City of Westminster, CA: Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases.

§ 17.700.010 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases.

The following definitions are in alphabetical order:

Definitions "A."

See Government Code Section 65852.2.

Accessory uses and structures, residential.

Any use and/or structure that is customarily a part of or clearly incidental to a residence, which does not change the character of the residential use and/or household. These uses include the following detached accessory structures, and other similar structures normally associated with a residential use of property:

•	Garages;
•	Gazebos;
•	Greenhouses;
•	Outdoor recreational amenities, such as tennis and other on-site sport courts, children's play house and equipment;
•	Spas and hot tubs;
•	Storage sheds;
•	Swimming pools;
•	Workshops (not for conducting business);
•	Hobby and recreation room such as billiard or table tennis.
When an accessory structure is attached to the main building, a substantial part of one wall of the accessory structure shall be an integral part of the main building, or such accessory structure shall be attached to the main building in a substantial manner by a roof, and such accessory structure shall comply in all respect with requirements of this Title applicable to a main building including, but not limited to, setbacks.

Accessory structure.

A structure that is physically detached from, secondary and incidental to, and commonly associated with the primary structure.

Accessory use.

A use customarily incidental to, related and clearly subordinate to a principal use established on the same parcel, which does not alter the principal use or serve property other than the parcel where the principal use is located.

Adult uses.

See Section 17.400.015.

Adult day care facility.

A State-licensed facility that provides nonmedical care and supervision for more than 6 adults for periods of less than 24 hours.

Affordable housing agreement.

A legally binding agreement between an applicant and the City to ensure that housing remains affordable or available to senior citizens in accordance with the provisions of applicable law or a negotiated Development Agreement. The agreement, among other requirements, shall establish the number of affordable units, their size, location, terms and conditions of affordability, and production schedule.

Affordable housing cost.

As defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5.

Affordable rent.

Monthly housing expenses paid by the eligible household/tenant, including a reasonable allowance for utilities, as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 50053, unless other law applies.

Affordable sale price.

A sales price at which low- or very low-income households or qualified residents can qualify for the purchase of affordable units, calculated on the basis of underwriting standards of mortgage financing available for the development.

Affordable unit.

A dwelling unit within a housing development, which will be reserved for sale or rent to, and affordable to, lower or moderate-income households, as required by entitlement approvals and as set forth in an affordable housing agreement or qualified residents.

Dwelling unit.

A building or portion thereof designed for living and sleeping purposes that contains independent cooking and sanitation facilities.

•	Mobilehome dwelling unit. A detached residential dwelling unit designed for transportation, after fabrication, on streets or highways, on its own wheels or on flatbed or other trailers, and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling complete and ready for occupancy except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, location on jacks or other temporary or permanent foundations, connections to utilities and the like, which must be located in an approved City mobilehome park.
•	Multiple-family dwelling unit. A building or portion thereof containing 3 or more dwelling units designed for the independent occupancy of 3 or more families.
•	Multiple-family dwelling unit, for purposes of Section 17.400.135 Accessory Dwelling Units only. A structure with two or more attached dwellings on a single lot. Multiple detached single-family dwellings on the same lot are not considered to be multifamily dwellings.
•	Multiple-family residential. For the purpose of determining applicability with the provisions of this Title and the adopted Design Guidelines Manual, a multiple-family residential project or development shall include 2 or more units, detached or attached, on a lot or in a development in the R-2 through R-5 zoning districts.
•	Single-family dwelling unit. A detached building containing no more than 1 dwelling unit which is designed to be occupied, or occupied, by not more than 1 family, including all domestic employees for such family.
•	Two-family dwelling unit or duplex. A building containing 2 dwelling units designed for the independent occupancy of 2 families.

Aisle.

A driveway which also serves as a maneuvering space for ingress and egress to one or more adjacent parking spaces.

Agent.

A person authorized in writing by the property owner to represent and act for a property owner in contacts with City employees, committees, Commissions, and the Council, regarding matters regulated by this Title.

Alcohol sales, off-site consumption.

The sale of beer, wine, and/or distilled spirits by any commercial retail establishment, business, or facility, that holds a license from the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, in original, unopened packages for consumption off the premises where sold.

Alcohol sales, on-site consumption.

Alley.

A public or private roadway, generally not more than 20 feet wide that provides vehicle access to the rear or side of parcels having other public street frontage that is not intended for general traffic circulation.

Allowed use.

A use of land identified by Article 2, Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards, as a permitted or conditional use that may be established with a land use permit and, where applicable, site plan review and/or building permit approval, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Title.

Alteration.

Any construction or physical change in the internal arrangement of rooms or the supporting members of a structure, or a change in the external appearance of any structure, not including painting. See also "Structural Alteration."

Alternative transportation modes.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: any mode of travel that serves as an alternative to the single occupant vehicle. This can include all forms of ridesharing, such as carpooling or vanpooling as well as public transit, bicycling, or walking.

Amortization.

A method of eliminating nonconforming uses and structures by requiring the termination of the use or demolition of the structure after a specified period of time.

Amusement centers.

See "Commercial Entertainment and Recreation."

Animal sales and services.

•	Animal boarding and kennels. Public or commercial facilities for the keeping, boarding, or maintaining of common household pets for commercial purposes, except for dogs or cats offered for sale in pet shops.
•	Animal grooming. Place or establishment where animals are bathed, clipped, or combed for the purpose of enhancing their aesthetic value or health and for which a fee is charged and where there are no boarding facilities.
•	Pet shops. Retail stores selling or offering for adoption birds, cats, dogs, fish, and other common household pets, including supplies for the care and feeding of the animals sold. This use may include pet grooming, but not the overnight boarding of animals other than those for sale.
•	Pet day care. A facility for the primary purpose of same day short-term keeping, boarding or maintaining of animals that do not require medical treatment and excludes the keeping of animals overnight.
•	Veterinary clinics and animal hospitals. Office and indoor medical treatment facilities used by veterinarians, including large and small animal veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals. This may include the incidental overnight boarding of animals.

Antenna.

A system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission, reception or both of electromagnetic radiation waves.

Antenna, dish.

An electronic element which uses a spherical dish to receive or transmit telecommunications signals, such as radio or television transmissions, from or to any source or receptor, including satellites.

Apartment.

One or more rooms, with kitchen facilities, comprising as independent, self-contained dwelling unit located within a multiple-dwelling structure.

Applicable development.

Any new development project that is determined to meet or exceed the employment threshold under the criteria contained in Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management.

Applicant.

Any person(s), firm(s), entity(ies) or corporation(s) who submit an application for a use, development review project, mobilehome conversion permit, or hazardous waste facility project.

Appraised value (of a mobilehome).

The value of the mobilehome being appraised and all improvements made to such unit. For the purpose of determining "appraised value," the following homeowner installed improvements shall be included: all skirting around the home, patio covers and fixtures, porches, landings, decks, appurtenant structures, decorative lamp posts or yard lighting, homeowner-installed landscaping, pads or hardscape, sheds, cabinets, carports and awnings.

The appraised value shall not include permanent non-movable accessory structures and appurtenances or concrete foundations and landscaping installed by the mobilehome park. It shall not include the value of the land on which the home rests, or value attributable to park location and amenities. The expense for the appraisal shall be that of the park owner. The selection of the appraiser shall be made by the homeowner from an accredited list of appraisers presented by the park owner.

Approval.

Includes both approval and approval with conditions.

Arcade.

A row of arches supported by columns that are either attached to or detached from the wall.

Arch.

A curved structure supporting its weight over an open space such as a door or window.

Architectural feature.

Nonhabitable design elements on buildings which provide visual variation and/or relief (i.e., towers, gables, spires, cupolas, artificial windbreaks, and similar structures). The interior space created by such a projection may serve as usable space (i.e., counter space, bookshelves, window seat), but may not increase the floor area of the building (i.e., may not project from the building at floor level).

Articulation.

Description of the degree or manner in which a building wall or roofline is made up of distinct parts or elements. A highly articulated wall will appear to be composed of a number of different planes, usually made distinct by their change in direction (projections and recesses) and/or changes in materials, colors and textures.

Assembly.

•	Clubs, lodges, and private meeting halls. Permanent, headquarters-type and meeting facilities for organizations operating on a membership basis for the promotion of the interests of the members, including facilities for:
	o	Business associations;
	o	Civil, social and fraternal organizations;
	o	Labor union and similar organizations;
	o	Political organizations;
	o	Professional membership organizations;
	o	Other member organizations.
•	Religious places of worship. Facilities operated by organizations for worship, or the promotion of religious activities, such as churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples; and accessory uses on the same site, such as living quarters for ministers and staff, child day care facilities and religious schools where authorized by the same type of land use permit required for the church itself. Other establishments maintained by religious organizations, such as full-time educational institutions, hospitals and other potentially related operations (such as a recreational camp) are classified according to their respective activities.
•	Reception hall (banquet facility). An establishment that has been designed to accommodate an assembly of 50 or more people for an organized event such as a reception, banquet, dance, concert, conference, seminar or other similar type activity.

Asymmetry.

The balanced arrangement of different elements without a common axis.

Auditorium.

An open, partially enclosed or fully enclosed facility utilized for entertainment events, exposition gatherings and other assembly uses.

Automobile car wash.

Any building or structure which contains the facilities for the washing of automobiles.

Awning.

A permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a wall or a building and installed over and partially in front of doors, windows or other openings in a building and consisting of a frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame.

Axis.

A pivotal point, or line on a plane, around which elements are arranged.

Definitions "B."

Balance.

The condition achieved by matching differing elements which, when perceived as a whole, appear as a cohesive unit. Balance can be achieved by using either symmetrical or asymmetrical components.

Baluster.

Any of the small posts that support the upper rail of a railing, as on a staircase.

Balustrade.

A row of balusters, joined by a rail, serving as an enclosure for a balcony, staircase, porch, terrace, etc.

Banks and financial services.

Financial institutions including:

•	Banks and trust companies;
•	Credit agencies;
•	Credit unions;
•	Holding (but not primarily operating) companies;
•	Lending and thrift institutions;
•	Other investment companies;
•	Securities/commodity contract brokers and dealers;
•	Security and commodity exchanges;
•	Vehicle finance (equity) leasing agencies.
Note: List does not include check cashing or pay day loan facilities.

Bay.

An opening or alcove marked off by pillars or columns; or a recess in the wall line of a building, as for a window.

Bay window.

A window projecting outward from the main wall of a building.

Beacon.

Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same zone lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.

Bedroom.

Any room, alcove, loft or similar feature within a dwelling, including, but not limited to, a den, family room, game room, library, office, playroom, media room, sewing room, study, or other room that could, under the Building Code of the City and by the virtue of its design, location, and means of access within the dwelling can reasonably be used primarily for sleeping purposes without structural modifications.

Belt course.

A continuous horizontal band, either plain or ornate, which projects from the surface of an exterior wall, separating two stories of a building.

Blind arcade (Arch).

A row of arches applied to a wall as a decorative element in which the openings are permanently closed by wall construction.

Bond.

In masonry, any arrangement of bricks or blocks in a wall, which binds them into a compact whole; as, English bond, where one course consists of bricks with their ends toward the face of the wall, called headers, and the next course of bricks with their lengths parallel to the face of the wall, called stretchers; Flemish bond, where each course consists of headers and stretchers alternately.

Bracket.

A support element under overhangs; often more decorative than functional.

Broadcast facilities.

A public or private facility used for the dissemination of radio communications intended to be received by the public directly or by the intermediary of relay stations.

Building height.

Building height is the vertical distance from the existing grade of the site to an imaginary plane located the allowed number of feet above and parallel to the grade (see Figure 7-1). "Existing grade" shall be established by the Director, consistent with parcels in the immediate vicinity, and shall not be, nor have been artificially raised to gain additional building height.

Figure 7-1 Building Height

Building site.

A parcel of land which abuts upon a street for a distance of at least 15 feet and which provides the ground area of a building or buildings, together with all open spaces as required by this Title.

Business and consumer support services.

Establishments primarily providing consumers and businesses with services including maintenance, repair and service, testing, rental, including:

•	Blueprinting;
•	Business equipment repair services (except vehicle repair, see "Vehicle Service—Maintenance/Repair");
•	Computer-related services (rental, repair);
•	Copying, printing (business and retail), and blueprinting services;
•	Equipment rental businesses within buildings;
•	Film processing laboratories;
•	Heavy equipment repair services where repair occurs on the client site;
•	Household appliance and equipment repair services;
•	Janitorial and maid services;
•	Mail advertising services (reproduction and shipping);
•	Photocopying and photofinishing;
•	Protective services (other than office related);
•	Window cleaning.

Business frontage.

The portion of a building occupied by a single business tenant, and fronts on a public street, faces a courtyard, pedestrian corridor or walkway, parking lot or alley.

Definitions "C."

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

State law (California Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq.) requiring public agencies to document and consider the environmental effects of a proposed action, prior to allowing the action to occur.

Canopy.

A roof-like projection extending horizontally from a structure, or freestanding for protection from sun or rain. A canopy generally extends further than an awning, and may be ground-supported whereas an awning is not.

Canopy, structural.

An architectural feature that projects from, and is totally supported by, the exterior wall of a building; provides protection from the elements to pedestrians below, or to occupants within the building; is usually positioned above a window or a door; and is permanent in that it is not retractable and cannot be removed from the building within the building.

Cantilever.

A projecting overhang or beam supported only at one end.

Casement window.

A window hinged at the side so as to swing outward.

Catering services.

Preparation and delivery of food and beverages for off-site consumption which may include provisions for on-site pickup. A catering service ancillary to a primary restaurant use is included under the definitions of "Restaurants."

Check cashing.

Check cashing is a primary business, other than a bank, credit union, or other similar financial institution, that cashes, sells, and/or processes checks, money orders, electronic money transfers, and other financial documents for a fee.

Child day care facility.

Facilities that provide nonmedical care and supervision of minor children for periods of less than 24 hours. These facilities include the following, all of which are also required to be licensed by the California State Department of Social Services:

•	Child day care center. Commercial or nonprofit child day care facilities other than large family home or small family home day care facilities, designed, approved and licensed as a child care center with no permanent resident. Includes infant centers, preschools, sick-child centers, and school-age day care facilities. These may be operated in conjunction with another related facility, or as an independent land use.
•	Large family day care home. A day care facility located in a residence where a full-time resident provides care and supervision for 7 to 12 children (plus 2 additional children after school). Children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home count as children served by the day care facility.
•	Small family day care home. A day care facility located in a residence where a full-time resident provides care and supervision for 6 or fewer children (plus 2 additional children after school). Children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home count as children served by the day care facility.

Church.

See "Assembly: Religious places of worship."

City.

The City of Westminster, State of California, referred to in this Title as the "City."

City Council.

The Mayor and City Council of the City of Westminster referred to in this Title as the "Council."

Clapboard.

A thin, narrow board with one edge thinner than the other, used for covering the outer walls of framed houses. In appearance, it looks like a roof shingle.

Club.

An association of persons for some common purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render service, which is customarily carried on as a business.

Clubs, lodges and fraternal organizations.

Permanent headquarters-type and meeting facilities for organizations operating on a membership basis for the promotion of the interests of the members, including facilities for:

•	Business associations;
•	Civil, social and fraternal organizations;
•	Labor union and similar organizations;
•	Political organizations;
•	Professional membership organizations;
•	Other member organizations.

Collection area.

Space allocated for the collection and loading of recyclable materials and refuse.

Collection facility.

A center for the acceptance by donation, redemption, or purchase of recyclable materials from the public. Collection facilities may include:

•	Reverse vending machine(s);
•	Small collection facilities which occupy an area of not more than 500 square feet, and may include:
	o	A mobile unit,
	o	Bulk reverse vending machines or a grouping of operative reverse vending machines occupying more than 50 square feet,
	o	Kiosk-type units which may include permanent structures,
	o	Unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials;
•	Large collection facilities which may occupy an area of more than 500 square feet and may include permanent structures.

Column.

A vertical support, which is often cylindrical or polygonal, consisting of a base, shaft and capital and usually a supporting or ornamental member in a building.

Commercial entertainment and recreation.

•	Indoor amusement/entertainment facilities. Establishments providing amusement/entertainment services in an indoor facility for a fee or admission charge, including ice skating and roller skating, batting cages, internet cafés, pool and billiard rooms, arcade, escape rooms, laser tag, miniature golf, tennis club, virtual reality room, bowling alleys, and similar uses operating as primary uses.
•	Amusement center. Any premises open to the public containing 5 or more electronic or mechanical amusement devices, such as video games, pinball machines, televisions, computers, game machines, and the like or any premises wherein not less than 25 percent of the public floor area is devoted to amusement devices, whether or not the devices constitute the primary use or accessory use of the premises.
•	Outdoor commercial recreation. Facilities for various outdoor sports or entertainment and types of recreation where a fee is charged for use, such as amphitheaters, golf-driving ranges separate from golf courses, miniature golf courses, batting cages, swim and tennis clubs. Does not include parks and playgrounds, which are defined separately.
•	Pool or billiard rooms. A room, building or structure wherein the games of pool or billiards are played by the public. These games are played with cue sticks on tables with or without pockets. One or more pool or billiard tables shall constitute a pool or billiard room. Three or fewer pool tables may be a permitted accessory use but only in a bona fide restaurant (not including fast food restaurants), bar, private clubs and other commercial entertainment uses.
•	Theaters. Indoor facilities for public assembly and group entertainment, other than sporting events, including civic theaters and facilities for "live" theater and concerts, and motion picture theaters. Does not include outdoor theaters, concert and similar entertainment facilities, and indoor and outdoor facilities for sporting events; see "Public Recreational Facilities."

Comparable mobilehome park.

Any mobilehome park within a 100-mile radius of the mobilehome park, when supported by findings, is substantially comparable to the converting mobilehome park with respect to:

•	Rent;
•	Amenities;
•	Availability of and proximity to public transportation;
•	Availability of and proximity to personal and public service facilities, including medical services;
•	Similar classification and park rules regarding tenancy;
•	Availability of and proximity to schools.

Conditional use.

A use permitted on a particular lot and within a zone only upon a finding that such use in a specified location will comply with all the conditions and standards for the location or operation of such use as specified in this Title and authorized by the Planning Commission or City Council.

Conditional use permit.

An approval issued by the Planning Commission or City Council that is required for a use to be carried out in a particular zone that is not a use permitted by right.

Condominium.

As defined by Civil Code Section 1351, a development where undivided interest in common in a portion of real property is coupled with a separate interest in space called a unit, the boundaries of which are described on a recorded final map or parcel map. The area within the boundaries may be filled with air, earth, or water, or any combination thereof, and need not be physically attached to any land except by easements for access and, if necessary, support.

Conversion impact report (CIR).

The report that is filed with the City in accordance with Section 17.400.090, Mobilehome Park Conversions.

Conversion permit.

The permit issued by the Commission to the mobilehome park owner authorizing the park owner to discontinue the mobilehome park use after required hearings and findings by the Commission.

Coping.

The capping or top course of a wall, sometimes protecting the wall from weather.

Cornice.

A horizontal molding projecting along the top of a wall, building, etc.

Course.

In a masonry wall, a single line of bricks or stones.

Cultural center.

A public or private, nonprofit facility offering public services, such as, but not limited to, museums, art galleries and libraries. The retail sale of products associated with the facility's purpose is allowed as an incidental use.

Definitions "D."

Dance hall.

A reception hall that is primarily devoted to dancing.

Dancing establishments.

Any restaurant, bar, hotel or motel, club or lodge, nightclub or other gathering place open to the public, whether or not admission is charged, wherein dancing is allowed and participated in on a recurring basis by one or more persons, whether or not they are compensated for their dancing. This shall not include dance academies, schools, or studios where dancing is permitted only by students and instructors engaged in dancing instruction, nor shall this include public or private schools, which host dances solely for students, or adult-supervised youth organizations, City, park, or other governmental facilities that host dances.

Density.

The number of housing units per net acre, unless otherwise stated, for residential uses.

Density bonus incentive.

"Incentive" means, a modification to a development standard, or another regulatory incentive provided by the City to a housing developer for purposes of reducing housing costs.

Developer.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: the builder who is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of an applicable development project. A developer may be responsible for implementing the provisions of this Chapter as determined by the property owner.

Development.

Any construction activity or alteration of the landscape, its terrain contour or vegetation, including the erection or alteration of structures. New development is any construction, or alteration of an existing structure or land use, or establishment of a land use, after the effective date of this Title.

Development agreement.

A contract between the City and an applicant for a development project, in compliance with Chapter 17.580 of this Title and Government Code Section 65864 et seq. A development agreement is intended to provide assurance to the applicant that an approved project may proceed subject to the policies, rules, regulations, and conditions of approval applicable to the project at the time of approval, regardless of any changes to City policies, rules, and regulations after project approval. In return, the City may be assured that the applicant will provide infrastructure and/or pay fees required by a new project.

Director.

The community development director of the City or designee thereof.

District.

See "Zoning District."

Drive-in and drive-thru facilities.

Retail or service facilities where products or services are provided to motorists who remain in their vehicles. These facilities include drive-thru fast-food restaurants, and drive-up bank teller windows, dry cleaners, pharmacies, etc. Does not include: automatic teller machines (ATMs), automobile service stations, or car washes, which are separately defined.

Driveway.

A private road providing safe vehicular access from a street to parking areas.

Definitions "E."

Easement.

A portion of a lot that is reserved or used for utility, rights-of-way, access, or any public or private use, as indicated on a subdivision map, deed restriction, or other recorded document.

Eating and drinking establishments.

•	Bars. Businesses where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-site consumption, which are not part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, cabarets, taverns, pubs, and similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. May include beer brewing as part of a microbrewery, and other beverage tasting facilities. Does not include adult businesses.
•	Café. An establishment where tables and chairs are provided for patrons and the principal business activity is the sale of brewed coffees and teas and other non-alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption. Snack foods, either packaged or fresh, may be available for consumption on the premises. A coffeehouse or tea house is also considered a café.
•	Drive-through restaurants. See "Drive-In and Drive-Thru Facilities."
•	Nightclub. A bar, cabaret, café, cocktail lounge, coffeehouse, restaurant, sports bar or tavern, as such uses are defined in this code, that offers alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption along with live entertainment (including patron sing-along to recorded or videotaped accompaniment), recorded or live broadcasts of sports events, and/or patron dancing. A full menu of hot meals may be offered, with a full kitchen provided on the premises, staffed by a full-time cook or chef and stocked with all food supplies required for the various items on the menu.
•	Open-air dining. An exterior area of an eating and drinking establishment used for patron seating and the service of food and/or beverages that may include a roof covering, awning, gazebo, or similar devices, where no more than 50 percent of the total vertical surface of such area is enclosed with any permanent or temporary wall, covering, window, screen and/or similar device.
•	Restaurant. An establishment whose principal business activity is the service of prepared foods for on-site consumption during all hours the business is open. A complete kitchen must be provided; including, but not limited to, an oven, stove, refrigeration, freezer, exhaust hood, grease interceptor, cutting and preparation areas, dishwashing area or machine, employee sink and mop sink. The kitchen must be staffed by a full time cook or chef, and stocked with all food supplies required for the various items on the menu. A full menu is offered, for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner. Alcoholic beverages may be sold for on-site consumption. The sale of such beverages shall be incidental to the principal business activity, and shall comprise less than 30 percent of the gross receipts. Accessory uses may include a bar or cocktail lounge in a separate room, live or recorded entertainment, video or arcade games, billiard or pool tables, and catering. The area specifically set aside for the restaurant use (customer seating only) shall not be less than 60 percent of the public area, excluding the kitchen and service areas. See also "Nightclubs."
•	Take-out. An establishment serving primarily prepared foods and/or beverages, such as yogurt, bagels, donuts, sandwiches, soup, or juices for off-site consumption and where limited seating (typically fewer than 12 seats but not including outdoor seats) or no seating is provided.

Eaves.

The overhang at the edge of the roof that usually projects out over the walls of a building or structure.

Emergency shelter facility.

One or more structure located on the same site, where the purpose of said structure(s) is the immediate and short term housing for homeless individuals or families on a first-come, first-serve basis. Accommodations may include temporary lodging, meals, laundry facilities, bathing, counseling, and other basic support services.

Emphasis.

Describes the use of elements that call attention to themselves. Emphasis is an important feature in creating balance when using dissimilar elements. Canopies and balconies are examples of elements that, when emphasized properly, can assist in presenting a balanced look.

Emphasis can also be found within commercial developments or malls by the location of more massive or ornamental buildings, such as a major department store. This emphasis provides a directional guide because it creates a point of reference for the users. Emphasis can also be achieved by providing a strong design element at a store or mall entrances.

Employee.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, any person employed by a firm, person(s), business, educational institution, nonprofit agency or corporation, government agency, or other entity which employs 100 or more persons at a single worksite.

Employer.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, any person(s), firm, business, educational institution, government agency, nonprofit agency or corporation, or other entity which employs 100 or more persons at a single worksite, and may either be a property owner or tenant of an applicable development project.

Employment generation factors.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: factors developed for use by the City for projecting the potential employment of any proposed development project.

Entertainment.

Every form of live entertainment, music, acting, play, burlesque show, fashion show, review, pantomime, scene, song or dance, act, or song and dance act, or any other act or performance participated in by one or more persons, whether paid performers or guests or patrons, for purposes of holding the attention, gaining the attention and interest of, diverting or amusing guests or patrons, and shall include any of such forms of live entertainment when used in conjunction with, or as a means to attract or hold the attention of such guests or patrons, for the purpose of advertisement, demonstration, or display of goods, wares, merchandise or services.

Erect.

To construct, place, locate, enlarge, modify, attach, suspend, paint, display, build or cause to exist.

Equivalent financial incentive.

A monetary contribution, based upon a land cost per dwelling unit value, equal to one of the following:

•	A density bonus and an additional incentive(s); or
•	A density bonus, where an additional incentive(s) is not requested or is determined to be unnecessary.

Extremely low-income households.

Households whose income does not exceed 30 percent of the Orange County median income, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, as more specifically set forth in Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code.

Definitions "F."

Façade.

The exterior face of a building which is the architectural front, sometimes distinguished from other faces by elaboration of architectural or ornamental details.

Facility(ies).

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, the total of all buildings, structures, and grounds that encompass a worksite, at either single or multiple locations, that comprises or is associated with an applicable development project.

Fenestration.

The arrangement and design of windows in a building.

Flag.

Any rectangular-shaped fabric, banner or bunting containing distinctive colors, patterns or symbols, either used as a symbol of a government, political subdivision or other entity; or used as a means of advertising, whether or not containing a message of any kind, that is attached along its short dimension to a building or pole and is designed to move in the wind.

Flashing.

Metal sheeting, either copper, aluminum, or galvanized steel, used to make water-tight the joint between chimneys or other projections through a roof.

Flat roof.

A roof having only one slope for drainage, with or without a parapet.

Floor area.

See "Gross Floor Area."

Floor-area ratio.

A ratio derived by dividing the total net floor area of all structures built and maintained on a lot, including the main building and accessory buildings, by the lot area.

Figure 7-2 Floor-Area Ratio

Food and beverage sales.

Types of food and beverage sales are as follows:

•	Convenience store. A business typically smaller in size than a grocery store and offering for sale a limited number of items associated with a grocery store. Snack foods and prepackaged foods may constitute a majority of the display area. The sale of alcoholic beverages is an incidental use.
•	Grocery store. A business devoted primarily to the sale of staple foodstuffs, meats, produce, dairy products and household supplies. The sale of alcoholic beverages is an incidental use to the sale of groceries.
•	Liquor store. A business devoted primarily to the sale of alcoholic beverages. Grocery items may be offered as a secondary and incidental use.
•	Specialty store. A business devoted to the sale of groceries associated with a particular country, nationality, religious observance, region, dietary practice, or cuisine. The sale of alcoholic beverages is an incidental use.

Definitions "G."

Gable.

The triangular part of an exterior wall enclosed by the sloping ends of a pitched roof. Typically, the entire section, including wall, roof and space is enclosed.

Figure 7-3 Gable Roof

Gambrel roof.

A roof with a broken slope creating 2 pitches between eaves and ridge, found often on barns.

Game machine.

See "Commercial Entertainment and Recreation."

Garage, private.

A detached accessory building or portion of a main building intended only for the parking or temporary storage of automobiles of the occupants of the premises.

General plan.

The City of Westminster General Plan, including all elements thereof and all amendments thereto, as adopted by the City Council under the provisions of Government Code Sections 65300 et seq., and referred to in this Title as the "General Plan."

Glazed brick.

A brick which has been glazed and fired on one side which results in a shiny finish.

Governor's appeal board.

A board formed to review the appeal by an applicant, as defined herein, of a specified hazardous waste facility land use decision disapproved by the City or one or more conditions of approval placed on an approved specified hazardous waste facility, or an appeal by an "interested person," as defined herein, based solely on the ground that the conditions imposed do not adequately protect the public health, safety, or welfare. The membership of the Governor's Appeal Board, its purpose and procedures, are defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 25199.9.14.

Gross floor area.

The sum of the horizontal areas of several floors of a building measured from the interior face of exterior walls, or from the centerline of a wall separating 2 buildings, but not including any space where the floor-to-ceiling height is less than 6 feet. Gross floor area includes areas occupied by partitions, duct shafts, pipe shafts, elevator rooms, mechanical penthouses and similar spaces having a headroom of 6 feet and over, halls, interior stairways, elevators shafts at each floor level, service and mechanical equipment rooms, basement or habitable attic areas, columns, interior atriums and foyers (found in large office and hotel complexes), outdoor dining areas. The gross floor area measurement is exclusive of areas used for off-street parking or loading, exterior balconies, covered terraces and walkways and porches.

Definitions "H."

Hardscape.

Elements within the landscape that are constructed of impervious material such as brick, concrete or stone, finished and/or arranged in a decorative fashion. Such elements may include paths, sidewalks, plazas or courtyards and include furniture such as benches, tables and chairs lattice covers.

Hazardous waste.

A waste or combination of wastes which, because of its quantity, concentration, toxicity, corrosiveness, mutagenicity, or flammability, or physical, chemical or infectious characteristics may:

•	Cause, or significantly contribute to, an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or
•	Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed.

Hazardous waste facility project.

A project undertaken for the purpose of siting and constructing a new off-site hazardous waste facility, or for the purpose of significantly expanding or modifying an existing hazardous waste facility that is being used or operated under a permit or the granting of an interim status (pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 25200.5).

Hazardous waste facility project, off-site.

A project undertaken for the purpose of siting and constructing a new off-site hazardous waste facility, or for the purpose of significantly expanding or modifying an existing hazardous waste facility that is being used or operated under a permit, or the granting of an interim status (pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 25200.5). This definition does not include:

•	Transportable treatment units (TTUs) which are designed to be moved either intact or in modules and which are intended to be operated at a given location for a limited period of time; or
•	Permanent on-site hazardous waste facilities at locations where waste is produced and which are owned by, leased to, or under the control of the producer of the waste. All such facilities (i.e., off-site, on-site, TTUs) shall be subject to the applicable Federal, State and local licensing to install and operate.

Health/fitness facilities.

Fitness centers, gymnasiums, health and athletic clubs including: indoor sauna, spa, tanning or hot tub facilities; indoor tennis, handball, racquetball, archery and shooting ranges and other indoor activities.

Hip roof.

A roof with four uniformly pitched sides.

Figure 7-4 Hip Roof

Home-based business.

Any use of a dwelling unit and related property for employment or occupational purposes by the inhabitants which is incidental to the residential use of the dwelling unit and which conforms to the standards set forth in Section 17.400.075, Home-Based Businesses.

Hospital.

See "Medical Services."

Hotel.

Any building or portion thereof containing 6 or more guest rooms used, or intended or designed to be used, let or hired out to be occupied, or which are occupied, by 6 or more guests, whether the compensation for hire be paid directly or indirectly in money, goods, wares, merchandise, labor, or otherwise, and shall include hotels, lodging houses and rooming houses, dormitories, Turkish baths, bachelor hotels, studio hotels, public and private clubs, and any such building of any nature whatsoever so occupied, designed, or intended to be occupied, except jails, hospitals, asylums, sanitariums, orphanages, prisons, detention homes and similar buildings where human beings are housed and detained under legal restraint.

Housing, manufactured.

A single-family house constructed in a controlled factory environment to the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards. Additionally, a manufactured house is permanently installed on a foundation system and is not mobile.

Housing, modular.

A single-family house constructed in sections in a controlled factory environment to all State and local building codes at their destination. A modular home is permanently installed on a foundation system and is not mobile.

Hydrozone.

A portion of the landscaped area having plants with similar water needs that are served by a valve or set of valves with the same schedule.

Definitions "I."

Immediate family member.

A spouse and any minor child of a mobilehome owner currently residing with such owner.

Infiltration rate.

The rate of water entry into the soil expressed as a depth of water per unit of time (e.g., inches per hour).

Inflatable advertising device.

Any device constructed of vinyl, fabric, rubber or plastic or other airtight material, which relies for its shape and support on inflation by a compressed gas or by an air blower or fan ducting air into it, and which uses any color, form, graphic, symbol or writing to identify or communicate a commercial or non-commercial message, announce the purpose of or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.

Inflatable advertising display.

Any arrangement or placement of 2 or more small (less than 18 inches in diameter) inflatable advertising devices, or 1 or more large (greater than 18 inches in diameter) inflatable advertising devices, whether or not containing a commercial or non-commercial message of any kind or a recognizable logo, or of a distinctive shape, on a property which is intended to be visible to the public and which has the purpose of drawing attention to the property or the use occupying the property where the display is located.

Interested person.

A person who participates in 1 or more public meetings or hearings held to consider an application for a Conditional Use Permit for a specified hazardous waste facility project. Participation includes, but is not limited to, the attendance, submission of questions, or giving oral and written testimony at a meeting or hearing (pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 25199.1(c)).

Internet café.

See "Commercial Entertainment and Recreation."

Definitions "J."

No specialized terms beginning with the letter "J" are used at this time.

Definitions "K."

Kennel.

See "Animal Sales and Services."

Kitchen.

Any room or space within a building used or designated for the cooking or preparation of food.

Definitions "L."

Labs (medical or dental laboratory).

A facility for the analysis and research of medical and/or dental related materials, such as blood, tissue, and data and the manufacturing of specific medical and/or dental materials, as requested by an appropriate medical or dental authority for one or more specific patients.

Land disposal facility.

A hazardous waste facility where hazardous waste is disposed in, on, under, or to the land.

Land use decision.

In relation to a hazardous waste facility project: a discretionary decision of a local agency concerning a hazardous waste facility project, including the issuance of a land use permit or a Conditional Use Permit, the granting of a variance, the subdivision of property, and the modification of existing property lines pursuant to the government code (California Health and Safety Code Section 25199.1(e)).

Land use permit.

Authority granted by the City to use a specified site for a particular purpose, including but not limited to Administrative Use Permits, Comprehensive Plans, Conditional Use Permits, Development Review, and variances, as established by Article 5, Land Use and Development Permit Procedures, of this Title.

Laundries and dry cleaning plants.

Service establishments engaged primarily in high volume laundry and garment services, including: power laundries (family and commercial); garment pressing and dry cleaning; linen supply; diaper service; industrial laundries; carpet and upholstery cleaners. Does not include laundromats or dry cleaning pick-up stores with limited dry cleaning equipment. See "Personal Services."

Landscape.

An area devoted to or developed and maintained with native or exotic plantings, lawn, ground cover, gardens, trees, shrubs and other plant materials, decorative outdoor landscape elements, pools, fountains, water features, decorated hardscape surfaces of rock, stone, brick, block or similar material (excluding driveways, parking, loading or storage areas) not covering more than 50 percent of the required landscape area and sculptural elements. Plants on rooftops, porches or in boxes attached to buildings are not considered landscaping in all zones except for MU36 and MU40.

Late night hours.

The hours between midnight and 6:00 a.m.

Late night operations.

Shall mean a commercial or industrial use that receives and/or is open to patrons any time during the late night hours and operates noise generating equipment such as, but not limited to, vehicles, machinery, pumps, refrigeration units on trucks or motorized cleaning equipment, exposed to the exterior during the late night hours. Late night operations shall not include the operation of equipment permanently attached to the building such as air conditioners or deliveries if vehicles and other motors are not in operation during the delivery.

Level of service (LOS).

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: a measure of the operational quality of a road or intersection ranging from level of service (LOS) A (best) to level of service (LOS) F (worst). As required by Congestion Management Plan legislation, the LOS standard for the Congestion Management Plan (CMP) Highway System must be at "E" or at the existing LOS, whichever is further from LOS A, for any intersection or roadway segment.

Libraries and museums.

Public or quasi-public facilities including aquariums, arboretums, art exhibitions, botanical gardens, historic sites and exhibits, libraries, museums, and planetariums, which are generally noncommercial in nature.

Live/work.

A residential use providing an integrated housing unit and workspace, occupied by a single household, that accommodates joint residential occupancy and work activity, and which includes complete kitchen space and sanitary facilities as well as working space reserved for and regularly used by one or more occupants of the unit in conjunction with an approved home occupation. The nonresidential ground floor portion of the unit shall comprise no less than one-third of the ground floor space, not including stairwells.

Local assessment committee (LAC).

A State-required committee (whose members are appointed by the City Council), designed to negotiate with the applicant for a proposed hazardous waste facility. The membership, duties and mission of the committee are defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 25199.7(d).

Lot area.

The total extent of the surface of a parcel of land within its lot lines as measured on a horizontal plane.

Lot coverage.

That portion of a lot or building site which is occupied by any building or structure, with a solid roof and enclosed on at least 3 sides, excepting paved area, walks, swimming pools, hot tubs, outdoor recreational amenities such as open air tennis and other on-site open air sport courts, children's play house and equipment.

Figure 7-5 Lot Coverage

Lot depth.

The average linear distance between the front and the rear lot lines or the intersection of the two side lot lines if there is no rear line. The Planning Manager shall determine lot depth for parcels of irregular configuration.

Lot frontage.

The boundary of a lot adjacent to a public street right-of-way.

Lot line or property line.

Any recorded boundary of a lot. Types of lot lines are as follows:

•	Front lot line. On an interior lot, the property line separating the parcel from the street. The front lot line on a corner lot and/or a reverse corner lot is the line with the shortest frontage. (If the lot lines of a corner lot are equal in length, the front lot line shall be determined by the Planning Manager.) On a through lot, both lot lines are front lot lines and the lot is considered to have no rear lot line.
•	Interior lot line. Any lot line not abutting a street.
•	Rear lot line. A property line that does not intersect the front lot line, which is most distant from and most closely parallel to the front lot line.
•	Side lot line. Any lot line that is not a front or rear lot line.
•	Zero lot line. The location of a structure on a lot in such a manner that 1 or more edges rests directly on a lot line.

Lot or parcel.

A recorded lot or parcel of real property under single ownership, lawfully created as required by the Subdivision Map Act and City ordinances, including this Title. Types of lots include:

•	Corner lot. A lot located at the junction of 2 or more intersecting streets.
•	Flag lot. A lot with access to a street by means of a private driveway, access easement, or parcel of land with a minimum width of 15 feet.
•	Interior lot. A lot abutting only 1 street.
•	Key lot. An interior lot adjacent to the rear lot line of a reversed corner lot.
•	Reverse corner lot. A corner lot with its front lot line facing the shorter side of the block lengths.
•	Through lot. A lot with frontage on 2 generally parallel streets.

Figure 7-6 Lot Types

Lot width.

The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and rear lot lines. The Planning Manager shall determine lot width for parcels of irregular shape.

Figure 7-7 Lot Features

Lower-income households.

Households whose income does not exceed 80 percent of the Orange County median income, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, as more specifically set forth in Section 50079.5 of the California Health and Safety Code. Unless otherwise specified, lower-income households include very low-and extremely low-income households.

Low-income households.

Definitions "M."

Mansard.

A roof with 2 slopes on each side, the lower slope being much steeper.

Figure 7-8 Mansard Roof

Marquee.

Any permanent roof-like structure projecting beyond a building or extending along and projecting beyond the wall of a building, generally designed and constructed to provide protection from the weather.

Masonry.

Constructed of brick, block, or stone.

Mass.

Describes three-dimensional forms, the simplest of which are cubes, boxes (or "rectangular solids"), cylinders, pyramids and cones. Buildings are rarely one of these simple forms; usually, they are composites of varying types of masses. This composition is described as the "massing" of forms in a building.

During the design process, massing is one of many aspects of form considered by an architect or designer, and can be the result of both exterior and interior design considerations. Exterior massing can help to identify an entry, denote a stairway or simply create a desirable form. Interior spaces create and affect exterior mass, and exterior mass can affect the interior space.

Landscape architects also use massing in design. By grouping plants and trees with different sizes and shapes, desirable masses are created that achieve certain design goals. These landscape masses are intended to be perceived as a whole, rather than as individual trees or shrubs. Plant masses can be used to fill a space, define a boundary of an open area, or extend the perceived form of an architectural element.

Master sign plan.

A plan showing the type, size, location, design, colors and numbers of all signs proposed for a zone lot, approved pursuant to Section 15.400.100 of this code.

Maximum allowable density.

The maximum number of residential units permitted by this Title at the time of application, excluding the provisions of Chapter 17.570, Affordable Housing, Density Bonuses Incentives and Waivers.

Medical services.

•	Clinics. Facilities primarily engaged in furnishing outpatient medical, mental health, surgical, dental and other personal health services. As used in this Title, "clinic" is defined in Sections 1200 to 1209 (California Health and Safety Code). A clinic is an organized outpatient health facility which provides direct medical, surgical, dental, optometric, podiatric, psychological advice, services, or treatment to patients who remain less than 24 hours, and which may also provide diagnostic or therapeutic services to patients in the home as an incident to care provided at the clinic facility.
•	Hospitals. Hospitals and similar facilities engaged primarily in providing diagnostic services, and extensive medical treatment, including surgical and other hospital services. These establishments have an organized medical staff, inpatient beds, and equipment and facilities to provide complete health care. May include on-site accessory clinics and laboratories, accessory retail uses and emergency heliports.
•	Laboratories. Medical and dental laboratories.
•	Medical office. A building, site or tenant space designated specifically for use by health care professionals for human outpatient services.

Medical spa.

A facility offering personal treatment services found in a medical clinic and a spa/sauna which may operate under the supervision of medical doctor.

Mini-warehouse.

See "Self-Storage Facility."

Mixed-use development.

A development project that combines any one of these land uses with another: residential, office, commercial, light industrial, public facilities, recreation, and business park. This designation allows for vertical integration of compatible uses (see Mixed-Use Development, Vertical), whereby such uses share the same building or lot, or horizontal integration of uses (see Mixed-Use Development, Horizontal), where compatible uses are located next to each other.

Mixed-use development, horizontal.

Development that combines 2 or more types of land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, office, industrial, public facilities, or recreation) on a single development site, but not necessarily in the same building.

Mixed-use development, vertical.

Development that combines 2 or more types of land uses (e.g., residential, commercial, office, public facilities, or recreation) in a single building in a vertical configuration.

Mobilehome.

A mobilehome constructed in full compliance with the National Mobilehome Construction and Safety Standards Act intended for occupancy by a single family installed on a permanent foundation in conformance with applicable zoning regulations.

Mobilehome owner.

The registered owner or registered owners of a mobilehome, regardless of the number of such owners or regardless of the form of ownership. Any notice to a mobilehome owner or resident required hereunder, need be given to only one such owner in the case of multiple owners of a mobilehome. Any relocation compensation payable to a mobilehome owner shall be deemed paid to all owners of that mobilehome when paid to any one of them.

Mobilehome park.

Any area or tract of land where 2 or more lots are rented or leased, held out (or were formerly held out) for rent or lease to accommodate manufactured homes or mobilehomes used for human habitation (California Health and Safety Code Section 18214). A mobilehome park provides utility services and other facilities either separately or in common to mobilehome spaces therein.

Mobilehome park conversion.

A mobilehome park conversion shall include, but is not limited to, a change to any other use of land, including vacant land or a change in the form of ownership of all or any portion of the mobilehome spaces, including a condominium, stock cooperative, or any other form of ownership wherein the mobilehome spaces are sold or the park is subdivided for that purpose. Conversion does not include the sale of a park as a whole when the use is to be continued as a mobilehome park.

Mobile recycling unit.

An automobile, truck, trailer, or van, licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, which is used for the collection of recyclable materials. A mobile recycling unit also means the bins, boxes, or containers transported by trucks, vans, or trailers and used for the collection of recyclable materials.

Moderate-income households.

Households whose income does not exceed 120 percent of the Orange County median income, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, as more specifically set forth in Section 50093 of the California Health and Safety Code.

Mortuaries and funeral homes.

Funeral homes and parlors, where deceased are prepared for burial or cremation, and funeral services may be conducted.

Motel.

A group of attached or detached buildings in which there are individual sleeping units which provide transient occupancy for periods of 30 or fewer consecutive calendar days to overnight guests for compensation, where a majority of such units open individually and directly to the outside, and where a garage is attached or a parking space is conveniently located to each unit. Motel includes auto courts, motor lodges, motor courts, tourist courts, automobile courts, and automobile camps, and may include 1 apartment for use by the resident manager.

Motorcycle.

A motor vehicle having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider, designed to travel on not more than 3 wheels in contact with the ground. Also included are "motor driven cycles," "motorized bicycles," and "mopeds," as defined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

Movement.

The apparent directional emphasis of a building façade as indicated by its proportions. Static movement is based on square proportions, while dynamic movement is based on rectangular proportions.

Mullions.

The divisional pieces in a multi-paned window.

Definitions "N."

New development project.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: used in the transportation demand management ordinance to describe any non-residential project being processed where some level of discretionary action by a decision-making body is required.

Nonconforming lot.

Any subdivision of land that was lawfully established and in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time the property was subdivided, but which, due to a subsequently enacted ordinance or law, no longer complies with all the applicable regulations and standards of the zone in which the property is located.

Nonconforming structure.

Any structure, building, improvement, or portion thereof, that was lawfully established and in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time it was erected, but which, due to a subsequently enacted ordinance or law, no longer complies with all the applicable regulations and standards of the zone in which the structure is located, including, but not limited to, the number of parking spaces and loading area standards.

Nonconforming use.

A use of a structure (either conforming or nonconforming) or land that was legally established and maintained prior to the adoption of this Title and which does not conform to current code provisions governing allowable land uses for the zoning district in which the use is located. A use, legally established without an Administrative Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit when at the time of its establishment such permit was not required is considered legal-nonconforming when such use would now be subject to a use permit or Conditional Use Permit.

Non-resident mobilehome owner.

An owner who does not reside in the owned mobilehome.

Nursery school.

See "Day Nursery."

Definitions "O."

Offices.

This Title distinguishes between the following types of office facilities. These do not include: medical offices (see "Medical Services—Offices/Clinics"); or offices that are incidental and accessory to another business or sales activity that is the primary use. Incidental offices that are customarily accessory to another use are allowed as part of an approved primary use.

•	Administrative/business. Establishments providing direct services to consumers, such as credit, lending, and trust agencies, insurance agencies, real estate offices, and utility company offices, excluding pawn shops.
•	Government. City and other local, State, and Federal government agency or service facilities. Includes post offices.
•	Production. Office-type facilities occupied by businesses engaged in the production of intellectual property. These uses include:
	o	Advertising agencies;
	o	Architectural, engineering, planning and surveying services;
	o	Computer software production and programming services;
	o	Educational, scientific and research organizations;
	o	Media post production services;
	o	Graphic design, fashion, photography and commercial art studios;
	o	Writers and artists offices.
•	Professional. Professional offices including:
	o	Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services;
	o	Attorneys;
	o	Counseling services;
	o	Court reporting services;
	o	Data processing services;
	o	Detective agencies and similar services;
	o	Employment, stenographic, secretarial and word processing services;
	o	Literary and talent agencies;
	o	Management and public relations services.

Office of permit assistance (OPA).

The State of California Office of Permit Assistance.

Office of planning and research (OPR).

The State of California Office of Planning and Research.

Opaqueness/opacity.

The quality of being impenetrable to light. For City standards, any window shall be considered opaque if it does not allow for 65% of available light to pass through. Reflective tinting, which does not allow for visibility into a tenant space, shall be considered opaque.

Open space.

Pertaining to residential uses, means outdoor area on the ground, or on a balcony, deck, porch or terrace designed and accessible for outdoor living, recreation, pedestrian access or landscaping. Open space may include unenclosed patios with solid or lattice roofs. Open space shall not include the following: driveways, parking spaces, other surfaces designed or intended for vehicular travel, utility or service areas, any required front or street side yard and required interior side yards if the minimum dimension is less than that required for common open space (if area is designated as common open space) or private open space (if the area is designated as private open space).

•	Common. "Common open space" means open space within a residential development reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the development and their guests with a minimum dimension of ten feet.
•	On-site. "On-site open space" means total open space provided within a residential development for the exclusive use of residents of the development and their guests.
•	Private. "Private open space" means open space adjoining and directly accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests with a minimum dimension of 7 feet. Balconies may have a minimum dimension of 5 feet.
•	Total. "Total open space" means the sum of private and common open space.
•	Useable. "Useable open space" means any space on a lot not enclosed within a building which is designed for specific recreational purposes, including active and passive recreational activities. Useable open space does not include driveways, aisles, parking spaces or side or rear yards less than 8 feet in width.

Overspray.

Water that is delivered beyond the planted area.

Definitions "P."

Parapet.

The part of a wall which rises above the roof.

Parking facility, public or commercial.

Includes both day use and long-term public and commercial garages, parking lots and structures, except when accessory to a primary use. (All primary uses are considered to include any customer or public use off-street parking required by the Zoning Code.) Also include "park and ride" lots. Does not include dismantling yards.

Parking space.

A space, exclusive of driveways, drive aisles, ramps, columns, loading areas, office or work areas, within a building or open parking area for the parking of one automobile, independently accessible and designed to meet the minimum dimensions and access requirements established by the City.

Parkway.

Land area between street curb and sidewalk.

Pattern.

Things which are repeated such as lines, colors, textures and shapes create patterns based upon their repetition. The patterns formed by various materials can add "texture" to a building. Patterns can also be used to add character, scale and balance. The lines of wood siding and the many different types of brick bonds are examples of how materials can be placed in a pattern to create texture.

Pawn shop.

A shop where a person offers loans using personal belongings as collateral.

Peak period.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, those hours of the business day between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m.; inclusive, Monday through Friday.

Pennant.

Any lightweight plastic, fabric or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

Permit, hazardous waste facility.

A permit, license, certificate, requirement, or other entitlement for use required to site or construct a hazardous waste facility for which the applicant is required to pay a fee to the City, as established by resolution of the Westminster City Council. A permit includes, but is not limited to:

•	Hazardous waste facility permit issued by the State of California, pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 25199;
•	Waste discharge requirements issued by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board pursuant to the water code;
•	An authority to construct permit issued by an air pollution control district or air quality management district;
•	A solid waste facilities permit issued by the enforcement agency.

Person.

Any association, company, corporation, firm, organization or partnership, singular or plural, of any kind.

Pitch.

The slope of a roof expressed in terms of the ratio of height to span. For example, a pitch of 4:12 means the roof rises 4 feet vertically for every 12 feet horizontally.

Planning commission.

The City of Westminster Planning Commission, appointed by the City Council in compliance with Government Code Section 65101 referred to throughout this Title as the "Commission."

Planted area.

Areas including live ornamental plant materials installed within open space landscaped areas.

Plant materials.

Trees, shrubs, vines ground cover, turf or any other ornamental live plants.

Primary use.

The main purpose for which a site is permitted, developed and occupied, including the activities that are conducted on the site during most of the hours when activities occur.

Principal building.

The building in which is conducted the principal use of the zone lot on which it is located. Zone lots with multiple principal uses may have multiple principal buildings, but storage buildings, garages and other clearly accessory uses shall not be considered principal buildings.

Printing, business and retail.

Services provided by copy centers, instant printing operations and print shops serving the needs of local customers by either providing self-service photo copying, and or printing or photocopying of invitations, business cards, forms, letterhead, envelopes, wedding announcements and similar items. Most customers will place orders in person and wait for it to be completed or pick it up at a later date. Equipment used does not create noise or vibration that would disturb adjacent businesses if located in a shopping center.

Printing, commercial and wholesale.

Services provided by printing operations serving the needs of large commercial and wholesale clients by printing books, magazines, newspapers, annual reports, catalogs, posters, retail packaging, calendars and similar items, whereby the finished project will be delivered to the customer.

Private residential recreational facilities.

A privately-owned, noncommercial recreation facility provided for a residential project or neighborhood residents, including swimming pools and sport court facilities. Does not include golf courses, country clubs, or private sport courts accessory to single-family dwellings.

Property owner.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, the legal owner of the applicable development project who serves as the lessor to an employer or tenant. The property owner shall be responsible for complying with the provisions of Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, either directly or by delegating such responsibility as appropriate to an employer or tenant.

Proportion.

Proportion deals with the ration of dimension between elements. Proportion can describe height to height ratios, width to width ratios, width to height ratios, as well as ratios of massing. If proportion between elements of a design for a commercial project is not carefully considered, the effect can be jarring and displeasing. Landscaping can be used to create a consistent rhythm along a streetscape which will sometimes disguise the lack of proportion in building size and placement.

Public realm.

The public right-of-way in front of a building, as well as the area between the public right-of-way and the adjacent building façade.

Public realm, frontage area.

The frontage area is the area between the primary building façade and the sidewalk. This area may include outdoor dining space, plaza space, or landscaping.

Public realm, pedestrian area.

The pedestrian area consists of the pedestrian walkway and an additional area adjacent to the curb for trees, planters, lighting, and other pedestrian amenities. The pedestrian area is typically located in the public right-of-way.

Public realm, vehicular area.

The vehicular area consists of vehicular travel lanes and may include bike lanes and parking lanes. The vehicular area is located in the public right-of-way.

Public recreational and cultural facilities.

Facilities owned and operated by public agencies, including community centers, libraries, museums, outdoor theatres and similar types of facilities.

Public safety facilities.

Facilities operated by public agencies, including fire stations, other fire prevention and fire fighting facilities, police and sheriff substations and headquarters, including interim incarceration facilities.

Public utility facilities.

Fixed-base structures and facilities serving as junction points for transferring utility services from one transmission level to another, or to local distribution and service levels. These uses include any of the following facilities that are not exempted from land use permit requirements by California Government Code Section 53091:

•	Electrical substations and switching stations;
•	Natural gas regulating and distribution facilities;
•	Public water system wells, treatment plants and storage;
•	Telephone switching facilities;
•	Wastewater treatment plants, settling ponds and disposal fields.
These uses do not include office or customer service centers (classified in "Offices"), or equipment and material storage yards.

Definitions "Q."

Qualifying affordable housing development project.

A proposed housing development, of at least 5 units, eligible for a density bonus and/or additional development incentive based on the criteria set forth in Chapter 17.570, Affordable Housing, Density Bonuses and Other Bonus Incentives.

Quoin, coin stone.

The external corner of a building and the large, square stones by which the corner of the building is marked. Quoin stones generally are of a different color, size and texture than the building walls, and stand out from the wall.

Definitions "R."

Rafter.

A sloping structural member of the roof that extends from the ridge to the eaves and is used to support the roof covering.

Recreational vehicle.

Any "vehicle" as defined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles, including boats, all-terrain vehicles, motor homes, and trailers, and similar equipment of which the primary purpose is for recreation, camping, and traveling.

Recyclable material.

Materials which are segregated at the source from other refuse for the purpose of recycling and includes, but is not limited to, paper, glass, metals, wood, plastics, wastes, bulky goods, waste oil, and construction and demolition materials and which is sold or donated by the owner thereof to a third party. Recyclable material which is commingled or mixed with refuse shall be considered to have been discarded and shall be deemed refuse for purposes of these regulations.

Recyclable material collection.

The collection, transportation, storage, transfer, or processing of recyclable materials where such services are provided free of any charge whatsoever.

Recyclable materials development project.

A development project for which a building permit is required to construct any commercial, industrial, institutional, office, or residential building or complex where solid waste is collected and loaded; or any new public facility where solid waste is collected and loaded, and any improvements for areas of a public facility used for collecting and loading solid waste.

Recyclable waste material.

Discarded materials such as, but not limited to, newspapers, glass and metal cans, which are separated from other refuse for the purpose of recycling and which are not sold or donated to a third party.

Recyclable waste material collecting.

The collection, transportation, storage, transfer, or processing of recyclable waste material.

Recycling.

The process of collecting, sorting, cleansing, treating, and reconstituting materials that would otherwise be disposed of by landfilling or transformation, and returning materials to the economic mainstream in the form of raw material for new, reused, or reconstituted products.

Recycling facility.

A center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable materials. A certified recycling facility or certified processor means a recycling facility certified by the California Department of Conservation as meeting the requirements of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act of 1986. A recycling facility does not include storage containers or processing activity located on the premises of a residential, commercial, or manufacturing use and used solely for the recycling of material generated by that residential property, business, or manufacturer.

Reflexology establishment.

An establishment that involved the application of pressures to reflex points in the hands, feet and ears, and there is no removal of clothing.

Refuse.

Any material which is the unwanted by-product of manufacturing, office, commercial, or residential operations and which is not considered a recyclable or green waste material. Hazardous waste, low-level radioactive waste or untreated medical waste shall not be included in the definition of refuse and are not referenced in this Title.

Research and development (R&D).

Indoor facilities for scientific research, and the design, development and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical and mechanical components in advance of product manufacturing, which are not associated with a manufacturing facility on the same site. Includes chemical and biotechnology research and development. Does not include computer software companies (see "Offices—Production"), soils and other materials testing laboratories (see "Business Support Services"), or medical laboratories (see "Medical Services—Offices/Clinics").

Residential care facility.

Any family home, group home, or similar facility that provides 24-hour nonmedical care for more than 6 persons 18 years of age or older or emancipated minors, with chronic, life-threatening illness in need of personal services, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance or training essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual. This classification includes residential care facilities for the elderly such as convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes, adult residential facilities, and other facilities licensed by the State of California.

Residential unit, studio.

A living unit containing no more than one bathroom, kitchen facilities, and a combination living-sleeping area.

Retail:

•	Accessory retail use. The retail of various products (including food) in a store or similar facility that is located within a health care, hotel, office, industrial or studio complex for the purpose of serving employees or customers of the primary use, and is not visible from public streets. These uses include pharmacies, gift shops, and food service establishments within hospitals, as well as convenience stores and food service establishments within hotel, office and industrial complexes.
•	Building material stores. Retail establishments selling lumber and other large building materials, where most display and sales occur indoors. Includes paint, wallpaper, glass, tile, fixtures, nursery stock, lawn and garden supplies. Includes all these stores selling to the general public, even if contractor sales account for a major proportion of total sales. Includes incidental retail ready-mix concrete operations, except where excluded by a specific zoning district. Establishments primarily selling electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment and supplies to the trade are classified in "Wholesaling and Distribution." Hardware stores are listed in the definition of "General Retail Stores," even if they sell some building materials.
•	Construction equipment sales. Retail establishments selling or renting heavy construction equipment, including cranes, earth-moving equipment, heavy trucks, etc.
•	Equipment sales and rental. Retail establishments selling or renting construction related equipment but not involving heavy equipment such as cranes, earth-moving equipment, vehicles, heavy trucks, etc.
•	General retail stores. Stores and shops selling lines of merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. Such types of stores and lines of merchandise include:
	o	Appliances
	o	Artists' supplies
	o	Bicycles
	o	Books
	o	Cameras and photographic supplies
	o	Clothing and accessories
	o	Collectable items sales
	o	Computer and computer equipment
	o	Consumer electronics
	o	Curio, gift and souvenir shops
	o	Department stores
	o	Discount stores
	o	Dry goods
	o	Fabrics and sewing supplies
	o	Florists and houseplant stores (indoor)
	o	Furniture and home furnishing
	o	Hardware
	o	Hobby materials
	o	Jewelry
	o	Luggage and leather goods
	o	Musical instruments, parts and accessories
	o	Newsstands
	o	Orthopedic supplies
	o	Religious goods
	o	Small wares
	o	Specialty shops
	o	Sporting goods and equipment
	o	Stationery
	o	Toys and games
	o	Variety stores
•	Pawn shops. Retail establishments that accept personal property as collateral for loans, and offer the property for sale to the public.
•	Secondhand stores. Indoor retail establishments that buy and sell used products, including clothing, furniture and household goods. The sale of antiques is included under "Art, Antique, Collectible and Gift Sales." The sale of cars and other used vehicles is included under "Vehicle Sales."
•	Warehouse retail. A retail store emphasizing product lines, with a sales floor of generally 40,000 square feet or larger, that typically package and sell products in large quantities or volumes, where products are typically displayed in their original shipping containers. Sites and buildings are usually large and industrial in character. Patrons may be required to pay membership fees.

Retail shopping center.

Any commercial development with 3 or more commercial uses or occupancies, which is primarily devoted to retail sales, and which provides common parking facilities. Eating and drinking establishment are considered uses primarily devoted to retail sales.

Reverse vending machine.

An automated mechanical device which accepts at least one or more types of empty beverage containers including, but not limited to, aluminum cans and glass and plastic bottles, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip with a value not less than the container's redemption value as determined by the State. A reverse vending machine may sort and process containers mechanically, provided that the entire process is enclosed within the machine.

Rhythm.

The regular or harmonious recurrence of lines, shapes, forms elements or colors, usually within a proportional system.

Ridge.

The highest line of a roof when sloping planes intersect.

Runoff.

Water that is not absorbed by the planted area to which it is applied and flows from the area. For example, runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application rate exceeds infiltration rate) or where there is a severe slope.

Definitions "S."

Scale.

The measurement of the geometrical relationship between one object and another. The scale of a building can be described in terms of its relationship to a human being. All of the components of a building also have a relationship to each other and to the building as a whole, which is the "scale" of the components. The building must also be in scale with its surroundings. A high-rise building surrounded by 1- or 2-story buildings could be said to be out of scale.

The relationship of a building, or portions of a building, to a human being is called its relationship to "human scale."

Schools.

Public and private educational institutions, including:

•	Boarding schools
•	Business, secretarial, and vocational schools
•	Colleges and universities
•	Elementary, middle, and junior high schools
•	High schools
•	Military academies
•	Professional schools (law, medicine, etc.)
•	Seminaries/religious ministry training facilities
Also includes specialized non-degree granting schools offering instruction in:
•	Art
•	Ballet and other dance
•	Bartending
•	Computers and electronics
•	Cooking
•	Drama
•	Driver education
•	Language
•	Music
Does not include pre-schools and child day care facilities (see "Child Day Care Facilities"). See also the definition of "Studios for Art, Dance, Music, Photography, etc." for smaller-scale facilities offering specialized instruction.

Self-storage facility.

A facility that provides secured, enclosed storage space within buildings to the general public on either a short-term or long-term rental or lease basis primarily for personal properties.

Senior housing.

Housing developments intended and designed solely for occupancy by senior citizens.

Sensitive area.

That area of land (including above and below the surface) within 2,000 feet of the exterior boundaries of a specific off-site hazardous waste facility, unless otherwise specified as being larger.

Service station.

A retail business engaged primarily in the sale of vehicle fuels and lubricants. A service station can also include the following accessory/incidental uses: carwash, convenience store and/or incidental repair. Excluded uses include: all painting, body and fender repair; machine work; welding; tire recapping, vehicle storage; and equipment rental. See Section 17.400.145, Service Stations, for detailed development standards.

Setback.

The distance by which the wall of a structure, parking area or other development feature must be separated from a lot line, other structure or development feature, or street centerline. In architecture, setback means the recessing of the upper part of a façade due to the smaller area of the upper floors.

Shake.

Split wood shingle.

Shed roof.

A sloping, single-planed roof.

Sign.

Any device, fixture, placard or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public. Signs are classified as follows:

•	Animated. Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene so as to draw the attention of the public. This type of sign can continuously change its message or display. (See "Changeable copy" and "Electronic message board.")
•	Arcade. A sign that is suspended from the underside of a horizontal plane surface and is supported by said surface, and which can be either free-swinging or fixed in place.
•	Banner. Any temporary sign of lightweight fabric, plastic or similar material that is attached by one or more edges or corners to a building, structure or pole. (See also "flag" and "pennant.")
•	Billboard. Any sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or noncommercial message referring to an activity, a service, a commodity, a product, a person, or an event at a location other than where the sign is located.
•	Billboard, electronic. An off-site sign, conditionally permitted pursuant to Section 17.330.090, utilizing digital message technology, capable of changing the static message or copy on the sign electronically. An electronic billboard may be internally or externally illuminated. Electronic billboards shall contain static messages only, and shall not have animation, movement, or the appearance or optical illusion of movement, of any part of the sign structure, design, or pictorial segment of the sign. Each static message shall not include flashing, scintillating lighting or the varying of light intensity. An electronic billboard consists of a digital display area and a sign structure.
•	Billboard, static. An off-site sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or noncommercial message referring to an activity, a service, a commodity, a product, a person, or an event at a location other than where the sign is located. Static billboards do not utilize digital or electronic display technology and relies solely on fixed, non-changing images or messages. None of the following shall be deemed a billboard:
	•	Directional and other official signs authorized by law;
	•	Signs advertising the sale or lease of property upon which they are located; and
	•	Signs advertising activities conducted on the property upon which they are located.
•	Building. Any sign attached to any part of a building, as contrasted to a freestanding sign.
•	Building marker. Any sign indicating the name of a building and date and incidental information about its construction, which sign is cut into a masonry surface or made of bronze or other permanent material.
•	Can. Any internally-illuminated single-faced building, wall or window sign fabricated of metal in such manner that it forms a box with a back, sides, top and bottom, and the plastic sign face containing the entire commercial message is mounted within the geometric shape of the sign.
•	Canopy. Any sign that is a part of or attached to an awning, canopy or other fabric, plastic or structural protective cover over a door, entrance, window or outdoor service area. An illuminated architectural canopy sign (backlit awning) is an enclosed illuminated structure that is attached to the wall of a building with the face of the sign approximately parallel to the wall and with the message integrated into its face. A marquee is not a canopy.
•	Changeable copy. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that can be changed or rearranged without altering the face or the surface of the sign. This definition specifically excludes digital or electronic displays, which are referred to in this Chapter as "electronic message boards." A sign on which the message changes more than 8 times per 24-hour day (12:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.) shall be considered an animated sign and not a changeable copy sign for the purposes of this Chapter. A sign on which the only copy that changes is an electronic or mechanical indication of time or temperature shall be considered a "time and temperature" portion of a sign and not a changeable copy sign or animated sign for purposes of this Chapter. (See "Animated" and "Electronic message board.")
•	Changeable message technology. A sign or portion thereof with characters, letters or illustrations that is electronically timed to change, rearrange, or alter the face or surface of the sign.
•	Commercial "for rent" or "for lease." A sign that advertises the first availability of new commercial or industrial space, or the availability of space within an existing commercial or industrial development.
•	Commercial message. Any sign wording, logo, or other representation that, directly or indirectly, names, advertises or calls attention to a business, product, service or other commercial activity.
•	Electronic message board. A type of on-premises sign that uses an electronic or digital display to form a message or messages wherein the sequence of messages and the rate of change is electronically programmed and can be modified by electronic processes. This type of sign is intended for on-premises uses, with messages displayed for a minimum of 30 seconds before changing to a different message. Electronic message boards are distinct from, and excluded from the definition of, electronic billboards, which are off-site signs regulated pursuant to Section 17.330.090. (See "Animated, "Changeable copy" and "Flashing.")
•	Flashing. See "Animated."
•	Freestanding. Any sign supported by structures or supports that are placed on or anchored in the ground and that are independent from any building or other structure.
•	Future development. A sign that advertises a residential, commercial or industrial development that will commence construction on the property on which it is located within 6 months of issuance of the temporary sign permit.
•	Illuminated. A sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source.
•	Incidental. A sign, generally informational, that has a purpose secondary to the use of the zone lot on which it is located, such as "no parking," "entrance," "loading only," "telephone," "for sale," "for lease" and other similar directives. A sign with a commercial message legible from a position off the zone lot on which the sign is located shall not be considered "incidental."
•	Integral roof. Any sign erected or constructed as an integral or essentially integral part of a normal roof structure of any design, such that no part of the sign extends vertically above the highest portion of the roof and such that no part of the sign is separated from the rest of the roof by a space of more than 6 inches.
•	Marquee. Any sign made a part of or in any manner attached to a marquee.
•	Nonconforming. Any sign that does not conform to the requirements of this Chapter.
•	Off-premises. See "Billboard."
•	On-premises. Any sign which identifies a principal use situated on the zone lot where the sign is located.
•	Outdoor advertising. See "Billboard."
•	Political sign. Any sign concerning candidates for political office or involving a ballot issue.
•	Portable. Any sign not permanently attached to the ground or other permanent structure, or a sign designed to be transported including, but not limited to, signs designed to be transported by means of wheels; signs converted to A- or T-frames; menu and sandwich board signs; balloons or other inflatable devices used as signs; umbrellas used for advertising; and signs attached to or painted on vehicles parked on, visible from, or within 100 feet of the public right-of-way, unless said vehicle is used in the normal day-to-day operations of the business and there is no feasible location on the zone lot in which to park the vehicle in a manner that would render it not visible from the public right-of-way.
•	Projecting. Any sign permanently attached to a building or wall along one or more edges such that the sign face or faces are perpendicular to the building or wall.
•	Real estate. Any sign which is secondary to the principal use (see "Incidental") and which advertises the availability of the property on which it is located for sale, lease or rent, and which is fixed to the ground by a pole or stake, or fixed to the building or structure.
•	Residential. Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses that contains no commercial message except for the name of the permitted principal use occupying the premises where the sign is located.
•	Roof. Any sign attached to a building so that a part of the sign is higher than the roof or parapet of the building.
•	Suspended. See "Arcade."
•	Temporary. A sign that is made of durable cloth, plastic or similar non-rigid material that displays business identification, advertising or promotional message, and that is displayed only for a short period of time as regulated in Chapter 17.330, Signs.
•	Tract directional (off-premises). Any sign advertising the first public lease or sale of land subdivided for purposes of sale or lease not located on a portion of the subdivided land.
•	Wall. Any sign attached parallel to, but within 6 inches of, a wall, painted on the wall surface of, or erected and confined within the limits of an outside wall of any building or structure, which is supported by such wall or building, and which displays only one sign surface.
•	Window. Any sign, pictures, symbol or combination thereof designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale or service that is placed inside of a window or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.

Significantly expand or modify a hazardous waste facility.

To expand or modify an existing hazardous waste facility, including a specified hazardous waste facility, in such a manner that a Conditional Use Permit and an environmental impact report are needed.

Sign, maintain.

To fail to remove or conform a sign to Chapter 17.330, Signs, or using or permitting another to use land with a sign on it contrary to Chapter 17.330.

Sign, substantially modified.

Means any changes to a nonconforming sign which affect the structure of the sign such that the dimensions, age, model number, capacity or other characteristic of any component are altered from the original, or the sign is moved to a new location on the zone lot. This definition does not include installation of a new sign face or faces with different colors, commercial message, or graphic style, provided that the new sign face or faces comply with the Design Standards or approved master sign plan, and does not involve any changes to the structure of the sign.

Sign, vertical clearance.

The distance from the bottom of a sign, but not including the support elements of a freestanding sign, to the average finished grade below, or to the grade of the nearest point of an adjoining public right-of-way with a higher elevation if within 5 feet thereof.

Sill.

The horizontal member forming the bottom frame of a door or window.

Site.

A parcel or adjoining parcels under single ownership or single control, considered a unit for the purposes of development or other use.

Site plan.

An accurate, detailed plan drawn to scale for a proposed development of one or more parcels of land to which the provisions of this Title shall apply. Such plans depict the building locations, off-street parking, loading areas, traffic lanes, points of ingress and egress, lighting, vision clearances, fence or wall barriers, and other similar items.

Slate.

Hard, thin, naturally occurring plates of stone that are used for roof coverings, paving, etc.

Spa/sauna.

A facility offering personal body care treatments and activities related to health, beauty, relaxation and therapy. A spa/sauna may also offer facials, hair and nail treatments and the retail sale of products associated with such treatments and activities offered. Adult uses, as defined by this Title are excluded from a spa/sauna (see also "Medical Spa").

Specified hazardous waste facility.

An off-site facility which serves more than one producer of hazardous waste (California Health and Safety Code Section 25199.1(m)).

Stealth facility.

Any wireless communication facility that is designed to blend into the surrounding environment by means of screening, concealment or camouflage. In order to be considered a "stealth facility," a "wireless communications facility" and its supporting equipment must either not be visible to any person standing beyond the property on which it is located or, if visible to any person standing beyond the property on which it is located, complies with the design standards of Section 17.400.175.

Story.

That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. Story does not include a basement.

Street.

A public or private thoroughfare, which affords principal means of access to abutting property, including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare except an alley as defined in this Article.

Street frontage.

The distance for which a lot line of a zone lot adjoins a public street, from one lot line intersecting said street to the furthest distant lot line intersecting the same street.

Street trees.

Trees planted within a public street right-of-way.

Structure.

Anything constructed or erected, that requires location on the ground or attached to something having a location on the ground.

Studios.

A school where classes in the various arts (e.g., dance, painting, sculpting, singing) including martial arts (and other similar activities) are taught and where such facilities operate pursuant to the provisions established in Section 17.400.153 of this Title.

Subdivision, small lot.

A subdivision comprised of lots which do not comply with the lot size and setback standards established in Table 2-3 of this Title, but which do comply with the provisions established in Section 17.400.150 of this Title.

Supportive housing.

Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 50657.14, means housing with no limit on length of stay (permanent affordable housing), that is occupied by the "target population," and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist tenants to retain the housing, improve their health status, maximize their ability to live and when possible, to work in the community. The "target population," in accordance with the Health and Safety Code means adults with low-incomes, having one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health conditions, or individuals eligible for services provided under the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 45000) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may, among other populations, include families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, or homeless people. Supportive housing shall be considered as a residential use and only subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone. Supportive housing may be designed as residential group living facilities or dwelling units and include the following:

•	Dwelling unit, as defined in Article 7 of this Title, intended for one family.
•	Residential group living six persons or less. Means one residential facility on a parcel, with six residents or less (including minor children), excluding staff, that operates as a group living facility, where the residents share a common living area and a kitchen. The facility is similar to a residential care facility (with six persons or less), as defined in Article 7 of this Title.
•	Residential group living seven persons or more. Means one residential facility on a parcel, with seven residents or more (including minor children), excluding staff, that operates as a group living facility, where the residents share a common living area and a kitchen. The facility is similar to a residential care facility (with seven persons or more), as defined in Article 7 of this Title.

Surface materials.

Used to define or create a texture for a building. Surface materials can also be used to help define the scale of a building.

Swap meet.

Collective retail sales or exchange of merchandise by individual vendors occupying separate sales spaces that are not divided by permanent walls, indoor or outdoor, conducted on either a permanent, recurring or intermittent basis. The number of off-street parking spaces for each swap meet shall be determined by the approving authority as a part of the Conditional Use Permit process.

Symmetry.

The balanced arrangement of equivalent elements about a common axis.

Definitions "T."

Tattoo artist or dermatography artist.

The person who either owns and operates a tattoo parlor or dermatography studio, or is employed by or contracts with such person to perform the below-described procedure, or contracts with or is employed by any other person or business to perform such procedure as an accessory use to a primary use.

Tattoo parlor or dermatography studio.

Any facility, whether established as a primary use or an accessory use, or as a temporary or permanent facility, where furnishings and equipment are placed, set up or installed for the purpose of injecting or applying coloring material into or onto the skin by means of a needle or other apparatus by an operator, thereby creating a permanent mark, and where such mark is made primarily for body decoration or adornment, and not for any physically therapeutic or medically justified purpose. This definition does not include any similar procedure when conducted or performed by a licensed dermatologist operating on premises licensed to conduct such procedure.

Technical review.

The review of an application for a hazardous waste facility project by a State agency to determine if the facility meets the applicable statutes and regulations.

Temporary use.

A land use of short duration, either indoor or outdoor, for commercial or noncommercial purposes which is permitted with a temporary use permit.

Tenant.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: the lessee of facility space at an applicable development project who also serves as an employer. A tenant may be responsible for implementing the provisions of Section 17.400.165, as determined by the property owner.

Texture.

Refers to variations in the exterior façade and may be described in terms of the roughness of the surface material, the patterns inherent in the material or the patterns in which the material is placed. Texture and lack of texture influence the mass, scale and rhythm of a building. Texture can also add intimate scale to large buildings by the use of small detailed patterns, such as brick masonry.

Theater.

An outdoor or indoor area, building, part of a building, structure or defined area utilized primarily for rehearsal or research and development related to a performance, which may include, but is not limited to, the following: film, music video, opera, play, dance, presentation and other related activities, which in the opinion of the Director are similar.

Townhouse.

A dwelling unit which shares a common interior wall with another dwelling unit and no portion of which is above or below another dwelling unit.

Transient occupancy.

Occupancy for sleeping purposes in a guest room for periods of 30 or fewer consecutive calendar days.

Transparency.

The quality of being transparent. For windows, transparency indicates the percentage of visible light that passes through the window, including any installed tinting. To be considered transparent, a window must allow for 65% of visible light to pass through it and must allow for visibility into a tenant space.

Transportation demand management (TDM).

The implementation of programs, plans or policies designed to encourage changes in individual travel behavior. Transportation demand management (TDM) can include an emphasis on alternative travel modes to the single occupant vehicle (SOV), such as carpools, vanpools, and transit; reduction or elimination of the number of vehicle trips; or shifts in time of vehicle commutes to other than the peak period.

Trip reduction.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management, reducing the number of work related trips taken between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., inclusive, Monday through Friday, in single occupancy vehicles.

Turf.

A single-bladed grass or sod.

Definitions "U."

Unrelocatable.

A mobilehome that cannot be relocated to a comparable mobilehome park because of any of the following factors:

•	The unavailability of spaces in a comparable park within a 100 mile radius of the park to be converted.
•	The overall structural condition of the home is in such condition that it cannot feasibly be repaired or safely relocated.
•	That comparable parks are unwilling or unable to accept the home.

Use.

The purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which the land or building may be occupied or maintained.

Definitions "V."

Variance.

A discretionary entitlement that may waive or relax the development standards of this Title, in compliance with Chapters 17.550, Administrative and Conditional Use Permits, and 17.555, Administrative Adjustments and Variances.

Vehicle sales.

Types of vehicle sales are as follows:

•	New vehicles, retail. An automotive dealership conducting the sale of new automobiles, including trucks and vans. Accessory/incidental uses include the sale of used automobiles, trucks and vans; the maintenance/repair of vehicles; vehicle rental agencies; and vehicle body/frame repair and painting.
•	Used vehicles. A business limited to the retail sales of previously owned (used) vehicles. The maintenance/repair, reconditioning and/or vehicle body/frame repair and painting of any vehicle is not provided.
•	Vehicle parts sales (no installation and/or servicing). A business selling automotive parts, tires and related accessories, whereby the installation of any part, tire and/or accessory and/or the servicing of any vehicle is not provided.
•	Vehicle parts sales (with installation and/or servicing). A business selling automotive parts, tires and related accessories. As an accessory/incidental use, such parts, tires and accessories sold from the premises may be installed for the repair and/or servicing of a vehicle.

Vehicle services.

Types of vehicle services are as follows:

•	Accessory installation. Minor facilities that specialize in the addition of supplemental convenience items or devices to vehicles that do not involve the primary operating system of a vehicle (such as motors or transmissions) or structural features (such as body, chassis, or suspension). These establishments provide installation of alarms, stereos, window tinting, etc.
•	Body/paint. Facilities that provide vehicle painting, body, frame, and fender work.
•	Maintenance/repair—Excluding auto body. Repair facilities dealing with vehicles including the installation, replacement, tuning, or maintenance of the various parts, equipment, or operating systems of a vehicle, including the wholesale and retail sale of vehicle parts as an accessory/incidental use. Excludes vehicle body/fender repair, vehicle painting, frame repair, welding; tire recapping, vehicle storage and equipment rental.
•	Rental. A business which conducts the renting of vehicles. Vehicle maintenance/repair, body/fender repair, vehicle painting and/or frame work is not provided.

Vending machine.

An automated mechanical device which ejects products such as snack food items, non-alcoholic beverages, or cigarettes, when cash is deposited.

Very low-income households.

Households whose income does not exceed 50 percent of the Orange County median income, as published and periodically updated by the State Department of Housing and Community Development, as more specifically set forth in Section 50105 of the California Health and Safety Code.

Definitions "W."

Warehouse use.

A building or portion thereof used primarily for the storage, receiving, shipping, or wholesaling of goods and merchandise, and any incidental or accessory activities.

Wholesale use.

The sale of goods by bulk for resale purposes and not for direct use or consumption.

Wireless communications.

A broad range of telecommunications services that enable people and devices to communicate independent of location. This includes the current technologies of cellular communications and personal communications services. This excludes noncommercial antennas, radio and television signals, and noncommercial satellite dishes. Also see Section 17.400.175.

Wireless co-located wireless communication facilities.

•	The locating of 2 or more wireless communication facilities on a single support structure or otherwise sharing a common location; and/or
•	The locating of wireless communication facilities with other existing structures such as a building, a sign, a water tank, a light standard, a flag pole or other utility facility or structure.

Wireless communication facility.

Any facility that transmits and/or receives electromagnetic signals, microwave signals, radio, light or similar signals, including antennas, monopoles and satellite transmission receivers and related equipment.

Worksite.

Pertaining to Section 17.400.165, Transportation Demand Management: a building or grouping of buildings located within the City which are in actual physical contact or separated solely by a private or public roadway or other private or public right-of-way, and which are owned or operated by the same employer (or by employers under common control).

Definitions "X."

No specialized terms beginning with the letter "X" are used at this time.

Definitions "Y."

Yard (area).

An area between a lot line and building(s), unobstructed and unoccupied from the ground upward, except where permitted by this Title. The area of a yard may include the minimum required area as defined by the term "Yard (Minimum)" of this Article.

Yard (minimum).

An area between a lot line and a setback, unobstructed and unoccupied from the ground upward, except for projections permitted by this Title. See Section 17.300.020, Setback Regulations and Exceptions.

•	Front yard. A required yard area extending across the full width of a lot located between the front lot line and the front building setback line.
•	Rear yard. A required yard area extending across the full width of the lot and measured between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the main building nearest said rear line of the lot.
•	Side yard. A required yard between the main building and the side lot line, extending from the rear line of the required front yard, or front property line where no front yard is required, to the rear yard.

Figure 7-9 Types of Yard

Definitions "Z."

Zoning code.

The Westminster Zoning Code, Title 17 of the Westminster Municipal Code, referred to herein as "this Title."

Zoning district.

Any of the residential, commercial, industrial, planned development, special-purpose, or overlay districts established by Article 2, Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses and Zone-Specific Standards, within which certain land uses are allowed or prohibited, and certain site planning and development standards are established (e.g., setbacks, height limits, site coverage requirements, etc.).

(Ord. 2456 § 2, 2010; Ord. 2478 § 2, 2011; Ord. 2479 § 3, 2011; amended during Supplement No. 20, 1/12; Ord. 2507 § 6, 2013; Ord. 2511 § 2, 2014; Ord. 2549 § 7, 2018; Ord. 2563 § 7, 2019; Ord. 2572 § 7, 2021; Ord. 2580U § 13, 2022; Ord. 2593 § 8, 2022; Ord. 2618, 4/9/2025; Ord. 2631, 1/14/2026; Ord. 2633, 3/11/2026)