(A) 
Usage.
The following definitions are intended to provide descriptions for words and terms used within this GDC. Absent any conflict, words and terms used in this GDC have the meanings ascribed thereto in this Chapter 6.
(B) 
Conflicts.
When words and terms are defined herein, and are also defined in other ordinance(s) of the City, they are to be read in harmony unless there exists an irreconcilable conflict, in which case the definition contained in this Chapter 6 controls.
(C) 
Present and Past Tenses.
Words used in the present tense include the future tense; words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender; words used in the singular number include the plural number; and words used in the plural number include the singular number.
(D) 
Specific Word Usage.
(1) 
The word shall is mandatory and not discretionary.
(2) 
The word including shall be construed as meaning “including, but not limited to.”
(3) 
The word includes shall be construed as meaning “includes, but is not limited to.”
(E) 
Words Not Defined.
Terms not herein defined have the meaning assigned to them in the City’s Building Code or other applicable City Code. Terms not herein defined nor defined in any applicable City Code have the meaning customarily assigned to them in the planning and zoning profession.
(F) 
Secondary Uses.
A secondary use is permitted provided that the definition of the primary use does not preclude the secondary use.
(G) 
Interpretation.
The Planning Director has the authority to interpret any undefined term and any defined but ambiguous term used in this GDC. The Planning Director’s interpretation may be appealed to the Board of Adjustment in the manner prescribed in Article 2, Division 4 of Chapter 2 of this GDC. The following rules of construction apply, where applicable, in interpreting provisions of this GDC:
(1) 
The designation in this GDC of an official, by title or otherwise includes a designee of the official.
(2) 
“Year” means 365 calendar days.
(3) 
“Month” means 30 calendar days.
(4) 
“Developer” is not, in all cases, interpreted as a reference solely to the property owner. The Planning Director, at his sole discretion, may also interpret “developer” to mean persons acting on behalf of the property owner as an agent.
(H) 
Land Use Definitions & Matrix Correlation.
The symbol “(x)” denotes that the definition is reflected as a use in the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC.
(Ordinance 6773 adopted 5/19/15)
For the purpose of this GDC, certain terms and words are to be used and interpreted as defined within the articles, divisions or sections of this GDC wherein they apply to certain regulations.
(Ordinance 6773 adopted 5/19/15)
Following are the definitions of land uses, general terms, and special terms used in this GDC.
ACCESS:
The means of approaching or entering a property. It includes a right of passage to and from an adjacent street, alley, or property.
ACCESSORY:
Being secondary or subordinate to something else.
ACCESSORY BUILDING:
(x) A subordinate building or structure containing more than twenty square feet of area and more than four feet in height, which is detached from the main building and is secondary or incidental to the main building on the property.
ACCESSORY DWELLING:
See Dwelling, Accessory. ACCESSORY STRUCTURE: See Accessory Building.
ACCESSORY USE:
A use that is clearly and customarily incidental and secondary to the permitted or principal use of land or building(s), and that is under the same ownership as and located upon the same lot as the principal use, and which does not change the character thereof. To qualify as an accessory use, the land or building area that is used for the accessory use must be substantially less than that used for the primary use.
ADJACENT:
Contiguous, abutting or touching, and separated only by common property lines or an alley.
ADJACENT TO RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT:
Located in such a manner as to be adjoining, contiguous with, or abutting a residential district boundary line, even where separated by an alley right-of-way or an easement.
AIRPORT/HELIPORT:
(x) An area reserved or improved for the landing or take-off of aircraft, including rotary wing aircraft, which may include hangars, fueling, repair, and servicing facilities for aircraft, as well as facilities for passengers.
ALLEY:
A public street that is used primarily for vehicular access to the back or side of properties, and gives a secondary means of access to property abutting thereon.
ALL-WEATHER SURFACE:
Paving material that provides a hard base for automobile use, which is composed of asphaltic or Portland cement bind pavement or other pavement material approved by the Director of Engineering, so as to provide a durable and dustless surface.
ALTERNATIVE FINANCIAL ESTABLISHMENT:
(x) A check cashing business, payday advance or loan business, car title loan business, or a money transfer business. The term does not include a bank or financial institution. With respect to a check cashing business, it does not include a pawnshop, a grocery store, or a convenience store or similar retail business that cashes checks or money orders, or that issues money orders or money transfers for a minimum flat fee as a service incidental to its main purpose of business, provided that the check cashing service does not constitute fifty percent or more of the trade of that business.
AMENITY:
Aesthetic or other characteristic of a development that increase its desirability visually, desirability to the City or its marketability to the public. Amenities may vary according to the type and nature of development, but examples include a naturalized retention or detention pond (see definition below), a recreational facility, landscaping, or large trees.
AMENITY POND:
A permanent pool of a pre-determined volume of stormwater retained or maintained purely for aesthetic purposes and that is not designed to provide additional capacity for the temporary storage of stormwater required for detention.
ANIMAL FEED PROCESSING & STORAGE:
(x) A large-scale manufacturing operation that prepares or produces foods for animal consumption such as livestock feeds, foods and snacks for domestic animals, and other similar animal-consumables primarily for commercial or wholesale customers for off-site distribution and consumption. The term includes dry and cold storage of animal food products, unless such is incidental to another primary use such as a pet store, stable, or agricultural operation. The term may include incidental retail sales of animal food products produced on the premises. The term does not include the preparation or manufacture of products for consumption by humans (see definition for Food Processing and Storage), or the slaughtering of any type of animal.
ANTENNA, COMMERCIAL:
(x) An antenna or antenna support structure used for the purpose of transmission, retransmission, or reception of radio, television, electromagnetic, or microwave signals primarily for the purpose of operating a business or for financial gain (such as, commercial broadcasting, cellular/wireless telecommunications). A satellite dish antenna that exceeds six feet in diameter is considered a commercial antenna.
ANTENNA, PRIVATE:
(x) An antenna or antenna support structure used for the purpose of transmission, retransmission, or reception of radio, television, electromagnetic, or microwave signals for private or personal use. A satellite dish antenna not exceeding six feet in diameter is considered a noncommercial antenna.
ANTENNA OR MICROWAVE REFLECTOR:
An antenna is the arrangement of wires or metal rods used in transmission, retransmission or reception of radio, television, electromagnetic or microwave signals (includes microwave reflectors). A microwave reflector is an apparatus constructed of solid, open mesh, bar-configured, or perforated materials of any shape or configuration that is used to receive or transmit microwave signals from a terrestrial or orbitally located transmitter or transmitter relay. Microwave reflectors are also commonly referred to as satellite receive only earth stations (T.V.R.O.S.), or satellite dishes.
ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURE:
An antenna support structure is any tower, mast, pole, tripod, box frame, or other structure utilized for the purpose of supporting one or more antennae or microwave reflectors.
ANTIQUE SHOP, INDOORS:
(x) A retail establishment engaged in the sale of works of art, furniture, or other artifacts of an earlier period (an antique object’s value is typically greater than original purchase price because of age, scarcity or intrinsic value), with all sales and storage occurring completely inside a building unless otherwise allowed in the zoning district. The term does not include the sales of any car, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, trailer, truck, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, personal watercraft, or other automotive or motorized vehicle.
AREA REGULATIONS:
The regulations controlling minimum lot area, minimum lot depth and width, maximum building area or coverage, as well as required front, side and rear yards.
ARTICULATION:
An interruption or differentiation of the building wall plane with either a recess (concavity) or an offset (convexity) that projects away from the building wall plane by a measurable distance.
AS-BUILT/RECORD DRAWINGS:
A group of drawings that depicts the final configuration of the installed or constructed improvements of a development, or improvements which have been verified by the contractor as their installation or construction occurs during development. The as-built or record drawings must reflect the construction plans (or working drawings) used, corrected, or clarified in the field. For the purposes of this GDC, the terms “as-built drawing” and “record drawing” are interchangeable.
ASSOCIATION:
Generally a homeowners’ (HOA) or property owners’ association (POA). A nonprofit organization operating under recorded land agreements through which: (i) each lot owner in a planned development or other described land area is a member pursuant to a conveyance instrument or other instrument of record; (ii) each lot is subject to a charge for a proportionate share of expenses for the organization’s activities such as maintaining common property; and (iii) the charge, if unpaid, may be perfected as a lien against the property.
ATHLETIC EVENTS FACILITY, INDOOR:
(x) A facility operated to accommodate indoor sporting events such as basketball, volleyball, indoor tennis, racquetball/handball, hockey, gymnastics, indoor soccer, futsal, or indoor swimming and scuba. Uses and facilities include, but are not limited to, indoor game courts, fields and ice rinks, weight lifting and exercise equipment, aerobics, swimming pools and spas, running or jogging tracks, spectator seating and bleachers, sport gear shops, or concessions.
ATHLETIC EVENTS FACILITY, OUTDOOR:
(x) An outdoor facility operated to accommodate outdoor sporting events such as football, soccer, baseball, softball, tennis, or skateboarding. Uses and facilities may include, but are not limited to, game fields, outdoor game courts, swimming pools, running or jogging tracks, spectator seating and bleachers, sport gear shops, or concessions.
ATHLETIC FIELD, STADIUM, ARENA:
(x) An athletic field or stadium that is owned and operated by a public agency, such as a public school district, for the general public.
AUTOMOBILE:
A passenger motor vehicle that is self-propelled such as a car, pick-up, sport utility vehicle, or passenger van. The term does not include motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), motorbikes, motor scooters, golf carts, trailers, or recreational vehicles (RVs).
AUTOMOBILE LEASING/RENTAL:
(x) A business establishment that provides for the renting of automobiles (not trucks or heavy load vehicles) on a short- or long-term basis.
AUTOMOBILE PARTS SALES, RETAIL (INDOORS):
A retail store that specializes in the inside display and sale of new or used automotive accessories and parts for automobiles (not trucks or heavy load vehicles) and personal use trailers (classified as a Retail Store). The term does not include a Salvage Yard.
AUTOMOBILE PARTS SALES & SERVICE:
See Automobile Repair, Minor.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MAJOR:
(x) General repair or reconditioning of automobiles such as the following: engines, air-conditioning systems and transmissions for motor vehicles, collision repair services including body, frame or fender straightening or repair, customizing, painting, vehicle steam cleaning, undercoating and rustproofing, the uses listed under Automobile Repair (Minor), and other similar uses.
AUTOMOBILE REPAIR, MINOR:
(x) Minor repair of automobiles such as the following: replacement of parts, tires (includes tire store), tubes and batteries, diagnostic services, minor maintenance services such as grease, oil (includes oil or lube facility), spark plug and filter changing, tune-ups, emergency road service, replacement of starters, alternators, hoses and brake parts, automobile washing and polishing, performing state inspections and making minor repairs necessary to pass state inspections, normal servicing of air-conditioning systems, the repair and replacement of automotive glass and upholstery, and other similar maintenance services, but not including any operation named under Automobile Repair (Major) or any other similar use.
AUTOMOBILE SALES, NEW OR USED:
(x) Retail sales of new or used automobiles. The term includes the following incidental uses: major and minor vehicle repairs, parts sales, on-site fuel tank(s) for use by the operation only (no retail fuel sales) if approved by the Fire Department and Building Official, vehicle leasing in lieu of purchase, and vehicle rental to service customers.
AWNING:
A roof-like cover supported from the exterior wall of a building, often of fabric, metal or glass, designed and intended to provide protection from the elements.
BAIT SALES, LIVE:
(x) The storage and sale of fishing bait such as minnows, worms, and crickets.
BAKERY, COMMERCIAL:
(x) A large-scale food manufacturing operation that produces baked goods such as bread, buns, biscuits, ice cream cones, cakes, and pies primarily for commercial or wholesale customers for off-site distribution and consumption. The term includes incidental retail sales of baked goods produced on the premises.
BAKERY, RETAIL:
(x) A small-scale, retail sales establishment that specializes in the production, decorating, and sale of oven-baked cakes, pies, doughnuts, bread, and other similar specialty baked and dessert items primarily for off-site consumption.
BARRICADE:
In the context of tree preservation, an area of undisturbed ground left around an existing tree during construction to help stabilize the root structure and prevent damage to the bark and limbs.
BASEMENT:
That portion of a building having one-half or more of its floor-to-ceiling height below grade level and having a floor-to-ceiling height of not less than six and one-half feet. A basement is not counted in computing the number of stories permitted by this GDC.
BATCHING PLANT:
(x) A permanent manufacturing facility that has fixed features with foundations for facilities used in the production of concrete or asphalt. The term includes mixing plants, conveyor belts, office building(s), storage structure(s), and other structures that are intended to remain in place for longer than one year.
BATCHING PLANT, TEMPORARY:
(x) A temporary manufacturing facility for the production of concrete or asphalt that is not intended to remain beyond the duration of the specific construction project for which it is established. The term does not apply to facilities that remain after thirty calendar days following completion of its associated construction project.
BED AND BREAKFAST:
(x) An owner (or operator) occupied residence in which sleeping accommodations are provided for transient guests, and one or more meal(s) are provided (for guests only), both for compensation.
BLOCK:
An area enclosed by streets. A block is determined by the streets along its boundary that surround one or more lots. The streets used to determine a block are through-streets and not cul-de-sac streets. A group of lots adjacent to a cul-de-sac are not counted as a block. Refer to Figure 6-1.
BLOCK FACE:
One side of a street between two consecutive intersections.
BLOCK LENGTH:
The distance along a side of a street between two intersecting streets. If the street is a dead-end type, it is the distance between the nearest street and the end of the dead-end street. Block length distances are measured along the street centerline from one end of a row or group of lots to the other end. Refer to the illustration of block length shown in Figure 6-1.
Figure 6-1: Block and Block Length
-GDCImage-52.tif
BLOOD BANK:
A facility that obtains blood from voluntary donors and that is registered or licensed by the Office of Biologics of the United States Food and Drug Administration and accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks or the American Red Cross Blood Services, or is qualified for membership in the American Association of Tissue Banks. The term includes a blood center, regional collection center, tissue bank, and transfusion service. The term does not include commercial blood plasma centers.
BOAT SALES, LEASING & REPAIR:
(x) An establishment offering the sale, leasing, rental, service, or repair of boats that are over eighteen feet in length (the sale of non-motorized boats under eighteen feet in length are classified as general retail sales – see Retail Store). The term includes outside display and storage of inventory (subject to Subsection 2.52(A)(14) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
BREEZEWAY:
A small corridor with a roof, with no enclosed structure above it, that is a maximum of five feet in width (but may be of any length and height), designed as a walking path between a main building and an accessory building, usually a garage or carport, and is unenclosed (that is, open to the outside) on the two longest opposing sides.
BREWERIES, WINERIES, AND DISTILLERIES:
A facility that manufactures in commercial quantities alcoholic beverages from raw materials or blends of raw and processed materials or by mixing, rectifying or distilling processed materials. The term does not include a warehouse or bulk storage facility.
BUFFER:
An area of land that is intended to mitigate impacts and provide separation between land uses or along roadways. A buffer may be landscaped and may also include berms, walls, or fences.
BUILDING:
Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, chattels, or movable property of any kind, and that is affixed to the land. When separated by an absolute fire separation, each portion of the structure is deemed a separate building. This definition includes structures wholly or partly enclosed with an exterior wall and roof.
BUILDING - MAIN, PRIMARY or PRINCIPAL:
A building in which the permitted or principal land use of a lot or tract of land is conducted.
BUILDABLE AREA:
The remaining area of a building site after any required setbacks and easements have been calculated.
BUILDING:
Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, chattels, or movable property of any kind, and that is affixed to the land. When separated by an absolute fire separation, each portion of the structure is deemed a separate building. This definition includes structures wholly enclosed by exterior walls and a roof.
BUILDING CODE:
All building regulations adopted under the Garland City Code.
BUILDING FACADE, PRIMARY:
Any facade that faces a public street or open space.
BUILDING/GARDEN MATERIALS SALES & STORAGE:
(x) The indoor and outdoor sale of building materials that are primarily oriented toward the wholesale building construction industry (such as, lumber, drywall, bricks/stone, roofing, paint, electrical supplies, plumbing fixtures, concrete and mortars, doors, windows, siding, landscaping materials, tools, or hardware) rather than toward retail home improvement supplies. Materials offered for sale are palleted, bagged, crated, packaged or similarly contained, are commonly loadable either by hand or by using a forklift or other warehouse lifting device – does not include the sale or storage of uncontained materials (see definition for Bulk Materials Sales and Storage). (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
BUILDING HEIGHT:
The vertical distance measured from grade at the front of the building to the highest point of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between eaves and ridge for a gable, hip, or gambrel roof.
BUILDING LINE:
A line approximately parallel to the right-of-way line at a specified distance, marking the minimum distance from the right-of-way line that a building or structure may be erected.
BUILDING, MIXED RESIDENTIAL:
A building that may contain a variety of residential unit sizes or types, such as studios, 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom apartments, condominiums, or lofts.
BUILDING, MIXED-USE:
A structure that combines residential and nonresidential uses in a single building.
BUILDING OFFICIAL:
The city official, or the Building Official’s designee, that has primary responsibility for enforcement of the Building Code and any applicable regulations within this GDC.
BUILDING or STRUCTURE FOOTPRINT:
The foundation below a building or structure including the area under any permanent structural canopies.
BUILDING PERMIT:
An instrument in writing signed by the Building Official authorizing described construction on a particular lot.
BULK MATERIALS SALES & STORAGE:
(x) The indoor or outdoor storage and sale of uncontained inanimate materials such as rock (including a granite “slab yard”), stone, sand, aggregates, powders, composts, wood chips, sod turf, soils, and other building- and road-construction related materials.
BUSINESS & MEDIA SERVICE:
(x) An establishment that provides business-related services not otherwise listed herein as a specified use. The term includes services such as retail or small-scale print and copy shops, private mail and shipping services, office equipment sales/repair/service shops, with a maximum square footage of five thousand square feet. (For an establishment that is over five thousand square feet, see Printing/Publishing House.)
BUS STOP:
(x) A location along a street right-of-way or on a private property where a publicly owned and operated transit system picks up and drops off passengers. The term does not include any kind of parking, vehicle storage, or facilities or concessions for passengers.
CALL CENTER:
(x) An establishment larger than twenty-five thousand square feet that solicits business or the purchase of off-site goods or services, or that provides support services by electronic communication. An establishment that is twenty-five thousand square feet or less in size is defined as Office, General.
CAPACITY:
The maximum stormwater rate allowed in any portion of the MS4 that will not result in a surcharge of the system; or, the maximum stormwater rate that can be allowed in any portion of the MS4, as determined by the Director of Engineering.
CARE OF ALCOHOLIC, DRUG DEPENDENT OR PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS, INSITUTIONAL:
An institutional-type facility for the licensed in-patient care of alcoholic, drug dependent or psychiatric patients.
CARPORT and PATIO COVERS (RESIDENTIAL and NONRESIDENTIAL):
A roofed accessory structure, open on a minimum of two and three-fourth sides when attached to the primary structure and open on three sides when detached from the primary structure. A carport anchored or otherwise attached to a building shall not, for the purposes of this GDC, be considered a building or a portion of a building.
CAR TITLE LOAN BUSINESS:
An establishment that makes small, short-term, consumer loans that typically leverage the equity value of a customer’s motor vehicle as collateral by taking physical possession of title to the vehicle, by executing a sale-leaseback agreement with the customer, or by executing a power of attorney with the customer, by means of which the borrower’s failure to repay the loan or make interest payments to extend the loan allows the car title loan business to take possession of the vehicle, or other collateral, from the customer (see Alternative Financial Establishment).
CAR WASH, AUTOMATED/ROLLOVER:
(x) Washing, waxing, or cleaning of automobiles involving automated self-service (drive-through/rollover) wash bays and apparatuses.
CAR WASH, FULL-SERVICE/DETAIL:
(x) Establishment where employees wash, dry, wax, or detail vehicles for a fee.
CAR WASH, SELF-SERVICE/WAND:
(x) Establishment where patrons wash, dry, wax, or detail vehicles, typically by means of a self-service wand-type wash bay (usually open-air).
CEMETERY:
(x) Land used or intended to be used for the below-ground burial of the dead and dedicated for cemetery purposes. The term may include columbariums, crematoriums, mausoleums, mortuaries, funeral service chapels, and on-site monument and floral sales, or any combination thereof.
CENTERLINE, STREETS or ALLEYS:
An imaginary line drawn midway between the bounding right-of-way lines of a street or alley. Where the bounding right-of-way lines are irregular, the centerline is determined by the Director of Engineering.
CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY:
A written instrument executed by the Building Official authorizing a described land use, as set forth in the Building Code and within Article 1, Division 5 in Chapter 4 of this GDC.
CHARITABLE BOARDING:
(x) A facility that provides free lodging and one or more of the following supportive services for indigent individuals or families with no regular home or residential address, on a nonprofit (that is, recognized as a charitable organization under the provisions of IRS Code 501(c)(3)) and temporary basis (that is, the facility is not being used as a permanent residence). Supportive services include, but are not limited to: provision of meals, assistance in obtaining permanent housing, medical counseling, treatment, or supervision, psychological counseling, treatment or supervision, assistance in recuperating from the effects of, or refraining from, the use of drugs or alcohol, nutritional counseling, employment counseling, job training and placement, and child care.
CHECK CASHING BUSINESS:
An establishment that, for a fee or other payment taken out of the proceeds of the transaction, provides payment to the customer – regardless of an existing checking or other relationship between the establishment and the customer – of an amount of money equal to the face of a check, draft, warrant, written authorization for an electronic transfer of money, or similar representation of payment owed by a third-party to the customer (see Alternative Financial Establishment).
CHURCH OR PLACE OF WORSHIP:
(x) A building that is designed and used for the regular assembly of religious worship, along with customary accessory activities and that is tax exempt as defined by state law.
CITY:
The City of Garland, Texas.
CITY CODE:
The Code of Ordinances of the City of Garland, Texas. CITY ENGINEER: See Director of Engineering.
CITY MANAGER:
The individual holding the office of City Manager under the terms of the Garland City Charter, or a designee authorized to act on behalf of the City Manager.
CITY OFFICIAL:
An individual acting in his official capacity as a member, officer, agent, contractor, or employee of the City.
CITY PLANNER:
See Planning Director.
CITY SECRETARY:
The individual holding the office of City Secretary under the terms of the Garland City Charter, or a designee authorized to act on behalf of the City Secretary.
CITY STANDARDS:
See Technical Standards.
CIVIC CLUB/FRATERNAL LODGE:
(x) A regular meeting place accommodating ten or more members of a nonprofit, restricted membership group that has a specific purpose related to the welfare of its members, and that engages in civic, social and fraternal activities (such as, Elks, Masons, Knights of Columbus, or a labor union). Does not include any organization that offers its facilities or services on a commercial or for-profit basis (such as a Reception Hall).
CLOTHING STORE, RESALE (includes thrift store, consignment store):
See Used Goods, Retail Sales (Indoors).
COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY:
(x) A post-secondary institution for higher learning that grants associate or bachelor degrees, and that may have research facilities or professional schools that grant master and doctoral degrees, in a large campus-style setting with multiple buildings and parking areas, and that may also have residence hall(s), bookstore(s), communal dining facility(s), and other traditional college campus facilities. The term may include a satellite, or storefront-style, location. However, the term does not include Business Schools, Trade Schools or Retail/Personal Services Training Schools.
COLLOCATION:
The use of a single support structure or site by more than one communications provider.
COMMENCE(ing) CONSTRUCTION:
The initial disturbance of soils associated with clearing, grading, or excavating activities or other construction or development.
COMMERCIAL AMUSEMENT, INDOOR:
(x) An amusement enterprise offering entertainment or games of skill to the general public for a fee or charge, wherein all activities take place indoors (that is, fully enclosed within a building), including but not limited to the following: a bowling alley, ice or roller skating rink, billiard parlor; laser tag, whirleyball, arcade, or indoor amusement park.
COMMERCIAL AMUSEMENT, OUTDOOR:
(x) An amusement enterprise offering entertainment or games of skill to the general public for a fee or charge, wherein some or all activities take place outdoors (that is, not fully enclosed within a building), including but not limited to the following: bicycle track or dirt bike course, outdoor swimming pool or scuba diving facility, paintball, golf driving range or small golf course having nine or fewer holes that are par three or below, miniature golf course, batting cages, go-cart track, or an outdoor amusement park.
COMMERCIAL BUILDING:
A building that contains office and/or retail space, but no residential uses.
COMMERCIAL BLOOD, PLASMA, TISSUE AND CELL COLLECTION CENTER:
(x) A facility used in the commercial collection of human blood, blood plasma, cells or tissue from persons who are or will be compensated for providing the blood, blood plasma, cells or tissue.
COMMERCIAL VEHICLE/TRUCK:
See Heavy Load Vehicle.
COMMUNITY HOME:
As defined by Chapter 123 of the Texas Human Resources Code, as amended, a place where not more than six physically or mentally impaired or handicapped persons (regardless of legal relationship) are provided room and board, as well as supervised care and rehabilitation by not more than two persons. The facility must meet all the specifications and requirements of the Community Homes for Disabled Persons Disabilities Act, Chapter 123 of the Texas Human Resources Code. Also may be referred to as a Family Home (see Chapter 202 of the Texas Property Code). In the event of a conflict between this definition and the definition provided by Chapter 123 of the Texas Human Resources Code, as amended, state law shall control.
COMPLETE APPLICATION:
An application that meets the standards of Article 2, Division 1 in Chapter 1 of this GDC, and has been determined by the City to be complete in accordance with the Texas Local Government Code, Chapter 245, or successor statute.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
The City’s long-range plan, adopted in accordance with Chapter 213 of the Texas Local Government Code, intended to guide the growth and development of the community and including analysis and recommendations concerning the community’s population, economy, housing, transportation, community facilities and land use. This includes any portion thereof that is separately adopted and any amendment to the Comprehensive Plan or portion thereof.
CONSTRUCTION:
With respect to a building, construction is the assembly of materials into a structure, or the rehabilitation or replacement of a structure that has been damaged, altered, or removed; or, that is proposed to be altered or removed to an extent exceeding fifty percent of the area of the structure at the time of the damage, alteration, or removal. For the purposes of this definition, construction includes the installation of a parking lot.
CONSTRUCTION PLANS:
See Site Engineering Drawings. CONSUMER: The actual user of water from a City water connection.
CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE/STORAGE YARD:
(x) An office and storage facility for materials, equipment, tools, products, and vehicles used in the conduct of a construction-related business such as those specializing in welding, plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning, roofing, paving, pest control, janitorial, major appliance repair/service, masonry, carpet installation/ cleaning, windows/glass (excluding automotive glass), landscaping installation/maintenance, swimming pools, fencing, and other similar contractors.
CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE/WAREHOUSE:
(x) An indoor office and storage facility for materials, equipment, tools, products, and vehicles used in the conduct of a construction-related business such as those specializing in welding, plumbing, electrical, heating/air conditioning, roofing, paving, pest control, janitorial, major appliance repair/service, masonry, carpet installation/cleaning, windows/glass (excluding automotive glass), landscaping installation/ maintenance, swimming pools, fencing, and other similar contractors.
CONVENIENCE STORE:
(x) A small-scale retail store of at least one thousand, but no larger than five thousand square feet in size that primarily provides for consumer shopping of a brief duration, characterized by a limited product mix (generally emphasizing prepared and prepackaged snack foods, candy, beverages, tobacco products, sundries, newspapers, and magazines).
CONVENTION FACILITY:
(x) A building or complex of buildings that house cultural, recreational, athletic, convention, professional conference, or entertainment facilities owned or operated by a governmental or other public agency.
CORNER LOT:
See Lot, Corner.
COVERAGE:
The percent of a lot or tract covered by the first floor or the largest floor of a building or structure, whichever is larger, including but not limited to all covered porches, patios, garages, and accessory buildings. Unsupported roof overhangs and other allowed architectural projections are excluded from coverage computation.
CUL-DE-SAC:
A local street having one inlet/outlet to another street and terminated on the opposite end by a vehicular turnaround.
CULTURAL FACILITY:
(x) A facility that provides for display, performance, or enjoyment of heritage, history, the arts, cultural resources, or artifacts. Includes, but is not limited to, art galleries, museums, arts performance venues, cultural centers, interpretive sites, and private libraries typically operated by a nonprofit entity. The term does not include commercially operated theaters (see Theater, Small Scale and Theater, Large Scale).
CURVILINEAR STREET:
The term “curvilinear in design” refers to a street segment that is designed with a degree of curvature not less than 3°30' and not greater than 22°55' and that offsets a minimum distance of thirty feet where measured perpendicular to the initial tangent line of the curve.
CUSTOM PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING:
(x) An indoor facility for the manufacture, assembly, or crafting of non-mass-produced, non-automotive products on a single-item basis (such as, custom welding/ironworks, furniture, cabinetry, stone, and other countertops). Includes no outside display or storage, unless such is allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
DATA CENTER:
(x) A facility used to house computer systems and associated components, telecommunications systems, and storage systems. Generally includes redundant or back-up power supplies, redundant data communications connections, environmental controls (such as, air conditioning and fire suppression), and security devices.
DAY CAMP, PRIVATE:
(x) A facility arranged and conducted for the organized recreation and instruction of children, including outdoor activities on a daytime basis. The term does not include any camp that includes overnight stays, or horses or livestock of any kind (see Equestrian Camp, Private and Stable, Commercial).
DAY CARE CENTER, ADULT:
(x) A facility licensed by the Texas Department of Human Services that provides day services under an Adult Day Care Program for less than twenty-four hours per day to five or more elderly or disabled persons who are not related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the owner or operator of the facility.
DAY CARE, YOUTH - LICENSED CHILD CARE CENTER:
(x) As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or as amended by the DFPS, an operation providing care for six or more children from birth through thirteen years of age, for less than twenty-four hours per day at a location other than the permit holder’s home. In the event of a conflict between this definition and an amended definition provided by DFPS, the DFPS definition shall control.
DAY CARE, YOUTH - LICENSED CHILD CARE HOME:
(x) As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or as amended by the DFPS, a premise or location where the primary caregiver provides care in the caregiver’s own residence for children from birth through thirteen years of age for less than twenty-four hours per day. The total number of children in care varies with the ages of the children, but the total number of children in care at any given time, excluding the caregiver’s own children who live on the premises, may not exceed twelve. In the event of a conflict between this definition and an amended definition provided by DFPS, the DFPS definition shall control.
DAY CARE, YOUTH - REGISTERED CHILD CARE HOME:
(x) As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or as amended by the DFPS, a caregiver who provides regular care in his own home for not more than six children from birth through thirteen years and has a current and valid registration certificate issued by DFPS. Child day care can be provided for up to six additional school-age children before and after the customary school day. The total number of children in care at any given time, including the children related to the caregiver, shall not exceed twelve. In the event of a conflict between this definition and an amended definition provided by DFPS, the DFPS definition shall control.
DENSITY:
The number of dwelling units per net acre of platted land being developed. Net acre shall be defined as the acreage of a site less any existing or proposed rights-of-way or floodplain that is not either reclaimed or substantially improved as open space and incorporated into the project.
DEPTH OF LOT:
See Lot Depth.
DETENTION:
The temporary storage of stormwater to be released at a pre-determined and controlled rate.
DEVELOPED AREA:
That portion of a tract or parcel upon which a building, structure, pavement, or other improvements have been placed.
DEVELOPER:
A person, including a governmental entity, undertaking the division or improvement of land and other activities covered by this GDC, including the preparation of a plat showing the layout of the land and location of any public improvements. The term “developer” is intended to include the term “subdivider.”
DEVELOPMENT:
Initiation of any activities related to the platting of land or construction of buildings or structures (including activities such as the filing of a preliminary plan or plat, a plan for development, or plat application), the construction of impervious surfaces (such as, parking lots), the installation of utilities, roadways, drainage facilities or other infrastructure; or any disturbance of the surface or subsurface of the land in preparation for such construction activities, including without limitation removal of vegetation, grading, clearing, filling or removal of soil.
DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION:
Either a petition for a legislative decision, such as a zoning amendment, or an application for a development permit, such as a plat.
DEVELOPMENT PERMIT:
A decision by the Commission, Board, or responsible official designated by this GDC, acting in an administrative or quasi-judicial capacity, that authorizes the holder of the permit to undertake one or more development activities or to file further applications needed to initiate or continue development activities authorized under this GDC.
DEVELOPMENT SITE:
An area, building, or plot of ground, held under common ownership or control, that is the subject of a zoning or development application and are a part of a development plan. All lands used to calculate densities or meet minimum dimensional requirements of the zoning regulations are considered part of a development site.
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS:
All regulations, design standards, requirements, and restrictions that apply to a development.
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING:
The City of Garland’s Director of Engineering, or an authorized representative.
DIRECTOR OF PLANNING:
See Planning Director.
DISCHARGE:
The addition or introduction of stormwater into the MS4 or into waters of the United States.
DISTRIBUTION CENTER, LARGE:
(x) A large-scale (that is, over ten shipping truck bays) warehousing and distribution operation having buildings used primarily for the storage or distribution of goods, merchandise, supplies, or equipment including wholesalers that display, sell, and distribute merchandise to business representatives. The term includes large-scale, long-distance, moving companies, and often includes the loading and unloading of cargo on a regular basis from trucks or rail cars. (Also see definitions for Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
DISTRIBUTION CENTER, SMALL:
(x) A small-scale (that is, ten or fewer shipping truck bays) warehousing/distribution operation having a building(s) used primarily for the storage and/or distribution of goods, merchandise, supplies or equipment including wholesalers that display, sell and distribute merchandise to business representatives. Includes small-scale moving companies, and often includes the loading and unloading of cargo on a regular basis from trucks or rail cars. (Also see definitions for Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
DISTRICT:
A zoning district under this GDC.
DRIVE-IN SERVICE:
(x) A facility in which occupants of a motor vehicle receive or obtain products or a service, while remaining in their vehicle, from a server who delivers goods or services to their vehicle. The term does not include curbside service for a restaurant.
DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE:
(x) The receipt of products or a service through a building opening (including a window, door, or mechanical device attached to or detached from the building) where occupants of motor vehicles receive or obtain products or a service, while remaining in their vehicles, from a server who does not typically leave the confines of the building during such transactions.
DRIVEWAY:
An improved surface that would allow vehicular access to a facility, building, area, parking or other amenity.
DRIVEWAY APPROACH:
An improved surface on public property or public right-of-way that meets the standards specified in the Technical Standards Manual and provides access from the public way to private property.
DRY BOAT STORAGE:
(x) An enclosed or partially enclosed structure, not constructed over a body of water, that is designed for use as storage for watercraft and marine equipment and that is not accessed directly by boat from a body of water.
DUMPSTER:
See Refuse Container.
DWELLING (or Dwelling Unit):
Any building or portion thereof which is designed or used exclusively for residential purposes by one family for living, sanitary, and sleeping purposes, and that has no more than one cooking facility (that is, only one kitchen). The term does not include hotels or motels.
DWELLING, ACCESSORY:
A subordinate dwelling unit that is either attached or detached from the primary on-site structure, is used as a residence, is incidental to the main structure/s (the building area does not exceed thirty percent of the floor area of the main structure), and is not involved in the conduct of a business. ((x) - For various types of Accessory Dwellings, see Dwelling, Accessory - Guest House; Dwelling, Accessory - Rental Unit; Dwelling, Accessory - Guard/Manager/Caretaker)
DWELLING, ACCESSORY - GUARD/MANAGER/CARETAKER:
(x) An incidental, on-site, dwelling unit, which does not exceed thirty percent of the floor area of the main structure and is not involved in the conduct of a business, that is either attached or detached from the main structure, not for rent, and is used for occupancy by on-site guards, managers, or caretakers who work solely for the owners of the property or the business that operates on the property.
DWELLING, ACCESSORY - GUEST HOUSE:
(x) An incidental, on-site, dwelling unit that is either attached or detached from the primary residential structure, is used for temporary occupancy by guests or relatives of the owners of the property, is not for rent, is incidental to the main structure (the building area does not exceed thirty percent of the floor area of the main structure), and is not involved in the conduct of a business.
DWELLING, ACCESSORY - RENTAL UNIT:
(x) An incidental, on-site, dwelling unit that is either attached or detached from the primary residential structure, is used for temporary occupancy for compensation (for rent), is incidental to the main structure (the building area does not exceed thirty percent of the floor area of the main structure), and is not involved in the conduct of a business.
DWELLING, APARTMENT:
(x) A type of dwelling unit that is intended to house one family and that is either combined with one other apartment dwelling unit or is incorporated into, and added to, a structure that is utilized by a conforming nonresidential use.
DWELLING, CONDOMINIUM:
A building in which the space in each dwelling unit is owned individually, and all of the dwelling owners share in the ownership of the common areas, such as grounds and the building structures. See Dwelling, Multifamily.
DWELLING, EFFICIENCY UNIT:
A type of multifamily dwelling unit that consists of not more than one habitable room separated by no more than a half-wall partition, and kitchen and bathroom facilities.
DWELLING, INDUSTRIALIZED HOUSING UNIT:
(x) (Also called Modular Prefabricated Structure or Modular Home.) A structure that is manufactured at a location other than the home-site, utilizing assembly-line type production techniques or other construction methods unique to the manufacturing process and designed to be used as a permanent dwelling installed on a permanent foundation (see Subsection 2.52(A)(5)(d) in Chapter 2 of this GDC). The term shall not include nor apply to the following:
a. 
“Sectional” or “panelized” housing where the basic components assembled at the home-site are not at least three-sided modules;
b. 
A home which is singly and separately constructed for relocation, and built to the City’s building codes;
c. 
Modules incorporating concrete or masonry as primary structural components;
d. 
A Dwelling, Manufactured/HUD-Code Home (as defined in this GDC); or
e. 
A Dwelling, Mobile Home (as defined in this GDC).
DWELLING, LIVE/WORK.
(x) Units containing both living quarters and a commercial space, such as retail, artist space or gallery, business or other professional office activities (see Subsection 2.52(A)(5)(e) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
DWELLING, LOFT:
See Dwelling, Apartment.
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED/HUD-CODE HOME:
(x) A structure constructed on or after June 15, 1976, according to the rules of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body-feet or more in width or forty body-feet or more in length, or when erected on-site, is three hundred and twenty or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems as a self-contained unit.
DWELLING, MOBILE HOME:
(x) A structure that was constructed before June 15, 1976, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body-feet or more in width or forty body-feet or more in length, or when erected on-site is three hundred and twenty or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems as a self-contained unit.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY:
(x) A residential building containing three or more dwelling units which are not located on individual platted lots. The residential building contains dwelling units that are designed to be occupied by families living independently of one another. The term includes cooperative apartments and condominiums. For the purpose of these regulations, regardless of how rental units are equipped, any multifamily dwelling in which units are available for rental periods less than thirty calendar days are considered a hotel or motel.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY:
A residential building, designed for occupancy by one family or an individual. The term is general and includes such specialized types as single-family detached, single-family attached (townhouses), patio homes, and zero-lot-line homes. For regulatory purposes, the term shall not be construed to mean manufactured homes, mobile homes, industrialized homes, travel trailers, housing mounted on self-propelled or drawn vehicles, tents or other forms of portable or temporary housing.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY ATTACHED (TOWNHOUSE):
(x) A single dwelling unit of a group of no less than three, or more than six, attached dwelling units separated from each other by fire-rated walls in compliance with the City’s building codes. Each dwelling unit occupies its own separately platted lot and is generally two or more stories in height. The term does not include Dwelling, Multifamily.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED:
(x) A single-family dwelling unit with no attached wall(s) or dwelling unit(s) that is designed for occupancy by one family or an individual, and that is entirely separated from structures on adjacent lots.
DWELLING, STUDIO APARTMENT:
See Dwelling, Apartment.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY (DUPLEX):
(x) A residential building on a single lot (or on an adjoining pair of lots) containing two attached dwelling units, each designed to be occupied by one family (that is, the building is occupied by not more than two families, one in each dwelling unit) and each having a separate entrance.
DWELLING, ZERO-LOT-LINE HOME:
(x) A type of detached, single-family dwelling on a separately platted lot that is designed so that one side yard is reduced to zero feet, and that permits the construction of a detached single-family dwelling with one side of the dwelling placed on the side property line.
ELDER CARE - ASSISTED LIVING:
(x) A type of Personal Care Facility (see definition) in which five or more elderly (over 55 years of age) persons, regardless of legal relationship, live and who need limited assistance with daily living activities (see Subsection 2.52(A)(12)(a) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
ELDER CARE - CONTINUING CARE:
(x) A facility in which five or more elderly (over 55 years of age) persons, regardless of legal relationship, live who need limited and then more extensive assistance with daily living activities as their needs change. This type of facility provides housing/accommodations and services along the continuum of an elderly person’s needs including independent living, assisted living, and/or nursing/convalescent care (see Subsection 2.52(A)(12)(b) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
ELDER CARE - INDEPENDENT LIVING:
(x) A facility in which five or more elderly (over 55 years of age) persons, regardless of legal relationship, live a mostly ambulatory lifestyle but who may need limited assistance with daily living activities (see Subsection 2.52(A)(12)(c) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
ELDER CARE - NURSING/CONVALESCENT CARE:
(x) An extended care facility licensed to provide full-time, convalescent or chronic care, including lodging and meals for five or more individuals who, by reason of infirmity, are unable to care for themselves and who need ongoing health supervision but not hospitalization (see Subsection 2.52(A)(12)(d) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
ELECTRIC GENERATING PLANT:
(x) A facility that generates electricity from mechanical power produced by gas, coal, or steam.
ELECTRIC SUBSTATION:
(x) A facility for transforming electricity for distribution to individual customers.
ENGINEER:
A person currently licensed under the Texas Engineering Practice Act to practice the profession of engineering in the State of Texas.
ENTRY, PRIMARY:
The main entry to a building or lease space on a block face. Such entries may also be located on a plaza or courtyard with direct access to the street.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA):
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, or, where appropriate, the administrator or other duly authorized official of that agency.
EQUESTRIAN CAMP, PRIVATE:
(x) A facility arranged and conducted for the organized recreation and equestrian instruction of children including riding, horse, and stable care on a daytime basis. The term may include other secondary outdoor activities such as swimming and tennis, but does not include overnight stays.
EQUIPMENT LEASING/RENTAL, INDOOR:
(x) An indoor facility that rents (usually on a short-term basis) tools, small household or gardening-related machines (other than heavy machinery), party furnishings, and other equipment with no outside storage or display.
EQUIPMENT LEASING/RENTAL, OUTDOOR:
(x) A facility that rents (usually on a short-term basis) tools, small household or gardening-related machines (other than heavy machinery), party furnishings, and other equipment. The term includes the outside display and storage of usable materials normally associated with the rental business (but not items such as unrelated scrap, junk, or trash), subject to Subsection 2.52(A)(14) in Chapter 2 of this GDC. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
ERECT:
To construct, reconstruct, install, or build.
EXCAVATION:
Any digging, trenching, scraping, or other activity that disturbs natural soil or rock to a depth of two feet or more, other than soil disturbance incidental to the removal of trees or vegetation.
EXPRESSWAY:
A type of street designated as an expressway or freeway by the City.
EXTENDED DRY DETENTION FACILITY:
A detention basin constructed in a manner so as to retain stormwater for a time sufficient for sediments and particulate pollutants to settle and designed so that no stormwater is intended to remain in the basin after the discharge is complete.
EXTERIOR ALTERATION:
Any change or addition to the dimensions, materials, configuration, character, or appearance, including the floor, exterior walls, columns, porches, doors, or windows, of a structure or building.
FACADE:
The entire area of a side (that is, an elevation) of a building or structure that extends from ground level to the top of a parapet, wall, or eave(s) and from one corner to another. The area of a facade is defined by the outer limits of all of its visible exterior elements. Also, any separate face of a building, including parapet walls and omitted wall lines, or any part of a building that encloses or covers usable space. Where separate faces are oriented in the same direction, or in the directions within forty-five degrees of one another, they are to be considered as part of a single facade.
FACILITY or FACILITIES:
As this term is used in Chapter 3 of this GDC, a detention, retention, or other stormwater storage or handling mechanism and may, depending on the context in which the term is used, include an amenity pond.
FAMILY:
Any number of persons living together as a single housekeeping unit who are related by blood, legal adoption, or marriage (within two degrees of affinity or consanguinity), but not more than three persons living in a dwelling unit who are unrelated to the first person listed on the deed as the owner (or first signatory on the lease if the property is leased) by blood, adoption, or marriage.
FAMILY HOME:
See Community Home.
FARM, RANCH, ORCHARD:
(x) An area of two acres or more which is used for growing farm products such as vegetables, fruits, trees, and grain. May also include the raising thereon of farm animals such as horses, poultry, cattle, and sheep, and may also include the necessary accessory uses for raising, treating, and storing farm products and animals on the premises. The term does not include the commercial feeding of offal or garbage to swine or other animals, and does not include any type of husbandry specifically prohibited by ordinance or law. The term does not include the retail sale of farm products (see Produce Stand/Farmers’ Market).
FEED/GRAIN MILL:
(x) An indoor establishment that manufactures and packages vegetative (non-meat-based) feeds for livestock.
FEED STORE:
(x) A business establishment for the selling of corn, grain, and other foodstuffs for animals and livestock. The term may include the sale and rental of other tools, implements, and goods related to agricultural processes, but does not include the sale or rental of farm machinery such as tractors, trailers, or cultivation equipment.
FEEDLOT:
A facility that provides confined areas where cattle, horses, or other livestock are held for extended periods of time for the purpose of weight increase by feeding highly nutritious grain feed.
FENCE:
Any structure that exceeds twelve inches in height above the nearest grade and that encloses, partitions, or divides any yard as defined in this GDC.
FINAL PLAT:
The plat of a subdivision that, when authorized, submitted, and approved is recorded in the official public records.
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION (or BANK):
(x) An establishment such as a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union that is regulated by federal or state law, that accepts and maintains deposits from individuals, businesses, or other institutions, that makes both short- and long-term loans, including loans secured by collateral other than personal property, and that provides related financial services to its customers. The term does not include Alternative Financial Establishment.
FLEA MARKET, INDOOR:
(x) A periodic market held fully within a building where groups of individual sellers offer their goods for sale to the public, typically with no long-term lease arrangement between the individual sellers and the flea market operator (see Subsection 2.52(A)(32) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
FLEA MARKET, OUTDOOR:
(x) A periodic market held in an open area (that is, not enclosed within a building) where groups of individual sellers offer their goods for sale to the public, typically with no long-term lease arrangement between the individual sellers and the flea market operator (see Subsection 2.52(A)(32) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
FLOOR AREA:
The square footage of total floor area of all floors (that is, stories) within a building or buildings on a lot, measured from the interior face of exterior walls.
FLOOR AREA RATIO:
The total floor area of a main building (or buildings) on a lot, divided by the lot area. Any maximum FAR permitted is calculated by dividing the gross square footage of the building(s) by the net (after right-of-way dedication) area of the lot (measured in square feet). Any below grade mechanical rooms, parking garages, or other non-occupied areas are not included in the gross square footage of the building(s) for the purposes of this calculation.
FOOD PROCESSING & STORAGE:
(x) A large-scale manufacturing operation that prepares or produces foods and beverages for human consumption, primarily for commercial and wholesale customers for off-site distribution and consumption. The term includes dry and cold storage of food products, unless they are incidental to another primary use such as a grocery store or a restaurant. The term may include incidental retail sales of food products produced on the premises. The term does not include the preparation or manufacture of products for consumption by animals (see definition for Animal Feed Processing and Storage), or the slaughtering of any type of animal other than sea life.
FRONT (of a Building):
The side of a building on which the main entrance (front door) is located. FRONTAGE: Any portion of a lot that is immediately adjacent to a street but not including alleys. FRONTAGE, LOT: The length of street frontage between property lines.
FRONTAGE, STREET:
The linear distance of the property line measured along all abutting street rights-of-way; the length of all property on one side of a street between two intersecting streets measured along the line of the street, or if the street is a dead-end, then the length of all property abutting on one side between an intersecting street and the end of the dead-end street.
FUEL PUMPS, RETAIL:
(x) The retail sale of liquid or gaseous fuels for the operation of motor vehicles.
FURNITURE & APPLIANCE CLEANING/REPAIR:
(x) An indoor establishment that cleans, repairs, or refurbishes common household appliances, furnishings, and electronics either on-site or at the customer’s location. The term includes furniture reupholstering and carpet and drapery cleaning and repair. The term does not include the following: automotive reupholstering or repairs/refurbishing of any type of appliance or equipment that has an internal combustion engine (such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, lawnmowers, or boats) or outside display or storage, unless such is allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
FURNITURE, HOUSEHOLD FURNISHINGS AND APPLIANCE SALES/RENTAL:
(x) A retail establishment that sells new goods for furnishing the home including, but not limited to, furniture, floor coverings, draperies, glass and chinaware, domestic kitchen appliances, and other household furnishings. Also includes an establishment that rents furniture and household appliances on a contractual basis.
GARDEN, CHARITABLE:
(x) A facility that is owned and operated by a nonprofit religious-oriented or charity-oriented agency for the purpose of cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and other flora species for human consumption by individuals who are supported by the agency and not for commercial sale. Does not include a Landscape Nursery, Retail or a Landscape Nursery/Tree Farm (Wholesale).
GARDEN, CIVIC:
(x) A facility that is owned or operated by a public or nonprofit agency, or individual, for the purpose of cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, small ornamental plants, and other flora species by more than one person or family, for charitable purposes (not for commercial sale), or for their own use. The term does not include a Landscape Nursery, Retail or a Landscape Nursery/Tree Farm (Wholesale).
GARDEN, COMMERCIAL:
(x) A facility that is owned or operated by an individual or by a business entity for the purpose of cultivation of fruits, flowers, vegetables, small ornamental plants, and other flora species by more than one person or family for their own use and not for commercial sale. Does not include a Landscape Nursery, Retail or a Landscape Nursery/Tree Farm (Wholesale).
GAS OR PETROLEUM DRILLING & PIPELINE:
(x) The drilling, extraction, and transportation of subterranean fossil gas and petroleum, and necessary attendant uses and structures, but excluding refining, processing, or manufacturing.
GAS REGULATING STATION:
(x) An assemblage of equipment that reduces, regulates, and meters natural gas pressure in the transmission line, holder, main, pressure vessel, or the compressor station piping. The term includes auxiliary equipment such as valves, control instruments, or control lines as well as piping.
GOLF COURSE/COUNTRY CLUB:
(x) An area that is improved with greens, fairways, and hazards that is owned and operated by a public or private entity. The term includes, where applicable, clubhouse(s), restaurant(s), swimming pool(s), tennis court(s), and similar traditional recreational or service facilities associated with golf courses and country clubs.
GRADE:
The average elevation of the highest and lowest elevation measured at the finished surface of the ground at any of the exterior corners of the building or structure.
GROCERY/SUPERMARKET:
(x) A retail store of over five thousand square feet in size that primarily sells groceries and consumable food items, but that may also sell items such as tobacco products, sundries/toiletries, household and other non-food items, newspapers and magazines, candy and snacks, floral items, prepackaged convenience food items, in-house delicatessen- and bakery-prepared food items, and audio and video rentals for off-site use and consumption. The term includes on-site deli- and bakery-food consumption provided that the dining areas comprise no more than twenty percent of the total sales floor area of the store.
GROSS LEASABLE AREA (GLA):
Total floor area designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use, including any basements, mezzanines, and upper floors, measured in square feet from the centerline of joint partitions and from outside wall faces.
GROUP HOME:
As defined in Chapter 591 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, as amended, a residential arrangement, other than a residential care facility, licensed by the State of Texas, or a community center in which not more than fifteen persons with mental retardation voluntarily live and, under appropriate supervision, may share responsibilities for the operation of the living unit. This definition shall include foster homes, halfway houses, and day care facilities for persons with mental retardation. For a use to qualify as a Group Home, the persons that reside therein must meet all the specifications and requirements of the Persons with Mental Retardation Act, Chapter 591 of the Texas Health & Safety Code. In the event of a conflict between this definition and the definition provided by Chapter 591 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, as amended, state law shall control.
HEALTH & FITNESS GYM:
(x) A private indoor facility operated to promote physical health and fitness activities such as exercise, physical therapy, personal training, and education pertaining to health and fitness. The uses and facilities may include, but are not limited to, weight lifting and exercise equipment, aerobics, swimming pools and spas, running tracks, indoor games, personal recreation courts (such as for racquetball, handball, and indoor tennis), or a dance or exercise studio that is larger than five thousand square feet in floor area. (See Studio, Fitness or Performing Arts for facilities that are five thousand square feet or less in size.)
HEAVY LOAD VEHICLE:
A self-propelled vehicle having a manufacturer’s recommended Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of greater than sixteen thousand pounds (including trailers), such as large recreational vehicles (originally manufactured as RVs, not converted), tractor-trailers, buses, vans, and other similar vehicles. The term “truck” shall be construed to mean “Heavy Load Vehicle” unless specifically stated otherwise.
HEAVY MACHINERY SALES, RENTAL, STORAGE & REPAIR:
(x) An establishment for the indoor or outdoor display, sales, rental, storage, or repair of heavy machinery including tractors and other farm machinery, bulldozers, street graders, paving machines, cranes, and similar construction-related heavy equipment.
HEAVY VEHICLE LOADING AREA:
A paved area designed to accommodate the maneuvering, loading and unloading, and parking of commercial vehicles having a length of twenty-seven feet or greater.
HEIGHT (of an Antenna or Tower):
The distance measured from the finished grade of the lot or parcel to the highest point on the support structure or other structure, including the base pad and any antennae.
HELIPAD:
(x) An area of land or water, or a structural surface, which is used or intended for use for the landing and taking off of helicopters. The term does not include refueling, maintenance, repairs, or overnight storage of helicopters.
HIGH RISK USE:
(x) Any type of use that is determined to be of special health or safety hazard due to excessive or toxic fumes, smoke, gas, dust, odors, noise, vibration, or danger from fire, explosion or radiation, and that involves the use or storage of materials meeting the “degree of hazard” criteria of the Uniform Fire Code in quantities determined to be hazardous by the Fire Marshal.
HIGHWAY:
A county, state, federal, or other road facility shown as Type AA or larger on the City’s Major Thoroughfare Plan (Interstate Highway 635, Interstate Highway 30, and State Highway 190).
HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER:
(x) The indoor retail sale of building materials that are primarily oriented toward home improvements (such as, lumber, drywall, paint, electrical supplies, plumbing fixtures, prepackaged concrete and mortars, doors, windows, siding, landscaping materials, tools, or hardware) rather than toward the wholesale building construction industry. The term does not include outside display or storage, unless such is allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
HOME OCCUPATION:
Any activity conducted by a resident of a dwelling unit on the premises of the residence. It includes, without limitation, any activity that results in the manufacturing, repair, or provision of goods or services.
HOSPITAL:
(x) A building or portion thereof, used or designed for temporary housing and treatment of sick or injured patients where they are given medical or surgical treatment, and which is licensed by the State of Texas. The term includes an institutional-scale hospice facility.
HOTEL/MOTEL, EXTENDED STAY:
(x) A facility for the overnight or extended stay (that is, thirty calendar days or longer) lodging of guests for compensation. An extended service hotel or motel typically includes kitchenette facilities and a sitting or work area in each room, and may have on-site food service for guests.
HOTEL/MOTEL, FULL SERVICE:
(x) A facility for the overnight or temporary lodging of travelers for compensation. A full service hotel or motel has meeting facilities and on-site food service for guests.
HOTEL/MOTEL, LIMITED SERVICE:
(x) A building(s) for the overnight or temporary lodging of travelers for compensation. A limited service hotel or motel may have on-site food preparation/service for guests.
IMPERVIOUS COVER:
See Coverage.
IMPOUNDMENT LOT (COMMERCIAL/PRIVATE):
(x) An area used for the temporary parking and storage of primarily operable impounded vehicles. The term does not include the sales, dismantling or sales of parts from any vehicle, nor the parking or storage of wrecked, junked or inoperable vehicles for longer than thirty calendar days.
IMPROVED LOT OR TRACT:
A lot or tract that has a structure or other improvement on it that causes an impervious coverage of the soil under the structure or improvement.
INDOOR SHOPPING MALL:
(x) An indoors-only retail establishment that leases space to multiple tenants who each independently conduct their own retail operation in individual rooms that are fully enclosed having walls extending to the ceiling (see Subsection 2.52(A)(33) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
INDUSTRIAL or MANUFACTURING, HEAVY:
(x) Heavy industrial manufacturing, processing, assembling, researching and developing, packaging, shipping, storing, servicing or other similar activities that are not prohibited by law and typically involve the processing or manufacture of non-consumable products from raw materials, which do not meet standards set forth in the definition of Light Industrial or Manufacturing uses (see Subsection 2.52(A)(31) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
INDUSTRIAL or MANUFACTURING, LIGHT:
(x) An indoor establishment engaged in light assembly or manufacturing of finished non-consumable products or parts, predominately from previously prepared materials including the fabrication, manufacture, assembly, storing, and packaging of such products or parts. (see Subsection 2.52(A)(31) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
INTERSECTION:
The junctions of the centerlines of any two public rights-of-way, other than alleyways, crossing at grade or, where the crossing is separated at grade, the intersection is the point at which expressway travel pavements converge or diverge, or the point at which any expressway interchange ramp intersects the expressway travel pavement.
ITINERANT RETAIL VENDOR:
(x) A transient retail business that does not occur in a permanent structure, in a structure for which a temporary permit has been obtained, or in association with another temporary use such as a carnival, fair, parade, or festival. The term does not apply to garage sales, businesses or sales of seasonal items (see Seasonal Sales), mobile service businesses (see Mobile Service Vendor), or businesses that hold a lease term on the property of at least one year (that is, 365 calendar days).
KIOSK:
A small, freestanding, one-story structure or device (such as a charitable donations drop-box, or a recycling “igloo”) having a maximum floor area of three hundred and fifty square feet and used for commercial purposes, for a drop-off facility, or for the posting of temporary information or posters, notices, and announcements (see Subsection 2.52(A)(7) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
KIOSK, ATTENDED - RECYCLED MATERIALS COLLECTION:
(x) A type of kiosk, or a trailer, that has an on-site attendant during all hours of operation and which provides a neighborhood drop-off and collection point for recyclable or reusable household-related (that is, non-automotive, non-consumable, non-compostable, non-hazardous and non-flammable) materials such as aluminum cans, glass bottles, papers including magazines and newspapers, metal and plastic containers, clothes, shoes, toys, towels, linens, small kitchen appliances, electronics, and books. The term does not include an attended recycling collection center (see Recycling Collection Center).
KIOSK, ATTENDED - RETAIL/SERVICE:
(x) A type of kiosk, whether drive-up or walk-up, that has an on-site attendant during all hours of operation where a product or service is dispensed either through a machine or by the attendant. Examples include a small kiosk structure that sells food items, convenience items such as ice or drinking water, or a locksmith. The term does not include a Vending Machine, Exterior.
KIOSK, SELF-SERVICE:
(x) A type of kiosk, whether drive-up or walk-up, where no customer service employees are on site and a product or service is dispensed through a machine. Examples include freestanding ATMs, and automated freestanding vending machines for consumable commodities such as ice or drinking water. The term does not include a Vending Machine, Exterior.
KIOSK, SELF-SERVICE - AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE (ATM):
(x) A self-service kiosk, operated by a bank or financial institution for the convenience of its customers to conduct transactions including deposits, withdrawals and fund transfers without contact with bank personnel (see Subsection 2.52(A)(7) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
KIOSK, SELF-SERVICE - RECYCLED MATERIALS COLLECTION:
(x) A small self-service structure or temporary container (such as, an “igloo,” a dumpster or similar-type container) which provides a neighborhood drop-off and collection point for reusable, recoverable, or recyclable household-related (that is, non-automotive, non-consumable, non-compostable, non-hazardous and non-flammable) materials such as clothes, shoes, toys, towels/linens, small kitchen appliances and electronics, books, aluminum cans (including “can banks”), glass bottles, papers including magazines and newspapers, or metal and plastic containers. This definition does not include large trailers or manned collection centers (see Recycling Collection Center) (see Subsection 2.52(A)(7) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
KIOSK, SELF-SERVICE - RETAIL:
(x) A self-service kiosk, operated by a business entity for the convenience of its customers to purchase and obtain a commodity that is either prepackaged or dispensed in bulk to the customer (such as, ice, or drinking water). The term does not include a Vending Machine, Exterior.
LABORATORY, ANALYTICAL OR RESEARCH:
(x) An indoor facility for testing and analyzing scientific problems including soil testing, concrete compression testing, medical testing, prototype design and development, and other types of product research and testing. The term includes a medical and dental laboratory (see Medical and Dental Laboratory).
LAND USE CREDIT:
A square foot of property occupied or used for an automotive use as regulated by the Downtown Auto Overlay district (see Section 2.48 in Chapter 2 of this GDC), inclusive of parking areas but exclusive of any adjoining streets, alley, sidewalks, or other public property.
LANDSCAPE NURSERY, RETAIL:
(x) A retail business for the display and sale of trees, shrubs, flowers, ornamental plants, seeds, garden and lawn supplies, pavers, and other materials used in indoor and outdoor landscaping.
LANDSCAPE NURSERY/TREE FARM (WHOLESALE):
(x) An establishment for the cultivation and propagation, display, storage and sale (mostly wholesale, but can include a limited amount of retail sales) of large plants, shrubs, trees and other materials used in indoor or outdoor plantings. This definition may also include the contracting for installation or maintenance of landscaping as an accessory use.
LANDSCAPING:
An area devoted to and maintained predominantly with living plant material including lawn, groundcover, trees, shrubs, other plant materials, accessory decorative outdoor landscape elements such as fountains, paved or decorated surfaces (excluding driveways, parking, loading, or storage areas), and sculptural elements. The term may also be referred to as Landscaped Area.
LAUNDRY, DROP-OFF:
(x) A small-scale retail establishment (including a dry cleaners) that is no larger than three thousand square feet in size, and that serves as a location for customers to drop off and pick up clothes to be laundered, dry cleaned, pressed or other cleaning process. Alterations and garment repair may also be offered in relation to this use.
LAUNDRY, SELF-SERVE (LAUNDROMAT):
(x) A retail establishment offering machines for customers to use in laundering garments on a self-serve basis.
LAUNDRY PLANT, COMMERCIAL:
(x) A commercial establishment that is larger than three thousand square feet in size, and that launders or dry cleans garments, linens or similar textiles on a bulk, commercial or wholesale basis (not retail). The term includes a uniform supply service. Alterations and repair of garments are allowed as a secondary use.
LEARNING CENTER, SPECIALIZED:
(x) A private educational establishment that offers specialized or advanced courses similar to those offered in the public school system (such as mathematics, languages, or sciences) for a fee. Also includes an educational establishment that offers specialized training in improving educational skills such as those related to course study and test-taking, as well as an establishment that specializes in speech, hearing, sight or reading therapy, and teaching basic life skills to mentally retarded, handicapped, or blind persons.
LEATHER AND ALLIED PRODUCTS MANUFACTURING:
(x) An indoor establishment engaged in transforming animal hides into leather by tanning or curing, and fabricating the leather into finished non-consumable products or into materials that will be further assembled by others into finished products. Includes the manufacture of similar products such as rubber footwear, textile luggage and plastic purses and wallets from other materials such as rubber, plastics and textiles that are thought of as “leather substitutes,” and the processes of tanning, currying, dressing, dyeing and finishing of leather, hides and furs. The term does not include the slaughtering of any type of animal, and does not include any type of use that involves processing or storage of consumable products (see Food Processing and Storage and Animal Feed Processing and Storage).
LINER BUILDING:
A narrow building that lines the exterior of a parking garage structure adjacent to a street and sidewalk. It is generally thirty to sixty feet deep and occupied by any allowed use except parking.
LIVESTOCK AUCTION:
A facility for the auctioning and sale of cattle, horses, or other livestock where confinement of animals is normally for a period of less than one week, and where feed of a filler-type is primarily provided. Animal turnover under this use is expected to be continuous. ((x) - Shown within the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC under Stockyards, Livestock Auction and Livestock Hauling)
LIVESTOCK HAULING:
A business expressly involved with the transportation of cattle, horses, hogs, chickens or other types of livestock, where the temporary confinement of animals may be necessary. The hauling and temporary indoor storage or housing of plant materials, small pet-type animals such as dogs and cats, fish, birds or inanimate (non-living) goods is classified as a Motor Freight Terminal. ((x) - Shown within the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC under Stockyards, Livestock Auction and Livestock Hauling)
LIVESTOCK, LARGE:
See Section 22.09 in Article 1 of Chapter 22 in the City Code.
LIVING AREA (as in a Residence):
An enclosed and air-conditioned room of at least one hundred and twenty square feet in size, other than an unfinished garage or basement, and other than a room used as a bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.
LOT:
An undivided tract or parcel of land shown and designated with a tract or lot number on a duly recorded subdivision plat. A lot may be offered for sale, conveyance, transfer or improvement, is designated as a distinct and separate tract, and is identified by a tract, lot number, or symbol in a duly approved plat that has been properly filed of record.
LOT AREA:
The square foot area or the acreage of a lot within the bounding property lines and exclusive of dedicated streets and alleys, but may include easements.
LOT, CORNER:
A lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection(s).
LOT COVERAGE:
See Coverage.
LOT DEPTH:
The distance between the midpoints of straight lines connecting the foremost points of the side lot lines in front and the rearmost points of the side lot lines in the rear (the mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot line).
LOT, DOUBLE FRONTAGE:
Any lot, not a corner lot, with frontage on two streets that are essentially parallel to each other or are within forty-five degrees of being parallel to each other.
LOT, FLAG-SHAPED:
An irregularly shaped lot that takes its sole access via a long, narrow strip of land connecting the principal building site to a public street.
LOT, INTERIOR:
A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT, KEY CORNER:
A lot where both neighboring lots have front yard setbacks adjacent to the corner lot on both sides.
LOT LINE:
A property (ownership) boundary of a lot, as defined herein.
LOT WIDTH:
The horizontal distance between straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side of the lot, measured across the rear of the required front yard, and parallel to the front property line.
MAKERSPACE (HACKERSPACE):
A facility where common or designated area(s) are provided to support education through peer learning and knowledge sharing and incorporating workspace for support of participants interests, such as but not limited to computers, software development, technology, science, digital art, 3d printing, sewing, metal work, welding, machining, and woodworking.
MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION:
(x) A tract of land (minimum size ten acres, maximum size thirty-five acres), under single ownership, which is designed, improved or intended to be used for short- or long-term occupancy by manufactured or mobile homes that are used as residential living units, in designated spaces. The term includes a residence for the owner or manager of the premises, utility hook-ups, Accessory Structures (such as carports, and storage buildings), playgrounds, open space/recreational areas, fenced yards for pets, and other similar amenities.
MARINA:
(x) A waterfront business establishment for the docking, wet storage, refueling, and servicing of boats and personal watercraft used on the abutting lake or reservoir. The term includes watercraft fuel sales, fishing equipment and bait sales, fishing pier/services, boat/watercraft rentals, a restaurant(s), dry boat storage, and other amenities related to boating, fishing, and outdoors recreational enjoyment.
MASONRY MATERIALS:
Masonry Materials are brick, stone, tile, or other similar building units or materials, or any combination of these materials, laid up unit-by-unit, and set in mortar. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Masonry Construction includes the following materials:
a. 
Hard-fired brick such as kiln-fired clay, shale, or slate material. Acceptable materials may also include integrally-colored concrete brick, known as concrete masonry units or CMUs, but only subject to the limitations in Subsection 4.82(C)(1)(d) [sic] and only if the concrete masonry units conform to the same ASTM standard for construction as typical hard-fired clay brick. Material under this Section must meet the classification of severe weather grade and have a minimum thickness of two and one-quarter inches when applied as a veneer. Acceptable materials under this Section do not include unfired or underfired clay, sand, or shale brick.
b. 
Stone such as naturally occurring granite, marble, limestone, slate, river rock, and other similar hard and durable, all-weather stone that is customarily used in exterior building construction. Acceptable materials may also include cast or manufactured stone product, provided that such product yields a highly textured, stone-like appearance, its coloration is integral to the masonry material, and it is demonstrated to be highly durable and maintenance-free. The surface of any manufactured stone must not be painted. Natural or man-made stone must have a minimum thickness of two and five-eighths inches when applied as a veneer.
c. 
Concrete masonry units, also known as CMUs, for nonresidential and multifamily projects only, provided that such concrete masonry units are integrally-colored, not painted, have a highly textured exterior finish such as “split-face,” are classified as severe weather grade, and are not lightweight or featherweight concrete or cinder blocks.
Masonry Materials do not include any of the following:
Masonry Materials do not include any of the following:
a. 
Adobe or mortar wash surface material;
b. 
Exterior insulation and finish system (EIFS), acrylic matrix, synthetic plaster, or other similar synthetic material;
c. 
Cementitious fiberboard siding, such as “SmartBoard” or “HardiBoard”;
d. 
Vinyl-based siding material, as may be allowed by the City’s Building Code;
e. 
Lightweight or featherweight concrete blocks or cinder blocks;
f. 
Exterior plaster, including stucco; and
g. 
Any other cementitious product not listed above.
MASSAGE THERAPY:
A type of personal service that offers therapeutic massage by a massage therapist (as defined and licensed by state law).
MEAT & GAME PROCESSING:
(x) The skinning, preparation, packaging, storage, and freezing of meat from non-equine livestock and game animals for personal (noncommercial) use by individuals. The term includes, as a secondary use, on-site retail sale of meats with appropriate state and local permits or licenses.
MEDICAL AND DENTAL LABORATORY:
A facility operated for the primary purpose of performing medical, dental or optical research, testing, and analytical work having a direct relationship to the provision of health services (classified as a Laboratory, Analytical or Research). The term does not include examination or treatment of medical or dental patients (see Medical and Dental Office/Clinic or Hospital).
MEDICAL AND DENTAL OFFICE/CLINIC:
(x) An office facility that is primarily engaged in furnishing direct medical services to people with physical or mental ailments. The term includes a single office or a group of offices for one or more physicians or dentists (including orthodontia) for medical examinations, treatment of injuries and illnesses, and minor surgical procedures on people on an outpatient basis, but not including facilities for overnight stays.
MINING/MINERAL EXTRACTION:
(x) The process by which stone, gravel, sand, aggregates, metallic ores, coal, precious stones, salt, or other solid-form rocks or minerals are extracted from the earth. The term includes quarrying, extraction, milling, crushing, screening, washing, floatation, stockpiling, and other activities customarily performed at a mine site or as part of a mining operation to prepare the extracted materials for sale or shipment.
MINOR PLAT:
A plat involving four or fewer lots fronting an existing street and not requiring a new street or municipal facilities.
MOBILE FOOD TRUCK PARK (“MFT-PARK”):
A fixed commercial location and permanent development designed to accommodate mobile food preparation vehicles offering food and/or beverages for sale to the public as the primary use of land.
MOBILE SERVICE VENDOR:
A mobile service business that typically travels to most, if not all, of its customers rather than its customers coming to the business’s shop (such as, a mobile automotive windshield installer, mobile veterinary clinic, mobile pet-bathing service, or mobile locksmith). The term does not include retail sales of any goods or items other than those installed or expended in the actual conduct of the mobile service (such as, a windshield that is installed by a mobile installer, vaccinations and supplies delivered and administered by a mobile veterinary clinic, or door locks and keys cut and sold by a mobile locksmith).
MODEL CODE:
A publication that is developed, promulgated, and periodically updated at a national level by organizations consisting of industry and government fire and building safety officials through a legislative or consensus process and that is intended for consideration by units of government as local law, including but not limited to, the International Residential Code, International Plumbing Code, International Electrical Code, International Mechanical Code, the National Electrical Code, the International Building Code, the International Fire Code, the International Fuel Gas Code, and the International Energy Conservation Code.
MONEY TRANSFER BUSINESS:
An establishment, other than a financial institution or a bank that engages in or facilitates the transmission of monetary funds to or from a location outside the United States and its territories for a fee.
MORTUARY/FUNERAL HOME:
(x) A place for the storage of human bodies prior to their burial or cremation, which may also be used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation. The term does not include any type of cemetery (below-ground) interment for bodies, but may include funeral service chapels, on-site monument and floral sales, columbariums, crematoriums, mausoleums (interment in above-ground tombs or vaults), or any combination thereof.
MOTORCYCLE/ATV SALES, LEASING & REPAIR:
(x) An establishment offering the sales, leasing, rental, service, or repair of motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, motorbikes, motor scooters, golf carts, and similar personal motor vehicles. The term includes service, repair and sales of parts for personal motor vehicles such as sidecars, accessories, or motorcycle-drawn trailers. The term does not include outside display or storage, unless such is allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage).
MOTOR FREIGHT TERMINAL/RAILROAD SWITCHING YARD:
(x) A premises where cargo is stored and where trucks, including tractor trailer units, load and unload cargo on a regular basis. The term includes a railroad freight terminal, facilities for the temporary storage of loads and cargo (including outside storage) prior to shipment, or that are transferring from one mode of transportation to another (such as to/from trucks and rail cars), and may include on-site fuel tank(s) for use by the operation only (no retail or external fuel sales) if such are approved by the Fire Department and Building Official.
MULLION:
The vertical or horizontal divisions or joints between single windows in a multiple window unit.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE/FACILITY:
Any land area, building, structure, or facility that is owned, leased, used, or operated by the City of Garland, Texas.
MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM or “MS4”:
The system of conveyances (including roads with drainage systems, municipal streets, catch basins, curbs, gutters, ditches, channels, or storm drains) owned and operated by the City and designed or used for collecting or conveying stormwater, and which is not used for collecting or conveying sanitary sewage.
NONCONFORMING:
A use or structure that was lawful at the time it was originated, but does not comply with current provisions of this GDC or a law passed at a later date.
NONCONFORMING LOT:
Any platted lot that was lawful at the time it was platted, but does not conform to the regulations of this GDC and that is regulated by Chapter 2, Article 7 and specifically by Section 2.75 in this GDC.
NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE:
Any structure, building, or physical improvement existing on land that was lawful prior to enactment of this GDC, but which does not conform to the regulations, relative to its size, height or location, within the zoning district in which it is located.
NONCONFORMING USE:
Any activity or use of land which was lawful prior to the enactment of this GDC but does not conform to the regulations of the zoning district in which it is located.
OCCUPANCY:
Any utilization of real property, its attachments or appurtenances.
OFFICE, GENERAL:
(x) A facility used for the indoor provision of professional, executive, management, or administrative services. The term includes administrative functions involved in real estate, insurance, legal services, property management, investments, personnel, travel, clerical, administrative services, small-scale (that is, twenty-five thousand square feet or less in size) telephone answering (also see Call Center), military recruiting, dispatch only of home and business maintenance and repair services (such as, carpet cleaning, pest control, plumbing, or mechanical repair), box office, a telework center, and business offices of public utilities, organizations and associations. The term does not include on-site storage of service vehicles, materials, inventory, chemicals, or medical or dental offices.
OFFICIAL SUBMISSION (or Filing) DATE:
The date an applicant hand-delivers an application or plan to the correct designated City department, as stated in this GDC or the Development Application Packet, or deposits the application or plan with the United States Postal Service by certified mail addressed to the City, with all required fees and documents as stated in the Development Application Packet and as described in Section 1.18 in Chapter 1 of this GDC. The official submission date is also subject to complete application provisions within this GDC; see the definition of Complete Application as well as requirements within Section 1.16 in Chapter 1 of this GDC.
OFF-SITE MAIN:
A water or sewer (wastewater and storm) main totally outside a tract of land to be subdivided and developed for resale.
ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR STORM:
A storm event having a one percent chance of occurring in any given twelve-month period.
ON-SITE MAIN:
A water or sewer (wastewater and storm) main totally within or adjacent to a tract of land to be subdivided and developed for resale.
OUTSIDE DISPLAY, NEW MATERIALS:
(x) The temporary placement and display, in an unenclosed or unroofed area, of any new goods (including pre-packaged foods and beverages), materials or merchandise for less than twenty-four hours on business days only (that is, not on a continuous basis), and which are removed from display at the end of each business day and stored indoors overnight.
OUTSIDE DISPLAY, USED MATERIALS:
(x) The temporary placement and display, in an unenclosed or unroofed area, of any used or salvaged materials or merchandise for less than twenty-four hours on business days only (that is, not on a continuous basis), and which are removed from display at the end of each business day and stored indoors overnight.
OUTSIDE STORAGE, NEW MATERIALS:
(x) The keeping, in an unenclosed or unroofed area, of any new goods (including pre-packaged foods and beverages), materials or merchandise in the same place for more than twenty-four hours.
OUTSIDE STORAGE, USED MATERIALS:
(x) The keeping, in an unenclosed or unroofed area, of any used or salvaged non-consumable goods, materials or merchandise in the same place for more than twenty-four hours.
OUTSIDE STORAGE UNIT, PORTABLE (POD):
(x) A storage unit, or container, that is delivered to a location on a truck, placed on a premises, and used for storage usually on a temporary basis (that is, not permanent).
OWNER:
A person who holds legal possession or ownership of an interest in property. Where applied to a building or land, the term includes any part owner, joint owner, lessee, tenant in common, tenant in partnership, joint tenant or tenant by the entirety, for the whole or of a part of a building or land.
PARAPET:
A low wall or railing that projects above the roof; it may be an extension of a vertical wall.
PARKING AREA:
An area containing multiple parking spaces together with accompanying maneuvering area and driveway access, usually off-street and always composed of all-weather surface material, for the temporary placement of motor vehicles.
PARKING LOT OR GARAGE, COMMERCIAL:
(x) An open lot or a structure designed specifically for the temporary or long-term parking or storage of operable (that is, no junked, wrecked, or inoperable vehicles) automobiles and light-duty trucks (that is, no heavy load vehicles), owned by others, for a fee. The term may include a designated space for a parking attendant.
PARKING, SHARED:
Parking which is shared by tenants, visitors, and the general public. Hours of availability by each use sharing the parking space(s) must be provided for in an irrevocable parking agreement that has been approved by the City.
PARKING SPACE:
Generally, a storage area or stall for parking of an individual motor vehicle.
PARKWAY:
That portion of the public right-of-way lying primarily between the edge of the pavement or curb and the private property line.
PATIO HOME:
A type of detached, single-family dwelling on a smaller, separately platted lot (typically between four thousand and six thousand square feet) and having reduced setbacks. See Dwelling, Single-Family and Dwelling, Zero-Lot-Line Home.
PAWN SHOP:
(x) A location or premises at which a pawnbroker (as defined by Section 371.003 of the Texas Finance Code) engages in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods (as defined by Section 371.003 of the Texas Finance Code); or purchasing goods on condition that the goods may be redeemed or repurchased by the seller for a fixed price within a fixed period.
PAYDAY ADVANCE OR LOAN BUSINESS:
An establishment that makes small consumer loans, backed by postdated check or authorization to make an electronic debit against an existing financial account, in which the check or debit is held for an agreed-upon term or until the customer’s next payday, and then cashed or debited unless the customer repays the loan within the agreed time frame (see Alternative Financial Establishment).
PERFORMANCE STANDARD:
Standards specified for the operating characteristics of different activities and related to noise, smoke, airborne particulate matters, odors, toxic and noxious matter, glare, exterior illumination, and vibration.
PERMANENT COSMETICS:
The licensed practice of applying inks and dyes to the dermal layer of the skin, by the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin, for the sole purpose of providing either permanent coloration for medical skin restoration or cosmetic coloration to enhance or diminish personal features such as lips, eyebrows, eyelids, and blemish and mole mitigation. In order for a cosmetic application to fall under this definition, the application must be non-pictorial in nature, and contain no verbiage or shapes or symbols of any kind. (Classified as Personal Services in the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
PERMITTED USE:
A use specifically allowed in one or more of the various zoning districts by right, meaning that no zoning amendment is necessary to allow the use within a designated zoning district. This term does not include uses permitted with a Specific Use Provision (SUP).
PERSON:
A human being, his heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns and may extend and be applied to associations, corporations, organizations, firms, partnerships, estates, trusts, and business trusts and to a government or governmental subdivision or agency, other than the City.
PERSONAL CARE FACILITY (ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY):
As defined by Section 247.002 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, an establishment that furnishes, in one or more facilities, food and shelter to four or more persons who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment, and provides personal care services or administration of medication by a person licensed or otherwise authorized in this state to administer the medication, and may provide assistance with or supervision of the administration of medication. For the purposes of this definition, personal care services means:
a. 
Assistance with feeding, dressing, movement, bathing, or other personal needs or maintenance;
b. 
General supervision or oversight of the physical and mental well-being of a person who needs assistance to maintain a private and independent residence in a personal care facility or who needs assistance to manage the person’s personal life, regardless of whether a guardian has been appointed for the person.
For a use to qualify as a Personal Care (Assisted Living Facility), it must meet all the specifications and requirements of the Assisted Living Facility Licensing Act, Chapter 247 of the Texas Health & Safety Code. In the event of a conflict between this definition and the definition provided by Chapter 247 of the Texas Health & Safety Code, state law shall control.
PERSONAL PROPERTY:
Property that is not real property, which can be seen, weighed, measured, felt, or otherwise perceived by the senses. For the purpose of regulating garage sales, the term shall mean property that is owned, utilized and maintained by an individual or members of his or her household and acquired in the normal course of living or maintaining a residence. The term does not include merchandise that was purchased for resale or obtained on consignment.
PERSONAL SERVICES:
(x) An establishment that provides services to individuals, such services primarily involved in the care of the persons not otherwise listed herein as a specified use. The term includes, but is not limited to, services such as barber and beauty shops, tailoring, licensed massage or physical therapy, photography or portrait studios, manicure salons, the application of permanent cosmetics, hair removal and tanning salons, or weight-loss salons.
PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SALES, LEASING & REPAIR:
(x) An establishment offering the sales, leasing, rental, service, or repair of personal water craft vehicles. The term includes sales of accessories, transport trailers, and water recreation supplies. The term does not include outside display or storage, unless allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage).
PET CARE/PLAY FACILITY (INDOORS):
(x) An indoor commercial establishment in which domestic animals (such as dogs and cats) are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, entertained, or trained for a fee or compensation. The term includes overnight boarding, pet day cares, indoor dog parks, and grooming-only salons (that is, a pet salon that is not part of a retail Pet Store establishment). In order to fall under this definition, all of the establishment’s activities must occur indoors, except for periodic outdoor breaks or exercise under close supervision for limited periods of time (periods of up to one hour).
PET CARE/PLAY FACILITY (OUTDOORS):
(x) A commercial establishment in which domestic animals (such as dogs and cats) are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, entertained, or trained for a fee or compensation. The term includes overnight boarding in outdoor kennels or runs, outdoor pet day cares, outdoor dog parks, and other traditional kennel activities that occur outdoors, generally for an extended period of time (including overnight).
PET STORE:
A retail establishment offering small animals for sale where all creatures are housed within the building, and the store sells pet foods and supplies. A Pet Store may include accessory use services such as a pet grooming salon, indoor Pet Care/Play Facility, pet boarding, and small animal veterinary services.
PETITION FOR A LEGISLATIVE DECISION:
A request for approval of an action authorized under this GDC requiring action by the City Council acting in its legislative capacity.
PETITION FOR CHANGE IN NONCONFORMING STATUS:
A request by a property owner to the City of Garland Board of Adjustment (BOA) under Article 2, Division 4 in Chapter 2 of this GDC for a change in the status of a nonconforming use or structure to allow for modification to the use or property owned.
PETITION FOR RELIEF FROM DEDICATION OR CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENT:
See Proportionality Appeal.
PHARMACY:
(x) A retail establishment engaged in the retail sale of prescription drugs, nonprescription medications, cosmetics, sundries, and other related personal care supplies. The term may include sales of pre-packaged food and beverage items as an accessory use only.
PHYSICAL THERAPY:
A type of personal service that offers, by licensed physical therapy professionals, activities such as therapeutic massage, rehabilitative strength and flexibility training, and physical pain relief techniques, as prescribed by a licensed doctor and on an outpatient basis (no overnight stays). (Classified as Personal Services in the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC)
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT (PD) DISTRICT:
A comprehensively planned land development project that may allow flexibility in development standards such as those that specify building siting, densities, mixtures of housing types and land uses, usable open spaces, and the preservation of trees or other significant natural features. A PD district must adhere to the standards of Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 2 of this GDC.
PLANNING DIRECTOR:
The Director of the City’s Planning & Community Development Department, or an authorized designee.
PLAT:
A map, drawing, chart, or plan showing the exact layout and proposed construction of a proposed development into one or more lots, blocks, streets, parks, school sites, commercial or industrial sites, easements, alleys, or any other elements as required by this GDC and which a subdivider shall submit for approval in accordance with this GDC.
PORCH:
A roofed space open on one or more sides, one or more stories in height, the roof of which is an extension of the roof of a building to which the porch is attached. The purpose of porch space is to shelter people or objects, not including vehicles, from the sun, rain and general weather.
PORTABLE BUILDING SALES/LEASING:
(x) An establishment that displays, sells, or rents structures that are capable of being carried or transported to another location, not including mobile homes, HUD-Code homes, or industrialized homes. Outside display and storage must comply with Subsection 2.52(A)(14) in Chapter 2 of this GDC.
PORTABLE CLASSROOM BUILDING:
A building manufactured off-site and transported to the campus of a Public School, Private, Religious or Charter School, or Place of Worship for the purpose of classroom instruction, but not intended to remain on a permanent basis.
POST OFFICE:
(x) A local branch of the U.S. Postal Service engaged in the distribution of mail, including incidental services such as mailing and shipping services and leasing of mailboxes.
PRELIMINARY PLAT:
A plat that illustrates the general layout of a proposed subdivision, the adequacy of public facilities needed to serve the proposed subdivision, and the overall compliance of the land division with applicable requirements of this GDC, and which is reviewed prior to approval of a Final Plat. See Chapter 3, Article 2, Division 2 of this GDC.
PRINTING/PUBLISHING HOUSE:
(x) An establishment whose primary service is long-run printing including, but not limited to, book, magazine and newspaper publishing. (For a retail or small-scale print and copy shop, and for a private mail and shipping service, having five thousand square feet or less in floor area, see Business & Media Service.)
PRINTING, RETAIL/SMALL SCALE:
See Business & Media Service.
PRO RATA:
A charge made against a property owner to repay a proportional share of the capital cost of a public improvement such as water and sewer mains.
PRODUCE STAND/FARMERS’ MARKET (OUTDOOR):
(x) A permanent structure that is used to sell fruit, edible seeds and nuts, vegetables, and similar farm-raised foods.
PROPERTY OWNER:
See Owner.
PROPORTIONALITY APPEAL:
A request for relief, based upon constitutional standards, from a requirement imposed under this GDC to dedicate or construct a public improvement that is reviewed and decided under Chapter 5, Article 1, Division 2 of this GDC.
PUBLIC AMUSEMENT, TEMPORARY:
(x) An amusement enterprise that is in operation on a temporary basis (that is, two months or less) offering entertainment, a sporting event or games of skill to the general public for a fee or charge. Activities for this use may take place indoors or outdoors. Examples include a carnival, circus, or haunted house.
PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY:
The area on, below, or above a public roadway, highway, street, public sidewalk, alley, waterway, or utility easement, which has been dedicated to the public use, regardless of whether title is held by the City in fee or in an interest less than fee.
PUBLIC VIEW:
Areas that can be seen from any public street.
RACING TRACK:
(x) An outdoor facility for racing automotive vehicles or motorcycles. The term includes uses such as car racing tracks, drag strips, motorcycle tracks, race courses, and accessory uses such as automotive repair facilities, spectator seating and bleachers, racing gear shops, and concessions.
RADIO, TELEVISION OR MICROWAVE TOWER:
See Antenna or Microwave Reflector, and Antenna Support Structure.
RECEPTION FACILITY, LARGE SCALE:
An establishment that is open to the general public or made available for private use, primarily for the provision of facilities for parties, dances, receptions, banquets, or similar social events and has an occupancy of greater than 49. The term does not include restaurants, hotels, country clubs, theaters, or commercial amusements that provide for such activities as a secondary use.
RECEPTION FACILITY, SMALL SCALE:
An establishment that is open to the general public or made available for private use, primarily for the provision of facilities for parties, dances, receptions, banquets, or similar social events and has an occupancy of 49 or less. The term does not include restaurants, hotels, country clubs, theaters, or commercial amusements that provide for such activities as a secondary use.
RECORD DRAWINGS:
See As-Built/Record Drawings.
RECORDED PLAT:
A plat that has been finally approved by the City and that has been filed with the applicable County after meeting all City requirements under Chapter 3, Article 2, Division 3 of this GDC.
RECORDING STUDIO/MEDIA PRODUCTION:
(x) An indoor facility for the production or transmission of commercial programming by radio or television. The term includes a facility having the facilities and equipment necessary for the production of audio or video media.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV):
Any type of trailer or self-propelled motor vehicle that is designed, constructed, and equipped for human habitation as a temporary dwelling place or sleeping place.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARK:
(x) A tract of land for users of recreational vehicles to park on a temporary basis up to one hundred and eighty consecutive days. The term may include accessory uses such as a residence for the owner or manager of the premises, utility hook-ups, laundry facilities, Accessory Buildings (such as gazebos, pavilions, storage buildings, or clubhouse), playgrounds, open space or recreational areas, fenced yards for pets, and other similar amenities. The term does not include a Manufactured/Mobile Home Park. See Subsection 2.52(A)(34) in Chapter 2 of this GDC.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE/TRAILER SALES, LEASING & REPAIR:
(x) An establishment offering the sales, leasing, rental, service, or repair of new or used recreational vehicles and trailers (such as cargo, flatbed, and livestock), travel trailers and campers. The term includes sales of camping supplies and parts for RVs and outside display and storage of vehicle and trailer inventory (see Subsection 2.52(A)(14) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
RECYCLABLE MATERIALS:
Reusable materials including, but not limited to, metals, plastics, glass, and paper that are intended for reuse, remanufacture, or reconstitution for the purpose of reusing the altered form. This term does not include automotive materials or parts, food refuse, offal, or other consumable materials.
RECYCLING COLLECTION CENTER:
(x) An indoor facility that provides for the collection, sorting, storage, bundling, and shipping of recoverable and recyclable non-automotive, non-consumable, and non-compostable materials such as aluminum cans, glass, papers including magazines and newspapers, cardboard, wood pallets, metals, plastics, tires, computers and electronics, oil, paints, solvents and textiles. (see Subsection 2.52(A)(8) in Chapter 2 of this GDC).
RECYCLING SALVAGE YARD:
(x) A facility which provides for the collection, sorting, storage, bundling and shipping of recoverable and recyclable non-automotive, non-consumable and non-compostable materials such as aluminum cans, glass, papers including magazines and newspapers, cardboard, wood pallets, metals, plastics, tires, computers and electronics, oil, paints, solvents, and textiles (see Subsection 2.52(A)(8) in Chapter 2 of this GDC). For automotive-related reclamation, see “Salvage Yard, Automotive.”
REFUSE CONTAINER:
Any container used for the temporary storage of routinely collected waste that is specifically designed to be emptied by heavy machinery. Also may be referred to as a dumpster or trash receptacle.
REHABILITATION FACILITY:
(x) As defined by Chapter 244 of the Texas Local Government Code, a residential facility that is operated by an agency of the state, a political subdivision of the state, or a private vendor operating under a contract with an agency of the state or a political subdivision of the state and that houses persons convicted of misdemeanors or felonies or houses children found to have engaged in delinquent conduct, regardless of whether the persons are housed in the residential facility:
a. 
While serving a sentence of confinement following conviction of an offense;
b. 
As a condition of probation, parole, or mandatory supervision; or
c. 
Under a court order for out-of-home placement under Title 3, Family Code, other than in a foster home operated under contract with the juvenile board of the county in which the foster home is located or under a contract with the Texas Youth Commission.
Such facility and the persons that reside therein must meet all the specifications and requirements of Chapter 244 of the Texas Local Government Code to be considered a Rehabilitation Facility under this GDC. In the event of a conflict between this definition and the definition provided by Chapter 244 of the Texas Local Government Code, state law shall control.
RELEVANT MODEL CODE:
A Model Code published within the last three code cycles and which applies to construction, renovation, maintenance, or other alteration of a Building.
REMAINDER TRACT:
Land that is part of a larger parcel that is not subject to a subdivision plat affecting the parcel.
RESIDENCE:
A building occupied as the dwelling place of one or more persons in which the use and management of sleeping quarters, and all appliances for cooking, ventilating, heating, or lighting are under one control, including any type of dwelling defined herein.
RESIDENTIALLY ZONED PROPERTY or LAND:
Property that is zoned as a single-family detached, single-family attached (townhouse), two-family or multifamily zoning district. The term includes property that is zoned as a Planned Development (PD) district where the base zoning within the PD is one of the foregoing districts.
RESIDENTIAL USE:
A dwelling unit or group of dwelling units. The term includes dwelling units (such as loft apartments) within the upper story(s) of a building wherein other parts of the building are used for nonresidential purposes, such as retail establishments or offices.
RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL:
The City staff person who has been designated to accept submission of a type of development application, to review and make recommendations concerning such applications, and where authorized, to initially decide such applications, to initiate enforcement actions, and to take all other actions necessary for administration of the provisions of this GDC with respect to such development applications. Also includes any designee of the designated City staff person.
RESTAURANT:
An establishment at which food and beverages are prepared for service and consumption on the premises, or for carry-out (that is, for off-site consumption). The term includes carry-out service provided patrons leave their vehicles and enter the building to pick up and pay for the carry-out items, or provided an employee of the establishment carries items to patrons waiting in their vehicles (“curbside service”). A Restaurant may include a drive-through lane for a pick-up window so long as ordering at the window is not allowed and a menu/order board is not provided.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-THROUGH:
An establishment at which food and beverages are prepared primarily for service to persons in vehicles, and may include consumption on the premises or curbside service. The term may include a take-out window, walk-up window, drive-through, or drive-in service bays as part of the operation. A Restaurant that includes a drive-through lane for a pick-up window but does not allow ordering at the window and does not include a menu/order board is not considered a Restaurant, Drive-Through.
RETAIL:
The sale of commodities in relatively small quantities directly to consumers.
RETAIL-READY:
Leasable space that has the necessary ceiling height and fire separation to accommodate retail and restaurant uses.
RETAIL STORE:
(x) The sale of commodities to consumers that is not otherwise herein regulated or defined, including but not limited to the sale of items such as, clothing and apparel accessories, household items (does not include furniture, appliances and large furnishings), a discount store, a department or variety store, an indoors-only automotive parts sales, or a specialty grocer (maximum five thousand square feet).
RETENTION FACILITY:
A facility that provides a permanent pool of a pre-determined volume of stormwater and that is designed to provide additional capacity for the temporary storage of stormwater that may be required for detention purposes.
RIDING ACADEMY/STABLES:
See Stable, Commercial. ROOFLINE: The ridge line or highest part of a roof.
SALVAGE YARD, AUTOMOTIVE:
(x) Any lot or land parcel upon which two or more motor vehicles of any kind, which are incapable of being operated due to condition or lack of license, have been placed for the purpose of dismantling to obtain parts for recycling, resale, or storage.
SCHOOL, BUSINESS:
(x) A private educational establishment offering, on a regular basis, vocational instruction or training in professional, artistic and design oriented fields, such as: clerical or administrative training, data processing, computer programming and maintenance, medical training, financial or legal training, artistic and design training, music, dancing, acting, and modeling. The term does not include any establishment providing practical or applied training in an activity that is not otherwise allowed in the zoning district.
SCHOOL, PRIVATE, RELIGIOUS OR CHARTER:
(x) A learning facility for enrolled students that is under the sponsorship of a private agency, corporation, religious agency, or registered charter (as provided for by Chapter 12 of the Texas Education Code), other than a public school district, which offers a curriculum that is generally equivalent to public schools for the applicable grade level(s).
SCHOOL, PUBLIC:
(x) A learning facility for enrolled students that is owned and operated by a public school district which offers kindergarten, elementary, secondary, and high school curriculum for the purpose of educating students generally between the ages of five and eighteen.
SCHOOL, RETAIL/PERSONAL SERVICES TRAINING:
(x) A private educational establishment offering, on a regular basis, vocational instruction or training in retail or personal service oriented fields, such as: bartending, cosmetology or personal grooming, and food service or culinary instruction. The term does not include any establishment providing practical or applied training in an activity that is not otherwise allowed in the zoning district.
SCHOOL, TRADE:
(x) A private educational establishment offering, on a regular basis, vocational instruction or training in a trade, craft, skill, activity, or profession, exclusive of other listed schools herein. Examples include (but are not limited to): auto and truck repairing, welding and metal-crafting, brick-laying, building construction and contractor trades, truck and bus driving, or electronics assembling and repairing. The term does not include establishments providing practical or applied training in an activity that is not otherwise allowed in the zoning district, unless such training only involves equipment or processes typical of uses permitted in the district.
SCREENING:
Fencing, walls, planted berms, or densely planted vegetation that acts as a buffer or that reduce visibility.
SEASONAL SALES:
(x) The periodic (that is, not continuous throughout the calendar year) sales of seasonal items (such as Christmas trees, pumpkins, holiday florals, summer play equipment, or other similar seasonal outside display items) that are conducted by the same entity that owns the property, or by a state-registered and regulated business entity that holds a lease term on the property. The term does not include private, illicit sales of goods or services by an individual who is not registered as a bona fide retail or service business entity with the Texas Secretary of State.
SELF-STORAGE FACILITY (MINI-WAREHOUSE):
(x) A facility containing small individual storage units of five hundred square feet or less for rent or lease, restricted solely to the storage of items, such as motor vehicles, trailers, boats, household goods, and sundry personal property. This definition shall not include uses such as the conduct of sales, business, living or habitation, band or musical practice or performance, or any other activity other than storage within the individual storage units.
SERVICE BAY:
A singular automobile space, within or underneath a building or structure, that provides a technician, customer, and/or automated system adequate space to safely and efficiently service one vehicle. This definition does not include overhead doors.
SETBACK:
The required distance between any point on private land and the nearest point at the edge of the nearest public street right-of-way. Where a public way crosses a railroad right-of-way, the setback distance is to be measured from the public right-of-way line extended across the railroad right-of-way.
SETBACK LINE:
A line defining an area on the lot between the property line and the building line, within which no building shall be constructed, encroach or project, except as specifically authorized in an adopted City ordinance or within this GDC.
a. 
Exterior Side Setback Line:
A side setback adjacent to a street right-of-way line.
b. 
Front Setback Line:
A line parallel to the street right-of-way line which the building takes its primary access from and faces.
c. 
Interior Side Setback Line:
A side setback that is not adjacent to a street right-of-way.
d. 
Side Setback Line:
A line parallel to an adjacent lot, property line, or street right-of-way on a corner lot, up to which the building sides.
e. 
Rear Setback Line:
A line parallel to an adjacent lot, alley, or street, for double frontage lots, to which the building backs up and from which it has its rear or secondary access.
SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS:
(x) Any use included within the meaning of “sexually oriented business,” as defined in Article VIII, of Chapter 26 of the City Code.
SHELTER TENT:
(x) Any shelter or cover, fabric, or solid material designed to provide shade or protection from weather elements.
SHIPPING CONTAINER:
(x) A standardized, reusable shipping or storage vessel used in the transportation of freight or the storage of goods, and that is capable of being mounted and moved on a rail car, a truck, or a ship.
SHOOTING RANGE, INDOOR:
(x) A structure specially designed for the safe discharge and use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, archery devices, and other types of firearms for the purpose of sport shooting, target practice, competitions, firearms education, or military or law enforcement training, entirely enclosed within a building. The term may include, as an accessory use, the sales of handguns and other firearms, ammunition, sport shooting, and hunting supplies.
SHOOTING RANGE, OUTDOOR:
(x) An area specially designed for the safe discharge and use of rifles, shotguns, pistols, archery devices, and other types of firearms for the purpose of sport shooting, target practice, competitions, firearms education, or military or law enforcement training in which some or all of the operation occurs outside (that is, not entirely enclosed within a building). The term may include, as an accessory use, the sales of handguns and other firearms, ammunition, sport shooting, and hunting supplies.
SIDEWALK:
A paved pathway, normally located within public right-of-way or within a pedestrian easement that is typically used by pedestrian traffic, bicycles, and other non-motorized personal conveyances.
SIGNIFICANT ARCHITECTURAL FEATURE:
That quality in buildings and structures, or parts thereof, which represents characteristics of a style or period of design and construction and which reflect, through integrity of location, design, materials, and workmanship the community’s heritage, including its historical, architectural, and cultural values.
SITE ENGINEERING DRAWINGS:
The drawings and technical specifications that conform to Chapter 3, Article 6, Division 1 of this GDC. Site engineering drawings, including bid documents and contract conditions, where applicable, provide a graphic and written description of the character and scope of the work to be performed in construction of a development.
SITE PERMIT:
A permit that is issued under Chapter 4, Article 1, Division 3 of this GDC, that authorizes site preparatory activities other than construction or placement of a structure on the land under one or more site plans and that, upon approval, authorizes the property owner to apply for a building permit.
SITE PLAN:
A scaled and detailed drawing that conforms to the requirements of this GDC, specifically Chapter 4, Article 1, Division 1, and that shows the roads, parking, footprints of all buildings, existing trees, proposed landscaping, parkland, open space, grading and drainage, and similar features needed to verify compliance with the City’s approved Comprehensive Plan and development standards.
SMALL ENGINE/LAWN EQUIPMENT RENTAL & REPAIR:
(x) An indoor establishment that cleans, repairs, refurbishes or rents out non-automotive electric or gas-powered equipment with only one-cylinder engines (such as lawn mowers, air compressors, and chainsaws). Includes no outside display or storage, unless such is allowed (by right or by SUP) and approved in the zoning district wherein the business is located. (Also see definitions for the various types of Outside Display and Outside Storage.)
SMOKE SHOP:
(x) A commercial establishment to which the public is admitted or invited which: (i) as its principal business purpose, offers for sale, distribution or exchange, for any form of consideration, any items, instruments, devices, equipment, accessories, or products that are intended, designed or marketed for use in the smoking or inhaling of any substance, including but not limited to tobacco, salts, incense, marijuana, hashish, hashish oil, cocaine or other controlled substances as defined in the Texas Health and Safety Code; and (ii) holds itself out, taking into account its business operations, its general inventory, and its commercial promotions whether on or off-premise, as encouraging or promoting the use of cannabis, illegal or controlled substances, or on which controlled substances are sold, marketed, or displayed even if marked as being sold for “novelty” or not for human consumption purposes. This definition does not include, and categorically excludes, commercial establishments that derive more than seventy-five percent of their revenue from the sale of the following tobacco products contained in the original manufacturer package: cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, snuff, or chewing tobacco.
SOCIAL SERVICE FACILITY/AGENCY:
(x) A nonprofit facility operated by an organization that provides services such as training, counseling, health, or the distribution of food or clothing. This term includes but is not limited to a facility offering life skills training, substance abuse counseling, and relocation and housing services. This term does not include any use that provides for any type of permanent or temporary overnight housing or shelter, or any type of retail sales of goods or services.
SOLID WASTE REFUSE CONTAINER:
See Refuse Container.
SPECIAL EXCEPTION:
A modification of zoning standards authorized by the City’s Board of Adjustment that is applicable to particular types of development within any zoning district in a manner consistent with the overall intent of the zoning regulations and for which express standards are prescribed in Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 5 of this GDC.
SPECIFIC USE PROVISION (SUP):
A zoning action authorizing the establishment of a use that may be suitable only in certain locations in a zoning district, or that is allowed only when subject to standards and conditions that assure compatibility with adjoining uses.
STABILIZED COVER:
A uniform perennial vegetative cover established and maintained with a coverage density of seventy percent or greater, or an approved equivalent stabilization measure (such as rip-rap, gabions, or geotextiles) on unpaved areas not covered by a permanent structure.
STABLE, COMMERCIAL:
(x) A business establishment with one or more structures or land that is used to keep equine livestock on a commercial basis, for compensation, for one or more of the following purposes: sale, hire, breeding, boarding, or training.
STABLE, PRIVATE:
(x) A detached Accessory Building for the keeping of equine livestock owned by the occupants of the premises and not kept for remuneration, hire, or sale. (See Section 22.09 in Article 1 of Chapter 22 in the City Code for regulations pertaining to the keeping of livestock on private property, particularly minimum acreage requirements).
STOCKYARDS:
A facility that provides confined areas where cattle, horses, or other livestock are held for short periods of time, fed filler-type feed, and are generally awaiting transport. ((x) - Shown within the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 under Stockyards, Livestock Auctions and Livestock Hauling)
STOOP:
A porch with steps that is located approximately at the level of the first floor of a structure and intended to provide access to a residential unit.
STORY:
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling.
STREET:
The entire width between property lines where any part thereof is open to the use of the public, as a matter of right, regardless of the type of property interest held by the City, for the purpose of vehicular traffic. This definition includes public as well as private streets.
STREETSCAPE:
The urban design element that establishes the character for the major part of the public realm. The streetscape is composed of thoroughfares (travel lanes for vehicles and bicycles, parking lanes for cars, sidewalks for pedestrians) as well as the visible private frontages (such as building facades and elevations, porches, setbacks, fences, and awnings) and the amenities within the public frontages (street trees and plantings, benches, streetlights, bike facilities, or other furnishings).
STRUCTURE:
Anything constructed or erected on the ground or attached to the ground, that has a permanent location on the ground in some definite manner. Examples include, but are not limited to, buildings, towers, fences, carports, canopies, sheds, cabins, mobile homes, and other similar things. Note that all buildings are structures, but not all structures are buildings. Also see Building.
STUCCO:
A color-intrinsic, exterior plaster material composed primarily of cement and sand applied in a three-stage process, at least three-quarters of an inch (0.75") in thickness, to form a hard covering for exterior walls. (See the definition for Masonry Construction in Article 6 of Chapter 4 of this GDC)
STUDIO, ARTS/CRAFTS:
(x) A business establishment, not exceeding five thousand square feet in floor area, that provides a fully enclosed space within a building and necessary supplies and equipment to produce individually crafted artworks or craft items. The term includes incidental retail sale of items produced on the premises and of supplies and crafting tools needed to produce same, as well as instruction in their creation.
STUDIO, FITNESS OR PERFORMING ARTS:
(x) A business establishment, not exceeding five thousand square feet in floor area, that provides a fully enclosed space within a building for practice and instructional classes in gymnastics, exercise or fitness routines, the martial arts, dance, music, theatre, and other performing arts. (See Health & Fitness Gym for facilities that are over five thousand square feet in size.)
SUBDIVIDE:
An act by an owner of land who divides the tract into two or more parts to lay out a subdivision of the tract, including an addition to a municipality, to lay out suburban, building, or other lots, or to lay out streets, alleys, squares, parks, or other parts of the tract intended to be dedicated to public use or for the use of purchasers or owners of lots fronting on or adjacent to the streets, alleys, squares, parks or other parts. A division of a tract of land under this definition includes a division regardless of whether it is made by using metes and bounds description in a deed of conveyance or in a contract for a deed, by using a contract of sale or other executor contract to convey, or by using any other method. A division of land under this definition does not include a division of land into parts greater than five acres, where each part has access and no public improvement is being dedicated.
SUBDIVIDER:
Any person or any agent of the person dividing or proposing to divide land so as to constitute a subdivision. In any event, the term “subdivider”‘ is restricted to include only the owner, equitable owner, or authorized agent of the owner or equitable owner of land to be subdivided.
SUBDIVISION:
The term may have the following meanings, depending on context: (i) property for which a plat has been recorded; (ii) an area of subdivided lots; or (iii) pertaining to the act of subdividing land (see the definition of Subdivide).
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT:
The total of all repairs, reconstruction, or improvements of a structure that: (i) have occurred less than twelve months prior to application for a permit for a proposed repair, reconstruction, or improvement; (ii) increases the floor area of an existing structure by fifty percent or more; or (iii) the cost of equals fifty percent or more of the market value of an existing structure, either:
a. 
Before the improvement or repair is started, or
b. 
If the structure has been damaged, and is being restored, before the damage occurred.
For the purposes of this definition, “substantial improvement” is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not the alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either:
c. 
Any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions, or
d. 
Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.
SURVEYOR:
A land surveyor or a registered professional land surveyor, licensed by the state of Texas to practice the profession of surveying.
TATTOOING/BODY PIERCING ESTABLISHMENT:
(x) An establishment that offers either tattooing or body piercing. Tattooing is the practice of producing an indelible mark or figure on the human body by scarring or inserting a pigment under the skin using needles, scalpels or other related equipment, but does not include tattooing for medical purposes (such as for reconstructive or plastic surgery) or the application of permanent cosmetics (see Permanent Cosmetics). Body piercing is the creation of an opening in an individual’s body, other than in an individual’s earlobe, to insert jewelry or other decoration. (Also see Subsection 2.52(A)(6) in Chapter 2 of this GDC.)
TAXIDERMIST:
(x) The business of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins, heads, antlers, or other external parts of animals, or birds, and fish for display.
TCEQ:
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
TECHNICAL STANDARDS or TECHNICAL STANDARDS MANUAL:
The City’s technical standards, specifications, documents, and regulations that apply to development, together with all tables, drawings, and other attachments. All City standards described or referred to in this GDC are adopted by reference and are a part of this GDC in the same way as if they were set out at length herein, and include (but not be limited to) the following:
a. 
The Standard Specifications for Public Works Construction in North Central Texas edition adopted per the Technical Standards Manual, published by the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), as amended by the City of Garland;
b. 
The City’s Engineering Department Standard Construction Details, as amended;
c. 
The City’s Geodetic Control Network (GCN);
d. 
The City’s Traffic Management Standards, as amended; and
e. 
The City’s Technical Standards Manual, as amended.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS SWITCHING STATION:
(x) A building used for the transmission and exchange of communications messages and signals (including those transmitted by wire, fiber-optics, or other non-wireless technology). The term does not include outdoor equipment yards or wireless service towers (see Antenna, Commercial).
TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER OR STRUCTURE:
See Antenna or Microwave Reflector, and Antenna Support Structure.
TELEWORK CENTER:
A satellite office-related work facility incorporating sufficient technology to permit employees to reduce their commute trip or to work closer to home (classified as an Office, General).
TEMPORARY BUILDING/OFFICE:
(x) A building or structure, of either permanent or temporary construction (including a recreational vehicle or a trailer), used in conjunction with a development or construction project for display purposes, as a field office, or for accommodating temporary supervisory, sales, or security personnel related to the active development or construction project.
TEMPORARY OR MOBILE ANTENNA:
An antenna and any associated support structure or equipment (including equipment such as a support pole or a vehicle) that is placed or used on a temporary basis only, usually in conjunction with a special event, news coverage, or emergency situation, or in case of equipment failure or temporary augmentation of permanent communications equipment.
THEATER, LARGE-SCALE:
(x) A building or part of a building devoted to the showing of motion pictures or for dramatic, musical, or live theatrical performances with a seating capacity of over seven hundred persons.
THEATER, SMALL-SCALE:
(x) A building or part of a building devoted to the showing of motion pictures or for dramatic, musical, or live theatrical performances with a seating capacity of seven hundred persons or less.
THOROUGHFARE, MAJOR:
A roadway that is classified as a Type “D” or above on the City’s adopted Major Thoroughfare Plan.
TIEDOWN:
Any device designed for the purpose of anchoring a mobile home or manufactured home to ground anchors, as required by Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1201.
TRANSIT STATION, PUBLIC:
(x) A premises for the loading and unloading of passengers for a publicly-owned and operated transit system (such as DART). The term includes overnight parking of passengers’ vehicles. The term does not include a bus stop.
TRANSPORTATION DEPOT, PASSENGER:
(x) A premises for the loading and unloading of passengers from group transportation vehicles (such as buses), that is operated for profit by a commercial passenger transportation business. The term includes a pick-up or drop-off type of operation only. The term does not include overnight parking or long-term storage of transportation vehicles, except for the occasional overnight parking of a vehicle that has become inoperable for a maximum of twenty-four hours, or any type of overnight accommodations.
TRANSPORTATION TERMINAL, PASSENGER:
(x) A premises for the loading and unloading of passengers from group transportation vehicles (such as buses), and also including the temporary or short-term parking of such vehicles, that is operated for profit by a commercial passenger transportation business. The term may include limited overnight accommodations and personal hygiene facilities (such as showers) for company employees and drivers only (not for passengers) and overnight parking of transportation vehicles that are either out-of-service (yet operable) or that are awaiting a trip segment for up to seven calendar days.
TRAVEL CENTER (also “TRUCK STOP”):
(x) A large-scale motor fuel sales facility of over five thousand square feet that primarily involves fueling and travel services for tractor trucks and the trucking industry.
TRUCK:
See Heavy Load Vehicle.
TRUCK/BUS REPAIR:
(x) An establishment that provides major and minor repairs to trucks, buses, trailers, and other heavy load vehicles for a fee. The term includes no outside storage except the parking of vehicles being repaired, which may remain on-site for no longer than ninety calendar days.
TRUCK/BUS SALES & LEASING/RENTAL:
(x) The rental of new or used panel trucks, vans, and other heavy load vehicles that are in operable condition. The term does not include truck or bus repair services.
TRUCK/BUS STORAGE:
(x) An area for the temporary parking or long-term storage of operable (that is, no junked, wrecked, or inoperable) trucks, buses, RVs, trailers, boats, and other types of special and heavy load vehicles, owned by others, for a fee.
TRUCK/BUS WASH:
(x) A facility for the automated, self-serve or full-service washing and detailing of heavy load vehicles for a fee. The term is limited to uses where the overnight storage of vehicles or trailers are limited to those vehicles or trailers that are being cleaned and no longer than two nights at any given visit.
TXDOT:
The Texas Department of Transportation.
UNIFORM SUPPLY SERVICE:
An establishment that provides for the pick-up or delivery, laundering, sale, or leasing of uniforms to individuals or businesses. The term may include uses such as on-site laundering of, and alterations and repairs to, uniforms and linens, which are provided to customers by the business. (Classified as Laundry Plant, Commercial in the Land Use Matrix in Chapter 2 of this GDC.)
USED GOODS:
Previously owned or used goods including, but not limited to, clothes, shoes, office or household furnishings, linens, draperies, dishes, domestic kitchen appliances, and other similar items. The term does not include the sales of any car, truck, recreational vehicle, boat, trailer, truck, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle, personal watercraft, or other automotive or motorized vehicle (which are covered as used vehicle sales).
USED GOODS, RETAIL SALES (INDOORS):
(x) A single-tenant retail establishment that primarily sells used goods in which all sales, display, and storage occur within a fully enclosed building. The term includes a resale or thrift shop, consignment store, military surplus store, and rummage shop, but does not include a flea market or indoor shopping mall (see Flea Market and Indoor Shopping Mall).
UTILITY:
A business that provides an essential commodity or service, such as electric, gas transmission, and local telephone, and that is generally substantially regulated by the Texas Public Utility Commission, Railroad Commission, or Federal Communications Commission.
VARIANCE:
Authorization to deviate from or vary one or more standards applicable to a development application that is reviewed and decided under Chapter 2, Article 2, Division 5, Section 2.25 of this GDC.
VEHICLE DISPATCH & STORAGE:
(x) A private, commercial transportation service (not operated by the City of Garland or other public entity such as DART) that specializes in the dispatch and provision of specialty non-heavy-load vehicles such as ambulances, hearses, limousines, taxis, and paratransit vehicles for a fee. The term may include facilities for accessory uses such as the storage and maintenance of such vehicles, office space, and sleeping quarters for employees who are on-call. The term only includes outside storage where allowed in the zoning district wherein the business is located and is limited to vehicles dispatched by the business unless otherwise approved by SUP.
VENDING MACHINE, EXTERIOR:
An automated machine that is located outside of the building and that is designed to sell and dispense non-consumable goods for a fee. The term includes machines that distribute visual media, flowers, newspapers or magazines, postage, or mailing supplies.
VESTED RIGHTS PETITION:
A request for relief, based upon constitutional standards, from one or more standards of this GDC based on an assertion that the petitioner has acquired a vested right requiring the City to review and decide the application under standards in effect prior to the effective date of the standards of this GDC. A vested rights petition is regulated under Chapter 5, Article 1, Division 5 of this GDC.
VETERINARY CLINIC, LARGE ANIMAL:
(x) An establishment where a veterinarian maintains treatment facilities for the medical or surgical treatment of diseased or injured animals of all sizes (may include livestock), including boarding facilities. Some or all of the establishment’s activities may occur outdoors (including overnight), in outdoor pens, runs, or corrals.
VETERINARY CLINIC, SMALL ANIMAL (INDOORS):
(x) An indoor-only establishment where a veterinarian maintains treatment facilities for the medical or surgical treatment of diseased or injured animals, including boarding facilities. The term does not include outdoor activities, except for short breaks, a maximum of sixty minutes, for animals currently being treated. For the purpose of this definition, small animal shall be defined as any animal that is no larger than the largest breed of dogs, including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals (no livestock).
VETERINARY CLINIC, SMALL ANIMAL (OUTDOOR):
(x) An establishment where a veterinarian maintains treatment facilities for the medical or surgical treatment of diseased or injured animals, including boarding facilities. The term includes activities that may occur outdoors, generally for an extended period of time (including overnight). For the purpose of this definition, small animal shall be defined as any animal that is no larger than the largest breed of dogs, including fish, birds, reptiles and mammals (no livestock).
WALK-UP SERVICE:
(x) A facility that is designed to allow patrons to order, pay for, and obtain goods by walking up to an exterior service window or portal while not physically entering the building.
WAREHOUSE, OFFICE/SHOWROOM (INDOOR):
(x) An establishment with at least twenty-five percent of its total floor area devoted to office and showroom space (that is, an establishment where a maximum of seventy-five percent of its total floor area is devoted to storage and warehousing that is not generally accessible to the public). The term includes sales offices, retail or wholesale sales areas, and display areas (showrooms) for products sold and distributed from the warehousing area.
WAREHOUSE or DISTRIBUTION CENTER:
See Distribution Center, Large and Distribution Center, Small.
WIND ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEM (WEC):
(x) A wind-driven energy conversion system that converts wind energy into electricity through the use of a wind turbine/rotor (blades), a tower (freestanding, engineered, monopole structure only upon which the wind turbine/generator is mounted – no lattice-type or guyed tower structures allowed), and associated control or conversion electronics, that has a rated capacity of not more than 10 kw output at any given time, and that is intended for on-site production and consumption of electricity.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION TOWER OR STRUCTURE:
See Antenna or Microwave Reflector, and Antenna Support Structure.
WRECKER/TOWING SERVICE:
(x) An establishment or place of business engaged in towing or transporting all types of vehicles (including automobiles, trucks, buses, and RVs) either behind the towing vehicle or placed on top of a flat-deck transport vehicle. The term includes the temporary storage of vehicles for no longer than fourteen calendar days. The term does not include long-term vehicle storage or salvage operations.
YARD:
Open space on the lot or building plot on which a building is situated, between the property line and the setback line, which is open and unobstructed to the sky by any structure except as provided below.
YARD, FRONT:
The open, unoccupied, and unobstructed space located in front of the front building line of the principal building(s), calculated as the minimum horizontal distance between the front property line and the front building line of the principal building(s). Refer to Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 1, Illustration 2-13, for a diagram related to this definition.
YARD, REAR:
The open space (unoccupied and unobstructed except for allowed appurtenances, accessory buildings or dwellings) located behind the rear building line of the principal building(s), calculated as the minimum horizontal distance between the rear property line and the rear building line of the principal building(s). Refer to Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 1, Illustration 2-13, for a diagram related to this definition.
YARD, SIDE:
The open (unoccupied, unobstructed) space located on either side of the principal building(s), calculated as the minimum horizontal distance between the side property line and the side building line of the principal building(s). Any lot line which is not a front or rear lot line is a side lot line. Where a lot has only three lot lines, those lot lines which do not front upon a street shall be deemed side lot lines. Refer to Chapter 2, Article 6, Division 1, Illustration 2-13, for a diagram related to this definition.
YOUTH CARE - FOSTER FAMILY HOME (Independent):
As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), or as amended, a single independent home that is the primary residence of the foster parent(s) and licensed to provide care for six or fewer children up to the age of eighteen years. In the event of a conflict between this definition and DFPS’s definition, as amended, the DFPS’s definition shall control.
YOUTH CARE - FOSTER GROUP HOME (Independent):
As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), as amended, a single independent home that is the primary residence of the foster parent(s) and licensed to provide care for seven to twelve children up to the age of eighteen years. In the event of a conflict between this definition and DFPS’s definition, as amended, the DFPS’s definition shall control.
YOUTH CARE - LISTED FAMILY HOME:
As defined by administrative rule of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), as amended, a caregiver at least eighteen years old who provides care in his own home for compensation and has a current and valid Issuance Letter issued by DFPS for three or fewer children unrelated to the caregiver, ages birth through thirteen years. Regular care is provided, which is care provided for at least four hours a day, three or more days per week, and more than nine consecutive weeks. The total number of children in care, including children related to the caregiver, shall not exceed twelve. In the event of a conflict between this definition and DFPS’s definition, as amended, the DFPS’s definition shall control.
ZONING DISTRICT:
A classification within which the development regulations specified are uniform, and which is assigned to a particular area of the City by delineation upon the Zoning District Map, which is a part of this GDC.
ZONING DISTRICT MAP:
The officially certified map or maps, on which the boundaries of the various zoning districts are shown, and which is a part of this GDC.
ZONING DISTRICT, NONRESIDENTIAL:
Any zoning district designated other than residential zoning by Chapter 2 of this GDC, as amended.
ZONING DISTRICT, RESIDENTIAL:
Any zoning district designated as a residential district in Chapter 2 of this GDC, as amended.
ZOO:
(x) A facility consisting of a zoological garden or a collection of live animals for display to the public.
(Ordinance 6773 adopted 5/19/15; Ordinance 6944 adopted 11/21/17; Ordinance 6979, sec. 3, adopted 4/17/18; Ordinance 7001, sec. 2, adopted 8/7/18; Ordinance 7079, sec. 44, adopted 8/20/19; Ordinance 7104, sec. 1, adopted 11/5/19; Ordinance 7107, sec. 86, adopted 12/3/19; Ordinance 7176, sec. 3, adopted 9/15/20; Ordinance 7352 adopted 8/16/22; Ordinance 7405 adopted 2/21/2023; Ordinance 7495 adopted 1/9/2024; Ordinance 7497 adopted 1/9/2023)