West Sacramento City Zoning Code
Division V
Terms and Definitions
§ 17.50.010 Residential Uses.
A day care facility licensed by the State of California, located in a residential unit where resident of the dwelling 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 extended stay hotels intended for long-term occupancy (30 days or more) but excludes hotels and motels, and residential care facilities.
A development designed and occupied by manufactured housing units including development with facilities and amenities used in common by occupants who rent, lease, or own spaces for manufactured housing units through a subdivision, cooperative, condominium or other form of resident ownership.
A facility licensed by the State of California to provide living accommodations, 24-hour care for persons requiring personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance with daily tasks. Amenities may include shared living quarters, with or without a private bathroom or kitchen facilities. This classification includes those both for and not-for-profit institutions but excludes supportive housing and transitional housing.
A facility that provides a combination of housing and supportive services for the elderly or functionally impaired, including personalized assistance, congregate dining, recreational, and social activities. These facilities may include medical services. Examples include assisted living facilities, retirement homes, and retirement communities. These facilities typically consist of individual units or apartments, with or without kitchen facility, and common areas and facilities. The residents in these facilities require varying levels of assistance.
Accessory dwelling unit.
An attached or detached unit that is ancillary to the primary unit and has a kitchen, sleeping, and bathroom facilities located on a lot with one single-unit dwelling, where one of the units is owner occupied.
Multi-unit residential.
Three or more attached or detached dwelling units on a single lot. Types of multi-unit residential include townhouses, multiple detached residential units, and apartment buildings.
Single-unit dwelling, attached.
A dwelling unit that is designed for occupancy by one household located on a separate lot from any other unit (except a second dwelling unit, where permitted), and is attached through common walls to one or more dwellings on abutting lots. An attached single-unit dwelling is sometimes called a "townhouse" or a "condominium."
Single-unit dwelling, detached.
A dwelling unit that is designed for occupancy by one household with private yards on all sides and located on a separate lot from any other unit (except an accessory dwelling unit, where permitted). This classification includes individual manufactured housing units.
Two-unit dwelling.
A residential building containing two dwelling units, both of which are located on a single parcel (also referred to as a "duplex" or "two-flat"). The dwelling units are attached and may be located on separate floors or side-by-side.
A residential facility where living accommodations are individual secure rooms, with or without separate kitchen or bathroom facilities for each room, are rented to one-or two-person households for a weekly or monthly period of time. This use classification is distinct from a hotel or motel, which is a commercial use.
Dwelling units with no limit on length of stay, that are occupied by the target population as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 53260 of the California Health and Safety Code, and that are linked to onsite or offsite services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, where possible, work in the community.
Transitional housing is housing that has a predetermined end point in time and operated under a program that requires the termination of assistance, in order to provide another eligible program recipient to the service. The program length is usually no less than six months.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
§ 17.50.020 Public/Semi-Public Uses.
An open-air facility, where recreational vehicle or camping spaces are rented, or held out for rent, for overnight stay in tents, trailers, or recreational vehicles for 30 consecutive days or less.
Institutions of higher education providing curricula of a general, religious, or professional nature, granting degrees and including junior colleges, business and computer schools, management training, technical and trade schools, however excluding personal instructional services such as music lessons.
A facility for public or private meetings, including community centers, union halls, meeting halls, and other membership organizations. Included in this classification is the use of functionally related facilities for the use of members and attendees such as kitchens, multi-purpose rooms, classrooms and storage.
An institution and/or associated facility engaged in activities to promote aesthetic and educational interest among the community that are open to the public on a regular basis. This classification includes performing arts centers for performances and events; spaces for display or preservation of objects of interest in the arts or sciences; libraries; museums; historical sites; aquariums; art galleries; and zoos and botanical gardens, all of which are public or private. This does not include schools or institutions of higher education providing curricula of a general nature.
Establishments providing non-medical care for persons on a less than 24-hour basis other than family day care. This classification includes nursery schools, preschools, and day care facilities for children or adults, and any other day care facility licensed by the State of California.
Housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less, as defined in Section 50801 of the California Health and Safety Code. Medical assistance, counseling, and meals may be provided.
Administrative, clerical, or public contact offices of a government agency, including postal facilities and courts, along with the storage and maintenance of vehicles. This classification excludes corporation yards, equipment service centers, and similar facilities that require maintenance and repair services and storage facilities for related vehicles and equipment (see Section 17.50.050, Public Works and Utilities).
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 Section 17.50.030, Animal Care, Sales, and Services).
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, 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.
Hospitals.
A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical services for sick or injured persons, primarily on an inpatient basis, and including supplementary facilities for outpatient and emergency treatment, diagnostic services, training, research, administration, and services to patients, employees, or visitors. The institutions are to be licensed by the State of California to provide surgical and medical services.
Skilled nursing facility.
A State-licensed facility or a distinct part of a hospital that provides continuous skilled nursing and supportive care to patients whose primary need requires the availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis. The facility provides 24-hour inpatient care and, at a minimum, includes physician, nursing, dietary, pharmaceutical services and an activity program. Intermediate care programs that provide skilled nursing and supportive care for patients on a less-than-continuous basis are classified as skilled nursing facilities.
Establishments that offer specialized programs in personal growth and development such as music, martial arts, vocal, fitness and dancing instruction.
Parks, playgrounds, recreation facilities, trails, wildlife preserves, and related open spaces, all of which are noncommercial. This classification 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.
Surface lots and structures offering parking for a fee when such use is not incidental to another on-site activity.
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.
Facilities providing a variety of supportive services for disabled and homeless individuals and other targeted groups on a less than 24-hour basis. Examples of services provided are counseling, meal programs, personal storage lockers, showers, instructional programs, television rooms, and meeting spaces. This classification is distinguished from licensed day care centers (see Day Care Centers), clinics, and emergency shelters providing 24-hour care (see Emergency Shelter).
Facilities offering academic instruction to individuals or to groups in a classroom setting where an adult accompanies a minor. Facilities where minors are not accompanied by adults are classified as day care centers.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
§ 17.50.030 Commercial Uses.
Any business or entertainment which is conducted exclusively for the patronage of adults and as to which minors are specifically excluded from patronage, either by law and/or operators of such business, and which is characterized by an emphasis on "specified sexual activities" and/or specified anatomical areas. Adult entertainment also includes any adult motion picture theater, adult bookstore/adult video store/adult novelty store, adult cabaret, adult dance studio, adult hotel or motel, adult theater, sexual encounter establishment, nude modeling studio, adult tanning salon, sex supermarket/sex mini-mall, and any other business or establishment that, on a regular and substantial basis, offers its patrons entertainment or services which involve, depict, describe, or relate to "specified sexual activities" and/or "specified anatomical areas."
Retail sales and services related to the boarding, grooming, and care of household pets including:
Animal sales and grooming.
Retail sales of animals and/or services, including grooming, for animals on a commercial basis. Typical uses include dog bathing and clipping salons, pet grooming shops, and pet stores and shops. 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.
Boarding/kennels.
A commercial, non-profit, or governmental facility for keeping, boarding, training, breeding or maintaining dogs, cats, or other household pets not owned by the kennel owner or operator. Typical uses include pet clinics, pet day care, and animal shelters, but exclude pet shops and animal hospitals that provide 24-hour accommodation of animals receiving medical or grooming service.
Veterinary services.
Veterinary services for small animals. This classification allows 24-hour accommodation of animals receiving medical services but does not include kennels.
Retail or wholesale businesses that sell, rent, and/or repair automobiles, boats, recreational vehicles, trucks, vans, trailers, and motorcycles including the following:
Automobile rentals.
Establishment providing for the rental of automobiles. Typical uses include car rental agencies.
Automobile/vehicle repair, major.
Repair of automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, boats and recreational vehicles, generally on an overnight basis that may include 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 towing services. This classification excludes vehicle dismantling or salvaging and tire retreading or recapping.
Automobile/vehicle sales and leasing.
Sale or lease, retail or wholesale, of automobiles, light trucks, motorcycles, motor homes, and trailers, together with associated repair services and parts sales, but excluding body repair and painting. Typical uses include automobile dealers and recreational vehicle sales agencies.
Automobile/vehicle service and repair, minor.
The service and repair of automobiles, light-duty trucks, boats, and motorcycles, including the incidental 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 smog checks, tire sales and installation, auto radio/electronics installation, auto air conditioning/heater service, and quick-service oil, tune-up and brake and muffler shops where repairs are made or service provided in enclosed bays and no vehicles are stored overnight.
Fueling stations.
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 incidental food and retail services. This classification includes "mini-marts" and/or convenience stores that sell products, merchandise, or services that are ancillary to the primary use related to the operation of motor vehicles where such sale is by means other than vending machines.
Large vehicle and equipment sales, service and rental.
Sales, servicing, rental, fueling, and washing of large trucks, trailers, tractors, and other equipment used for construction, moving, agricultural, or landscape gardening activities.
Towing and impound.
Establishments primarily engaged in towing light or heavy motor vehicles, both local and long distance. These establishments may provide incidental services, such as vehicle storage and emergency road repair services (for automobile dismantling, see Section 17.50.040, Salvage and Wrecking).
Washing.
Washing, waxing, or cleaning of automobiles or similar light vehicles.
Banks and credit unions.
Financial institutions providing retail banking services. This classification includes only those institutions serving walk-in customers or clients, including banks, savings and loan institutions, and credit unions, but excluding check-cashing businesses.
Check-cashing businesses.
Establishments that, for compensation, engage in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving the same purpose. This classification also includes the business of deferred deposits, whereby the check casher refrains from depositing a personal check written by a customer until a specific date pursuant to a written agreement as provided in Civil Code Section 1789.33. Check-cashing businesses do not include State-or Federally-chartered banks, savings associations, credit unions, or industrial loan companies. 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 order incidental to their main purpose or business.
Establishments providing 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, photofinishing, model building, taxi or delivery services with two or fewer fleet vehicles on site.
Any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where cannabis is cultivated, provided, sold, made available, or otherwise distributed, as defined in Division 10 of the Business and Professions Code and Chapter 6, Article 2 and 2.5 of the Health and Safety Code.
Provision of participant or spectator entertainment to the public. These classifications may include restaurants, snack bars, and other incidental food and beverage services to patrons.
Cinema/theaters.
Any facility for the indoor display of films and motion pictures on single or multiple screens. This classification may include incidental food and beverage service to patrons as well as auditoriums within buildings.
Indoor sports and recreation.
Establishments providing predominantly participant sports, indoor amusement and entertainment services conducted within an enclosed building, including coin-operated electronic amusement centers. Typical uses include bowling alleys, billiard parlors, card rooms, health clubs, ice-and roller-skating rinks, indoor racquetball courts, athletic clubs, and physical fitness centers.
Outdoor entertainment.
Predominantly spectator uses, conducted in open or partially enclosed or screened facilities. Typical uses include amusement and theme parks, sports stadiums and arenas, racetracks, amphitheaters, and drive-in theaters.
Outdoor sports and recreation.
Predominantly spectator sports conducted in open or partially enclosed or screened facilities. Typical uses include driving ranges, golf courses, miniature golf courses, tennis clubs, outdoor batting cages, swimming pools, archery ranges, and riding stables.
A motor vehicle drive-through facility which is a commercial building or structure or portion thereof which is designed or used to provide goods or services to the occupants of motor vehicles. It includes, but is not limited to, banks and other financial institutions, fast food establishments, and film deposit/pick-up establishments, but shall not include drive-in movies, service stations, or car-wash operations.
Businesses primarily engaged in serving prepared food and/or beverages for consumption on or off the premises.
Bars/night clubs/lounges.
Businesses serving beverages for consumption on the premises as a primary use, including on-sale service of alcohol including beer, wine, and mixed drinks. This use includes tasting rooms and micro-breweries where alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on site and any beverage production or distilling, and food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages.
Restaurant.
Establishments where food and beverages are served to patrons on-site or off-site, including full-service, limited-service, and take-out/delivery businesses. This classification includes brewpubs manufacturing 5,000 barrels per year or less, cafes, coffee shops, delicatessens, fast-food businesses, and bakeries that have tables for on-site consumption of products. It excludes catering services and commercial kitchens that do not sell food or beverages for on-site consumption.
Temporary but recurring outdoor retail sales of food, plants, flowers, and products such as jellies, breads, and meats that are predominantly grown or produced by vendors who sell them.
Businesses preparing and/or packaging food primarily for off-site consumption, excluding those of an industrial character in terms of processes employed, waste produced, water used, and traffic generation. Typical uses include caterers and commercial kitchens.
An establishment primarily engaged in the provision of services, involving the care, preparation, or disposition of human remains and conducting memorial services. Typical uses include a crematory, columbarium, mausoleum, or mortuary.
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 public. This use classification includes motor lodges, motels, extended-stay hotels, and tourist courts.
Hotels.
An establishment providing overnight lodging to transient patrons where rooms open only to the interior of the building. Hotels may provide additional services, such as conference and meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, or recreation facilities available to guests or to the public.
Motels.
An establishment providing overnight lodging to transient patrons designed primarily for motorists, typically with parking directly outside of room doors. Rooms may open to the exterior of the building. Motels may provide recreation facilities available to guests but generally do not provide conference and meeting rooms, restaurants, or bars.
Short-term rental.
The rental of any structure or any portion of any structure for occupancy for dwelling, lodging, or sleeping purposes for 30 consecutive calendar days or less in duration.
Establishments engaged in the maintenance or repair of office machines, household appliances, furniture, and similar items. This classification excludes maintenance and repair of motor vehicles (see Automotive/Vehicle Sales and Services) and personal apparel (see Personal Services: General Personal Services).
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.
Any establishment(s) 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. This classification includes commercial and wholesale greenhouses and nurseries offering plants for sale.
Offices of firms, organizations, or public agencies providing professional, executive, management, administrative or design services, such as accounting, architectural, computer software design, engineering, graphic design, interior design, investment, insurance, and legal offices, excluding banks and savings and loan associations with retail banking services (see Banks and Financial Institutions). This classification also includes offices where medical and dental services are provided by physicians, dentists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, optometrists, and similar medical professionals, including medical/dental laboratories within medical office buildings, but excludes clinics or independent research laboratory facilities (see Section 17.50.040, Research and Development) and hospitals.
Business, professional, and technology.
Offices of firms, organizations, or agencies providing professional, executive, management, or administrative services, such as accounting, architectural, computer software design, engineering, graphic design, interior design, legal, and tax preparation offices.
Medical and dental.
Offices providing consultation, diagnosis, therapeutic, preventive, or corrective personal-treatment services by doctors and dentists; medical and dental laboratories that see patients; 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 if it supports the on-site patient services.
General personal services.
An establishment providing non-medical services to individuals as a primary use, of personal convenience, as opposed to products that are sold to individual consumers, or from/by companies. Personal services include barber and beauty shops, shoe and luggage repair, photographers, laundry and cleaning services and pick-up stations, copying, repair and fitting of clothes, and similar services.
Fortunetelling.
Any place of business where any person allows or professes to carry on, engage in or practice the art or transaction of palmistry, fortunetelling, clairvoyance, crystal gazing, seancing, numerology, mediumship, tarot-card reading, past-life regression, prophecy, phrenology or divination for personal gain or other similar activity.
Massage establishments.
Any establishment having a fixed place of business where any person engages in or carries on any method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating, or stimulating of the external parts of the body with the hands or with the aid of any mechanical electrical apparatus or appliances with or without such supplementary aids as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice. Such establishment shall have health enhancement as part of its purpose. Exempted from this definition are massage therapists operating in conjunction with and on the same premises as a physician, surgeon, chiropractor, osteopath, nurse or any physical therapist (State-licensed professions or vocations) who are duly State-licensed to practice their respective professions in the State of California.
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 using 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.
Building materials sales and services.
Retail sales or rental of building supplies or equipment. This classification includes lumber yards, tool and equipment sales or rental establishments, and includes establishments devoted principally to taxable retail sales to individuals for their own use. This definition does not include construction and material yards, hardware stores less than 10,000 square feet in floor area, or plant nurseries.
Convenience markets.
Establishments primarily engaged in the provision of frequently or recurrently needed small personal items or services for residents within a reasonable walking distance. These include various general retail sales and personal services of an appropriate size and scale to meet the above criteria. Typical uses include neighborhood grocery stores, convenience markets, and drugstores.
Food and beverage sales.
Retail sales of food and beverages primarily for off-site preparation and consumption. Typical uses include food markets, groceries, meat markets and butcher shops, and retail bakeries.
General retail.
The retail sale or rental of merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes retail establishments with 25,000 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, 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). Retail sales may be combined with other services such as office machine, computer, electronics, and similar small-item repairs.
Any establishment whose business includes buying, selling, trading, selling on consignment, or auctioning secondhand tangible personal property. Tangible personal property shall be defined as stated in the California Business and Professions Code. Acceptance of donated material and goods are not allowed.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3; Ord. 24-1, 1/17/2024)
§ 17.50.040 Industrial Uses.
Cannabis indoor commercial cultivation facility.
A building or portion of a building used for a business involving the wholly indoor commercial cultivation of cannabis plants within California in compliance with the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (the "MAUCRSA," Business and Professions Code Section 26000, et seq.).
Cannabis laboratory materials testing facility.
A building, or portion thereof, used for a business involving the materials testing, investigation, scientific research, or experimentation of medicinal or nonmedicinal cannabis or cannabis products within California in compliance with the Medicinal and Adult-use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (the "MAUCRSA," Business and Professions Code Section 26000, et seq.).
Cannabis manufacturing facility.
A building, or portion thereof, used for a business involving the manufacture for off-site sale of cannabis products within California in compliance with the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (the "MAUCRSA," Business and Professions Code Section 26000, et seq.).
Wholesale cannabis logistics, distribution, and transportation facility.
A building, or portion thereof, used for a business involving the procurement, sale, and transport of cannabis and cannabis products within California in compliance with the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (the "MAUCRSA," Business and Professions Code Section 26000, et seq.).
Facilities and mobile equipment for loading, unloading, storage, cleaning, and processing of bulk storage and container cargo to and from vessels, rail cars, and trucks.
A designated area used for the outdoor storage and maintenance of construction equipment, materials, and supplies. This area may also include accessory structures, including, but not limited to, offices or other structures related to the construction process.
Any establishment primarily engaged in on-site production or fabrication of goods by hand manufacturing or artistic endeavor, which involves only the use of hand tools or small mechanical equipment, and which may include incidental instruction or direct sales for consumers. Typical uses include ceramic studios, fabric and needleworking, leather working, metalworking, glassworking, candlemaking shops, woodworking, and custom jewelry manufacturers.
A facility where materials and goods are donated, accepted for sale on consignment or auction, or otherwise dropped off. Includes sorting and distribution of goods and materials.
Establishments engaged in the production, processing, packaging, or manufacturing of food or beverage products and any instruction, direct sales, or on-site consumption are incidental to the food or beverage production activity.
Large scale.
Large-scale production, packaging, processing, preparation, or manufacturing of a food, beverage, or ingredient used or intended for use for human digestion in a facility over 10,000 square feet. This classification includes uses such as bottling of alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverages; canning, bottle, processing, and packaging of food; coffee roasting; food products; oleomargarine; brewing; and distillation of liquor and spirits. This definition does not include slaughtering of animals or fowl, or direct retail sales.
Small scale.
A small-scale food and beverage products manufacturing and distribution establishment located in facilities less than 10,000 square feet in size. Examples include small coffee roasters, microbreweries (manufacturing 15,000 barrels per year or less), micro-distilleries (manufacturing 10,000 barrels per year or less), wine manufacturing, meat or fish processing, small-batch candy shops, cheese makers, wholesale bakeries, and brew-on-premises stores which provide ingredients and equipment for customers to manufacture their own product.
Establishments engaged in manufacturing of non-edible products from extracted or raw materials or recycled or secondary materials, or bulk storage and handling of such products and materials. Production typically involves some transformation by way of heating, chilling, combining, or through a chemical or biochemical reaction or alteration. Toxic, hazardous, or explosive materials may be produced or used in large quantities as part of the manufacturing process. These industrial activities may produce impacts on nearby properties, such as noise, gas, odor, dust, or vibration. This classification includes manufacturing for biomass energy conversion, commercial advertising, cosmetics and perfumes, electrical appliances and explosives, film and photographic processing plants, apparel and textile mills, leather and allied products manufacturing, wood and paper, glass and glass products, chemical products, medical/pharmaceutical products, plastics and rubber, nonmetallic minerals, primary and fabricated metal products, and automotive and heavy equipment.
Establishments engaged in manufacturing of non-edible products and finished parts primarily from previously-prepared materials by means of physical assembly or reshaping. These industrial activities produce limited impacts on nearby properties, such as noise, gas, odor, or vibration. This classification includes uses where retail sales are clearly incidental to an industrial or manufacturing use; commercial laundries and dry-cleaning plants; monument works; printing, engraving and publishing; computer and electronic product manufacturing; furniture and related product manufacturing; and industrial services.
A facility for the 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. This classification includes assembly of related products from parts produced off site, where the manufacturing activity is secondary to the research and development activities, in addition to involving the production of experimental products.
Storage and dismantling of vehicles and equipment for sale of parts, as well as their collection, storage, exchange or sale of goods including, but not limited to, any used building materials, used containers or steel drums, used tires, and similar or related articles or property.
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.
Indoor warehousing, storage, and wholesaling and distribution.
Indoor storage and/or 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 operation, including janitorial and restaurant supplies. This use includes cold storage, freight moving and storage, warehouses, and wholesalers. Wholesalers are primarily engaged in business-to-business sales but may sell to individual consumers through mail or internet orders. They 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 Section 17.50.030, Retail Sales: Building Materials Sales and Services) or any use that involves cannabis.
Outdoor storage.
Storage of commercial goods in open lots.
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.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3; Ord. 25-7, 7/16/2025)
§ 17.50.050 Transportation, Communication, and Utility Uses.
Facilities for the takeoff and landing of airplanes and helicopters, including runways, helipads, aircraft storage buildings, public terminal building and parking, air freight terminal, baggage handling facility, aircraft hangar and public transportation and related facilities, including bus operations, servicing and storage. Also includes support activities such as fueling and maintenance, storage, airport operations and air traffic control, incidental retail sales, coffee shops and snack shops and airport administrative facilities, including airport offices, terminals, operations buildings, communications equipment, buildings and structures, control towers, lights, and other equipment and structures required by the United States Government and/or the State for the safety of aircraft operations.
Facilities for the provision of broadcasting and other information-relay services using electronic and telephonic mechanisms.
Facilities within buildings.
Includes radio, television or recording studios, and telephone switching centers.
Telecommunication.
Broadcasting and other communication services accomplished through electronic or telephonic mechanisms, as well as structures and equipment cabinets designed to support one or more reception/transmission systems. Typical uses include wireless telecommunication towers and facilities, radio towers, television towers, telephone exchange/microwave relay towers, cellular telephone transmission/personal communications systems towers, and associated equipment cabinets and enclosures.
Any property and improvement facilities for the short-term loading, unloading and servicing of freight and passenger vessels.
Any property and improvements used for freight, courier, and postal services; freight transfer truck terminals; or for the operations of a "common carrier trucking company," including the parking, or servicing, or repairing, or storage of trucks, truck tractors, and/or truck trailers.
Passenger transportation services, local delivery services, medical transport, and other businesses that rely on fleets of three or more vehicles with rated capacities less than 10,000 pounds. This classification includes parking, dispatching, and offices for taxicab and limousine operations, ambulance services, non-emergency medical transport, local messenger and document delivery services, home cleaning services, and similar businesses.
Facilities that provides a range of services related to the use of boats and other watercraft and commercial and recreational fishing. Services may include, but are not limited to, boat moorings; sales, storage, construction, repair, and maintenance of boats, boat parts, and other marine-related items; marine fueling stations and washing facilities; seafood processing, boat and watercraft charter operations; offices; bait and tackle shops; and hardware sales.
Generating plants, electric substations, solid waste collection, including transfer stations and materials recovery facilities, solid waste treatment and disposal, water or wastewater treatment plants, and similar facilities of public agencies or public utilities.
A facility which involves the loading or unloading of goods from a rail car or train.
A facility for receiving, temporarily storing, transferring and/or processing materials for recycling, reuse, or final disposal. This use classification does not include waste transfer facilities that operate as materials recovery, recycling, and solid waste transfer operations and are classified as utilities.
Recycling collection facility.1. 2.
An incidental use that serves as a neighborhood drop-off point for the temporary storage of recyclable or reusable materials but where the processing and sorting of such items is not conducted on site.
Large collection facility.
Large collection facilities may occupy an area of more than 500 square feet and may include permanent structures.
Small collection facility.a. b. c. d.
Small collection facilities occupy no more than 500 square feet and may include:
A "mobile recycling unit," which means an automobile, truck, trailer or van, licensed by the department of motor vehicles, and used for the collection of recyclable materials. A mobile recycling unit also means the bins, boxes or containers transported by trucks, vans or trailers, and used for the collection of recyclable materials;
Bulk reverse vending machines or a grouping of reverse vending machines occupying more than 50 square feet;
Booth-type units which may include permanent structures; and
Unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials.
Recycling processing facility.
A facility that receives, sorts, stores and/or processes recyclable materials.
Heavy processing facility.
Any processing facility other than a light processing facility.
Light processing facility.
A light processing facility 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.
An automated mechanical device that accepts, sorts and processes recyclable materials and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
§ 17.50.060 Agricultural and Extractive Uses.
Animal production.
Commercial facilities engaged in the breeding, raising, feeding, and trans-shipping of livestock for producing animal products, animal increase, or value increase. The uses set forth in this section shall not include stockyards, slaughterhouses, hog farms, fertilizer works or plants for the reduction of animal matter.
Crop production.
The cultivation of tree, vine, field, forage, and other plant crops intended to provide food or fibers. The classification excludes wholesale or retail nurseries (see Section 17.50.030, Nurseries and Garden Centers).
Horticulture production.
Commercial facilities for growing flowers, trees and ornamentals. The classification excludes wholesale or retail nurseries (see Section 17.50.030, Nurseries and Garden Centers).
The extraction of minerals, including mining, digging, dredging, drilling and pumping of water, gases, minerals or combustibles.
Aquaculture.
The cultivation of marine or freshwater fish, shellfish, or plants under controlled conditions. Aquaculture includes aquaponics which integrates aquaculture with hydroponics by recycling the waste products from fish to fertilize hydroponically growing plants.
Community garden.
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, by several individuals or households.
Market garden.
The primary use of a site for cultivation of fruits, vegetables, flowers, fiber, nuts, seeds, or culinary herbs for sale or donation of its produce to the public.
Private garden.
A private food-producing garden that is accessory to the primary use of the site.
(Ord. 19-1 § 3)
§ 17.51.010 List of Terms.
Abutting | Change of Use |
Access | City |
Accessory Building | City Council |
Accessory Structure | Collector Roadway |
Accessory Use | Commercial Vehicle |
Adjacent | Commission |
Adjoining | Community Development Director |
A-Framed Sign | Compatible |
Agent or Authorized Agent | Conditionally Permitted |
Aggrieved Person | Conditional Use |
Alley | Condition of Approval |
Alteration | County |
Applicant | Deck |
Architectural Feature | Demolition |
Arterial Roadway | Density |
Attached Building or Structure | Detached Building |
Awning | Detached Structure |
Balcony | Development |
Bedroom | Development Agreement |
Block | Development Permit |
Buffer | Director |
Building | District |
Building, Accessory | Driveway |
Building, Attached | Dwelling Unit |
Building, Detached | Easement |
Building, Main | Effective Date |
Building Code | Electrical Code |
Building Face | Emergency |
Building Footprint | Emergency Vehicle |
Building Frontage | Environmental Impact Report (EIR) |
Building Height | Environmental Review |
Building Site | Equipment |
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) | Erect |
Camper | Façade |
Canopy | Family |
Carport | Farmworker |
Farmworker Dwelling Unit | Flag Lot |
Farmworker Housing | Interior Lot |
Feasible | Key Lot |
Fence | Reversed Corner Lot |
Firearms | Through Lot |
Floor Area | Lot Area |
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) | Lot Coverage |
Foot-Candle | Lot Depth |
Footprint | Lot Frontage |
Freeway | Lot Line |
Frontage, Building | Front Lot Line |
Frontage, Street | Interior Lot Line |
Garage | Rear Lot Line |
General Plan | Side Lot Line |
Glare | Street Side Lot Line |
Lot, Nonconforming | |
Grade | Lot Width |
Grade, Existing or Natural | Maintenance and Repair |
Grade, Finished | Municipal Code |
Ground Floor | Noise |
Hazardous Materials | Nonconforming Building |
Heat | Nonconforming Lot |
Height | Nonconforming Structure |
Home Occupation | Nonconforming Use |
Household | On-Site |
Household Pets | Outdoor Storage |
Illegal Use | Owner |
Impervious Surface | Parapet |
Improvement | Parking Area |
Incidental Use | Passenger Vehicle |
Income Levels | Permitted Use |
Extremely Low Income Household | Person |
Very Low Income Household | Planning Commission |
Low Income Household | Planning Division |
Moderate Income Household | Pre-Existing |
Intensity of Use | Primary Use |
Intersection, Street | Project |
Kitchen | Property Line |
Landscaping | |
Land Use | Public Works Director |
Light Fixture | Qualified Applicant |
Liquor Sales | Reasonable Accommodation |
Lot | Review Authority |
Abutting Lot | Right-of-Way |
Corner Lot | Roofline |
Senior Citizen | Traffic Sign |
Setback | Wall Sign |
Sidewalk | Window Sign |
Sign Terms. See Chapter 17.29, Signs | Site |
Agricultural Directional Sign | Soil |
Animated Sign | Solar Reflectance Index |
Awning Sign | Specific Plan |
Balloon | State |
Banner Sign | Story |
Billboard | Street |
Canopy Sign | Street Line |
Commercial Message | Structure |
Copy | Structure, Accessory |
Damaged Sign | Structure, Attached |
Directional Sign | Structure, Detached |
Electronic Copy | Structure, Main |
Flag | Structure, Nonconforming |
Freestanding Sign | Structure, Temporary |
Freeway Information Sign | Swimming Pool |
General Advertising for Hire | Tandem Parking |
Government Sign | Telecommunication Terms |
Graffiti | Antenna |
High-Rise Building Identification Sign | Co-Location |
Illuminated Sign | Satellite Dish |
Inflatable Sign | Support Equipment |
Internally Illuminated Sign | Telecommunication Facility |
Master Sign Program | Tenant |
Memorial Sign | Trailer |
Mobile Billboard | Use |
Moving Sign | Use, Accessory |
Non-Commercial Message | Use, Incidental |
Nonconforming Sign | Use, Nonconforming |
Outdoor Advertising Structure | Use, Permitted |
Pennant | Use, Primary |
Permanent Sign | Use Classification |
Portable Sign | Use Permit |
Projecting Sign | Use Type |
Real Property Event Sign | Utilities |
Real Property Kiosk | Variance |
Real Property Sign | Vehicle |
Roof Sign | Vibration |
Sign | Visible |
Sign Area | Wall |
Sign Face | Yard |
Temporary Sign | Front Yard |
Street Side Yard | |
Interior Side Yard | |
Rear Yard | |
Required Yard | |
Side Yard | |
Zone | |
Zoning Administrator |
(Ord. 22-21 § 2; Ord. 19-1 § 3)
§ 17.51.020 Definitions.
A. Abutting. Access. Accessory building. Accessory structure. Accessory use. Adjacent. Adjoining. Agent or authorized agent. Aggrieved person. Alley. Alteration. Applicant. Architectural feature. Arterial roadway. Attached building or structure. Awning.
"A" Terms.
Having a common boundary.
The place or way through which pedestrians and/or vehicles must have safe, adequate, and usable ingress and egress to a property.
See "Building, Accessory."
See "Structure, Accessory."
See "Use, Accessory."
Directly abutting, having a common boundary or property line, or contiguous to.
See "Abutting."
Any person who can show certified written proof that he or she is representing and acting in the place of another person or individual.
Any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a City public hearing in conjunction with a decision or action appealed or who, by other appropriate means prior to a hearing, informed the local government of the nature of his or her concerns or who, for good cause, was unable to do either.
A public or private way, not more than 30 feet wide, reserved primarily for secondary vehicular access to the rear or side of properties abutting on a street.
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.
The person, partnership, corporation, or State or local government agency applying for a permit, certificate, zoning approval, or other entitlement.
An exterior building feature, including a roof, walls, windows, doors, porches, posts, pillars, recesses or projections, and exterior articulation or walls, and other building surfaces.
A street classified as an arterial in the Transportation Element of the General Plan.
See "Building, Attached" and "Structure, Attached."
An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration, and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is typically constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework which projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building.
B. Balcony. Bedroom. Block. Buffer. Building.1. 2. 3. 4. Building code. Building face. Building footprint. Building frontage. Building height. Building site.
"B" Terms.
A platform that projects from the wall of a building 30 inches or more above grade that is accessible from the building's interior, is not accessible from the ground, and is not enclosed by walls on more than three sides.
Any room having the potential of being a bedroom and meeting the standards of the Building Code as a sleeping room.
All property fronting on one side of a street between an intersection and intercepting streets or between a street and a waterway, dead-end street, major easement or right-of-way, or unsubdivided land. An intercepting street shall only determine the boundary of a block on the side of the street which it intercepts.
An open area or barrier used to separate potentially incompatible activities and/or development features; for example, a required setback to separate an area of development from environmentally sensitive habitat, to reduce or eliminate the effects of the development on the habitat.
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.
Building, Attached.
A building which has a common wall with another building or structure.
Building, Detached.
A building which does not have a common wall with another building or structure.
Building, Main.
A building in which the primary use of the parcel on which it is located is conducted.
Any ordinance or regulations of the City governing the type and method of construction of buildings and structures, including sign structures and any amendments thereto and any substitute therefor including, but not limited to, the California Building Code and other State-adopted uniform codes.
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 is considered to be the face of the building.
See "Footprint."
See "Frontage, 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 Code and having its principal frontage on a street, road, highway, or waterway.
C. California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Camper. Canopy. Carport. Change of use. City. City Council. Collector roadway. Commercial vehicle. Commission. Community Development Director. Compatible. Conditionally permitted. Conditional use. Condition of approval. County.
"C" Terms.
As defined in the California Vehicle Code.
A roofed shelter projecting over a sidewalk, driveway, entry, window, or similar area that may be wholly supported by a building or may be wholly or 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.
The replacement of an existing use on a site, or any portion of a site, by a new use, or a change in the type of an existing use; does not include a change of ownership, tenancy, or management associated with a use for which the previous type of use will remain substantially unchanged.
The City of West Sacramento.
The City Council of the City of West Sacramento.
A roadway classified as a collector in the Transportation Element of the General Plan.
Defined in the California Vehicle Code. Pickup trucks and vans not exceeding one-ton rated capacity and which are used primarily for private noncommercial purposes are not considered commercial vehicles.
See "Planning Commission."
The Community Development Director of the City of West Sacramento or designee.
That which is harmonious with and will not adversely affect surrounding buildings and/or uses.
Permitted subject to approval of a Use Permit.
A use that is generally compatible with other uses permitted in a zone, but that requires individual review of its location, design, configuration, and intensity and density of use and structures, and may require the imposition of conditions pertinent thereto to ensure the appropriateness of the use at that location.
A performance standard, required change in a project, environmental mitigation measure, or other requirement imposed by the decision-making body to alter or modify a project in any manner from the description in the application originally submitted for City approval.
The County of Yolo.
D. Deck. Demolition. Density. Development. Development agreement. Development permit. Director. District. Driveway. Dwelling unit.
"D" Terms.
A platform, either freestanding or attached to a building that is supported by pillars or posts.
The intentional destruction and removal of 50% or more of the enclosing exterior walls and 50% of the roof of any structure.
The number of dwelling units per acre of land. Detached Building. "See Building, Detached." Detached Structure. "See Structure, Detached."
Any manmade 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.
An agreement between the City and any person having a legal or equitable interest in real property for the development of such property, and which complies with the applicable provisions of the Government Code for such development agreements.
Any permit issued by the City for the construction of real property improvements. Development permits include grading permits, encroachment permits, use permits, tentative maps, planned development permits and Building Permits. Sign permits are excluded from this definition.
See "Community Development Director."
See "Zone."
An accessway that provides direct vehicular access for vehicles between a street and the parking or loading facilities located on an adjacent property.
One or more rooms designed, occupied, or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters, with full cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities for the exclusive use of a single household. Excludes tents, cabins, boats, trailers, dormitories, labor camps, hotels, and motels.
E. Easement. Effective date. Electrical code. Emergency. Emergency standby generator. Emergency vehicle. Environmental Impact Report (EIR). Environmental review. Equipment. Erect.
"E" Terms.
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 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 emergency standby generator means a stationary generator used for the generation of electricity that is used in the event of a failure of the regular power supply.
A self-propelled vehicle or trailer used in the discharge of duties of public districts, agencies or departments, or privately-owned public utilities responsible for fire prevention and control, policing, sanitation, sewerage, drainage, levee maintenance, flood control, public utility lines and all essential services.
An Environmental Impact Report as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
An evaluation process pursuant to CEQA to determine whether a proposed project may have a significant impact on the environment.
Non-vehicular items such as, but not limited to, boats, campers, camper shells, tents and related camping supplies, tools, machinery, aircraft, barrels, drums, large cans or containers and parts related to these items.
To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix to or upon any surface. Such term also includes the painting of wall signs.
F. Façade. Family. Farmworker. Farmworker dwelling unit. Farmworker housing. Feasible. Fence. Firearms. Floor area. Floor area ratio (FAR). Foot-candle. Footprint. Freeway. Frontage, building. Frontage, street.
"F" Terms.
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.
One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit, with common use of all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage of food.
The same as "agricultural employee" as defined in Section 1140.4(b) of the California Labor Code.
A single-family residential unit occupied by a maximum of six farmworkers at any one time.
A housing accommodation developed for and/or provided to farmworkers and shall consist of any living quarters, dwelling, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or other housing accommodation maintained in one or more buildings and on one or more sites.
Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors.
Any horizontal or vertical structural device forming a physical barrier intended to separate properties, retain soil materials, and provide security; or as defined by the Building Official. Fences may also be walls, hedges, and screen plantings, or constructed from wood, mesh, metal, chain, brick, stakes of plastic or similar materials.
Any device designed to be used as a weapon or modified to be used as a weapon, from which a projectile is expelled through a barrel by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.
The total horizontal area of all floors below the roof and within the outer surface of the walls of a building or other enclosed structure unless otherwise stipulated. See also Section 17.02.030.F, Determining Floor Area.
The ratio of the total floor area of all buildings on a lot to the lot area or building site area. See also Section 17.02.030.G, Determining Floor Area Ratio.
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. It is equal to one lumen uniformly distributed over an area of one square foot.
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 17.02.030.H, Determining Lot Coverage.
A multilane State or Interstate highway for through traffic with full control of access and with grade separations at all intersections and railroad crossings, and to which highway the owners of abutting lands have no right of easement or access to or from their abutting lands.
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.
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 said lot or parcel of land from the public street, highway, or parkway.
G. Garage. General plan. Glare. Government code. Grade.1. 2. Ground floor.
"G" Terms.
An accessory structure or portion of a main structure, enclosed on three or more sides and containing accessible and usable enclosed space designed, constructed, and maintained for the parking and storage of one or more motor vehicles.
The General Plan of the City of West Sacramento.
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 Government Code of the State of California.
The location of the ground surface.
Grade, existing or natural.
Ground elevation prior to any grading or other site preparation related to, or to be incorporated into, a proposed development or alteration of an existing development.
Grade, Finished.
Final ground elevation after the completion of any grading or other site preparation related to, or to be incorporated into, a proposed development or alteration of an existing development.
The first floor of a building other than a basement that is closest to finished grade.
H. Hazardous materials. Heat. Height. Home occupation. Household. Household pets.
"H" Terms.
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 17.02.030.C, Measuring Height.
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 "Family."
Animals that are customarily kept within a dwelling or a yard for the personal use or enjoyment of the residents. Household pets include domestic birds, cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, rodents, or snakes, but do not include horses, mules, goats, cows, hogs or other similar size animals, or roosters or peacocks.
I. Illegal use. Impervious surface. Improvement. Incidental use. Income levels.1. 2. 3. 4. Intensity of use. Intersection, street.
"I" Terms.
Any use of land or building that does not have the currently required permits, and was originally constructed and/or established without permits or approvals required for the use at the time it was brought into existence.
Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial structures—such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, as well as industrial areas such as airports, ports and logistics and distribution centers) that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, etc.
An object affixed to the ground other than a structure.
See "Use, Incidental."
Income levels for households whose gross incomes do not exceed the qualifying extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income limits established in Section 6932 of the California Code of Regulations, and amended periodically based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimate based on the Yolo County median income levels by family size. These income limits are equivalent to the following:
Extremely low income household.
Under 30% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.
Very low income household.
30 to 50% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.
Low income household.
50 to 80% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.
Moderate income household.
80 to 120% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.
The extent to which a use or the use in combination with other uses affects the natural and built environment in which it is located; the demand for services; and persons who live, work, and visit the area. Measures of intensity include, without limitation: 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.
J.
"J" Terms.
(Reserved)
K. Kitchen.
"K" Terms.
Any room or space within a building intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.
L. Landscaping. Land use. Light fixture. Liquor sales. Lot.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Lot area. Lot coverage. Lot depth. Lot frontage. Lot line.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Lot, nonconforming. Lot width.
"L" Terms.
The planting, configuration and maintenance of trees, ground cover, shrubbery, and other plant material, decorative natural and structural features (walls, fences, hedges, trellises, fountains, sculptures), earth-patterning and bedding materials, and other similar site improvements that serve an aesthetic or functional purpose.
The purpose for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied, or maintained, including residential, commercial, industrial, etc.
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.
The sale of liquor for offsite consumption.
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 Yolo, and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title, except public easements or rights-of-way. Lot types include the following:
Abutting lot.
A lot having a common property line or separated by a public path or lane, private street, or easement to the subject lot.
Corner lot.
A lot or parcel bounded by two or more adjacent street lines that have an angle of intersection of not more than 135 degrees.
Flag lot.
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.
Interior lot.
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; a lot other than a corner lot.
Key lot.
An interior lot adjoining the rear lot line of a reversed corner lot.
Reversed corner lot.
A corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot, whether across a lane or not.
Through lot.
A lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
 FIGURE 17.51.020.L.1: LOT TYPES |
The gross area of a lot measured horizontally between bounding lot lines.
The portion of a lot that is covered by structures, including main and accessory buildings, garages, carports, and roofed porches, but not including unenclosed and unroofed decks, landings, or balconies. See also Section 17.02.030.H, Determining Lot Coverage.
The horizontal distance between the front and rear property lines of a site measured midway between the side property lines. See also Section 17.02.030.D, Measuring Lot Width and Depth.
See "Frontage, Street."
The boundary between a lot and other property or the public right-of-way.
Front lot line.
On an interior lot, the line separating the lot from the street or lane. On a corner lot, the shorter lot line abutting a street or lane. On a through lot, the lot line abutting the street or lane providing the primary access to the lot. On a flag lot, the interior lot line most parallel to and nearest the street or lane from which access is obtained.
Interior lot line.
Any lot line that is not adjacent to a street.
Rear lot line.
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 establishing the minimum rear yard.
Side lot line.
Any lot line that is not a front or rear lot line.
Street side lot line.
A side lot line of a corner lot that is adjacent to a street.
 FIGURE 17.51.020.L.2: LOT LINE TYPES |
 FIGURE 17.51.020.L.3: REAR LOT LINES, IRREGULAR LOTS |
A legal parcel of land having less area, frontage, or dimensions than required in the zone in which it is located.
The average distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth. See also Section 17.02.030.D, Measuring Lot Width and Depth. When not applicable due to irregularity of lot shape, lot width shall be determined by the Director, subject to appeal and review by the Planning Commission.
M. Maintenance and repair. Municipal code.
"M" Terms.
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.
The City of West Sacramento Municipal Code.
N. Noise. Nonconforming building. Nonconforming lot. Nonconforming structure. Nonconforming use.
"N" Terms.
Any sound that annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.
See "Building, Nonconforming."
See "Lot, Nonconforming."
See "Structure, Nonconforming."
See "Use, Nonconforming."
O. On-site. Outdoor storage. Owner.
"O" Terms.
Located on the lot that is the subject of discussion.
Storage of commercial goods in open lots. The parking of tractor trailers/semi-trucks is not permitted.
A person or persons holding single or unified beneficial title to the property, including without limitation, the settlor of a grantor trust, a general partner, firm, or corporation.
P. Parapet. Parking area. Parking lots and structures. Passenger vehicle. Permitted use. Person. Planning Commission. Planning Division. Pre-existing. Primary use. Project. Property line. Public resources code. Public Works Director.
"P" Terms.
That part of a wall that extends above the roof line.
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.
Surface lots and structures offering parking for a fee when such use is not incidental to another on-site activity. The parking of tractor trailers/semi-trucks is not permitted.
As defined in the California Vehicle Code.
See "Use, Permitted."
Any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company, or corporation.
The Planning Commission of the City of West Sacramento.
The Planning Division of the Community Development Department of the City of West Sacramento.
In existence prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Code.
See "Use, Primary."
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 title. This term includes, but is not limited to, any action that qualifies as a "project" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
The recorded boundary of a lot or parcel of land.
The Public Resources Code of the State of California.
The Public Works Director of the City of West Sacramento.
Q. Qualified applicant.
"Q" Terms.
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.
R. Reasonable accommodation. Review authority. Right-of-way. Roofline.
"R" Terms.
Any deviation requested and/or granted from the strict application of the City's zoning and land use laws, rules, policies, practices and/or procedures under provisions of Federal or California law to make housing or other facilities readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities and thus enjoy equal employment or housing opportunities or other benefits guaranteed by law.
Body or entity responsible for making decisions on applications.
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.
The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.
S. Senior citizen. Setback. Sidewalk. Sign terms. Site. Soil. Solar reflectance index. Specific plan. State. Story. Street. Street line. Structure.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Swimming pool.
"S" Terms.
An individual 62 years of age or older.
The distance between a property line and a building or structure that must be kept clear or open.
A paved, surfaced, or leveled area, paralleling and usually separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.
See Chapter 17.29, Signs.
A lot, or group of contiguous lots, that is proposed for development in accordance with the provisions of this Code and is in a single ownership or under unified control.
Naturally occurring superficial deposits overlying bedrock.
Measure of a surface's ability to reflect solar heat, combining reflectance and emittance into one number. It is defined so that a standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is zero and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100.
A plan for all or part of the area covered by the General Plan that is prepared to be consistent with and to implement the General Plan, pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 et seq.
The State of California.
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 is that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the upper surface of the roof above.
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 walkway.
The boundary between a street and a lot or parcel of land.
Anything constructed or erected which requires a location on the ground.
Structure, accessory.
A detached subordinate structure used only as incidental to the main structure on the same site or lot.
Structure, attached.
A structure which is affixed to another building or structure on the site.
Structure, detached.
A structure which is not affixed to another building or structure on the site.
Structure, main.
A structure housing the primary use of a site or functioning as the primary use.
Structure, nonconforming.
A building or structure, or portion thereof, which was lawfully erected or altered or maintained, but which, because of the application of this Code to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located.
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 one and one-half feet at any point.
T. Tandem parking. Telecommunication terms.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Tenant. Tiny Home on Wheels. Trailer.
"T" Terms.
An arrangement of parking spaces such that one or more spaces must be driven across to access another space or spaces.
Antenna.
Any system of wires, poles, rods, horizontal or vertical elements, panels, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves.
Co-location.
The location of two or more wireless communications facilities owned or used by more than one public or private entity on a single support structure, or otherwise sharing a common location. Co-location also includes the location of wireless communications facilities with other facilities, such as buildings, water tanks, light standards, and other utility facilities and structures.
Satellite dish.
A device (also known as a parabolic antenna) incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open, or mesh or bar-configured, and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn cornucopia, or flat plate that is used to receive or transmit radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based units. This term includes satellite earth stations, satellite receivers, satellite discs, direct broadcast systems, television-reception-only systems, and satellite microwave antennas.
Support equipment.
The physical, electrical, and/or electronic equipment included within a telecom facility used to house, power, transport, and/or process signals from or to the facility's antenna or antennas.
Telecommunication facility.
A mobile cell site that consists of a cell antenna tower and electronic radio transceiver equipment on a truck or trailer, designed to be part of a cellular network.
A person renting or leasing a housing unit or non-residential space.
A vehicle intended for human habitation as a dwelling unit that is built on a chassis and complies with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards - Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations). They must also comply with the National Fire Protection Association 1192 RV Standard as may be amended. Tiny Homes on Wheels are typically less than 400 square feet of floor area.
A vehicle with or without motor power, which is designed or used for hauling materials or vehicles, or for human habitation, office, or storage including camper, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, and mobile home, but excluding mobile homes on a permanent foundation and Tiny Homes on Wheels when used as a primary dwelling unit and/or accessory dwelling unit.
U. Use.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Use classification. Use permit. Use type. Utilities.
"U" Terms.
The purpose for which land or the premises of a building, structure or facility is arranged, designed, 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, a primary use and located on the same lot as a primary use.
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, nonconforming.
The use of a building, structure, site, or portion thereof, which was lawfully established and maintained, but which, because of the adoption and application of this title, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located.
Use, permitted.
Any use or structure that is allowed in a zone without a requirement for approval of a Use Permit, but subject to any restrictions applicable to that zone.
Use, primary.
A primary, principal, or dominant use established, or proposed to be established, on a lot.
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, industrial, and transportation, communication, and utilities. See Chapter 17.50, Use Classifications.
A discretionary permit which may be granted by the appropriate City of West Sacramento 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. See Chapter 17.38, Use Permits.
A category that classifies similar uses based on common functional, product, or compatibility characteristics.
Equipment and associated features related to the mechanical functions of a building(s) and services such as water, electrical, telecommunications, and waste.
V. Variance. Vehicle. Vibration. Visible.
"V" Terms.
A discretionary grant of permission to depart from the specific requirements of this title 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 zone.
Any vehicle, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, including any automobile, camper, camp trailer, 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 legible) by a person of normal height and visual acuity walking or driving on a public road or in a public place.
X.
"X" Terms.
(Reserved)
Y. Yard.1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
"Y" Terms.
An open space on the same site as a structure, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided by this Code.
Front yard.
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 from the nearest line or point of the main building foundation and measured inward from the front lot line.
Interior side yard.
A yard which does not abut a street.
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 Code for the zone 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 establishing the minimum rear yard.
Required yard.
A yard which complies with the minimum setback requirements for the zone in which the lot is located.
Side yard.
A yard extending from the rear line of the required front yard, or the front property line of the site where no front yard is required, to the front line of the required rear yard, or the rear property line of the site where no rear yard is required, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the side property line and a line parallel thereto on the site.
Street side yard.
A yard on a corner lot or reversed corner lot extending from the front yard to the rear lot line between the building setback line and the nearest side street lot line.
 FIGURE 17.51.020.Y: YARD TYPES |
Z. Zoning Administrator. Zone.
"Z" Terms.
The Zoning Administrator of the City of West Sacramento.
A specifically delineated area in the City within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.