[1]
Prior legislation: Ord. 2147.
It is the intent of this chapter to:
A. 
Promote consistency and precision in the interpretation of this title;
B. 
Define (and illustrate where necessary) certain words, terms and phrases in the interest of reducing to a minimum the misunderstanding which may occur in the absence of such definition;
C. 
Definition of Any Word Not Listed. The definition of any word or phrase not listed in this chapter which is in question when administering this title shall be as defined from one of the following sources which are incorporated herein by reference. Said sources shall be utilized by finding the desired definition from the source in subsection (C)(1) of this section, but if it is not available there, then the source in subsection (C)(2) of this section may be used and so on. Sources are as follows:
1. 
Any city resolution, ordinance, code or regulation;
2. 
Any statute or regulation of the state of Washington (i.e., the most applicable);
3. 
Legal definitions from case law or a law dictionary;
4. 
The common dictionary.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
A. 
Words, terms and phrases not specifically defined in this section or in other sections of this title (where special terms may be defined) shall have the meaning as defined in any recognized, standard dictionary of the English language.
B. 
Words, terms and phrases defined herein may have meanings more specific than their meanings in common usage, standard dictionaries or other ordinances.
C. 
The meaning and construction of words and phrases, as set forth in this chapter, shall apply throughout this title except where the context of such words or phrases clearly indicates a different meaning or construction.
D. 
Rules of Construction.
1. 
Illustration. In case of any difference of meaning or implication between the text of any provision and any illustration, the text shall control.
2. 
Shall and May. "Shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. "May" is discretionary.
3. 
Tenses and Numbers. Words used in the present tense include the future, and words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular, unless the context clearly indicates the contrary.
4. 
Conjunctions. Unless the context clearly indicates the contrary, the following conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
a. 
"And" indicates that all the connected items or provisions shall apply.
b. 
"Or" indicates that the connected items or provisions may apply singly or in combination.
c. 
"Either ... or" indicates that the connected items or provisions shall apply singly but not in combination.
5. 
Gender. The masculine gender "he" includes the feminine gender "she" and the feminine gender "she" includes the masculine gender "he."
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
In addition to the words and terms defined in this chapter, several sections of this title contain definitions specifically related to those sections. In the event of conflict between definitions in this list and those shown in other sections of this title, the definition in the other section shall govern within the context of the section within which it appears.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Abutting"
means having a common boundary, except that parcels having no common boundary other than a common corner shall not be considered abutting.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
A. 
"Accessory dwelling unit"
means a dwelling unit located on the same lot as a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, townhouse, or other housing unit.
B. 
"Attached accessory dwelling unit"
means an accessory dwelling unit located within or attached to a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, townhouse, or other housing unit.
C. 
"Detached accessory dwelling unit"
means an accessory dwelling unit that consists partly or entirely of a building that is separate and detached from a single-family dwelling, duplex, triplex, townhouse, or other housing unit and is on the same lot.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2539 § 1, 2023)
"Accessory building or use"
means a use, building or structure, or portion of a building, devoted to an activity or use subordinate to the principal use of the premises, but located on the same lot as the principal use.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Accessory use"
means a use customarily incidental and/or subordinate to the principal use of the land or building site, or to a building or other structure located on the same building site as the accessory use.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Net acres or acreage"
means the area of a parcel of land, less the area devoted to streets, roads or alleys, public or private, and may be expressed in square feet or fractions of an acre.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Adult family home"
as defined in Chapter 70.128 RCW means a residential home in which a person or persons provide personal care, special care, room, and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood or marriage to the person or persons providing the services.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
As defined by RCW 36.130.010(1) "affordable housing development" means a housing development in which at least twenty-five percent of the dwelling units within the development are set aside for or are occupied by low-income households at a sales price or rent amount that is considered affordable by a federal, state or local government housing program.
(Ord. 2456 § 3, 2020)
[1]
This section was added by Ord. 2456 as CMC § 20.06.095. It has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.
"Alley"
means a public or private way not more than twenty feet wide permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Amendment"
means any change, modification, deletion or addition to the wording, text or substance of the zoning ordinance, or any change, modification, deletion or addition to the application of the zoning ordinance to the property within the city, including any alteration in the boundaries of a zone, when adopted by ordinance passed by the city council.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Assisted living facility"
as defined in Chapter 18.20 RCW means any home or other institution, however named, which is advertised, announced, or maintained for the express or implied purpose of providing housing, basic services, and assuming general responsibility for the safety and well-being of the residents, and may also provide domiciliary care, consistent with Chapter 142, Laws of 2004, to seven or more residents after July 1, 2000. However, an assisted living facility that is licensed for three to six residents prior to or on July 1, 2000, may maintain its assisted living facility license as long as it is continually licensed as an assisted living facility. "Assisted living facility" shall not include facilities certified as group training homes pursuant to RCW 71A.22.040, nor any home, institution or section thereof which is otherwise licensed and regulated under the provisions of state law providing specifically for the licensing and regulation of such home, institution or section thereof. Nor shall it include any independent senior housing, independent living units in continuing care retirement communities, or other similar living situations including those subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Automotive repair"
means a facility which services automotive vehicles with all types of repair work. "Major repair" means repair work including major engine and transmission repairs, body work, painting, and similar work. "Minor repair" means minor repair work including tire repair, battery repair or changing, oil changing, lubrication, storage of merchandise and supplies relating to the servicing of motor vehicles.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Automobile wrecking"
means the dismantling or wrecking of used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Basement"
means that portion of a building floor and ceiling which is partly below and partly above grade but so located that the vertical distance from the finished grade to the floor below is less than the vertical distance from the finished grade to the ceiling. If a basement has a ceiling height of seven feet or more, it shall be considered a story unless it is exclusively used for parking, storage, and/or housing of mechanical or central heating equipment.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Boarding, lodging or rooming house"
means a residential-type building, or portion thereof, other than a hotel or motel, where for compensation lodging, with or without meals, is provided for not less than three nor more than ten persons, not including members of the owner, occupant or tenant occupant family. A boarding house does not include a nonresidential facility, such as a rehabilitation/treatment facility, where the primary purpose of the facility is to deliver rehabilitation, treatment, counseling, medical, protective or other similar services to the occupants.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Buffer"
means an area of land or a structure used or created for the purpose of insulating or separating a structure or land use from other structures in such a manner as to reduce or mitigate any adverse impacts of one on the other.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Buildable area"
means that portion of the land that remains after the required yards have been excluded from the building site as well as all critical areas and their buffers.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Building"
means any structure built for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Building coverage"
means the amount or percentage of ground area covered or occupied by a building or buildings; usually expressed in square feet or percentage of land on the lot, and measured horizontally at the foundation.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Building height"
means the vertical distance measured from the level of the first floor above finished grade to the highest point of the roof beams, in the case of flat roofs, to the deck line of mansard roofs, or to the center height between eaves and ridges for gable, hip or gambrel roofs.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Building line"
means a line within the buildable area, normally considered the outside of the foundation wall.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Bulk plant"
means an establishment where commodities, including both liquids and solids, are received by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, or other containers, and are stored or blended in bulk for the purposes of distribution by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle or container.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Care"
means room and board and the provision of planned programs of counseling therapy or other social services to groups of persons of similar circumstances. Planned treatment shall not include any program which requires on-premises medical care by either a physician or a nurse.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Carport"
means a roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than three sides.
(Ord. 2178 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"City"
means the city of Centralia.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Condominium"
means a building, or group of buildings, in which dwelling units, office, or floor area are owned individually and the structure, common areas, and facilities are owned by all the owners on a proportional, undivided basis.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Critical areas"
means properties that have geologically hazardous areas, fish and wildlife habitat protection areas, wetland areas, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, landslide areas, or seismic hazard areas.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Daily care"
means medical procedures, monitoring and attention that are necessarily provided at the residence of the patient by the primary provider of daily care on a twenty-four-hour basis.
(Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2171 § 3, 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Density"
means the permissible number of dwelling units that may be developed on a specific amount of lot area.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Developer"
means a person, partnership, limited liability company, corporation, or other legal entity developing residential, commercial or industrial property.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Director"
means the director of community development for the city of Centralia, the director's authorized representative or any representative authorized by the city manager.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Dwelling"
means a building, or portion thereof, that is designed exclusively for residential purposes and that contains one or more dwelling units used, intended, or designed to be used, rented, leased, let, or hired out to be occupied for living purposes.
(Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2178 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2539 § 2, 2023)
"Multiple-family dwelling"
means a dwelling designed with five or more dwelling units that are joined or connected on one or more sides by a common wall or walls, with each unit intended for use by one family that lives independently.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2414 § 1, 2018; Ord. 2539 § 6, 2023)
"Single-family dwelling"
means any dwelling designed and intended for use by one family. A single-family dwelling may be site-built or manufactured. All single-family homes built or located within city jurisdiction after August 15, 2006, must:
A. 
Have a composition or wood shake or shingle, coated metal, or similar roof of not less than 3:12 pitch;
B. 
Have exterior siding similar in appearance to siding materials commonly used on site-built homes built according to the International Building Code;
C. 
Have a porch with a covering over the front entry which must face the street; and
D. 
Have a minimum twenty-foot-by-twenty-foot double-car garage.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2395 § 4 (part), 2017)
"Dwelling unit"
means a residential living unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and that includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2539 § 8, 2023)
"Easement"
means a recorded right or interest in the land of another, which entitles the holder thereof to some use, privilege or benefit out of or over such land.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Emergency housing"
according to RCW 84.36.043 means a project that provides housing and supportive services to homeless persons or families for up to sixty days. It also means a facility whose primary purpose is to provide temporary or transitional shelter and supportive services to the homeless in general or to a specific population of the homeless for no more than sixty days according to WAC 458-16-320.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Emergency shelter"
means a facility that provides a temporary shelter for individuals or families who are currently homeless. An emergency shelter may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement. Emergency shelter facilities may include day and warming centers that do not provide overnight accommodations.
(Ord. 2476 § 1, 2021)
"Enhanced services facility"
as defined in Chapter 70.97 RCW means a facility that provides treatment and services to persons for whom acute inpatient treatment is not medically necessary and who have been determined by the Department (Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS) to be inappropriate for placement in other licensed facilities due to the complex needs that result in behavioral and security issues. Where an enhanced services facility specializes in medically fragile persons with mental disorders, the on-site staff must include at least one licensed nurse twenty-four hours per day. The nurse must be a registered nurse for at least sixteen hours per day. If the nurse is not a registered nurse, a registered nurse or a doctor must be on call during the remaining eight hours.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Essential public facilities"
means those facilities that are typically difficult to site, as defined in RCW 36.70A.200 and WAC 365-196-560, such as airports, state education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, regional transit authority facilities as defined in RCW 81.112.020, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, enhanced services facilities, and secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Family"
means a group of individuals not necessarily related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit. For purposes of this title, "family" does not include any society, club, fraternity, sorority, association, lodge, federation, or like organizations; or any group of individuals who are in a group living arrangement as a result of criminal offenses.
A family can also be one person; two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption; a group of two or more disabled residents protected under the Federal Fair Housing Act, who are not related by blood, marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit; or a group living arrangement where five or fewer residents receive supportive services such as counseling, foster care or medical supervision at the dwelling unit by a resident or nonresident staff. For purposes of this definition, minors living with at least one parent or guardian shall not be counted as part of the maximum number of residents.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Federal"
means the government of the United States.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
That area designated as a floodplain on the most recent Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM), for the city of Centralia, prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Floor area"
means the area included within the surrounding walls of a building (or portion thereof), exclusive of vent shafts or courts.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Foster home"
means a dwelling unit in which foster care is provided for unrelated persons as part of the family and the dwelling unit is governed by the state foster care home licensing provisions and conducted in accordance with state requirements.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Garage"
means a private residential structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on all sides.
(Ord. 2178 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Public garage"
means a building other than a private garage used for the care and repair of motor vehicles or where such vehicles are parked or stored for compensation, hire or sale.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Average grade"
means the average of the nature of existing topography at the center of all exterior walls of a building or structure to be placed on a site.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Historic district"
means a district, zone or area designated by a local, state or federal authority within which the buildings, structures, appurtenances, and places are of basic and vital importance because of their association with history; or because of their unique architectural style and scale, including color, proportion, form and architectural detail; or because of their being a part of or related to a square, park or area, the design or general arrangement of which should be preserved and/or developed according to a fixed plan based on cultural, historical, or architectural motives or purposes.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Homeless"
according to RCW 84.36.043 means persons, including families, who, on one particular day or night, do not have decent and safe shelter nor sufficient funds to purchase or rent a place to stay. It also means a person, persons, family, or families who do not have fixed, regular, adequate, or safe shelter nor sufficient funds to pay for such shelter according to WAC 458-16-320.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Hospital"
as defined in Chapter 70.41 RCW means any institution, place, building, or agency which provides accommodations, facilities and services over a continuous period of twenty-four hours or more, for observation, diagnosis, or care, of two or more individuals not related to the operator who are suffering from illness, injury, deformity, or abnormality, or from any other condition for which obstetrical, medical, or surgical services would be appropriate for care or diagnosis. "Hospital" as used in this title does not include hotels, or similar places furnishing only food and lodging, or simply domiciliary care; nor does it include clinics, or physician's offices where patients are not regularly kept as bed patients for twenty-four hours or more; nor does it include nursing homes, as defined and which come within the scope of Chapter 18.51 RCW; nor does it include birthing centers, which come within the scope of Chapter 18.46 RCW; nor does it include psychiatric hospitals, which come within the scope of Chapter 71.12 RCW; nor any other hospital, or institution specifically intended for use in the diagnosis and care of those suffering from mental illness, intellectual disability, convulsive disorders, or other abnormal mental condition. Furthermore, nothing in this chapter or the rules adopted pursuant thereto shall be construed as authorizing the supervision, regulation, or control of the remedial care or treatment of residents or patients in any hospital conducted for those who rely primarily upon treatment by prayer or spiritual means in accordance with the creed or tenets of any well recognized church or religious denominations.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Hotel"
means a building or portion of a building that (A) is kept, used, maintained, advertised, and held out to the public to be a place to obtain temporary lodging for pay and (B) contains sleeping units or dwelling units for the accommodation of transient guests.
(Ord. 2553 § 2, 2024)
"Kennel"
means any place where more than four dogs and/or cats, or other canines or felines, beyond the age of four months, are kept.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Live work unit"
means a structure or portion of a structure: (1) that combines a commercial or manufacturing activity that is 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; and (3) where the commercial or manufacturing activity conducted takes place subject to a valid business license associated with the premises.
(Ord. 2501 § 1, 2022)
"Long-term care facility"
as defined in RCW 43.190.020 means any of the following:
A. 
A facility which:
1. 
Maintains and operates twenty-four-hour skilled nursing services for the care and treatment of chronically ill or convalescent patients, including mental, emotional, or behavioral problems, intellectual disabilities, or alcoholism;
2. 
Provides supportive, restorative, and preventive health services in conjunction with a socially oriented program to its residents, and which maintains and operates twenty-four hour services including board, room, personal care, and intermittent nursing care. "Long-term care facility" includes nursing homes and nursing facilities, but does not include acute care hospital or other licensed facilities except for that distinct part of the hospital or facility which provides nursing facility services.
B. 
Any family home, group care facility, or similar facility determined by the secretary, for twenty-four-hour nonmedical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual.
C. 
Any swing bed in an acute care facility.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Lot"
means a platted or unplatted parcel of land unoccupied, occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal use or building and accessory buildings, together with all yards, open spaces and setbacks required by this title.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Lot area"
means the total land space or area contained within the boundary lines of any lot, tract or parcel of land and may be expressed in square feet or acres. Private street access easements or rights-of-way shall not be included in the lot area calculations for minimum lot size.
(Ord. 2106 § 1, 2003; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999)
"Corner lot"
means a lot that abuts two or more intersecting private or public streets.
(Ord. 2106 § 2, 2003; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999)
"Lot depth"
means the horizontal distance between the front lot line and the rear lot line measured within the lot boundaries.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Flag lot"
means a lot not fronting on or abutting a public road and where access to the public road is by a narrow, private right-of-way or where the street frontage of the lot is less than the lot width required by this code which would result in a narrow portion of the property being used as access to the main portion of the lot.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
A. 
Front. "Front lot line" means that boundary of a lot which is located along an existing or dedicated public street, or, where no public street exists, along a public right-of-way or private way. The front is the direction in which the front door on the principal building faces, except as follows:
1. 
Corner Lot. The front shall be the direction in which the front door on the principal building faces and the other shall be the corner side lot line.
2. 
Through or Double Frontage Lot. The lot line which is obviously the front by reason of the prevailing custom of the other buildings on the block and the direction in which the front door on the principal building faces. The other street frontage shall be a rear lot line. Where such property line is not obviously evident, the city planner shall determine the front property line.
B. 
Rear. The lot line most nearly opposite the front property line or, if the front property is a curved line, to a line tangent to the front property line at its midpoint.
C. 
Side. Those other lot lines not defined as a front or rear lot line.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Lot width"
means the horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at the building line.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
As defined by RCW 36.130.010(4), "low income household" means a single person, family or unrelated persons living together whose adjusted income is less than eighty percent of the median family income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the affordable housing development is located.
(Ord. 2456 § 4, 2020)
"Manufactured home"
means a single-family home which:
A. 
Is comprised of at least two fully enclosed parallel sections each of not less than twelve feet wide by thirty-six feet long;
B. 
Was originally constructed with and now has a composition or wood shake or shingle, coated metal, or similar roof of not less than 3:12 pitch;
C. 
Has exterior siding similar in appearance to siding material commonly used on site-built single-family homes built according to the International Building Code;
D. 
Has a porch with a covering over the front entry which must face the street; and
E. 
Has a minimum of a double-car garage.
1. 
An attached garage is required if not accessed from an alley.
(Ord. 2178 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 2198 § 3, 2007; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Mobile home"
means a transportable, factory-built home designed and intended to be used as a year-round dwelling, and built prior to the enactment of the Federal Manufactured Housing and Safety Standards Act of 1974. Mobile homes are no longer built, and their placement in this community is prohibited.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2178 § 3, 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
For a definition of "manufactured home park," see Chapter 20.63 CMC.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2178 § 4, 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
Repealed by Ord. 2553.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2374 § 1, 2016)
"Nonconforming building or structure"
means a structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which 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 zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Nonconforming lot"
means a parcel of land, a lot, the area, dimensions, or location of which 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 zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"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 zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Nursing home" or "skilled nursing facility"
means a facility licensed by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services under Chapter 18.51 RCW which means any home, place or institution which operates or maintains facilities providing convalescent or chronic care, or both, for a period in excess of twenty-four consecutive hours for three or more patients not related by blood or marriage to the operator, who by reason of illness or infirmity are unable properly to care for themselves. Convalescent and chronic care may include but not be limited to any or all procedures commonly employed in waiting on the sick, such as administration of medicines, preparation of special diets, giving of bedside nursing care, application of dressings and bandages, and carrying out of treatment prescribed by a duly licensed practitioner of the healing arts. It may also include care of mentally incompetent persons. It may also include community-based care. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to include general hospitals or other places which provide care and treatment for the acutely ill and maintain and operate facilities for major surgery or obstetrics, or both. Nothing in this definition shall be construed to include any assisted living facility, guest home, hotel or related institution which is held forth to the public as providing, and which is operated to give, only board, room and laundry to persons not in need of medical or nursing treatment or supervision except in the case of temporary acute illness. The mere designation by the operator of any place or institution as a hospital, sanitarium, or any other similar name, which does not provide care for the acutely ill and maintain and operate facilities for major surgery or obstetrics, or both, shall not exclude such place or institution from the provisions of this title; provided, that any nursing home providing psychiatric treatment shall, with respect to patients receiving such treatment, comply with the provisions of RCW 71.12.560 and 71.12.570.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Open space"
means that portion of a lot or parcel not developed or built upon or occupied by buildings, parking areas, driveways and the like; generally the front, rear and side yards of a lot.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Common open space"
means that portion of a lot or parcel not developed, built upon or occupied by buildings, parking areas, driveways and the like; other than minimal appurtenances such as walkways designed and intended to make such open space usable and accessible, and the use of which is intended for and accessible to all of the persons residing in the development of which the open space is a part.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Parking area"
means an open area, other than a street or alley, which contains one or more parking spaces, and the aisles which provide the access to such spaces.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Parking space"
means an unobstructed space or area other than a street or alley which is permanently reserved and maintained for the parking of one or more vehicles.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Permanent supportive housing"
means subsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices to use lower barriers to entry than would be typical for other subsidized or unsubsidized rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history, and personal behaviors. Permanent supportive housing must be paired with on-site or off-site voluntary services designed to support a person living with a complex and disabling behavioral health or physical health condition who was experiencing homelessness or was at imminent risk of homelessness prior to moving into housing to retain their housing and be a successful tenant in a housing arrangement, improve the resident's health status, and connect the resident of the housing with community-based health care, treatment, or employment services. Permanent supportive housing shall be subject to all of the rights and responsibilities defined in Chapter 59.18 RCW (Residential Landlord-Tenant Act of 1973).
(Ord. 2467 § 1, 2021; Ord. 2531 § 1, 2023)
"Porch"
means a roofed, open or closed sided structure, which may be screened, and is attached to or part of a building and sheltering an entrance.
(Ord. 2178 § 1 (part), 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Principal use"
means the specific and primary purpose for which land or building is occupied, arranged, designed or intended, or for which either land or building is or may be occupied or maintained.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Property line"
means a line bounding and indicating the ownership, or intended ownership, of a parcel of land.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
A. 
Recreational vehicles as defined in Chapter 46.04 RCW, as now in force or hereafter amended, added to or deleted from, is adopted.
1. 
"Park trailer" or "park model trailer"
as described in RCW 46.04.622 means a travel trailer designed to be used with temporary connections to utilities necessary for operation of installed fixtures and appliances. The trailer's gross area shall not exceed four hundred square feet when in the setup mode. "Park trailer" excludes a mobile home.
2. 
"Trailer"
includes every vehicle without motive power designed for being drawn by or used in conjunction with a motor vehicle constructed so that no appreciable part of its weight rests upon or is carried by such motor vehicle, but does not include a municipal transit vehicle, or any portion thereof.
3. 
"Motor homes"
as described in RCW 46.04.305 means motor vehicles originally designed, reconstructed, or permanently altered to provide facilities for human habitation, which include lodging and cooking or sewage disposal, and are enclosed within a solid body shell with the vehicle, but excludes a camper or like unit constructed separately and affixed to a motor vehicle.
4. 
"Camper"
as described in RCW 46.04.085 means a structure designed to be mounted upon a motor vehicle which provides facilities for human habitation or for temporary outdoor or recreational lodging and which is five feet or more in overall length and five feet or more in height from its floor to its ceiling when fully extended, but shall not include motor homes as defined in RCW 46.04.305.
For the purposes of this code, tents, tent trailers and campers do not meet the requirements for recreational vehicles that are to be used for temporary secondary residences for hardships as referenced in CMC § 20.63.035.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2171 § 4, 2006; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Recreational vehicle park"
means a parcel or tract of land having designated areas for rent to one or more persons for temporary parking or placement of a recreational vehicle as opposed to permanent year-round occupancy. The maximum time any recreational vehicle may stay at a park shall be thirty consecutive days. The recreational vehicle shall then leave the park for a minimum of ten calendar days before any additional stays. The maximum time a recreational vehicle shall be allowed to stay at the RV park is one hundred eighty days during any twelve-month period. The only exemption shall be, if the resident manager/owner resides at the RV park, the resident manager/owner may live there year-round while serving in that capacity.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2374 § 2, 2016)
"Section"
means any of the various sections of this title, unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"State"
means the state of Washington.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Street"
means the entire width between the boundary lines of every way which provides public use for the purpose of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and the placement of utilities and includes the terms "road," "highway," "lane," "place," "avenue" or other similar designations.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Structure"
means anything erected, the use of which has fixed location on or in the ground, or attachment to something having fixed location on the land, including, but not limited to, buildings, fences, signs and walls.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Transitional housing"
as per RCW 84.36.043 means a project that provides housing and supportive services to homeless persons or families for up to two years and that has as its purpose facilitating the movement of homeless persons and families into independent living. It also means a facility that provides housing and supportive services to homeless individuals or families for up to two years and whose primary purpose is to enable homeless individuals or families to move into independent living and permanent housing according to WAC 458-16-320.
(Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Use district"
means a specific zoned area or district designated on the official zoning map. Such area is subject to all the regulations applicable to the districts that are contained in this title.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Variance"
means a modification of the regulations because of the unusual nature, shape, exceptional topographic conditions or extraordinary situation or conditions connected with a specific piece of property, where the literal enforcement of this title would pose undue hardship unnecessary in carrying out the spirit of this title.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
As defined by RCW 43.63A.510(1)(b), "very low income household" means a single person, family, or unrelated persons living together whose income is at or below fifty percent of the median income, adjusted for household size, for the county where the affordable housing is located.
(Ord. 2456 § 5, 2020)
"Vision clearance area"
means a triangular area on a lot at the intersection of two streets, or a street and an alley, or a street and a railroad, two sides of which are lot lines measured from their corner intersection for a distance specified in this title. The third side of the triangle is a line across the corner of the lot joining the ends of the other two sides. Where the lot lines at an intersection have rounded corners, the lot lines will be extended in a straight line to a point of intersection.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Warehouse facilities"
means a building or group of buildings used primarily for the storage and/or distribution of commodities, equipment, goods, materials, and products. The permitting of open storage at warehouse facilities is a function of the specific zone in which the facilities are located and may require a conditional use permit.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2445 §§ 1, 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2020)
"Wireless communication facilities (WCF)"
means facilities for the transmission and reception of radio or microwave signals used for communication, cellular phone, personal communications services, specialized mobile radio, paging, and any other services licensed by the FCC and unlicensed wireless services including but not limited to associated equipment shelters, support towers, and antenna arrays. The following shall not be considered WCFs:
A. 
Industrial processing equipment and scientific or medical equipment using frequencies regulated by the FCC.
B. 
Licensed amateur (ham) radio antennas and low power radio towers under one hundred feet in height.
C. 
Television antennas and satellite dish antennas for reception within individual homes or businesses.
D. 
Temporary WCFs placed in service during an emergency declared by a governmental agency.
(Ord. 2346 § 1, 2015; Ord. 2374 § 3, 2016)
"Yard"
means an open space on a lot which is unobstructed from the ground upward except as otherwise provided in this title.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Front yard"
means an open space between side lot lines and measured horizontally from the front lot line at right angles to the front lot line to the nearest point of the building.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Rear yard"
means an open space between side lot lines and measured horizontally and at right angles from the rear lot line to the nearest point of the building.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Side yard"
means an open space between a building and the side lot line measured horizontally and at right angles from the side lot line to the nearest point of the building.
(Ord. 2024 § 1 (part), 1999; Ord. 2155 § 1 (part), 2005; Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)
"Zoning district"
means a specifically delineated area or district in a municipality within which uniform regulations and requirements govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings.
(Ord. 2209 § 2 (part), 2008)