Village of Greenville, WI Part 320-300 Terminology

Article I Word Usage; Definitions

§ 320-301 Word usage.

Unless otherwise expressly stated or unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning, the words and phrases in the following list of definitions shall, for the purposes of this chapter, have the meanings indicated. All words and phrases not defined shall have their common meaning.

A. The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company, or corporation, as well as an individual.

B. The present tense includes the future tense, and the singular includes the plural.

C. The word "shall" is mandatory; the word "may" is permissive.

D. The words "used" or "occupied" also mean intended, designed, or arranged to be used or occupied.

§ 320-302 Definitions.

A. For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms are defined:

ALLEY

See the definition in Chapter 270.

ALTERATION

A change or rearrangement in the structural parts of a structure, an enlargement of a structure, whether by extending on the side or by increasing the height.

AVERAGE GRADE

The mean level of the finished surface of the ground adjacent to the exterior facade of a building or structure. If the building or structure is within 10 feet of a street, the average grade shall be measured at the street center line. If the building or structure is further than 10 feet from a street, the average grade shall be measured between the structure and a line 10 feet from the structure. Reference: Diagram 320-302-1; Diagram 320-508-1; and Diagram 320-711-2.[1]

BOARD

The elected officials of Greenville.

BUILD-TO ZONE

An area on a lot, measured parallel from the front and/or corner side lot line, where a building's front facade must be located within the minimum and maximum range of setback provided. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.[2]

BUILDING

A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls for shelter, support, or enclosure of persons, animals, or tangible property. When separated by division walls from the ground up and without openings, each portion of such structure shall be deemed a separate building. In any nonresidential district, a group of buildings separated only by common or party walls shall be considered as one building. Reference: Diagram 320-302-1.[3]

BUILDING ENVELOPE

The area of a lot or tract formed by lot lines and minimum setback and yard requirements within which an allowed building or structure may be placed. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.[4]

BUILDING FACADE

The exterior face of a building extending from one corner of the building to another from the ground to the top of the parapet, wall, or eaves, but not including any elements which extend beyond the roof.

BUILDING FOOTPRINT

The total horizontal area covered by a building's perimeter at the ground level, or cantilevered or a maximum of 24 inches of overhang; overhangs in easements are prohibited. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.[5]

BUILDING HEIGHT

A building's vertical measurement from the average grade to the highest point on the roofline of a flat roof or a roof having a pitch ratio of less than 4/12 from the horizontal, and to a point midway between the peak and the eaves of a roof having a pitch ratio of more than 4/12. Height limitations do not apply to belfries, cupolas, water tanks, elevator bulkheads, chimneys, spires, flagpoles, or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof level and not intended for human occupancy. These heights are not to exceed airport limitations. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-1.[6]

COUNTY

Outagamie County, Wisconsin.

DEVELOPMENT

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to construction or additions or substantial improvements to buildings, other structures, accessory uses, mobile homes, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations, and deposition of materials.

DWELLING UNIT

A room or rooms connected together, constituting a separate, independent housekeeping establishment for one family only, for owner occupancy or for rental, lease or other occupancy on a weekly or longer basis, physically separated from any other rooms or dwelling units, and containing independent cooking and sleeping facilities. If located within the AGD-FP and is certified as a Farmland Preservation Zoning District, it shall be consistent with the definition of "nonfarm residence" in Wis. Stats., § 91.01(21), as amended. Dwelling types are defined in § 320-504O.

FAIR MARKET VALUE

Assessed value adjusted for equalized value.

FAMILY

(1) One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit as a traditional family or the functional equivalent of a traditional family. Four or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit who are not related by blood, adoption, or marriage shall not constitute the functional equivalent of a traditional family. In determining the functional equivalent of a traditional family, the following criteria shall be present:

(a) The group shares the entire dwelling unit.

(b) The group lives and cooks together as a single housekeeping unit.

(c) The group shares expenses for food, rent, utilities, or other household expenses.

(d) The group is permanent and stable and not transient or temporary in nature.

(e) Any other factor reasonably related to whether the group is the functional equivalent of a family.

(2) This definition is not intended to prohibit group homes or community living arrangements determined to be protected by the federal Fair Housing Act,[7] provided that such facilities are licensed and permitted under the authority of the State Department of Health Services or the State Department of Children and Families or other state department or agency.

FLATWORK

Any flat or horizontal system of construction, such as concrete/asphalt/gravel slabs, pavers, flat stepping stones, sidewalks, patios, driveways, parking lots, etc. placed or laid down to form the surface. Reference: Table 320-507-1; and Diagram 320-302-2.[8]

FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of each floor of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating two buildings; for the purpose of calculating parking requirement the following shall be excluded: public corridors, common restrooms, attic areas, unenclosed stairways, elevator structures, heating or other building machinery or equipment or basement space.

FLOOR AREA RATIO

The ratio of the total floor area of a building to the total lot area.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

See definition in Chapter 255.

LANDSCAPING

Landscaping shall consist of, but not be limited to, grass, ground covers, shrubs, vines, hedges, trees, berms, and complementary structural landscape architectural features, such as rock, fountains, sculpture, decorative walls, and tree wells.

LOT

A contiguous parcel of land in single ownership used or intended to be used for a use permitted by this chapter, including one principal building and its accessory buildings or as otherwise provided in this chapter, and having its principal frontage upon a dedicated street or other officially approved place. Land within the limits of a public or private street right-of-way shall not be included in a lot. Reference: Diagram 320-302-3.[9]

LOT AREA, GROSS

The total horizontal area within the lot lines of the lot. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; and Diagram 320-302-3.[10]

LOT AREA, NET

The total area of a lot, tract, or parcel excluding existing and proposed streets and rights-of-way, land under navigable water bodies, and land within the floodway. Reference: Diagram 320-302-3.[11]

LOT COVERAGE

The percentage of the gross lot area covered by all buildings and structures, including flatwork. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-3.[12]

LOT FRONTAGE

The uninterrupted linear or curvilinear extent of a lot measured along the street right-of-way from the intersection of one side lot line to the intersection of the other side lot line. The measurement of lot frontage shall not include irregularities in the street line and, in the case of a corner lot, shall extend to the point of intersection of the side line of the rights-of-way. If a lot has frontage on more than one street, frontage on one street only may be used to satisfy the minimum lot frontage. The lot frontage used to satisfy the minimum lot frontage shall be deemed the front lot line. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; and Diagram 320-302-3.[13]

LOT LINE

The property line bounding a lot. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.[14]

LOT LINE, CORNER SIDE

A lot line abutting a public street but is not a front or rear lot line. There may be multiple corner side lot lines per lot. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT LINE, FRONT

The lot line along a public street which is not a corner side lot line and is adjacent to the street for which it has been issued an address. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT LINE, INTERIOR SIDE

A lot line not abutting a public street and is not a rear lot line. There may be multiple interior side lot lines per lot. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT LINE, REAR

The lot line most distant from, and is, or most nearly is, parallel to the front lot line. There shall only be one rear lot line per lot. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT LINE, ZERO

An interior side lot line which has no side setback or yard requirements. Buildings are constructed directly on the zero lot line and may be attached to buildings located on lots adjacent to the zero lot line. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT OF RECORD

Land designated as a distinct and separate lot on a legally recorded deed, Certified Survey Map (CSM) or plat in the Register of Deeds's office.

LOT TYPES

(1) CORNER LOT 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. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.[15]

(2) CORNER LOT, REVERSED A corner lot oriented so it has its rear lot line coincident with or parallel to the side lot line of the interior lot immediately to its rear. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

(3) FLAG LOT An irregular shaped lot where access to a public or private street is provided by means of a narrow access strip between two abutting lots and makes the shape of a flag or other irregular shape. Reference: § 320-504O; Diagram 320-302-2.

(4) INTERIOR LOT 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. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

(5) LEGAL NONCONFORMING LOT A lot lawfully existing at the effective date of this chapter, or any subsequent amendment, which is not in conformance with all provisions of this chapter.

(6) THROUGH LOT A lot that has a pair of opposite lot lines along two substantially parallel streets and which is not a corner lot. If there are varied front yards and/or setbacks on either side of the through lot, then the deeper front yard and setback requirements shall be used. Structures in the rear yard of a through lot shall be located no closer to the street than structures on adjacent lots. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2.

LOT WIDTH

The minimum horizontal distance between the side lot lines as measured at the required front setback. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; and Diagram 320-302-3.[16]

MODULAR HOME

Per § 101.71(6)(a), Wis. Stats., any structure or component thereof which is intended for use as a dwelling and is of closed construction and fabricated or assembled on-site or off-site in manufacturing facilities for installation, connection or assembly and installation at the building site or is a building of open construction which is made or assembled in manufacturing facilities away from the building site for installation, connection, or assembly and installation on the building site and where certification is sought by the manufacturer. "Modular home" does not mean any manufactured home under § 101.91 of the Wisconsin Statutes or any building of open construction which is not subject to this definition.

MOTOR VEHICLE

A vehicle intended to be self-propelled, including, but not limited to, automobiles, tractors, trucks, recreational vehicles, watercraft, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and all-terrain vehicles as listed below:

(1) PASSENGER VEHICLE, COMPACT Any passenger vehicle not exceeding six feet in width and/or 15 feet in length.

(2) PASSENGER VEHICLE Private passenger vehicle properly licensed and operable, of less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating.

(3) SMALL TRUCKS, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES, AND FARM EQUIPMENT A truck, van, tractor or commercial vehicle with less than 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating.

(4) LARGE TRUCKS, COMMERCIAL VEHICLES AND FARM EQUIPMENT A truck, cargo van, tractor or bus greater than 10,000 pounds.

(5) RECREATIONAL VEHICLE An operable vehicle primarily used for leisure activities, including, but not limited to, camper trailers, boats with or without trailers, utility trailers, all-terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles.

(6) MOTOR HOMES A self-propelled vehicle on a chassis outfitted for travel with permanent sleeping accommodations but not for permanent use as a dwelling.

NET ACRE

An acre of land excluding existing and proposed streets and rights-of-way, land under navigable water bodies, and land within the floodway.

NET DENSITY

The number of residential dwelling units per net acre of land.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The agency or commission designated by the Board pursuant to § 62.23, Wis. Stats.

PLAT

See subdivision definition in Chapter 270.

RIGHT-OF-WAY RESERVATION LINE

A line designating future right-of-way on a property. The lot area between this line and the front/corner side lot line is reserved for use as right-of-way in the future. For properties with a right-of-way reservation line, required setbacks and yards shall be measured from the right-of-way reservation line instead of the front/corner side lot line. Reference: Diagram 320-302-2; and Diagram 320-302-3.[17]

ROOF

A structural covering over any portion of a building or structure including eaves or similar projections beyond the walls or supports of the building or structure. Reference: Diagram 320-302-1.[18]

SETBACK

The minimum required distance between any buildings and structures and the lot lines of the lot on which it is located. Flatwork is permitted to extend beyond the setback. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.[19]

SETBACK LINE, CORNER SIDE

A line parallel to the corner side lot line extending between the front setback line and rear lot line, behind which a building may be constructed. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

SETBACK LINE, FRONT

A line parallel to the front lot line extending between the interior side lot lines and/or corner side lot line, behind which a building may be constructed. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

SETBACK LINE, INTERIOR SIDE

A line parallel to the interior side lot line extending between the front setback line and the rear setback line, behind which a building may be constructed. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

SETBACK LINE, REAR

A line parallel to the rear lot line extending between the interior side lot lines and/or corner side setback line, behind which a building may be constructed. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

SIGN

See the definition of "sign" in § 320-705.

STORY

The 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 every 14 feet or fraction thereof. Reference: Diagram 320-302-1.[20]

STRUCTURE

Anything constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground or attached to something with a fixed location on the ground, including buildings and flatwork.

STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY

A structure (including buildings) on the same lot with the principal use or structure, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or structure. No accessory structure shall be constructed upon a lot until the construction of the principal structure has actually commenced, or principal use has commenced. No accessory structure or building shall be used unless the principal structure or building on the lot is also being used or a principal use is active.

STRUCTURE, PRINCIPAL

The primary structure on a lot that is not an accessory structure.

USE, ACCESSORY

A use on the same lot with the principal use or structure, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or structure. No accessory use shall be commenced upon a lot until the construction of the principal structure has actually commenced, or principal use has commenced. No accessory use shall be used unless the principal structure or building on the lot is also being used or a principal use is active.

USE, PRINCIPAL

The primary use on a lot that is not an accessory use or special exception.

USE, SPECIAL EXCEPTION

Reference: § 320-205.

USE, TEMPORARY

A use that is temporary and not permanent and may be allowed without a principal or special exception use.

[Added 1-9-2023 by Ord. No. 8-22]

VARIANCE

A relaxation of the terms of this chapter where such variance will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the actions of the applicant, a literal enforcement of the chapter would result in an unnecessary and undue hardship. Reference: Part 320-200, Article III, Zoning Board of Appeals.

YARD

The minimum green space area parallel to a lot line and extending into the lot for a distance as required by this chapter. Buildings and structures shall be prohibited in all yards unless otherwise permitted. Customary accessory lawn ornaments, furniture, fences/walls, pedestrian facilities and signs are permitted. Reference Table 320-505-1, Table 320-505-2, Table 320-509-1, Table 320-509-2, Table 320-509-3 and Diagram 320-302-2.[21]

[Amended 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 01-21; 4-26-2021 by Ord. No. 05-21]

YARD, CORNER SIDE

A yard extending into the lot from the corner side lot line. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

YARD, FRONT

A yard extending into the lot from the front lot line. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

YARD, INTERIOR SIDE

A yard extending into the lot from the interior side lot line. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

YARD, REAR

A yard extending into the lot from the rear lot line. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3; and Diagram 320-302-2.

ZONING ADMINISTRATOR

The Community and Economic Development Director or designee.

[1] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-1 is included in § 320-302B(1); Diagram 320-508-1 is included in § 320-508B(2)(l); and Diagram 320-711-2 is included in § 320-711.

[2] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[3] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-1 is included in § 320-302B(1).

[4] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[5] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[6] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; Table 320-509-1 is included in § 320-509A; Table 320-509-2 is included in § 320-509B; Table 320-509-3 is included in § 320-509C; and Diagram 320-302-1 is include in § 32-302B(1).

[7] Editor's Note: See 42 U.S.C. § 3601 et seq.

[8] Editor's Note: Table 302-507-1 is included in § 320-507; and Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[9] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[10] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; and Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[11] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[12] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; Table 320-509-1 is included in § 320-509A; Table 320-509-2 is included in § 320-509B; Table 320-509-3 is included in § 320-509C; and Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[13] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; and Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[14] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[15] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[16] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; and Diagram 320-302-3 is included in § 320-302B(3).

[17] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2); and Diagram 320-302-3 is included in §  320-302B(3).

[18] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-1 is included in § 320-302B(1).

[19] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; Table 320-509-1 is included in § 320-509A; Table 320-509-2 is included in § 320-509B; Table 320-509-3 is included in § 320-509C; and Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

[20] Editor's Note: Diagram 320-302-1 is included in § 320-302B(1).

[21] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; Table 320-509-1 is included in § 320-509A; Table 320-509-2 is included in § 320-509B; Table 320-509-3 is included in § 320-509C; and Diagram 320-302-2 is included in § 320-302B(2).

B. Diagrams for definitions.

(1) Diagram 320-302-1 Building and Roof Types. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3.[22]

[22] Editor's Note: Table 320-505-1 is included in § 320-505A; Table 320-505-2 is included in § 320-505B; Table 320-509-1 is included in § 320-509A; Table 320-509-2 is included in § 320-509B; and Table 320-509-3 is included in § 320-509C.

(2) Diagram 320-302-2 Bulk Regulations. Reference: § 320-504O; Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3.

(3) Diagram 320-302-3 Bulk Regulations. Reference: Table 320-505-1; Table 320-505-2; Table 320-509-1; Table 320-509-2; Table 320-509-3.