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Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS (old)

§ 155.156 DEFINITIONS.

Eureka Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · updated 2026-07-25 · Eureka

For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

ADVERTISING SIGNS. A sign having more than one-half its area devoted to directing attention to a business, profession, commodity, or service that is not the primary business, profession, commodity, or service sold, manufactured, conducted, or offered on the site on which the sign is located.

AWNING SIGNS. Hoods or covers which project from a wall of a building and which are outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services, whether located on-premises or off-premises from the property on which the signs are located. BANNER. A temporary, lightweight sign that contains a message which is attached or imprinted on a flexible surface that deforms under light pressure and that is typically constructed of non-durable materials, including but not limited to, cardboard, cloth, or plastic. COMMERCIAL SIGNS. An on- or off-premises sign that advertises or directs attention to uses, goods or services. CONSTRUCTION SIGNS. A non-permanent sign identifying the persons, firms or business directly connected with a construction project. DEVELOPMENT SIGNS. A non-permanent sign identifying the persons, firms or business directly connected with a development project. DIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign designed to provide artificial light either through exposed lighting on the sign face or through transparent or translucent material from a light source within the sign. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER. A sign that utilizes computer-generated messages or some other electronic means of changing copy. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE CENTER signs include displays using incandescent lamps, LEDs, LCDs or a flipper matrix. FOOTCANDLE. A measure of illumination on a surface that is one foot from a uniform source of light of one candle and equal to one lumen per square foot. FREESTANDING SIGNS. Any sign which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground, supported by one or more structural members, that has air space between the ground and the sign face. FRONTAGE. The property line(s) of a site abutting on a street, and for the purposes of calculating allowable signage, the property line(s) of a site abutting on the City of Eureka Boardwalk. GOING OUT OF BUSINESS SIGNS. Any sign, including banners, pennants, streamers, and balloons which announce the closing of a business. HOLIDAY DECORATIONS. See SEASONAL EVENT SIGNS. INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN. Any sign designed to show an illuminated sign face by use of indirect illumination from exterior, non-exposed light sources aimed at the sign face or otherwise diffused to result in illumination which complies with § 155.162 of this subchapter. INTERIOR PROPERTY LINE. A property line which separates adjoining properties and which is not adjoining any street, alley or public space. INTERIOR SIGNS. Indoor advertising signs located within a building no nearer than one foot from a window, which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods and services whether located on or off- premises. INTERIOR SIGNS are exempt from these regulations per § 155.157(U) of this subchapter. MONUMENT SIGNS. Any sign which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground, that does not have air space between the ground and the sign face. NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION SIGNS. Any sign, including banners, pennants, streamers, and balloons which direct attention to the opening of a new business. NEW BUSINESS ATTRACTION SIGNS are not allowed in residentially zoned areas. ON-PREMISES FREESTANDING SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs which are not attached or painted to the surface of a building, but which standing apart therefrom are intended to advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services located entirely upon the real property of the occupant of the real property on which the signs are located. ON-PREMISES SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services located entirely upon the real property of the occupant of the real property on which the signs are located. OFF-PREMISES FREESTANDING SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs which are not attached or painted to the surface of an occupied building, but which standing apart therefrom are intended to advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services not located, sold or available on the real property on which the signs are located. Billboards may be off-premises freestanding signs. OFF-PREMISES SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services not located, sold or available on the real property on which the signs are located. Billboards are off-premises signs.

ion to uses, goods or services not located, sold or available on the real property on which the signs are located. Billboards may be off-premises freestanding signs. OFF-PREMISES SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services not located, sold or available on the real property on which the signs are located. Billboards are off-premises signs.

OPEN HOUSE SIGNS. Any non-permanent sign directing prospective buyers to a single house or condominium that is for sale.

OUTDOOR ADVERTISING STRUCTURE. A structure of any kind or character, erected or maintained for outdoor advertising purposes, upon which an advertising sign may be placed.

POLITICAL SIGNS. A sign that pertains to a candidate, ballot measure or issue to be voted on at an election. POLITICAL SIGNS shall not be placed within the public right-of-way or placed so as to obstruct a motorist's clear view of vehicular or pedestrian traffic, traffic-control signs or signals; impede a pedestrian's free use of the sidewalk; or otherwise represent a hazard to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

PROJECTING SIGNS. Signs which project from a wall, eave or parapet, or the eave of a simulated mansard roof more than 12 inches from the face of the building; such signs are considered outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services, whether located on-premises or off-premises from the property on which the signs are located.

PROMOTIONAL SALES SIGNS. Signs in windows announcing sales or special features attached to or painted on the surfaces of store windows, facing out. Advertising in windows is not allowed in residentially zoned districts.

PUBLIC PROPERTY. Any property owned or controlled by a public entity. PUBLIC PROPERTY includes but is not limited to recreational areas such as public parks, playgrounds. and gardens; public buildings such as libraries, fire stations, auditoriums, theaters, and City Hall. Public rights-of-way and structures on public rights-of-way including but not limited to lampposts, fences, utility poles, utility wires, street signs, traffic signs, benches, hydrants, fountains, trees, bushes, public bridges, sidewalks, park strips and curbstones are PUBLIC PROPERTY .

REAL ESTATE SIGNS. Any non-permanent sign pertaining to the sale, exchange, lease, rental or availability of land, buildings, condominium and similar units, or apartments. Such signs may include building name and address, price and amenities, identity of seller or broker, and similar information.

ROOF SIGNS. Any sign erected upon a roof, parapet, or roof-mounted equipment structure or extending above a roof, parapet or roof-mounted equipment structure of a building or structure.

SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS. Any freestanding, portable, moveable, double-faced sign placed on a sidewalk for the purpose of advertising and identification.

SEASONAL EVENT SIGNS. Signs or displays which are a non-permanent installation celebrating national, state, and local holidays or holiday seasons. SEASONAL EVENT SIGNS include, but are not limited to, holiday bunting, decoration, lights and displays not advertising a product or sale and uses such as Christmas tree lots, pumpkin sales, carnivals, parades, and charitable events. HOLIDAY SIGNS are also seasonal event signs.

SIDEWALK. That portion of a highway, other than a roadway, set apart by curbs, barriers, and markings or other delineation for pedestrian travel.

SIGN. Any structure, display, device, balloon or graphic, or any letter, number, word, illustration, decoration, decal, emblem, trademark, logo, light, or symbol made of cloth, metal, paint, paper, wood, or other material of any kind whatsoever placed for advertising, communication identification, or other purposes on the ground or on any bush, tree, rock, wall, post, fence, building, structure, vehicle, or on any place whatsoever. The term "placed" shall include constructing, erecting, posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or otherwise fastening, affixing, or making visible in any manner whatsoever beyond the boundaries of a site.

SIGN AREA. The area of a sign having an integral part of a building, awning, canopy, or marquee as its background shall be the area within the shortest line drawn to include all letters, designs, and tubing which are a part of the sign. The area of all other signs shall be the largest cross-sectional area of the sign measured to a line encompassing all portions of the sign, including background and tubing, but excluding supporting posts without attached lighting. In computing the area of a sign having more than one face, all faces of the sign shall be included.

SUBDIVISION SIGNS. Any sign located either on or off a subdivision tract, which sign indicates the direction to or advertises the location, existence, or sale of a subdivision or any part thereof.

TEMPORARY SIGNS. Signs displayed for a limited duration of time.

WALL SIGNS. Outdoor advertising signs attached or painted to the surface of a building which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services, whether located on-premises or off-premises from the real property on which the signs are located. WINDOW AREA. The area of a single window includes all of the window panes in an area that is separated by mullions or muntins which are less than three inches wide.

WINDOW SIGNS. Signs which are placed on the surface of or within one foot of a window for purposes of viewing outside the premises; such signs are considered outdoor advertising signs which advertise or direct attention to uses, goods or services,

whether located on-premises or off-premises from the property on which the signs are located.

WINDOW SIGNS, LIGHTED. Signs which are placed on the surface of or within one foot of a window for purposes of viewing outside the premises and are internally illuminated, such as by neon or LED lighting, and direct attention to products or goods sold on the premises, or signs indicating the business is open. LIGHTED WINDOW SIGNS include, but are not limited to beverage signs and open signs.

(Ord. 585-C.S., passed 12-20-94; Am. Ord. 710-C.S., passed 3-20-07; Am. Ord. 786-C.S., passed 8-21-12)

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▸ Contents — Eureka Zoning Code
Eureka Zoning Code
  1. Article I — NAME AND SEAL; FORM OF GOVERNMENT; BOUNDARIES; MUN…
  2. Article II — ELECTIONS
  3. Article III — CITY COUNCIL
  4. Article IV — MAYOR
  5. Article V — ORDINANCES
  6. Article VI — ADMINISTRATION
  7. Article VII — FISCAL ADMINISTRATION
  8. Article VIII — OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES
  9. Article IX — FRANCHISES
  10. Article X — INITIATIVE, REFERENDUM AND RECALL
  11. Article XI — MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
  12. Chapter 10 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  13. Chapter 30 — CITY COUNCIL
  14. Chapter 31 — CITY OFFICIALS
  15. Chapter 32 — CITY DEPARTMENTS
  16. Chapter 33 — BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, AND COMMITTEES
  17. Chapter 34 — PERSONNEL POLICIES
  18. Chapter 35 — FINANCE, REVENUE AND TAXATION
  19. Chapter 36 — HEALTH FACILITY REVENUE BONDS
  20. Chapter 37 — ELECTIONS
  21. Chapter 38 — CIVIL EMERGENCIES
  22. Chapter 39 — CITY POLICY
  23. Chapter 40 — TRANSFERS OF CITY-OWNED REAL PROPERTY
  24. Chapter 50 — SEWERS
  25. Chapter 51 — SOLID WASTE
  26. Chapter 52 — UNDERGROUND UTILITY DISTRICTS
  27. Chapter 53 — WATER
  28. Chapter 54 — STORM WATER QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND DISCHARGE CONT…
  29. Chapter 55 — ENERGY
  30. Chapter 56 — STREETS
  31. Chapter 70 — GENERAL PROVISIONS
  32. Chapter 71 — TRAFFIC RULES
  33. Chapter 72 — STOPPING, STANDING AND PARKING
  34. Chapter 73 — BICYCLES
  35. Chapter 75 — MOBILE VENDORS OPERATING UPON A STREET
  36. Chapter 90 — ABANDONED VEHICLES
  37. Chapter 91 — ANIMALS
  38. Chapter 92 — FIRE PREVENTION
  39. Chapter 93 — PARKS AND RECREATION
  40. Chapter 94 — HEALTH AND SANITATION
  41. Chapter 95 — MUNICIPAL AIRPORT
  42. Chapter 96 — PARADES AND ASSEMBLIES
  43. Chapter 97 — SMOKING
  44. Chapter 98 — STREETS AND SIDEWALKS
  45. Chapter 99 — TRAINS AND RAILROADS
  46. Chapter 100 — HARBOR REGULATIONS
  47. Chapter 101 — FILMING
  48. Chapter 102 — BEEKEEPING
  49. Chapter 103 — PRIVATE SECURITY AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS
  50. Chapter 104 — MILITARY EQUIPMENT USE
  51. Chapter 110 — BUSINESS LICENSES
  52. Chapter 112 — AMBULANCES
  53. Chapter 113 — AMUSEMENTS
  54. Chapter 114 — CABLE TELEVISION SYSTEMS
  55. Chapter 115 — FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS AND OUTDOOR DINING AREAS
  56. Chapter 117 — MASSAGE PARLORS
  57. Chapter 118 — SOLICITORS, CANVASSERS, AND SIDEWALK VENDORS
  58. Chapter 119 — SECOND-HAND DEALERS
  59. Chapter 120 — TAXICABS AND LIMOUSINES
  60. Chapter 121 — OTHER VEHICLES FOR HIRE
  61. Chapter 122 — FOREIGN-TRADE ZONE
  62. Chapter 130 — OFFENSES AGAINST PUBLIC PEACE AND SAFETY
  63. Chapter 131 — PROPERTY OFFENSES
  64. Chapter 132 — DRUG OFFENSES
  65. Chapter 133 — WEAPONS OFFENSES
  66. Chapter 134 — ABATEMENT OF CHRONIC NUISANCE PROPERTIES
  67. Chapter 150 — BUILDING REGULATIONS
  68. Chapter 151 — AIRPORT ZONING
  69. Chapter 152 — PLANNING AND ZONING ADMINISTRATION
  70. Chapter 153 — FLOOD HAZARD AREA REGULATIONS
  71. Chapter 154 — SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS
  72. Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS
  73. ▸ Chapter 155 — ZONING REGULATIONS (old)
    Overview
    1. § 155.080 OFF-STREET PARKING.
    2. § 155.081 OFF-STREET LOADING.
    3. § 155.082 SIGNS.
    4. § 155.083 SITE PLAN REVIEW AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW.
    5. § 155.095 PURPOSES.
    6. § 155.096 SPECIAL PURPOSES OF ML AND MG DISTRICTS.
    7. § 155.097 REQUIRED CONDITIONS.
    8. § 155.098 PERMITTED USES.
    9. § 155.099 CONDITIONAL USES.
    10. § 155.100 OFF-STREET PARKING.
    11. § 155.101 OFF-STREET LOADING.
    12. § 155.102 SIGNS.
    13. § 155.103 SITE PLAN REVIEW.
    14. § 155.115 PURPOSES.
    15. § 155.116 BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
    16. § 155.117 SCHEDULE OF OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE REQUIREMENTS.
    17. § 155.118 STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES.
    18. § 155.119 LOCATION OF OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES.
    19. § 155.120 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS.
    20. § 155.121 EXEMPTIONS FOR SITES IN PARKING ASSESSMENT DISTRICTS.
    21. § 155.122 EXISTING USES.
    22. § 155.123 IN LIEU PAYMENTS.
    23. § 155.124 ADA PARKING.
    24. § 155.135 PURPOSES.
    25. § 155.136 BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
    26. § 155.137 SCHEDULE OF OFF-STREET LOADING BERTH REQUIREMENTS.
    27. § 155.138 STANDARDS FOR OFF-STREET LOADING FACILITIES.
    28. § 155.139 LOCATION OF OFF-STREET LOADING FACILITIES.
    29. § 155.140 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS.
    30. § 155.141 EXISTING USES.
    31. § 155.155 PURPOSES AND SCOPE.
    32. § 155.156 DEFINITIONS.
    33. § 155.157 TEMPORARY AND OTHER EXEMPT SIGNS.
    34. § 155.158 SANDWICH BOARD SIGNS.
    35. § 155.159 REGULATIONS FOR ON-PREMISES AND OFF-PREMISES SIGNS.
    36. § 155.161 MURALS, GRAPHIC DESIGNS AND THE LIKE.
    37. § 155.162 ILLUMINATION; MOVEMENT.
    38. § 155.163 PROHIBITED LOCATIONS; SIGN TYPES; MESSAGES.
    39. § 155.164 MAINTENANCE, ABANDONMENT, REMOVAL, RETRIEVAL, AND DE…
    40. § 155.165 NONCONFORMING SIGNS.
    41. § 155.166 SIGN PERMITS.
    42. § 155.167 COMPENSATION.
    43. § 155.168 COMPLIANCE WITH CALIFORNIA BUILDING AND ELECTRIC COD…
    44. § 155.169 INVENTORY AND IDENTIFICATION OF ILLEGAL OR ABANDONED…
    45. § 155.180 PURPOSES.
    46. § 155.181 DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE.
    47. § 155.182 DRAWINGS TO BE APPROVED AND AUTHORIZATION.
    48. § 155.183 DRAWINGS TO BE SUBMITTED.
    49. § 155.184 REFERRAL TO DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE.
    50. § 155.185 ACTION OF DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE.
    51. § 155.186 ACTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION.
    52. § 155.187 APPEALS TO COUNCIL; ACTION OF COUNCIL.
    53. § 155.200 PURPOSES.
    54. § 155.201 SECONDARY DWELLING UNIT PERMIT REQUIRED; APPLICATION…
    55. § 155.202 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - COASTAL ZONE.
    56. § 155.203 EXISTING SECONDARY DWELLING UNITS.
    57. § 155.204 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS - INLAND.
    58. § 155.215 HOME OCCUPATIONS; REQUIRED CONDITIONS AND APPLICATIO…
    59. § 155.216 SUBDIVISION SALES OFFICE PERMITS.
    60. § 155.230 LICENSE REQUIRED FOR OCCUPANCY; COMPLIANCE WITH STAN…
    61. § 155.231 REQUIRED CONDITIONS FOR MOBILEHOME PARKS.
    62. § 155.232 REQUIRED CONDITIONS FOR RECREATIONAL VEHICLE PARKS.
    63. § 155.244 PURPOSES.
    64. § 155.245 DEFINITIONS.
    65. § 155.246 CONTINUATION AND MAINTENANCE.
    66. § 155.247 ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS.
    67. § 155.248 ABANDONMENT OF NONCONFORMING USES.
    68. § 155.249 RESTORATION OF DAMAGED STRUCTURES.
    69. § 155.265 PURPOSE AND INITIATION.
    70. § 155.266 APPLICATIONS.
    71. § 155.267 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS.
    72. § 155.268 DETERMINATIONS.
    73. § 155.269 EFFECTIVE DATE OF DECISION.
    74. § 155.270 APPEALS TO COUNCIL; DETERMINATIONS BY COUNCIL.
    75. § 155.280 PURPOSES AND AUTHORIZATION.
    76. § 155.281 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; FEES.
    77. § 155.282 PUBLIC HEARINGS; NOTICE AND PROCEDURE.
    78. § 155.283 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS.
    79. § 155.284 ACTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION.
    80. § 155.285 FINDINGS BEFORE GRANTING USE PERMIT.
    81. § 155.286 EFFECTIVE DATE OF USE PERMITS.
    82. § 155.287 APPEALS TO COUNCIL; COUNCIL REVIEW.
    83. § 155.288 TRANSMISSION OF RECORDS.
    84. § 155.289 PUBLIC HEARINGS BY COUNCIL.
    85. § 155.290 ACTION OF COUNCIL.
    86. § 155.291 LAPSE OF USE PERMITS.
    87. § 155.292 PREEXISTING CONDITIONAL USES.
    88. § 155.293 MODIFICATION OF CONDITIONAL USES.
    89. § 155.294 SUSPENSION AND REVOCATION.
    90. § 155.295 NEW APPLICATIONS.
    91. § 155.296 USE PERMITS TO RUN WITH THE LAND.
    92. § 155.297 TIME OF APPLICATIONS WHERE ZONING RECLASSIFICATION I…
    93. § 155.298 ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW.
    94. § 155.299 ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES.
    95. § 155.310 PURPOSES AND AUTHORIZATION.
    96. § 155.311 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; FEES.
    97. § 155.312 ACTION BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
    98. § 155.313 PUBLIC HEARINGS; NOTICE AND PROCEDURE.
    99. § 155.314 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS.
    100. § 155.315 ACTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION.
    101. § 155.316 FINDINGS; CRITERIA FOR GRANTING VARIANCE.
    102. § 155.317 ADDITIONAL FINDINGS REGARDING SIGNS; PARKING AND LOA…
    103. § 155.318 EFFECTIVE DATE OF VARIANCE.
    104. § 155.319 APPEALS TO COUNCIL; COUNCIL REVIEW.
    105. § 155.320 TRANSMISSION OF RECORDS TO COUNCIL.
    106. § 155.321 PUBLIC HEARINGS; NOTICES.
    107. § 155.322 ACTION OF COUNCIL.
    108. § 155.323 LAPSE OF VARIANCES.
    109. § 155.324 REVOCATION.
    110. § 155.325 NEW APPLICATIONS.
    111. § 155.335 PURPOSES AND REQUIREMENTS.
    112. § 155.336 APPLICATIONS AND ISSUANCE OF ZONING PERMITS.
    113. § 155.337 ISSUANCE OF BUILDING PERMITS AND SIGN PERMITS.
    114. § 155.338 ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY.
    115. § 155.350 PURPOSE; INITIATION.
    116. § 155.351 APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS; FEES.
    117. § 155.352 PUBLIC HEARINGS; NOTICE AND PROCEDURE.
    118. § 155.353 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS.
    119. § 155.354 ACTION OF PLANNING COMMISSION.
    120. § 155.355 REQUESTS FOR COUNCIL HEARINGS ON DENIED APPLICATIONS.
    121. § 155.356 ACTION OF COUNCIL.
    122. § 155.357 RECLASSIFICATION OF C DISTRICT TO FORMER ZONING DIST…
    123. § 155.358 MODIFICATIONS OF SUBMITTED PLANS FOR C DISTRICT DEVE…
    124. § 155.359 CHANGE OF ZONING MAP.
    125. § 155.360 NEW APPLICATIONS.
    126. § 155.361 PREZONING OF UNINCORPORATED TERRITORY.
    127. § 155.362 UNZONED TERRITORY.
    128. § 155.365 PURPOSE; AUTHORIZATION; PETITION.
    129. § 155.366 PETITION REQUIREMENTS; MAPS AND FEES.
    130. § 155.367 PUBLIC MEETING; NOTICE AND PROCEDURE.
    131. § 155.368 INVESTIGATIONS AND REPORTS.
    132. § 155.369 ACTION OF CITY COUNCIL.
    133. § 155.370 INITIATION REQUIREMENTS; MAPS AND FEES.
    134. § 155.371 PUBLIC HEARINGS; NOTICE AND PROCEDURE.
    135. § 155.372 NEW PETITION APPLICATIONS.
    136. § 155.375 ADMINISTRATIVE APPEAL PROCEDURE.
    137. § 155.376 PERMITS, CERTIFICATES AND LICENSES.
    138. § 155.377 DUTIES OF CITY OFFICIALS.
    139. § 155.378 VIOLATION OF PROVISIONS.
    140. § 155.379 VOIDABLE CONVEYANCES.
    141. § 155.380 EFFECTIVE DATE OF CHAPTER.
    142. § 155.381 NOTIFICATION OF LITIGATION CONCERNING COASTAL ZONE D…
  74. Chapter 156 — COASTAL ZONING REGULATIONS
  75. Chapter 157 — HISTORIC PRESERVATION
  76. Chapter 158 — CANNABIS
  77. Chapter 159 — WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

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