The purpose of this chapter is to provide definitions for unique terms used throughout this title that are general in nature.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)
Having lot lines or zone boundaries in common.
An attached or detached accessory residential dwelling unit per state law that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on the same lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same lot as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following: (A) an efficiency unit, as defined in Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code; and (B) a manufactured home, as defined in Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to, or located within, the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including attached garages, storage areas or similar uses, or an accessory structure detached from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
Any construction which increases the size of a building or facility in terms of site coverage, height, length, width, or gross floor area.
A public thoroughfare for the use of pedestrians and/or vehicles, producing only a secondary means of access to the abutting property.
Any construction or physical change in the internal arrangement of rooms or the supporting members of a building or structure or change in the appearance of any building or structure.
A portion of building partly or wholly underground and having more than one-half of its height below the average level of the adjoining ground.
Any structure built for the support, shelter, or enclosure of persons, animals, fowl, chattels, or personal property of any kind.
The vertical distance from the highest point of any structure to the ground level directly below, except as otherwise provided in this title. On sloped lots, height shall be measured from any point on top of the building to a line directly below which connects to opposite perimeter walls, or other perimeter support systems, at the lower of natural or finished grade.
A lot or contiguous lots of land in single, multiple, or joint ownership (exclusive of all rights-of-way and all easements, except open space easements, that prohibit the surface use of the property by its owner), which provides the area and open spaces required by this title for construction of a building or buildings, and which abuts a public or private street or alley, or easement determined by the planning director to be adequate for the purpose of access.
The creation of separate ownership of existing real property together with a separate interest in space of residential, industrial, or commercial buildings thereon.
An open, unoccupied space, other than a yard, unobstructed from ground to sky on the same lot with a building or buildings and which is bounded on two or more sides by the walls of a building.
Unless otherwise specified in this title, “days” shall mean calendar days.
Or “db,” means a unit of sound pressure level.
An open, unroofed porch or platform, either freestanding or attached to a building, that is supported above grade.
The total number of dwelling units in a project site divided by the gross area of the project site. The dwelling unit density range permitted under the applicable land use classification shall apply to the overall project site and shall not be literal to any division thereof.
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, excavation, landfill, or land disturbance; and any use or extension of the use of land.
A specifically delineated district in the city within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. Not more than one base district designation shall apply to the same portion of a lot.
A permanently surfaced area providing direct access for vehicles between a street and a permitted off-street parking or loading area.
A structure or portion thereof which is used for human habitation.
For the purposes of defining an allowable space that can be converted to an accessory dwelling unit “existing structure” means within the four walls and roofline of any structure existing on or after January 1, 2017, that can be made safely habitable under local building codes at the determination of the building official regardless of any noncompliance with zoning standards.
The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building.
One or more individuals, related or unrelated, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single household unit.
A natural or artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials erected to enclose or screen areas of land.
The ratio divided between gross floor area of the primary structure(s) on a site and gross site area. It includes all occupiable floors of a building, making it a three-dimensional unit of measure.
The side of a lot abutting a street, the front lot line, except the side of a corner lot.
The general plan of the city of San Pablo, including all maps, reports, and related plan elements adopted by the city council.
The effect produced by brightness sufficient to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.
The final grade of a building site as shown on the survey at the time of issuance of a building permit or, in the case of a subdivision, the approved grade shown on the as-built grading plan of the subdivision.
The elevation of the ground surface in its natural state before human-caused alterations.
Any stripping, cutting, filling, stockpiling of earth or land, including the land in its cut or filled condition.
A grading concept designed to result in earth forms and contours which resemble natural terrain characteristics, with generally curving, nonlinear slope banks having variations in the slope ratios of the horizontal and vertical curves.
A detached accessory building of a permanent type of construction which includes living area with no provisions for appliances or fixtures for the storage and/or preparation of food, including, but not limited to, refrigeration, dishwashers, or cooking facilities. Living area may include a full or half bath. A guest house cannot be leased, subleased, rented, or sub-rented separately from the main dwelling.
Any item which becomes part of, placed upon, or is affixed to real estate.
A junior accessory dwelling unit has the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 65852.22, as it may be amended: a unit that is no more than five hundred square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family residence and/or attached garage. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. It is required to have a separate entrance from the main entrance to the proposed or existing single-family residence and to include an efficiency kitchen which shall include a cooking facility with appliances and a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the unit.
Any room, all or any part of which is designed and/or used for cooking and the preparation of food.
An area devoted to or developed and maintained predominantly with native or exotic plant materials including turf (natural or synthetic), ground cover, trees, shrubs, and other plant materials.
A description of how land (real estate) is occupied or utilized.
The interior habitable area of a dwelling unit as defined by the Uniform Building Code, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.
An off-street space or berth on the same lot with a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a commercial vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials.
Any parcel of real property approved by a record of survey, plat, parcel map, subdivision map, or certificate of compliance, or any parcel legally created or established pursuant to the applicable zoning or subdivision regulations in effect prior to the effective date of application of this code to such parcel. See lot types in Figure 17.68-A:
Figure 17.68-A—Lot Types  |
The net horizontal area within bounding lot lines after dedication.
A lot or parcel of land abutting upon two or more streets at their intersection, or upon two parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than one hundred thirty-five degrees.
The area of a lot covered by buildings excluding eaves, projecting balconies, ground-level paving, landscaping, and open recreational facilities.
The horizontal distance between the midpoint of the front lot line and the midpoint of the rear lot line.
A lot or parcel of land shaped like a flag; the staff is a narrow strip of land providing vehicular and pedestrian access to a street, with the bulk of the property lying to the rear of other lots.
A lot other than a corner lot.
The first lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot and not separated therefrom by an alley.
A line bounding a lot.
A lot line parallel to the street. On a corner lot, the shorter lot line abutting a street or the line designated as the front lot line by a subdivision or parcel map.
A corner lot where the rear yard abuts the side yard of a key lot.
A lot or parcel with frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.
The horizontal distance between side lot lines, measured at the front setback line.
Mobile food trucks on private or public property as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 670 as any vehicle that is equipped and used for retail sales of prepared, prepackaged or unprepared, unpackaged food or foodstuffs of any kind. Push carts are not included.
Any undesirable audible sound.
The A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels obtained by using a sound level meter at slow response with a reference pressure of twenty micropascals. The unit of measurement shall be designated as dBA.
Or “pure tone noise,” means a noise characterized by the presence of a predominant frequency or frequencies such as might be produced by whistle or hum.
Any defined area or region of a generally consistent land use.
A building, structure, or portion thereof, or use of building or land, which does not conform to the regulations of this code and which lawfully existed at the time the regulations became effective through adoption, revision, or amendment.
A lot, the area, dimensions, or location of which, was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this code, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the district.
A structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment to this code, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the district.
A use or activity which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this code, but which fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the district.
Any parcel or area of land or water essentially unimproved and set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring such open space. Does not include area covered by buildings or accessory structures (except recreational structures), paved areas (except recreational facilities), proposed and existing public and private streets or driveways, and school sites.
The part of a roof or wall that extends beyond the facade of a lower wall.
A district established by this title which may be applied to a lot or portion thereof only in combination with a base district.
The extension of the main walls of a building above the roof level.
A lot or tract of land.
Any public or private land area designed and used for parking motor vehicles including parking lots, garages, private driveways, and legally designated areas of public streets.
The parking module consisting of one or two rows of parking spaces and the aisle from which motor vehicles enter and leave the spaces.
An off-street, ground-level area, usually surfaced and improved, for the temporary storage of motor vehicles.
A space for the parking of a motor vehicle within a public or private parking area.
Written governmental permission issued by an authorized official, empowering the holder thereof to do some act not forbidden by law, but not allowed without such authorization.
A permit or other approval required for land use and development purposes to determine compliance with applicable zoning and development regulations, as well as planning and zoning laws.
The total development within the boundaries as defined on the development plan.
The series of activities by which materials that would otherwise be disposed of are collected, separated, or processed and used in the form of raw materials.
The reconstruction or renewal of any part of an existing building for the purpose of its maintenance.
A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied or occupied by a road, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer, and other similar uses.
Shielded, concealed, and effectively hidden from view by a person standing at ground level on an abutting site, or outside the area, screened by a fence, wall, hedge, berm, or similar architectural or landscape feature that is at least ninety percent view obscuring.
The area between the setback line and property line.
A line within a lot parallel to and measured from a corresponding lot line, forming the boundary of a required yard and governing the placement of structures and uses on the lot.
One or more individuals jointly occupying a single dwelling unit, in a living arrangement that may include shared facilities, resources, and living expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, food costs, and utilities.
The net horizontal area included within the boundary lines of a site, not including the area within the established right-of-way of a public street, future public street, or railroad, or any other area dedicated or to be dedicated for a public use.
A plan, prepared to scale, showing accurately and with complete dimensioning all of the buildings, structures, and uses and the exact manner of development proposed for a specific parcel of land.
The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal, usually expressed in percentage or degrees.
A property owner’s right to have sunlight shine on his property.
An instrument meeting American National Standard Institute’s Standard S1.4-1971 for Type 2 sound level meters or an instrument and the associated recording and analyzing equipment which will provide equivalent data.
A sound pressure level of a sound, in decibels, as defined in American National Standard Institute’s Standards 51.20-1962 and 51.13-1921; that is, twenty times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound to a reference pressure, which reference pressure shall be explicitly stated.
That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of any floor next above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between such floor and ceiling next above it.
Any public or private thoroughfare with a width of twenty feet or more which affords a primary means of access to abutting property.
A street in private ownership, not dedicated as a public street, which provides the principal means of vehicular access to a property and not to be construed to mean driveways, alleys, or parking areas.
A street owned and maintained by the city, the county, or the state. The term includes streets offered for dedication which have been improved or for which a bonded improvement agreement is in effect.
Any change in the supporting members of a structure such as the bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams, or girders.
Anything constructed or built. An edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
A subordinate building or structure which is incidental and not attached to the main building or use on the same lot. If an accessory structure is attached to the main building or if the roof is a continuation of the main building roof, the accessory structure shall be considered an addition to the main building. Includes, but is not limited to, enclosed and unenclosed patios, barns, garages, carports, storage buildings/sheds, gazebos, and decks.
A structure without any foundation or footings and which is removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
The conduct of an activity, or the performance of a function or operation, on a site or in a building or facility.
A use which is incidental to, and customarily associated with, a specified principal use and which meets the applicable conditions set forth in this title.
A use listed by the regulation of any particular district as a permitted use within that district and permitted therein as a matter of right when conducted in accord with the regulations established by this title.
A use listed by the regulations of any particular district as a conditional use within that district and allowable therein, solely on a discretionary and conditional basis, subject to development/design review or to a conditional use permit, and to all other regulations established by this code.
A use which fulfills a primary function of a household, establishment, institution, or other entity.
A use established for a fixed period of time with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
A self-propelled device by which persons or property may be moved upon a highway, excepting a device moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.
A vehicle towed or self-propelled on its own chassis or attached to the chassis of another vehicle and designed or used for temporary dwelling, recreational, or sporting purposes. Includes, but shall not be limited to, motor home, travel trailer, fifth wheel, toy hauler, mounted camper, camping trailer, converted trucks and busses, boat, trailer, golf cart, all-terrain vehicle, sand buggy, dune buggy, utility terrain vehicle (side by side), personal watercraft or similar equipment.
The nearest wall of a building or other structure to the street upon which the building faces, but excluding cornices, canopies, eaves, or any other architectural embellishments.
An open space that lies between the principal or accessory building or buildings and the nearest lot line.
The required yard area (front, interior side, street side, and/or rear) of a lot is the horizontal area between the property line and the minimum setback distance for the respective yard.
A side yard which faces a public street on a corner lot and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.
A yard extending the full width of the lot between the front lot line (measured from face of curb) and a line parallel thereto and passing through the nearest point of the building; provided, that if a future street right-of-way has been established, such measurement shall be from the future street curb face line.
A yard extending the full width of the lot between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto. For through lots, if a future street right-of-way has been established, such measurement shall be from the future street right-of-way line.
A yard between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto and extending from the front yard to the rear yard.
The location of a building on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the building’s sides rest directly on a lot line.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015; Ord. 2017-002 § 10, 2017; Ord. 2020-002 § 28, 2020; Ord. 2020-011 § 9, 2020; Ord. 2025-004, 12/15/2025)
A.
Animal keeping. The animal keeping use class consists of providing care or accommodation of dogs, cats, four ducks, six rabbits, and other small animals or poultry (excluding roosters). Beekeeping is allowed in the R-1 zone, but the keeping of wasps, hornets, Africanized bees (Apis mellifera scutellata), and other noxious insects is prohibited.
B.
Assisted living. This use class consists of facilities that provide 24-hour, mostly nonmedical care in a residential setting for seven or more people in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance in sustaining the activities of daily living.
C.
Boarding houses. The boarding house use class consists of establishments providing six or fewer guest rooms on a commercial basis for stays of more than seven consecutive nights, with no cooking facilities in the guest rooms. A boarding house may provide up to three meals per day per resident guest.
D.
Community care facilities, large. The community care facilities use class consists of providing 24-hour nonmedical care in a residential setting for more than six persons in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living. See also "community care facilities, small" for six or fewer.
E.
Community care facilities, small. The small community care facilities use class consists of facilities providing 24-hour nonmedical care in a residential setting for six or fewer people in need of personal services, supervision, protection, or assistance for sustaining the activities of daily living. See also "community care facilities, large" for seven or more.
F.
Day care—Small family. The day care—small family use class consists of a day care facility located in a single-family residence where an occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for eight or fewer children less than 18 years of age for periods of less than 24 hours per day. Children less than 10 years of age who reside in the home count as children served by the facility.
G.
Day care—Large family. The day care—large family use class consists of a day care facility located in a single-family residence where an occupant of the residence provides care and supervision for more than eight children less than 18 years of age for periods of less than 24 hours per day. Children less than 10 years of age who reside in the home count as children served by the facility.
H.
Dwellings, multiple-family. The dwellings, multiple-family use class consists of three or more dwelling units within the same structure, each with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities.
I.
Dwellings, single-family attached. The dwellings, single-family attached use class consists of one dwelling unit, exclusive of a secondary unit, on a single parcel, constructed with a common wall with a single-family unit located on another parcel.
J.
Dwellings, single-family detached. The dwellings, single-family detached use class consists of one dwelling unit, exclusive of a secondary unit, on a single parcel, which is separated from any other dwelling unit. Manufactured and mobile homes certified under the National Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which are installed on a permanent foundation approved by the city, are included.
K.
Dwellings—Two-family (duplexes). The dwellings—two-family (duplexes) use class consists of two dwelling units on a single parcel within the same structure, each with its own kitchen and bathroom facilities.
L.
Emergency shelter. The emergency shelter use class consists of housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less by a homeless person.
M.
Employee housing, six or fewer. A dwelling unit or collection of dwelling units owned or operated by an employer, and maintained by such employer in compliance with the provisions of State Housing Law, wherein each dwelling unit is inhabited by a family that includes at least one permanent year-round employee of the employer who owns or operates the dwelling. This use class applies to housing for no more than six employees and their families.
N.
Employee housing seven +. Any employee housing consisting of no more than 36 beds in a group quarters or 12 units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household.
O.
Home occupations. The home occupations use class consists of the conduct of a business within a dwelling unit or residential site, employing occupants of the dwelling, with the business activity being subordinate to the residential use of the property. Examples include but are not limited to accountants, financial advisors, architects, artists, attorneys, notaries, offices for construction businesses (without equipment or material storage), gardening service, web-based online businesses, and real estate sales. Cottage food operators are permitted in accordance with state law.
P.
Incidental or caretaker residence. The incidental residence use class consists of one dwelling unit per parcel, used for the sole purpose of providing security, maintenance, or similar services for an allowable nonresidential use located on the same parcel.
Q.
Live-work facility. The live-work facility use class consists of a structure or portion of a structure:
1.
That combines a commercial or manufacturing activity allowed in the zone with a residential living space for the owner of the commercial or manufacturing business, or the owner's employee, and that person's household.
2.
Where the resident owner or employee of the business is responsible for the commercial or manufacturing activity performed.
3.
Where the commercial or manufacturing activity conducted takes place subject to a valid business license associated with the premises.
R.
Low-barrier navigation centers. A housing first, low-barrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing.
S.
Mobile home parks. The mobile home parks use class consists of a site that is planned and improved to accommodate two or more mobile homes used for residential purposes, or on which two or more mobile home lots are rented or leased to accommodate mobile homes for residential purposes.
T.
Dwelling, accessory. An "accessory dwelling unit" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same lot as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be situated. An "accessory dwelling unit" also includes the following: (1) an efficiency unit, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1; and (2) a manufactured home, as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007. The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to, or located within, the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including attached garages, storage areas or similar uses, or an accessory structure detached from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as the proposed or existing primary dwelling.
A "junior accessory dwelling unit" has the meaning set forth in Government Code Section 66313, as it may be amended: a unit that is no more than five hundred square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family residence and/or attached garage. A junior accessory dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. It is required to have a separate entrance from the main entrance to the proposed or existing single-family residence and to include an efficiency kitchen which shall include a cooking facility with appliances and a food preparation counter and storage cabinets that are of reasonable size in relation to the size of the unit.
U.
Shopkeeper housing. Shopkeeper units are dwelling units that are proximate but physically separated from a commercial space used for a business operated by the occupant of the associated residential unit. The shopkeeper units are typically located above or behind ground floor commercial or office spaces and may be owned or offered for lease to the owners and/or employees of the associated commercial spaces.
V.
Single-room occupancy (SRO). The single-room occupancy use class consists of a multi-unit housing project for one or two persons typically consisting of single rooms and shared bathrooms and may include a shared common kitchen and activity area. SROs may be restricted to seniors or be available to persons of all ages.
W.
Supportive housing. The supportive housing use class consists of housing with no limit on length of stay and that is occupied by a target population as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 53260 of the California Health and Safety Code, as the same may be amended from time to time, and that provides, directly or indirectly, a significant level of on-site or off-site services that assist supportive housing residents in retaining housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the residents' community.
X.
Transitional housing. The transitional housing use class consists of residential units operated under program requirements that call for (1) the termination of any assistance to an existing program recipient, and (2) the subsequent recirculation of the assisted residential unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which point in time shall be no less than six months into the future.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015; Ord. 2017-002 § 11, 2017; Ord. 2020-002 § 29, 2020; Ord. 2020-011 § 10, 2020; Ord. 2025-004, 12/15/2025)
A.
Cemeteries. The cemeteries use class consists of burial grounds for the interment of the dead. Uses include cemeteries and crematories, columbaria, and mausoleums located within cemeteries.
B.
Community and religious assembly. The community and religious assembly use class consists of community meeting and cultural facilities; meeting, athletic, recreational, or social facilities of a private fraternal or benevolent organization; and facilities for religious worship with incidental educational or residential use. Uses include fraternal lodges, meeting halls, community centers, libraries, museums, churches, mosques, synagogues, monasteries, convents, and religious retreat centers.
C.
Community facilities. The community facilities use class consists of community meeting and cultural facilities, and meeting, athletic, recreational, or social facilities of a private fraternal or benevolent organization. Uses include fraternal lodges, meeting halls, community centers, senior centers, libraries, and museums.
D.
Community gardens. The community gardens use class consists of a site used for growing plants for food, fiber, herbs, or flowers, which is shared and maintained by city residents or as part of a co-op.
E.
Day care centers. The day care centers use class consists of day care centers as defined in Section 1596.76 of the Health and Safety Code, where day care is provided for more than fourteen children less than eighteen years of age for periods of less than twenty-four hours per day.
F.
Hospitals and clinics. The hospitals and clinics use class consists of state-licensed facilities providing medical, surgical, psychiatric, or emergency medical services to sick or injured persons. This classification includes facilities for inpatient or outpatient treatment as well as training, research, and administrative services for patients and employees.
G.
Medical and dental offices. Office primarily engaged in providing outpatient medical, mental health, surgical, and other personal health services, but which are separate from hospitals, including medical and dental laboratories, medical, dental and psychiatric offices, outpatient care facilities, and other allied health services.
H.
Public services. The public services use class consists of administrative, clerical, direct service-related, or public contact offices of federal, state, or local government agencies, together with incidental storage and maintenance of government vehicles. This classification includes offices and post offices.
I.
Recreation—Amusements. The recreation—amusements use class consists of establishments providing amusements to the public for a fee, but do not include uses classified in another recreation use class. Gaming clubs are included in this classification.
J.
Recreation—Indoor. The recreation—indoor use class consists of recreational and entertainment operations taking place fully within an enclosed structure. Typical uses include bowling alleys, family fun centers, and movie and live-performance theaters not classified as “adult-oriented businesses.”
K.
Recreation—Major arcades. The recreation—major arcades use class consists of the operation of electronic/mechanical games when such use is a major component of the establishment or when the number exceeds that permitted by the “recreation—minor arcades” use class. This may include Internet gaming, defined as “computerized sweepstakes device”; any computer, machine, game or apparatus which, upon the insertion of a coin, token, access number, magnetic card, or similar object, or upon the payment of anything of value, wherein a product or service is provided, and may be operated by the public generally for use as a contest of skill, entertainment or amusement, whether or not registering a score, and which is not gambling under state or local laws. Machines designated for use by the State Lottery Commission are not computerized sweepstakes devices for purposes of this chapter.
L.
Recreation—Minor arcades. The recreation—minor arcades use class consists of the operation of electronic/mechanical games when such use is clearly incidental to the principal use and the number of games does not exceed three.
M.
Recreation—Outdoor passive. The recreation—outdoor passive use class consists of low impact outdoor recreational uses. Typical uses include walking trails, bike paths, natural parks, interpretive facilities, and plazas.
N.
Recreation—Parks and playgrounds. The recreation—parks and playgrounds use class consists of parks and other outdoor or indoor recreational facilities that serve the general public. This classification includes active uses that serve the surrounding community such as neighborhood or community parks with sports fields, playgrounds, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Playgrounds for public and private schools also are included.
O.
Religious institutions. The religious institutions use class consists of facilities for religious worship with incidental educational or residential use. Uses include churches, mosques, synagogues, monasteries, convents, and religious retreat centers.
P.
Schools—Private. The schools—private use class consists of facilities for primary, secondary, or adult education, including elementary, junior high, high schools, and colleges, operated by an organization or business other than a public agency.
Q.
Schools—Public. The schools—public use class consists of facilities for primary, secondary, or adult education, including elementary, junior high, high schools, and colleges, operated by a public agency.
R.
Schools, vocational. Includes trade or career schools providing vocational education with students taught the skills needed to perform a particular job.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)
B.
Utilities—Major. The utilities—major use class consists of facilities that do not meet the requirements of the “utilities—minor” use class or that have the potential to have a significant effect on the surrounding environment.
C.
Utilities—Minor. The utilities—minor use class consists of unstaffed facilities involving only minor structures, if any, that are used for the provision of electricity, communications (other than wireless facilities), water, gas, wastewater, through wires, pipes, and other similar means.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015; Ord. 2017-003 § 7, 2017)
A.
Adult-oriented businesses. The adult-oriented businesses use class consists of establishments having as a substantial portion of their business materials or performances that depict, describe, or relate to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.
B.
Alcoholic beverage sales. The alcoholic beverage sales use class consists of establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. This is the only use class that allows the sale of alcoholic beverages. Typical uses include bars, liquor stores selling alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption, and restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages.
C.
Animal boarding. The animal boarding class consists of facilities for the medical treatment, grooming care, breeding, or overnight accommodation of more household pets than are allowed as an accessory use to a residential use, but does not include the care, treatment, breeding, or accommodation of large animals such as horses, sheep, or hogs.
D.
Animal care. The animal care use class consists of facilities for the medical treatment or grooming care of household pets, but does not include keeping animals overnight for any reason, animal breeding, or the care or treatment of large animals such as horses, sheep, or hogs.
E.
Arcades. The arcades use class consists of commercial establishments that provide coin-or token-operated games. See Section 17.70.020, recreation, arcades.
F.
Artist studios. A retail store selling art glass, ceramics, jewelry, and other handcrafted items and supplies needed to create finished items, where the facility includes an area for the crafting of the items being sold.
G.
Banks and financial institutions, banks and credit unions. Financial institutions such as banks and trust companies, credit agencies, holding (but not primarily operating) companies, lending and thrift institutions, and investment companies.
H.
Bed and breakfast. The bed and breakfast use class consists of an owner-occupied dwelling providing six or fewer guest rooms on a commercial basis for stays of seven or fewer consecutive nights, with no cooking facilities in the guest rooms, and providing breakfast and snacks to the guests only.
I.
Building materials. A retail establishment selling lumber and other large building materials, where most display and sales occur indoors. Includes stores selling to the general public, even if contractor sales account for a major proportion of total sales. Includes incidental retail ready-mix concrete operations, except where excluded by a specific zoning district. See also “building materials yard.”
J.
Business and professional services. The business and professional services use class consists of establishments providing services oriented to business matters, including, but not limited to, accounting services, financial services, tax preparation, duplicating and fax services, messenger services, printing, and janitorial services.
K.
Cannabis retail business. The cannabis retail business use defined in Section 17.62.130 consists of cannabis businesses with a physical, permanent location in the city that sell cannabis or cannabis products for either medical or recreational use and are operated in accordance with state and local laws and regulations. On-site consumption is not permitted as part of this use.
L.
Check cashing business. The check cashing business use class consists of an establishment that, for compensation, engages in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving a similar purpose. Also includes establishments primarily engaged in cashing payroll or personal checks for a fee or advancing funds on future checks. This classification does not include a state or federally chartered bank, savings association, credit union or similar financial institution (see banks and credit unions).
M.
Commissary. The commissary use class consists of a food preparation establishment, restaurant or any other place where food, beverage, preparation, cleaning and storage of food and supplies are kept, handled, prepared, or disposed of, for the purpose of serving and storing mobile vending trucks or units.
N.
Dance and fitness studios. The dance and fitness studios use class consists of the use of space, often before and after normal working hours, for dance classes, exercise programs, and general fitness training.
O.
Dental jewelry stores. The dental jewelry stores use class consists of establishments that either devote twenty percent or more of sales floor area or product display area to cosmetic dental jewelry, dental accessories and other dental decorative material, or dental jewelry installation, or derives thirty percent or more of gross sales receipts from the sale or installation of dental jewelry.
P.
E-cigarettes. Any electronic oral device which provides a vapor of nicotine or other substance and the use or inhalation to simulate smoking. The term includes the manufacture or distribution, marketed or sold e-cigarette, e-cigar, e-pipe, hookah pen or any other descriptor.
Q.
Escort service. The escort service use class consists of any business, agency, or person who, for compensation, furnishes or offers to furnish names of escorts, or who introduces, furnishes, or arranges for persons to be furnished with an escort, as defined in Section 17.62.120. Excluded from this definition are (1) any businesses, agencies, or persons which provide escort services for older individuals, as defined in California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 9018, or for disabled persons, as defined in California Business and Professions Code Section 17206.1(b)(2), when such services are provided as part of a social welfare and health program for such individuals, and (2) any businesses, agencies, or persons in the lawful business of an employment agency licensed under the laws of the state of California.
R.
Farmers markets. The farmers markets use class consists of covered or outdoor markets for the retail sale of food, such as produce, nuts, honey, organic juices, and eggs, as well as flowers. The sale shall be by the farmers or their employees who have produced the food or flowers. The sale of other types of merchandise and any foods or flowers produced outside the state of California is not included in this use class.
S.
Food and beverage sales—Catering services. The food and beverage sales—catering services use class consists of the retail sales of food and beverages prepared on and or off-site for off-site consumption.
T.
Food and beverage sales—Convenience. The food and beverage sales—convenience use class consists of the retail sales of food and beverages, primarily for off-site preparation and consumption, and found in establishments characterized by long or late hours of operation, on-site parking, packaging, or merchandise with the name or logo of the establishment, and a building less than one thousand two hundred square feet. Establishments at which twenty-five percent or more of transactions are sales of prepared food for on-site or take-out consumption are classified as “restaurants—fast service” or “restaurants—general.”
U.
Food and beverage sales—General. The food and beverage sales—general use class consists of the retail sales of food and beverages, primarily for off-site preparation and consumption, but do not include the food and beverage sales—convenience uses. Uses include supermarkets, grocery stores, liquor stores, or delicatessens. Establishments at which twenty-five percent or more of transactions are sales of prepared food for on-site or take-out consumption are classified as “restaurants—fast service” or “restaurants—general.”
V.
Funeral and interment services. The funeral and interment services use class consists of services involving the care, preparation, or disposition of human dead other than in a cemetery. This classification includes crematories, columbaria, or mortuaries, provided none of which are located in a cemetery.
W.
Health and exercise Clubs. Predominantly participant sports and health activities conducted entirely within an enclosed building. Typical uses include athletic clubs, fitness facilities, indoor racquetball courts, and indoor climbing facilities. Differs from dance and fitness studios in hours of operation, single class instruction format and installation of equipment.
X.
Healthy food stores. The healthy food stores use class consists of retail establishments where at least fifty percent of the retail space is dedicated to food and nonfood grocery products that are intended for home preparation. At least thirty percent of the retail space shall be dedicated to the display of perishable goods including but not limited to dairy, fresh produce, fresh meats, poultry, and fish, and frozen goods. The retail space shall also provide at least five hundred square feet for the display of fresh produce.
Y.
Live entertainment. The live entertainment use class consists of any conduct, show, stage, performance, exhibition or production of any act, play, burlesque show, fashion show, revue, pantomime, scene, song, the playing of any musical instrument or dance act or song and dance act participated in by one or more persons.
Z.
Lodging, hotels and motels. A facility with guest rooms or suites, provided with or without kitchen facilities, rented to the general public for transient lodging (less than thirty days). Hotels provide access to most guest rooms from an interior walkway and typically include a variety of services in addition to lodging, for example, restaurants, meeting facilities, personal services, etc. Motels provide access to most guest rooms from an exterior walkway. Also includes accessory guest facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor athletic facilities, accessory retail use, etc.
AA.
Massage establishment. The massage establishment use class consists of any establishment having a fixed place of business where any person, firm, association, partnership, or corporation engages in, conducts, or carries on, or permits to be engaged in, conducted, or carried on, any business of giving massage, baths, administration of fomentation, electric or magnetic treatments, alcohol rubs, or any other type of system for treatment or manipulation of the human body with or without any character of bath, such as Turkish, Russian, Swedish, Japanese, vapor, shower, electric tub, sponge, mineral, fomentation, or any other type of bath. “Massage” means any method of treating the external parts of the body for remedial, health, or hygienic purposes by means of pressure on or friction against; or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, or pounding; or stimulating the external parts of the body with the hands or other parts of the body, with or without the aid of any mechanical or electrical apparatus or appliances; or with or without supplementary aids, such as rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powders, creams, lotions, ointments, or other similar preparations commonly used in this practice and shall include herbal body wraps.
BB.
Mobile vending. The mobile vending use class consists of the use of a vehicle parked on public or private property to sell food or other items. See Section 17.62.140.
CC.
Nightclubs and bars. Any bar, cocktail lounge, discotheque, or similar establishment, which may also provide live entertainment (e.g., music and/or dancing, comedy—subject to an entertainment permit) in conjunction with alcoholic beverage sales. These facilities do not include bars that are part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, taverns, pubs, and similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. May also include the brewing of beer as part of a brewpub or microbrewery. Bars and nightclubs may include outdoor food and beverage areas.
DD.
Nurseries. The nurseries use class consists of the sale and cultivation of ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants, including incidental sale or rental of garden and landscape materials and equipment. Outdoor storage of such materials and equipment is included.
EE.
Offices. The offices use class consists of offices of firms or organizations providing professional, medical, executive, management, or administrative services not included in another use classification. This classification excludes home offices that meet the criteria for home occupations.
FF.
Outdoor vending. This use class is defined by any unattended vending machine that offers goods or service kiosks, including movie rentals, water dispensers, snacks, key making, coin-exchange, beverages or bottle returns, and is not a principle use. See also Section 17.52.030 and Section 17.58.030, donation and collection boxes.
HH.
Personal services. The personal services use class consists of services and incidental sales of a personal nature. Typical uses include beauty salons, barbershops, and diet centers.
II.
Repair services—General. The repair services—general use class consists of on-site repair and incidental sales of supplies for large consumer items and business equipment such as furniture, computers, large appliances, and construction tools, conducted within an enclosed building. This classification includes furniture refinishing and repair but excludes maintenance and repair of vehicles or industrial equipment.
JJ.
Repair services—Limited. The repair services—limited use class consists of on-site repair and incidental sales of supplies for consumer items such as small household goods, shoes, clothing, watches, cameras, and similar items, conducted within an enclosed building.
KK.
Restaurants, coffee shops/cafes. A retail business selling beverages and, in some cases, food prepared and/or served on the site, for on-or off-premises consumption. Includes establishments where customers are served from a walk-up ordering counter for either on-or off-premises consumption.
LL.
Restaurants—Fast service. The restaurants—fast service use class consists of establishments serving drinks and food prepared on site to patrons seated in an automobile. This classification includes all restaurants with drive-through facilities. Establishments may include outdoor dining.
MM.
Restaurants—Full service. A retail business selling food and beverages prepared and/or served on the site, for on-or off-premises consumption. Includes eating establishments where customers are served from a walk-up ordering counter for either on-or off-premises consumption and establishments where most customers are served food at tables for on-premises consumption, but may include providing food for take-out. Establishments may include outdoor dining.
NN.
Retail sales—General. The retail sales—general use class consists of establishments engaged in retail sale of goods or provision of services not specifically listed under another use classification, and which primarily sell specialized items or that are primarily oriented to a citywide customer base. All sales and storage are conducted completely within an enclosed building. This classification includes stores selling clothing, hardware, books, flowers, jewelry, liquor for off-site consumption, and furniture.
OO.
Retail sales—Local. The retail sales—local use class consists of establishments engaged in retail sale of goods or provision of services not specifically listed under another use classification, which primarily serve surrounding neighborhoods, and whose floor area does not exceed one thousand two hundred square feet. All sales and storage are conducted completely within an enclosed building.
PP.
Retail sales—Outdoor. The retail sales—outdoor use class consists of establishments engaged in retail sale of goods or provision of services that require outdoor display of merchandise. This use class may be applied with another use type that allows sales only within an enclosed building. Typical uses include the sales of gardening tools and materials by a store that sells general merchandise.
QQ.
Retail sales—Regional. The retail sales—regional use class consists of establishments engaged in retail sale of goods or provision of services not specifically listed under another use classification, and which are primarily oriented toward a regional customer base. The majority of sales and storage are conducted within an enclosed building. Up to twenty-five percent of sales can be conducted outside. Typical uses include large department stores, big box retail stores, big box hardware retail stores with outdoor-oriented retail outside, bulk food and household goods stores, and retail sales from warehouse-type structures.
RR.
Secondhand dealers. The secondhand dealers use class consists of any person, copartnership, firm, or corporation whose business includes buying, selling, trading, taking in pawn, accepting for sale on consignment, accepting for auctioning, or auctioning secondhand tangible personal property, subject to the definition and exclusions set forth in Business and Professions Code Section 21626. Secondhand dealers include but are not limited to pawnshops and pawnbrokers (as defined in Financial Code Section 21000), cash-for-gold or other used jewelry purchases and/or sales, and swap meets, flea markets or open-air markets as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 21661. It does not include garage sales as defined and regulated in Chapter 5.40.
SS.
Smoke shops. The smoke shops use class consists of establishments that either devote more than twenty percent of their total floor area to smoking, drug, and/or tobacco paraphernalia or devote more than a two-foot by four-foot (two feet in depth maximum) section of shelf space for display for sale of smoking, drug, and/or tobacco paraphernalia. This use class includes e-cigarettes.
TT.
Specialty food retail. The specialty food retail use class consists of the following: groceries/drug stores (under 10,000 square feet), chocolate/candy, general gourmet, ice cream, pastry/desserts, yogurt/dairy, doughnuts/bakery, wine shops and wine tasting and similar specialty foods.
UU.
Specialty goods retail. The specialty goods retail use class consists of the following, and similar specialty goods uses: cooking supplies/culinary, general housewares, decorator/arts and design centers (including tile, floor, and wall coverings), specialty hardware, antique stores selling high-quality used goods, party supplies, lamps/lighting, household accessories, books/magazines/stationery, music/instruments.
VV.
Tattoo parlors. The tattoo parlors use class includes any establishment that engages in the business of tattooing and/or branding human beings.
WW.
Wholesaling. The wholesaling use class consists of indoor storage and distribution of merchandise, packages, and bulk goods. Retail sales are not included. This classification includes parcel delivery services, mail-order sales, importing and sale of imported goods, and wholesale distribution. Associated activities, such as packaging and crating, and incidental loading facilities and management offices are included.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3, 2015; Ord. 2020-002 § 30, 2020; Ord. 2025-001, 3/3/2025; Ord. 2025-004, 12/15/2025)
A.
Automotive—Major repair. The automotive—major repair use class consists of substantial repair services for automobiles and other vehicles, including electric and battery service, glass replacement, reupholstering, body work, painting, motor and transmission rebuilding, and tire recapping.
B.
Automotive—Minor repair. The automotive—minor repair use class consists of basic automobile and vehicle maintenance, repair and accessory installation, including but not limited to oil changes, tune-ups, wheel alignment, muffler and shock absorber replacement, tire replacement, and smog checks.
C.
Automotive—New car sales. The automotive—new car sales use class consists of establishments for the sale or long-term lease of new automobiles or motorcycles, and the rental of automobiles, including on-site outdoor storage of such vehicles for sale or rent.
D.
Automotive—Parking. The automotive—parking use class consists of outdoor parking lots or enclosed parking structures, either publicly or privately owned. Any parking lot used for overnight parking shall be considered “warehousing and storage—outdoors.”
E.
Automotive—Parts sales. The automotive—parts sales use class consists of the indoor sale of parts used in automobiles, motorcycles, trucks, and similar vehicles, but does not include the on-site installation of such parts or lubricants.
F.
Automotive—Service stations. The automotive—service stations use class consists of gasoline stations, including ancillary convenience retail and auto services. Service stations that contain any repair bays are considered “automotive—minor repair.”
G.
Automotive—Used car sales. The automotive—used car sales use class consists of establishments for the sale of used automobiles or motorcycles, including on-site outdoor storage of such vehicles for sale.
H.
Automotive—Washing. The automotive—washing use class consists of establishments providing hand-operated, self-service, or mechanical automobile washing services.
I.
Boat and RV sales. The boat and RV sales use class consists of establishments for the sale, long-term lease, or rental of boats and recreational vehicles, including on-site outdoor storage of such vehicles for sale or rent. The repair of boats and recreational vehicles are considered “truck repair and sales.”
J.
Taxicab companies. The taxicab companies use class consists of establishments that involve either or both of the following activities: dispatching of taxicabs or parking of more than one taxicab unless driver remains in the driver’s seat awaiting pickup of a passenger from the same or adjacent parcel.
K.
Truck repair and sales. The truck repair and sales use class consists of facilities for the sale, repair, and storage of trucks or other related equipment such as trailers, including on-site outdoor storage of such vehicles.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)
A.
Building materials yard. The building materials yard use class consists of the sale of materials used for the construction of buildings and for landscaping, and the incidental sale or rental of tools and equipment. Outdoor storage of such materials and tools is included.
B.
Industry—Limited. The industry—limited use class consists of the production and processing of goods from fabricated items or raw materials. Management offices and incidental services for employees, such as recreational facilities, are included. Operations that are not conducted entirely within an enclosed building are excluded. This classification does not include basic industrial processing from raw materials, food processing except in conjunction with a grocery store or restaurant, or operations involving furnaces, plating, heat treating, enamel coating, or lacquering. Typical uses include the manufacture of clothing, novelty items, and toys.
C.
Industry—General. The industry—general use class consists of the production and processing of goods from fabricated items or raw materials. Management offices and incidental services for employees, such as recreational facilities, are included. Operations that are not conducted entirely within an enclosed building are excluded. This classification includes basic industrial processing from raw materials, food processing, or operations involving furnaces, plating, heat treating, enamel coating, or lacquering. Typical uses include the manufacture of furniture, cabinets, and electronic equipment.
D.
Junkyards. The junkyards use class consists of the use of more than fifty square feet of area of any lot or the use of any portion of that half of any lot, which half adjoins any street, for the storage of junk, including scrap metals salvage or other scrap materials, including secondhand lumber and other building materials, or for dismantled, inoperative or wrecked automobiles or other vehicles or machinery whether for sale or storage. This classification includes vehicular impound yards, and automobile wrecking establishments.
E.
Maintenance yards. The maintenance yards use class consists of facilities for outdoor or enclosed storage of trucks, equipment, and construction or maintenance materials. Minor and incidental repairs of the stored items are also included.
F.
Recycling services—Consumer. The recycling services—consumer use class consists of collection centers for recycling of consumer waste certified by the State Department of Conservation and meeting the requirements of the California Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Reduction Act of 1986 and any other applicable state laws. These are attended facilities that usually take glass, aluminum, plastics, paper and cardboard and may pay consumers for their recyclables.
G.
Recycling services—Donation/collection boxes. The recycling services—donation/collection boxes use class consists of unattended receptacles or containers, located outside of a building, designed or intended for the collection of donated clothing or other salvageable personal property, including but not limited to books, shoes, canned goods, and small household items. The receptacles/containers occupy less than fifty square feet, and include both permanent and/or mobile structures. Any receptacles/containers that are over fifty square feet will be regulated by Chapter 17.58, Refuse Disposal and Recycling. See Section 17.58.030.
H.
Recycling services—General. The recycling services—general use class consists of recycling, storage, and reprocessing of wood, vegetation, concrete, asphalt and soil, and other nonhazardous building or industrial materials. This classification does not include storage of topsoil for use under an approved quarry reclamation plan.
I.
Research and development. The research and development use class consists of the research, development, and limited production of high-technology electronic, industrial, biological, or scientific products. Typical uses include biotechnology firms and software firms.
J.
Storage—Personal. The storage—personal use class consists of establishments providing storage services primarily for personal effects and household goods within enclosed storage areas having individual access. The incidental sale of boxes and packing materials and the rental of trucks and trailers for personal use is included. All outdoor storage is classified as “warehousing and storage—outdoors.”
K.
Warehousing and storage—Enclosed. The warehousing and storage—enclosed use class consists of storage that does not meet the requirements of the “storage—personal” use class or any storage prior to the distribution of goods to wholesale and retail outlets, and which takes place entirely within enclosed structures. Incidental loading facilities and management offices are included.
L.
Warehousing and storage—Outdoors. The warehousing and storage—outdoors use class consists of storage that does not meet the requirements of the “storage—personal” use class or any storage prior to the distribution of goods to wholesale and retail outlets, and which does not take place within an enclosed structure. Incidental loading facilities and management offices are included.
(Ord. 2015-002 § 3 (Exh. 1)(part), 2015)