A means of approach or admission.

A building subordinate to and located on the same lot with a main building, the use of which is clearly incidental to that of the main building or to the use of the land and which is not attached by any part of a common wall or common roof to the main building.

A use of a building or lot or portion thereof which is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the main building or lot.

Any commercial activity, whether conducted intermittently or full-time, which involves:

The use of land for the raising of farm products for use or sale, including animal or poultry husbandry; the growing of crops such as grain, vegetables, fruit, grass for pasture or sod, trees, shrubs, flowers and similar products of the soil; and the necessary accessory uses for packing, treating or storing the produce thereof, provided that such accessory use is secondary to normal agricultural activities.

A place where aircraft may take off and land, discharge cargo or passengers, be repaired, take on fuel or be stored.

A right-of-way which provides a secondary means of access to abutting lots and is not intended for general traffic circulation.

A commercially operated facility containing such enterprises as a bowling alley, pool hall, skating rink, billiard parlor or one providing more than two coin-operated amusement devices suitable for participation by people of any age, including but not limited to television games, electronic novelty games, electromechanical and electronic target games, driving games, pinball machines, small kiddy rides and other similar devices.

A structure containing one residential dwelling unit associated with and forming an integral part of an art studio.

A structure with a minimum and maximum floor area of 500 and 1,500 square feet, respectively, used for the production of paintings, drawings, prints and print-plates, pottery, puppetry, sculpture, stained glass, ceramics video, moving or still photography, creative writing, dance or music, none of which involves amplified sound. Metalworking, woodworking except for carving with hand tools, the firing of pottery in kilns, and the use of fiberglass is prohibited. Art studios must provide for the ventilation of fumes directly to the rear exterior of the structure. Art studios must not share any portion of forced-air heating or cooling system with dwelling units unassociated with the art studio. Users must abide by all applicable local, state, and federal requirements for storage, use, ventilation, and disposal of materials, fluids and chemicals used in any of the processes listed in this definition.

A building wherein automobile-related services, including but not limited to the following, are conducted: applying paint protectors; removing minor scratches and imperfections found in the automobile's clear coat, and painting associated therewith (i.e., paint correction); cleaning and polishing the interior and/or exterior of automobiles, and installing after-market accessories such as tinting, radios, auto alarms, spoilers, sunroofs, and headlight covers. This use shall not include any element of a junkyard, and automobiles not actively being serviced by the automobile detailing shop may not be located or stored on the property.

A building wherein automobile repair, maintenance, and service, including but not limited to the following, are conducted: services permitted in a minor automobile repair and service shop; engine rebuilding or reconditioning; body and fender work, including painting; replacement of damaged parts; and collision repair and associated services. This use shall not include any element of a junkyard, and automobiles not actively being repaired, maintained or serviced by the automobile repair and service shop may not be located or stored on the property.

A building wherein general minor automobile repair, maintenance, and service, including but not limited to the following, are conducted: exhaust systems, cooling systems, electrical systems, brakes, tires, upholstery, and shocks. Also permitted in conjunction with this use are fluid change and lubrication; wheel alignment and balancing; engine degreasing; window, headlight, and mirror replacement; and removing minor scratches and imperfections found in the automobile's clear coat, and painting associated therewith (i.e., paint correction). This use shall not include any element of a junkyard, and automobiles not actively being repaired, maintained or serviced by the automobile repair and service shop may not be located or stored on the property.

A business establishment that principally sells new or used automobiles and light trucks (such as sport utility vehicles, and passenger and cargo vans), trailers, or motorcycles or other similar motorized transportation vehicles. These vehicles may be sold in combination. The repair and service and the sale of replacement parts and accessories of the vehicles sold is allowed as an accessory use to the principal automobile sales use. A car wash not for use by the general public may be allowed only as an accessory use to the principal automobile sales use and only in applicable zoning districts.

Any area of land, including buildings and other structures thereon, that is principally used to dispense automobile fuels, oil and accessories at retail, where a minor automobile repair and service shop, that is limited to exhaust systems, cooling systems, brakes, tires, and shocks, fluid change and lubrication, and wheel alignment and balancing, is incidental. This use shall not include any element of a junkyard, and automobiles not actively being repaired, maintained or serviced by the automobile service station may not be located or stored on the property.

A portion of a building located partly underground, but having more than 1/2 of its floor to ceiling height above the average grade of the adjoining ground.

The Board of Zoning Appeals of the City of Westminster.

A dwelling or part thereof where lodgings are provided in exchange for compensation for nontransient persons, in which the tenant or tenants of an individual room or rooms do not have exclusive control over a bathroom and kitchen, except that the use does not include:

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels and any cabin or mobile house. When any portion thereof is completely separated from all other portions by a division wall from the ground up through the roof and without any door or other openings, such portion shall be considered a separate building.

The vertical distance from the average finished grade adjoining the building wall to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.

The line established by law beyond which a building shall not extend as determined by front, side and rear yards herein.

A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is situated. In any residential zone, any dwelling shall be deemed to be a main building on the lot on which the same is located if the lot is used primarily for residential purposes.

A business licensed or registered by the division administration to operate in the cannabis industry.

See "retirement homes/care homes."

A portion of a building located partly or wholly underground and having less than 1/2 of its floor to ceiling height above the average grade of the adjoining ground.

The City of Westminster.

An establishment where coffee, tea, and other nonalcoholic beverages and light refreshments are served for predominantly on-site customers and providing a place for the interchange of ideas and opinions of individuals or groups, and which may include entertainment without amplification. A coffee house is not a convenience food and beverage store and is not a restaurant or cafe.

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the City of Westminster.

A plan for the desirable use of land, as officially adopted and as amended from time to time by the Planning Commission or the Common Council, which is intended to guide the physical development of the City of Westminster, including private and public land use, transportation and community facilities, and to provide both a foundation and guide for decisions regarding zoning, subdivision regulations, community needs and acquisition of sites for public facilities, such as streets, parks and public buildings.

Construction will be deemed to have begun when all of the necessary excavation and piers and/or footings of one or more buildings or structures covered by the permit have been completed.

An individual at least 21 years old who purchases cannabis or cannabis products for personal use by individuals at least 21 years old.

A place used for the reception or care for compensation of a child or children under 18 years of age or elderly persons over the age of 60 years of age for any part of a twenty-four-hour period.

The legal or beneficial owner(s) of all of the land proposed to be included in a given development, the authorized agent thereof, the holder of an option or contract to purchase, a lessee having a remaining term of not less than 30 years or other persons having an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

Any activity, other than normal agricultural activity, which materially affects the existing condition or use of any land or structure.

An entity licensed under this title that acquires, possesses, repackages, transfers repackages, transports, sells, distributes, or dispenses cannabis or cannabis products, including tinctures, aerosols, oils, and ointments, related supplies, and educational materials for use by qualifying patients, caregivers, or consumers through a storefront or through a delivery service, based on license type.

A building existing at the time of enactment of this chapter which may be converted or altered to accommodate two or more families, as a rental facility, condominium or cooperative, subject to regulations prescribed by § 164-150. Conversions shall not be defined to include additions to or expansions of existing units where not proposed in conjunction with the creation of additional units to accommodate families.

A building containing three or more dwelling units separated.

A group of at least three dwelling units separated by fire walls, each having separate ground floor entrances from the outside and with no unit directly above or below another unit.

A building designed or used exclusively for residential purposes by one family or one dwelling unit and not attached to any other dwelling units.

A group of two single-family dwelling units which are joined to one another by a common party wall and/or an attached permanent structure, such as a garage, whether or not such dwelling units are located on a single parcel of ground or on adjoining individual lots.

A building or portion thereof arranged or designed for occupancy by not more than one family for living purposes.

Any chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to create explosions.

The extracting or mining of sand, gravel, limestone, soapstone or building stone.

An individual or two or more persons related by blood or marriage or a group of not more than five persons not related by blood or marriage living together as a single housekeeping group in a dwelling unit.

A parcel of land or lot used for agricultural purposes which is intended to provide a source of income for the occupant or owner.

A drawing of the subdivision showing lots, streets and other information which may be required in this chapter, which is desired to be made of official record in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and which may be all or a portion of a preliminary plan. A preliminary plan shall be a master drawing of a subdivision prepared for the overall planning of a property desired to be subdivided and which is in accordance with this chapter. A concept is an optional plan which establishes in concept or sketch form the layout for the subdivision of land. The purpose of this plan is to provide a basis for the informal evaluation of plans and to foster a more efficient review process.

A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the front lot line or the proposed front street line and the nearest line of the building or any enclosed portion thereof.

An entity licensed by the state that:

The Maryland State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Any occupation or profession carried on by a member of the immediate family residing on the premises, provided that:

An institution receiving inpatients and rendering medical, surgical or obstetrical care. Such terms shall include general hospitals and institutions in which services are limited to special fields such as cardiac, eye, ear, nose and throat, pediatrics, orthopedic, skin, cancer, mental, tuberculosis, chronic disease and obstetrics. The term "hospital" shall also include sanitariums and sanatoriums, including those wherein mental patients, epileptics, alcoholics or drug addicts are treated or receive care.

An audio and video message display used primarily at drive-through facilities, automobile service stations and other similar auto-themed establishments.

A facility operated in accordance with the Alcoholic Beverages and Cannabis Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland, § 36-401, § 36-401(c)(3).

Any area where waste and discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, baled, packed, stored, disassembled, handled or abandoned, including the salvaging, storing and wrecking of automobiles or other vehicles and machinery or parts thereof, housewrecking yards, used lumberyards and places for storage of salvaged building or structural steel materials and equipment. An unenclosed residential area used for the storage of any automobile which does not have current license plates issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration shall be deemed to be a junkyard. Not included are pawnshops, used car sale lots and commercial establishments for the sale, purchase or storage of used furniture and household equipment, used cars in operable condition and salvaged machinery and the processing of used, discarded or salvaged materials as a part of the manufacturing operations.

Any building or structure and/or land used, designed or arranged for housing, boarding, breeding or care of more than three adult dogs kept or bred for hunting, sale, exhibition or domestic use or other domestic animals for profit, but not including those animals raised for agricultural purposes.

The improvement of a lot with grass, shrubs, trees, ground covers, vines, flowers, other vegetation and other ornamental objects. Landscaping may include pedestrian walks, flower beds, ornamental objects such as sculpture, fountains, statues and similar natural and man-made objects designed and arranged to produce an aesthetically pleasing effect.

A lot abutting on two or more streets at their intersection, where the interior angle of the intersection does not exceed 135º.

Any lot, including a through lot other than a corner lot.

The line separating the lot from the street right-of-way line upon which it fronts or, where a lot does not abut a street, that lot line which faces the principal entrance or approach to the main building.

The lot line most distant and most nearly parallel to the front lot line.

Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.

A lot which is part of a subdivision recorded in the office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court of Carroll County or a lot or parcel described by metes and bounds, the description of which has been so recorded.

An antenna array for the reception of wireless communications services, less than 1/2 meter in height and diameter, which is either ground-mounted or attached to an existing building or structure.

A subdivision of fewer than three lots.

Any vehicle or preassembled structure so constructed and located, regardless of its foundation, as to permit occupancy thereof for living or sleeping or for the conducting of any business and so designed that it may be moved or transported on roads by means of attached wheels or hauled on a separate conveyance or may be propelled or drawn by its own motor power; included are automobile trailers, truck trailers, trailer coaches, trailer homes, mobile homes, buses, streetcars and all similar devices.

A single, freestanding pole-type structure, tapering from base to top and supporting one or more antennas. For purposes of this chapter, a monopole is not a tower.

The use of a building, structure or land which was lawful when established and legally continued, but which no longer conforms to the requirements of the zone in which it is located because of the adoption or amendment of this chapter or the Zoning Map.

Any rest home, convalescent home or home for the aged and any place devoted primarily to the maintenance and operation of facilities for the treatment and care of any persons suffering from illnesses, diseases, deformities or injuries who do not require the extensive or intensive care that is normally provided in a general hospital or other specialized hospital but who do require care in excess of room and board and who need medical, nursing, convalescent or chronic care. It also includes the following:

Offices and/or buildings used for office purposes by recognized professions, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, veterinarians, or other such similar professions, including medical or dental clinics or veterinary clinics.

Rooms and/or buildings used for office purposes by not more than one member of any recognized profession, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants, engineers, veterinarians, etc., but not including medical or dental clinics or veterinary clinics, provided that such use shall be incidental to and subordinate to residential use and not involving a commercial enterprise.

Land provided and deemed necessary and desirable for present and future residents and citizens of the area, including such land in stream valleys, natural woods, areas of unusual natural scenic beauty, local play lots, recreational walkways, pathways and planting areas in residential subdivisions, but not to include streets, off-street parking or utility easements.

Land provided for the use of residents and citizens of an area which possesses such characteristics as natural woods, stream valleys, floodplains, areas of unusual scenic beauty or environmental constraints.

Common open space provided and deemed necessary and desirable for active, recreational purposes.

Any individual, corporation, association, firm or partnership or any governmental agency, except the City, or the like, singular or plural.

Three or more retail stores or service establishments designed as a single unit and primarily served by common accessories such as signs, parking lots, arcades, and walkways.

The Planning Director of the City of Westminster.

Rooms and/or buildings that are designed for recreational use as sports facilities and operated by a private nongovernmental entity such as for-profit commercial business or private nonprofit. Such facilities do not include outdoor uses and are not included in the accounting for any required environmental open space and/or recreational open space.

An entity licensed by the state that:

An enclosed building where the discharge of projectile weaponry such as a rifle, pistol and archery is practiced, which may include, as accessory thereto, the sale, on-site rental and/or repair of firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and the like in accordance with and subject to all applicable laws, ordinance and regulation.

A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the rear lot line and the nearest line of the building.

Specifically designed multi-dwelling-unit buildings consisting of dwelling units to which occupancy is restricted to housing for older persons or handicapped persons and organized with a specific program of adequate supportive services for the particular clientele.

Any building or structure used or designed for the boarding, breeding or care of horses, other than horses used for farming or agricultural purposes.

Any premises used primarily for disposal by abandonment, discarding, dumping, reduction, burial, incineration or any other means and for whatever purpose of garbage, trash, refuse, dead animals, waste material of any kind, junk, discarded machinery or vehicles or parts thereof, but not sewage or animal waste.

A lot or portion thereof used for the storage or parking of new or new and used automobiles by a legally established and existing automobile sales and service use located within the City of Westminster.

Any device used or designated for receiving radio or electromagnetic signals from one or more orbitally based satellites and is external to or is attached to the exterior of any building.

A site of at least 30 acres used by a public or private school, college or university as part of its educational campus.

Any building or portion thereof containing individual, compartmentalized and controlled-access units for the storage of personal property by lease or rent.

The required minimum horizontal distance between the building line, as defined herein, and the related front, side or rear property line.

A yard between the side line of the lot and the nearest line of the building and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.

A name, identification, description or display illustrating the form of any letter, word, model, banner, flag, device or representation which is affixed or represented, directly or indirectly, upon a building, structure or land and which directs attention to a product, place, activity, person, institution or business.

A sign which directs attention to a business or profession or to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered upon the premises where the sign is located.

A sign structure which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment not necessarily conducted, sold or offered upon the premises where such sign is located.

An illuminated variable message sign that utilizes computer-generated text or some other electronic means of changing its message and display.

Roof-mounted photovoltaic panels used to convert solar radiant energy into electrical energy or to collect solar radiant energy to heat water for use on the property, only.

A series of roof-mounted solar photovoltaic collectors that are designed to collect solar energy and convert it into electrical energy to supply power for use on the property and off the property as a community solar project as that term is defined in the Public Utilities Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and may use reverse or net-metering.

A retail establishment that focuses on selling a specific product or a narrow line of products.

That portion of a building, other than a cellar as defined herein, included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it or, if there is no floor above it, the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it.

The lowest story, ground story or first story of any building, the floor of which is not more than 3 1/2 feet below the average contact ground level at the exterior walls of the building, except that any basement used as a separate dwelling by other than a janitor or caretaker or his family shall be deemed a ground story or first story.

A partial story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof, the wall plates of which on at least two opposite exterior walls are not more than four feet above the floor of such story; provided, however, that any partial story used as a separate dwelling, other than for a janitor or caretaker and his family, shall be deemed a full story.

A private, public or dedicated way or a public proposed right-of-way, widening or extension of an existing street or public way shown on any plan approved by the Commission. The word "street" shall also mean road, highway, boulevard, avenue, lane or court.

A line defining the edge of a street right-of-way and separating the street from abutting property or lots. If, on a Master Plan of streets and highways duly adopted by the Commission, a street is scheduled for future widening, the proposed right-of-way line shown on the Master Plan shall be the street line.

A street or highway designated as a major street or expressway on the Official Major Street Plan of the City of Westminster.

Any change in the structural members of a building, such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams or girders, or any substantial change in the roof or in the exterior walls.

Anything constructed, the use of which requires a fixed location on the ground or which is attached to something having such location, but not including fences, power, gas, water, sewage or communication lines or poles, towers or pole structures, sidewalks, driveways or curbs.

An individual, partnership, firm or corporation or agent therefor that undertakes or participates in the activities covered by this chapter.

The division or redivision of any lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, plats, parcels, sites or other divisions of land, whether for immediate or future sale, lease or building development. If a new street is involved, subdivision shall mean any division of a tract or parcel of land. The sale or exchange of parcels of land between owners of adjoining properties for the purpose of small adjustments in boundaries shall not be considered a subdivision, provided that additional lots are not thereby created and that the original lots are not reduced below the minimum sizes required by this chapter.

An alternate method of subdivision permitted under § 164-197.1 for single-family detached units developed in the R-10,000 Residential and R-20,000 Residential Zones.

An unstaffed facility established for the purpose of providing wireless voice, data or video transmission within a designated service area consisting of one or more antennas attached to a support structure and related equipment and mounted on a freestanding monopole in accordance with § 164-139.1. Antennas are limited to the following types and dimensions: omnidirectional (whip) antennas not exceeding 15 feet in height and three inches in diameter; directional or panel antennas not exceeding eight feet in height and two feet in width. An antenna may be mounted on a freestanding monopole in accordance with § 164-139.1. A telecommunications facility may include related equipment located within a building, an equipment cabinet or an equipment room within a building. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an antenna or mast subject to 47 CFR 1.4000 shall not be considered a telecommunications facility, but only to the extent the antenna or mast is exempt from local land use law by the provisions of 47 CFR 1.4000.

An unstaffed installation established for the purpose of providing wireless voice, data video transmission and consisting of one or more antennas and related equipment, attached to or contained on or within a building, where no portion of any antenna or equipment is visible from the public rights-of-way, unless screened pursuant to § 164-131.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an antenna or mast subject to 47 CFR 1.4000 shall not be considered a telecommunications installation, but only to the extent the antenna or mast is exempted from local land use law by the provisions of 47 CFR 1.4000.

Any use which has been authorized under the provisions of this chapter which is limited as to the time in which such use shall legally continue.

A retail establishment operated by a state licensed tobacconist that sells tobacco and cigars and associated products, but not electronic smoking devices or other vaporizing products. A tobacconist is not a cannabis business or a specialty shop.

A dwelling, occupied as such, in which, for compensation, rooms and/or meals are offered to transient persons under the management of the occupants of that dwelling.

A freestanding lattice-type structure, supporting antennas used for radio, television broadcasting or wireless transmission or reception.

A retail establishment that sells electronic cigarettes and other vaporizing products whether or not such products contain nicotine. Smoking or vaping is prohibited in any indoor area open to the public and each public entrance to an indoor area. A vape shop is not a cannabis business or a specialty shop.

A relaxation of the terms of this chapter as to density, bulk or area requirements as provided in § 164-161.

A facility designed and constructed to receive, treat, and store sewage or sewage combined with other waterborne waste and which is owned by the state, or a political subdivision or municipal corporation of this state or owned by another public entity incorporated for the purpose of treating sewage under the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Environmental Article, § 9-601 et seq.

An open space on the same lot with a building or a group of buildings lying between the building or outer building of a group and the nearest lot or street line and open and unoccupied from the ground up.

A written statement issued by the Zoning Administrator authorizing buildings, structures or uses in accordance with the provisions of the Westminster City Code. The statement may also contain requirements as to any fees, costs or benefit assessments imposed by said Code.