Menifee Zoning Code Ch. 9.305 Special standard and use Definitions

Contents:

9.305.010 Purpose

9.305.020 Animal Keeping and Related Terms Defined

9.305.030 Density Bonus and Related Terms Defined

9.305.040 Cannabis and Related Term Definitions

9.305.050 Signs and Related Terms Defined

9.305.060 Noise Control Regulations

9.305.070 Wireless Communications and Related Terms Defined

This chapter provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Development Code that are specific to regulated uses or the application of certain development standards contained in this Title and are intended to apply in addition to those terms defined in Chapter 9.300 (Universal Definitions). If any of the definitions in this chapter conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Municipal Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Development Code. If a word is not defined in this chapter, or other provisions of the Municipal Code, the Community Development Director shall determine the most appropriate definition in compliance with Chapter 9.10 (Rules of Interpretation). State law definitions, as they may be amended from time to time, control over the definitions in this section.

Animal. Except for humans, any living, breathing creature, including mammals, birds, rodents, dogs, livestock, pets, reptiles, insect, fish, horse, livestock or other non-human creature, whether wild or domestic.

Small. Pygmy goats, potbelly pigs, poultry, rabbits, domestic dogs and cats and other comparably sized animals distinguished from those defined as medium or large animals.

Medium. Swine, pygmy horses, goats, sheep and other comparably sized animals distinguished from those defined as small or large animals.

Large. Horses, cows and other animals so categorized by their size, weight and/or appearance to be large animals.

Animal Hospital. A place where animals or pets are given medical or surgical treatment and care.

Animal Keeping, Commercial. The keeping, breeding, caring, boarding, training, or marketing of animals for sale or for profit.

Animal Keeping, Non-Commercial. The keeping, breeding, caring, boarding, training, or marketing of animals for personal use.

Animal Rescue. The care and boarding of animals at a residence for noncommercial or not for profit purposes. The number and type of animals allowed are limited to that which would otherwise be allowed as pets.

Apiary. A facility for the keeping of bees.

Aviary. A facility for the keeping of birds.

Cat. A domestic cat of the species Felis catus, including its young or kittens.

Cattery. Any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, ten or more cats, four months of age or older, are kept or maintained.

Cattle. All species of bovine.

Crowing Fowl. Roosters, peacocks, turkeys, and guinea fowl.

Dog. An animal, domestic dog of the species canine of either sex, altered or unaltered, that has reached the age of four months.

Enclosure. A fence, pen or structure suitable to securely and humanely prevent the animal from escaping or the entry of unauthorized persons.

Horse. Animal of the Equus genus, including mule, ass, donkey, and miniatures.

Kennel. Any building, structure, enclosure, or premises whereupon, or within which, five or more dogs, four months of age or older, are kept or maintained.

Non-Crowing Fowl. Poultry other than crowing fowl.

Pet. Any animal that is kept and cared for, for companionship, protection or adornment of a home. Pets shall include but not be limited to: dogs, rabbits, cats, caged homing pigeons, nonpoisonous insects, ornamental or songbirds, fish, nonpoisonous snakes under 6 feet long, domesticated hedgehogs, or small animals kept in a cage such as hamsters, lizards, white mice, domestic rodents, or reptiles. Pets shall not include horses, pigs of any type, large or small livestock, or exotic animals.

Petting Zoo. A collection of farm animals, such as goats, ducks, and sheep, and sometimes docile wild animals such as turtles or deer, for children to feed and pet.

Pig. All species and sizes of pigs and hogs, genus Sus.

Poultry. Winged and feathered animals including, but not limited to, chickens, hens, roosters, ducks, geese, and turkeys. Includes both crowing fowl and non-crowing fowl.

Premises. Any dwelling, parcel of land, structure, residence, building, pen, corral, enclosure, fenced yard, or dog run.

Affordable Housing. Dwelling units with a sales price or rent within the means of a low- or moderate-income household as defined by state or federal legislation. As used in this development code:

1. Very low income refers to family units/households whose annual income is 50% or less of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50105 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(B)).
2. Low income refers to family units/households whose annual income is between 50% and 80% of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50079.5 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(A)).
3. Moderate income refers to family units/households whose annual income is between 80% and 120% of the area's median income as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 50093 (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Affordable Housing Benefits. Means one or more of the following:

1. A density bonus pursuant to Section 9.180.060.
2. An incentive pursuant to Section 9.180.120.
3. A development standard waiver or modification pursuant to Section 9.180.150.
4. A parking standard modification pursuant to Section 9.180.160.

Affordable Housing Cost. The definition set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 50052.5 (Government Code Section 65915(c)(1)).

Affordable Housing Developer. The applicant or permittee of a qualified housing development and its assignees or successors in interest.

Affordable Rent. The definition set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 50053 (Government Code Section 65915(c)(1)).

Childcare Facility. A child day-care facility other than a family day-care home, including but not limited to infant centers, preschools, extended day-care facilities and school-age childcare centers (Government Code Section 65915(h)(4)).

Common Interest Development. Any of the following: a community Apartment project, a condominium project, a planned development or a stock cooperative pursuant to Civil Code Section 1351(c) and Civil Code Section 4100. All common interest development units must be offered to the public for purchase (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Condominium Conversion Project. A residential project in which the applicant proposes to convert Apartment units to condominiums pursuant to Government Code Section 65915.5(a).

Concession or Incentive. Means any of the following:

1. A reduction in site development standards or a modification of zoning code requirements or architec­tural design requirements that exceed the minimum building standards approved by the California Build­ing Standards Commission as provided in Part 2.5 (commencing with Section 18901) of Division 13 of the Health and Safety Code, including, but not limited to, a reduction in setback and square footage requirements and in the ratio of vehicular parking spaces that would otherwise be required that results in identifiable and actual cost reductions, to provide for affordable hous­ing costs, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in Government Code Section 65915(c).
2. Approval of mixed-use zoning in conjunction with the housing project if commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses will reduce the cost of the housing development and if the commercial, office, industrial, or other land uses are compatible with the housing project and the existing or planned development in the area where the proposed housing project will be located.
3. Other regulatory incentives or concessions pro­posed by the developer or the city, county, or city and county that result in identifiable and actual cost reduc­tions to provide for affordable housing costs, as defined in Section 50052.5 of the Health and Safety Code, or for rents for the targeted units to be set as specified in Government Code Section 65915(c).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Density Bonus. A density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable gross residential density as of the date of ap­plication by the applicant to the city, if elected by the applicant, a lesser percent­age of density increase, including, but not limited to, no increase in density. The amount of density increase to which the applicant is entitled shall vary according to the amount by which the percentage of affordable housing units exceeds the percentage as mandated by Government Code Section 65915(b).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Density Bonus Units. Dwelling units granted pursuant to Section 9.180.030 which exceed the otherwise maximum allowable residential density.

Development Standard. A site or construction condition, including but not limited to a height limitation, a setback requirement, a floor area ratio, an on-site open-space requirement or a parking ratio, that applies to a residential development pursuant to the Development Code, the General Plan or other City condition, law, policy, resolution or regulation (Government Code Section 65915(o)(1)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Housing Development. A development project of five or more residential units, including mixed-use developments. A subdivision or common interest development that is approved by the city and consists of residential units or unimproved residential lots, and either a project to substantially rehabilitate and convert an existing commercial building to residential use or the substantial rehabilitation of an existing multi-family dwelling where the result of the rehabilitation would be a net increase in available residential units (Government Code Section 65915(i)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Incentive. Means “incentives and concessions” as that phrase is used in Government Code Section 65915.

Located within one-half mile of a major transit stop. Any point on a proposed development, for which an applicant seeks a density bonus, other incentives or concessions, waivers or reductions of development standards, or a vehicular parking ratio pursuant to this chapter, is within one-half mile of any point on the property on which a major transit stop is located, including any parking lot owned by the transit authority or other local agency operating the major transit stop.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Lower Income Student. A student who has a household income and asset level that does not exceed the level for Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B award recipients as set forth in paragraph (1) of subdivision (k) of Section 69432.7 of the Education Code. The eligibility of a student to occupy a unit for lower income students under this section shall be verified by an affidavit, award letter, or letter of eligibility provided by the institution of higher education in which the student is enrolled or by the California Student Aid Commission that the student receives or is eligible for financial aid, including an institutional grant or fee waiver from the college or university, the California Student Aid Commission, or the federal government.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Major Transit Stop. Has the same meaning as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 21155 of the Public Resources Code.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Market-Rate Unit. A dwelling unit that is not an affordable unit.

Maximum Allowable Residential Density. The density allowed under the Development Code, specific plan, or the Land Use Element of the General Plan, or if a range of density is permitted, the greatest number of units allowed by the specific zoning range, specific plan, or Land Use Element of the General Plan applicable to the project. Density shall be determined using dwelling units per acre. However, if the applicable zoning ordinance, specific plan, or Land Use Element of the General Plan does not provide a dwelling-units-per-acre standard for density, then the local agency shall calculate the number of units by:

1. Estimating the realistic development capacity of the site based on the objective development standards applicable to the project, including, but not limited to, floor area ratio, site coverage, maximum building height and number of stories, building setbacks and step backs, public and private open space requirements, minimum percentage or square footage of any nonresidential component, and parking requirements, unless not required for the base project. Parking requirements shall include considerations regarding number of spaces, location, design, type, and circulation. A developer may provide a base density study and the City shall accept it, provided that it includes all applicable objective development standards.
2. Maintaining the same average unit size and other project details relevant to the base density study, excepting those that may be modified by waiver or concession to accommodate the bonus units, in the proposed project as in the study(Government Code Section 65915(o)(6)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Minimum Affordable Housing Component. A housing development project that includes a minimum of any of the following:

1. Very Low-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 5% of the total units for very low-income household residents (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(B)); or
2. Low-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 10% of the total units for low-income households (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(A)); or
3. Moderate-Income Minimum Affordable Housing Component – Provides at least 10% of the total dwelling units in a common interest development for moderate-income households (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(D)).

Other Incentives of Equivalent Financial Value. The reduction or waiver of requirements which the City might otherwise apply as conditions of condominium conversion approval, but shall not be construed to require the City to provide cash transfer payments or other monetary compensation (Government Code Section 65915.5(c)).

Qualified Housing Development. A housing development that meets the requirements of Section 9.180.030 for density bonus.

Qualified Land. Land offered for donation in accordance with Section 9.180.110 that meets the criteria set forth in Subsection 9.180.110.A.

Senior Citizen Housing Development. A residential development that is developed, substantially rehabilitated or substantially renovated for senior citizens and that has at least 35 senior citizen housing development units (Government Code Section 65915(b)(1)(C)).

Senior Citizen Housing Development Unit. A residential dwelling unit in a senior citizen housing development that is available to, and occupied by, a senior citizen as defined in Civil Code Section 51.3.

Shared Housing Building. A residential or mixed-use structure, with five or more shared housing units and one or more common kitchens and dining areas designed for permanent residence of more than 30 days by its tenants. The kitchens and dining areas within the shared housing building shall be able to adequately accommodate all residents. If a local ordinance further restricts the attributes of a shared housing building beyond the requirements established in this section, the local definition shall apply to the extent that it does not conflict with the requirements of Government Code Section 65915(o)(7).

1. A “shared housing building” may include other dwelling units that are not shared housing units, provided that those dwelling units do not occupy more than 25 percent of the floor area of the shared housing building. A shared housing building may include 100 percent shared housing units.
2. A “shared housing building” may include incidental commercial uses, provided that those commercial uses are otherwise allowable and are located only on the ground floor or the level of the shared housing building closest to the street or sidewalk of the shared housing building.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Shared Housing Unit. One or more habitable rooms, not within another dwelling unit, that includes a bathroom, sink, refrigerator, and microwave, is used for permanent residence, that meets the “minimum room area” specified in Section R304 of the California Residential Code (Part 2.5 of Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations), and complies with the definition of “guestroom” in Section R202 of the California Residential Code.

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

Specific, Adverse Impact. 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 for the housing development was deemed complete. Inconsistency with the development code or General Plan land use designation shall not constitute a specific, adverse impact upon the public health or safety (Government Code Section 65589.5(d)(2)).

Total Units and Total Dwelling Units. A calculation of the number of units that:

1. Excludes a unit added by a density bonus awarded pursuant to the Development Code granting a greater density bonus.
2. Includes a unit designated to satisfy an inclusionary zoning requirement of the city.

For purposes of calculating a density bonus granted pursuant to this section for a shared housing building, “unit” means one shared housing unit and its pro rata share of associated common area facilities.(Government Code Section 65915(o)(8)).

(2024-384, 02/07/2024)

Effective on: 3/8/2024

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Hookah. A glass or metal water pipe usually decorated and shaped somewhat like a bottle or small tank, with a long, flexible cord pipe. Also known as shisha, nargile, hubble bubble, nag and turkish water pipe.

Hookah Lounge. An area of a commercial establishment, whether enclosed, indoor or outdoor, designated specifically for the use of hookahs, but does not include private use of hookahs in personal residences if otherwise in compliance with applicable law.

Indoor Cultivation. Cannabis cultivation for personal, non-medicinal use within an individual’s private residence, or within an accessory structure that is fully enclosed and secure.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis. Any or all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa Linnaeus, Cannabis indica, or Cannibus rueralis, or other variations that contain the psychotropic compound Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), whether growing or not; the seed thereof; the resin or separated resin, whether crude or purified, extracted from any part of the plant; and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin, including cannabis infused in foodstuff or any other ingestible or consumable product containing cannabis. The term cannabis shall also include “medical cannabis” as such phrase is used in the August 2008 Guidelines for the Security and Non-Diversion of Marijuana Grown for Medical Use, as may be amended from time to time, that was issued by the office of the Attorney General for the State of California or subject to the provisions of California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 (Compassionate Use Act of 1996) or California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.7 through 11362.85 (Medical Marijuana Program).

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Marijuana Cafe. An area of a commercial establishment, whether enclosed, indoor or outdoor, designated specifically for the use of cannabis, but does not include private use of cannabis in personal residences if otherwise in compliance with applicable law.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Cultivation. Growing, planting, harvesting, drying, curing, grading, trimming or processing of cannabis. The term cannabis cultivation shall also include “mobile cultivation,” that being the cultivation of cannabis within a movable conveyance such as a vehicle, truck, trailer, recreational vehicle, mobile home or other such mobile device.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Dispensary. Any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where cannabis is made available to or distributed by or distributed to any individual.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Cannabis Processing. Any method used to prepare cannabis or its byproducts for commercial retail and/or wholesale, including but not limited to drying, cleaning, curing, packaging and extraction of active ingredients to create cannabis-related products and concentrates. Further, cannabis processing shall include cannabis byproducts created at another location and transported to a site to be used as an additive in another product.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Medical Cannabis Dispensary. Any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where medical cannabis is made available to or distributed by or distributed to one or more of the following: a primary caregiver, a qualified patient, or a patient with an identification card. All three terms are identified in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.4 et seq*.* A medical cannabis dispensary shall not include the following uses, as long as the location of such uses is otherwise regulated by this code or applicable law: A clinic licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a healthcare facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code; a residential hospice or a home health agency licensed pursuant to Chapter 8 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, as long as such uses comply strictly with applicable law, including but not limited to, Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Mobile Cannabis Dispensary. Any clinic, cooperative, club, business or group which transports or delivers, or arranges the transportation or delivery of, cannabis to a person for either personal, recreational or medical use.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

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

Abandoned Sign. A sign which no longer directs, advertises or identifies a legal, existing business establishment, product or activity on or off the site where such sign is displayed.

Address Sign. A sign that displays the address of a residence, business and/or property and that contains no advertising.

A-Frame Sign. A freestanding portable sign usually hinged or attached at the top and widening at the bottom to form a shape similar to the letter "A".

Animated Sign. Any sign that uses movement or change of lighting, including reflective lighting, to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

Attached Sign. Any sign or advertising device which is permanently affixed to a structure or building.

Automobile Center. A location at which new and/or used automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles or other similar motorized transportation vehicles are leased and/or sold on site.

Awning Sign. Any sign or graphic attached to, painted on or applied to an awning or canopy.

Backlit Channel Letter Sign. A type of sign utilizing opaque channel letters with an open back. Backlit channel letters contain the only source of light that projects such light onto the background against which the channel letters are silhouetted. Also known as a halo sign.

Balloon. Any mobile device that is inflated with gaseous materials and is used for the purpose of attracting attention, whether or not it contains a written or graphic message.

Banner Sign. Any cloth bunting, plastic, paper, fabric or similar material attached to or pinned on or from any structure, used for the purposes of advertising a business, organization, service, product or event. Flags and flag signs shall not be considered banners.

Billboard. A freestanding off-site sign which advertises a name, place, product, service or any other subject not related to the property or use of the property on which it is located. Also see "off-site sign."

Blade Sign. Any sign, other than a wall or projecting sign, which hangs from a building and extends perpendicular from the face of a building.

Business Directory. A sign identifying the location of occupants of a building or a group of buildings which are divided into rooms or suites used as separate offices, studios or shops.

Business Frontage. That portion of a business facade which encloses an individual tenant and/or business fronting on either a public street, common use parking area, pedestrian area or driveway, excluding alleys.

Can Sign. A type of wall sign that utilizes a cabinet or similar enclosure affixed to a wall, and typically has a replaceable lens or sign face. Also known as a lens sign.

Channel Letter Sign. A sign utilizing individual letters and/or numbers that protrude away from the wall or structure on which the letters and/or numbers are individually mounted.

Common Use Parking Area. An on-site parking lot to which a business has access for providing parking for its tenants and customers.

Construction Sign. A temporary sign containing information pertaining to the development on the site where the sign is located, which may include the name of the project, the developer, contractor, architect, financing source, future occupants or other information directly related to the development.

Copy. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, designs or other symbolic representations incorporated into a sign.

Customary Maintenance. The replacing or repairing of a part or portion of a sign necessitated by ordinary wear and tear, or the reprinting of existing copy without changing the wording, composition or color of said copy.

Detached Sign. See “freestanding sign.”

Directional Sign, On-Site. Any on-site sign which is designed, erected and maintained to serve as public convenience in directing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic, but not used for the purpose of advertising uses or activities on the site.

Double-Faced Sign. A single structure designed with the intent of displaying copy on two sides.

Drive-Up Menu Board. A sign identifying the food items sold on the site. May include means to order the food from a vehicle to be picked up at a drive-up window.

Electronic Display Sign. Any sign with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a series of lights, but not including time and temperature displays.

Exposed Raceway. An enclosure or conduit that is used to conceal wiring for a lighted sign and is visible from any elevation, typically located between the sign and the building to which the sign is attached.

Externally Lighted Sign. A sign whose illumination is arranged so that the light is reflected from the sign to the eyes of the viewer.

Finished Grade. The established finished grade after construction, exclusive of any filling, berming, mounding or excavating solely for the purpose of locating a sign.

Flag. A visual device with no commercial copy, usually rectangular in shape and made of a cloth material suspended by, or attached to, a pole or post and that may be raised or lowered.

Flag Sign. A visual display device with commercial copy, usually rectangular in shape and made of a cloth material suspended by, or attached to, a post or pole and may be raised and lowered.

Flashing Sign. Any electric sign which intermittently flashes on and off, changes in intensity or creates the illusion of flashing in any manner.

Freestanding Sign. A sign which is supported by one or more braces, poles, posts or other similar structural components that are placed on or anchored in the ground and are not attached to a building or buildings. Freestanding signs include monument and pole signs.

Freeway-Oriented Sign. Any sign whose primary purpose is to identify the business to motorists on the freeway.

Freeway-Visible Sign. Any sign that may be visible from the freeway, but whose primary purpose is not to be freeway-oriented.

Frontage. That part of a building or a site that fronts on a street.

Garage Sale Sign. A temporary sign for the purpose of advertising a garage sale.

Grand Opening Sign. A temporary promotional sign used by newly established businesses to inform the public of their new location and service. "Grand opening" does not mean an annual or occasional promotion of retail sales by a business.

Human Sign. Any person wearing, carrying and/or moving a sign, or functioning as a sign, to attract the attention of motorists or pedestrians to a business, product or event. Human signs include, but are not limited to, sign spinners and costumed humans.

Illegal Sign. Any sign not authorized or permitted by this chapter, or a sign erected without first obtaining the required approval or for which the required permit has expired or been revoked.

Internal Directional Sign. A sign placed on private property that serves solely to guide or designate the location or direction to any place or area on that property.

Internally Lighted Sign. A sign whose illumination is entirely within the sign, making the contents of the sign visible at night by means of a light being transmitted through translucent or semi-translucent material, but with the source of the illumination itself not being visible.

Kiosk. A freestanding round or multiple-sided structure whose main purpose is to display signs or information.

Logo. A trademark or symbol of an organization which is registered with the federal or state government and consistently used in conducting the business activities of said organization.

Marquee. A permanent structure that is typically attached to and supported by a building and that projects beyond the building wall and usually uses changeable copy.

Master Sign Program. A specific set of design standards established for the purpose of unifying a variety of signs associated with a multitenant or multiuse project, building or complex of buildings.

Model Home Sign. Signs advertising or related to a model home complex.

Monument Sign. A freestanding sign mounted on or within a base, above grade, which is detached from any building, where the sign structure is not narrower than the display surface of the sign.

Mural, Commercial. A display or illustration painted on a building or wall intended to advertise a product, service or business.

Mural, Noncommercial. A hand-produced work of visual art that is tiled or painted directly upon, or affixed directly to, a building or wall and that is not intended to advertise a product, service or business. Does not include mechanically produced or computer-generated prints or images, including but not limited to digitally printed vinyl, murals containing electrical or mechanical components, or changing image murals.

Neon-Style Sign. A sign that, in part or in full, is made of lighting that utilizes neon or other gases in translucent tubing, or other lighting that has a similar look.

Off-Site Sign. A sign which advertises or directs attention to a person, establishment, merchandise, business, service, event or entertainment which is not located, sold, produced, manufactured, provided or furnished on the site, parcel and/or lot where the sign is located.

On-Site Sign. A sign which advertises or directs attention to a person, establishment, merchandise, business, service, event or entertainment which is located, sold, produced, manufactured, provided or furnished on the site, parcel and/or lot where the sign is located.

Pole Sign. A freestanding sign directly supported by a sign structure consisting of poles, posts or braces or other similar components that is narrower than the display surface of the sign.

Portable Sign. A sign that is easily transported and not permanently fixed to a building, permanent structure, fixture or the ground and that is usually displayed in front of the business. Portable signs do not include banner signs, grand opening signs or real estate signs.

Projecting Sign. A sign, other than a wall sign, that projects more than 12 inches from, and is supported by, the wall to which it is affixed, and does not project above the wall to which it is attached.

Pylon Sign. A freestanding sign, usually double-faced, mounted on one or two supports above ground level, also referred to as a pole sign.

Real Estate Sign. A sign indicating that the site or building is for sale, lease or rent.

Regional Center. A retail or business center exceeding 20 acres in overall project area and containing more than 200,000 square feet in building area.

Retail, Primary Establishment. A retail tenant of a multi-tenant center that serves as a primary attractor of customers to the center and has a larger lease space than other tenants in the center, as determined by the Community Development Director.

Retail, Sub-Establishment. A retail tenant of a multi-tenant center that is not a "retail, primary establishment," as defined in this section.

Roof Sign. Any sign which is erected, constructed or maintained on or above a roof system, plate-line, roof-line or parapet of any building.

Service Station Sign. Signage that is utilized to identify or advertise the sale of gas for motor vehicles.

Sign. Any object, device, display or structure, or part thereof, that is used to identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images.

Sign Area. The entire area of a sign face, including the nonstructural perimeter trim, but excluding structures or uprights on which the sign is supported, unless such supports or uprights are designed in such a manner as to form an integral background of the sign.

Subdivision Directional Sign. A sign consisting of the name of a subdivision and a directional arrow that directs people to a new residential subdivision.

Subdivision Sign. A sign advertising or identifying a residential subdivision.

Temporary Sign. Any sign that is intended to be displayed for a short duration of time, that is not permanently mounted and that is not intended for permanent display. Includes, but is not limited to, noncommercial murals, human signs, signs held by hand and signs personally attended to.

Unmaintained Sign. A sign that is not maintained in a safe, presentable and good structural condition at all times, including, but not limited to, replacement of defective parts, painting, repainting, cleaning and other acts required for proper sign maintenance. Signs which are faded, tattered and/or torn shall be considered unmaintained.

Wall Sign. Any sign which is attached to, painted on or erected upon the exterior wall of a building or structure including the parapet, with the display surface of the sign parallel to the building wall.

Window Sign. Any sign painted, attached, glued or otherwise affixed to the interior or exterior surfaces of a window or located within 5 feet of the interior side of a window for the primary purpose of being visible from the exterior of the building.

Wind-Driven Sign. A single or series of pennants or other similar objects which are fastened together at intervals by wire, rope, cord, string or by any other means and which are designed to move and attract attention upon being subjected to pressure by wind or breeze. Certain flags and flag signs may not be considered a wind-driven sign.

A-Weighted Decibel (dBA). The standard A-weighted frequency response of a sound level meter, which de-emphasizes low and high frequencies of sound in a manner similar to the human ear for moderate sounds.

Audio Equipment. A television, stereo, radio, tape player, compact disc player, MP3 player, iPod, music equipment/instrument or other similar device.

Decibel (dB). A unit for measuring the relative amplitude of a sound equal approximately to the smallest difference normally detectable by the human ear, the range of which includes approximately 130 decibels on a scale beginning with zero decibels for the faintest detectable sound. Decibels are measured with a sound level meter using different methodologies as defined below.

Equivalent Continuous Noise Level (Leq). The noise level energy averaged over the measurement period. For example, a 10-minute Leq would be averaged over a 10-minute period.

Motor Vehicle Sound System. A television, stereo, radio, tape player, compact disc player, MP3 player, iPod, music equipment/ instrument or another similar device attached to or installed within the vehicle.

Noise. Any loud, discordant or disagreeable sound.

Occupied Property. Property upon which is located a residence, business or industrial or manufacturing use. Property where a residential, commercial, business, industrial, manufacturing or storage activity is taking place.

Off-Highway Vehicle. A motor vehicle as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 38006, including without limitation off-highway motorcycle, sand buggy, dune buggy, all-terrain vehicle or jeep.

Sensitive Receptor. A living organism or land use that is identified as sensitive to noise in the Noise Element of the City's General Plan, including, but not limited to, residences, schools, hospitals, churches, rest homes, cemeteries or public libraries.

Sound-Amplifying Equipment. A loudspeaker, microphone, megaphone or other similar device.

Sound-Generating Equipment. A musical instrument/device, motor, generator or other mechanical equipment or device capable of generating sound not otherwise defined herein.

Sound Level Meter. An instrument meeting the standards of the American National Standards Institute for Type 1 or Type 2 sound level meters or an instrument that provides equivalent data.

Antenna. A device used for the purpose of transmitting and/or receiving wireless communication signals; does not include a satellite dish or antenna.

Antenna Structure. An antenna and its associated support structure, such as a monopole or tower.

Electric Utility Tower. A structure that supports, holds or contains wires that transfer electricity.

Eligible Facilities Request. A request to modify an existing tower or base-station that, within the meaning of the Spectrum Act, does not substantially change the physical dimensions of that tower or base station, and involves (a) the collocation of new transmission equipment, (b) the removal of transmission equipment, or (c) the replacement of transmission equipment.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Equipment Enclosure. Any freestanding or mounted structure, shelter, cabinet or vault used to house and protect the electronic and supporting equipment necessary for processing wireless communication signals. Supporting equipment includes, but is not limited to, air conditioners and emergency generators and other backup power suppliers.

Fixed Wireless Telecommunication Facility. An un-staffed 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 that may include cabinets, pedestals, shelters and similar protective structures.

(2025-417, 07/16/2025)

Effective on: 8/16/2025

Monopole. A vertical, unguyed structure erected on the ground to support an antenna.

Support Facility. Equipment and structures constructed in support of wireless communication or antenna structures. Support facilities may include, but are not limited to vaults, equipment rooms, utilities and equipment enclosures.

Tower. A structure that supports, holds or contains equipment that sends and/or receives wireless communication signals, including, but not limited to, antennas.

Wireless Communication Service Provider. The private entity that is responsible for providing wireless communication to the general public or that owns or operates a wireless communication facility. Includes a company which owns the facilities and leases them to a wireless communication service provider. Shall also mean “telecommunication service provider.”

Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities that send and/or receive personal wireless communication signals, including, but not limited, to antennas, microwave dishes or horns, antenna structures, towers, equipment enclosures and the land upon which they are all situated, but not including satellite antennas. Wireless communication facilities are classified as follows:

1. Concealed Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities blended into the environment so as not to be seen at all or, if seen, not to be recognized as wireless communication facilities; also called “stealth.” Concealed wireless communication facilities include, but are not limited to, architecturally screened roof-mounted facilities, facade-mounted design feature facilities, clock tower facilities and entry statement signage facilities.
2. Disguised Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities designed and sited so as to be minimally visually intrusive. Disguised wireless communication facilities include, but are not limited to, disguised palm trees (monopalms), disguised pine trees (monopines), disguised ball field light poles, disguised water towers, disguised streetlights, disguised electric utility poles, suspended wire antennas and painted poles located within a grove of live trees.
3. Co-located Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities owned by one wireless communication service provider that are attached to facilities owned by a different wireless communication service provider or facilities owned by another utility, such as an electric utility tower.
4. Other Wireless Communication Facilities. Facilities that are not concealed, disguised or co-located.
5. Small Cell Telecommunication Facility. An unstaffed facility, excluding a satellite dish antenna, that consists of a base station which provides wireless device, data and/or image transmission within a designated service area ad may consist of a low-powered access node with no more than five watts of transmitter output power per antenna channel, and may not be larger than a maximum height of three feet and a maximum width of two feet.