Abandon.
To cease or suspend from developing or maintaining a structure
or use for 12 months or more.
Abutting.
Having a common border with or being separated from a common
border by a right-of-way, street, alley, easement, or having property
lines in common.
Access.
Safe, adequate, and usable ingress or egress to a property
or use.
Accessory agricultural structures.
Structures used exclusively for farming operations, excluding
residential uses. An agricultural activity must be clearly present
on the property.
Accessory offices.
Office facilities for administration, or on-site business
and operations management that are incidental and accessory to another
business, sales, or service activity that is the primary use. For
example, a business office within a grocery store or warehouse.
Accessory uses and structures.
Uses and structures (e.g., carports, garages, storage sheds, workshops) that are customarily part of, and clearly incidental, related, secondary, and subordinate to a main use or structure and do not change the character of the main use or structure. See Section
18.60.020 (Accessory Uses).
Action.
The decision made by the Review Authority concerning a land
use application, including appropriate findings, environmental determination,
and conditions of approval, where applicable.
Addition.
Any increase in the square footage or height of an original
structure after the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued for the
original structure.
Administrative permit.
A permit authorizing the operation of a specific use of land or a structure in a particular location in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and the procedures specified in Chapter
18.114 (Administrative Permits).
Agricultural contractors, service repair, and maintenance.
An agriculturally-based business that directly serves farmers
and ranchers, including water well drilling, land leveling, and hauling.
To qualify as an agricultural contractor, service repair, and maintenance
business, all services shall be exclusive to agricultural operations.
Agricultural/historical museum.
A place or structure in which 51 percent or more of the objects
have an agricultural historical interest. The remaining 49 percent
may have non-agricultural historical interest.
Agricultural processing plants.
Commercial facilities or operations that transform, package,
sort, or grade livestock or livestock products, agricultural commodities,
or plants or plant products, excluding forest products and cannabis-related
products, into goods that are used for intermediate or final consumption
including goods for non-food use.
Agricultural tourism.
An agriculturally-based operation or facility which provides
access to visitors at a working farm, ranch, or production facility
that is available for the enjoyment and/or education of visitors.
Agriculture.
Farming, dairying, pasturage, apiaries, horticulture, excluding
cannabis, floriculture, viticulture, and animal husbandry, but not
including commercial feeding of waste materials to pigs or other animals.
Airports.
Areas of land designated and set aside for the landing and
taking off of any aircraft regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Airstrips.
Areas of land designated and set aside for landing and taking
off of private aircraft under the control of property owners on their
own property.
Alleys.
Public or private roadways, customarily located at the rear
or side of properties, permanently reserved as means of vehicular
or pedestrian access to abutting properties.
All-weather driving surface.
A driving surface constructed with a minimum of four inches
of Class II Aggregate Base, or other approved materials capable of
supporting a 25-ton vehicle load.
Alteration.
Any construction or physical change in the internal arrangement
of rooms or the supporting members of a structure or any change in
the appearance of any structure.
Animal confinement facilities.
Facilities where cattle, calves, sheep, horses, goats, pigs, foul, rabbits, fish, or other domestic animals are corralled, penned, or otherwise caused to remain in a restricted area for agricultural purposes where feeding is other than grazing for more than 45 days during the year. Range pastures for livestock are exempt from the definition of animal confinement facilities. School projects, 4-H, fairs and other individual educational projects are exempt from the definition of animal confinement facilities. See Chapter
18.64 (Animal Confinement Facilities).
Animal hospital or veterinarian.
A place where domestic animals or household pets are given
medical or surgical treatment and are cared for during the time of
treatment. Use as a kennel shall be limited to short time boarding
and shall only be incidental to the hospital use.
Antenna.
A device for transmitting or receiving radio, television,
or any other transmitted signal.
Antiquated subdivision.
All or any portion of a parcel which is part of a subdivision
for which a Final Map was recorded prior to April 1, 1965, and in
which the parcel is less than the minimum parcel size.
Applicant.
A person who submits a land use application and who is the
property owner or an authorized agent of the owner who is legally
authorized to act for the owner of record.
Art studios.
Places used primarily for art activities, including private
and communal artist workspaces. Does not include Adult Entertainment
Businesses, which are separately defined.
Attached.
Any structure that has an interior wall or roof in common
with another structure.
Auction establishments.
Indoor or outdoor facilities devoted to the sale of property
(e.g., merchandise, vehicles, etc.) to bidders under the supervision
of an agent or entity.
Awning.
A sheet of canvas or other material on a frame that is used
to keep the sun or rain off a storefront, window, doorway, or deck.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020)
Banks and financial institutions.
Commercial establishments including federally chartered banks,
savings and loan associations, industrial loan companies, and credit
unions providing retail banking services to individuals and businesses.
Bars.
Commercial establishments or part of an existing establishment
used primarily for the sale of alcoholic beverages to be consumed
on the premises.
Berm.
A linear mound or embankment of earth designed to control the flow of water, to provide visual screening, to attenuate noise, or to provide visual interest. See Chapter
18.36 (Landscaping).
Boat building, sales, and repair.
Commercial establishments building or selling boats and/or
various other types of watercraft. Also includes repair and service
of boats and other types of watercraft.
Bona fide farmer.
Any individual who derives a majority (over 50 percent) of
his or her income from actual farming practices including growing,
harvesting, tilling, cultivating, and post-harvesting of crops, or
the raising of animals, fowl, or bees.
Breweries.
Establishments where malt beverages are manufactured on the
premises.
Buffers.
Strips of land established to separate incompatible or different
land uses. Normally a buffer area is landscaped and retained as open
space. The term may be used more broadly to describe any area or use
that separates two unlike land uses (e.g., the use of multi-family
housing located between single-family housing and commercial uses).
Building materials sales.
Indoor and/or outdoor retail establishments selling hardware,
tools, appliances, lumber and other building materials, plants, portable
spas, and other landscaping materials. May also include the rental
of tools and equipment used in the building trades.
Building site.
The ground area occupied or to be occupied by a structure
or structures together with all open spaces, parking and related facilities
required by this Zoning Code.
Bus or train stations.
Facilities where buses and trains regularly stop to load
and unload passengers or goods.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Caretaker housing.
A residence that is accessory to a nonresidential primary
use and that is used for security, 24-hour care or supervision, or
monitoring facilities, equipment or other conditions on the site.
Carport.
A permanent roofed structure that is not completely enclosed
to be used for vehicle parking.
Car wash.
Permanent, self-service and/or attended motor vehicle washing
establishments, including fully mechanized facilities. May include
detailing services and the limited sale of retail merchandise customarily
used by the motorists.
Cemetery and mausoleum.
An area set aside for or containing the long-term confinement
of graves, tombs, or funeral urns.
Certificate of occupancy.
An approval issued by the County Department of Public Works
prior to occupancy of a structure to ensure that the structure is
ready for occupancy with all defects corrected and all construction
debris removed, and the site graded to final grade. Additionally,
all on-site amenities required as conditions of approval or code requirements
(e.g., paving, landscaping) shall be in place prior to the issuance
of the permit.
Childcare facilities.
Facilities that provide non-medical care and supervision
of minor children for periods of less than 24 hours. These facilities
include the following, all of which are required to be licensed by
the State Department of Social Services:
1.
Small Day Care Home.
A child day care facility located in a single-family residence where an occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for eight or fewer children in compliance with
Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44. Children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home count as children served by the day care facility. See Section
18.60.150 (Large and Small Family Child Care Facilities) for additional standards.
2.
Large Day Care Home.
A child day care facility located in a single-family residence where an occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for nine to 14 children in compliance with
Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465. Children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home count as children served by the day care facility See Section
18.60.150 (Large and Small Family Child Care Facilities) for additional standards.
3.
Child Day Care Center.
A child day care facility not operated as a small-or large-family
day care home. Includes, but is not limited to, infant centers, preschools,
extended child day care facilities, and school age child day care
centers. These may be operated in conjunction with a business, school,
or religious facility.
Commercial recreation and entertainment.
Establishments (indoors or outdoors) where entertainment
(participant or spectator) is provided for a fee (admission or membership)
for the pleasure of the patrons, either independent of or in conjunction
with another use. Does not include adult entertainment businesses,
bars, and nightclubs. Illustrative examples of commercial recreation
and entertainment use include:
Amusement parks
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Internet cafés
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Arcades
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Miniature golf course
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Billiard parlors
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Pool rooms
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Bowling alleys
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Scale-model courses
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Cinemas
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Sports stadiums and arenas
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Golf courses
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Tennis/racquetball courts
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Ice/roller skating rinks
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Theaters
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Community care facility.
Any facility, place, or structure which is maintained and
operated to provide non-medical residential care, day treatment, adult
day care, or foster family agency services for children, adults, or
children and adults, including, but not limited to, the physically
handicapped, mentally impaired, incompetent persons, and abused or
neglected children, and includes the following:
1.
Adult Day Care Facilities.
Facilities that provide nonmedical care to persons 18 years
of age or older in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance
essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the
protection of the individual on less than a 24-hour basis.
2.
Child Therapeutic Day Services Facilities.
Facilities that provide nonmedical care, counseling, educational
or vocational support, or social rehabilitation services on less than
a 24-hour basis to persons under 18 years of age who would otherwise
be placed in foster care or who are returning to families from foster
care.
3.
Community Treatment Facilities.
Residential facilities that provide mental health treatment
services to children in a group setting. Program components shall
be subject to program standards developed by the State Department
of Mental Health.
4.
Foster Family Homes.
Residential facilities providing 24-hour care for six or
fewer foster children which is owned, leased, or rented and is the
residence of the foster parent(s), including their family, in whose
care the foster children have been placed. The placement may be by
a public or private child placement agency, by a court order, or by
a voluntary placement by a parent(s), or guardian(s).
5.
Residential Care Facilities.
Group care facilities, or similar facilities in a single-family
home, as determined by the Director, for 24-hour nonmedical care of
six or fewer persons in need of personal services, supervision, or
assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living
or for the protection of the individual.
6.
Small-Family Homes.
Residential facilities located within the licensee's family
residence, which provides 24-hour care for six or fewer foster children
who have mental disorders or developmental or physical disabilities
and who require special care and supervision as a result of their
disabilities.
7.
Social Rehabilitation Facilities.
Residential facilities which provide social rehabilitation
services for no longer than 18 months in a group setting to adults
recovering from mental illness who temporarily need assistance, guidance,
or counseling.
Community centers.
Structures used for recreational, social, educational, or
cultural activities, usually owned and operated by a public or nonprofit
group or agency.
Comprehensive sign program.
A process through which permissible on-site signs are reviewed
to provide for a coordinated, complementary program of signs within
a single development project consisting of multiple tenant spaces
or a district.
Conditional use permit.
A permit authorizing a specific use of land or a structure in a particular location in compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and the procedures specified in Chapter
18.116 (Conditional Use Permits).
Conference centers.
Facilities designed to host conferences, conventions, exhibitions,
large meetings, and seminars.
Conservation easement.
Voluntary legal agreements between a landowner and a land
trust (or other qualified organization) in which the land owner places
restrictions on the use of the property, in order to protect the natural
values of the land.
Contractors storage yards.
Facilities operated by, or on behalf of a contractor licensed
by the State of California for storage of large equipment, vehicles,
or other materials commonly used in the individual contractor's type
of business; storage of materials used for repair and maintenance
of contractor's own equipment; and, structures for uses including
offices and repair facilities.
Convenience stores.
Retail establishments offering for sale prepackaged food
products, household items, beer, wine, and other goods commonly associated
with the same.
Crematoriums.
Facilities where the bodies of deceased people are cremated.
Crop, orchard, vineyards.
Agricultural crops, fruit trees, hay crops, nurseries for
producing trees, vines and other horticultural stock, orchards, pasture
crops, nut trees, row crops, vineyards, and other plant crops of all
kinds (excluding cannabis).
Cul-de-sac.
A street closed at one end with a circular turnaround.
Cultural centers and facilities.
Facilities that provide access to cultural resources, including
art, scientific and historical items, performances, or reference materials.
Examples include: aquariums, arboretums, public art galleries and
exhibitions, botanical gardens, historic sites and exhibits, libraries,
museums, and planetariums. This may also include limited accessory
retail uses (i.e., gift/book shops and restaurants).
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Day.
A period of 24 hours as a unit of time, reckoned from one
midnight to the next.
Defensible space.
Physical design characteristics that maximize observation
and control of public areas within a public, semiprivate, or private
area, structure, or community to help prevent crime and other antisocial
behavior.
Density.
The number of dwelling units per gross acre, unless otherwise
stated, for residential uses, the number of people per acre for agricultural
uses, and, the percentage of parcel coverage and people per square
foot for commercial uses (see Figure 8-1 Density).
Designated urban areas.
Areas within Urban Communities (UC) boundaries, Rural Residential
Center (RC) boundaries, and Highway Interchange Center (HIC) boundaries
as indicated on the officially adopted Land Use Maps of the General
Plan.
Distilleries.
Establishments where distilled spirits are manufactured.
Dormitories.
Structures intended or used principally for sleeping accommodations,
where the structure is related to an educational or public institution,
including religious institutions and fraternities and sororities.
Dwellings, multi-family.
Structures containing three or more residential dwelling
units, each of which is for the occupancy by one or more persons living
as a single housekeeping unit. Includes: triplexes (structures under
single ownership with three dwelling units in the same structure);
fourplexes (structure under single ownership with four dwelling units
in the same structure); apartments (five or more dwelling units under
single ownership in the same structure or complex); and common ownership
attached unit projects including condominiums and townhouses. Does
not include two-family duplexes or single room occupancy (SRO) uses.
Dwellings, single-family.
Residential structures containing one dwelling unit located
on a single parcel of land for occupancy by one single household.
Also includes manufactured housing, mobile homes, and tiny homes when
placed on a permanent foundation system.
Dwelling unit.
A structure or part of a structure containing permanent provisions
for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation for occupancy
by one or more families.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Easement.
The right to use the real property of another for a specific
purpose.
Emergency shelters.
Housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons
that is limited to an occupancy of six months or less by homeless
persons or families, where no one may be denied emergency shelter
because of an inability to pay; as defined and used in Section 508019
of the California
Health and Safety Code.
Employee housing.
Accommodations that may be one of the following:
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Provided by an employer and maintained in connection with any
work or place where work is being performed, as defined by Section
17008(a) of the California Health and Safety Code; or
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•
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Not provided by an employer and maintained in connection with
any work or place where work is being performed, as defined by Section
17008(b) of the California Health and Safety Code.
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1.
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Employee Housing, Agricultural. A housing accommodation that
consists of 36 beds or less in group quarters, or 12 units or less
designed for use by a single family or household.
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2.
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Employee Housing, Residential. Accommodations provided for six
employees or less and shall be deemed a single-family structure and
a residential use of the property by a single household.
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(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020)
Family.
Two or more people related by blood or legal status or persons
not related who are functioning as a family or single-housekeeping
unit, meaning that they have established ties and familiarity with
each other, jointly use common areas, interact with each other, and
share meals, household activities, expenses and responsibilities.
Membership in the family is fairly stable as opposed to transient
and members have some control over who becomes a member of the family.
Family does not include a fraternity, sorority, club, or other group
occupying a hotel, other transient lodging, or institution of any
kind.
Farm animal keeping and raising.
The care and breeding of farm animals (e.g., cattle, goats,
pigs, rabbits. sheep, horses), excluding the keeping of household
pets (e.g., cats, dogs, fish).
Farm equipment and machinery sales.
Commercial establishments assembling, maintaining, renting,
repairing, selling, and/or storing agricultural equipment machinery,
and supplies for use in soil preparation and maintenance, the planting
and harvesting of crops, and other operations and processes pertaining
to farming and ranching.
Farmers markets.
Retail facilities located in a temporary and/or permanent
structure(s), which sells eggs, locally-grown crops, and other agricultural
products.
Fence.
A barrier, railing, or other upright structure, typically
of wood or wire, enclosing an area of ground to mark a boundary, provide
screening, control access, or prevent escape.
Flea markets.
Events where inexpensive or secondhand goods are sold or
bartered. The activities may be conducted indoors (e.g., in a warehouse
or school gymnasium) or they may be conducted outdoors (e.g., in a
field or under a tent). Also known as outdoor auction sales and swap
meets.
Floor area, gross.
The sum of the total horizontal areas of a structure, measured
from the interior faces of exterior walls. The term gross floor area
shall include basements; elevator shafts; stairwells at each story;
floor space used for mechanical equipment with structural headroom
of six feet, six inches or more; penthouses; attic space, whether
or not a floor has actually been laid, providing structural headroom
of six feet, six inches or more; interior balconies; and mezzanines.
Floor area ratio.
The relationship between the total amount of usable floor
area that a structure has and the total area of the parcel on which
the structure(s) stands. See Figure 8-2 (Floor Area Ratio).
Figure 8-2 Floor Area Ratio
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Food vendors, mobile.
Any moveable, motorized cart, push cart, or wagon, approved
by the County Division of Environmental Health, and used for the preparation,
sales, and/or distribution of food and beverages to the general public,
without a fixed place of business and move site to site. Includes
street vendors and sidewalk vendors.
Food vendor, semi-mobile.
Any licensed motor vehicles approved by the County Division
of Environmental Health and permitted by the Department, used for
the preparation, sales, and/or distribution of food and beverages
to the general public, and provides service to one site per day.
Fowl.
Any bird domesticated or not, that is eaten or used for its
feathers, meat, skin and so forth (e.g., turkeys, chickens, quail,
ostriches).
Frontage.
A portion of a parcel of property which abuts a street or
highway.
Frozen food lockers.
Facilities that offer large-scale reach-in/walk-in freezers
and cold storage boxes/rooms and other similar types of secured accommodations
capable of storing beverage, ice, food, and other perishable materials
for the food service industry, as well as retail and wholesale outlets.
Furniture manufacturing.
Manufacturing facilities producing wood and metal furniture
and appliances; bedsprings and mattresses; all types of office furniture
and partitions, shelving, lockers, and store furniture; and miscellaneous
drapery hardware, window blinds and shades. Includes wood and cabinet
shops, but not sawmills or planning mills, which are uses included
under "Lumber and Wood Products Manufacturing."
Furniture retail sales.
Commercial facilities that sell furniture and related home
furnishings including, draperies, floor coverings, glass and chinaware,
refrigerators, stoves, other household electrical and gas appliances,
televisions, home sound systems, and outdoor furniture including lawn
furniture, spas, and hot tubs. Furniture retail sales also include
the sale of office furniture and pianos.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Garage or yard sales.
The sales of goods, wares, or merchandise on a residential property principally used as a residence (commonly known as a patio, yard, garage, and/or backyard sale) on a temporary basis (See Section
18.60.290, Temporary Events).
Garage, private.
A detached accessory structure or a portion of a main structure
on the same parcel as a dwelling for the storage of motor vehicles
of the occupants of the dwelling, including carports.
Garage, public.
A structure or portion of a structure for the private use
of the owner or occupant of a principal structure situated on the
same parcel of the principal structure for storage of motor vehicles
with no facilities for mechanical service or repair of a commercial
or public nature.
Glare.
A sensation of excessive brightness within the visual field
that causes annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and
visibility.
Grade, existing.
The surface of the ground or pavement at a stated location
as it exists before disturbance in preparation for a project.
Grade, finished.
The surface of the ground or pavement at a stated location
as it exists after completion of a project.
Grade, natural.
The unaltered natural surface of the ground at a stated location.
Greenhouses.
Structures constructed chiefly of glass, glass-like translucent
material, cloth, or lath which is devoted to the protection or cultivation
of plants.
Gym/athletic clubs.
Membership facilities that provides indoor and outdoor recreation
(e.g., outdoor pools, tennis courts), exercise classes and courses,
and health and lifestyle training for members who belong to the organization.
Gymnasiums.
Structures containing space and equipment for various indoor
sports activities and usually including spectator accommodations,
locker, and shower rooms, offices, classrooms, or a swimming pool.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Hazardous materials.
Materials that, because of its quantity, concentration, or
physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present
or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment
if released into the workplace or the environment.
Heavy equipment repair.
Repair of commercial vehicles, tractors, and other types
of heavy motorized equipment. Does not include vehicle dismantling
or salvage or tire retreading or recapping.
Height of structure.
The vertical distance measured from the average finished grade, nearest the structure, to the highest point of the structure, exclusive of the miscellaneous structures specified in Section
18.30.030(C)(2) (Height Measurement and Exceptions).
Helipads.
Landing and takeoff areas used, designed, or intended to
be used by helicopters for the receiving or discharging of passengers
and cargo that does not include any ancillary facilities for passengers,
cargo, or the storage and repair or servicing of the helicopters.
Heliports.
Landing and takeoff areas used, designed, or intended to
be used by helicopters for the receiving or discharging of passengers
and cargo and may include ancillary facilities for passengers, cargo,
or the storage and repair or servicing of helicopters.
Home occupation.
An accessory use of a dwelling unit conducted entirely within the dwelling unit, and where the use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for residential purposes and does not change the character or adversely affect the uses allowed in the residential zone of which it is a part. See Section
18.60.070 (Home Occupations).
Hospitals.
Facilities providing medical, physical, psychiatric, or surgical
services on a 24-hour basis for sick or injured persons primarily
on an in-patient basis and including ancillary facilities for outpatient
and emergency treatment, diagnostic services, training, research,
administration, and ancillary services to patients, employees, or
visitors (e.g., cafeteria, gift/flower shop, waiting rooms).
Hotels/motels.
Facilities with guest rooms or suites, provided with or without
kitchen facilities, rented to the public for transient lodging for
up to 30 days, excluding hourly lodging. Hotels generally provide
access to most guest rooms from an interior walkway, and typically
include a variety of services in addition to lodging (e.g., meeting
facilities, personal services, restaurants). Motels generally provide
access to most guest rooms from an exterior walkway. Also includes
accessory guest facilities (e.g., accessory retail uses, indoor athletic
facilities, swimming pools, tennis courts, etc.).
Hunting clubs.
Facilities that provide opportunities to hunt wildlife and
are typically operated by a membership organization.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2039, 5/21/2024)
Immediate family member.
Husband, wife, child, father, mother, sister, brother, father-in-law,
mother-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandchildren and foster
parents, foster children or guardian and "dependent" relations.
Impervious surface.
A surface composed of any material that impedes or prevents
natural infiltration of water into the soil. Impervious surfaces include,
but are not limited to, roofs, solid decks, driveways, patios, sidewalks,
parking areas, tennis courts, concrete or asphalt streets, or compacted
gravel surfaces.
Industrial parks.
Planned, coordinated developments of a tract of land with
two or more separate industrial structures. Development is customarily
planned, designed, constructed, and managed on an integrated and coordinated
basis with special attention given to on-site vehicular circulation,
parking, utility needs, structure design and orientation, and open
space.
Industry.
Establishments engaged in the manufacturing of finished parts
or products either from raw materials or previously prepared materials,
within an enclosed structure. Includes processing, fabrication, assembly,
treatment, testing (e.g., laboratories), packaging, storage/warehousing,
incidental office space, sales, and distribution of the parts or products;
and laundry and dry-cleaning plants. Excludes vehicle/equipment rentals,
vehicle repair and service, and vehicle sales.
1.
Industry, Heavy.
The manufacturing and/or processing of materials and goods
using large quantities of raw materials and generally requiring high
capitalization and production of large quantities of output. Heavy
industry often sells output to other business users rather than consumers.
Characteristics of heavy industry include, but are not limited to,
heavy trucking activity, noise, emissions requiring Federal or State
environmental permits, use of large quantities of hazardous materials
as defined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and requirements
for specialized permits from Federal and State occupational health
and safety agencies. Examples of heavy industry uses include chemical
manufacturing, glass product manufacturing, paving and roofing materials
manufacturing, petroleum refining and related industries, plastics,
other synthetics and rubber product manufacturing, primary metals
industries, pulp and pulp paper product manufacturing, and textile
and leather product manufacturing.
2.
Industry, Light.
The manufacturing and/or processing of consumer-oriented
goods in a manner that does not produce noticeable odors, air emissions,
or other environmental effects, and that has limited associated trucking
activity. Light industries generally require limited amounts of raw
materials to produce goods. Examples of light industry uses include
artisan/craft product manufacturing, bottling plant, clothing and
fabric product manufacturing, electronics, equipment and appliance
manufacturing, handcraft industries, small-scale manufacturing, paper
product manufacturing, wholesale photo/film processing, and printing
and publishing (e.g., books, magazines).
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Junk.
Any worn out, cast off, or discarded article of material
which is ready for destruction or has been collected or stored for
salvage or conversion to some other use. Any article or material which,
unaltered or unchanged and without further reconditioning, can be
used for its original purpose as readily as when new, shall not be
considered junk.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Kennel and animal boarding.
Any facility where five or more dogs, cats, or other small
domesticated animals over the age of four months are kept, whether
keeping is for pleasure, profit, breeding, or exhibiting, including
places where the animals are boarded, kept for sale or hire.
Kitchen.
Any room or space within a structure, all or part of which
is designed or used for cooking, preparation, refrigeration and storage
of food and which includes any of the following equipment: stove,
oven, range top, dishwasher, kitchen sink, microwave oven, and refrigerator/freezer.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Landscaping.
The planting and continued maintenance of suitable vegetation in conformity with the requirements of this Zoning Code. Chapter
18.36 (Landscaping).
Laundromats.
Commercial establishments offering coin-operated washing
machines and dryers for public use. Excludes commercial laundries,
dry cleaning plants, and other similar heavy commercial/industrial
uses.
Lead agency.
The public agency which has the principal responsibility
for carrying out or approving a project (Section 65929 of the State
Planning, Zoning and Development Laws, 1996. See also Responsible
Agency).
Liquor sales/bars.
Businesses holding a current valid Alcohol Beverage Control
License primarily devoted to the sales/serving of alcoholic beverages
and in which food service is incidental to the on-site consumption
of the beverages.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Maintenance guarantee.
Any security, other than cash, that may be accepted by the
County to ensure the maintenance of required improvements.
Marina.
Private, public, or commercial facilities for boats or other
water vessels to be berthed and/or launched, which may include the
sale of fuel and incidental supplies, rental, restroom facilities,
and parking areas.
Massage establishments.
Establishments where massage services are provided in compliance
with State law. Massages are defined as the application of a system
of structured touch, pressure, movement, and holding to the soft tissues
of the human body with the intent to enhance or restore the health
and well-being of the client.
Massage services, accessory.
Massage establishments, as defined above, which are operated
as an accessory use in conjunction with an approved health club, athletic
club, gym, or hotel, or in conjunction with a medical office or chiropractic
office. For the purpose of this definition, an accessory use shall
mean a use that is not more than 25 percent of the floor area of the
related health or athletic activities of the primary use. Does not
include "adult oriented businesses."
Median.
An area between opposing lanes of traffic that may be unplanted
or planted with trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses.
Medical laboratories.
Facilities which provide bacteriological, biological, medical,
prosthetic, x-ray pathological, and similar analytical or diagnostic
services to the medical profession. No fabricating is conducted on
the premises.
Mine, quarry, gravel pit.
A place from which rock, stone, aggregate, sand, gravel,
and other minerals are excavated from the ground.
Mini golf.
See "Commercial Recreation and Entertainment."
Ministerial approval.
When an approval of a use requires no discretion or judgment
of the governing official or governing body other than ensuring compliance
with local Codes.
Mini storage.
A facility with structures containing generally small individual
compartmentalized areas or lockers rented as individual storage spaces
and characterized by low parking demand. Ancillary outdoor storage
for RVs and water vessels is also allowed. (Also, commonly referred
to as "personal storage" or "self-storage" facilities.)
Mixed-use.
A development consisting of one or more parcels developed
as a cohesive development project and designed with a blend of various
compatible uses (e.g., commercial retail, retail service, office,
residential, civic, and institutional). The uses may be located vertically
in the same structure or horizontally in separate structures.
Mobile home park.
Improved areas that provide spaces and utilities for mobile
homes to be used for residential purposes.
Mobile/manufactured homes.
Factory-built structures that are manufactured or constructed
under authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 5403, Federal Manufactured Home
Construction and Safety Standards, or California law (Health and Safety
Code Sections 18007 and 18008), and are to be used as a place for
human habitation. The structure is manufactured either in whole or
in substantial part at an off-site location, transported to the site,
assembled on-site, and placed on a permanent foundation. For the purpose
of the Zoning Code, a manufactured home shall be considered the same
as any site-built single-family detached dwelling.
Mortuary or funeral homes.
Facilities where deceased persons are prepared for burial
or cremation, and funeral services may be conducted. Includes funeral
homes and funeral parlors.
Museums.
See "Commercial Recreation and Entertainment."(Ord. 1976 §
2, 2019).
Nail salons.
Establishments where 25 percent or more of the floor area
used to provide manicure and/or pedicure services.
Nightclub.
Commercial entertainment establishments open at night that
typically provide food and alcoholic beverages and space for dancing
and amplified music (e.g., live band, DJ, stereo sound system).
Noise barrier.
A wall, fence, berm, or landscaping intended to decrease excessive noise. See Chapter
18.36 (Landscaping).
Nonconforming parcel.
A parcel legally created before the effective date of this
Zoning Code, or subsequent amendment, which does not comply with the
minimum area, depth, width, or other requirements of this Zoning Code.
Nonconforming sign.
A sign legally existing before the effective date of this
Zoning Code, or subsequent amendment, which does not comply with the
sign regulations of this Zoning Code.
Nonconforming structure.
A structure legally existing before the effective date of
this Zoning Code, or subsequent amendment, which does not conform
to the requirements of the zone in which it is located.
Nonconforming use.
A use of land and/or a structure, whether conforming or nonconforming,
legally existing before the effective date of this Zoning Code, or
subsequent amendment, but which is no longer allowed in the zone in
which it is located.
Nonconformity, illegal.
An illegally created parcel or a sign, structure, or use
that was illegally constructed, created, installed, or initiated without
proper permits or approvals, does not comply with the provisions of
this Zoning Code.
Nurseries.
Commercial establishments where plants and trees are grown
for sale or for planting elsewhere. May also include the sale of tools
and nursery products.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Occupancy.
A type of use or the act of using a site (e.g., dairy, grocery
store, dwelling).
Offices.
Facilities or businesses that predominantly offer professional
and/or business services, including banks, architects, attorneys,
accountants, medical, advertising, computer support, land use planners,
and other similar professional services and uses.
Oil and gas wells.
Borings in the earth that are designed to bring petroleum
oil or natural gas to the surface.
Open space.
Any land or water not covered by structures, roadways, or
parking lots.
Outdoor dining.
An area adjacent to and directly in front of a street-level
eating or drinking establishment located within the sidewalk area
of the public right-of-way exclusively for dining, drinking, and pedestrian
circulation. The encroachment area of outdoor dining may be separated
from the remainder of the sidewalk by railings, fencing, or landscaping
planter boxes, or a combination thereof. An Encroachment Permit must
be obtained from the County Department of Public Works.
Outdoor storage.
An uncovered land area providing for the arrangement of objects,
items, products, or other materials, typically not in a fixed position
and capable of rearrangement.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Parcel area.
The total of the area, measured in a horizontal plane, within
the parcel lines of a parcel.
Parcel, corner.
A parcel located at the intersection of two or more streets
at an angle of not more than 120 degrees. If the angle is greater
than 120 degrees, the parcel shall be considered an "interior parcel."
A corner parcel has one front setback and one street side setback
(see Figure 3-2. Location and Measurement of Setbacks).
Parcel coverage.
A portion of a parcel or structure site which is covered
by a structure(s) excepting structure overhangs, paved areas, walks,
and swimming pools, regardless of whether or not the structure(s)
is in-tended for human occupancy.
Parcel depth.
The horizontal distance between the front and the rear parcel
lines measured in the mean direction of the side parcel lines.
Parcel, flag.
A parcel with access provided to the bulk of the lot by means
of a narrow corridor (see Figure 8-3, Flag Parcel).
Parcel line.
Any line bounding a parcel as defined in this article (see
Figure 8-4 Parcel Lines).
2.
Parcel Line, Rear.
The parcel line opposite the front parcel line. Where the
side property lines of a lot meet in a point, the rear property line
shall be assumed to be a line not less than 10 feet long, lying within
the lot and parallel to the front property line. In the event that
the front property line is a curved line, then the rear property line
shall be assumed to be a line not less than 10 feet long, lying within
the lot and parallel to a line tangent to the front property line
at its midpoint.
4.
Parcel, Reversed Corner.
A corner parcel where its rear yard abuts the side yard of
an adjacent parcel and where the side parcel line is a continuation
of the front parcel lines of the parcels to its rear, whether across
an alley or not (see Figure 8-5, Reverse Corner Parcel).
Figure 8-5 Reverse Corner Parcel
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5.
Parcel, Substandard.
A parcel of land that has less than the required minimum
land area, width, or depth as established by the zone in which it
is located.
6.
Parcel, Through.
A parcel having frontage on two dedicated streets, not including
a corner or reversed corner parcel (see Figure 8-6, Through Parcel)
Figure 8-6 Through Parcel
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7.
Parcel Width.
The average horizontal distance between the side parcel lines,
measured at right angles to the parcel depth at a point midway between
the front and rear parcel lines (see Figure 8-7, Parcel Width).
Parcels.
Tracts or areas of land established by plat, subdivision,
or as otherwise permitted by law, to be used, developed, or built
upon as allowed by this Code, and fronting upon a street or a private
easement adequate for purposes of access.
Parks and playgrounds.
An outdoor recreation facility that may provide a variety
of recreational opportunities, including playground equipment, open
space areas for active and passive recreation and picnicking, and
sport and active recreation facilities. May also include enclosed
structures providing for recreational opportunities.
Parkway.
An area located between a sidewalk and the curb or traffic
lane. It may be planted or unplanted, and with or without pedestrian
egress.
Personal services, general.
Commercial establishments that provide recurrently needed
services of a personal nature. Illustrative examples of these uses
include:
Barber and beauty shops
|
Locksmiths
|
Clothing rental shops
|
Nail salons
|
Dry cleaning pick up stores with limited equipment
|
Shoe repair shops
|
Laundromats (self-service laundries)
|
Tailors and seamstresses
|
These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products
related to the personal services provided.
|
Personal services, restricted.
Commercial establishments that may tend to have a blighting
and/or deteriorating effect upon surrounding areas/uses and that may
need to be dispersed from other similar uses to minimize adverse impacts.
Illustrative examples of these uses include:
Day spas
|
Palm and card readers
|
Healing arts (acupuncture, aromatherapy, etc.) with no services
qualifying under "Massage Establishments"
|
Tobacco, paraphernalia, and vaping products and supplies
|
Tanning salons
|
Internet cafes
|
Tattoo service and body piercing studios
|
These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products
related to the personal services provided.
|
Places of assembly.
Facilities and appropriately-related opportunities for public
or private assembly and meetings, including civic and private auditoriums,
banquet halls, community centers, conference and convention facilities,
and meeting halls for clubs and other membership organizations. Also,
any structure used for non-profit purposes by an established religious
organization holding either tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3)
of the Internal Revenue Code or under the California property tax
law, where the structure is primarily intended to be used as a place
of worship. The term includes, but is not necessarily limited to,
church, temple, synagogue, and mosque.
Planned development.
Land under unified control to be planned and developed as a whole in a single development operation or a definitely programmed series of development operations or phases. A planned development includes principal and accessory structures and uses substantially related to the character and purposes of the planned development. A planned development is built according to general and detailed plans that include not only streets, utilities, parcels and structure location, and the like, but also site plans for all structures that are intended to be located, constructed, used, and related to each other, and plans for other uses and improvements on the land as related to the structures. A planned development includes a program for the provisions, operations, and maintenance of such facilities, and improvements that will be for common use by some or all of the occupants of the planned development district, but which will not be provided, operated or maintained at general public expense. Also called Planned Unit Development (see Chapter
18.20 Planned Development Zone).
Planned development permit.
A permit authorizing the development of land that may not conform with all of the applicable zone-driven standards or related regulations, but which complies with the goals and policies of the General Plan and any applicable specific plan for a particular area in compliance with Chapter
18.118 (Planned Development Permits).
Pool halls.
See "Commercial Recreation and Entertainment."
Principal use.
The main use of land or structure, as distinguished from a secondary or accessory use (See Section
18.60.020 Accessory Uses).
Produce stands.
Temporary commercial establishments, operated for a specific
time period, selling unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other
agricultural products in a raw or natural state, grown or produced
on-site, and that is accessory to an on-site or adjacent agricultural
operation.
Project.
The whole of an action with potential for resulting in a
physical change in the environment directly or ultimately. Any activity
involving the issuance of a lease, permit, license, certificate, or
other entitlement for use by one or more public agencies.
Public agency.
The Government of the United States; the government of California
or a political subdivision thereof (e.g., city, county, or special
district).
Public buildings.
Structures used (both owned and rented) by public agencies,
including city, county, Federal, and State administration buildings;
fire stations and other fire prevention and firefighting facilities;
police and sheriff substations and headquarters, including interim
incarceration facilities; public libraries; and post offices. Does
not include facilities specifically identified under another land
use category, including schools.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020)
Qualified agricultural workers.
Individuals who derive over half of his or her income from
employment in actual farming practices, including growing, harvesting,
tilling, cultivating, and post-harvesting of crops, or the raising
of animals, fowl or bees (see Ordinance 1421, 1992).
Quarries.
See "Mines, Quarries, and Gravel Pits."
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Ranch or farm office.
An office that is incidental and accessory to on-site ranch
and/or farming operations.
Recreational vehicle (RV).
A vehicle built on a single chassis and designed to be self-propelled
or towed by another vehicle. A recreational vehicle is not designed
or intended for use as a permanent dwelling, but as temporary living
quarters for recreational camping, travel, or seasonal use. This definition
includes vehicles such as travel trailers, fifth wheels, motor homes,
and overhead campers.
Recreational vehicle parks (RV).
A commercial use providing spaces and facilities for travel
trailers, motor homes, and other recreational vehicles for recreational
use and transient lodging. Uses where unoccupied recreational vehicles
are offered for sale or lease or are stored are not included.
Recreational vehicles and water vessels.
A camping trailer, motor home, travel trailer, or truck camper,
with or without self-propelled motive power, and that may be moved
upon a public highway without a special permit or chauffeur's license
or both without violating any provision of the California Vehicle
Code. A "self-contained recreational vehicle" shall be a recreational
vehicle with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance, refrigeration facilities,
and a separate bathroom containing a water closet with a flush toilet,
lavatory, and bathtub or shower.
Recycling.
The series of activities by which discarded materials that
would otherwise remain waste are collected, separated, or processed
and used to make new products (see Chapter 18.60.240, Recycling Facilities).
Recycling facilities.
A variety of facilities involved with the collection of recyclable
materials. A "certified" recycling or processing facility is certified
by the California Department of Conservation as meeting the requirements
of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction
Act of 1986. Recyclable material includes reusable materials that
can be reconstituted, remanufactured, or reused in an altered form,
including glass, metals, paper, and plastic. Recyclable material does
not include refuse or hazardous materials. This land use does not
include storage containers located on a residential or nonresidential
site used solely for the recycling of material generated on the site.
Redemption centers.
Facilities where the public may donate, redeem, or sell recyclable
materials.
Rendering plants.
Facilities that convert packing house waste, kitchen grease,
and livestock carcasses into industrial fats and oils (e.g., tallow
soap and various other products).
Responsible agency.
Any public agency, other than the lead agency, which has
the responsibility for approving or denying the project where more
than one public agency is involved.
Restaurants.
Retail establishments (i.e., cafés, coffee houses,
diners, food services) engaged in the business of selling/serving
food and beverages prepared for both on-site and off-site consumption.
This includes restaurants with sit down table service and fast food
restaurants that may include drive-thru service.
Retail sales.
Retail establishments, completely enclosed within structures,
engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for
profit. Examples of these establishments and lines of merchandise
include:
1.
General.
Retail establishments, completely enclosed within structures,
engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public. Examples
of these establishments and lines of merchandise include:
Antiques
|
Locksmiths
|
Appliances
|
Luggage and leather goods
|
Artists' supplies
|
Medical supplies and equipment
|
Motor vehicle parts and accessories
|
Musical instruments, parts and accessories
|
Bakeries (retail only)
|
Newsstands
|
Bicycle sales and rentals
|
Office supplies
|
Books
|
Orthopedic supplies
|
Cameras and photographic supplies
|
Paint and wallpaper
|
Carpeting and floor covering
|
Pharmacies
|
Clothing and accessories
|
Religious goods
|
Convenience market
|
Secondhand clothing sales
|
Drug and discount stores
|
Shoe stores
|
Electronic equipment
|
Small wares
|
Fabrics and sewing supplies
|
Specialty food and beverage
|
Florists and houseplant stores (indoor sales only)
|
Specialty shops
|
Gift shops
|
Sporting goods and equipment
|
Grocery store
|
Stationery
|
Handcrafted items
|
Supermarket
|
Hardware
|
Toys and games
|
Hobby materials
|
Travel services
|
Jewelry
|
|
Kitchen utensils
|
|
2.
Bulk Retail Merchandise.
Retail establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise
to the general public as well as to other retailers, contractors,
or businesses, and rendering services incidental to the sale of the
goods. Bulk retail is differentiated from General Retail Sales by
a high volume of sales of related and/or unrelated products in a warehouse
setting (i.e., "big box" retail) or the sale of goods or merchandise
that require a large amount of floor space and that are warehoused
and retailed at the same location. Does not include "warehousing,"
"wholesaling," or "vehicle sales." Examples of items for sale include:
Electrical and heating fixtures and supplies
|
Household products
|
Groceries
|
Nursery stock
|
Household appliances
|
Personal care products
|
Household furnishings
|
Lumber
|
3.
Sales (Firearms).
Retail establishments customarily selling a wide variety
of fire arms, ammunition, and related accessories and equipment under
Federal laws governed by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
(ATF).
Reverse vending machines.
A kiosk where the public may donate, redeem, or sell recyclable
materials using an automated mechanical device which accepts at least
one or more types of empty beverage containers and issues a cash refund
or redeemable credit slip with a value, as determined by State law.
These vending machines may accept aluminum cans, glass and plastic
bottles, and other containers.
Review authority.
The individual or official County body identified by this
Zoning Code as having the responsibility and authority to review and
approve or deny ministerial and discretionary permit applications
and appeals described in this Zoning Code. Includes the Board, the
Commission, the Director, and the Department.
Right-of-way.
The right to make a way to and from another parcel of land.
A type of easement granted or reserved over land for transportation
purposes (e.g., a highway, street, sidewalk, rail transport, or canal),
as well as electrical transmission lines, and oil and gas pipelines.
Road, private.
Any way open to vehicular ingress and egress owned and maintained
by a private individual, organization, or company rather than by a
public agency.
Road, public.
Any right-of-way or street under the jurisdiction of or maintained
by a public agency and open to public travel.
Schools.
Educational institutions, whether public or private, including
elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools, serving transitional
kindergarten through 12th grade students, offering general academic
instruction equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board
of Education, and including denominational and sectarian, boarding
schools, charter schools, and military academies. Also includes community
colleges, public or private colleges, universities, and professional
schools granting associate arts degrees, certificates, undergraduate
and graduate degrees, and requiring for admission at least a high
school diploma or equivalent general academic training.
Screening.
The use of fences, walls, hedges, berms, or other features
to shield, conceal, separate, or hide from view adjacent land uses.
Setback line.
The distance a structure, parking area, or other development
feature must be separated from a parcel line, other structure, development
feature, or street centerline (see Figure 8-8, Setbacks).
1.
Setback Line, Front. The line which defines the depth of the
required front setback area.
2.
Setback Line, Rear or Side. The line which defines the width
or depth of the required rear or side setback area.
3.
Setback Line, Street Side. The line which defines the width
or depth of the required street side setback area.
Shopping centers.
A group of commercial establishments, planned, generally
constructed, and managed as a single entity with employee and customer
parking provided on-site under common control or shared under a reciprocal
agreement. Shopping centers are further defined as regional (50 or
more acres), community (15-49 acres), and neighborhood (up to 14 acres).
Short-term rentals.
A single-family dwelling, or portion of a single-family dwelling,
that is rented to transient guest occupants for periods of 30 days
or less. Short-term rentals include County-approved hosted and vacation
rentals, and do not include transient lodging in County-approved hotels,
hostels, motels, and time shares.
1.
Hosted Rental.
The rental of a portion of a private residence that is concurrently
occupied by the owner or operator during the duration of the transient
renter's stay. May include, but not limited to, bed and breakfasts
and homestays.
2.
Vacation Rental.
The rental of an entire private residence that is not concurrently
occupied by the owner or an operator during the duration of the transient
renter's stay.
Sight distance area.
A space on a corner parcel and any driveway or alley in which all visual obstructions (e.g., structures and plantings), that inhibit visibility and thus cause a hazard to traffic and pedestrian safety are prohibited. (See also Chapter
18.34 Fences, Walls and Hedges and Merced County Code Chapter
13.24 Sight Distance at Public Intersections and Private Driveways).
Sign.
Structures or other visual devices designed, constructed, and used for the purpose of communicating a message or identifying or attracting attention to a parcel, product, service, person, cause, or event (See Chapter
18.44 Sign Regulations).
Sign permit.
A permit authorizing a variety of signs, including individual signs for promotional advertising, in compliance with specific provisions and conditions of this Zoning Code and Chapter
18.44 (Sign Regulations).
Signs and banner shops.
Commercial establishments providing advertising materials
which include banners and signs, both premade and custom, to the public.
Single room occupancy (SRO).
Any residential structure containing more than five units
intended or designed to be used, rented, or hired out to be occupied
for sleeping purposes, generally for one person per unit. Individual
units typically share communal features (e.g., kitchen, bathroom,
entertainment area).
Site plan and design review.
An administrative review process providing for review of projects for compliance with the provisions of this Zoning Code and with any site plan or architectural design guidelines adopted by the County and as provided in Chapter
18.122 (Site Plan and Design Review).
Site plans.
Plans, prepared to scale, showing complete and accurate dimensioning,
the boundaries of a site and the location of all structures, uses,
and principal site development features proposed for a specific parcel
of land, may also include elevations and floor plans as may be required
(also called plot plan).
Slope.
A natural or artificial incline, as a hillside or terrace.
Slope is usually expressed as a ratio (e.g., a horizontal distance
of 100 feet with a rise of 50 feet would be expressed as a 2:1 slope).
Small appliance repair.
Commercial establishment providing on-site repair and accessory
sales of supplies for appliances, office machines, and office/home
electronic/mechanical equipment, conducted entirely within an enclosed
structure.
Stables, private.
Accessory structures in which horses are kept for private
use and not for remuneration, hire, or sale.
Stables, public.
Commercial establishments for donkeys, horses, and/or mules,
which are rented, used, or boarded for compensation (e.g., boarding
stables, riding schools and academies, horse ranches, horse exhibition
facilities (for shows or other competitive events)), and barns, corrals,
paddocks, and stables accessory and incidental to these uses.
Stock yards and feed lots.
Commercial establishments where cattle or other animals are
held or maintained for the purposes of feeding and/or marketing, including
feeding and sales of lots/yards when not operated as a secondary occupation
in connection with, or as part of, a bona fide agricultural operation.
Structures.
Anything constructed or built, any edifice or building of
any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of
parts joined together in some definite manner, which requires location
on the ground or is attached to something having a location on the
ground, including swimming and wading pools and covered patios, excepting
outdoor areas (e.g., paved areas, walks, tennis courts), and similar
recreation areas.
Subdivision.
The division of any tract, lot, or parcel of land into two
or more lots or parcels for the immediate or future purpose of residential,
commercial, industrial, or agricultural development for rent, lease
or sale, including changes to streets and/or proposals for streets
(see also Merced County Subdivisions Code, Title 17).
Subdivision sales offices.
A temporary commercial office used ancillary to a residential
subdivision, typically located in a residential structure, that is
used for on-site real estate sales. May also include similar temporary
facilities located in a commercial or industrial condominium development.
Supportive housing.
Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied
by the target population and that is linked to on-site or off-site
services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining
the housing, improving his or her health status, maximizing his or
her ability to live, and when possible, work in the community. Supportive
housing units are residential uses allowed in any zone allowing residential
uses, subject only to those requirements and restrictions that apply
to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 1990 § 1, 2020)
Temporary use permit.
An administrative permit authorizing specific limited term uses in compliance with conditions and performance criteria specified in Chapter
18.124 (Temporary Use Permits).
Temporary uses.
Uses established for a specified period of time, typically
less than 12 months, with the intent to discontinue the use at the
end of the designated time period.
Transitional housing.
Rental housing operated under program requirements that call
for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted
unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future
point in time, which shall be no less than six months from the beginning
of the assistance. Transitional housing units are residential uses
allowed in any residential zone allowing residential uses, subject
only to those requirements and restrictions that apply to other residential
uses of the same type in the same zone.
Transportation and equipment yard.
An outdoor storage facility that stores large equipment and
machinery, including agricultural, farm and building equipment, but
not including passenger vehicles. May include ancillary office and
maintenance facilities.
Truck scales.
Large scales permanently mounted on a foundation and available
for public use to weigh cars and trucks. Also known as weigh stations.
Truck stops.
Commercial establishments intended primarily for trucks that
typically provide fuel, food service, showers, and other comfort facilities
for truck drivers. May include short-term truck storage.
Truck terminals.
Facilities for loading and/or unloading of fuel, food products,
materials or freight merchandise and may include related fueling facilities,
traffic routing offices, temporary truck storage areas, wash racks,
maintenance, and other ancillary facilities.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2039, 5/21/2024)
Use.
The purpose (type and extent) for which land or a structure
is arranged, designed, or intended, or for which either land or a
structure is occupied or maintained.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Variance.
An action granting exception to the development standards of this Zoning Code in cases where strict compliance would result in a unique hardship in compliance with Chapter
18.126 (Variances and Minor Deviations).
Vehicle.
1.
Vehicle, passenger. A motor vehicle, other than a motortruck,
truck tractor, or a bus, as defined in Section 233, and used or maintained
for the transportation of persons, as defined by Section 465 of the
California
Vehicle Code.
2.
Vehicle, commercial. A motor vehicle of a type required to be
registered under the California
Vehicle Code used or maintained for
the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit or
designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of
property, as defined by Section 260 of the California
Vehicle Code.
Vehicle impound yards.
Holding or storage places for motor vehicles until they are
placed back in control of the owner, recycled for their metal, stripped
of their parts at a wrecking yard, or auctioned off for the benefit
of the impounding agency.
Vehicle, inoperable.
Any private or commercial vehicle or water vessel that is
not currently registered and/or is not operable and clearly cannot
be readily made operable because of damage, missing parts or any other
condition that precludes its use. Vehicles shall only be considered
operable if they are in a condition to be currently registered and
capable of being driven on a public roadway.
Vehicle rentals.
1.
Vehicle rental, general. Commercial establishment that rents
automobiles, construction equipment, motorcycles, recreational vehicles,
trucks, trailers, and similar vehicles and equipment, including on-site
storage and incidental maintenance that does not require pneumatic
lifts, and only when conducted within a fully enclosed structure.
2.
Vehicle rental, limited. Commercial establishment that rents
small vehicles (e.g., mopeds, scooters, Segways), and similar sized
vehicles with electric power or engines less than 100cc. May also
include the maintenance, minor repair, and on-site storage of the
equipment offered for rent, and only when conducted within fully enclosed
structure.
3.
Vehicle rental, office only. Office activities offering the
rental of automobiles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, trucks,
and other types of transportation vehicles. Does not include the on-site
storage of or incidental maintenance of these vehicles.
Vehicle repair and maintenance.
The repair, servicing, alteration, restoration, towing, painting,
cleaning, or finishing of automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles,
water vessels, golf carts, and other motor vehicles as a primary use,
including the incidental wholesale and retail sale of vehicle parts
as an accessory use. This includes the following categories:
1.
Vehicle repair, major motor. Major repair of automobiles, motorcycles,
recreational vehicles, or trucks including light duty trucks (i.e.,
gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 pounds) and heavy-duty trucks
(i.e., gross vehicle weights more than 10,000 pounds). Examples of
uses include full- service motor vehicle repair garages; body and
fender shops; brake shops; machine shops; paint shops; tire sales
and installation shops; towing services; transmission shops; and tire
recapping. Does not include vehicle dismantling.
2.
Vehicle repair, minor motor. Minor repair of golf carts, automobiles,
motorcycles, recreational vehicles, or light duty trucks, vans, or
similar size motor vehicles (i.e., vehicles that have gross vehicle
weights less than 10,000 pounds) including detailing services; installation
of electronic equipment (e.g., alarms, stereos); servicing of cooling,
electrical, fuel and exhaust systems; brake adjustments; relining
and repairs; oil and lube shops; smog shops, tire and battery sales
and installation (not including recapping); and wheel alignment and
balancing. Does not include any type of car washing service.
Vehicle sales.
1.
Vehicle sales, general. Sale of automobiles, construction equipment,
motorcycles, recreational vehicles, light duty trucks, and similar
vehicles and equipment, including display, storage, maintenance, repair,
and incidental rental of the vehicles and equipment. May include the
sale, installation, and servicing of related equipment and parts.
All maintenance and repair activities shall be conducted within a
fully enclosed structure.
2.
Vehicle sales, wholesale. Sales limited to an office only, offering
the sale of automobiles and light duty trucks. Does not include on-site
inventory, display, storage, maintenance, or repair of these vehicles.
May be subject to parking requirements of the Department of Motor
Vehicles.
Vehicle service station.
A commercial facility that sells gasoline or diesel, or alternative
fuel (i.e., hydrogen fuel, ethanol, natural gas, propane, or other
alternative fuel) for the on-site fueling of primarily passenger vehicles.
May include incidental "minor" maintenance and repair (i.e., battery
charging and tire changing and repair) of vehicles and light duty
trucks, vans, or similar size motor vehicles (i.e., vehicles that
have gross vehicle weights less than 10,000 pounds). May also include
a convenience store operated by the service station owner.
Vehicle storage.
A commercial facility that provides short-term and long-term
storage and/or parking of vehicles (e.g., automobiles, motorcycles,
recreational vehicles, trucks). Does not include Commercial Vehicle
Storage.
Vehicle storage, commercial.
A commercial facility that provides short-term and long-term
storage parking of commercial vehicles and/or vehicles having a manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more.
Vernal pool.
A shallow depression that fills with water during the winter
and dries by evaporation in the spring and is a habitat for unique
plant and animal species.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019; Ord. 2039, 5/21/2024)
Wall, masonry.
A wall built from individual units which are often laid and
bound together by mortar. Masonry walls are commonly used for separating/screening
incompatible uses and for safety reasons.
Warehouses.
Commercial establishments offering the storage of furniture,
household goods, or other commercial goods of any nature. Includes
cold storage. Does not include warehouse, storage, or personal, self,
or mini-storage facilities offered for rent or lease to the public
(see "Mini Storage"; or "Warehouse Distribution" for warehouse facilities
in which the primary purpose of storage is for wholesaling and distribution).
Wetland.
An area that is inundated or saturated by surface water or
groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions,
commonly known as hydrophytic vegetation.
Wholesale distribution.
A commercial establishment engaged in the sale of goods or
merchandise to retailers, industrial, commercial, institutional, or
other professional business users, or to other wholesalers. In general,
it is the sale of goods to anyone other than a standard consumer.
Wildlife management areas.
Areas designated by a public agency, typically State or Federal,
and owned by a private or public entity for the purposes of protecting,
maintaining, and studying important vegetative, water, fishing, and
wildlife areas.
Windsheds.
Defined areas surrounding an existing or proposed animal confinement facility used to determine compatibility with adjacent properties. Distances within a windshed shall be measured from the periphery of the animal facility and not the property line. See Section
18.10.020(C) (Agricultural Zone Land Uses and Permit Requirements: Windshed).
Wineries.
Bonded agricultural processing facilities primarily used
for the commercial processing of grapes or other fruit products into
wine or similar spirits or the refermenting of still wine into sparkling
wine. Processing consists of controlled fermentation combined with
any of the following: crushing, blending, barrel aging, and bottling.
Storage of case goods shall only occur in conjunction with processing.
Retail sale of related promotional items may be allowed as part of
the winery operation. A winery may include a tasting room as part
of an accessory use if the floor area used for the tasting room is
less than or equal to 25 percent of the total floor area of the facility.
Wine tasting rooms.
Facilities in which wine products grown or processed on the
owner's property may be tasted and sold. Merchandise offered for sale
within the tasting room may also include souvenirs and clothing bearing
the logo of the winery, as well as wine related items and other products
that reflect or enhance the character or theme of the winery.
Wireless telecommunication facilities.
Facilities that include equipment which supports the transmission
and/or receipt of electromagnetic/radio signals. Wireless telecommunication
facilities include cellular radiotelephone service facilities, personal
communications service facilities (including wireless internet), specialized
mobile radio service facilities, and commercial paging service facilities.
Components of these types of facilities can consist of the following:
antennas, repeaters, microwave dishes, horns, and other types of equipment
for the transmission or receipt of the signals, telecommunication
towers or similar structures supporting the equipment, equipment structures,
parking area, and other necessary development.
Wrecking yards.
The storage and dismantling of automobiles, trucks, or other
motor vehicles and machinery and equipment for commercial purposes.
Includes salvage yards, dismantling yards, and junk yards.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Yard.
Any open space on the same parcel with a structure(s) or
a dwelling group which open space is unoccupied and unobstructed from
the ground upward to the sky, except for the projections or accessory
structures allowed by this Zoning Code (see Figure 8-9, Yards).
1.
Yard, Front.
The space between the front of the structure and the front
parcel line or highway setback line and extending the full width of
the parcel.
2.
Yard, Rear.
The space between the rear of the structure and the rear
parcel line and extending the full width of the parcel.
3.
Yard, Side.
The space extending from the front yard, or from the front
parcel line where no front yard is required by this Zoning Code, to
the rear yard, or rear parcel line, between a side parcel line and
the side of the structure.
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)
Zone.
A portion of the territory of the County within which certain
uses of land, premises, and structures are permitted, other uses are
permitted through approval of a discretionary permit from the County,
and other uses are not permitted and within which certain development
standards are established.
Zoning clearance.
An administrative "plan check" type process of nonexempt uses and structures that do not otherwise require review to determine compliance with applicable provisions of this Zoning Code as provided in Chapter
18.128 (Zoning Clearances).
(Ord. 1976 § 2, 2019)