A. 
All provisions, terms, phrases, and expressions contained in the UDC shall be construed according to the stated purpose and intent of the UDC.
B. 
Words used in the present tense include the future; the singular number includes the plural number; and the plural number includes the singular number.
C. 
The word "shall" is mandatory and not permissive.
D. 
In any instance where a gender specific pronoun is used (e.g., he, his/her), it is gender neutral.
E. 
Unless otherwise specifically indicated, list of items or examples that use terms such as including, such as, or similar language are intended to provide examples and not to be exhaustive lists of all possibilities.
F. 
Whenever a reference is made to an ordinance, statute, regulation, or document, that reference shall be construed as referring to the most recent edition of such unless otherwise expressly stated.
G. 
In the case of any difference in meaning between the text of the UDC and any caption or illustration, the text shall control.
H. 
Words and phrases not otherwise defined in this UDC shall be construed according to the common and approved usage of American English.
A. 
For the purposes of this Title, the following general definitions shall be used:
ABUTTING
Have a common property line or district line.
ACRE, NET
The actual land devoted to the land use, excluding public streets, public lands, or unusable lands, and school sites contained within 43,560 square feet.
ALLEY
A public way that affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property.
AQUIFER
A saturated, permeable geologic formation that contains and will yield significant quantities of water.
BLOCK
A tract of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public parks or other recognized lines of demarcation.
BUILDING CORNICE
A projecting horizontal decorative molding along the top of the principal front wall of a building.
BUILDING FACADE
The exterior elevation of a building or structure extending from the ground to the top of the wall, cornice, parapet, or eaves and the entire width of the building elevation.
BUILDING FACADE ARTICULATION
A recess or projection in the building facade that gives texture to the building surface, creates the impression that one building is two or more buildings, incorporates a unique building element, and improves the building's overall composition and aesthetic. Minimum requirements for a building break are a depth of two feet and a width of four feet.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the average curb level in front of the lot or the average finished grade at the building line, whichever is higher, to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a gambrel, hip or pitched roof. See Figure 13.06.12-1.
Figure 13.06.12-1 Building Height
013 Building Height.tif
BUILDING PARAPET
A low wall or protective barrier that extends vertically above the roof line of a building.
BUILDING ROOF RIDGE LINE
The line which marks the highest point of a pitched roof.
BUILDING STEPBACK
A setback of a building's upper floor(s) in order to reduce the building's bulk, articulate the base of the building, ensure a more comfortable street environment, and provide light and air at street level.
BUILDING STREET FRONTAGE
The proportion of a lot's frontage on a public street that is occupied by a building as measured at the required maximum front yard setback. Corner lots must meet maximum front yard setback requirements for both public street frontages.
BUILDING TRANSPARENCY
Openings in the street-facing facade of a building that are transparent, including windows and doors, which enable increased physical and/or visual interaction between street/sidewalk/plaza activities and a building's interior uses and activities.
BUILDING, DETACHED
A building surrounded by open space on the same lot.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which the principal use of the lot on which it is located is conducted.
BUSINESS
An occupation, employment or enterprise that occupies time, labor and materials, or wherein merchandise is exhibited or sold, or where services are offered.
COMMISSION
The Plan Commission created by the Common Council pursuant to § 62.23, Wis. Stats., as may be amended.
COMMUNITY EVENT
An event in the Onalaska region that is sponsored by a social, religious, fraternal, nonprofit, or governmental organization that benefits the larger society, a charitable cause, or acts a fund-raiser for the sponsor.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
A Comprehensive Plan prepared by the City indicating the general locations recommended for the various functional classes of land use, places and structures, and for the general physical development of the City and includes any unit or part of such plan separately adopted and any amendment to such plan or parts thereof.
CONE OF DEPRESSION
The area around a well, in which the water level has been lowered at least 1/10 of one foot by pumping of the well.
CONSERVATION STANDARDS
Guidelines and specifications for soil and water conservation practices and management enumerated in the Technical Guide, prepared by the USDA Soil Conservation Service for La Crosse County, adopted by the County Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors, and containing suitable alternatives for the use and treatment of land based upon its capabilities from which the landowner selects that alternative which best meets their needs in developing their soil and water conservation.
CONSTRUCTION AREA
Any area in which movement of earth, alteration of topography, soil compaction, disruption of vegetation, changes in soil chemistry, or any change in the natural character of the land occurs as a result of site preparation, grading, building construction or any other construction activity.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE
The area of tree roots within the crown drip line. This zone is generally defined as a circle with a radius extending from a tree's trunk to a point no less than the furthest crown drip line. Disturbances within this zone will directly affect a tree's chance for survival.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to construction of, or additions or substantial improvements to, buildings, other structures, or accessory uses, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or disposition of materials.
DISTRICT, BASE
A part or parts of the City for which the regulations of this Title governing the use and location of land and building are uniform.
DISTRICT, OVERLAY
Overlay districts, also referred to herein as regulatory areas, provide for the possibility of superimposing certain additional requirements upon a base zoning district without disturbing the requirements of the base district. In the instance of conflicting requirements, the stricter of the conflicting requirements shall apply with the exception of the Planned Unit Development Overlay District or Planned Commercial Industrial District, which may supersede the requirements of the underlying base district as specifically approved by the Common Council.
DIVISION OF LAND
Where the title or any part thereof is transferred by the execution of a land contract, an option to purchase, an offer to purchase and acceptance, a deed, or a certified survey.
DWELLING
A building designed or used exclusively as a residence or sleeping place, but does not include boarding or lodging houses, motels, hotels, tents, cabins or mobile homes.
DWELLING UNIT
A group of rooms constituting all or part of a dwelling, which are arranged, designed, used or intended for use exclusively as living quarters for one family.
DWELLING, EFFICIENCY
A dwelling unit consisting of one principal room with no separate sleeping rooms.
EASEMENT
The area of land set aside or over or through which a liberty, privilege or advantage in land, distinct from ownership of the land, is granted to the public or some particular person/entity or part of the public.
EXPOSURE, PRIMARY
Open areas adjacent to the front wall (or main entrance) of a dwelling unit.
EXPOSURE, SECONDARY
Open areas adjacent to side and rear walls of a dwelling unit.
EXTRATERRITORIAL PLAT APPROVAL JURISDICTION
The unincorporated area within 1 1/2 miles of a fourth class City or a village and within three miles of all other cities.
FAMILY
The body of persons who live together in one dwelling unit as a single housekeeping entity.
FORESTER
A person holding a Bachelor's degree in forestry from an accredited four-year college of forestry.
FOSTER FAMILY HOME
The primary domicile of a foster parent which is four or fewer foster children and which is licensed under § 48.62, Wis. Stats., as may be amended.
FRONTAGE
All the property abutting on one side of a street between two intersecting streets or all of the property abutting on one side of a street between an intersecting street and the dead end of a street.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A detached accessory building or portion of the principal building, designed, arranged, used or intended to be used primarily for storage of automobiles of the occupant of the private premises.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
Any building or portion thereof, not accessory to a residential building or structure, used primarily for equipping, servicing, repairing, leasing or public parking of motor vehicles.
GROSS FLOOR AREA
For the purpose of determining off-street parking and off-street loading requirements, the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the floors of the building, or portion thereof, devoted to a use requiring off-street parking or loading. This area shall include elevators and stairways, accessory storage areas located within selling or working space occupied by counters, racks or closets and any basement floor area devoted to retailing activities, to the production or processing of goods, or to business or professional offices. However, floor area, for the purposes of determining off-street parking spaces, shall not include floor area devoted primarily to storage purposes except as otherwise noted herein.
GROUP FOSTER HOME
Any facility operated by a person required to be licensed by the State of Wisconsin under State Stats. Section 48.62 for the care and maintenance of five to eight foster children.
JUNK
Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material or debris, whether or not stored or used in conjunction with dismantling, processing, salvage, storage, baling, disposal or other use or disposition. "Junk" includes, but is not limited to, vehicles, tires, vehicle parts, equipment, paper, rags, metal, glass, building materials, household appliances, brush, wood and lumber.
LANDMARK TREE
A tree designated because it is one of the largest or oldest of a species located in the City; it has a historic significance due to an association with a historic building, site, street, person, or event; or it is a defining landmark or significant outstanding feature of a neighborhood.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
A person who practices architecture and is registered or licensed with the State of Wisconsin in accordance with Ch. 443, Wis. Stats.
LOADING AREA
A completely off-street space or berth on the same lot for the loading or unloading of freight carriers, having adequate ingress and egress to a public street or alley.
LOT
A parcel of land having frontage on a public street, or other officially approved means of access, occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal structure or use and sufficient in size to meet the lot width, lot frontage, lot area and other open space provisions of the UDC as pertaining to the district wherein located.
LOT, AREA
The area contained within the exterior boundaries of a lot excluding streets and land under navigable bodies of water.
LOT, BUILDABLE AREA
The portion of a lot remaining after required yards have been provided.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting two or more streets at their intersection provided that the corner of such intersection shall have an angle of 135° or less, measured on the lot side.
LOT, COVERAGE
1. 
NONRESIDENTIALThe area of a lot occupied by the principal building or buildings and accessory buildings including any driveways, parking areas, loading areas, storage areas and walkways.
2. 
RESIDENTIALThe area of a lot occupied by the principal building or buildings and accessory buildings.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot situated on a single street which is bounded by adjacent lots along each of its other lines and is not a corner lot.
LOT, LINE
A property boundary line of any lot held in single or separate ownership, except that where any portion of the lot extends into the abutting street or alley, the lot line shall be deemed to be the abutting street or alley right-of-way line.
LOT, REVERSED-CORNER
A corner lot which is oriented so that it has its rear lot line coincident with or parallel to the side lot line of the interior lot immediately to its rear.
LOT, SUBSTANDARD
A parcel of land held in separate ownership having frontage on a public street, or other approved means of access, occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal building or structure, together with accessory buildings and uses, having insufficient size to meet the lot width, lot area, yard, off-street parking areas or other open space provisions of this the UDC as pertaining to the district wherein located.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot that has a pair of opposite lot lines along two substantially parallel streets and which is not a corner lot. On a through lot, both street lines shall be deemed front lot lines.
LOT, WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the building setback line.
Figure 13.06.12-2 Types of Lots
013 Types of Lots.tif
MEDICAL CAMPUS
A group of establishments, in one or more buildings, on one parcel of at least five contiguous developable acres and additional developable land adjacent or separated by public right-of-way parcels under common ownership designed as a coherent group to concentrate outpatient or short-term inpatient medical care and in a single location and offer a variety of medical services to promote the practice, teaching, and progress of medicine and care of patients.
MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOME SPACE
A plot of ground within a manufactured or mobile home community, designed for the accommodation of one manufactured or mobile home.
MOBILE AND MANUFACTURED HOME UNIT
A single manufactured or mobile home.
MOBILE HOME LOT
A parcel of land for the placement of a single mobile home and the exclusive use of its occupants.
MOBILE HOME SUBDIVISION
A land subdivision, as defined by Chapter 236 of the Wis. Stats. and any City land division ordinance, with lots intended for the placement of individual mobile home units. Individual home sites are in separate ownership as opposed to the rental arrangements in mobile home parks.
MODULAR UNIT
A modular unit is a factor fabricated transportable building unit designed to be used by itself or to be incorporated with similar units at a building site into a modular structure to be used for residential, commercial, educational or industrial purposes.
MULTI-MODAL PATH
A path physically separated from motorized vehicular traffic that may be used for activities such as walking, jogging, and bicycling.
MUNICIPAL WATER SUPPLY
The municipal water supply of the City of Onalaska.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE, LOT OR USE
Any structure, lot, use of land, or any combination thereof which was existing at the time of the effective date of this UDC or amendments thereto and which is not in conformance with this UDC. Any such structure conforming in respect to use but not in respect to frontage, width, height, area, yard, parking, loading or distance requirements shall not be considered a nonconforming use but shall be considered nonconforming with respect to those characteristics.
NURSERYMAN
A person licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a nurseryman.
OPERATING STANDARDS
Regulations that apply to land use activities/business practices within a designated Wellhead Protection Overlay District.
OWNER
Includes the plural as well as the singular and may mean a natural person, firm, association, partnership, private corporation, public or quasi-public corporation, or combination of these.
PARK
Parks, playgrounds and open space for recreational enjoyment. The term "park" does not include facilities owned by a school district.
PARK, CAPITAL COSTS
The cost to construct, expand or improve public park facilities, including the cost of land, and including legal, engineering and design costs to construct, expand or improve public park facilities, except that not more than 10% of capital costs may consist of legal, engineering and design costs unless the City can demonstrate that its legal, engineering and design costs which relate directly to the public park improvement for which the impact fees were imposed exceed 10% of capital costs.
PARK, DEVELOPMENT FEES
Cash contributions, contributions of land or interest in land or any other items of value that are imposed on a developer.
PARK, NEEDS ASSESSMENT
New public facilities or improvements or expansions of existing public facilities as relate to parks that are required because of land development for which impact fees will be imposed are those which are identified in this Section 13.04.44 and in parks needs assessment report prepared prior to the adoption of Section 13.04.44 and any amendments hereto. The needs assessment that forms the basis of any development fees imposed by the City by this Title shall be kept on file in the office of the City Clerk. The needs assessment report shall remain on file in the office of the City Clerk for the entire period during which development fees arising out of a specific report and Section 13.04.44 are collected prior to expenditure, and such report shall, after expenditure of all development fees, be maintained as a public record for such time period as required by law.
PARK, SERVICE AREA
A geographic area delineated by the Common Council for which the City provides public facilities.
PARK, SERVICE STANDARD
A certain quantity or quality of public facilities relative to a certain number of persons, parcels of land or other appropriate measure, as specified by the City.
PARK, SERVICE UNIT
Residential or nonresidential development that benefits from the City's park system.
PARKING LOT
A structure or premises containing five or more parking spaces open to the public.
PARTIES OF INTEREST
Includes all abutting property owners, all property owners within 100 feet, and all property owners of opposite frontages.
PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY
A public way, usually running at right angles to streets, which is intended for the convenience of pedestrians only; it may also provide public right-of-way for utilities.
PERSON
Person means an individual, partnership, association, corporation, municipality or state agency, or other legal entity.
PLAT
The map, drawing or chart on which the applicant's plat of subdivision is presented to the City for approval.
PLAT, FINAL
The final plat map, drawing or chart on which the applicant's plan of subdivision is presented for approval and which, if approved, will be recorded at the office of the La Crosse County Register of Deeds.
PLAT, PRELIMINARY
The preliminary plat map, drawing or chart indicating the proposed layout of the subdivision to be submitted for its consideration as to compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and these regulations along with required supporting data.
PROTECTIVE COVENANTS
Contracts entered into between private parties or between private parties and public bodies pursuant to § 236.293, Wis. Stats., which constitute a restriction on the use of all private or platted property within a subdivision for the benefit of the public or property owners and to provide mutual protection against undesirable aspects of development which would tend to impair stability of values.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
Any sanitary sewer, storm sewer, open channel, water main, roadway, intersection controls, park, parkway, public access, sidewalk, pedestrianway, planting strip or other facility for which the City may ultimately assume the responsibility for maintenance and operation.
RECHARGE AREA
The area which encompasses all areas or features that, by surface infiltration of water, reaches the zone of saturation of an aquifer and supplies groundwater to a well.
REGULATED SUBSTANCES
Chemicals and chemical mixtures that are health hazards. Health hazards for chemicals and chemical mixtures are typically identified on Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available from the substance manufacturer or supplier. Substances packaged for consumption for humans or animals are not considered regulated substances. Regulated substances include but are not limited to:
1. 
Chemicals for which there is scientific evidence that acute or chronic health effects may result from exposure including carcinogens, toxic and highly toxic agents, irritants, corrosives, sensitizers, hepatotoxins, agents that act on the hematopoietic system, reproductive toxins, and agents which damage the lungs, skin, eyes, or mucous membranes as defined in 29 CFR 1910.1200, Appendix A, Health Hazard Definitions (Mandatory).
2. 
Mixtures of chemicals which have been tested as a whole and have been determined to be a health hazard.
3. 
Mixtures of chemicals which have not been tested as a whole but which contain any chemical which has been determined to be a health hazard and comprises 1% or greater of the composition on a weight-per-unit-weight basis.
4. 
Mixtures of chemicals which include a carcinogen if the concentration of the carcinogen in the mixture is 1/10 of 1% or greater of the composition on a weight-per-unit-weight basis.
5. 
Ingredients of mixtures prepared within the Groundwater Protection Overlay District in cases where such ingredients are health hazards but comprise more than 1/10 of 1% of the mixture on a weight-per-unit-weight basis if carcinogenic, or more than 1% of the mixture on a weight-per-unit-weight basis if noncarcinogenic.
6. 
Petroleum and nonsolid petroleum derivatives (except non-PCB dielectric fluids used in equipment or for transmission of electric power to homes and businesses).
REPLAT
The process of changing, or a map or plat which changes the boundaries of a recorded subdivision plat or part thereof. The legal dividing of a large block, lot or outlot within a recorded subdivision plat without changing exterior boundaries of said block, lot or outlot is not a replat.
SHORELAND
The area within the following distances from the ordinary high-water mark of navigable waters, as defined under § 281.31(2)(d), Wis. Stats.:
1. 
One thousand feet from a lake, pond or flowage. If the navigable water is a glacial pothole lake, this distance shall be measured from the high-water mark of the lake; or
2. 
Three hundred feet from a river or stream or to the landward side of the floodplain, whichever distance is greater, § 59.692(1)(b), Wis. Stats.
SPECIMEN TREE(S) OR STAND
Any tree or grouping of trees which has been determined to be of high value because of its type, size, age, or other professional criteria, and has been so designated.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling next above it. Any portion of a story exceeding 14 feet in height shall be considered as an additional story for each 14 feet or fraction thereof. A basement having 1/2 or more of its height above grade shall be deemed a story for purposes of height regulation.
STORY, HALF
That portion of a building under a gable, hip or mansard roof, the wall plates of which, on at least two opposite exterior walls, are not more than 4 1/2 feet above the finished floor of such story. In the case of one family dwellings, two-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings less than three stories in height, a 1/2 story in a sloping roof shall not be counted as a story for the purposes of this Title.
STREET
Property other than an alley or private thoroughfare or travelway which is subject to public easement or right-of-way for use as a thoroughfare and which is 21 feet or more in width.
STREET, ARTERIAL
A public street or highway used or intended to be used primarily for large volume or heavy through traffic. Arterial streets shall include freeways and expressways as well as arterial streets, highways and parkways.
STREET, COLLECTOR
A street which collects and distributes internal traffic within an urban area such as a residential neighborhood, between arterial and local streets. It provides access to abutting property.
STREET, CONTROLLED ACCESS ARTERIAL
The condition in which the right of owners or occupants of abutting land or other persons to access, light, air or view in connection with an arterial street is fully or partially controlled by public authority.
STREET, CUL-DE-SAC
A short street having but one end open to traffic and the other end being permanently terminated in a vehicular turnaround.
STREET, FRONTAGE
A minor street auxiliary to and located on the side of an arterial street for control of access and for service to the abutting development.
STREET, LOCAL
A street of little or no continuity designed to provide access to abutting property and leading into collector streets.
STREET, MAJOR THOROUGHFARE
A street used or intended to be used primarily for fast or heavy through traffic. Major thoroughfares shall include freeways, expressways and other highways and parkways, as well as arterial streets.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a structure, such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams or girders.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a permanent location on the ground or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground.
STRUCTURE, MINOR
Any small, movable accessory erection or construction such as birdhouses, tool houses, pet houses, play equipment, arbors and walls.
SUBDIVIDER
Any person, firm or corporation, or any agent thereof, dividing or proposing to divide land resulting in a subdivision, minor subdivision or replat.
SUBDIVISION
The division of a lot, outlot, parcel, or tract of land by the owner thereof or their agent for the purpose of transfer of ownership or development:
1. 
Where the act of division creates five or more parcels or building sites, all of which are five acres or less in area; or
2. 
Where the act of division creates five or more parcels or building sites, all of which are five acres or less in area, by successive divisions within a period of five years, whether done by the original owner or a successor owner.
SUBDIVISION, MINOR
The division of land by the owner or their agent resulting in the creation of not more than four parcels or building sites.
TIME OF TRAVEL, FIVE-YEAR
The five year time of travel is the recharge area upgradient a well, including the cone of depression, the outer boundary from which it is determined or estimated that groundwater will take five years to reach a pumping well.
TIME OF TRAVEL, THIRTY-DAY
The thirty-day time of travel is the recharge area of a well, or its cone of depression, the outer boundary of which it is determined or estimated that groundwater will take 30 days to reach a pumping well.
TREE DIAMETER-AT-BREAST-HEIGHT
A standard measure of tree size, and is a tree trunk diameter measured in inches at a height of 4 1/2 feet above the ground. If a tree splits into multiple trunks below 4 1/2 feet, the trunk is measured at its most narrow point beneath the split.
TREE DRIP LINE
An imaginary vertical line that extends from the outermost branches of a tree's canopy to the ground.
UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP
An unusual or extreme decrease in the adaptability of the property to the uses permitted by the zoning district which is caused by facts, such as rough terrain or good soil conditions, uniquely applicable to the particular piece of property as distinguished from those applicable to most or all property in the same zoning district.
UTILITIES
Public and private facilities, such as water wells, water and sewage pumping stations, water storage tanks, electrical power substations, static transformer stations, telephone and telegraph exchanges, microwave radio relays and gas regulation stations, fiber cables, inclusive of associated transmission facilities, but not including sewage disposal plants, municipal incinerators, warehouses, shops, storage yards and power plants.
VEGETATIVE BUFFER
A protective vegetated zone located adjacent to a natural resource such as a water body or a vegetated area used to screen or partially screen a use or property from another use or property or to shield or mitigate noise, lights, or other impacts.
WELL FIELD
A parcel of land used primarily for the purpose of locating wells to supply a municipal water system.
WETLANDS
An area where water is at, near or above the land surface long enough to be capable of supporting aquatic or hydrophytic vegetation and which has soils indicative of wet conditions as defined by § 23.32(1), Wis. Stats..
WISCONSIN ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
The rules of administrative agencies having rule-making authority in Wisconsin published in a loose-leaf, continual revision system, as directed by § 35.93 and Chapter 227, Wis. Stats., including subsequent amendments to those rules.
YARD
An open space on the same lot with a structure, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except vegetation.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which shall be the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto through the nearest point of the foundation of the principal structure. This yard shall be opposite the street yard or one of the street yards on a corner lot. See Figure 13.06.12-3.
YARD, SETBACK
The minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and the nearest point of the foundation of that portion of the building to be enclosed. The overhang cornices shall not exceed 24 inches. Any overhang of the cornice in excess of 24 inches shall be compensated by increasing the setback by an amount equal to the excess of cornice over 24 inches.
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending from the street yard to the rear yard of the lot, the width of which shall be the minimum horizontal distance between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto through the nearest point of the foundation of the principal structure. See Figure 13.06.12-3.
YARD, STREET
A yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which shall be the minimum horizontal distance between the existing street or highway right-of-way line and a line parallel thereto through the nearest point of the foundation of the principal structure. Corner lots shall have two street yards. See Figure 13.06.12-3
ZONE OF SATURATION
The saturated zone is the area of unconsolidated, fractured or porous material that is saturated with water and constitutes groundwater.
Figure 13.06.12-3 Yard Designation
013 Yard Designation 2.tif
A. 
For the purposes of this Title, the following definitions shall be used to define land uses within the City:
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
A dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as a principal residential structure to which it is accessory.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A detached structure subordinate to the principal use of a structure, parcel of land or water and located on the same lot or parcel serving a purpose incidental to the principal use or the principal structure. Examples of accessory structures include, but are not limited to, detached garages, detached decks, storage sheds, gazebos, greenhouses, pergolas, outdoor saunas, solar equipment, children's play structures that are permanently anchored to the ground with earth screws/foundations/etc., swimming pools greater than 18 feet in diameter, and other similar accessory structures.
ACCESSORY USE
A subordinate use which is located on the same lot on which the principal building or use is situated and which is reasonably necessary and incidental to the conduct of the primary use of such building or main use, when permitted by district regulations.
ADULT USE
1. 
ADULT MINI THEATER DEVICESuch device shall mean any coin- or slug-operated or electrically or electronically or mechanically controlled machine or device that dispenses or effectuates the dispensing of entertainment, that is intended for the viewing of one or more but less than 100 persons in exchange for any payment of any consideration. The term "mini-theater device" shall not include any conventional motion-picture screen or projection area designed to be viewed in a room containing tiers or rows of seats with a viewer seating capacity of 100 or more persons.
2. 
ADULT BOOKSTORE OR VIDEO STOREAn establishment that has a substantial portion (more than 50%) of its stock-in-trade and offers for sale, for any form of consideration, any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs, film, motion pictures, electronic media, or other visual representations that are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction of or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or instruments, devices or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.
3. 
ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER/MINI-MOTION-PICTURE THEATER/ARCADEAn establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, electronic media, or similar photographic reproductions are shown, in which a substantial portion of the total presentation is devoted to the showing of material characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
4. 
ADULT ORIENTED ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESSAn adult video or bookstore, adult motion-picture theater, arcade, adult massage parlor, adult sauna, adult entertainment center, adult cabaret, adult steam room/bathhouse facility or any other business whose primary business activity is characterized by emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to nudity, sexual conduct, sexual excitement or sadomasochistic abuse as defined herein.
5. 
CABARETSA nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar establishment that regularly features live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities, or films, motion pictures, electronic media, or other photographic reproductions in which more than 10% of the total presentation time is devoted to the showing of material that is characterized by any emphasis upon the depiction of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
6. 
MASSAGE PARLORAn establishment which restricts minors by reason of age, and which provides the services of massage, if such service is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. This definition does not include an athletic club, health club, school, gymnasium, reducing salon, spa or similar establishment where massage or similar manipulation of the human body is offered as an incidental or accessory service.
7. 
NUDITYThe showing of the human male or female genitals or pubic areas with less than a fully opaque covering or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly erect state and/or the appearance of bare buttocks, anus or female breast, excluding the act of breast-feeding an infant or child.
8. 
SADOMASOCHISTIC ABUSEThe flagellation or torture by or upon a person clad in undergarments, a mask or bizarre costume, or the condition of being fettered, bound or otherwise physically restrained on the part of the person so clothed.
9. 
SEXUAL CONDUCTActs of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic areas, buttocks, or if such person be a female, her breast.
10. 
SEXUAL EXCITEMENTThe condition of human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
11. 
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREASLess than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttock, and female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola.
12. 
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIESHuman genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breast.
AGRICULTURE
The use of land for the growing and/or production of field crops, livestock, and livestock products for income generation, including but not limited to floriculture, forest and game management, orchards, raising of grain, grass, mint and seed crops, raising of fruits, nuts and berries, sod farming and vegetable farming. Livestock products include but are not limited to milk, butter, cheese, eggs, honey and fur. Agriculture includes the operating of such an area for one or more of the above uses with the necessary accessory uses for treating or storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of the normal farming activities.
AIRPORT
Any airport which complies with the definition contained in § 114.002(7), Wis. Stats., or any airport that serves or offers to serve common carriers engaged in air transport.
ANIMAL BOARDING, SHELTER, OR DAY-CARE CENTER
Any structure or premises on which three or more dogs or cats over six months of age are temporarily or permanently boarded, including animal day-care/spa facilities.
ANIMAL/VETERINARY CLINIC OR HOSPITAL
A facility for the diagnosis, treatment, or hospitalization of small animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and other animals of similar nature. Facility may also provide boarding for animals as part of medical services.
AUTOMOBILE FUELING AND SERVICE STATION
A place where gasoline, kerosene or any other motor fuel or lubricating oil or grease for operating motor vehicles is offered for sale to the public and deliveries are made directly into motor vehicles, including greasing, oiling and vehicle washing on the premises.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND SERVICE, MAJOR
General repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, motor vehicles or trailers; collision services including body, frame, or fender straightening or repair; overall painting or paint shop; vehicle steam cleaning.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND SERVICE, MINOR
Incidental body or fender work, or other minor repairs, painting and upholstering, replacement of parts and motor service to passenger cars and trucks not exceeding 1.5 tons' capacity, but not including any operation named under "automobile repair, major," or any other similar thereto.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, LEASING, AND SERVICE
An open area, other than a street, used for the display, sale or rental of new or used motor vehicles in operable condition and where no repair work is done.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENT
Any place of lodging that provides eight or fewer rooms for rent to no more than a total of 20 tourists for more than 10 nights in a twelve-month period, is the owner's personal residence, is occupied by the owner at the time of rental and in which the only meal served to guests is breakfast.
BREWERY
A facility used for the manufacture of fermented malt beverages or a fermented malt beverage manufacturer with a mechanized bottling capability.
BREWPUB
An establishment that operates a restaurant and manufactures up to 10,000 barrels of fermented malt beverages per calendar year on premises for consumption either on or off premises in hand-capped, machine-capped or sealed containers in quantities up to 1/2 barrel or 15 1/2 gallons sold directly to the consumer. The establishment shall hold a Class "B" liquor license issued by the state if, in addition to offering for sale fermented malt beverages manufactured on the premises, it also offers for sale fermented malt beverages manufactured by a brewer other than the establishment.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, equipment, machinery or materials. When a building is divided into separate parts by unpierced fire walls extending from the ground up, each part shall be deemed a separate building.
CEMETERY
Land used or intended to be used exclusively for the burial of the human dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including, mausoleums, if operated in connection with and within the boundaries of such cemetery.
CHILD-CARE CENTER, LICENSED
A dwelling unit licensed as a licensed family child-care center by the State of Wisconsin, pursuant to § 48.65, Wis. Stats., and Chapter DCF 250 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, where a resident of the dwelling is providing care for less than 24 hours at a time for between four and eight children who are unrelated to the provider.
CHILD-CARE CENTER, LICENSED GROUP
A facility licensed as a group child-care center by the State of Wisconsin, pursuant to § 48.65 Wis. Stats., and Chapter DCF 251 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, where the operator is providing care for less than 24 hours at a time for more than eight children. This term includes, but is not limited to, the following: day-care center, nursery school, or preschool. The term shall not include the exceptions identified in § DCF 251.03. This term also includes a child-care center that is accessory to another use and that is intended for use by the employees of the principal uses and their immediate family for more than three hours of care and supervision a day. This term does not include certified family child-care provider, as defined below, in which the operator resides.
CHILD CARE PROVIDER, CERTIFIED FAMILY
A dwelling unit certified under the Department of Children and Families Chapter 202, Wis. Adm. Code, where a resident of the dwelling is providing care for less than 24 hours at a time for one to three children under the age of seven who are unrelated to the provider.
CLINIC
Any entity that is not a hospital or residence that is used primarily for the provision of outpatient nursing, medical, podiatric, dental, chiropractic, optometric or mental health care and treatment or an entity which is required to be certified under the Department of Health Services in order to receive reimbursement for outpatient health services to clients.
CLUB, LODGE, OR MEETING PLACE OF A NONCOMMERCIAL NATURE
A nonprofit association of persons who are bona fide members, paying regular dues, and are organized for some common purpose, but not including a group organized solely or primarily to render a service customarily carried on as a commercial enterprise.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACTOR YARD
A lot or portion of a lot or parcel used to store and maintain construction equipment and other materials customarily required in the building trades by a construction contractor. This definition includes architects, engineers, surveyors, real estate sign placement services, showrooms and shops for the display and sale of electrical, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sheet metal and other materials in connection with contracting services.
DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY
A business establishment which includes on its site the opportunity for a patron to receive a service or product while seated in their vehicle, including the receiving or a service or product after ordering at a menu board and being parked in a designated parking stall. A drive-through facility shall not include a designated pickup area for a retail store, a walk-up window, or a drive-up restaurant whereby there is a canopy under which vehicles are parked and food served.
DWELLING, APARTMENT
A residential building designed for or occupied by three or more dwelling units with a joint entrance from the outside.
DWELLING, APARTMENT MIXED-USE
A building designed for or used by one or more families or dwelling units as well as nonresidential uses that are permitted in the zoning district to be located on the ground story, with all dwelling units sharing a joint entrance from the outside.
DWELLING, ATTACHED TOWNHOUSE OR ROW HOUSE
A building designed for or used exclusively for five or more families or dwelling units, which are attached horizontally by at least one common wall extending from the foundation to the roof, and providing separate entrances from the outside for each unit.
DWELLING, FARMSTEAD
A single-family residential structure located on a parcel of land for which the primary land use is associated with agriculture.
DWELLING, SENIOR INDEPENDENT LIVING
Any facility which provides independent living opportunities for senior citizens, typically age 55 and up, such as garden apartments, group housing, and apartments.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A detached building designed for occupancy by one family.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A detached building containing two separate dwelling (or living) units, designed for occupancy by not more than two families.
DWELLING, ZERO-LOT-LINE
The concept whereby two respective dwelling units within a building shall be on separate and abutting lots and shall meet on the common property line between them, thereby having zero space between said units.
ESSENTIAL SERVICES
Services provided by public and private utilities, necessary for the exercise of the principal use or service of the principal structure. These services include underground, surface or overhead gas, electrical, steam, water, sanitary sewerage, stormwater drainage, and communication systems and accessories thereto, such as poles, towers, wires, mains, drains, vaults, culverts, laterals, sewers, pipes, catch basins, water storage tanks, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, police call boxes, traffic signals, pumps, lift stations and hydrants, but not including buildings.
FENCE
An artificially constructed barrier for the purpose of separating property or for screening, enclosing or protecting the property within its perimeter.
[Added 1-11-2022 by Ord. No. 1721-2022]
HELIPAD or HELISTOP
Any area of land or building, other than an airport, which is made available for the landing and takeoff of helicopters or other aircraft used in emergency situations and which does not include refueling, maintenance, repair or storage of helicopters.
HOME OCCUPATION
An occupation, profession, or activity, whether conducted for profit or not for profit, that is carried on by a resident of the dwelling in a manner that the use is limited in extent and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes. An occupation, profession, or activity shall not be considered a home occupation if the resident is performing administrative, clerical, or research work in their home for a licensed entity located elsewhere. A certified family child-care provider or licensed family child-care center are not considered home occupations.
HOSPITAL
Any building, structure or institution that meets the definition of a hospital under § DHS 124.02(6), Wis. Adm. Code.
HOTEL/MOTEL
A building in which lodging, with or without meals, is offered to transient guests for compensation and in which there are more than five sleeping rooms.
INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY, COMMERCIAL
Facilities operated as a business and which are open to the public for a fee that shall include, but is not limited to, billiard parlors, skating rinks, indoor swimming pools, bowling alleys, movie theaters, arcades, tennis courts, and other similar businesses. Such businesses may also provide a snack bar, restaurant, retails sales of related items, and other support facilities.
INDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY, PUBLIC
Municipal-, county-, state-, or federal-owned recreation facilities not accessory to a public park or school/university campus.
MAKERSPACE
An establishment where hand tools, mechanical tools and electronic tools are shared or individually used for the manufacture of artisan-finished products or parts including design, processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment, and packaging of products; as well as the incidental storage, sales and distribution of such products. Typical artisan manufacturing uses include, but are not limited to: electronic goods; food and bakery products; nonalcoholic beverages; printmaking; household appliances; leather products; jewelry and clothing/apparel; metal work; furniture; glass or ceramic production; paper manufacturing.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A manufactured home that is HUD certified and labeled under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. A mobile home is a transportable structure, being eight feet or more in width (not including the overhang of the roof), built on a chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities.
MANUFACTURED OR MOBILE HOME COMMUNITY
A parcel of land which has been developed for the placement of mobile homes and is owned by an individual, a firm, trust, partnership, public or private association, or corporation. Individual lots within a mobile home community are rented to individual mobile home users.
MANUFACTURING, HEAVY
An establishment or use of land that manufactures, assembles, or fabricates using processes that generally create odor, noise, vibration, illumination or particulates that may impact surrounding properties. This category shall also include any use of land that needs large unscreened outdoor structures or storage that cannot be incorporated into the building. Examples include but are not limited to the following: large-scale food and bottling operations; lumber, milling and planning facilities; grain milling; aggregate, concrete, and asphalt plants; foundries, forge shops, and other intensive metal fabrication; and chemical manufacturing.
MANUFACTURING, LIGHT
An establishment or use of land for the assembly or processing of previously processed components or manufactured parts using processes that do not create significant amounts of noise, vibration, illumination, or particulates that may impact surrounding properties. Odors produced on-site shall not negatively affect other businesses or properties in the area. Examples include but are not limited to the following: food; pharmaceuticals; clothes; furniture (where wood is milled off-site); hardware; toys; light sheet-metal products; mechanical components; printing; small vehicle assembly; and computer software.
OUTDOOR DINING AREA
An area for eating and drinking that is associated with an adjacent food or beverage service principal use.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY, COMMERCIAL
Land or facilities operated as a business and which are open to the general public for a fee that shall include, but is not limited to, golf courses, outdoor swimming pools, amusement parks, and other similar businesses. Such facility may also provide a snack bar, restaurant, retail sales of related items, and other support facilities.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITY, PUBLIC
Municipal, county, state, or federally owned recreation facilities not accessory to a public park or school/university campus.
OUTDOOR SALES DISPLAY
An outdoor arrangement of objects, items, products, and other materials, typically not in a fixed position and capable of rearrangement, designed and used for the purpose of selling product that is typically sold within the associated principal use.
PLACE OF WORSHIP
Building(s) or structure(s) which by design, construction, and/or adaptation are primarily intended for the conducting of organized religious services and associated accessory uses.
PRINCIPAL USE
The main use of land or building as distinguished from subordinate or accessory use.
PRIVACY SCREEN
An artificially constructed visual barrier for the purpose of obscuring patios, deck, courtyards, and other similar outdoor features from observation by persons outside the perimeter of the property.
[Added 1-11-2022 by Ord. No. 1721-2022]
PROVISIONAL USE
Land use or development that either by design or operation requires additional technical or regulatory review and permitting in order to exist within defined areas of a Wellhead Protection Overlay District.
RETAIL STORE
An establishment that engages in retail sales of merchandise or food to the general public for direct consumption and not for wholesale.
1. 
RETAIL STORE, HIGH-INTENSITYA retail establishment of 75,000 gross square feet or greater.
2. 
RETAIL STORE, MEDIUM-INTENSITYA retail establishment of 15,000 to 75,000 gross square feet.
3. 
RETAIL STORE, LOW-INTENSITYA retail establishment containing no more than 15,000 gross square feet.
SATELLITE EARTH STATION
An apparatus capable of receiving communications from a transmitter or a transmitter relay located in a planetary orbit. They are also commonly referred to as disks, satellite communications systems or home earth stations.
SENIOR CARE FACILITY
An establishment used as a dwelling place by the aged, infirm, chronically ill or incurably afflicted, in which not less than three persons live or are kept or provided for on the premises for compensation, excluding clinics and hospitals and similar institutions devoted to the diagnosis, treatment or the care of the sick or injured.
SHOPPING CENTER
Commercial sites that consist of primarily retail establishments with two or more separate businesses managed as a total entity and sharing common access, circulation, and pedestrian and parking areas so that a public right-of-way does not need to be used to get from one business to another.
1. 
SHOPPING CENTER, COMMUNITYA shopping center that provides a limited number of frequently or recurrently needed retail or personal services for residents in the community that generally has up to 30,000 square feet of gross leasable area.
2. 
SHOPPING CENTER, REGIONALA shopping center that provides a wide range of retail or personal service needs for residents in the region that generally contains greater than 30,000 square feet of gross leasable area and two or more anchor stores.
SHORT-TERM VACATION RENTAL
A place where the entire house or limited rooms in an individual's house are rented to travelers for one or more nights, and include renting of rooms or properties through internet sites such as or similar to Craigslist, airbnb.com, vbro.com, homeaway.com, and flipkey.com.
STORAGE YARD
A place other than a construction contractor yard where materials and/or equipment utilized in commercial or industrial applications are stored outside, including scrap or salvage yards where waste, discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, baled, packed, disassembled, handled, or stored outside.
SWIMMING POOL
An outdoor accessory structure containing a body of water in a receptacle or other container having a depth for water at any point greater than 1 1/2 feet located above or below the surface of ground elevation, used or intended to be used solely by the owner, operator or lessee thereof and their family, and by friends invited to use it, and includes all structural facilities, appliances and appurtenances, equipment and other items used and intended to be used for the operation and maintenance of a swimming pool.
TEMPORARY PRODUCE TENT/STAND
A temporary structure at which agricultural products such as raw vegetables, fruits, plants, nuts, honey, eggs, etc. are sold.
USE
The purpose or activity, for which the land or building thereof is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
A. 
The following definitions have been established as part of the Floodplain Protection Overlay District:
A ZONES
Those areas shown on the Official Floodplain Zoning Map which would be inundated by the regional flood. These areas may be numbered or unnumbered A Zones. The A Zones may or may not be reflective of flood profiles, depending on the availability of data for a given area.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE OR USE
A facility, structure, building or use which is accessory or incidental to the principal use of a property, structure or building.
AH ZONE
See "area of shallow flooding" definition.
ALTERATION
An enhancement, upgrading or substantial change or modifications other than an addition or repair to a dwelling or to electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning and other systems within a structure.
AO ZONE
See "area of shallow flooding" definition.
AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING
A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO zone on a Community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one foot to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flood may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)
The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, as published by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and depicted on a FIRM.
BASEMENT
Any enclosed area of a building having its floor subgrade, i.e., below ground level, on all sides.
BUILDING
See "structure" definition.
BULKHEAD LINE
A geographic line along a reach of navigable water that has been adopted by a municipal ordinance and approved by the Department pursuant to § 30.11, Wis. Stats., and which allows limited filling between this bulkhead line and the original ordinary high-water mark, except where such filling is prohibited by the floodway provisions of Section 13.02.41.
CAMPGROUND
Any parcel of land which is designed, maintained, intended or used for the purpose of providing sites for nonpermanent overnight use by four or more camping units, or which is advertised or represented as a camping area.
CAMPING UNIT
Any portable device, no more than 400 square feet in area, used as a temporary shelter, including but not limited to a camping trailer, motor home, bus, van, pickup truck, or tent that is fully licensed, if required, and ready for highway use.
CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
A certification that the construction and the use of land or a building, the elevation of fill or the lowest floor of a structure is in compliance with all of the provisions of Section 13.02.41.
CHANNEL
A natural or artificial watercourse with definite bed and banks to confine and conduct normal flow of water.
CRAWLWAYS or CRAWL SPACE
An enclosed area below the first usable floor of a building, generally less than five feet in height, used for access to plumbing and electrical utilities.
DECK
An unenclosed exterior structure that has no roof or sides, but has a permeable floor which allows the infiltration of precipitation.
DEPARTMENT
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR).
DEVELOPMENT
Any artificial change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction of buildings, structures or accessory structures; the construction of additions or alterations to buildings, structures or accessory structures; the repair of any damaged structure or the improvement or renovation of any structure, regardless of percentage of damage or improvement; the placement of buildings or structures; subdivision layout and site preparation; mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations; the storage, deposition or extraction of materials or equipment; and the installation, repair or removal of public or private sewage disposal systems or water supply facilities.
DRY LAND ACCESS
A vehicular access route which is above the regional flood elevation and which connects land located in the floodplain to land outside the floodplain, such as a road with its surface above regional flood elevation and wide enough for wheeled rescue and relief vehicles.
ENCROACHMENT
Any fill, structure, equipment, use or development in the floodway.
FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)
The federal agency that administers the National Flood Insurance Program.
FLOOD FREQUENCY
The probability of a flood occurrence which is determined from statistical analyses. The frequency of a particular flood event is usually expressed as occurring, on the average, once in a specified number of years or as a percent chance of occurring in any given year.
FLOOD HAZARD BOUNDARY MAP
A map designating approximate flood hazard areas. Flood hazard areas are designated as unnumbered A Zones and do not contain floodway lines or regional flood elevations. This map forms the basis for both the regulatory and insurance aspects of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until superseded by a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)
A map of a community on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the floodplain and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. This map can only be amended by FEMA.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)
A technical engineering examination, evaluation, and determination of the local flood hazard areas. It provides maps designating those areas affected by the regional flood and provides both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations and may provide floodway lines. The flood hazard areas are designated as numbered and unnumbered A Zones. FIRM that accompany the FIS form the basis for both the regulatory and the insurance aspects of the NFIP.
FLOOD or FLOODING
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas caused by one of the following conditions:
1. 
The overflow or rise of inland waters;
2. 
The rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source;
3. 
The inundation caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels along the shore of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior; or
4. 
The sudden increase caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a seiche, or by some similarly unusual event.
FLOOD PROFILE
A graph or a longitudinal profile line showing the relationship of the water surface elevation of a flood event to locations of land surface elevations along a stream or river.
FLOOD PROTECTION ELEVATION
An elevation of two feet of freeboard above the water surface profile elevation designated for the regional flood. (See "freeboard.")
FLOOD STORAGE
Those floodplain areas where storage of floodwaters has been taken into account during analysis in reducing the regional flood discharge.
FLOOD FRINGE
That portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway which is covered by floodwaters during the regional flood and associated with standing water rather than flowing water.
FLOODPLAIN
Land which has been or may be covered by flood water during the regional flood. It includes the floodway and the flood fringe, and may include other designated floodplain areas for regulatory purposes.
FLOODPLAIN ISLAND
A natural geologic land formation within the floodplain that is surrounded, but not covered, by floodwater during the regional flood.
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT
Policy and procedures to insure wise use of floodplains, including mapping and engineering, mitigation, education, and administration and enforcement of floodplain regulations.
FLOODPROOFING
Any combination of structural provisions, changes or adjustments to properties and structures, water and sanitary facilities and contents of buildings subject to flooding, for the purpose of reducing or eliminating flood damage.
FLOODWAY
The channel of a river or stream and those portions of the floodplain adjoining the channel required to carry the regional flood discharge.
FREEBOARD
A safety factor expressed in terms of a specified number of feet above a calculated flood level. Freeboard compensates for any factors that cause flood heights greater than those calculated, including ice jams, debris accumulation, wave action, obstruction of bridge openings and floodways, the effects of watershed urbanization, loss of flood storage areas due to development and aggregation of the river or stream bed.
HABITABLE STRUCTURE
Any structure or portion thereof used or designed for human habitation.
HEARING NOTICE
Publication or posting meeting the requirements of Ch. 985, Wis. Stats. For appeals, a Class 1 notice, published once at least one week (seven days) before the hearing, is required. For all zoning ordinances and amendments, a Class 2 notice, published twice, once each week consecutively, the last at least a week (seven days) before the hearing.
HIGH FLOOD DAMAGE POTENTIAL
Damage that could result from flooding that includes any danger to life or health or any significant economic loss to a structure or building and its contents.
HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.
HISTORIC STRUCTURE
Any structure that is either:
1. 
Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;
2. 
Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
3. 
Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or
4. 
Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either by an approved state program, as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.
INCREASE IN REGIONAL FLOOD HEIGHT
A calculated upward rise in the regional flood elevation greater than zero feet, based on a comparison of existing conditions and proposed conditions which is directly attributable to development in the floodplain but not attributable to manipulation of mathematical variables such as roughness factors, expansion and contraction coefficients and discharge.
LAND USE
Any nonstructural use made of unimproved or improved real estate. (See "development" definition.)
LOWEST ADJACENT GRADE
Elevation of the lowest ground surface that touches any of the exterior walls of a building.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of 44 CFR 60.3.
MAINTENANCE
The act or process of restoring to original soundness, including redecorating, refinishing, nonstructural repairs, or the replacement of existing fixtures, systems or equipment with equivalent fixtures, systems or structures.
MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities. The term "manufactured home" includes a mobile home but does not include a "mobile recreational vehicle."
MOBILE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicle which is built on a single chassis, 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection, designed to be self-propelled, carried or permanently towable by a licensed, light-duty vehicle, is licensed for highway use if registration is required and is designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use. Manufactured homes that are towed or carried onto a parcel of land, but do not remain capable of being towed or carried, including park model homes, do not fall within the definition of "mobile recreational vehicles."
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION
A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land, divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION, EXISTING
A parcel of land, divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale, on which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots is completed before the effective date of Section 13.02.41. At a minimum, this would include the installation of utilities, the construction of streets and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads.
MOBILE/MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, EXPANSION TO EXISTING
The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed. This includes installation of utilities, construction of streets and either final site grading, or the pouring if concrete pads.
MODEL, CORRECTED EFFECTIVE
A hydraulic engineering model that corrects any errors that occur in the Duplicate Effective Model, adds any additional cross sections to the Duplicate Effective Model, or incorporates more detailed topographic information than that used in the current effective model.
MODEL, DUPLICATE EFFECTIVE
A copy of the hydraulic analysis used in the effective FIS and referred to as the effective model.
MODEL, EFFECTIVE
The hydraulic engineering model that was used to produce the current effective FIS.
MODEL, EXISTING (PRE-PROJECT)
A modification of the Duplicate Effective Model or Corrected Effective Model to reflect any man-made modifications that have occurred within the floodplain since the date of the effective model but prior to the construction of the project for which the revision is being requested. If no modification has occurred since the date of the effective model, then this model would be identical to the Corrected Effective Model or Duplicate Effective Model.
MODEL, REVISED (POST-PROJECT)
A modification of the Existing or Pre-Project Conditions Model, Duplicate Effective Model or Corrected Effective Model to reflect revised or post-project conditions.
MUNICIPALITY or MUNICIPAL
The City enacting, administering and enforcing Section 13.02.41.
NATIONAL GEODETIC VERTICAL DATUM (NGVD)
Elevations referenced to mean sea level datum, 1929 adjustment.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
For floodplain management purposes, "new construction" means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of floodplain zoning regulations adopted by this community and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. For the purpose of determining flood insurance rates, it includes any structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE
An existing lawful structure or building which is not in conformity with the dimensional or structural requirements of Section 13.02.41 for the area of the floodplain which it occupies. (For example, an existing residential structure in the flood-fringe district is a conforming use. However, if the lowest floor is lower than the flood protection elevation, the structure is nonconforming.)
NONCONFORMING USE
An existing lawful use or accessory use of a structure or building which is not in conformity with the provisions of Section 13.02.41 for the area of the floodplain which it occupies. (Such as a residence in the floodway.)
NORTH AMERICAN VERTICAL DATUM (NAVD)
Elevations referenced to mean sea level datum, 1988 adjustment.
OBSTRUCTION TO FLOW
Any development which blocks the conveyance of floodwaters such that this development, alone or together with any future development, will cause an increase in regional flood height.
OFFICIAL FLOODPLAIN ZONING MAP
That map, adopted and made part of Section 13.02.41 which has been approved by the Department and FEMA.
OPEN SPACE USE
Those uses having a relatively low flood damage potential and not involving structures.
ORDINARY HIGH-WATER MARK
The point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of surface water is so continuous as to leave a distinctive mark such as by erosion, destruction or prevention of terrestrial vegetation, predominance of aquatic vegetation, or other easily recognized characteristic.
PERSON
An individual or group of individuals, corporation, partnership, association, municipality or state agency.
PRIVATE SEWAGE SYSTEM
A sewage treatment and disposal system serving one structure with a septic tank and soil absorption field located on the same parcel as the structure. It also means an alternative sewage system approved by the Department of Safety and Professional Services, including a substitute for the septic tank or soil absorption field, a holding tank, a system serving more than one structure or a system located on a different parcel than the structure.
PUBLIC UTILITIES
Those utilities using underground or overhead transmission lines such as electric, telephone and telegraph, and distribution and collection systems such as water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer.
REASONABLY SAFE FROM FLOODING
That base flood waters will not inundate the land or damage structures to be removed from the floodplain and that any subsurface waters related to the base flood will not damage existing or proposed buildings.
REGIONAL FLOOD ELEVATION (RFE)
A flood determined to be representative of large floods known to have occurred in Wisconsin. A regional flood is a flood with a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, and if depicted on the FIRM, the RFE is equivalent to the BFE.
START OF CONSTRUCTION
The date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond initial excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling, nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways, nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms, nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For an alteration, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object with form, shape and utility, either permanently or temporarily attached to, placed upon or set into the ground, streambed or lake bed, including, but not limited to, roofed and walled buildings, gas or liquid storage tanks, bridges, dams and culverts.
SUBDIVISION
Has the meaning given in § 236.02(12), Wis. Stats.
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure, whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its pre-damaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the equalized assessed value of the structure before the damage occurred.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or improvement of a building or structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the equalized assessed value of the structure before the improvement or repair is started. If the structure has sustained substantial damage, any repairs are considered substantial improvement regardless of the work performed. The term does not, however, include either any project for the improvement of a building required to correct existing health, sanitary or safety code violations identified by the Building Official and that are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or any alteration of a historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a historic structure.
UNNECESSARY HARDSHIP
Where special conditions affecting a particular property, which were not self-created, have made strict conformity with restrictions governing areas, setbacks, frontage, height or density unnecessarily burdensome or unreasonable in light of the purposes of Section 13.02.41.
VARIANCE
An authorization by the Board of Zoning Appeals for the construction or maintenance of a building or structure in a manner which is inconsistent with dimensional standards (not uses) contained in the floodplain zoning ordinance.
VIOLATION
The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the floodplain zoning ordinance. A structure or other development without required permits, lowest floor elevation documentation, floodproofing certificates or required floodway encroachment calculations is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
WATER SURFACE PROFILE
A graphical representation showing the elevation of the water surface of a watercourse for each position along a reach of river or stream at a certain flood flow. A water surface profile of the regional flood is used in regulating floodplain areas.
WATERSHED
The entire region contributing runoff or surface water to a watercourse or body of water.
WELL
An excavation opening in the ground made by digging, boring, drilling, driving or other methods, to obtain groundwater regardless of its intended use.
A. 
The following definitions have been established as part of the Airport Overlay Zoning District (AOZD), which is established by the City of La Crosse, Wisconsin. The City of Onalaska uses these definitions solely in its authority to administrate the AOZD for those areas of the AOZD which fall within the City of Onalaska corporate limits.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE OR USE
A detached subordinate structure or a use which is clearly incidental to and customarily found in connection with the principal structure or use to which it is related, and which is located on the same lot as that of the principal structure or use.
AIR TRAFFIC (FAA FAR SEC. 1.1)
Aircraft operating in the air or on an airport surface, exclusive of loading ramps and parking areas.
AIRPORT (FAA FAR. SEC. 152.3)
The La Crosse Regional Airport owned by the City of La Crosse. Any area of land or water that is used or intended to be used for the landing and takeoff of aircraft. Any appurtenant areas that are used or intended for use for airport buildings, other airport facilities, or rights-of-way; and all airport buildings and facilities located on the areas specified in this definition.
AIRPORT ELEVATION
The highest point on the usable landing area of an airport that is measured in feet from mean sea level (MSL).
AIRPORT ENVIRONS
The land use and people in the areas surrounding an airport which can be directly affected by the operation of the airport.
AIRPORT HAZARD (FAA FAR SEC. 152.3)
Any structure or object of natural growth located on or in the vicinity of a public airport, or any use of land near a public airport that obstructs the airspace required or is otherwise hazardous for the flight of aircraft landing or taking off at the airport.
AIRPORT LAYOUT PLAN (ALP) (FAA FAR SEC. 152.3)
The plan of an airport that shows the layout of existing and proposed airport facilities.
AIRPORT MASTER PLAN
The La Crosse Regional Airport Master Plan Report.
AIRPORT OVERLAY ZONES
A zone intended to place additional land use conditions on land impacted by the airport while retaining the existing underlying zone. The FAR Part 77 Surfaces and Runway Protection Zones (RPZs) have been combined to create five airport overlay zones. The five specific zones create a comprehensive area focused on maintaining compatible land use around airports:
1. 
ZONE AIs intended to provide a clear area that is free of aboveground obstructions and structures. This zone is closest to the individual runway ends.
2. 
ZONES B1, B2, and B3Reflect the approach and departure areas for each runway at an airport. The size of Zone B is predicated upon the type of approach (visual, non-precision, or precision) that a specific runway has and the type/size of aircraft that utilize the runway.
3. 
ZONE CIncludes those areas that are parallel to the runway pavement and extend 1,050 feet from the edge of the primary surface.
4. 
ZONE DEncompasses the horizontal surface (innermost area) and the conical surface (outermost area), which make up the three-mile jurisdictional boundary delineated at the La Crosse Regional Airport.
AIRPORT REFERENCE CODE (ARC)
The ARC is an FAA coding system used to relate airport design criteria to the operational and physical characteristics of the airplanes intended to operate at the airport. (FAA website www.faa.gov)
AIRPORT REFERENCE POINT (ARP)
The latitude and longitude of the approximate center of the airport.
AIRPORT ZONING PERMIT
A zoning/building permit that allows new development or alteration or expansion of a permit required use.
AIRSIDE
The portion of an airport facility that includes aircraft movements, airline operations, and areas that directly serves the aircraft, such as taxiway, runway, maintenance, and fueling areas. (FAA website www.faa.gov)
AIRSPACE
The space lying above the earth or above a certain area of land or water that is necessary to conduct aviation operations. (FAA website www.faa.gov)
ALTERATION
Any construction which would result in a change in height or lateral dimensions of an existing structure or object.
APPLICANT
The owner of the land or their representative.
APPROACH SLOPES (FAR PART 77)
The ratios of horizontal to vertical distance that indicate the degree of inclination of the approach surface. The various ratios include:
1. 
20:1 ratio: for all utility and visual runways extended from the primary surface a distance of 5,000 feet.
2. 
34:1 ratio: for all non-precision instrument runways extended from the primary surface for a distance of 10,000 feet.
3. 
50:1/40:1 ratio: for all precision instrument runways extended from the primary surface for a distance of 10,000 feet at an approach slope of 50:1 and an additional 40,000 feet beyond this at a 40:1 approach slope.
APPROACH SURFACE
A surface that is longitudinally centered on the extended runway center line and extends outward and upward from the end of the primary surface at the same slope as the approach zone height limitation slope set forth in Section 13.02.36. In plain view, the perimeters of the approach surface and approach zone coincide.
AVIATION EASEMENT
A grant of a property interest in land over which a right of unobstructed flight in the airspace is established. (FAA website www.faa.gov)
BUILDING
Any structure used, designed, or intended for the protection, shelter, enclosure, or support of persons, animals, or property.
BUILDING CODES
Codes, either local or state, that control the functional and structural aspects of buildings and/or structures. Local ordinances typically require proposed buildings to comply with zoning requirements before building permits can be issued under the building codes.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance from the top of the building roof to the top of the basement or to the foundation, whichever is less.
COMMERCIAL LEASE
Land uses or activities that involve the production, processing, manufacturing, or sale of goods or services for financial gain, including uses that provide merchandise to the general public. Accessory uses may include offices, storage, food service, or other amenities primarily for the use of employees and parking.
COMPATIBILITY
The degree to which land uses or types of development can coexist or integrate.
CONSTRUCTION
The erection or alteration of any structure or object of either a permanent or temporary nature.
DENSITY
The number of living units per acre.
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to the construction of buildings, structures, or accessory structures; the construction of additions or substantial improvements to buildings, structures, or accessory structures; the placement of manufactured homes (mobile homes); mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations; and the deposition or extraction of materials.
EASEMENT
Authorization by a property owner for the use by another and for specified purpose of any designed part of their property.
EXISTING USE
Any use of land lawfully in existence at the time of the effective date of Section 13.02.36 or amendment thereto becomes effective.
FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA)
A federal agency charged to regulate air commerce in order to promote its safety and development; encourage and develop civil aviation, air traffic control, air navigation; and promote the development of a national system of airports.
FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS (FAR) (FAA FAR)
Regulations established and administered by the FAA that govern civil aviation and aviation-related activities:
1. 
FAR Part 36 (FAA FAR Sec. 36.1): establishes noise standards for the civil aviation fleet.
2. 
FAR Part 91 (FAA FAR Sec. 91.1): pertains to air traffic and general operating rules, including operating noise limits.
3. 
FAR Part 150 (FAA FAR Sec. 150.1): pertains to airport noise compatibility planning.
4. 
FAR Part 161 (FAA FAR Sec. 161.1): pertains to notice and approval of airport noise and access restrictions.
5. 
FAR Part 77 (FAA FAR Sec. 77.1): Objects Affecting Navigable AirspacePart 77.
a. 
Establishes standards to determine obstructions in navigable airspace;
b. 
Defines the requirements for notice to the FAA Administrator of certain proposed construction or alteration;
c. 
Provides for aeronautical studies of obstructions to air navigation to determine their effect on the safe and efficient use of airspace;
d. 
Provides for public hearings on the hazardous effect of proposed construction or alteration on air navigation; and
e. 
Provides for establishing antenna farm areas.
GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT
Any airport that is not an air carrier airport or military facility.
GROWTH
Any object of natural growth that includes trees, shrubs, or foliage. Excludes farm crops, which are cut at least once a year.
HEIGHT
Height is utilized for the purpose of determining the height limits in all zones set forth in Section 13.02.36 and shown on the Height Limitations Zoning Map, La Crosse Regional Airport, La Crosse, Wisconsin; height shall be the highest point of a structure, tree, or other object of natural growth and measured from the mean sea level elevation, unless specified otherwise.
IMAGINARY SURFACES (FAA FAR PART 77.25)
Those areas established in relation to the airport and to each runway consistent with FAR Part 77, in which any object extending above these imaginary surfaces, by definition, is an obstruction:
1. 
APPROACH SURFACELongitudinally centered on the extended runway center line and extends outward and upward from the end of the runway primary surface. The approach slope of a runway is a ratio of 20:1, 34:1, or 50:1, depending on the approach type. The length of the approach surface depends on the approach type and varies from 5,000 feet to 50,000 feet.
2. 
CONICAL SURFACEExtends upward and outward from the periphery of the horizontal surface at a slope of 20 feet horizontally for every one foot vertically (20:1) for a horizontal distance of 4,000 feet.
3. 
HORIZONTAL SURFACEHorizontal plane located 150 feet above the established airport elevation and encompasses an area from the transitional surface to the conical surface. The perimeter is constructed by generating arcs from the center of each end of the primary surface and connecting the adjacent arcs by lines tangent to those arcs.
4. 
TRANSITIONAL SURFACEExtends outward and upward at right angles to the runway center line and at a slope of seven feet horizontally for each one foot vertically (7:1) from the sides of the primary and approach surfaces. The transitional surfaces extend to the point at which they intercept the horizontal surface at a height of 150 feet above the established airport elevation.
INCOMPATIBLE LAND USE (FAA FAR SEC. 150.7)
Land use that is typically unable to coexist with aircraft and airport operations.
INDUSTRIAL, WHOLESALE TRADE, AND STORAGE USES
A use category that includes:
1. 
Industrial development or uses involved in the research, design, manufacturing, processing, fabrication, packaging, or assembly of goods. Natural, man-made, raw, secondary, or partially completed materials may be used. Products may be finished or semi-finished and are generally made for the wholesale market, for transfer to other plants, or to order for firms or customers. Goods are generally not displayed or sold on site, but if so, they are a subordinate part of sales (typically 10% or less of the total gross floor area). Relatively few customers come to the site.
2. 
Industrial, manufacturing, wholesale trade, and warehouse/storage uses and includes those that produce goods from raw or finished materials, distribute goods in large quantities to primarily wholesale customers, or provide for storage or warehousing of goods, either in enclosed buildings or outdoors. Few customers, especially the general public, come to the site. Accessory activities may include sales, offices, parking, and storage.
INSTRUMENT APPROACH PROCEDURE (FAA PILOT/COORDINATOR GLOSSARY)
A series of predetermined maneuvers for the orderly transfer of an aircraft under instrument flight conditions from the beginning of the initial approach to a landing or to a point from which a landing may be made visually. It is prescribed and approved for a specific airport by competent authority.
INSTRUMENT LANDING SYSTEM (ILS) (FAA PILOT/COORDINATOR GLOSSARY)
A precision instrument approach system which normally consists of the following electronic components and visuals aids: localizer, glide slope, outer marker, middle marker, and approach lights.
ITINERANT OPERATION
Aircraft takeoff or landing operations that occur from one airport to another and involves a trip of at least 20 miles. Local operations are excluded.
LAND USE
Any nonstructural use made of unimproved or improved real estate.
LAND USE COMPATIBILITY
Land uses that can coexist with an airport and airport-related activities.
LIGHTING AND MARKING OF HAZARDS TO AIR NAVIGATION
Installation of appropriate lighting fixtures, painted markings, or other devices to objects or structures that constitute hazards to air navigation.
LOT
A parcel of land described in a recorded plat or deed.
MITIGATION
The avoidance, minimization, reduction, elimination, or compensation for adverse effects of a proposed action.
NAVIGABLE AIRSPACE
The airspace above minimum altitude for safe flight that includes the airspace needed to ensure safety in landing or takeoff of aircraft.
NAVIGATION AIDS (NAVAID)
Any facility used by an aircraft for guiding or controlling flight in the air or the landing or takeoff of an aircraft.
NOISE EXPOSURE CONTOURS
Lines drawn around a noise source that indicates a constant energy level of noise exposure. Day-night sound level (DNL) is the measurement used to describe community exposure to noise.
NOISE IMPACT
A condition that exists when the noise levels that occur in an area exceed a level identified as appropriate for the activities in that area.
NOISE-SENSITIVE AREA
Defined as an area where noise interferes with normal activities associated with the use of the area.
NONCONFORMING USE
Any structure or tree which does not conform to a regulation prescribed in Section 13.02.36 or an amendment thereto, as of the effective date of such regulation.
OBJECT
Includes, but is not limited to, above ground structures, NAVAIDs, people, equipment, vehicles, natural growth, terrain, and parked aircraft.
OBSTACLE-FREE ZONE (OFZ)
The three-dimensional area of airspace that provides clearance protection for aircraft during landing or takeoff operations and for missed approaches. The area encompasses 150 feet above the established airport elevation and along the runway and extended runway center line. The OFZ is required to be clear of all objects, except for the frangible visual NAVAIDs, the location of which is fixed by function.
OBSTRUCTION
Any structure, growth, or other object, including a mobile object, which exceeds a limiting height that is specific to its geographic location relative to the runway/airport.
OFF-AIRPORT PROPERTY
Property that is beyond the boundary of land owned by the airport sponsor (the City of La Crosse).
ON-AIRPORT PROPERTY
Property that is within the boundary of land owned by the airport sponsor (the City of La Crosse).
ORDINANCE
Any legislative action, however nominated, of a local government which has the force of law, including any amendment or repeal of any ordinance.
OVERLAY ZONE
A mapped zone that imposes a set of requirements, in addition to those of the underlying zoning district.
OWNER
Any person, group of persons, firm or firms, corporation or corporations, or any other legal entity having legal title to or sufficient proprietary interest in the land.
PERMIT REQUIRED USE
Those land uses that shall be permissible following the issuance of a zoning/building permit. The permit, which may include development and use-related conditions, along with a signed affidavit (Applicant's Recorded Affidavit Accepting Mitigation Responsibilities), notifies applicants of their responsibilities and required mitigation for any construction, alteration, location or use of land to minimize potential hazardous impacts to the La Crosse Regional Airport, aircraft, airport operational areas, and aircraft overflight areas, as well as nearby residents.
PERMITTED USE
Those land uses generally considered compatible within a particular zone of the AOZD. Compatible land uses do not impact or create hazardous conditions for aircraft, airport operational areas, or aircraft overflight areas, and are considered reasonably safe for La Crosse County residents.
PRIMARY RUNWAY
The runway used for the majority of airport operations. Large, high-activity airports may operate two or more parallel primary runways.
PRIMARY SURFACE
A surface longitudinally centered on a runway. When the runway has a specially prepared hard surface, the primary surface extends 200 feet beyond each end of that runway; for military runways or when the runway has no specially prepared hard surface, or planned hard surface, the primary surface ends at each end of that runway. The width of the primary surface is set forth in FAR Part 77. The elevation of any point on the primary surface is the same as the elevation of the nearest point on the runway center line.
PRINCIPAL USE
The use of primary importance or permitted use on a parcel of land, in contrast to those which are accessory or of secondary importance.
PUBLIC ASSEMBLY USE
A structure or outdoor facility where concentrations of people gather for purposes such as deliberation, education, shopping, business, entertainment, amusement, sporting events, or similar activities, but excluding air shows. Public assembly use does not include places where people congregate for relatively short periods of time, such as parking lots and bus stops, or uses approved by the FAA in an adopted airport master plan.
PUBLIC USE AIRPORT
A public or private-owned airport that is open for public use.
RESIDENTIAL AND ACCOMMODATION USES
A use category that includes the following:
1. 
Residential: provide living accommodations, including sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitary facilities, to one or more persons. Tenancy typically lasts longer than 30 days.
2. 
Accommodation: characterized by visitor-serving facilities that provide temporary lodging in guest rooms or guest units, for compensation. The average length of stay of less than 30 days. Accessory uses may include pools and other recreational facilities for the exclusive use of guests, limited storage, restaurants, bars, meeting facilities, and offices.
RUNWAY
A portion of the airport having a surface specifically developed and maintained for the landing and taking off of airplanes.
RUNWAY PROTECTION ZONE (RPZ)
An area off the runway end designed to enhance the protection of people and property on the ground.
RUNWAY SAFETY AREA
A defined surface surrounding the runway that is prepared or suitable to reduce the risk of damage to airplanes in the event of an overshoot or excursion from the runway.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a structure, such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders, or any substantial change in the roof structure or in the exterior or interior walls.
STRUCTURE
Any man-made object with form, shape, and utility that is permanently or temporarily attached to, placed upon, or set into the ground, streambed, or lake bed. Examples include, but are not limited to, roofed and walled buildings, gas or liquid storage tanks, or television dishes.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any structural repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the present equalized assessed value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started, or if the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred. The term does not include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or any alteration of a structure or site documented as deserving preservation by the Wisconsin State Historical Society or listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ordinary maintenance repairs are not considered structural repairs, modifications or additions. Such ordinary maintenance repairs include internal and external painting, decorating, paneling, and the replacement of doors, windows, and other nonstructural components. (For purposes of this definition, "substantial improvement" is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure.)
TREE
Any object of natural growth that shall not exceed the zoning height restrictions. This does not include shrubs, bushes or plants which do not grow to a height of more than 20 feet.
USE
That which is customarily or habitually done, may include seasonal uses, and need not extend to the entire tract of land at the time of the adoption of Section 13.02.36 (see "land use").
UTILITY RUNWAY
A runway constructed for and intended to be used by propeller-driven aircraft of 12,500 pounds gross weight or less.
VARIANCE
Authority granted to the owner to use their property in a manner that is prohibited by the UDC. A departure from the terms of the zoning ordinance where it is shown that unique physical circumstances that are applied to a land parcel can, has, or will cause a hardship to the owner, and that the condition permitted by the departure will be in fundamental harmony with surrounding uses:
1. 
AREA VARIANCEOne which does not involve a use that is prohibited by the UDC. Area variances involve matters such as setback lines, frontage requirements, lot-size restrictions, density, density regulations, and yard requirements. Height limitation variances shall not be granted under Section 13.02.36.
2. 
USE VARIANCEOne which permits a use of land other than what is prescribed by the UDC. It is primarily a grant to erect, alter, or use a structure for a permitted use in a manner other than that prescribed by Section 13.02.36. Use variances shall not be granted under Section 13.02.36.
WETLAND
Those areas where water is at, near, or above the land surface long enough to support aquatic or hydroponic vegetation and which have soils indicative of wet conditions.
WILDLIFE ATTRACTANTS
Any man-made structure, land use practice, or man-made or natural geographic feature that can attract or sustain hazardous wildlife within the landing or departure airspace or the air operations area of an airport. Attractants include, but are not limited to, architectural features, landscaping, waste disposal sites, wastewater treatment facilities, agricultural or aquaculture activities, surface mining, or wetlands.
WILDLIFE HAZARDS
Feral or domesticated animals that are associated with aircraft strikes are capable of causing structural damage to airport facilities, or act as attractants to other wildlife that pose a strike hazard.