La Mirada Municipal Code § 21.200.270 Z definitions

(a) This chapter provides definitions of the technical and special terms and phrases used in this title in an effort to ensure precision in interpretation of the zoning ordinance. Where any definition in this chapter may conflict with definitions in other titles of the La Mirada Municipal Code, these definitions shall prevail for the purposes of this title. If a word is not defined in this chapter, or in other provisions of the Municipal Code, the most common dictionary definition is presumed to be correct.

(b) In addition to the definitions provided in this section, definitions for adult entertainment businesses and signs are found in Article VI, Chapter 21.44 and Article VII, Chapter 21.76, respectively. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Accessory use” mean a use incidental and subordinate to the principal use on the premises which does not alter the characteristics of the use considered as a whole and as related to other uses permitted in the same district. Accessory uses are permanent or long-term in nature.

“Accessory dwelling unit or ADU” means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as a single-family dwelling is situated. The term also includes an “efficiency unit” and “manufactured home”.

“Accessory structure” means a detached structure or building which is subordinate to, and the use of which is customarily incidental to, that of the main building, structure, or use on the same lot. Detached structures that contain dwelling units shall not be considered accessory structures.

“Acupressure, acupuncture” is a form of medical treatment involving the use of pressure, needles, or similar applications.

“Adult day care home” is a home which provides supervision and non-medical care to six or fewer adults, including elderly persons, in the provider’s own home, on a less than twenty-four-hour basis.

“Adult day care facility” is a facility which provides supervision and non-medical care for more than six adults, including elderly persons, on a less than twenty-four-hour basis.

“Adult entertainment business” is defined in Article VI, Section, 21.44.020.

“Alley” means any public roadway without curbs or sidewalks that is twenty-five feet or less in width and is used primarily for side and/or rear vehicular access to a building or property.

“Animal, domestic” means any small animal (no larger than the largest breed of dogs) customarily kept as a pet within a dwelling unit. This classification includes dogs, cats, fish, and birds (excluding large tropical birds and poultry).

“Animal, exotic” means any wild animal not customarily confined or cultivated by man for domestic or commercial purposes, but kept as a pet or for display, including pot belly pigs, snakes, reptiles and large tropical birds (including peacocks).

“Animal, livestock” means any large mammal (larger than the largest breed of dogs) customarily kept in corrals or stables. This classification includes cattle, sheep, goats, horses, mules, llamas, ostriches, and hogs.

“Animal, poultry” means domesticated birds (fowl) customarily kept for eggs or meat. This classification includes chickens, roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys.

“Antennas and wireless telecommunication facilities” means any and all of the following and all related terms, and as may be further defined by applicable federal regulations:

(1) “Amateur radio station antenna” means any antenna, and its accompanying support structure, that is used solely for the purpose of transmitting and receiving radio signals in connection with the operation of an amateur radio station in accordance with licenses issued by the FCC.

(2) “Antenna, antenna array, wireless antenna array, or wireless telecommunications antenna array” means one or more rods, poles, panels, discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals, which may include omni-directional antennas (whip), directional antennas (panel), and parabolic antennas (disc), but excluding any support structure as defined below.

(3) “Building-mounted” means mounted to the side or façade of a building, or to the side of another structure such as a water tank, church steeple, freestanding sign, or similar structure, but not to include the roof of any structure.

(4) “Co-location” is the use of a common wireless antenna facility, or a common site, by two or more providers of wireless services, or by one provider of wireless services for more than one type of telecommunications technology.

(5) “FCC” is the Federal Communications Commission.

(6) “Fixed wireless antenna facility” is an unstaffed facility for the transmission or reception of wireless telecommunications services, commonly consisting of an antenna array, connection cables, a support structure to achieve the necessary elevation, and an equipment facility or subterranean vault to house accessory equipment, which may include cabinets, pedestals, shelters, and similar protective structures.

(7) “Fixed wireless services” means any personal wireless services as defined in the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, including federally licensed wireless telecommunications services consisting of cellular services, personal communications services (PCS), specialized mobile radio services (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio services (ESMR), paging, and similar services that currently exist or that may be developed in the future.

(8) “Ground-mounted” means mounted to a base (e.g., pole, monopole, tower or other freestanding structure specifically constructed for the purpose of supporting an antenna or wireless communication facility) placed directly on the ground.

(9) “Mast” is a support structure that is constructed for the specific purpose of elevating a satellite earth station antenna in order to receive broadcast signals of an acceptable quality.

(10) “Monopole” is a structure composed of a single spire, pole, or tower used to support antennas or related equipment.

(11) “Roof-mounted” means mounted above the eave line of a building.

(12) “Satellite earth station” is a parabolic or dish-shaped antenna or other apparatus or device that is designed for the purpose of receiving or transmitting signals for voice, video, or data.

(13) “Stealth facility” means any communication facility which is designed to blend into the surrounding environment, typically one that is architecturally integrated into a building or other concealing structure, and shall include and mean any concealed antenna.

(14) “Support structure or wireless telecommunications antenna array support structure” is a freestanding structure that is designed and constructed for the specific purpose of supporting an antenna array and that may consist of a monopole, a mast, a self-supporting lattice tower, a guy-wire support tower, or other similar structures.

(15) “Wireless telecommunication antenna facility or wireless telecommunications antenna array” means an unstaffed facility for the transmission or reception of wireless telecommunications services, commonly consisting of an antenna array, connection cables, a support structure to achieve the necessary elevation, and an equipment facility or subterranean vault to house accessory equipment, which may include cabinets, pedestals, shelters, and similar protective structures.

(16) “Wireless services or wireless telecommunications services” means any personal wireless services as defined in the federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, including federally-licensed wireless telecommunications services consisting of cellular services, personal communications services (PCS), specialized mobile radio services (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio services (ESMR), paging, and similar services that currently exist or that may be developed in the future.

(17) “Wireless facility - major” means any antenna or other telecommunications facility that is ground- or roof-mounted or mounted in or on any public property, including public right-of-way.

(18) “Wireless facility - minor” means any antenna or other telecommunications facility that is building, façade, or wall-mounted and does not exceed the height of the parapet wall or the roof line of the building. A roof-mounted facility that is screened by a solid material on all four sides and does not exceed the maximum height of the zoning district in which it is located shall be considered a minor wireless telecommunications facility.

“Approving authority” is the designated planning agency responsible for the review and action on land use and development permits and approvals.

“Arcade” is a location where four or more mechanical or electronic amusement games, including computer terminals where such games may be played, are located for use by business patrons, even if the games are provided in conjunction with or as an accessory to another business.

“Automotive reconditioning facility” means any facility or business engaged in detail work, such as cleaning, waxing and polishing, upholstering, touch up, painting, and minor body repair to improve the condition of an automobile.

“Automotive repair facility” means any facility that provides general repair services to automobiles, including but not limited to tire shops, muffler shops, transmission shops, tune-up facilities, and upholstery shops.

“Automotive service station” is an establishment engaged in the retail sale of vehicle fuel, lubricants, parts, and accessories. Such establishments may also include convenience stores, vehicle washing facilities, and service bays for vehicle repair and service. Such service does not include maintenance and repair of large trucks, or body or fender work or painting on vehicles of any kind. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008; Ord. 705, § 9, 2018).

“Bar” means any facility licensed by the State of California which restricts entry to persons of legal alcoholic beverage drinking age and at which the sale of alcoholic beverages is provided for consumption on premises. Also referred to as “tavern”.

“Boardinghouse” is a residence or dwelling, other than a hotel, wherein three or more rooms, with or without individual or group cooking facilities, are rented to individuals under separate rental agreements or lease, either written or oral, whether or not an owner, agent, or rental manager is in residence in order to preserve the residential character of the neighborhood.

“Building” means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property.

“Building articulation” means the process of creating variation in a building’s external walls to reduce large expanses of blank walls (see Figure 21.200.030A).

Figure 21.200.030A

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“Building coverage” is the horizontal area of a lot covered by buildings and structures, including enclosed and/or solid-roofed accessory structures, expressed as a percentage of the net lot area.

“Building height” means the vertical distance measured from the street curb level to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof, or to the highest point of a mansard roof, or to the highest gable of a pitch or a hip roof (see Figure 21.200.030B).

Figure 21.200.030B

[Figure]

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Canopy.” See “portable canopy”.

“Carport” is a permanent roofed structure with not more than two enclosed sides used or intended to be used for vehicle storage and shelter.

“Car share vehicle” is a motor vehicle that is operated as part of a regional fleet by a public or private car sharing company or organization and provides hourly or daily service.

“Check cashing facility” is a business establishment that provides financial services limited to the exchange of cash for a personal or business check, money order, or similar credit device, for a fee, as well as the sale of money orders and cash gift cards. Such facilities do not provide loans, savings or checking accounts, or any other such services generally offered by a bank, savings and loan, credit union, or other regulated financial services business.

“Child day care facility” is a facility which provides non-medical, care, protection and supervision, to more than fourteen children under eighteen years of age, on a less than twenty- four-hour basis.

“Church” means any property utilized primarily as a place of worship or for conducting religious services, and including accessory structures associated with such use. Definition includes temple, mosque, synagogue, convent, and similar.

“Clear visibility triangle” is an area of clear cross-visibility area at an intersection unobstructed by structures or landscaping. Clear-visibility triangles are located at any corner formed by the intersection of two streets. The required clear cross-visibility area shall be a triangle having two sides fifteen-feet long extending along the curb line of each street (Figure 21.200.040A).

Figure 21.200.040A

[Figure]

“Club” is an association of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, for some common purpose, but not including groups primarily organized to render a service carried on as a business.

“Council” means the City Council of the City of La Mirada.

“Cyber café” is an establishment that provides four or more computers and/or other electronic devices for access to that system commonly referred to as the Internet, email, playing video games over the Internet, and/or access to other computer software programs, to the public for compensation and/or for public access. Cyber café is also synonymous with PC café, Internet café, and cyber centers.

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 651, § 8, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Dance hall” is a commercial establishment located in building or portion of a building that is available for rent to the public for special events such as weddings, special celebrations, dances, and meetings, provided such events are permitted in the zoning district in which the dance hall is located.

“Day care facility.” See “child day care facility” and “adult day care facility”.

“Development standards” are regulations establishing parameters on size, bulk, and siting of buildings or uses within a particular zoning district.

“Director” means the Community Development Director.

“Discretionary” is an action on the part of a public or elected official which requires the exercise of judgment or deliberation, including the issuance of a permit or other approval.

“Driveway” is a private roadway or access way that provides vehicular access to a parking space, parking lot, garage, dwelling, or other structure.

“Drive-through facility” means any place of business where customers order and receive goods, including prepared food, by driving to one or more windows.

“Dwelling” means a room or group of internally connected rooms that has sleeping, cooking, eating, and sanitation facilities but not more than one kitchen, and that constitutes an independent housekeeping unit, occupied by or intended for one household on a long-term basis. Types of dwellings are as follows:

(1) “Single-family dwelling” is a building designed exclusively for occupancy by one family. This classification includes manufactured homes (defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007) and model homes for the first sale of homes within the subdivision.

(2) “Duplex” means an attached building (e.g. duplex) designed for occupancy by two families living independently of each other, where both dwellings are located on a single lot. More than one duplex may be located on a single lot consistent with the density provisions of the general plan. Does not include second dwelling units as defined in Chapter 21.54.

(3) “Multi-family dwelling” is a building designed and intended for occupancy by three or more families living independently of each other, each in a separate dwelling unit, which may be owned individually or by a single landlord.

(4) “Primary dwelling unit (PDU)” means the main housing unit that is either existing or is proposed to be the main housing unit on a single parcel with permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation sited on a parcel that meets all the criteria and standards set forth in this chapter and title.

(5) “Secondary dwelling unit (SDU)” is an attached or detached dwelling unit that 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. This is a housing unit that is authorized and eligible utilizing Senate Bill 9 and meets all the criteria and standards set forth in this chapter and title. A primary dwelling unit must be established in order to create a secondary dwelling unit.

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Efficiency unit” means a dwelling unit that complies with the following:

(1) The unit shall have a living room of not less than 190 square feet (17.7 m2) of floor area.

(2) The unit shall be provided with a separate closet.

(3) For other than accessible, adaptable dwelling units, the unit shall be provided with a kitchen sink, cooking appliance and refrigerator, each having a clear working space of not less than 30 inches (762 mm) in front. Light and ventilation conforming to the building code shall be provided.

(4) The unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom containing a water closet, lavatory and bathtub or shower.

“Emergency shelter” means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to six months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.

“Employee housing” means privately-owned living quarter provided for five or more employees in connection with any work, whether or not rent is involved, in accordance with the California Health and Safety Code. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Family” means two or more persons bearing the generic character of, and living together as, a relatively permanent single bona fide housekeeping unit in a domestic relationship based upon birth, marriage, or other domestic bond of social, economic, and psychological commitment to each other, as distinguished from a group occupying a boarding house, club, dormitory, fraternity, lodging house, motel, rehabilitation center, rest home, or sorority.

“Family day care home” means a home that regularly provides care, protection, and supervision for fourteen or fewer children, in the provider's own home, for periods of less than twenty-four hours per day, while the children’s parents or guardians are away, and is either classified as a small or large family day care home as follows:

(1) “Small family day care home” means a home located upon residentially- zoned property where non-medical family day care is provided for eight or fewer children, including children under the age of ten years who reside at the home, in accordance with Health and Safety Code Section 1597.44, on less than a twenty-four hour basis (or as otherwise defined by the California Health and Safety Code.)

(2) “Large family day care home” means a home located on residentially- zoned property where non-medical family day care is provided for nine and up to fourteen children under the age of eighteen years of age, on less than a twenty-four hour basis (or as otherwise defined by the California Health and Safety Code).

“Fence” means a solid or open barrier, other than a wall, located above ground and intended to enclose or mark a boundary.

“Floor-area ratio (FAR)” means the total gross area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area. For the purpose of calculating floor area, floor area shall not include exterior open courts, detached garages, carports, elevator shafts, stairwells, or detached minor accessory structures. FAR shall be calculated based on the exterior faces of walls. (See Figure 21.200.070).

[Figure]

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 651, § 8, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Garage” is an enclosed building or portion of a building in which motor vehicles are stored or intended to be stored.

“General plan” is the general plan of the city adopted pursuant to the Government Code Section 65301 et seq. and adopted by the city council.

“Glare” means any brightness within the field of vision of such a character as to cause annoyance, discomfort, interference with vision, or loss in visual performance and visibility.

“Group home” means any residential care facility licensed by the State of California occupied by six or fewer persons.

“Guest house” is an attached or detached habitable structure with only sleeping, living, and bathroom provisions, exclusive of kitchen or cooking facilities. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“High quality transit corridor” means a corridor with fixed route bus service with service intervals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours, in accordance with the California Public Resources Code.

“Home occupation” means any commercial activity conducted entirely within a dwelling by the occupants of that dwelling, and that complies with the applicable provisions of this title.

“Hotel, motel” is a commercial establishment offering overnight visitor accommodations, but not providing room rentals on an hourly basis. A hotel or motel may include, as permitted, ancillary facilities such as common meeting rooms, dining facilities, and guest amenities.

“Housing development project” means a use consisting of any of the following: (1) residential units only; (2) mixed-use developments consisting of residential and nonresidential uses with at least two-thirds of the square footage designated for residential use; and (3) transitional housing or supportive housing.(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Independent institution of higher education” means those nonpublic higher education institutions that grant undergraduate degrees, graduate degrees, or both, and that are formed as nonprofit corporations in this state and are accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

“Internet café.” See “cyber café”. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025)

“Junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU)” means a residential dwelling unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size, includes an efficiency kitchen consistent with building code standards, is contained entirely within the walls of a single-family dwelling, and may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.

“Junk or salvage yard” means any area, lot, parcel, building, or part thereof used for the storage, collection, processing, purchase, sale, or abandonment or wastepaper, rags, scrap metal, or other scrap or discarded materials, machinery, or other types of junk. Such uses include baling of cardboard and other paper materials. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

”Kitchen” means a room or space used, or intended, or designed to be used for cooking or preparation of food. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025)

“Landscaping” is the planting and maintenance of some combination of trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, flowers or lawns. It may include natural features such as mounds and boulders; and structural features such as fountains, reflecting pools, and art works.

“Liquor store” is a retail establishment primarily engaged in the sale of beer, wine, and spirits, and regulated by the State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

“Lot” means a legally established parcel of land having frontage upon a street. Lot types area as follows and as illustrated in Figure 21.200.130

[Figure]

(1) “Corner lot” is a lot bounded by two or more abutt ing and inter secting street lines.

(2) “Flag lot” is a lot conn ected to a street by an access corri dor such as an alley, narr ow private drive , or access ease ment.

(3) “Interior lot” is a lot which is not a corner lot and has only one street frontage.

(4) “Key lot” is a lot, the side line of which coincides with the rear lot line of one or more other lots.

(5) “Through lot” is an interior lot bounded by two or more abutting street lines that do not intersect.

(6) “Reversed corner lot” is a corner lot with its front lot line facing the shorter side of the block lengths.

“Lot area” is the total horizontal area (square footage) contained within the boundaries of a lot.

“Lot coverage” is that portion of a lot covered by all roofed buildings at ground level, excluding permitted architectural projections (defined in Section 21.78.040) and excluding any underground structure or that part of any such structure which extends less than eighteen inches above the ground level. A roofed, unenclosed or unscreened patio shall not be included in a lot coverage calculation, provided such patio roof does not exceed six hundred twenty-five square feet in area.

“Lot depth” is the horizontal distance between the front and rear property lines measured along a line midway between the side property lines.

“Lot frontage” is that portion of a lot which abuts a street right-of-way or other principle means of access thereto.

“Lot frontage, corner lot” is that portion of a lot which abuts a street right-of-way, toward which the primary entrance of the main building is oriented. The Community Development Department may designate an alternative portion of the lot which abuts the street right-of-way as the frontage upon application by the property owner.

“Lot width” is the horizontal distance between side lot lines, measured at the required front setback line.(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 710, § 12, 2019; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Main building” means any building in which the principal use of the lot is conducted. Every dwelling unit in a residential zoning district is considered to be the main building.

“Major transit stop” means a site containing any of the following: (1) an existing rail or bus rapid transit station; (2) a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service; (3) the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of fifteen minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods; or (4) any major transit spot identified by SCAG.

“Manufactured home” means a structure that was constructed on or after June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein.

“Ministerial” means a government decision involving little or no personal judgment by the public official as to the wisdom or manner of carrying out the action, including the issuance of a permit.

“Mobile home” means a structure that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, is transportable in one or more sections, is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, in the traveling mode, or, when erected onsite, is 320 or more square feet, is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a single-family dwelling with or without a foundation system when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein.

“Mobile home park” means any area or tract of land where two or more lots are rented or leased, held out (or were formerly held out) for rent or lease to accommodate manufactured homes or mobile homes used for human habitation (California Health and Safety Code Section 18214). A mobile home park provides utility services and other facilities either separately or in common to mobile home spaces therein.

“Multi-family dwelling” means two or more legally permitted, attached primary dwelling units. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Nonconforming lot” means any property created by a legal subdivision of land that created in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time the property was subdivided, but which, due to subsequently enacted ordinances or laws, no longer complies with the applicable regulations and standards for the zoning district in which the property is located.

“Nonconforming structure” means any structure, building, or improvement that was lawfully established and in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time it was erected, but which, due to subsequently enacted ordinances or laws, no longer complies with the applicable regulations and standards for the zoning district in which the structure is located.

“Nonconforming use” means any use of land or activity that was lawfully established and in compliance with all applicable ordinances and laws at the time such use was initiated, but which, due to subsequently enacted ordinances or laws, no longer complies with the applicable regulations and standards for the zoning district in which the use is located.

“Nursery school.” See “child day care facility”. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

”Official zoning map” means the maps delineating the locations and boundaries of zones as described in this article, and shall include such other maps and amendments as may hereafter be adopted in accordance with the provisions of this article, which maps are a part of this article when adopted by ordinance passed by the Council in the manner prescribed by law.

“Open space” means land areas that are not occupied by buildings, structures, parking areas, driveways, streets, or alleys. Open space may include land areas occupied by buildings or structures specifically designed for recreation purposes such as swimming pools and recreation buildings.

“Open space, common” means open space reserved primarily for the enjoyment and recreational use of all residents of a residential development, such as a planned unit development, condominium, or mixed-use development, and owned and maintained by all residents, generally through a homeowner’s association.

“Open space, private” means open space located adjacent to, and directly accessible from the living room, family room, kitchen or dining room of an individual dwelling unit that is designed, maintained, and reserved exclusively for the use of the residents of said unit.

“Open space, usable” means an open area or recreational facility that is designed and intended to be used for outdoor living and/or recreation. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025)

“Planning Commission” means the Planning Commission of the City of La Mirada.

“Portable canopy” means any structure, tent or canopy, or combination thereof, including legs and other support structure, whether freestanding or secured to the ground or to any other structure, that is enclosed or covered on one or more sides or the top, by fabric, canvas, nylon, vinyl, plastic or other non-rigid material.

“Primary dwelling unit” is an existing single-family residential structure on a single lot with provisions for living, sleeping, eating, a single kitchen for cooking, and sanitation facilities occupied. This does not include an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory.

“Principal or primary use” means any use which represents the predominant activity on a property and for which authority to conduct such use is derived from this title. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Recessed entry” means an entryway with steps that are built into the wall a minimum of 24" from the facade to the door (see Figure 21.200.190).

Figure 21.200.190

[Figure]

“Recycling facility” is a facility established for the collection and/or treatment of used or waste materials for the purpose of reuse, including the following:

(1) “Large collection facility” means 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 square feet and include permanent structures. A large collection facility does not involve the use of power-driven processing equipment, except for compacting, baling, plastic shredding, and other activities necessary for efficient temporary storage and material shipment.

(2) “Processing facility” means recycling facilities located in a building or enclosed space and used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials. Processing means the preparation of material for efficient shipment or to an end-user’s specifications by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning, and remanufacturing.

(3) “Reverse-vending machine” means an automated mechanical device that accepts one or more types of empty containers including, but not limited to, aluminum cans, glass bottles and plastic bottles; and that issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit clip with value of not less than the container’s redemption value, as determined by the state.

(4) “Scrap and dismantling facility” means a facility engaged in the assembling, breaking up, sorting, temporary storage, and distribution of recyclable or reusable scrap and waste materials, including the dismantling or wrecking of automobiles or other motor vehicles, or the storage or keeping for sale of parts and equipment resulting from such dismantling or wrecking.

(5) “Small collection facility” means a recycling facility used for the acceptance by donation, redemption, or purchase of recyclable materials from the public and that does not occupy more than five hundred square feet. This classification may include a mobile unit, kiosk-type units that may include permanent structures, and unattended containers placed for the donation of recyclable materials.

“Religious institution” means an institution owned, controlled, and operated, and maintained by a bona fide church, religious denomination, or religious organization composed of multidenominational members of the same well-recognized religion, lawfully operating as a nonprofit religious corporation or as a corporation sole pursuant to the Corporations Code.

“Residential care home” is a residential home that provides twenty-four-hour non- medical care for six or fewer persons eighteen 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 homes, residential care facilities for the elderly, adult residential facilities, wards of the juvenile court, and other facilities licensed by the state.

“Residential care facility” means any facility that provides twenty-four-hour non-medical care for more than six persons eighteen 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 residential care facilities for the elderly, adult residential facilities, facilities for wards of the juvenile court, and other facilities licensed by the state.

“Rest home.” See “residential care facility”.

“Restaurant” is an establishment where food and drink are prepared, served, and consumed primarily within the principal building, or where food prepared on the premises is served for carry-out or quick on-premises consumption. See also “drive-through facility.” (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Setback” is the minimum distance between the main building on a lot and the property lines of the lot, measured at a right angle from the designated property line. Minimum setback distances are listed by zoning district in Article IV. (See Figure 21.200.200).

Figure 21.200.200

[Figure]

“Shielding” (relative to lighting), is a technique or method of construction which causes light emitted from an outdoor light fixture to be restricted from shining above or beyond an imaginary horizontal plane passing through the fixture.

“Shopping center” is a group of businesses comprised of at least three individual shops functioning as a unit, with common off-street parking as an integral part of the unit, and occupying in aggregate five thousand square feet or more of parcel area.

“Sign” is defined in Article VI, Section 21.76.020.

“Single room occupancy” is a multiple-tenant building comprised of single room dwellings accessed through a common primary entrance, and which contain commons, lounges, or other congregate living spaces of not less than five square feet per dwelling unit. SROs can each accommodate a maximum occupancy of up to three (3) persons per unit, but no more than one (1) adult. Each SRO includes a kitchenette, bathroom with shower, and living room area. SROs are primarily rented as permanent residences and provide management on a twenty-four (24) hour basis.

“Specific adverse impact” is a significant, quantifiable, direct, and unavoidable impact, based on objective, identified written public health or safety standards, policies, or conditions as they existed on the date the application was deemed complete and there is no feasible method to mitigate the impact.

“Storage yard” is a property or establishment used for the keeping of equipment, motor vehicles, construction supplies, or other materials for the use, distribution, or dispatch by a permitted business, public utility, or government agency.

“Supportive housing” means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an onsite or offsite service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community.

(1) “Target population” means persons, including persons with disabilities, and families are “homeless,” as that term is defined by Section 11302 of Title 42 of the United States Code, or who are “homeless youth,” as that term is defined by paragraph (2) of subdivision (e) of Section 12957 of the Government Code.

“Supportive services” include, but are not limited to, a combination of subsidized, permanent housing, intensive case management, medical and mental health care, substance abuse treatment, employment services, and benefits advocacy.

(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 661 § 14, 2012; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008; Ord. 705, § 10, 2018).

“Tobacco retail business” means any person or business, whether or not regulated by other provisions of the La Mirada Municipal Code, selling or offering to sell, or otherwise convey in exchange for any form of consideration, any tobacco, tobacco product or tobacco paraphernalia, provided the area utilized for the sale of any of the foregoing comprises thirty- three percent or more of the floor area of the business, or thirty-three percent or more of the gross sales of such business in any seven consecutive day period. For purposes of this section, the term “tobacco product” shall mean any item or thing containing or consisting of any amount of tobacco or other combustible plant material designed for and intended to be smoked. “Tobacco paraphernalia” shall mean cigarette papers or wrappers, pipes, whether made of glass, wood or other material, waterpipes, hookahs, holders of smoking materials of all types, cigarette rolling machines, and any other thing or item designed for the smoking or ingestion of tobacco, or the smoking of any tobacco product. Nothing in this definition shall be deemed to render inapplicable any provision, regulation or standard contained in the La Mirada Municipal Code that would otherwise apply to any tobacco retail business, as defined herein.

“Tarp.” See “portable canopy”.

“Temporary structure” is a structure without any foundation of footings which will be removed when the permit for the activity or use for which the structure was erected has expired.

“Temporary use” is a use established for a fixed period of time consistent with a required permit, with the intent to discontinue such use as directed in the documentation permitting such use.

“Transitional housing” is housing that provides long-term, temporary shelter (up to two years) for persons transitioning to permanent housing. Transitional housing may provide support and rehabilitative services to residents, including substance abuse and mental health care interventions, employment services, individual and group counseling, and life skills training.

“Truck terminal” is a facility used for the parking, service, repair, and/or storage of trucks, including storage areas for rental or leasing purposes, and that provides services and facilities, including but not limited to restrooms/showers and offices, for persons using or renting truck spaces.

“Two-unit development” means a development that proposes no more than two new units or proposed to add one new unit to one existing unit.(Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Urban lot split” means a subdivision of an existing parcel into no more than two separate parcels that meets all the criteria and standards set forth in this chapter.

“Urban uses” means any current or former residential, commercial, public institutional, transit or transportation passenger facility, or retail use, or any combination thereof.

“Use” means the purpose for which land or a building is designed, arranged, or intended, or for which the land or building may be occupied or maintained. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

Variance” means permission to depart from the provisions of this title when, due to special circumstances applicable to a property, strict application of the requirements deprives such property of privileges enjoyed by other identically zoned property. See Article VIII, Chapters 21.102 and 21.108. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Wall” means a physical barrier constructed largely of masonry, brick, concrete, stucco, concrete block, or any combination thereof and intended to mark a boundary.

“Warehouse” is a building or portion thereof used for the storage, receiving, shipping, or wholesaling of goods and merchandise, and any incidental or accessory activities.

“Wireless facilities.” See “antennas and wireless communications facilities”. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Yard” is an open space on a lot that, except for otherwise provided in this title, is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward.

“Yard area” means the horizontal area between a property line and a parallel line along the nearest structure located outside of the required setback area.

“Yard area, required” means the open space between a lot line and the building area within which no structure is permitted to be located. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

“Zoning district” is a designated or mapped portion of the city within which a uniform set of land use and development regulations apply. Zoning districts include the following categories:

(1) “Base zoning district” means a zoning district that establishes the primary type and intensity of land use for the parcel, along with development regulations for that particular type and intensity of land use.

(2) “Overlay zoning district” means a zoning district that supplements the base zoning district for the purpose of establishing special use or development regulations for a particular area in addition to the provisions of the underlying base zone.

“Zoning map” is the current city-adopted map showing zoning district boundaries using the symbols listed in Article III of this title. (Ord. 736, § 5 (part), 2025; Ord. 612 Exhibit A (part), 2008).

CROSS REFERENCE TABLES

1960 CODE

DISPOSITION OF ORDINANCE TABLES