Title 18 — ZONING

Chapter 18.08 — DEFINITIONS

Dorris Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-06 · Dorris

Sections:
18.08.010 Generally.
18.08.020 Abut, abutting, adjoining.
18.08.030 Accessory dwelling unit.
18.08.040 Accessory structure.
18.08.050 Accessory use.
18.08.060 Acre.
18.08.070 Administrative permit.
18.08.080 Adult day programs.
18.08.090 Adult-oriented business.
18.08.100 Aggrieved party.
18.08.110 Airport.
18.08.120 Alcoholic beverage sales.
18.08.130 Alley.
18.08.140 Ambulance service.
18.08.150 Animal boarding.
18.08.160 Animal grooming.
18.08.170 Animal hospital.
18.08.180 Applicant.
18.08.190 Area.
18.08.200 Artisan crafts manufacturing and sales.
18.08.210 Artist studio.
18.08.220 Automated teller machines (ATMs).
18.08.230 Automobile and vehicle sales and rental.
18.08.240 Automobile parts and supplies sales.
18.08.250 Automobile service stations.
18.08.260 Awning.
18.08.270 Banks and financial services.
18.08.280 Bed and breakfast inn.
18.08.290 Billiard parlor.
18.08.300 Block.
18.08.310 Brewpub.
18.08.320 Building.
18.08.330 Building footprint.
18.08.340 Building frontage.
18.08.350 Building height.
18.08.360 Building intensity.
18.08.370 Building materials stores and yards.
18.08.380 Building official, building inspector.
18.08.390 Building site.
18.08.400 Bus shelter.
18.08.410 Business.
18.08.420 Business day.
18.08.430 Business office.
18.08.440 Business support services.
18.08.450 Car washing and detailing.
18.08.460 Caretaker housing.
18.08.470 Cargo container.
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18.08.480 Carport.
18.08.490 Cemetery.
18.08.500 Centerline.
18.08.510 Certified farmers’ market.
18.08.520 Chemical product manufacturing.
18.08.530 City property.
18.08.540 Clear vision triangle.
18.08.550 Clothing and fabric product manufacturing.
18.08.560 Clubs, lodges, and private meeting halls.
18.08.570 Collectibles.
18.08.580 Commercial vehicle.
18.08.590 Common area.
18.08.600 Community center.
18.08.610 Community garden.
18.08.620 Community resource center.
18.08.630 Concession facilities.
18.08.640 Concrete batching or ready-mix concrete manufacturing.
18.08.650 Conditional use permit.
18.08.660 Condominium.
18.08.670 Construction.
18.08.680 Consumer electronics.
18.08.690 Convenience stores.
18.08.700 Corner lot.
18.08.710 Cottage food operation.
18.08.720 Craft food and beverage production.
18.08.730 Crop and tree farming.
18.08.740 Customer area.
18.08.750 Date of decision.
18.08.760 Density.
18.08.770 Density bonus.
18.08.780 Density transfer.
18.08.790 Development agreement.
18.08.800 Dormitory.
18.08.810 Drive-in and drive-through sales and services.
18.08.820 Duplex residential.
18.08.830 Dwelling group.
18.08.840 Dwelling unit.
18.08.850 Easement.
18.08.860 Emergency shelter.
18.08.870 Employee housing.
18.08.880 Encroachment permit.
18.08.890 Equipment and material storage yards.
18.08.900 Equipment sales and rental.
18.08.910 Event center.
18.08.920 Explosives.
18.08.930 Family.
18.08.940 Family childcare home.
18.08.950 Farmworker housing.
18.08.960 Fence.
18.08.970 Firearms sales.
18.08.980 Floor area ratio.
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18.08.990 Food and beverage manufacturing.
18.08.1000 Fourplex residential.
18.08.1010 Front yard.
18.08.1020 Fuel storage and distribution.
18.08.1030 Furniture and fixtures manufacturing.
18.08.1040 Garage.
18.08.1050 Garage sale, yard sale.
18.08.1060 Garden center, plant nursery.
18.08.1070 General Plan.
18.08.1080 General vicinity, proximity.
18.08.1090 Glass product manufacturing.
18.08.1100 Grocery store, supermarket.
18.08.1110 Gross density.
18.08.1120 Gross floor area.
18.08.1130 Handcraft industries.
18.08.1140 Health clinics, medical offices, and laboratories.
18.08.1150 Hedges and equivalent screening.
18.08.1160 Heliport.
18.08.1170 Highway.
18.08.1180 Home occupation.
18.08.1190 Hospice care.
18.08.1200 Hospitals.
18.08.1210 Hotels and motels.
18.08.1220 Household.
18.08.1230 Indemnification.
18.08.1240 Indoor entertainment facility.
18.08.1250 Indoor sports and fitness facility.
18.08.1260 Junior accessory dwelling unit.
18.08.1270 Junk.
18.08.1280 Kitchen.
18.08.1290 Landscaping.
18.08.1300 Legal description.
18.08.1310 Library.
18.08.1320 Live/work unit.
18.08.1330 Livestock.
18.08.1340 Living area.
18.08.1350 Lot, parcel
18.08.1360 Lot coverage.
18.08.1370 Lot depth.
18.08.1380 Lot frontage, street frontage.
18.08.1390 Lot line.
18.08.1400 Lot width.
18.08.1410 Low barrier navigation center.
18.08.1420 Lumber and wood product processing facility.
18.08.1430 Main building.
18.08.1440 Manufactured home.
18.08.1450 Manufactured home park.
18.08.1460 Media production.
18.08.1470 Metal products fabrication, machine/welding shops.
18.08.1480 Microbrewery.

18.08.1490 Microdistillery. 18.08.1500 Mixed-use building. 18.08.1510 Mixed-use development. 18.08.1520 Mobile food commissary. 18.08.1530 Mobile food court. 18.08.1540 Mobile food vendor. 18.08.1550 Mobile home. 18.08.1560 Mortuaries and funeral homes. 18.08.1570 Multifamily residential. 18.08.1580 Nanobrewery. 18.08.1590 Net density. 18.08.1600 Net land area. 18.08.1610 Nonconforming building or use. 18.08.1620 Occupancy. 18.08.1630 Official plan line. 18.08.1640 Off-site. 18.08.1650 On-site. 18.08.1660 Open space. 18.08.1670 Outdoor commercial recreation facility. 18.08.1680 Paper product manufacturing. 18.08.1690 Park and ride facility. 18.08.1700 Parking space or facility. 18.08.1710 Parks, picnic areas, and playgrounds. 18.08.1720 Pending application. 18.08.1730 Permit. 18.08.1740 Personal services. 18.08.1750 Pharmacy. 18.08.1760 Places of worship and spiritual assembly. 18.08.1770 Principally permitted use. 18.08.1780 Printing and publishing. 18.08.1790 Private schools. 18.08.1800 Professional office. 18.08.1810 Project. 18.08.1820 Property line. 18.08.1830 Public agency. 18.08.1840 Public and quasi-public facilities. 18.08.1850 Public nuisance. 18.08.1860 Public right-of-way. 18.08.1870 Public safety facility. 18.08.1880 Public schools. 18.08.1890 Public services. 18.08.1900 Public utility. 18.08.1910 Rear yard. 18.08.1920 Recreational vehicle. 18.08.1930 Recreational vehicle park. 18.08.1940 Recycling facility. 18.08.1950 Residential care facility. 18.08.1960 Residential care home. 18.08.1970 Resource protection and restoration. 18.08.1980 Resource-related recreation. 18.08.1990 Restricted personal services.

18.08.2000 Restricted retail sales. 18.08.2010 Retail food establishment. 18.08.2020 Retail sales. 18.08.2030 Salvage yard. 18.08.2040 Second dwelling unit. 18.08.2050 Secondhand sales. 18.08.2060 Setback. 18.08.2070 Shopping center. 18.08.2080 Short-term rental. 18.08.2090 Side yard. 18.08.2100 Sign. 18.08.2110 Single-family residential. 18.08.2120 Small acreage agriculture. 18.08.2130 Small equipment maintenance and repair. 18.08.2140 Special event. 18.08.2150 Split zoning. 18.08.2160 Sporting goods. 18.08.2170 Stone product manufacturing. 18.08.2180 Storage facility. 18.08.2190 Structure. 18.08.2200 Supportive housing. 18.08.2210 Taproom brewery. 18.08.2220 Temporary structure. 18.08.2230 Temporary use. 18.08.2240 Theaters and playhouses. 18.08.2250 Townhouse. 18.08.2260 Transient occupancy. 18.08.2270 Transitional housing. 18.08.2280 Triplex residential. 18.08.2290 Uplighting. 18.08.2300 Utility infrastructure. 18.08.2310 Variance. 18.08.2320 Vehicle storage. 18.08.2330 Vehicles for hire. 18.08.2340 Vehicular access. 18.08.2350 Vertical mixed-use development. 18.08.2360 Veterinary office. 18.08.2370 Wholesale business. 18.08.2380 Wireless telecommunications facilities. 18.08.2390 Yard. 18.08.2400 Zero lot line. 18.08.2410 Zoning district.

18.08.010 Generally.

For the purposes of this title certain terms are defined in this chapter. If any of the definitions in this chapter conflict with definitions in other chapters of the Dorris Municipal Code, these definitions shall prevail for the purposes of this title. If a word used in this title is not defined in this chapter, or other titles of the Dorris Municipal Code, the most common dictionary definition is assumed to be correct.

  • A. The present tense shall include the future, the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural the singular.

  • B. The words "shall," "will," "must," and "is" denote a mandatory action. The word "may" or "should" indicate a permissive action.

18.08.020 Abut, abutting, adjoining.

"Abut," "abutting," or "adjoining" all mean contiguous to or touching.

18.08.030 Accessory dwelling unit.

As defined in Chapter 18.104 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

18.08.040 Accessory structure.

A structure that is physically detached from, secondary, and incidental to, and commonly associated with the existing primary structure. Does not include any tent, trailer, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle, or any building designed or used for human habitation.

18.08.050 Accessory use.

A use that is conducted on the same parcel as the principal use or structure to which it is related, and which is clearly subordinate and incidental to the principal use.

18.08.060 Acre.

An area of land measuring forty-three thousand five hundred sixty (43,560) square feet.

18.08.070 Administrative permit.

Any permit issued as a ministerial act by the city.

18.08.080 Adult day programs.

Facilities licensed by the California Department of Social Services as an Adult Day Program that provide non-medical care and supervision to persons eighteen (18) years of age or older in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of these individuals, in a day care setting, on less than a sixteen (16)-hour basis.

  • A. Small adult day programs provide supervision and non-medical care to six (6) or fewer adults.

  • B. Large adult day programs provide supervision and non-medical care to more than six (6) adults.

18.08.090 Adult-oriented business.

A business whose primary purpose is the sale or display of matter that, because of its sexually explicit nature, may, pursuant to state law or local regulatory authority, be offered only to persons over the age of eighteen (18) years.

18.08.100 Aggrieved party.

A person, organization, corporation, concerned citizen, or any individual or group that demonstrates to the city council that they have an interest, either financial or otherwise, in property

affected by the decision of the original decision maker. This definition is not intended to and does not confer standing to maintain an action in a court of law where standing would not otherwise exist.

18.08.110 Airport.

A place on land or water, where aircraft may land and take off, receive and disembark passengers or cargo, take on fuel, purchase accessories, or obtain service or repair. Includes appurtenant areas, buildings, facilities, and rights-of-way necessary to facilitate such use or intended use.

18.08.120 Alcoholic beverage sales.

  • A. “On-sale alcoholic beverage sales” means the retail sale of beer, wine, liquor, and/or other alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption as the principal use, typically with a Type 42 or 48 ABC license. This definition shall not include uses wherein the sale, offer, or dispensing of alcohol is incidental to the conduct of a permitted or conditionally permitted use, such as hotels, restaurants, theaters, and playhouses.

  • B. “Off-sale alcoholic beverage sales” means the retail sale of beer, wine, liquor, and/or other alcoholic beverages for off-site consumption as the principal use. This definition shall not include uses wherein the sale of alcohol is incidental to the conduct of a permitted or conditionally permitted use, such as grocery stores and supermarkets.

18.08.130 Alley.

A public way permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property at the rear or sides thereof.

18.08.140 Ambulance service.

Emergency medical care and transportation, including incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles.

18.08.150 Animal boarding.

A facility where domestic animals are housed, fed, and cared for, excluding an animal hospital or veterinary clinic, for a period greater than twenty-four (24) hours for commercial purposes.

18.08.160 Animal grooming.

A fixed or mobile facility where domestic animals are trimmed, bathed, or groomed other than by the owner on a regular basis for compensation (no boarding).

18.08.170 Animal hospital.

An enclosed building or buildings where animals are brought for medical and surgical treatment and are held during the time of such treatment, including overnight. Grooming of animals and pet food sales are permitted as accessory to the medical use.

18.08.180 Applicant.

A person who is required to file an application for a permit or license under this title.

18.08.190 Area.

A piece of land that can be definitively described and located with specific boundaries.

18.08.200 Artisan crafts manufacturing and sales.

Manufacture of crafts, art, sculpture, jewelry, apparel, candles, and similar items using hand tools and small mechanical devices (e.g., drills and saws, hammers and chisels, paint brushes and sprayers, pottery wheels and kilns, sewing machines, spinning wheels, etc.) and the incidental direct sale to consumers of only those goods produced on-site. Where there are no incidental direct sales to customers, the use may be considered an “artist studio” or “handcraft industries.”

18.08.210 Artist studio.

An establishment engaged in the creation of art or crafts that requires artistic skill. Such an establishment may participate in periodic open studios (a maximum of six (6) days per year) but is otherwise subject to the applicable zoning district’s limitations on retail sales. Artist studios may include rehearsal spaces not designed for public performances. Examples of persons typically engaged in this work include woodworkers, potters/ceramicists, costume makers, set designers, stained-glass makers, glassblowers, textile artists and weavers, jewelry makers, painters, fine art printmakers, photographers/filmmakers, leather workers (no tanning), metal workers, musical instrument makers, model makers, papermakers, installation artists, sculptors, video artists, and other makers of art and crafts consistent with this definition. The use of computers in an activity does not by itself prevent its classification as an artist studio. This use excludes architectural and landscape services, industrial or graphic design services, computer systems design services, and other commercial activities normally conducted in an office environment. See “artisan crafts manufacturing” for artist studios that include the incidental sale of goods made on-site.

18.08.220 Automated teller machines (ATMs).

Computerized, self-service machines used by banking customers for financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers, without contact with financial institution personnel. The machines may be located at or within banks, or in other locations, in compliance with allowed use provisions.

18.08.230 Automobile and vehicle sales and rental.

Retail establishments selling and/or renting automobiles, trucks, vans, motorbikes, recreation vehicles, and motorized boats. May also include repair shops and the sales of parts and accessories incidental to vehicle dealerships.

18.08.240 Automobile parts and supplies sales.

Stores that sell new and reconditioned automobile parts and accessories. Does not include installation of parts or vehicle repair.

18.08.250 Automobile service stations.

A retail place of business engaged in supplying goods and services essential to the normal operation of automobiles, such as: dispensing of automotive fuel and motor oil; tire sales and service, not including recapping; battery service, charging, and replacement, not including repair and rebuilding; lubrication of motor vehicles; brake servicing; wheel balancing; and minor automotive repair. May include drive-through car washes as an accessory use to fuel sales. Does not include the storage or repair of abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles, vehicle painting, body or fender work, or the rental of vehicle storage or parking spaces.

18.08.260 Awning.

Any structure made of a flexible fabric or similar material covering a metal frame attached to a building, whether or not the same is so erected as to permit its being raised to a position flat against the building when not in use.

18.08.270 Banks and financial services.

Financial institutions including: banks and trust companies, credit agencies, holding (but not primarily operating) companies, lending and thrift institutions, other investment companies, securities/commodity contract brokers and dealers, security and commodity exchanges, vehicle finance (equity), and leasing agencies.

18.08.280 Bed and breakfast inn.

A single residential property with up to five (5) bedrooms rented for overnight lodging, where at least one (1) meal is provided to overnight guests only subject to applicable Health Department regulations. A bed and breakfast inn with more than five (5) guest rooms is considered a hotel or motel.

18.08.290 Billiard parlor.

A building, structure, or portion thereof in which are located three (3) or more tables designed or used for pool, billiards, bagatelle, snooker, bumper pool, or similar games.

18.08.300 Block.

All property fronting upon one side of a street, between intersecting and intercepting street, or between a street and a railroad right-of-way, waterway, dead-end street or unsubdivided land. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of a street that it intercepts.

18.08.310 Brewpub.

A restaurant with an on-site brewery that sells a minimum of twenty-five (25) percent of the beer brewed on-site for on-premises consumption.

18.08.320 Building.

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and designed for the shelter or housing of any person, animal, or property.

18.08.330 Building footprint.

The land area covered by a building as measured at its perimeter foundation walls including any roofed area that may not have perimeter foundation walls.

18.08.340 Building frontage.

The exterior building wall of a ground floor business establishment on the side of the building that fronts or is oriented towards a public street, highway, or parkway. "Building frontage" shall be measured continuously along the building wall for the entire length of the business establishment, including any portion not parallel to the remainder of the wall.

18.08.350 Building height.

The vertical distance from the average base elevation to the highest point on the structure, excluding chimneys, antennae, and similar nonstructural elements. Average base elevation is determined by taking the elevation of the lowest point at the ground and the elevation of the highest point at the ground and finding the average. This definition is not intended to preclude applicable usage of the definition in the building code(s) adopted by the city.

18.08.360 Building intensity.

The percentage of land area covered over by the building footprint or land use.

18.08.370 Building materials stores and yards.

Retail establishments selling lumber and other large building materials, where most display and sales occur indoors but outdoor storage is typically required. Includes paint, wallpaper, glass, and fixtures. Includes stores selling to the general public, even if contractor sales account for a major proportion of total sales. Hardware stores are considered “retail sales.”

18.08.380 Building official, building inspector

The individual in charge of the City of Dorris Building Department or responsible for performing the city's building inspections.

18.08.390 Building site.

The portion of a parcel of land, in a single or joint ownership, occupied or to be occupied by a building, together with such setbacks as are required by the terms of this zoning ordinance and having its principal frontage on a public street, road, or highway.

18.08.400 Bus shelter.

A small structure designed for the protection and convenience of waiting transit passengers that has a roof and usually two (2) or three (3) sides.

18.08.410 Business.

A land use or activity established for the purposes of commerce and as a means of generating revenue or income.

18.08.420 Business day.

Any day the city’s offices located at 230 S. 13th Street, Dorris, California, are open to the public.

18.08.430 Business office.

An office where common business services are provided to the general public, such as consumer services, insurance, real estate, tax preparation, travel, utility company offices, etc. These uses typically have a higher rate of walk-in traffic than a professional office and visits are often made without an appointment.

18.08.440 Business support services.

Establishments primarily within buildings, providing other businesses with services including maintenance, repair and service, testing, rental, etc., also includes: blueprinting business; equipment repair services; commercial art and design (including production); computer-related

services (rental, repair); copying, quick printing, and blueprinting services; equipment rental businesses located entirely within buildings; heavy equipment repair services where repair occurs on the client site; janitorial services; mail advertising services (reproduction and shipping); mail box services; notary services; advertising services; photocopying and photofinishing; soils and materials testing laboratories; and window cleaning.

18.08.450 Car washing and detailing.

Permanent, drive-through, self-service and/or attended car washing establishments, including fully mechanized facilities. May include detailing services. Does not include temporary car washes which are fundraising activities typically conducted at a service station or other automotive-related business, where volunteers wash vehicles by hand, and the duration of the event is limited to one (1) day.

18.08.460 Caretaker housing.

A residence that is accessory to a non-residential primary use of the site, where needed for security, twenty-four (24)-hour care or supervision, or monitoring of facilities, equipment, or other conditions on the site.

18.08.470 Cargo container.

A metal or similar rectangular container designed for the temporary storage and transportation of goods on rail cars, truck beds, and ships.

18.08.480 Carport.

A structure that is attached or detached from another building, and that is open on at least two (2) sides with a covering for vehicle storage.

18.08.490 Cemetery.

Land used for the storage of the deceased, and dedicated for cemetery purposes, including crematories, columbaria, and mausoleums.

18.08.500 Centerline.

The line located equidistant from the edges of an easement or right-of-way. Centerline of a road right-of-way or easement does not necessarily mean the center of the physical location of the road.

18.08.510 Certified farmers’ market.

A temporary outdoor gathering of individual retailers primarily focused on the sale of fresh produce, but also including other foods, beverages, handicrafts, art objects, and similar items.

18.08.520 Chemical product manufacturing.

Manufacturing facilities that produce or use basic chemicals, and other establishments creating products predominantly by chemical processes. Facilities included in this definition manufacture three general classes of products: basic chemicals, including acids, alkalis, salts, and organic chemicals; chemical products to be used in further manufacture, including synthetic fibers, plastic materials, dry colors, and pigments; and finished chemical products to be used for ultimate consumption, including drugs, cosmetics, and soaps; or to be used as materials or supplies in other industries including paints, fertilizers, and explosives.

18.08.530 City property.

Real property over which the City of Dorris: (1) has fee title, an easement (including a public rightof-way), a leasehold interest, or other legal interest; and (2) has the present right of possession and control.

18.08.540 Clear vision triangle, clear vision distance.

The clear vision area (sometimes called the “sight triangle”) formed by measuring twenty (20) feet along two intersecting streets from the point of intersection, and diagonally connecting the ends of the two lines (see Figure 18.08-1). Visual obstructions within this area are strictly managed so that drivers stopped at or approaching an intersection can see pedestrians and oncoming traffic.

==> picture [247 x 141] intentionally omitted <==

Fig. 18.08-1, Clear Vision Triangle

18.08.550 Clothing and fabric product manufacturing.

An establishment that assembles clothing, draperies, and/or other products by cutting and sewing purchased textile fabrics and related materials, including fur, leather, plastics, and rubberized fabrics, and which does not include the on-site sale of products to the end consumer. Does not include custom tailors and dressmakers not operating as a factory.

18.08.560 Clubs, lodges, and private meeting halls.

Permanent, headquarters-type and meeting facilities for organizations operating on a membership basis for the promotion of the interests of the members, including facilities for: business associations; civic, social, and fraternal organizations; labor unions and similar organizations; political organizations; professional membership organizations; and other membership organizations.

18.08.570 Collectibles.

Any tangible personal property which has an enhanced value because of its rarity and which is commonly bought, sold, or exchanged among collectors and shall include such things as rare coins, stamps, and jewelry.

18.08.580 Commercial vehicle.

A motor vehicle used for commercial, industrial, or agricultural purposes and rated more than one (1) ton capacity. Examples of commercial use vehicles include but are not limited to; tow trucks, flat-bed trucks, mobile food preparation vehicles including large trucks converted as food vehicles, street sweepers, buses, utility trucks with hydraulic arms or lifts, and tractors and semi-trailers, etc.

18.08.590 Common area.

A parcel or parcels that are part of a subdivision, which are retained in the common ownership of the property owners of the subdivisions for common use or development.

18.08.600 Community center.

Multipurpose meeting and recreational facilities owned and maintained by a public agency and typically consisting of one (1) or more meeting or multipurpose rooms, kitchen, and/or outdoor barbecue facilities that are available for use by various groups for such activities as meetings, parties, receptions, dances, etc.

18.08.610 Community garden.

A site where flowers, fruits, herbs, nuts, seeds, and/or vegetables are cultivated by individuals of a neighborhood.

18.08.620 Community resource center.

Any building maintained by a governmental authority or not-for-profit agency used for supplementary educational services, employment assistance, food services, and/or constructive recreational activities.

18.08.630 Concession facilities.

Food service establishments operated from permanent structures, and generally associated with athletic and recreational facilities.

18.08.640 Concrete batching or ready-mix concrete manufacturing.

A facility used for the delivery of limestone aggregate, sand or screenings, cement and water into mixer trucks as part of the concrete manufacturing process. This facility may contain a system of conveyor belts, chutes, storage silos, stockpile areas, water and air systems, and weight scales and meters for the accurate dispensing of the raw materials to produce the desired strength and type of concrete. A concrete batching plant or ready-mix concrete plant facility includes queuing and parking spaces for trucks, materials handling equipment, and administrative, control and office buildings.

18.08.650 Conditional use permit.

A land use permit issued in a zone for uses that have the potential to be incompatible with neighboring land uses and zoning, and are to be permitted, but may be denied, following a public hearing in which interested parties have the opportunity to comment.

18.08.660 Condominium.

An estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a parcel of real property together with a separate interest in space in a building on such real property.

18.08.670 Construction.

The physical development of a parcel, including site excavation and grading, framing, and finishing, up to the point of final inspection, use, or occupancy, whichever occurs first.

18.08.680 Consumer electronics.

Analog or digital electronic equipment intended for everyday entertainment, communications, and recreation use. Consumer electronics include but are not limited to home or portable audio and video equipment, audio and video equipment for boats and automobiles, camcorders, cameras, drones, electronic musical instruments, karaoke machines, game consoles, GPS instruments and software, personal computers, mobile phones, smart appliances, smart watches, virtual reality goggles, and other wearable technology.

18.08.690 Convenience stores.

Easy access retail stores of five thousand (5,000) square feet or less in gross floor area, which carry a range of merchandise oriented to convenience and travelers' shopping needs.

18.08.700 Corner lot.

A lot that has two (2) or more parcel lines contiguous to a public street.

18.08.710 Cottage food operation.

As defined in Chapter 18.88 (Live Work Units and Home-Based Businesses).

18.08.720 Craft food and beverage production.

A business, not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) square feet in gross floor area, engaged in onsite commercial production of beverage and/or food products to a final form employing batchprocessing or handcrafting using traditional methods, and that distributes to customers on-site via product tasting and direct sales and/or offsite to retailers and wholesalers. Typical uses include but are not limited to artisan cheesemakers, bakeries, chocolatiers, coffee roasters, condiment makers, confectioneries, ice cream shops, microdistilleries, nanobreweries, and any other craft beverage manufacturing. Does not include water bottling.

18.08.730 Crop and tree farming.

Raising and harvesting of plants, tree crops, row crops, or field crops on an agricultural or commercial basis. Includes horticulture establishments engaged in the cultivation of flowers, fruits, vegetables, or ornamental trees and shrubs for wholesale and incidental retail sales. This classification includes accessory agricultural buildings accessory to such uses and roadside stands for display/sale of agricultural products grown on the premises. Excludes commercial cannabis and uses for which other garden, nursery, or landscape merchandise are stored and sold on the site.

18.08.740 Customer area.

That portion of a structure that is used for the purposes of transacting business, purchasing, or selling products or services, and does not include any portion of the structure used for warehousing or storage that is inaccessible to public use.

18.08.750 Date of decision.

Granting or denying a permit under this title means the date on which the decision is announced or a final vote is taken.

18.08.760 Density.

  • A. For residential use, “density” means the number of dwelling units per acre.

  • B. For non-residential development, “density” means the percentage of lot coverage.

18.08.770 Density bonus.

A density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density under the applicable land use designation and zoning district.

18.08.780 Density transfer.

The exchange of permitted density within a proposed development so that the number of parcels or lots created are equal to the number permitted by the General Plan, but individual lots or parcels are potentially smaller than the minimum parcel size requirement.

18.08.790 Development agreement.

Refers to agreements entered between developers and the city pursuant to Government Code Section 65864 et seq. as those sections exist or are hereafter amended or renumbered.

18.08.800 Dormitory.

A building providing group living accommodations, occupied by individuals not sharing a common household, characterized by separate sleeping rooms without individual kitchen facilities and containing congregate bath and/or dining facilities or rooms.

18.08.810 Drive-in and drive-through sales and services.

Facilities where food, products, or services may be purchased by motorists without leaving their vehicles, including but not limited to drive-thru restaurants and coffee shops, banks, pharmacies, and other businesses with drive-up windows, and automated car washes.

18.08.820 Duplex residential.

A single building containing two (2) independent dwelling units separated from each other by a wall, floor, or ceiling; provided, however, that a building containing a single-family dwelling and a lawful accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be deemed a duplex.

18.08.830 Dwelling group.

Three (3) or more detached single-family dwellings occupying a parcel of land, in one (1) ownership and having a yard court in common, but not including manufactured home parks, hotels, motels, and transient occupancy uses.

18.08.840 Dwelling unit.

A building or portion of a building designed for, or occupied exclusively by, persons living as one (1) household.

18.08.850 Easement.

Any legal right defined as an easement in the California Code of Civil Procedure Section 800 et al. Generally, an easement is a right to the use of another's land.

18.08.860 Emergency shelter.

Housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six (6) months or less by a homeless person. No individual or households may be denied emergency

shelter because of an inability to pay. “Emergency shelter” also includes other interim interventions, including, but not limited to, a navigation center, bridge housing, and respite or recuperative care.

18.08.870 Employee housing.

  • A. “Small employee housing” means housing for employees consisting of six (6) or fewer persons in a single-family dwelling.

  • B. “Large employee housing” means housing for employees consisting of no more than thirty-six (36) beds in group quarters or twelve (12) units or spaces designed for use by a single family or household.

18.08.880 Encroachment permit.

A permit issued by a government agency to allow private work within publicly owned property (e.g., to connect with a city street).

18.08.890 Equipment and material storage yards.

All uses related to outdoor storage of large construction equipment or machinery, company vehicles, or large quantities of other materials. Excludes storage associated with vehicle service and equipment.

18.08.900 Equipment sales and rental.

Service establishments with outdoor storage/rental yards, which may offer a wide variety of materials and equipment for rental, including construction and farm equipment.

18.08.910 Event center.

Any room, place, or space that the primary business is to routinely rent or make available to members of the public for general social purposes such as weddings and wedding receptions, birthday parties, celebrations, gatherings, and similar events.

18.08.920 Explosives.

Includes any chemical compound or mechanical mixture, that is commonly used or intended for the purpose of producing an explosion, and that contains any oxidizing and combustible units, packing, that an ignition by fire, by friction, by concussion, by percussion, or by detonator of any part of the compound or mixture may cause such a sudden generation of highly heated gases that the resultant gaseous pressures are capable of producing effects on contiguous objects or of destroying life or limb.

18.08.930 Family.

18.08.940 Family childcare home.

A state licensed facility that provides non-medical care and supervision of minor children for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours within a single-family residence.

  • A. In small family daycare homes, the occupant of the residence provides care and supervision generally to six (6) or fewer children. As described in the California Health and Safety Code,

small family daycare homes may provide services for up to eight (8) children when specific conditions are met.

  • B. In a large family daycare home, the occupant of the residence provides care and supervision generally for seven (7) to fourteen (14) children. As described in the California Health and Safety Code, large family daycare homes may provide services for up to sixteen (16) children when specific conditions are met.

18.08.950 Farmworker housing.

A single-family dwelling occupied by six (6) or fewer persons, at least one (1) of which is an agricultural employee.

18.08.960 Fence.

A structurally sound barrier constructed of posts, supports, and cross members that serves as an obstruction to mark property lines or delineate or restrict access to a portion of property.

18.08.970 Firearms sales.

Any establishment which sells or offers for sale firearms. Does not include the sale of ammunition, firearms parts and accessories, hunting supplies, reloading equipment and supplies, targets and other shooting supplies, or FFL transfers.

18.08.980 Floor area ratio.

The net floor area of a building or buildings on a lot divided by the lot area or site area.

18.08.990 Food and beverage manufacturing.

Manufacturing establishments that produce or process foods and beverages for human consumption, and certain related products. Includes coffee roasters; dairy products, fats, and oil manufacturing; curing, preserving, and related processing; fruit and vegetable canning; microbreweries; juice and soft drink production; grain mill products and by-products; wholesale bakeries; water bottling plants; and miscellaneous food item preparation from raw products. Uses are predominantly wholesale although may include tasting rooms and accessory retail sales of food or beverages produced on site, such as a taproom. Does not include retail bakeries or the brewing of beer or the distilling of spirits as part of a nanobrewery, brew pub, microdistillery, or restaurant.

18.08.1000 Fourplex residential.

A single building containing four (4) independent dwelling units, not including lawful accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units, separated from each other by a wall, floor, or ceiling.

18.08.1010 Front yard.

A yard extending across the front of the lot between the side lot lines and measured from the front lot line to the building or structure wall.

18.08.1020 Fuel storage and distribution.

A large-scale facility where fuel, such as propane and gasoline, is stored and distributed without retail sales.

18.08.1030 Furniture and fixtures manufacturing.

Manufacturers producing cabinetry and shelving; draperies, blinds, and shades; household, office, and store furniture; mattresses and foundations; and rugs and carpets. Includes furniture reupholstering businesses, but not sawmills or planing mills.

18.08.1040 Garage.

A covered space that can be accessed from a public or private roadway for the storage of automobiles. Each parking space shall have a minimum area of ten (10) feet by twenty (20) feet. If attached to the main building, such garage shall meet the requirements of this title applicable to the main building. If detached from the main building, the garage shall meet the requirements for an accessory structure. This definition does not replace the definition of a garage in the California Building Code.

18.08.1050 Garage sale, yard sale.

A temporary garage, yard, lawn, patio, or similar-type sale held anywhere on the premises in a residential zone or when incidental to residential use in a mixed-use zone for the purpose of disposing of personal property.

18.08.1060 Garden center, plant nursery.

Establishments providing for the cultivation and sale of ornamental trees, shrubs, and plants, including the sale of garden and landscape materials (packaged and/or bulk sale of unpackaged materials), yard tools, and equipment.

18.08.1070 General Plan.

The City of Dorris General Plan as currently adopted, including all amendments.

18.08.1080 General vicinity, proximity.

The parcels of land surrounding or near a subject property that have the potential to be affected by the proposed land use or land usage of the subject property. General vicinity or proximity cannot be defined by a specific distance or direction in that one type of land use may impact a greater area than another type of land use.

18.08.1090 Glass product manufacturing.

Manufacturing establishments larger than ten thousand (10,000) square feet that produce flat glass and other glass products which are pressed, blown, or shaped from glass produced in the same establishment.

18.08.1100 Grocery store, supermarket.

A retail business where a majority of the floor area open to the public is occupied by food products packaged for preparation and consumption away from the site of the store.

18.08.1110 Gross density.

The total number of dwelling units per acre, based on the minimum lot size, using the total acreage of the undeveloped site before public rights-of-way or other dedications are factored in.

18.08.1120 Gross floor area.

The total square footage of a structure as measured around the exterior perimeter including any non-walled areas under roof and any outside storage or sales areas.

18.08.1130 Handcraft industries.

Small-scale manufacturing establishments that manufacture and/or assemble small products primarily by hand, including but not limited to jewelry, pottery and other ceramics, art and craft products, musical instruments, brooms and brushes, pens, pencils, and stationary, costume novelties, saddles, toys, sporting goods, and taxidermy.

18.08.1140 Health clinics, medical offices, and laboratories.

Facilities primarily engaged in furnishing outpatient medical, mental health, surgical, and other personal health services, but which are separate from hospitals, including: medical and dental laboratories, medical, dental, psychologists, and psychiatrists, out-patient care facilities, other allied health service. Includes complementary and alternative medical services such as acupuncture, chiropractic medicine, energy therapies, herbal medicine, and ayurvedic medicine.

18.08.1150 Hedges and equivalent screening.

Vegetation other than trees that block at least fifty (50) percent of light passage, is four (4) feet or more in diameter or width within two (2) feet of ground level, and has the purpose or effect of obscuring or blocking casual viewing through it.

18.08.1160 Heliport.

A designated, marked area on the ground or the top of a structure where helicopters may land at any time.

18.08.1170 Highway

A state or federal route as defined by the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) or the Federal Highway Administration.

18.08.1180 Home occupation.

As defined in Chapter 18.88 (Live Work Units and Home-Based Businesses).

18.08.1190 Hospice care.

A facility or program designed to provide a caring environment for supplying the physical and emotional needs of the terminally ill.

18.08.1200 Hospitals.

Medical centers and similar facilities engaged primarily in providing diagnostic services and extensive medical treatment, including surgical and other health services. These establishments have an organized medical staff, inpatient beds, and equipment and facilities to provide complete health care. May include on-site accessory clinics and laboratories, accessory retail uses, and emergency heliports. Does not include “ambulance service”, which is defined separately.

18.08.1210 Hotels and motels.

Commercial facility that contains five (5) or more guest rooms, suites, cabins, and/or chalets provided with or without kitchen facilities, rented to the general public for transient lodging (less than thirty (30) days). Often includes a variety of guest services in addition to lodging (e.g., restaurant, swimming pool, meeting facilities, personal services, etc.). Hotels typically provide access to guest rooms from an interior walkway, and motels typically provide access to guest rooms from an exterior walkway.

18.08.1220 Household.

One or more persons, whether or not related by blood, marriage or adoption, sharing a dwelling unit.

18.08.1230 Indemnification.

Compliance with a request to relieve the city of liability, or to accept the costs for defending the city, from any action brought as a result of the project.

18.08.1240 Indoor entertainment facility.

Establishments providing indoor entertainment services for a fee or charge, including but not limited to billiard parlors, bingo parlors, bowling alleys, and electronic game arcades as a primary use. An establishment or premises with more than ten (10) electronic games or coin-operated amusements and/or where fifty (50) percent or more of the floor area is occupied by amusement devices is considered an electronic game arcade as described above. Ten (10) or fewer machines are not considered a land use separate from the primary use of the site.

18.08.1250 Indoor sports and fitness facility.

A center where exercises and related activities are performed entirely within an enclosed building for the purpose of physical fitness, improved circulation or flexibility, and/or weight control. Typical uses include athletic clubs, gyms, indoor ball courts, fitness centers, indoor climbing facilities, and yoga studios.

18.08.1260 Junior accessory dwelling unit.

As defined in Chapter 18.104 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

18.08.1270 Junk.

Includes but is not limited to, trash; refuse; paper; glass; cans; bottles; rags; ashes; trimming from lawns, yards, trees, and shrubbery, including plants and leaves; and other solid waste or salvageable materials other than garbage; inoperable appliances, parts, tools; inoperable and unregistered vehicles; vehicle parts; vehicle hulks; discarded furniture; dirt; rocks; and materials from the demolition, alteration or construction of buildings or structures, unless such dirt, rocks, or other materials from demolition, alteration or construction are being used for purposes of fill.

18.08.1280 Kitchen.

Any room or portion thereof containing facilities designed or used for the preparation of food, including but not limited to stoves, ranges, or hotplates.

18.08.1290 Landscaping.

The replacement of developed or excavated areas of a parcel with introduced new living vegetation, shrubbery, trees, ground cover and combinations thereof.

18.08.1300 Legal description.

The terminology, words, mapping, or language contained in a deed or other legal document describing the location of a parcel of land or location of an easement.

18.08.1310 Library.

A public, nonprofit facility, room, or building containing printed information, electronic information, and pictorial material, such as books, manuscripts, computers, recordings, or films, which are kept for use by or loaning to patrons of the facility but are not normally offered for sale.

18.08.1320 Live/work unit.

As defined in Chapter 18.88 (Live/Work Units and Home-Based Businesses).

18.08.1330 Livestock

Any common farm animal, including, but not limited to, cows, horses, sheep and goats, but excluding fowl and domestic swine.

18.08.1340 Living area.

The interior habitable area for a dwelling unit, including basements and attics.

18.08.1350 Lot, parcel.

A legally established parcel of land mapped or otherwise described. May also mean a parcel established for tax purposes, sometimes called an assessor’s parcel.

18.08.1360 Lot coverage.

The percent of lot area covered by all building footprints.

18.08.1370 Lot depth.

The average distance from the property line fronting a road or road easement to the rear or opposite property line.

18.08.1380 Lot frontage, street frontage.

The length of a lot or parcel of land along or fronting on a street or other principal thoroughfare but not including such length along an alley, watercourse, railroad right-of-way or limited access roadway or interstate.

18.08.1390 Lot line.

  • A. Any legally described parcel line, as follows:

    1. “Front lot line” is the shortest property line along the road or road easement.

    2. “Side lot line” is the property line intersecting with the front lot line and dividing the parcel from other adjacent parcels or another public street.

    3. “Exterior lot line” is the property line intersecting with the front lot line and contiguous with a public street on a corner lot.

    4. “Interior lot line” is any property line dividing the parcel from other adjacent parcels.

    5. “Rear lot line” is the property line opposite the front lot line.

  • B. In the case of an irregularly shaped lot, the city planner shall determine the front and side lot lines in such a manner as to best promote the orderly development of the immediate area.

18.08.1400 Lot width.

The distance from one side property line to the other side property line measured along the building setback line.

18.08.1410 Low barrier navigation center.

As defined in Section 18.84.120 (Low barrier navigation centers).

18.08.1420 Lumber and wood product processing facility.

Manufacturing, processing, and sales involving the milling of forest products to produce rough and finished lumber and other wood materials for use in other manufacturing, craft, or construction processes.

18.08.1430 Main building.

A building that is designed for or in which is conducted the principal use of the lot and/or building site on which it is situated.

18.08.1440 Manufactured home.

As defined in the California Health and Safety Code Section 18007, means a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight (8) body feet or more in width, or forty (40) body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is three hundred and twenty (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 foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Manufactured home includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Act of 1974.

18.08.1450 Manufactured home park.

Any area of land or property that has at least two (2) mobile homes, manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, and/or lots that are held out for rent or lease.

18.08.1460 Media production.

Commercial arts and art-related business services including audio and film recording and editing studios and services, film and video production, photographers and photography studios, radio and television broadcast, special effects production, titling, video and film libraries, and similar uses.

18.08.1470 Metal products fabrication, machine/welding shops.

Establishments engaged primarily in the assembly of metal parts, including the following uses that produce metal duct work, tanks, towers, cabinets, and enclosures, metal doors, and gates, and similar products, blacksmith, and welding shops, sheet metal shops, machine shops, and boiler shops.

18.08.1480 Microbrewery.

A brewery that produces less than fifteen thousand (15,000) barrels of beer per year and sells seventy-five (75) percent or more of its beer off-site.

18.08.1490 Microdistillery.

A business where less than fifty thousand (50,000) proof gallons of distilled spirits are manufactured (distilled, rectified, or bottled, blended), packaged, and distributed for wholesale and/or retail distribution annually and which includes the incidental direct sale to consumers of only those goods produced on-site.

18.08.1500 Mixed-use building.

A type of mixed-use development that has at least two (2) uses, each occupying a minimum of thirty (30) percent of the gross floor area of the building.

18.08.1510 Mixed-use development.

More than one type of land use within a building, set of buildings, or area. See also “vertical mixeduse development.”

18.08.1520 Mobile food commissary.

As defined in Chapter 18.100 (Mobile Food Sales).

18.08.1530 Mobile food court.

As defined in Chapter 18.100 (Mobile Food Sales).

18.08.1540 Mobile food vendor.

As defined in Chapter 18.100 (Mobile Food Sales).

18.08.1550 Mobile home.

As defined in the 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 (8) body feet or more in width, or forty (40) body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on-site, is three hundred and twenty (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 foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Mobile home includes any structure that meets all the requirements of this paragraph and complies with the state standards for mobile homes in effect at the time of construction. Mobile home does not include a commercial modular, as defined in Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 18001.8, factory-built housing, as defined in HSC Section 19971, a manufactured home, as defined in HSC Section 18007, a multifamily manufactured home, as defined in HSC Section 18008.7, or a recreational vehicle, as defined in HSC Section 18010.

18.08.1560 Mortuaries and funeral homes.

Funeral homes and parlors, where deceased are prepared for burial or cremation, and funeral services may be conducted.

18.08.1570 Multifamily residential.

A building or a portion of a building designed and intended for occupancy by two (2) or more households living independently of each other, each in a separate dwelling unit, which may be owned individually or by a single landlord (e.g., apartment, apartment house, duplex, townhouse, condominium).

18.08.1580 Nanobrewery.

A brewery that produces no more than three (3) barrels of beer in one batch and no more than two thousand (2,000) barrels annually.

18.08.1590 Net density.

The total number of dwelling units per acre, based on the minimum lot size and acreage of the site, but excluding land area devoted to public rights-of-way and other dedications.

18.08.1600 Net land area.

The area or land remaining after any required public dedication.

18.08.1610 Nonconforming building or use.

  • A. "Non-conforming building" means a structure that does not conform to present regulations.

  • B. "Nonconforming use" means a land use which does not conform to present regulations.

  • C. "Legally existing" means a use that predates present regulations but was legally constructed or established at the time the use or construction first commenced.

  • D. “Grandfathered” is a colloquial term means the same as “legally existing” non-conforming building or use as described in subsection C above.

18.08.1620 Occupancy.

The establishment of a use within a structure or upon a parcel of land, including and not limited to installing display fixtures in a completed structure, stocking of inventory, or commencing temporary or permanent residency, whether or not a structure has been subject to an approved final inspection or a certificate of occupancy. Each separate use of property carried on at all or a portion of a building parcel is a separate occupancy.

18.08.1630 Official plan line.

The boundaries and limits of a planned right-of-way, including the future right-of-way of an existing street as it is proposed to be widened and including all lands necessary for the building, widening or maintenance of any road, street, highway or any other type of public way which planned rightof-way is based on the general plan of the city.

18.08.1640 Off-site.

An improvement, feature, or action located or occurring on property separate from the property under discussion.

18.08.1650 On-site.

An improvement, feature, or action located or occurring on the property under discussion.

18.08.1660 Open space.

The portion of the lot or parcel from the ground upward that is unoccupied by buildings, structures, parking lots and driveways, except as otherwise permitted by city code. Clubhouses, recreation buildings, pools, saunas, interior walkways, paths, and similar amenities may be included in open space.

18.08.1670 Outdoor commercial recreation facility.

Facility for various outdoor sports and recreation activities where a fee is charged for use, including amusement and theme parks, golf driving ranges, miniature golf courses, skateboard parks, swim and tennis clubs, waterparks, and similar uses.

18.08.1680 Paper product manufacturing.

An establishment that converts pre-manufactured paper or paperboard into boxes, envelopes, paper bags, wallpaper, etc., and/or that coats or glazes pre-manufactured paper. Does not include the manufacturing of pulp, paper, or paperboard.

18.08.1690 Park and ride facility.

A designated area where a vehicle may be left in order to carpool with other commuters or to ride public transit.

18.08.1700 Parking space or facility.

An area or structure used for the temporary storage of vehicles.

  • A. “Parking space” means an unobstructed space or area other than a street or alley that is permanently reserved, maintained, and accessible for the parking of one (1) motor vehicle.

  • B. “Public parking” means a parking lot or parking space located on public or private property, which generally is advertised, designated, or otherwise available for public use.

  • C. “Private parking” means a parking lot or parking space located on private property, which, generally, is not available for public use, except with the specific permission of the property owner.

18.08.1710 Parks, picnic areas, and playgrounds.

Public parks, play lots, playgrounds, and athletic fields for neighborhood or community use, including swimming pools, ball fields, bocce courts, basketball, tennis, pickleball, and handball courts.

18.08.1720 Pending application.

Means any formal application submitted to the city for land use or development permit or action that has been deemed complete but has not yet been acted upon/finally decided by the designated authority, including any appeal determination.

18.08.1730 Permit.

An authorization to proceed issued by the city for a specific activity.

18.08.1740 Personal services.

Establishments providing non-medical services as a primary use, including barber shops and beauty salons, catering (excluding onsite mobile food sales and commissaries), cleaning services, costume and clothing rental, day spas, guide services, shoe and small item repair, locksmiths, licensed massage therapy, self-service laundromats, small equipment maintenance and repair, and tailors. These uses may also include limited accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided.

18.08.1750 Pharmacy.

A retail store engaged in the sale of prescription drugs and medicine, carrying related items such as vitamins, cosmetics, personal care, and toiletries and such unrelated items as tobacco, alcohol, and novelty merchandise.

18.08.1760 Places of worship and spiritual assembly.

Facility operated by religious organizations for worship, or the promotion of religious activities, including churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc.; and accessory uses on the same site, such as living quarters for ministers and staff, and child day care facilities where authorized by the same type of land use permit required for the religious facility itself. Other establishments maintained by religious organizations, such as full-time educational institutions, hospitals and other potentially related operations are classified according to their respective activities.

18.08.1770 Principally permitted use.

A use which does not require the issuance of a conditional use permit, but which may be subject to a building permit, business license, and other required permits. Where more than one use is located on the parcel, the principal use is that activity to which the greatest amount of floor and/or ground space is devoted.

18.08.1780 Printing and publishing.

Establishments engaged in printing by letterpress, lithography, gravure, screen, offset, or electrostatic (xerographic) copying; and other establishments serving the printing trade including bookbinding, typesetting, engraving, photoengraving, and electrotyping. This use also includes establishments that publish newspapers, books, and periodicals; establishments manufacturing business forms and binding devices.

18.08.1790 Private schools.

Private educational institutions, including but not limited to: preschools, elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools, homeschooling cooperatives, business, secretarial, and vocational schools, folk schools, colleges and universities, establishments providing courses by mail or online, professional schools (law, medicine, etc.), and seminaries/religious ministry training facilities. Includes schools offering specialized programs in art, communication, dance, design, drama, driver education, emergency response and preparedness, environmental education, health and fitness, finances, flight training, food preparation, gardening, language, management, massage, music, self-defense, outdoor recreation, technology, and wilderness survival. Does not include boarding.

18.08.1800 Professional office.

An office-type facility occupied by a business that provides direct professional services and/or is engaged in the production of intellectual property. Examples of these uses include, but are not

limited to accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping services, advertising agencies, architects, attorneys, commercial artists and graphic designers, construction contractors (office only), consultants, counselors, designers, engineers, financial counseling, management and public relations services, private investigators, social workers, surveyors, therapists, and title and escrow companies.

18.08.1810 Project.

18.08.1820 Property line.

18.08.1830 Public agency.

A political subdivision of the federal, state, or local government or its departments, or governmental jurisdictions or districts.

18.08.1840 Public and quasi-public facilities.

A land use maintained by a public agency or private non-profit organization that provides a service to and benefits the public, including but not limited to animal shelters, bus shelters, chamber of commerce, city hall, community center, community resource center, corporation yards, historical society, library, museums, municipal offices, park and ride facilities, public parking, public safety facilities, public restrooms, public schools, and visitor centers. Does not include wastewater treatment plants or airports.

18.08.1850 Public nuisance.

A nuisance that unreasonably interferes with a right that is common to the general public.

18.08.1860 Public right-of-way.

A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription, or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a road, trail, water line, sanitary sewer, and/or other public uses.

18.08.1870 Public safety facility.

A facility operated by a public agency, including fire stations, other fire prevention and firefighting facilities, police and sheriff substations and headquarters, including interim incarceration facilities. Does not include airports or firearms qualification and training facilities.

18.08.1880 Public schools.

Public educational institutions including, but not limited to elementary, middle, junior high, and high schools, community colleges, colleges and universities, and military academies.

18.08.1890 Public services.

Services needed for development of a parcel of land. This may include, but is not limited to water, wastewater, phone, electricity, gas, and internet.

18.08.1900 Public utility.

A public agency or private business that provides a general service to the public, such as telecommunications, electricity, water, or other services.

18.08.1910 Rear yard.

A yard extending across the full width of the rear portion of the lot and measured between the rear line of the lot to the building or structure wall.

18.08.1920 Recreational vehicle.

A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, originally designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, which meets all of the following criteria:

  1. It contains less than three hundred and twenty (320) square feet of internal living room area, excluding built-in equipment, including wardrobe, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms;

  2. It contains four hundred (400) square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections;

  3. It is built on a single chassis; and

  4. It is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a towing permit.

18.08.1930 Recreational vehicle park.

A site where two (2) or more spaces are used, or are intended to be used, by campers with recreational vehicles or tents. Recreational vehicle parks may include public restrooms, water, sewer, and electric hookups to each RV space. May include accessory retail uses when such retail is clearly incidental and intended to serve recreational vehicle park patrons only.

18.08.1940 Recycling facility.

A recycling facility used for the acceptance by donation, redemption, or purchase of recyclable materials from the public that may occupy more than five hundred (500) square feet and include permanent structures. Facility does not use power-driven processing equipment except for compacting, baling, plastic shredding, and other activities necessary for efficient temporary storage and material shipment. Does not include automobile dismantling or processing of hazardous materials.

18.08.1950 Residential care facility.

A facility licensed by the State of California that provides twenty-four (24)-hour non-medical care for more than six (6) persons eighteen (18) years of age or older, or emancipated minors, with chronic, life-threatening illness in need of personal services, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance, or training essential for sustaining the activities of daily living, or for the protection of the individual. This classification includes group care homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, adult residential facilities, wards of the juvenile court, and other facilities licensed by the State of California. Uses that otherwise meet this definition, but which do not provide licensable services, are allowed as a single-family residential use of property subject only to the generally applicable, nondiscriminatory health, safety, and zoning laws that apply to all single-family residential uses.

18.08.1960 Residential care home.

A home licensed by the State of California that provides twenty-four (24)-hour non-medical care for six (6) or fewer persons eighteen (18) years of age or older, or emancipated minors, with chronic, life-threatening illness in need of personal services, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance, or training essential for sustaining the activities of daily living, or for the protection of the individual. This classification includes group care homes, rest homes, adult residential facilities, wards of the juvenile court, and other facilities licensed by the State of California. Uses that otherwise meet this definition, but which do not provide licensable services, are allowed as a single-family residential use of property subject only to the generally applicable, nondiscriminatory health, safety, and zoning laws that apply to all single-family residential uses.

18.08.1970 Resource protection and restoration.

Activities and management of an area to preserve, recreate, and enhance natural resource values such as fish and wildlife habitat, rare and endangered plants, erosion control, and floodwater conveyance.

18.08.1980 Resource-related recreation.

Facility related to active or passive recreation in open space areas including bicycle and pedestrian trails, picnic areas, parking areas, and interpretive centers.

18.08.1990 Restricted personal services.

Personal service establishments that are dispersed to minimize their potentially blighting impact on surrounding land uses, including: check cashing services; fortune tellers, palm readers, psychics, and similar services; and tattooing, piercing, and similar services. These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided.

18.08.2000 Restricted retail sales.

Stores and shops that are dispersed to minimize their potentially blighting impact on surrounding land uses, including firearm sales, alcoholic beverage sales, secondhand sales, thrift stores, and tobacco and vape shops.

18.08.2010 Retail food establishment.

A restaurant, brewpub, delicatessen, bakery, coffee shop, or other retail business selling food and beverages prepared and/or served on the site, for on- or off-premise consumption. Outdoor dining is permitted pursuant to Section 18.84.160 (Commercial outdoor dining and seating) as an incidental activity to a retail food establishment.

18.08.2020 Retail sales.

Stores and shops selling multiple lines of merchandise (indoor sales only, except as otherwise permitted). These stores and lines of merchandise include: apparel, art galleries, art supplies, automobile parts and supplies, bakeries (including production), bicycles, books, cameras, clothing and accessories, craft and hobby supplies, dry goods, fabrics and sewing supplies, florists and houseplant stores, furniture, home furnishings, household supplies, general stores, gift and souvenir shops, hardware stores, jewelry, leather goods, luggage, musical instruments, orthopedic supplies, personal electronics, pet food and supplies (no pets), pharmacies, small wares, specialty shops, sporting goods and equipment, stationery, toys and games, and variety stores.

18.08.2030 Salvage yard.

A place in which junk, salvaged materials, or products, scrap, or other waste materials are stored, broken up, dismantled, sorted, distributed, or sold privately or commercially.

18.08.2040 Second dwelling unit.

An attached or detached dwelling unit constructed prior to January 1, 2017, which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons, with permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation sited on the same parcel as the primary dwelling unit. Includes granny flats.

18.08.2050 Secondhand sales.

Indoor retail establishments that require a secondhand dealer license from the state, as provided in the California Business and Professions Code Sections 21625 - 21647, or where at least ten (10) percent of the products offered for sale are used.

18.08.2060 Setback.

The distance by which a structure, parking area, or other development feature must be separated from a lot line, other structure, or development feature, or street centerline.

18.08.2070 Shopping center.

A retail commercial business consisting of three (3) or more retail tenants having shared parking facilities.

18.08.2080 Short-term rental.

As defined in Chapter 18.92 (Short-Term Rentals).

18.08.2090 Side yard.

A yard between the sideline of the lot and the building or structure wall and extending from the required front setback to the required rear setback.

  • A. “Exterior side yard” means the side yard that is adjacent to a public street on a corner lot.

  • B. “Interior side yard” means the side yard that is adjacent to another lot on an interior or corner lot.

18.08.2100 Sign.

18.08.2110 Single-family residential.

A building designed exclusively for occupancy by one household on a single lot. This classification includes manufactured homes.

18.08.2120 Small acreage agriculture.

Agricultural uses, including crop and tree farming and the raising of livestock, that are not detrimental to the public health, safety, and general welfare by reason of odor, smoke, gas, dust, traffic, vibration, or noise; are not deemed to be exceptional fire of explosion hazards; and do not involve apiaries, commercial cannabis, chicken, poultry, egg, hog farms, dairies, or animal

processing operations (e.g., animal slaughter and/or meat cutting and packing). Also excludes rodeos, commercial stables, horse rentals, and retail plant nurseries.

18.08.2130 Small equipment maintenance and repair.

Establishments providing on-site repair and accessory sales of supplies for appliances, office machines, home electronic/mechanical equipment, bicycles, tools, or garden equipment, conducted entirely within an enclosed building. This classification does not include maintenance and repair of vehicles.

18.08.2140 Special event.

An event, or series of related events, of cultural, civic, economic, social, recreational, or educational nature sponsored by an individual or individuals, a non-profit organization or community group, charitable organization, or for-profit organization or group, that is: (1) held wholly or partially on property owned or maintained by the city; or (2) held on any other property, and that requires for its successful execution, the partial or complete closure of streets or sidewalks or the provision and coordination of municipal services to a degree over and above the level that the city normally provides. Special event also includes any other organized activity that involves the use of, or has a direct or indirect impact on, public property or facilities or that can reasonably be foreseen to have such an impact on, or to require a higher level of, public safety services or other municipal services, including advance planning services, than that normally provided by the city.

18.08.2150 Split zoning.

A split-zoned parcel is a parcel to which two or more zoning districts apply. This does not include overlay zones.

18.08.2160 Sporting goods.

Equipment commonly used by a participant in a sporting or recreational event or activity, not including motorized vehicles or firearms.

18.08.2170 Stone product manufacturing.

An establishment that cuts, shapes, and/or finishes marble, granite, slate, and/or other stone for construction and miscellaneous uses. Does not include establishments engaged primarily in buying or selling partly finished monuments and tombstones.

18.08.2180 Storage facility.

  • A. Indoor storage. The storage of various materials entirely within a structure as the primary use of the structure. The storage of materials accessory and incidental to a primary use is not considered a land use separate from the primary use.

  • B. Outdoor storage. The storage of various equipment and materials outside of a structure as a principal use, such as vehicle storage. The storage of materials accessory and incidental to a primary use is not considered a land use separate from the primary use.

18.08.2190 Structure.

Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires attachment to the ground or attachment to something located on the ground. For purposes of this title, the term “structure” includes “buildings”.

18.08.2200 Supportive housing.

Any dwelling unit or a group living accommodation that is occupied by the target population as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 53260 of the CA Health and Safety Code with no limit on length of stay, that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist the supportive housing residents in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community.

18.08.2210 Taproom brewery.

A brewery that sells twenty-five (25) percent or more of its beer for on-premises consumption and does not operate full food service. The beer is brewed primarily for sale in the taproom and is often dispensed directly from the brewery’s storage tanks.

18.08.2220 Temporary structure.

A building or structure to be utilized for a permitted use applicable to a parcel of land, which is crafted of impermanent materials, such as poles and awning or similar materials.

18.08.2230 Temporary Use.

A land use defined as accessory to a permitted or conditionally permitted land use that: does not permanently change the character or physical facilities of the premises or property; is in keeping with the purposes of the zoning district where it is located; and which may occur on the property for a period not to exceed twelve (12) calendar months. Some provisions of this title may provide more precise land use standards for longer or shorter temporary uses in accordance with the provisions of the applicable chapter of this code. In no case shall a temporary use be permitted for any period to exceed a total of twenty-four (24) calendar months unless overall public health and safety are clearly demonstrated to the city at the time of initial issuance.

18.08.2240 Theaters and playhouses.

Indoor facilities for public assembly and group entertainment, where seats are arranged so that spectators have an unobstructed view of performers on a stage or movie screen(s). Includes concert halls, auditoriums, movie theaters, playhouses, and similar facilities devoted to the live performances of music, dance, plays, orations, and other stage performances and/or the showing of projected motion pictures and videotapes. Does not include adult-oriented businesses.

18.08.2250 Townhouse.

A single-family dwelling of two (2) or sometimes three (3) stories that is typically connected to a similar dwelling or dwellings by a common sidewall.

18.08.2260 Transient occupancy.

A dwelling unit, room, or space occupied by paying guests for periods of less than thirty (30) days.

18.08.2270 Transitional housing.

Any dwelling unit or a group living accommodation configured as a rental housing development but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted units to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six (6) months.

18.08.2280 Triplex residential.

A single building containing three (3) independent dwelling units separated from each other by a wall, floor, or ceiling; provided, however, that a building containing a single-family dwelling and a lawful accessory dwelling unit and junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be deemed a triplex.

18.08.2290 Uplighting.

The placement of individual light sources at the base of architectural details or points of interest, typically around the perimeter of a space, to draw attention to those details.

18.08.2300 Utility infrastructure.

Pipelines for water, gas, and sewage collection and disposal; and facilities for the transmission of electrical energy for sale, including transmission lines for a public utility company. Also includes telephone, telegraph, cable television, and other communications transmission facilities utilizing direct physical conduits. Does not include offices, service centers, or distribution substations.

18.08.2310 Variance.

A discretionary entitlement that permits the departure from the strict application of the development standards contained in this title.

18.08.2320 Vehicle storage.

Storage of operative and inoperative vehicles for limited periods of time. Includes storage of parking tow-aways, impound yards, and storage lots for automobiles, trucks, vans, boats, and recreational vehicles. Does not include vehicle dismantling or retail sales.

18.08.2330 Vehicles for hire.

A business specializing in the provision of two (2) or more vehicles and drivers to the general public for the purpose of transportation (e.g., taxi service). May also include a business office and the maintenance, minor repair, and on-site storage of vehicles for hire. Does not include automobile rental services.

18.08.2340 Vehicular access.

The physical means by which an individual in a vehicle is able to enter upon or exit public or private property from a street. "Ingress" (to enter) and "egress" (to exit) are words describing the type of access.

18.08.2350 Vertical mixed-use development.

A multistory mixed-use building that contains one (1) or more nonresidential use at street level and residential use on the upper floor(s).

18.08.2360 Veterinary office.

An enclosed building or buildings where medical care is provided for animals. Does not include overnight accommodations or outside runs or kennels. Grooming of animals and pet food sales are permitted as accessory to the medical use.

18.08.2370 Wholesale business.

The selling of commodities in large quantities to retailers rather than directly to consumers, but not including the storing and/or sale of any material or commodity, and not including the processing or manufacture of any product or substance.

18.08.2380 Wireless telecommunications facility.

As defined in Section 18.108.020 (Definitions).

18.08.2390 Yard.

The area between a property line and structures on residential lots.

18.08.2400 Zero lot line.

The location of a structure on a lot in such a manner that one or more of the structure’s sides rest directly on a lot line.

18.08.2410 Zoning district.

A portion of the territory in the city within which territory certain uniform regulations and requirements, or various combinations thereof, apply pursuant to this title.