For the purposes of this chapter certain terms used herein are defined as follows:
(A) 
All words in the present tense shall include the future tense. All words in the singular number shall include the plural number and all words in the plural number shall include the singular number, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise. The word "shall" is mandatory and not directory.
(B) 
All terms used in this chapter shall be as defined in the General Plan, including the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan glossaries, except as noted in this chapter.
(C) 
The definitions in this section apply only to Chapter 13.10 SCCC, unless explicitly referenced in other chapters of the SCCC.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"A"
means the Agricultural Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.310).
"Abutting, adjoining, adjacent"
means touching the subject parcel and not separated from the subject parcel by a road, street, or other property.
Accessory.
See "Use, accessory."
"Accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU"
means, in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.2, an attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residence. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking (area meeting the definition of "kitchen"), and sanitation. See also "junior accessory dwelling unit," "conversion ADU," and "new construction ADU."
Administrative Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Administrative Site Development Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015: "Site development permit."
Administrative Use Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015: "Use permit."
"Affordable housing"
means housing capable of purchase or rental by a person with average or below average income, as determined periodically by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development based on the median household income for Santa Cruz County.
"Affordable rental farmworker housing project," "ARFH project," or "affordable project"
means a subsidized, rent-restricted, multifamily rental housing development of more than 12 units developed by a nonprofit housing provider for lower-income farmworker households, pursuant to the Development Reserve established in the General Plan, and SCCC § 13.10.631(G).
"Agricultural employee"
means an employee engaged in agriculture, which includes farming in all its branches, including but not limited to the cultivation and tillage of the soil, dairying, the production, cultivation, growing, and harvesting of any agricultural or horticultural commodities, the raising of livestock, bees, furbearing animals, or poultry, and any practices performed by a farmer or on a farm as an incident to or in conjunction with such farming operations, including preparation for market and delivery to storage or to market or to carriers for transportation to market, as further defined in California Labor Code Section 1140.4(b). "Agricultural employee" also means farm worker, farmworker, or farm laborer. "Agricultural employee" does not include persons engaged in household domestic service, or certain employees of religious or charitable entities listed in Section 17005(b) and (c) of the California Employee Housing Act. Agricultural employees earn their primary income through permanent or seasonal agricultural labor.
Agricultural employee housing.
See "Farmworker housing."
"Agricultural employer"
means one engaged in agriculture who employs employees, as further defined in Labor Code Section 1140.4(c).
"Agricultural lands, Types 1, 2, and 3"
means agricultural land type designations applied pursuant to a County classified system as established in SCCC § 16.50.030 and § 16.50.040.
"Agricultural Policy Advisory Commission"
means an advisory commission created pursuant to Chapter 16.50 SCCC to advise the Board of Supervisors and Planning Commission on policy matters related to agricultural uses.
"Agricultural preserve"
means a contract between a landowner and Santa Cruz County establishing that certain land will be used only for agricultural purposes for a minimum of 10 years. The 10-year period is renewed every year. In recognition of this land use restriction, the landowner may receive preferential taxation on that land.
"Agricultural processing"
means the handling, processing, canning, packing, packaging, storing, refrigeration, or shipping of agricultural commodities produced primarily in Santa Cruz County as provided by SCCC § 13.10.632(B)(1). Does not include processing of animal products, lumber products, or non-agricultural commodities. Does not include routine harvesting and related handling activities incidental to agriculture.
"Agricultural service establishment"
means a business or service for hire engaged in activities to support agricultural production and marketing, such as application of agricultural chemicals, agricultural grading and land leveling, irrigation contracting, harvesting, hauling of produce and other agricultural products, farm equipment/appliance repair, and retail sales of agriculturally related material such as pipes, fertilizer, pesticides and other pest control supplies, farm vehicles and appliances, feed, and seed. Does not include manufacturing, plant nurseries, or processing.
"Agricultural use"
means agricultural activities including but not limited to the cultivation and tilling of soil, dairying, the production, cultivation, growing and harvesting of any agricultural commodity such as viticulture, horticulture, apiculture, the raising of livestock and poultry, agricultural processing, and other practices ancillary to a farming operation such as delivery to storage or market, and delivery to carriers for transport to market, all subject to the policies and regulations, standards, and criteria in the General Plan and SCCC.
"Agricultural use, commercial"
means agricultural uses conducted as a commercial venture for the purpose of achieving a return on investment.
"Agriculture"
means the art or science of cultivating the ground, including the harvesting of crops and the rearing and management of livestock; tillage; husbandry; farming; horticulture.
"Agri-tourism and education"
means visitor-oriented services, events, educational activities, and attractions with an agricultural theme that are conducted in conjunction with on-site agricultural uses. Such uses include but are not limited to farm dinners, educational activities, classes, workshops, tours, mazes, and petting zoos, and do not include weddings.
"Air strip"
means a landing strip for private planes of the property owner, employee, or guest; a noncommercial landing strip.
Alley.
See SCCC § 13.16.020.
Allowed Use.
See "Use, allowed."
"Amusement park"
means a site authorized for outdoor recreation consisting of rides, games of skill, and food concessions.
Ancillary.
See "Use, accessory."
"Ancillary to an agricultural use"
means a use that is compatible with, secondary to, and in support of the main agricultural use of the subject parcel, or where authorized in the Zoning Ordinance for the use, to other parcels in the County owned or leased by the same entity for commercial agricultural use.
"Animal, large"
means a domestic farm animal such as a horse, cow, pig, llama, sheep, or goat.
"Animal, small"
means fowl or a furbearing animal typically raised as outdoor pets or for products such as eggs or meat; includes animals such as poultry, rabbits, or chinchillas. Does not include household pets such as cats or dogs, hamsters, canaries, and aquarium fish.
Approving Body.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Appurtenant Use.
See "Use, accessory."
"Aquaculture"
means a form of agriculture as defined in Section 17 of the Fish and Game Code. Aquaculture products are agricultural products, and aquaculture facilities and land uses shall be treated as agricultural facilities and land uses in all planning and permit issuing decisions governed by this division.
"Arable land"
means land which is suitable for the cultivation of crops. Such land usually contains soils with a Natural Resources Conservation Service agricultural capability rating of I through IV and slopes of less than 25 percent.
Assessor's Parcel Map.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Assisted Living Facility.
See "Residential care facility for the elderly" and "Continuing care retirement community."
"Attached structure"
means a structure joined by a common wall or floor/ceiling assembly to another structure on the same property.
Attic.
For planning and zoning purposes, an attic is a non-habitable level between the top story of a building and the underside of the roof framing. An attic is not considered a "story" (see definition).
(1) 
Allowed features: windows; plywood flooring; unlimited headroom and floor area; one light fixture; water heater and HVAC system along with dedicated outlets as required under the California Building Code; and insulation. If insulation is installed beneath roof rafters, then it must also be installed between the attic and the story below.
(2) 
Prohibited features: conditioned space; sheetrock; permanent fixed stairs serving the attic area; decks accessed from the attic; electrical outlets other than those required for an HVAC system or water heater; and plumbing fixtures including sinks, toilets, and showers.
"Automobile fueling station"
means a facility limited to retail sales of fuel, motor oil, lubricants, propane, and charging electric vehicles. Such establishments may also include the ancillary sale of travel aides, convenience items, minor automobile accessories, prepackaged food items, and hot or fountain-type beverages.
"Automobile repair shop"
means a structure or portion thereof where automobiles or parts thereof are overhauled, repaired, rebuilt, or reconditioned, including body and fender work, upholstery service or painting.
"Automobile service station"
means an automobile fueling/charging station that provides incidental vehicle repair or tire service. Does not include body repair, painting, or upholstery installation.
"Automotive specialty establishment"
means a business providing specified services not involving repair, tire services, or body work. Examples of automotive specialty establishments include lube, oil change, smog check station, detailing, air conditioning service, batteries, glass installation, sound systems, and accessories.
Automobile Wrecking Yards.
See "Motor vehicle wrecking yard."
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3769 § 1, 1986; Ord. 4099 § 5, 1990; Ord. 4158 § 5, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4282 § 2, 1993; Ord. 4324A § 2, 1994; Ord. 4495 § 8, 1998; Ord. 4496-C § 59, 1998; Ord. 4836 § 104, 2006; Ord. 5239 § 9, 2017; Ord. 5264 § 14, 2018; Ord. 5265 § 13, 2018; Ord. 5325 § 21, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 21, 2020; Ord. 5413 § 3, 2022; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
Basement.
For planning and zoning purposes, a basement is a level below the first story of a structure, with at least 50 percent of the basement exterior perimeter wall area below grade, as measured from both existing and finished grade. No more than one wall of a basement may be completely exposed. Basements can include habitable and/or non-habitable space. Basement ceiling height is measured to the underside of the first story floor framing (joists or girders that directly support the floor sheathing). A basement is not considered a story.
"Bath or massage establishment"
means any establishment having a fixed place of business where baths or massages are provided, conducted, carried on, or permitted as a main or primary use.
"Bed and breakfast inn"
means a type of commercial visitor accommodation in which not more than 20 bedrooms are available for short-term rental not to exceed 30 days.
"Bedroom"
means any space in the conditioned (heated) area of a dwelling unit which is 70 square feet and greater in size and which is an exterior room, regardless of whether it is entered through a door, unless it is exempted as one of the following:
(1) 
Hall;
(2) 
Bathroom;
(3) 
Kitchen;
(4) 
Living room (maximum of one per dwelling unit);
(5) 
Dining room (opening off of the kitchen or living room, maximum one per dwelling unit);
(6) 
Family room (opening off of the kitchen or living room, maximum one per dwelling unit);
(7) 
Breakfast nook (opening off of the kitchen, maximum of one per dwelling unit); or
(8) 
Laundry room.
The Planning Director may grant exceptions, if, in their discretion, a room cannot, by its design, function as a bedroom.
Beer Manufacturing Facility.
See "Brewery."
"Block"
means the properties abutting on one side of a street between two intersecting or intercepting streets, or between an intersecting or intercepting street and a railroad right-of-way, unsubdivided land, or watercourse.
"Board"
("BOS") means the Board of Supervisors of the County of Santa Cruz.
"Brewery"
means a commercial beer manufacturing facility that produces beer over and above the amount for home consumption, and that is subject to a Type 23 license (small beer manufacturing) or a Type 01 license (large beer manufacturing) by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. A brewery that includes a restaurant is considered a brewpub, subject to the requirements of the applicable zone district.
"Brewpub"
means a beer manufacturing facility with a restaurant or pub on the premises where beer produced by the manufacturer is served. Additionally, other suppliers' beer as well as wine may be sold to patrons for consumption on the premises. Beer produced by the manufacturer may also be distributed locally or regionally. Brewpubs are subject to Type 01 or Type 23 licenses by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
"Buffer"
means a strip of land separating two distinct land uses, such as residential and commercial or residential and agricultural and which acts to soften or reduce the effect of one land use on another. Buffers may include such measures as landscaping, and/or physical barriers, and distance to produce the softening effect.
"Building"
means any permanent structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of any person, animal, or property, but not including mobile homes (see SCCC § 13.10.700-M), manufactured homes (see SCCC § 13.10.700-M), commercial modular as defined in the California Health and Safety Code, or any tent, recreational vehicle, or other non-permanent structure. A building is a type of "structure" (see definition).
"Building Official"
means the person appointed by the Planning Director to head the Permit and Inspection Services Section of the Planning Department.
Building Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Building site"
means an area of land occupied by or proposed as a location for a building or for a manufactured or mobile home on a permanent foundation.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 4119 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4122 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4346 § 35, 1994; Ord. 4396 § 2, 1995; Ord. 4496-C §§ 60, 61, 1998; Ord. 4836 § 105, 2006; Ord. 5266 § 10, 2018; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"C-1"
means the Neighborhood Commercial Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"C-2"
means the Community Commercial Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"C-3"
means the Workplace Flex Commercial Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"C-4"
means the Commercial Services Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"CA"
means the Commercial Agricultural Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.310).
"Campgrounds"
means land or premises which are used or intended to be used, let, or rented for temporary occupancy by campers traveling by automobile or otherwise, or for occupancy by tents or recreational vehicles.
"Camp, organized"
means a site having day and/or overnight use facilities for the purpose of conducting a supervised program which provides educational, spiritual, social, or recreational elements, subject to SCCC § 13.10.689 and § 13.10.692.
"Cannabis cultivation"
means the planting, growing, developing, propagating, harvesting, drying, processing, curing, grading, trimming, packaging, or storage of one or more cannabis plants or any part thereof in any location, indoor or outdoor, including within a fully enclosed and secure building. This definition should be read consistently with the definition for cannabis cultivation set forth in Chapter 7.128 SCCC, to the extent there may be minor differences. Cannabis cultivation is considered by the County of Santa Cruz to be an agricultural activity.
"Cannabis cultivation area"
means the sum of the canopy, immature plant growth area, and the nursery square footage, as applicable.
"Cannabis distribution"
means the activity of transporting cannabis or cannabis products between State-licensed cannabis businesses, and any ancillary activity, such as cannabis flower packaging, pre-roll packaging or labeling products, or storage between transport, that is conducted in association with the distribution activity.
"Cannabis manufacture (commercial)"
means the production, preparation, propagation, or compounding of manufactured cannabis products either directly or indirectly, or by extraction methods, independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, at a fixed location including any storage, packaging, or repackaging of cannabis products in conjunction with manufacture.
"Cannabis nursery"
means an operation with a Class N license engaged in activity or activities associated with producing clones, immature plants, and seeds. A cannabis nursery is a type of cultivation activity.
"Cannabis processing"
means all activities associated with the drying, curing, grading, trimming, rolling, storing, packaging, and labeling of non-manufactured cannabis products. Cannabis processing is a type of cultivation activity.
"Canopy"
means the designated area(s) at a licensed premises, except nurseries and processors, that will contain mature cannabis plants at any point in time, as follows:
(1) 
Canopy shall be calculated in square feet and measured using clearly identifiable boundaries of all area(s) that will contain mature cannabis plants at any point in time, including all of the space(s) within the boundaries;
(2) 
Canopy may be noncontiguous but each unique area included in the total canopy calculation shall be separated by an identifiable boundary that includes, but is not limited to, interior walls, shelves, greenhouse walls, hoop house walls, garden benches, hedgerows, fencing, garden beds, or garden plots; and
(3) 
If mature cannabis plants are being cultivated using a shelving system, the surface area of each level shall be included in the total canopy calculation.
"Cat"
means a domestic cat (Felis catus) of either sex, altered or unaltered, that has reached the age of four months.
"Club"
means any association or club activity except one whose chief activity is a service customarily carried on as a business.
"Coastal Zone"
means that portion of the Coastal Zone, as established by the California Coastal Act of 1976 and as it may subsequently be amended, which lies within the unincorporated area of Santa Cruz County.
Coastal Zone Principally Permitted Use.
See "Use, coastal zone principally permitted."
"Cogeneration"
means an energy system that simultaneously produces electricity and useful thermal energy for use in more than one building; including all storage and transmission facilities associated with the energy system.
Commercial Visitor Accommodations.
See "Visitor accommodations, commercial."
"Community event or fundraiser"
means a not-for-profit event with 100 or more guests of a civic, political, public, or educational nature such as a community dinner, festival, or other public gathering, on private residential or agricultural property. Such events may include the collection of fees, donations, or the sale of food or other goods, where the proceeds from the event are provided to a school or nonprofit organization.
"Compatibility analysis"
means an analysis, prepared by a certified forester, of the effect of a proposed use on the long-term management of timber resources on the parcel or parcels for which the use is proposed or which could be affected by the proposed use.
Conditional Site Development Permit.
See "Site development permit."
Conditional Use Permit.
See "Use permit."
Congregate Care Senior Housing.
See "Senior rental housing."
"Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)"
means a type of residential care for the elderly (RCFE) facility that offers a long-term continuing care contract that provides for housing, residential services, and nursing care, usually in one location, and usually for a resident's lifetime. CCRCs are considered a nonresidential land use, as they are care facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services (DSS), not housing developments which do not require a license from DSS.
"Conversion ADU"
means the conversion of any portion of a legal accessory structure, or any portion of a single-family dwelling, or any garage, for the purpose of creating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). Conversion ADUs can include demolition and rebuilding of a structure with the same footprint and building envelope. Conversion ADUs can also include additions of up to 150 square feet. Any conversion that exceeds this limit shall be considered a new construction ADU.
Corner Sight Clearance Triangle.
See "Sight distance triangle."
Corridor Access Lot.
See "Lot, corridor access."
"Cottage industry"
means a type of home occupation involving production of food and other hand-crafted products. See also: "Hand-made product fabrication and sale."
"Country club"
means a private club having recreation facilities often including a golf course.
County Design Criteria.
See SCCC § 13.16.020.
Countywide Design Guidelines.
See SCCC § 13.11.030.
"Crop production"
means planting, cultivating, growing, harvesting, and drying of crops such as vegetables, orchard crops, berries, flowers, field crops (hay, grain, hops, seed, turf), vineyards, and dry land farming. Does not include container crops, hoop houses, hydroponics, mushrooms, or other crops grown in structures or nurseries.
"CT"
means the Coastal/Tourist Commercial Zone District.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 22, 1985; Ord. 3756 § 4, 1986; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4346 § 36, 1994; Ord. 4496-C § 62, 1998; Ord. 4808 §§ 22, 23, 2005; Ord. 4873 § 11, 2007; Ord. 5095 § 3, 2011; Ord. 5115 § 3, 2012; Ord. 5124 § 3, 2012; Ord. 5182 § 12, 2014; Ord. 5239 § 10, 2017; Ord. 5264 § 15, 2018; Ord. 5265 § 14, 2018; Ord. 5272 § 1, 2018; Ord. 5302 § 5, 2019; Ord. 5334 § 8, 2020; Ord. 5336 § 8, 2020; Ord. 5382 § 7, 2021; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Day care center"
means a State-licensed commercial facility which provides nonmedical care for children or adults in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance, for periods of less than 24 hours per day.
"Day care home, family"
means a dwelling in which an occupant provides care, protection, and supervision of up to 14 children, for periods of less than 24 hours a day, in accordance with a State license, and which meets the definition and land use regulations for large or small family day care homes as provided in the California Health and Safety Code.
"Density"
means the number of primary dwelling units or the number of people per acre of land or other given land area. Appropriate density ranges are provided for each land use designation in the General Plan and each zone district in the SCCC. Maximum allowed density is calculated as follows:
(1) 
Within the USL/RSL, maximum density is based on gross site area, minus any coastal bluffs, beaches, and all land seaward of the mean high tide line of Monterey Bay.
(2) 
Outside the USL/RSL, maximum density is based on net developable site area and the rural density matrix, per Chapter 13.14 SCCC.
(3) 
Maximum density on both urban and rural parcels may be restricted by an overriding minimum lot size based on the presence of resources, as provided in the General Plan and SCCC Title 16.
(4) 
Where a parcel has multiple designations on the land use map or multiple zone districts on the zoning map, consistency with the General Plan and LCP is met by conforming to the different density limits for the different portions of the property.
(5) 
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs) do not count toward density calculations.
"Density bonus"
means the allocation of development rights that allow a parcel to accommodate additional residential units beyond the maximum for which the parcel is zoned, usually in exchange for the provision of affordable unit(s) pursuant to Chapter 17.12 SCCC.
"Department"
means the County Planning Department.
"Depth, front yard" or "depth, parcel" or "depth, site"
means the horizontal distance between the front property line or the edge of the road right-of-way and the rear property line of a site measured along a line midway between the side property lines. The depth of a corridor lot shall be measured from the rear line of the corridor.
"Detached structure"
means a structure that is freestanding or attached to another structure by a breezeway.
"Developable land"
means land which is suitable as a location for structures and which can be improved through normal and conventional means, free of development hazards as defined in SCCC Title 16, and without disruption or significant impact on natural resource areas. The following areas shall not be considered as developable land:
(1) 
Public or private rights-of-way designated for vehicle access.
(2) 
Lands with slopes greater than 30 percent and geologic hazard areas as described in SCCC § 16.10.080.
(3) 
Riparian corridors and riparian buffer zones as described in SCCC § 16.30.040.
(4) 
Lakes, marshes, sloughs, wetlands, and other sensitive habitats and buffers as described in Chapter 16.32 SCCC.
(5) 
Any other areas unsuitable for development as described in SCCC Title 16.
See also definition of "Site area, net developable."
"Development"
means, on land, in or under water, the placement or erection of any solid material or structure; discharge or disposal of any dredged material or of any gaseous, liquid, solid, or thermal waste; grading, removing, dredging, mining, or extraction of any materials; change in the density or intensity of use of land, including but not limited to subdivision pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act (commencing with Section 66410 of the Government Code), and any other division of land, including lot splits, except where the land division is brought about in connection with the purchase of such land by a public agency for public recreational use; change in the intensity of use of water, or of access thereto; construction, reconstruction, demolition, or alteration of the size of any structure, including any facility of any private, public, or municipal utility; and the removal or harvesting of major vegetation other than for agricultural purposes, kelp harvesting, and timber operations which are in accordance with a timber harvesting plan submitted pursuant to the provisions of the Z'berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 (commencing with Section 4511).
"Dining establishment"
means a business located in a building that sells food or beverages for immediate consumption. Includes restaurants, coffee shops/cafes, food kiosks, fast food establishments, and specialty food establishments such as bakeries, delicatessens, and ice cream shops. Dining establishments may be located within other land uses such as grocery stores and bars.
"Director"
means the County Planning Director, or their authorized representative, appointed pursuant to law.
Discretionary Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Distillery"
means a commercial manufacturing facility for the production, packaging, bottling, rectifying, and flavoring of distilled spirits. A distillery is subject to a Type 04 license (distilled spirits manufacturer) or other appropriate license by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. The distillery may also include administrative offices, marketing, tours, public tasting, and wholesale and retail sales of distilled spirits.
"Dog"
means a domestic dog (Canis familiaris) of either sex, altered or unaltered, that has reached the age of four months.
"Drive-in uses"
means all those facilities where:
(1) 
Food, goods, or services are dispensed to occupants of automobiles parked in designated spaces without the need to wait in line, including car-service restaurants.
(2) 
Nonmechanical maintenance is performed on a vehicle parked in a designated space, usually while a customer remains on the premises, including conveyor type car washes and holding-tank dumping stations.
"Drive-through use"
means any use which provides goods or services to occupants of automobiles at a pick-up station. Drive-through uses at dining establishments are not permitted.
"Duplex"
means a dwelling including two attached dwelling units on one parcel. Duplexes are considered multifamily dwellings in terms of zoning regulations and single-family structures under the building code.
"Dwelling group"
means a group of two or more detached single-family dwelling units occupying a parcel of land in one ownership and having any yard or court in common.
"Dwelling, multifamily"
means a structure containing more than one attached dwelling unit on the same parcel. Multifamily dwelling types include apartments, rental townhomes, and condominiums.
"Dwelling, single-family—attached"
means one dwelling unit on one parcel of land that is attached to another single-family dwelling unit on another parcel of land by a common wall extending from the foundation to the roof at the property line. Common names for attached single-family dwellings include for-sale townhomes and semi-detached units. A single dwelling unit that is attached to a nonresidential structure is considered a single-family dwelling.
"Dwelling, single-family—detached"
means one dwelling unit with open space on all sides.
"Dwelling unit"
means a structure for human habitation providing complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, with interior connection throughout the structure. Automobile trailers, hotels, motels, labor camps, tents, railroad cars, and temporary structures shall not be deemed dwelling units. Primary dwelling units may be associated with "accessory dwelling units (ADUs)" or "junior accessory dwelling units (JADUs)" (see definitions). A primary dwelling unit may include one "kitchen" and one "efficiency kitchen" (see definitions). If a primary dwelling unit includes a JADU, then an additional efficiency kitchen outside the JADU is not allowed. A tiny home on wheels, as defined in SCCC § 13.10.700-T, may be used as a dwelling unit.
Dwelling Unit, Accessory.
See "accessory dwelling unit (ADU)" and "junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU)."
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 23, 1985; Ord. 3682 § 1, 1985; Ord. 4099 § 5, 1990; Ord. 4426 § 3, 1996; Ord. 4518-C § 1, 1999; Ord. 4737 § 3, 2003; Ord. 4808 § 24, 2005; Ord. 5264 § 16, 2018; Ord. 5265 § 15, 2018; Ord. 5286 § 9, 2018; Res. 79-2019, 2019; Ord. 5305 § 9, 2019; Ord. 5325 § 22, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 22, 2020; Ord. 5413 § 4, 2022; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
Efficiency Kitchen.
See "Kitchen, efficiency."
"Electric vehicle charging station"
means equipment that connects an electric vehicle to a source of electricity for the purpose of recharging. Electric vehicle charging stations may be stand-alone or co-located with automobile fueling stations.
"Emergency shelter"
means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to nighttime occupancy by clients.
"Energy facility"
means any public or private processing, producing, generating, storing, transmitting, or recovering facility for electricity, natural gas, petroleum, coal, or other energy resource; excluding solar energy systems (refer to SCCC § 13.10.700-S), wind energy conversion systems (refer to SCCC § 13.10.700-W), and cogeneration (refer to SCCC § 13.10.700-C).
Environmental Clearance.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 5083 § 3, 2010; Ord. 5325 § 25, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 25, 2020; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Farmstay" or "farmstay/homestay"
means a food and lodging facility operated in the principal residence, second unit, habitable accessory structure, or dwelling group of a farm. The host farm must meet the definition of a farm in California Food and Agriculture Code Section 52262 and generate its primary farm income through agricultural production. Food service is incidental to the farmstay.
"Farmworker housing"
means employee housing for agricultural employees, or any other type of farmworker housing project authorized by SCCC § 13.10.631, as further defined therein.
"Feasible"
means capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, and technological factors.
"Fence"
means any construction of wood, metal, plastic, earth, or other materials obstructing the clear view, but not including a structure as defined herein or a hedge.
"Floor area, gross"
(or "floor area") means all covered and enclosed habitable and non-habitable floor area with a floor-to-ceiling height equal to or greater than seven feet zero inches, measured from exterior faces of exterior walls. Gross floor area calculations shall consider the following:
(1) 
"Covered and enclosed"
for the purposes of this calculation means having a roof and four walls.
(2) 
In spaces with exposed structural beams, floor-to-ceiling height is measured from the floor to the underside of rafters or beams (not including collar ties).
(3) 
In spaces with varying floor-to-ceiling height (such as attics), only portions of the space where floor-to-ceiling height is at least seven feet zero inches are counted.
(4) 
Residential spaces with ceiling heights greater than 18 feet are counted twice, and greater than 27 feet are counted three times.
(5) 
Staircases and elevator shafts are counted in the gross floor area calculation on each story where they occur.
(6) 
Gross floor area calculations do not include:
(a) 
Small detached non-habitable accessory structures that do not require a building permit per SCCC § 12.10.315(A).
(b) 
"Underfloor"
areas (see definition).
(c) 
Structural protections above ground level such as eaves, fireplace chases, cantilevered decks, and bay windows.
(d) 
Exterior staircases (unless covered and enclosed).
"Floor area, habitable,"
for the purposes of planning and zoning, means the portion of the gross floor area used for living, sleeping, eating, or cooking, and meeting minimum building code requirements for these activities. Habitable floor area shall exclude garages, carports, attics, utility rooms, and any other area that is not used for human habitation.
"Floor area, net"
means the gross floor area minus the following areas:
(1) 
"Attics"
(see definition);
(2) 
"Basements"
(see definition);
(3) 
"Mezzanine"
levels (see definition);
(4) 
Nonresidential parking structures;
(5) 
Up to 225 square feet of garage space per single- or multifamily dwelling unit; and
(6) 
Up to 140 square feet of covered and enclosed front porches.
"Floor area ratio" or "FAR"
means the net floor area divided by the gross site area.
"Foster home"
means a private home including "foster" family homes and "group homes" licensed by the County Human Services Department or the State Department of Social Services in which one or more children under 19 years of age, not related to the proprietary family, are resident on a more or less permanent basis and in which said children participate in family relationships with said proprietary family.
"Frontage"
means the property line of a site abutting on a street or on the edge of a right-of-way, not including the side line of a corner lot.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3593 § 17, 1984; Ord. 4119 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4122 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4158 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 5095 § 4, 2011; Ord. 5115 § 4, 2012; Ord. 5124 § 4, 2012; Ord. 5321 § 5, 2019; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Games establishment"
means a commercial establishment containing six or more pinball machines, electronic video-screen games, football games, hockey games, skeebowls, or any other similar games or machines for the use of which fees are paid directly into the machines or to an operator.
"Garage" or "carport"
means a non-habitable accessory structure or a portion of a main structure, having a permanent roof, and designed for the storage of motor vehicles and large enough to accommodate at least one compact car parking space.
"Gardening, family"
means the noncommercial raising for family use of vegetables, berries, trees, fruits, vines, grapes, flowers, ornamental trees, or shrubs.
Gasoline Station.
See "Automobile fueling/charging station."
"GH"
means the Geologic Hazards Combining District (SCCC § 13.10.420).
"Greenhouse"
means a permanent, sunlight-based structure used for production of agricultural crops, either container grown or in-situ (soil based). Does not include temporary shade structures usually comprised of plastic film stretched over a flexible frame, often referred to as hoop houses.
Gross Site Area.
See "Site area, gross."
"Group quarters"
means, per the U.S. Census, a place where people live or stay, in a group living arrangement, that is owned or managed by an entity or organization providing housing and/or services for the residents. These services may include custodial or medical care as well as other types of assistance, and residency is commonly restricted to those receiving these services. Group quarters include such places as college residence halls, residential treatment centers, skilled nursing facilities, group homes, military barracks, correctional facilities, and workers' dormitories. Group quarters are considered a nonresidential land use type, not housing.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 24, 1985; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4282 § 3, 1993; Ord. 4324A § 3, 1994; Ord. 4921 § 19, 2008; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"H"
means the Affordable Housing Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.430).
"Habitable accessory structure"
means a detached, subordinate structure, the use of which is appropriate, subordinate, and customarily incidental to that of the main structure or the main use of the land and which is located on the same site with the main structure or use and contains all of the required amenities and any of the allowed amenities for habitable structures shown in Table 13.10.611-1.
Habitable Floor Area.
See "Floor area, habitable."
"Hand-made product fabrication and sale"
means a commercial business or cooperative "maker" space that is not conducted from a dwelling unit and involves the fabrication and sale of hand-made products. See also "Cottage industry."
"Health facility"
means any facility, place, or building which is organized, maintained, and operated for the diagnosis, care, and treatment of human illness, physical or mental, including convalescence and rehabilitation and including care during and after pregnancy, or for any one or more of these purposes, for one or more persons, to which such persons are admitted for a 24-hour stay or longer, per the California Code of Regulations. Health facilities, which include clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (nursing homes), intermediate care facilities, and other types of health facilities, are licensed by the California Department of Public Health and are a nonresidential land use.
"Hedge"
means a row of closely planted shrubs or low growing trees forming a barrier or boundary.
"Height of structure"
is the vertical distance from the ground to the uppermost point of the structure. Height at exterior walls is measured from existing or finished grade, whichever is lower. Height within the footprint of a new structure is measured from existing grade. Height within the footprint of an existing structure is measured from a projected line through the building from the grade at the exterior walls. Height limits are specified for each zone district, with special height requirements applying to certain land uses. Certain architectural features may exceed height requirements per SCCC § 13.10.510.
"Historic theme park"
means a park or commercial amusement establishment, the design and contents of which have a basis in the history of a place or area and which therefore have an educational focus.
"Home occupation"
means an accessory use, which is secondary to the primary residential use, for gainful employment involving the manufacture, provision, or sale of goods or services performed by a full-time inhabitant of the unit that does not affect the residential character of the property or neighborhood, subject to SCCC § 13.10.613. Secondary commercial weddings and similar celebrations, and community events and fundraisers, are not eligible to be permitted as home occupations.
"Hoop house"
means an agricultural shade structure as described in SCCC § 12.10.315.
"Hosted rental"
means a dwelling unit where a property owner or long-term resident acting as host occupies one bedroom in a dwelling unit while one or two legal bedrooms are rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period of less than 30 days, subject to SCCC § 13.10.690.
"Hostel"
means a dormitory style facility for temporary occupancy visitor accommodations.
"Hotel"
means a structure or portion thereof with furnished individual guest rooms or suites, which maintains an interior lobby through which tenants must pass to gain access to guest rooms or suites, providing overnight accommodation with or without meals for compensation. Hotels are Type A visitor accommodations subject to SCCC § 13.10.689.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3593 § 18, 1984; Ord. 3632 § 25, 1985; Ord. 4099 § 5, 1990; Ord. 4194 § 2, 1992; Ord. 4921 § 21, 2008; Ord. 5095 § 5, 2011; Ord. 5124 § 5, 2012; Ord. 5182 § 13, 2014; Ord. 5266 § 9, 2018; Ord. 5346 § 8, 2020; Ord. 5366 § 8, 2021; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"I"
means the Statement of Intention Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.440).
"Immature plant" or "immature"
means a cannabis plant which has a first true leaf measuring greater than one-half inch long from base to tip (if started from seed) or a mass of roots measuring greater than one-half inch wide at its widest point (if vegetatively propagated), but which is not flowering.
"Immature plant cultivation area"
means the specific area on a site where activities associated with producing clones, immature plants, and seeds take place.
Incidental.
See "Use, accessory."
Industry, Light; Industry, Heavy.
See SCCC § 13.10.340, et seq.
"Intensification of use, nonresidential"
means any change or expansion of a nonresidential use which will result in both a greater than 10 percent increase in vehicle trips and more than 110 new daily vehicle trips.
Intensification of Use, Residential.
Any change to a residential use which results in an increase of its number of bedrooms, as defined in SCCC § 13.10.700-B, shall be an "intensification of use" for the purposes of this chapter.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 26, 1985; Ord. 4285 § 2, 1993; Ord. 4346 § 37, 1994; Ord. 4525 §§ 10, 11, 1998; Ord. 5119 § 33, 2012; Ord. 5302 § 6, 2019; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Junior accessory dwelling unit" or "JADU"
means, in compliance with California Government Code Section 65852.22, a residential living area contained within a proposed or existing single-family residence that is no more than 500 square feet in size. JADUs can include additions to an existing structure of no more than 150 square feet. JADUs shall include independent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, and cooking (area meeting the definition of efficiency kitchen but not a standard kitchen), and shared or separate sanitation facilities with the main dwelling unit. See also "Accessory dwelling unit."
"Junk yard"
means a site or portion of a site on which waste or discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, cleaned, packed, disassembled, or handled, including used furniture and household equipment yards, used lumber yards and the like, excepting a site on which uses are conducted within a completely enclosed structure and excepting motor vehicle wrecking yards as defined in this chapter. An establishment for the sale, purchase, or storage of used cars or salvaged machinery in operable condition or for the processing of used or salvaged materials as part of a manufacturing operation shall not be deemed a junk yard.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5325 § 23, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 23, 2020; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Kennel"
means any lot, building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon or wherein are kept five or more dogs, cats, or similar small animals over the age of four months in any combination for more than five days, whether such keeping is for pleasure, profit, breeding, or exhibiting and including places where dogs or cats or similar small animals in any combination are boarded, kept for sale, or kept for hire.
"Kitchen"
means any room or portion of a room used or intended or designed to be used for cooking and/or the preparation of food and containing all of the following: a sink having a drain outlet larger than one and one-half inches in diameter, a refrigerator larger than two and one-half cubic feet, a built-in permanent cooking appliance typically including a full-size gas or 220-volt electric range/oven with a range/hood ventilation system, and space for food preparation and storage. See also "Efficiency kitchen."
"Kitchen, catering"
means an area where final food preparations are made and where food is warmed prior to serving. A catering kitchen does not have commercial cooking equipment that would require a hood or fire extinguishing system.
"Kitchen, efficiency"
means limited kitchen facilities including a sink, a refrigerator, small electric kitchen appliances that do not require electrical service greater than 120 volts, an appropriately sized food preparation counter, and storage cabinets. Full-sized electric, gas, or propane cooking appliances are not allowed in an efficiency kitchen.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5325 § 24, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 24, 2020; Ord. 5382 § 7, 2021; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"L"
means the Historic Landmark Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.450).
"Laboratory, biomedical"
means any facility that is especially equipped for medical or pharmaceutical experimentation, testing, procedures, research, development, or production, excluding any equipment that is used exclusively for the injection of biological agents, the drawing of blood from animals, or the separation of animal blood into serum and plasma.
"Laboratory, dry"
means a facility for making computer simulations or for data analysis, especially by computers.
"Laboratory, wet"
means a facility where drugs, chemicals, and other types of biological matter can be analyzed and tested by using various liquids.
Land Division.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Landscaped Area.
See SCCC § 13.11.030.
"LCP"
means the Local Coastal Program.
Legislative Action.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Livestock"
means any grazing, browsing, or similar equine, porcine, bovine, ovine, or other ruminant, including but not limited to any horse, pony, mule, donkey, pig, hog, cow, ox, sheep, goat, or llama, excepting those prohibited by SCCC Title 6.
"Livestock operation, biomedical"
means an agricultural livestock management operation that uses livestock for experimentation or for the production of any biomedical or pharmaceutical product or by-product. A biomedical research facility, as defined by Federal or State law, and when physically separated from any biomedical laboratory, may be considered a biomedical livestock operation under this definition.
"Lot"
means a parcel of land designated on a subdivision final map or parcel map.
"Lot, corner"
means a lot bounded by two or more adjacent streets which intersect at an angle between 45 and 135 degrees, or a lot bounded by one street that bends at an angle between 45 and 135 degrees. The property owner has one opportunity to choose which yard is front and which yard is side, depending on which configuration causes development on site to be more conforming with site standards.
"Lot, corridor access"
means a parcel with access to a street by means of a corridor having frontage and width less than that required by the applicable zone district for the site. Also known as a "flag lot."
"Lot coverage"
means the percentage of the gross site area covered by structures (see definition of "structure"). Lot coverage calculations shall exclude:
(1) 
Eaves, fireplace chases, cantilevered decks, bay windows, or other structural projections above ground level;
(2) 
Nonresidential parking structures;
(3) 
Up to 225 square feet of garage space per single- or multifamily dwelling unit; and
(4) 
Up to 140 square feet of covered and enclosed front porches.
"Lot, double frontage"
means an interior lot having its front and rear property lines abutting on streets, alleys, or other rights-of-way to which it has legal access, or a corner lot bounded by two streets intersecting at an angle of less than 45 degrees. Both front and rear property lines on double frontage lots are subject to front yard setback requirements unless otherwise noted in the SCCC.
"Lot, interior"
means a lot other than a corner lot.
"Lot line"
means a line separating a lot from another lot or from a street. Front lot lines always separate a lot from a street.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3593 § 19, 1984; Ord. 4158 § 7, 1991; Ord. 4474-C § 2, 1998; Ord. 4836 §§ 106, 107, 2006; Ord. 5061 § 21, 2009; Ord. 5305 § 10, 2019; Ord. 5325 § 25, 2020; Ord. 5326 § 25, 2020; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"M-1"
means the Light Industrial Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.340).
"M-2"
means the Heavy Industrial Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.340).
"M-3"
means the Mineral Extraction Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.340).
"Major structural components"
means the foundation, floor framing, exterior wall framing, and roof framing of a structure. Exterior siding, doors, window glazing, roofing materials, decks, chimneys, and interior elements including but not limited to interior walls and sheetrock, insulation, fixtures, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing elements are not considered major structural components.
"Manufactured home"
means, per California Health and Safety Code Section 18007, a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein, and which complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Section 5401, et seq.). Manufactured homes on foundations are subject to SCCC § 13.10.682.
Massing.
See SCCC § 13.11.030.
"Matrix system"
means a set of specific criteria which determines rural residential densities within General Plan density ranges based on the degree of physical development hazards or constraints present, the presence of natural resources to be protected and utilized, the adequacy of access and the level of public services and facilities available, and the existing land use pattern in the area. (See Chapter 13.14 SCCC, Rural Residential Density Determinations.)
"Matrix unit"
means a dwelling unit determined and allowed by the rural residential density determination matrix (Chapter 13.14 SCCC).
"Mezzanine."
For planning and zoning purposes, a "mezzanine" is an intermediate level (such as a loft) between the floor and ceiling of a room, with a maximum floor area equal to one-third of the room area in which it is located. A mezzanine is not considered to be a "story" (see definition). An intermediate level with a floor area greater than one-third of the room in which it is located is a "story." Stairways and intermediate landings are not counted as part of mezzanine area.
Microbrewery.
See "Brewpub."
"Microgrid"
means a self-sufficient energy system that serves a small geographic area, such as a college campus, hospital complex, business center, or neighborhood. Within microgrids are one or more kinds of distributed energy such as solar panels, wind turbines, and combined heat and power, that produce its power. The microgrid may be attached to a centralized grid but is also able to function independently.
Ministerial Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Minor Exception.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Minor Use Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015: "Use permit."
Minor Variation.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Minor Site Development Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015: "Site development permit."
"Mobile home"
means, per California Health and Safety Code Section 18008, a structure that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a permanent foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Mobile homes must meet all the California State standards for mobile homes in effect at the time of construction.
"Mobile home park"
means any area or tract of land where two or more lots are sold, rented, or leased or held out for sale, rent, or lease to accommodate mobile homes, manufactured homes or recreational vehicles used for human habitation. The rental paid for any such mobile home shall be deemed to include rental to the lot it occupies.
"Mobile home sales lot"
means a site authorized for the parking and display of unoccupied mobile homes or manufactured homes which are available for sale, rent, or lease and may include recreational vehicles or travel trailers, but does not include commercial vehicles or commercial trailers.
"Motel"
means a structure or portion thereof or a group of attached or detached structures containing completely furnished individual guest rooms or suites, usually with garage attached or parking space located in proximity to each unit, and without a lobby through which tenants must pass to gain access to guest rooms or suites. Overnight accommodation with or without meals is provided for compensation. Motels are Type A visitor accommodations subject to SCCC § 13.10.689.
"Motor vehicle wrecking yard"
means a site or portion of a site on which the dismantling or wrecking of used vehicles, whether self-propelled or not, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts, is conducted. The presence on a site of three or more motor vehicles which have not been capable of operating under their own power for 30 days or more, or in the case of vehicles not self-propelled, which have not been towable or from which parts have been removed for reuse or sale, shall constitute prima facie evidence of a motor vehicle wrecking yard.
"MP"
means mining permit (Chapter 16.54 SCCC).
Multifamily Dwelling.
See "Dwelling, multifamily."
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3632 § 27, 1985; Ord. 4036 § 8, 1989; Ord. 4119 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4122 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4346 § 38, 1994; Ord. 5090 § 1, 2011; Ord. 5119 § 34, 2012; Ord. 5169 § 5, 2013; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
Net Developable Area.
See "Site area, net developable."
"New construction ADU"
means any ADU that does not meet the definition of conversion ADU. A tiny home on wheels may be used as a new construction ADU.
"Nonconforming structure"
means a structure that was lawfully erected prior to adoption, revision, or amendment of this chapter but that does not conform with standards for lot coverage, setbacks, height, number of stories, distance between structures, or floor area ratio currently prescribed in the regulations for the zoning district in which the structure is located.
"Nonconforming use"
means a use of structure or land that was legally established and maintained prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of this chapter but does not conform to the current use standards, and density standards where applicable, of the zone district and/or the General Plan/Local Coastal Program land use designation in which the use is located. A nonconforming structure is not a nonconforming use. A legally established use shall not be deemed nonconforming due to the lack of a use permit.
"Non-habitable accessory structure"
means a detached, subordinate structure, the use of which is appropriate, subordinate, and customarily incidental to that of the main structure or the main use of the land and which is located on the same site with the main structure or use and contains some or all of the required amenities and some or all of the allowed amenities for non-habitable structures shown in Table 13.10.611-1.
Nursing Home.
See "Skilled nursing facility."
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3632 § 28, 1985; Ord. 4099 § 5, 1990; Ord. 4368 § 2, 1995; Ord. 4525 § 12, 1998; Ord. 4921 § 22, 2008; Ord. 5119 §§ 35, 36, 2012; Ord. 5239 § 11, 2017; Ord. 5346 § 8, 2020; Ord. 5366 § 8, 2021; Ord. 5413 § 5, 2022; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"O"
means the Open Space Easement Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.460).
"Offices, administrative or executive"
means offices pertaining to the management of office operations or the direction of enterprises but not including merchandising or sales offices.
"Offices, professional"
means offices pertaining to the practice of the professions and arts, including but not limited to architecture, dentistry, engineering, law, and medicine, but not including the sale of drugs or prescriptions except as incidental to the principal use and where there is no external evidence of such incidental use.
Off-Street Loading Berth.
See SCCC § 13.16.020.
Off-Street Parking Facilities.
See SCCC § 13.16.020.
"Open space easement contract"
means a contract between a landowner and Santa Cruz County to restrict the development of land in return for a property tax reduction or stabilization; the minimum term of the contract is 10 years. The 10-year period is renewed every year. Open space easement contracts required as a condition of a development approval shall be in perpetuity.
"Open space easement dedication"
means an irrevocable offer of dedication to the County or other public or private agency acceptable to the County for open space, scenic, public access, or recreation purposes.
"Outdoor advertising structure"
means a structure of any kind or character erected or maintained for outdoor advertising purposes, upon which any outdoor advertising sign may be placed.
"Over-height fence certification"
means a discretionary approval allowing fence height above the height specified in SCCC § 13.10.525(C), subject to the requirements of SCCC § 13.10.525(E).
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3787-B § 1, 1986; Ord. 4525 § 13, 1998; Ord. 5115 § 5, 2012; Ord. 5124 § 6, 2012; Ord. 5119 § 37, 2012; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"P"
means the Agricultural Preserve Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.470).
"PA"
means the Professional and Administrative Offices Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"Permanent room housing unit"
means an independent dwelling space intended for long-term (30 days or more) rental occupancy as separate living quarters, with direct access from outside the building or through a common hall, meeting the development standards in SCCC § 13.10.427.
Permit Process.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
Permitted Use.
See "Use permitted by right."
"Person"
means any individual, firm, association, corporation, partnership, business, trust, or company; a local public agency to the extent specified in Sections 53090, et seq. of the California Government Code; or the State or a State agency or city when not engaged in a sovereign activity.
"PF"
means the Public and Community Facilities Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.360).
"Planning Commission"
means the Planning Commission as appointed by the Board of Supervisors. See Chapter 2.74 SCCC.
Planning Director or PD.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Podium parking"
means an above-ground parking structure enclosed by walls and supporting residential or commercial space overhead.
"Pool cabana"
means an accessory structure less than 70 square feet in size used for bathing or changing purposes in conjunction with a swimming pool.
"PR"
means the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.350).
"Produce market"
means a structure and ancillary sales area cumulatively less than or equal to 1,800 square feet in total floor area, accessory to on-site agricultural production, used to sell unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, and other agricultural commodities produced on the site, along with limited processed foods and non-food items, pursuant to SCCC § 13.10.640. A larger produce market may be considered with a CUP.
"Produce sales area, temporary"
means structures and/or areas up to 800 square feet in size including any outside display area, open up to 90 days per year (consecutive) or longer period of time with approval of an administrative use permit, that is accessory to on-site agricultural operations and is used to sell only raw, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, cut flowers, and other unprocessed agricultural commodities grown on the site, pursuant to SCCC § 13.10.640. A larger sales area may be considered with an MUP.
"Produce stand"
means structures and/or areas up to 800 square feet in size, including any outside display area, that is accessory to on-site agricultural operations and is used to sell only raw, unprocessed fruits, vegetables, nuts, cut flowers, and other agricultural produce grown on the site, pursuant to SCCC § 13.10.640. A larger produce stand may be considered with an MUP.
Project.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Public/quasi-public community facility"
means a publicly or privately operated facility that provides essential community services to benefit the public, such as medical services, governmental services, housing/supportive services, library services, educational services, or utilities.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4921 § 20, 2008; Ord. 5305 § 11, 2019; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"R-1"
means the Single-Family Residential Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.320).
"RA"
means the Residential Agricultural Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.320).
"RB"
means the Ocean Beach Residential Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.320).
"Rangeland"
means land which is suitable for the grazing of livestock. Such land usually contains soil with a Natural Resources Conservation Service agricultural capability rating of V through VIII and contains vegetation dominated by grasses and herbaceous ground cover.
"Reconstruction"
means modification or replacement of 65 percent or more of the major structural components (see SCCC § 13.10.700-M) of an existing structure within any consecutive five-year period.
"Recreational travel trailer"
means a nonpowered portable dwelling designed for temporary occupancy meeting the definition of "travel trailer" in California Health and Safety Code Section 18010, which may be towed on public highways without a special permit; does not include recreational vehicles, motorhomes, or mobile homes.
"Recreational vehicle"
means a self-powered portable dwelling, camper, or motor home designed for temporary occupancy, meeting the definition of "recreational vehicle" in California Health and Safety Code Section 18010, which may be driven on public highways without a special permit.
"Recreational vehicle sales lot"
means a site authorized for the parking and display of unoccupied recreational vehicles or travel trailers which are available for sale, rent, or lease, but not including mobile homes, manufactured homes, commercial vehicles, or commercial trailers.
"Recreational vehicle storage lot"
means a site authorized for the storage of privately owned unoccupied travel trailers, campers, recreational vehicles, boats, and other similar vehicles/vessels, but not mobile homes.
"Recycling facility"
means a facility for the drop-off, buyback, deposit, or return for redemption, of recyclable material. Recyclable material is reusable material including but not limited to aluminum, glass, plastic, and paper which is intended for remanufacture or reconstitution for the purpose of using the altered form. A recycling facility consists of a reverse vending machine, collection facility, or processing facility, as defined below. A recycling collection facility may also consist of a facility for the collection of reusable household goods or clothes by a charitable organization such as Salvation Army or Goodwill.
(1) 
"Reverse vending machine"
is a mechanical device which accepts one or more types of empty beverage containers, including aluminum cans, glass, and plastic bottles, and cartons, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip with a value not less than the container's redemption value.
(2) 
"Small collection facility"
means a facility for the deposit, buyback, or drop-off of recyclable materials. A small collection facility occupies an area of not more than 650 square feet, is associated with a commercial use, community facility, or public facility on the site, and includes:
(a) 
Bins, boxes, cans, kiosk-type units, and/or other containers or receptacles; and/or
(b) 
A properly licensed automobile, truck, trailer, or van.
(3) 
Large Collection/Processing Facility. A large collection or processing facility occupies more than 650 square feet, may occupy a single site rather than being associated with a commercial use, community facility, or public facility use, may utilize a building or other permanent structure, and may conduct processing operations utilizing power-driven sorting or consolidation equipment such as balers, crushers, separators, or bulk reverse vending machines.
Remodel.
See SCCC § 13.11.030.
"Residential care facility for the elderly" or "RCFE"
means a housing arrangement chosen voluntarily by persons 60 years of age or over, or their authorized representative, where varying levels and intensities of care and supervision, protective supervision, or personal care are provided, based upon their varying needs, as determined in order to be admitted and to remain in the facility. RCFEs are also referred to as assisted living facilities and board and care facilities. Persons under 60 years of age with compatible needs may be allowed to be admitted or retained in an RCFE, if certain conditions are met. RCFEs are considered a nonresidential land use, as they are care facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services, not housing developments.
"Residential care home or small family home"
means a dwelling unit in which room, board, and nonmedical personal care services including supervision of and assistance with eating, dressing, personal hygiene, daily activity, health maintenance, transportation, and protective safeguards for up to seven adults, not including members of the licensee's family, are provided, consistent with California Health and Safety Code Section 1566.3. The owner or operator of an adult residential care home or small family home is not required to live on site. Any residential care facility for seven or more occupants that is licensed by the State which admits occupants through an admissions agreement or other institutional/health care admissions process, rather than a lease, is a facility, not housing, and is considered a nonresidential land use.
"Riparian corridor"
means those areas as defined in SCCC § 16.30.030, riparian corridor and wetlands protection.
"RM"
means the Multifamily Residential Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.320).
"RR"
means the Rural Residential Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.320).
"Rural"
means outside the urban or rural services lines.
"Rural services line" or "RSL"
means a fixed boundary line defining those areas located outside the urban services line which have recognized urban densities which may or may not have full urban services.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3632 § 29, 1985; Ord. 3843 § 8, 1987; Ord. 4098 § 2, 1990; Ord. 4406 § 9, 1996; Ord. 4416 § 9, 1996; Ord. 4496-C § 63, 1998; Ord. 4525 § 14, 1998; Ord. 5119 § 38, 2012; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
Second Unit.
See "Accessory dwelling unit."
Secondary.
See "Use, accessory."
"Senior citizen housing development"
means a residential development developed, substantially rehabilitated, or substantially renovated for senior citizens that has at least 35 dwelling units, and meets the requirements of California Civil Code Section 51.3. A senior citizen housing development may be a multifamily rental housing development, or a for-sale development of condominiums, townhomes, or single-family homes.
"Senior rental housing" or "SRH"
means a multifamily rental housing development or mobile home park restricted to occupancy by seniors aged 62 and older, pursuant to the California Unruh Civil Rights Act and/or Federal Housing for Older Persons Act (HOPA). An SRH may have amenities and accessibility features designed for elderly tenants, and is a residential land use. Tenants of SRHs lease their apartments or mobile home spaces through a lease or rental agreement, not an admissions agreement, and have full tenancy rights through State landlord/tenant laws. Supportive services and/or convenience services may or may not be provided on site, but "care" (assistance with activities of daily living) is not provided by the property owner/manager. Individual tenants may obtain their own caregiver or assistance from an outside program if needed. Facilities that provide "care" are considered RCFEs (see definition) and must be licensed by the State. SRH properties may be market-rate, affordable, or mixed-income rental properties or mobile home parks.
Sight Distance Triangle.
See SCCC § 13.10.093.
"Sign"
means anything whatsoever placed, erected, constructed, posted, painted, printed, tacked, nailed, glued, stuck, carved, or otherwise fastened, affixed, or made visible for out-of-door advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever on the ground or on any tree, wall, bush, rock, post, fence, building, structure, or thing whatsoever. For the purposes of this chapter, the advertising area of only one side of a double-faced sign shall be used in determining the advertising area.
"Sign, appurtenant"
means a sign relating only to goods sold or services rendered upon the building site on which said sign is erected or maintained.
"Site"
means a parcel or parcels of land, occupied, or to be occupied, by a use or structure(s).
"Site area, gross"
means the total horizontal area included within the property lines of a site. Gross site area is used in calculations of floor area ratio and calculations related to density for urban parcels.
"Site area, net"
means the total site area less all public or private rights-of-way designated for vehicle access. Net site area is used in calculations related to certain development standards for rural parcels.
"Site area, net developable"
means gross site area minus land not developable (see definition of "developable land"). Net developable site area is used in calculations related to density for rural parcels. Lands with slopes between 30 and 50 percent and landslide areas determined by a geological study to be stable and suitable for development can be credited in density calculations.
Site Development Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Site width"
means the horizontal distance between the side property lines of a site measured on an alignment parallel to the front property line along the rear line of the required front yard.
"Skilled nursing facility" or "SNF"
means a health facility or a distinct part of a hospital which provides continuous skilled nursing care and supportive care to patients whose primary need is for availability of skilled nursing care on an extended basis. It provides 24-hour inpatient care and, as a minimum, includes physician, skilled nursing, dietary, and pharmaceutical services, and an activity program, per the California Health and Safety Code. SNFs are a type of health care facility (see definition) which require a license from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and are a considered a nonresidential land use.
"Soil-dependent"
means in-situ soils are used as the growing medium, exclusively.
"Solar access"
means the ability of sunlight to strike a solar energy system.
"Solar energy system"
means any solar collector or other solar energy device, or any structural design feature of a building whose primary purpose is to provide for the collection, storage, and distribution of solar energy for space heating or cooling, for water heating or for electricity, or as defined in Section 801.5 of the Civil Code, as such section or subdivision may be amended, renumbered, or redesignated from time to time.
"SP"
means the Salamander Protection Combining Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.480).
"Story"
means, for planning and zoning purposes, that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the lower surface of the floor or ceiling above. Attic, basement, mezzanine, and underfloor areas do not count as stories.
Street.
See SCCC § 13.16.020, "Road or street."
"Structure"
means anything constructed or erected which requires a location on the ground, including a building, but not including a swimming pool, a fence, or a wall used as a fence (including retaining walls), or a deck less than 18 inches in height.
"Structure, accessory"
means a detached, subordinate structure, or a subordinate structure attached to a main structure by a breezeway, the use of which is appropriate, subordinate, and customarily incidental to that of the main structure or the main use of the land and which is located on the same site with the main structure or use.
"Structure, main"
means a structure housing the principal use of a site or functioning as the principal use.
"Structural walls"
means any bearing wall of a building.
"SU"
means the Special Use Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.380).
Subordinate Use.
See "Use, accessory."
"Supportive housing"
means affordable rental housing with intensive services promoting housing stability.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3593 § 20, 1984; Ord. 4119 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4122 § 9, 1991; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4495 § 9, 1998; Ord. 4525 §§ 15, 16, 1998; Ord. 4836 §§ 108, 109, 2006; Ord. 5042 § 3, 2009; Ord. 5119 §§ 39, 40, 2012; Ord. 5239 § 12, 2017; Ord. 5264 § 17, 2018; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Temporary relocation"
means a temporary relocation of a use for a period not to exceed 18 months by reason of a natural disaster for which a local emergency has been declared by the Board of Supervisors.
"Temporary use or structure"
means a use or structure that is allowed to occur on a site for a limited time, subject to applicable regulations for temporary uses and structures, required permits, and site-specific permit conditions.
"Timber"
means trees of any species suitable for eventual harvest for forest products purposes, whether planted or of natural growth, standing or down, on privately or publicly owned land, but not including nursery stock.
"Timberland"
means privately owned land, or land acquired for State forest purposes, which is devoted to and used for growing an average annual volume of wood fiber of at least 15 cubic feet per acre.
"Timber management plan"
means a written plan for the development and utilization of timber resources and compatible uses which ensures the continued viability of the timberland, and which includes reasonable rotation and cutting cycle dates.
"Time-share visitor accommodations"
means visitor accommodations facilities in which the ownership interest in individual units is divided in time. Time-share visitor accommodations units commonly are sold by the week for up to a maximum of 51 weeks per year, subject to SCCC § 13.10.693.
"Tiny home on wheels"
(THOW) means an independent dwelling unit, maximum 400 gross square feet, excluding loft area space if that loft area space meets the requirements of Government Code Sections 18009.3(b) and 18033 and maximum 14 feet in width at the maximum horizontal projection. It provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is built upon a single chassis and is towable by a hitch mechanism and cannot move under its own power. It may only be transported upon the public highway with a permit issued pursuant to Vehicle Code Section 35780.
"Tourist service"
means a business selling tickets and/or providing information to visitors.
"Town plan"
means a plan adopted in conformance with the County General Plan which is applicable to a specific area that requires a detailed planning effort.
"Town plan area"
means an area within the unincorporated area that has been subject to more detailed, area-specific planning than is normally part of an overall General Plan update, and where a design framework, area plan, village plan, or specific plan has been adopted by the Board of Supervisors and incorporated into the County General Plan.
"TP"
means the Timberland Preserve Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.370).
"Trailer park"
means a site authorized for the temporary parking of privately owned, occupied travel trailers and recreational vehicles, but not mobile homes.
Travel Trailer.
See "Recreational travel trailer."
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 4030 § 3, 1989; Ord. 4160 § 3, 1991; Ord. 4217 § 4, 1992; Ord. 5346 § 8, 2020; Ord. 5366 § 8, 2021; Ord. 5413 § 6, 2022; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
Underfloor.
For planning and zoning purposes, an underfloor is a non-habitable space between the underside of the first story floor framing (joists or girders that directly support the floor sheathing) and the grade below. An underfloor is not considered a "story" (see definition). To qualify as underfloor, the space may be used for storage but cannot have a finished floor, insulation, or conditioned space, and there must be no stairway access to the underfloor area.
"Urban"
means inside the urban or rural services lines.
"Urban agriculture"
means the practice of cultivating food in or around urban areas, generally at a scale larger than a single residential parcel. Urban agriculture includes a range of food growing practices, such as community gardens; school gardens on school property; urban farms where food is grown for commercial sale; and animal keeping for eggs, milk, and meat.
"Urban services line" or "USL"
means a fixed boundary line defining those areas planned to accommodate urban densities of development with urban services.
"Usable open space"
means an outdoor area which is required to be available for use by occupants of a multifamily dwelling unit.
"Use"
means the purpose for which a site or structure is arranged, designed, intended, constructed, erected, moved, altered, or enlarged or for which either a site or a structure is or may be occupied or maintained.
"Use, accessory"
means a use subordinate to any main use and customarily a part thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the main use and which does not change the character thereof.
"Use, allowed"
means any use which may take place in a particular zone district.
"Use, Coastal Zone principal permitted"
means a use allowed in the basic zone district, the approval of which is not appealable to the Coastal Commission except in the geographic areas and certain cases specified in Chapter 13.20 SCCC.
Use Permit.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Use permitted by right"
means a use which may take place in a particular zone district without a use permit.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 4159 § 6, 1991; Ord. 4406 § 10, 1996; Ord. 4416 § 10, 1996; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"VA"
means the Visitor Accommodations Zone District (SCCC § 13.10.330).
"Vacation rental"
means a single-family dwelling unit, duplex, or triplex (including condominium and townhouse units, but not including apartments or manufactured homes in a mobile home park), where the owner/operator/contact person/agent does not live in the dwelling unit while it is rented for use as a vacation rental and no one but the renter of the vacation rental dwelling and guests of the renter live in the dwelling unit while it is rented for use as a vacation rental and the entire dwelling unit is rented for the purpose of overnight lodging for a period of not more than 30 days other than (1) ongoing month-to-month tenancy granted to the same renter for the same unit, (2) one less-than-30-day period per year, or (3) a house exchange for which there is no payment. Where there are multiple dwelling units on a site, the owner/operator/contact person/agent may live in one of the dwellings that is not being used as a vacation rental. Renting of individual rooms does not constitute use of a dwelling unit as a vacation rental. Habitable accessory structures, non-habitable accessory structures, second units constructed under the provisions of SCCC § 13.10.681, § 13.20.107, or § 13.20.108, and legally restricted affordable housing units shall not be used as vacation rentals.
Variance.
See SCCC § 18.10.015.
"Vegetation"
means all plant life.
Village.
See SCCC § 13.11.030.
"Visitor accommodations, commercial"
means commercial visitor serving facilities for short-term (less than 30 days) overnight use. Commercial visitor accommodations do not include agricultural farmstays (see SCCC § 13.10.641) or short-term residential rentals (see SCCC § 13.10.690 for "hosted rentals" or SCCC § 13.10.694 for "vacation rentals").
(1) 
"Type A visitor accommodations"
means hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns (subject to SCCC § 13.10.691) with an individual room or cabin for each customer.
(2) 
"Type B visitor accommodations"
means camps, campgrounds, and group quarters/dormitory-style visitor accommodations, including RV or tent campgrounds, hostels, and visitor accommodations associated with organized camps and conference centers (subject to SCCC § 13.10.692).
"Visitor accommodations (VA) unit"
means a commercial visitor accommodation room, cabin, or suite. VA units can include kitchens and bathrooms.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 5092 § 7, 2011; Ord. 5198 § 2, 2015; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Wind energy conversion system" or "WECS"
means a machine that converts the kinetic energy in the wind into a usable form (commonly known as a wind turbine or windmill). The WECS includes all parts of the system except the tower and the transmission equipment.
"Winery"
means a facility for the production and sale of wine from fruit or fruit juices through fermentation that is subject to a Type 02 license by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Wineries shall be entitled to all uses and activities provided under the Type 02 licenses and may also include ancillary distilling of wine to produce brandy or a similar distilled spirit. Such facilities may include related storage, blending, and bottling activities, administrative offices, wholesale and retail sales of wine, marketing-related activities including public tastings, classes, and tours, and outdoor areas for picnics, gatherings, and other activities incidental to wine tasting. Incidental sale of marketing products and accessories related to the winery's brand identity, wine drinking, food pairing, local agriculture, and local history are also permitted.
(Ord. 3501 § 17, 1984; Ord. 3632 § 30, 1985; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)
"Yard"
means a required setback space adjacent to a front, side, or rear property line or right-of-way, within which no structure may be built.
"Yard, front"
means a yard extending across the full width of a site, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the front property line or the inside edge of a right-of-way and a line parallel thereto on the site.
"Yard, rear"
means a yard extending across the full width of a site, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the rear property line and a line parallel thereto on the site.
"Yard, side"
means a yard extending from the rear line of the required front yard, or from the front property line of a site where no front yard is required, to the front line of the required rear yard, or the rear property line of the site where no rear yard is required, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the side property line and a line parallel thereto on the site.
(Ord. 3432 § 1, 1983; Ord. 5423 § 37, 2022)