Sonoma County Municipal Code § 40-21 Definitions

This article provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this chapter that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this article conflict with definitions in other provisions of this code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this chapter. If a word is not defined in this article, or in other provisions of this code, the director shall determine the correct definition.

(Ord. No. 6501, § III(Exh. A), 12-10-2024; Ord. No. 6398, § III(Exh. A), 12-13-2022)

The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this chapter, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:

"Burn area." All of that land contained within the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE) October 2017 Sonoma Complex Fire Perimeter.

"CalOES." The California Governor's Office of Emergency Services or successor agency.

"Director." The director of the permit and resource management department of the county or his or her authorized representative.

"Displaced person(s)." A county resident or residents whose residential dwelling has been destroyed or damaged by the Sonoma Complex Fire, such that the resident(s) cannot occupy the dwelling. Displaced person(s) may be required to provide verification to the county to substantiate their eligibility for uses, permits and/or approvals described in this chapter. Evidence may consist of verification by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) registration or damage assessment, and/or a driver's license or other government-issued identification card or utility bill, etc. with a physical address showing the resident resided on a legal parcel in the burn area, as determined by the county. Such determination may be made by the director or other county personnel. Where allowances are made herein for secondarily displaced persons, evidence may consist of termination notices, expired leases, or other proof as determined by the county.

"Effective period." The period of time specified in Section 40-4 A of this chapter.

"FEMA." The Federal Emergency Management Agency or successor agency.

"Fire-damaged lot." A lot, as defined in Section 26-04-020 of this code, that as of October 8, 2017 contained a legal permitted or legal non-conforming structure that was damaged or destroyed in the Sonoma Complex Fire.

"Reconstruction." Replacement of a conforming or legal non-conforming structure that was destroyed by the Sonoma Complex Fire on the same lot and with no change in use.

"Recreational vehicle." A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper or camping trailer that is (1) self-contained and designed for human habitation for recreational or emergency occupancy; (2) self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on California roadways; and (3) a California Department of Motor Vehicles licensed vehicle; or a similar vehicle or structure as determined by the director.

"Repair." Repair of a structure damaged by the Sonoma Complex Fire with no change in use.

"Secondarily displaced person." A county resident or residents who have lost their housing as an indirect result of the Sonoma Complex Fire, such as through the early termination of leases or rent increases exceeding five percent (5%) per year. Where allowances are made herein for secondarily displaced persons, evidence may consist of termination notices, expired leases, or other proof as determined by the county.

"Sonoma Complex Fire." The series of fires that swept Sonoma County beginning on October 8, 2017, as referenced in Board of Supervisors Resolution Number 17-0389, adopted October 10, 2017, and which were the subject of the Proclamation of a State of Emergency by Governor Edmund J. Brown and the Major Disaster Proclamation for California issued by President Donald J. Trump.

(Ord. No. 6501, § III(Exh. A), 12-10-2024; Ord. No. 6398, § III(Exh. A), 12-13-2022)