon.
Sign, Logo. A specially designed graphic symbol of a business establishment, company, institution, organization, or any other legal private or public entity.
Sign, Marquee. A permanent building-mounted sign advertising an event, performance, service, seminar, conference, or show, and displayed on a permanent roof-like structure or canopy made of rigid materials supported by and extending from the façades of a building.
Sign, Monument. A permanent low profile freestanding sign erected upon or supported solely by a planter, pedestal base, or similar ground structure approximately the same dimension as the height of the sign and which is designed to incorporate the architectural theme and building material of the building on the premises.
Sign, Neon. A sign with tubing that is internally illuminated by neon or other electrically charged gas.
Sign, Nonconforming. Any sign legally established prior to the effective date of this Ordinance which does not fully comply with the standards imposed by the individual sections of this Code.
Sign, Off-Premises. A sign which advertises goods, products or services which are not sold, manufactured or distributed on or from the premises or facility on which the sign is located or advertises a business, owner, occupant or activity not located on the premises or facility on which the sign is located.
Sign, On-Premises. A sign which advertises goods, products or services which are sold, manufactured or distributed on or from the premises or facility on which the sign is located or advertises a business, owner, occupant or activity located on the premises or facility on which the sign is located. This definition also includes on-premises traffic signs.
Sign, Pan Channel Letter. A specific type of sign letter consisting of a metal pan enclosure fabricated in the shape of a letter, numeral, or other shape in which the metal pan enclosure is used to house the lighting and electrical components of the letter and can be mounted directly to a wall. The sign face is usually made of colored plastic attached to the metal pan so that the letters are illuminated and to seal it off from pests and harsh weather.
Sign, Permanent. A sign constructed of durable materials and intended to exist for the duration of time that the use or occupant is located on the premises.
Sign, Pole. A permanent sign supported wholly by a pole or poles placed in, or upon, the ground and which are not part of a building.
Sign, Portable. Any temporary sign over six square feet in size designed to be easily transported, including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs made as A-frames or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way. This definition expressly excludes hand-held signs and signs affixed to vehicles that are less than six square feet in size.
Sign, Projecting. Any permanent sign which is attached perpendicular to the face of a building or other structure and projects outward from the building face.
Sign, Roof. Any permanent sign of any nature, together with all its parts and supports, which is erected, constructed, painted upon, or maintained on or above the roof of a building or structure, or affixed to the wall of a building so that it projects above the eave line of a roof or parapet of any building.
Sign, Shingle. Any permanent type of sign suspended beneath an overhead structure, covered walkway, or canopy and visible to pedestrians from the sidewalk.
Sign, Spinner. A lightweight, durable, and colorful device designed to be affected by the movement of air so that it spins or rotates in a manner to capture attention.
Sign, Temporary. A sign that is designed to be temporarily mounted or displayed and that is not intended for permanent or long-term use.
Sign, Traffic. A sign designed to direct or guide pedestrian or vehicular traffic by identifying an attraction, service, or use and providing directional information (e.g., handicapped parking, one-way, exit, and entrance).
Sign, Vehicle. Any temporary sign on or affixed to a truck, van, automobile, trailer, or other vehicle.
Sign, Wall. Any permanent sign attached to, painted on, or erected against, and in a plane parallel to, the exterior front, rear, or side wall of any building or other structure; wall signs include painted wall signs and individual letter signs.
Sign, Wall Banner. Any temporary sign and constructed of cloth, bunting, plastic, paper, or similar nonrigid material, and securely attached to the wall or support structure for which it is advertising. Flags are not considered temporary wall banners.
Sign, Window. Any permanent or temporary sign painted or installed on a glass window or door or located within 12 inches from inside the window in a manner that it can be viewed from the exterior of a structure.
Sign, Yard Type I. A small temporary sign typically constructed of corrugated plastic and supported on either an H-shaped wire frame or mounted so as to swing between two pairs of support legs, used for example, for advertising by local businesses or by election campaigns (Synonym: Lawn Sign). A type I yard sign is not an A-frame sign.
Sign, Yard Type II. A temporary sign-mounted on a single post installed securely in the ground with a small sign hanging from a cross-bar mounted parallel to the ground.
Sign, Yard Type III. A large, temporary typically wooden, sign-mounted on two posts installed securely in the ground.
A lot, or group of contiguous lots, that is proposed for development in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance and is in a single ownership or under unified control.
A plan for a defined area that is consistent with the General Plan and with the provisions of the California Government Code Section 65450 et seq.
Mechanical lifts or other similar means of mechanized parking where parking spaces are not independently accessible.
The State of California.
A frontage type where the façade is aligned close to the frontage line with the first story elevated from the sidewalk sufficiently to secure privacy for first-story windows and the entrance usually as an exterior stair and landing.
That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the upper surface of the roof above. A mezzanine with a floor area that exceeds one third of the total floor area of the floor or level below constitutes a story.
A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to a block and to abutting property. “Street” includes avenue, court, circle, crescent, place, way, drive, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare, except an alley or lane as defined herein.
Any physical change to or the removal of the supporting members of a structure or building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders including the creation, enlargement, or removal of doors or windows and changes to a roofline or roof shape.
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground.
Structure, Accessory.
A detached subordinate structure used only as incidental to the main structure on the same lot. Excludes Accessory Dwelling Unit (see Section 20.620.020 (“Residential Use Classifications”).
Structure, Primary (Structure, Main).
A structure housing the principal use of a site or functioning as the principal use.
Structure, Temporary.
A structure without any foundation or footings and which is intended to be removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
A pool, pond, lake, or open tank capable of containing water to a depth greater than 1.5 feet at any point.
An arrangement of parking spaces such that one or more spaces must be driven across in order to access another space or spaces.
The following terms are related to Chapter 20.340 (“Temporary Uses”).
Garage Sales.
The sale or offering for sale to the general public of over five items of personal property on a portion of a lot in a residentially zoned district, whether inside or outside any building.
Outdoor Sales, Temporary and Seasonal.
The sale or offering for sale to the general public of merchandise outside of a permanent structure on property owned or leased by the person, firm, or corporation. These sales are of a limited duration and conducted on an occasional basis and are secondary or incidental to the principal permitted use or structure existing on the property.
A frontage type where the main façade of the building is at or near the frontage line with an elevated terrace providing public circulation along the façade.
A right-of-way for use by vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic that provides access to lots and open spaces, and that incorporates vehicular lanes and public frontages.
A type of civic space providing a public urban open space for civic purposes, commercial activity, unstructured recreation, and other passive uses. Squares are defined by buildings and tree-lined streets with open shelters, paths, lawns, and trees formally arranged.
See "Rowhouse."
A Transit Station Area includes any of the following:
Major transit stops as defined in this chapter and in California Public Resources Code Section 21064.3;
Major transit stops included in an applicable regional transportation plan;
A transit corridor with a fixed route bus service with service intervals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours.
The area of a frontage, usually applied to the ground floor of a building, that must contain a minimum amount of transparent glass.
A detached structure that consists of three side-by-side or stacked dwelling units within a single structure.
See "Dwelling Unit."
A floor in a building containing habitable space that is located above the ground floor.
The purpose for which land or the premises of a building, structure, or facility thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.
Use, Accessory.
A use that is customarily associated with, and is incidental and subordinate to, the primary use and located on the same lot as the primary use and occupies not more than 30 percent of the gross floor area.
Use, Incidental.
A secondary use of a lot and/or building that is located on the same lot but is not customarily associated with the primary use.
Use, Primary.
A primary, principal or dominant use established, or proposed to be established, on a lot and occupies at least 70 percent of the gross floor area of the tenant space or building.
A system of classifying uses into a limited number of use types on the basis of common functional, product, or compatibility characteristics. All use types are grouped into the following categories: residential, public and semi-public, commercial, employment, and transportation, communication, and utilities. See also Chapter 20.620 (“Use Classifications”).
A discretionary permit, such as a minor use or conditional use permit, which may be granted by the appropriate City of South San Francisco authority to provide for the accommodation of land uses with special site or design requirements, operating characteristics, or potential adverse effects on surroundings, which are not permitted as of right but which may be approved upon completion of a review process and, where necessary, the imposition of special conditions of approval by the permit granting authority. See Chapter 20.490 (“Use Permits”).
A discretionary grant of permission to depart from the specific requirements of this Ordinance that is warranted when, due to special circumstances regarding the physical characteristics of the property, the strict application of standards would deprive the property of privileges available to other property in the same zoning classification. See Chapter 20.500 (“Variances”).
Any vehicle, as vehicle is defined by the California Vehicle Code, including any automobile, camper, camptrailer, trailer, trailer coach, motorcycle, house car, boat, or similar conveyance.
A periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium.
Capable of being seen (whether or not legible) by a person of normal height and visual acuity walking or driving on a public road.
Any vertical exterior surface of building.
A public or private thoroughfare which prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists over motorists.
An open space other than a court on a lot that is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise permitted by this Ordinance. (See Figure 20.621(A).)
Yard, Front.
A yard extending across the front of a lot for the full width of the lot between the side lot lines. The depth of a front yard shall be a distance specified by this Ordinance for the district in which it is located and measured inward from the front lot line.
Yard, Interior Side.
A yard extending along an interior side of a lot from the front lot line to the rear lot line, and to a depth specified by this Ordinance for the district in which it is located and measured inward from the interior side lot line.
Rear Yard.
A yard extending across the rear of a lot for its full width between side lot lines, and to a depth specified by this Ordinance for the district in which it is located. If a lot has no rear lot line, a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, will be deemed the rear lot line for the purpose of establishing the minimum rear yard. (See Figure 20.621(B).)
Yard, Street Side.
A yard extending along the street side of a corner lot from the front lot line to the rear lot line, and to a depth specified by this Ordinance for the district in which it is located and measured inward from the street side lot line.
The Zoning Administrator of the City of South San Francisco, or his or her designee.
A specifically delineated area or district in the city within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. See Section 20.020.001 (“Districts Established”).
(Ord. 1646 § 2, 2022; Ord. 1656, 6/12/2024)