Unless expressly stated otherwise, the following general rules of definition shall be used in this chapter:
A. 
Words used in the present tense shall include the future tense.
B. 
The word "person" shall include "firm," "partnership," "corporation," "company," "association" or "trust," as well as an "individual."
C. 
The word "lot" shall include the word "parcel."
D. 
The word "used" or "occupied," as applied to any building, structure or land, shall include the words "intended," "arranged" and "designed" to be used or occupied.
E. 
Words in the singular shall include the plural.
F. 
The word "shall" is mandatory.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure which is secondary and incidental to a principal building or a structure and located on the same lot. Garages and storage buildings may be located on an adjacent or a nearby lot (within 200 feet) where it is impossible to place it on the same lot of the principal structure. Accessory buildings and structures for one and two family include, but are not limited to, private garage, carport, swimming pool, small storage building, cabana and gazebo. Accessory buildings and structures for agricultural uses include, but are not limited to, a barn, a silo, storage shed, pen and roadside produce stand. Accessory buildings and structures for other principal uses include any buildings or structures commonly associated therewith and clearly incidental thereto. Minor accessory structures include patios, exempt signs (§ 165-26D), freestanding radio or television antennas or satellite dishes for private use, poles, doghouses, uncovered entry steps, private play equipment, bird houses or feeders and lawn ornaments. A stand alone building or structure on a lot, in the absence of a principal building or structure, shall be allowed in any district subject to site plan review and in compliance with setbacks applicable to a principal building or structure in that particular district.
[Amended 6-10-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992; 11-3-2004 by L.L. No. 2-2004; 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
ACCESSORY USE
A use which is secondary and incidental to a principal use and located on the same lot therewith. "Accessory uses" for one- or two-family dwellings include, but are not limited to, a home occupation, private parking and private storage. "Accessory uses" for agricultural uses include, but are not limited to, storage of seed, fertilizer, machinery, fuel or feed for the agricultural use; auctioning of livestock; slaughtering other than for compensation; and sale of firewood, lumber, honey, livestock or other produce grown or raised by the agricultural operation. "Accessory uses" for other principal uses include any use commonly associated therewith and subordinate thereto.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT
Any lot, building, structure or portion thereof in which a minor is not allowed due to the adult entertainment use conducted therein. "Adult entertainment establishments" include, but are not limited to, adult bookstores, adult theaters (live or motion picture), massage parlors and topless or striptease bars, each of which is more particularly defined below:
A. 
ADULT BOOKSTOREAn adult entertainment establishment used for the sale, whether at retail or wholesale, or rental, whether for viewing on or off premises, of books, magazines, periodicals, recordings, films, video tapes/cassettes or other viewing materials distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on the display or depiction of sexual activity or specified anatomical areas.
B. 
ADULT THEATER (LIVE OR MOTION PICTURE)An adult entertainment establishment used for live performances or motion pictures distinguished or characterized by the display or depiction of sexual activity or specified anatomical areas.
C. 
MASSAGE PARLORAn adult entertainment establishment used for administering massages to the external parts of the human body, including the rubbing, stroking, kneading, tapping or vibrating thereof with the hand or any instrument. This definition shall not be deemed to include any of the following: a medical care facility, nursing home or office of any health care practitioner licensed by the State of New York; a barbershop or a beauty shop administering massage to the scalp, face, neck or shoulders; a manicure or pedicure shop administering massage to the hands or feet, respectively; a volunteer rescue squad; or a community facility or indoor or outdoor recreation facility operated by a governmental agency or nonprofit organization.
D. 
TOPLESS OR STRIPTEASE BARAn adult entertainment establishment used for the serving and consumption of alcoholic beverages and featuring topless dancers, waitresses, strippers or other person displaying sexual activity or specified anatomical areas for the patrons thereof.
ADULT ENTERTAINMENT USE
Any business or activity conducted for gain, either as a principal or accessory use, which devotes or intends to devote more than 25 square feet of net floor area or more than 10% of its total net floor area, whichever is less, or more than 10% of the volume of its stock to display, exhibit or disseminate material distinguished or characterized by emphasis on the display or depiction of sexual activity or specified anatomical areas, regardless of whether by live entertainment, motion picture, video cassette, photograph, cartoon or the means, in a manner unsuitable for viewing by minors or otherwise prohibited by the statues of New York State.
A. 
SEXUAL ACTIVITYAny act of masturbation, fellatio, cunnilingus, sodomy, sadomasochism, sexual intercourse or physical contact with a person's clothed or unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks or, if such person be female, breast.
B. 
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREASHuman male or female genitals, pubic area or, when absent of any opaque covering, buttocks; female breasts with less than a full opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola; and covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
AGRIBUSINESS
A business engaged principally in providing supplies, implements, livestock and other products needed for agricultural uses, including but not limited to seed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, animal feeds, tools, fencing and parts for farm machinery or equipment, but not including agricultural processing plants, dealerships for farm equipment or machinery or slaughterhouses.
AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING PLANT
A business engaged principally in providing, on a contractual or other fee basis, the services of storing, processing, cleaning, grading and/or packing of fruits or vegetables; the milling of grains; or the processing of dairy products. The term shall not include a slaughterhouse.
AGRICULTURAL USE
The use of land and any buildings or structures thereon principally for growing crops or trees; raising livestock, fish or game; production of dairy products; beekeeping; or other customary agricultural activity conducted for compensation. The term includes, but is not limited to, cultivation, fertilizing, harvesting, animal husbandry, horticulture timber cutting, pasturing and the wholesale or retail sale of agricultural products grown or raised on the premises. The term does not include agribusinesses, agricultural processing plants or commercial hog, fowl, fish or fur farms.
AIRSTRIP
An area used principally for the storage, takeoff and landing of aircraft without a control tower, terminal, hangers or other support facilities commonly associated with an airport.
ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL
The change of any wall, roof, ceiling, floor, window, supporting beam, column, exterior architectural feature, entrance or exit; the enlargement of a structure by extension, addition or increase in height; or the relocation or demolition of a building or structure.
AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL
Also referred to as "ambient noise level" and "ambient sound pressure level"; means the background (exclusive of the development proposed) sound level (L90) found to be exceeded 90% of the time over which sound is measured in a noise analysis. Unless indicated otherwise, frequency weighting according to the A-weighting scale is understood to be applicable.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
ANIMAL CARE FACILITY
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the business of providing health care, temporary shelter, training and/or breeding service for animals. The term includes, but is not limited to, an animal hospital, kennel and boarding stable.
ANTENNA
A system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive radio frequency waves. Such waves shall include but not be limited to radio navigation, radio, television, personal communications systems and microwave communications.
[Added 10-7-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
ARRAY
Any number of electrically connected photovoltaic (PV) modules providing a single electrical output.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
BAR
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the business of serving alcoholic beverages to patrons.
BARBERSHOP OR BEAUTY SALON
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the business of providing cosmetic services including, but not limited to, haircutting, coiffures, facials, manicure and/or tanning.
BOARDINGHOUSE OR ROOMING HOUSE
A detached residential dwelling used and occupied by five or more individuals unrelated by blood, marriage or adoption who pay either a room rental, room and board charges or a share of the total rent for the dwelling, having separate or shared sleeping rooms and individual or common bathroom facilities. A family may rent a sleeping room to one or two boarders or roomers without being considered a "boardinghouse or rooming house."
BOATHOUSE
A residential accessory building used primarily for the storage of watercraft.
BOAT STORAGE FACILITY
Any lot, building or structure which is used, or intended to be used, principally for seasonal storage of one or more watercraft for compensation and not within a marina.
[Amended 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
BUFFER
An open space, the sole purpose of which is to protect adjacent property from the impacts of a use or uses on a given property. A "buffer" may or may not include additional protection in the form of fencing, plantings, natural vegetation, earthen berm or combinations thereof.
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and used or occupied for the shelter, housing or enclosure of animals, persons or property. In general use, the term includes both principal and accessory buildings.
BUILDING FACE
An outside face of any exterior wall of a building or structure.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The vertical distance to the highest point of a building or structure measured from the average elevation of the surrounding grade.
BUILDING LINE
The line measured along any given building face or protrusion therefrom and to which the setback distance is measured from the closest lot line or road right-of-way. "Building line" includes uncovered porches, eaves, cornices, roof overhangs, chimneys, bay windows and similar protrusions.
BUILDING PERMIT
A permit for the construction, reconstruction, addition, extension or placement of a building or structure in accordance with applicable requirements of the New York State Uniform Fire Prevention and Building Code, which permit is issued only after the issuance of a zoning permit, when required by this chapter.
BUILDING PRODUCTS SUPPLY FACILITY
A lot or any building or structure thereon or portion thereof used principally for the business of indoor or outdoor storage and sale of bulk building products, including, but not limited to, masonry materials, sand, gravel, cement, septic tanks, sewer pipe, framing lumber, exterior siding, subflooring, insulation, dry wall and other sheet goods, whether for wholesale or retail sale. Indoor storage and sale of plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, electrical, hardware or decorating supplies shall not constitute a "building products supply facility," but may be included therewith.
BUSINESS
A commercial or mercantile enterprise principally involving the purchase, sale or any other transaction for the handling, provision or disposition of any article, substance, service or commodity for profit. The term shall include retail, wholesale, office, administrative, recreational and amusement enterprises and any buildings, structures, vehicles, equipment, storage facilities or display associated therewith. For the purposes of this chapter, the term shall not include agricultural use, home occupation or other sale of one's own real estate or personal property in a manner incidental to the principal use and not as an enterprise.
CAMPGROUND
A parcel of land used by two or more tents, travel trailers and/or other recreational vehicles on a seasonal or other transitory basis and conducted principally as a business or as part of a community facility, institutional use, membership club or nonprofit organization.
CAR WASH
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the washing, waxing and/or other cleaning of motor vehicles.
COMMERCIAL HOG, FOWL, FISH OR FUR FARM
A lot and any buildings or structures thereon used for keeping, raising and/or breeding of the following, respectively:
A. 
More than four hogs over six months old;
B. 
Fowl, primarily for compensation;
C. 
Fish for commercial consumption or recreation; or
D. 
More than four fur bearers, such as mink, chinchilla or other animal valued only for its fur.
COMMERCIAL WIND ENERGY FACILITY (WECS)
Any wind energy conversion system, including all related infrastructure, electrical lines and substations, access roads and accessory structures, where the power generated is sold.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
COMMUNITY FACILITY
A lot or a building or structure thereon or a portion thereof used primarily for general community benefit and not for profit. The term includes, but is not limited to, community center, meeting hall, library, museum, post office, art gallery, public arena, public park or playground.
COMPRESSED GAS
Any mixture or material having in the container either an absolute pressure exceeding 40 pounds per square inch at 70° F., an absolute pressure exceeding 104 pounds per square inch at 130° F. or both or any liquid flammable material having a vapor pressure exceeding 40 pounds per square inch at 100° F. as determined by the standard method of testing for vapor pressure of petroleum products (Reid Method, American Society For Testing And Materials Designation ASTM D 323).
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT STORAGE YARD
A lot or portion thereof, the principle use of which is the outside storage of heavy construction equipment, including, but not limited to, back hoes, bulldozers, cranes, graders and dumptrucks. The term shall not include the incidental storage of such equipment as an accessory use or the temporary storage of such equipment at a construction site during the period of construction.
CORROSIVE LIQUIDS
Those acids, alkaline caustic liquids and other corrosive liquids which, when in contact with living tissue, will cause severe damage of such tissue by chemical action or are liable to cause fire when in contact with organic matter or with certain chemicals.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
DAY-CARE CENTER
A building or structure used principally for the temporary care of infants and preschool age children, under adult supervision, certified pursuant to the New York State Social Services Law. The term includes accessory facilities for meal preparation, health care and indoor or outdoor recreation.
DECK
A platform-type structure adjacent to a building and providing outdoor living space without walls or a roof.
[Added 6-10-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992]
DRIVEWAY
An all-weather surface improved with gravel, crushed stone or other paving material and used or intended to be used to provide for vehicular access to a given lot.
DWELLING
A building or part thereof used as living quarters for one or more families. The term shall not include tents, travel trailers, motor homes, other recreational vehicles, motels or hotels.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY
A residential dwelling containing three or more dwelling units for occupancy or use by three or more families, with no more than one family per dwelling unit.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY
A detached residential dwelling comprising a single dwelling unit for occupancy or use by no more than one family. When three or more one-family dwellings are attached with common-wall construction on separate lots or in condominium ownership, they shall be deemed multiple-family dwellings for the purposes of this chapter.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A detached residential dwelling containing two dwelling units for occupancy or use by two families, with no more than one family per dwelling unit.
DWELLING UNIT
One or more rooms connected together in a building or an entirely self-contained portion of a building providing a separate, independent housekeeping unit with cooking and sleeping facilities for owner or renter occupancy or use. Boardinghouses, rooming houses, nursing homes and convalescent homes shall be deemed special forms of a dwelling unit.
EAF
Environmental assessment form used in the implementation of the SEQRA, as that term is defined in Part 617 of Title 6 of the New York Codes, Rules and Regulations.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
EXPLOSIVES
All explosives, ammunition, blasting agents and pyrotechnics includable under 9 NYCRR 176.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
FAMILY
One or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit and sharing kitchen and bathroom facilities, provided that no such family shall contain more than four persons not related by blood, marriage or adoption, except as residents of the following:
A. 
A group home as defined and regulated under New York State Social Services Law; or
B. 
A community residence as defined and regulated under New York State Mental Hygiene Law.
FENCE
A vertical wall, barrier or other assemblage of material erected outdoors for the purposes of delineating property boundaries, preventing trespass or theft, containing animals or providing for privacy.
FUEL STORAGE/SUPPLY DEPOT
A lot used principally for storage and/or supply of fuel oil, gasoline, kerosene or other liquid petroleum-derived fuel or liquefied petroleum gas. The term shall not include fuel storage accessory to an agricultural use, as part of a gasoline station, or up to 550 gallons of fuel oil or 500 gallons of liquefied petroleum gas for a dwelling unit.
FUNERAL HOME
A building or portion thereof, with or without an accessory dwelling unit, used principally for preparing cadavers for interment, including embalming, holding wakes or conducting funeral services. The term shall include a mortuary.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
A building accessory to a dwelling and used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles, boats, travel trailers or personal property of the occupants of such dwelling.
GAS STATION
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the dispensing of gasoline and motor oil. A gas station may include incidental repairs and services and/or the sale of groceries or other convenience goods as accessory uses.
GROSS FLOOR AREA OR GFA
The sum total of all floor area of a building or structure based upon exterior dimensions.
GROUND-MOUNTED SYSTEM (GMS)
A solar photovoltaic energy system mounted on a structure, pole, or series of poles constructed specifically to support the solar photovoltaic energy system and not attached to any other structure.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
Includes such materials as compressed gases, explosives, corrosive liquids, salt, radioactive material, highly toxic materials, poisonous gases, potentially explosive chemicals and petroleum as herein defined.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
HIGHLY TOXIC MATERIALS
A material so toxic to humans as to afford an unusual hazard to life and health during fire-fighting operations.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
HOME OCCUPATION
A residential accessory use which is generally of a service character, is conducted by an individual or family wholly within a dwelling unit and/or building accessory thereto, does not alter the residential character of the lot on which it is conducted and does not have any exterior storage, display or other evidence of the occupation, except for such sign as permitted under § 165-27 of this chapter. The term includes, but is not limited to, a dressmaker, a seamstress, an upholsterer, music or voice instruction or an office in the home for a lawyer, architect, landscape architect, engineer or surveyor.
HOTEL/MOTEL
A commercial use consisting of one or more buildings which provide sleeping rooms used or intended to be used for transient occupancy by persons who reside elsewhere. The term includes, but is not limited to, an inn, lodge and boat-tel. The term does not include a bed-and-breakfast.
INDUSTRIAL USE
See "manufacturing or assembly plant."
INSTITUTIONAL USE
A lot, a building or structure thereon or a portion thereof used principally for educational, governmental, medical, health care or religious activities and/or services for general public or quasi-public benefit. The term includes, but is not limited to, public or parochial schools, vocational schools, academies, colleges, government offices, hospitals, clinics, hospices, nursing homes, sanitariums, churches, temples and synagogues.
INTERCONNECTION
The technical and practical link between the solar photovoltaic energy systems and the grid providing electricity to the greater community.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
JUNK YARD
An area of land, with or without buildings, primarily used for the storage outside of a completely enclosed building of used or discarded materials, including but not limited to wastepaper, rags, metal, building materials, housing furnishings, machinery, vehicles or parts thereof, including junk, with or without the dismantling, processing, salvage, or other use or disposition of the same. The outdoor storage of two or more unregistered motor vehicles (excluding unregistered operative used in conjunction with the operation of a farm), tractor trailer boxes or the major parts of two or more such vehicles, for a period of two months or longer, shall be deemed a junk yard.
[Added 12-18-2023 by L.L. No. 2-2023]
KENNEL
A lot or a building or a structure located thereon where four or more dogs or cats, six months of age or older are housed, boarded, groomed, bred and or trained.
[Amended 12-6-2000 by L.L. No. 1-2000]
KILOWATT (KW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000 watts, which is a metric measurement of instantaneous power (not energy).
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
LANDSCAPE NURSERY
A lot or a building or structure thereon used principally for the growing and/or sale of trees, shrubs, flowers, plants, grass seed, peat moss, mulch and other products, tools, implements and equipment for lawn or garden care. The term shall include commercial greenhouses.
LARGE SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SYSTEM - (LSES)
A solar photovoltaic energy system with a rated capacity larger than 35kW. A large solar photovoltaic energy system is considered an accessory use of the property, if the principal purpose is to provide electrical power to be consumed onsite and for sale to the general power grid or to provide electrical power to be consumed onsite and to be sold to other power customers through a power purchase agreement. A large solar photovoltaic energy system is not considered an accessory use if the principal purpose is to provide electrical power for offsite consumption.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
LIMITED BUSINESS
A business conducted upon the same lot as a one-family dwelling or agricultural use and subject to special use standards set forth under § 165-41 of this chapter.
LOT
A parcel of land which is described separately by deed and which is occupied or designed to be occupied by a principal use, including such principal buildings or structures, accessory buildings or structures and accessory uses as may comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter.
LOT AREA
The lot area shall equal the minimum lot width times the minimum lot depth.
[Amended 5-5-1993 by L.L. No. 2-1993]
LOT, CORNER
A lot located at the intersection of and having frontage on two road rights-of-way.
LOT COVERAGE
The percentage of total lot area covered collectively by buildings and structures having individual ground coverage of 10 square feet or more.
LOT DEPTH
The mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the general direction of the side lot lines.
LOT, FLAG
A lot which is separated from the road right-of-way by one or more frontage lots, except for a narrow portion of the lot providing access to such road right-of-way.
LOT, INFILL
A vacant lot situated between two lots, each with an existing dwelling thereon.
LOT LINE
A line dividing a lot from a road right-of-way, an adjoining property or a water body. The road right-of-way is deemed the front lot line. The lot line opposite to and most distant from the front lot line is deemed the rear lot line. Any lot line other than the front and rear lot lines is deemed a side lot line.
LOT OF RECORD
An existing lot under separate ownership which, individually or as part of a subdivision, has been recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk's Office and for which proof can be provided that such lot was intended for development prior to the enactment of this chapter.
LOT, THROUGH
Any lot fronting on two public roads or highways other than at an intersection.
LOT WIDTH
The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured along the minimum front setback line.
MANUFACTURED HOUSING
Any structure wholly or in substantial part constructed at a manufacturing plant and designed or intended to be transported, in one or more sections, for permanent installation and occupancy as dwellings. The term includes mobile homes (single- or double-wide) and modular homes.
MANUFACTURING OR ASSEMBLY PLANT
A facility used principally for the production, fabrication or assembly of one or more commodities, components or products from raw materials or other components where the processes, labor and capital involved adds value for the sale of such commodities, components or products at retail or wholesale. A manufacturing or assembly plant may include warehouses, a trucking terminal and/or fuel storage/supply depots as accessory uses, provided that the highest standards applicable to such uses are satisfied. The term shall not include fabrication or assembly incidental to a business.
MARINA
A lot, building, structure, pier, dock or portion thereof located with shoreline frontage and access to navigable water and used for the launching, mooring, rental, sale, fueling and/or repair of watercraft and including such boat storage and such sales of bait, tackle and marine supplies as may be accessory to such marinas.
MEAN HIGH-WATER LEVEL
That point along the shoreline of Lake Ontario reached by high water, as an historical average established by chart datum of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, at a level of 248.05 feet above mean sea level at Father Point, Quebec (International Great Lakes Datum, 1955).
MEGAWATT (MW)
A unit of electrical power equal to 1,000,000 watts, which is a metric measurement of instantaneous power (not energy).
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
MEMBERSHIP CLUB
An organization formed for recreational, athletic, educational or social purposes and catering exclusively to its members and their guests, such that any merchandising, vending or other sales activity is conducted solely to benefit the club without financial gain to any member thereof.
MOBILE HOME
A type of manufactured housing which is built on a permanent chassis; transportable in one or more sections; constructed to contain the necessary plumbing, heating, electric and air-conditioning systems; and designed to be occupied and used as a dwelling (with or without a permanent foundation) when connected to the required utilities.
MOBILE HOME LOT
An area delineated within a mobile home park for the installation of an individual mobile home in accordance with an approved site plan for such park. The term applies only with an approved site plan for such park. The term applies only to areas to be leased, with or without an existing mobile home.
MOBILE HOME PARK
Any lot under single ownership used or intended to be used to contain two or more mobile homes for occupancy as residential dwellings and including such buildings or structures as may be accessory to such mobile homes individually or accessory to the mobile home park as a whole to provide facilities and/or services solely for the residents thereof.
MOTEL
See "hotel/motel."
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR SHOP
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for the purpose of repairing and servicing motor vehicles.
NET METERING AGREEMENT
An agreement with a local electric utility company that allows customers to receive a credit at the same rate they are charged for surplus electricity generated .by certain renewable energy systems.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
NONCONFORMING
As applied to a lot, use or structure, any condition legally existing prior to the enactment of this chapter, but not in compliance with the regulations, requirements or other provisions applicable thereto.
NONPROFIT FACILITY
A building, structure or portion used principally to conduct the activities of an organization having nonprofit status under state and federal regulations.
NURSERY SCHOOL
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for preschool education of children by one or more teachers certified pursuant to the New York State Education Law.
OFFICE, BANK OR ADMINISTRATIVE NONRETAIL USE
The use of a building or portion thereof principally for conducting business transactions of an administrative, professional or service nature and not involving the sale of products at retail or wholesale. The term includes, but is not limited to, the following uses: insurance or real estate sales; employment agencies; medical, dental or chiropractors' practice; accounting, architectural, engineering, law or surveying firms; banking or stock brokerage; and home nursing services.
OFF-STREET PARKING
Parking spaces provided on a lot outside of the road right-of-way.
PARCEL
A Tax Map parcel as established by the Jefferson County Office of Real Property Tax Services; provided, however, that an owner of such parcel may provide evidence to the Planning Board or Code Officer in the context of subdivision provision that such Tax Map parcel is actually separate lots by showing that the lots are separately described in a deed and that there was no intention of merging the two lots, which evidence may be shown, among other things, by:
[Amended 5-7-2014 by L.L. No. 2-2014]
A. 
Language in the deed;
B. 
Request to the Assessor to combine; or
C. 
Request to the Office of Real Property Tax Services to combine.
PATIO
An outdoor living space adjacent to a building at ground level, often paved.
PERMITTED USE
A use by right subject only to the issuance of a zoning permit for compliance with the applicable district requirements and supplementary regulations of this chapter.
PETROLEUM
Petroleum-based oil of any kind which is liquid at 68° F. under atmospheric pressure and has been refined, re-refined or otherwise processed for the purpose of being burned as a fuel to produce heat or usable energy or which is suitable for use as a motor fuel or lubricant in the operation or maintenance of an engine. Waste oil, which has been reprocessed or re-refined and which is being stored for sale or use as a fuel or lubricant, is also considered petroleum.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV)
A semiconductor-based device that converts light directly into electricity.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
POISONOUS GASES
Any noxious gas of such nature that a small amount of the gas when mixed with air is dangerous to life.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
PORCH
A roofed but open structure, projecting from the outside wall of the building.
[Added 6-10-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992]
POTENTIALLY EXPLOSIVE CHEMICAL
Any chemical substance, other than one classified as an explosive or blasting agent, which has a tendency to be unstable and which can be exploded by heat, shock or a combination thereof.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
PRINCIPAL BUILDING OR STRUCTURE
A building or structure within which a principal use is conducted.
PRINCIPAL USE
The main or dominant use of a lot, building or structure that may be permitted, permitted subject to site plan approval or allowed upon approval of a special use permit. There shall be no more than one principal use per lot (e.g. one, one-family home per residential lot or one home occupation per lot where permitted).
[Amended 6-10-1992 by L.L. No. 2-1992]
PUBLIC SAFETY USE
A building, structure or use operated by a government agency or special district primarily for public safety. Public safety facilities include, but are not limited to, police stations, fire stations and civil defense facilities.
PUBLIC UTILITY USE
A building or structure operated as a business regulated under the New York State Public Service Law and having the chief purpose of providing public services such as natural gas, electricity, telephone, cable television and commercial wind energy facilities.
[Amended 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
PUMP HOUSE
A small storage shed used principally for the housing and operation of pumping equipment for supplying water.
QUALIFIED SOLAR INSTALLER
A person who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of solar electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training on the hazards involved. Persons who are on the list of eligible photovoltaic installers maintained by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), or who are certified as a solar installer by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), shall be deemed to be qualified solar installers for the purposes of this definition. Persons who are not on NYSERDA's list of eligible installers or NAB CEP's list of certified installers may be deemed to be qualified solar installers if the Town of Brownville determines such persons have had adequate training to determine the degree and extent of the hazard and the personal protective equipment and job planning necessary to perform the installation safely. Such training shall include, but not be limited to, the proper use of special precautionary techniques and personal protective equipment, as well as the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized parts from other parts of electrical equipment and to determine the nominal voltage of exposed live parts.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Any material or combination of materials that spontaneously emits ionizing radiation and has a specific activity greater than 0.002 microcuries per gram.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
RATED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM CAPACITY
Aggregate sum of the AC kW ratings of all of the inverters in the system.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
RECREATION FACILITY, INDOOR
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally for indoor recreation, sports or leisure activity, conducted as a commercial enterprise or otherwise as a principal use. The term includes, but is not limited to, billiard parlors, bowling halls, live or motion-picture theaters, amusement or video game centers, indoor sports facilities, gymnasiums, physical fitness centers, martial arts schools and dance schools. The term does not include adult entertainment establishments, special events facilities or indoor recreation as a community facility or as an accessory use for an institutional use, membership club or nonprofit organization.
RECREATION FACILITY, OUTDOOR
A lot with or without accessory buildings, structures and other site improvements used for outdoor recreation, sports or leisure activity and conducted as a commercial enterprise or otherwise as a principal use. The term includes, but is not limited to, drive-in or open air theaters, exhibition facilities, field sports facilities, golf courses, driving ranges, miniature golf facilities, hobby clubs and water sports facilities. The term does not include special events facilities, campgrounds, marinas or outdoor recreation as a community facility or as an accessory use for an institutional use, membership club or nonprofit organization.
REPAIR SHOP, ENCLOSED
A building or structure used for the repair of motor vehicles and machinery where such repairs are conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building.
[Added 11-8-2001 by L.L. No. 4-2001]
RESIDENCE
Any dwelling suitable for habitation existing in the Town of Brownville on the date an application is received. For purposes of this definition, "suitable for habitation" shall mean that its primary purpose is for private occupancy and it has a connection to an on-site or off-site potable water supply and wastewater treatment/disposal system on a full-time basis. A residence may be part of a multi-dwelling or multipurpose building, but shall not include buildings such as hunting camps, hotels, hospitals, motels, dormitories, sanitariums, nursing homes, schools or other buildings used for educational purposes, or correctional institutions.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
RESIDENTIAL
Pertaining to the use of a one-, two- or multiple-family dwelling as a place of residence.
RESTAURANT
A commercial establishment used for the preparation, sale and consumption of food and beverages on premises or on a takeout basis. The term includes, but is not limited to, diners, delicatessens, banquet halls, fast food businesses, food concessions and snack bars. The term does not include bakeries, grocery stores or food vending machines.
RETAIL STORE
A building or portion thereof used principally to conduct a business involving the sale of merchandise or goods to the general public.
RETAIL STORE, SMALL
A retail store with less than 2,500 square feet of gross floor area.
[Added 5-3-2006 by L.L. No. 3-2006]
RIGHT-OF-WAY LINE or ROW LINE
The dividing line between a lot and the road right-of-way, also referred to as the "street line."
SALT
Refers to chemical compound sodium chloride (NACI) or any other chemical compound used as a controlling agent for snow and ice removal.
[Added 6-5-2002 by L.L. No. 2-2002]
SEQRA
The New York State Environmental Quality Review Act, as codified in Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law and its implementing regulations in Title 6 of the Official Compilation of Codes, Rules and Regulations of the State of New York, Part 617 et seq. (6 NYCRR 617).
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
SETBACK
The distance from the road right-of-way or a property line to the building line or specified activity closest thereto, measured at a right angle to such right-of-way or property line.
SETBACK
A. 
FRONTThe setback from the road right-of-way.
B. 
SIDEThe setback from either side property line.
C. 
REARThe setback from the rear property line.
SHOPPING CENTER
A building or group of buildings used principally as one or more retail stores and having a combined gross leasable area (GLA) in excess of 20,000 square feet. A shopping center may contain commonly associated businesses including, but not limited to:
A. 
Barbershops, beauty salons or related uses;
B. 
Laundromats;
C. 
Indoor recreation facilities;
D. 
Offices, banks or other administrative nonretail facilities; or
E. 
Restaurants.
SIGN
A device, structure or object used for the purpose of identifying or communicating information to the attention of others by visual display.
SITE
The parcel(s) of land where a wind energy facility is to be placed. The site can be publicly or privately owned by an individual or a group of individuals controlling single or adjacent properties. Where multiple lots are in joint ownership, the combined lots shall be considered as one for purposes of applying setback requirements. Any property which has a wind energy facility or has entered an agreement for said facility or setback agreement shall not be considered off-site.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
SITE PLAN
A plan which shows the layout and arrangement for a permitted site plan use or special use in accordance with the specifications under § 165-40B of this chapter.
SLAUGHTERHOUSE
A building, structure or use, the principal activity of which is the killing and butchering of animals for compensation. The term shall not include butcher shops, seasonal butchering of deer or bear carcasses or incidental slaughtering of livestock as part of an agricultural use, provided that animal remains are disposed of in a timely and sanitary manner.
SMALL WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (SMALL WECS)
A wind energy conversion system consisting of a wind turbine, a tower, and associated control or conversion electronics, which has a rated capacity of not more than 100 Kw and which is intended to primarily reduce consumption of utility power at that location.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
SOIL OR MINERAL EXTRACTION USE
Any use the principal activity of which is the extraction of 500 or more yards of stone, gravel, sand, soil or other minerals from any lot within a period of 24 consecutive months for the purpose of sale. The term shall not include the incidental extraction and sale of soil or minerals as part of an agricultural use, development of a site, road construction, installation of utilities or other subdivision improvements.
SOLAR ARRAY
A group of multiple solar panels or modules linked into a single unit.
[Added 10-1-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
SOLAR-BASED ARCHITECTURAL ELEMENT
A structural/architectural element that provides protection from weather that includes awnings, canopies, porches, or sunshades and that is constructed with the primary covering consisting of solar photovoltaic cells and may or may not include additional solar photovoltaic related equipment.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
SOLAR COLLECTOR
A photovoltaic cell, panel, array, or other device that converts solar radiation to electricity or transfers solar energy to air, water, or another storage media.
[Added 10-1-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
A combination of components that uses radiant energy (direct, diffuse, or reflected) from the sun to generate electricity or other forms of energy such as heat.
[Added 10-1-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) RELATED EQUIPMENT
Various items related to photovoltaic installations, including solar photovoltaic cells, modules, panels or arrays, cables, inverters, panelboards, disconnect switches, mounting brackets, framing and foundations used for or intended to be used for collection of solar photovoltaic energy.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
SOLAR PHOTOVOLTAIC ENERGY SYSTEM (PVS)
A power generation system that utilizes cells that convert solar radiation directly to piezoelectric power.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
A. 
Solar photovoltaic energy system do not include inverterless systems with photovoltaic modules that cover less than six square feet in area (such systems may be furnished with solarpowered lights, for example, or other small solar-powered devices). This does not apply to noninterconnected systems under 100w.
SOLAR THERMAL SYSTEMS
Systems that directly heat water or other liquids using solar radiation.
[Added 10-1-2014 by L.L. No. 3-2014]
SOLAR TRACKING SYSTEM
A solar photovoltaic energy system that is mounted in a way to track the movement of the sun across the sky to maximize energy production, either with a single-axis or dual-axis mechanism.
[Added 8-1-2018 by L.L. No. 1-2018]
SOUND LEVEL
Also referred to as "noise level"; means the statistical sound pressure level expressed as the sound pressure level that is exceeded for a given proportion of the time over which sound is measured. "L(10)" shall mean the standard abbreviation for the sound pressure level that is exceeded for 10% of the time over which the sound is measured. "L(90)" shall mean the standard abbreviation for the sound pressure level that is exceeded for 90% of the time over which the sound is measured. Unless indicated otherwise, frequency weighting according to the A-weighting scale is understood to be applicable.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL —
The quantity in decibels measured by a sound level meter satisfying the requirements of the American National Standards Specification of Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971, according to a frequency-weighted decibel scale. "Decibels" shall mean 20 times the logarithm to the base 10 of the ratio of the root mean squared pressure of a sound to a reference pressure of 20 micropascals. "dB" shall mean the standard abbreviation for decibels. Frequency-weighting of the sound pressure level is obtained with the standardized dynamic characteristic "fast" or "slow" and weighting A, B or C; unless indicated otherwise, the A-weighting is understood to be applicable. "dBA" shall mean the standard abbreviation for the A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
SPECIAL TOURIST FACILITY
A facility for which the principal activity is tourism and which may be specially located for such purposes along New York Route 12 or 12E frontage in the AR-3 district. A "special tourist facility" may consist of one or more of the following uses: gas stations, hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs or similar establishments.
SPECIAL USE
A use which is not permitted in a particular district, except upon full compliance with all applicable general and specific standards set forth under § 165-41 of this chapter to ensure that such use would be compatible with the character of the surrounding area, the intent of the particular district involved and the purpose of this chapter.
STATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY REVIEW or SEQR
The implementing regulations of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (New York State Environmental Conservation Law, § 8-0113) as set forth under Title 6 of the New York Compilation of Rules and Regulations (6 NYCRR 617) which provide for incorporating environmental review within the decisionmaking of any agency of any governmental unit in the State of New York. The terms "action," "agency," "applicants," "approval," "environmental assessment form" or "EAF," "environmental impact statement" or "EIS," "involved agency," "lead agency," "Type I action" and "unlisted action" shall have the meanings set forth in Section 617.2 of SEQR.
STORAGE SHED
A building accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling which is designed and principally intended for storage of personal property of the occupants at that dwelling. No trailer or motor vehicles of any type shall be used as a storage facility.
[Added 6-1-1994 by L.L. No. 2-1994; amended 3-5-1997 by L.L. No. 2-1997]
STRUCTURE
Any assemblage of materials constructed, erected or installed on or moved onto a lot, the use of which requires a location on the ground. The term includes, but is not limited to: buildings, dwellings, sheds, swimming pools, decks, pump houses, signs, satellite dishes, platforms, stadiums, towers, freestanding antennae, tanks and any fixtures and additions or extensions to a structure. The term is not intended to include driveways, parking areas, curbs, sidewalks, fences or live vegetation.
TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER
A structure on which transmitting and/or receiving antennas are located.
[Added 10-7-1998 by L.L. No. 2-1998]
TOTAL HEIGHT
The height of the tower and the furthest vertical extension of the WECS.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
TRUCKING TERMINAL
A lot or a building or structure thereon used principally for the transient storage of registered and licensed trucks, truck cabs, tractor trailers, vans or other motor vehicles used for bulk transport and including any refueling, cleaning or repairs associated therewith.
USE
The specific purpose or purposes for which a lot, building or structure is designed, arranged, occupied and/or maintained.
VARIANCE
A relief from compliance with the strict letter of this chapter as it applies to the use or development of a particular lot or a building or structure thereon, where such relief is granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals, as provided under Article IX of this chapter.
VARIANCE, AREA
A variance from the area (dimensional) requirements of this chapter.
VARIANCE, USE
A variance from the permitted use or permitted site plan use restrictions of this chapter to allow a use that is not permitted in a particular district.
WAREHOUSE
A building or structure used principally for the storage of materials, products or goods other than as an accessory use.
WHOLESALE FACILITY
A building, structure or portion thereof used principally to conduct a business involving the sale of merchandise or goods to other businesses.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)
A machine that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into a usable form (commonly know as a "wind turbine" or "windmill").
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
WIND ENERGY FACILITY (WEF)
Any commercial wind energy facility, small wind energy conversion system, or wind measurement tower, including all related infrastructure, electrical lines and substations, access roads and accessory structures.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
WIND ENERGY FACILITY SPECIAL USE PERMIT
A permit granted pursuant to § 165-34.6 granting the holder the right to construct, maintain and operate a wind energy facility.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
WIND MEASUREMENT TOWER
A tower used for the measurement of meteorological data such as temperature, wind speed and wind direction.
[Added 6-7-2017 by L.L. No. 3-2017]
YARD
An open area of a lot unoccupied by the principal buildings or structures thereon.
YARD, FRONT
The yard situated between the road right-of-way and the front building line of the principal building or structure on a lot and extending the full width of such lot. A corner lot is deemed to have two front yards.
YARD, REAR
The yard situated between the rear property line and the rear building line of the principal building or structure on a lot and extending the full width of such lot.
YARD, SIDE
The yard situated between a side property line and the side building line of the principal building or structure on a lot and extending between the front yard and the rear yard.
ZONING PERMIT
A written permission issued pursuant to the administrative procedures of this chapter, allowing the commencement or continuation of a particular land use or development activity determined to comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter.