Skip to content

Earlier editions: 2026-09

Title 18 — ZONING›Division VI — General Terms

Redding Municipal Code Ch. 18.61 List of Terms and Definitions

Redding Municipal Code · 2026-10 edition · updated 2026-10-04 · Redding

Cite as: Redding Municipal Code Chapter 18.61 · Text as of 2026-10-04

18.61.010 - List of terms.

Abandoned

(see Nonconforming Terms)

Abandoned Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Accessory Building

Accessory Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Accessory Structure

(see Floodplain Terms)

Accessory Use

Adult Bookstore

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Cabaret

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Drive-in Theater

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Entertainment Business or Activity

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Entertainment Terms

Adult Massage Parlor

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Model Studio

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Motel

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Motion Picture Arcade

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Motion Picture Theater

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Adult Sexual Encounter Center

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Advertising

(see Sign Terms)

Affordability

(see Residential Density Bonus Terms)

Affordable Housing

(see Residential Density Bonus Terms)

Affordable Unit, For Rent

Affordable Unit, For Sale

Aggregate Sign Area

(see Sign Terms)

Alley

Alter

Ambient Noise

(see Noise Terms)

Amusement Park

Animal (Exotic or Wild)

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Animal (Household Pet)

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Animal (Large)

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Animal (Small)

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Animal-Related Terms

Animals

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Antenna

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Apartment

(see Residential Structure Types)

Area of Special Flood Hazard

(see Floodplain Terms)

Automobile Trailer

(see Automobile Trailer Terms)

Automobile Trailer Park

(see Automobile Trailer Terms)

Automobile Trailer Terms

Automobile Wrecking Yard

A-weighted Sound Level

(see Noise Terms)

Awning

(see Sign Terms)

Awning Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Balcony

Banner

(see Sign Terms)

Base Density

Base Flood

(see Floodplain Terms)

Base Flood Elevation

(see Floodplain Terms)

Base Floodplain

(see Floodplain Terms)

Basement

(see Standard and Floodplain Terms)

Beacon or Searchlight

(see Sign Terms)

Bed-and-Breakfast Inn

Billboard

(see Sign Terms)

Block

Boardinghouse or Rooming House

Breezeway

Building

Building Coverage

Building Height

Building Site

Building-Mounted

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Business

"C" District

Cabaret

Candidate Tree(s)

(see Tree Terms)

Canopy

(see Sign Terms)

Canopy Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Caretaker's Quarters

Changeable Copy Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Charitable/Philanthropic Institution

Church

City Council

Club

Collection Building

Collocation

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Common

(see Outdoor Activity Areas)

Communication Tower

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Conforming Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Construction

(see Noise Terms)

Contiguous To

(see Floodplain Terms)

Copy

(see Sign Terms)

Covered Parking Space

Cutting

(see Tree Terms)

Damage

(see Tree Terms)

dbh (diameter at breast height)

(see Tree Terms)

Decibel

(see Noise Terms)

Deck

Demolition

Distribution Line

Density Bonus

(see Residential Density Bonus Terms)

Design Flood

(see Floodplain Terms)

Design Review Manual

(see Sign Terms)

Detached Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Developed Property

(see Tree Terms)

Development

(see Floodplain Terms)

Directional Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Discretionary Projects

(see Tree Terms)

District

Donor

(see Sign Terms)

Double Frontage Lot

(see Sign Terms)

Drip Line

(see Tree Terms)

Driveway

Dwelling

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling Group

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling Unit

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling, Multiple Family

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling, Single-Family

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling, Single-Family Attached

(see Residential Structure Types)

Dwelling, Two-Family or Duplex

(see Residential Structure Types)

Electrical Code

(see Sign Terms)

Electromagnetic Radio Frequency Waves

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Electronic Message Board

(see Sign Terms)

Emergency Work or Action

(see Noise Terms)

Encroachment

(see Floodplain Terms)

Enforcement Officer

(see Sign Terms)

Equal Conveyance

(see Floodplain Terms)

Equivalent Financial Value

(see Residential Density Bonus Terms)

Erected

Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision

(see Floodplain Terms)

Expansion

(see Mining Terms)

Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision

(see Floodplain Terms)

Exploration or Prospecting

(see Mining Terms)

Family

Flag or Patriotic Symbol

(see Sign Terms)

Flood Fringe

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood Insurance Study

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood or Flooding

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood Protection

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood Protection Elevation

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain Administrator

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain Area

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain District (FP)

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain Management

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain Management Regulations

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodplain Terms

Flood-Proofing

(see Floodplain Terms)

Flood-Related Erosion

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floodway

(see Floodplain Terms)

Floor Area Ratio (FAR)

Floor Area, Gross

Floor Area, Net

Fowl (Large)

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Freeboard

(see Floodplain Terms)

Fully Shielded

(see Lighting Terms)

Garage or Carport

General Plan

Grade

(see Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms)

Grade, Average

Grade, Existing

Grade, Finished

Grade, Street

Ground-Mounted

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Half Story

(see Story)

Height

Highest Adjacent Grade

(see Floodplain Terms)

Historic Structure

(see Floodplain Terms)

Home Occupation

Hospital or Sanitarium

Hotel or Motel

Hydraulic Engineer Center Model 2 (HEC-2)

(succeeded by HEC-RAS)

(see Floodplain Terms)

Hydraulic Engineering Center Model 1 (HEC-1)

(succeeded by HEC-HMS)

(see Floodplain Terms)

Hydraulic Engineering Center Water Resources Council Model CPD-13

(see Floodplain Terms)

Idle

(see Mining Terms)

Illegal Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Illuminated Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Illumination Direct

Illumination Indirect

Intensity

(see Nonconforming Terms)

Intrusive Noise

(see Noise Terms)

Junkyard

Kitchen

Landmark or Heritage Tree

(see Tree Terms)

Landscape

Light Trespass

(see Lighting Terms)

Lighting Terms

Loading Space

Logo

(see Sign Terms)

Lot

Lot Frontage (Signs)

Lot Line Types

Lot Line, Corner

(see Lot Line Types)

Lot Line, Front

(see Lot Line Types)

Lot Line, Rear

(see Lot Line Types)

Lot Line, Side

(see Lot Line Types)

Lot Types

Lot, Corner

(see Lot Types)

Lot, Double Frontage

(see Lot Types)

Lot, Flag

(see Lot Types)

Lot, Interior

(see Lot Types)

Lot, Reversed Corner

(see Lot Types)

Lot, Vacant

(see Lot Types)

Lower- and Very Low-Income Households

(see Residential Density Bonus Terms)

Lowest Floor

(see Floodplain Terms)

Manufactured Home

(see Floodplain Terms)

Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision

(see Floodplain Terms)

Marquee

(see Sign Terms)

Marquee Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Mined Lands

(see Mining Terms)

Minerals

(see Mining Terms)

Mining Terms

Mining Waste

(see Mining Terms)

Monument Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Nameplate

(see Sign Terms)

Natural Feature

New Construction

(see Floodplain Terms)

New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision

(see Floodplain Terms)

Noise Disturbance

(see Noise Terms)

Noise Level

(see Noise Terms)

Noise Terms

Nonconforming Sign

(see Nonconforming Terms)

Nonconforming Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Nonconforming Site

(see Nonconforming Terms)

Nonconforming Structure

(see Nonconforming Terms)

Nonconforming Terms

Nonconforming Use

(see Nonconforming Terms)

No-Rise Floodway and Flood Fringe

(see Floodplain Terms)

"O" District

Occupancy, Change

Occupied

Off-Site Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Off-Street Loading Facilities

One-Hundred-Year Flood

(see Floodplain Terms)

On-Site Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Open-Space Terms

Open-Space Easement

(see Open-Space Terms)

Open-Space Land

(see Open-Space Terms)

Operator

(see Mining Terms)

Overburden

(see Mining Terms)

Owner

(see Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms)

Pennant

(see Sign Terms)

Permitted

Person

(see Standard and Tree Terms)

Personal Service

Plan Lines

Planning Commission

Pole Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Porch

Portable Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Poultry

(see Animal-Related Terms)

Preexisting

Preservation

Preserved Tree

(see Tree Terms)

Private

(see Outdoor Activity Areas)

Private Open-Space Easement

(see Open-Space Terms)

Processing Facility

(see Recycling Terms)

Professional Office

Project

Promotional Temporary Signs

(see Sign Terms)

Public Open-Space

(see Open-Space Terms)

Public Open-Space Easement

(see Open-Space Terms)

Public Parking Area

Public Service, Seasonal or Special Community Event Signs

(see Sign Terms)

Qualified Professional

(see Tree Terms)

"R" District

Real Estate Development Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Real Estate Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Real Property Boundary

(see Noise Terms)

Reclamation

(see Mining Terms)

Reconstruction

Recreational Vehicle

(see Floodplain Terms)

Recyclable Material

(see Recycling Terms)

Recycling Facility

(see Recycling Terms)

Recycling Terms

Rehabilitation

Remedy a Violation

(see Floodplain Terms)

Removal

(see Tree Terms)

Residential Density Bonus Terms

Residential Lot, Gross Area

Residential Lot, Net Area

Residential Structure Types

Reverse Vending Machine

(see Recycling Terms)

Riparian Vegetation

(see Stream Buffer Terms)

Riverine

(see Floodplain Terms)

Roof Line

(see Sign Terms)

Roof Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Room, Habitable

Scenic or Riparian Corridor

(see Floodplain Terms)

School, Elementary or High

Setback Line

Shopping Center

Shopping Center Identifier or Locator Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Shrub

(see Tree Terms)

Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Sign Area

(see Sign Terms)

Sign Height

(see Sign Terms)

Sign Terms

Site

Sniping

(see Sign Terms)

Sound Level Meter

(see Noise Terms)

Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)

(see Floodplain Terms)

Specified Anatomical Areas

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Specified Sexual Activities

(see Adult Entertainment Terms)

Standard Project Flood

(see Floodplain Terms)

Start of Construction

(see Floodplain Terms)

State Board

(see Mining Terms)

State Geologist

(see Mining Terms)

State-of-the-Art Sign Design

(see Sign Terms)

Story

Stream Buffer Terms

Street

Street Line

Structural Alterations

Structure

(see Standard and Floodplain Terms)

Substantial Damage

(see Floodplain Terms)

Substantial Improvement

(see Floodplain Terms)

Supergraphic Wall Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Surface Mining Operations

(see Mining Terms)

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms

Swimming Pool, or Pool

(see Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms)

Swimming Pool, Indoor

(see Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms)

Swimming Pool, Outdoor

(see Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms)

Targeted Housing Units

Telecom Definitions

Temporary Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Tent

Time and Temperature Signs

(see Sign Terms)

Top of Bank

(see Stream Buffer Terms)

Transmission Line

Tree

(see Tree Terms)

Tree Terms

Undeveloped Property

(see Tree Terms)

Uplighting

(see Lighting Terms)

Usable

(see Outdoor Activity Areas)

Use

Use Accessory

Variance

(see Floodplain Terms)

Velocity of Water

(see Floodplain Terms)

Violation

(see Floodplain Terms)

Visible

Wall Mural

(see Sign Terms)

Wall Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Window Sign

(see Sign Terms)

Wireless Communication Facility

(see Telecommunication Terms)

Yard

(see Standard Terms and Outdoor Activity Areas)

Yard, Corner Side

(see Yard Terms)

Yard, Front

(see Yard Terms)

Yard, Rear

(see Yard Terms)

Yard, Side

(see Yard Terms)

(Ord. 2403 § 13 (part), 2008; Ord. 2381 § 16, 2007; Ord. 2343 § 2 (part), 2005: Ord. 2310 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 2301 § 3 (Att. A (part)), 2002)

(Ord. No. 2443, § 7, 10-26-2009; Ord. No. 2450, § 5, 1-19-2010; Ord. No. 2590, § 27, 8-21-2018)

Exceptions & meaning →

18.61.020 - Definitions.

Accessory Use. A use incidental and accessory to the principal use of a lot or a building located on the same lot.

Adult Entertainment Terms.

  1. Adult Entertainment Business or Activity. An establishment that is not customarily open to the public but only to one or more classes of the public and that normally excludes any minor by reason of age. Such establishments usually charge a fee for a service or sale item to be purchased. It is a business that is characterized by emphasis on depicting, describing, or relating to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas." Said term includes, but is not limited to, the following uses:

  2. Adult Bookstore. An establishment that has a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade, books, magazines, or other periodicals that are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, or an establishment with a segment or section devoted to the sale or display of such material and that excludes minors by virtue of age from all or part of the establishment.

  3. Adult Cabaret. A cabaret that features go-go dancers, exotic dancers, strippers, male or female impersonators, or similar entertainers and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  4. Adult Drive-in Theater. A drive-in theater for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  5. Adult Massage Parlor. Any place where, for any form of consideration or gratuity, massage, alcohol rub, administration of fomentations, electric or magnetic treatments, or any other treatment or manipulation of the human body occurs as part of or in connection with sexual conduct, or where any person providing such treatment, manipulation, or service related thereto exposes specified anatomical areas and that excludes minors by reason of age.

  6. Adult Mini Motion Picture Theater. An enclosed building with a capacity of less than fifty persons used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis or matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  7. Adult Model Studio. Any place where for any form of consideration or gratuity, figure models who display specified anatomical areas are provided to be observed, sketched, drawn, painted, sculpted, photographed, or similarly depicted by persons paying such consideration or gratuity and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  8. Adult Motel. A motel wherein material is presented that is distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting or describing sexual conduct or specified anatomical areas and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  9. Adult Motion Picture Arcade. Any place that the public is permitted or invited wherein coin- or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion-picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time and where the images so displayed are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting or describing sexual conduct or specified anatomical areas and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  10. Adult Motion Picture Theater. An enclosed building with a capacity of fifty or more persons used for presenting material depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas for observation by patrons therein and that excludes minors by virtue of age.

  11. Adult Sexual Encounter Center. Any business, agency, or person who, for any form of consideration or gratuity, provides a place where three or more persons, not all members of the same family, may congregate, assemble, or associate for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct or exposing of specified anatomical areas and excludes minors by virtue of age.

  12. Specified Anatomical Areas. Means the following: Less than completely and opaquely covered: (a) human genitals or pubic region, (b) female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola. Human male genitals in a discernible turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.

  13. Specified Sexual Activities. Means the following: Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy; fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, or female breast.

Affordable Unit, For Rent. A unit for which the total monthly rent, plus utilities for lower-income households, does not exceed thirty percent of sixty percent of the county median income and for very low- income households, thirty percent of fifty percent of the county median income.

Affordable Unit, For Sale. A unit for which the total monthly payment, including interest, taxes, insurance, and utilities, does not exceed for lower-income households of sixty percent of the county median income and for very low-income households, thirty percent of fifty percent of the county median income.

Alley. A public way permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.

Alter. To make a change in the exterior appearance or the supporting members of a structure, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders, that will prolong the life of the structure. Routine maintenance is not considered an alteration.

Amusement Park. Any place of amusement open to the public not conducted wholly within a completed enclosed building.

Animal-Related Terms.

  1. Animals. Means horses, ponies, mules, burros, jacks, jennies, cows, bulls, calves, heifers, sheep, goats, swine, llamas, rabbits, and all other domestic or domesticated animals other than household pets.

  2. Animal (Exotic or Wild). An animal, including, but not limited to, a monkey, fox, poisonous snake, raccoon, or other similar animal, including predatory or poisonous animals.

  3. Animal (Household Pet). Any animal customarily permitted and kept in a dwelling and kept only for the company or pleasure provided to the occupants of the dwelling, such as a dog, cat, parakeet, tropical fish, hamster, rabbit, nonpoisonous snake, or Vietnamese pot-bellied pig.

  4. Animal (Large). Any equine or bovine animal or other animal similar in size, weight, or appearance, including, but not limited to, a horse, pony, mule, donkey, cow, llama, pigs, hogs, goats, sheep, or ox.

  5. Animal (Small). Poultry, rabbits, and those other such comparably sized animals distinguished from those described as large animals.

  6. Fowl (Large). Any ostrich, emus, rheas, or similar flightless large birds.

  7. Poultry. Means pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and all other domestic or domesticated fowl other than household pets.

Automobile Trailer Terms.

  1. Automobile Trailer. Any building or structure used for living or sleeping purposes and equipped with wheels or other means to facilitate movement from place to place and vehicles when used for living or sleeping purposes.

  2. Automobile Trailer Park. Any lot or parcel of land used for the accommodation of one or more automobile trailers occupied as living quarters.

Balcony. A platform that projects from the wall of a building, typically above the first level, and is surrounded by a rail, balustrade or parapet.

Basement. A space wholly or partly underground and having more than half its height, measuring from its floor to its ceiling, below the average adjoining grade. If the finished floor level directly above a basement is more than six feet above grade at any point, the basement shall be considered a story. Any basement level that has a habitable room shall be counted as a story.

Base Density. The number of dwelling units on a particular parcel of land that is in conformance with the General Plan and zoning.

Block. All property fronting upon one side of a street between intersecting and intercepting streets or between a street and waterway, end of dead-end street, or city boundary. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of the street that it intercepts.

Boardinghouse or Rooming House. A residential building containing shared living quarters with a single kitchen where food and housing are provided for compensation. Does not include motels, hotels, or bed and breakfast establishments.

Breezeway. A roofed, open-sided passageway connecting two structures, such as a house and a garage.

Building. Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Building, Accessory. A building which is used in support of or accessory to the principal building on a lot.

Building Coverage. The sum in square feet of the areas of the horizontal projections of all buildings on a lot, excluding open pergolas, steps, chimneys, eaves, buttresses, cornices, unenclosed and unroofed terraces, and minor ornamental features projecting from the walls of the building. The features are not directly supported by the ground.

Building Height. The vertical distance from finished grade to the highest structural point of the building as measured plumb from all points along said grade.

Building, Main. See Building, Principal.

Building, Principal. A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located. Also referred to as "main building."

Building Site. A lot or parcel of land in single or joint ownership and occupied or to be occupied by a main building and accessory buildings or by a dwelling group and its accessory buildings, together with such open spaces as are required by the terms of this title, and having its principal frontage on a "street" as defined in this chapter.

Business. The purchase, sale, or other transaction involving the handling or disposition of any article, substance, or commodity for livelihood or profit; or the ownership or management of office buildings, offices, recreational, or amusement enterprises; or the maintenance and use of offices by professions and trades rendering services.

"C" District. Means one or more of the following commercial districts: "NC" Neighborhood Commercial, "SC" Shopping Center, "RC" Regional Commercial, "GC" General Commercial, or "HC" Heavy Commercial.

Caretaker's Quarters. A dwelling unit on the site of a commercial, industrial, public, or semipublic use, occupied by a guard or caretaker.

Charitable/Philanthropic Institution. Any nonprofit organization to administer charity, consistent with existing laws, for the benefit of an indefinite number of persons by bringing their minds or hearts under the influence of education or religion; by relieving their bodies from disease, suffering, or constraint; by assisting them to establish themselves in life; by erecting or maintaining public buildings or works; or by otherwise lessening the burden of government.

Church. A building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, where persons regularly assemble for worship. The building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to sustain public worship.

City Council. The City Council of the City of Redding.

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

Collection Building. Buildings with a gross floor area of two hundred twenty-five square feet or less used for the deposit and storage of recyclables.

Covered Parking Space. An accessible and usable covered space of not less than ten feet by twenty feet for storage of automobiles—such covered parking space to be so located on the lot as to meet the requirements of this title for an accessory building or, if attached to the main building, to be so located as to meet all the requirements of this title for a main building.

Deck. A platform, either freestanding or attached to a building, that is supported by pillars or posts (see also: Balcony).

Demolition. Any act or process that destroys in whole or in part a cultural resource or other structure within an historic district.

Distribution Line. An electric power line bringing power from a distribution substation to consumers.

District. A portion of the city within which certain uses of land and buildings are permitted or prohibited and within which certain yards and other open spaces are required and certain height limits are established for buildings, all as set forth and specified in this title.

Driveway. A paved area on a lot necessary to provide direct access for vehicles between a street and either:

■An area on a residential lot containing four or fewer parking spaces.

■An aisle between spaces in a parking lot.

■A loading berth.

■A refuse storage area.

Erected. Includes built, constructed, reconstructed, moved upon, or any physical operations on the premises required for the building. Excavations, fill drainage, and the like shall be considered a part of the erection.

Family. An individual or two or more persons occupying a dwelling and living together as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit.

Floodplain Terms.

  1. Accessory Structure. A structure equal to or exceeding one hundred twenty square feet in size that is located on the same parcel of property as the principal structure and is used solely for parking of cars and/or storage.

  2. Appeal. A request for a review of the Floodplain Administrator's interpretation of any provision of this chapter or a request for a variance.

  3. Area of Shallow Flooding. A designated AO or AH Zone on the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The base flood depths range from one to three feet; a clearly defined channel does not exist; the path of flooding is unpredictable and indeterminate; and velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

  4. Area of Special Flood Hazard. See "Special Flood Hazard Area."

  5. Base Flood. A flood having a one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Same as the one-hundred-year flood.

  6. Base Flood Elevation. The elevation for which there is a one-percent or greater chance in any given year that flood levels will equal or exceed it.

  7. Base Floodplain. The area covered by a base flood which is generally defined by FEMA as Zone A, AO, A1-30, and AE on the Flood Insurance Rate Map or the base flood area or elevation shown on any drainage study approved or adopted by the City (Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan by Montgomery-Watson Engineers dated October 1993), whichever is highest.

  8. Basement. Any area of the building having its floor below ground level on all sides.

  9. Contiguous To. Property bordering the base floodplain which would have a finished lot level of less than one foot above the base flood elevation, unless otherwise protected.

  10. Design Flood. The flood against which protection is to be provided by means of land-use regulation or flood-protective or flood-control works. The design flood shall be the base flood recurrence interval (see "Base Flood" definition).

  11. Development. Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, landscaping, paving, excavation, drilling operations, or storing equipment or materials.

  12. Encroachment. The advance or infringement of uses, plant growth, fill, excavation, buildings, permanent structures, or development into a floodplain which may impede or alter the flow capacity of a floodplain.

  13. Equal Conveyance. An equal amount of encroachment on both sides of a channel and an equal displacement of water or narrowing of the natural channel.

  14. Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision. A manufactured home park, subdivision, or planned development for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before January 19, 1988.

  15. Expansion to an Existing Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision. The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

  16. Flood or Flooding. A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from (1) the overflow of floodwaters, (2) the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, and/or (3) the collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water accompanied by a severe storm or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a flash flood, or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding as defined in this definition.

  17. Flood Fringe. The area between the one-hundred-year flood boundary and the floodway shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps incorporated in the Flood Insurance Study or on the Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan, whichever is highest.

  18. Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM). The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated the "floodway," the "floodplain," and "risk-premium" zones applicable to the city.

  19. Flood Insurance Study. The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the FIRM, the Flood Boundary and Floodway Map, and the water-surface elevation of the base flood.

  20. Floodplain. This means the Floodway, Flood Fringe, and means the same as "Base Floodplain" and the "Area of Special Flood Hazard." "Floodplain" or "Floodplain Area" means any land area susceptible to being inundated by water from any source. (See definition of "Flooding.") The elevations and boundaries of flooding within the floodplain are defined by Zones A, AO, A1-30, and AE of the Flood Insurance Rate Map prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency or as shown on any drainage study (Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan by Montgomery-Watson Engineers dated October 1993) approved or adopted by the City, whichever is highest. For creeks where floodplain elevations with a detailed study have not been established by FEMA or the Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan, the elevations shall be determined by a registered civil engineer and approved by the Planning Commission pursuant to Section 18.51.100. Backwater areas along the Sacramento River or creeks which rise or fall with the level of water in the adjacent stream are considered to be within the floodplain, unless proven by a licensed hydrologist/engineer that those water levels are not the same as the floodplain of the adjacent stream and have a floodplain of their own.

  21. Floodplain Administrator. The Development Services Director or the designee appointed to administer and enforce the City's floodplain management regulations and the City's Community Rating Service (CRS) program.

  22. Floodplain Area. An area having flood, mud slide (i.e., mud flow), and/or flood-related erosion hazards as shown on a FIRM or Flood Boundary and Floodway Map and also that area shown on any drainage study (Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan) approved or adopted by the City, whichever is highest.

  23. Floodplain District (FP). A zoning district that is combined with other zoning designations of lots that are either wholly or partially within the floodplain.

  24. Floodplain Management. The operation of an overall program of corrective and preventive measures for reducing flood damage and preserving and enhancing, where possible, natural resources in the floodplain, including, but not limited to, emergency preparedness plans, flood-control works, floodplain management regulations, and open-space plans.

  25. Floodplain Management Regulations. Zoning ordinances, subdivision regulations, building codes, health regulations, special- purpose ordinances (such as Floodplain Ordinance, Grading Ordinance, and Erosion-Control Ordinance), and other applications of police power. The term describes such State or local regulations in any combination thereof that provide standards for the purpose of flood-damage prevention and reduction.

  26. Flood-Proofing. Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures that reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, and structures and their contents.

  27. Flood Protection. An action taken to protect property and structures from inundation by the base flood or greater event.

  28. Flood Protection Elevation. An elevation expressed in feet that the City requires for elevation of the lowest floor above the One-hundred-year floodplain. The City's required Flood Protection Elevation is a minimum of one foot. The one-hundred-year floodplain is defined by the Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by FEMA or the Citywide Storm Drain Master Plan by Montgomery-Watson Engineers, whichever is highest.

  29. Flood-Related Erosion. The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a river, creek, or other body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water accompanied by a severe storm or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as a flash flood or by some similarly unusual and unforeseeable event which results in flooding.

  30. Floodway. The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot. "Floodway" includes those areas so designated on any drainage study approved or adopted by the City.

  31. Freeboard. A factor of safety expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. "Freeboard" tends to compensate for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.

  32. Highest Adjacent Grade. The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

  33. Historic Structure. A structure that is either one of the following:

a. Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;

b. Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;

c. Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of Interior; or

d. Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either by an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

  1. Hydraulic Engineering Center Model 1 (HEC-1) (succeeded by HEC-HMS). The model is designed to simulate the surface runoff response of a stream basin to precipitation by representing the basin as an interconnected system of hydrologic and hydraulic components. Each component models an aspect of the precipitation-runoff process within a portion of the basin, commonly referred to as a sub-basin. A component may represent a surface-runoff entity, a stream channel, or a reservoir. Representation of a component requires a set of parameters which specify the particular characteristics of the component and mathematical relations which describe the physical processes. The result of the modeling process is the computation of stream flow by hydrographs at desired locations in the stream basin. The model can be used in making flood predictions from rainfall runoff for any state of upstream urbanization. In so doing, the model considers time of concentration and detention characteristics of the tributary area. The model can also be used to estimate the velocity of surface water but cannot be used to determine backwater-curve elevations. A hydraulic computer program (HEC-2) is generally used in conjunction with HEC-1 to obtain backwater curves or surface-water profiles. The model can also be used to develop discharge-frequency curve and associated levels of confidence through sensitivity analysis of rainfall and runoff parameter input.

  2. Hydraulic Engineer Center Model 2 (HEC-2) (succeeded by HEC-RAS). This model is intended for calculating water-surface profiles for steady, gradually varied flow in natural or manmade channels. Both subcritical and supercritical flow profiles can be calculated. The effects of various obstructions, such as bridges, culverts, weirs, and structures, in the floodplain may be considered in the computations. The computational procedure is based on the solution of the one-dimensional energy equation with energy loss due to friction evaluated with Manning's equation. The computational procedure is generally known as the Standard Step Method. The program is also designed for application in floodplain management and flood-insurance studies to evaluate floodway encroachments and to designate flood-hazard zones. Also, capabilities are available for assessing the effects of channel improvements and levees on water-surface profiles.

  3. Hydraulic Engineering Center Water Resources Council Model CPD-13. This model is used in calculating the flood-frequency curve from data over a period of time from stream-gauge history of sufficient length (forty years, if available; if only twenty years or less is available, several gauges or other methodologies should be considered). The model is capable of developing confidence limits associated with the frequency curve.

  4. Lowest Floor. The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area, including a basement. An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure below the lowest floor that is usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access, or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor provided that it conforms to applicable non-elevation design requirements, including, but not limited to:

a. The wet flood proofing standard in Section 18.51.080(D)(3).

b. The anchoring standards in Section 18.51.080(B).

c. The construction materials and methods standards in Section 18.51.080(C).

d. The standards for utilities in Section 18.51.080(E).

e. For residential structures, all subgrade enclosed areas are prohibited because they are considered to be basements. This prohibition includes below-grade garages and storage areas.

  1. Manufactured Home. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. The term "Manufactured Home" does not include a "recreational vehicle."

  2. Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision. A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

  3. New Construction. For floodplain management purposes, this means structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of floodplain management regulations adopted by this community (July 1, 1985) and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

  4. New Manufactured Home Park or Subdivision. A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after July 1, 1985.

  5. No-Rise Floodway and Flood Fringe. This refers to maintenance of the City's floodway and floodplain fringe with no rise in floodplain elevations that would adversely affect properties.

  6. One-Hundred-Year Flood. The same as "base flood."

  7. Recreational Vehicle. A vehicle which is:

  8. Built on a single chassis.

  9. Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection.

  10. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck.

  11. Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

  12. Remedy a Violation. To bring the structure or other development into compliance with State or local floodplain management regulations or, if this is not possible, to reduce the impacts of its noncompliance. Ways that impacts may be reduced include:

  13. Protecting the structure or other affected development from flood damages.

  14. Implementing the enforcement provisions of the ordinance or otherwise deterring future similar violations.

  15. Reducing State or Federal financial exposure with regard to the structure or other development.

  16. Riverine. Relating to, formed by, or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, etc.

  17. Scenic or Riparian Corridor. Includes areas that border segments of seasonal creeks and all the Sacramento River's floodplain which contain vegetation natural to waterways.

  18. Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). An area having special flood or flood-related erosion hazards and shown on a FIRM as Zone A, AO, A1-30, AE, or AH.

  19. Standard Project Flood. The largest flood that can be expected from the most severe combination of meteorological and hydrological conditions reasonably characteristic of the geographical region involved. Such a flood provides a reasonable upper limit to be considered in designing flood-control works and in delineating floodplain limits and shall be generally applicable where its occurrence would have a high probability of hazard to human life.

  20. Start of Construction. Includes substantial improvement and other proposed new development and means the date the building permit was issued provided that the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, placement, or other improvement was within one-hundred-eight days from the date of the permit. The actual start means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the actual start of construction means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

  21. Structure. A walled and roofed building with two or more outside rigid walls from floor to roof and a fully secured roof that is permanently affixed to and principally above the ground. This includes a mobile building or manufactured home or a gas or liquid storage tank.

  22. Substantial Damage. Damage of any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before-damaged condition would equal or exceed fifty percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred. Substantial damage also means flood-related damage sustained by structure on two or more separate occasions during a ten-year period for which the cost of repairs at the time of each such flood event, on average, equals or exceed twenty-five percent of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

  23. Substantial Improvement. Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other proposed new development of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds fifty percent of the market value of the structure before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred "substantial damage," regardless of the actual repair work performed. Market value will be estimated using the tax assessed value of the structure, excluding the land value. If the improvement/repair cost (as determined by the valuation of the building permit application) is less than or equal to forty percent of the market value estimate, then the improvement/repair is not a substantial improvement. If the improvement/repair cost is greater than forty percent of the market value estimate, then the improvement/repair is a potential substantial improvement, and a certified appraisal shall be submitted. The appraisal shall determine the value of the structure being improved, separate from the land value. The term "substantial improvement" does not, however, include either:

  24. Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of State or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to ensure safe living conditions.

  25. Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."

When the combined total of all improvements or repairs made after the adoption of this code equals or exceeds fifty percent of a structure's market value, that structure is considered to be substantially improved. Substantial improvement also includes any addition which increases the original floor area of a building by twenty-five percent of more.

  1. Variance. A grant of relief from the requirements of this chapter which permits construction in a manner that would otherwise be prohibited by this chapter.

  2. Velocity of Water. The rate of flow measured in feet per second at specified depths within the floodway, flood fringe, or area immediately adjacent to a proposed floodplain encroachment.

  3. Violation. The failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the City's floodplain-management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in this chapter is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.

Floor Area, Gross. The total interior floor area of all stories of a building or structure, including basements as well as aboveground stories. It excludes any crawl space, area used exclusively for vehicle parking or loading, breezeway, attic without floor, and any open porch, deck, balcony, or terrace.

Floor Area, Net. The total of all portions of interior floor area of each floor, basement, attic, or other area under the roof. It excludes portions thereof used solely for corridors, balconies, employee lounges, elevator shafts, stairways, restrooms, basement or attic areas having a height of more than seven feet, closets, vaults, storage areas, climatic control areas, janitorial storage areas, parking or loading areas; in industrial areas, storage sheds with less than one hundred fifty square feet of space, bunkers, electrical substations, smoking shelters, instrument shelters, and similar enclosures. The following areas shall be included within net floor area:

  1. Lobbies of banks or financial or lending institutions.

  2. Outdoor uncovered retail sales area, excepting plant nurseries and auto-sales lots.

  3. Waiting rooms used by the public in connection with offices, professional offices, and similar establishments.

Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The net floor area of a building or buildings on a lot divided by the lot area or site area.

Garage or Carport. An accessible and usable covered space of not less than ten by twenty feet for storage of automobiles.

General Plan. The City of Redding General Plan.

Grade, Average. The average level on the surface defined as the shortest distance between finished grade at the highest and lowest sides of a structure.

Grade, Existing. The level of the ground or pavement at a stated location as it exists prior to disturbance in preparation for a project regulated by this chapter.

Grade, Finished. The point of the elevation of the finished surface of the ground. For purposes of determining building height, finished grade is the grade at the building foundation. In the case of signs, grade is the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground at the base of the sign or, in the case of a double support, the lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground at the supports.

Grade, Street. The top of the curb or the top of the edge of the pavement or traveled way where no curb exists.

Height. See Rules of Measurement, Section 18.62.080.

Home Occupation. An accessory use of a dwelling unit for lawful business purposes. A home occupation is incidental to the primary use of the building as a residence.

Hospital or Sanitarium. Any institution, place, building, or agency that maintains and operates organized facilities for the diagnosis, care, or treatment of human illness, including convalescence and including care during and after pregnancy or that maintains and operates organized facilities for any such purpose, and to which persons may be admitted for overnight stay or longer. "Hospital" includes nursing home, maternity home, and lying-in asylum.

Junkyard. A place where any of the following described materials are collected, stored, or placed, except where the use or activity is conducted wholly within a completely enclosed building, including the following: the collection, storage, or placing of worn out, discarded, or scrapped goods or materials that may be turned to some use such as rope, chains, iron, copper, furniture, stoves, enamelware, paper, bottles, used pipes, used machinery, parts of dismantled machinery, or vehicles.

  1. The collection, storage, or placing of any used material other than gems, precious metal, or material containing precious metal, having a value that is determined wholly by the weight thereof.

  2. The collection, storage, or placing of any used material other than gems, precious metal, or material containing precious metal that has no ordinarily practical use in the form in which it exists when so collected, stored, or placed.

Kitchen. A room for cooking or preparation of food and dishwashing, but not including a bar, butler's pantry, or similar room adjacent to or connected with a kitchen.

Landscape. To plant and maintain some combination of trees, ground cover, shrubs, vines, flowers or lawn. Required landscape may include natural features, such as existing or imported rock, and structural features, including fountains, pools, art work, plazas, screens, walls, or fences. Plants on rooftops, porches, or in boxes attached to buildings are not considered landscape.

Lighting Terms.

  1. Architectural Lighting. Lighting which is either directed towards a building with the intent of highlighting an architectural or landscape feature or a light fixture which is architecturally ornamental in purpose.

  2. Fully Shielded. A luminaire or light fixture that by design of the housing does not allow any light dispersion or direct glare to shine above a ninety-degree horizontal plane from the base of the fixture. Fully shielded fixtures must be installed in a horizontal position, or the purpose of the design is defeated and disability glare will result.

[Figure]

  1. Light Trespass. Light from an artificial light source that is intruding into an area where it is not wanted or does not belong.

  2. Uplighting. Any light source that distributes illumination above a ninety-degree horizontal plane.

Liquor Store. A retail establishment that devotes more than fifty percent of its floor area for the display, storage, and sale of beer, wine, distilled or fermented liquor or related items.

Living Area. An interior habitable area of a dwelling unit, including basements and attics, but does not include a garage, patio, porch or any accessory structure.

Loading Space. An off-street space or berth on the same lot within a building or contiguous to a group of buildings for the temporary parking of a vehicle while loading or unloading merchandise or materials or people and which abuts on a street, service drive, alley, or other appropriate means of access.

Lot. A parcel of real property as shown with a separate and distinct number or letter on a plot recorded or filed with the recorder of the County or parcel of real property with street frontage or acreage width of not less than specified by this code and Title 17, Subdivisions.

Lot Frontage (Signs). The length of improved property on a lot that is bordered by an improved public street from which the lot may take vehicle access. For lots without frontage (including frontage limited to driveway access) the net lot area may be used to calculate the maximum sign area.

Lot Line Types.

  1. Lot Line, Front. The property line dividing a lot from a street. On a corner lot, only one street line shall be considered as a front line, as determined by the Building Official upon issuance of a building permit or the demarcation made on a final or parcel map.

  2. Lot Line, Corner. On a corner lot, the lot line dividing a lot from the street that is not considered the front lot line, as determined by the Building Official.

  3. Lot Line, Rear. The line, or lines, most parallel with the front lot line. Where no lot line is within forty-five degrees of being parallel to the front lot line, a line ten feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, shall be deemed the rear lot line for the purpose of measuring rear-yard depth.

  4. Lot Line, Side. Any lot lines other than front lot lines or rear lot lines.

Lot Types.

  1. Lot, Corner. A lot or parcel of land situated at the intersection of two or more streets having an angle or intersection of not more than one hundred thirty-five degrees.

  2. Lot, Double Frontage. A lot having frontage on more than one street. Each frontage from which access is permitted shall be deemed a front lot line.

  3. Lot, Flag. A lot having access to a public street by means of a private right-of-way strip that shares fee ownership with the balance of the lot.

  4. Lot, Improved. Any land containing a principal building or otherwise improved to conduct a nonresidential activity.

  5. Lot, Interior. A lot that is not a corner lot.

  6. Lot, Reversed Corner. A corner lot the side street line of which is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the first lot to its rear.

  7. Lot, Vacant. Land without buildings or other structures.

[Figure]

Mining Terms.

  1. Expansion. Increase in the intensity of mining or on-site processing operations that have an adverse impact on environmental issues, such as noise, dust creation, traffic flow, or water quality or any expansion to the boundaries of the area to be mined.

  2. Exploration or Prospecting. The search for minerals by geological, geophysical, geochemical, or other techniques, including, but not limited to, sampling, assaying, drilling, or any surface or underground works needed to determine the type, extent, or quantity of minerals present.

  3. Idle. To curtail for a period of one year or more surface mining operations by more than ninety percent of the operation's previous maximum annual mineral production with the intent to resume those surface mining operations at a future date.

  4. Mined Lands. Includes the surface, subsurface, and groundwater of an area in which surface mining operations will be, are being, or have been conducted, including private ways and roads appurtenant to any such area, and land excavations, workings, mining waste, and areas in which structures, facilities, equipment, machines, tools, or other materials or property that result from, or are used in, surface mining operations are located.

  5. Minerals. Any naturally occurring chemical element or compound, or groups of elements and compounds, formed from inorganic processes and organic substances, including, but not limited to, coal, peat, and bituminous rock, but excluding geothermal resources, natural gas, and petroleum.

  6. Mining Waste. Includes the residual of soil, rock, mineral, liquid, vegetation, equipment, machines, tools, or other materials or property directly resulting from, or displaced by, surface mining operations.

  7. Operator. Any person who is engaged in surface mining operations himself or who contracts with others to conduct operations on his/her behalf, except a person who is engaged in surface mining operations as an employee with wages as his/her sole compensation.

  8. Overburden. Soil, rock, or other materials that lie above a natural mineral deposit or in between mineral deposits, before or after their removal, by surface mining operations.

  9. Reclamation. The process of land treatment that minimizes water degradation, air pollution, damage to aquatic and wildlife habitat, flooding, erosion, and other adverse effects from surface mining operations, including adverse surface effects incidental to underground mines, so that mined lands are reclaimed to a usable condition, which is readily adaptable for alternate land uses, and create no danger to public health or safety. The process may extend to affected lands surrounding mined lands and may require backfilling, grading, resoiling, revegetation, soil compaction, stabilization, or other measures.

  10. State Board. State Mining and Geology Board in the Department of Conservation, State of California.

  11. State Geologist. Individual holding office as structured in Section 677 of Article 3, Chapter 2 of Division 1 of the Public Resources Code.

  12. Surface Mining Operations. All or any part of the process involved in the mining of minerals on mined lands by removing overburden and mining directly from the mineral deposits, open-pit mining of minerals naturally exposed, mining by auger method, dredging and quarrying, or surface work incident to an underground mine. Surface mining operations shall include, but are not limited to:

a. In-place distillation, retorting, or leaching.

b. The production and disposal of mining waste.

c. Prospecting and exploratory activities.

Natural Feature. Any tree, plant life, water feature, or rock outcropping.

Noise Terms.

  1. A-weighted Sound Level shall mean the sound level in decibels as measured on a sound level meter using the A-weighting network weighted to the range of human hearing. The level so read is designated dB A or dBA.

  2. Ambient Noise shall mean all-encompassing noise associated with a given environment, being usually a composite of sounds from many sources near and far. For the purpose of this chapter, the ambient noise level is the level obtained when the noise level is averaged over a period of fifteen minutes without the inclusion of noise from isolated identifiable sources at the location and time of day near that at which a comparison is to be made.

  3. Construction shall mean any site preparation, assembly, erection, substantial repair, alteration, or similar action for or on public or private rights-of-way, structures, utilities, or similar property.

  4. Decibel shall mean a unit for measuring the amplitude of a sound equal to twenty times the logarithm to the base ten of the ratio of the pressure of the sound measured to the reference pressure, which is twenty micro pascals.

  5. Emergency Work or Action shall mean work or action made necessary to restore property to a safe condition after a public calamity, or work required to protect persons or property from imminent exposure to danger or damage, or work by public or private utilities to restore utility service.

  6. Intrusive Noise shall mean that noise which intrudes over and above the existing ambient noise at a given location. The relative intrusiveness of a sound depends upon its amplitude, duration, frequency and time of occurrence, and tonal or informational content, as well as the prevailing ambient noise level.

  7. Noise Disturbance shall mean any sound which:

a. Endangers or injures the safety or health of human beings or animals.

b. Annoys or disturbs a reasonable person of normal sensitivities.

c. Endangers or injures personal or real property.

  1. Noise Level shall mean A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels obtained by using a sound level meter at slow response with a reference pressure of twenty micro pascals. The unit of measurement shall be designated as dB A .

  2. Real Property Boundary shall mean an imaginary line along the ground surface and its vertical extension, which separates the real property owned by one person from that owned by another person, but not including intra-building real property divisions.

  3. Sound Level Meter shall mean an instrument, including a microphone, an amplifier, an output meter, and frequency weighting networks for the measurement of sound levels, which meet or exceed the requirements pertinent for type S1A meters in the American National Standards Institute Specifications for sound level meters, S1.4-1971, or the most recent revision thereof.

Nonconforming Terms.

  1. Abandoned. A use has ceased or a structure has been vacated for a time period as specified in this chapter. Abandonment does not include temporary or short-term interruptions to a use or occupancy of a structure during periods of remodeling, maintaining, or otherwise improving or rearranging a facility.

  2. Intensity. The measurable impacts which a use has on infrastructure, the environment, or nearby property and uses.

  3. Intensification of Use. Any change in mode or character of operations which is determined by the Director likely to result in a significant new or increased impact due to potential traffic generation, noise, smoke, glare, odors, hazardous materials, water use, and/or sewage generation, shall be considered an "intensification of use" of a nonconforming use.

  4. Nonconforming Parcel. A parcel of record that does not comply with the access, area, or width requirements of the zoning district in which the parcel is located.

  5. Nonconforming Site. A site which contains a structure that does not comply with the setback, lot coverage, or other site requirements, and/or requirements for parking, landscaping, storage and display areas, or other non-use restrictions or requirements established by the Zoning Ordinance or any amendments thereto, but which complied with the non-use restrictions or regulations in existence at the time of construction of the improvements.

  6. Nonconforming Structure. A structure which by its design and construction (e.g. an industrial building in a residential district) does not conform to structures typically associated with the underlying zoning district established by this title or any amendment thereto, but which complied with the non-use restrictions or regulations in existence at the time of the construction of the building or structure.

  7. Nonconforming Use. Any use, whether of a building, structure, or parcel (lot, or tract of land), which does not conform to the land use regulations of this title for the zone in which such use is located, either on the effective date of this title or as a result of subsequent amendments which may be made to this title or by reason of annexation of territory to the city.

"O" District. Means one or more of the following office districts: "LO" Limited Office or "GO" General Office.

Occupancy, Change. A discontinuance of an existing use and the substitution therefore of a use of a different kind or class.

Occupied. Arranged, designed, built, altered, converted, rented or leased, or intended to be occupied.

Off-Street Loading Facilities. A site or portion of a site devoted to the loading or unloading of motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives, and landscaped areas.

Open-Space Terms.

  1. Open-Space Land. Open-space land is any parcel or area of land or water which is essentially unimproved and devoted to open-space use as follows:

a. Creeks, rivers, ponds, and areas within the one-hundred-year floodplain of a stream, creek, or river as established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and/or hydrology study accepted by the City.

b. Areas with steep slope exceeding twenty percent and other unstable soil areas.

c. Areas having scenic, historic, archaeological, and/or cultural value.

d. Other open-space land uses as described by the Conservation and Open Space Element of the General Plan or as defined by the State in Government Code Section 65560(b), incorporated by reference herein and as amended from time to time.

  1. Open-Space Easement. As defined in Government Code Section 51075(D), open-space easement is any right or interest in open-space land acquired by the City by map or separate instrument which imposes restrictions that effectively preserve for public and/or private use or enjoyment the unimproved, natural, or scenic character of such open-space land.

  2. Public Open-Space Easement. An open-space easement upon land over which the public has obtained an easement for open-space purposes whereupon the public has the right to use of the property.

  3. Private Open-Space Easement. An open-space easement upon an area of private property that is set aside for open-space purposes whereupon the public does not have a right to access or use of the property.

  4. Public Open Space. Land owned by the City in fee which has been set aside for open-space purposes whereupon the public has the right to access and use of the property.

  5. Outdoor Activity Areas.

a. Private. An open area outside a building adjoining and directly accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests.

b. Common. An open area within a residential development reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the development and their guests.

c. Usable. An outdoor or fenced area on the ground or on a roof, balcony, deck, porch, or terrace designed and accessible for outdoor living, recreation, pedestrian access, or landscape, but excluding parking facilities, driveways, utility or service areas, or any required front or corner side yard and excluding any space with a dimension of less than six feet in any direction or an area of less than thirty-six square feet.

d. Yard. An open space on the same site as a structure, unoccupied and unobstructed by structures from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided in this chapter, including a front yard, side yard, corner side yard, or rear yard.

Permitted. Allowed without a requirement for approval of a conditional use permit or temporary use permit.

Person. Also includes association, firm, co-partnership, or corporation.

Plan Lines. Official lines established by law in accordance with the master street and highway plan of the City for the purpose of establishing the alignment and width of public streets in accordance with their projected design as provided in the master street and highway plan of the City. Buildings or other structures erected thereafter must be located outside the lines establishing the width of public streets and alleys.

Planning Commission. The City Planning Commission.

Porch. A covered platform, usually having a separate roof, at an entrance to a dwelling or an open or enclosed gallery or room, which is not heated or cooled, that is attached to the outside of a building.

Preexisting. In existence prior to the effective date of this chapter.

Preservation. The act or process of applying measures to sustain the existing form, integrity, and material of a building or structure and the existing form and vegetative cover of a site.

Project. Any proposal for new or changed use or for new construction, alteration, or enlargement of any structure that is subject to the provisions of this chapter.

Public Parking Area. An open area, other than a street, used for the temporary parking of more than four automobiles and available for public use, whether free, for compensation, or as an accommodation for clients or customers.

"R" District. Means one or more of the following residential districts: "RL" Rural Lands, "RE" Residential Estate, "RS" Residential Single Family or "RM" Residential Mixed Housing.

Reconstruction. The act or process of reproducing by new construction the exact form and detail of a vanished building, structure, or object, or a part thereof, as it appeared at a specific period of time.

Recycling Terms.

  1. Processing Facility. A building or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable material and/or used motor oil by such means as flattening, mechanical sorting, compacting, bailing, shredding, grinding, crushing, and cleaning.

a. A light processing facility occupies less than forty-five thousand square feet and includes equipment for baling, briquetting, crushing, compacting, grinding, shredding, and sorting of source-separated recyclable materials, except ferrous metals other than food and beverage containers, and repairing of reusable materials.

b. A heavy processing facility is any processing facility other than a light processing facility.

  1. Recyclable Material. Reusable material, including, but not limited to metals, glass, plastic, and paper, which are intended for reuse, remanufacture, or reconstitution for the purpose of using the altered form. Recyclable material does not include refuse or hazardous materials, but may include used motor oil.

  2. Recycling Facility. A center for the collection and/or processing of recyclable materials.

  3. Reverse Vending Machine. An automated mechanical device that accepts at least one or more types of empty beverage containers, including aluminum cans, glass, and plastic bottles, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip. A reverse vending machine may sort and process containers mechanically, provided that the entire process is enclosed within the machine.

a. A single-feed revenue vending machine is designed to accept individual containers one at a time.

b. A bulk reverse vending machine is designed to accept more than one container at a time and to compute the refund or credit due on the basis of weight.

Rehabilitation. The act or process of returning a property to a state of utility through repair or alteration which makes possible an efficient contemporary use, while preserving those portions or features of the property that are significant to its historical, architectural, and cultural values.

Residential Density Bonus Terms.

  1. Affordability. The economic feasibility to construct lower-income housing in the proposed development.

  2. Affordable Housing. Housing costs as defined in Section 5005.2 of the Health and Safety Code or rents at qualifying levels for lower-income or very low-income households.

  3. Density Bonus. An increased density of at least twenty-five percent over the maximum authorized density which is granted to a developer/property owner of a housing project agreeing to construct a prescribed percentage of lower-income units as defined by the State of California Government Code Section 65915, et seq.

  4. Equivalent Financial Value. The cost to the developer/property owner based on the land cost per dwelling unit. This is determined by the difference in the value of the land with and without the density bonus.

  5. Lower- and Very Low-Income Households. Income limits published by the State Department of Housing and Community Development. This applies to both for-rent and for-sale housing.

Residential Structure Types.

  1. Apartment. A room or suite of rooms occupied or suitable for occupancy as a residence for one family.

  2. Dwelling, Primary. A building designed exclusively for residential occupancy, including single-family, duplex, and multiple-family, but not including an accessory dwelling unit, junior accessory dwelling unit, hotel, motel, boardinghouse, asylum, or jail, where people are housed by reason of illness or under legal restraint.

  3. Dwelling Unit. One or more habitable rooms designed for occupancy by only one family for living and sleeping purposes and having a kitchen.

  4. Dwelling, Multiple Family. A building, or portion thereof, used and designed as a residence for three or more families living independently of each other with an individual kitchen for each, including apartment houses, apartment hotels, and flats, but not including automobile courts.

  5. Residential Lot, Gross Area. The area of a lot excluding slopes that exceed twenty percent and the one-hundred-year floodplain areas recognized by the City (such as FEMA and Montgomery-Watson).

  6. Residential Lot, Net Area. The area of a lot excluding slopes that exceed twenty percent, one-hundred-year floodplain areas recognized by the City, public and private streets, lands zoned or proposed to be zoned "OS" Open Space District or "PF" Public Facilities District, and/or areas required or proposed to be preserved in association with environmental features located on the lot (i.e., wetlands and associated buffer areas).

Room, Habitable. An unsubdivided portion of the interior of a dwelling unit, excluding such enclosed places as closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, service rooms, connecting corridors, laundries, unfinished attics, foyers, storage spaces, cellars, utility rooms, garages, and similar spaces.

School, Elementary or High. An institution of learning that offers instruction in the several branches of learning and study required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the State. High schools include junior and senior.

Setback Line. A line within a lot parallel to a corresponding lot line that is the boundary of any specified front, side, corner side, or rear yard or a line otherwise established to govern the location of buildings, structures, or uses. Where no minimum front, side, corner side, or rear yards are specified, the setback line shall be coterminous with the corresponding lot line.

Shopping Center. A unified group of retail businesses and service uses on a single site with common parking facilities. A shopping center may include pads for future buildings.

Sign Terms.

  1. Abandoned Sign. Advertising display that was lawfully erected, but whose use has ceased or the structure upon which the sign was displayed has been abandoned by its owner for a period of not less than thirty days.

  2. Accessory Sign. A secondary-in-purpose sign that provides on-site information concerning the business that is not indicated on the primary identification sign(s), such as store hours, accepted credit cards, quality ratings or affiliations, vacancies, parking, and traffic direction.

  3. Advertising. Any promotion primarily intended to attract attention to goods or services rendered upon property whereupon the advertising is occurring.

  4. Aggregate Sign Area. The total area of all signs on a lot, including temporary promotional signs.

  5. Animated Sign. Any sign that has mechanical movement, rotation, or change of lighting to depict action or create a special effect or scene.

  6. Approved Combustible Materials. Wood or materials not more combustible than wood.

  7. Approved Combustible Plastics. Plastics that, when tested in accordance with ASTM standard method of testing for flammability of plastics over 0.050-inch thickness (D635-44), burn no faster than two and five tenths inches per minute in sheets of zero and six one-hundredths-inch thickness.

  8. Appurtenant Sign. A sign pertaining to the business or activity carried on at the premises (lot) upon which the sign is located, constructed, or erected.

  9. Architectural Feature. Prominent or characteristic part of a building. Examples of architectural features are windows, columns, awnings, marquees, and fascias.

  10. Awning. A cloth, plastic, or other flexible nonstructural covering that is either permanently attached to a building or can be raised or retracted to a position against the building when not in use.

  11. Awning Sign. A sign incorporated into or attached to an awning or canopy.

  12. Banner. A sign of temporary construction made of vinyl, canvas, or equally similar flexible material.

  13. Beacon or Searchlight. Any light with one or more beams directed into the atmosphere or directed at one or more points not on the same lot as the light source; also, any light with one or more beams that rotate or move.

  14. Billboard. A freestanding, off-site sign made available for lease or rent and/or governed by the Outdoor Advertising Act.

  15. Canopy. A permanent roof-like shelter, either freestanding or supported by a building.

  16. Canopy Sign. Any advertising of any nature that is painted, printed, sewed, or otherwise attached to a canopy.

  17. Changeable Copy Sign. A sign on which the copy changes manually or automatically using, but not limited to, a lamp bank or through mechanical means. This includes, but is not limited to, electronic message boards, large television or projector screens (i.e., Sony JumboTron and similar devices), or electrical or electronic time and temperature units.

  18. Conforming Sign. A sign shall be said to conform when it meets all the standards and regulations established by this chapter and the Uniform Building Code as adopted by the City.

  19. Copy. Any graphic, letter, numeral, symbol, insignia, text, sample, model, device, or combination thereof, which relates to advertising, identification, or notification.

  20. Design Review Manual. A policy document with graphics and text that is used by the City to further clarify the meaning of this chapter and to judge the appearance and acceptability of proposed signs and murals that require design review as part of permit approval.

  21. Detached Sign. A pole, monument, or shopping center identification sign.

  22. Directional Sign. An on-site accessory sign designed to guide or direct pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

  23. Donor. Any person, group of people, organization(s), or business(es) who finances a building mural.

  24. Double Frontage Lot. A parcel having lot frontage on two or more streets.

  25. Electrical Code. The Electrical Code of the City.

  26. Electronic Message Board. A sign that uses lighting to advertise goods and services and has the capability of changing the advertising message several times during a single hour (refer to Changeable Copy Sign).

  27. Enforcement Officer. The public employee(s) or officer designated by the Development Services Director of the City to perform the duties imposed by this chapter on the Enforcement Officer.

  28. Flag or Patriotic Symbol. Any fabric, banner, or bunting containing distinctive colors or patterns recognized by the Congress of the United States as an American or state flag, also government and flags of state-recognized political subdivisions.

  29. Freeway. A restricted access highway with no at-grade intersections. Freeways within the City limits are Interstate 5, Highway 299 between Interstate 5 and the eastern City limits, and Highway 44 between Continental Street and the eastern City limits.

  30. Freeway Sign. A freestanding sign oriented to and designed to be viewed from a freeway.

  31. Freeway Travel Lane. Any freeway through lane, any lane providing direct connection from one freeway to another, and any freeway on-ramp or off-ramp.

  32. Illegal Sign. A sign that (1) was erected without first complying with all ordinances and regulations in effect at the time of its construction; (2) was legally erected but whose use has ceased or has been abandoned, has not been maintained, or is not used to identify or advertise a business for thirty consecutive days or more; (3) was legally erected but that later became illegal as a result of the completion of the amortization period; or (4) is a sign that is a danger to the public, is unsafe, or is a traffic hazard.

  33. Illuminated Sign. A sign with an artificial light source incorporated internally or externally for the purposes of illuminating the sign.

  34. Logo. A graphic symbol, picture, image, or lettering used separately by a business in connection with other advertising to promote the sale of goods and services by the owner of the logo.

  35. Marquee. A permanent roofed structure attached to and wholly supported by a building that may project beyond the building.

  36. Marquee Sign. Any advertising matter of any nature that is attached to a marquee.

  37. Monument Sign. A detached sign with a solid base equal to or greater than the length of the sign copy and connected solidly to and arising from the ground.

  38. Nameplate. A sign that displays only the name, address, and occupation of the occupant of the premises, is illuminated, and does not exceed four square feet.

  39. Nonconforming Sign. An existing sign that does not meet the requirements of this chapter but was erected in conformance with the regulations of a previous Sign Ordinance and has been in continual use since its establishment.

  40. Off-Site Sign. A sign located off the premises indicated by said sign. This includes billboards. Any sign that advertises a business no longer on the lot where the sign is located and where the business has relocated elsewhere in the city or county shall be considered an off-site sign and must meet the requirements of this chapter; otherwise, such sign shall be illegal.

  41. On-Site Sign. A sign that designates the activities and uses of the premises on which it is located. An on-site sign is also known as an appurtenant sign.

  42. Pennant. Any all-weather lightweight plastic, fabric, or other material, whether or not containing a message of any kind, suspended from a rope, wire, or string, usually in series, designed to move in the wind.

  43. Pole Sign. A detached sign that is supported by one or more uprights, poles, or braces in or upon the ground or by a structure other than a building that meets the height, size, landscape, location, and illumination requirements of this code. To qualify as a pole sign, the cabinet or frame (or equivalent) bottom shall be elevated at least seven feet above grade. A pole with an advertising flag having sign copy or logo shall be considered a pole sign.

  44. Portable Sign. A sign other than a temporary approved sign not permanently attached to the ground or building and used for on- or off-site advertisement purposes. Portable signs include, but are not limited to, signs displayed on vehicles, trailers, and A-frame signs.

  45. Projecting Sign. A sign that is suspended from or supported by any building or structure and that projects outward from the supporting structure. An extended wing wall may be considered a projecting sign if it has advertising and does not serve a structural purpose.

  46. Promotional Temporary Signs. Signs that may be constructed of all-weather material including vinyl, canvas, or similar material, and are intended for, but are not limited to, the intended uses of a contractor, builder, realtor, political group, and retail-store owners including grand openings, going-out-of-business and special promotional sales, and public-service promotions.

  47. Public Service, Seasonal, or Special Community Event Signs. Temporary signs used for special occasions that are installed for a specific limited period of time established by this chapter.

  48. Real Estate Development Sign. A temporary off-site sign advertising the sale or lease of newly developed residential subdivisions, residential condominiums, and residential planned developments containing at least five lots or at least ten dwelling units. A sign advertising for projects less than the number of lots or units noted above is defined as a real estate sign.

  49. Real Estate Sign. A temporary sign advertising the sale or lease of a lot or parcel of land or any portion thereof upon which the sign is located.

  50. Roof Line. The top edge of the roof or top of the parapet, whichever forms the top line of the building silhouette.

  51. Roof Sign. A sign located on or attached to the roof of a building.

  52. Shopping Center Identifier or Locator Sign. A detached appurtenant sign larger than a pole sign in height and area that identifies the name of a shopping center having at least three hundred thousand square feet of enclosed retail floor area. Such signs are intended to be viewed from adjacent four to six-lane arterial traffic.

  53. Sign. Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, identify the purpose of a person or entity, or communicate information of any kind to the public.

  54. Sign Area. Sign area shall be computed by measuring the entire area contained within the frame cabinet, including all ornamentation or decoration used to attract attention. In computing the maximum permissible sign area or display surface, standard mathematical formulas for known or common shapes will be used. In the case of irregular shapes, straight lines drawn closest to the extremities of the shape will be used. The structure or structure cover supporting a sign shall not be included in determining the sign area unless the structure or structure cover contains advertising copy. The area of double-face signs shall be computed by using one side, and multi-faced signs shall be the total sum of all display surfaces. The sign copy of a multi-faced sign can be viewed from one position. For balloons and dirigibles, the advertising area shall be based on the largest cross-sectional area of grouped or individual (ungrouped) balloons.

  55. Sign Height. The vertical distance measured from the base of the sign at normal grade to the top of the highest attached component of the sign or sign structure.

  56. Sniping. Advertising by the pasting, posting, sticking, tacking, hanging, affixing, or placing on cloth, paper, or cardboard bills, cards or posters, or metal signs, to or upon fences, posts, trees, buildings, structures, or surfaces other than outdoor advertising structures. Sniping is unlawful within the city. This definition shall not be held to include any sign or notice issued by any court or public office or posted by any public officer in performance of a public duty or by a private person in giving a legal notice, or any cloth, paper, or cardboard sign advertising for sale or lease the property upon which it stands or any type of sign permitted elsewhere in this chapter.

  57. State-of-the-Art Sign Design. A sign technology that includes, but is not limited to, Electronic Message Boards, Sony JumboTron, etc., that develops or occurs following the adoption of the Sign Ordinance.

  58. Supergraphic Wall Sign. A wall advertising with large lettering, business logos, and/or murals that include any advertising message relating to the goods and services sold by the owner of the sign. This type of wall sign sometimes includes a single contrasting band of color, or bright bands of color, or lines that are connected to the wall graphics, physically or visually; and if the bands of color and/or lettering, business logos, and murals extend onto the surface of another wall or side of the building, the bands of color or lines may be considered part of the supergraphic wall sign for the purpose of sign measurement. Where there is at least a five-foot separation between the advertising and graphic, then the graphic may not be considered as supergraphic.

  59. Temporary Sign. A sign not constructed or intended for long-term use. The maximum frequency and length of display shall be as set forth Section 18.42.040(R). Temporary signs include, but are not limited to, banners, displays for public-service promotions, on-site or off-site real estate signs and construction signs, balloons and dirigibles, beacons and searchlights, political signs, and window-painted signs.

  60. Time and Temperature Signs. A sign that provides information about time and temperature in the public's interest without transmitting any advertising message.

  61. Wall Mural. A mural applies to representative or nonrepresentative art. Murals usually depict a well-known local landscape scene, are not used as a logo, and do not contain any lettering or numbering relating to the goods or services sold by the owner of the mural. A wall mural may occupy the same wall surface with any type, company name, or logo, but these advertising messages shall have their own field and shall not physically overlap or be included within the viewing field of the mural. When a mural lacks a border, then the entire contrasting color surface of the wall may be considered as the entire sign area.

  62. Wall Sign. A sign that is attached to or placed directly onto a parapet or wall of a building. This includes, but is not limited to, signs supported by a wall, painted signs, supergraphics, murals, etc.

  63. Window Sign. Any sign, picture, symbol, or combination thereof, designed to communicate information about an activity, business, commodity, event, sale, or service, that is placed inside a window or within twelve inches of the window surface or upon the window panes or glass and is visible from the exterior of the window.

Site. A lot, or group of contiguous lots, that is proposed for development in accordance with the provisions of this chapter and is in a single ownership or under unified control.

Story. That part of any building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor or of the roof next above.

  1. Half Story. A story with at least two of its opposite sides situated in a sloping roof, the floor area of which does not exceed two-thirds of the floor area immediately below it.

Stream Buffer Terms.

  1. Riparian Vegetation. An association of plant species growing adjacent to, and dependent upon, freshwater courses, including perennial and intermittent streams, lakes, and other bodies of freshwater.

  2. Top of Bank. That area associated with a stream that contains the normal winter stream flows. In cases where the top of bank is not obvious or is in dispute, it shall be determined based on the area containing a ten-year flood event. In the case of streams with multiple channels, top of bank shall be the outermost bank of the stream. In no case, however, shall top of bank exceed the defined limits of the one-hundred-year-flood event as determined under the procedures of this code.

Street. A public thoroughfare that affords principal means of access to a block and to abutting property, including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare, except an alley as defined in this chapter.

Street Line. The boundary between a street and property.

Structural Alterations. Any change in the supporting members of a building such as bearing walls, columns, beams, or girders.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground or under the ground.

Swimming Pool and Hot Tub Terms.

  1. Grade. The underlying surface such as earth or a walking surface.

  2. Owner. Any person, agent, firm, or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property.

  3. Swimming Pool, or Pool. Any structure intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over eighteen inches deep. Swimming pool includes in-ground and aboveground/on-ground structures and includes, but is not limited to, hot tubs, spas, portable spas, and non-portable wading pools.

  4. Swimming Pool, Indoor. A swimming pool which is totally contained within a residential structure and surrounded on all four sides by walls of said structure.

  5. Swimming Pool, Outdoor. Any swimming pool which is not an indoor pool.

Targeted Housing Units. Those units intended to be affordable to lower- and very low-income households.

Transmission Line. An electric power line bringing power to a receiving or distribution substation.

Telecommunication Terms.

  1. Antenna. Any system of wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission or receiving of electromagnetic radio frequency waves.

  2. Building-Mounted. An antenna that is affixed to or supported by the roof or exterior wall of a building or other structure.

  3. Ground-Mounted. An antenna that is fully or partially supported by a platform, framework, pole, or other structural system that is affixed to or placed directly on or in the ground.

  4. Collocation. The location of two or more wireless communication facilities on a single support structure or otherwise sharing a common location. For the purposes of this chapter, collocation shall also include the location of wireless communication facilities with other facilities such as water tanks, light standards, and other utility facilities and structures.

  5. Communication Tower. Any structure that is used to transmit or receive electromagnetic radio frequency waves or that supports such a device.

  6. Electromagnetic Radio Frequency Waves. Waves of electric and magnetic energy radiating away from a transmission source to be picked up by a receiving antenna for the purpose of communicating information.

  7. Wireless Communication Facility. A facility containing communication towers and/or antennas and any related equipment for the purpose of transmitting or receiving electromagnetic radio frequency waves.

Tent. A structure, enclosure or shelter, with or without sidewalls or drops, constructed of fabric or pliable material supported in any manner except by air or the contents it protects.

Tree Terms

  1. Candidate Tree(s). A single healthy tree or group of healthy trees warranting consideration for preservation by virtue of its value to the community, the immediate neighborhood, or the natural environment in recognition of the existence of one or more of the following attributes:

a. It is an outstanding specimen of its species in terms of aesthetic quality as determined by shape and branch structure.

b. It is one of the largest or oldest trees in Redding that also has historical or neighborhood interest.

c. It adds significantly to the environment of the city because of its location, distinct form, unique species, or other identifying characteristics.

d. It is in a location which is connected to a larger natural woodland system, such as a permanent open-space area, and which is likely to be self-supporting over time.

e. It serves a desirable function, such as buffering dissimilar land uses, or is a component of an overall landscape plan.

  1. Cutting. The detaching or separating from a protected tree any limb, branch, or root. Cutting shall include pruning and trimming.

  2. dbh (diameter at breast height). The trunk diameter measured at four and one-half feet above the ground (diameter = circumference ÷ 3.142).

  3. Damage. Any action undertaken which may cause death or significant injury, or which places the tree in a hazardous condition or in an irreversible state of decline. This includes but is not limited to cutting, topping, girdling, poisoning, or root disturbance.

  4. Developed Property. Any individual lot that is occupied by a principal building. A principal building is one in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located based on the zoning of the lot.

  5. Discretionary Projects. Projects shall include but not be limited to those projects subject to: a use permit (including administrative use permit), a parcel map, a tentative subdivision map, a site-plan review, a variance, a rezone, or a planned development.

  6. Drip Line. The area identified by extending a vertical line from the outermost portion of the limb canopy to the ground, with its axis parallel to the trunk.

  7. Landmark or Heritage Tree. Any tree that has been specifically placed on the Landmark and Heritage Tree Plan as established by Chapter 13.40 of the Redding Municipal Code.

  8. Person. Any natural person, partnership, firm, corporation, governmental agency, or other legal entity.

  9. Preserved Tree. A tree that is required to be preserved and protected under discretionary project approval.

  10. Qualified Professional. Includes an individual approved by the City who has one or more of the following qualifications:

a. Registered Professional Forester. A person who holds a valid license as a professional forester pursuant to the provisions of the State Code.

b. Certified Arborist. A person who holds a current certificate from the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture.

c. Biologist. A person who demonstrates expertise in the biological sciences related to oak woodlands of the variety prevalent in the Redding area through an appropriate combination of education, training, and experience and is judged by his or her profession to be able to represent the profession in a competent manner.

  1. Removal. The physical removal of a tree, or causing the death of a tree through damage, poison, or other direct or indirect action.

  2. Shrub. A woody plant of relatively low height, distinguished from a tree by its height and having several stems.

  3. Tree. A perennial plant having a self-supporting woody main stem or trunk usually characterized by the ability to grow to considerable height and size and to develop woody branches at some distance above the ground. It is usually distinguished from a bush or shrub by its size, manner of growth, and usual botanical nomenclature. Perennial shrubs are not classified as trees in this chapter. As stated in Section 1.04.010, the singular "tree" includes the plural "trees," and the plural the singular.

  4. Undeveloped Property. Property that does not contain a "principal building." A principal building is one in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located based on the zoning of the lot.

Visible. Capable of being seen (whether or not legible) by a person of normal height and visual acuity walking or driving on a public road.

Yard Terms

  1. Yard. An area between a lot line and a setback line, unobstructed and unoccupied from the ground upward, except for projections permitted by these regulations.

  2. Yard, Corner Side. An area extending across the full width of the lot between the corner side lot line and the nearest line of the building.

  3. Yard, Front. An area extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and the nearest line of the building. The front yard may face either street frontage of a corner lot as determined by the Building Official upon issuance of a building permit. For double frontage lots, the front yard faces each street frontage from which access is permitted.

  4. Yard, Rear. An area extending the full width of the lot between a rear lot line and the nearest line of the building.

  5. Yard, Side. An area extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the nearest side

[Figure]

(Ord. 2403 § 13 (part), 2008; Ord. 2381 § 17, 2007; Ord. 2369 § 2, 2006; Ord. 2343 § 2 (part), 2005: Ord. 2310 § 3 (part), 2003; Ord. 2301 § 3 (Att. A (part)), 2002)

(Ord. No. 2443, § 7, 10-26-2009; Ord. No. 2450, § 5, 1-19-2010; Ord. No. 2521, § 3, 4-7-2015; Ord. No. 2570, § 9, 4-4-2017; Ord. No. 2571, § 3, 4-4-2017; Ord. No. 2584, § 17, 3-20-2018; Ord. No. 2590, § 28, 8-21-2018; Ord. No. 2606, § 17, 6-18-2019; Ord. No. 2686, § 11, 12-16-2025)

Exceptions & meaning →

Get a plain-English answer with a citation back to this text.

Ask AI about this code
▸Contents — Redding Municipal Code

GoCodebook provides public access, search, citation, multilingual explanation, and practical interpretation of legally adopted building regulations. It is not a substitute for the official ICC or California code publications.