[Amended 6-17-2003 by Ord. No. 2003-183; 7-27-2004 by Ord. No. 2004-240; 6-14-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-161; 12-20-2005 by Ord. No. 2005-394; 2-14-2006 by Ord. No. 2006-22; 6-16-2009 by Ord. No. 2009-179; 9-21-2010 by Ord. No. 2010-323; 7-19-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-247; 11-15-2011 by Ord. No. 2011-349; 9-19-2012 by Ord. No. 2012-363; 4-23-2014 by Ord. No. 2014-84; 7-14-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-228; 9-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-295; 9-16-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-297; 11-17-2015 by Ord. No. 2015-355; 8-9-2016 by Ord. No. 2016-263; 6-20-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-170; 9-19-2017 by Ord. No. 2017-299; 8-21-2018 by Ord. No. 2018-260; 11-12-2019 by Ord. No. 2019-325; 11-3-2022 by Ord. No. 2022-322; 6-17-2025 by Ord. No. 2025-209]
When used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them. Where any definition is divided into classifications or categories of activities or uses, each classification or category shall be considered a different activity or use requiring separate application of the provisions of this chapter. No part of any definition shall be varied.
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTUREAn accessory use or structure that:
A. Is subordinate to and serves a principal building or a principal use; and
Is subordinate in area, extent and purpose to the principal structure or principal use served; and
Contributes to the comfort, convenience or necessity of the occupants, business or industry in the principal structure or principal use served; and
Is located on the same lot as the principal structure or principal use served, except as otherwise expressly authorized by the provisions of this chapter.
ADJACENTHaving a common boundary or edge; abutting; touching.
ADULT ARCADEAny business enterprise that offers or maintains one or more adult video viewing booths.
ADULT CABARETAny business enterprise which regularly features or offers to the public, customers or members, performances by persons who appear nude or seminude or live performances that are characterized by their emphasis on the exposure, depiction or description of specified anatomical areas or the conduct or simulation of specified sexual activities.
ADULT MOVIE THEATERAny business enterprise which regularly features or offers to the public the presentation of motion-picture films, movies or sound recordings which are characterized by their emphasis on the description or depiction of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities and which are presented to a common audience of more than five persons in an enclosed common area or are presented in a common area of more than 150 square feet.
ADULT RETAIL STORE A business enterprise that meets any of the following tests:
A. Offers for sale or rental items from any two of the following categories:
(1) Sexually oriented materials;
Leather goods which are marketed or presented in a context to suggest their use in connection with specified sexual activities;
Offers for sale sexually oriented toys and novelties, except a business enterprise which devotes less than 10% of its stock-in-trade and sales and display area to sexually oriented materials, with all sexually oriented toys and novelties separated from other sales and display areas by an opaque wall at least eight feet in height with a management-controlled system of access to ensure that only persons over the age of 18 years are allowed to enter the area;
Devotes more than 10% of its stock-in-trade or sales and display area to sexually oriented materials without having all sexually oriented materials separated from other sales and display areas by an opaque wall at least eight feet in height with a management-controlled system of access to ensure that only persons over the age of 18 years are allowed to enter the area;
Devotes more than 40% of its stock-in-trade or sales and display area to sexually oriented materials; or
Advertises or holds itself out in signage visible from the public right-of-way as "X...," "adult," "sex" or otherwise as a sexually oriented business.
ADULT RETAIL STORE, LIMITEDAny business enterprise which offers for sale or rental sexually oriented materials and which devotes at least 10% and not more than 40% of its stock-in-trade or sales and display area to sexually oriented materials, provided that:
A. The following items are not also offered for sale:
(2) Leather goods which are marketed or presented in a context to suggest their use in connection with specified sexual activities;
All sexually oriented materials are separated from other sales and display areas by an opaque wall at least eight feet in height with a management-controlled system of access to ensure that only persons over the age of 18 years are allowed to enter the area; and
The business enterprise does not advertise or hold itself out in signage visible from the public right-of-way as "X...," "adult," "sex" or otherwise as a sexually oriented business.
ADULT VIDEO VIEWING BOOTHCoin- or slug-operated, or electronically or mechanically controlled, still- or motion-picture machines, projectors or other image-producing devices which present visual or audio material of any kind which is characterized by its emphasis on the description or depiction of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities and which are designed to be viewed by five or fewer persons per machine at any one time or are located in a room or booth of less than 150 square feet. No part of this definition shall be construed to permit more than one person to occupy an adult video viewing booth at any time.
AGRICULTUREThe production of crops, plants, vines or trees (excluding forestry operations).
ALLEYA thoroughfare not more than 20 feet wide which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property.
AMUSEMENT CENTERThe premises, including a theater, hall, auditorium, tent, structure, building or enclosure of any type, yard, or lot, on or within which are offered or operated four or more amusement games, whether or not they are the principal use of the property, or where the operation of any number of amusement games is the sole use of the property. This definition shall not include such premises in which jukeboxes are the only type of amusement game.
AMUSEMENT GAMEAny mechanical or electronic device used or designed to be operated for entertainment or as a game by the insertion of a coin or slug or payment in consideration of any type or by any means and shall include the type of mechanical or electronic devices commonly known as baseball, radio, target gun or similar target, football, pinball, pool table, snooker table, foosball, television-screen-type or video games and jukeboxes. The above enumeration shall not be deemed to be exclusive. This definition does not include any device the possessing or use of which is prohibited by law.
ANIMAL DAY CAREA facility that cares for pet animals for less than 12 consecutive hours in the absence of the owner or a facility that cares for pet animals in training with or without the owner receiving compensation for such services.
ANTENNAA system of electrical conductors that transmit or receive radio frequency signals. Such signals shall include, but not be limited to, cellular, paging, personal communications services and microwave communications.
ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTUREA structure other than a telecommunications tower which is attached to a building and on which transmitting and/or receiving antennas are located.
APARTMENTA room or suite of rooms used as a single dwelling unit, located in a building in which there are one or more such rooms or suites other than a detached single-family dwelling.
ARTERIAL STREET or ARTERIAL ROADA roadway used primarily for through traffic and so designated on the thoroughfare plan of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Rochester.
ATTENTION-ATTRACTING DEVICEAny device or object visible from any public street which is primarily designed to attract the attention of the public to a business(s), institution, sign, or activity through such means, including but not limited to illumination, color, size or location. Attention-attracting devices or objects may incorporate illumination, which may be stationary, moving, turning, blinking (including animation) or flashing. Attention-getting devices or objects may or may not convey a message. Such objects or devices may include, but are not limited to, search lights, beacons, strobe lights, strings of lights, barber poles, internally illuminated translucent canopies or panels, electronically controlled message boards (time/temperature signs, gas price signs, public service announcements, etc.), banners, streamers, pennants, propellers and inflatable objects (including strings of balloons) or other device/objects designed to attract attention. Approved traffic control devices are not considered to be attention-attracting devices for purposes of this definition.
AWNINGA permanent overhanging shelter which projects from the face of a building.
BANQUET FACILITYA building or any portion of a building in which space can be used for banquets, parties, receptions and the like. Buildings or spaces used primarily for ticketed entertainment events shall not be considered a banquet facility.
BARAn establishment used primarily for the dispensing or sale of alcoholic beverages by the drink for on-site consumption.
BAR HOURSThe hours during which premises licensed by the State Liquor Authority to sell alcoholic beverages at retail for on-premises consumption in Monroe County are allowed to operate in accordance with NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law §
106.
The one-hundred-year flood, that is, the flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
BASE FLOOD LEVELThe highest elevation of water during the base flood. Base flood levels throughout the City are listed in the most current publication of the Flood Insurance Study, City of Rochester, New York, Monroe County, Federal Insurance Administration, United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
BASEMENTThat space of a building that is partly below grade which has more than half of its height, measured from floor to ceiling, above the average established curb level or finished grade of the ground adjoining the building.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST ESTABLISHMENTAn owner-occupied and -operated dwelling originally designed as a residential structure where limited overnight lodging and a breakfast are provided for compensation to tourist or recreational guests.
BLUE ROOFA roof designed to store water and discharge rainfall.
BOAT LAUNCHA sloping platform, ramp, walkway or driveway for launching small pleasure craft into the water.
BUILDINGAny structure designed or intended for the support, enclosure, shelter or protection of persons, animals or property.
BUILDING CODEThe International Building Code and Chapter
39 of the Rochester Municipal Code.
The face of a building that abuts or is parallel to or generally parallel to a lot line abutting a street.
BUILDING HEIGHTThe vertical distance measured from grade to the highest point of the roof for flat roofs, to the deckline for mansard roofs and to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
BUILDING, PRINCIPALA building in which the main or principal use of the lot is conducted on which said building is situated.
CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENTPremises used for the cultivation, processing, distribution, delivery, retail sale, or on-site consumption of cannabis in a manner that requires a license under the NYS
Cannabis Law.
A permanent shelter, lit in whole or in part, which is constructed with a rigid frame that cannot be retracted, folded or collapsed and whose primary function is to cover and protect users of the accessory uses and structures on a site.
CARPORTAn open-sided, roofed vehicle shelter, typically attached on one side to a building, but may be freestanding, and is an accessory use to a permitted principal use.
CAR WASHAny building or premises, or portion thereof, the use of which is devoted to the business of washing automobiles for a fee, whether by automated cleaning devices or otherwise.
CELLARThat space of a building that is partly or entirely below grade, which has more than half of its height, measured from floor to ceiling, below the average established curb level or finished grade of the ground adjoining the building.
CHANGE OF USEA transition to a use that is different, in terms of specific use type, than the use it replaces. Not included are changes in occupancy involving the same specific use or reductions in the number of dwelling units in a multiple family dwelling where there is not an increase in floor area, extension of use or addition.
CLINICThe office of five or more licensed health care professionals, including but not limited to physicians, dentists, physicians' assistants, radiologists and nurses, for the treatment of persons on an outpatient basis only.
COLLECTOR STREET or COLLECTOR ROADA roadway used primarily for collecting traffic from local streets and channeling it to arterial streets and so designated on the thoroughfare plan of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Rochester.
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL MATERIALSMaterials stored, warehoused, exchanged, used, consumed, assembled, repaired, salvaged, manufactured, generated, displayed, offered for sale, or discarded at a commercial or industrial use facility, including, but not limited to, raw materials, equipment, parts, merchandise, construction materials, by-products, regardless of whether they are intended to be used, salvaged, or discarded.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLEAll trucks, vans, construction equipment and limousines, bearing commercial license plates and vehicles with a gross vehicle weight, as defined by the manufacturer, that is in excess of four tons.
COMMERCIAL VENDING MACHINEAn automated or nonautomated container which is covered and made of durable, incombustible, rustproof and waterproof construction, which is used to store aluminum cans, glass, plastic bottles, bait, ice, beverages and the like that are removed for a fee or which produces food for public consumption.
COMMUNITY CENTERA building or structure and related facilities operated by a community-based group, government agency or organization on a nonprofit basis, the primary function of which is the provision of personal and other services to individuals, families and groups. Services may include information, socializing, recreation, education, culture and counseling but shall exclude the provision of sleeping quarters, except for one caretaker dwelling unit to be used for security and maintenance purposes. "Community center" does not include centers for the distribution of food, clothing or household goods, health care facilities, job training centers and sheltered workshops.
COMPLETELY ENCLOSED BUILDINGA building separated on all sides from the adjacent open area, or from other buildings or structures, by a permanent roof and by exterior walls or party walls, pierced only by windows or doors normally provided for the accommodation of persons, goods or vehicles. However, a parking structure which has less than 50% of its outer wall space open shall be considered a completely enclosed building. All operations of a completely enclosed building shall be conducted with doors and windows closed, except for access, loading and unloading.
CONTRACTOR STORAGEAn outdoor area used for the storage of equipment and/or materials used for construction, building trades, landscaping services or maintenance, including but not limited to building construction or renovation, heating, plumbing, roofing, landscaping and excavation.
COURTOpen space, other than a yard, unoccupied except by obstructions permitted in yards by the definition of "yard" in this section, on the same lot with a building, which is bounded on two or more sides by the walls of such building.
COURT, OUTERA court which extends to and opens for its full width on a street, a permanent public open space or a required yard at least 20 feet wide.
DAY CAREDaytime care or instruction of three or more persons away from their own homes for more than three but less than 24 hours per day, by an individual, association, corporation, institution or agency, whether or not for compensation or reward.
DAY-CARE CENTERAny establishment caring for children or adults that is not considered a family day-care home, group family day-care home or family adult day-care home. No day-care center shall be established without prior licensing, and every special permit for a day-care center shall be conditioned upon the licensing, certification or other approval of every public agency charged with the regulation or supervision of any facet of the activity of the proposed center.
DAY-CARE HOME, FAMILYA program licensed pursuant to § 390 of New York State Social Service Law caring for children for more than three hours per day per child in which child day care is provided in a family home for three to six children. A family day-care provider may, however, care for seven or eight children at any one time if no more than six of the children are less than school age and the school-aged children receive care primarily before or after the period such children are ordinarily in school, during school lunch periods, on school holidays, or during those periods of the year in which school is not in session, in accordance with the regulations of the Department of Social Services, and the Department of Social Services inspects such home to determine whether the provider can care adequately for seven or eight children.
DAY-CARE HOME, FAMILY ADULTA program caring for adults for more than three hours per day per person in which day care is provided in a family home for three to six adults.
DAY-CARE HOME, GROUP FAMILYA program licensed pursuant to §
390 of New York State Social Services Law and caring for children for more than three hours per day per child in which child day care is provided in a family home for seven to 10 children of all ages, or up to 12 children where all of such children are over two years of age, except for those programs operating as a family day-care home which care for seven or eight children. A group family day-care provider may provide child day-care services to two additional children if such additional children are of school age and such children receive services only before or after the period such children are ordinarily in school or during school lunch periods, or school holidays, or during those periods of the year in which school is not in session.
An uncovered, attached or freestanding, structure built on supports, which is more than 18 inches above grade.
DESIGNATED BUILDING OF HISTORIC VALUEA building that is listed in the City of Rochester's Historic Resources Survey that includes properties on the National Register or which are contributing properties in a national or local historic district as filed in the City Clerk's office.
DEVELOPMENT or REDEVELOPMENTAny change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling.
DISH ANTENNAA combination of an antenna or dish antenna whose purpose is to receive communication or other signals from orbiting satellites and other extraterrestrial sources; a low-noise amplifier (LNA) which is situated at the focal point of the receiving component and whose purpose is to magnify and transfer signals; and a coaxial cable whose purpose is to carry the signals into the interior of the building.
DISH ANTENNA HEIGHTThe height of the antenna or dish measured vertically from the highest point of the antenna or dish, when positioned for operation, to the bottom of the base which supports the antenna.
DISTRICTA portion of the City of Rochester within which certain regulations and requirements or various combinations thereof apply pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
DRAINAGEThe removal of surface or subsurface water from a given area either by gravity or by pumping. The term is commonly applied to surface and ground water.
DRIVE-THROUGHThe principal or accessory use which, by design of physical facilities or by service or packaging procedures, encourages or permits customers to receive a service or obtain a product directly while remaining in a motor vehicle, and may include drive-in outdoor theaters, fast-food establishments, banks and similar uses.
DRIVEWAYThe private access delineated through pavement, gravel or other surface from a public right-of-way to a side or rear yard parking space or garage. The width of the driveway shall not exceed 10 feet in the front yard of the dwelling.
DWELLINGAny building or structure, or part thereof, used and occupied for human habitation, or intended to be so used, and includes any appurtenances belonging thereto.
DWELLING, ATTACHEDA row of two or more adjoining dwelling units each on their own lot, each of which is separated from the others by one or more unpierced walls extending from ground to roof.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHEDA dwelling designed for and occupied by not more than one family and surrounded by open space or yards and having no roof, wall or floor in common with any other dwelling unit.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILYA dwelling designed for and occupied by not more than two families in separate dwelling units, each of which is totally separated from the other by an unpierced wall extending from ground to roof or an unpierced ceiling and floor extending from exterior wall to exterior wall.
DWELLING UNITOne room, or a group of rooms joined to each other, located in a dwelling, designed and maintained as unified living quarters, occupied by a family, containing integrated facilities used for living, sleeping, cooking, eating and sanitation. Dwelling units must contain at least one room with a minimum area of 150 square feet, with a minimum horizontal dimension of 10 feet.
DWELLING UNIT CONVERSIONThe rebuilding or remodeling of, addition to, alteration, expansion, enlargement or conversion in any manner of an existing building to increase the number of dwelling units contained therein.
EASEMENTAuthorization by a property owner for the use by another, and for a specified purpose, of any designated part of his or her property.
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONSAn electric vehicle charging station. also called "EV charging station," "electric recharging point," "charging point" and "EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment)," is infrastructure that supplies electric energy for the recharging of plug-in electric vehicles, including all-electric cars, neighborhood electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids.
ENLARGEMENTAn addition to the floor area of an existing building or an increase in the size of any other existing structure.
ENTERTAINMENT (BACKGROUND)Prerecorded music played as a matter of routine and completely secondary to the principal use of a nonresidential establishment, which is not audible beyond the property line of the establishment premises between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. and not audible at a distance of 50 feet beyond such property line between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
ENTERTAINMENT (LIMITED)Any live or recorded entertainment or music other than background entertainment, including but not limited to karaoke, that is completely secondary to the principal use and that meets the following criteria:
A. The entertainment or music must be accessory to the principal use and may not in any way constitute the primary function of the operation.
The specific type of entertainment or music must be listed on the limited entertainment center license that is issued pursuant to Chapter
29, Amusements and Entertainment, of the Municipal Code.
There will be only one performer or performance group.
No dedicated stage nor dance area will be provided, nor will any permanent or temporary change to the approved floor plan be made to accommodate the use. For purposes of this section, "approved floor plan" is defined as the floor plan, seating plan, or other drawings and information that served as the basis for the establishment's latest building permit and maximum occupancy determinations issued pursuant to Chapter
39, Building Code, of the Municipal Code.
No cover charge or fee will be collected.
The entertainment or music must end no later than one hour prior to closing time.
ENTERTAINMENT (PUBLIC)Any theatrical or musical performance, concert, athletic contest or game, exhibition, or show, including a disc jockey or a dedicated dance floor, which is offered, operated, presented or exhibited to the public. This definition does not include municipal or school auditoriums, athletic fields, playgrounds, or public parks, limited entertainment or background entertainment.
ESCORTA person who, for consideration as part of a business enterprise, agrees, offers to, or models lingerie, performs a striptease, or performs nude or seminude for another person at a location other than a sexually oriented business.
ESCORT AGENCYA person or business enterprise that furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish, for consideration, escorts who perform any escort services in the City. An escort agency that advertises or holds itself out in signage visible from the public right-of-way as "X...," "adult", or "sex" shall be considered an adult retail store.
EXPANSIONAn increase in the amount of existing floor area used for an existing use within an existing building.
EXTERIOR WALLAny wall which defines the exterior boundaries of a building or its courts or of a structure.
FAMILYPersons occupying a dwelling unit and living together as a family unit. It shall be presumptive evidence that more than four persons living in a single dwelling unit who are not related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership or legal adoption do not constitute the family unit.
A. In determining whether individuals are living together as a family unit, the following criteria must be present:
(1) The occupants must share the entire dwelling unit and live and cook together as a single housekeeping unit. A unit in which the various occupants act as separate roomers may not be deemed to be occupied by the functional equivalent of a traditional family;
The group shares expenses for food, rent or ownership costs, utilities and other household expenses;
The group is permanent and stable. Evidence of such permanency and stability may include:
(a) The presence of minor dependent children regularly residing in the household who are enrolled in a local school;
Members of the household having the same address for the purposes of voter registration, driver's license, motor vehicle registration and filing of taxes;
Members of the household are employed in the area;
The household has been living together as a unit for a year or more whether in the current dwelling unit or other dwelling units;
Common ownership of the furniture and appliances among the members of the household; and
The group is not transient or temporary in nature;
Any other factor reasonably related to whether or not the group is the functional equivalent of a family.
A fraternity or sorority will not be considered the functional equivalent of a family.
FLAG or EMBLEMAny fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns, or symbols, used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity.
FLEA MARKETA site, either indoors or outdoors, where individual stalls or spaces are provided on a short-term basis for vendors to display, buy, sell, exchange, or deal in new or used goods.
FLOODA general or temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas caused by overflow of inland or tidal waters or the rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.
FLOOD BOUNDARY AND FLOODWAY MAP (FBFM)The most current official map for the City which is prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as part of the Flood Insurance Study. The FBFM delineates the regulatory floodway along watercourses studied in detail in the Flood Insurance Study.
FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAPThe most current official map for the City on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the special flood hazard areas and the risk premium zones in the City.
FLOOD INSURANCE STUDYThe most current official report for the City in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has provided flood profiles, as well as the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and the water surface elevation of the base flood, titled "Flood Insurance Study, City of Rochester, New York, Monroe County."
FLOOR AREAThe sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building, measured from the interior face of exterior walls or interior face of common walls. The floor area of a building shall include basement floor area.
FLOOR AREA, NETThe floor area of a building, but excluding stairwells and elevator shafts at each floor; floors or parts of floors devoted exclusively to vehicular parking or loading; and all floors below the first or ground floor except when used for or intended to be used for service to the public as customers, patrons, clients, patients or tenants.
FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR)The gross floor area of the building or buildings on any lot divided by the lot area of such lot.
FOOTCANDLEA unit of illumination, technically, the illumination at all points one foot distant from a uniform point source of one candle power.
FRATERNITY OR SORORITY HOUSEA dwelling unit maintained exclusively for members affiliated with an academic or professional college, university or other recognized institution of higher learning.
FRONTAGEAll the property fronting on one or both sides of a street, measured along such street, between an intersecting or intercepting street and another intersecting or intercepting street, a right-of-way in excess of 30 feet, an end of a dead-end street, a river, a lake or a City boundary.
GARAGEA parking deck or any building, or part thereof, used or intended to be used for the parking and storage of vehicles at one or more levels.
GARAGE OR PARKING LOT, ANCILLARYA garage or parking lot which is ancillary to a principal use not situated on the same parcel as such garage or lot, which is not operated as a separate commercial enterprise available to the public at large.
GARAGE OR PARKING LOT, COMMUNITYA garage or parking lot used exclusively for the parking and storage of vehicles owned or operated by residents of nearby dwelling units and their guests, which is not operated as a commercial enterprise available to the public at large and which is owned or operated cooperatively by such residents or by the City of Rochester.
GARAGE OR PARKING LOT, MUNICIPALA garage or parking lot owned or operated by the City of Rochester or other governmental entity and used primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles owned by the general public.
GARAGE OR PARKING LOT, PUBLICA building, or portion thereof, other than a municipal or community garage, used primarily for the parking and storage of vehicles.
GARBAGEAll putrescible animal and vegetable waste resulting from growing, processing, marketing, and preparation of food items, including container in which packaged.
GRADE, ESTABLISHEDThe elevation of the center line of the streets as officially established by the City Engineering Department.
GRADE, FINISHEDFor completed surfaces of lawns, walks and roads:
A. For buildings and structures more than five feet from any street line, the average level of the finished surface adjacent to the building or structure.
For buildings or structures any portion of which is located within five feet of a street line or lines, the center line of the streets as officially established by the City Engineering Department.
GREEN ROOFA roof partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, typically planted over such layers as a waterproofing membrane, root barrier, and drainage and irrigation systems.
HABITABLE FLOOR AREAFloor area in a habitable room having a clear floor-to-ceiling height of not less than 7 1/2 feet over an area having no horizontal dimension of less than seven feet, except that, in one- and two-family dwellings having sloping roofs, the minimum ceiling height shall be 7 1/2 feet for at least 50% of the habitable floor area. Any area where the height is less than five feet shall not be considered "habitable floor area.”
HABITABLE ROOMAny room or enclosed space used or intended to be used for sleeping, living, cooking or dining purposes, excluding such enclosed places as utility rooms, closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, hallways, cellars, storage spaces, garages and similar spaces. Dwelling units must contain at least one room with a minimum area of 150 square feet, with a minimum horizontal dimension of seven feet. Other habitable rooms, except kitchens, shall have a habitable floor area of 70 square feet.
HISTORIC MARKERThat portion of an historic site which memorializes an event or person of historical importance.
HISTORIC SITEA parcel of land which marks or is associated with some event or person of historical importance.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONSSigns in the nature of decorations, clearly incidental to and customarily and commonly associated with any national, local or religious holiday. Any other provision of this section to the contrary notwithstanding, such signs may be of any type, number, area, height, location, illumination or animation.
HOMELESS RESIDENTIAL FACILITYA residential facility operated by a provider, other than a residential care facility, which provides temporary accommodations to more than four homeless persons in a non-dormitory-style setting. For the purpose of this definition, "provider" shall mean a government agency or private nonprofit organization which provides, or contracts with recognized community organizations to provide, emergency or temporary shelter for the homeless. The homeless residential facility shall operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Twenty-four-hour supervision shall be required for homeless residential facilities.
HOMELESS SHELTERA residential facility operated by a provider, other than a residential care facility, which provides temporary accommodations to homeless persons and/or families in a dormitory-style setting. For the purpose of this definition, "provider" shall mean a government agency or private nonprofit organization which provides, or contracts with recognized community organizations to provide, emergency or temporary shelter for the homeless. The shelter shall operate less than 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Supervision shall be required for homeless shelters during operating hours.
HOME OCCUPATIONA business, profession, occupation or trade and conducted for gain or support entirely within a residential building, or a structure accessory thereto by, which is incidental and secondary to the use of such building for dwelling purposes and which does not change the essential residential character of such building, lot or neighborhood and which is owned and operated by a resident of such building or dwelling. Not more than one person who is not a member of the family residing on the premises shall be employed and then only as a clerical assistant. No alteration of the principal residential building shall be made which changes the character and appearance thereof as a dwelling. The home occupation shall be conducted entirely within the principal dwelling unit or in a permitted private garage accessory thereto, and in no event shall such use be apparent from any public way.
HOSPICEOne main building, or portion thereof, in which terminally ill persons live in order to receive appropriate Medicare-certified hospice services.
HOTELOne or more buildings containing rooming unit(s) with private bathrooms and with or without cooking facilities in which temporary lodging is offered to the public for compensation. Hotels shall include an area for the registration of guests and daily housekeeping provided by the management. Hotels may provide amenities such as restaurants, meeting rooms, swimming pools and exercise facilities to guests and the general public.
HOURS OF OPERATIONThe hours specified in this chapter which allow businesses to be open to the public as well as loading, unloading and other service operations related to the business. The presence of an owner or operator within a building preparing for a business day is not considered to be an operational function.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACEA surface that prevents infiltration of water into the soil, including but not limited to asphalt; concrete; packed gravel or crusher run; and bricks, stones, or unit pavers set in or laid on top of mortar or concrete.
IMPULSIVE SOUNDNoise that contains clearly audible impulses. Impulse noise that typically comes from hammering, pneumatic blasting, objects striking each other, doors banging, etc., in connection with workshop activities, material handling, loading and unloading and the like is included.
INFORMATIONAL MEETINGA meeting held by the Division of Zoning with interested parties to discuss an application and receive comments.
JUNK APPLIANCEAny household appliance, or parts thereof, including, but not limited to, a stove, washing machine, dryer, dishwasher, freezer refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, or television, electronic equipment and parts thereof, including but not limited to computers, copiers, fax machines and printers, which is placed outside of any residence or structure.
JUNK FURNITUREFurniture that is abandoned, discarded or damaged to an extent that renders it unsuitable for its ordinary and customary use, including, but not limited to, sofas, upholstered and unupholstered chairs, mattresses, bed frames, desks, tables, and chests of drawers.
JUNK ITEMWorn-out or discarded material of little or no value which is no longer intended or in condition for ordinary and customary use.
JUNKYARD or SALVAGE YARDAny property or place where nonputrescible junk or salvage materials are bought, exchanged, collected, received, stored, accumulated, sold or otherwise transferred, other than wholly within an enclosed building. In addition, a junkyard shall include property used for the storage of impounded, abandoned, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked automobiles, other than wholly within an enclosed building.
KENNELAny commercial building or lot on which four or more domesticated animals more than four months of age are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained or sold. This definition shall include temporary housing of such animals for periods over four hours but shall not include private residences where the animals are owned by the occupant.
LANDMARKAny City-designated structure, improvement, landscape feature or cultural site that by its architectural or historic merit or impact is worthy of special recognition and preservation.
LIGHT INDUSTRIALFacilities engaged in the repair or servicing of industrial, business, or consumer machinery, equipment, products, or by-products mainly by providing centralized services for separate retail outlets. "Light industrial" includes the growing and processing of agricultural, hydroponic or aquaponic products, not including any livestock, which are conducted solely within a building or group of buildings. Light industrial uses will generate minimal truck trips, visual emissions, noise, odors or vibrations and have minimal visual impact on an area.
LIQUOR STORE HOURSThe hours during which premises licensed by the State Liquor Authority to sell liquor and/or wine for off-premises consumption are allowed to be open pursuant to NYS Alcoholic Beverage Control Law §
105.
Any dwelling used for both employment and living space by a resident for such activities as studios for artists, crafters, photographers, composers, writers and the like. The predominant use of a live-work unit is residential, and commercial activity is a secondary use.
LOADING SPACEAn unobstructed, hard-surfaced area, no part of which is located in any street or public right-of-way and the principal use of which is for the standing, loading or unloading of trucks and trailers.
LOCAL STREET or LOCAL ROADA roadway used primarily for providing access to abutting property, not designed for through traffic, and so designated on the thoroughfare plan of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Rochester.
LOTA tract of land under single ownership and occupied by, or designated to be developed for, a building and its accessory buildings, or a principal use, together with such open spaces and yards as are designed and arranged, or required under this chapter, to be used with such buildings or use. Every lot shall have access in accordance with the provisions this chapter.
LOT AREAThe total horizontal area included within lot lines.
LOT AREA PER DWELLING UNITThat portion of the lot area required by the applicable provisions of this chapter for each dwelling unit located on a lot.
LOT AREA PER ROOMThat portion of the lot area required by the applicable provisions of this chapter for each room located on a lot.
LOT, CORNERA lot abutting two intersecting streets, where the interior angle of intersection does not exceed 135º. The yards adjacent to both public or private streets shall be considered front yards when determining appropriate setbacks.
LOT COVERAGEThe percentage of a lot area occupied by the ground area of buildings over 144 square feet and impervious surfaces.
LOT, DEPTH OFThe mean horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot lines.
LOT FRONTAGEThe unbroken length of the front lot line which is contiguous to a public street or private road.
LOT LINE, FRONTIn the case of an interior lot abutting only one street, the line separating such lot from such street; in the case of a double-frontage 1ot, each line seperating such line from a street shall be considered the "front lot line." In the case of a corner lot, the shorter lot line separating such lot from a street shall be considered the "front lot line."
LOT LINE, REARThat lot line which is parallel to and most distant from the front lot line of the lot; provided, however, that in the case of an irregular, triangular or gore-shaped lot, a line 10 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.
LOT, MINIMUM AREA OFThe smallest lot on which a particular use or structure may be located in a particular district.
LOT OF RECORDA parcel of land that is a lot in a subdivision recorded on the records of the Recorder of Deeds of Monroe County, New York, or that is described by a metes and bounds description which has been so recorded.
LOT, WIDTH OFThe horizontal distance between side lot lines measured at the required front yard setback line; provided, however, that lot width measured along the front lot line shall not be less than 80% of the required minimum lot width.
LOWEST FLOORThe lowest level of a building, including a basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement is not considered a building's lowest floor, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of this chapter.
MANUFACTURINGAny factory, shop, yard warehouse, mill or other nonresidential premises utilized in whole or in part for the processing, preparation, production, cultivation, containerizing, storage or distribution of goods, wares, commodities, parts, materials, electricity and the like, and includes agricultural, hydroponic and aquaponic activities not involving livestock when conducted solely within a building or group of buildings. The processing, preparation and production activities customarily deal with man-made, manufactured or raw materials and other manufactured items which are altered, restored or improved by the utilization of biological, chemical or physical actions, tools, instruments, machines or other such similar natural, scientific or technological means. "Manufacturing" shall also include the handling of any waste products and materials. Manufacturing processes and treatments include but are not limited to such operations as mixing, crushing, cutting, grinding and polishing; casting, molding and stamping; alloying and refining; assaying, cleaning, coating and printing; and assembling and finishing.
MARINASmall boat harbor or boat basin providing dockage, supplies and services for small pleasure craft.
MARQUEEAny permanent, roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of the building without additional supports; unlike a canopy, a marquee generally has more than one foot of vertical or wall space between the bottom of it (which serves as an outdoor cover) and the top of it (which serves as a roof).
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTA business enterprise offering massage conducted by persons engaged in the practice of medicine, nursing, osteopathy, physiotherapy, chiropractic, podiatry or massage therapy for which they are licensed by the State of New York, or persons under the direct supervision and control of such licensed persons.
MEAN SEA LEVELFor purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum to which base flood elevations shown on the City's Flood Insurance Rate Map are referenced.
MIXED USESA development or redevelopment that allows for more dense development in a single building or on a single lot and includes a mixture of uses, including but not limited to two or more of the following: residential, commercial and industrial.
MOTELA building or group of buildings in which lodging is provided for compensation for primarily automobile transients and which has individual entrances from the outside of the building for at least 25% of the dwelling or rooming units located therein.
MUSEUMAn institution, building, room or specified indoor or outdoor area for preserving, exhibiting, demonstrating or interpreting art, history, culture or nature or scientific objects or ideas.
NEW CONSTRUCTIONStructures for which the start of construction commences on or after the effective date of the applicable sections of this chapter.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING OR STRUCTUREAny building or structure, other than a sign, lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter, or any modification to it rendering such building or structure nonconforming, which:
A. Does not comply with all of the regulations of this chapter, or any amendment of this chapter, governing parking, space and bulk requirements for the zoning district in which such building or structure is located; or
Is located on a lot which does not, or is so located on a lot as not to, comply with the yard requirements for the zoning district in which such building or structure is located; or
Is a residential structure originally built as a two-family, attached or multifamily dwelling or is the residential built-as portion of a mixed-use building in an R-1 District; or
Is a built-as multifamily dwelling or the residential portion of a mixed-use building in an R-2 District; or
Is the residential portion of a mixed-use building in an R-3 District; or
Is any residential structure in a commercial district used for its built-as purpose.
Is a residential structure in excess of 1,500 square feet gross floor area originally designed for a use permitted in a zoning district which has been structurally altered to such an extent that it is impracticable to restore such structure to its built-as condition. Evidence of such structural alteration shall be submitted by a licensed professional.
NONCONFORMING LOT OF RECORDA lot of record which does not comply with the lot requirements for any permitted use in the district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USEAny use lawfully being made of any land, building or structure, including an accessory use on the effective date of this chapter, or any amendment to it rendering such use nonconforming, which does not comply with all of the regulations of this chapter, or any amendment hereto, governing use for the zoning district in which such land, building or structure is located. Nonconforming structures, as defined by this chapter, are excluded from this definition.
NUDEThe showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, vulva, anus, anal cleft or cleavage with less than a fully opaque covering, or the showing of the covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
NURSERY SCHOOLA place providing or designed to provide daytime care or instruction for three or more children from two to five years of age away from their home for up to three hours per day, whether or not for compensation or reward.
NURSING HOMEAn establishment which provides full-time convalescent or chronic care, or both, for three or more individuals who are not related by blood or marriage to the operator and who, by reason of advanced age, chronic illness or infirmity, are unable to care for themselves. No care for the acutely ill or surgical or obstetrical services shall be provided in such an establishment. A hospital shall not be construed to be included in this definition.
OFFICEAn establishment providing personal, financial, legal, medical and technical services, assistance, advice and the like to individual consumers, including clinics.
OFFICIAL NEIGHBORHOOD CONTACTThe approved list of individuals identified by the City of Rochester's Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) as those representing officially recognized City of Rochester neighborhood organizations.
OFFICIAL STREET MAPThe Official Street Map herein defined is the Official Street Map authorized by §
26 of the New York General City Law.
The area covered by floodwater as a result of the flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, designated as Zones A and A1 - 99 on the Flood Insurance Rate Map.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENTRecreational uses conducted in open or partially enclosed or screened facilities. Typical uses include driving ranges, miniature golf courses, golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, and outdoor racquetball courts.
OUTDOOR MARKETAn outdoor site where individual stalls or spaces are provided on a short-term basis for vendors to display, buy, sell, exchange, or deal in new or used goods.
OUTDOOR STORAGEThe placing, maintaining, keeping or abandonment of junk, junk furniture, junk appliances, commercial or industrial materials, contractor storage, garbage, rubbish, litter and debris in a place other than a structure with a roof and fully enclosed on all sides.
OWNERIncludes the holder of legal title as well as holders of any equitable interest, such as trust beneficiaries, contract purchasers, option holders, lessees under leases having an unexpired term of at least 10 years, and the like. Whenever a statement of ownership is required by this chapter, full disclosure of all legal and equitable interests in the property is required.
PARKING AREAAny land consisting of one or two parking spaces accessory to a single-family, semidetached, two-family or attached dwelling.
PARKING LOTAny land area used or intended to be used for the temporary parking of three or more licensed vehicles or the portion of a vehicle sales operation utilized for the display of vehicles or customer parking.
PARKING SPACEA space for the temporary parking of a motor-driven vehicle within a public or private parking area that meets the design standards outlined in §
120-173.
An unroofed outdoor area that is constructed of dry laid natural or manufactured stone, brick, concrete unit pavers, or similar materials, or natural wood or manufactured planks with or without joists where the surface is less than 18 inches above the adjacent ground level. The area is capable of bearing pedestrian travel, including wheelchairs, and the area is used solely as an accessory outdoor recreational space in conjunction with the primary use. The area has some degree of permeability to permit water to percolate through the surface and soak into the underlying earth; therefore, impervious surfaces such as asphalt and concrete (except a concrete slab no more than 100 square feet in area) are not considered patios.
PAWNBROKERAny business or location in which a collateral loan broker, as defined in Article
5 of the New York State General Business Law, is operating.
A facility serving and subordinate in area, extent and purpose to, and on the same lot as, a telecommunications tower or antenna location. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, transmission equipment, storage sheds, storage buildings and security fencing.
PERSONAL WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES (PWTF)Facilities for the provision of commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services and common carrier wireless exchange access services, including but not limited to antennas, telecommunications towers and accessory facilities.
PIERA structure, usually of open construction, extending into the water from the shore. It serves as a landing and moving place for vessels or for recreational uses. Includes trestles, platforms and docks.
PLACE OF WORSHIPA structure owned and/or used by a religious organization for worship, religious training, or education.
PORCH, OPENA roofed open structure projecting from the exterior wall of a building and having at least 70% of the total area of the vertical planes forming its perimeter unobstructed in any manner except by insect screening between floor and ceiling.
PREMISESA lot, plot or parcel of land, together with the buildings and structures thereon. When used in the context of sexually oriented businesses, "premises" means the building in which a sexually oriented business is conducted as well as its surrounding yard and parking areas and any additional parking areas required for compliance with this chapter.
PRIVATE CLUB OR LODGEA building and related facilities owned or operated by a corporation, association or group of persons for social, educational or recreational purposes of members regularly paying dues, but not primarily for profit nor to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
PUBLIC AND SEMIPUBLIC USESUses operated by the public or semipublic body such as schools, public libraries, fire and public safety buildings, museums, parks, public meeting halls, governmental buildings and community centers.
RECTORYA building used as a residence, operated as a single housekeeping unit, solely by and for a group who have professed vows in a religious order and who live together as a community under the direction of a resident pastor or superior, without more than two persons occupying any one bedroom.
RECYCLING CENTERAny building or portion of a building in which recyclable material, limited to paper, cans, glass, plastic, cardboard, or the like, is collected, stored or processed in an enclosed building for the purpose of marketing the material for use as raw material in the manufacturing process of new, reused or reconstituted products.
REGULATORY FLOODWAYThe regulatory floodway in the City is delineated on the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the base flood elevations in the floodway are listed in the Flood Insurance Study. The regulatory floodway is the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land area which must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.
RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITYA dwelling unit or dwelling units within a building providing twenty-four-hour supervised room, board and care in a residential setting to residents thereof whose status limits their ability to live independently, and secondarily for training, rehabilitation and nonclinical services. Room or rooms may be regularly locked where a matter of owner policy, and occupancy is by a person, persons, or family as authorized by the operator. The term excludes facilities subject to New York State Mental Hygiene Law §
41.34. Residential care facilities shall not include a clinic, institution, hospital, nursing home, convalescent home, school, child day-care center, adult day-care center, nursery school, dormitory, homeless residential facilities or other similar use. The term shall not be applied to owner-occupied premises with one or two roomers.
An establishment where food is prepared and available to the general public for a determined compensation, seating is provided primarily for consumption within a structure on the premises and where the consumption of food in motor vehicles on the premises is neither encouraged nor permitted.
RETAIL SALES AND SERVICEThe sale, provision of service or on-premises incidental production or assembly of general merchandise to the general public for direct use or consumption. This shall include carry-out restaurants and the like with six or fewer seats.
ROOFLINEThe highest point of a roof or parapet for flat roofs; the deckline for mansard roofs; the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip and gambrel roofs.
ROOMING HOUSEAny dwelling containing one or more rooming units in which individual units are let by the owner or operator to non-family members with no more than two persons per unit and where a twenty-four-hour resident property manager is available for five or more rooming units; this would include dormitories. For fewer than five rooming units, a property manager must be available 24 hours and his or her name and phone number must be posted inside the building. The term shall not be applied to owner-occupied premises with one or two roomers.
ROOMING UNITAny habitable room or group of not more than two habitable rooms forming a single habitable unit used or intended to be used for living and sleeping but not for cooking or eating purposes.
RUBBISH, LITTER AND DEBRISOrdinary household or commercial trash, including but not limited to paper and paper products, barrels, cartons, boxes, cardboard, cans, glass, metals, machinery, plastics, rubber crates, furniture, rugs, clothing, rags, mattresses, blankets, tires, automobile and other vehicle parts, lumber, brick, stone, and other building materials no longer intended or in condition for ordinary use.
SECONDHAND DEALERA business required to be licensed as a secondhand dealer in accordance with Municipal Code Chapter
96, Secondhand Dealers, excluding vehicle-related dealers.
The showing of the female breast with less than a full opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the areola, or the showing of the male or female buttocks. This definition shall include the entire lower portion of the human female breast, but shall not include any portion of the cleavage of the human female breast exhibited by a dress, blouse, skirt, leotard, bathing suit, or other wearing apparel provided the areola is not exposed in whole or in part.
SERVICE STREET or SERVICE ROADA roadway running parallel to and used primarily for providing access to an expressway so designated on the thoroughfare plan of the Comprehensive Plan of the City of Rochester.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BOOKS AND VIDEOSBooks, magazines, pamphlets, pictures, drawings, photographs, video tapes, digital video disks, motion-picture films or sound recordings, or printed, visual and audio materials of any kind which are characterized by their emphasis on the description or depiction of specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESSAn adult retail store, limited adult retail store, adult arcade, adult cabaret, adult movie theater, or escort agency.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED TOYS AND NOVELTIESInstruments, devices or paraphernalia either designed as representations of human genital organs or female breasts, or designed or marketed primarily for use to stimulate human genital organs, except medical devices approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
SHOOTING RANGEAny indoor place or range for shooting and discharging firearms at a target. Outdoor shooting ranges are prohibited in the City.
SIGNA name, identification, description, display or illustration which is affixed to, or represented directly or indirectly upon, a building, structure, or piece of land and which directs attention to an object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business. "Sign" does not include attention-getting devices, merchandise, pictures or models of products or services incorporated in a window display, works of art which in no way identify a product, graffiti or scoreboards located on athletic fields.
SIGN, ADDRESSA sign displaying the number or other designation assigned to a housing unit, business establishment, or other structure for purposes of mail delivery and emergency services.
SIGN, ADVERTISINGA sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold or offered at a location other than the premises on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ATTACHEDAny sign attached to a building, other than a roof sign, including but not limited to wall signs and projecting signs.
SIGN BOARDThe portion of a building originally designed for the placement of a sign, and may include only a portion of the building over the door or may extend the length of the building.
SIGN FACEThe area of the sign where the name, identification, description, display or illustration is located, not including the structural support for the sign.
SIGN, HERITAGE MARKERAny sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction.
SIGN, NONCONFORMINGAny sign lawfully existing on the effective date of this chapter, or any amendment to it rendering such sign nonconforming, which does not comply with all of the standards and regulations of this chapter or any amendment hereto.
SIGN, POLITICALA sign expressing support for a candidate for public office or expressing any other position regarding a public figure or a public issue but bearing no commercial message whatsoever.
SIGN, PORTABLEAny sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure or a sign designed to be transported, including but not limited to signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs made as A-frames or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons used as signs; umbrellas used for commercial messages; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked and visible from the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business.
SIGN, REAL ESTATEA sign pertaining to the sale or lease of the premises, or a portion of the premises, on which the sign is located.
SIGN, ROOFA sign that is placed above or supported on the top of a building.
SIGN, TEMPORARYAny sign that is used only for a short, specifically limited time and that is not permanently mounted.
SIGN, WINDOWAny sign that is placed inside a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.
SITE PREPARATIONThe filling, stripping of vegetation, grading or altering of existing topography.
SOLAR COLLECTORA device, or combination of devices, structure or part of a device or structure (i.e., array, panel, etc.) that transforms direct photovoltaic solar energy into thermal, chemical or electrical energy. Solar collectors may be attached to or detached from principal structures.
SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMA complete design or assembly consisting of a solar energy collector and other components for the transformation, processing, storage, transmission, and/or distribution of photovoltaic solar energy for the purposes of space heating and cooling, electricity supply, and/or water heating.
SPECIAL FLOOD DEVELOPMENT (WITHIN A SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA)Any construction involving buildings or other structures that results in an increase in ground coverage; installation of underground utility systems; all improvements that significantly increase the amount of surface paved area; all mining and drilling; and all substantial dredging, filling, excavating or grading, or any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate located within the special flood hazard area.
SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREAThe land located in the one-hundred-year floodplain, designated as Zones A and A1 - 99 on the Flood Insurance Rate Map, commonly referred to as the "base floodplain" or the "one-hundred year floodplain."
SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREASAny showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area or buttocks with less than a fully opaque covering, or showing of the female breast with less than a fully opaque covering of any portion thereof below the top of the nipple, or the depiction of covered male genitals in a discernibly turgid state.
SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIESActual or simulated acts of masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral or anal copulation or sadomasochism; fondling or other erotic touching of or physical contact with one's own or another's genitals, pubic area, buttocks or female breasts, whether clothed or unclothed; human male or female genitals when in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; or excretory functions or acts with animals as part of or in conjunction with any of the activities set forth herein. Activities that are commonly referred to by the slang terms "lap dance," "straddle dance," "face dance" or "table dance" shall be included in this definition. For purposes of this definition, "sadomasochism" means infliction of pain, flagellation or torture, or the condition of being bound, fettered or otherwise physically restrained.
STORYThat portion of a building, including a basement, between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above; also, any portion of a building used for human occupancy between the topmost floor and the roof. A half story shall include that part of a building between a pitched roof and the uppermost full story, having a ceiling height of seven feet or more for not exceeding 1/2 the floor area of such full story. For purposes of side yard determination, a basement shall be counted as a half story.
STREETA public or private way, square or lane, having a right-of-way at least 40 feet in width, permanently open to common and general use, which affords the principal means of access to abutting property; provided, however, that any such way, square or lane which has a right-of-way at least 20 feet in width and which existed prior to September 24, 1957, shall be considered a "street."
STREET FRONTAGEThe length of a lot along the lot line abutting the right-of-way line of any public street.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONAny change in either the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams and girders, or in the dimensions or configurations of the roof or exterior walls.
STRUCTUREAnything constructed or erected with a fixed location on the ground above grade but not including poles, lines, cables or other transmission or distribution facilities of public utilities.
STUDIOA dwelling unit consisting of not more than one habitable room together with kitchen or kitchenette and sanitary facilities.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTAny repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or before the damage occurred, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored. This term does not include any project for improvement of a structure to comply with state or local building, fire, health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions or any alteration of any structure or contributing structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Inventory of Historic Places.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWERA freestanding structure on which transmitting and/or receiving antennas are located, including lattice towers, guyed towers, monopoles and similar structures, which may employ camouflage technology.
TEMPORARY USEA 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.
TERRACEAn above-grade-level plane constructed of unit paving materials within or at 18 inches of grade.
TRUCK CENTERAny indoor or outdoor place or premises where trucks, tractors and/or trailers park or are assigned, stationed, fueled, stored, loaded or unloaded, except when accessory to a manufacturing or commercial use where said vehicles are used solely for the delivery of supplies and/or for the transport of manufactured items or commercial goods or services originating away from said use.
VEHICLE REPAIREngine repair, body work, frame straightening, painting, upholstering, steam cleaning, electrical work, tuneups and all other passenger vehicle repair activities not specifically listed in the definition of "vehicle service station."
VEHICLE SALES AREAAny building, land area or other premises used for the display or sale of new or used automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, trailers or boats, but not including any repair work other than warranty and other repair service conducted as an accessory use on such premises.
VEHICLE SERVICE STATIONAny building, land area or other premises, or portion thereof, used or intended to be used for any one or a combination of the following activities:
A. Retail dispensing or sales of automobile fuels.
Retail dispensing or sales of automobile lubricants, including oil changing and chassis lubrication where substantial disassembly is not required.
Retail dispensing or sales of automobile coolants.
Hand or machine washing in a single bay auto wash.
Incidental repair or replacement of parts, such as windshield wiper blades, light bulbs, air filters, oil filters, batteries, belts, tires, fuses and the like. Vehicle wrecking, vehicle repair, muffler/exhaust systems, parking or storing of vehicles for hire, and the operation of more than one towing vehicle shall not be deemed permissible accessory uses of a "vehicle service station."
VEHICLE WRECKINGThe dismantling or disassembling of motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
VIEW AND ACCESS CORRIDORA visually unobstructed aboveground space and passage affording a clear, eye-level view of and direct pedestrian access to the edge of the Genesee River. The corridor connects the public sidewalk on the first parallel street back from the river or a public park or open space between said street and the river with a river pathway along the edge of the river.
WALKUP SERVICE WINDOWAn opening in a building designed and intended to permit pedestrians to receive a service or obtain a product without entering the building.
WASTE STATIONA completely enclosed building or buildings where putrescible and nonputrescible materials are stored, treated or transferred from one kind of transportation to another, for future movement to a landfill, recycling processor or other resource/waste facility.
WATERCOURSEA channel in which a flow of water occurs, either continuously or intermittently, and, if the latter, with some degree of regularity. Such flow must be in a definite direction. Watercourses may be either natural or artificial, and the former may occur either on the surface or underground.
WHITE ROOFA roof designed to deliver high solar reflectance, reducing heat transfer to the building.
WHOLESALEThe buying or selling or arranging for sale of goods or commodities, usually in bulk, for purchasers other than individual customers, to include offices but not to include freight distribution centers, large storage facilities or the use of delivery trucks in the routine operation of the business.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WECS)A system of components which converts the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical or mechanical power and which comprises all necessary components, including energy storage, power conditioning, control systems, transmission systems (where appropriate) and structural support systems, to provide electricity or mechanical power for residential, commercial, industrial, utility or governmental use. The height of the WECS is the height of the actual tower plus 1/2 the rotor diameter on horizontal axis installations and, on vertical axis installations, the distance from the base of the tower to the top of the unit.
YARDAn open space on the same lot with a building or structure.
YARD, FRONTAn open space extending the full width of the lot between a main front building line and the front lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed by buildings or structures from the ground upward, the depth of which shall be the least distance between the front lot line and the front of the main front building line. On corner lots, the front yard shall be any yard that fronts on a street. In the case of uses or parcels without a principal structure, the front yard shall be a line drawn parallel to a front lot line a distance equal to the depth of the required front yard setback.
YARD, REARAn open space extending the full width of the lot between the rearmost main building and the rear lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed by buildings or structures from the ground upward, except as before specified, the depth of which shall be the least distance between the rear lot line and the rear of such main building.
YARD, SIDEAn open space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between a main building and the side lot line, unoccupied and unobstructed by buildings or structures from the ground upward. The required width of a side yard shall be measured horizontally from the nearest part of the main building. An interior side yard is any side yard not on the street side of a corner lot.