Chapter 21.14 Measurements and Definitions

"Maximum residential density" means the number calculated by multiplying the maximum allowed number of units per acre defined by the zone district by the gross acreage expressed in square feet or acres of the development property.

Maximum residential density is rounded down to the nearest dwelling unit per acre.

(iii)

Gross land area includes the entire parcel or property at the time a development application is filed.

In the R-4 through R-24 zone districts, for the purpose of calculating density on parcels smaller than five acres, one-half of the land area of all adjoining rights-of-way may be included in the gross lot area. The area of the right-of-way shall not be included to determine compliance with the minimum lot area requirements.

In RH-16 and RH-24, for purpose of calculating density on any parcel, one-half of the land area of all adjoining rights-of-way may be included in the gross lot area.

Minimum Residential Density.

This calculation applies to the term "net minimum residential density as used in this Code. "Minimum residential density" means the number calculated by multiplying the minimum required number of units per acre defined by the zone district by the net developable land area of the development parcel. "Net developable land area" means all portions of the parcel at the time a development application is filed, minus the following if they are to be left as open space:

Floodways and floodplains;

As defined by the Clean Water Act: wetlands, surface waters, stream, and river channels, banks, and corridors;

(C)

Slopes of greater than 30% or other areas of unstable soils that are not suitable for development;

(D)

Clear zone districts and critical zone districts;

(E)

Open space or recreation areas to be dedicated to a public agency or to a private entity approved by the Director to perpetually maintain the open space;

(F)

Ridgeline setback areas in excess of any required setbacks;

(G)

Areas of geologic hazards; and

(H)

Other areas that, in the opinion of the body reviewing the development, are similarly unsuitable for development.

Minimum residential density is rounded up to the next dwelling unit per acre.

Transitional Densities.

Larger lots or other screening and buffering areas that are provided as a transition for adjoining established neighborhoods may be excluded from the density calculations for purposes of determining minimum density on those parcels that are not large enough to accommodate the transition and meet minimum density.

Other Residential Density.

Density of group living facilities shall be calculated as four beds equal one dwelling unit. Group living facilities are meant to fit into a neighborhood with the same characteristics and requirements.

Application of Density/Intensity Definitions.

The maximum and minimum residential density or nonresidential intensity requirements apply to all development except:

Minimum density requirements shall not apply to a minor subdivision if one or more lots can reasonably be resubdivided or developed in a manner that complies with the minimum density and other requirements of this Code;

There shall be no minimum density requirement applicable to a major subdivision if all but two of the resulting lots comply with the minimum density requirements and at least one of the two lots that do not comply can reasonably be resubdivided or developed in a manner that complies with the minimum density and other requirements of this Code and no other development is allowed; and

(iii)

A mix of residential and nonresidential uses.

(6)

Mixed Use Density/Intensity.

The density of a lot with a mix of residential and nonresidential uses ("mixed-use").

Mixed-Use Lot.

The density of a mixed-use lot shall be calculated by dividing the total number of dwellings on the lot by the gross land area of the lot. The gross residential density of the lot shall be the maximum density permitted in the underlying zone district. There is no minimum density requirement for a mixed-use lot if at least 10% of the gross floor area is used for nonresidential purposes.

Mixed Use Subdivision.

In a mixed-use subdivision, the density shall be calculated for each lot, unless provided otherwise at the time of subdivision approval.

(b)

Distances.

Unless otherwise specified, separation distances shall be calculated as a radial buffer extending from property lines of the use to be buffered (i.e., "as the crow flies").

Cannabis Operation or Natural Medicine Separation.

The separation distance shall be computed by direct measurement from the nearest property line of the land use to the nearest portion of the building or unit in which the use is to occur, using a route of direct pedestrian access, measured as a person would walk safely and properly, without trespassing or utilizing alleys, following striping or parking patterns or on-site designated pedestrian routes, with right angles at crossings and with the observance of traffic regulations and traffic signals.

(c)

Lot and Site Measurements.

Frontage.

Lot frontage or street frontage is measured as the distance between side lot lines along the front lot line.

When a lot fronts on more than one public street, one side may be designated by the property owner or applicant as the front. This will be used for the purposes of determining setbacks, street orientation, and other similar measurements. Where a lot abuts more than two public streets, the applicant and Director will determine location of front and identification of other sides for setback purposes based on existing or anticipated site context.

Lot Area Measurement.

Lot area is measured as the amount of net land area contained within the property lines of a lot or parcel, not including street right-of-way.

Lot Coverage.

Lot coverage is measured as the percentage of the total lot area covered by structures. It is calculated by dividing the square footage of structure coverage by the square footage of the lot.

The following shall be counted as structures for purposes of determining lot coverage:

Areas covered by swimming pools;

Areas covered by structures with a roof; and

(C)

Structures that are more than six feet tall and enclosed on three or more sides with walls that are less than 25% open.

Lot Width.

Lot width is measured at the front yard setback line between side property lines measured parallel to the street, said property lines or to the tangent of a curved street property line. If side property lines are not parallel, the lot width is the shortest distance between the side property lines.

Setbacks.

Measurement.

Setbacks are measured as the unobstructed unoccupied open area between the furthermost projection of a structure and the property line of the lot on which the structure is located, except as modified by the standards of this Code.

Figure 14.01-1

Setbacks

There is no internal side setback for attached single-unit dwellings or the common wall of duplex dwellings. Side setbacks shall be measured at the external wall of attached dwellings.

(C)

Setbacks shall be unobstructed from the ground to the sky except as specified in GJMC §§ 21.03.040(d) and 21.03.040(e).

(D)

Vehicle storage setbacks are measured from the storage entrance to the property line.

Setback Encroachment Measurement.

Setback encroachment shall be measured from the minimum required setback line towards the lot line; setback encroachments are always measured from the same point and are not cumulative.

(d)

Structure Measurements.

Gross Floor Area (GFA).

Gross floor area is measured within the exterior face of exterior walls or the centerline of walls separating two abutting buildings, but excluding any space where floor-to- ceiling height is less than 6.5 feet. Gross floor area includes covered and uncovered outdoor courtyards, arcades, atria, paseos, walkways, and corridors location at or near the street level that are accessible to the general public and are used as sales, display, storage, service, or production areas.

Gross floor area calculated for maximum size may exclude eaves, covered or uncovered porches, upper story decks and balconies, breezeways, exterior covered stairwells and attached decorative walls which are less than or equal to three feet in height.

Ground Floor Elevation.

Ground floor elevation is measured from natural or improved grade (whichever is more restrictive) to the finished floor level of the ground floor. Grade is measured continuously across a lot.

Height.

Measurement.

Building height is the vertical distance between the mean finished grade between the lowest and highest grades along the foundation and the highest point of the roof or facade (see graphic).

Figure 14.01-2

Roof Height

Height Encroachment Measurement.

Each height encroachment shall be measured from the maximum building height.

Building height encroachments are not cumulative in that they are always measured from the same point.

Story Height.

An attic story is considered a half-story and counts toward the calculation of maximum number of stories.

Basements are not considered a story.

(iii)

If a ground story is more than five feet above original grade, the space below counts as an additional story.

(iv)

Story height is measured from the top of finished floor to the top of the finished floor above.

(e)

Household Occupancy.

The number of occupants in a dwelling unit shall not exceed the maximum allowed by health and safety standards (if and when any are found or adopted) and/or by any applicable state or federal law or regulation, and/or by applicable affordable housing standards, if any.

(Ord. 5267, 7/16/2025; Ord. No. 5244, 1/15/2025; Ord. No. 5242, 12/4/2024; Ord. 5218, 5/1/2024; Ord. 5190, 12/20/2023)

§ 21.14.020 Definitions.

(a)

Rules of Construction.

To help interpret and apply this Code, the following rules shall apply:

The particular controls the general;

The text shall control if there is a difference of meaning or implication between the text and any caption or title;

The words "shall" and "must" are always mandatory. The words "may" and "should" are permissive and are at the discretion of the decision-maker;

Words used in the present tense include the future;

Accessory dwelling unit

Words in the singular include the plural;

(6)

Words of one gender include all other genders, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise;

(7)

Any term not herein defined shall be as defined elsewhere in the City Code or, if not defined elsewhere in the City Code, as defined in Webster's New International Dictionary, most recent edition;

(8)

Unless otherwise indicated, the term "days" means calendar days, if the period of time referred to is more than 30 days. If the period of time referred to is less than 30 days, "days" means days when the City is open for business;

(9)

If the last day of a submission date, period or other deadline is a Saturday, Sunday or a holiday recognized by the City, the period shall end on the last business day; and

(10)

Use of words like "City Council," "Planning Commission," "Director," and "Engineer" includes City officials and staff.

(b)

Terms Defined.

Abandonment

means the relinquishment of property, or a cessation of the use of the property, by the owner or lessee without any intention of transferring rights to the property to another owner or of resuming the use of the property.

Abut/abutting

means uses or parcels that directly touch. Parcels across a right-of-way would not be abutting but would be adjacent.

Access

means a way or means of approach to provide vehicular or pedestrian physical entrance to a property.

means a dwelling unit that is secondary to a principal dwelling unit that may be attached to the principal structure or freestanding.

Accessory structure

means a detached subordinate structure, the use of which is customarily incidental to, and supportive of, the principal structure or the principal use of land, and that is located on the same parcel of ground with the principal structure or use.

Figure 14.02-1

Accessory Structure

Accessory use

means the use of land or a building customarily incidental to, subordinate to, and supportive of the principal use of the parcel.

Addition

A structure added to the original structure at some time after certificate of occupancy has been issued for the original structure; or

Administrative decision

An extension or increase in floor area or height of a building or structure.

Adjacent

means property or use, any portion of which is within a 100-foot radius. Right-of-way, easements, canals or waste ditches, and waterways are not counted when deciding if one property or use is adjacent to another.

Adjoin

means a lot or parcel of land that shares all or part of a common lot line with another lot or parcel of land.

means any decision on an application made by an authorized City employee pursuant to this Code.

Adult Entertainment-Related Definitions.

Adult entertainment establishment means any establishment that conducts the sale, rental, display or other offering of live entertainment, dancing or material that is distinguished or characterized by its emphasis on depicting, exhibiting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as a principal use of the premises or as a significant or substantial adjunct to another use of the premises, including but not limited to:
1.	Adult bookstore: Any establishment which sells or rents adult material including but not limited to books, magazines, movies, films, slides, or other photographic or written material and/or devices;
2.	Adult hotel or motel: Any hotel or motel in which the presentation of adult material is the principal attraction;
3.	Adult motion picture theater: Any fully enclosed theater in which the presentation of adult material is the principal attraction; and
4.	Adult cabaret, restaurant, or place of business: a cabaret, restaurant or place of business which features topless and/or bottomless dancers, waitresses, waiters, or entertainers, or any other depiction of adult material.
Adult material means any material including, but not limited to, books, magazines, newspapers, movie films, slides, or other photographic or written materials, video tapes and/or devices that are distinguished by their emphasis on depicting, describing, or relating to specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities:
1.	Specified anatomical areas are any of the following that are less than completely and opaquely covered:
	a.	Human genitals and public region;
	b.	Buttocks;
	c.	The human female breast or breasts to a point immediately below the top of the areola; and
	d.	Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state even if completely and opaquely covered.
2.	Specified sexual activities or sexual conduct:
	a.	Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;
	b.	Actual or simulated acts of sexual intercourse, masturbation, sodomy, bestiality, cunnilingus, fellatio, anilingus or any sexual acts which are prohibited by law; and
	c.	Touching or fondling of the human female breast, buttock, anus or genital.
Church means any structure or building for public worship.
Crane game means an amusement machine that, upon insertion of a coin, bill, token, or similar object, allows the player to use one or more buttons, joysticks, or other controls to maneuver a crane or claw over a nonmonetary prize, toy, or novelty, none of which shall have a cost to the arcade of more than $25 per item, and then, using the crane or claw, to attempt to retrieve the prize, toy, or novelty for the player.
Gambling device means any device, machine, paraphernalia, or equipment that is used or usable in the playing phases of any professional gambling activity, whether that activity consists of gambling between persons or gambling by a person involving the playing of a machine; except that the term does not include a crane game.
Gaming arcade (aka skilled gaming business) means any business location, including a private club, that is owned, leased, or otherwise possessed, in whole or in part, by a person or by that person's partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, or contractors which features i) slot machine(s), ii) gambling device(s), iii) simulated gambling device(s), or iv) any mechanical, electrical, video, electronic, or other device, contrivance or machine which after insertion or conveyance of a coin, debit card, credit card, cash, token or similar object or upon payment of any required consideration whatsoever by a player, is available to be played or operated, and which, whether by reason of the skill of the player or application of the element of chance, or both, may deliver or entitle the player operating the machine to receive monetary compensation and/or redeemable game credits, or any other thing of value. This definition expressly includes 'fish game' 'fish game table' 'fish game gambling table' however denominated that consists of a tabletop electronic display with one or more stations featuring buttons, joysticks, or other control(s) that delivers to the player cash, cash premiums, redeemable game credits or any other thing of value for successful play, whether the redeemable payout is made from the machine, another machine, or from an employee of the business. This definition expressly excludes any business location which features bona fide amusement devices that pay nothing of value, cannot be adjusted to pay anything of value, provide only unredeemable free games, or provide only tickets redeemable for nonmonetary prizes consisting of toys or novelties of nominal value; crane games; BINGO operations, coin-operated music machines; or any bona fide amusement device authorized within restaurants by C.R.S. 44-3-103(47).
Park means any public property kept, used, and maintained for recreational, ornamental, or aesthetic purposes.
Playground means any property, public or private, used for and equipped with facilities for recreation especially by children. A playground may be incidental to school use but is not limited to school use or school facilities as defined in this Code.
Public building means any building owned, leased or held by the United States of America, the State of Colorado, Mesa County, or the City of Grand Junction, any school district or other agency or political subdivision, which building is used for governmental purposes.
School means any public or private educational facility including child day care facilities, nursery schools, preschools, kindergartens, elementary schools, middle schools, junior high schools, high schools, vocational schools, special education schools, colleges, universities, and trade schools. "School" includes the school grounds, buildings, structures, and facilities.
Simulated gambling device means a mechanically or electronically operated machine, network, system, program, or device that is used by an entrant and that displays simulated gambling displays on a screen or other mechanism at a business location, including a private club, that is owned, leased, or otherwise possessed, in whole or in part, by a person conducting the game or by that person's partners, affiliates, subsidiaries, agents, or contractors; except that the term does not include bona fide amusement devices, as authorized in C.R.S. 44-3-103(47), that pay nothing of value and cannot be adjusted to pay anything of value. "Simulated gambling device" includes:
(I)	A video poker game or any other kind of video card game;
(II)	A video bingo game;
(III)	A video craps game;
(IV)	A video keno game;
(V)	A video lotto game;
(VI)	A video 102 roulette game;
(VII)	A pot-of-gold;
(VIII)	An eight-liner;
(IX)	A video game based on or involving the random or chance matching of different pictures, words, numbers, or 104 symbols;
(X)	An electronic gaming machine, including a personal computer of any size 105 or configuration that performs any of the functions of an electronic gaming machine; and
(XI)	A slot machine, where results are determined by reason of the skill of the player or the application of the element of chance, or both, as provided by Article XVIII, § 9(4)(c) of the Colorado constitution; and
(XII)	A device that functions as, or simulates the play of, a slot machine, where results are determined by reason of the skill of the player or the application of the element of chance, or both, as provided by Article XVIII, § 9(4)(c) of the Colorado constitution.
"Simulated gambling device" does not include any parimutuel totalizator equipment that is used for pari-mutuel wagering on live or simulcast racing events and that has been approved by the director of the division of racing events for entities authorized and licensed under article 32 of title 44 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
Slot machine means any mechanical, electrical, video, electronic, or other device, contrivance, or machine which, after insertion of a coin, token, or similar object, or upon payment of any required consideration whatsoever by a player, is available to be played or operated, and which, whether by reason of the skill of the player or application of the element of chance, or both, may deliver or entitle the player operating the machine to receive cash premiums, merchandise, tokens, redeemable game credits, or any other thing of value other than unredeemable free games, whether the payoff is made automatically from the machines or in any other manner; except that the term does not include a crane game or vintage slot machine models introduced on the market in 1984, does not contain component parts manufactured in 1984 or thereafter and is not used for gambling purposes or limited gaming purposes.

Adult or child day care (Use Category).

Uses in this category include temporary care facilities on a less than twenty-four-hour basis for adults and children of varying ages. Activities include supervision, education, and recreation for care facility participants. Accessory uses commonly include recreation, personal storage buildings, and parking.

Adult or juvenile offenders

means persons who have committed a crime or are accused of having committed a crime and are housed at a group living facility for that reason.

Adverse impact

means a condition that creates, imposes, aggravates, or leads to inadequate, impractical, unsafe, or unhealthy conditions on a site proposed for development or on off-tract property or facilities.

Aggrieved person

means a person having suffered actual loss or injury or being exposed to potential loss or injury to legitimate interests including, but not limited to, business, economic, aesthetic, governmental, recreational, or conservation interests.

Agri-business

means a business and/or commercial use operated primarily for the support of agricultural needs. Such use may consist of products, materials, and equipment servicing and sales; storage and/or processing of agricultural products and/or animals; medical and/or technical support services.

Agricultural activities

means general on-going and active activities, including agronomy, aquaculture, grazing, biotechnical agriculture (including education parks for biotechnical agriculture or a demonstration farm), forestry, fisheries, honey production, silviculture (including the harvesting of timber), and similar uses. Agricultural activities do not include a grocery store or the retail or wholesale sale of products remotely related to the production of agricultural products.

Agricultural animals.

The following animals are considered agricultural animals to an agricultural use, whether used for personal enjoyment or for commercial purposes: horses, mules, burros, sheep, cattle, rabbits, pigs, llamas, alpacas, goats, and any type of fowl.

Agricultural labor housing

means a facility for the dormitory-style housing of agricultural workers on a seasonal basis.

Agricultural products

means agricultural or horticultural products such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, eggs, grains, meat, poultry, fish, honey, hay, bedding plants, herbs, and wool.

Agriculture and animal services (Use Category).

Uses in this category include agricultural and farming activities, including nurseries and facilities for processing and selling agricultural products. Agricultural uses involve farming, dairying, pasturage, apiculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal husbandry. Animal-related uses include the boarding and care of animals on a commercial basis. Accessory uses may include confinement facilities for animals, parking, and storage areas.

Airport or heliport

means a landing area, runway, or other or other ground level or elevated facility designed, used, or intended to be used for the landing or taking off of airplanes and/or helicopters, including all necessary taxiways, aircraft storage and tie-down areas, hangars, fueling and maintenance equipment areas, and other necessary buildings and open spaces, and including auxiliary facilities such as waiting rooms.

Alcohol beverage

means fermented malt beverage or malt, vinous, or spirituous liquors.

Alley

means a service road providing a secondary means of public access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.

Alterations

means any proposed modification to a designated historic site, structure, or district that could have an effect on the character of the historic resource relative to the criteria by which it was designated. Examples of alterations for structures may include additions, any exterior modifications, including signage to be affixed to the facade, and any interior modifications that may affect the characteristics for which the structure was designated.

Amateur radio

means radio communications that are licensed or regulated by the Federal Communications Commission and are not subject to provisions of this Code.

Amendment

means major changes to an application or approval. Requests that cannot be accomplished within GJMC § 21.02.040(c) are amendments.

Amortization

means a method of eliminating nonconforming uses by requiring the termination of the nonconforming use after a specified period of time.

Animal agriculture

means any parcel of land used for the principal or accessory use of breeding, raising, and/or keeping of agricultural animals for sale or use of the animal, their products or byproducts, and/or the processing of those products or byproduct.

Animal care, boarding, or sales

means a facility in which four or more animals of the same species are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained in return for compensation, or sold. Such facility may offer incidental medical treatment.

Animal clinic or hospital

means a facility for the medical care, treatment, and/or hospitalization of animals under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian.

Annexation

means the incorporation of a land area into an existing community with a resulting change in the boundaries of that community.

Antenna

means any device designed and intended for transmitting or receiving television, radio, microwave signals, or other electromagnetic waves. An antenna includes all mounting and stabilizing items such as a tower, a pole, a bracket, guy wires, hardware, connection equipment and related items.

Appeal

means a request for a review of the Grand Junction Community Development Department's interpretation of any provisions of this Code or a request for a variance therefrom.

Applicant

means any person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, group, or organization applying for any permit, approval or decision governed or required by this Code. "Developer" or "subdivider" may be used interchangeably.

Application

means a written request for any approval, permit, or action required by this Code. "Proposals" and "requests" are used interchangeably. An application is not complete until each requirement in this Code is met and all fees are paid.

Approved street trees for Grand Junction's rights-of-way

means the list of trees, shrubs, vines, and evergreens in public rights-of-way maintained by the Forestry Board (see § 8.32.020).

Appurtenances

means the visible, functional, or ornamental objects accessory to and part of buildings.

Area of influence (airport)

means an area surrounding an airport which is impacted or influenced by its proximity to the airport, either by aircraft overflight, noise, vibrations, or by vehicular traffic associated with airport operations.

Art gallery, museum, or library

means a facility or area that is open to the public and is intended for the display, appraisal, purchase, sale, loan, of art books, paintings, sculpture, or other works of original art that have architectural, artistic, cultural, literary, historical, or scientific value.

Assembly, community

means places of community assembly, such as libraries, museums, community centers, senior centers, and recreation centers that are open and available to the general public.

Assembly, religious/private group

means private, non-profit membership organizations that provide meeting space and facilities for their members. Examples include religious institutions and civic and social organizations such as private lodges, clubs, fraternal organizations, and similar private, non-commercial membership organizations.

Average

means the arithmetic mean, unless specified otherwise.

Avigation easement

means an easement that limits the construction and heights of vegetation, and grants the right of flight over the surface together with the right, subject to the applicable local, state, and federal laws (such as noise pollution laws), to cause noise, vibrations, smoke, fumes, glare, dust, fuel particles, and other effects of aircraft operations.

Bar or tavern

means an establishment engaged in the preparation and retail sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises and that may or may not serve food. This use also includes "hookah" bars in which patrons consume flavored tobacco from a stemmed instrument designed for vaporizing tobacco. If food is served, the revenue from sales of food is smaller than the revenue from alcohol sales.

Basement

means any area of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

Bed and breakfast

means a house, or portion thereof, where short-term lodging rooms and meals are provided and where the operator of the house lives on the premises or in adjacent premises. A bed and breakfast is a type of short-term rental.

Berm

means a mound of earth designed so that slope drainage is directed away from a paved area and sidewalks, which serve as a screen or bufferyard with landscaping.

Figure 14.02-2

Landscaped Berm

Block

means a land area consisting of contiguous lots established by recorded plats, usually bordered by a combination of streets, public parks, cemeteries, railroad right-of-way, or other barrier to the continuity of development.

Block frontage

means all property fronting on one side of a street between intersecting or intercepting streets, or between a street and a street right-of-way, waterway (wider than 30 feet), or end of a dead end street. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the frontage of the side of the street which it intercepts.

Board

means the Zoning Board of Appeals, unless otherwise indicated in the text.

Boarding or rooming house

means a residential structure that is the operator's personal primary residence where lodging for more than 30 days is provided, with or without meals, for compensation. A boarding house is not a bed and breakfast or short-term rental.

Brewery, distillery, or winery

Brewery means any establishment where malt liquors are manufactured, except a brew pub.

Distillery means any establishment where spirituous liquors are manufactured, except a distillery pub.

Winery means any establishment where vinous liquors are manufactured, except a limited winery. For purposes of this Code, a winery shall include a vintner's restaurant that sells food for consumption on the premises and that manufactures not more than 250,000 gallons of wine on its premise each calendar year.

Brewpub, distillery pub, or limited winery

Brewpub means a retail establishment that manufactures not more than 1,860,000 gallons of malt liquor on its licensed premises or licensed alternating proprietor licensed premises, combined, each calendar year.

Distillery pub means a retail establishment whose primary purpose is selling and serving food and alcohol beverages for on-premises consumption; and that ferments and distills not more than 45,000 liters of spirituous liquor on its licensed premises each calendar year.

Limited winery means any establishment manufacturing not more than 100,000 gallons, or the metric equivalent thereof, of vinous liquors as defined in Article 3, Title 44, C.R.S. annually within Colorado.

Buffer/buffering

means an object or area with landscaping, including trees, shrubs, a wall, fence, berm, or any combination thereof that serves as a visual and auditory screen between properties.

Building

means any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. (See also Structure.)

Building design capacity

means the maximum occupancy load of a building as provided by the most recent version of the International Building Code adopted by the City.

Building envelope

means the three-dimensional space occupied by a building, including all eaves, covered porches, breezeways, and other portions of the building, but excluding attached decorative walls which are less than or equal to three feet in height.

Building facade

means that exterior side of a building which faces, and is most nearly parallel to, a public or private street.

Bulk standard

means a standard that applies to individual lots that control the placement, intensity, and character of development, including, but not limited to, the amount of open space on the lot, the height of structures, setbacks from property lines and rights-of-way, impervious coverage, and density.

Caliper

means the diameter of the tree trunk measured six inches above the root ball at time of planting. Caliper is applied only when measuring new plantings.

Campground or recreational vehicle park

means a parcel of land on which two or more recreational vehicle sites and/or camping sites are located, established, or maintained for occupancy by recreational vehicles or camping units of the general public as temporary living quarters for vacation or recreation purposes.

Camping guest

means one or more persons assigned to a campsite.

Camping unit

means a self-propelled or towed recreational vehicle, other vehicle used for temporary human occupancy, or a cabin, tent or other type of shelter intended, designed, or used for temporary human occupancy.

Camping unit, dependent

means a camping unit that has no toilet, sink or bathing facilities and is dependent upon a common building for these services.

Camping unit, independent

means a camping unit that has toilet, sink and bathing facilities requiring connection to a water and/or sanitary sewer system at the individual campsite.

Campsite

means any defined area which is used for overnight stays by an individual, a group, or other similar entity.

Cannabis testing facility

means an entity licensed to analyze and certify safety and potency of cannabis.

Canopy drip line

means the area directly located under the outer circumference of the tree branches from which water drips onto the ground.

Carport

means a roofed structure providing space for the storage of one or more motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than two sides by walls.

Cemetery

means land used or designated for the interment of human or animal remains, including columbaria, crematoria, mausoleums, mortuaries, and associated maintenance facilities when operated in conjunction with, and within the boundaries of, such cemetery.

Centerline

means the true centerline of a street right-of-way that has been fully dedicated to the required width according to the master street plan.

Certificate of occupancy

means as defined in the current International Building Code adopted by the City.

Change in use or change of use

means a change from one principal use of a building or land to another principal use of the building or land.

City

means the City of Grand Junction.

Civic use

means a municipal use that may include cultural, recreational, athletic, convention and entertainment facilities.

Clear zone (airport)

means an area located directly off the end of an airport runway in which no above-ground construction or obstruction is permitted.

Cluster development

means a development design technique that concentrates buildings in specific areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.

Figure 14.02-3

Cluster Development

Cluster/clustered

means a development that complies with the requirements, rules and design guidelines set forth in GJMC § 21.03.040(f).

Code

refers to the City of Grand Junction Zoning and Development Code, which is also referred to as GJMC Title 21, unless otherwise specified.

Collector street

means streets, as identified in the Master Street Plan, which access neighborhoods and routes serving intra-city rather than intra-state travel.

College or university

means an institution of higher learning providing facilities for teaching and research and authorized to grant academic degrees.

Colorado Nursery Act

means C.R.S. Title 35 Article 26 as amended.

Commercial vehicle

means all vehicles that require the issuance of any of the following license plates by the State of Colorado: passenger bus plates; GVW truck and GVW tractor plates; farm trucks and farm tractor plates; special mobile machinery plates/tabs; special use vehicle plates; light truck plates; but shall not include the following: any vehicle issued any of the above license plates that otherwise would be issued passenger plates or recreational truck plates by the State of Colorado were the vehicle not used for commercial purposes; any pickup truck issued light truck plates with bed rails no higher than 30 inches from the floor of the bed; any van issued light truck plates whose basic design could serve as a passenger van and be issued passenger plates.

Common elements

means land amenities, certain areas of buildings, such as lobbies, corridors and hallways, central services and utilities and any other elements and facilities owned and used by all owners and designated in the master deed as common elements.

Common open space

means land within or related to a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, that is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents and their guests of the development and may include such complementary structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate. Common open space does not include areas used for streets, alleys, driveways, or off-street parking or loading areas. However, the area of recreational activities such as swimming pools, tennis courts and other recreation facilities may be counted as common open space.

Community and cultural facilities

include buildings and facilities owned, operated, or occupied by a governmental or non-profit entity providing a service to the public.

Community center

means a building, together with accessory structures and uses, used for recreational, social, educational, or cultural activities by and for the benefit of community groups and individuals, that is accessible to the general public or to members of the residential development in which it is located, and that is not operated for profit.

Community corrections facility

A facility providing residential or nonresidential services operated under the direction of a community corrections program, as defined by § 17-27-101 C.R.S., et seq.; or

Critical zone (airport)

A facility providing residential or nonresidential services substantially similar to that described in § 17-27-102(3) C.R.S., although not being administered pursuant to § 17-27-101 C.R.S., et seq., which is operated by a private individual, partnership, corporation, or association.

Composting facility

means a facility where organic matter that is derived primarily from off-site is processed by composting and/or is processed for commercial purposes. Activities of a composting facility may include management, collection, transportation, staging, composting, curing, storage, marketing, or use of compost.

Concept plan

means a generalized plan indicating the boundaries of a tract or tracts under common ownership, and identifying proposed land use, land use intensity and thoroughfare alignment.

Conditional use

means a use identified by this Code that requires action by the Planning Commission or City Council after public hearings. A conditional use means a use that because of its unique or varying characteristics, cannot be properly classified as a permitted use in a particular district.

Condominium

means as defined in § 38-33.3-103, C.R.S. or any successor statute.

Construction plan

means complete construction drawings of a facility or improvement, including but not limited to road plans and profiles, drainage plans and utility plans.

Contiguous

means next to, abutting, or touching and having a boundary, or portion thereof, that is coterminous.

Convey

means to transfer all or a part of a title or equitable interest in land; to lease or assign an interest in land; or to transfer any other land interest.

County

means Mesa County.

Crematory

means an establishment for the reduction of deceased bodies of humans or animals to ashes by fire.

Critical facility

means a structure or other improvement that, because of its function, size, service area, or uniqueness, has the potential to cause serious bodily harm, extensive property damage, or disruption of vital socioeconomic activities if it is destroyed or damaged or if its functionality is impaired.

means a rectangular-shaped zone located directly off the end of a runway's primary surface, which is critical to aircraft operations.

Cul-de-sac

means a dead end street terminating in a vehicular turn around area.

Curb face

means the vertical or shaped portion of a curb, facing the roadway, and designed to direct stormwaters.

Dairy operations or feedlot

means agricultural operations where livestock is kept and raised in confined situations and the owners of the livestock pay for yardage, feed, and feed processing.

Day care center, adult or child

means a nonresidential establishment providing for the care, supervision, and protection of children under the age of 16 years or the elderly and/or disabled adults for less than 24 hours. The term includes facilities commonly known as day care centers, day nurseries, nursery schools, kindergartens, preschools, play groups, day camps, summer camps, and includes those facilities for children under the age of six years with stated educational purposes operated in conjunction with a public, private, or parochial college or a private or parochial college or a private or parochial school, except that the term shall not apply to any kindergarten maintained in connection with a public, private, or parochial elementary school system of at least six grades.

Days

means, unless otherwise indicated, calendar days, if the period of time referred to is more than 30 days. If the period of time referred to is less than 30 days, "days" means working days (days when the City is open for business).

Dedication

means the transfer of property by the owner to another party.

Deed

means a legal document conveying ownership of real property.

Default standards or default zone districts

means the underlying zone of a Planned Development (PD) zone district. The default zone district shall be established with any PD zone district. The standards for the default zone shall be used unless deviations were specifically approved within the PD zoning ordinance.

Density

means the number of dwelling units per acre of land.

Developer

means a person, firm, partnership, joint venture, association, corporation, group, or organization who shall participate as owner, promoter, developer or sales agent in the planning, platting, development, promotion, sale, or lease of a development.

Development

means all property adjacent or abutting, whether or not to be then planned or developed, owned by the same owner. Includes any of the following: the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, drilling, excavation, clearing of roadways or building sites, landfill or land disturbance and any use or extension of the use of land, the placement of a use on any property, or any Planned Development. Development does not include movement of earth associated with crops and/or farming or landscaping.

Development Impact Fee-Related Definitions.

For purposes of GJMC § 21.02.070, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Impact fee means a fee imposed on a development to help finance the cost of improvements or services.
Capital facilities means any improvement or facility that: i) is directly related to any service that the City is authorized to provide; ii) has an estimated useful life of five years or longer; and iii) is required by the charter, ordinances or policy of the City pursuant to a resolution or ordinance.
Commencement of impact-generating development. Commencement of impact-generating development occurs upon either:
1.	The submittal of a complete application for the development of a nonresidential development or multi-unit for-rent development for which construction commences on or before two years from the date of complete application submittal; or
2.	Planning Clearance for residential uses intended for fee simple ownership such as single-unit homes, townhomes, or condominiums.
Complete application. An application shall not be considered complete unless and until i) all the required information and submittal materials required by all relevant City ordinances, resolutions, rules, and regulations are submitted and received by the Director, and ii) the Director has determined the application is complete. The decision of the Director with respect to completeness is final.
Development means any construction or expansion of a building, structure, or use, any change in use of a building or structure, or any change in the use of land, which creates additional demand for parks and recreation, fire, and police capital facilities.
Development approval means any final approval of an application for a rezoning, an approved Planned Development ordinance, Conditional Use Permit, Subdivision, development or Site Plan, Planning Clearance, or similar application for new construction.
Fee payer means a person commencing impact-generating development who is obligated to pay an impact fee in accordance with the terms of GJMC § 21.02.070.
Fee schedule or impact fee schedule means the impact fees for police, fire, parks and recreation, and transportation established by GJMC § 21.02.070. The impact fee schedule is set forth in the fee schedule to GJMC § 21.02.070 and is incorporated herein by reference.
Floor area means the total finished square footage of all levels included within the outside walls of a building or portion thereof, but excluding courts, garages having no habitable area, uninhabitable areas that are located above the highest habitable level, or uninhabitable areas that are located below the first floor level.
Impact fee study means the study entitled "City of Grand Junction, Colorado 2019 Impact Fee Study," prepared by TischlerBise dated August 8, 2019 and/or the study entitled "Transportation Impact Fee Study" by Duncan Associates dated November 2019 with Minor Revisions February 28, 2019.
Independent fee calculation study means a study prepared by a fee payer, calculating the cost of parks and recreation capital facilities, fire capital facilities, and police capital facilities required to serve the fee payer's proposed development, that is performed on an average cost (not marginal cost) methodology, uses the level of service standards, service units and unit construction costs stated in the impact fee study, and is performed in compliance with any criteria for such studies established by GJMC § 21.02.070.
Level of service (LOS) means a measure of the relationship between service capacity and service demand for capital facilities.
Planning clearance means a Planning Clearance issued by the Director permitting the construction of a building or structure within the City of Grand Junction.
Successor-in-interest means a person, as defined by GJMC § 21.02.070, who is conveyed a fee simple interest in land for which an impact fee is paid or a credit is approved pursuant to the terms of GJMC § 21.02.070.
Transportation capital facilities means site-related improvements such as minimum street improvements, local street improvements and safety improvements shall not constitute transportation capital facilities.

Development schedule or phasing schedule

means regulating the rate and geographic sequence of development so as to ensure that each phase can stand on its own in terms of circulation, utilities, and so on, in the event subsequent phases are delayed or cancelled.

DIA

means Development Improvements Agreement.

Diameter at breast height (DBH)

means the diameter of the tree trunk measured 4.5 feet above the ground on the uphill side of the tree. For split trunk trees that fork below 4.5 feet from the ground, OBH measurements shall be taken at the narrowest point below the fork. For multi-stem trees, which are trees that have more than one trunk at 4.5 feet above ground originating from a common trunk or common root system, DBH measurements shall be taken for each stem at 4.5 feet above the ground and aggregated by adding all values together for a single measurement, to be considered as a single tree for the purposes of this Code. DBH is applied only when measuring existing trees.

Director

means the administrator of the Code shall be the Director of the Grand Junction Community Development Department and/or designated staff.

Disposition

means a transfer of all or part of a title or equitable interest in land; a lease or an assignment of an interest in land; or any other transfer or conveyance of an interest in land.

Drive-through facility

means a facility, building feature, or equipment at which an occupant of a vehicle may make use of the service or business without leaving their vehicle. This use includes drive-by parcel pickup facilities.

Driveway

means a private roadway providing access to a street or highway, excluding the sidewalk when parking vehicles in the driveway.

Dwelling unit

means a building or portion thereof that provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more individuals maintaining a household, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

Dwelling, business residence

means a single residential dwelling unit, accessory to and located within a structure primarily devoted to nonresidential uses.

Dwelling, co-housing

means a community of private dwelling units that includes shared spaces, such as a community room, or shared facilities, such as a kitchen for community use. Each private unit must include sleeping and sanitary facilities. Where community spaces or facilities are provided, they need not be provided in individual units. Dormitories, rooming/boarding houses, and fraternities or sororities are not considered co-housing. Co-housing may be designed as either a multi-unit structure or cottage court development.

Dwelling, cottage court

means a residential development, including co-housing developments, that combines a group of small individually owned or rented single-unit dwellings, including tiny homes, on a single parcel of land that are oriented around a shared open space for communal use by the residents of the development and may include a shared parking area and/or a shared community building.

Dwelling, duplex

means a single residential building on a single lot containing two dwelling units, each designed for use and occupancy by no more than one household. The two units must be able to function as dwelling units independently of each other, but may be located side-by-side, in front and behind, or above and below each other.

Dwelling, multi-unit

means a building(s) arranged, designed, and intended to be used for occupancy by three or more households living independently of each other and containing three or more dwelling units on the same or separate lots.

Dwelling, single-unit detached

means a residential building designed for use and occupancy by no more than one household and is not attached to any other dwelling or building by any means (except an approved accessory dwelling unit), on a single lot. Manufactured homes and tiny homes shall be considered single-unit detached dwellings.

Dwelling, single-unit attached

means two or more attached single-unit dwellings attached side by side under one roof that share a common vertical side or rear wall reaching from the building foundation to the roof structure, each of which is located on its own separate lot. This use is also referred to as a townhome.

Dwelling, tiny home

means a structure that:

Is permanently constructed on a vehicle chassis;

Is designed for long-term residency;

Includes electrical, mechanical, or plumbing services that are fabricated, formed, or assembled at a location other than the site of the completed home;

Is not self-propelled; and

Educational facilities (Use Category).

Has a square footage of not more than 400 square feet.

In order to meet this definition, a tiny home must be built to the International Residential Code as adopted by the Building Codes & Standards program within the Division of Housing. Colorado tiny homes will receive a metal plate insignia that certifies the tiny home is built to the codes and standards of the program. This use does not include manufactured homes, recreational park trailers, or recreational vehicles.

A tiny home may be a single-unit detached dwelling unit or an accessory dwelling unit.

Dwelling, tiny house.

See Dwelling, Single-Family Detached.

Easement

means an interest in land that is less than fee title which entitles the holder to a specific limited use or enjoyment.

Uses in this category include public, private, and parochial institutions at the primary, elementary, middle, high school, or post-secondary level, including colleges and college campuses. Accessory uses commonly include play areas, cafeterias, recreation areas, auditoriums, and day care facilities.

Electric vehicle charging facility

means a facility in which electric vehicle charging services are made available to the public or to members for a fee, including structures, machinery, and equipment necessary and integral to support an electric vehicle, including battery charging stations, rapid charging stations, and battery exchange stations.

Emergency shelter, permanent

means a facility providing basic services that may include food; personal hygiene support; information and referrals; employment, mail, and telephone services; including overnight sleeping accommodations, to people with limited financial resources, including people who are experiencing homelessness.

Emergency shelter, temporary

means a temporary facility providing relief or assistance services to the public, including those experiencing homelessness, or to provide services related to the administration or management of such relief or assistance services in times of natural disaster or other emergency circumstances.

Eminent domain

means the authority to acquire or take, or to authorize the taking of, private property for the public use or public purpose.

Engineer

means an engineer licensed by the Colorado Board of Registration.

Equipment

means rolling stock or movable personal property except that, for the purpose of this Code, it shall not include those items defined as heavy equipment.

Evergreen

means any tree having foliage that persists and remains green throughout the year.

Evidence

means any map, table, chart, contract or other document or testimony prepared or certified which is offered by a person to establish a claim, condition, or assertion.

Exaction

means contributions or payments required as an authorized recondition for receiving a development permit.

FAA

means the Federal Aviation Administration.

Facade

means the front exterior wall of a building.

Farmers' market

means a structure or place where agricultural products are brought for the purpose of retail sales. A farmers' market differs from a produce stand in that there may be more than one seller allowed per parcel of land and the structure from which produce is sold at a farmers' market need not be portable or capable of being dismantled or removed from the site.

Fence

means an artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials, including walls but not retaining walls interior to the property, erected to enclose, screen, or separate areas. ("Material" does not include vegetation.)

Fenestration

means the arrangement of windows and other exterior openings on a building.

Final plat

means a survey map of record which indicates the boundaries for streets, blocks, lots and other property divisions which is prepared pursuant to GJMC § 21.02.040(k)(5).

Flea market

means a flea market, swap shop, or similar activity by whatever name, where the use involves the setting up of two or more booths, tables, platforms, racks, or similar display areas for the purpose of selling, buying, or trading merchandise, goods, materials, products, or other items offered for sale outside an enclosed building. Flea markets do not include any of the following activities that occur at the same location four or fewer days in any calendar year: garage sales, produce stands, garage sales or fund-raising activities done by a nonprofit organization.

Flood-Related Definitions.

Area of shallow flooding means a designated Zone AO or AH on the City's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a 1% chance or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.
Area of special flood hazard (floodplain) means the land in the floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year.
Base flood means the flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
Base flood elevation (BFE) means the elevation shown on a FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Map for Zones AE, AH, A1-A30, AR, AR/A, AR/AE, AR/A1-A30, AR/AH, AR/AO, V1-V30, and VE that indicates the water surface elevation resulting from a flood that has a 1% chance of equaling or exceeding that level in any given year.
Conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) means FEMA's comment on a proposed project which does not revise an effective floodplain map that would upon construction affect the hydrologic or hydraulic characteristics of a flooding source and thus result in the modification of the existing regulatory floodplain.
Critical facility means a structure or related infrastructure, but not the land on which it is situated, that if flooded may result in significant hazards to public health and safety or interrupt essential services and operations for the City at any time before, during and after a flood.
Existing manufactured home park or subdivision means a manufactured home park for which the construction of facilities serving the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed are completed before the Effective Date.
Expansion of existing manufactured home park or subdivision means the preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).
Five-hundred-year (500-year) flood means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 0.2% chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given year (0.2%-chance annual flood).
Five-hundred-year (500-year) floodplain means an area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of the occurrence of a 500-year flood.
Flood or flooding means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:
1.	The overflow of inland waters; and/or
2.	The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. (See graphic.)
3.	Mudslides or mudflows that occur from excess surface water that is combined with mud or other debris that is sufficiently fluid so as to flow over the surface of normally dry land areas (such as earth carried by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current).
Flood control structure means a physical structure designed and built expressly or partially for the purpose of reducing, redirecting, or guiding flood flows along a particular waterway. These specialized flood modifying works are those constructed in conformance with sound engineering standards.
Flood fringe district means that area within a 100-year floodplain where the flood waters are relatively shallow, and move at velocities from one to four feet per second. (See graphic.)
Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) means the official map on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency has delineated both the areas of special flood hazards and the risk premium zones.
Flood Insurance Study means the official report provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency that includes profiles, the Flood Boundary-Floodway Map, and the water surface elevation of the base flood.
Floodplain means an area adjacent to a watercourse which may be subject to flooding as a result of an increase in water flow beyond a normal high water mark. (See graphic.)
Floodplain development means any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations located within the area of special flood hazard. (See graphic.)
Flood profile means hydrological conclusions based upon historical facts and engineering principles represented graphically showing the relationship of the water surface elevation during a 100-year flood to the channel and adjacent topography.
Flood prone area means an area near a watercourse which is subject to flooding during a 100-year flood based on historical information, topography, vegetation, and other indicators, but where the precise dimensions of a 100-year floodplain have not been delineated by Federal Emergency Management Agency studies. (See graphic.)
Figure 14.02-4 Flood Prone Area
Floodproofing means a combination of provisions, changes or adjustments to structures and movable objects or to surrounding areas, primarily for the reduction or elimination of flood damage.
Flood regulatory area means that portion of the floodplain which is subject to inundation by a 100-year flood. This area may be divided into the floodway district and the flood fringe district. (See graphic.)
Floodway means the channel of a river or other water course and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than a designated height. The Colorado Statewide standard for the designated height to be used for all newly studied reaches shall be one-half foot (six inches). (See graphic above.)
Freeboard means the vertical distance in feet above a predicted water surface elevation intended to provide a margin of safety to compensate for unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood such as debris blockage of bridge openings and the increased runoff due to urbanization of the watershed.
High water mark means the ordinary high water level or bank of a stream, river, lake, or impoundment which, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, shall be presumed to be the edge of the vegetation growing along the shore.
Mudflow means a flowing mass of predominantly fine grained earth material possessing a high degree of fluidity during movement.
New construction means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the Effective Date of the ordinance enacting the flood damage prevention regulations, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
New manufactured home park or subdivision means a manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the Effective Date of the ordinance enacting the flood damage prevention regulations.
No-rise certification means a record of the results of an engineering analysis conducted to determine whether a project will increase flood heights in a floodway. A no-rise certification must be supported by technical data and signed by a registered Colorado professional engineer.
Obstruction (floodplains) means a dam, wall, embankment, levee, dike, pile, abutment, projection, excavation, channel rectification, culvert, building, fence, stockpile, refuse, fill, structure or material, in, along, across, or projecting into any drainageway, channel, or watercourse, which might impede, retard or change the direction of the flow of water, either by itself or by catching and collecting debris carried by the water, or which is placed where the 100-year flood may carry the debris downstream.
One-hundred-year (100-year) flood means a flood having a recurrence interval that has a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded during any given year (one-percent-annual-chance flood).
One-hundred-year (100-year) floodplain means the area of land susceptible to being inundated as a result of the occurrence of a 100-year flood, including the low land near a watercourse which has been, or may be, covered by water of a flood of 100-year frequency, as established by engineering practices of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and/or the Colorado Water Conservation Board.
Special flood hazard area means the land in the floodplain within the City subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year, i.e., the 100-year-floodplain.
Start of construction includes substantial improvement and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, placement, or other improvements was within 180 days of the permit date. The "actual start" means the first placement of a permanently constructed structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of pilings, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure.
Substantial damage means damage to a structure from one event not due to the knowing act of the owner such that the cost to restore the damage is 50% or more of the fair market value of the structure before the damage occurred.
Substantial improvement means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, which costs 50% of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. Substantial improvement includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not include either:
1.	Any improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of any code which the local code enforcement official determines and are necessary to make the structure safe or habitable; or
2.	Any alteration of a "historic structure," if the alteration shall not preclude the structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."
Water surface elevation means the height, in relation to the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 (or other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas.

Food and beverage (Use Category).

Uses in this category include establishments that serve prepared food or beverages for consumption on or off the premises. Accessory uses may include food preparation areas, offices, and parking.

Food service or catering

means an establishment in which the principal use is the preparation of food or meals on the premises, and where such food or meals are delivered to an off-site location for sale or consumption.

Fraternity or sorority

means a place of residence other than a hotel, rooming or boarding house or dormitory that is operated by a nationally or locally chartered membership organization and is used, occupied, and maintained as living and dining quarters for its members who are enrolled in an accredited college or university or other accredited educational institution and which is recognized and subject to controls by such educational institution.

Front lot line

means the property line dividing a lot from a road right-of-way.

Frontage.

The frontage of a parcel of land is that distance where a property line is common with a road right-of-way line.

Functional artificial turf

means artificial turf that is:

Located in a recreational use area or other space that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes, which may include a playground, a sports field, a picnic ground, an amphitheater, a portion of a park, and the playing area of a golf course, such as a driving range, chipping and putting green, tee box, green, fairway, and rough; or

Government service facility

A component of a product designed and approved by a professional engineer for civic infrastructure projects, including, but not limited to, covers for solid waste facilities and brownfield sites and revetments for slopes, channels, levees, and dams.

Functional turf

means turf that is located in a recreational use area or other space that is regularly used for civic, community, or recreational purposes, which may include playgrounds: sports fields; picnic grounds; amphitheaters; portions of parks: and the playing areas of golf courses, such as driving ranges, chipping and putting greens, tee boxes, greens, fairways, and roughs.

Funeral home or mortuary

means an establishment with facilities for the preparation of human or animal remains for burial or interment, including cremation, for the display of the deceased and rituals connected with, and conducted before burial or cremation, and for funeral services. This definition includes columbaria and may include a facility for the permanent storage of cremated human or animal remains.

Geologic hazard area

means an area identified by a qualified state or federal government agency as containing or being directly affected by a geologic hazard.

Golf course

means a tract of land typically laid out for at least nine holes for playing the game of golf that may include the following accessory uses: a clubhouse, dining and snack bars, pro shop, and practice facilities.

Golf driving range

means a tract of land devoted as a practice range for practicing golf shots.

means a facility owned or operated by a unit of local, state, or federal government and engaged in providing services unique to government or generally performed by units of government rather than by private commercial businesses.

Grade

means the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line or, when the property line is more than five feet from the building, the point between the building and a line five feet from the building.

Grade, finished

means the level of the soil after completion of site development.

Grade, natural

means the undisturbed ground level which may be determined by on-site evidence (vegetation, ground level on adjacent land, elevation of adjacent streets and roads, soil types and locations, etc.).

Grand Junction Circulation Plan (formerly known as Major Street Plan and Grand Valley Circulation Plan)

means a plan or plans showing the location of right-of-way which will be developed and for which development and uses must accommodate. Plans for areas smaller than the entire City are still "Grand Valley Circulation Plans or Major Street Plans." The City relies on the authority in Title 31 C.R.S. in addition to its other powers and authority.

Gross acre

means a full acre of land prior to subdivision and prior to dedication of any required rights-of-way or easements.

Gross acreage

means the area of a proposed development, including proposed dedications of easements, rights-of-way, or other property rights, but excluding existing rights-of-way dedicated prior to January 1, 1995.

Gross floor area (GFA)

means the sum of the areas of all floor levels of a building or structure.

Gross leasable area (GLA)

means the total building area, expressed in square feet and designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use, including any basements, mezzanines, or upper floors, as measured from exterior walls or the centerline of walls separating two abutting buildings, but excluding any space where floor-to-ceiling height is less than 6.5 feet.

Ground cover

means grass or other plants and landscaping grown to keep soil from being blown or washed away.

Ground story

means the story closest to and above grade along the street.

Group living (Use Category).

Uses in this category are characterized by residential occupancy of a structure by a group of people who do not meet "the definition of "household living." Tenancy is arranged on a month-to-month or longer basis. Group living usually includes common eating areas for residents, and residents may receive care, training, or treatment. Caregivers often reside at the site. Accessory uses commonly include recreational facilities, personal storage buildings, gardens, and parking.

Group living facility

means a type of group living characterized by the provision of training, treatment, supervision or other professional support or care and who receive care, training, treatment, supervision or other support from caregivers or staff on site. Tenancy is arranged on a monthly or longer basis. Uses where tenancy may be arranged for a shorter period are not considered residential; they are considered to be either a form of lodging facility. Generally, group living structures have a common eating area for residents, but a common eating area by itself, without other care, treatment, supervision or other professional or health support services being provided on site, does not indicate a group living facility (a multifamily residential facility, such as apartments, may, for example, have a common eating area).

Group living facility, small means a facility designed for and occupied by five to nine residents living together.

Group living facility, large means a facility designed for and occupied by 10 to 16 residents living together.

Group living facility, unlimited means a facility designed for and occupied by 17 or more residents living together.

Guest ranch

means a working ranch with an accessory use for the lodging and/or boarding of guests which provides recreational activities on, or adjacent to, the ranch.

Habitable space

means any habitable room or group of habitable rooms that provide sleeping facilities alone or in combination with required cooking, eating, or living facilities.

Hardscape

means stone, brick, rock, sand, textured or shaped concrete, decorative walls and/or pedestrian facilities (i.e., benches, tables, play equipment, walking or bike paths).

Hazard prone area

means an area which has not yet been designated by the state or federal government as a geological hazard area but where historical evidence, climatological data, surface or subsurface geological, topographical, vegetative, or other on-site naturally occurring factors indicate a relatively greater risk of property damage than exists on other parcels in the City.

Hazardous substance

means any material that, by reason of its toxic, corrosive, caustic, abrasive, or otherwise injurious properties, may be detrimental or deleterious to the health of any person handling or otherwise coming into contact with such material or substance.

Headwater

means the source of a stream or river.

Health club

means an establishment that provides facilities for exercise activities, such as running, jogging, aerobics, weight lifting, court sports and swimming, as well as locker rooms, showers, massage rooms, saunas, and related accessory uses.

Health Department

means the Mesa County Health Department.

Health facilities (Use Category).

Uses in this category are characterized by activities focusing on medical services, particularly licensed public or private institutions that provide primary health services and medical or surgical care to persons suffering from illness, disease, injury, or other physical or mental conditions. Accessory uses may include laboratories, outpatient, or training facilities, and parking or other amenities primarily for the use of employees in the firm or building. These uses do not include spas, massage parlors, or other health and wellness establishments that meet the definition of personal services.

Heavy equipment

means large equipment including, but not limited to: trucks with greater than a one and one-half ton rating, cranes, crawler type tractors, earth movers, dump trucks and other equipment of equal or greater size and weight.

Hedge vegetation

means a plant from the list approved by the City Forester which will grow, with regular trimming, to a height of four to six feet maximum. At planting, the hedge shall be at least one foot high.

Height of structure

means the vertical distance from the grade to the highest point of any portion of a structure.

Helipad

means a facility without the logistical support provided by a Heliport where helicopters takeoff and land. Helipads do not include facilities for maintenance, repair, fueling or storage of helicopters.

Highest adjacent grade

means the highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed wall of a structure.

Hillside disturbance

means any and all areas of the building site disturbed during construction by grading or excavation and temporary or permanent construction for all buildings, parking areas, driveways, roads, sidewalks, and other areas of concrete, asphalt, or other construction materials.

Home occupation

means a business activity or occupation carried on within a dwelling by members of the household occupying the dwelling.

Homeowner association

means a formally constituted nonprofit association made up of the property owners and/or residents of a fixed area, which association is formed for the purpose of assuming permanent responsibility for costs and upkeep of common areas, open space, and similar shared facilities. May also be referred to as a form of Owner Association, such as Property Owner Association or Community Owner Association.

Hospital

means an institution providing health services primarily for human inpatient medical or surgical care and including related facilities as laboratories, outpatient departments, training facilities, rehabilitation facilities, central services facilities, and staff offices that are an integral part of the facilities.

Hotel or motel

means an establishment in which lodging is provided and offered to the public for compensation, for periods of time not exceeding 30 days and that is commonly known as a hotel or motel in the community in which it is located.

Household

means an individual or a group of individuals living together in a single dwelling unit, with common access to and common use of all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and serving of food within the dwelling unit.

Household living (Use Category).

Uses in this category are characterized by residential occupancy of a dwelling unit by a household. Tenancy is arranged on a month-to-month or longer basis. Common accessory uses include recreational activities, gardens, personal storage buildings, and residential parking.

Household pets

means those animals which are commonly kept as pets: dogs, cats, fish, small birds (e.g., parakeets, parrots), rodents (e.g., mice, rats), and reptiles (nonpoisonous snakes, lizards).

Impervious surface

means any material that prevents absorption of stormwater into the ground.

Improved area

means the developed portion of a property consisting of areas occupied by buildings, asphalt, concrete, gravel, or landscaped area. Where phased development is proposed, the improved area shall be identified and measured separately for each phase of development.

Improvements

means right-of-way pavements, curbs, gutters, sidewalks, paths, trails, bikeways, sedimentation control facilities, revegetation, landscaping, water mains, sanitary and storm sewers, drainageways, gas lines, electrical and telephone lines and appurtenances, street signs, trees and lights, lot pin monuments, range point boxes, and any other similar items required for compliance with the regulations of this Code or the conditions of approval.

Indoor entertainment and recreation

means an enclosed facility for entertainment, sports, and recreational activities such as health clubs, game arcades, bowling, skating rinks, swimming, tennis, health and fitness centers, gyms, movie theaters, wedding venues, and similar indoor activities.

Industrial, artisan

means an establishment or business where an artist, artisan, or craftsperson teaches, makes, or fabricates crafts or products by hand or with minimal automation and may include direct sales to consumers.

Industrial, heavy

means the assembly, fabrication, or processing of goods and materials using processes that ordinarily have greater than minimal impacts on the environment, or that ordinarily have significant impacts on the use and enjoyment of adjacent property in terms of truck traffic, railroad activities, noise, smoke, fumes, visual impact, odors, glare, or health and safety hazards, or that otherwise do not meet the definition of light industrial. Heavy manufacturing generally includes processing and fabrication of products made from extracted or raw materials or products involving flammable, hazardous, or explosive materials and processes, uses involving the fabrication, use, or repair of heavy special purpose equipment. Examples of this use include atmospheric gas production plant, lumbermill or sawmill, tannery, asphalt, and concrete batch plant, bottling and distribution plants, and construction materials manufacturing unless performed on a scale that meets the definition of "artisan industrial."

Industrial, light

means the assembly, fabrication, or processing of goods and materials using processes that ordinarily do not involve significant truck traffic or railroad operations and do not create material amounts of noise, smoke, fumes, odors, glare, or health or safety hazards outside of the building or lot where such assembly, fabrication, or processing takes place, and where such processes are housed entirely within an enclosed building, except as may be authorized in this Code. Light manufacturing generally includes processing and fabrication of finished products predominantly from previously prepared materials and includes processes not involving flammable or explosive materials. Examples of activities include, but are not limited to, commercial laundries, food products and wholesale bakeries, newspaper and printing establishments, hair products and barbering supplies, signs and other metal workings, architectural and artist supplies, ceramics and miscellaneous clothing or accessories, small medical or specialty equipment, or musical instruments; and assembly of small appliances or equipment. This use includes research, testing and non-medical laboratory facilities, and natural medicine cultivation facilities, products manufacturers, and testing facilities.

Infill development

means the development of new housing or other buildings on scattered sites in a built-up area.

Infrastructure

means facilities and services needed to sustain industry, residential, commercial and all other land use activities.

Integral units

means items, equipment, or machinery which are assembled or constructed to function as a single unit, such as, but not limited to, large cranes, drilling rigs or other large vehicles, large diameter pipes or culverts, large scale motors or transformers, etc., or, in the case of salvage or junkyards, shelving or other storage units, not to exceed 20 feet in height, that are used to store and display salvage items.

Interim shelter site

means a location on a lot for the temporary residential occupancy of multiple relocatable temporary structures for people experiencing homelessness. An interim shelter site may include other temporary structures that contain sanitary facilities and support services including administration, security, food preparation and eating areas, or other communal amenities.

Irrigation or irrigate

means use of water, whether or not potable, to sustain or grow landscaping or flora.

Jail

means a facility established by a law enforcement agency for the detention of adult or juvenile persons while being processed for arrest or detention, awaiting trial, or for punishment and/or counseling as a result of sentencing by a court of jurisdiction for criminal or antisocial behavior.

Junk

means ferrous or nonferrous metals, wood or wood products, appliances not used for their intended purposes, rubber, or plastic products, dismantled or inoperable machinery, equipment, tools, junk vehicles, trash, or similar materials. The term junk excludes outside storage permitted as an accessory use.

Junk vehicle

means any motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer, as those terms are defined by § 42-1-102 C.R.S. that: is not operable in its existing condition because of damage or because parts necessary for operation such as, but not limited to, tires, engine, or drive train, are removed, destroyed, damaged, or deteriorated; or, is not capable of being lawfully driven on a public highway or street pursuant to the minimum standards set forth in Title 42 of the Colorado Revised Statutes. Any such motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer shall be presumed to be a junk vehicle if no current Colorado license plates are displayed thereon, or if Colorado license plates have been invalid for more than 60 days. (Note: The owner or possessor of such a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer may rebut such a presumption by providing proof of current registration or licensing.)

Junkyard or salvage yard

means any yard, lot, land, parcel, building or structure, or part thereof, used for storage, collection, processing, purchase, sale, salvage, or disposal of used or scrap materials, equipment, vehicles, or appliances. Junkyards include, but are not limited to, wrecking yards, salvage yards and automobile impoundment areas where stored vehicles are inoperative or unlicensed. Junkyards do not include storage of vehicles used for agricultural purposes on a property used for agricultural purposes, or facilities qualifying as motor vehicle repair shops.

Jurisdiction

means the sphere of responsibility of the Grand Junction City Council or a political subdivision of the state.

(Reserved)

Land reclamation

means increasing land use capability by changing the land's character or environment through drainage and/or fill.

Land use

means a list of uses within categories enumerated in this Code for various uses of land in the City.

Landscape

means an area set aside from structures and parking which is developed with natural materials (i.e., lawns, trees, shrubs, vines, hedges, bedding plants, rock) and decorative features, including paving materials, walls, fences, and street furniture.

Landscape professional

means a licensed Colorado landscape architect; or a landscape contractor licensed by the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado or the Colorado Arborists and Lawn Care Professionals; or other similarly qualified or certified professional approved by the Director.

Leasehold interest

means a contractual agreement for a possessory estate for the use of lands, structures, buildings, or parts thereof for a fixed time and consideration.

Lighting-Related Definitions.

Full cutoff light fixture means a light fixture in which no more than 2 1/2% of its total output is emitted above 90° from the vertical pole or building wall on which it is mounted.

Lighting means an artificial supply of light or the apparatus providing it.

Local road or street

means a street that provides direct access to adjacent land and access to higher street classifications. All streets or roads not otherwise classified are local.

Lodging facilities (Use Category).

Uses in this category include facilities where lodging, meals, and other services are provided to transient visitors and guests for a fee for a defined period of time less than 30 days per instance. Accessory uses may include storage, cafeterias, limited retail, health and recreation facilities, and parking or other amenities.

Lot

A parcel of land that is defined on a subdivision plat of record, which is intended to be occupied by a principal building or building and open space. Streets are not included in this definition. (See graphic.)

Figure 14.02-5

Lot Types

Lot area

means the area of the lot shall be the horizontal area of the lot and shall not include portions of streets and alleys.

Lot, corner

means a lot abutting upon two or more intersecting streets.

Lot coverage

means the percentage of the total lot area covered by structures. It is calculated by dividing the square footage of structure coverage by the square footage of the lot.

Lot depth

means the horizontal distance from the front property line to the rear property line. If front and rear property lines are not parallel, the lot depth is the shortest distance between the front and rear property lines.

Lot, flag

means a lot having no frontage or access to a street or place except by a narrow strip of land.

Lot, interior

means a lot whose side lines do not abut on any street.

Lot line

means a line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.

Lot, through (double frontage)

means an interior lot having frontage on two nonintersecting streets.

Lot width

means the distance between the side lot lines.

Low traffic storage yard

means an enclosed outdoor storage area generating less than 30 average daily trips (30 ADT).

Maintain

means to use, to keep in existence. To continue upkeep is not required to meet the definition of "maintain."

Major subdivision

means a subdivision consisting of two or more proposed new lots.

Managing entity

means the person or group of persons or entity responsible for the management of an interim shelter site.

Manufactured building sales and service

means a retail sales and service use in which prefabricated or manufactured buildings are displayed and sold.

Manufactured home or housing

means factory-built, single-unit structures that meet the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (42 U.S.C. Section 5401 et seq.), commonly known as the HUD Code (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development).

Manufactured home subdivision

means a parcel or contiguous parcels of land subdivided into two or more lots configured for development of manufactured housing.

Manufactured housing community

means a site, lot, tract, or parcel of land used for the continuous accommodation of two or more occupied manufactured homes and maintained for dwelling purposes on a permanent basis on individual lots, pads, or spaces; whether those lots, pads, or spaces be individually owned, leased, or rented. A manufactured housing community does not include manufactured home subdivisions or property zoned for manufactured home subdivisions.

Manufacturing and processing (Use Category).

Uses in this category includes the excavation, transporting, manufacture, fabrication, processing, reduction, destruction, or any other treatment of any article, substance, or commodity, in order to change its form, character or appearance. Accessory uses may include retail sales, offices, storage, cafeteria, employee amenities, parking, warehousing, and repair facilities.

Master plan

means a long-range plan for major institutional and civic facilities that considers community benefits and impacts.

Maximum extent practicable

means the Director has determined that no feasible or prudent alternative exists, that all possible efforts to comply with the standards or regulation or minimize potential harmful or adverse impacts have been undertaken by an applicant, and that the costs of complying with a Code standard or criteria clearly outweigh the benefits to the public of complying with the standard or criteria. Economic considerations may be taken into account, but shall not be the overriding factor determining whether compliance with a standard or criteria in this Code is impracticable.

Medical or dental clinic

means a health care facility where patients are admitted for examination and treatment on an outpatient basis by one or more physicians, dentists, other medical personnel, psychologists, counselors, therapists, or social workers, and where patients are not usually lodged overnight. This use includes dialysis and other outpatient services clinics and emergency care clinics without ambulance services. This use includes establishments providing support to the medical profession and patients, such as medical and dental laboratories, blood banks, oxygen, and miscellaneous types of medical supplies and services. This use also includes natural medicine healing centers.

Meeting, banquet, event, or conference facility

means a facility with or without food preparation equipment, used for meetings, conferences, receptions, fellowship, catered meals, and other social functions; and available on a rental basis to the general public.

Micro-shelter

means a moveable and typically modular shelter with an internal area of less than 400 square feet that is designed to be installed quickly and affordably. Micro-shelters are not pre-fitted with beds, electricity, or heating and air conditioning.

Mini-warehouse

means a structure or group of structures containing separate, individual, and private storage spaces of varying sizes, leased, or rented on individual leases for varying periods of time.

Mining and extraction

means the development or extraction of mineral deposits, including but not limited to limestone, coal, sand, rock, clay, dirt, gravel, and other materials, and quarry aggregate from their natural occurrences on affected land. The term includes but is not limited to cement and asphalt batch plants, open pit mining and surface operations, strip mining, quarrying, dredging, and the disposal of refuse from those activities.

Minor arterial

means a street, as identified in the Grand Junction Circulation Plan, which has a relatively high overall travel speed, with minimal interference and which interconnects with the principal arterial system.

Mitigation

means methods used to alleviate or lessen the impact of development.

Mobile food vendor

means a readily movable, motorized wheeled vehicle or towed wheeled vehicle that is equipped to prepare, serve, and sell or dispense food and is registered with a department/division of motor vehicles.

Mobile food vendor court

means three or more Mobile Food Vendors on the same property.

Mobile home

means a single-unit dwelling, factory-built and factory-assembled residence which does not comply with the National Manufactured Homes Construction Safety and Standards Act. (42 U.S.C. Section 5401 et seq., 1978, as amended).

Mobile home park

means a parcel of land used for the continuous accommodation of two or more occupied mobile homes. Mobile home parks are typically operated for the financial benefit of the owner of the parcel of land but may also include individual lot ownership. Mobile home park does not include manufactured home parks or subdivisions.

Mudflow

means a flowing mass of predominantly fine grained earth material possessing a high degree of fluidity during movement.

Mulch

means wood chips, bark, rock, or other accepted material placed around plants to assist in moisture retention and weed prevention.

Multi stem tree

means a tree that has one stem at ground level but that splits into two or more stems above ground level. Trees whose stems diverge below ground level are considered separate trees.

Municipality

means an incorporated city or town.

Natural hazard

means a geologic, floodplain, or wildfire hazard as identified by a state or federal agency.

Natural Medicine-Related Definitions

Facilitator means a natural person who meets the criteria for a "facilitator" as that term is defined in the Colorado Natural Medicine Code.

Natural medicine means psilocybin or psilocin and other substances described in the Colorado Natural Medicine Code as "natural medicine."

Natural medicine cultivation facility means a location where regulated natural medicine is grown, harvested, and prepared in order to be transferred and distributed to either a healing center, a natural medicine products manufacturer, or to another natural medicine cultivation facility.

Natural medicine healing center means a facility licensed by the State Licensing Authority pursuant to the Colorado Natural Medicine Code that permits a facilitator to provide and supervise natural medicine services for a participant.

Natural medicine product means a product that is infused with natural medicine and intended for consumption.

Natural medicine products manufacturer means a person who manufactures regulated natural medicine products for transfer to a natural medicine healing center or to another natural medicine products manufacturer.

Natural medicine testing facility means a public or private laboratory licensed and certified or approved by the division of professions and occupations to perform testing and research on regulated natural medicine and regulated natural medicine product.

Participant means a person who is at least 21 years of age receives natural medicine services performed by and under the supervision of a natural medicine facilitator as provided in the Colorado Natural Medicine Code.

Regulated natural medicine means natural medicine that is cultivated, manufactured, tested, stored, distributed, transported, or dispensed as provided in the Colorado Natural Medicine Code.

Regulated natural medicine product — means a natural medicine product that is cultivated, manufactured, tested, stored, transported, or dispensed as provided in the Colorado Natural Medicine Code.

State Licensing Authority — means the authority created for the purpose of regulating and controlling the licensing of the cultivation, manufacturing, testing, storage, distribution, transportation, transfer, and dispensation of regulated natural medicine and regulated natural medicine product pursuant to the Colorado Natural Medicine Code.

Natural resource

means existing natural elements relating to land, water, air, plant, and animal life, including, but not limited to, soils, geology, topography, surface and subsurface waters, wetlands, vegetation, and animal habitats.

Neighborhood

means an area of a community with characteristics that distinguish it from other areas and that may include distinct ethnic or economic characteristics, housing types, schools, or boundaries defined by physical barriers, such as major highways and railroads or natural features, such as rivers. (Note: Historically, the neighborhood was defined as the area served by an elementary school, with shopping and recreation facilities to serve neighborhood residents. While the description is probably dated, the neighborhood designation is useful in analyzing the adequacy of facilities and services and in identifying factors affecting the quality of the built environment. In addition, as a distinct and identifiable area, often with its own name, neighborhoods are recognized as fostering community spirit and a sense of place, factors recognized as important in community planning.) Or: That area with definite boundaries as determined by the Director on a case-by-case basis to meet the intent and purpose of the Code.

Neighborhood association

means any group that has been recognized by the Community Development Department or has registered with the Community Development Department the boundaries of a particular area with which it is related and which the association represents.

Net floor area

means the square footage of the principal use area of a building including restrooms, hallways and stairwells, but not including normally unoccupied areas such as garages, storage rooms, and furnace areas.

Nonconforming

means a legal use, structure, and/or development which existed prior to the adoption of this Code or any amendment thereto, which does not presently conform to this Code or its amendments.

Nonconforming structure or building

means a structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment to the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zone district.

Nonconforming use

means a use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zone district.

Nonprofit

means organizations having 501(c)(3) filing status with the Internal Revenue Service.

Notice

means the method of informing persons of requests, hearings, actions taken and similar actions. The form and specifics of notice will vary depending on the application, step, and other factors.

Noxious or invasive species

means non-native plants that have a recognized harmful impact on natural habitats and/or are likely to displace native plant species for light, space, soil moisture and nutrients, including those noxious species identified under the Colorado Noxious Weed Act codified at C.R.S. Title 35 Article 5.5, as amended.

Nursery or greenhouse

means a place where plants are raised, acquired, and maintained for transplanting or sale. It may also include, either exclusively or in conjunction with the above activities, the sale of materials commonly used for landscaping purposes, such as soil, rock, bark, mulch and the sale or rental of small landscaping tools and supplies.

Nursing care or convalescent facility

means a licensed health care entity that is planned, organized, operated, and maintained to provide supportive, restorative, and preventative services to persons who, due to physical and/or mental disability, require continuous or regular inpatient nursing care. Convalescent facilities may be either an integral patient care unit of a general hospital or a facility physically separated from, but maintaining an affiliation with, all services in a general hospital.

Off-site improvement

means improvements required to be made off site as a result of an application for development and including, but not limited to, road widening and upgrading, stormwater facilities and traffic improvements.

Off-site parking

means parking provided for a specific use, but located on a site other than the one on which the specific use is located.

Off-street parking space

means the space required to park one vehicle, exclusive of access drives, and not on a public right-of-way.

Offenders

means, for the purpose of community corrections facilities, persons accused or convicted of a felony, misdemeanor, or other criminal offense.

Office

means establishments that provide executive, management, administrative, or professional services, but not involving the sale of merchandise except as incidental to a permitted use. Typical examples include banks or financial institutions, government, real estate, insurance, property management, investment, employment, travel, advertising, law, architecture, design, engineering, accounting, call centers, and similar offices.

Office and personal services (Use Category).

Uses in this category provide executive, management, administrative, governmental, or professional services or are primarily engaged in the provision of informational, instructional, personal improvement, personal care, and similar services. Accessory uses may include retail sales, cafeterias, health facilities, and parking.

Oil and gas drilling

means equipment or improvements used or installed at an oil and gas location for the exploration, production, withdrawal, gathering, treatment, or processing of crude oil, condensate, E&P waste, or gas. Any well, wellhead, flowlines, tanks, surface equipment, or associated infrastructure used in the development, production, storage, or marketing of oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, or other hydrocarbon resources.

Open space

means any property or portion without any structure or impervious surface and not designated and used for a specific purpose.

Open space fee

means a fee paid by the developer of a new residential development to the City for the purpose of acquisition and development of open space.

Ornamental tree

means a tree that has a height and spread between 15 feet and 30 feet at maturity.

Outdoor display and sales

includes portable display taken inside at the close of each business day or a display of items of merchandise for immediate sale and open to customers for browsing (such as, but not limited to, operable autos, RVs, trucks, modular homes, hot tubs) that is permanently located outdoors. Retail displays including shelving or rack areas higher than six feet, wholesale merchandise displays and other areas not accessible to the general public are considered outdoor storage. This use does not include merchandise displayed immediately adjacent primary facade near the customer entrance(s) that does not protrude into parking areas or drive aisles or beyond the eaves, roof overhang or covered entrance area.

Outdoor entertainment and recreation

means outdoor facilities, excluding racetracks, for outdoor concerts, amusement parks, miniature golf, drive-in theaters, go-cart tracks, stadiums, and other similar outdoor activities, and that may provide limited bleacher-type seating for the convenience of users. This use includes facilities for outdoor sports such as private swimming pools, tennis and basketball courts, skate parks, sports fields, and playgrounds/passive recreation. This use includes outdoor wedding venues.

Outdoor living area

means any property or portion thereof which is permanently set aside for public or private use, is landscaped with living plant material (a minimum of 75% coverage), and will not be further developed. The area can include landscape buffers. The area calculation excludes detention areas, parking areas, and driveways.

Outdoor storage, accessory

means an outdoor area used for the long-term deposit (more than 48 hours) of any goods, material, merchandise, or vehicles that occupy a volume of more than 150 cubic feet as an accessory use to and associated with a principal use on the property.

Outdoor storage, commercial

means an outdoor area in which storage spaces are used by consumers/tenants for short- and long-term storage of personal property. Consumers/tenants retain "care, custody and control" of their personal property. Outdoor storage includes, but is not limited to, camper/RV storage, commercial and industrial product storage (e.g., sand and gravel), as well as landscape storage and contractor storage.

Overburden

means all the earth and other materials which lie above natural mineral deposits or materials disturbed from their natural state in the process of mining and/or other development.

Overflow parking

means any off-street, ground level open area used for the temporary storage of excess motor vehicles.

Overlay district

means a zone district which has been superimposed over basic districts to address development constraints which require special attention and treatment and to alert developers to issues they need to address in preparing an application for development.

Owner

means an individual, firm, association, syndicate, partnership, or corporation having sufficient proprietary interest to seek development of land.

Parcel

means an area of land defined by a legal description and recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder.

Park impact fee

means a fee paid by the developer of a new residential development to the City for the purpose of acquisition and development of park facilities.

Park, lake, reservoir, or other open space

means uses of land that are characterized primarily by natural areas, large areas consisting mostly of vegetative landscaping or outdoor recreation, or community gardens, or public squares. Structural improvements are generally limited to those structures that facilitate the use of the land as park and open space. Accessory uses may include playgrounds, maintenance facilities, swimming pools, restrooms and dressing rooms, concessions, and parking.

Parking garage, commercial

means a structure or portion of a structure composed of one or more levels or floors exclusively used for the parking of vehicles as a principal use of land. A parking garage may be totally below grade or either partially or totally above grade, with those levels being either open or enclosed. Parking is generally available to the public, and a fee is generally charged. Parking facilities that are accessory to a principal use are not considered commercial parking uses.

Parking lot, commercial

means an off-street, ground-level, open area used for the parking of vehicles as a principal use of land. Parking is generally available to the public, and a fee is generally charged. Parking facilities that are accessory to a principal use are not considered commercial parking uses.

Parking, public

means a municipal site which does not fall within the boundaries of a street and which is reserved for the benefit of and accessible to the general public exclusively for the parking of vehicles, with or without payment.

Parks and open space (Use Category).

Uses in this category focus on natural areas, large areas consisting mostly of vegetative landscaping or outdoor recreation, community gardens, or public squares. Lands tend to have few structures. Accessory uses may include clubhouses, playgrounds, maintenance facilities, concessions, and parking.

Parkway strip

means the undeveloped portion of right-of-way between the back of curb and the detached sidewalk.

Pasture, commercial

means land, including fenced fields, where plants, including but not limited to hay, grass, alfalfa, or corn are cultivated and irrigated or watered and are grown for the purpose of grazing.

Pedestrian right-of-way

means a right-of-way or easement dedicated for public pedestrian access.

Pergola

means an open structure usually consisting of parallel colonnades supporting a roof of beams and crossing rafters or trellis work, at least 50% of which is open to the sky.

Persigo agreement

means the agreement between the City of Grand Junction and Mesa County, signed on October 13, 1998, setting forth the agreed upon boundaries of the 201 Sewer District and how development and annexation shall occur within those boundaries.

Person

means natural persons as well as any other entity recognized by law, including: association, partnership, corporation, and joint venture, whether for-profit or nonprofit.

Personal service

means a facility that provides individualized services generally related to personal needs. These include, but are not limited to, laundry, including cleaning and pressing service, beauty shops, barbershops, shoe repair, personal copying/shipping services, health spas, photographic studios, tailor/seamstress shop, indoor equipment/party/event rental, tanning salon, bicycle and sports equipment repair, small and large appliance repair, tattoo parlors and similar uses.

Petitioner

means an applicant.

Planned development (PD)

means an area of land zoned and improved as a development for which the otherwise applicable bulk use and other requirements may be modified in order to allow for more flexible planning in conformance with the development approval process.

Planning clearance

means a permit that allows development to proceed, a use to be made or maintained or improvements, including structures to be built.

Planning Commission

means the City of Grand Junction's Planning Commission. Also referred to as Commission.

Plat

means a map approved by the City which creates lots or tracts and is recorded, surveyed, and legally described land, having appropriate dedication and/or restrictions, which is an instrument for recording of real estate interests with the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder's office.

Prefabricated shelter

means a relocatable structure made from aluminum and composite panels or other durable materials that is prefabricated off site and shipped to the end user. Prefabricated shelters are pre-fitted with a variety of features, including, but not limited to, beds, outlets, heating and air conditioning, and storage space.

Preliminary plan

means the map or maps of a proposed development and supporting materials which permit the evaluation of the proposal prior to final detailed engineering and design.

Preliminary subdivision plan

means a map indicating the proposed layout of the subdivision or site plan that is submitted to the approving authority for preliminary approval.

Primary development

means any enclosed habitable structure on a permanent foundation, any engineered wall required for orderly development such as retaining walls, underground utilities, required paved surfaces such as roads, trails and/or sidewalks, and any site work required for public safety such as storm drain systems.

Primary transmission line

means either (GVP): Overhead D4 Line Size, or (Xcel) a three-phase mainline ("feeder") 600-amp or greater construction and with conductors greater than #4/0 ACSR.

Principal arterial

means a street, as identified in the Grand Junction Circulation Plan, which provides a network of continuous routes serving intrastate and interstate travel as well as interurban and intraurban travel.

Principal structure

means the structure in which the principal use of a property is conducted. This shall include any buildings which are attached to the principal structure by a covered structure.

Principal use

means the main or principal use of a parcel of land.

Private

means anything not owned or operated by the federal government, state government, or any political subdivision.

Produce stand

means a temporary open air stand or place for the seasonal selling of agricultural products.

Property

means a lot, parcel, tract, or other real estate. Separate parcels, lots, tracts and/or other real estate which are under the same ownership and which adjoin or abut are, for the purpose of this Code, treated as one lot, parcel or tract or other real estate, even if classified as different tax parcels and even if separated by a right-of-way, watercourse, or similar barrier.

Public

means anything owned or operated by the federal government, state government, or any political subdivision.

Public building

means any building owned, leased or held by the United States of America, the State of Colorado, Mesa County, the City of Grand Junction, any school district or other agency or political subdivision, which building is used for governmental purposes.

Public hearing

means a public meeting for which public notice has been given and an opportunity for public testimony is provided.

Public land for dedication and ownership

means parks, playgrounds, schools, drainage channels, trails, highways, roads and streets or other areas of land accepted by the City Council and dedicated for the public's use or benefit.

Public meeting

means a meeting of a board, Planning Commission, City Council, or their representatives where the public may attend.

Public notice

means notice to the public of a public hearing or meeting as required by state or local law. See GJMC § 21.02.030(g).

Public trail

means any pathway designed for public recreation.

(Reserved)

Reclamation

means rehabilitation of plant cover, soil stability, water resources, and other measures which will allow or cause flora to permanently grow on land.

Recorded/record

means a document filed with and indexed by the Mesa County Clerk and Recorder.

Recreation and entertainment (Use Category).

Uses in this category include indoor and outdoor recreation and entertainment activities. Accessory uses may include limited retail, concessions, parking, and maintenance facilities.

Recreational vehicle

means all vehicles, with or without motive power, designed, converted, or used to provide temporary living quarters that include four or more of the following permanently installed facilities: cooking, refrigeration or ice box, self-contained toilet, heating and/or air conditioning, potable water supply system including faucet and sink, separate 110 to 125 volt electrical power supply and/or LP gas supply. Recreational vehicles shall also include the following: all watercraft subject to registration by the State of Colorado, all motorcycles, mini bikes, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), go-carts and similar vehicles with motive power that are prohibited from operating on a public street by the State of Colorado. All other vehicles and crafts designed to carry one or more adults used primarily for recreational purposes that are prohibited from operating on a public street by the State of Colorado, all trailers designed or used to carry any recreational vehicle described herein. For the purpose of this Code, an empty trailer or a recreational vehicle not on a trailer shall each be counted as one recreational vehicle. However, a trailer carrying one or more recreational vehicles shall together be counted as one recreational vehicle. Also includes a semi-trailer, loaded, or unloaded, utility trailers, loaded or unloaded, or any other type or use of a trailer.

Recycling collection facility

means a structure or facility in which used materials such as papers, glassware, plastics, and metal cans are separated, recycled, and processed prior to shipment to others that will use those materials to manufacture new products.

Recycling collection point

means an incidental use that serves as a neighborhood drop-off point for temporary storage of non-hazardous recoverable or recyclable goods such as, but not limited to, newspapers, glassware, plastics, clothing, and metal cans. No on-site processing of such items would be allowed.

Regulated cannabis cultivation facility

means an entity licensed to cultivate, prepare, and package cannabis and sell cannabis to retail cannabis stores, to cannabis product manufacturing facilities, and to other cannabis cultivation facilities, but not to consumer.

Regulated cannabis hospitality and sales business

means a facility that cannot be mobile, that is licensed to permit the consumption of only the retail cannabis or retail cannabis products it has sold pursuant to the provisions of an enacted, initiated, or referred ordinance or resolution of the local jurisdiction in which the licensee operates.

Regulated cannabis products manufacturing facility

means an entity licensed to purchase cannabis; manufacture, prepare, and package cannabis products; and sell cannabis and cannabis products to other cannabis product manufacturing facilities and to retail cannabis stores, but not to consumers.

Regulated cannabis store

means an entity licensed to purchase regulated cannabis from regulated cannabis cultivation facilities and to sell regulated cannabis to consumers and regulated cannabis testing facilities that are licensed to analyze and certify the safety and potency of cannabis.

Regulated cannabis transporter business

means an entity or person that is licensed to transport retail cannabis and retail cannabis products from one regulated cannabis business to another regulated cannabis business and to temporarily store the transported regulated cannabis and regulated cannabis products at its licensed premises but is not authorized to sell regulated cannabis or regulated cannabis products under any circumstances.

Regulation

means an applicable provision of this Code or any other requirement promulgated under this Code or the Grand Junction Municipal Code.

Renewable energy facility, accessory

means the use of land for:

Solar collectors or other devices or structural design features of a structure that rely upon sunshine as an energy source and is capable of collecting, distributing, or storing the sun's radiant energy for a beneficial use;

Land area and equipment for the conversion of natural geothermal energy into energy for beneficial use; or

Retail sales (Use Category).

Wind energy systems.

Request

means a writing seeking a Planning Clearance. This is the same as an application.

Residence

means a home, abode, or place where an individual is actually living at a specified point in time.

Resort cabin and lodge

means a building or group of buildings, under single management and ownership, containing rooms and/or units available for temporary rental to transient guests, which serves as a destination point for visitors, and where the primary attraction is major natural areas, recreational features, or activities for persons on vacation.

Restaurant

means an establishment serving food and/or beverages that are prepared, served, and consumed either within an enclosed building or accessory outdoor eating and drinking areas on the premises, taken out, or delivered.

Resubdivision

means the changing of an existing parcel created by a plat and recorded with the County Clerk and Recorder.

Uses in this category involve the sale, lease, or rent of new or used products directly to the final consumer for whatever purpose, but not specifically or exclusively the purpose of resale. Accessory uses may include offices, parking, storage of goods, assembly, repackaging, or repair of goods for on-site sale.

Retail sales and service

means establishments engaged in selling, leasing, or renting goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, including, but not limited to, antiques, art, art supplies, bicycles, clothing, dry goods, electronic equipment, fabric, furniture, garden supplies, gifts, hardware, home improvements, household products, jewelry, pet food, pharmaceuticals, printed material, and sporting goods, and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.

Retail sales and service, small means a facility or establishment with up to 5,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Retail sales and service, medium means a facility or establishment with more than 5,000 square feet and up to 15,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Retail sales and service, large means a facility or establishment with more than 15,000 and up to 60,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Retail sales and service, big box means a facility or establishment with more than 60,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Retaining wall

means a manmade barrier constructed for the purpose of stabilizing soil, retarding erosion, or terracing a parcel or site.

Revision

means minor changes to an application or approval. Revisions are changes that can be approved within the scope of GJMC § 21.02.040(c).

Revocable permit

means a permit issued by the City Council, pursuant to Section 127 of the City Charter, allowing the construction in, or use of, a public right-of-way and revocable after 30 days' notice.

Ridgeline

means the highest elevation of a mountain chain or line of hills; the intersection of two roof surfaces forming the highest horizontal line of the roof.

Riding academy, roping or equestrian area

means a facility or place used for horse boarding (including equestrian pasture boarding) and/or equestrian activities for a fee, and/or for an exchange of goods or services. This includes facilities where horses are harbored and the general public may, for a fee, hire horses for riding.

Right-of-way

means a strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, waterline, sanitary storm sewer, and other similar uses; generally, the right of one to pass over the property of another.

Roadway

means the improved portion of a street within a right-of-way and/or easement.

Roof line

means the highest edge of the roof or the top of parapet, whichever establishes the top line of the structure when viewed in a horizontal plane.

Rooster

means any adult male domestic chicken which is three months of age or older.

Root ball

means the mass formed by the roots of a plant and the soil surrounding them at the time of planting.

Rootzone

means the area of the ground around the base of the tree where rooting occurs, as measured from the trunk to a distance twice the radius of the canopy drip line.

Rubbish

includes but is not limited to food waste, ashes and other solid, semisolid, and liquid waste, by-products and generally decomposable residue taken from residences, commercial establishments and institutions. Rubbish may also be known as/referred to as "garbage,""trash," or "waste" as those terms are used and/or defined in this Code or any other City code, law, rule, or regulation.

Safety service facility

means facilities for the provision of local rapid response emergency services such as policing, firefighting, and mobile medical emergency services, including areas for the storage and maintenance of emergency vehicles and equipment and housing and feeding of emergency personnel.

Sanitary facility

means a facility providing a toilet and washbasin that may or may not be connected to a central sanitary sewer system.

Satellite dish

means an antenna, consisting of radiation elements that transmit or receive radiation signals, that is supported by a structure with or without a reflective component to the radiating dish, usually circular in shape with a parabolic curve design constructed of a solid or open mesh surface and intended for transmitting or receiving television, radio, microwave signals or other electromagnetic waves to or from earth satellites.

School, boarding

means an educational institution at which pupils are provided with meals and lodging.

School, public or private

means a public or private institution that offers general academic instruction at preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and secondary levels.

School, vocational, technical, or trade

means a secondary or higher education facility primarily teaching usable skills that prepares students for jobs in a trade or in industry, construction, or commerce, and meeting all applicable state requirements for a facility of its type

Screening

means shielding, concealing, and effectively hiding from view of a person standing at ground level on an abutting site, or outside the area of the feature so screened by a wall, fence, hedge, berm, or any combination of these methods, or any similar architectural or landscaped feature, such as a landscape perimeter strip.

Secure facility

means a county, city and county, or municipal jail or a nonstate-owned prison facility, or similar operation.

Secured/security

means cash, letter of credit or other readily available source of money.

Service lines

means electric, gas, communication, water, sewer, irrigation, and drainage lines providing local distribution or collection service.

Setback

means the minimum distance between a structure and a property line of a parcel of land or other established reference point.

Shade tree

means a tree that has a height and/or spread of 30 feet or greater at maturity.

Shooting range, indoor

means an indoor facility used for firearm target practice, competitions, or similar uses, including but not limited to archery, skeet, trap, paintball, and similar shooting activities.

Shooting range, outdoor

means an outdoor area or facility to be used for firearm target practice, competitions, or similar uses, including but not limited to archery, skeet, trap, and similar shooting activities.

Short-term rental

means a type of lodging wherein a dwelling unit, either in full or in part, is rented to a temporary occupant(s) for monetary consideration for fewer than 28 consecutive days. A bed and breakfast and a home used similar to a rooming/boarding house but where stays are fewer than 30 consecutive days is also a short-term rental. Short-term rental does not include shelters or other transient lodging as defined as a community service use.

Short-term rental, primary means a short-term rental that makes available for rent all bedrooms in a dwelling unit in a principal structure, excluding accessory dwelling units attached to a principal structure.

Short-term rental, secondary means a short-term rental that makes available for rent less than all the bedrooms in a principal dwelling unit, or an accessory dwelling unit.

Shrub

means a woody plant, smaller than a tree, consisting of several small stems from the ground or small branches near the ground; may be deciduous or evergreen.

Sight distance triangle

means a triangular-shaped portion of land established at street intersections in which nothing is erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as to limit or obstruct the sight distance of motorists entering or leaving the intersection.

Sign-Related Definitions.

Sign means any device, fixture, placard, structure, painted surface, or part thereof that uses any color, word, written representation, graphic symbol, logo, letters, illumination, numbers, or writing to advertise, announce or identify the purpose of, a person or entity, to advertise or merchandise a product or service, or to communicate written information to the public. (See graphic.)

Figure 14.02-6

Sign Types

Sign, awning means a sign that is mounted, painted, or attached to an awning.

Sign, monument means a sign other than a pole sign in which the entire bottom is in contact with, or is close to, the ground and is independent of any other structure.

Sign, facade means a sign painted on a wall of a building with or without a background. A facade sign shall not project from the building on which it is painted.

Sign, flush wall means a sign attached to, or erected against, the wall of a structure which has the sign face in a plane parallel to the plane of the wall and which does not extend more than 12 inches from the building face. (See graphic above.)

Sign, freestanding means a sign structure which is supported by one or more columns, uprights, poles, or braces extended from the ground or which is erected on the ground. (See graphic above.)

Sign, illegal means a sign which is in violation of the requirements of this Code except for those signs qualifying as nonconforming (see sign regulations, GJMC § 21.10.050).

Sign, integral means a sign that is carved into stone, concrete or similar material or made of bronze, aluminum, or other permanent type construction and made an integral part of the structure.

Sign, permanent means a sign which is securely attached to the ground or a structure so that it cannot readily be moved.

Sign, portable means a sign which is not permanently attached to the ground or a structure. A sign that is mounted or erected upon a vehicle, van, truck, automobile, bus, railroad car or other vehicle which is not registered and not in operating condition shall be considered a portable sign. (See graphic above.)

Sign, projecting means a sign attached to a structure wall and extending outward from the wall more than 12 inches. (See graphic above.)

Sign, roof top means a sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that projects above the top walk or edge of a building with a flat roof, the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable or hip roof, or the deck line of a building with a mansard roof. (See graphic above.)

Sign, wind driven means one or more banners, flags, pennants, ribbons, spinners, streamers, captive balloons or other objects or materials designed or intended to move when subjected to pressure by wind or breeze and by that movement attract attention and function as a sign (see definition of Sign).

Sign without backing means any word, letter, emblem, insignia, figure or similar character or group thereof that is neither backed by, incorporated in, or otherwise made a part of any larger display.

Significant landscape feature

means any outstanding natural element, including, but not limited to, vegetation, rock outcrops, and prominent landforms.

Site plan

means the development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including topography, vegetation, drainage, floodplains, wetlands and waterways; landscaping and open spaces, walkways, means of ingress and egress, circulation, utility services, structures and buildings, signs and lighting, berms, buffers, and screening devices, surrounding development, and any other information that reasonably may be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the approval authority.

Solid waste disposal or processing facility

means an area of land and any related facility owned or operated by the City of Grand Junction that is designed or operated for the purpose of disposing of solid waste on or in the land and at which solid waste is disposed of in or on the land.

SSID

means Submittal Standards for Improvements and Development as adopted by the City of Grand Junction.

Staff

means the staff of the Grand Junction Community Development Department.

Storage, wholesale, and warehousing (Use Category).

Uses in this category are engaged in the storage or movement of goods for themselves or other businesses. Goods are generally delivered to other businesses or the final consumer, except for some will-call pickups. There are typically few customers present.

Street

means any public or private roadway, but not an alley.

Street, primary

means the principal frontage for a building site, as defined during site plan review.

Street, side

means the frontage that is not a primary street, as defined during site plan review.

Streetscape

means the landscaping and other manmade objects located within the public right-of-way which add variety and are placed for aesthetic purposes as well as functional, pedestrian guidance and traffic control.

Structure

means anything constructed or erected which requires location on or in the ground, or is attached to something having a location on the ground or anything as defined by the International Building Code. Structures do not include piped ditches and their appurtenances, poles, lines, cables, transmission or distribution facilities of public utilities, freestanding mailboxes, on grade slabs, walks, driveways, landscaping materials or fences, except that fences in excess of six feet shall be considered a structure. (See also "Building".)

Subdivision

means the division of land into two or more parcels, separate interests including condominium(s) and leasehold interest(s), or interests in common, unless exempted by this Code. Unless the method of disposition is adopted for the purpose of evading any provision or purpose of this Code, the term "subdivision" shall not apply to any division of land:

Which is created by order of any court in this state, but only if the City Attorney has received sufficient notice of the proposed order so that the City may object thereto, as its interests may dictate;

Which is created by a lien, mortgage, deed of trust, or any other security instrument which became effective prior to June 1, 1989;

Which is created by a security or unit of interest in any investment trust regulated under the laws of this state or any other interest in any investment entity which became effective prior to June 1, 1989;

Which creates cemetery lots;

Support services for interim shelter sites

Which creates an interest or interests in oil, gas, minerals, or water which are now or hereafter severed from the surface ownership of real property; or

(6)

Which is created by the acquisition of an interest in land in the name of a husband and wife or other persons in joint tenancy or as tenants in common, so long as any partition so that the City may object thereto, as its interests may dictate; any such interest shall be deemed, for the purposes of this Code, as only one interest.

Suitable plant list

means a list maintained by the Director of plant species and generally approved to be installed in accordance with this Code.

include, but are not limited to, healthcare facilities, mental and behavioral services, educational and job training, case management, and other similar uses.

Surveyor

means a land surveyor registered by the State of Colorado.

Swimming pool, community

means a swimming pool maintained by individuals for the use of more than one household and open to the public, maintained by a school, park district, municipality or other public not for profit organizations.

SWMM

means the Stormwater Management Manual (GJMC Title 28) as adopted by the City.

TEDS

means the Transportation and Engineering Design Standards (GJMC Title 29) as adopted by the City.

Telecommunication-Related Definitions.

Alternative structure means a structure that is not primarily constructed for the purpose of holding antennas but on which one or more antennas may be mounted, such as buildings, water tanks, pole signs, billboards, church steeples, and electric power transmission towers.
Amateur radio tower means a tower used for noncommercial amateur radio transmissions consistent with the "Complete FCC U.S. Amateur Part 97 Rules and Regulations" for amateur radio towers.
Ancillary structure means, for the purpose of this section, any form of development associated with a Telecommunications Facility, including foundations, concrete slabs on grade, guy anchors, generators, and transmission cable supports, but excluding equipment cabinets.
Antenna means any apparatus designed for the transmitting and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves, including telephonic, radio or television communications. Types of elements include omni-directional (whip) antennas, sectionalized (panel) antennas, multi or single bay (FM and TV), yagi, or parabolic (dish) antennas.
Antenna array means a single or group of antenna elements and associated mounting hardware, transmission lines, or other appurtenances which share a common attachment device such as a mounting frame or mounting support structure for the sole purpose of transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves.
Antenna element means any antenna or antenna array.
ASR means the antenna structure registration number as required by the FAA and FCC.
Base station means equipment and nontower supporting structure at a fixed location that enable wireless telecommunications between user equipment and a communications network. Examples include transmission equipment mounted on a rooftop, water tank, silo, or other above ground structure other than a tower. The term does not encompass a tower as defined herein or any equipment associated with a tower. "Base station" includes, but is not limited to:
1.	Equipment associated with wireless telecommunications services such as private, broadcast, and public safety services, as well as unlicensed wireless services and fixed wireless services such as microwave backhaul;
2.	Radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber optic cable, regular and backup power supplies, and comparable equipment, regardless of technological configuration (including distributed antenna systems and small cell networks);
3.	Any structure other than a tower that, at the time the application is filed under this section, supports or houses equipment described in this definition that has been reviewed and approved under the applicable zoning or siting process, or under another City regulatory review process, even if the structure was not built for the sole or primary purpose of providing such support.
"Base station" does not include any structure that, at the time the application is filed under this section, does not support or house wireless communication equipment.
Breakpoint technology means the engineering design of a monopole, or any applicable support structure, wherein a specified point on the monopole is designed to have stresses concentrated so that the point is at least 5% more susceptible to failure than any other point along the monopole so that in the event of a structural failure of the monopole, the failure will occur at the breakpoint rather than at the base plate, anchor bolts, or any other point on the monopole.
Broadband facility means any infrastructure used to deliver broadband services or for the provision of broadband service.
Broadband service means any technology identified by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture as having the capacity to transmit data to enable a subscriber to the service to originate and receive high-quality Internet access, voice, data, graphics, and video. Broadband service includes, but is not limited to:
1.	Cable Service. The one-way transmission to subscribers of video programming or other programming services and subscriber interaction required for the selection or use of such video programming or other programming service.
2.	Telecommunications Service. The offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.
3.	Wireless Service. Data and telecommunications services, including commercial mobile services, commercial mobile data services, unlicensed wireless service, and common carrier wireless exchange access services, as all of these terms are defined by federal law and regulations.
Co-location means the mounting or installation of transmission equipment on an eligible support structure for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving radio frequency signals for communications purposes so that installation of a new support structure will not be required.
Combined antenna means an antenna or an antenna array designed and utilized to provide services for more than one wireless provider, or a single wireless provider utilizing more than one frequency band or spectrum, for the same or similar type of services.
Concealed means a tower, ancillary structure, or equipment compound that is not readily identifiable as a Telecommunications Facility and that is designed to be aesthetically compatible with existing and proposed building(s) and uses on a site or in the neighborhood or area. There are two types of concealed facilities:
1.	Antenna attachments, including painted antenna and feed lines to match the color of a building or structure, faux windows, dormers, or other architectural features that blend with an existing or proposed building or structure; and
2.	A freestanding concealed tower which looks like something else that is common in the geographic region such as a church steeple, windmill, bell tower, clock tower, light standard, flagpole with a flag that is proportional in size to the height and girth of the tower, or tree that grows naturally or is commonly found in the area.
COW - "Cellular on Wheels" means a temporary PWSF placed on property to provide short term, high volume telecommunications services to a specific location and which can be easily removed from the property.
DAS - Distributed Antenna System means a system consisting of: (i) a number of remote communications nodes deployed throughout the desired coverage area, each including at least one antenna for transmission and reception; (ii) a high capacity signal transport medium (typically fiber optic cable) connecting each node to a central communications hub site; and (iii) radio transceivers located at the hub site (rather than at each individual node as is the case for small cells) to process or control the communications signals transmitted and received through the antennas.
DAS hub means ancillary equipment usually contained in a shelter or other enclosure which does not have any wireless transmission or receive equipment contained therein but is utilized in the deployment and operation of wireless DAS receive/transmit infrastructure that is located elsewhere.
Development area means the area occupied by a Telecommunications Facility including areas inside or under an antenna-support structure's framework, equipment cabinets, ancillary structures, and/or access ways.
Dual purpose facility means a new banner pole, light stanchion, support tower for overhead electric lines, or other similar utility structure onto which one or more antenna(s) are or can be mounted or attached, and which is built for the primary purpose of providing PWSF.
Eligible facilities request means any request for modification of an existing tower or base station involving co-location of new transmission equipment, removal of transmission equipment, or replacement of transmission equipment that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such tower or base station.
Eligible facility means existing wireless tower or base station that has been approved through a local government land use review process prescribed for the tower or base station.
Eligible support structure means any tower or base station existing at the time the application is filed with the City.
Equipment cabinet means any structure used exclusively to contain equipment necessary for the transmission or reception of communication signals.
Equipment compound means the fenced-in area surrounding, inside or under a ground-based wireless communication facility containing ancillary structures and equipment (such as cabinets, shelters, and pedestals) necessary to operate an antenna that is above the base flood elevation.
Equipment shelter means a self-contained building housing ancillary electronic equipment typically including a generator.
Existing means a constructed tower or base station is "existing" for purposes of this section if it has been reviewed and approved under an applicable City land use review process. "Existing" also includes a tower that was lawfully constructed but not reviewed because it was not in a zoned area when it was built.
Feed lines means cables or fiber optic lines used as the interconnecting media between the base station and the antenna.
Flush-mounted means antenna or antenna array attached to the face of a support structure or building such that no portion of the antenna(s) extend(s) above the height of the support structure or building. The maximum flush-mounting distance, if prescribed, shall be measured from the outside edge of the support structure or building to the inside edge of the antenna.
Geographic search ring means an area designated by a wireless provider or operator for a new base station and/or tower produced in accordance with generally accepted principles of wireless engineering.
Handoff candidate means a wireless communication facility that receives call transference from another wireless facility, usually located in an adjacent first "tier" surrounding the initial wireless facility.
Least visually obtrusive profile means the design of a Telecommunications Facility presenting the minimum visual profile necessary for proper function.
Nonconcealed means a Telecommunications Facility that is readily identifiable as such (whether freestanding or attached).
OTARD means over the air reception devices which are limited to either a "dish" antenna one meter (39.37 inches) or less in diameter designed to receive direct broadcast satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite service, or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals via satellite, or an antenna that is one meter or less in diameter and is designed to receive video programming services via broadband radio service (wireless cable), or to receive or transmit fixed wireless signals other than via satellite or an antenna that is designed to receive local television broadcast signals.
Personal wireless service facility ("PWSF") means any staffed or unstaffed location for the transmission and/or reception of radio frequency signals or other personal wireless communications, including commercial mobile services, unlicensed wireless services, wireless broadband services, and common carrier wireless exchange access services as defined in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and usually consisting of an antenna or group of antennas, transmission cables, feed lines, equipment cabinets or shelters, and may include a tower. Facilities may include new or existing towers, replacement towers, co-location on existing towers, base station attached concealed and nonconcealed antenna, dual purpose facilities, concealed towers, and nonconcealed towers (monopoles, lattice and guyed), so long as those facilities are used in the provision of personal wireless services as that term is defined in the Telecommunications Act.
Qualified co-location request means co-location of PWSF on a tower or base station that creates a substantial change in the facility but is entitled to processing within 90 days under 47 U.S.C. § 332(c)(7).
Radio frequency emissions means any electromagnetic radiation or other communications signal emitted from an antenna or antenna-related equipment.
Radio frequency propagation analysis means computer modeling to show the level of signal saturation in a given geographical area.
Replacement means a modification of an existing tower to increase the height, or to improve its integrity, by replacing or removing one or several tower(s) located in proximity to a proposed new tower in order to encourage compliance with this section, or improve aesthetics or functionality of the overall wireless network.
Satellite earth station means a single or group of parabolic or dish antennas mounted to a support device that may be a pole or truss assembly attached to a foundation in the ground, or in some other configuration, including the associated separate equipment cabinets necessary for the transmission or reception of wireless communications signals with satellites.
Site means, for towers other than towers in the rights-of-way, the boundaries of the leased or owned property on which the facilities are or are proposed to be situated.
Small cell facility means a wireless service facility that meets both of the following qualifications:
1.	Each antenna is located inside an enclosure of no more than three cubic feet in volume or, in the case of an antenna that has exposed elements, the antenna and all of its exposed elements could fit within an enclosure of no more than three cubic feet; and
2.	Primary equipment enclosures are no larger than 17 cubic feet in volume. The following associated equipment may be located outside of the primary equipment enclosure and, if so located, is not included in the calculation of equipment volume: electric meter, concealment, telecommunications demarcation box, ground-based enclosures, backup power systems, grounding equipment, power transfer switch, and cutoff switch.
Small cell network means a collection of interrelated small cell facilities designed to deliver wireless service.
Stanchion means a vertical support structure generally utilized to support exterior lighting elements.
Streamlined processing means expedited review process for co-locations required by the federal government (Congress and/or the FCC) for PWSF.
Substantial change means a modification or co-location constitutes a "substantial change" of an eligible support structure if it meets any of the following criteria:
1.	A PWSF co-location or modification of an existing antenna-supporting structure not in a right-of-way increases the overall height of the antenna-supporting structure, antenna and/or antenna array more than 10% or 20 feet, whichever is greater. A PWSF co-location on an existing antenna-supporting structure within a right-of-way increases the overall height of the antenna-supporting structure, antenna and/or antenna array more than 10% or 10 feet, whichever is greater.
2.	A PWSF co-location for towers not in a right-of-way protrudes from the antenna- supporting structure more than 20 feet or the width of the structure at the elevation of the co-location, and for towers within a right-of-way, protrudes from the antenna- supporting structure more than six feet.
3.	A PWSF co-location on an existing antenna-supporting structure fails to meet current building code requirements (including windloading).
4.	A PWSF co-location adds more than four additional equipment cabinets or one additional equipment shelter.
5.	A PWSF co-location requires excavation outside of existing leased or owned parcel or existing easements.
6.	A PWSF co-location defeats any existing concealment elements of the antenna- supporting structure.
7.	A PWSF co-location fails to comply with all conditions associated with the prior approval of the antenna-supporting structure except for modification of parameters as permitted in this section.
Support structure means anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground, or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground.
Telecommunications facility(ies) means, at a specific physical location, one or more antenna, tower, base station, mechanical and/or electronic equipment, conduit, cable, and associated structures, enclosures, assemblages, devices and supporting elements that generate or transmit nonionizing electromagnetic radiation or light operating to produce a signal used for communication, including but not limited to all types of communication facilities defined further herein.
Temporary PWSF means a temporary tower or other structure that provides interim short-term telecommunications needed to meet an immediate demand for service in the event of an emergency or a public event where a permanent wireless network is unavailable or insufficient to satisfy the temporary increase in demand or when permanent PWSF equipment is temporarily unavailable or off line.
Tower means any support structure built for the primary purpose of supporting any antennas and associated facilities for commercial, private, broadcast, microwave, public, public safety, licensed or unlicensed, and/or fixed or wireless services. A tower may be concealed or nonconcealed. Nonconcealed towers include:
1.	Guyed. A style of tower consisting of a single truss assembly composed of sections with bracing incorporated. The sections are attached to each other, and the assembly is attached to a foundation and supported by a series of wires that are connected to anchors placed in the ground or on a building.
2.	Lattice. A self-supporting tapered style of tower that consists of vertical and horizontal supports with multiple legs and cross bracing, and metal crossed strips or bars to support antennas.
3.	Monopole. A style of freestanding tower consisting of a single shaft usually composed of two or more hollow sections that are in turn attached to a foundation. This type of tower is designed to support itself without the use of guy wires or other stabilization devices. These facilities are mounted to a foundation that rests on or in the ground or on a building's roof. All feed lines shall be installed within the shaft of the structure.
Tower base means the foundation, usually concrete, on which the tower and other support equipment are situated. For measurement calculations, the tower base is that point on the foundation reached by dropping a perpendicular from the geometric center of the tower.
Tower height means the vertical distance measured from the grade line to the highest point of the tower, including any antenna, lighting or other equipment affixed thereto.
Tower site means the land area that contains, or will contain, a proposed tower, equipment compound, support structures and other related buildings and improvements.
Transmission equipment means equipment that facilitates transmission of communication service (whether commercial, private, broadcast, microwave, public, public safety, licensed or unlicensed, fixed, or wireless), such as radio transceivers, antennas, coaxial or fiber-optic cable, and regular and backup power supply.
Wireless service facility means a Telecommunications Facility for the provision of wireless services.

Temporary use or structure

means any use or structure placed on a parcel of land for a period of 120 days or less, unless otherwise permitted by GJMC § 21.04.050(c)(5).

Three frontage lot

means a lot that fronts on three public streets.

Traffic

means, as calculated by the Director, according to National or other Director approved objective standards, such as the Institute of Traffic Engineers publications. If an applicant provides proof that actual traffic will be different, the Director may vary from the approved standards.

Transfer facility, medical and hazardous waste

means a facility at which solid or liquid medical and/or hazardous wastes are transferred from collection vehicles to another vehicle or container for transportation from one mode of transportation to another.

Transfer facility, solid waste

means a facility at which non-medical or hazardous refuse awaiting transportation to a disposal site is transferred from one type of collection vehicle to another. Refuse may be sorted and repackaged at a transfer station.

Transient

means housing or accommodations which are typically occupied by residents for periods of two weeks or less, including, but not limited to, hotels, motels and short term rentals.

Transmission line

means an electric line (115 KV and over) and appurtenant facilities; or pipelines/conveyors (10 inches diameter or larger) and appurtenant facilities for transporting natural resources, chemicals, petroleum derivatives, or waste substances.

Transportation (Use Category).

Uses in this category are primarily associated with bus, train, and aircraft facilities.

Transportation depot

means land and buildings used as a relay station for the transfer of a load of freight from one vehicle to another or from one party to another. Long-term or accessory storage is not permitted in a transportation depot.

Travel trailer

means a vehicle or portable unit mounted on its own chassis and wheels which does not exceed eight feet in width and/or 40 feet in length, is drawn by a motor vehicle, and provides temporary living quarters for recreational, camping or travel use.

Tree

means a woody perennial plant having a single, usually elongate main stem generally with few or no branches on its lower part.

Tree canopy coverage

means the area of ground directly beneath the leaves and branches of trees.

Tree, deciduous

means plants that drop their foliage annually before becoming dormant.

Truck stop

means a facility for the servicing, repair, and maintenance of motor vehicles, including the dispensing of motor fuels or other petroleum products directly into the vehicles. A truck stop may include a restaurant, overnight accommodations, showers, and other facilities intended to serve travelers.

Turf

means grasses planted to form a dense growth of leaf blades and roots, such as Kentucky Blue Grass and similar species used for planting lawns.

201 planning area

means a regional plan for sewage collection and treatment to prevent pollution of the state's waters; the boundaries are defined by the official map, a copy of which is kept by the Director.

Underground pressurized irrigation system

means a watering system for landscaped areas, consisting of underground pressurized pipes connected to sprinkler heads, bubbler heads, or drip systems such that 100% irrigation water coverage is provided.

Unoccupied

means a dwelling in which no individual resides or a public, commercial, or industrial building, where no storage or use of equipment, merchandise, or machinery is kept for a period of time.

Urban agriculture

means the use of a parcel of land five acres or smaller in size for the cultivation of food and/or horticultural crops, composting, aquaponics, aquaculture and/or hydroponics. This use may include the production of food products from food grown on the premises and accessory keeping of animals in accordance with City regulations.

Urban area

means the definite boundary inside which the only development will occur by annexing to the City. See 1998 Persigo City/County Agreement.

Use

means the purpose for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, or occupied.

Use, interim

means the type of buildings and activities existing in an area, or on a specific site or parcel, for an interim period of time. Such interim use shall not hinder the ability to redevelop the site or parcel at the density or intensity envisioned by the Comprehensive Plan. The scope and duration of an interim use shall be determined by Special Dimensional Permit and approved by the City Council.

Utilities

means any agency that provides essential or basic services and related facilities such as electricity, gas, water (domestic and irrigation), sewage disposal, drainage systems, solid waste disposal, television, telecommunications, telephone, or railway.

Utility facility, basic

means utility facilities that are necessary to support legally established uses and involve utility structures such as water and sewage pump stations, electrical substations, telephone exchanges, poles or cables, switch boxes, transformer boxes, cap banks, and underground water and sewer lines.

Utility facility, major

means a facility providing an important regional utility service, such as water, sewer, or drainage, that normally entails construction of new buildings or structures, and that typically has employees on the site on an ongoing basis. Examples include but are not limited to: water works, sewage treatment plants, reservoirs, regional storm water detention ponds, utility-scale solar (solar farms), and other similar facilities.

Utility structures

means electric transformers, switch boxes, telephone pedestals and telephone boxes, cable television boxes, traffic control boxes, and similar devices.

Utility uses (Use Category).

Uses in this category includes all lines, buildings, easements, passageways, or structures used or intended to be used by any public or private utility related to the provision, distribution, collection, transmission, or disposal of power, oil, gas, water, sanitary sewage, communication signals, or other similar services at a local or regional level.

Variance

means a grant of relief from the requirements of this Code which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this Code.

Vehicle fleet operations center

means a central facility for the dispatch, distribution, storage, staging, and loading of vehicles that are owned, leased, or operated for a common purpose, with or without associated offices. Typical uses include, but are not limited to, ambulance service, taxi dispatch, meals-on-wheels dispatch, staging areas for shared vehicle services, and other operations that require frequent arrival and departure of cars or vans such as courier, delivery, and express services, cleaning services, key and lock services, security services, and taxi services.

Vehicle fuel sales or service station

means a facility limited to retail sales to the public of gasoline, biodiesel, electricity, ethanol fuel blends, hydrogen, natural gas, or other fuels for motor vehicles, as well as motor oil, lubricants, travel aides, and minor automobile accessories. Accessory use may include a car wash and convenience food and beverage sales.

Vehicle impound lot

means a lot for the storage of vehicles which have been towed or otherwise moved to the lot by a towing carrier permitted to operate pursuant to § 40-13-101 C.R.S., et seq., and no vehicle dismantling or repair work occurs on the lot.

Vehicle repair, major

means an establishment primarily engaged in the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles, trailers, and similar large mechanical equipment, including paint, upholstery, muffler, transmission work, tire recapping and major engine and engine part overhaul. Accessory uses include outdoor repair, storage, and staging areas.

Vehicle repair, minor

means an establishment primarily engaged in the repair or maintenance of motor vehicles, trailers, and similar mechanical equipment, including brake, muffler, tire repair and change, lubrication, and tune ups, and vehicle bodywork or painting, provided it is conducted within a completely enclosed building.

Vehicle sales, rental, and leasing, heavy

means an establishment that specializes in the sale, display, lease, rental, or storage of heavy equipment including, but not limited to, tractors, trucks with a gross vehicle weight of over 10,000 pounds, semi-trucks and/or trailers, boats, recreational vehicles, and other large equipment.

Vehicle sales, rental, and leasing, light

means an establishment that specializes in the sale, display, lease, rental, of light motor vehicles, including automobiles, vans, light trucks, and light trailers.

Vehicle wash

means any building or premises or portions of the building or premises used for washing motor vehicles, including the use of automatic or semiautomatic application of cleaner, brushes, rinse water, and heat for drying.

Vehicles and equipment (Use Category).

Uses in this category include a broad range of uses for the maintenance, sale, or rental of motor vehicles and related equipment. Accessory uses may include incidental repair and storage and offices.

Vested right

means a right that cannot be changed or altered by changes in regulation.

Wall

The vertical exterior surface of a building;

Vertical interior surfaces that divide a building's space into rooms; or