[Ord. No. 1076 §§1 — 7, 1-27-1987; Ord. No. 1345 §1(2000), 11-13-1989]
It is the purpose of this Article to define words, terms, and phrases contained within this Chapter.
[Ord. No. 1076 §§1 — 7, 1-27-1987; Ord. No. 1345 §1(2100), 11-13-1989]
A. 
In the interpretation of this Chapter, the provisions and rules of this Section shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly requires otherwise:
1. 
Words used or defined in one tense or form shall include other tenses and derivative forms.
2. 
Words in the singular shall include the plural, and words in the plural shall include the singular unless the context indicates the contrary.
3. 
The masculine gender shall include the feminine, and the feminine gender shall include the masculine.
4. 
The word "shall" is mandatory.
5. 
The word "may" is permissive.
6. 
The word "person" includes individuals, firms, corporations, associations, trusts, and any other similar entities.
7. 
The word "City" means the City of Town and Country, Missouri.
8. 
The words "Board" and "Board of Aldermen" shall mean the Board of Aldermen of the City of Town and Country, Missouri.
9. 
The words "Commission" and "Planning and Zoning Commission" shall mean the City of Town and Country Planning and Zoning Commission.
10. 
The words "Recorder" and "Recorder of Deeds" shall mean the St. Louis County Recorder of Deeds.
11. 
If there is inconsistency between any caption, illustration or table set forth in this Chapter and the text of this Chapter, the ordinance shall be interpreted to give the greatest weight to the text.
12. 
Words and terms not defined herein shall be interpreted in accord with their normal dictionary meaning and customary usage.
[Ord. No. 1076 §§1 — 7, 1-27-1987; Ord. No. 1345 §1(2200), 11-13-1989]
The following abbreviations are used in this Chapter and are intended to have the following meanings:
FAP
Floor area percentage.
ft.
Foot.
GFA
Gross floor area.
max.
Maximum.
min.
Minimum.
sf.
Square feet.
S.F.
Single-family.
sq.
Square.
[Ord. No. 1076 §§1 — 7, 1-27-1987; Ord. No. 1345 §1(2300), 11-13-1989; Ord. No. 2239 §§1, 3(17020), 8-10-1998; Ord. No. 2302 §1, 2-8-1999; Ord. No. 2450 §1, 4-11-2000; Ord. No. 2802 §1, 3-25-2003; Ord. No. 2979 §1, 12-14-2004; Ord. No. 3318 §1, 2-12-2008; Ord. No. 3443 §1, 8-11-2009]
When used in this Chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them:
ABOVE GROUND SWIMMING POOLS
Any pool or open tank having a water surface area greater than thirty-six (36) feet and having at least forty percent (40%) of the wall structure above ground level.
ABUTTING
Having a common border with, or being separated from such common border by, an easement.
ACCESS
A means of vehicular approach or entry to or exit from property.
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A building which:
1. 
Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or a principal use,
2. 
Is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal building or use served,
3. 
Is located on the same lot as the principal building or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this Chapter, and
4. 
Is clearly customarily incidental to the principal building or use.
Any portion of a principal building devoted or intended to be devoted to an accessory use is not an accessory building.
ACCESSORY STRUCTURE
A structure, the use of which is clearly customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or use on the same lot.
ACCESSORY USE
See "Use, Accessory".
ARBORIST, CERTIFIED
An individual trained in the art and science of planting, caring for and maintaining individual trees and certified by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA).
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY
A facility that provides residential living units in a separate building or as part of a continuum of care facility that provides relatively independent elderly or infirm persons with supervision, assistance and limited health care services in a home-like atmosphere. Services may include twenty-four (24) hour protective oversight, food, shelter, and a range of services that promote the quality of life of the individual. These services shall not be to the extent provided in a skilled care or residential care facility.
ATTACHED UNITS
Two (2) or more adjoining dwelling units, each of which is separated from the others by one (1) or more unpierced walls from ground to roof.
BASEMENT
A floored and walled substructure of a building either partly or entirely below ground level.
BEDROOM
A room marketed, designed, or otherwise likely to function primarily for sleeping.
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
The Board of Adjustment of the City of Town and Country, Missouri.
BUFFERYARD
A unit of land, together with a specified type and amount of planting thereon, and any structures which may be required between land uses to eliminate or minimize conflicts between them.
BUILDABLE LOT
1. 
A lot of record which satisfies the minimum width and size requirements of the current zoning and subdivision standards; or
2. 
A lot of record which, at the time it became a lot of record, satisfied the minimum width and size requirements of the zoning and subdivision standards then in effect.
Any buildable lot which otherwise fails to satisfy current zoning or subdivision standards must apply for and receive any necessary variances prior to development.
BUILDING
A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, for the shelter, support, enclosure or protection of persons, animals, chattels, or property. When separated by division walls without openings, each portion of the structure so separated shall be deemed a separate building.
BUILDING COVERAGE
The total ground area covered by structures excluding, however, spas, hot tubs and tennis courts without roofs, and all structures which have a maximum height of thirty-six (36) inches or less.
BUILDING COVERAGE, PERCENT
The building coverage divided by the lot area, and multiplying by one hundred (100).
BUILDING FRONT
Exterior wall of a building which faces a front lot line of the lot.
BUILDING HEIGHT
The front height of a building shall be the vertical distance from the lowest proposed finished grade of the front of the building to a point on that vertical line which is perpendicular to the highest point of the building, including mechanical equipment screens or pads. The rear height of a building shall be the distance measured along a vertical line from the lowest proposed finished grade of the rear of the building to a point on that vertical line which is perpendicular to the highest point of the building, including mechanical equipment screens or pads.
BUILDING LINE
A line on a lot, generally parallel to a lot line, between which line and the lot line no structure or any part thereof may be situated except as provided by this Chapter.
CALIPER
A measurement of the size of a tree equal to the diameter of its trunk measurement four and one-half (4½) feet above natural grade. On newly planted trees the measurement shall be one-half (½) foot above natural grade.
CANOPY TREE
A deciduous tree that reaches such a height at maturity that its canopy provides cover or shade over understory trees.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY
Any transfer of the property, whether by sale or lease.
CHURCH
A permanent building primarily and regularly used as a place of religious worship.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019]
CLINIC
An establishment where patients, who are not lodged overnight, are admitted for examination and treatment by a group of physicians or dentists or other professional medical persons. The word "clinic" as used herein shall include a veterinary clinic.
CLUSTER
Single-family detached residential uses that include open space as part of the subdivision design.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE
Any vehicle used in the conduct of a trade or business, whether or not, commercially licensed.
COMMON AREAS
Areas for the common use of the tenants or owners.
COMMON GROUND
Any land held in common through a homeowner's association or similar organization.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
COMPREHENSIVE MARIJUANA CULTIVATION FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
COMPREHENSIVE MARIJUANA DISPENSARY FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
COMPREHENSIVE MARIJUANA-INFUSED PRODUCT MANUFACTURING FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
The Town and Country Comprehensive Plan, all accompanying maps, charts, and explanatory material adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission on February 28, 1996, and all amendments thereto.
CONSTRUCTION DAMAGE
Injury to a tree caused as a result of construction activities including but not limited to root damage caused by trenching, pulling of roots, changes in soil grade (relocation, removal or filling of soil), paving over roots or compaction of soil, and damage to tree trunks or branches.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
CONTINUUM OF CARE FACILITY
A planned community that includes a building or complex of buildings for use as a care facility for total continuum of care including a skilled nursing facility, a residential care facility, an assisted living facility and independent living. Integrated associated support services for the complex may also be a part of a "continuum of care facility".
CONVENIENCE STORE
A retail establishment having a gross floor area of five thousand (5,000) square feet or less associated with the sale of gasoline products that also offers for sale prepared and prepackaged food items, beverages and other tangible consumer goods customarily sold in grocery stores.
[Ord. No. 4492, 2-28-2022]
CORNER LOT
See "Lot, Corner".
CORRIDOR LOCATIONS
Sites with a minimum of three hundred (300) feet of frontage on Highway 141, Highway I-64/40, Interstate Highway 270, or associated roads of North Forty Drive, South Forty Drive, Des Peres Road, and Municipal Center Drive.
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE (CRZ)
A given distance from the trunk of a tree that includes the soil area below ground that contains the tree's root structure and the space above ground within the tree's canopy drip line or beyond. The CRZ is protected for the viability and stability of a tree to be retained on site in a healthy condition. The Critical Root Zone radius equals one and twenty-five hundredths (1.25) feet for every one (1) inch of tree diameter except in circumstances where the observed CRZ is significantly larger or smaller, in which case on-site conditions will take precedence.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA (CSA)
Is the area of a tree derived by squaring the radius of the tree and multiplying by 3.14.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
CURB CUT
See "Access".
DAY-CARE, ADULT
A generic term that applies to a variety of programs offering services that range from active rehabilitation to social and health-related care. "Adult day care" is coordinated with, and relates to, other agencies and services such as nursing homes, in-home services and hospital care.
[Ord. No. 4399, 12-14-2020]
DAY-CARE, CHILD
A child-care facility, as defined by Section 210.201, RSMo., that is licensed by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019; Ord. No. 4399, 12-14-2020]
DAY-CARE, PET
An establishment where domestic animals owned by another person are temporarily boarded. A pet day-care is distinguished from a kennel as pets are typically boarded for the day, though overnight boarding may be available as approved in a conditional use permit, and the establishment may offer accessory services, such as retail sales of pet-care supplies, and services such as dog walking and animal grooming.
[Ord. No. 4399, 12-14-2020]
DENSITY
The total number of dwelling units permitted per acre of gross buildable site area.
DEPTH OF PROPERTY
When a depth of property to a rear development property line for a setback is stated, it is measured perpendicularly from the corridor highway right-of-way to each and every specific point on the rear development property line. In the case of lines parallel to the corridor highway right-of-way, the setback will be a constant distance of the stated percentage in Section 405.1050(4) herein. In the case of lines not parallel to the corridor highway, the setback will vary on an angle along the entire line from a maximum setback of the stated percentage to a minimum setback of seventy-five (75) feet.
DETENTION SYSTEM
A body of water created, designed or modified, and specifically engineered to control the discharge of stormwater.
DEVELOPER
The legal or beneficial owner(s) of a lot or site proposed for inclusion in a development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase.
DEVELOPMENT
The division of a site into two (2) or more lots; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any buildings; any use or change in use of any buildings or land; any extension of any use of land or any clearing, grading, or other movement of land, for which permission may be required pursuant to this Chapter.
DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)
The diameter of a tree trunk at four and five tenths (4.5) feet above ground. For species of trees whose normal growth pattern is characterized by multiple stems the diameter at breast height of each stem shall be measured and the average of all measurements shall constitute the diameter of the tree.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
DIRECTOR
The Planning Director of the City of Town and Country, Missouri or his/her designated representative.
DISTRICT
A section of the City of Town and Country within which the zoning regulations are uniform.
DOUBLE FRONTAGE LOT
See "Lot, Double Frontage".
DRAINAGE
The removal of surface water or ground water from land by drains, grading, or other means. "Drainage" includes the control of runoff to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after development and includes the means necessary for water-supply preservation or prevention or alleviation of flooding.
DRAINAGEWAY
A terrain feature, natural or manmade, between the top of banks that define the normal high-water level serving to collect and drain rainwater by open flow, and serving a drainage basin of at least four (4) acres.
DRIP LINE
Also known as the canopy, it is the area of a tree circumscribed on the ground by a vertical line extended from the outermost extremities of the plant's branches to the ground.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT
See "Restaurant, Drive-In".
DWELLING UNIT
A room or group of rooms, providing or intended to provide living quarters for not more than one (1) family.
ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Any public school as defined in Section 160.011, RSMo., or any private school giving instruction in a grade or grades not higher than the twelfth grade, including any property owned by the public or private school that is regularly used for extracurricular activities, but does not include any private school in which education is primarily conducted in private homes.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019]
EROSION
The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
EVERGREEN MATERIAL
Living plants having green leaves throughout the entire year.
FAMILY
Two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship, or not more than three (3) persons not so related, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit.
FARM
A tract of cultivated land in excess of five (5) acres used for the raising of crops.
FENCE
A structure, partition or wall erected for the purpose of providing shade or privacy screening. Shrubs, hedges, trees and other plant material shall not be considered a fence.
FILLING
The depositing on land, whether submerged or not, of sand, gravel, earth, or other materials of any composition whatsoever.
FLAG LOT
See "Lot, Flag".
FLOODPLAIN
Any area subject to a one percent (1%) chance of flooding in any given year (100- year flood), as established by the provisions of Section 405.335(C).
FLOOR
The bottom or lower part of a room on which one stands or the horizontal structure which divides a building into stories.
FLOOR AREA, NON-RESIDENTIAL
The sum of the gross floor area for each of a building's stories measured from the exterior limits of the faces of the structure, excluding interior loading and parking areas, basement mechanical equipment areas, basement storage areas, atriums except the first (1st) floor area, and roof top mechanical equipment enclosures.
FLOOR AREA PERCENTAGE
An intensity measure derived by dividing the total floor area of a building by the gross buildable site area and multiplying by one hundred (100). Where the lot is part of a larger development the lot area may be used instead of the site area.
FLOOR AREA, RESIDENTIAL
The sum of the gross floor area for each of a building's stories measured from the exterior limits of the faces of the structure, including all heated, habitable area but excluding unenclosed porches and accessory structures, basements, space designed for parking of motor vehicles excepting that as defined in Section 405.345(A)(12) and second floor area open to the floor below in direct proportion to the size of the lot at a ratio of one thousand (1,000) square feet per acre.
[Ord. No. 4030 §1, 11-14-2016]
FORESTED AREA
Area containing mature woodlands, and/or young woodlands.
FORESTER
An individual having a degree in forestry, forest management, horticulture or landscape architecture.
FRONTAGE
That portion of a lot or site adjacent to or abutting a street.
FRONT YARD
See "Yard, Front".
GARAGE
A deck or building, or part thereof, used or intended to be used for the parking and storage of motor vehicles.
GARDEN CENTER
A place of business where retail and wholesale products and produce are sold to the retail consumer. These centers, which may include a nursery and/or greenhouses, import most of the items sold. These items may include plants, nursery products and stock, fertilizers, potting soil, hardware, power equipment and machinery, hoes, rakes, shovels, and other garden and farm tools and utensils.
GASOLINE SERVICE STATION, AUTOMOBILE
An establishment providing sales of vehicle fuel and such services as lubrication, oil and tire changes, and minor mechanic repairs.
GATE
A moveable barrier attached to a permanent support structure.
GAZEBO
A freestanding, roofed decorative structure, open on all sides.
GRADE
The ground elevation at any specific point on a site.
GRAND TREE
Any tree twenty (20) inches DBH or greater that is in fair to good condition and is not an invasive species as defined in this Chapter or by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
GREENHOUSE
An enclosed building, permanent or portable, which is used for the growth of small plants.
GREEN SPACE
Areas of grass, trees or vegetation as well as those areas or surfaces described in Section 405.345(A)(14) and specifically excluding those areas set forth in Section 405.345(A)(15).
[Ord. No. 3759 §1, 8-26-2013; Ord. No. 4033 §1, 11-14-2016]
GROSS BUILDABLE SITE AREA
The total gross square footage of a site, as determined by actual on-site survey, which remain contiguous after subtracting: areas of the site comprising road right-of-ways; land previously designated resource protection land in a prior development of all or part of the site; and portions of the site located in another zoning district.
GROUP HOME
Any home in which eight (8) or fewer unrelated mentally or physically handicapped persons reside, and may include two (2) additional persons acting as houseparents or guardians who need not be related to each other or to any of the mentally or physically handicapped persons residing in the home. In the case of any such residential home for mentally or physically handicapped persons, the exterior appearance of the home and property shall be in reasonable conformance with the general standards of the surrounding neighborhood. No part of a group home shall be located within eight hundred (800) feet of any part of another group home.
[Ord. No. 3906 §1, 6-22-2015]
GROVE
Any grouping of eight (8) or more trees each having eighteen (18) inches or greater caliper with no tree trunk further than thirty (30) feet from any tree trunk in the group.
GUARANTEE OF IMPROVEMENTS
A financial guarantee to insure that all improvements, facilities, or work required by this Chapter will be completed in compliance with the ordinance, regulations, and the approved plans and specifications of a developer.
HOME OCCUPATIONS
An accessory use including any business, commercial activity, or service for a financial consideration, conducted by members of the family residing on the premises of the dwelling unit.
HOSPITAL
An institution providing medical and surgical care for human beings only, for both in and out patients, and including as a regular part of its medical service, training, research facilities and overnight-care.
IMPERMEABLE SURFACE
Impermeable surfaces are those which do not absorb water. They consist of all buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and areas of concrete or asphalt.
INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY
A facility that provides residential living units as a part of a continuum of care facility where the residents are not dependent on others for day to day living needs.
KENNEL
The use of land or buildings for the purpose of selling, breeding, boarding, or training dogs or cats or both, or the keeping of four (4) or more dogs over four (4) months of age, or keeping six (6) or more cats over four (4) months of age, or the keeping of more than five (5) dogs and cats. The word "selling" as herein used shall not be construed to include the sale of animals four (4) months of age or younger which are the natural increase of animals kept by persons not operating a kennel as herein defined; nor shall selling be determined to include isolated sales of animals over four (4) months old by persons not operating a kennel as herein defined.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT
An individual trained in design and construction of sites and landscapes and licensed as a professional landscape architect by the Missouri Division of Professional Registration.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
LANDSCAPE PLAN
The graphic depiction and written specifications indicating the planned arrangement of natural and constructed elements on the land (plantings, ground and water forms, circulation, walkways, irrigation, landscape lighting, etc.). All plants and trees are labeled on the landscape plan and keyed to complete tree and plant lists. Required elements of the Tree Protection Plan (TPP) can be included on the landscape plan or submitted as a separate plan.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
LEGAL LOT
See "Buildable Lot".
LOCAL STREET
A street for local traffic only, located completely within a subdivision, and generally taking subdivision traffic only.
LOT
A parcel of land undivided by any street or private road and accessible by means of a street and fronting on a street and occupied by, or designated to be developed for, one (1) building or principal use and the accessory building or uses customarily incidental to such building, use, or development, including such open spaces and yards as are designed and arranged or required by this Chapter for such building, use, or development.
LOT AREA
The area contained within the boundary lines of a lot, exclusive of any area designated for street or common areas and any detention area, whether wet or dry.
LOT, CHURCH
A lot on which the principal use is a church use.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting two (2) or more streets at their intersection. For the purposes of this definition, a lot shall be considered a corner lot if it abuts one (1) street and is separated from any other street by common ground of a subdivision that is either:
1. 
Less than one-fourth (.25) acre in size; or
2. 
Less than fifty (50) feet in depth along the full width of the subject lot.
LOT, DOUBLE FRONTAGE
A lot having a frontage on two (2) or more non-intersecting streets (as distinguished from a corner lot).
LOT, FLAG
Lots which do not meet the minimum frontage requirements at the setback line.
LOT FRONTAGE
The linear distance which property abuts a public or private street and is measured at the street lot line. When a lot has more than one (1) street lot line, lot frontage shall be measured, and the minimum lot frontage required by this Chapter shall be provided, at each such line.
LOT LINE
A line bounding a lot.
LOT LINE, REAR
Lot line which is parallel to and most distant from the front lot line of the lot; in the case of an irregular, triangular, or gore-shaped lot, a line twenty (20) feet in length, entirely within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from, the front lot line shall be considered to be the rear lot line. In the case of lots which have frontage on more than one (1) road or street, the rear lot line shall be opposite the lot line along which the lot takes access to a street. There is only one (1) rear lot line to a lot.
LOT LINE, SIDE
Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
LOT LINE, STREET
A line between a lot and a contiguous right-of-way line.
LOT OF RECORD
Any validly recorded lot which at the time of its recordation complied with all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations.
LOT WIDTH
The length of the front building line, measured at the point of the minimum street setback, between the side lot lines, generally parallel to the street. Where there is only one (1) side lot line, lot width shall be measured at the point of the minimum street setback, between such lot line and the opposite lot line or future right-of-way line. On cul-de-sac lots, lot width shall be measured along the arc at the point of the minimum street setback.
MAJOR SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping center containing a floor area of at least four hundred thousand (400,000) square feet on a site of at least sixty-five (65) acres, and providing shared off-street parking for commercial establishments and restaurants on the site.
MAJOR STREET
A major roadway listed in Appendix 1 to this Chapter.
MARIJUANA or MARIHUANA
Cannabis indica, Cannabis sativa, and Cannabis ruderalis, hybrids of such species, and any other strains commonly understood within the scientific community to constitute marijuana, as well as resin extracted from the plant and marijuana-infused products. "Marijuana" or "marihuana" does not include industrial hemp as defined by Missouri law, or commodities or products manufactured from industrial hemp.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019; Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
MARIJUANA TESTING FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023
MARIJUANA-INFUSED PRODUCTS
Products that are infused with marijuana or an extract thereof and are intended for use or consumption other than by smoking, including but not limited to edible products, ointments, tinctures and concentrates.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA CULTIVATION FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019; Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019; Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
MEDICAL MARIJUANA-INFUSED PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING FACILITY
A facility licensed as such by the State of Missouri.[1]
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019; Ord. No. 4581, 7-24-2023]
MINOR SHOPPING CENTER
A shopping center containing a floor area greater than fifty-five thousand (55,000) square feet on a site of at least six (6) acres, but not meeting the definition of the Major Shopping Center and providing shared off-street parking as limited in Section 405.655(B) for commercial establishments and restaurants on the site.
[Ord. No. 4039 § 1, 11-28-2016]
MINOR STREET
A street not located within a single subdivision, connecting local residential areas with major streets or with commercial areas, excluding major streets and local streets.
MOBILE HOME
A mobile structure which is: built on a permanent chassis in one (1) unit or in two (2) units designed to be joined into one (1) integral unit; is designed to be used for dwelling purposes rather than recreational or travel purposes; has been or reasonably may be transported on its own wheels or on a flatbed or other trailer to a site complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations; and which is constructed so that it may be used with or without a permanent foundation.
MULTI-FAMILY DWELLING
A building or portion thereof, designed for or occupied by three (3) or more families or housekeeping units living independently of each other, which is located on a single lot.
MUNICIPAL CODE
The Municipal Code of the City of Town and Country, Missouri.
NATURAL RESOURCES
Includes ravines, floodplains, mature woodlands, young woodlands and drainageways as defined by this Chapter.
NON-CONFORMING
See Article V (Sections 405.160405.170) of this Chapter.
NURSING HOME
A building intended for use as a medical care facility for persons who require constant nursing care and medical service, but do not require intensive hospital care and is licensed by the State of Missouri. A "nursing home" may include adult day care.
NURSING HOME, ASSISTED LIVING AND CONTINUUM OF CARE FACILITY (NHALCCF) UNIT
For the purposes of nursing homes, assisted living and continuum of care facilities only, a unit in the skilled nursing facility or a residential care facility is defined as a "bed". In the assisted or independent living portions of the facility a unit will be defined as in this Section.
ON-SITE
Located on the lot in question, except in the context of on-site detention, when the term means within the boundaries of the development site as a whole.
OPEN AREA
That part of a lot which is open, unoccupied and unobstructed by structures from the ground to the sky.
OPEN SPACE
An area to be left undisturbed and in a natural state except for those activities specifically permitted in Section 405.335.
OPEN SPACE PERCENTAGE
A regulatory measure that is the result of dividing an area in a natural resource that is to be protected by the total area of land in that resource category on the site and then multiplying by one hundred (100).
OUTDOOR GAME COURT, PERMANENT
An area having a ground surface consisting of concrete, asphalt, paving blocks, bricks, gravel or other hard and/or impervious surface material that is used for play and recreational uses. Permanent outdoor game courts may include equipment and fencing or screening that is permanently secured to the ground with concrete footings or other similar attachment mechanisms or devices. An outdoor game court that has a ground surface of ice or other temporary hard-surface material is considered a permanent outdoor game court.
[Ord. No. 4172, 2-26-2018]
OUTDOOR GAME COURT, TEMPORARY
An area of grass or other natural ground surface that is used for temporary play and recreational uses, and may include the use of equipment such as nets, goals, trampolines, swing sets, slides, and other similar equipment that is not permanently installed. Temporary play and recreational equipment may be temporarily secured to the ground, but may not be permanently attached or secured to the ground. The use of a driveway for a use that would otherwise comply with the definition of an outdoor game court temporary that does not interfere with the primary use of the driveway and does not involve the enlargement of the existing driveway surface is considered a temporary outdoor game court .
[Ord. No. 4172, 2-26-2018]
OWNER
The person or persons having legal title to, beneficial interest in, or a contractual right to purchase a site or lot.
PARKING LOT
A paved area open to the sky for the parking of motor vehicles.
PAVER
A manufactured concrete or masonry product designed to sustain vehicular traffic with predesigned openings to accommodate the growth of vegetation or grass. Minimum open area to be thirty-five percent (35%).
PERMANENT OPEN SPACE
Land that has identified natural resources that are protected so as to be undisturbed by structures and restricted to prevent any development by restrictive covenant.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
PLANNED RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Residential developments created under alternative zoning procedures, which procedures allow for variation in zoning requirements to promote economic and energy efficient subdivision design, to encourage a variety of housing types, to encourage ingenuity and originality in site design, to preserve open space, or to provide recreation areas, including but not limited to residential design developments, density developments, or planned residential community under St. Louis County zoning regulation, shall be deemed planned residential communities or PRCs for purposes of this Chapter.
PLANT UNIT
A set quantity of canopy trees, understory trees, evergreen trees and shrubs. Plants listed as an invasive species by the Missouri Department of Conservation shall not be permitted to be included as part of a plant unit.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019; Ord. No. 4440, 7-26-2021]
PRINCIPAL BUILDING
A building in which is conducted, or in which is intended to be conducted, the main or principal use of the lot on which it is located.
PRINCIPAL USE
See "Use, Principal".
PRIVATE CLUB
A building or portion thereof or premises used primarily by members for social or recreational purposes, including services to members customarily incidental thereto.
PRIVATE DRIVEWAY
Surfaces used for limited access by vehicles to one (1) residence, and not for daily access by the public, which surfaces are part of residential lot area, and not a right-of-way easement.
PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT
Any improvement, facility, or service, together with customary improvements and appurtenances thereto, necessary to provide for public needs as: vehicular and pedestrian circulation system, storm sewers, flood control improvements, water supply and distribution facilities, sanitary sewage disposal and treatment, public utility and energy services.
PUBLIC UTILITY FACILITY
A public utility use or structure such as an electric substation or a water or gas pumping or regulating station or a telephone switching center.
QUALIFYING PATIENT
Means a Missouri resident diagnosed with at least one (1) qualifying medical condition.
[Ord. No. 4299, 8-12-2019]
RAVINE
A natural and wooded area a minimum of fifteen (15) feet deep, defined by an abrupt change of at least twenty degrees (20°) on side slope or slopes with side walls with slopes greater than two (2) feet horizontal to one (1) foot vertical (twenty-six and one-half degrees (26.5°) or a fifty percent (50%) slope) and extending ten (10) feet back from said area of abrupt change.
REAR DEVELOPMENT PROPERTY LINE
Any property line that is not common with the corridor highway right-of-way line or common with another tract of land that fronts on the highway corridor.
REAR LOT LINE
See "Lot Line, Rear".
REAR YARD
See "Yard, Rear".
RECORDED LOT
See "Lot of Record".
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Recreational vehicles and non-vehicular campers, trailers, pickup shells, boats, boat trailers, horse trailers, or any similar equipment designed, constructed, or modified for recreational or travel use.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
A vehicular or portable structure without permanent foundation which can be hauled, towed, or driven; is primarily designed as temporary living accommodations for recreational, camping, and travel use; and includes but is not limited to travel trailers, truck campers, camping trailers, and self-propelled motor homes.
RESIDENTIAL
Intended for or occupied by one (1) or more dwellings or living quarters.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY
A facility that provides twenty-four (24) hour accommodation, board, and care for residents who need or are provided with supervision of diets, assistance in personal care, storage and distribution or administration of medication, supervision of health care under the direction of a licensed physician, and protective oversight, including care during short-term illness or recuperation.
RESOURCE PROTECTED LAND
Portions of a site that are restricted to prohibit development or disturbance within special natural resource features by restrictive covenant.
RESTAURANT
A food service establishment principally oriented to the service of food, beverages, and other refreshments.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-IN OR DRIVE-THROUGH
A restaurant where food, beverages or other refreshments are available for consumption by persons who remain in their automobiles, or which includes a drive-up or drive-through service.
RESTAURANT, SERVICE
An establishment whose principal business is the sale of food, frozen desserts or beverages in ready-to-consume individual servings, for consumption on the premises or for carry-out and where:
1. 
Foods, frozen desserts or beverages are usually served in edible containers or in paper, plastic or other disposable containers,
2. 
There is no drive-up or drive-through service, and
3. 
The business is principally to serve the occupants and the employees, customers or invitees thereof, in the same building in which the restaurant premises is located or nearby buildings.
RESTAURANT, TRADITIONAL
A restaurant principally oriented to the service of food and beverages for consumption on the premises, and any carry-out incidental to that principal use.
RESTRICTIVE COVENANT
A recorded agreement to refrain from doing certain acts.
RESUBDIVISION
See "Subdivision".
RIGHT-OF-WAY
A strip of land dedicated or transferred for roadway purposes.
ROAD
See "Street".
SATELLITE EARTH STATION
Any exterior mounted parabolic antenna used to receive, transmit or amplify television, radio, microwave or other electronic signals. A satellite Earth station shall be considered a structure as defined in this Section.
SCHOOL
A building, or portion thereof, the primary use of which is for education, together with the services customarily incidental thereto.
SCREENING FROM VIEW
Not visible from any street or from any adjoining property in different ownership. Screening may be accomplished by means of landscaping with evergreen material.
SEDIMENTATION
The deposition of soil that has been transported from its site of origin by water, ice, wind, gravity, or other natural means as a result of erosion.
SERVICE BUSINESS/PERSONAL CARE SERVICES
An establishment providing personal care related services, including, barbershops, hairdressers, tailors, salons, spas, nail care, massage, tanning and other similar services. These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided. This definition does not include tattoo parlors, fortune tellers, psychics and similar services.
[Ord. No. 4251, 11-26-2018]
SERVICE RESTAURANT
See "Restaurant, Service".
SETBACK
The space between a lot line and the building line in which no structure is permitted.
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of commercial establishments planned, developed, and managed as a unit with off-street parking provided on the property.
SIDE LOT LINE
See "Lot Line, Side".
SIDE YARD
See "Yard, Side".
SIGN
See Chapter 420.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
A non-transportable, permanent dwelling designed for or occupied by exclusively one (1) family or housekeeping unit.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING, ATTACHED
A single-family dwelling, which is one of a series of single-family dwellings located on individually subdivided lots or land owned in common, including townhouses and patio houses.
SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
A single-family dwelling which is not attached to another single-family dwelling, and which is located on and constitutes the principal use of a lot.
SITE
A parcel, tract or portion of land.
SKILLED NURSING FACILITY
A facility that provides twenty-four (24) hour accommodation, board and skilled nursing care and treatment. Skilled nursing care and treatment services are those services commonly performed by or under the supervision of a registered professional nurse. These services include acts of observation, care and counsel of the aged, ill, injured or infirm, the administration of medications and treatments as prescribed by a licensed physician or dentist, and other nursing functions requiring substantial specialized judgment and skill.
SOLAR COLLECTORS
A heating device influenced by energy given off by the sun.
SOLAR ENERGY
Radiant energy (direct, diffused and reflected) received from the sun.
[Ord. No. 3759 §1, 8-26-2013]
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM
Any device or any design feature mounted on a building or on the ground, having the primary purpose of providing for the collection and distribution of solar energy, which is intended primarily to reduce the on-site consumption of energy from utility service companies.
[Ord. No. 3759 §1, 8-26-2013]
SPA or HOT TUB
A heated container or tank containing less than seventy (70) square feet of water surface and less than thirty-six (36) inches from top to bottom.
SPECIMEN TREE
Any tree having reached a size of a fifteen (15) inch or greater caliper.
STABLE, COMMERCIAL
A building or land where horses are kept for remuneration, hire, sale, boarding, riding or show.
STABLE, PRIVATE
Any building, incidental to an existing residential, principal use, that shelters horses for the exclusive use of the occupants of the premises.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there be no floor above it then the space between any floor and the ceiling above it.
STREAM
A natural watercourse depicted by a solid or dashed blue line on the most current United States Geological Survey (U.S.G.S.) 7.5 Minute Series (Topographic) Maps for Missouri.
STREET
All surfaces used for vehicular traffic, including public or private right-of-ways which afford the principal means of access by vehicles to abutting properties, and excluding parking lot entrance drives and circulating drives in non-residential developments and private driveways in residential developments. The word "street" shall be construed to include major streets, minor streets, local streets, roads, avenues, boulevards, alleys, lanes, viaducts and all other public ways in the City.
STREET LINE
See "Lot Frontage".
STREET LOT LINE
See "Lot Line, Street".
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as the bearing walls, beams, or girders, or any change in the dimension or configuration of the roof or exterior walls.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground, or attachment to something having location on the ground, including the collection panels of solar energy systems and excepting utility poles and underground distribution or collection of pipes or cables and the underground or ground level appurtenances thereto.
[Ord. No. 3759 §1, 8-26-2013]
STRUCTURE HEIGHT
See definition of "Building Height".
SUBDIVISION
Any subdivision or redivision of a subdivision, site, or lot into two (2) or more parts. All subdivisions are also developments.
SWIMMING POOL
Any pool or open tank not located within a completely enclosed building and containing or capable of containing water to a depth of at least eighteen (18) inches and having a water surface area greater than thirty-six (36) square feet.
TEMPORARY USE
See "Use, Temporary".
TRAILER
A structure standing on wheels, towed or hauled by another vehicle and used for short-term human occupancy, carrying materials, goods or objects, or as a temporary office.
TREE CLUSTER
An area less than five thousand (5,000) square feet of woody plant material consisting of fifty percent (50%) or more canopy trees having six (6) inch or greater caliper.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
TREE PROTECTION PLAN (TPP)
Drawings that graphically illustrate the existing trees on the project site, adjacent to the site and in the right-of-way. The TPP will include graphic depictions of the Tree Protection Zones (TPZ)/tree protection fence, Critical Root Zone (CRZ), and specific measures to protect trees during construction or other site disruptions. Required elements of the TPP can be included on the landscape plan or submitted as a separate plan.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
TREE PROTECTION ZONE (TPZ)
The zone around the tree that will be maintained as natural and original conditions over the course of the development. This zone must encompass the designated CRZ of the tree, no less than a minimum radius of ten (10) feet. The TPZ is to be illustrated on the landscape plan or the Tree Protection Plan (TPP).
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
TREE STAND DELINEATION
A survey of all woodlands and clusters of trees greater than six (6) inches in caliper.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
UNDERSTORY TREE
A deciduous tree that is of a smaller size such that it resides underneath canopy trees.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019]
USE
The purpose or activity for which land or any building thereon is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained.
USE, ACCESSORY
An accessory use is one which:
1. 
Is subordinate to and serves a principal structure or principal use,
2. 
Is subordinate in area, extent, and purpose to the principal structure or use served,
3. 
Is located on the same lot as the principal structure or use served except as otherwise expressly authorized by provisions of this Chapter, and
4. 
Is customarily incidental to the principal structure or use.
USE, PRINCIPAL
The specific primary purpose for which land is used.
USE, TEMPORARY
A temporary use is one established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of such time. Such uses do not involve the construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
WOODLANDS
Generally, an ecosystem characterized by extensive canopy tree cover and associated understory trees and vegetation. More particularly, an area over five thousand (5,000) square feet of woody plant material consisting of fifty percent (50%) or more canopy trees having six (6) inch or greater caliper.
[Ord. No. 4317, 10-14-2019[2]]
YARD
The space between the lot line and building line in which no structure is permitted.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending the full width of the front of a lot between the front (street) lot line and the front building line.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending the full width of the lot in the area between the rear lot line and the rear building line.
YARD, SIDE
Yard extending the full length of the lot in the area between a side lot line and a side building line.
[1]
Editor's Note: The former definition of "medical marijuana testing facility," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed by Ord. No. 4581. See now "marijuana testing facility." Prior history includes Ord. No. 4299.
[2]
Editor's Note: Ord. No. 4317 also deleted the previously existing definitions of Woodlands, Mature and Woodlands, Young.