Section 8178-8.

Landscape, Licensed Architect—A person who is licensed to practice landscape architecture in the State of California.

Landscape Plan—A component of the landscape documentation package that includes a plan of the project site drawn to scale and superimposed on a plan sheet that includes, but is not limited to, the location of all landscaped areas, a plant list, and a planting plan.

Landscape, Qualified Designer—An individual who, through a combination of education, training, licenses and certificates for professional proficiency, and work experience, can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Planning Director that the individual possesses the necessary skills and abilities to design a landscape screen or other minor landscape improvements.

Landscape Screen—Materials used to: 1) hide or minimize views of a development or land use to promote visual compatibility with surrounding areas; 2) provide privacy or security; 3) mitigate environmental conditions such as wind, noise, dust, and light. Screening may consist of fencing, walls, plant materials, earthen mound, or any combination thereof.

Lateral Access—A recorded dedication or easement granting to the public the right to pass and repass over dedicator's real property generally parallel to, and up to twenty-five (25) feet inland from, the mean high tide line, but in no case allowing the public the right to pass nearer than ten (10) feet to any living unit on the property.

Lattice Tower—A structure, guyed or freestanding, erected on the ground, which generally consists of metal crossed strips or bars to support antennas and equipment.

Legally Established Structure—Structure or development established before the effective date of the Coastal Act (January 1, 1977) in conformity with all applicable local laws in effect at the time, or development established after the effective date of the Coastal Act and authorized by an effective coastal development permit or other required Local Coastal Program approval.

Light Fixture—A complete lighting unit that includes the lamp and all components directly associated with the distribution, positioning and protection of the lighting unit. Also referred to as a luminaire.

Light Fixture, Fully-Shielded—A luminaire or light fixture constructed and installed in such a manner that all light emitted by the fixture is projected below the horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light-emitting part.

Light Fixture, Partially-Shielded—A luminaire constructed and installed such that most light emitted by the fixture is projected below the horizontal plane through the fixture's lowest light-emitting part. Light emitted above the horizontal plane arises only from decorative elements or diffusing materials such as frosted/colored glass or plastic.

Light Trespass or Light Spillover—Light emitted from a light fixture or luminaire that shines beyond the boundaries on which it is sited.

Lighting, Essential—A light fixture used for safety or security purposes. Safety lighting are outdoor light fixtures used by pedestrians to navigate safely along walkways between building entries, parking areas, and other legally established structures within the building site. Security lighting are light fixtures found at entry gates, building entries, and in parking areas that are primarily intended to deter or detect intrusions or other unwanted activity. Also referred to as "essential light fixture."

Lighting, Glare—The sensation produced by a bright source within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes are adapted causing annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.

Lighting, Outdoor—Any light fixture or luminaire that is installed outside the interior of a structure. The luminaire could be mounted to the exterior of a structure, mounted to poles, fences or other freestanding structures, or placed so as to provide direct illumination on any exterior area, object or activity. Outdoor lighting includes but is not limited to luminaires used for porches, hardscapes, landscapes, security lighting, driveways and walkways, parking areas, and outdoor recreation areas.

Lighting, Seasonal or Festive—Temporary lighting installed and operated in connection with holidays, traditions or festivities.

Lighting, Security—A light fixture that is primarily intended to deter or detect intrusions or other unwanted activity. Also see the definition for lighting, essential.

Littoral Drift—Longshore transportation of sediments by wave action.

Living Space—Any room other than a bathroom, closet, or stairwell.

Local Coastal Program (LCP)—The County's certified Coastal Land Use Plan, zoning ordinances, and zoning district maps.

Lot—An area of land.

Lot Area—The total area, measured in a horizontal plane, within the lot lines of a lot. For determining minimum lot size for subdivisions, the following areas shall be used: for lots ten (10) acres or larger, use gross area; for lots less than ten (10) acres, use net area.

Lot, Corner—A lot situated at the intersection of two (2) or more streets or highways, which streets or highways have an angle of intersection of not more than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees.

Lot Depth—The horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the mean direction of the side lot lines.

Lot, Interior—A lot other than a corner lot.

Lot, Legal—A lot which met all local, Subdivision Map Act, and California Coastal Act of 1976 requirements when it was created, and which can be lawfully conveyed as a discrete unit separate from any contiguous lot. A legal lot is also a lot which has been issued a

Coastal Development Permit pursuant to the Coastal Zoning Ordinance, and a certificate of compliance pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act and the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance, and which can lawfully be conveyed as a discrete unit separate from any contiguous lot. A lot for which only a conditional certificate of compliance has been issued, pursuant to the Subdivision Map Act and County Subdivision Ordinance, is not defined as a legal lot under the Ventura County Local Coastal Program (see Sections 8174-4.4 and 8181-2).

Lot Line:

Front—A line separating an interior lot from the street, or a line separating the narrower street frontage of a corner lot from the street, except for flag lots (see setbacks).

Rear—A lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. For a triangular or irregular-shaped lot, the rear lot line shall mean a line ten (10) feet in length within the lot that is parallel to the front lot line, or parallel to the chord of a curved front lot line, and at the maximum distance from the front lot line.

Side—Any lot boundary line that is not a front line or a rear lot line.

See illustration below:

Lot Line Adjustment—A lot reconfiguration that includes the modification of one (1) or more lines that form the boundary(ies) between two (2) or more adjacent lots, where the number of lots remains the same or is fewer than existed prior to the lot line adjustment.

Lot, Reverse-Corner—A corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot. Interior lots adjacent to flag lots are not considered reverse-corner lots.

Lot, Through—A lot, other than a corner lot, having frontage on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets.

Lot Width—The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at the front setback.

Low-Intensity Vegetation Removal Techniques—Techniques to remove vegetation (e.g., hand-pulling, mowing, mulching) that do not disturb the surrounding habitat or ecosystem when compared to alternative techniques, such as grazing or the use of heavy equipment that can compact or disturb soils or ESHA.

Lumen—Unit of measure used to quantify the amount of light produced by a lamp or emitted from a luminaire (as distinct from a "watt," which is a measure of power consumption).

Luminaire—See definition of light fixture.

Definitions — M—O

Major Public Works Project and Major Energy Facility—Any public works project or energy facility that costs more than one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) with an automatic annual increase in accordance with the Engineering News Record Construction Cost Index*, except for those governed by the provisions of Sections 30610, 30610.5, 30611 or 30624 of the Public Resources Code.

In addition, a major public works project also means a publicly financed recreational facility that serves, affects, or otherwise impacts regional or statewide use of the coast by increasing or decreasing public recreational opportunities or facilities.

*Data from the Construction Cost Index is available from Coastal Commission staff or online at www.ENR.com. This definition is consistent with Code of Regulations Section 13012(a), which became effective in January 1983. Construction costs of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000.00) in 1983 were equal to two hundred eight thousand seven hundred seventy-one dollars and four cents ($208,771.04) as of December 2008.

Major Vegetation—Grassland, coastal scrub, riparian vegetation, and native and nonnative trees, other than landscaping with development.

Master Valve—An electrical valve that controls all water flow into the irrigation system.

Maximum Applied Water Allowance—A calculated maximum annual volume of water allowed to be applied per-acre or per-square- foot of an established landscaped area.

Mechanical Parking Lifts—Automated or manual, indoor or outdoor, lift systems designed to stack one (1) or more motor vehicles vertically.

Mean High Tide Line—A line representing the intersection of a particular shoreline with the average height of all high waters over a 18.6-year lunar cycle. The mean high tide line may vary in location (or "ambulate") over time as a result of climatic and other influences.

Microclimate—The climate of a small, specific area that may contrast with the climate of the overall landscape area due to factors such as wind, sun exposure, plant density, or proximity to reflective surfaces.

Micro-spray Irrigation—A type of low-pressure irrigation system with outlets that include one (1) or more openings that operate at a flow rate of less than thirty (30) gallons per hour at a pressure of thirty (30) psi. Micro-spray irrigation may include but is not limited to micro-bubblers, micro-spinners and micro-spray jets.

Minor Development—A development that satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1)

The development is consistent with the County of Ventura Certified LCP;

(2)

The development requires no discretionary approvals other than a Public Works Permit or a Planned Development Permit; and

(3)

The development has no adverse effect either individually or cumulatively on coastal resources or public access to the shoreline or along the coast.

Mitigation Bank—A mitigation bank is a natural resource area that has been restored, established, enhanced, or (in certain circumstances) preserved for the purpose of providing off-site compensation for unavoidable impacts to a similar resource A mitigation bank may be created when a government agency, corporation, nonprofit organization, or other entity undertakes these activities under a formal agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

ain circumstances) preserved for the purpose of providing off-site compensation for unavoidable impacts to a similar resource A mitigation bank may be created when a government agency, corporation, nonprofit organization, or other entity undertakes these activities under a formal agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, or U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Mitigation, Enhancement—The manipulation of the physical, chemical or biological characteristics of an existing habitat to heighten, intensify, or improve a specific ecosystem function(s). Examples of enhancement activities include fencing to restrict access and protect from erosion, or controlling non-native or invasive or invasive watch list plant species. Enhancement results in improvements to specific ESHA functions, but it does not result in increased acreage of ESHA.

Mitigation, Establishment—The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site to create ecologically functional habitat where it did not previously exist. When used as compensatory mitigation, the establishment of new ESHA may result in an increase in ESHA acreage.

Mitigation, In-kind—The replacement of adversely impacted habitat with similar habitat of equal or higher quality containing the same plant and animal species/communities and providing similar ecological functions as the impacted habitat.

Mitigation, Preservation—The protection of existing ESHA in perpetuity using legal instruments such as a conservation easement.

Mitigation, Restoration—The manipulation of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of a site to bring back the site's original natural or historic habitat, species, and ecological functions. May include the re-establishment of habitat at sites where ecological function was wholly or partially lost or degraded.

Mixed Use Development—A development project that includes a mixture of two (2) or more of the following uses on the same site: residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial use.

Mobilehome—A structure, transportable in one (1) or more sections, designed and equipped to be used as a dwelling unit, but not including a recreational vehicle, commercial coach, or factory-built housing.

Monarch Butterfly Roost Sites or Habitat—Groves of native or non-native trees, water sources, and associated understory plants, occupied by groups of monarch butterflies typically during the October through March overwintering period. Roosts are typically (but not always) occupied every year, although the number of butterflies may fluctuate from year to year or during the overwintering season dependent upon microsite characteristics. Also referred to as overwintering habitat or overwintering roost habitat.

Monopole—A structure composed of a single spire or pole used to support antennas and connecting appurtenances for a non- commercial antenna or a wireless communication facility.

Motel—Building(s) that provide lodging in guest rooms primarily for tourists traveling by automobile. Motel buildings typically have direct access from the rooms to the outdoors. Motels include auto courts, motor lodges, and tourist courts.

Mulch—A layer of material applied to the surface of an area of soil or mixed with the soil. Its purpose is to conserve moisture, improve the fertility and health of the soil, reduce weed growth, and enhance the visual appeal of the area. A mulch is usually but not exclusively composed of organic material such as leaves, grass clippings, weeds, yard trimmings, wood waste, branches, stumps, and whole plants or trees that are mechanically reduced in size. Mulch can be used as a ground cover or as a soil conditioner. Mulch may be permanent or temporary, and it may be applied to bare soil or around existing plants. Mulches of manure or compost will be incorporated naturally into the soil by the activity of worms and other organisms.

Native Vegetation—Vegetation that is indigenous to Ventura County. Native vegetation includes, but is not limited to, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, perennial grassland, California annual grassland, riparian and alluvial scrub habitats. Native vegetation does not include ruderal vegetation invasive or invasive watch list plant species. In addition, native vegetation does not include ornamental, landscape or crop vegetation, including sod and lawn grasses and actively managed fallow farmland.

Natural Disaster—Natural disasters are catastrophic events with atmospheric, geological, hydrological, and/or biological origins (e.g., droughts, earthquakes, floods, typhoons, landslides, wildfires, disease and pest epidemics) that can cause fatalities, property damage, and the significant disruption to the current status of society and the environment.

Natural Resource Agency—Any federal, state or local governmental agency created by statute or official action to protect natural resources. Such agencies include, but are not limited to, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), State Parks, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and the Ventura County Watershed Protection District.

Nest, Active/Occupied—The nest of a bird that is under construction or that contains eggs or young. Nests which are critical to the life history of the individual (e.g., individuals of species that exhibit site fidelity, colonial nesters, and raptors) are considered an active nest year-round.

Nest, Inactive—An abandoned bird nest once occupied by nestlings or fledglings that are no longer dependent on the nest.

Net Area—The total land area of a lot exclusive of: (a) areas within an existing or proposed public or private street, road, or easement used for ingress or egress, and (b) the area within an existing or proposed easement where the owner of the lot or parcel is prohibited from using the surface of the ground. Included in the net area is the area lying within public utility easements (except as otherwise

provided in Section 8241 of Chapter 2 of this Code), sanitary sewer easements, landscaping easements, public service easements, and tree maintenance easements.

Noise Sensitive Receptors—Within ESHA, this includes wildlife species sensitive to noise disruption (bird, mammal, insect, etc.) or locations that contain or support species that elicit a negative biological response to specific types or levels of noise.

Non-Commercial Antenna—A device for transmitting or receiving radio signals. Non-commercial antennas are used to operate amateur radios, such as HAM radios and citizen band antennas, for purposes of the non-commercial exchange of messages, including emergency response training and operations.

Nonconforming Structure—A structure, or portion thereof, that was lawfully erected or altered and maintained, but that no longer conforms with development standards, including standards for lot coverage, setbacks, height, parking, and buffer zones for environmentally sensitive habitat areas, solely because of revisions made to development standards of this Chapter, including standards for buffer zones, lot coverage, lot area per structure, height, and setbacks.

Nonconforming Use—A use that was lawfully established and maintained but that, because of revisions made to this Chapter is (1) no longer permitted in the zone in which it is located or, (2) no longer in conformance with the parking requirements of the use in the zone in which it is located.

Nonprime Agricultural Land—Agricultural lands not defined as prime that are suitable for agriculture.

Off-Site Parking—Parking provided at a site other than the site on which the use served by such parking is located.

Oil and Gas Exploration and Production—The drilling, extraction and transportation or subterranean fossil gas and petroleum, and necessary attendant uses and structures, but excluding refining, processing or manufacturing thereof.

Ornithologist—A type of zoologist who studies ornithology, the branch of science devoted to birds.

Outdoor Festivals—Events such as amusement rides, animal and art shows, concerts, craft fairs, and itinerant shows.

Outdoor Sporting Events—Recreational events or activities, other than spectator-type animal events, that require a natural environment, are carried on by one (1) or more groups of people, and do not involve structures, motorized vehicles, aircraft or firearms.

Oversized Vehicle—An oversized vehicle is defined as one of the following:

•

Any single vehicle that exceeds twenty-five (25) feet in length, six (6) feet eight (8) inches in width, or six (6) feet ten (10) inches in height, exclusive of projecting lights or devices.

•

Boat and cargo trailers.

•

Recreational vehicles including but not limited to fifth-wheel travel trailers and travel coaches.

Overspray—Irrigation water that is delivered outside of the landscape area.

Definitions — P—Q

Paleontological Resource, Important—The fossilized remains or indications of once-living plant or animal life that are found in geologic formations and have one (1) or more of the following characteristics:

(1)

The fossils are well preserved;

(2)

The fossils are identifiable;

(3)

The fossils are type/topotypic specimens;

(4)

The fossils are age diagnostic, or can be used as index fossils in a biostratigraphic context;

(5)

The fossils are useful in environmental reconstruction;

(6)

The fossils represent rare and/or endemic taxa;

(7)

The fossils represent a diverse assemblage;

(8)

The fossils represent associated marine and non-marine taxa.

Paleontological Resources, Significant Fossils—Identified sites or geologic deposits containing individual fossils or assemblages of fossils that are unique or unusual, diagnostically or stratigraphically important, and add to the existing body of knowledge in specific areas, stratigraphically, taxonomically, or regionally.

Paleontologist, Qualified Consultant—A professional geologist licensed by the State of California or other person determined by the Planning Director to be qualified. An un-licensed person may be considered to be a qualified paleontologist consultant by the Planning Director if he or she meets all of the following standards:

(1)

Holds a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in paleontology, geology, or related discipline;

(2)

Has a minimum of five (5) years of experience performing paleontological, geological, or related studies;

(3)

Can demonstrate expertise in local and regional vertebrate and invertebrate paleontology;

(4)

Has experience in fossil collection, curation and report preparation; and

(5)

Can demonstrate professional experience and competency with paleontological resource mitigation procedures and techniques.

Parcel—For the purposes of this Chapter, the word parcel shall have the same meaning as the word lot.

Parking Lot—An improved, off street parking facility containing four (4) or more parking spaces and that is designed and used primarily for the parking of operable motor vehicles and bicycles. Parking lots may be located at grade, above-ground, or below- ground. Parking lots include parking spaces, drive aisles, loading areas, and required landscaping and screening. Parking lots do not include individual residential garages, parking spaces/areas for single-family or two-family dwelling units, including those used for caretaker or farmworker housing.

Parkway—The portion of a public road right-of-way that is typically reserved for public utility facilities, street trees or landscaping, and pedestrian access facilities (e.g., sidewalks or trails). The parkway is located between the outside edge of the road right-of-way and

the road pavement (i.e., shoulder and travel-way), a boundary that is often defined by a curb and gutter.

Passive Restoration—Passive restoration allows natural succession to occur in an ecosystem after removing a source of disturbance.

Performance Criteria—An expectation of interim or final results, stated in the landscape documentation package or other plan requiring County approval, that identifies benchmarks for vegetative growth and coverage against which performance is measured.

Perimeter Landscaping—The area located within the required setbacks of a lot when such setbacks must be set aside and used primarily for landscaping.

Permitted Use—A use listed in Section 8174-5 as a permitted use, which may be allowed subject to obtaining the necessary permits and compliance with all applicable provisions of the LCP.

Person—Any individual, organization, partnership, or other business association or corporation, including any utility and any federal, state, local government or special district, or any agency thereof.

Pervious Pavement—A porous surface that allows the passage of water through the material and into the underlying soil. Pervious pavement is used to decrease the volume of stormwater runoff and to increase the infiltration of water into the ground.

Planned Development Permit—A Coastal Development Permit based upon a discretionary decision that is required prior to initiation of specified uses and development which are subject to site plan review and which may be conditioned in order to assure compliance with the requirements of the Local Coastal Program.

Planning Director—The Deputy Director, Ventura County Resource Management Agency, for the Planning Division, or his or her designee.

Plant Factor—A factor used in the water budget calculation to estimate the amount of water needed for plants. Plant factors range from 0.1 to 0.9 and are divided into four (4) categories: very low < 0.1; low 0.1—0.3; moderate 0.4—0.6; and high 0.7—0.9.

Planter, Finger—A landscape planter located at the end of a parking aisle that defines parking lot circulation aisles and that provides a place to plant trees within the parking lot.

Examples of Finger Planters

Planter, Landscape—An area devoted to plants that is defined with a raised curb or other material that separates the landscape area from adjacent uses.

Examples of Landscape Planters

Planter, Landscape Strip—A long, narrow landscape planter located in front of or between rows of parking spaces or adjacent to a property line that borders a public sidewalk or street.

Landscape Strip Planters are typically used to reduce storm-water runoff or to visually screen parking lots from public walkways or streets.

Examples of Landscape Strip Planters

Point of Interest—The location of, or site of, a former improvement or natural feature or of an event possessing historical or cultural characteristics.

Pony—A small or young horse under fifty-eight (58) inches high at the shoulders.

Preliminary Processing—Basic activities and operations instrumental to the preparation of agricultural goods for shipment to market, excluding canning or bottling.

Prime Agricultural Land—Means any of the following:

•

All land which qualifies for rating as Class I or Class II in the Natural Resource Conservation Service land use capability classifications.

•

Land which qualifies for rating 80 through 100 in the Storie Index Rating.

•

Land which supports livestock used for the production of food and fiber and which has an annual carrying capacity equivalent to at least one (1) animal unit per acre as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.

•

Land planted with fruit- or nut-bearing trees, vines, bushes or crops which have a nonbearing period of less than five (5) years and which will normally return during the commercial bearing period on an annual basis from the production of unprocessed agricultural plant production not less than two hundred dollars ($200.00) per acre.

Principal Use/Principal Structure—The primary use(s) or primary structure(s) on a lot to which other uses and structures are accessory. This term is unrelated to the definition of principally-permitted use, which indicates development that is not appealable to the Coastal Commission, unless located within an appealable area (see definition of Principally-Permitted Use).

Principally-Permitted Use—The primary use of land that clearly carries out the land use intent and purpose of a particular zone, as specified in Section 8174-5. Where a land use is identified as a principally-permitted use, the County's approval of a Coastal Development Permit for that development is not appealable to the Coastal Commission unless it otherwise meets the definition of Development Subject to Appeal. See definition of principal use/principal structure for development that is the primary use or primary structure on a lot.

Produce Stand—A structure used to sell raw, unprocessed fruits, nuts and seeds, and vegetables, flowers and ornamental plants.

Public Art—Art that is located in publicly-accessible places (e.g., government buildings, schools, public parks and waterfront areas), not including temporary arts activities or events such as street theatre, open-air music, or pavement artists.

Public Road or Street—Any road or street or thoroughfare of whatever nature, publicly maintained and open to the use of the public for the purpose of vehicular travel.

Public Viewing Areas—Public areas that afford views of scenic resources. Such views may be fleeting or expansive as experienced from individual locations or along transportation corridors. Public viewing areas include, but are not limited to, beaches, coastal streams and waters used for recreational purposes, coastal trails and accessways, highways, public parklands, public roads, public sidewalks or trails, scenic overlooks, vistas and vista points.

Public Viewshed—A geographical area that is visible from a public viewing area.

Public Works—Means the following:

(1)

All production, storage, transmission, and recovery facilities for water, sewerage, telephone, and other similar utilities owned or operated by any public agency or by a utility subject to the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Commission, except for energy facilities.

(2)

All public transportation facilities, including streets, roads, highways, public parking lots and structures, ports, harbors, airports, railroads, and mass transit facilities and stations, bridges, trolley wires, and other related facilities.

(3)

All publicly-financed recreational facilities, all projects of the State Coastal Conservancy, and any development by a special district.

(4)

All community college facilities.

See also Major Public Works Project and Major Energy Facility.

Qualified Storm Water Designer—A licensed civil engineer, Qualified Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Practitioner (QSP), Qualified SWPPP Developer (QSD), or Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Specialist (CPESC).

Definitions — R

Rain Garden—A planted area that captures stormwater runoff. A rain garden is designed to withstand moisture and concentrations such as nitrogen and phosphorus found in rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas like roofs, driveways, walkways, and parking lots.

Raptor—Birds in the biological order called Falconiformes, which includes eagles, hawks, falcons, and ospreys and any bird dependent on consumption of other animals for food, including scavengers such as vultures and condors.

Rebuild—A rebuild or reconstruction occurs when extensive changes or repairs are made to the exterior envelope of any structure.

Reclaimed Water—Treated or recycled waste water of a quality suitable for non-potable uses such as landscape irrigation and water features. This water is not intended for human consumption and must be appropriately identified with colored pipes and signage, if appropriate.

Recreational Area—Areas designed for shoreline/beach, water oriented, passive, and commercial recreation, including but not limited to, multiple-use paths and trails, natural or wilderness parks, and developed parks. Recreational areas include "public" and "privately- operated" recreational opportunities that are available to the general public.

Recreational Vehicle—A vehicle of any size that (a) is self-propelled or is towed by another vehicle, (b) is not designed to be used as a permanent dwelling, (c) has self-contained plumbing, heating and electrical systems that may be operated without connection to outside utilities and, (d) does not meet the definition of a structure. Recreational vehicles do not fall within the definition of mobile homes.

Recreational Vehicle Park—Any area of land developed primarily for temporary use by recreational vehicles for which utility connections (sewer, water, electricity) are provided.

Rehabilitated Landscape—Any re-landscaping or landscaping modification project that would change fifty (50) percent or more of the total landscape area, and that requires the issuance of a new or modified discretionary permit.

Remodel—A remodel is an interior alteration to an existing approved, permitted and inspected structure where the foundation, exterior walls and roof structure remain in place without modification.

Rent—The terms rent, rented and rental mean allowing use of a dwelling or property, or any portion thereof, in exchange for consideration in any form.

Residential Care Facility—A residential facility providing nonmedical or incidental medical services on a 24-hour basis or on a less than 24-hour basis to people who are mentally ill, handicapped, physically disabled, elderly, dependent or neglected children, wards of the Juvenile Court, or other persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of everyday living or for protection of the individual. Included within this definition are "intermediate care facilities/developmentally disabled-nursing" and "intermediate care facilities/developmentally disabled-habilitative" with six (6) or fewer beds, and congregate living health facilities, pursuant to the Health and Safety Code.

Residential (or "R") Zone—A base zone classification under this Chapter that contains the letter "R" in its abbreviation.

Resource-Dependent Uses—A use that is reliant on the resource (i.e., ESHA) to function. Resource-dependent uses include nature observation, research/education, and passive recreation, including low-impact camping and hiking.

Rest Home—A licensed facility where lodging and meals, and nursing, dietary and other personal services are rendered for nonpsychiatric convalescents, invalids, and aged persons for compensation. Excludes cases of contagious or communicable diseases, and surgery or primary treatments such as are customarily provided in sanitariums and hospitals.

Restoration Specialist—A County-approved, qualified biologist that has the knowledge and demonstrable experience to plan and implement a habitat restoration, establishment, or enhancement project for the environmentally sensitive habitat area (ESHA).

Retail Trade—Businesses engaged in retailing merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services incidental to the sale of merchandise. Examples of retail trade businesses are: bakeries, delicatessens, grocery stores and meat markets; retail stores for the sale of books, cameras, clothing, flowers, hardware, jewelry, pets, shoes, sporting goods and toys; bait and fishing tackle rental; drug stores; gift shops, hobby shops and music stores.

Ridgeline—A ridge or mountain ridge is a geological feature consisting of a chain of mountains or hills that form a continuous elevated crest for some distance. A ridgeline is the line along the crest of this geological feature, which is formed by the highest points, with the terrain dropping down on either side of the ridgeline.

Riding Stable—A facility where there are stables for horses that are rented to members of the public for recreational purposes, including riding lessons, whether or not the facility is advertised or promoted as such, and whether or not the riding occurs on the property on which the horses are kept.

Riparian Habitat—A zone of transitional habitat between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems dependent on the existence of perennial, intermittent, or ephemeral surface or subsurface water. The riparian vegetation community is located in an area adjacent to a natural watercourse, such as a perennial or intermittent stream, lake or other body of fresh water, where related vegetation and associated animal species live or are located. See Appendix E1, AE1.2.3(h)(8) for a more detailed description of the plant communities within riparian habitat/vegetation.

Rocky Outcrop Habitat—An outcropping of rock that provides habitat to many specialized and endemic species that are adapted to persist on generally dry, nutrient poor soils or that require rocky formations for different critical life stages. A visible exposure of bedrock or ancient superficial deposits on the surface of the earth that forms a natural topographic feature of scenic or historic value. See Appendix AE-1.2.3 for a more detailed description of the plant communities within ESHA Rocky Outcrop Habitat.

Roof Structures—Structures located on the roof of a building for the housing of elevators, stairways, tanks, ventilating fans and similar equipment required to operate and maintain the building; fire or parapet walls, safety rails, skylights, towers, flagpoles, chimneys, smokestacks, solar collectors, residential satellite, and digital T.V. dishes less than one (1) meter in diameter, T.V. antennas and similar structures. A wireless communication facility is not included in the definition of roof structures.

Rooming House—A dwelling unit with one (1) family in permanent residence wherein two (2) to five (5) bedrooms, without meals, are offered for compensation.

Roosting Sites—Sites used by birds or other winged animals for nesting, breeding, resting, or sleeping.

Runoff—Water that flows across the earth's surface rather than being infiltrated into the ground or transpired by plants.

Definitions — S

Sandy Beach Area—A public or privately-owned sandy area fronting on coastal waters, regardless of the existence of potential prescriptive rights or a public trust interest.

Scenic Highway—A route or byway that is officially designated as a scenic highway pursuant to State law which travels through an area comprised primarily of scenic and natural features.

Scenic Highway Corridor—The visible area outside the right-of-way of an eligible or designated scenic highway comprised primarily of scenic and natural features.

Scenic Resources—The landscape patterns and features which are visually or aesthetically pleasing and which are visible from a public viewing area, including but not limited to the beach or ocean, coastline, mountains, canyons, ridgelines, significant hillsides and open space, estuaries, wetlands and lagoons, other unique natural or manmade features such as the Channel Islands Harbor.

Season, Breeding/Nesting (Bird)—January 1 through September 15 of each calendar year. Times during the calendar year when bird species nest and breed. While the breeding/nesting season varies for different species of birds, January through Mid-September of each calendar year is generally considered the breeding/nesting season for birds within Ventura County.

Season, Non-Breeding/Non-Nesting—September 16 through December 31 of each calendar year. Times during the calendar year when bird species are not nesting or breeding. While this period varies for different species of birds, Mid-September through December of each calendar year is generally considered the non-breeding/nesting season for birds within Ventura County.

Second Dwelling—See dwelling, second.

Second Generation Rodenticides—Products used to poison certain types of rodents (e.g., rats, mice) containing the active ingredients brodifacoum, bromadiolone, difethialone, and difenacoum.

Service Infrastructure—Roads, electrical cable lines, water wells or pipes, sewer pumps and leach fields, and other development that provides essential services to a structure or facility.

Setback—The distance on an individual lot that is intended to provide an open area measured from a property line or other boundary line to a structure or use, and includes front (F), rear (R) and side (S) setbacks.

In the case of "flag" lots, the setbacks shall be measured from the applicable front, rear and sides of the lot as designated in the following diagram.

If a = b, applicant designates C or D as front.

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Setback, Front—An open area that extends between side lot lines across the front of a lot, the depth of which is the required minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot.

Setback, Rear—An open area that extends across the rear of the lot between the inner side lot lines that is the required minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot.

Setback, Side—An open area that extends from the front setback, or the front lot line where no front setback is required, to the rear yard; the width of the required side setback shall be measured horizontally from the nearest part of the side lot line.

Shall and May—"Shall" is mandatory; "may" is permissive.

Shared Parking—Shared parking is a means by which adjacent property owners share their parking areas and thereby reduce the number of parking spaces that each would provide on their individual properties. Shared parking is commonly applied when land uses have different parking demand patterns and are able to use the same parking spaces/areas throughout the day.

Shorebird Colony—A large congregation of shorebirds of one (1) or more species that nest or roost in proximity at a particular location. See definition for colonial roost.

Shoreline Protective Devices—Seawalls, revetments, breakwaters and other such construction that alter natural shoreline processes.

Sign—A communication device using words or symbols, illuminated or non-illuminated, that is visible from any public place or is located on private property and exposed to the public and that directs attention to a product, service, place, activity, person, institution, business or solicitation, including any permanently installed or situated merchandise; or any emblem, painting, banner, pennant, placard or temporary display designed to advertise, identify or convey information.

Sign Area—The total area within the physical or visual frame of the sign, or the sum of the total area of graphical elements where there is no frame. For double-faced signs, the sign area is the total area of a single side of the sign. Time and temperature devices without advertising ;i©\i; are not included in the sign area. See Section 8175-5.13.9.1, to determine maximum sign area.

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Sign, Attached—Any sign posted, painted on, or constructed or otherwise attached to the wall, façade, canopy, marquee, or other architectural part of a building.

Sign, Canopy—Any sign attached to, or constructed in or on, a canopy or marquee.

Sign or Message/Content, Commercial—A sign or message that relates primarily to economic interests such as the exchange of goods and services. Different types of commercial signs are more particularly defined in this Article.

Sign, Construction—A temporary, on-site sign directly related to a construction project.

Sign Copy—The words and/or graphics printed on a sign.

Sign, Directional—Any on-site sign that serves solely to designate entrances or exits, or the location or direction of any onsite area.

Sign, Double-faced—A sign structure with messages on both sides of a sign board or panel; or a sign structure with two (2) attached parallel faces.

Sign, Freestanding—Any sign that is anchored directly to the ground or is supported from the ground and detached from any building or structure.

Sign, Identification—An on-site sign that only indicates the name of the occupant, business and/or address.

Sign, Illuminated—A sign that is illuminated by a light source that is contained inside the sign.

Sign, Incidental—An on-site sign providing non-advertising information about a location or business such as hours of operation, contact information, and whether or not the location or business is open or has vacancy.

Sign, Interpretive—A sign that explains the meaning, origin, or purpose of an historical, natural, or cultural resource or site.

Sign, Legal Nonconforming—A sign that does not conform to the current applicable development standards of this Chapter but was lawfully in existence and in use prior to and at the time the provisions of this Chapter with which it does not conform became effective. (See Section 8175-5.13.11.)

Sign, Light Emitting Diodes (LED)—An internally illuminated sign that utilizes light-emitting diodes, or similar technology, and colored lens assembled in single and tri-color matrixes instead of incandescent light bulbs, neon, or fluorescent tubes. Does not include electronic variable message signs that would allow for images that appear to move with video-like quality such as but not limited to electronic message boards and marquee signs.

Sign, Locational—A sign that informs the public about the location of noncommercial destinations such as coastal access points, trailheads, parks and campgrounds, government facilities and other points of interest, and that is maintained by a public agency.

Sign Message/Content, Noncommercial—A sign or message which is not of a commercial nature. Such signs or messages typically relate to politics or public policy, civics, art, science, public service, social issues, religion, or spirituality.

Sign, Monument—A freestanding sign detached from a building sitting directly on the ground or near ground level and having a solid support structure as opposed to being supported by poles or similar support structures.

Sign, Mural—A painting or other work of art executed directly on a wall.

Sign, Off-site—A sign that displays content related to property, goods, activities, or services not found on, or related to, the lot on which the sign is located.

Sign, On-site—A sign located on the same site as the occupant, business, trade or profession to which it relates.

Sign, Open House—A temporary, off-site sign providing direction to residential real property during the period it is on public display for sale or lease.

Sign, Permanent—A sign intended to be displayed and maintained for a period of more than sixty (60) consecutive days.

Sign Permit—The written authorization issued by the Planning Division that allows the permit holder to place, erect, modify, alter, repaint or maintain a sign. Sign permits may be issued as Zoning Clearances or Planned Development Permits as provided herein.

Sign, Political—A temporary sign with noncommercial content pertaining to an election for public office or to a ballot measure to be placed before voters in a federal, state, or local election.

Sign, Portable—A temporary sign that can be moved from one location to another. The term portable sign includes signs mounted on a trailer or other moveable object and towed by a motor vehicle. Such signs do not include a sign that is attached or magnetically affixed to the body or other integral part of the vehicle.

Sign Program—A plan that includes a range of sign types and styles that support the overall continuity of the design of the signs that will serve multiple buildings or tenants leasing space in a building(s) on one (1) or more parcels.

Sign, Projecting—An attached sign that projects outward perpendicularly or at an angle from a wall or building face.

Sign, Promotional Temporary—A temporary on-site sign such as a banner, pennant, or inflatable object located, attached, or tethered to the ground, site, merchandise, or structure.

Sign, Real Estate—A temporary, on-site sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the property on which it is maintained.

Sign, Residential Subdivision—A temporary sign advertising the sale of two (2) or more lots located within the same subdivision.

Sign, Road—A sign that provides information to control the flow of traffic, warns of hazards ahead, future destinations, or roadway services, and that is maintained by the State Department of Transportation or local agency.

Sign, Roof—Any sign erected upon, against or directly above a roof or on top of or above the parapet of a building.

Sign, Symbol—A permanent on-site sign with a graphic representation of goods or services sold or rendered on the premises, or a traditional emblem associated with a trade, and that contains no written content, pictures or symbols such as business logos or trademarks.

Sign, Temporary—A sign displayed for a limited period of time not exceeding sixty (60) consecutive days or such other duration as specified for a particular sign in this Chapter.

Sign, Wall—A sign attached to or erected against the wall of a building or structure with the exposed face of the sign parallel to the plane of such wall.

Sign, Window—A sign attached to, suspended behind, placed or painted upon the window or glass door of a building and is intended for viewing from the exterior of such building. Does not include merchandise offered for sale onsite, when on display in a window.

Site of Merit—Sites of historical, cultural, architectural or aesthetic merit which have not been officially otherwise designated and have been surveyed according to Federal standards and assigned a National Register Status Code of 1 through 5.

Sky glow—The brightness of the night sky caused by artificial lights used for development, which is most often noticed as a glowing dome over cities.

Example of sky glow

Slope—The relationship between the change in elevation (rise) of land and the horizontal distance (run) over which that change in elevation occurs, measured along a straight line. The percent of any given slope is determined by dividing the rise by the run on the natural slope, and multiplying by one hundred (100).

Slope/Density Formula—An engineering formula based on the average slope of an existing lot that is used to determine the minimum lot area of all proposed lots of a land division in the COS zone, and in the CA zone when not prime agricultural land.

Soils Report—A report prepared by a geotechnical engineer or soils engineer licensed by the State of California for one (1) or more of the following purposes: identifying the nature and distribution of existing soils; stating conclusions and recommendations for grading procedures; stating soil design criteria for structures, embankments or landscaping; and, where necessary, setting forth slope stability studies.

Sound Measurements, dB and dBA—Measured in decibels, these units on the logarithmic scale are based on the ratio between the actual measured sound pressure and the reference sound pressure. The dBA measurement for sound is adjusted to represent the way the human hearing system responds to sound/noise.

Sound Measurements, Leq(h) and L(max)—Measurements for sounds that vary over time. Leg(h) is the energy equivalent level of sound within a given time period. L(max) is the maximum sound level measured within a given time period.

Special Landscape Area—An area of the project site designated principally for one of the following purposes: (a) the production of food crops such as vegetable gardens or orchards; (b) irrigation with recycled water (i.e., water features); and (c) use for active recreation such as golf courses, sports fields, school yards, picnic grounds, or other areas where turf provides a playing surface or serves other high-use recreational purposes.

Special Status Species—A term used in the scientific community for species that are considered sufficiently rare that they require special consideration and/or protection. Groups categorized as special status species are recognized by federal, state and local natural resource agencies as threatened, endangered, rare, candidate species/species of special concern, California fully protected species, or are species listed as of "greatest conservation concern" due to the decline of the species. See Section 8178-2.4 for specific ranks and groups classified as special status species.

Stable, Private—An accessory building or structure used for the keeping of horses owned by the occupants of the premises and not kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

Stepping Stones—Isolated patches of suitable habitat used by a species, often only for temporary occupancy, to facilitate movement through the larger landscape.

Stopover/Staging Sites—A stopover area is a site used by birds to rest and feed during migration, while a staging area is a site that contains abundant, predictable food resources that attract large numbers of birds.

Store—An enclosed building housing an establishment offering a specified line of goods or services for retail sale.

Stormwater Management Landscaping—Landscape features that make use of vegetation, land forms, soil, or filtering media to provide retention, treatment, evapotranspiration, or infiltration of stormwater. Examples include bioretention areas, rain gardens, vegetated drainage swales, vegetated buffer zones, landscape strip planters, tree box filters, infiltration trenches, and dry swales.

Stream—A topographic feature that conveys water over the land perennially, intermittently, or ephemerally through a bed or channel with banks. This term also applies to watercourses having a surface or subsurface flow that support or have supported riparian or alluvial vegetation. Referred to as "creek," drainage or watercourse.

Structural Alterations—Any change in roof lines or exterior walls, or in the supporting members of a building such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, floor joists, roof joists, or rafters. This includes any physical change that could affect the integrity of a wall, including partial or total removal, moving a wall to another location or expanding the wall in terms of height or length. Minor actions such as adding a doorway, walkway, passage or window, or attaching architectural features or adornments, are not considered to be structural alterations.

Structure—Anything constructed or erected on the ground, or that requires location on the ground, or is attached to something having a location on or in the ground.

Subsurface Irrigation—An irrigation system that uses perforated underground pipe to provide water to the plants' root zones.

Supportive Housing—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Government Code section 65582(n), as may be amended, which states: "'Supportive Housing' means housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an onsite or offsite service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving their health status, and maximizing their ability to live and, when possible, work in the community."

Definitions — T—V

Tandem Parking—The placement of parking spaces one behind the other, so that the space nearest the driveway or street access serves as the only means of access to the other space.

Third-Party Provider—A natural resource agency, County-approved conservation organization or specialized business that is contracted to implement compensatory mitigation.

Through Lot—See lot, through.

Tidelands—All lands that are located between the lines of mean high tide and mean low tide.

Tide Pool—Rocky pools of water on the shoreline that are subject to the ebb and flow of ocean tides and which may exist as isolated pools at low tide or when the ocean recedes.

Topotypic—A specimen from the locality at which the type was first collected.

Townhouse Development—A subdivision consisting of attached dwelling units in conjunction with a separate lot or lots of common ownership, wherein each dwelling unit has at least one (1) vertical wall extending from ground to roof dividing it from adjoining units, and each unit is separately owned, with the owner of such unit having title to the land on which it sits.

Transitional Housing—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Government Code section 65582(q), as may be amended, which states: "'Transitional Housing' means buildings configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that require the termination of assistance and recirculating of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance."

Trash Enclosure—An area where trash or recyclable material containers or any other type of waste or refuse containers are stored and which may include fences or walls to secure the area.

Tree—A perennial palm or plant that includes at least one (1) well-defined stem or trunk that may, at maturity, be kept clear of leaves and branches at least six (6) feet above grade.

Tree, Alter—To prune, cut, trim, poison, over-water, trench within a tree's roots, or otherwise transform or damage a tree.

Tree Canopy—The horizontal projection of a tree's limbs, branches, twigs, leaves and buds.

Tree, Certified Arborist—An individual who specializes in the care and maintenance of trees and is certified by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Tree, Diameter Measurements—The diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches at a height of four and one-half (4.5) feet above the ground while standing on level ground or from the uphill side of a tree. If a tree splits into multiple trunks below four and one-half (4.5) feet, the trunk is measured at its most narrow point beneath the split. Where an elevated root crown is encountered which enlarges the trunk at four and one-half feet above grade, the trunk shall be measured above the crown swell where the normal trunk resumes. The diameter of limbs shall be measured just beyond the swell of the branch where the limb attaches to the main trunk or their supporting limbs.

Tree, Dripline—The area created by extending a vertical line from the outermost portion of the limb canopy to the ground.

Tree, Emergency—A natural occurrence, disaster, or disease that would jeopardize public health or safety due to a hazardous tree.

Tree, Encroachment—The direct or indirect invasion of the tree protected zone which may damage or transform any part of a protected tree or its root system including but not limited to such activities as: trenching; digging; placement of heavy equipment; paving; storing vehicles and other materials; irrigation and landscaping; grading; or placement of structures.

Tree, Fell—See tree removal.

Tree, Hazardous—A tree that has succumbed to disease or pests or a tree with one (1) or more structural defects that predispose it to failure. To be defined as hazardous, the tree must be located in an area where personal injury or damage to private property (e.g., a structure such as a house, garage, fence, carport, or access leading to such areas) could occur if the tree, or a portion of the tree, fails.

Tree, Heritage—A non-native, non-invasive or non-invasive watch list species of tree or group/grove of trees that has unique value or is considered irreplaceable because of its rarity, distinctive features (e.g., size, form, shape color), or prominent location with a community or landscape.

Tree, Historic—Any tree or group of trees identified by the County as having historic value to Ventura County, the State or the nation. The County may designate an historic tree as a landmark, or it may be identified on the Federal or California Historic Resources Inventory to be of historic or cultural significance, or otherwise identified as contributing to a site or structure of historical or cultural significance.

ee or group of trees identified by the County as having historic value to Ventura County, the State or the nation. The County may designate an historic tree as a landmark, or it may be identified on the Federal or California Historic Resources Inventory to be of historic or cultural significance, or otherwise identified as contributing to a site or structure of historical or cultural significance.

Tree, Invasive—Any non-native tree or group of trees that spread into an area where they displace native plants or native trees or bring about changes in species composition, community structure, or ecosystem function.

Tree, ISA Standards—Pruning standards promulgated by the International Society of Arboriculture.

Tree, Multiple Trunk—A tree which has two (2) or more trunks forking below four and one-half (4.5) feet above the uphill side of the root crown.

Tree, Native—Any tree indigenous to Ventura County not planted for commercial agriculture.

Tree, Non-Native—Any tree not indigenous to Ventura County.

Tree Permit—A ministerial Zoning Clearance, discretionary Planned Development Permit, or Emergency Coastal Development Permit, issued by the Planning Division authorizing the alteration or removal of a protected tree.

Tree, Protected—Any tree that meets the criteria set forth in Section 8178-7.3.

Tree, Protected Zone—The surface and subsurface area in which the loss, disturbance, or damage to any roots may adversely affect the tree's long-term health and structural stability. See Section 8178-7.4.3 to calculate Tree, Protected Zone.

Tree, Protected Zone Buffer—A distance measured from the edge of the tree protected zone which allows for future growth. See