City of Strafford, MO ARTICLE II Definitions

Section 400.070 Interpretations of Certain Terms and Words.

[Ord. No. 659 §1, 5-2-2011]

A. For the purpose of this Chapter, the following terms, phrases, words and their derivations shall have the meanings given herein. Where not defined herein, the language used in this Article shall have the common and customary meaning.

B. The particular shall control the general.

C. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text and any caption or illustration, the text shall control.

D. The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is permissive.

E. Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words used in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural of the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.

F. The phrase "used for" includes "arranged for", "designed for", "intended for", "maintained for", "occupied for".

G. Wherever in this Article any reference is made to any other Section or provision of this Article, such reference shall be deemed to include the provision or regulation to which reference is made.

H. 

Basic Definitions And Interpretations.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURE OR USE

A structure which:

1. Is subordinate to and serves a principal use;

2. Is subordinate in area, extent, or purpose to the principal use;

3. Contributes to the comfort, convenience, or necessity of occupants of the principal use;

4. Is located on the same lot as the principal use; and

5. Meets the setback requirements, except any pole type or construction without non-structural footing and/or foundation.

ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES

A building, structure or property where Federal, State or local government activities are conducted, where governments hold title to such lands.

ADMINISTRATOR

It is the City Administrator in all cases involving this Chapter or the person designated by him.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING

Any building used for storing agricultural equipment, machinery, and supplies, farm produce and products, housing livestock or poultry, or processing dairy products, subject to the use limitations of the zoning district in which it is located.

[Ord. No. 895, 12-21-2020]

AGRICULTURAL USE

The production, keeping, or maintenance, sale, lease or personal use of plants and animals, including, but not limited to: forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products; poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, horses, ponies, mules, and goats, or any mutations or hybrids thereof, including the breeding and grazing of any or all kinds of such animals; trees for forest products; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts, berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental, and greenhouse products; or land devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management but excluding: feed lots, stockyards, and animal slaughterhouses. The feeding or disposal of community or collected garbage shall not be deemed an agricultural use, nor shall riding academies, livery or boarding stables or dog kennels be so considered. Swine, bees, apiary products and fur animals shall not be permitted within the City of Strafford.

AIRPORT

A place at which aircraft operate that has paved runways and maintenance facilities and serves as a terminal.

ALLEY

A public way which extends only secondary means of access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.

ALTERATION

A physical change to one (1) or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure, which includes, but is not limited to, the erection, construction, reconstruction, or removal of any feature of the structure.

ALTERATION, STRUCTURAL

Any change in a supporting member of a building.

ANIMAL, DANGEROUS

Any animal that by its nature or design presents a physical danger. Specifically this includes predators and carnivores, plus any venomous or oversized animal.

ANIMAL HOSPITALS (VETERINARY CLINICS)

An establishment where animals are admitted for examination and treatment by one (1) or more veterinarians and where there are facilities to lodge animals that are being treated.

ANIMAL, HOUSEHOLD (PETS)

Any animal normally and customarily kept by domestic households for pleasure and companionship, excluding poultry, pheasants, cows, potbellied pigs, livestock, chinchillas, horses, goats, sheep, monkeys, cougars, mountain lions and any other undomesticated animal or fowl.

ANIMAL SLAUGHTER

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the slaughter and butcher of livestock for market.

APARTMENT

A room or suite of rooms in a multiple-family structure, which is arranged, designed, used or intended to be used as a single housekeeping unit, and which contains complete kitchen, bath and toilet facilities permanently installed.

APARTMENT BUILDING

A building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by three (3) or more families living independently of each other.

APPROVED USE PERMIT

A permit issued by the City Administrator or the Planning and Zoning Commission that authorizes the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.

AREA, BUILDING

The total of areas taken on a horizontal plane at the main grade level of the principal building and all accessory buildings exclusive of uncovered porches, terraces, walks, driveways, lampposts, and similar structures.

ARTIFICIAL LAKE

A body of water created by the construction of a man-made dam.

AUTOMOBILE OR TRAILER SALES AREA

An open area, other than a street, used for display, sales or rental of new or used motor vehicles or trailers in operable condition where no repair work is done.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MAJOR

Major repair, rebuilding of engines, transmissions and drive components, body work and painting.

AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MINOR

Incidental replacement of parts and motor service to passenger cars and trucks.

AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION, FILLING STATION OR SERVICE CENTER

Any facility or area used for the retail sale of gasoline or oil fuels, or automobile accessories, and for incidental services including lubrication, replacement, parts, engine tuning, and washing and cleaning, but not including body work, painting or major repair.

BAR

An establishment where fifty percent (50%) or more of gross income is derived from the sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink, for consumption on the property, and the sale of package liquors may be accessory uses.

BASEMENT

A story partly or wholly underground but having more than one-half (½) of its height below the average level of the adjoining ground.

BED AND BREAKFAST

A dwelling or portion thereof that is located in a residential district and contains guest rooms where short-term lodging, with or without meals, is provided for compensation.

BERM

A mound of earth typically located in a bufferyard to shield or block noise, lights or other nuisances.

BILLBOARD OR SIGNBOARD

Any structure or portion thereof situated on private premises, on which lettered, figured or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising purposes, other than the name and occupation of the user of the premises or the structure of the business conducted thereon or the products primarily sold or manufactured thereon.

BOARD

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Strafford, Missouri.

BOARD OF ALDERMEN

The exact name of the official Governing Body of the City of Strafford.

BOARDING HOUSE

An establishment or part thereof where lodging and meals are provided by the owner or operator for compensation to no less than three (3) and no more than twenty (20) persons, whether the compensation is paid directly or indirectly.

BOTTLING PLANT

An establishment primarily engaged in the act or process of filling containers.

BUFFERYARD

A land area typically containing trees, shrubs, and other plants, berms, fences, or walls used to separate one use from another, or to block noise, lights, or other nuisances.

BUILDABLE AREA

The area remaining on a lot after the minimum open space and yard requirements of the Zoning Ordinance are met.

BUILDING

A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, intended, designed, used or suitable for use for the support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons, property or animals, and when separated by fire walls each portion of such structure shall be deemed a separate building.

BUILDING CODES

The Building Code of the City of Strafford, Missouri together with the Electrical Code, Plumbing Code, Fire Code and any related code(s) adopted the by Strafford Board of Aldermen, and any regulations adopted in conformance therewith.

BUILDING COVERAGE

The horizontal area measured within the exterior walls of the ground floor of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot divided by the gross area of the lot.

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the finished lot grade at the front of the building to the highest point of ceiling of the top story in the case of a flat roof; to the deck line of a mansard roof; and to the mean height level between the eaves and ridge of a gable, hip or gambrel roof.

BUILDING LINE

A line established beyond which no part of the building may project, except as otherwise provided by this Chapter.

BUILDING MATERIALS

The physical characteristics which create the aesthetic and structural appearance of the resource, including, but not limited to, a consideration of the texture and style of the components and their combinations, such as brick, stone, shingle, wood, concrete, or stucco.

BUILDING OFFICIAL

The public official designated by the Board of Aldermen to issue building permits and carry out such inspections as required by the normal functions of the Building Department as established under City Code.

BUILDING PRINCIPAL

A building in which the primary use of the lot on which the building is located is conducted.

BUILDING SITE

The land area, consisting of one (1) or more lots or parcels of land under common ownership or control, considered as the unit of land occupied or to be occupied by a main building or buildings, or by a principal use or uses accessory thereto, together with such parking and loading spaces, yards and open spaces as are required by these regulations.

BULK STORAGE

The storage of chemicals, petroleum products, and other materials in above ground containers for subsequent resale to distributors or retail dealers or outlets.

BUS DEPOT

A building used for the reception and forwarding of bus passengers.

CAR WASH

An area or structure equipped with facilities for washing automobiles.

CARETAKER'S QUARTERS

A separate, complete dwelling unit that is substantially contained within the primary structure or property.

CELLULAR PHONE RADIO AND TELEVISION TOWERS

A structure with a fixed location which is designed primarily with the objective of obtaining an elevation above other objects to support an antenna or other device for receiving or transmitting radio, television, microwave or other telecommunications or signals.

CEMETERY

Land used for the burial of the dead and dedicated for such purposes, including columbariums, crematories, mausoleums and mortuaries when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of the cemetery.

CHILD DAY CARE CENTER

A child day care program conducted in a location other than the provider's permanent residence, or separate from the provider's living quarters, where care is provided for children not related to the child care provider for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day. See "GROUP DAY CARE HOME".

CHILD DAY CARE HOME

See "FAMILY DAY CARE HOME".

CHILD DAY CARE GROUP HOME

See "FAMILY DAY CARE HOME".

CHURCH

A building or structure, or groups of buildings or structures, which by design and construction are primarily intended for the conducting of organized religious services and accessory uses associated therewith.

CIRCULATION AREA

That portion of the vehicle accommodation area used for access to parking or loading areas or other facilities on the lot. Essentially, driveways and other maneuvering areas (other than parking aisles) comprise the circulation area.

CITY

The City of Strafford.

CITY ADMINISTRATOR

That person officially designated by the Board of Aldermen as the Administrator of the City of Strafford.

CITY ENGINEER

That person officially designated by the Board of Aldermen as the engineer of the City of Strafford.

CLERK

The exact title of the Clerk officially designated by the Board of Aldermen.

CLINIC

An establishment where patients are admitted for examination and/or treatment of human patients by one (1) or more physicians, dentists, psychologists, or social workers and where patients are not lodged overnight.

CLUBHOUSE

A structure accessory to a public or private non-commercial recreation area or facility and providing services to the patrons of such area or facility.

CLUSTER

A development pattern that concentrates buildings in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally sensitive features.

CLUSTER HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A form of residential development that permits a reduction in lot area and bulk requirements, providing there is no increase in the number of lots permitted under conventional subdivision and the resultant land area is devoted to prescribed common or public uses such as open space or recreation.

COLLEGE

An educational institution that provides a post-secondary instructional program, including classroom, laboratory and administration buildings, lecture halls, libraries, dormitories, dining halls, student centers, auditoriums, chapels, gymnasiums, stadiums, fraternities, sororities and other similar buildings and structures.

COMBINATION USE

A use consisting of a combination on one (1) lot of two (2) or more principal uses separately. Under some circumstances, a second (2nd) principal use may be regarded as accessory to the first (1st), and thus a combination use is not established. In addition, when two (2) or more separately owned or separately operated enterprises occupy the same lot, and all such enterprises fall within the same principal use classification, this shall not constitute a combination use. This is not a formal classification.

COMMERCIAL

Relating to the sale of goods or services.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

Any vehicle designed, maintained, or used primarily for the transportation of property or persons for hire.

COMMISSION

The Strafford Planing and Zoning Commission.

COMMON AREA, COMMON OPEN SPACE, COMMON IMPROVEMENTS

All lands in common open space, whether a part of individual lots or not, designed for the mutual benefit of a group of persons owning property within a development where such lands are not dedicated or conveyed for public use. Also, all private streets, storm water detention basins and facilities, driveways, parking facilities, recreation areas and buildings or portions thereof as may be provided for the common use, benefit and/or enjoyment of the occupants of the development.

COMMUNICATION SERVICES

Establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting and other information relay services accomplished through the use of electronic and telephone mechanisms. Typical uses include radio stations, TV stations, telecommunication service centers, and telegraphic service offices.

COMMUNITY CENTER

A place, structure, area, or other facility for social, educational, and recreational activities of a neighborhood or community subdivision, provided any such use is not operated for commercial gain.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

The long-range or master plan, and its associated elements, of the City of Strafford, adopted by the Planning and Zoning Commission and Board of Aldermen, containing analysis, recommendations, and policies for the community's population, economy, housing, transportation, environmental features, community facilities, and land use.

CONCRETE MIXING

The act or process of mixing cement, aggregate and water to produce concrete for use or sale.

CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT

A permit issued by the Board of Aldermen that authorizes the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter as well as any additional requirements imposed by the Board of Aldermen subject to annual review.

CONDOMINIUM

Multi-family dwelling units intended for sale as individual single-family dwelling units, providing for absolute ownership of the unit itself and an undivided interest in the common elements which are jointly owned by all condominium owners within the development.

CONSTRUCTION

The act of adding an addition to an existing structure or the erection of a new principal or accessory structure on a lot or property.

CONTRACTOR'S YARD

An area with its buildings and facilities set aside for a particular construction trade or activity.

COUNTY

The County of Greene.

CULTURAL STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES

A building, structure or property which by design and construction are primarily intended for cultural use including, but not limited to: art galleries, libraries, museums, arboreta and botanical and zoological gardens, and performing arts theaters.

CURB GRADE

The elevation of the top of the established curb in front of the building measured at the center of the building front. Where no curb grade has been established, the City Engineer shall establish such curb grade or its equivalent for the purpose of this Chapter.

DAIRY

A building, structure or property that is devoted to the raising of dairy cows and the production of milk.

DAY CARE (ADULT)

The care of an adult away from his/her own home on either a commercial or non-commercial basis for custodial, educational, religious or other purposes for any part of a twenty-four (24) hour day.

DAY CARE CENTER

See "CHILD DAY CARE CENTER".

DAY CARE HOME

See "FAMILY DAY CARE HOME" and "GROUP DAY CARE HOME".

DENSITY

The number of dwelling units per unit of land.

DEVELOPER

A person who is responsible for any undertaking that requires an approved use permit, conditional use permit, special use permit or sign permit.

DEVELOPMENT

That which is to be done pursuant to a zoning permit, conditional use permit, preliminary plat approval, or sign permit and can be one (1) or more businesses or a subdivision.

DISTRICT

A part, zone, or geographic area within the City of Strafford within which certain zoning regulations apply and are uniform.

DRAINAGE RIGHT-OF-WAY

The lands required for the installation of storm water sewers or drainage ditches, or required along a natural stream or watercourse for preserving the channel and providing for the flow of water therein to safeguard the public against flood damage.

DRIVE-IN SERVICE

A type of retail sales which encourages, recognizes, or permits patrons or customers to call for service at a particular place, intended to result in a cash sale and delivery outside of the places of business to such patrons or customers of food or beverage ready and intended for immediate human consumption.

DUPLEX

A residential structure on a single lot containing two (2) dwelling units, each of which has no interior access to the other.

DWELLING

A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential occupancy, excluding: hotels, motels, boarding, rooming and lodging houses.

DWELLING UNIT

An enclosure containing sleeping, kitchen and bathroom facilities designed for and used or held ready for use as a permanent residence by one (1) family.

EMPLOYEE LIVING QUARTERS

A separate, complete dwelling unit that is substantially contained within the primary structure or property.

EQUIPMENT STORAGE

A building, structure or property that is intended for the storage of equipment.

FABRICATION PLANTS

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of manufacturing products from raw materials.

FAMILY

One (1) or more persons living and cooking together as a single housekeeping unit provided that unless all members are related by blood, adoption, or marriage, no such family shall contain more than five (5) unrelated persons.

FAMILY DAY CARE HOME

A child care program where care is given by a person licensed as a day care home provider for no more than ten (10) children not related to the provider for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day.

FEED MILLS

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the production and storage of food for livestock.

FENCE

A structure typically of posts and wire or boards that creates a barrier or defines a boundary.

FIELD, ROW AND TREE CROPS

The production for sale, lease or personal uses of plants, including, but not limited to: forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; trees and forest products; fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental or greenhouse products; or lands developed to soil conservation or forestry management program.

FINANCIAL INSTITUTION

An establishment where the act or process of raising or providing funds occurs.

FLOOD PLAIN

Lands in Strafford which would be susceptible to inundation, taking into account any flood control and defense works provided, based on information available from the Soil Conservation Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or other appropriate official agency.

FLOOR AREA

The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building or buildings measured from the exterior faces of exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two (2) buildings. In particular, the floor area of a building or buildings shall include:

1. Basement space.

2. Elevator shafts and stairwells at each floor.

3. Floor space for mechanical equipment with structural headroom of seven (7) feet, six (6) inches or more.

4. Penthouses.

5. Attic space (whether or not a floor has actually been laid) providing structural headroom of seven (7) feet, six (6) inches or more.

6. Interior balconies and mezzanines.

7. Enclosed porches.

8. Accessory uses, not including space for accessory off-street parking.

	The floor area of a building shall not include:
	1.	Elevator and stair bulkheads, accessory water tanks and cooling towers.
	2.	Floor space used for mechanical equipment with structural headroom of less than seven (7) feet, six (6) inches.
	3.	Attic space (whether or not a floor has actually been laid) providing structural headroom of less than seven (7) feet, six (6) inches.
	4.	Uncovered steps.
	5.	Terraces, breezeways and open spaces.
	6.	Accessory off-street parking spaces.
	7.	Accessory off-street loading berths up to two hundred percent (200%) of the amount required by Section 400.760 of this Chapter.

FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)

The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area.

FOOD PROCESSING

Establishments of places of business primarily engaged in performing a series of actions or operations to produce a particular product from raw foods.

FORESTRY

The development, cultivating, or management of growing timber.

FRONTAGE

That part of a lot or premise immediately adjacent to a street or streets without regard to, access to, or elevation of the street or streets.

FUNERAL HOME

A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation, but shall not include facilities for cremation or cemeteries.

GARAGE, PRIVATE

An accessory building housing not to exceed four (4) motor-driven vehicles, the property of and for the use of the occupants of the lot on which the private garage is located.

GENERAL PUBLIC

Any and all individuals without any prior qualifications.

GOVERNING BODY (LEGISLATIVE BODY)

The Board of Aldermen of the City of Strafford, Missouri.

GRADE

The average level of the finished surface of the ground for buildings more than five (5) feet from a street line. For buildings closer than five (5) feet to a street line, the grade is the sidewalk elevation at the center of the building. If there is no more than one (1) street, an average sidewalk elevation is to be used. If there is no sidewalk, the City Engineer shall establish the sidewalk grade.

GRAIN ELEVATOR

A structure which by design and construction is primarily intended for the storage of processed grains.

GREENHOUSE

A building whose roof and sides are made largely of glass or other transparent or translucent material and in which the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants for subsequent sale or for personal enjoyment.

GROSS FLOOR AREA

The total area of a building measured by taking the outside dimensions of the building at each floor level intended for occupancy or storage.

GROUP DAY CARE HOME

A child care program where care is given by a person licensed as a group day care home provider for eleven (11), but not more than twenty (20), children not related to the child care provider for any part of the twenty-four (24) hour day.

GROUP DWELLINGS

A building or place where by pre-arrangement and for compensation, lodging and meals for a definite period are provided for three (3) or more persons; and such accommodations are not furnished to transient or overnight customers. Typical uses include rooming houses, boarding houses, dormitories, and fraternity and sorority houses.

GROUP HOME, CUSTODIAL

A dwelling in which unrelated mentally retarded, physically handicapped, or otherwise physically or mentally impaired persons reside with house parents or guardians.

GROUP HOME, RESIDENTIAL

A single-family detached dwelling in which no more than ten (10) people reside, comprised of the following: eight (8) or fewer unrelated mentally retarded or physically handicapped persons, no more than two (2) persons acting as house parents or guardians who need not be related to each other or to any of the mentally retarded or physically handicapped persons residing in the dwelling, and the children of the house parents or guardians.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT SALES AND REPAIR

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the sale and repair of heavy equipment including, but not limited to: tractors, backhoes, bulldozers and tractor trailers.

HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the average established grade at lot line to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof, or the mean height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.

HIGHWAY ENTRANCE

A point of access to a main direct road.

HOME BUSINESS

An accessory use of a service character customarily conducted within a dwelling by the residents thereof, which is clearly secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes and does not change the character thereof or have any exterior evidence of such secondary use and in connection therewith meets the following limitations:

1. No person other than someone related by blood, marriage, adoption and custodial relationship to the person conducting the home occupation and who also resides in the dwelling unit shall be employed on the property.

2. The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the principal residential building or in a permitted accessory building or on a temporary site away from the property.

3. No sign shall advertise the presence or conduct of the home occupation.

4. No stock in trade, equipment, or commercial trash shall be stored in a manner visible to the public or in such a manner to cause a nuisance to neighbors.

5. No alteration of the principal residential building shall be made which changes the character thereof as a dwelling.

6. The home occupation shall not produce offensive noise, vibration, smoke, electrical interference, dust, odors, or heat detectable beyond the property lines or beyond the walls of the dwelling unit, if the unit is part of a multi-family structure.

7. The receipt or delivery of merchandise, goods, or supplies for use in a home occupation shall be limited to the United States mail, similar parcel delivery service or private vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of ten thousand (10,000) pounds or less.

8. Not more than one (1) vehicle shall be utilized in the business and parked at the residence.

9. No customer parking areas shall be provided.

10. No home occupation shall generate traffic, parking, sewage, water use or noise in excess of what is normal in a residential neighborhood.

11. A business license shall be obtained as required by other ordinances.

HOME, SINGLE-FAMILY (HOUSEHOLD)

A building designed exclusively for residence purposes by one (1) family or housekeeping unit.

HOTEL

A building in which lodging is provided and offered to the public for compensation and in which ingress and egress to and from rooms is made through an inside lobby or office supervised by a person in charge at all hours, and which is open to transient guests, in contradistinction to a boarding house or lodging house.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

Any part of a lot that is covered by buildings, structures, parking areas, driveways, and any other surfaces which reduce or prevent absorption of storm water.

INCINERATION (GARBAGE DISPOSAL)

A furnace or a container for burning waste materials.

INDUSTRIAL PARK

A group of unrelated buildings or properties engaged in manufacturing processes, usually located near a major transportation corridor for the purposes of receiving raw material and shipping final products.

INDUSTRY

Storage, repair, manufacture, preparation or treatment of any article, substance or any commodity for commercial use.

INSTITUTION

A non-profit establishment for public use.

JAIL

A facility for the incarceration of criminals.

JUNK YARD

A lot, land or structure or part thereof used primarily for the collection, storage and sale of wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, or discarded material, or for the collecting, dismantling, storage and salvaging of machinery, or vehicles not in running condition and for the sale of parts thereof.

JURISDICTION

The jurisdictional area to which the regulations apply, the City of Strafford.

KENNEL

An establishment licensed to operate a facility housing five (5) or more dogs, cats, or other household pets and where grooming, breeding, boarding, training, or selling of animals is conducted as a business (see Chapter 205 of this Code).

KINDERGARTEN

A facility where educational services are provided for children below first grade not otherwise part of the school system. For purposes of this Chapter, such educational services and facilities shall be considered as child day care centers.

LEATHER PRODUCTS

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of working leather into a useful or desired form.

LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM STORAGE

The storage of liquefied petroleum products in above ground containers for subsequent resale (wholesale) to distributors or retail dealers or outlets.

LIQUOR SHOP

An establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold for consumption off the property.

LIVERY OR BOARDING STABLES, RIDING ACADEMIES

Any place where four (4) or more horses are boarded, bred, offered for sale, or made available on a fee basis.

LIVESTOCK

Farm animals kept or raised for use or profit.

LOADING SPACE

An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.

LOT

A parcel of land whose boundaries have been established by some legal instrument such as a recorded deed or a recorded map and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title.

LOT AREA

The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.

LOT DEPTH

The horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines measured along the median between (2) side lot lines.

LOT LINE

A boundary line of a lot.

LOT WIDTH

The mean horizontal distance between the side lot lines of a lot measured at right angles to the depth; or the same distance measured at a point midway between the front lot line and the rear lot line; or at the rear lot line of the required front yard (building line; especially on irregularly shaped lots).

LUMBER MILL

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of producing lumber from raw lumber.

MANUFACTURING

An economic activity involving the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products, including the assembly of component parts, the manufacturing of finished or partially finished products, the blending, fabrication, treatment and processing of materials or parts, and the packaging, incidental storage, sale and distribution of such products.

[Ord. No. 893, 11-2-2020]

MANUFACTURED HOME

A factory-built structure that is manufactured or constructed under the authority of 42 United States Code Section 5401, it is built on a permanent chassis and is to be used as a place for human habitation, but which is not constructed or equipped with a permanent hitch or device allowing it to be moved other than for the purpose of moving to a permanent site, and which does not have permanently attached to its body or frame any wheels or axles. Any reference in these regulations to manufactured homes shall also include mobile homes.

MANUFACTURED HOUSING

Manufactured homes must comply with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) codes and safety standards, which apply to residential units only. HUD homes must have a permanently affixed metal tag called a "HUD label." A HUD label must be affixed to each transportable section of each manufactured home certifying that the home was built to HUD construction and safety standards. HUD homes must remain transportable, and the frame must remain intact.

[Ord. No. 927, 4-4-2021]

MANUFACTURED HOUSING DEVELOPMENT (MOBILE HOME PARK)

A site with required improvements and utilities for the long-term placement of manufactured homes. Services and facilities for residents of the development may also be included on the site. A manufactured housing development differs from a manufacturing housing subdivision in that the overall development is under single ownership with designated individual locations for the placement of manufactured homes to access utilities.

[Ord. No. 927, 4-4-2021]

MANUFACTURED HOUSING SUBDIVISION

A development containing lots intended primarily for the individual placement of manufactured homes for dwelling purposes. A manufactured housing subdivision differs from a manufacturing housing development in that each manufactured home is located on a lot within a platted subdivision, with each lot having frontage on a public street.

[Ord. No. 927, 4-4-2021]

MATERIALS PROCESSING

Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in a series of actions or operations to produce a particular end product.

MEAN LOT ELEVATION

The average elevation of a single lot.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT SHOP

A commercial establishment primarily engaged in the production or repair of machinery.

METALWORKING

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of working metal into a useful or desired form.

MINERAL AND TOPSOIL, REMOVAL AND STORAGE

A place of business primarily engaged in the stripping, mining and storage of topsoil or minerals for use in construction or manufacturing processes.[1]

MODULAR HOME OR UNIT

A factory-built transportable structure which bears the seal of the State of Missouri Public Service Commission and built to the Building Code as adopted by the City of Strafford and which does not have its own running gear and is designed to be used as a dwelling unit and commercial, industrial, and educational (classroom) units with a permanent perimeter foundation.

[Ord. No. 927, 4-4-2021]

MONUMENT MAKING AND STORAGE

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of making and storing monuments.

MORTUARY

A building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation, but shall not include facilities for cremation.

MOTEL

A building of group of buildings under one (1) ownership containing six (6) or more sleeping rooms occupied or intended or designed to be occupied as the more or less temporary abiding place of persons who are lodged with or without meals for compensation, but not including trailer court or recreation vehicle park, hospital, asylum, orphanage, or building where persons are housed under a restraint.

MUSEUMS

Facilities for the display and viewing of artifacts, artwork and memorabilia. Other activities which may be allowed if they are clearly incidental to the primary use may include lecture rooms, laboratories, libraries, sales of items related to the primary use, and other activities normally considered as incidental.

NURSERY

A place where trees, shrubs or flowering plants are raised for commercial purposes from seed or otherwise in order to be transplanted or propagated.

OFF-STREET PARKING

A building, structure or property which by design and construction are primarily intended for the parking of motor vehicles in operating conditions in an area that is not used as a public or private thoroughfare.

OFFICE, BUSINESS

An office for conducting the affairs of business or an establishment engaged in rendering services to business establishments such as advertising; data processing; employment service; management and consulting services and protective services.

OFFICE, MEDICAL

An office for a physician, physical therapist, chiropractor, surgeon or any other medical professional of the same general character. Medical offices do not include significant diagnostics, testing or outpatient surgery facilities normally associated with medical clinics or hospitals.

OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL

An office of a member or members of a recognized profession such as an accountant, architect, attorney, engineer, insurance agent, real estate agent, personal or family counselor, public stenographers or any other profession which is of the same general character.

OFFICE, SALES

An office accessory to a manufacturing, production, processing, cleaning, servicing, testing, repair or storage activity where sales are primarily generated by telephone or off site by salespersons with only incidental retail sales on site.

OPEN SPACE

Any unoccupied space on a lot that is unobstructed to the sky except for the ordinary projection of cornices or eaves. "Open space" shall not include areas covered by structures, parking areas, driveways, internal streets, and other forms of impervious surfaces, and shall contain lining ground cover or other landscaping materials.

OWNER OF RECORD

The person, corporation, or other legal entity listed as owner of a lot on the records of the County Recorder of Deeds.

PACKAGING OPERATIONS

An establishment or place of business primarily engaged in the act or process of packing products for presentation or transportation.

PARCEL

A lot. The term "parcel" is used interchangeably with the term "lot" or "tract".

PARKING LOT

Any place, lot, parcel or yard used in whole or in part for the storage or parking of two (2) or more vehicles, where such usage is not incidental to or in conjunction with a dwelling, or other usage permissible in dwelling districts and located on the same tract.

PARKING SPACE

An off-street space available for the parking of one (1) motor vehicle and having an area of not less than one hundred eighty (180) square feet inclusive of passageways and driveways appurtenant thereto and giving access thereto and having direct access to a street or alley.

PAVING

Brick, stone, concrete, asphalt, or other impervious dustless material placed on the surface of the land.

PERMITTED USES

The use of a structure or a tract of land allowed by the use of regulations of this Chapter.

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT

A tract consisting of at least five (5) acres under single ownership, planned and developed as an integral unit, and consisting of a combination of residential and non-residential uses on land within a "PUD" District (see Article X) in accordance with Article X.

PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT, RESIDENTIAL OR COMMERCIAL

An area with a minimum of five (5) acres to be planned, developed, operated and maintained as a single entity and containing one (1) or more structures and parcels to accommodate industrial, retail, service, commercial, office, or residential use, or a combination of such uses, and appurtenant common areas and accessory uses incidental to the predominant use(s).

PLAT

A map, plan, or layout or a City, township, section, or subdivision indicating the location and boundaries of individual properties.

PLOT PLAN

A graphic representation delineating the outline of the land included in the plan and all proposed use locations, drawn to scale in a horizontal plane with accurate dimensions indicating the relation of each use to the adjoining and to the boundary of the property.

PORTABLE BUILDING

Any prefabricated structure assembled off site and delivered to the site as a complete unit or a building purchased in kit form and assembled on site, which can be moved to another location without disassembly. If located on a permanent foundation, the same building setbacks as the principal structure apply. If not located on a permanent foundation, the portable building shall be located a minimum of ten (10) feet from the side property line and a minimum of five (5) feet from the rear property line. The maximum height of a portable building shall not exceed eighteen (18) feet.

POULTRY

Domesticated birds kept or raised for use or profit.

PRELIMINARY PLAT APPROVAL

A permit issued by the Board of Aldermen that authorizes the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter as well as any additional requirements imposed by the Board of Aldermen.

PRINCIPAL STRUCTURE

A structure, or group of structures, in which the principal use of the lot on which it is located is conducted.

PRINTING AND PUBLISHING

An establishment that utilizes either printing presses and other equipment to print material and/or bind books, or that provides duplicating or document production services using photocopy, blueprint, word processing or offset printing equipment to collate booklets and reports.

PUBLIC

Maintained for or used by the people of the City of Strafford on a non-commercial basis.

PUBLIC IMPROVEMENT PROJECT

An action by the City of Strafford or any of its departments or agencies involving major modification or replacement of streets, sidewalks, curbs, street lights, street or sidewalk furniture, landscaping, or other portions of the public infrastructure.

PUBLIC SERVICE STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES

A building, structure or property maintained for or used by the people of the City of Strafford on a non-commercial basis.

PUBLIC UTILITY TRANSMISSION LINES

Electric power lines, telephone lines, fiber optic cables, or any other wires or cables or conduits for the conveyance of electric power or the communication of messages, data or signals, and appurtenant equipment.

RAILROAD TERMINAL

A building at either end of a carrier line having facilities for the handling of railroad freight or passengers.

RAILROAD TRACKS

A permanent road having a line of rails fixed to ties and laid on a roadbed and providing a track for cars or equipment drawn by locomotives or propelled by self-contained motors.

RECLAMATION LANDFILL

To reclaim land by use of fill dirt to a usable condition.

RECREATIONAL STRUCTURES AND PROPERTIES

A building, structure or property which by design and construction are primarily intended for recreational use including, but not limited to: stadiums, public and private parks, playgrounds, golf courses, athletic clubs, fitness centers, indoor sports facilities, athletic fields and facilities.

RECYCLING CENTER

A facility where recyclable material is collected, separated, and processed prior to shipment to other facilities who will use this material to manufacture new products.

RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUMS

A residential building or group of residential buildings in which dwelling units are owned individually and the structure, common area and facilities are owned by all the owners on a proportional, undivided basis.

RESTAURANTS AND EATING PLACES

An establishment where food and drink is prepared and served for consumption on or off the property. If alcoholic beverages are served, more than fifty percent (50%) of gross income must be derived from the sale of food and non-alcoholic beverages, for consumption on the property, for the establishment to be classified as a restaurant.

RETAIL TRADE

Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.

RIFLE, SKEET, TRAP AND PISTOL RANGE

A structure or property for the purpose of allowing individuals to practice shooting at targets.

ROADSIDE STAND (AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS)

A temporary structure located along the side of the road for the sale of seasonal produce, including, but not limited to: fruits of all kinds, including grapes, nuts and berries; and vegetables.

SANITARY LANDFILL

A lot or land or part thereof used primarily for the disposal by abandonment, dumping, burial, burning or any other means, and for whatever purpose, of garbage, sewage, trash, refuse, junk, discarded machinery, vehicles, or parts thereof or waste materials of any kind.

SAW MILL

A mill for the purpose of sawing logs.

SCALE

The harmonious proportion of parts of a building or structure to one another and to the human figure.

SCHOOL

A facility where educational services are provided for children in the first (1st) through twelfth (12th) grades.

SCREEN PLANTING

The installation of a vegetative material for the purpose of sheltering, protecting or hiding something from view.

SELF-SERVICE LAUNDRIES AND DRY CLEANING

A business that provides home-type washing, drying and/or ironing machines and/or dry cleaning machines for hire to be used by customers on the premises.

SERVICE STATION

A building, buildings, or portions thereof which are used or arranged, designed, or intended to be used for the retail sale of gasoline or other motor vehicle, motor boat or aircraft fuels.

SETBACK

The required minimum horizontal distance between the nearest front, side, or rear line of every structure and the line of the lot.

SHOPPING CENTER

A group of retail stores and service establishments, with off-street parking facilities, designed to serve a community or neighborhood.

SHOPPING MALL

An urban shopping area featuring a variety of shops surrounding a concourse for pedestrian traffic within a large building or group of buildings.

SIGN

Any words, numerals, figures, devices, designs or trademarks by which anything is made known, such as are used to designate an individual, firm, profession, business, or a commodity and which are visible from any public street or air.

SIGN, OFF-PREMISE

Any structure, object or device erected, maintained or used for advertising purposes not related to a principal use of the premises upon which it is located.

SIGN, TEMPORARY

Signs of the temporary nature used to advertise the premises for sale, rent, or lease, or for a political candidate.

SOLID SCREENING

A device or materials used to conceal one (1) element of a development from other elements or from adjacent or contiguous development. Screening may include one (1) or a combination of the following materials of sufficient mass to be opaque or that shall become opaque after berms, plantings, or other features. A chain link fence with plastic or wooden inserts shall not be considered solid screening.

STABLE (PRIVATE)

Any building, structure or portion thereof which is used in whole or in part for the shelter or care of horses, cattle or other similar animals, either permanently or transiently.

STABILIZATION

The act or process of applying measures to halt deterioration and to establish the structure stability of an unsafe or deteriorated structure while maintaining the essential form it presently exists without noticeably changing its exterior appearance.

STOCKYARD

A confined land area for fattening cattle or other animals or temporarily holding such animals for shipping not to exceed forty-eight (48) hours.

STORAGE BUILDING

Structures for storage incidental to a permitted use.

STORY

That portion of a building, other than a basement, included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.

STORY, HALF

A space under a sloping roof which has the line of intersection of roof decking and wall face not more than three (3) feet above the top floor level, and in which space not more than two-thirds (2/3) of the floor area is finished off for use. A half story containing independent apartments or living quarters shall be counted as a full story.

STREET

A public or private way, including the full width between the property lines bounding every way of whatever nature for the purpose of passage or travel by motor vehicles. Streets are further classified by the functions they perform as follows:

1. Local,

2. Collector, and

3. Arterial.

Excluded from this definition are access ways commonly designated as alleys.

STREET, ARTERIAL

A street primarily intended to provide for high-volume, moderate-speed traffic and moderate to extended trip length traffic movement between major traffic movement and is subject to the necessary control of entrances and exits.

STREET, COLLECTOR

A street which collects and distributes traffic to and from local and arterial street systems and is primarily intended to provide for low to moderate volume, low speed, and short length trips while also providing access to abutting properties.

STREET, LOCAL

A street primarily providing direct access to abutting properties and designed to accommodate low volume, low speed traffic.

STREET, PARKWAY

Streets which contain scenic, open spaces and combine the functions of aesthetics and movement of traffic.

STREET, SECONDARY ARTERIAL

Streets of considerable continuity which are intended to serve major movements of traffic from minor traffic generators, providing service to specific traffic destinations and easy movement from one neighborhood area to another within the City.

STREET WIDTH

The horizontal distance between the outside edges of a street's pavement, including any curbing and guttering, measured at right angles to the street's centerline.

STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS

Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams or girders; any substantial change in the roof or in the exterior walls, excepting from this definition such alterations as may be required for the safety of the building.

STRUCTURE

Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent or temporary location on or in the ground, including, but not limited to, buildings, advertising, signs, billboards, poster panels, trash burners, radio towers, poles and fences.

STRUCTURE HEIGHT

The vertical distance measured from the average elevation of the proposed, or existing, finished grade at the front of the structure to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard roofs, and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.

SUBDIVISION

A subdivision of land shall be deemed to be the division of any parcel or tract into two (2) or more parcels, sites or lots, any one (1) of which contains less than five (5) acres for the purpose, whether immediate or future, or transfer of ownership or development, provided however, that the following shall not constitute a subdivision: the sale or exchange of parcels of and between owners of adjoining property if additional lots are not thereby created and the lots resulting are not reduced below the size required by law.

SUBDIVISION, MAJOR

Any subdivision other than a minor subdivision.

SUBDIVISION, MINOR

A subdivision that does not involve any of the following:

1. The creation of not more than a total of four (4) lots,

2. The creation of any new public streets,

3. The extension of a public water or sewer system, or

4. The installation of drainage improvements through one (1) or more lots to serve one (1) or more other lots.

SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE

An official ordinance within the City of Strafford with regulations and requirements and procedures for the establishment of subdivision controls.

TAXICAB STANDS

A building, structure or property used for the reception and forwarding of taxicab passengers.

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION BUILDINGS

A temporary structure or building located on a construction site primarily intended for use as an office to conduct the management and coordination of various construction trades for that particular construction project.

TOWER

Any structure whose primary function is to support an antenna.

TOWN HOUSE

Multi-family dwelling units intended for sale as individual single-family units, each unit having its own yard (front and rear) and each having its own lot number designated on a recorded subdivision plat.

TRACT

A lot. The term "tract" is used interchangeably with the term "lot", particularly in the context of subdivision, where one (1) "tract" is subdivided into several "lots".

TRAVEL TRAILER PARKS

Any tract of land, meeting these regulations, which is used or offered as a location for two (2) or more travel trailers or similar recreational vehicles for temporary parking and providing primarily overnight or short-term accommodations.

TRUCK FREIGHT TERMINAL

A building at either end of a carrier line having facilities for the handling of truck freight.

UNDEVELOPED LAND

Land in its natural state before development.

URBAN SERVICE AREA

The area in and around the City in which the City is authorized to provide utilities.

USE

The activity or function that actually takes place or is intended to take place on a lot.

UTILITY DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES

Utility facilities that provide retail utility services to customers. These facilities include distribution lines that route electrical, gas, telephone, water, sewer, cable TV, and similar services throughout the City and connect or provide the capability to connect with each customer. Distribution facilities consist of wires, cables, conduits, laterals, mains, and pipes with limited capacity and diameter, and associated hardware: poles, vaults, transformers, relays, and similar equipment.

UTILITY SUBSTATION FACILITIES

Utility facilities that reduce the strength, amount, volume, or configuration of utility flow from a bulk quantity in large-size, long-distance transmission facilities to small quantities in distribution facilities. Substation facilities include electrical substations, gas regulator stations, telephone switching and relay facilities, water and sewage pumps, and lift stations.

UTILITY TRANSMISSION FACILITIES

Utility facilities that transfer large utility flows between generating or treatment facilities and substation facilities. Transmission facilities consist of wires, cables, conduits, vaults, laterals, pipes, mains, valves, poles, and similar equipment to convey large volumes of electricity, communications, gas, water, sewer, or slurry. Transmission facilities may serve local distribution facilities or be part of an intrastate or interstate utility system.

VARIANCE

A grant of permission by the Board of Aldermen that authorizes the recipient to do that which, according to the strict letter of this Chapter, he could not otherwise legally do.

WAREHOUSE

A building or structure used for the storage of merchandise or commodities.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

A structure or property that collects water that has been used (sewage) and clarifies it prior to release into the natural drainage system.

WHOLESALE TRADE

Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users, or to other wholesales; or acting as agents or brokers and buying merchandise for, or selling merchandise to such individuals or companies.

WOOD PROCESSING

A structure, building or property which by design and construction is primarily intended for processing wood.

WOODWORKING

An establishment primarily engaged in the act or process of working wood into a useful or desired form.

YARD

An open space located on the same lot as and that lies between the principal or accessory building or buildings and the nearest lot line. Such yard is unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of a structure from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided herein. In measuring a yard, the depth of the front yard or the depth of the rear yard, the minimum horizontal distance between the lot line and the main building shall be used.

YARD, FRONT

An open space extending the full width of the lot on which a building is located through and situated between the front lot line and a line parallel thereto and passing through the nearest point of the building.

YARD, REAR

An open space extending the full width of the lot on which a building is located through and situated between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto and passing through the nearest point of the building.

YARD, SIDE

An open space on the same lot as a building situated between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto and passing through the nearest point of the building, and extending from the front yard to the rear.

ZERO LOT LINE

The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one (1) or more of the buildings sides rests directly on a lot line.

ZONING COMMISSION — PLANNING COMMISSION

The terms "Zoning Commission" and "Planning Commission" are synonymous for the purpose of this Chapter.

ZONING DISTRICT MAP

A map entitled "Zoning District Map", latest edition and any amendment thereto.

ZONING ORDINANCE

An official ordinance and Zone Map which divides the area within the City of Strafford into districts, with regulations and requirements and procedures for the establishment of land use controls.

ZONING PERMIT

A permit issued by the Administrator that authorizes the recipient to make use of property in accordance with the requirements of this Chapter.

[1] Editor's Note: The former definitions of "mobile home," "mobile home (manufactured housing)," "mobile home park," and "mobile home subdivision," which immediately followed this definition, were repealed 4-4-2021 by Ord. No. 927.