A second dwelling unit, limited in size, which is physically attached to an existing principal building. Accessory dwelling units have their own entrance, and do not share a main entrance with the principal building on the lot.

A second dwelling unit, limited in size, which is in a freestanding accessory building, located on the same lot as a principal building. This definition includes accessory buildings constructed in connection with a private garage or a private garage converted into an accessory dwelling unit.

A commercial establishment that has a significant or substantial portion of its stock-in trade, or derives a significant or substantial portion of its revenues from books, magazines and other periodicals, videos, streaming videos, DVDs, tapes, and other similar items, which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis upon the exhibition or display of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. A commercial establishment may have other principal business purposes that do not involve the offering for sale or rental of material depicting or describing specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas and still be categorized as an adult bookstore so long as one of its principal business purposes is the offering for sale or rental for consideration the specified materials that depict or describe "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas." A principal business purpose need not be a primary use of an establishment so long as it is a significant use based upon the visible inventory or commercial activity of the establishment. This definition excludes films, motion pictures, video cassettes, streaming videos, DVDs, slides or other similar photographic reproductions given an "R" or "NC-17" rating by the Motion Picture Association of America.

A commercial establishment, such as a nightclub, dance hall, bar, restaurant, or similar establishment, that regularly features 1) persons who appear seminude; 2) live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specific anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities; or 3) film, motion pictures, video cassettes, streaming videos, DVDs, slides or other photographic reproductions, which are characterized by the exhibition or display of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. This definition excludes films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other similar photographic reproductions given an "R" or "NC-17" rating by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Any exhibition of any motion pictures, live performance, display or dance of any type, which has as its dominant theme, or is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on, any actual or simulated specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this section.

A place licensed by the state under § 50.033(1m), Wis. Stats.

An enclosed building with a capacity of less than 50 persons used for presenting material having as its dominant theme, or distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on, matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein.

An enclosed building with a capacity of 50 or more persons used for presenting materials distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein.

Includes, but is not limited to, adult bookstores, adult motion-picture theaters, adult mini motion-picture establishments or adult cabarets. The term "adult-oriented establishments" further includes any premises to which public patrons or members are invited or admitted and which are physically arranged to provide booths, cubicles, rooms, compartments or stalls separate from the common areas of the premises for the purposes of viewing adult-oriented motion pictures, or wherein an entertainer provides adult entertainment to a member of the public, a patron or a member, whether or not such adult entertainment is held, conducted, operated or maintained for a profit, direct or indirect.

A building used to store and maintain agricultural or farm-type equipment, store agricultural supplies and products and/or keep livestock that is located on a parcel of land used exclusively for agricultural or farm use, or is contiguous to land used exclusively for agricultural or farm use under the same ownership. Parcels divided by a road or navigable stream shall be considered to be contiguous if the parcels on both sides of the road are in agricultural use under the same ownership. The term "same ownership" as used herein shall mean it is owned by one individual, estate, or trust, or by two or more persons having a joint or common interest in the land, or by one corporation, business trust, partnership, limited liability company, or other single entity that is registered with the State of Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions.

The use of the land by tilling the ground, and growing, raising, cultivating, fertilizing, producing, and harvesting field crops; by feeding, watering, grazing, breeding, managing, pasturing, or producing livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals, or dairy animals; by the sale, barter or trade of products related to livestock, poultry, fur-bearing animals, or dairy animals; by any other horticultural, floricultural, or viticulture use; by animal or poultry husbandry; or by any combination thereof.

A place where equipment, products, byproducts, or materials primarily associated with agricultural operations are sold, processed, handled, repaired, or stored. Examples include agricultural implement sales, storage, or repair operations; feed and seed stores; agricultural chemical dealers and/or storage facilities; animal feed storage facilities; food processing facilities; and canning and other packaging facilities.

Any coin- or token-operated machine or device, whether mechanical, electrical, or electronic, that is ready for play by the insertion of a coin or token and operated by the public for use as a game, entertainment, or amusement.

A suite of rooms or a room in a multiple dwelling which suite or room is arranged intended or designated to be occupied as a residence of a single family, individual or group of individuals. Such a suite shall also generally define a dwelling unit.

See "dwelling, multiple."

Any person or entity applying for any permit, variance, special exception, conditional use, site plan, plan of operation, rezoning, license, or other application for governmental approval under this code. An applicant shall be a landowner, specifically a person or entity holding fee title to the parcel as set forth below, or other such person having an interest in the parcel where the landowner has authorized such application:

Any premises containing three or more amusement devices for the primary use and entertainment of the public. Premises for which a license to sell fermented malt beverages and/or intoxicating liquors has been issued may be excluded from this designation.

Stormwater facilities designed to provide peak flow reduction, water quality treatment, and/or groundwater recharge for entire watersheds or drainage areas, which may extend across property lines. Area-wide stormwater facilities coordinate stormwater management for the watershed, including existing and future land development activities and best management practices for individual sites, and to provide for long-term maintenance and funding of the facilities.

The ultimate right-of-way line as established by the Official Map of the Village of Vernon and from which all required setbacks shall be computed.

A level of a building that is more than 1/2 below the finished grade on at least one side.

An owner-occupied residence often in a building with landmark or historical significant qualities, where lodging for paying guests is offered on a daily or weekly basis and which offers breakfast to those guests as its only meal.

A building or premises where meals or meals and lodging are offered for compensation for five or more persons, but not more than 12 persons, and having no more than five sleeping rooms for this purpose. An establishment where meals are served for compensation for more than 12 persons shall be deemed a restaurant. An establishment with more than five sleeping rooms shall be deemed a hotel.

An aboveground, roofed area for passage for the purpose of connecting two structures or buildings, as between a house and a garage, with either open or enclosed sides, with or without a foundation, and must be designed and constructed in keeping with the existing structures or buildings.

Any structure used, designated or intended for the protection, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property.

A building or portion of a building subordinate to the principal building and used for a purpose customarily incident to the permitted use of the principal building.

The vertical distance from the average finished grade at the building line to the highest point of any roofline.

The main building on a lot, intended for primary use as permitted by the regulations of the district in which it is located. Any building intended to be used for human habitation shall constitute the principal building. Where the construction of the building constitutes one or more than one structure, it shall be determined by the Building Inspector or Zoning Administrator based upon the aboveground elements; if there is a separation between the aboveground elements so that they appear to be separate structures, the aboveground elements shall be regulated as separate structures, and such separate structures may be restricted or prohibited as regulated herein. This shall be true even if the aboveground elements are connected below-ground, or by insubstantial means that do not dispel the aboveground appearance of separate structures. "Insubstantial means" include, without limitation: unenclosed connections; connections that lack a roof or floor; connections that are not heated, ventilated or air-conditioned in the manner of the main structure; connections that lack substantial structural elements that are present in the main structure; and connections that lack a foundation or footing. Whenever a parcel in any residential or agricultural district is without a building intended to be used for human habitation, any building located on such parcel that is used solely for agricultural purposes shall be deemed a "principal building" provided the building is not used for the keeping of animals for purposes of the Zoning Code.

The ground area occupied by all roofed structures on a lot. Such footprint is measured from the dripline of roofed structures, except that eave depth of 24 inches or less is excluded.

The Village of Vernon Zoning Code.

Any one of the following facilities: 1) residential care centers for children and youth, as defined in § 48.02(15d), Wis. Stats., operated by a child welfare agency licensed under § 48.60, Wis. Stats.; 2) group homes for children, as defined in § 48.02(7), Wis. Stats.; and 3) community-based residential facilities, as defined in § 50.01(1g), Wis. Stats. The term does not include adult family homes, as defined in § 50.01, Wis. Stats., day-care centers, nursing homes, general hospitals, special hospitals, prisons, or jails.

A place where vegetation (but not food wastes) may be collected and composted. The term includes the storage and manipulation of materials prior to, during, and following composting.

Property subject to a condominium declaration established under Chapter 703 of the Wisconsin Statutes as amended and renumbered from time to time.

An exterior premises on which construction and maintenance materials (i.e., salt, sand, cement, stone, etc.), bulk materials (i.e., sand, gravels, stone, timbers, wood chips, etc.) or construction or maintenance equipment (i.e., bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, trucks, trailers, etc.) are stored to be utilized for off-site construction and/or maintenance purposes. Where landscape materials are stored or sold for retail or wholesale markets and not as an accessory to an otherwise permitted use by right, such uses shall not be considered a contractors yard. See also "landscaping, lawn and garden business."

A building or structure that includes a furnace used for cremating the deceased.

A facility including any room, place or space in which a public dance, public ball with live or amplified music (not including a jukebox) and live entertainment including shows, disc jockeys, comedy or dramatic acts, is conducted excluding any public or parochial school or church hall when used for public dances sponsored by the school or church authority or of a parent-teacher association.

A structure characterized by a flat open horizontal surface or platform suspended above the grade of the land it covers and which may be supported by posts, beams, cantilevers and/or by other methods.

A section of the Village for which the regulations governing the height, area and the use of building and premises are the same.

A building or portion thereof, designed for and occupied by more than one family, including duplexes, row houses, condominiums, apartment houses and apartment hotels.

A detached building designed for and occupied exclusively by one family.

A detached or semidetached building designed for and occupied exclusively by two families.

A place where primarily indigent, needy, homeless, or transient individuals are temporary housed and provided with ancillary services.

A structure, usually built with a decorative feature or landscape feature located at the entrance to a property, such as walls, which are often constructed in conjunction with lights, fencing, gates, pillars with lights, property identification signage, or raised planting boxes.

Concentrations of key significant natural resource elements including surface water such as lakes, streams, and rivers and their associated undeveloped floodlands and shorelands; woodlands, wetlands, and wildlife habitat; prairie remnants; areas of groundwater discharge and recharge; unfarmed wet, poorly drained and organic soils, rugged terrain and high relief topography; and significant geological formations and physiographic features. In general, primary environmental corridors are concentrations of significant natural resources at least 400 acres in area, at least two miles in length, and at least 200 feet in width. Secondary environmental corridors are concentrations of significant natural resources at least 100 acres in area and at least one mile in length (possibly smaller and shorter if considered a primary link). Isolated natural resource areas are concentrations of significant natural resources at least five acres in area and at least 200 feet in width. Generalized environmental corridor boundaries are mapped by the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (SEWRPC), typically at five-year intervals, and precise boundaries are field delineated by or reviewed and approved by the SEWRPC staff. A description of the processes for further defining and delineating primary and secondary environmental corridors and isolated natural resource areas is set forth in the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission's Technical Record, Volume 4, No. 2, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Lands which are zoned as CO Conservancy Overlay District, ECO Environmental Overlay District, HGO High Ground Water Overlay District, or designated as primary environmental corridor, secondary environmental corridor or isolated natural areas on the Village of Vernon Comprehensive Plan Land Use Plan Map.

The exterior and externally visible opaque surfaces of any building or structure.

One or more persons who live together in one dwelling unit (DU) as a single housekeeping entity.

One or more parcels of land owned and managed by a single entity and zoned for agricultural or farm use upon which natural fibers, animals, or food for human or animal consumption is produced.

A tract of land devoted in whole or part to the raising of fur-bearing animals for commercial purposes.

A tract of land devoted principally to the raising of crops, livestock and/or farm products, but not including commercial stables or private stables.

A tract of land devoted principally to the raising and feeding of pigs and hogs.

A tract of land devoted in whole or part principally to the raising of poultry and/or egg production for commercial purposes.

A lot or facility used or proposed to be used for the confined feeding and/or holding of animals where the number and kind of animals exceed 75 units per acre of confined area. One animal unit shall be equivalent to 1,000 pounds of live animal weight, and the acreage used to compute the density shall include all fenced areas, pens, yards or similar uncovered structures and all covered enclosures where the animals are enclosed for 30 or more continuous twenty-four-hour days per year. Dairy farm operations utilizing seasonal winter confinement of livestock are excluded from this definition unless the Village Board determines that the operations of a particular dairy farm meet the provisions of this section and the intent of this code will be furthered by regulation of such operations under this definition. The intent of this definition is to clearly distinguish the feed lot type of farming situation which concentrates large numbers of livestock on small acreage from the more general type of farm operation in which cultivation and livestock grazing or feeding is conducted on a smaller scale. It is not the intent of this definition to prohibit these kinds of operations, but to recognize the potential as a pollution source and to effectively control it.

A written conclusion or determination that is made in connection with reaching a decision.

A temporary rise in the stream flow or change in lake level that results in water over-topping the boundaries of its channel and inundating areas adjacent to the stream channel or lake bed.

The flood protection elevation shall correspond to a point two feet of freeboard above the water surface profile associated with the regional flood and the official floodway lines. See "freeboard."

Those lands, including the floodway subject to inundation by the 100-year reoccurrence flood, or, where such data is not available, the maximum flood of record.

Any combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties and structures subject to flooding, primarily for the purpose of reducing or eliminating flood damage to the properties, water and sanitary facilities, structures and contents of buildings in flood hazard areas. Any such measures shall be certified by an architect or engineer as conforming to these requirements.

Those floodplain areas including the channel required to carry and discharge the 100-year reoccurrence interval flood.

The sum of the horizontal areas of each floor of an enclosed building as measured to the outside edges of the outside walls. This definition does not include basements, exterior balconies, unenclosed porches, or garages.

A place licensed by the state for the care of foster children and which is operated by a corporation, child welfare agency, church, or other such entity.

A factor of safety expressed in terms of a certain amount of feet above a calculated flood level. Freeboard compensates for the many unknown factors that contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated, and include, but are not limited to, ice jams, debris, accumulation, wave action, obstructed bridge openings and the effects of urbanization on the hydrology of the watershed.

A place where the deceased may be prepared for burial and people may gather for visitation or funeral ceremonies. The indoor display of funeral equipment may also occur. The term includes mortuaries. See "crematorium."

Animals which are specifically raised for their pelts, including, but not limited to, badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, fox, lynx, marten, mink, muskrat, possum, otter, raccoon, skunk, weasel and wolf.

A private garage is one where private vehicles are kept for storage purposes only and wherein such use is accessory to the residential use of the property on which it is stored.

Any building or premises, other than a private or a storage garage, where motor-driven vehicles are equipped, repaired, serviced, hired, sold or stored for monetary gain as a business.

Any building or premises used for the storage only of motor-driven vehicles, pursuant to previous arrangements and not to transients, and where no equipment, parts, fuel, grease or oil is sold, and vehicles are not equipped, serviced, repaired, hired or sold for monetary gain as a business.

The elevation of a designated point as fixed by a licensed engineer, or by such authority, as shall be designated by law to determine such an elevation.

A natural or man-made land area not occupied by any structure or impervious surface.

An enclosed building or structure constructed mainly of glass, glasslike or translucent material, cloth or lath, and a support frame and which is devoted to the protection or cultivation of flowers, vegetables, or other tender plants.

A place licensed as a day care by the state where care is provided for nine or more children. This use may include outdoor play areas, playhouses, and related recreational equipment, such as swings, slides, basketball hoops, and jungle gyms.

A right-of-way designated by the county-established street and highway width map or any other comprehensive system for the principal purpose of providing vehicular thoroughfare and not necessary affording direct access to abutting property.

A gainful occupation conducted by a member or members of a family within their place of residence, where the space used is incidental to residential use and such use is conducted in compliance with the provisions of § 300-8D.

The culture of growing and cultivating fruits, flowers and related plant material.

An outdoor warm water reservoir usually with hydromassage jets. A hot tub may be built in or portable. The term includes spa.

A building in which lodging, with or without meals, is offered for compensation and which may have more than five sleeping rooms for this purpose.

A housing or lodging unit where all of the amenities of bathing and sanitary facilities, eating, cooking, living, sleeping and storage are provided the person or body of persons occupying and living together as a single entity within the unit.

Utilization of a building or structure for overnight living or longer periods of time, and including the aggregate of normal occupancy activities such as lounging, cooking, eating, sleeping, bathing, sanitation, etc.

A place where the public or those with a membership can, for a fee or other consideration, hunt game animals not confined within a fenced enclosure. This use may include one or more buildings and other structures directly related to operation of this use, such as an office, structures and enclosures for rearing game animals for hunting purposes, and buildings for housing maintenance equipment, supplies, and related materials.

Land area and surfaces where precipitation is unable to infiltrate into the soil. Such surfaces include, but are not limited to, roadways and pathways that are paved with concrete or asphalt, roofs, patios, and similar surfaces.

A detailed plan that depicts the existing and proposed elevations or topography of a subdivision or other unified development site. An individual grading plan contains components that depict site drainage patterns, erosion control measures, road and lot elevations, and other data deemed appropriate by Waukesha County and the Village of Vernon.

A shallow grassed or vegetated channel designated to captured detain and treat stormwater and convey larger flows. It takes surface flows from adjacent paved surfaces and allows it to infiltrate through a soil bed into underlying soils. The swale provides conveyance for larger storm events to the storm drain system. Variations on designs include an underlying drain rock reservoir, with or without a perforated underdrain.

To be present in or occupy any building or structure which is designed or intended to be occupied or used for human habitation.

Garbage, waste, refuse, trash, any motor vehicle upon which no current license plate is displayed, any inoperable or abandoned motor vehicle, any used tire or used motor vehicle part, and any scrap material such as metal, lumber, furniture, paper, cans or bottles. Any trailer which is required to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin, but which is unlicensed, or any trailer which is abandoned or inoperable is considered junk under this code.

An establishment, structure, or premises where dogs are raised and sold, bred, boarded, trained, or groomed for commercial purposes. The raising or selling of three or more litters of dogs from any number of adult dogs per year shall constitute a commercial kennel.

An establishment, structure, premises, or pursuit accessory to the principal use of the property where four or more dogs of six or more months of age are kept for such private purposes as pets, field trials, shows, or hobby, which is not a commercial kennel. The raising of two litters of dogs per year on a premise and the sale or disposal of said dogs within six months of their birth shall also be considered a hobby kennel.

Any man-made change of the land surface, including removing vegetative cover which changes the land surface, cutting of trees which changes the land surface, excavating, soil removal, filling, grading, dredging and channel improvements in excess of those limits set forth in this code, but not including agricultural land uses such as planting, growing, cultivating and harvesting of crops, growing and tending of gardens and harvesting of trees, and tree nurseries.

Any property on which or from which landscaping equipment (other than one riding mower and/or one push lawn mower) consisting of trucks, trailers, materials and equipment to be stored and maintained on the site for the purpose of taking to the clients' properties to perform landscaping construction and landscaping maintenance services, such as lawn installation, plant installation, hardscaping, water feature installation, landscape lighting installation, snow plowing and removal and other traditional landscape construction services, the growing of trees, shrubs, bulbs, annuals, perennials and other plants imported to the site which are to be installed by the business on the clients' properties, storage of bark, mulch, grass seed, cover straw, lawn fertilizer, boulders, modular block, pond and waterfall kits, landscape lighting, natural stone and brick, and other items to be imported to the site and then installed on the clients' properties; wholesale or retail nursery sales of trees, shrubs, bulbs, annuals, perennials and other plant material grown and/or imported and sold to wholesale customers (i.e., other landscapers), or of hardwood, bulk bark, mulch, grass seed, cover straw, lawn fertilizer, boulders, modular block, pond and waterfall kits, and landscaping natural materials, shall be imported and sold to wholesale customers.

Lighting that is greater than 0.5 footcandle, measured at a property line.

Lighting that is 0.5 footcandle or less, measured at a property line.

The occupied or usable floor area in a building designed and built with necessary ceiling, flooring, and electrical, heating and plumbing facilities to accommodate human habitation.

A building where lodging only is provided for compensation and having not more than five sleeping rooms for this purpose.

A parcel of contiguous land with described boundaries and abutting or having access via an approved easement to a public street or other approved way. Such parcel shall be exclusive of any land lying in any public right-of-way, navigable streams, or other navigable body of water. Where such navigable streams, navigable body of water, mil tax road, or public rights-of-way divide a single described parcel into two or more parts, such severed portions shall be considered separate individual lots provided they meet the use, building location and area regulations of the district in which they are located. Where such separate parcels do not meet such use, building, location and area regulations, and have been described as a single parcel of record, they, in combination, shall be considered to be a single lot for regulatory purposes, computation of area requirements and other locational provisions of this code.

The area of a lot as described herein bounded by lot lines exclusive of land dedicated, reserved, or used for public rights-of-way, and any navigable streams or other navigable bodies of water.

The mean horizontal distance measured between the street right-of-way line, as established by the Official Map of the Village of Vernon, and the opposing rear line(s) of the lot.

A lot line extending from a street line towards the interior of the lot and separating adjoining lots.

The lines bounding a lot.

A platted lot or lot described in a Certified Survey Map, which has been approved by the Village and has been recorded in the office of the Waukesha County Register of Deeds, or a metes and bounds description of a lot which has been recorded in the Waukesha County Register of Deeds Office prior to the adoption of the original Waukesha County Zoning Code on February 26, 1959.

The mean horizontal distance measured between side lot lines, perpendicular to the lot depth and at a point in relation to the depth where the product of the two would produce the minimum required lot area.

A lot that at the time it was legally created conformed to existing rules and regulations, but is now inconsistent with the dimensional requirements set forth in this code.

The lowest floor or level of the enclosed area in a building, including a basement.

A building or series of buildings in which lodging is offered only for compensation, has more than five sleeping rooms or units, and is distinguished from a hotel primarily by reason of providing direct, independent access and adjoining parking for each rental unit.

Any automobile, truck, tractor, bus, vehicle or other conveyance that is self-propelled by an internal combustion engine or motor, and for the purposes of this code shall include but not be limited to boats, recreational vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, motorized farm equipment and mobile machinery, motorcycles and snowmobiles.

Those intermittent and perennial rivers, streams, ponds, lakes and flowages shown on the USGS Topographic Quadrangle 7.5 minutes series maps of Waukesha County (and as periodically updated) and those stream reaches shown on the large scale topographic mapping control survey project for Waukesha County conducted under § 87.31, Wis. Stats.,[1] and amendments thereto. Any water is considered navigable in fact if it meets the tests outlined in state laws. Determinations of navigability are ultimately field determinations and map delineations are merely the best representation of navigable conditions at any particular time.

Any parcel of land used to cultivate, grow, raise, and harvest trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, ornamental plants, flowers, and other plants in the outdoors or in greenhouses and for sale to retail or wholesale outlets or garden centers.

The sale of trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, ornamental plants, flowers, and other plants on the premises where they are grown, or the place of business where the nursery stock is received after being transported from an off-site location.

The cultivation of trees, bushes, shrubs, vines, ornamental plants, flowers, and other plants on a property and where the nursery stock is transported to market and is not offered for sale on-site.

A place where five or more persons who are not related to the operator or administrator reside, receive care or treatment and, because of their mental or physical condition, require twenty-four-hour nursing services, including limited nursing care, intermediate level nursing care, and skilled nursing services. The term does not include 1) a convent or facility owned or operated exclusively by and for members of a religious order that provides reception and care or treatment of an individual; 2) a hospice as defined in state law; or 3) a residential care complex.

To commence use of any building or structure which is designed or intended to be occupied, used, or inhabited.

Areas on the exterior of the building used for the parking of vehicle that are fully registered, licensed, and operative which are contained on the same premises as the use which the off-street parking lot is intended to serve.

The horizontal distance measured from the side or rear lot line, not along a street, to any roofed or enclosed portion of a building not including an overhang, as defined herein, of 24 inches or less.

Land area used for recreation, agriculture, and resource protection, amenities for recreational purposes or buffers.

Lands which are open space and owned in common by individuals within a development or land trusts or other private conservation organizations.

Lands which are open space, dedicated and owned by a public entity, such as a town, city, village or other public entity, and used for any public purpose other than streets or highways.

The point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of surface water is so continuous as to leave a distinctive mark such as by erosion, destruction or prevention of terrestrial vegetation, predominance of aquatic vegetation, or other easily recognized characteristic. Where the bank or shore at any particular place is of such character that it is difficult or impossible to ascertain where the point of ordinary highwatermark is, alternatively the point may be identified on the opposite bank of a stream or to other places on the shore of a lake or flowage to determine whether a given stage of water is above or below the ordinary high watermark.

An outdoor area where patrons shoot guns, such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns, and bow and arrows for target practice. The term includes archery ranges, trap and skeet clubs, target ranges, and the like.

Land and structures, along with accessory equipment, designed and utilized for leisure time activities of a predominantly outdoor or indoor nature and of having a more specific purpose such as tennis courts, swimming pools, basketball or racquetball courts, ice arenas, facilities used for sports orientated and/or cultural events, etc., other than passive park-like open areas, and further classified as follows:

That portion of a roof over a structure and designated as an integral part of the structure, which extends from the outer wall of the structure to the eave. Rain gutters are not included or considered part of the overhang.

An area permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one motor vehicle which meets the dimensional standards of this code.

A structure characterized by a flat, open, horizontal surface or platform which is semipervious or impervious and usually constructed of materials including, but not limited to, concrete, brick, flagstone, crushed stone, compacted stone, gravel, wood, or other natural or man-made materials. A patio is located on the surface of the ground or at the average grade of the ground surface.

An individual, association, partnership, limited liability company, or corporation.

A building or a portion thereof, or a group of buildings, divided into separate, self-contained, self-service storage units that are rented or leased by the owner and used to meet the storage needs of a household or for the storage of personal property of the general public. The units are not for commercial storage purposes.

A statement of operation, prepared and signed by the owner and tenant or operator of the business or use and approved by the Village Plan Commission that includes a detailed description of the request, number of employees, hours of operation, and types of uses, products or services offered and any special events which are to be conducted on the property.

A development strategy, process or procedure whereby a relatively large parcel of land is developed for a specific use in such a way as to provide specific benefits to the community as well as to the developer and future citizens who will reside within the development, and when the normal application of standards and requirements are waived or made more flexible, and which shall contain substantial amounts of common open space for aesthetic, natural preservation or recreational purposes.

A planned unit development which is a mixture of retail, service uses, industrial or residential uses. Buildings associated with open space and recreational uses, either public or private, shall be considered part of the open space use.

An area landscaped with natural growing plant material which effectively screens off from vision objects it is intending to hide from view.

An enclosure having a frame of steel or other materials which is covered with plastic, polyurethane, vinyl, canvas or other flexible sheeting material.

A functional element of the ingress/egress of a principal structure allowing for easy and convenient passage between the exterior and interior of said structure. For the purposes of regulation in this code, a stoop is considered to be 20 square feet or less whereas a porch exceeds 20 square feet in area.

A special type of asphalt or concrete pavement that allows rain and snowmelt to pass through it, thereby reducing the runoff from a site and surrounding areas. The porous pavement surface is typically placed over a highly permeable layer of open-graded gravel and crushed stone. A filter fabric is placed beneath the gravel and stone layers to screen out fine soil particles. For the purpose of this code, permeable pavers, which are blocks with gravel or grass in between them, will also be considered porous pavement.

Any container, storage unit, shed-like container or other portable structure that can be or is used for the storage of personal property of any kind and which is located for such purposes outside an enclosed building other than an accessory building or shed complying with all building codes and land use requirements.

Domesticated fowl kept for eggs or meat or as pets.

A building or grounds used for regular or periodic meetings or gatherings of a group of persons organized for a nonprofit purpose, but not groups organized to render a service customarily carried on as a business.

The office of a doctor, practitioner, dentist, minister, architect, landscape architect, engineer, lawyer, accountant, author, musician or other similar recognized profession.

Structures and uses principally of an institutional nature and serving a public need, such as hospitals, rest homes, schools, including private, academic and nursery schools, libraries, post offices, museums, police and fire stations, public and private utility facilities and other public services, not including the operation of a public bar, restaurant or recreational facility as a commercial enterprise.

The means that a governmental body uses, or is required to use, in accordance with applicable law, to formally notify people and other interested entities of a pending governmental hearing or proposed action.

The removal of rock, slate, gravel, sand, topsoil or other natural materials from the quarrying site by excavating, stripping, leveling or any other such process.

A man-made depression in the ground that is used as a landscape tool to improve water quality. The rain garden forms a bioretention area by collecting water runoff and storing it temporarily, permitting it to be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil.

A vehicle including, but not limited to, a recreational vehicle (RV), motor home, camper vehicle, truck camper, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), or snowmobile which is commonly used for recreational entertainment, travel, and touring.

A place where recoverable materials, which have been previously removed from the waste stream, may be stored prior to shipment to others who use those materials to manufacture new products. Typical recoverable materials include glass, paper, metal, wood, rubber, asphalt/concrete, and plastic.

A tract of land operated, subject to restrictions of use and under supervision, by a public or private agent where more than one family may take all types of refuse, including organic and inorganic wastes (but excluding human excretions and sewage and/or other liquid waste), for compacting and burial by sanitary landfill methods. Hard or clean fill operations involving material such as foundry sand, dirt, gravel, concrete, or other forms of clean fill material shall not be required to conform to the provisions of this code.

All dogs, cats, and birds are regulated household pets.

Any structural alteration(s), addition(s), modification(s), rebuilding or lateral enlargement(s) of any such existing structures, principal or accessory. The term "remodeling" shall also refer to the conversion of living spaces of other floor areas into space for living purposes; such as converting a part of the living into a bedroom or bathroom regardless of whether such change(s) require structural alteration(s) to the basic structures. Ordinary maintenance repairs, including painting, decorating, paneling, replacement of doors, shingles, siding, windows, and other nonstructural components shall not be considered remodeling.

A place with lodging facilities and on-site amenities primarily intended for the use of overnight guests. Guest rooms may be located in one or more buildings and may include kitchen facilities. In addition to lodging facilities and recreational amenities, such as golf, horseback riding, or lake/beach access, a resort may also include a lodge or other gathering place for guests, dining facilities, administrative facilities, and maintenance and storage facilities.

Any building, room or place where meals are prepared, served or sold to the general public, and all places used in connection with it. Dine-in services, meal pick-up/carry-out and/or delivery of meals are considered restaurant services. "Meals" does not include soft drinks, ice cream, milk, milk drinks, ices and confections. For the purposes of this Zoning Code, "restaurant" does not include:

A structure more than 24 inches in height as measured from finished grade or a combination or series of multiple structures more than 24 inches in height from finished grade, constructed of man-made or natural materials for the main purpose of retaining land or stone and resisting the lateral pressure of the land or stone.

A place where individuals of retirement age may occupy independent dwelling units. The units may be rented or owned as in a condominium. This use may include limited on-site commercial and medical facilities for the exclusive use of residents.

A strip of land dedicated or acquired for public or private use.

A public or private right-of-way usually affording primary access to abutting property.

A farm building used or intended to be used solely by the owner or tenant of the farm on which such building is located for the sale of the farm products raised on such farm.

The intersection of two roof surfaces forming the highest horizontal line of the roof. Also known as the ridgeline.

An existing building, which is: 1) set apart from other buildings as being distinct, due to its construction technique, construction materials, age, local historic significance, or design as determined by the Village Plan Commission; 2) is characteristic of past agricultural practices or rural life, whether presently utilized or not for agricultural practice, as determined by the Village Plan Commission; and 3) sufficiently structurally sound to meet minimum safety requirements for the proposed use. The building owner shall demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the Plan Commission in the form of a stamped report from a structural engineer licensed by the State of Wisconsin that the building is sufficiently structurally sound in the event of any question of structural integrity by the Building Inspector.

A place where salvage materials, such as scrap metal, rubber tires, junk vehicles, and used timber and lumber, or similar materials, may be bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled, or handled. (Note: In contrast see "recycling center.").

A feature such as a wall, fence, hedge, berm, or similar feature used to shield or obscure elements of a development from adjacent sites.

An outdoor area where merchandise typically associated with a seasonal holiday or festival is displayed and offered for sale at retail immediately before the event. Examples of such merchandise include Christmas trees and wreaths for Christmas and pumpkins for Halloween. The term does not include fireworks sales for the Fourth of July.

The process of selectively cutting or removing vegetation which would include a determination by a forester or naturalist of which plants, including woody vegetation and trees, middle layer species and ground layer vegetation is to be removed or cut based upon the species type, quality, indigenous character (alien, invasive or native) or otherwise of poor quality (dead, diseased, dying).

A business where personal services are performed or assistance is provided on-site or at remote locations, as opposed to products sold.

The horizontal distance between the base setback line and the nearest roofed or enclosed portion of a building, excluding the twenty-four-inch roof overhang defined herein.

The horizontal distance between the average annual high watermark of a water body, the conservancy/wetland district, or the established 100-year floodplain location if available, to the closest point of a principal or accessory building.

Has the meaning given in § 59.692(1)(b), Wis. Stat.

Has the meaning given in § 59.692(1)(bn), Wis. Stat.

Any display of lettering, logos, colors, lights, objects or illuminated neon tubes visible to the public from outside of a building or from a traveled way, which either conveys a message to the public, or intends to advertise, direct, invite, announce, or draw attention to goods, products, services, promotions, events, occasions, facilities, persons, property interest, or business either on the lot or on any other premises. The types of signs as used in this code shall be further defined as follows:

That part of a total sign structure which encompasses the sign message exclusive of a structure upon which the sign area is affixed or which supports the sign area. However, for the purpose of computing square footage of a sign area, any exposed structure which supports a sign may not comprise more than 1/3 of the visible or exposed surface of one side of a total sign structure. Only one side of a double-sided sign shall count toward the sign area requirements of § 300-13E.

The sign area, plus any exposed area or members of the supporting structure on or to which the sign, or sign message, is affixed. Decorative, landscaped earthen berms or structures which are composed principally of exposed earth and/or landscape (plant) materials is not included as part of the total sign structure.

The area of the facade of the building facing or abutting upon a street right of way up to the ceiling line of the top floor which is free of windows and doors or major architectural detail on which signs may be displayed.

A map of the property (in standard engineering or mapping scale) which provides a clear representation of the property, approved by the Village Plan Commission, that shows the location and dimensions of all existing and proposed buildings and structures and other attributes on the site, the location, number and arrangement of parking spaces or loading areas, lighting fixtures, easements, dumpsters, signs, landscaping and screening, and any other factors affecting the development of the site.

An informal plan to scale indicating the pertinent existing features of a tract of land and the adjacent land uses, with the general layout of the proposal, including open space areas, lot lines, roads, and outlots designated for stormwater facilities.

A place where solid waste may be temporarily stored prior to transport to a processing plant, or may be permanently buried consistent with environmental protection standards. The term includes composting facilities, recycling facilities, and solid waste transfer stations. The term does not include land application units, surface impoundments, injection wells, or waste piles.

This term includes adult family homes, community living arrangements, emergency shelters, foster and treatment homes, group day-care centers, and nursing and retirement homes.

An event of limited duration approved by the Village Plan Commission which is open to the public and is not otherwise permitted in the district. Examples include auctions, art fairs, festivals, and fundraisers.

Place where parking for motor vehicles is allowed when specifically related to a special event of regional significance as designated by the Village Plan Commission.

A request for a minor adjustment to the requirements of the Zoning Code only where specifically authorized by this code, owing to special conditions of the property. The special exception must be necessary and desirable and must not adversely affect adjacent property owners. A special exception differs from a variance in that a special exception does not necessarily require demonstration of an unnecessary hardship or practical difficulty. In the granting of a special exception, the approving body must still consider whether the proposed special exception would be hazardous, harmful, noxious, offensive or a nuisance to the surrounding neighborhood by reason of physical, social or economic effects and may impose such restrictions or conditions they deem necessary for the protection of adjacent properties and the public interest and welfare.

Simulated or actual:

That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it; or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it and including basements that are exposed at least six feet on at least one side.

See "road."

A street contiguous and parallel to a traffic artery and affording direct vehicular access to abutting property.

A dividing line between a lot, tract, or parcel of land and a contiguous street.

Any change(s) in the supporting members of a building or any substantial change(s) in the roof structure or in the exterior walls.

Any man-made object with form, shape and utility that is constructed or otherwise erected, attached to or permanently or temporarily placed either upon the ground or upon another structure. For the purpose of this code, the term "structure" includes swimming pools, hot tubs, patios, decks, gazebos, radio towers and television towers, but does not include landscaping or earth work including graded areas, filled areas, ditches, berms or earthen terraces. The term "structures" does not include flag poles, mailboxes, fences, basketball hoops, satellite dishes of 18 inches or less in diameter or small objects that are easily moved by hand, such as lawn chairs, portable grills, portable picnic tables, lawn ornaments, temporary fences, bird feeders, birdhouses or birdbaths.

A building, structure, or portion thereof, lawfully existing at the time of the passage of the Code from which this section is derived, but which does not conform in one or more respects to the regulations of this code.

The management of forested lands to provide annual or periodic crops of forest products.

A place where alcoholic beverages are offered for retail sale for on-site consumption pursuant to a license or permit issued under the Wisconsin Statutes and where food consumption, if any, is clearly secondary and subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. The term includes bars, drinking establishments, microbreweries, and lounges.

A movable structure not designed for human habitation or occupancy, but for the temporary protection of goods or chattels during a period of construction, but not to exceed one year; for the enclosure or screening of goods or property; or for the display of signs and advertising.

A building in which lodging, with or without meals, is offered to transient guests for compensation, and having no more than five sleeping rooms for this purpose with no cooking facilities in any such individual room or apartment.

A structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, and monopole towers. The term includes personal communication service towers, radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures, and the like.

See "highway."

A site containing spaces with required improvements and utilities that are leased for the long-term placement of manufactured houses. The site may include services and facilities for the residents.

A place where goods carried by motor transport are received and temporarily stored until transferred to another truck for delivery.

Use subordinate to and customarily incident to the permitted principal use of the property or buildings, and located upon the same lot as the principal use.

The use of a building or land lawfully carried on at the time of the passage of the Code from which this section is derived or amendments thereto, but which does not conform to the use regulations of this code.

The main or primary use of property or buildings as specified and permitted by the regulations of the district in which it is located.

Pedestals, loaders, junction boxes, cross-connect boxes and any similar facilities which relate to the provisions of telephone, electric, natural gas, cable television, cable Internet, or similar public services, and which are owned by the providers of such services.

An authorization granted by the Vernon Board of Appeals, pursuant to state law and the terms of this code, to depart from the literal requirements of this code.

An authorization granted by the Vernon Board of Appeals for modification to a dimensional, physical, or locational requirement such as a setback, frontage, height, bulk, or density restriction for a structure.

An authorization by the Vernon Board of Appeals for the use of land for a purpose that is otherwise not allowed or is prohibited by the applicable Zoning Ordinance.

The Village of Vernon, Waukesha County, Wisconsin.

A person who has been designated or appointed by the Village Board to handle legal obligations or matters of the Village of Vernon.

The Village of Vernon Board of Trustees and President under the jurisdiction of this code.

The Board of Appeals established by the Village of Vernon Board pursuant to § 62.23(7)(e)., Wis. Stat.

A person or company that has been designated or appointed by the Village Board to perform the responsibilities of a building inspector as set forth in the Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin Administrative Code, and the Village of Vernon Code of Ordinances, including as amended from time to time."

The Village of Vernon Clerk/Administrator.

A person or engineering firm who has been designated or appointed by the Village Board to handle engineering matters for the Village of Vernon.

The Village of Vernon Plan Commission established under village powers pursuant to § 62.23, Wis. Stats.

A person or planning firm who has been designated or appointed by the Village Board to handle planning matters for the Village of Vernon.

An individual such as the Village Building Inspector or Village Planner who is designated by the Village and does not include any committee, commission, or board or its individual members.

The unoccupied triangular space at the street corner of a corner lot that provides an unobstructed view in both directions perpendicular to the line of sight at all road intersections. Also known as a "vision triangle."

A building where goods, merchandise, and other materials are stored for eventual shipment. The term includes moving and storage facilities. The term does not include bulk fuel storage.

A temporary event where used household items are offered for sale.

A type of zoning district that is superimposed over one or more base zoning districts, or portions thereof, and thereby imposes additional requirements, modifies existing requirements of the underlying base zoning district, or both.

A document signed by the Village Zoning Administrator, as required in this code, which acknowledges that the proposed building, structure, and/or use complies with the provisions of this code and applicable Village ordinances. The issuance of a zoning use permit is a condition precedent to the issuance of a building or occupancy permit.