ACCESSORY APARTMENT: A detached structure which contains separate cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities, and is occupied or intended for occupancy as a separate but subordiante dwelling unit to the primary dwelling or place of residence.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT: A habitable living unit added to, created within, or detached from a primary single-family dwelling and contained on one lot.
ACCESSORY USE OR OUTBUILDING STRUCTURE: Any use or non-dwelling structure related to the principal use of a dwelling structure on the same lot and serving a purpose customarily incidental to the use of the principal dwelling structure.
ANTENNA: A metallic device, such as a rod or wire, for receiving radio waves. An antenna also includes a satellite dish or disc antenna which is used for receiving sound and television signals from an orbiting satellite.
APPEAL AUTHORITY: The appeal authority for the city of Woodland Hills, Utah.
AREA OF BUILDINGS: The area at the ground level of the main building and all accessory buildings, excluding unenclosed porches, terraces and steps measured from the outside surface of exterior walls.
AREA OF DWELLING UNIT: The sum of the gross floor areas above the basement level, including those rooms and closets having the minimum ceiling height, light, ventilation and other features as required by the building code of the city.
BASEMENT OR CELLAR: The space of a building where the floor level is more than four feet (4') below the adjoining finished grade.
BEGINNING OF CONSTRUCTION: The incorporation of labor and material on a building site, including roads and utilities.
BUILDING: Any enclosed structure, having a roof supported by columns, walls or other support used for the purpose of housing, enclosing or storing of persons, animals or personal property.
BUILDING HEIGHT: Limited to thirty-five (35) or thirty (30) feet, if the structure has a flat roof. The height is measured from any and all points of the roof ridges and peaks on the structure, directly below, to the natural grade reference line, or to the finished grade, whichever is lower. The natural grade is defined as the grade prior to any construction or land disturbance. A line will be drawn between the highest and lowest natural grade points on the perimeter of the structure which will become the natural grade reference line and will be visually projected throughout the entire footprint of the structure. Similarly, the finished grade points will be extended throughout the footprint of the structure. The building height will be measured from the highest roof ridge or peak directly downward to a point along the natural grade reference line directly below that roof ridge or peak, or to the finished grade, whichever is lowest. In order for a house in a residential zone to meet the height limit, no point of the roof ridge or peak on the structure may be higher than thirty-five (35) feet, as measured from a roof peak to the lower of the natural grade reference line or the finished grade. (Flat roofs must be no more than thirty (30) feet in height).
BUILDING OFFICIAL: The person authorized by the city to issue certificates of occupancy, temporary certificates of occupancy, and certificates of completion, and may perform inspections on building code compliance for all structures, both newly constructed and renovated. Will interpret the IRC and IBC codes, as well as their interpretations under Utah’s State Construction Code.
BUILDING LINE: A line established by this title, generally parallel with the front lot line, defining the minimum limits of a front yard in which no building or structure may be located above the ground, except as may be provided in such ordinance. Also, the building line may be greater than the minimum front yard setback line.
CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION: A certificate issued for a remodel, ADU, or accessory building once all the modifications have been completed, and all required code inspections have been performed and passed.
CITY: The city of Woodland Hills, Utah.
CITY COUNCIL: The city council of the city of Woodland Hills, Utah.
CITY ENGINEER: The city engineer of the city of Woodland Hills, Utah.
CLUSTER HOUSING: Attached or detached single-family dwellings grouped together on the most buildable portions of a site, leaving the remainder in common open space areas. Sizes, shapes and orientation of lots may vary from traditional zoning requirements under the cluster concept.
CODE. The building code of the city of Woodland Hills, Utah.
COMMISSION: The city planning commission of Woodland Hills, Utah.
COMMON LAND: The land in a subdivision or development area not owned as private land or occupied by dwellings, created for common usage by restrictions, easements, covenants or other conditions running with the land, and which is held for the use and enjoyment by or for the owners or occupants of the dwellings in a subdivision or development area.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR: The person authorized to oversee city development, including subdivision development and improvements, building permits, and building throughout the city. The person works closely with the planning commission, plan reviewers, city engineers, inspectors, the qualified building official, and city staff to ensure plans and buildings conform to the International Residential Fire Code, city building standards/codes, and ensure AWPA Standards are followed.
COUNTY: The county of Utah, state of Utah.
COURT: An open space, other than a yard, bounded on two (2) or more sides by exterior walls of the building, or bounded by exterior walls of a building and lot lines.
CRITERION: A principal by which the planning of a development area shall be guided.
DETACHED: Not connected in any manner by walls or other structural supports.
DEVELOPER: A person commencing proceedings under this title to effect the development of land for himself or for another.
DEVELOPMENT AREA: The minimum area of land permitted by this title to be developed by a single owner or group of owners, acting jointly, which may consist of a parcel or assembled parcels and includes a related group of one-family dwellings planned and developed as an entity under the planned unit development procedures.
DRIVEWAY (Primary): Provides access from the main road to the residence. Must be at least 12 feet wide, concrete or asphalt paved, and have 13.5 feet of vertical clearance. The slope cannot exceed a 15% grade, as measured at the centerline of the driveway. Must comply with other city driveways and related construction standards.
DRIVEWAY (Secondary): A secondary access to a residential lot for any purpose. Allowable surfaces for a secondary driveway include concrete or asphalt pavement, compacted road base with gravel overlay, or other city-approved hard surface. All vegetation must be removed and kept clear.
DWELLING: A building or portion thereof designed or used exclusively as the residence or sleeping place of one or more persons, but not including a tent, trailer or trailer coach.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED: A detached building designed or used exclusively for residence purposes by one family or housekeeping unit.
FAMILY: A person living alone or group of persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, including the degree of first cousins, or not more than three (3) persons not related by blood, marriage or adoption, who are living together in a single dwelling unit and maintaining a common household. A family includes domestic servants, foster children and not more than one gratuitous guest residing with such family.
FENCE: A barrier constructed of materials, other than evergreen shrubbery, erected for purposes of protection, confinement, enclosure or privacy.
FINISHED GRADE POINTS: Elevation points adjoining the structure after final grading.
FLOOR AREA: The total area of dwelling, excluding the basement, garage or carport.
GARAGE, PRIVATE: A detached accessory building or portion of the principal building used primarily for the storage of passenger vehicles by the families resident upon the premises.
GARAGE, STORAGE: A main or accessory building, other than a private garage, used for the parking or temporary storage of passenger automobiles and in which no commercial service shall be provided.
GRADE, ESTABLISHED STREET: The elevation established by the city at the roadway, centerline or curb in front of the lot.
GRADE, FINISHED: The elevation of the finished surface of the ground adjoining the building after final grading. If used to measure building height a plane created by the highest and lowest finished grade points will be projected throughout the entire footprint of the structure.
GRADE, NATURAL: The elevation of the undisturbed natural surface of the ground prior to any excavation or fill.
HOME OCCUPATION: Any use conducted entirely within a dwelling and which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling and which does not change the character thereof and which complies with all of the provisions of subsection 10-15-4 A of this title.
HOMEOWNER ASSOCIATION: An incorporated, nonprofit organization operating under the recorded land agreements, through which each lot owner of a development area is a member, and each lot is subject to charges for a proportionate share of the expenses for the organization’s activities, such as maintaining the common property.
HOUSEHOLD PETS: Animals or fowl ordinarily permitted in a residence and kept for company or pleasure, such as dogs, cats, fish and canaries. Household pets do not include inherently or potentially dangerous animals or fowl, or those normally considered agricultural livestock.
IDENTIFICATION: That by which a person, thing, product, etc., can be identified or recognized, and those specific symbols, traits, trademarks, characteristics, etc., which provide such recognition.
JUNK: Old or scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, rubber, junked, dismantled or wrecked automobiles or parts thereof; iron, steel and other old scrap ferrous or nonferrous materials.
LAND COVERAGE: The percentage of a lot covered by the main and accessory building.
LANDSCAPING: Shall consist of any of the following or combination thereof: materials such as, but not limited to, grass, hardy ground covers, shrubs, vines, hedges and trees; and nonliving durable material commonly utilized in landscaping, such as, but not limited to, rocks, pebbles, sand, walls or fences, but not including paving as a principal design element.
LIVABLE AREA: The totally enclosed space within the principal structure having an average ceiling height of a minimum of four feet (4') above the finished grade.
LOT: A division of land separated from other divisions for purposes of sale, lease or separate use, described on a recorded subdivision plat, recorded survey map, or by metes and bounds.
LOT AREA: The total land area, measured in square feet or acres, contained within the lot lines.
LOT, CORNER: A lot located at the intersection of two (2) streets or a lot bounded on two (2) sides by a curved street, any two (2) chord of which form an angle of one hundred thirty-five degrees (135o) or less.
LOT DEPTH: The average horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT, DOUBLE FRONTAGE: A lot having frontage in two (2) nonintersecting streets.
LOT FRONTAGE: The width of the lot or parcel of land measured at the street line.
LOT, INTERIOR: A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT LINE, FRONT: The line separating the lot from a street. In the case of a corner lot, the narrow side on the street shall be considered the front of the lot.
LOT LINE, REAR: The lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE: A lot line which is neither a front nor a rear lot line.
LOT LINES: The property lines bounding a lot.
LOT OF RECORD: Land designated as a separate parcel on a plat, map or deed in the records of Utah county.
LOT WIDTH: The average width of the lot measured at the front yard setback line parallel to the front lot line.
LOT, ZONING: A parcel of land abutting a dedicated street, occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal permitted or conditionally permitted use and/or accessory use, together with such open spaces as required by this title. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the term “lot” is used synonymously with “zoning lot” and it may or may not be a lot of record.
MAIN (PRINCIPAL) BUILDING: The building occupied by the main use or activity in or intended for the premises, all parts of which building are connected in a substantial manner by common walls and a continuous roof.
MAP: A drawing showing geographic, topographic or other physical features of the land.
NATURAL GRADE REFERENCE LINE: Reference line created from the highest point of the natural grade on the perimeter of the building to the lowest point on the perimeter of the building which is projected throughout the entire footprint of the structure.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING: A building lawfully existing at the time the zoning regulations, or an amendment thereto, became effective but which does not conform to the area, height or bulk of building, yard or other regulations of the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING LOT: A lot lawfully existing at the time the zoning regulations, or an amendment thereto, became effective but which does not conform to the lot area, width, access or other regulations of the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE: The use of a building or land lawfully existing at the time the zoning regulations, or an amendment thereto, became effective but which does not conform to the use regulations, off-street parking and loading requirements, performance standards or other use regulations of the district in which it is located.
OCCUPANCY CERTIFICATE: An official statement certifying that a building, other structure or parcel of land is in compliance with the provisions of all applicable codes, or is a lawfully existing nonconforming building or use and hence may be occupied and used lawfully for the purpose designated thereon.
OFF-STREET PARKING AREA: Any open or enclosed area other than a street or other public right-of- way used for the temporary storage of automobiles and available to the public, whether for a fee, free or as an accommodation for clients or customers. All off-street parking areas shall conform to the design standards presented in these regulations, and no required off-street parking area shall charge a fee of any type to its users.
OPEN SPACE: The use of land which leaves soil generally undisturbed and upon which natural vegetation, whether or not native to the area, occupies the major visible aspect of the land. An area generally set aside in a subdivision for public or private use, including but not limited to parks, recreation, hiking and bicycle trails, ponds, or other non-residential facilities to enhance the community and provide an open space living environment in the surrounding areas.
PARKING: An area designed in accordance with the provisions of this title, located within a structure or in the open, exclusive of driveways and aisles, for the parking of a motor vehicle.
PATIO (TERRACE): An open area permanently surfaced or constructed and usually raised slightly above the lawn surface, the use of which is customarily incidental to that of the main use of the land and which is located on the same lot with the main building or use.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD: A criterion established to control the dust, smoke, fire and explosive hazards, glare and heat, noise, odor, toxic and noxious matter, vibrations and other conditions created by or inherent in uses of land or buildings.
PLAN: A drawing of a proposed design or of work to be performed.
PLAN, FINAL SITE: The final plan prepared by a developer based upon the approved preliminary plan of a proposed development or development area, which consists of detailed drawings, specifications and agreements for the construction of the site improvements and buildings for the proposed development or development area.
PLAN, GENERAL: The long range plan for the desirable use of land area and general road configuration of the city of Woodland Hills as officially adopted and as amended from time to time by the planning commission and city council. The purpose of such plan is, among other things, to serve as a guide for future land use development and zoning decisions to meet community needs; in the subdivision and use of undeveloped land; and in the acquisition of rights-of-way or sites for such public purposes as streets, parks, schools and public buildings.
PLAN, PRELIMINARY SITE: A drawing prepared by a developer, which may include explanatory exhibits and text, submitted to the designated authority for the purpose of study of a proposed development of land, or a preliminary plan (plat) of land use of a development area which, if approved by the designated authority, provides the basis for proceeding with the preparation of the final plan of a development or development area.
PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT (PUD): Land under unified control, planned and developed as a whole in a single development operation or a definitely programmed series of development operations, including all lands and buildings. Planned unit developments are designed and developed in accordance with an overall development plan subject to the provisions of these regulations.
PLAT: A map of a lot, parcel, subdivision or development area on which the lines of each element are shown by accurate distances and bearings.
PORCH: An entrance or structure attached to the outside of an outer wall of a building, one (1) or two (2) stories in height, with integral foundations, which is open on one (1), two (2) or three (3) sides and which may have railings and banisters or a parapet and which is roofed.
PRIVATE LAND: Land in a subdivision or development area which shall be adjoining, attached and assigned to a dwelling, to be held as an open space in ownership with the dwelling in the subdivision or development area, and which shall be identified on subdivision and development plans submitted to the city.
QUASI-PUBLIC USE: A use operated by a private nonprofit educational, religious, recreational, charitable or philanthropic institution, such use having the purpose primarily of serving the general public, such as churches, private schools, hospitals and similar uses.
RECREATION USE, PRIVATE: Recreation facilities operated as a business on privately owned property and may be open to the public for a fee, such as a golf course, ski lift, tennis court, etc.
RECREATION USE, PUBLIC: Recreation facilities operated by a public agency and open to the public, with or without fees.
REGULATION: A rule, restriction or other mandatory provision in this title intended to control, require or prohibit an act.
SIGN: Any display, figure, painting, drawings, placard, poster or other device visible from a public way which is designed, intended or used to convey a message, advertise, inform or direct attention to a person, institution, organization, activity, place, object or product. It may be a structure or part thereof painted on or attached directly or indirectly on a structure. This definition shall not include any flag, pennant or insignia of any nation, state, city or other political units, as well as any sign, board or surface used to display or announce official notice of such political units.
SIGN, ANIMATED: A sign with action or motion, color changes requiring electrical energy, electronic or manufactured sources of supply, including wind activated elements.
SIGN AREA: All the surfaces visible from a public way and shall be measured as the area enclosed by one rectangle, the sides of which make contact with the extreme points or edges of the sign, excluding the supporting structure if such structure does not form a part of the advertisement of the sign proper. The area of a sign composed of characters or words attached directly to a larger, uniform building wall surface shall be the smallest rectangle which encloses the entire group.
SIGN, BULLETIN BOARD: An announcement sign which directs attention to and is located on the lot of a public or semipublic institution.
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION: A sign which is located on a lot where current ongoing controlled construction is in progress, which indicates the name of the project, architect, engineer, contractor or other similar information concerning the name of the project.
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL: Any sign which serves solely to designate the location or direction of any place or area.
SIGN, ELECTRIC: Any sign containing electrical wiring which is attached or intended to be attached to an electrical energy source.
SIGN, GROUND: A freestanding sign which is supported by one or more poles, posts or braces in or upon the ground.
SIGN HEIGHT: The vertical distance measured from the established grade at the point where the sign structure meets the ground to the top of the structure.
SIGN, ILLUMINATED: Any sign which emanates light either by means of exposed tubing or lamps, or shining onto its surface, or by means of illumination transmitted through the sign faces.
SIGN, NAMEPLATE: A sign which identifies the name and address of a homeowner.
SIGN, POLE: A sign which is supported wholly by a pole or poles and designed so as to permit pedestrian or vehicular traffic thereunder.
SIGN, POLITICAL: A sign which announces the candidacy of a person, or slate of persons running for elective office, a political party, or issue or state of issues.
SIGN, REAL ESTATE: Any sign which advertises or announces the sale, rental or lease of the premises upon which lot the sign is located.
SIGN STRUCTURE: Any structure which supports, has supported or is capable of supporting a sign, including decorative cover.
SIGN, SUBDIVISION: A sign, masonry wall, landscaping, other similar materials, or any combination thereof, that form a display for subdivision, neighborhood or tract identification; provided, that the legend of such sign or display shall consist only of the subdivision, neighborhood or tract name.
SIGN, TEMPORARY: A sign of any type to announce special events or sales, to announce the sale, lease or rental of property, and designed for use for a limited period of time.
SIGN, WALL OR PANEL: A sign integral with the exterior face of an exterior wall of a building, or attached to the wall or parallel with the wall and projecting not more than twelve inches (12") therefrom.
STANDARD: A test, measure, model or example of quantity, extent or quality.
STORY: That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it; or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it.
STORY, FIRST: As applied to the residential districts, means the lowest story or the ground story of any building, the floor of which is less than four feet (4') below the average contact ground level at the exterior walls of the building.
STORY, HALF: As applied to the residential districts, means a partial story under a gable, hip or gambrel roof, the wall plates of which on at least two (2) opposite exterior walls are less than four feet (4') above the floor of such story.
STREET (PRIVATE): A street owned and maintained by a private entity, usually by an HOA.
STREET (PUBLIC): A public road for purposes of vehicular travel, including the entire area within the rights-of-way. The term includes, but is not limited to, avenue, alley, boulevard, drive, highway, road and freeway. Streets shall be classified and further defined as follows:
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION: Any change in the structural members of a building, such as walls, columns, beams or girders.
STRUCTURE: That which is constructed on or under the ground or attached or connected thereto, including, but not limited to: buildings, barriers, bridges, bulkheads, chimneys, fences, garages, outdoor seating facilities, parking areas, platforms, pools, poles, streets, tanks, tents, towers, sheds, signs, walls and walks; and excluding trailers and other vehicles, whether on wheels or other supports.
SWIMMING POOL: A permanent, open tank or other structure not located within a completely enclosed building designed so as to contain at least three feet (3') of water at any point, including the lounging and spectator areas and any accessory buildings, structures or equipment.
SWIMMING POOL, CLUB: A pool operated by a private club or a neighborhood association incorporated as a nonprofit organization to maintain and operate it for the exclusive use of a limited number of members and their guests.
SWIMMING POOL, PRIVATE: A pool maintained for the sole use of a household and guests without charge for admission and located as an accessory use to a dwelling.
TEMPORARY BUILDING OR USE: A structure or use permitted by the zoning enforcement officer to exist during periods of construction of the new building.
TRAILER, CONSTRUCTION: A large trailer which is used for the storage and conveyance of tools, machinery or equipment on, to or from a construction site, and which may be left on the site for the duration of construction as provided by these regulations.
TRAILER OR MOBILE HOME: Any vehicle or portable structure constructed in such a manner as to permit occupancy thereof as sleeping quarters; or the conduct of any business, trade or occupation; or use as a selling or advertising device; or use for storage or conveyance for tools, equipment or machinery; and so designed that it is or may be mounted on wheels and used as a conveyance on highways and streets, propelled or drawn by other motor power.
TRAILER, TENT: A trailer which is designed as and may be easily and quickly converted into a tent or canopy structure for recreational dwelling purposes.
TRAILER, TRAVEL: A rigid walled trailer designed, constructed or used as temporary dwelling quarters for one or more persons. Such travel trailers may contain sleeping berths, kitchen and sanitary facilities.
TRAILER, UTILITY: A small trailer used primarily for transportation of commercial or personal goods and/or wares.
USE: The activity conducted on or in a particular parcel of land or structure.
USE, PERMITTED: A use by right which is specifically authorized in a particular zoning district, not including conditional uses.
USE, TEMPORARY: A nonpermanent or intermittent use of land, building or structure which is permitted by these regulations.
VARIANCE: A modification of the literal provisions of these regulations granted when strict enforcement would cause undue hardship owing to circumstances unique to the individual property on which the variance is granted.
VEHICLE: All automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, truck campers, recreational vehicles, buses and boats.
VEHICLE, COMMERCIAL: Any motor vehicle designed and used for carrying merchandise or freight. Also referred to as a “business vehicle”.
VEHICLE, DUAL PURPOSE: Any pickup truck with a slide in camper or a van type vehicle converted for camping use, either of which are used both for camping and incidental transportation.
VEHICLE, MOTORIZED DWELLING: Any vehicle which is designed, constructed or used primarily as a temporary dwelling and which is propelled by means of its own motor power.
VEHICLE, RECREATIONAL: Any motor vehicle whose principal function is to serve a recreational or entertainment purpose and whose function as transportation is primarily limited to transporting its users to or from the sites of such recreation or entertainment.
WALL: A wall outside of a structure is a continuous barrier made of rock, cement, blocks, wood, or other material to retain dirt or other organic substances. They are, by name, considered to be retaining walls, whether for landscaping, decoration, or otherwise. A wall is not a fence, nor is a fence considered to be a wall. They each stand on their own definition and construction requirements.
YARD: That portion of the open area on a lot extending from a building to the nearest lot line.
YARD, FRONT: An area extending the full width of the lot between a building and the front lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified.
YARD, REAR: An area extending the full width of the lot between a building and rear lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified.
YARD, REQUIRED: The minimum yard required between a lot line and building line or the line of any parking area or any other use requiring a yard in order to comply with the zoning regulations of the district in which the zoning lot is located.
YARD, SIDE: An area extending from the front yard to the rear yard between a building and the nearest side lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as hereinafter specified.
ZONING DISTRICT: A portion of the incorporated area of the city of Woodland Hills for which certain uniform regulations governing the use, height, area and intensity of use of buildings and land and open spaces are herein established.
ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER: The person authorized by the city to issue building permits, review all proposed site plans, proposed new construction, renovation or additions to assure compliance with all provisions of this title and map. The zoning enforcement officer and building inspector may be the same person.
ZONING MAP: The official zoning district map of the city, together with all amendments subsequently adopted.
ZONING REGULATIONS: The zoning ordinance in its entirety and accompanying the official zoning district map and any subsequent amendments thereto.
HISTORY:
(Ord. 1993-05, 6-6-1993; amd. Ord. 2004-05, 5-26-2004; Ord. 2021-09, 5-11-2021; Ord. 2021-20, 8-3-2021; Ord. 2022-14, 5-10-2022; Ord. 2022-16, 5-10-2022; amd. Ord. 2024-02,01-23-2024; amd. Ord. 2024-19, 06-11-2024; amd. Ord. 2025-02, 02-25-2025; amd. Ord. 2026-15, 08-25-2025)