A. 
For the purpose of this title, certain terms, phrases, words and their derivatives shall be constructed as specified herein. Words used in the singular include the plural and the plural the singular. Words in the present include the past and future tense and those used in the masculine gender include the feminine and the feminine the masculine. The word "shall" is always mandatory and is not merely directory. The word "may" is permissive.
B. 
Words and phrases not defined in this chapter shall be as defined in other chapters of the Lawndale Municipal Code, the Los Angeles County Building and Fire Codes, and Webster's Dictionary, the definitions which results in the most restrictive regulation to apply in case of conflict.
(Ord. 777-95 § 3)
"Abutting"
means having a common boundary, except that lots having no common boundary other than a common corner shall not be considered abutting.
"Access"
means the place, means, or way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have ingress and egress to a property or use.
"Access driveway"
means a driveway that provides access to a parking area from a public street or alley.
"Accessory building or structure"
means a structure which is incidental or subordinate to the principal structure on the same site, or the use of which is incidental or subordinate to the use of the principal structure of the site. An accessory structure that is attached or joined to a principal structure shall be deemed a part of the principal structure.
"Accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU"
means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation and shall be constructed on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling unit that is the primary dwelling unit is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following: (1) an efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code; and (2) a manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of accessory dwelling unit found in Government Code Section 65852.2.
"Accessory living quarters"
mean living quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of the family occupying the main building and for use by temporary guests of the occupant of the main building, such quarters having no kitchen facilities, kitchenette, cooking facilities, or cooking appliance(s) (the term cooking appliance does not include coffee pots or refrigerators) and not rented or otherwise used as a separate dwelling unit.
"Accessory use"
means a use of a structure or site, or a portion of a structure or site, which is incidental or subordinate to the principal use conducted on or occupying the site.
"Acupressure"
means the stimulation or sedation of specific meridian points and trigger points near the surface of the body by the use of pressure applied by the acupressurist in order to prevent or modify the perception of pain or to normalize physiological functions, including pain control, in the treatment of certain diseases or dysfunctions of the body.
"Adjacent"
means two or more lots separated only by an alley, street, highway or recorded easement, or two or more objects that lie near or close to each other.
"Adjoining"
means two or more lots sharing a common boundary line or two or more objects in contact with each other. Lots, which touch at corners, shall not be deemed adjoining. "Abut" or "abutting" and "contiguous" mean the same as adjoining.
"Adult"
means a person who is eighteen years of age or older.
"Adult business"
means any use of property that is subject to the provisions of Chapter 17.94 of this title.
"Aisle"
means an unobstructed path or area directly adjacent to a parking space that is utilized by vehicles to maneuver in or out of a parking space or parking area.
"Alley"
means a public way permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.
"Alteration"
means any change, addition, or modification in construction or occupancy of an existing building or structure.
Alteration, Structural.
"Structural alteration" means any change in the supporting members of a building such as bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joists, girders or rafters, or changes in roof pitch or configuration, or exterior building lines. "Structural alteration" does not include the application of any exterior siding to an existing building for the purpose of beautification and modernization, or the installation of roof covering.
"Antique"
means a bona fide antique or a "work of art," piece of furniture or decorative object made at a much earlier period than the present and according to U.S. Customs laws at least one hundred years old.
"Antique store"
means a retail establishment which has at least seventy-five percent of its floor area devoted to the display for sale of bona fide antiques.
"Apartment"
means a residential dwelling unit located within a multiple unit dwelling which is available to rent or lease for an extended period of time.
Apartment, Bachelor.
"Bachelor apartment" means a dwelling unit within a multiple unit dwelling that combines sleeping, living, cooking and dining facilities, into one habitable room.
Apartment, Single.
"Single apartment" means a dwelling unit within a multiple unit dwelling, containing one room and a bathroom and cooking facilities.
"Architectural design"
means or refers to the proportions, finish, shape, height, color scheme, style, theme and appropriateness of any structure or building as well as the type of walls, roof and architectural features thereon.
"Architectural projection"
means a projection from a wall of a building that is more than eight inches in width or projection, and is an integral part of the design of that wall, but which provides no usable interior space.
"Attic"
means the unfinished level between the ceiling of the top floor and the roof. Attic shall be an uninhabitable area.
"Automobile body shop"
means any business where motor vehicle body, frame, fender or chassis repair work is done or performed.
"Automobile car wash"
means the use of land or a building, which is used for the mechanical washing of automobiles, and the waxing and interior cleaning of such automobiles.
"Automobile detailing"
means the use of land or a building, which is used for the hand washing of automobiles, and the waxing and interior cleaning of such automobiles.
"Automobile impound yard"
means an open area used exclusively for the storage of automobiles, motor vehicles and recreational vehicles impounded pursuant to order of a public law enforcement agency or insurance organization licensed to conduct business in the state, and stored solely for the purposes of law enforcement investigation, insurance investigation, title clearance and transfer and/or litigation. This definition does not include the dismantling or disassembly of vehicles, except pursuant to litigation, the sale of vehicle parts nor the storage of nonimpounded vehicles or their parts.
"Automobile service station"
means a place of retail business engaged in supplying gasoline and oil and other goods essential to the normal operation of motor vehicles.
"Awning"
means a sun screen cantilevered from the wall of a building.
"Balcony"
means an open area located either recessed or projected out from the walls of a building and located four feet or more above grade and open on one or more sides except for a railing or parapet not more than forty-two inches high. Balcony does not include exterior corridor.
"Bar, cocktail lounge"
means any premises wherein alcoholic beverages are sold at retail for consumption on the premises and minors are excluded therefrom by law.
"Barbed wire"
means twisted strands of fence wire with barbs at regular intervals.
"Bay window"
means a projection from the wall of a building containing windows on all walls of the projection. The projection does not provide for usable floor area (i.e., an unobstructed continuation of the finished floor line), and shall contain a bench or window seat, which is not less than sixteen inches above the finished floor. A bay window shall be cantilevered a minimum of twenty-four inches above the finished adjacent grade.
"Billboard"
means a sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or noncommercial message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located.
"Board and care home"
means a residential care facility in which the residents are ambulatory and do not require skilled nursing care.
"Boardinghouse"
means a residence in which lodging with meals is provided for people other than members of the resident family, for compensation, and the occupancy for the people other than members of the resident family is for not less than thirty days.
"Breezeway"
means a roofed passageway, open at opposite ends, which connects two otherwise separate buildings.
"Buildable area"
means the portion of a lot, which may be occupied by buildings or structures in compliance with the requirements of this title.
"Building"
means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any individual, animal, equipment, goods or materials of any kind.
"Building coverage"
means that portion of a lot covered by an improved structure.
"Caretaker"
means a person who is on the property for a substantial portion of each day for security purposes or for the vital care of people, plants, animals, equipment or other conditions of the site, and who may not have a possessory interest in the property.
"Caretaker facility"
means a dwelling unit used by a caretaker, and his or her family.
"Carport"
means a permanently roofed structure open on one or more sides, used or intended to be used for vehicular parking.
"City"
means the city of Lawndale.
Clinic, Medical.
"Medical clinic" means any facility for the care and diagnosis and treatment of persons in need of medical, dental, or surgical attention, but who are not provided with board or overnight accommodations on the premises. "Clinic" does not include a veterinary clinic.
Clinic, Veterinary.
"Veterinary clinic" means a medical facility licensed by the State Department of Public Health for the treatment of household pets. The use may include the overnight care of such treated pets.
Club, Private Nonprofit.
"Private nonprofit club" means an association of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, organized for some common purpose, shall include those associations and organizations of a fraternal or social character, not operated or maintained for profit and that qualify for an exemption from a business license. The term "private club" shall not include casinos, nightclubs, restaurants, other institutions operated as businesses for profit that requires a city business license and a special use permit.
"Commission"
means the planning commission of the city of Lawndale.
"Conditional use"
means that owing to some special characteristics attendant to its operation or installation (for example, potential danger, smoke, or noise) a use that is permitted in a district subject to approval by the planning commission, and subject to special requirements, different from those usual requirements for the district in which the conditional use may be located. "Conditional use" means special use.
"Conditional use permit"
means special use permit.
"Condominium"
means an estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common with a portion of a parcel real property together with a separate interest in space in a building or a particular site on such real property. The term shall also apply to a unit within a multiple unit dwelling within which each individual unit is intended for separate purchase along with an interest in common in the site on which the multiple dwelling is located.
"Construction"
means any building or structure, or the act of fabricating or erecting any building or structure.
"Convalescent facility"
means a nursing facility or institution which makes provision for bed care for chronic or convalescent care for one or more persons (exclusive of relatives) who by illness or physical infirmity are unable to properly care for themselves and includes convalescent hospital, rehabilitation hospital, sanitarium and nursing home but does not include facilities or institutions providing care of alcoholics, drug addicts, persons with mental disease or persons with communicable diseases, including contagious tuberculosis. Surgical and emergency medical services are not permitted at convalescent facilities.
"Convenience store"
means any retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food products, household items, and other goods commonly associated with the same and having a gross floor area of less than five thousand square feet.
"Council"
means the city council of the city of Lawndale.
"County"
means Los Angeles County.
"Cul-de-sac"
means a local street, one end of which is closed and consists of a circular turn around.
"Cyber café"
means a place of business that provides facilities that access the Internet and is comprised of more than three leaseable stations.
Day Care Facility.
See "Family day care homes."
Decision, Discretionary.
"Discretionary decision" means a decision that requires the exercise of judgment, deliberation, or decision on the part of the decision-making authority in the process of approving or disapproving a particular activity, as distinguished from a situation where the decision-making authority merely has to determine whether there has been conformity with applicable statutes, ordinances or regulations.
Decision, Ministerial.
"Ministerial decision" means a decision that is approved by a decision-making authority based upon a given set of facts in a prescribed manner in obedience to the mandate of legal authority. In these cases, the authority must act upon the given facts without regard to its own judgment or opinion concerning the propriety or wisdom of the act although the statute, ordinance, or regulation may require, in some degree, a construction of its language by the decision-making authority.
"Dedication"
means the donation of real property or airspace to the public for a specific use or purpose.
"Density"
means the number of dwelling units permitted per net acre of land.
"Detached living quarters"
mean accessory living quarters.
"Development"
means all structures and other modifications of the natural landscape above and below the ground, on a particular site.
"Director"
means the community development director of the city of Lawndale or designated representative.
"District"
means zone.
"Domestic animal"
means an animal which is commonly maintained in residence with man.
"Drive-in, drive through or walk-up facility"
means outdoor service provided by a business establishment by means of a window counter accommodating persons on foot and/or in vehicles.
"Driveway approach"
means that portion of the road between the right-of-way line and the curb, or between the right-of-way line and the pavement if no curb exists, where motor vehicles enter or leave the highway or street to access parking facilities.
"Dry cleaners"
mean a building or portion of a building in which clothes and other fabric type materials are cleansed without the use of mechanical washing machines or dryers.
"Duplex"
means two-family dwelling.
Dwelling, Multiple-family.
"Multiple-family dwelling" means a residential building designed for, or occupied by, two or more dwelling units.
Dwelling, Single-family.
"Single-family dwelling" means an attached or detached building not to contain more than one kitchen and which, regardless of the form of ownership, is not designed to accommodate more than one household.
"Dwelling unit"
means one or more rooms designed, occupied, or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters, with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided within the same unit for the exclusive use of the household.
"Emergency shelter"
means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.
"Escort agency"
means a person or business association who furnishes, offers to furnish, or advertises to furnish escorts as one of its primary business purposes for a fee, tip or other consideration.
"Existing structure"
for the purposes of defining an allowable space that can be converted to an accessory dwelling unit means within the footprint of any structure existing on or after the effective date of this section that can be made safely habitable under local building codes at the determination of the building official regardless of any noncompliance with zoning standards.
"Façade"
means the exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building. The primary façade is the exterior building face which is parallel to the front property line.
Family Day Care Home—Large.
"Large family day care home" means a home which provides family day care to seven to fourteen children, inclusive of children under the age of ten years who reside at the home.
Family Day Care Home—Small.
"Small family day care home" means a home which provides family day care for up to eight children, inclusive of children under the age of ten years who reside at the home.
"Fence"
means an artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose or screen areas of land.
Floor Area, Gross.
"Gross floor area" means the area of all floors included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building, or portion thereof. The area of a building, or portion thereof, not provided with surrounding walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above and shall also be included within this calculation.
"Floor area ratio" or "FAR"
means the total building square footage on a given lot divided by the lot area of the same lot. Building square footage includes all structures on the lot, including garages and accessory structures.
Frontage, Building.
"Building frontage" means that exterior building wall that abuts a street.
Frontage, Street or Highway.
"Street or highway frontage" means the side of a parcel that abuts a street or highway.
"Full service fitness center"
means a private health, athletic, or recreational club facility that provides fitness services including, but not limited to, gymnasiums (except public), weight training facilities, aerobic floors, tennis/racquetball courts, swimming pools, and similar athletic facilities, with full service amenities including, but not limited to, showers, lockers, baths and saunas.
"Game machine"
means any device for the amusement or pastime, including, but not limited to, a pinball machine, video game, or virtual reality device of whatever kind or nature, whether electronically activated or not, which may be activated by a coin or any consideration paid for its usage.
"Game machine arcade"
means any place of business containing four or more game machines.
Garage, Private Parking.
"Private parking garage" means an enclosed building, or portion thereof, used for the storage of motor vehicles owned or operated by residents, and for storage and other uses related to normal household purposes.
Garage, Public Parking.
"Public parking garage" means a building or structure other than a private garage used for the temporary parking of motor vehicles.
"Granny flat"
means a second residential unit which is attached to or detached from, a primary residence on a lot zoned for single-family residence, if the dwelling unit is intended for the sole use of one adult or two adult persons who are sixty-two years of age or over, and the area of floor space of the attached dwelling unit does not exceed thirty percent of the existing living area or the area of the floor space of the detached dwelling does not exceed one thousand two hundred square feet.
"Guest house"
means accessory living quarters with kitchen or kitchenette.
"Guest room"
means one habitable room with facilities for sleeping and sanitation which does not contain a kitchen, kitchenette, cooking facilities, or cooking appliance(s) (the term cooking appliance does not include coffee pots or refrigerators) and is designed, intended to be used, or used as temporary sleeping accommodations for any person.
"Health club"
means a physical exercise, recreation or improvement facility, including, but not limited to, gymnasiums (except public) and private clubs (athletic, health or recreational).
"Hedges"
means two or more shrubs or trees planted or grown closely together for the purpose of, or with the result of, forming a boundary or barrier.
Height, Building.
"Building height" means the vertical distance as measured from finished grade to the highest point of the structure or object being measured. Building height does not include chimneys, antennas or other appurtenant structures.
"Home occupation"
means an occupation conducted by the occupant of a dwelling as a secondary use in which there is no display, no stock-in-trade, no commodity sold on the premises, no person employed other than residents of the dwelling; and no mechanical equipment used, except for that necessary for traditional housekeeping and computer purposes.
"Hotel"
means a lodging facility containing six or more guest rooms offering transient accommodations on a daily rate to the general public, and which may provide additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms and recreational facilities. The terms shall not include family day care facility as defined in this chapter.
"Household pets"
mean cats, dogs, canaries, parrots and other kindred birds and animals usually or ordinarily kept as household pets.
"Incidental"
means a use or occupancy which occupies less than twenty percent of the floor area of a building or structure.
"Internet cafe"
means cyber cafe.
"Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU"
means a unit that is no more than five hundred square feet in size which is contained entirely within enclosed uses within the residence, such as attached garages, is considered a part of the proposed or existing single-family residence. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of junior accessory dwelling unit found in Government Code Section 65852.22.
"Junk"
means an accumulation of solid materials or equipment which are generally in a state of disrepair and/or are inoperable.
"Kennel"
means any place where four or more weaned dogs and cats, or four or more of either, are maintained at any one location.
"Kitchen or kitchenette"
means a room or portion of a room, in a structure, used for the purposes of preparing meals, containing the necessary cooking or food preparation facilities, which may include microwave ovens or hot plates, and which is also equipped with a sink with hot and cold running water.
"Landscaping"
means 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, paved or decorated surfaces of rock, stone, brick, block, or similar material (excluding driveways, parking, loading, or storage areas), and sculptural elements. Plants on rooftops, porches or in boxes attached to buildings are not considered landscaping.
"Laundry facility"
means a building or a portion of a building containing facilities for the mechanical washing and drying of clothes.
"Living area"
means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of living area found in Government Code Section 65852.2.
"Loading space"
means an off-street space on the same lot with a building, or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.
"Lot"
means a contiguous quantity or parcel of land in the possession of, or owned by, or recorded as the property of the same claimant or person and shall further mean:
1. 
A parcel of real property when shown as a delineated parcel of land with a number or other designation on a tract or plat recorded in the office of the county recorder.
2. 
A parcel of land, the dimensions and boundaries of which are defined by a record of survey recorded pursuant to the provisions of the Subdivision Map Act of the state in the office of the county recorder.
3. 
Where contiguous parcels of land in the same ownership are legally described and developed as permitted by this code, such individual parcels shall be considered as separate lots. A lot includes any area of land under one ownership abutting upon at least one street, alley or recorded easement.
Lot Area, Gross.
"Gross lot area" means the total horizontal area within the property lines of a lot prior to the granting or dedication of any easements or dedication of any rights-of-way for public streets, and/or other dedications for required public facilities.
Lot Area, Net.
"Net lot area" means the total horizontal area within the property lines of a lot less any area that is or has been dedicated to a public agency.
"Lot coverage"
means the total square footage of the lot which is covered by buildings or roofed areas, excluding allowed projecting eaves, balconies and similar features.
"Lot depth"
means the average horizontal distance from the front lot line to the rear lot line. Where there is no rear lot line, the lot depth shall be measured by a line perpendicular to the front lot line to the most distant point on any other lot line.
"Lot line"
means a line dividing one lot from another or from a street or alley.
Lot Line, Front.
"Front lot line" means, on an interior lot, the lot line abutting a street. On a corner lot, the "front lot line" means the lot line separating the narrowest street frontage of the lot from the street. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot Line, Rear.
"Rear lot line" means, on a rectangular lot, the lot line generally opposite and most distant from the front lot line. On a triangular, gore-shaped or irregularly shaped lot the rear lot line shall be a line ten feet long in length within the lot and further removed from the front lot line and at right angles to the line comprising the depth of such lot shall be used as the rear lot line. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot Line, Side.
"Side lot line" means any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
"Lot width"
means the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the required front setback line.
Lot, Corner.
"Corner lot" means a lot abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection, or upon the curvature of a single street, where such streets or curvature form an angle of intersection of not more than one hundred thirty-five degrees. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot, Flag.
"Flag lot" means a lot having access or easement to a public road by a narrow, private right-of-way, where the lot is located generally in the rear of another lot or lots. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot, Interior.
"Interior lot" means a lot abutting only one street. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot, Key.
"Key lot" means the first lot in the rear of a reverse corner lot, whether or not separated by an alley. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot, Reverse Corner.
"Reverse corner lot" means a corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot. The side line of a reverse corner lot is substantially a continuation of the front line of the lot upon which it rears. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Lot, Through.
"Through lot" means a lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
"Main building"
means the building containing the principal legal use on the lot.
"Main dwelling"
means the legal dwelling containing the largest square footage, which is located on a lot on which there is more than one legal dwelling.
"Major highway"
means a major highway or primary arterial designated on the circulation element of the Lawndale general plan.
"Manufactured housing"
means housing that is constructed of manufactured components, assembled partly at the site rather than totally at the site.
Also referred to as modular housing, factory-built housing, or prefabricated housing.
"Marquee"
means a permanent hood or roofed structure attached to and supported wholly by a building and projecting from the wall of the building.
"Massage-oriented establishment"
means any establishment meeting the definitions set out in Section 5.37.020 of this code.
"Mezzanine" or "interior balcony"
means any floor with major orientation to the story immediately beneath it. If the total gross floor area of the mezzanine floor is equal to or exceeds thirty-three and one-third percent of the total gross floor area of the first full story immediately below it, it shall be considered as a full story.
"Minimart"
means a small establishment designed and intended to serve the daily needs of the immediate surrounding area for food and other convenience items, which may include gasoline and other petroleum products.
"Mobilehome"
means a structure transportable under permit in one or more sections to be used with or without a foundation system. "Mobilehome" does not include a commercial coach, manufactured housing or factory-built housing, but includes a recreation vehicle located in a mobilehome park.
"Mobilehome lot"
means a lot created through the approval of a mobilehome subdivision by the city.
"Mobilehome park"
means any area or tract of land where two or more mobilehome spaces are rented or leased or held out for rent or lease to accommodate mobilehomes used for human habitation. The rental paid for any such mobilehome shall be deemed to include rental for the space it occupies. "Mobilehome park" shall include the terms "trailer court" and "trailer park."
"Mobilehome space"
means an area of land within a mobilehome park designed for the accommodation of one mobilehome, which is rented or leased, by the owner or occupant of a mobilehome for placing a mobilehome thereon for residential purposes.
"Motel"
means a single building or group of attached or detached buildings containing completely furnished guest rooms or dwelling units, the majority of which have separate entrances directly from outside the building, with conveniently located automobile parking spaces provided on the lot or parcel of land for such rooms or dwelling units as required therefor, which are designed, intended to be used, or used wholly or in part for the accommodation of registered guests who are primarily transient automobile travelers. No motel shall be allowed to have more than forty percent of its total gross floor area devoted to dwelling units. "Motel" shall also include auto courts, motel lodges and tourist courts.
Motor Vehicle Repair, Major.
"Major motor vehicle repair" means a place providing a full range of repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles, but does not include vehicle body repair or painting.
Motor Vehicle Repair, Minor.
"Minor motor vehicle repair" means a place performing repair and maintenance services for motor vehicles but does not include vehicle body repair or painting, welding, engine removal or replacement, transmission repair or removal or replacement, clutch replacement, cylinder head replacement, valve grinding or replacement, radiator or heater core repair or replacement, repair of fuel tank, repair or replacement of rear end or rear axles, and other similar activities.
"New development"
means any structural development of one thousand square feet or more, or additions to existing structural development of ten percent or more of the existing ground floor area, whichever is more restrictive.
"Nightclub"
means an establishment in which food and/or alcoholic beverages are sold and consumed on the premises and in which live entertainment is provided for the customers.
"Nonconforming use, structure or lot"
means a lot, the area, dimensions or location of which, or a structure or building, the size, dimensions or location of which, or a use or activity, which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment of the zoning ordinance, but which fails, by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment, to conform to the present requirements of the ordinance codified in this chapter.
"Nuisance"
means anything which is injurious to health, or is indecent or offensive to the senses, or an obstruction to the free use of property, so as to interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life.
"Nursing home"
means a living facility in which skilled nursing care is provided for the residents.
"Office"
means a building or portion of a building wherein services are performed involving predominantly administrative, professional, or clerical operations.
"Open space"
means any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use for the enjoyment of owners, occupants and their guests, of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
Open Space, Common.
"Common open space" means an open space, that is available for use by all residents of the development and which is landscaped with lawns, trees, and shrubs, and may contain paved walkways, swimming pools, common patios, patio structures and similar recreational facilities which are intended or used in common and not under the exclusive control or possession of individual units.
Open Space, Private.
"Private open space" means an open space that is intended for the exclusive use of the owner or tenant of a dwelling unit. Such private open space shall abut such dwelling unit and may be bounded by a wall, fence, or landscaping and may include a private patio, balcony, or deck.
"Overlay zone"
means a zone which is applied in addition to the basic zone of a lot, and may specify additional land use or development regulations.
"Outdoor display"
means goods, merchandise or materials actively available for retail sale, which are located in other than an enclosed building or structure which are brought indoors during hours that the business is not open.
"Outdoor storage"
means the storage of goods, merchandise, materials (except temporary storage of construction materials associated with an active building permit), shipping containers, machines, inoperative vehicles and vehicles not related to the use of an on-site business, and other equipment, which are located in other than a fully enclosed building or structure. "Outdoor storage" does not include outdoor sales and display areas for new or used automotive sales and outdoor sales and display areas for seasonal merchandise, e.g. Christmas tree lots, pumpkin patches.
"Parcel"
means lot.
Parking Area, Private.
"Private parking area" means a permanently surfaced area located on a private lot and used for the temporary parking of automobiles, which is not available for public parking.
Parking Area, Public.
"Public parking area" means a permanently surfaced area other than a street, alley or place used for the temporary parking of automobiles and available for public use, whether free, for compensation, or as an accommodation to clients or customers.
"Parking lot"
means an area not within a building or structure where motor vehicles may be stored for the purpose of temporary, daily or overnight off-street parking.
Parking, Shared.
"Shared parking" means the development and use of parking areas on two or more separate lots for joint use by the businesses on those lots.
Parking Space, Automobile.
"Automobile parking space" means a space within a building, structure, or open permanently surfaced area for the temporary parking or storage of one automobile. Each parking space must have a means of access to a public street. Such automobile parking space shall have a minimum width of nine feet and a minimum length of twenty feet.
Parking Space, Automobile Tandem.
"Automobile tandem parking space" means an automobile parking space which is adjacent to another automobile parking space at its narrow end and which may require the moving of one automobile to enable the other to have access to or egress from the other parking space.
"Parking turning radius"
means the curvature radius required for the turning movement into or out of a parking space, or between access driveways, which radius is not less than thirteen feet.
"Parkway"
means a portion of a street or highway right-of-way between the back of the curb and the right-of-way line and which is not intended to be used as part of the roadway.
"Passageway"
means a pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of passageway found in Government Code Section 65852.2. "Person" means and includes any individual, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, joint stock company, club, business trust, or any other entity, or the authorized agent thereof, and every city, county, state, federal, government, political, public or quasi-public unit, body, agency district or entity.
"Planned development"
means a development project which has its various elements, such as buildings, parking, landscaping, and uses designed and integrated into a single complex.
"Proposed dwelling"
means a dwelling that is the subject of a permit application and that meets the requirements for permitting. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of proposed dwelling found in Government Code Section 65852.2.
"Public transit,"
for the purpose of Section 17.48.056 only, means a location, including, but not limited to, a bus stop or train station, where the public may access buses, trains, subways, and other forms of transportation that charge set fares, run on fixed routes, and are available to the public. This definition shall be interpreted as consistent with and including the definition of public transit found in Government Code Section 65852.2.
"Razor wire"
means twisted strands of fence wire with sharp-edged cutting surfaces at regular intervals.
"Recreation vehicle"
means a camp car, truck pickup camper, truck-mounted camper, converted bus or van, motor home, travel trailer, tent trailer, or boat designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy, with a living area of less than three hundred twenty square feet, excluding built-in equipment, such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units, baths, toilet rooms, and driver's areas, which vehicle may be moved upon the public highway without a special permit or chauffeur's license. "Recreational vehicle" shall also include boats, boat trailers, dune buggies, and off-road vehicles, jet skis, snowmobiles and similar vehicles.
"Recycling facility"
means a center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable materials. 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.
"Religious facility"
means a land use, building or structure providing facilities for worship or the assemblage of the public for worship. Accessory uses include personal counseling and education in subjects relating to personal life and also the building or buildings where such activities take place. This definition includes church, cathedral, mosque, shrine, synagogue or temple and other similar places for religious worship.
"Residential second unit"
means an attached or detached dwelling unit which provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons and shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel as the existing single-family dwelling unit is situated. Residential second unit also means guesthouse.
"Restaurant"
means a retail business selling food and beverages prepared on the site, where customers consume the products on-premises.
Restaurant, Drive-In.
"Drive-in restaurant" means an establishment that delivers prepared food and/or beverages to customers in motor vehicles, regardless of whether or not it also serves prepared food and/or beverages to customers who are not in motor vehicles, for consumption either on or off the premises.
Restaurant, Fast-Food.
"Fast-food restaurant" means a restaurant where customers are served prepared food from a walk-up ordering counter, or drive-through window, for either on- or off-premises consumption.
"Rest home"
means the same as boardinghouse or guest home but permitting nursing, dietary and other personal services rendered to convalescents, invalids and aged persons, such as are customarily provided in convalescent homes, but excluding cases of contagious or communicable diseases and excluding surgery or primary treatment such as are customarily provided in sanitariums and hospitals.
"Right-of-way"
means an area or strip of land, either public or private, on which an irrevocable right of passage has been recorded for the use of vehicles or pedestrians or both.
"Roof"
means a structural covering over any portion of a building or structure or open area, including projections beyond the walls or supports of the building or structure. A structural covering shall not be considered a roof if the upper surface area of the component, the solid portion thereof measured on the horizontal plane, does not exceed twenty percent of the area of the covering.
"Room"
means an unsubdivided portion of the interior of a dwelling, excluding bathrooms, kitchens, closets, hallways and service porches.
"Satellite dish antenna"
means any parabolic antenna designed for receiving satellite signals, and which system is external to or attached to the exterior of any building.
"Seating capacity"
means the actual seating capacity of an area based upon the number of seats or one seat per eighteen inches of bench or pew length. For other areas where seats are not fixed, the seating capacity shall be determined as indicated by the Building Code.
"Secondary highway"
means a secondary highway designated on the circulation element of the Lawndale general plan.
"Security measure or device"
including, but not limited to, security bars, gates, grills, reinforced screen doors and all fixed, retractable, sliding or rollup devices used primarily for added security over doors and windows.
"Self-service storage facility"
means a building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized, and controlled access stalls or lockers for the storage of customer's goods or wares.
"Setback"
means the distance between a building or structure and a lot line or lines, measured perpendicularly from the lot line or lines in a horizontal plane.
Setback Line, Front.
"Front setback line" means a line extending between side lot lines which is the required minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and parallel thereto on the lot. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Setback Line, Rear.
"Rear setback line" means a line extending between the side lot lines which is the required minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and parallel thereto on the lot. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Setback Line, Side.
"Side setback line" means a line extending between the front lot line and the rear lot line which is the required minimum horizontal distance between the side lot line and parallel thereto on the lot. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
"Shall"
means mandatory as used in this code.
"Shelter"
means a facility operated by a nonprofit agency providing either meals, clothing, temporary housing or any combination thereof.
"Shipping/freight container"
means a pre-manufactured structure of metal construction that is delivered to a site as a fully contained unit and is used for freight transport and the portable storage of goods and/or commodities. This shall exclude storage sheds that are assembled on site, roll off trash bins, trucks, trailers, or rail cars. A shipping/freight container, as defined herein, shall be considered a structure for purposes of the Uniform Building Code.
"Shopping center"
means a commercial land use consisting primarily of retail sales uses and consisting of three or more lease areas on a single lot with common parking facilities.
Shopping Center, Community.
"Community shopping center" means a shopping center containing not less than forty thousand square feet of gross floor area and not more than one hundred thousand square feet of gross floor area. A community shopping center usually, but need not always, contains a supermarket and/or drugstore.
Shopping Center, Neighborhood.
"Neighborhood shopping center" means a building containing three or more tenant spaces of retail, personal services or restaurant use sharing off-street parking with a total building area of forty thousand square feet or less of gross floor area. "Neighborhood shopping center" includes mini shopping center.
Shopping Center, Regional.
"Regional shopping center" means a shopping center containing not less than one hundred thousand square feet of gross floor area. A regional shopping center usually, but need not always, contains one or more department stores.
"Short term rental unit"
means any residential dwelling, residential dwelling unit, or room in a residential dwelling or residential dwelling unit rented or made available for rent, by way of a rental agreement, lease, license or any other means, whether oral or written, for compensation or consideration for an occupancy of less than thirty days.
"Sidewalk café"
means an area adjacent to and directly in front of a street-level eating or drinking establishment located within the sidewalk area of the public right-of-way exclusively for dining, drinking and pedestrian circulation. The encroachment area of a sidewalk café may be separated from the remainder of the sidewalk by railings, fencing, or landscaping planter boxes or a combination thereof.
Sign.
Definitions for sign and sign projects are contained in Chapter 17.76 of this code.
"Single room occupancy (SRO)"
means a multifamily residential building containing housing units with floor restrictions as described in Section 17.56.045 which may have kitchen and/or bathroom facilities. Each housing unit must be restricted to occupancy by more than two persons and offered on a monthly or longer rental basis.
"Small fitness center"
means a private health, athletic or recreational club facility which conducts personal fitness training or fitness classes including, but not limited to, weight training, aerobic exercise, yoga or other similar athletic activities, to individuals or groups of individuals, and does not provide showers, pools, saunas, and other amenities of a full service fitness center.
"Smoking lounge"
means any establishment or location that is dedicated, in whole or in part, to the smoking of tobacco, marijuana, or other substances, including, but not limited to, establishments referred to as cigar bars or lounges, hookah cafés, tobacco clubs or tobacco bars.
"Special use"
means a use that, because of special requirements or characteristics, may be allowed in a particular zoning district only after review by the planning commission and granting of a special use permit imposing such conditions as necessary to make the use compatible with other uses permitted in the same zone or vicinity. Special use means a conditional use.
"Special use permit (SUP)"
means a permit issued by the city authorizing establishment and operation of a special use. Special use permit means a conditional use permit.
"Specific plan"
means a plan, adopted by city ordinance, which shows the future physical development to be implemented within a specifically defined and circumscribed area of the city. The specific plan describes the types of land uses to be developed on each parcel; a plan for infrastructure in and adjacent to the specific plan area; and written standards, regulations and policies for such items as architectural design, open spaces, preservation of existing structures, and other relevant factors. See Sections 65450 through 65457 of the California Government Code for specific plan requirements.
Stand, Temporary.
"Temporary stand" means a temporary structure for the display and sale of products with no space for customers within the structure itself.
"Story"
means that portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it. If there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling above it, and including basements used for primary use. For a more precise definition please refer to the city's adopted building code.
Story, First.
"First story" means the lowest story in a building which qualifies as a story, as defined herein, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a first story, provided such floor level is not more than four feet below grade, as defined herein, for more than fifty percent of the total perimeter, or not more than eight feet below grade, as defined herein, at any point.
"Street"
means a public or private right-of-way, other than a parkway, major or secondary highway or alley, whose function is to carry vehicular traffic and/or provide vehicular access to abutting property.
"Structure"
means anything constructed or erected, which requires a fixed location on the ground, or is attached to something having a fixed location on the ground.
"Subdivision"
means the division, by any subdivider, of any unit or units of improved or unimproved land, or any portion thereof, shown on the latest equalized county assessment roll as a unit or as continuous units, for the purpose of sale, lease or financing, whether immediate or future, except for leases of agricultural land for agricultural purposes.
"Subterranean garage"
means the parking space of a building which is used exclusively for the interim storage of automobiles and is serviced by a driveway or other similarly paved surface which leads to enclosed and fully covered garages and which is more than fifty percent below natural grade.
"Supportive housing"
means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 53260(d), and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live, and when possible, work in the community. Supportive housing shall be considered a residential use and subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type and zone.
"Swimming pools, spas and hot tubs"
mean any outdoor water-filled enclosures having a depth of eighteen inches or more used for swimming or recreation, fountains, water landscaped elements, fish ponds and similar water containers.
"Synthetic turf"
means a synthetically derived, natural grass substitute that may be used to fulfill the plant material coverage requirement of Section 17.44.015(B) in as much as it meets the minimum standards for materials, installation, and maintenance of synthetic turf prescribed in Section 17.44.017.
"Temporary portable storage container"
means a standardized shipping/freight container rented or owned by the owner or occupant of a property that is designed to hold, goods, commodities, household or personal items on a temporary basis.
"Theater"
means an enclosed building to which the public is permitted or invited where motion pictures, still pictures, projections or other image-projecting devices are maintained to show images, but does not include an adult mini motion picture theater or adult motion picture theater.
"Town home"
means a design style with all elements of a dwelling unit stacked vertically, no other unit is over or under the dwelling; occupying its own lot but which is physically attached to at least one other dwelling unit.
"Transitional housing"
means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months. Transitional housing shall be considered a residential use and subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type and zone.
"Travel trailer"
includes any type of "commercial coach" and "recreational vehicle" as such terms are defined in Division 13, Part 2.1 of the Health and Safety Code. "Travel trailer" does not include a coach that is intended to be attached to a foundation.
"Use"
means the purpose for which a lot or building is arranged, designed or intended, or for which either is, or may be occupied or maintained.
Use, Principal.
"Principal use" means the main use of land or structures as distinguished from a secondary or accessory use.
"Variance"
means a dispensation permitted on individual parcels or property as a method of alleviating unnecessary hardship by allowing a reasonable use of the building, structure, or property, which because of unusual or unique circumstances is denied by the terms of the zoning ordinance.
Vehicle, Commercial.
"Commercial vehicle" means any vehicle defined by the California Vehicle Code, which exceeds three tons in unladen gross weight.
Vehicle, Inoperable.
"Inoperable vehicle" means any vehicle which is described by one or more of the following:
1. 
Does not have current registration;
2. 
Is supported on blocks, jacks, stands or other bracing materials;
3. 
Is lacking an engine, transmission, rear end or other mechanical equipment essential for its operation;
4. 
Is lacking lights, windshield, wheels or body parts required for legal operation on the streets and/or highways but does not include currently registered off-road vehicles.
"Veterinary use"
means a commercial land use consisting of the grooming, treating (medical), selling or boarding of animals. Species of equine are excluded from this definition. "Veterinary use" does not include pet stores, or facilities for pet grooming.
"Video game arcade"
means a place of business open to serve the general public where four or more coin-operated or slug-operated amusement machines are maintained.
"Wall"
means fence.
"Warehouse"
means a building or substantial portion of a building where goods, merchandise, products, supplies, or equipment are stored before distribution to manufacturers, retailers or wholesalers.
"Waste treatment and disposal facility"
means public or private disposal facilities, or transfer stations, operated for the purpose of recycling, reclaiming, treating or disposing of garbage, sewage, rubbish, offal, dead animals, oil field wastes, or other waste material originating on or off the premises.
"Wholesale sales"
mean the sale of goods by an individual or firm, usually in rather large quantities and at lower prices, to another individual or firm for the purpose of resale; or a product for which the purchaser pays no sales tax.
"Wild animal"
means any mammal, fowl, fish or reptile which is wild, exotic, dangerous, nondomestic, vicious or known to be dangerous or vicious, or belonging to a predatory species.
"Yard"
means an open space on a lot or parcel, other than a court, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except for encroachments otherwise permitted by this code.
Yard, Front.
"Front yard" means an open yard which is located between the front lot line and the nearest part of a main building. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Yard, Rear.
"Rear yard" means an open yard which is located between the rear lot line and the nearest part of a main building. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Yard, Required Front.
"Required front yard" means the yard which is located between the front lot line and the front setback line. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Yard, Required Rear.
"Required rear yard" means the yard that is located between the rear lot line and the rear setback line. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Yard, Required Side.
"Required side yard" means the yard that is located between the side lot line and the side setback line. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
Yard, Side.
"Side yard" means an open yard that is located between the side lot line and the nearest part of a main building. (See Diagram "A" 17.08.020.)
"Youth club"
means a nonalcoholic youth club for teens.
"Youth hostel"
means a shelter for the use of pedestrians or bicycle travelers, not serving meals, under the auspices of a nonprofit organization.
"Zero lot line"
means the location of a building or structure on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building or structure's sides abuts directly on the lot line.
"Zero lot line development"
means a residential project where dwelling units on individual lots of record are located so they all abut one side property line, without a side and/or rear setback.
"Zone"
means a specifically delineated area or district within which certain regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use and development of land and buildings.
DIAGRAM "A" 17.08.020
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(Ord. 777-95 § 3; Ord. 823-97 § 4; Ord. 841-98 §§ 6—9; Ord. 861-99 § 1; Ord. 912-02 §§ 1—3; Ord. 960-06 § 3; Ord. 969-06 § 12; Ord. 1011-08 § 1; Ord. 1015-08 § 1; Ord. 1043-10 § 1; Ord. 1045-10 § 2; Ord. 1056-11 § 1; Ord. 1091-13 § 1; Ord. 1118-16 § 3; Ord. 1119-16 § 6; Ord. 1131-17 § 2; Ord. 1136-17 § 4; Ord. 1139-17 §§ 2, 3, 5; Ord. 1144-17 § 2; Ord. 1177-20 §§ 2, 3; Ord. 1195-22 § 6)