Definitions of words and terms. As used in this chapter,
the following words and terms shall have the meanings indicated:
ABATTOIR (POULTRY)
A structure where poultry is slaughtered and prepared for
distribution. The facility is designed to accommodate the confinement
and slaughtering of live animals and may include packing, treating
or storage of the product on the premises.
[Added 6-28-2022]
ADULT DAY-CARE FACILITY
A facility offering care for only a limited number of hours
each day, including meals, for aged, disabled or mentally impaired
persons over the age of 18 years and which is licensed as such by
the Commonwealth of Virginia.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS
Any livestock, aquaculture, poultry, horticultural, floricultural,
viticulture, silvicultural, or other farm crops.
[Added 9-18-2018]
AGRICULTURE/AGRICULTURAL PURSUITS
The tilling of soil, gardening, the raising of crops, horticulture and forestry; raising and keeping of bees, livestock and fowl; the use of associated outbuildings, including tenant houses required for the farm operation; and the operation of roadside stands, and farm wineries as defined in §
180-46.5. Yard maintenance, landscaping, noncommercial gardening and other customary incidental accessory uses to a residence shall not be deemed as "agriculture."
[Amended 7-16-1996; 8-18-2009]
AGRITOURISM ACTIVITY
Any activity carried out on a farm or ranch that allows members
of the general public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational
purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities, including farming, wineries,
ranching, historical, cultural, harvest-your-own activities or natural
activities and attractions. An activity is an agritourism activity
whether or not the participant paid to participate in the activity.
[Added 9-18-2018]
AIRPORT, COMMERCIAL
Any area of land or water which is used or intended to be
used by the public for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and any
appurtenant areas which are used or intended to be used for airport
buildings or other airport facilities, rights-of-way or easements,
together with all airport buildings and facilities located thereon.
AIRPORT, PRIVATE
The same as "commercial airport" except limited to use by
an individual property owner, his family, employees and guests.
AMUSEMENT PARK
A commercial enterprise consisting of rides, games and similar
forms of amusement, but not including racetracks, hunting preserves,
camps or vacation resorts.
APPLICATION (PETITION)
A written request for a conditional use permit, an amendment
to the regulations or district map, a variance to this chapter, a
zoning permit, a sign permit or for any action by the Zoning Administrator,
Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals or Board of Supervisors
which has been properly executed on forms supplied by the Zoning Administrator.
AUTOMOBILE FILLING STATION
A commercial enterprise, including buildings and premises
where gasoline, oil, grease, batteries, tires and automobile accessories
are sold at retail. Uses shall not include the storage of automobiles,
operative or inoperative, major mechanical and body work, straightening
of frames or body parts, steam cleaning, painting or welding or other
activities not normally found in automobile filling stations.
AUTOMOBILE GRAVEYARD
Any lot or group of contiguous lots under one ownership,
exposed to the weather, where more than one inoperative motor vehicle
of any kind is placed, located or found.
AWNING
A roof-like covering that is temporary or portable in nature
and that projects from a wall of a building for the purpose of shielding
a doorway or window from the elements.
[Added 1-16-1996]
BASE FLOOD/ONE-HUNDRED-YEAR FLOOD
A flood that, on the average, is likely to occur once every
100 years (i.e., that has a one-percent chance of occurring each year,
although the flood may occur in any year).
BASEMENT
Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below
ground level) on all sides.
[Added 2-21-1995]
BAY WINDOW
A recess in a wall for a window, or a part of a building
projecting out from an exterior wall.
[Added 1-16-1996]
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An establishment operated for the purpose of providing overnight
accommodations for no more than 20 transient guests staying no more
than 14 days, with common rooms (living, dining, etc.) available for
use by the guests, a complimentary breakfast included and the owner
or manager living on the premises.
BOARD
The Board of Supervisors of Warren County.
BOARDINGHOUSE; ROOMING HOUSE
A building containing nine or fewer guest rooms and arranged
or used for lodging, with or without meals, for compensation.
BREWPUB
An establishment that manufactures no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year and which is located on a farm growing hops, barley, other grains, or fruit used by the establishment for the production of beer. A facility shall be permitted of no more than 5,000 square feet of floor area for the production and packaging of beer for retail sale on and off premises and including the provision of full restaurant services. This use must comply with the supplemental regulations found in §
180-49.4 of this chapter.
[Added 2-19-2013; amended 7-15-2014]
BUILDING
Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY
A subordinate structure which is separate from the main structure
and located upon the same lot where the main structure is located
or intended to be located. It shall have no kitchen facilities and
shall not be used for living quarters nor used for dwelling purposes
or occupied overnight.
[Amended 3-15-2011]
BUS AND LIMOUSINE TERMINAL
A building, premises or facility for the operation of a bus
and/or limousine business, which includes but is not limited to ticket
sales, repairs and customer parking.
[Added 8-17-1993]
BZA
The Board of Zoning Appeals of Warren County.
CAMPGROUND
A plot of ground upon which five or more camping unit spaces
are located, established or maintained, whether or not a fee is charged,
for occupancy by a tent, major recreational vehicle, or components
under the control of a major recreational vehicle. Combinations of
tent and recreational vehicle camping units are permitted unless otherwise
disallowed or limited in the conditional use permit. Campgrounds shall
comply with the supplementary regulations in § 180- 41 of
this chapter.
[Added 1-16-1996; amended 6-4-2024]
CAMPING
Five or more camping units used for living, sleeping or other
occupancy on any lot or combination of lots under one ownership.
[Added 1-16-1996; amended 6-4-2024]
CAMPING UNIT
A tent or recreational vehicle used as temporary living quarters
for recreational camping.
[Added 6-4-2024]
CAREGIVER
An adult who provides care for a mentally or physically impaired
person. A caregiver shall be either related by blood, marriage or
adoption to or the legally appointed guardian of the mentally or physically
impaired person.
]Added 7-20-2010]
CEMETERY
A place for the interment of deceased persons.
CHURCH
A place where persons regularly assemble exclusively for
worship. The term "church" includes the term "synagogue," "mosque,"
"monastery," or other terms for a house of worship, and shall include,
where appropriate, real estate of not more than 250 acres, provided
that such acreage is or is to be devoted exclusively to a church building,
chapel, monastery, cemetery, offices used only for administrative
purposes of the church, a Sunday school building, church manse, parsonage
or rectory, playgrounds, recreation areas or parking lots for the
convenience of those attending any of the foregoing.
[Amended 5-21-2002]
CLUB OR LODGE, PRIVATE
A building, premises or facility providing social, educational
or recreational services for club members and their guests.
COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR RECREATION OPERATION
A private, fee-supported, outdoor activity using or not using tangible facilities, involving or not involving athletic training, mastered skills, innate or acquired talents, requiring or not requiring athletic or recreational supervision. An indoor recreation component may be included as an accessory use to the outdoor recreation operation, provided that the indoor activity is the same use as the outdoor activity and the indoor facility does not exceed a cumulative 10,000 square feet in size. This use shall meet the supplemental regulations in §
180-43.
[Added 1-17-1995; amended 8-23-2022]
COMMISSION
The Planning Commission of Warren County.
COMMUNITY CENTER
A nonprofit facility designed and/or used for the cultural,
educational and/or recreational activities of the inhabitants of a
given geographic area of Warren County.
CONVENIENCE STORE
A commercial retail operation which offers for sale foods,
household items, and other commercial goods. This may include, the
sale of gasoline and other automotive products. The gross sales floor
area open to the public shall not exceed 3,000 square feet. A convenience
store shall not include diesel fuel pumps for servicing of class five
or higher trucks.
[Added 1-21-1997; amended 6-5-2007]
CORNICE
A horizontal molding projecting along the top of a wall or
building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
COUNTRY GENERAL STORE
A single store, in operation before July 1, 2008, the ground floor area of which is a maximum of 4,000 square feet and which offers groceries for sale along with a variety of other retail goods and general merchandise. Food preparation and on-site food consumption may occur as a secondary activity within the store, provided that there are no more than 15 seats, and further provided that the store complies with the supplementary regulations in §
180-43.2 of this chapter.
[Added 7-15-2008]
DAY- OR CHILD-CARE CENTER (NURSERY)
Any facility operated for the purpose of providing care,
protection and guidance to six or more children separated from their
parents or guardian during a part of the day only. Exceptions to this
definition are:
(1)
A summer camp licensed under §§ 35.1-18
through 35.1-22, Code of Virginia.
[Amended 5-17-2022]
(2)
A public school or a private school unless it
is determined that such private school is operating a child-care center
outside of regular classes.
(3)
Nursery school. A school designed to provide
daytime instruction for six or more children from two to five years
of age inclusive and operated on a regular basis.
(4)
A facility which provides child-care on an hourly
basis which is contracted for by a parent only occasionally.
(5)
A school conducted by a religious institution
or a facility operated by a religious organization where children
are cared for or educated during short periods of time while religious
services are being conducted.
(6)
Family day home.
[Amended 3-15-2022]
DEVELOPMENT
Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate,
including but not limited to building or other structures, mining,
dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations
or storage of equipment or materials.
DISTILLERY
An establishment that manufactures no more than 36,000 gallons of alcoholic beverages other than beer or wine per calendar year and which is located on a farm growing agricultural products used by establishment for the production of alcoholic beverages other than beer or wine. This use must comply with the supplemental regulations found in §
180-44.1 of this chapter.
[Added 7-21-2015]
DISTRIBUTION FACILITY
An establishment engaged in the receipt, storage and distribution of goods, products, cargo and materials, including transshipment by rail, air or motor vehicle. This definition shall include facilities for the maintenance, cleaning and repair of motor vehicles, including tractors and trailers, owned or leased by the establishment, and for the parking of such motor vehicles used as an accessory of the industrial use of the property. All such facilities shall comply with the requirements of §
180-42 of the Warren County Zoning Ordinance in regards to commercial garages.
[Added 6-20-1995; amended 8-20-1996]
DWELLING
Any structure which is designed for use for residential purposes,
except hotels, boardinghouses, lodging houses, short-term tourist
rentals, motels, inns, recreation vehicle (RV), and mobile homes.
[Added 4-17-2012]
DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOME (MOBILE HOME)
A home used or originally intended to be used as a residence
by a single family, containing one dwelling unit and not meeting the
Building Code standards of a single-family dwelling. Categories of
"manufactured home dwellings" are as follows:
(1)
CLASS A, DESIGN RESTRICTEDA multisectional manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976, that meets or exceeds the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), taxed as real estate and satisfying each of the following design criteria:
(a)
The tow assembly and wheels are removed and
the home is mounted on and anchored to a permanent foundation in accordance
with the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
(b)
A minimum width of 23 feet.
(c)
Covered with an exterior material customarily
used on a site-built dwelling such as, but not limited to, lap siding,
brick, stone or stucco.
(d)
A two-and-five-tenths-inch in twelve-inch minimum
pitch roof covered with standard roofing materials such as, but not
limited to, fiberglass shingles, asphalt shingles or wood shakes.
(2)
CLASS B, CONVENTIONALA traditional single or multisectional manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976, that meets or exceeds the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development but does not meet all of the criteria of a Class A design-restricted manufactured home.
(3)
CLASS C, CONVENTIONALA manufactured home constructed before July 1, 1976, and not meeting the criteria of a Class A or B manufactured home.
DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY
A building containing three or more dwelling units, including
an apartment house, with the number of families in residence not exceeding
the number of dwelling units provided.
DWELLING, PORTABLE
A manufactured home not mounted on or anchored to a permanent
foundation.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY
A building containing one dwelling unit and meeting the standards
of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for a one-family dwelling
but not to include "manufactured homes" as defined in this chapter.
DWELLING, TEMPORARY
Any type of dwelling occupied on a temporary basis in lieu
of a permanent dwelling being constructed.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY
A residential building containing not more than two dwelling
units arranged one above the other or side by side and designed for
occupancy by not more than two families.
DWELLING UNIT
A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities
for one family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping,
eating, cooking and sanitation.
EAVE
The projected lower edge of a roof overhanging a wall of
a building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
EXTENDED-STAY HOTEL
Any group of dwelling units, combined or separated, used
for the purpose of housing transient guests for compensation, the
use or occupancy of which is in fixed increments of time, no longer
than three months. The term excludes sorority houses, school or college
dormitories, bed-and-breakfast facilities, and lodging units.
[Added 10-16-2007]
EXTRACTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES
The process by which coal, petroleum, natural gas, soil,
sand, gravel, ore or other minerals are removed from any open pit,
borings or any other underground workings and produced for sale, exchange
or commercial use or otherwise removed from the site; and all shafts,
slopes, drifts or inclines leading thereto, and including all buildings,
structures and equipment above and below the surface of the ground
used in connection with such process. The extraction of natural resources
shall not include exploratory activities designed to determine the
presence of coal, petroleum, natural gas, soil, sand, gravel, ore
or other minerals, including but not limited to excavation, drilling
or boring of wells for the purpose of obtaining water nor the removal
of soil and other related material as necessary to establish another
permitted use upon the same site.
FAIRGROUND
A parcel or tract of land where fairs, festivals, circuses, carnivals, exhibitions, concerts, rodeos, indoor and outdoor flea markets, auctions, and other private and community events are held. Equipment staging, camping, tents, recreational vehicles, agricultural or equestrian-related activities, mobile food establishments, games, rides, motor sports and other related recreational or entertainment activities are permitted as accessory uses in conjunction with an event unless otherwise restricted by conditional use permit. Such activities and events are subject to the festival permit requirements set forth in Chapter
63 of the Warren County Code.
[Added 9-3-2024]
FAMILY
An individual or group of individuals related by blood, marriage,
adoption or guardianship. For the purpose of this chapter, the definition
of "family" shall include four or fewer unrelated persons living together
as a single housekeeping unit.
FAMILY DAY HOME
A child day program offered in the residence of the provider
or the home of any of the children in care for five through 12 children
under the age of 13, exclusive of the provider’s own children
who reside in the home, when at least one child receives care for
compensation. The provider of a licensed or voluntarily registered
family day home shall disclose to the parents or guardians of children
in their care the percentage of time per week that persons other than
the provider will care for the children. However, no family day home
shall care for more than four children under the age of two, including
the provider’s own children and any children who reside in the
home, unless the family day home is licensed or voluntarily registered.
A family day home where the children are all related to the provider
whether biological, by-marriage or through adoption shall not be required
to be licensed.
[Added 3-15-2022]
FARM or RANCH
One or more areas of land used for the production, cultivation,
growing, harvesting or processing of agricultural products.
[Added 9-18-2018]
FARM WINERY
An establishment, licensed as a farm winery under Virginia
Code § 4.1-207 and either i) located on a farm with a producing
vineyard, orchard, or similar growing area and with facilities for
fermenting and bottling the wine on the premises where the owner or
lessee manufactures wine that contains not more than 21% alcohol by
volume; or ii) located in the commonwealth with a producing vineyard,
orchard, or similar growing area or agreements for purchasing grapes
or other fruits from agricultural growers within the commonwealth
and with facilities for fermenting and bottling wine on the premises
where the owner or lessee manufactures wine that contains not more
than 21% alcohol by volume. As used in this definition, the terms
"owner" and "lessee" shall include a cooperative formed by an association
of individuals for the purpose of manufacturing wine. In the event
such cooperative is licensed as a farm winery, the term "farm" as
used in this definition includes all of the land owned or leased by
the individual members of the cooperative as long as such land is
located in the commonwealth. A farm winery license shall be designated
as a Class A or Class B farm winery in accordance with the limitations
set forth in § 4.1-219 of the Virginia Code.
[Added 7-20-2004; amended 5-19-2009; 11-17-2015]
FIREWOOD PROCESSING OPERATION
A facility where trees or logs are stored, cut and split
into firewood and where the firewood is sold. This definition shall
not include the processing of firewood of trees on the lot or parcel
that they were grown.
[Added 3-18-2008]
FOOTCANDLE
The unit of illumination produced on a surface, all points
of which are one foot from a uniform point source of one candle.
[Added 10-24-2023]
FORESTRY/FORESTRY OPERATIONS
The use of land for the raising and harvesting of timber,
pulpwood and other forestry products for commercial purposes. Excluded
from this definition shall be the cutting of timber associated with
and necessary for land development approved by the County, which shall
be considered accessory to the development of the property.
[Added 7-16-1996]
FRONTAGE
The distance along which a parcel abuts an adjacent road
or street.
FULLY SHIELDED FIXTURE
An outdoor lighting fixture that is shielded or constructed
so that all light emitted is projected below a horizontal plane running
through the lowest part of the fixture.
[Added 10-24-2023]
FUNERAL PARLOR
An establishment used for human funeral services which may
or may not include facilities on the premises for embalming, cremation
and the performance of autopsies or other surgical procedures.
GABLE
The triangular wall enclosed by the sloping ends of a roof.
Often used as a decorative feature over a door or window.
[Added 1-16-1996]
GARAGE, COMMERCIAL (REPAIR)
Buildings and premises where sales may be made and services
may be provided for major mechanical and body work, straightening
of frames and body parts, steam cleaning, painting and welding and/or
upholstering and replacement of glass. Permissible uses do not include
salvage operations nor the storage of inoperative motor vehicles.
GLARE
Light that causes annoyance, discomfort or loss in visual
performance and ability.
[Added 10-24-2023]
GOLF COURSE
An area designed and utilized for playing the standard game
of golf, including clubhouse and maintenance facilities.
GUESTHOUSE
Dwelling or lodging units for temporary nonpaying guests.
No such quarters shall be rented, leased or otherwise made available
for compensation of any kind. A guesthouse may be constructed and
used prior to the construction of the principal dwelling. The principal
dwelling, however, must be completed within five years from the date
of issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the guesthouse.
[Amended 4-15-1997]
GUNSMITHING SERVICES
A commercial enterprise, activity, or profession where a
gunsmith performs repairs, renovations, safety inspections, modifications
alterations for special uses, and appraisals of firearms. The sale
of firearms is permitted with proper local, state and federal licensing
and regulations. Gunsmithing services shall not be deemed as a home
occupation or home enterprise.
[Added 11-18-2021]
HOME ENTERPRISE
A small-scale business conducted entirely inside an accessory
structure engaged in providing services and products to the general
public. Such operations are clearly incidental and subordinate to
the principal residential use permitted on the parcel.
[Added 10-17-1995]
HOME OCCUPATION
Any enterprise, activity or profession conducted in a dwelling unit by one or more residents thereof which is secondary to the use of the premises as a dwelling. See §
180-17 for limitations.
HOSPITAL
Any facility licensed pursuant to Article 1, § 32.1-123,
of the Code of Virginia Health Laws in which the primary function
is the provision of diagnosis, of treatment and of medical and nursing
services, surgical or nonsurgical, for two or more nonrelated individuals,
including facilities known by varying nomenclature or designation
such as sanatoriums, sanitariums and general, acute, rehabilitation,
chronic disease, short-term, long-term, outpatient surgical and inpatient
or outpatient maternity facilities.
HOTEL (MOTEL)
Any group of lodging units, combined or separated, used for
the purpose of housing transient guests for compensation. Each lodging
unit shall provide sleeping, toilet and bath facilities. The term
excludes fraternity or sorority houses, school or college dormitories,
tourist homes, bed-and-breakfast facilities or apartment hotels.
JUNKYARD
Any land or building used for the collection, packaging and/or
storage of paper, rags, scrap metals, other scrap or discarded materials;
or for the demolition, dismantling, storage or salvaging of inoperative
vehicles, machinery, appliances or parts thereof.
KENNEL, BOARDING
Any commercial kennel available to the general public where the operator takes control of an animal(s) from the animal owner; and, where the animal(s) may be provided individual confinement accommodations, fed, exercised and/or provided general care on a short-term basis, usually by the day, week or a specified length of time not to exceed 30 days for compensation, trade, barter or other commercial gain. Further, boarding kennels shall comply with the supplementary regulations in §
180-48.3 of this chapter.
[Added 1-15-2013]
KENNEL, COMMERCIAL
Any place equipped and/or used to house, board, breed, handle, train, show, groom, or otherwise care for dogs in exchange for any form of compensation, trade, barter or other commercial gain. The animal(s) may be provided individual confinement accommodations. Further, commercial kennels shall comply with the supplementary regulations in §
180-48.2 of this chapter.
[Added 1-15-2013]
KENNEL, NONCOMMERCIAL
Any place equipped and/or used to house or otherwise care for five or more dogs that are kept for personal use or enjoyment and which does not meet the definition of "commercial kennel" or "boarding kennel." Further, noncommercial kennels shall comply with the supplementary regulations in §
180-48.1 of this chapter.
[Added 1-15-2013]
LANDFILL
A facility licensed by the Commonwealth of Virginia for the
disposal of solid waste which shall not involve incineration or handling
of any type of radioactive or hazardous materials.
LANDSCAPING AND HORTICULTURAL SERVICES
Commercial operations, whether open or closed to the public,
that include but are not limited to: landscape design and architecture;
soil preparation and grading; irrigation systems; tree, shrub and
lawn planting; hardscape construction including retaining walls, pathways
and patios; lawn care and landscape maintenance; arborist services
including tree trimming and line clearance.
[Added 11-19-2019]
LIGHT ASSEMBLY/FABRICATION
The assembling from standardized parts of a distinct object
differing from the individual components. Such activities involve
materials with form and substance, as opposed to liquid or gas, with
a physical, as opposed to chemical, mating or joining of individual
parts. Such facilities are not to exceed 5,000 square feet.
[Added 6-20-1995]
LIVESTOCK
Animals raised for use, profit or enjoyment, including horses,
ponies, buffalo, cattle, sheep, goats and other similar domesticated
animals related to agricultural pursuits.
LOADING SPACE (VEHICULAR)
Any off-street space, not less than 15 feet wide, 25 feet
long and 14 feet high, available for the loading or unloading of goods
and having direct, vehicular access to a street or alley. Where one
such loading space has been provided, any additional loading space
lying alongside, contiguous to and not separated from such first loading
space need not be wider than 12 feet.
LODGING UNIT
A permanent structure used for temporary living quarters
that is rented in exchange for compensation.
[Added 3-28-2023; amended 9-3-2024]
LOT
The basic development unit: an area with fixed boundaries,
used or intended to be used by one building and any accessory building(s)
and usually not divided by a highway, street or alley.
LOT, CORNER
A lot having direct access with two intersecting public or
approved private roads.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot having direct access with only one public or approved
private road bordering one side of the lot.
LOT, THROUGH
A lot having direct access with two public or approved private
roads which do not intersect along the lot boundaries and are located
at opposite ends of the lot.
LOT, THROUGH-CORNER
A lot having direct access with three or more public or approved
private roads.
LOWEST FLOOR
The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement).
An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking
of vehicles, building access or storage in an area is not considered
a building's "lowest floor," provided that such enclosure is not built
so as to render the structure in violation of the application nonelevation
design requirements of this chapter.
[Added 2-21-1995]
MAJOR RECREATION EQUIPMENT
Travel trailers, campers, pickup campers, motorized dwellings,
tent trailers, boats and boat trailers, jet-skis, pontoon boats, houseboats
and the like, and the trailers, cases or boxes used for transporting
such recreational equipment whether occupied by such equipment or
not. Tents are not defined as major recreational equipment.
[Added 8-19-2020]
MAJOR RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT, INOPERATIVE
Any piece of equipment which is not in operating condition;
or which for a period of 60 days or longer has been partially or totally
disassembled by the removal of essential parts required for operation;
or on which there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a
valid inspection decal.
[Added 8-19-2020]
MARQUEE
A permanent structure projecting beyond a building wall at
an entrance to a building or extending along and projecting beyond
the building wall.
MENTALLY OR PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED PERSON
A resident of Virginia who requires assistance with two or
more activities of daily living as defined in the Virginia Code § 63.2-2200,
as certified in writing by a physician licensed by the commonwealth.
[Added 7-20-2010]
MICROBREWERY
An establishment that manufactures no more than 15,000 barrels of beer per calendar year and which is located on a farm growing hops, barley, other grains, or fruit used by the establishment for the production of beer. A facility shall be permitted of no more than 3,000 square feet of floor area for the production and packaging of beer for retail sale on and off premises. This use must comply with the supplemental regulations found in §
180-49.3 of this chapter.
[Added 2-19-2013; amended 7-15-2014]
MOBILE FOOD ESTABLISHMENT
A readily movable motorized vehicle or towed vehicle designed
and equipped for the preparation, service and/or sale of food. The
units are considered to be portable and temporary by definition and
not permanent fixtures to a specific property. This is a general term
which includes mobile food units such as food trucks, pushcarts, concession
trailers and any other mobile unit that would be considered as providing
mobile food vending services.
[Added 5-17-2016]
MOBILE HOME/MANUFACTURED HOME
A structure subject to federal regulation, which is transportable
in one or more sections; is eight body feet or more in width and 40
body feet or more in length in the traveling mode or is 320 or more
square feet when erected on site; is built on a permanent chassis;
is designed to be used as a single-family dwelling, with or without
a permanent foundation when connected to the required facilities;
and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and electrical
systems contained in the structure.
MOBILE HOME PARK
Premises where three or more mobile homes are parked for
living or sleeping purposes or where spaces or lots are set aside
or offered for sale or rent for mobile homes for living or sleeping
purposes, including any land, building, structure or facility used
by occupants of mobile homes on such premises.
MODULAR HOME
A dwelling unit constructed on site in accordance with the
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and composed of components
substantially assembled in a manufacturing plant and transported to
the building site for final assembly on a permanent foundation.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
For floodplain management purposes, "new construction" means
structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after
the effective date of the Warren County floodplain management regulations
and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.
[Added 2-21-1995]
NURSING HOME
A facility or facilities licensed pursuant to Article 1,
§ 32.1-123, of the Code of Virginia Health Laws devoted
primarily for the treatment and care of person(s) suffering from illnesses,
diseases, deformities or injuries not requiring extensive and/or intensive
care normally provided in a hospital or other specialized institution.
OCCUPANCY or OCCUPY
A lot or parcel on which is located a structure, which structure
is either not used in furtherance of a bona fide agricultural pursuit
in an agriculturally zoned area nor for which there has been issued
a valid building permit for a storage or warehousing use, on which
such lot or parcel or in which such structure there is human habitation
or sleeping or there is personal property other than equipment and
materials directly used in connection with the construction of such
structure.
[Added 8-15-2006]
OFF-STREET PARKING AREA
Spaces provided for vehicular parking outside the dedicated
street right-of-way and consisting of the required space for each
vehicle plus such space as is necessary to drive safely into and out
of each parking space.
OPEN SPACE
That area located within the boundaries of a development,
designed and permanently set aside for use by all residents of the
development, and not dedicated as public lands. The location of open
spaces shall be planned as a contiguous area located for maximum benefit
of the residents, preserving and where possible enhancing natural
features. Open spaces shall not include road rights-of-way or utility
strips.
[Added 1-20-1998]
OUTDOOR LIGHTING FIXTURE
An electrically powered illuminating device or other outdoor
lighting fixture, including all parts used to distribute the light
and/or protect the lamp, permanently installed or portable, used for
illumination. Such devices shall include, but are not limited to,
search, spot flood and area lighting.
[Added 10-24-2023]
OWNER/OWNERSHIP
The owner or owners of the freehold or premises or lesser
estate therein, a mortgagee, or vendee in possession, assignee of
rents, receiver, executor, trustee in control, the lessee, or other
person or corporation controlling the property.
[Added 7-18-1995]
PARCEL OF RECORD DATE
Includes the boundaries of the parcel as they existed on
the record date. For subdivision purposes, the number of parcels that
may be created from a parcel of record shall be determined on the
boundaries of the parent parcel as of this date.
[Added 3-18-2008]
PORCH
A roofed open area, which may be screened, usually attached
to or part of and with direct access to or from a building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER
A fully enclosed, box-like container that is designed for
temporary storage. Such containers are uniquely designed for ease
of loading to and from a transport vehicle.
[Added 7-17-2007]
PRIVATE USE CAMPING
No more than two major recreational vehicles used for living,
sleeping or other occupancy on any lot or combination of lots under
one ownership, provided that such use is limited to the owner, family
members or guests, and no fee is charged for camping.
[Added 1-16-1996]
PUBLIC UTILITY DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES
Telephone lines, cable lines, fiber optic lines, electrical
lines carrying electrical current not in excess of the Medium Voltage
Class as defined by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) C84.1,
as amended, poles supporting such lines, transformers, pipes, meters,
and other similar facilities, and facilities ancillary thereto, necessary
for the distribution of public utility services to the residents of
Warren County, shall be permitted in all districts. This definition
shall not be construed to include power generation or energy storage
unless such uses are incidental.
[Amended 2-6-2024]
RAMP
A sloping walkway used to join and provide a smooth transition
between two levels of different elevations. Often the maximum pitch
of a handicapped ramp is 8.33%.
[Added 1-16-1996]
RECESSED CANOPY FIXTURE
An outdoor lighting fixture recessed into a canopy ceiling
so that the bottom of the fixture is flush with the ceiling.
[Added 10-24-2023]
RECREATION VEHICLE (RV)
A travel trailer, motor home, pickup camper, tent trailer
or similar device used for temporary portable housing which is:
(1)
Built on a single chassis;
(2)
Not a mobile home/manufactured home as defined
in this chapter;
[Amended 7-2-2024]
(3)
Designed to be self-propelled or permanently
towable by a light-duty truck; and
(4)
Designed primarily not for use as a permanent
dwelling but as temporary living quarters for recreational camping,
travel or seasonal use.
RESIDENTIAL FACILITY
(1)
Any group home or other residential facility in which no more
than eight individuals with mental illness, intellectual disability,
or developmental disabilities reside with one or more resident or
nonresident staff persons and for which the Department of Behavioral
Health and Developmental Services is the licensing authority; or
[Amended 8-19-2014]
(2)
Any assisted living facility or residential facility in which
no more than eight aged, infirm or disabled persons reside with one
or more resident counselors or other staff persons and for which the
Department of Social Services is the licensing authority.
REST HOME OR CONVALESCENT HOME
A facility containing beds for three or more adult patients
providing domiciliary care for the aged, chronically ill or convalescent
patients, but not including facilities for the care of mental, epileptic
or alcoholic patients or drug addicts.
RETREAT CENTER
A facility designed to provide refuge, seclusion and privacy
for the purpose of rest, meditation, holistic wellness and/or religious
exercises. The facility may conduct training, seminars, workshops
and customized programs in both indoor and outdoor settings.
[Added 12-15-1998; amended 6-28-2022]
ROOF
The outside top covering of a building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
ROOF, GABLE
A ridged roof forming a gable at both ends of the building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
ROOF, GAMBREL
A roof with two slopes on each side, the lower steeper than
the upper.
[Added 1-16-1996]
ROOF, HIP
A roof with sloping ends and sides.
[Added 1-16-1996]
ROOF, MANSARD
A roof with two slopes on each of four sides, the lower steeper
than the upper.
[Added 1-16-1996]
ROOF, SHED
A roof with one slope.
[Added 1-16-1996]
RURAL EVENTS FACILITY
A facility, located on a parcel of land 20 acres or larger in size, utilized for events for which attendance is permitted by invitation or reservation. Facilities may host usual and customary activities, including, but not limited to, private parties, business meetings, educational seminars, wedding receptions, wedding ceremonies, class/family reunions, showers (i.e., baby, bridal), similar events and activities for nonprofit organizations, and similar events and activities as determined by the Zoning Administrator. Lodging units for event guests are permitted as an accessory use to the rural events facility unless otherwise disallowed or limited in the conditional use permit, and shall comply with the supplementary regulations in §
180-55.2 of this chapter.
[Added 1-17-2017; amended 11-17-2020; 3-28-2023]
RURAL RESORT CENTER
A facility, located on a parcel of land 15 acres or greater in size, utilized for hospitality and recreational purposes, including temporary lodging, meals, entertainment and recreational activities such as picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, playgrounds, indoor games, outdoor games and other sports and activities. The facility and lodging unit accommodations shall comply with the supplementary regulations set forth in §
180-55.4 of this chapter.
[Added 9-3-2024]
SAWMILL, NONCOMMERCIAL
A portable sawmill located on private property, used for
the sawing or processing of standing trees or their wood or timber
harvested only from that parcel or only from parcels contiguous thereto
under the same ownership.
[Added 7-18-1995]
SCHOOL
An institution giving regular instruction in general or special
education at least five days a week for a normal school year of at
least seven months; or instruction in special subjects and/or skills
on a schedule which may be short-term, irregular or variable. The
term "school" does not include day-care, child-care or nursery facilities.
SCHOOL, PRIVATE
A school owned and operated by an individual, partnership,
corporation or religious institution.
SCHOOL, PUBLIC
A school operated by a body or agency of federal, state or
local government.
SCREENING
Landscaping that consists of solid walls or fences or evergreen
trees that provide an equivalent visual barrier with a minimum height
of five feet.
SHED
An accessory building that is either portable or requires
a permanent location on the ground.
[Added 7-17-2007]
SHOPPING CENTER
A group of five or more commercial retail establishments
planned, constructed and managed as a total entity. It shall provide
customer and employee parking on site, include provisions for goods
delivery separated from customer access and provide protection from
the elements. Construction shall be uniform in nature and similar
in appearance. The minimum area required for a shopping center shall
be five acres.
[Added 7-21-1998]
SHORT-TERM TOURIST RENTAL
A single-family dwelling not attached to any other dwelling by any means and located on an individual lot that is rented for compensation for periods of less than 30 days. See §
180-56.4 for supplementary regulations pertaining to short-term tourist rentals.
[Added 4-17-2012]
SMALL DISTRIBUTION CENTER
An establishment engaged in the receipt, storage and distribution
of goods, products, cargo and materials, including transshipment by
rail, air or motor vehicle. Such facilities are not to exceed 5,000
square feet.
[Added 6-20-1995]
START OF CONSTRUCTION
Includes substantial improvement and means the date the building
permit was issued, provided that the actual start of construction,
repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement or other
improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The "actual start"
means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure
on a site such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation
of piles, the construction of columns or any work beyond the state
of excavation; or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation.
Permanent construction does not include land preparation such as clearing,
grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets
and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings,
piers, foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it
include the installation on the property of accessory buildings such
as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of
the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual "start
of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling,
floor or other structural part of a building, whether or not that
alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.
[Added 2-21-1995]
STOOP
A small porch or platform with steps leading to an entrance
into a building.
[Added 1-16-1996]
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected requiring a permanent location
on the ground or the attachment to something having a permanent location
on the ground. The definition includes portable sheds.
[Amended 7-17-2007]
SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE
Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the
cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would
equal or exceed 45% of the assessed value of the structure before
the damage occurred. This term does not, however, include either:
[Added 2-21-1995; amended 3-15-2022]
(2)
Sewer/septic system, well or landscape values.
SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT
Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement
of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 45% of the assessed
value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement.
This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage
regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not,
however, include either:
[Amended 3-15-2022; amended 7-26-2022]
(1)
Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing
violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications
which have been identified by the local code enforcement official
and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions;
or
(2)
any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration
will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic
structure.
TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS[Added 3-21-2000]
A business consisting of one or more than one in combination
of the following
(1)
Electronic information operations and providers.
Businesses that assist other businesses to better manage their paper
documents by putting them in an electronic database that can easily
be viewed by a larger group of people.
(2)
Internet service providers. Businesses that
provide Internet service to businesses or residents.
(3)
Software design and development. Businesses
that design software or businesses that develop the design of specific
software.
(4)
Computer and peripheral sales and assembly.
Businesses that assemble computers or sell the hardware associated
with computers.
(5)
Content developers. Businesses that design and
build computer systems.
(6)
Internet-based sales and services. Businesses
whose primary trade is based on the Internet, be it a sales or service
provider.
(7)
Hardware design, manufacture, assembly and development.
Businesses that manufacture, assemble or develop hardware design for
computers.
(8)
Telecommunications-based video service providers.
Businesses that use video-conferencing or cable connections for employees
to telecommute.
(9)
Outbound or inbound call centers. Businesses
that either market their product through phone calls or businesses
that answer consumer questions.
(10)
Telecommunications equipment manufacturing,
assembly and service. Businesses that build, put together or service
telecommunications equipment.
TENT
A portable shelter used as temporary living quarters for
recreational camping.
[Added 6-4-2024]
TRAVEL TRAILER (RECREATION VEHICLE)
A portable vehicular structure built on a chassis; designed
to be used for temporary occupancy for travel, recreation or vacation
use; being of any length, provided that its gross weight does not
exceed 4,500 pounds or being of any weight, provided that its overall
length does not exceed 40 feet.
TRUCK
Any motor vehicle designed to transport property on its own
structure independent of any other vehicle and having a registered
gross weight in excess of 7,500 pounds. Trucks further shall be classified
as follows:
[Added 7-17-2007]
(1)
Class one. Seven thousand five hundred pounds
gross vehicle weight and less. Includes minivan, utility van, multipurpose
vehicles, mini-pick-up, full size pick-up; and crew compartment pick-ups,
minibuses and step vans under 7,500 pounds gross vehicle weight.
(2)
Class two. Seven thousand five hundred one pounds
to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes minivan, utility van,
multipurpose vehicles, mini-pick-up, full size pick-up, crew compartment
pick-up, minibus and step van.
(3)
Class three. Ten thousand one pounds to 14,000
pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes mini-bus, walk-in and city delivery
truck.
(4)
Class four. Fourteen thousand one pounds to
16,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes conventional van, large
walk-in, city delivery, landscaping/utility.
(5)
Class five. Sixteen thousand one pounds to 19,500
pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes bucket, large walk-in, city
delivery, landscaping/utility.
(6)
Class Six. Nineteen thousand five hundred one
pounds to 26,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes rack, single
axle van, beverage, school bus, stake body.
(7)
Class seven. Twenty-six thousand one pounds
to 33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight. Includes home fuel, refuse,
tow, city transit bus, furniture, medium conventional, high profile
COE.
(8)
Class eight. Includes all trucks in excess of
33,000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
TRUCK STOP
A facility open to the public that has five or more diesel
fuel pumps along with provisions for parking and/or servicing of five
or more tractor trailers.
[Added 12-15-1998]
TURBINE
The parts of the wind energy system including the blades,
generator and tail.
[Added 5-19-2009]
VEHICLE, INOPERATIVE
Any motor vehicle which is not in operating condition; or
which for a period of 60 days or longer has been partially or totally
disassembled by the removal of tires and wheels, the engine or other
essential parts required for operation of the vehicle or on which
there are displayed neither valid license plates nor a valid inspection
decal.
WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM, PRIVATE
A water or sewer system owned and operated by an entity other
than a County or municipality, which is designed to serve 15 or more
connections and which has been approved for operation by the Virginia
Department of Health.
WATER AND SEWER SYSTEM, PUBLIC
A water or sewer system owned and operated by a municipality
or County which complies with standards of the Virginia Department
of Health.
WAYSIDE STAND
A temporary structure and/or the use of land for the display
and sale of agricultural products with no space for customers within
the structure itself.
WIND ENERGY SYSTEM, PRIVATE USE
A wind energy conversion system consisting of not more than
one wind turbine, tower and associated control or conversion electronics
per parcel, which has a rated capacity of not more than 100 kW and
which is intended to primarily reduce on-site consumption of utility
power. Sale of excess electricity back onto the electric grid is permitted.
[Added 5-19-2009]
YARD
The open space surrounding a structure but unoccupied and unobstructed by any structure or portion of a structure, except as provided in §
180-12.
ZONING ADMINISTRATOR
The official charged with the enforcement of this chapter
who is by formal resolution designated to the position by the Board
of Supervisors.
ZONING PERMIT
A permit issued by the Zoning Administrator which certifies
that a building or use of property is in compliance with the regulations
of the zoning district in which the building or use is located.