In the construction of this zoning code the following rules shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise:
A. 
The present tense includes the future, and words used in the singular include the plural, and the plural the singular.
B. 
The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.
C. 
The word "may" is permissive.
D. 
The word "lot" includes the words "piece" and "parcel"; the word "building" includes all other structures of every kind regardless of similarity to buildings; and the phrase "used for" includes the phrases "arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," "maintained for" and "occupied for."
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
In the construction of this zoning code the definitions contained in this chapter shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Accessory use"
means a use of land or of a building or portion thereof customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with the principal use.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Accessory structure"
means a structure detached from a principal building located on the same lot and customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or use, including garages, greenhouses, sheds, gazebos, and similar buildings.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Addition"
means:
A. 
A structure added to the original structure at some time after the completion of the original;
B. 
An extension or increase in floor area or height of a structure.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Adult day care (ADC)"
means a nonresidential program, overseen by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, that provides a variety of health, social, and related support services in a supervised daytime program for adults with medical or disabling conditions.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Adult family home"
means a residential home in which a person or an entity is licensed to provide personal care, special care, room, and board to more than one but not more than six adults who are not related by blood, adoption, or marriage to a provider, entity representative, resident manager, or caregiver, who resides in the home. An adult family home may be licensed to provide care to up to eight adults if the home receives approval under WAC 388-76-10031 or 388-76-10032.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Adverse impact"
means a condition that creates, imposes, aggravates, or leads to inadequate, impractical, unsafe, or unhealthy conditions on a site proposed for development or on off-tract property or facilities.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Alley"
means a public right-of-way which affords a secondary means of access to abutting property, and not intended for general traffic circulation.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Animal services"
means a commercial establishment for the medical examination, treatment, boarding, training, sale, or grooming of animals and including retail sales of associated products. This may include veterinary clinics, pet grooming salons, pet stores, and indoor boarding kennels. Retail establishments that only sell animal and pet supplies shall be considered a mercantile use.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
[1]
Code reviser's note: Ord. 2105 set out this section as MMC § 17.08.054. It has been editorially renumbered to prevent duplication of numbering.
"Apartment"
means one or more rooms with private bath and kitchen facilities comprising an independent, self-contained dwelling unit in a building containing three or more dwelling units.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Assisted living facility"
means an institution or a distinct part of an institution that is licensed or approved to provide health care under medical supervision for 24 or more consecutive hours to two or more patients who are not related to the governing authority or its members by marriage, blood, or adoption.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Auction house"
means  a place where objects of art, furniture, and other goods are offered for sale to persons who bid on the object in competition with each other.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Bed and breakfast"
means overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit provided to transients for compensation, located in a building in which the owners reside on the premises. Bed and breakfast facilities shall contain not more than six guest rooms.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Buffer strip"
means open spaces, landscaped areas, fences, walls, berms, or any combination thereof used to physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block noise, lights, or other nuisances.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Building"
means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any person, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials of any kind.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Building envelope"
means the assemblies, components, and materials of a building that are intended to separate and protect the interior space of the building from the adverse effects of exterior climatic conditions.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Building height"
means the vertical distance from the smallest rectangle that fits around the footprint of the building, measured from the average existing elevation of that rectangle to (A) the midpoint elevation of the highest ridgeline of a sloped roof and the highest eave of the roof pitch that is attached to the highest ridge, (B) the highest point of a flat roof, or (C) the highest point on a deck of a mansard roof. Average existing elevation is the average of the ground elevation measured at the four corners of the rectangle, prior to any development activity taking place.
On sloping lots, residential single-family, duplex, multifamily developments or commercial or industrial developments where the ground floor elevation (A) is stepped or segmented, and (B) the building roof also reflects the change, each building segment may be computed for height independently.
Church steeples, chimneys, elevator penthouses, vents and similar enclosures or screening for rooftop mounted equipment, or parapets or pitched parapets designed for screening of equipment shall not be considered for the purpose of determining building or structure height.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1751 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Principal building"
means the building or structure on a lot or building site designed or used to accommodate the primary use to which the premises are devoted. Where a permissible use involves more than one building or structure designed or used for the primary purpose, each such building or other structure shall be construed as comprising a principal building.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Building site"
means the ground area devoted to a main building and its accessory buildings, or to a group of main buildings and their accessory buildings, together with all yards and open spaces required by this code.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Building width"
means the shorter of the horizontal measures of the smallest rectangle that can be scribed around a building, excluding eaves, overhangs, chimneys, bays, and areas not fully enclosed.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Bulk"
means the term used to indicate the size and setbacks of buildings or structures and their location with respect to one another.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Business office"
means the primary location of a business operation where fixed-location employees normally carry out their duties or at which field employees receive correspondence and work assignments.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Buy-back recycling center"
means any small scale business without industrial activity which collects, receives, or buys recyclable materials from household, commercial, or industrial sources for the purpose of sorting, grading, or packaging recyclables for subsequent shipment and marketing.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
A standardized, reusable vessel which was:
A. 
Originally, specifically or formerly designed for or used in the packing, shipping, movement or transportation of freight, articles, goods or commodities; and/or
B. 
Designed for or capable of being mounted or moved on a rail car; and/or
C. 
Designed for or capable of being mounted on a chassis or bogie for movement by truck trailer or loaded on a ship.
(Ord. 1578 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Carport"
means a roofed structure providing space for the parking of motor vehicles and enclosed on not more than two sides.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1661 § 1, 2006; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Change of use"
means an alteration from the existing use to a different use either identified in the use table or uses of an occupancy classification outlined by the International Code Council.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Family home child care"
means a program that regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for periods less than 24 hours in the provider's home and is subject to licensing by Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Child care center"
means a facility providing for regularly scheduled care or education services, supervision and protection of children for periods less than 24 hours. Such establishment shall be subject to licensing and regulation requirements pursuant to Chapter 388-155 WAC.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
See "Religious institution."
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2057 § 2, 2022)
"Composting"
means controlled aerobic degradation of organic solid waste, other than sewage sludge, for uses as a soil conditioner. The presence of anaerobic zones within the composting material will not cause the process to be classified as other than composting. Natural decay of organic solid waste under uncontrolled conditions is not composting.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Composting facility"
means an establishment that uses composted organic material to produce a useful, marketable product. Generally it is a solid waste facility specializing in the composting of one or more organics of a known and consistent composition, other than mixed municipal waste, to produce a marketable product for reuse or as a soil conditioner. Feedstocks may include, but are not limited to, yard waste, biosolids, or food waste.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Conditional use"
means a use permitted in one or more zones as defined by this code but which, because of characteristics peculiar to each such use, or because of size, technological processes or equipment, or because of the location with reference to surroundings, streets, and existing improvements or demands upon public facilities requires a special degree of control to make such use consistent with and compatible to other existing or permissible uses in the same zone or zones.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Conditional use permit"
means the documented evidence of authority granted by the hearing examiner to locate a conditional use at a particular location. Unless otherwise restricted by the terms and conditions at issuance of the conditional use permit, said permit shall run with the land as a overlay zoning district.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Contractor yard"
means an area for construction or contracting business offices and the interior or outdoor storage, repair, or maintenance of heavy equipment, vehicles, and construction supplies and materials.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Convenience store"
means a retail establishment offering for sale prepackaged food products, household items, newspapers and magazines, and sandwiches and other freshly prepared foods for off-site consumption. The retail sale or dispensing of gasoline and related products may also be included.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Data center"
means a facility where the primary use is to house and operate networked computer systems and associated components that include, but may not be limited to, power supply, data communications connections, environmental controls, and security devices. Facilities or operations that meet the definition of "cryptocurrency mining" will be regulated under that land use designation.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Gross density"
means the number of dwelling units allowed per acre of land, before land required for roadway dedication, or for access corridors or the access portion of a panhandle lot or critical area protection or related purposes as required by Chapter 18.16 MMC (Critical Areas), is subtracted from the parcel area.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1750 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1853 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Net density"
means the number of dwelling units allowed per acre of land, after land required for roadway dedication, or for access corridors or the access portion of a panhandle lot, or critical area protection, as required by Chapter 18.16 MMC (Critical Areas), is subtracted from the parcel area.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1750 § 1, 2010; Ord. 1853 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Distribution center"
means an establishment engaged in receipt and redistribution of products to wholesalers, retailers, or sent directly to consumers. Distribution centers may perform product mixing, cross-docking, order fulfillment, and packaging.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Dwelling"
means a building, or portions thereof, designed or used exclusively for residential occupancy including one-family dwellings, two-family dwellings and multifamily dwellings, but not including hotels, motels, or lodging houses.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Accessory dwelling" or "ADU"
means a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a principal dwelling unit and meets all of the codes of a permanent structure including a permanent foundation. Accessory dwellings can be attached, detached, or internal units.
(Ord. 2063 § 3, 2023; Ord. 2123-25, 10/6/2025)
“Co-living dwelling”
means a building with sleeping units that are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space, with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Co-living structures can also be referred to as congregate living facilities, single room occupancy, rooming house, boarding house, lodging house, and residential suites.
(Ord. 2109-25, 6/2/2025)
"Single-family dwelling"
means a detached building designed exclusively for occupancy by one family and containing one dwelling unit. A single-family dwelling unit shall measure not less than 15 feet in width; it shall have a roof with a pitch of not less than three feet in 12; and it shall be set on a permanent perimeter foundation.
Roofs with a pitch of less than three feet in 12 may be permitted on buildings of more than one story.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Dwelling unit"
means any building or portion thereof which contains living facilities, including provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation but not for more than one family.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Emergency housing"
means temporary indoor accommodations for individuals or families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless that is intended to address the basic health, food, clothing, and personal hygiene needs of individuals or families. Emergency housing may or may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement.
(Ord. 2056 § 1, 2022)
"Emergency shelter"
means an indoor 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. 2056 § 2, 2022)
"Essential public facilities"
means those facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, opioid treatment programs including both mobile and fixed-site medication units, recovery residences, harm reduction programs excluding safe injection sites, and inpatient facilities including substance use disorder treatment facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, community facilities as defined in RCW 72.05.020, and secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Family"
means one or more persons related by blood, marriage, adoption or a group of persons not related by blood or marriage living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit.
(Ord. 1579 § 1, 2003; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Fence"
means a wall or barrier for the purpose of enclosing space, separating property, providing security, reducing noise and/or visual impacts, and composed of materials manufactured specifically as fencing. The term "fence" does not include retaining wall or landscaping features including but not limited to trees, shrubs, hedges or other vegetation. Fence types are further defined in MMC § 17.44.080(B)(4).
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2069 § 2, 2023)
"Flea market"
means an occasional or periodic market held in an open area or structure where groups of individual sellers offer goods for sale to the public.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Floor area,"
for determining floor area ratio, means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building, measured from the exterior walls, or the centerline of walls separating two buildings. Included shall be basement floor area when more than one-half of the basement height is above the finished lot grade level, stairwells, elevator shafts, interior balconies and mezzanines, enclosed porches and floor area devoted to accessory uses. Not to be included is space devoted to off-street parking or loading.
For determining off-street parking and loading requirements, it means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of a building, or portion thereof, devoted to such use, including basement floor area used for retailing activities, to the production or processing of goods, or to business or professional offices. Not to be included is floor area devoted to off-street parking or loading facilities such as aisles, ramps, stalls, and maneuvering space.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Floor area ratio (FAR), net"
means the total floor area, exterior wall to exterior wall, of the building or the buildings on a zoning lot divided by the net area of the zoning lot after land required for roadway dedication, access corridors, or critical area protection, as required by Chapter 18.16 MMC (Critical Areas), is subtracted from the parcel area.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Lot grade"
means the average finished ground level at the center of all exposed walls of a building. In case walls are parallel to and within five feet of a sidewalk, the aboveground level shall be measured at the sidewalk.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Hardware store"
means an establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders' hardware, paint, and glass. Retail sales of nursery, lawn and garden supplies and lumber may be an accessory use to hardware stores. Utilization of outdoor areas for display and storage purpose may occur as an accessory use.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Health club"
means an establishment that provides facilities for aerobic exercises, running and jogging, exercise equipment, game courts, swimming facilities, saunas, showers, massage rooms and lockers. Health clubs may sell sporting goods and clothing as an accessory use.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Heliport"
means an area, either at ground level or elevated on a structure, licensed by the Federal Aviation Agency and approved for the loading, landing, and takeoff of helicopters and including auxiliary facilities, such as parking, fueling, maintenance, and waiting areas.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Home occupation"
means any activity conducted primarily for financial gain or profit in the principal residence, which is clearly incidental and secondary to the residential use of the property.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1579 § 2, 2003; Ord. 1762 § 2, 2010; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Hospital"
means an institution specializing in giving clinical, temporary and emergency services of a medical or surgical nature to human patients and licensed by state law, but not including those specializing in treatment of nervous or mental disorders or drug or alcohol abuse.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Hotel"
means a facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public, and which may provide such additional services as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment and recreational facilities.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Impervious surface"
means a hard surface area that prevents the natural infiltration of rainwater into the ground. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, roof tops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, packed earthen materials, and oiled macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of storm water.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Indoor spectator facility"
means those uses in Assembly Group A-4 intended for viewing of indoor sporting events and activities with spectator seating, unless specifically identified elsewhere in the table of uses. This includes, but is not limited to, arenas, skating rinks, swimming pools, tennis courts.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Inn"
means a facility containing six or fewer guest rooms, offering accommodations for transient lodging and feeding.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Land use administrator"
means the person who is authorized and directed to enforce the provisions of this code and to adopt policies and procedures in order to clarify the application of its provisions. The community development director, or other designee of the mayor, shall serve as land use administrator.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1484 § 3, 2001; Ord. 1663 § 16, 2006; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Landfill"
means a disposal facility or part of a facility at which solid waste is placed in or on land and which is not a land treatment facility.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Light manufacturing"
means smaller-scale manufacturing that is engaged in the process of making goods for consumers using light machinery and equipment within an enclosed building. It is characterized by minimal fumes, gases, vapors, noise, glare and other factors that would have a negative impact on surrounding properties and businesses.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Livestock"
means horses, bovine animals, sheep, goats, swine, donkeys, or mules.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Live-work unit"
means a mixed-use unit containing both residential and nonresidential areas to be used concurrently by the resident(s). May be part of a multi-unit development or a single unit.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Lodging"
means a facility offering transient sleeping accommodations to the general public, and which may provide such additional services as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment and recreational facilities.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Lot"
means a designated parcel, tract or area of land established by plat, subdivision, or as otherwise permitted by law, to be separately owned, used, developed or built upon.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Corner lot"
means a lot situated at the intersection of two streets. For purposes of calculating setback requirements, a corner lot has two front yards, two side yards, and no rear yard.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Lot depth"
means the average perpendicular distance between the front lot line and the rear lot line measured within the lot boundaries.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Lot line"
means a line of record bounding a lot that divides one lot from another lot, or from a public street or any other public space.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Rear lot line"
means the lot line opposite and most distant from the front lot line. In the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly-shaped lots, a line not less than 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
In no case shall the application of the above be interpreted as permitting a main building to locate closer than seven and one-half feet to any property line.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Nonconforming lot"
means a lot that has less than the minimum area or minimum dimensions required in the zone in which the lot is located, but which was in conformance with applicable zoning regulations at the time which the lot was created.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Panhandle lot" or "flag lot"
means a lot which has direct access to a road, via a portion of the same lot, that is smaller than the required minimum lot width. A panhandle lot has two portions, an access portion and a building site portion as shown below. The building site portion begins where the lot expands to meet the minimum lot width. The access portion (access corridor) is that portion of the lot that is smaller than the required minimum lot width and extends from the road to the buildable portion. For purposes of determining setbacks, the access portion shall be treated as right-of-way.
(Ord. 1853 § 2, 2014; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Lot of record"
means an area of land designated as a lot on a plat or a subdivision recorded or registered, pursuant to statute, with the auditor of Pierce or King County.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Through lot"
means a lot having two opposite lot lines abutting public streets which are usually more or less parallel to each other, not a corner lot. Both lot lines abutting streets shall be deemed front lot lines.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Lot width"
means the horizontal distance between the lot side lines measured at right angles to the line comprising the depth of the lot at a point midway between the lot front line and the lot rear line.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Zoning lot"
means a single tract of land located within a single block, which at the time of filing for a building permit is designated by its owner or developer as a tract to be used, developed or built upon a unit, under single ownership or control. A zoning lot may or may not coincide with a lot of record.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Lumber yard"
means an establishment primarily engaged in selling lumber and a general line of building materials, nursery, lawn, and garden supplies to the public. General line of building materials may include rough and dressed lumber, flooring, molding, doors, frames, roofing, siding, shingles, wallboards, paint, brick, tile, and cement.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Manufactured housing"
means factory-built, single-family structures that meet the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (42 U.S.C. Section 5401), commonly known as the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) code.
Manufactured housing which meets the definition of a single-family dwelling as set forth in MMC § 17.08.270 is allowed in all zones where single-family homes are permitted as an authorized use.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Collective garden"
means the growing, production, processing, transportation, and delivery of cannabis, by qualifying patients for medical use, as set forth in Chapter 69.51A RCW, and subject to the following conditions:
A. 
A collective garden may contain no more than 15 plants per patient up to a total of 45 plants;
B. 
A collective garden may contain no more than 24 ounces of usable cannabis per patient up to a total of 72 ounces of usable cannabis;
C. 
A copy of each qualifying patient's valid documentation, including a copy of the patient's proof of identity, must be available at all times on the premises of the collective garden;
D. 
No usable cannabis from the collective garden is delivered to anyone other than one of the qualifying patients participating in the collective garden;
E. 
A collective garden may contain separate areas for growing, processing, and delivering to its qualified patients; provided, that these separate areas must be physically part of the same premises, and located on the same parcel or lot. A location utilized solely for the purpose of distributing cannabis shall not be considered a collective garden; and
F. 
No more than one collective garden may be established on a single tax parcel.
(Ord. 1819 § 4, 2013; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
A. 
Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, all terms used in this section and in MMC § 17.44.110 shall have the meanings established pursuant to RCW 69.50.101.
B. 
"Marijuana"
means all parts of the plant cannabis, whether growing or not, with a THC concentration greater than zero point three percent on a dry weight basis; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin. The term does not include the mature stalks of the plant, fiber produced from the stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of the plants, any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, or cake, or the sterilized seeds of the plant which are incapable of germination.
C. 
"Marijuana processor"
means a person licensed by the state Liquor and Cannabis Board to process marijuana into usable marijuana and marijuana infused products, package and label usable marijuana and marijuana infused products for sale in retail outlets, and sell usable marijuana and marijuana infused products at wholesale to marijuana retailers.
D. 
"Marijuana producer"
means a person licensed by the state Liquor and Cannabis Board to produce and sell marijuana at wholesale to marijuana processors and other marijuana producers.
E. 
"Marijuana infused products"
means products that contain marijuana or marijuana extracts and are intended for human use. The term "marijuana infused products" does not include usable marijuana.
F. 
"Marijuana retailer"
means a person licensed by the state Liquor and Cannabis Board to sell usable marijuana and marijuana infused products in a retail outlet.
G. 
"Usable marijuana"
means dried marijuana flowers. The term "usable marijuana" does not include marijuana infused products.
(Ord. 1819 § 5, 2013; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Medical care facility"
means those uses intended for 24-hour care of more than five persons who are incapable of self-preservation in the IBC institutional group I-2 occupancy, unless specifically identified elsewhere in the table of uses, including, but not limited to, foster care facilities, detoxification facilities, hospice care centers, hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric hospitals.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Mercantile" means those uses included in Group M occupancy of the IBC unless specifically identified elsewhere in the table of uses. This includes the display and sale of merchandise, and involves stocks of goods, wares or merchandise incidental to such purposes and where the public has access. This includes, but shall not be limited to, department stores, drug stores, greenhouses for display and sale of plants that provide public access, markets, retail or wholesale stores, sales rooms.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Microbeverage production"
means an establishment that manufactures alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages for distribution on or off site, including microbreweries, microwineries, and coffee roasters. Microbeverage production facilities shall operate in conjunction with a tasting room, retail outlet, and/or food-serving establishment except in the M-1 zone, where it is allowed as a principal use as light manufacturing.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Microbrewery"
means a business known as a craft brewery that produces 5,000 barrels or less of beer per calendar year. A microbrewery must be licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Microdistillery"
means a business known as a craft distillery that produces 5,000 proof gallons or less of spirits per calendar year. A microdistillery must be licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Microwinery"
means a business engaged primarily in the production, including crushing, fermentation, aging, bottling, and distribution, of no more than 5,000 cases of wine per year. A microwinery must be licensed by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board and the federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Mobile home park"
means any platted parcel of land 15 acres or greater, containing spaces with required improvements and utilities that are leased for the long-term placement of manufactured houses.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Mortuary"
means an establishment that provides services for the preparation of deceased individuals for burial or cremation and may include rooms for remembrance services.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Motel"
means an establishment providing sleeping accommodations with a majority of all rooms having direct access to the outside without the necessity of passing through the main lobby of the building.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Nonconforming use"
means a use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision or amendment to this zoning code, but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision or amendment to conform to the present requirements of this code.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Open space"
means any parcel, lot 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, occupants, and their guests of land adjoining or neighboring such open space.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Common open space"
means land within or related to a development, not individually owned or dedicated for public use, that is designed and intended for the common use or enjoyment of the residents and their guests of the development. Such common open space may include such complementary structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Outdoor advertising display"
means any card, paper, cloth, metal, glass, wooden, or other display or device of any kind or character which is placed, painted, or printed for outdoor advertising purposes on the ground or on any tree, wall, rock, structure, fence or other object. This form of advertising is intended to be temporary in nature and differs from the definition of a sign in that respect.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Outdoor sales"
means the sale of products outside of a building or structure including garden supplies, lumberyards, construction supplies, and similar items. Does not include temporary sidewalk sales.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Outdoor storage"
means a commercial use in which an outdoor area is used for the long-term (more than 72 hours) retention of materials, containers and/or equipment. Outdoor storage does not include sale, repair, incineration, recycling or discarding of materials or equipment.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Private parking area"
means an open area other than a street, alley, or other public property limited to the parking of automobiles for the exclusive use of the owners, tenants, lessees, or occupants of the lot on which the parking area is located, or their customers, employees, or whomever else they permit to use the parking area.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Public parking area"
means an open area other than a street, alley, or private parking area as defined in this chapter, either privately or publicly owned, which area is available to the public and used for the parking of more than five automobiles.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Pasture"
means an area confined within a fence or other physical barrier and used for grazing or roaming of livestock.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Permanent supportive housing"
is subsidized, leased indoor housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices designed 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 is 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 is subject to all of the rights and responsibilities defined in Chapter 59.18 RCW.
(Ord. 2056 § 3, 2022)
"Person"
means an individual, firm, partnership, association or corporation; or a state, or any political subdivision of a state, or any agency or instrumentality thereof.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Personal and professional services"
means establishments primarily engaged in providing services to meet individuals' periodic personal needs. Examples include, but are not limited to, dental and medical offices, coin-operated laundries, dry cleaners, salons, barbershops, clothing alterations, tanning salons, travel agencies, upholstery cleaners, and personal improvement services.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Pet shop"
means an establishment dealing in buying and selling small animals and birds; provided no boarding or veterinary services are rendered except bathing and clipping of dogs and cats.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Public park"
means a public owned and maintained facility that provides for the recreational needs of local or regional residents.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Public utility"
means a private corporation performing a public service and subject to special governmental regulations, or a governmental agency performing a similar public service, the services by either of which are paid for directly by individual recipients of such service which includes, but is not limited to, water supply, electric power, gas, sewer service, and transportation of persons and freight recorded, filed for record with the auditor of either Pierce or King County, state of Washington.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Public utility facility"
means facilities serving a sub-area, entire city or region including power substations, water transmission lines, wireless base station, sewer collectors and pump stations, switching stations, gas transmission lines, water storage tanks and similar structures.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
For the purpose of this chapter, "recreational vehicle" means a vehicle-type portable structure without permanent foundation designed and manufactured for recreational use, which can be towed, hauled or driven. This definition includes, but is not limited to, travel trailers, truck campers, fifth wheel trailers, camping trailers, watercraft and self-propelled motor homes.
(Ord. 1717 § 1, 2008; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Recreational and cultural centers"
means those uses intended for recreation or amusement in the IBC Assembly Group A-3 occupancy, unless specifically identified elsewhere in the table of uses, including, but not limited to, amusement arcades, art galleries, bowling alleys, community halls, exhibition halls, funeral parlors, lecture halls, libraries, museums, pool and billiard parlors. It also includes gymnasiums, indoor swimming pools, and indoor tennis courts that do not have spectator seating.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Recyclable materials"
means solid wastes that are separated for recycling or reuse, such as papers, metals and glass, that are identified as recyclable material pursuant to the applicable county comprehensive solid waste plan.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Religious institution"
means an establishment of which the principal purpose is religious worship and for which the principal building or other structure contains the sanctuary or principal place of worship. Religious institutions include accessory uses such as assembly rooms, kitchens, libraries or reading rooms, recreation halls, a single one-family dwelling unit for religious staff, and religious educational classrooms which may be located in the main building or in separate buildings or structures. Private schools, private preschools, child day care, and facilities for residence of or training for religious orders are excluded from the definition of "religious institution."
(Ord. 2057 § 4, 2022)
"Residence"
means a building or structure, or portion thereof, which is designed for and used to provide a place of abode for human beings. The term "residence" includes the term "residential" as referring to the type, or intended use, of a building.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Retail sales"
means establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption, and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Rodeo"
means a public competition or exhibition in which skills such as riding broncos or roping calves are displayed.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Roof"
means a structure covering any portion of a building or structure, including the projections beyond the walls or supports.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Seat,"
for the purposes of determining parking ratios, means the capacity of fixed and unfixed seats as determined by the Occupancy Load Factor as set forth in the International Building Code (IBC).
(Ord. 2057 § 6, 2022)
"Semitrailer"
includes every vehicle without motive power designed to be drawn by a vehicle, motor vehicle, or truck tractor and so constructed that an appreciable part of its weight and that of its load rests upon and is carried by such other vehicle, motor vehicle, or truck tractor.
(Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Semitrailer storage lot" means a parking lot designated for the short-term or long-term lease of stalls for the storage of semitrucks, trailers or other commercial vehicles.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Setback line"
means that line that is the required minimum distance from any lot line and that establishes the area within which the principal structure must be erected or placed.
Setback lines abutting street frontages shall be measured after any dedication which may be required in conformance with MMC § 12.24.030.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Sewage treatment plant"
means facilities used to treat any liquid or waterborne waste of domestic origin or a combination of domestic, commercial, or industrial origin, and which by its design requires the presence of an operator for its operation, including alternative treatment works and package treatment plants.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Sign"
means a name, identification, description, display, or illustration which is affixed to or reproduced directly or indirectly upon a building, structure, or piece of land and which is used to advertise, identify, display, attract or direct attention to an event, object, product, place, activity, person, institution, organization, or business by any means including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Advertising sign"
means a sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than upon the premises where the sign is located.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Business sign"
means a sign which directs attention to a business or profession conducted, or to a commodity, service or entertainment sold or offered, upon the premises where the sign is located.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Similar use"
means a use deemed by the land use administrator as similar in character to uses specifically cited in Chapter 17.14 MMC. In making a determination that a use is similar to one specifically cited in Chapter 17.14 MMC, the land use administrator must find that the trip generation and type of traffic, parking and circulation, utility demands, environmental impacts, physical space needs, and clientele characteristics of the use differ no more than 10 percent from the characteristics of the use specifically cited in Chapter 17.14 MMC.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Site plan"
means a development plan, pursuant to Chapter 17.62 MMC, for one or more lots on which is shown the existing and proposed conditions of the lot, including topography, vegetation, drainage, flood plains, wetlands, and waterways; landscaping and open spaces; walkways; means of ingress and egress; circulation; utility services; structures and buildings, whether principal or accessory; signs and lighting; berms, buffers and screening devices; surrounding development or land uses; and any other information which reasonably may be required in order that an informed decision can be made by the planning commission regarding the suitability or appropriateness of the proposed development.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Solid waste"
means all putrescible and nonputrescible solid and semi-solid waste including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial waste, commercial waste, swill, sewage sludge, demolition and construction waste, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, discarded commodities and recyclable materials.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Special use"
refers to a land use which by way of its citation, or similarity to a citation, in Chapter 17.42 MMC, requires hearing examiner approval. Unless otherwise restricted by the terms and conditions at issuance of the special use permit, said permit shall run with the land as an overlay zoning district.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Sports arena"
means an enclosed building with tiered seating for the observation of sports events and other spectacles by assemblages of over 500 spectators.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Stable, private arena"
means a detached accessory building kept for the shelter and feeding of domestic animals, especially horses and cattle, owned by the occupants of the premises, and in which no animals are kept for hire, remuneration or sale.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Stadium"
means an open structure for sports events with tiered seating for assemblages of over 500 spectators.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Street"
means a public right-of-way which affords a primary means of access to abutting property.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Structural alteration"
means any change in the supporting members of a building or structure such as foundation, bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or floor joists, girders or rafters, or changes in the external dimensions of the building or structure, or increase in floor space.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Structure"
means anything constructed in the ground, or anything erected which requires location on the ground, or is attached to something having location on or in the ground, but not including fences less than six feet in height, retaining walls not over four feet, driveways, or other paved areas.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Studio"
means the workshop of an artist, sculptor, photographer, or craftsperson or a place for the production of radio or television programming.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Commercial swimming pool"
means a water-filled enclosure, permanently constructed or portable, having a depth of more than 18 inches below the level of the surrounding land, or an above-surface pool, having a depth of more than 30 inches, designed, used, and maintained for the swimming and bathing use of commercial patrons.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Theater"
means those uses in the IBC Assembly Group A-1 occupancy intended for the production and viewing of the performing arts or motion pictures.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Vehicle trailer"
means a vehicle without motor power designed to be drawn by motor vehicles and to be used for human habitation, or for carrying persons and property, including a trailer coach and any self-propelled vehicle having a body designed or converted to the same uses as a vehicle trailer without motor power.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Transitional housing"
means a project that provides indoor 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.
(Ord. 2056 § 4, 2022)
"Use"
means the purpose or activity for which the land, or building thereon, is designed, arranged or intended, or for which it is occupied or maintained, and includes any manner of performance of such activity with respect to the performance standards of this zoning code.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Variance"
means a deviation from current zoning requirements that, if granted, permits the owner to use the land in a manner not otherwise permitted by the zoning ordinance. It is not a change in the zoning law. Instead, it is a specific waiver of requirements of the zoning ordinance based on specific criteria.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Motor vehicle"
means a self-propelled device used for transportation of people or goods over land surfaces and licensed as a motor vehicle or an unlicensed off-road recreational vehicle. For this chapter, a motor vehicle means vehicles with no more than two axles and/or four wheels and a declared gross weight of 12,000 pounds or less. Includes passenger vehicles, light trucks, vans, motorcycles, or recreational vehicles.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Off-road vehicle"
means a vehicle designed for use on a variety of nonimproved surfaces and including dune buggies and all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, trail bikes, mopeds, and motor bikes.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Vehicle repair"
means the servicing and repair of motor vehicles or off-road vehicles, including the sale and installation of lubricants, tires, batteries, and similar vehicle accessories.
(Formerly 17.08.895; Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Vehicle sales"
means the use of any structure or premises for the display or sale of new or used motor vehicles or off-road vehicles, or recreation vehicles, and including any vehicle preparation or repair work conducted as an accessory use.
(Formerly 17.08.893; Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Vehicle wash"
means any building or premises or portions thereof used for washing motor vehicles or off-road vehicles.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Vocational school"
means secondary or higher education primarily teaching usable skills that prepare students for jobs in a trade and meeting the state requirements as a vocational facility.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Warehouse"
means a building used primarily for the indoor storage of goods and materials to be transported to retailers, distributors or customers.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
"Yard"
means an open space on a zoning lot which is unoccupied and unobstructed from its lowest level to the sky, except as otherwise permitted in the permitted intrusions in required yards in this code. A yard extends along and at right angles to a lot line to a depth or width specified in the yard regulations for the zoning district in which the zoning lot is located.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Front yard"
means a yard that extends along the full length of the front lot line, between the two side lot lines and to the closest residential or commercial structure on the same lot.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Rear yard"
means a yard that extends along the full length of the rear lot line, between the two side lot lines and to the closest residential or commercial structure on the same lot.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Side yard"
means a yard that extends along a side lot line from the front yard to the rear yard, between the side lot line and to the closest residential or commercial structure on the same lot.
(Ord. 1289 § 4, 1995; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Yard waste composting"
means the controlled aerobic degradation of yard waste only, for uses as a soil conditioner. The presence of anaerobic zones within the composting yard waste will not cause the process to be classified as other than composting. Natural decay of yard waste under uncontrolled conditions is not yard waste composting.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
"Zone"
means an area accurately defined as to boundaries and location, and classified by the zoning ordinance as available for certain types of uses, and within which other types of uses are excluded.
(Ord. 1405 § 2, 1999; Ord. 1912 § 1, 2017)
Unless indicated otherwise, "nonresidential zone" means a zoning district whose primary focus is not housing and includes the business district (B), neighborhood commercial (NC), town center mixed use (TCMX), urban mixed-use town center district (UMX), community facilities district (CF), light manufacturing district (M-1), and open space district (OS).
(Ord. 2069 § 4, 2023; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
[1]
Code reviser's note: Ord. 2069 set out this section as MMC § 17.08.944. It has been editorially renumbered to maintain alphabetical order of the definition sections.
Unless indicated otherwise, "residential zone" means a zoning district whose primary focus is housing and includes the neighborhood residential 1 district (NR1), neighborhood residential 2 district (NR2), and urban residential multifamily district (URM).
(Ord. 2069 § 3, 2023; Ord. 2105 § 2 (Exh. A), 2025)
[1]
Ord. 2069 set out this section as MMC § 17.08.942. It has been editorially renumbered to maintain alphabetical order of the definition sections.