Chapter 1

Article 2 — DEFINITIONS

Torrance Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · Torrance

(Amended by O-2436)

For the purpose of this Chapter, certain words and terms are defined as follows:

91.2.1 GENERALLY.

All words in the present tense include the future; all words in the singular number include the plural and the plural the singular; the word "building" includes the word "structure"; the word "shall" is mandatory and the word "person" includes a firm, corporation, or municipal corporation, as well as a natural person. The word "map" shall mean the "Official Land Use Plan of the City of Torrance, California." The term "City Council" shall mean the City Council of the City of Torrance; and the "Planning Commission" shall mean the City Planning Commission of the City of Torrance; and the word "City" shall mean the City of Torrance, a municipal corporation of the State of California. The word "Used" shall be deemed to include the words "arranged, designed or intended to be used," and the word "occupied" shall be deemed to include the words "arranged, designed or intended to be occupied."

91.2.2 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.3 ACCESSORY BUILDING.

(O-3535; Amended by O-3815)

An accessory building is a detached building which is subordinate and directly related to, and supportive to, a primary use located on the same premises and does not include habitable living area (excludes accessory dwelling units).

91.2.4 ALLEY.

A public or private way, permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.

91.2.5 ALL PURPOSE ROOM.

91.2.6 APARTMENT.

A room or a suite of two (2) or more rooms in a multiple residence, occupied or suitable for occupancy as a residence for one (1) family.

91.2.7 APARTMENT HOUSE.

(Amended by O-2436)

Any building, structure, or portion thereof which has three (3) dwelling units or more occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by family groups and which provides in each dwelling unit all the customary sleeping, cooking and bathing facilities for that purpose. The occupancy of the dwelling unit is based upon an agreement between landlord and tenant and the tenant acquires certain rights and interests in the property. Dwelling units may be occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by single persons, but they must provide enough facilities to allow for permanent residence, independent from other dwelling units or from facilities

provided by the landlord. Collection of a bed tax is not required and occupancy of the dwelling units is usually by specific agreement as to terms, conditions, and length of tenancy. The tenant pays his rent in money, labor or commodities.

91.2.8 AUTOMOBILE WRECKING.

The dismantling or wrecking of used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts.

91.2.9 BACHELOR APARTMENT.

An apartment consisting of a combined room for living and sleeping and a separate room for cooking.

91.2.10 BOARDINGHOUSE.

A building where lodging and meals are provided for compensation for five or more persons not including rest homes, homes for the aged, or homes for children.

91.2.12 BUILDING SITE.

The ground area of a building or a group of buildings together with all open spaces as required by this Chapter.

91.2.13 BLOCK.

All property upon one side of a street between intersecting and intercepting streets, or between a street and right-of-way, water-way, end of deadend street, or city boundary. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of the street which it intercepts.

91.2.14 BUNGALOW COURT.

A group of three (3) or more detached one (1) story, one (1) or two (2) family residences located upon a single lot, or group of lots, together with all open spaces as required by this Chapter. Two (2) family residences shall mean two (2) units as defined under Section 91.2.49.

91.2.15 CARPORT OR PORTE COCHERE.

(Amended by O-628)

An accessory residential use consisting of a reserved area attached to and adjoining the side of a residence for the convenient loading and unloading of passengers and for the accommodation of a passenger car when not in use; such space to consist of a hard surface floor, roofed and open on not more than three (3) sides.

91.2.16 CLUB.

An association of persons for some common nonprofit purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.

91.2.17 COMMISSION.

Shall mean the City Planning Commission.

91.2.18 (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933)

91.2.19 (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933)

91.2.20 (Repealed by O-2930; O-2933) 91.2.21 CONVALESCENT HOMES.

See Rest Homes.

91.2.22 DAIRY.

An establishment or enterprise maintaining more than two (2) cows for the commercial production and sale of milk and dairy products.

91.2.23 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.24 Repealed by O-3777.

91.2.25 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.26 FLAT BUILDING.

91.2.27 GARAGE APARTMENT.

An apartment consisting of three (3) rooms or more including a room for cooking and located over a garage on the rear one-half of a property.

91.2.28 GARAGE, PRIVATE.

(Amended by O-1357; O-1397)

An accessory building or an accessory portion of the main building, enclosed on all sides and designed or used only for the shelter or storage of vehicles owned or operated by the occupants of the main building.

91.2.29 GARAGE, PUBLIC.

A building other than a private garage used for the care, repair or equipping of automobiles, or where such vehicles are kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

91.2.30 GUEST HOUSE.

91.2.31 Repealed by O-3453.

91.2.32 HOTEL.

(Amended by O-1609)

A building in which there are six (6) or more guest rooms where lodging with or without meals is provided for compensation, and where no provision is made for cooking in any individual room or suite. Jails, hospitals, asylums, sanitariums, orphanages, prisons, detention homes or similar buildings where human beings are housed and detained under legal restraint, are specifically excluded.

91.2.33 KITCHEN.

Any room used, or intended or designed to be used, for cooking or the preparation of food.

91.2.34 LOT-A PARCEL OF LAND.

(Amended by O-1422; O-1641) For the purposes of Article 36 of this Chapter, a unit of air space shall not be considered a lot, but as a space.

91.2.35 LOT AREA.

(Amended by O-3356) Except as provided in Section 91.4.3, the total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.

91.2.36 LOT DEPTH.

(Amended by O-3356) Except as provided in Section 91.4.3, the horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines.

91.2.37 LOT LINE; FRONT.

(Amended by O-3356) Except as provided in Section 91.4.4, the line separating the lot from the street in the case of an interior lot, and the line separating the narrowest street frontage of the lot from the street in the case of a corner lot. 91.2.38 LOT LINE; REAR. (Amended by O-3356) Except as provided in Section 91.4.6, a lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line and, in the case of an irregular, triangular or gore-shaped lot, a line at least ten (10) feet in length within the lot parallel to and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.

91.2.39 LOT; THROUGH.

A lot having frontage on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets.

91.2.40 LOT WIDTH.

(Amended by
O-3356)
Except as provided in Section
91.4.3,the horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front
and rear lot lines.
91.2.41 MOTEL.
(Amended by O-1609)
A building or group of buildings where a minimum of eighty (80) percent of the living units have no kitchen or cooking facilities, but have individual sleeping units,
with garage attached or parking space conveniently located to each unit, all for the temporary use by automobile tourists or transients; includes auto courts, tourist
courts and motor lodges.
91.2.42 Repealed by O-3418.
91.2.43 Repealed by O-3418.

91.2.44 PARKING AREA; PUBLIC.

An open area other than a street, alley or place used for the temporary parking of more than four (4) automobiles and available for public use whether free, for compensation or as an accommodation for clients or customers.

91.2.45 PARKING SPACE; AUTOMOBILE.

Space within a building or parking area for the temporary parking or storage of one (1) automobile.

91.2.46 PLAY ROOM.

91.2.47 RESIDENCE HOTEL.

Any building, structure or portion thereof which has three (3) or more rooms occupied, intended or designed to be occupied by guests for sleeping quarters. The building is characterized by a central lobby through which guests must pass when entering or leaving. All the sleeping quarters open onto an internal hall or a series of internal halls. The equipment, services, and facilities are provided by the innkeeper, and the guest pays for the services, equipment, and facilities in money, labor or commodities and acquires no interest in the property. Guests are free to relinquish their rooms at any time without prior notice but customarily forty (40) or more of the guests remain in continuous residence for thirty (30) days or longer. The collection of a bed tax is required except upon written agreement between the innkeeper and the guest that the guest will occupy his room for longer than thirty (30) days in continuous residence. Cooking may be permitted in not more than twenty (20) percent of the rooms provided that they have been designed for that purpose and are suitably equipped.

This definition includes, but is not limited by this enumeration, boarding houses, lodging houses, rooming houses, sorority houses, fraternity houses, and dormitories. This definition specifically excludes such facilities as jails, prisons, hospitals, rest homes for the aged, foster homes and institutions for the confinement of human beings under restraint of law.

91.2.48 RESIDENCE MOTEL.

Any building, structure, or portion thereof which has three or more rooms occupied, intended, or designed to be occupied by guests for sleeping quarters. The building is characterized by automobile parking facilities available adjacent to the sleeping quarters, and all rooms open to the outside, or to a central parking court. The equipment, services and facilities are all provided by the innkeeper and the guest pays for the services, facilities and equipment with money, labor or commodities and acquires no interest in the property. Guests are free to relinquish their rooms at any time without prior notice, but customarily forty (40) percent or more of the guests remain in continuous residence for thirty (30) days or longer. The collection of a bed tax is required except upon written agreement between the innkeeper and the guest to the effect that the guest will occupy his room for longer than thirty (30) days in continuous residence. Cooking may be permitted in not more than twenty (20) percent of the rooms, provided that they have been designed for that purpose and are suitably equipped. This definition includes, but is not limited by this enumeration, auto courts, hotels, tourist cabins, etc. This definition specifically excludes such facilities as jails, prisons, hospitals, retirement homes, homes for the aged, foster homes, and institutions for the confinement of human beings under restraint of law.

91.2.49 RESIDENCE, MULTIPLE FAMILY.

(Amended by O-1609)

A building or portion thereof, designed for occupancy by three or more families, living independently of each other. If said building contains cooking facilities in more than twenty (20) percent of the dwelling units, it shall be conclusively presumed to be a multiple-family residence.

91.2.50 RESIDENCE, SINGLE FAMILY.

A detached building designed exclusively for occupancy by one (1) family.

91.2.51 RESIDENCE, TWO FAMILY.

A building designed exclusively for occupancy by two (2) families living independently of each other.

91.2.52 RESIDENCE UNIT.

Two (2) or more rooms in a residence designed for occupancy by one (1) family for living or sleeping purposes, having only one (1) kitchen.

91.2.53 REST HOMES.

Permitting nursing, dietary and other personal services rendered to convalescents, invalids and aged persons, but excluding cases of contagious or communicable diseases and excluding surgery or primary treatments such as are customarily in sanitariums and hospitals.

91.2.54 RUMPUS ROOM.

A room containing no cooking equipment other than a barbeque or similar apparatus for the purpose of preparing snacks for guests.

91.2.55 SANITARIUMS.

A health station or retreat or other place where patients are kept and where medical or surgical treatment is given, but not mental.

91.2.56 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.57 SERVANTS QUARTERS.

91.2.58 STABLE; PRIVATE.

A detached accessory building for the keeping of horses owned by the occupants of the premises and not kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

91.2.59 STABLE; PUBLIC.

91.2.60 STORY.

That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it; if there be no floor above it, the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.

91.2.61 STREET.

A public or private throughfare which affords principal means of access to abutting property.

91.2.62 STREET LINE.

The boundary line between street and abutting property.

91.2.63 STREET; SIDE.

That street bounding a corner lot and which extends in the same general direction as the line determining the depth of the lot.

91.2.64 STRUCTURE.

Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground, or attached to something having a location on the ground, but not including fences or walls used as fences less than six (6) feet in height.

91.2.65 STRUCTURAL ALTERATIONS.

Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joists, girders or rafters, or changes in roof or exterior lines.

91.2.66 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.67 TRANSIENT HOTEL.

Any hotel in which cooking facilities are not provided and less than forty (40) percent of the guests remain in continuous residence for more than thirty (30) days.

91.2.68 TRANSIENT MOTEL.

Any motel in which less than forty (40) percent of the guests stay for more than thirty (30) days.

91.2.69 (Repealed by O-3429)

91.2.70 YARD.

A portion of the same lot or building site upon which a building is situated, other than a courtyard which remains unoccupied and open from the ground upward except for projection permitted by the Code.

91.2.71 FRONT YARD.

(Amended by O-3356)

Except as provided in Section 91.4.4, a yard between the front line of the lot and the front line of the main building, which extends from one (1) side yard to the other.

91.2.72 REAR YARD.

(Amended by
O-3356)
Except s provided in Section
91.4.6,a yard which extends across the entire width of the lot between the extreme rear line of the lot and the extreme rear line of any
building, other than an accessory building.

91.2.73 SIDE YARD.

(Amended by
O-3356)
Except as provided in Section
91.4.5,a yard between the side line of the lot and the side line of the building, which extends from the front line of the lot to the required
rear yard.

91.2.74 HOSPITAL.

(Added by O-2061) a) General: A facility equipped and staffed to provide various types of intensified hospital care including, but not limited to, short term care in acute medical, surgical and obstetrical services. b) Special: A facility that provides the services required of a general hospital and in addition is equipped and staffed with specialized diagnostic and therapeutic facilities to provide care in a recognized medical or dental specialty.

c) Extended Care Facility: A facility primarily engaged in providing to in-patients the nursing care and related services for patients who require twenty-four (24) hour medical, nursing, or rehabilitation services. These facilities include the following types of institutions:

  1. Convalescent or nursing homes;

  2. Sanitarium.

d) Day Treatment Clinic: A facility for the medical treatment of patients who are provided with an organized program of treatment and rehabilitation activities under medical supervision. Persons are not permitted to remain overnight.

91.2.75 TOWNHOUSE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT.

(Added by O-2179)

A subdivision located in the R-TH District, consisting of single family dwelling units attached in groups of two (2) or more units, each of which, together with the lot on which it is situated is separately owned; and including, in addition, open space and/or recreational areas and facilities which are for the use of all occupants of the development and are held in common ownership.

91.2.76 BALCONY.

(Added by O-2307)

A platform enclosed by a parapet or railing that projects, in whole or in part from the wall of a building and which is designed in such a manner that it can be entered only from adjacent rooms.

91.2.77 PATIO.

(Added by O-2307)

A ground level recreation space located in an area that adjoins a dwelling.

91.2.78 COURTYARD.

(Added by O-2307)

An open unoccupied space other than a yard, bounded on two (2) or more sides by buildings located on the same parcel.

91.2.79 HILLSIDE LOT.

(Added by O-2665)

A hillside lot is defined as any lot or parcel having a slope of fifteen (15) percent or more as measured from any point on the property line and which slope affects the front eighty (80) feet of the property. Slope is measured from the highest to the lowest point within the front eighty (80) feet of depth of the lot. Determination of slope shall be made at the time of application for a building permit or other entitlement for use, and shall be measured on the lot as it exists at the time of such application.

91.2.80 INTEGRATED PARKING FACILITY.

(Added by O-2907)

Integrated Parking Facility shall mean any parking facility consisting of contiguous parking spaces under a common ownership, operation, or subject to binding, nonexclusive cross access easements.

91.2.81 MULTIPLE OWNER-OCCUPIED RESIDENTIAL STRUCTURE.

(Added by O-2930; O-2933)

The term multiple owner-occupied residential structure shall mean a condominium as defined in Section 783 of the Civil Code of California, a community apartment project as defined in Section 11004 of the California Business and Professions Code, a stock cooperative as defined in Section 11003.2 of the California Business and Professions Code, and any other similar form of multiple family dwelling in which the residents have acquired an ownership interest in the land or buildings, or both, and have a right to use or occupy said land or buildings for a permanent residence. Such term shall also include any unusually long-term lease agreements which require payment of a price equivalent to purchasing said dwelling unit. Said term shall not include any condominium or stock cooperative or similar joint ownership agreement which is for offices, retail or wholesale stores, shops, manufacturing buildings or similar exclusively commercial or industrial uses.

91.2.82 FLOOR AREA RATIO.

(Amended by O-3291; O-3319)

In calculating the Floor Area Ratio (FAR), the measurements from outside wall to outside wall, using gross square footage shall be used. The gross square footage includes the area of all floors of the main structure, accessory structures and habitable attic area, but excluding basements, covered porches, patios and balconies enclosed on not more than two (2) sides, and chimneys.

Stairwells and floor area in portions of the structure where the distance between any floor and roof directly above it is seventeen (17) feet or more shall be counted twice. If the distance between any floor and roof directly above it is twenty-six (26) feet or more, the floor area shall be counted three (3) times.

For purposes of this section, basement shall mean any habitable area located below any story which has a finished floor level not more than three (3) feet above finished grade, excluding any berms or raised planters, and which does not have windows more than eighteen (18) inches above finished grade at any point along the perimeter of the building.

91.2.83 FLAG LOT SUBDIVISION; FLAG LOT.

(Added by O-3356)

a) A flag lot subdivision is a subdivision of land zoned for single-family residential use, wherein the lots or parcels of land are laid out one behind the other, with only one lot or parcel of land (referred to as the front lot) having frontage on a public street other than a driveway or access easement.

b) Each lot or parcel behind the front lot obtains access to the public street by means of a narrow driveway which may be owned in fee, or by easement, which shall be hereinafter referred to as an access easement. A flag lot is any lot or parcel of land within a flag lot subdivision, including the front lot.

91.2.84 ALTERATION.

(Added by O-3423)

Any change or rearrangement in the supporting members of an existing building or structure, such as bearing walls, columns or beams, any horizontal or vertical enlargement or diminution, or any physical change in the appearance of any building or structure.

91.2.85 AMBULANCE SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment providing emergency medical care or transportation, including incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles and crew facilities.

91.2.86 ANIMAL SALES AND SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)

Establishments providing the following retail and/or service uses:

a) Animal feed and supplies: Retail sales of pet food and supplies, but excluding the sale of animals, provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

b) Animal grooming: Provision of bathing and trimming services for household pets on a commercial basis, provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

c) Animals, retail sales: Retail sales of household pets (such as dogs, cats, birds, and fish), provided such activities take place within an entirely enclosed building.

91.2.87 ANTENNA AND/OR COMMUNICATION FACILITY.

(Added by O-3423)

Any public, commercial or private transmission or receiving device, for radio, television, telegraph, telephone, cellular telephone, and data network communications, including, but not limited to antennae, towers, reflectors and equipment buildings. This classification does not include home television and radio receiving antennae.

91.2.88 ANTIQUE.

(Added by O-3423)

Any object of art or pieces of furniture, household implements and the like, which, because of age, rarity and fabrication, or manufacture at a time much earlier than the present, have acquired a collector’s quality and value. This definition does not include any objects or materials that are obsolete and have secondhand or salvage value only.

91.2.89 ANTIQUE SHOP.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment engaged primarily in the sale of antiques.

91.2.90 ARCADES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment which provides five (5) or more electronic, mechanical, or manually operated games which are activated by money or tokens or for which the participant pays money for the privilege of playing such electronic, mechanical, or manually operated games.

91.2.91 ARTISANS STUDIO.

(Added by O-3423)

A building containing work space and retail sales space for artists, artisans and craftspersons producing individual or one-of-a kind works of art, including individuals practicing a fine art, or a skill in an applied art or craft, provided that the use does not impact any other use or property with noise, odor, dust, vibration, or other nuisance. This classification includes, but is not limited to, painters’ studios, ceramic or sculpting studios, custom jewelry studios, custom furniture building, or a saddlery. This classification does not include the use of mechanical equipment individually exceeding two (2) horsepower or collectively exceeding five (5) horsepower; or the use of more than one (1) kiln, and such kiln shall not exceed eight (8) kilowatts.

91.2.92 AUTOMOBILE SALES AND LEASING.

(Added by O-3423)

The use of any building, premises or land for the display and sale and/or lease of new or used passenger vehicles, including storage, and which may include any warranty repair work and other repair as defined under "Automobile/Vehicle Repair Garage" conducted as an accessory use.

91.2.93 AUTOMOBILE RENTAL.

(Added by O-3423)

The use of any building, premises or land for the rental of passenger vehicles, including storage.

91.2.94 AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION.

(Added by O-3423)

Any site or improvement where the primary use is the retail sale and dispensing of motor vehicle fuel. This classification includes facilities for passenger vehicle service and repair, provided there no more than three (3) service bays. Such service and repair may include the sale of tires, batteries, and other parts and products related to the operation of passenger vehicles; minor tune-up; lubrication and parts replacement; and other light work related to preventive maintenance and upkeep. Such

services may not include maintenance and repair of commercial or recreational vehicles, tire recapping, sale or rebuilding of engines, radiator repair or steam cleaning, paint spraying, body and fender work, the installation of auto glass, or the outdoor storage of vehicles. This classification may include accessory towing, and the accessory sales of food.

91.2.95 AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE BODY AND FENDER SHOP.

(Added by O-3423)

Any facility use for the activities of repairing, restoring, and/or painting the bodies, frames or fenders of passenger or nonpassenger vehicles.

91.2.96 AUTOMOBILE/VEHICLE REPAIR GARAGE.

(Added by O-3423)

Any facility used for the repair, alteration, restoration, maintenance or towing of passenger vehicles, which shall be construed broadly to include the place where the following types of commonly known garage or shop activities occur: fluid replacement and lubrication, tune-up and muffler work, parts and tire sales and installation, wheel and brake work, engine and transmission repair, rebuilding or reconditioning of engines, and installation of car alarms and car stereos. This classification excludes automobile wrecking, body and fender shops, tire retreading or recapping, or storage of inoperative vehicles. Also excluded is the repair or maintenance of commercial or recreational vehicles. This classification includes fluid replacement facilities.

91.2.97 AWNING.

(Added by O-3423)

A roof-like cover supported entirely from the exterior wall of a building, and installed over or in front of openings or windows in a building, and consisting of a fixed or movable frame and a top of canvas or other similar material covering the entire space enclosed between the frame and the building.

91.2.98 BAIL BONDS.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment engaged in the selling of bail bonds.

91.2.99 BANKS, CREDIT UNIONS, AND/OR SAVINGS AND LOANS.

(Added by O-3423)

A state or federally chartered financial institution that provides retail banking services to individuals and businesses.

91.2.100 BAR AND COCKTAIL LOUNGES.

(Added by O-3423)

Any establishment primarily used for the on-site sales and consumption of alcoholic beverages, sometimes with, but more commonly without, meals. This classification includes, but is not limited to, saloons, bars, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, pubs, taverns and similar places, but excludes restaurants and commercial recreation uses which may serve alcoholic beverages incidental to the primary use.

91.2.101 BILLIARD PARLOR.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment which provides five (5) or more billiard and/or pool tables.

91.2.102 BUILDING MATERIAL SALES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment engaged in retailing or wholesaling or building supplies or equipment. This classification includes lumber yards and tool and equipment sales, but excludes retail sales of paint and hardware, and activities classified under "Equipment Leasing and Rentals."

91.2.103 BUSINESS AND TRADE SCHOOL.

(Added by O-3423)

A specialized instructional establishment which provides on-site training of business, commercial, and/or trade skills such as accounting, data processing and computer repair. This classification excludes establishments providing training in an activity that is not otherwise permitted in the zone. Incidental instructional services in conjunction with another primary use shall not be considered a business and trade school.

91.2.104 CARWASH, HAND.

(Added by O-3423)

Any permanent facility where stall(s) with water-spraying devices are used for the washing of vehicles as a retail service, and where typically vacuuming services are provided. Hand carwashes are further classified as either full-service or self-service carwashes.

91.2.105 CARWASH, FULL-SERVICE.

(Added by O-3423)

A mechanical and/or hand wash carwash typically offering vacuuming and towel-drying services and where customers leave their vehicles during washing operations.

91.2.106 CARWASH, MECHANICAL.

(Added by O-3423)

Any permanent facility where power-driven equipment, or steam-cleaning equipment are used for the washing of vehicles as a retail service. Mechanical carwashes are further classified as either full-service or self-service carwashes. This classification includes automatic carwashes.

91.2.107 CARWASH, SELF-SERVICE.

(Added by O-3423)

A mechanical and/or hand carwash where facilities are provided for customers to wash their own vehicles. This classification includes a drive-through car wash where customers remain in the vehicles during washing operation.

91.2.108 CHECK-CASHING BUSINESS.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment that for compensation engages in the business of cashing checks, warrants, drafts, money orders, or other commercial paper serving the same purpose. This classification does not include a state or federally chartered bank, savings association, credit union, or industrial loan company. Further, this classification does not include establishments selling consumer goods, including consumables, where the cashing of checks or money orders is incidental to the main purpose of the business.

91.2.109 COMMERCIAL RECREATION.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment exclusively or primarily engaged in the provision of participant or spectator recreation or entertainment, either indoors or outdoors. This classification includes, but is not limited to, sports arenas, amusement parks, bowling alleys, billiard parlors, ice/roller skating rinks, golf courses, miniature golf courses, swimming pools, hot tubs, and arcades. This classification may also include such incidental uses as restaurants and bars.

91.2.110 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)

Any motor vehicle other than a standard passenger vehicle and which, when operated upon a street, is required to be registered as a commercial vehicle by the state Vehicle Code, and which is used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit, or which is designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property.

91.2.111 COMMUNITY CENTER.

(Added by O-3423)

A building, buildings, or portions thereof used for recreation, social, educational, and cultural activities which buildings are owned and/or operated by a public, nonprofit, or public serving group or agency.

91.2.112 CULTURAL INSTITUTION.

(Added by O-3423)

A nonprofit institution displaying or preserving objects of interest in one or more of the arts or sciences. This classification includes, but is not limited to, libraries, museums, and art galleries.

91.2.113 DANCE/GYMNASTICS/MARTIAL ARTS STUDIO.

(Added by O-3423)

A private facility which conducts classes to groups of individuals generally in one (1) room, and does not provide showers, pools, saunas, and other features of a full service health club.

91.2.114 DAY CARE CENTER, ADULT.

(Added by O-3423)

A state-licensed community care facility for the regular care and supervision of the elderly, developmentally disabled adults, or mentally disordered adults for periods less than twenty-four (24) hours with incidental non-acute medical care and a variety of social and related support services in a non-residential setting outside the licensee’s own residence, as defined and licensed under the Community Care Licensing Division of the State Department of Social Services. Adult day care centers shall include the various types of adult day care services as defined under state law and periodically amended, which includes "adult day care facilities," "adult social day care facilities," and "adult day health care facilities."

91.2.115 Repealed by O-3453.

91.2.116 DISPLAY.

(Added by O-3423)

The placement of goods, merchandise, equipment or exhibits for viewing at a location visible to or accessible to the public.

91.2.117 DRIVE-IN OR DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)

Any use, establishment, operation or business providing services accessible to persons who remain in their automobiles. This classification shall not include automobile service stations and/or car washes.

91.2.118 DRIVEWAY.

(Added by O-3423)

An appropriately paved and privately-owned roadway for vehicular travel which provides access from a street or alley to off-street parking, loading area, drive-in or drive-through service area, or to an entrance to a building or other facility. Parking aisles within parking area and truck maneuvering areas are not included within this definition.

91.2.119 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION.

(Added by O-3423)

A public, parochial or other nonprofit institution conducting regular academic instruction at kindergarten, elementary, secondary, collegiate, university or graduate level. Such institution must either offer general academic instruction equivalent to the standards prescribed by the State Board of Education or confer degrees as a college or university of undergraduate or graduate standing. This definition does not includes schools, academies or institutes, incorporated or otherwise, which operate for a profit, nor does it include commercial or trade schools.

91.2.120 ENTERTAINMENT, LIVE.

(Added by O-3423)

Any act, play, revue, pantomime, scene, dance act, or song and dance act, or any combination thereof, performed by one (1) or more persons whether or not they are compensated for the performance.

91.2.121 EQUIPMENT LEASING AND RENTALS.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment leasing or renting construction equipment, or horticultural or agricultural equipment, including storage and incidental maintenance.

91.2.122 ESTABLISHMENT.

(Added by O-3423)

A premises or portion thereof occupied by a nonresidential use under the unified management and control of one person or organization.

91.2.123 FORTUNETELLING.

(Added by O-3423)

The practice or carrying on of any art, profession or business which shall include, but not be limited to, the telling of fortunes, forecasting of knowledge of futures, of furnishing of any information not otherwise obtainable by the ordinary process of knowledge, for or without pay. Fortunetelling shall include, but not be limited to, psychic reading, occult reading, clairvoyance, cartomancy, psychometry, phrenology, spirits, mediumship, seership, prophecy, augury, astrology, palmistry, necromancy, mindreading, tarot card readings, tea leaves, telepathy, or other craft, art, science, cards, talismans, charms, potions, magnetism, magnetized article or substance, gypsy cunning or foresight, crystal gazing, and crystal reading of any kind or nature.

91.2.124 GROCERY STORES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment where the primary use is retail sales of food and beverages for off-site preparation and consumption. This classification includes delicatessens.

91.2.125 HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS CLUBS.

(Added by O-3423)

Private athletic clubs and gymnasiums, including but not limited to weight training facilities, aerobic floors, tennis/racquetball courts, swimming pools, and similar athletic facilities, with full service facilities including but not limited to showers, lockers, pools and saunas.

91.2.126 KENNEL.

(Added by O-3423)

Any lot or premises on which four (4) or more dogs or cats at least four (4) months of age are kept, boarded, or trained, whether in special buildings or runways or not.

91.2.127 LIQUOR, OFF-SALE.

(Added by O-3423)

The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 23394.

91.2.128 LIQUOR, ON-SALE.

(Added by O-3423)

The sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises as defined in Business and Professions Code Section 23396.

91.2.129 MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT.

(Added by O-3423)

The development or a parcel(s) or structure(s) with a combination of residential and at least one (1) or more commercial uses, including but not limited to office, retail, or entertainment uses, in a single or physically integrated group of structures.

91.2.130 OFFICES.

(Added by O-3423)

Offices shall include the following:

a) Offices, Governmental. Administrative, clerical, or public contact offices of a government agency, including postal facilities, together with incidental storage and maintenance of vehicles.

b) Offices, Professional. Offices of firms or organizations providing professional, executive, management or administrative services, such as architectural, engineering, real estate, insurance, investment, or legal offices. This classification excludes retail banking services and medical offices.

c) Offices, Medical or Dental. Offices or health facilities which provide health services include diagnosis, testing and analysis, treatment or care to patients not confined to the facility as inpatients. Care may include, but is not limited to, the provision of medical, surgical, dental, mental health, rehabilitation, podiatral, optometric, chiropractic, acupuncture, or psychiatric services, and medical or dental laboratories incidental to such offices. Medical clinic or dental clinic shall have the same meaning as medical office or dental office. This classification also includes urgent care or immediate care medical facilities, but does not allow for surgical services such as are customarily provided in a hospital.

91.2.131 OUTDOOR DINING.

(Added by O-3423)

Any restaurant or other eating establishment where seating is provided and food or beverages are served, on private property, and where there is not a roof and walls on all sides of the seating area.

91.2.132 OUTDOOR STORAGE.

(Added by O-3423)

The keeping in an unroofed area, of any goods, material, merchandise or vehicles in the same place for more than twenty-four (24) hours.

91.2.133 PASSENGER VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)

Motor vehicles, including automobiles, motorcycles, sports utility vehicles, passenger vans, and light trucks equipped with an open box-type bed less than nine (9) feet in length, all having a rating of less than ten thousand one (10,001) pounds, and an unladen weight of less than six thousand one (6,001) pounds, or other similar passenger vehicles specified by the State Vehicle Code.

91.2.134 PAWNSHOP.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment engaged in the buying or selling of new or secondhand merchandise and offering loans secured by personal property.

91.2.135 PERSONAL SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment which provides services of a personal nature. This classification includes, but is not limited to:

acupressure

barber and beauty shops

fortune telling massage photo-copying repair and maintenance, consumer products retail dry cleaning establishments (excluding wholesale dry cleaning plants) seamstresses self-service laundromats shoe repair shops tailors tanning salons

Such uses may also include incidental retail sales of products related to the services provided. This classification excludes tattoo parlors.

91.2.136 PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT SERVICES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment providing instructional services or facilities, including but not limited to, photography, fine arts, language schools, crafts, music studios, tutorial services, computer instruction, and driving schools. Incidental instructional services associated with a retail use shall be classified as "retail sales" rather than "personal improvement services."

91.2.137 PLANT NURSERIES.

(Added by O-3423)

A commercial agricultural establishment engaged primarily in the sale of ornamental plants and other nursery products to the public. This classification may also provide for the incidental production of ornamental plants.

91.2.138 RECREATIONAL VEHICLE.

(Added by O-3423)

A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation or recreational or emergency occupancy, with a living area less than two hundred twenty (220) square feet, excluding built-in equipment such as wardrobes, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, bath and toilet rooms. The term recreational vehicle shall also include boats and boat trailers.

91.2.139 RELIGIOUS FACILITIES.

(Added by O-3423)

A permanent use of a structure or interior space for religious worship and related religious activities, including customary incidental educational, residential and social activities in conjunction therewith, and where the premises are maintained by an organized religious body.

91.2.140 REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE, CONSUMER PRODUCTS.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment in which the principal activity is the repair of consumer products, including bicycles; electrical repair shops, television, radio, and other electronic appliance repair; household appliances; computers and office machines repair; watch, clock and jewelry repair; re-upholstery and furniture repair. This classification does not include repair or services incidental to retail sales.

91.2.141 RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY.

(Added by O-3423)

A facility licensed by the State to provide twenty-four (24) hour residential care to persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual, excluding jails and other facilities. Such facilities may provide nursing, dietary and other personal services, but not surgery or other primary medical treatments such as are customarily provided in convalescent facilities or hospitals. This classification includes retirement homes.

91.2.142 RESTAURANTS.

(Added by O-3423)

Restaurants shall include the following.

a) Restaurant, Class I, Full-Service. An establishment which sells and serves prepared foods and drinks to the public primarily for on-site consumption inside a building or in an outdoor seating area. This classification may include licensed "on-site" provision of alcoholic beverage for consumption on the premises when incidental to such food services, as well as facilities for dancing and other entertainment that are secondary and subordinate to the principal use of the establishment as an eating and drinking place.

b) Restaurant, Class II, Fast-Food. An establishment where the public is served food and beverages from a serving counter in dispensable containers or wrappers for either on- or off-premises consumption, and where food and meals are generally prepared in advance for immediate sale, and which may include indoor or outdoor seating, drive-through service, and/or delivery service.

c) Restaurant, Class III, Take-Out. An establishment were orders for food and beverage are served in disposal containers or wrappers from a serving counter for consumption exclusively off the premises.

d) Restaurant, Class IV, Snack Shops. An establishment serving snack foods, such as donuts, ice cream, yogurt, candy, cookies, bakery items, beverages, and similar items to be consumed either on the premises, either indoors or outdoors, or off the premises.

91.2.143 RETAIL SALES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment engaged in the retail sale of new merchandise not specifically listed under another use classification. This classification includes, but is not limited to:

appliances hand-crafted items (stores may
ild fti ti
art supplies ncue crang operaons
subordinate to sales)
auto parts (new, excluding service,
installation and machine shops)
hardware
bicycles hobby materials
books jewelry
cameras andphotographic supplies luggage and leathergoods
carpeting and floor covering musical instruments, parts and
accessories
--- ---
clothing and accessories newsstands
department stores office supplies
drug and discount stores orthopedic supplies
dry goods paint and wallpaper
electronic equipment pet stores
fabrics and sewing supplies religious goods
florists and houseplant stores
(indoor sales only-outdoor sales are
"Plant Nurseries")
small wares
specialtyshops
sporting goods and equipment
furniture stationary
general stores toys andgames
gifts, novelties and souvenirs variety stores

91.2.144 SHOPPING CENTER.

(Added by O-3423)

A commercial development located on a single parcel or on continuous parcels under the same ownership, containing three (3) or more retail stores, service uses, or other tenants, where each have individual entrances from a commonly-owned public area such as a parking lot or mall corridor. This classification may also apply to commercial developments where continuous parcels are under separate ownership, subject to provisions providing through Conditions, Covenants, and Restrictions a means of common maintenance, an integrated and consistent overall architectural design theme, a comprehensive sign program, and through recorded cross-access and reciprocal parking agreements an integrated parking and on-site pedestrian and vehicular circulation system.

91.2.145 SWAP MEET.

(Added by O-3423)

Any indoor or outdoor place, location, or activity where new or used goods or secondhand personal property is offered for sale or exchange to the general public by a multitude of individual vendors, usually in compartmentalized spaces; and, where a fee may be charged to prospective buyers for admission, or a fee may be charged for the offering or displaying such merchandise. The term swap meet is interchangeable with and applicable to: flea markets, open air markets, or other similarly named activities.

91.2.146 Repealed by O-3783 and O-3784.

91.2.147 THEATER.

(Added by O-3423)

Any structure used for public assembly and/or entertainment, including theatrical performances, concerts and recitals, and the showing of movies. This classification includes cinemas.

91.2.148 THRIFT SHOPS, OR SECONDHAND STORES.

(Added by O-3423)

An establishment primarily engaged in the sale of used clothing, household goods, furniture, or appliances. This classification does not include antique shops or establishments selling used jewelry, old coins and stamps. Nor does it include auto wrecking, dealers in used motor vehicles, and secondhand automobile parts and supplies.

91.2.149 USE.

(Added by O-3423)

The type of activity or occupancy occurring or intended to occur at a given location.

91.2.150 USE, ACCESSORY.

(Added by O-3423)

An activity or use of property which is subordinate, directly related, and supportive to a primary use located on the same premises. An accessory use is necessarily or customarily associated with a primary use in an interdependent relationship.

91.2.151 USE, INCIDENTAL.

(Added by O-3423)

An activity or use of property which is secondary to a primary use located on the same premises, and which does not make use of more than ten (10%) percent of the total floor area of the primary use.

91.2.152 USE, PRIMARY.

(Added by O-3423)

The prevalent activity or occupancy occurring or intended to occur at a given location.

91.2.153 VETERINARY CLINICS AND ANIMAL HOSPITALS.

(Added by O-3423)

Any establishment used by veterinarians to provide office, and medical and surgical treatment and care for household pets. The boarding of household pets may be permitted as incidental to such hospital uses. However, this classification includes only facilities that are entirely enclosed, soundproofed, and mechanically ventilated, otherwise such facilities shall be considered as "kennel."

91.2.154 WALKWAY.

(Added by O-3423)

A public or private pathway exclusively for the use of pedestrians.

91.2.155 WAREHOUSE RETAIL.

(Added by O-3423)

An off-price or wholesale retail/warehouse establishment exceeding fifty thousand (50,000) square feet of gross floor area and offering a full range of general merchandise to the public, or offering a limited range of merchandise serving both wholesale and retail customers.

91.2.156 ADULT BUSINESS.

(Added by O-3423)

Any business based upon either the sale of materials or performances that depict, describe, or relate to "specified sexual activities" or "specified anatomical areas," as defined by Article 33, Section 92.33.2 of Division 9.

91.2.157 CHILD DAY CARE FACILITY.

(Added by O-3453)

A facility that provides nonmedical care to children under eighteen (18) years of age in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual on less than a twenty-four (24) -hour basis. Child day care facilities include child day care centers, employer-sponsored child care centers, and family day care homes for children.

91.2.158 CHILD DAY CARE CENTER.

(Added by O-3453)

Any child day care facility other than a family day care home, and includes infant centers, preschools, nursery schools and extended day care facilities.

91.2.159 INFANT.

(Added by O-3453)

Infants are children under two (2) years of age.

91.2.160 SMALL FAMILY DAY CARE HOME.

(Added by O-3453)

A single family residence which regularly provides care, protection and supervision of a maximum of eight (8) children in the provider’s own residence, including children under the age of ten (10) years who reside at the single family residence, for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. A small family day care home may provide care for more than six (6) and up to eight (8) children without an additional adult attendant, if the requirements of California Health and Safety Code 1597.44 are met.

91.2.161 LARGE FAMILY DAY CARE HOME.

(Added by O-3453)

A single family residence which regularly provides care, protection and supervision for seven (7) to fourteen (14) children, inclusive, in the provider’s own residence including children under the age of ten (10) years who reside at the single family residence, for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day. A large family day care home may provide care for more than twelve (12) children and up to and including fourteen (14) children if the requirements of California Health and Safety Code Section 1597.465 are met.

91.2.162 HOME OCCUPATION.

(Added by O-3453)

The secondary use of a person’s own residence for a business activity carried on for profit.

91.2.163 PUMPKIN SALES LOT.

(Added by O-3485)

A pumpkin sales lot is a temporary sales operation on a vacant property where pumpkins are maintained, stored, and sold to the public.

91.2.164 CHRISTMAS TREE SALES LOT.

(Added by O-3485)

A Christmas tree sales lot is a temporary sales operations on a vacant property where cut natural Christmas trees, potted live trees, Christmas wreaths, or tree ornaments and decorations are maintained, stored, and sold to the public, and which may include the flocking, spraying, and processing of Christmas trees.

91.2.165 TEMPORARY PARKING LOT SALES EVENT.

(Added by O-3485)

A temporary parking lot sales event is an event held in a portion of a parking lot, conducted by the permanent on-site business in control of the subject parking lot area, and may include the following:

a) The temporary outdoor sales of merchandise customarily sold on the premises by the permanent on-site business; or

b) The temporary sales of pumpkins and/or Christmas trees.

91.2.166 TEMPORARY PARKING LOT SPECIAL EVENT.

(Added by O-3485)

A temporary parking lot special event is an event held in a portion of a parking lot, conducted by the permanent on-site business in control of the subject parking lot, and may include the following:

a) A temporary promotional outdoor event; or

b) A temporary outdoor gathering of people; or

c) Other similar temporary outdoor promotional events and/or gatherings as determined by the Planning Director to be consistent with Section 93.1.7.

91.2.167 SMALL ANIMAL PETTING ZOO.

(Added by O-3485)

A small animal petting zoo is a temporary outdoor display of small farm or barnyard type animals. As a small animal, no single animal may weigh more than one hundred fifty (150) pounds. No more than thirty (30) such animals may be present on-site at any one time. The total number of animals allowed may be reduced subject to the determination by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

91.2.168 PONY RIDE.

(Added by O-3485)

A pony ride is a ride using live small ponies as the mode for conveyance of children in a repetitious predetermined fixed path of travel for amusement purposes. A pony ride is not a merry-go-round. As a pony ride, no more than five (5) ponies are permitted for riding at any one (1) time. The total number of ponies allowed in a ride may be reduced subject to determination by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control.

91.2.169 Repealed by O-3889.

91.2.170 EMERGENCY SHELTER.

(Added by O-3766)

Emergency shelter means a facility that provides immediate and short term housing and supplemental services to homeless persons or families. Supplemental services may include food, counseling, and access to other social programs.

91.2.171 BODY ART.

(Added by O-3783; Amended by O-3784)

"Body art" means body piercing, tattooing, branding, or the application of permanent cosmetics.

91.2.172 BODY ART FACILITY.

(Added by O-3783; Amended by O-3784)

"Body art facility" means the specified building, section of a building, or vehicle in which a practitioner performs body art, including reception areas, the procedure area, and the decontamination and sterilization area. "Body art facility" does not include a facility that only pierces the ear with a disposable, single-use, presterilized stud and clasp or solid needle that is applied using a mechanical device to force the needle or stud through the ear.

91.2.173 BODY PIERCING.

(Added by O-3783; Amended by O-3784)

"Body piercing" means the creation of an opening in a human body for purpose of inserting jewelry or other decorations. Body piercing includes, but is not limited to, the piercing of an ear, including the tragus, lip, tongue, nose or eyebrow. Body piercing does not include the piercing of an ear, except for the tragus, with a disposable, single-use, presterilized stud and clasp or solid needle that is applied using a mechanical device to force the needle or stud through the ear.

91.2.174 TATTOOING.

(Added by O-3783; Amended by O-3784)

"Tattooing" means the insertion of pigment in human skin tissue by piercing with a needle.

91.2.175 PUBLIC TRANSIT.

(Added by O-3815)

Public transit is a location by which mass transit services can be boarded by any member of the public, such as a light rail station, a regional transit center or a permanent bus stop of publicly operated service providers.

91.2.176 Repealed by O-3889.

91.2.177 FOOD HALLS.

(Added by O-3893)

Establishments consisting of three (3) or more individually licensed businesses within an enclosed building where food and beverages may be consumed on the premises, taken out, or delivered, and may also include small retail venues. Patrons may be served while seated and pay after eating, or orders may be made at a walkup window, counter, machine, or remotely, and payment made prior to food consumption. Characteristics of food halls include but are not limited to: shared entrance/lobby areas, compartmentalized spaces for individually licensed businesses, shared indoor/outdoor eating areas, shared restrooms, and shared "back of house" areas (e.g., storage, dishwashing, food preparation). Each compartmentalized space may have access to the exterior of the building, along with outdoor dining and seating areas, which may be shared with other businesses within the establishment.

91.2.178 MAJOR TRANSIT STOP.

(Added by O-3922)

A site containing an existing rail or bus rapid transit station, a ferry terminal served by either a bus or rail transit service, or the intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency of service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.

91.2.179 HIGH-QUALITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR.

(Added by O-3922)

A corridor with fixed route service with frequency intervals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours.