Chapter 1 — Zoning

Article 1. - Authority, Purpose, and Application of Chapter

This Chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority vested in the County of Ventura by the State of California, including, but not limited to, the Government Code and the Public Resources Code. This Chapter shall be known as the "Non-Coastal Zoning Ordinance."

(Am. Ord. 4377—1/29/08)

The text (including tables and matrices) and references to the Official Zoning Data (See Article 18) contained in this Chapter constitute the comprehensive zoning regulations for the unincorporated area of Ventura County, excluding the Coastal Zone, and are adopted by the Board of Supervisors to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare; to provide the environmental, economic and social advantages which result from an orderly, planned use of resources; to establish the most beneficial and convenient relationships among land uses and to implement and be consistent with the County's General Plan.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 4377—1/29/08; Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

8101-2 - Applicability of the zoning ordinance. 8101-2.1 - Applicability to uses and structures.

The provisions of this Chapter apply to all lots, structures and uses of land or bodies of water created, utilized, established, constructed or altered by any person in the unincorporated areas of Ventura County over which the County possesses land use authority, excluding the Coastal Zone, and unless specifically exempted by the following subsections:

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

The provisions of this Chapter are not applicable to construction and maintenance of public roads and other improvements within public road rights-of-way.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

The provisions of this Chapter are not applicable to any area of regulation preempted by federal or state law.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

The Coastal Zone boundary does not, in most cases, follow property lines and there may be a lot which is split by the boundary. If development, as defined in Chapter 1.1 of the Coastal Zoning Ordinance Code, is proposed on that portion of the lot outside the Coastal Zone and has the potential to affect adversely any property or resource within the Coastal Zone, the policies and standards of the Ventura County Local Coastal Program and the California Coastal Act shall be used in formulating conditions or requirements for the proposed development.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

The Old Town Saticoy Development Code is set forth in Article 19 of this Chapter. Development or uses within the Old Town Saticoy boundary, as delineated in the Saticoy Zoning Map, shall be subject to the Old Town Saticoy Development Code, which includes applicable zoning and development standards. All other provisions of this Chapter apply to Old Town Saticoy for matters not addressed in the Old Town Saticoy Development Code. For ease of reference, cross-references have been added to specific articles in this Chapter and within the Old Town Saticoy Development Code. If there is a conflict between the Old Town Saticoy Development Code and other provisions of this Chapter, the former shall control.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 1, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

To determine if a parcel(s) is within Old Town Saticoy, refer to the Saticoy Area Plan Boundary map (Figure 1.1.2) in the Saticoy Area Plan.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 1, 9-22-2015)

The Old Town Saticoy Development Code does not apply to development in Saticoy that is outside of the boundaries of Old Town Saticoy (see Figure 1.1.2, Saticoy Area Plan).

(Ord. No. 4479, § 1, 9-22-2015)

8101-3.1 - No structure shall be moved onto a site, erected, reconstructed, added to, enlarged, advertised on, structurally altered or maintained, and no structure or land shall be used or maintained for any purpose, except as specifically provided and allowed by this Chapter, with respect to land uses, building heights, setbacks, minimum lot area, maximum percentage of building lot coverage and lot width, and with respect to all other regulations, conditions and limitations prescribed by this Chapter as applicable to the same zone in which such use, structure or land is located.

(Am. Ord. 4054—2/1/94)

8101-3.2 - No person shall use or permit to be used any building, structure, or land or erect, structurally alter or enlarge any building or structure, contract for advertising space, pay for space, or advertise on any structure

except for the uses permitted by this Chapter and in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter applicable thereto.

8101-3.3 - No permit or entitlement may be issued or renewed for any use, construction, improvement or other purpose unless specifically provided for or permitted by this Chapter.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

8101-3.4 - No permit or entitlement shall be issued for any use or construction on a lot which is not a legal lot.

(Add. Ord. 4054—2/1/94; Ord. No. 4618, § 1, 7-25-2023)

8101-4 - General interpretation.

8101-4.1 - Minimum requirements.

The provisions of this Chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare.

8101-4.2 - Interference.

It is not intended by this Chapter to interfere with, abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between parties.

8101-4.3 - Conflict.

When this Chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or land, or upon the height of buildings, or requires greater setbacks or larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other ordinances, rules, regulations or by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this Chapter shall govern. If conflict between requirements appears within this Chapter, the most restrictive requirement shall prevail.

When there is a difference of interpretation between the text of any provision and any illustration in this Chapter, the text shall govern.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

Information erroneously presented by any official or employee of the County does not negate or diminish the provisions of this Chapter pertaining thereto.

8101-4.6 - Quantity.

Unless the context otherwise clearly indicates, words used in the singular includes the plural, and the plural includes the singular.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

8101-4.7 - Number of days.

Whenever a number of days is specified in this Chapter, or in any permit, condition of approval, or notice issued, or given as set forth in this Chapter, such number of days shall be deemed to be consecutive calendar

days starting on the day following the day a decision is rendered, unless otherwise specified.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

8101-4.8 - Rounding of quantities.

Whenever application of this Chapter results in required parking spaces or other standards being expressed in fractions of whole numbers, such fractions are to be rounded to the next higher whole number when the fraction is 0.5 or more, and to the next lower whole number when the fraction is less than 0.5, except that: (a) calculation for the number of permitted animals shall be in accordance with Article 7, Section 8107-2; (b) quantities expressing areas of land are to be rounded only in the case of square footage, and are not to be rounded in the case of acreage except to the nearest one-hundredth acre (e.g., 7.065 acres would be rounded to 7.07 acres); and, (c) calculations under Article 16 shall be rounded in accordance with Government Code section 65915 et seq.

(Am. Ord. 3759—1/14/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Ord. No. 4641, § 1, 12-17-2024)

8101-4.9 - Severability.

If any provision of this Chapter is held to be invalid, that holding shall not invalidate any other portion of this Chapter.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

8101-4.10 - Interpretation.

Because it is infeasible to compose legislative language which encompasses all conceivable land-use situations, the Planning Director shall have the power to interpret the regulations and standards contained in this Chapter, when such interpretation is necessitated by a lack of specificity in such regulations and standards.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

Whenever the Planning Director position is unfilled for any reason, the Resource Management Agency Director automatically assumes the duties and powers of the position of Planning Director.

(Add Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 4054—2/1/94; Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

In this Chapter, certain words may be abbreviated, such as: cubic yards (cu. yd.), inches (in.), feet (ft.), square feet (sq. ft.), acres (ac.), gross floor area (GFA), and section (sec.).

(Ord. No. 4639, § 1, 12-17-2024)

Article 2. - Definitions

8102-0 - Application of definitions.

a.

Unless the provision or context otherwise requires as determined by the Planning Director, the definitions of words and terms as follows shall govern the construction of this Chapter.

b.

Words and terms defined in Section 8102-0 below are endeavored to be italicized for convenience whenever they appear in this Chapter. If a word or term defined below is not italicized where appearing in this Chapter, it shall nonetheless have the defined meaning unless from the context a different meaning is defined or otherwise clearly intended.

c.

Whenever any words or terms used in this Chapter are not defined herein but are defined in another Chapter of this Division, and the word or term is used in the same context in this Chapter or the General Plan, the word or term shall have the same meaning as defined in such other Chapter or the General Plan. If a conflict exists between a definition, the definition for a word or term in this Chapter and a definition for the same word or term in another Chapter of this Division or the General Plan, the definition herein shall control.

d.

Whenever a definition or other provision in this Chapter references a statute, regulation or provision of federal, state, or local law or regulation, the reference shall be to the current or successor version of the law unless expressly stated otherwise herein.

Abut—To touch physically, to border upon, or to share a common property line with. Lots that touch at corners only shall not be deemed abutting. Adjoining and contiguous shall mean the same as abutting.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Access—The place or way by which pedestrians and/or vehicles shall have safe, adequate, usable ingress and egress to a property or use.

Accessory Structure—A detached structure located upon the same lot as the building or use to which it is accessory, and the use of which is customarily incidental, appropriate and subordinate to the use of the principal building or to the principal use of the lot.

Accessory Structures, Habitable—Structures intended for human occupancy or which are primarily used for human occupancy. Such structures include, but are not limited to, recreation rooms, artist studios, hobby rooms, and pool houses/cabanas. Non-habitable accessory structures include garages, workshops and storage sheds.

(Add Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Accessory Use—A use customarily incidental, appropriate and subordinate to the principal use of land or buildings located upon the same lot.

Agriculture—Farming, including animal husbandry and the production and management of crops (including aquatic crops) for food, fiber, fuel and ornament.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Agricultural Contractor Service and Storage Yard—An open area, which may legally establish buildings and structures, for the storage of vehicles, equipment and materials which are associated with an agricultural contracting business or operation, where sales, manufacturing and processing activities are specifically excluded. Agricultural contractor service and storage yards do not include landscape maintenance or groundskeeping businesses.

Agricultural Promotional Uses—Uses and attendant structures that promote the Ventura County agricultural industry in general and the specific farming operations associated with the promotional use through educational and/or entertainment activities that do not significantly compromise the agricultural use of the property or the area.

(Add Ord. 4215—10/24/00)

Agricultural Sales Facility—Structures or areas accessory to permitted agricultural operations for the selling, or selling and display, of agricultural products.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Agricultural Shade/Mist Structures—Fabric or membrane clad structures for the propagation of plant materials.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Agricultural Water Impoundment—A human-made surface water source used for livestock watering or other agricultural purposes (e.g., agricultural reservoir), also referred to as farm pond or livestock pond, in which water supply is primarily fed by sources other than natural processes such as groundwater seep or precipitation.

Agricultural Worker Housing—Housing occupied by farmworkers and animal caretakers in the form of farmworker or animal caretaker dwelling units, farmworker housing complexes, group quarters or temporary trailers pursuant to Section 8107-41 of this Chapter.

Air Quality Management Plan (AQMP)—The Air Quality Management Plan for Ventura County, including all appendices thereto, as may be amended. See Article 12 of this Chapter.

Airfields, Landing Pads and Strips—Aircraft landing strips or heliports for agricultural crop dusting or personal use of the property owner or tenants, not available for public use, and with no commercial operations. "Aircraft" includes helicopters, all fixed wing airplanes, gliders, hang-gliders and ultra-light aircraft.

Albedo—A measure of a material's ability to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1, with a value of 0.0 indicating that the surface absorbs all solar radiation (e.g., charcoal) and a value of 1.0 representing total reflectivity (e.g., snow).

Alley—A thoroughfare not more than thirty (30) feet wide, other than a public road or street, permanently reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.

Amortize—To require the termination of (a nonconforming use or structure) at the end of a specified period of time.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Amusement and Recreational Facilities—Facilities such as billiard and pool establishments, bowling alleys, dance halls and studios, golf driving ranges, indoor motion picture theaters, miniature golf, parks, playgrounds and yoga and martial arts instruction.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Animal—Any organism, other than Homo sapiens, belonging to the taxonomic classification of Animalia and of the phylum Mollusca or higher forms up to, and including, Chordata.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal Caretaker—A person employed full time on the same property for activities associated with animal husbandry or animal keeping, non-husbandry (see Section 8104-4 of this chapter).

(Add Ord. 4281—5/6/03)

Animal Domestic—An animal that is customarily kept as farm livestock, for animal husbandry purposes, or as a household pet, or is otherwise ordinarily under human control. Legally-owned exotic animals customarily kept as pets are also considered domestic animals.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal Husbandry—A branch of agriculture for the raising, nurturing, and management of any animal(s), through breeding, pasturing, or ranching, for such purposes as sales of animals, food production, fiber production, ornament, pleasure, or beneficial use (e.g., insectaries).

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Animal, Inherently Dangerous—A wild animal which poses an inherent danger to its keepers, the public, property, or the environment. Such animals include, but are not limited to, crocodiles, alligators and the like; all venomous reptiles; all constrictor snakes over eight (8) feet in length; large cats (mountain lions, cheetahs and all larger cats); wolves, foxes, and coyotes; venomous arachnids such as black widow spiders and scorpions; and insects (e.g., Africanized honeybees) meeting this definition.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal Keeping, Non-husbandry—The keeping of animals other than for husbandry or pet purposes, with or without compensation; including such activities as boarding, stabling, pasturing, rehabilitating, training of animals and lessons for their owners, and recreational riding by the owners of the animals; but excluding such activities as the rental use of the animals by people other than the owners, and excluding events such as organized competitions, judgings and the like.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal, Pet—An animal which is not inherently dangerous, but is kept for pleasure, companionship or security purposes rather than for husbandry.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal, Security or Utility—An animal, such as a dog, goose, or primate, used for guard purposes or to assist physically challenged humans.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Animal, Wild—An animal which is normally found living in a natural state and not customarily domesticated.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Antenna—A whip (omni-directional antenna), panel (directional antenna), disc (parabolic antenna), or similar device used for transmission or reception of radio waves or microwaves.

Antenna, Non-Commercial—A device for transmitting or receiving radio signals, as defined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 47 C.F.R. Part 97, of the Commission's Rules, or its successor regulation. 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.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Apiary—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the State Food and Agricultural Code, Division 13, Chapter 1, section 29002, as may be amended, which states: "[An] "apiary" includes bees, comb, hives, appliances, or colonies, wherever they are kept, located, or found."

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Apiculture—Apiculture means the keeping or maintenance of one (1) or more beehives, but does not include honey houses, extraction houses, or warehouses. Also see definition of Beekeeping, Backyard and Section 8107-2.6.

Applicant—The individual, party or entity that files for and signs an "application request." There may be multiple applicants.

(Add Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Application Requests—Include, but are not limited to, filings for zoning clearances, permits, variances, appeals, suspensions, modifications and revocations, interpretations, amendments and zone changes.

Aquaculture/Aquiculture—A branch of agriculture that is devoted to the growing and harvesting of fish, shellfish, and plants in marine, brackish, and fresh water.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Arcade—A commercial amusement establishment containing four or more game machines, electronic or otherwise, or similar amusement devices.

Assembly Use—A building or structure where groups or individuals voluntarily meet to pursue their common social, educational, religious, or other interests. For the purposes of this definition, assembly uses do not include outdoor events, conference centers/convention centers, amusement and recreational facilities, equestrian centers, or sport and athletic recreational facilities.

Athletic Field—A level, open expanse of land intended to be used for organized team sports such as baseball, football and soccer.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Automobile Impound Yard—A building or premises for the storage of motor vehicles, such as impounded or repossessed vehicles, where such vehicles are intended to be stored for more than a 24-hour period. This definition shall not include automobile wrecking or salvage in any form.

(Add Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Automobile Service Station—A commercial activity, both retail and service in character, engaged in dispensing automotive fuels and motor oil; the sale and service of tires, batteries and other automobile accessories and replacement items; and washing and lubrication services. Activities associated with service stations do not include body and fender repair, painting or major motor repairs.

Base Zone—Any of the zones listed in Article 4 of this Chapter that are not identified as an overlay zone in Article 4.

(Add Ord. 3993—2/25/92)

Bathroom, Full—A room or location with a sink, a toilet, and a bathtub and/or shower.

(Add Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Bathroom, Half—A room or location with a toilet with or without a sink, and without a bathtub and/or shower.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Bed-and-Breakfast Inn—A single-family dwelling with one family in permanent residence therein, and where, as an accessory use, one to six bedrooms (except as set forth in Section 8107-43.3 of this chapter), accommodating no more than fifteen (15) guests, are made available for transient occupancy for no more than seven consecutive days, with breakfast offered for compensation to overnight guests.

(Add Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4317—3/15/05)

Bedroom Equivalent—All rooms in a dwelling, with the exception of core rooms, are considered bedroom equivalents. Bedroom equivalents include, but are not limited to the following rooms: sleeping rooms, dens, studios, sewing rooms, libraries, studies, offices, lounges, lofts, recreation rooms, and workshops.

Bee—For purposes of Section 8107-2.6 of this Chapter, any stage of life of the common domestic honey bee (Apis mellifera).

Bee, Aggressive Behavior—For purposes of Section 8107-2.6 of this Chapter, aggressive bee behavior means a situation where two (2) or more bees repeatedly strike, but not necessarily sting, any person or domestic animal at a distance of fifteen (15) feet or more from the front of the beehive entrance or a distance of five (5) feet or more from the side or rear of the beehive. Bee foraging on flowering vegetation is not considered aggressive bee behavior.

Bee Colony—An aggregate of worker bees, drones, and a queen(s) (or "laying worker" in the absence of a queen) living together in a beehive as a social unit, including the comb, and appliances.

Beehive—A structure that houses a bee colony.

Beekeeper—A person who owns, operates, maintains, possesses, or otherwise controls one (1) or more hives of bees.

Beekeeping, Backyard—A hobbyist beekeeping operation that consists of the keeping or maintenance of four (4) or fewer hives, as verified by the Agricultural Commissioner's Office, and is accessory to a single-family dwelling for personal consumption of bee products or enjoyment.

Beekeeping Flyaway Barrier—For purposes of Section 8107-2.6.2 of this Chapter, a solid wall, fence, or dense vegetation or combination thereof that provides an obstruction through which bees cannot readily fly.

Beekeeping Sensitive Sites—For purposes of Section 8107-2.6.2 of this Chapter, a land use that requires a greater safety buffer from an apiary. Beekeeping sensitive sites are public and private schools, medical facilities, and hospitals.

Belt Course—A projection of masonry or similar material around a building or part of a building, which is attached to the building.

Bicycle Parking, Long-Term (LT)—A locker or locked enclosure providing bicycle storage and protection from theft, vandalism, and weather when the bicycle and accessories are not in use for extended periods during the day, overnight, or for a longer duration.

Bicycle Parking, Short-Term (ST)—A rack or racks used to park bicycles for up to several hours.

Biosolids—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the California Code of Regulations, title 14, section 17852(a)(9), as may be amended, which states: "Solid, semi-solid, or liquid residue generated during the treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works. Biosolids includes, but is not limited to, treated domestic septage and scum or solids removed in primary, secondary, or advanced wastewater treatment processes. Biosolids includes the residue solids resulting from the co-digestion of anaerobically digestible material with sewage sludge. Biosolids does not include ash generated during the firing of sewage sludge in a sewage sludge incinerator or grit and screenings generated during the preliminary treatment of domestic sewage in a treatment works."

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Biosolids Composting Facility or Operation—A facility or operation that processes biosolids (treated sewage sludge), along with necessary additives and amendments, into compost and results in controlled biological decomposition.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Boardinghouse—A dwelling with one household in permanent residence, where two (2) or more rooms are used by other individuals for compensation, with or without daily meals. Single room occupancy units are included in this definition.

Borrow Area—An area where soil, sand, gravel or rock is extracted and removed for use as fills, grades or embankments on property of a different ownership or noncontiguous property of the same ownership. (See Section 8107-9.)

(Add Ord. 3723—3/12/85)

Botanic Gardens and Arboreta—Scientific and educational institutions whose purpose is the advancement and diffusion of a knowledge and love of plants. A botanic garden must meet all four of the below criteria:

(a)

The garden functions as an aesthetic display, educational display, and/or site research.

(b)

The garden maintains plant records.

(c)

The garden has at least one professional staff member (paid or unpaid).

(d)

Garden visitors can identify plants through labels, guide maps, or other interpretive materials.

Building—Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals, chattel or property of any kind.

Building Lot Coverage—The ratio of the area of land covered by buildings (i.e., the total "building area") to gross lot area, expressed as a percentage of lot area. For purposes of this definition, "building" is any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, and "building area" is the area included within the surrounding exterior walls or columns of a building, exclusive of courts.

Business Services—Uses such as advertising agencies, blueprinting and photocopying, computer and data processing services, coupon and trading stamp redemption services, drafting services, employment agencies, laminating of photographs, packaging services and telephone answering services.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)—Refers to the California Environmental Quality Act, which is set forth at Public Resources Code section 21000 et seq., and the CEQA Guidelines, which are set forth at California Code of Regulations, title 14, sections 15000 et seq.

Camp—A rural facility with permanent structures for overnight accommodation and accessory structures and buildings, which is used for temporary leisure, recreational or study purposes, and provides opportunities for the enjoyment or appreciation of the natural environment. A camp provides a structured program of outdoor and/or nature-oriented activities including but not limited to outdoor/camping skills, horseback riding, animal husbandry, hiking, mountain biking, wildlife and wildflower viewing, fishing, or hunting. For these reasons, camps need to be located in an undeveloped, open space environment. A camp requires a substantial land area for these activities, and much or all of its permit area is used for these purposes.

Campground—A rural facility without permanent structures for overnight accommodation, but with limited accessory structures and buildings, which is used for temporary leisure or recreational purposes and provides opportunities for the enjoyment or appreciation of the natural environment. (See Section 8107-16.)

Caretaker—An employee who must be on the property in conjunction with a principal use for a substantial portion of each day for security purposes or for the vital care of people, equipment or other conditions of the site.

Caretaker, Animal—A person employed full-time on the same property for activities associated with Animal Husbandry or Animal Keeping, Non-Husbandry. (See Section 8105-4.)

Certificate of Appropriateness—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance, as may be amended, which states: "An authorization issued by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee which generally indicates that the proposed subdivision, rezoning, maintenance, acquisition, stabilization, preservation, reconstruction, protection, alteration, restoration, rehabilitation, remodeling, addition, change of use, demolition, relocation, change, remodeling or other project affecting a potential or designated Cultural Heritage Site will not reduce its cultural heritage values, or prevent the eligibility of a Potential Cultural Heritage Site to become a designated Cultural Heritage Site."

Certificate of Review—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance, as may be amended, which states: "An action by the Cultural Heritage Board or its designee documenting its consideration of, and recommendations, regarding the effects, including environmental effects to historic resources, of permit actions on a potential or designated cultural heritage site, where a Certificate of Appropriateness is not required."

CESQG — See Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity Generator.

Change of Use—Where a new use of land or structures is initiated in place of, or in addition to, a previous use.

Chemicals—Includes such compounds as adhesives, explosives, fertilizers, industrial gases, ink, lacquer, paints, pesticides, pigments and dyes, sealants, shellac, synthetic fibers, synthetic resins, synthetic rubber, thinners and varnishes.

Chipping/Grinding Operation or Facility—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the California Code of Regulations (CCR), Title 14, Section 17852(a)(10), as may be amended, which states: "[A]n operation or facility, that does not produce compost, that mechanically reduces the size or otherwise engages in the handling, of compostable material and:

(A)

The site does the following:

1.

The site handles only material, excluding manure, allowed at a green material composting operation or facility as set forth in section 17852(a)(22); and

2.

Each load of green material is removed from the site within forty-eight (48) hours of receipt. The EA [enforcement agency] may allow a site to keep green material on-site for up to seven (7) days if the EA determines that the additional time does not increase the potential for violations of this Chapter.

(B)

If the site fails to meet the definition of green material because it exceeds the contamination limits in section 17852(a)(21), the site shall be regulated as set forth in the Transfer/Processing Regulatory requirements (commencing at section 17400).

(C)

If the site fails to meet the definition of this section because the green material remains on-site for a longer period of time that is allowed, then the site shall be regulated as a compostable material handling operation or facility, as set forth in this Chapter."

Chipping and grinding operations or facilities do not include the on-farm chipping or grinding of agricultural prunings or other agricultural organic discards. (See Section 8107-36.4.)

Coastal Zone—That portion of the land and water area of Ventura County as shown on the "Coastal Zone" maps adopted by the California Coastal Commission.

Commercial Organics Processing Operation—An organics processing operation that includes the sale or offsite distribution of the product produced. Does not include the processing of mixed solid waste or Biosolids or On-Site Composting Operations. Those operations which have up to two hundred (200) cubic yards of any combination of separated feedstock, actively decomposing compost, or stabilized compost on-site at any one time are Small-Scale, and those with up to one thousand (1,000) cubic yards are Medium-Scale, and those with over one thousand (1,000) cubic yards are Large-Scale.

Commercial Vehicle—A vehicle, and any equipment accessory thereto, used to transport products or raw materials, or to provide services of a commercial nature. The vehicle may or may not have markings indicating its association with commercial activities.

Commission—The Ventura County Planning Commission.

Communications Facilities—Unstaffed facilities that transmit or receive electromagnetic signals for the purpose of operating telephone, radio, television, or data communication services. Such facilities include transmitting and receiving antennas/dishes, radar stations microwave towers, and other associated equipment and structures primarily designed to support the transmission of electromagnetic signals. Non-commercial antennas and wireless communication facilities are included in this definition. (See Section 8107-45.)

Community Wastewater Treatment Facility—A wastewater treatment plant that treats liquid waste which is received from off of the plant site. Such facilities include public agency-owned plants and privately-owned plants, and may include accessory biosolids composting operations. (See also On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility).

Compatible Use (T-P Zone)—Any use which does not significantly detract from the use of the property for, or inhibit, the growing and harvesting of timber. "Compatible use" includes the accessory retail sale of Christmas trees.

Composting Operation—A type of organics processing operation that processes organic materials to a stabilized state through controlled biological decomposition or vermicomposting. This may include the chipping, shredding, or screening of material on-site prior to its being composted.

Conditionally Exempt Small-Quantity Generator (CESQG) — A business concern that generates less than one hundred (100) kilograms (two hundred twenty (220) pounds or approximately twenty-seven (27) gallons) of hazardous waste per calendar month, or a maximum of one kilogram (2.2 pounds) of acutely or extremely hazardous waste per calendar month, and stores no more than one thousand (1,000) kilograms of hazardous waste on-site at any one time. The definition of CESQG shall reflect the definition in Section 261.5 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as it may be amended from time to time.

Conference Center/Convention Center—An urban facility for the assembly of persons for study and discussion, which includes permanent structures for dining, assembly and overnight accommodation.

Conservation Organization—A public conservation organization is a federal, state or local agency responsible for protecting and managing natural resources and includes but is not limited to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, California Department of Parks and Recreation, National Park Service and Ventura County Watershed Protection District. A private conservation organization is one (1) operating under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code with the primary purpose of preserving and protecting land in its natural, scenic, historical, recreational or open space condition.

Contractor's Service and Storage Yard—An open area, which may include garages and sheds, for the storage of vehicles, equipment and materials which are associated with a contracting business or operation, where sales, manufacturing and processing activities are specifically excluded.

Core Room—A room typically found in a single-family dwelling utilized for basic living functionality, generally recognized as being a kitchen, living room, bathroom, utility room, dining room, or family room.

Correctional Institution—An institutional care facility operated by, or at the direction of, a legally constituted federal, state, or local government authority for the detention and treatment of public offenders, including ancillary uses and structures such as court facilities, classrooms, offices, kitchens, dining areas, laundry facilities, communications facilities, outdoor recreational yards, gymnasiums, utilities, and other necessary infrastructure. (See Section 8107-32.)

Correlated Color Temperature (CCT)—A measure in degrees kelvin (K) of the warmth or coolness of light. Lamps with a CCT of less than three thousand (3,000) K are yellowish and considered warm. Lamps with a CCT greater than four thousand (4,000) K are bluish-white and considered cool.

County—Means the County of Ventura, a political subdivision of the state.

Covered Parking/Space—Parking spaces for motor vehicles or bicycles that have roofs that are permanently attached to the ground and imperforate.

Cross Access—An element of vehicular, bicycle and pedestrian circulation which allows persons and cars to gain access from one land use, usually (but not limited to) commercial, to another without having to use the public road fronting those land uses.

Cultural Heritage Site—An improvement, natural feature, site or district that has completed the legally required procedures stipulated in the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance to have it designated by the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board or the Ventura County Board of Supervisors as a district, landmark, site of merit, or point of interest and has received that designation.

Day Care Center—Any care facility licensed by the State of California, other than a "Family Day Care Home," such as, but not limited to, infant centers, preschools, care of the developmentally disabled, and adult and child extended day care facilities.

Decision, Administrative—Any decision made by the Planning Director or his or her designee.

Decision, Discretionary—Discretionary decisions require the exercise of judgment, deliberations, or decision on the part of the decision-making authority in the process of approving or disapproving a particular activity, as

distinguished from situations where the decision-making authority merely has to determine whether there has been conformity with applicable statutes, ordinances, or regulations.

Decision, Ministerial—Ministerial decisions are approved by a decision-making authority based upon a given set of facts in a prescribed manner in obedience to the mandate of legal authority. In these cases, the authority must act upon the given facts without regard to its own judgment or opinion concerning the propriety or wisdom of the act although the statute, ordinance or regulation may require, in some degree, a construction of its language by the decision-making authority.

rity based upon a given set of facts in a prescribed manner in obedience to the mandate of legal authority. In these cases, the authority must act upon the given facts without regard to its own judgment or opinion concerning the propriety or wisdom of the act although the statute, ordinance or regulation may require, in some degree, a construction of its language by the decision-making authority.

Decision-Making Authority—An individual or body vested with the authority to make recommendations or act on application requests pursuant to this Chapter. The final decision-making authority is the one that has the authority to act on an application request by approving or denying it.

Denial With Prejudice—Denial of an application request based on the desire or intent of the decision-making authority to limit the filing of requests to use a specific property or structure for a specific use. When an application is denied with prejudice, it is usually because two or more similar applications on the same property have recently been denied by the same decision-making authority.

Disability—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Section 12926 of the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, and Section 12012 of the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act. (42 U.S.C. sec. 12012)

Disposal Facility, Hazardous Waste—A facility used for the final disposal of hazardous wastes.

Disposal Facility, Oilfield Waste—A facility used for the final disposal of liquid and solid oilfield wastes. Such facility may be a Class II or Class III disposal facility but not a Class I Hazardous Waste Disposal Facility.

Disposal Facility, Solid Waste—A facility, for example a landfill, used for the final disposal of solid wastes (as defined in Sec. 40191 of the California Public Resources Code). A Disposal Facility includes uses customarily incidental, appropriate, and subordinate to solid waste disposal, including but not limited to transfer stations and recycling centers.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

District—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance, as may be amended, which states: "A geographically definable area, urban or rural, possessing a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, landscapes, structures, or objects, united by past events or aesthetically by plan or physical developments. A district may also be composed of individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history."

(Add Ord. 4220—12/12/00)

Domestic Birds—Finches, myna birds, parrots and similar birds of the Psittacine family, pigeons, doves, ravens and toucans.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Drilling, Temporary Geologic—Bona fide temporary search and sampling activities which, in the case of oilrelated testing, use drilling apparatus smaller than that used in oil production. Excluded from this definition is soil testing for wells, foundations, septic systems and similar construction.

Drive Aisle—A driving area within a parking area or parking structure used by motor vehicles to maneuver, turn around, and/or access parking spaces.

Driveway—An area that provides vehicular access to a site, such as from a roadway or another site, and which may include areas in the right-of-way as well as areas that extend into the site from the property line. In a parking area, the driveway becomes a drive aisle once its function changes from that of providing site access to that of allowing maneuvering within the parking area or access to parking spaces.

Driveway, Ribbon—Driveways made of two (2) parallel strips or "ribbons" of pavement with a permeable surface in between the strips.

Dwelling—A building or portion thereof designed or occupied exclusively for residential purposes.

Dwelling, Multifamily—A building, or portion of a building containing three (3) or more dwelling units. Single Room Occupancy units are included in this definition.

Dwelling, Single-Family—A building or a mobilehome or manufactured housing unit meeting the standards of Section 8107-1.3 of this Chapter, designed or used exclusively for occupancy by one (1) family and containing one (1) principal dwelling unit.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Dwelling, Two-Family—A building containing two principal dwelling units.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Dwelling, Superintendent—An accessory dwelling for a person employed and working on the site containing the business, who is paid to manage the business.

(Add Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Dwelling Unit—One (1) or more rooms with internal access between all rooms, which provide complete independent living facilities for one (1) family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, bathing, and sanitary facilities. (Also see definition of Internal Access.)

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Dwelling Unit, Accessory (ADU)—An attached or a detached residential dwelling unit, or a unit within the existing space of a primary dwelling unit, which provides complete independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary dwelling. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same lot as the proposed or existing single-family or multifamily dwelling. An accessory dwelling unit also includes the following:

(a)

An efficiency unit, as defined in section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code; and

(b)

A manufactured home, as defined in section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code. (See Section 8107-1.7.)

Dwelling Unit, Animal Caretaker—A dwelling unit occupied by one (1) or more animal caretakers, employed fulltime and working on-site where the dwelling unit is located, or employed on other land in Ventura County that is under the same ownership or lease as the subject lot. Members of the animal caretaker's household may also occupy said dwelling unit. (See Section 8107-41.)

Dwelling Unit, Caretaker—A dwelling unit occupied by a caretaker, and his or her family, employed full time and working on the same lot on which the dwelling unit is located or on other land which is under the same ownership or lease as the subject lot.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4281—5/6/03)

Dwelling Unit, Farmworker—A dwelling unit occupied by one (1) or more farmworkers, employed full-time and working on-site where the dwelling unit is located, or employed on other land that is under the same ownership or lease as the subject lot. Farmworkers who are principally employed offsite in activities associated with agricultural packing and storage facilities, and transportation of agricultural products to the market may not occupy a farmworker dwelling unit. Members of the farmworker's household may also occupy said dwelling unit. (See Section 8107-41.)

Dwelling Unit, Junior Accessory (JADU)—A dwelling unit that is no more than five hundred (500) square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure. (See Section 8107-1.7.)

Eating Establishment—A commercial establishment where the selling of food prepared on the premises is the principal business. Such uses include cafes, cafeterias, coffee shops, delicatessens, dinnerhouses, fast food take-out establishments, ice cream parlors, sandwich shops, and similar uses. Such uses may include the licensed "on-site" provision of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, when accessory to such food service, and nightclubs and lounges, where food service is accessory to the primary function of the establishment. The following uses are not included under this definition: a) Uses where the preparation of food is merely incidental to the sale of food products, such as grocery stores and food markets; b) Food serving uses connected with the operations of hospitals, nursing homes, boarding houses, schools, and government offices and private industry for employees and their guests. Eating establishments shall be classified in the following manner, and parking requirements shall be correlated with that classification:

Class I—An establishment where the product is intended to be consumed on the premises and table service by employees is customarily provided.

Class II—An establishment where the product is taken out or consumed on the premises. This facility provides seating and/or car service.

Class III—An establishment where the product is usually taken out because limited or no space is provided for eating.

Class IV—An establishment where the product is always taken out. This facility provides no seating or counter space for purposes of product consumption on premises.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Education and Training, Art, Craft, and Self-Improvement—Institutions and centers offering education, training, conferences, lectures, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, or the like devoted to the skill or professional improvement or personal enrichment of attendees. Education provided at such sites is not part of an onsite

program or a structured curriculum that directly qualifies its attendees for degrees, licenses, certifications, etc, in specialized fields offering paid employment. Any units or credits provided may or may not be transferable to accredited institutions or recognized by professional, vocational, or trade associations or organizations. Examples include sites offering dance classes, art classes, driver education, music instruction, a continuing education seminar, swim classes, etc.

Education and Training, Professional and Vocational—A specialized institution, school, center, or site offering a program or curriculum of training, coursework, skill development, or the like that leads to a degree, license, certification, or trade that is recognized by specific fields offering paid employment. Institutions, schools, centers, or sites that offer continuing education courses for the maintenance of degrees, licenses, certifications, or trades may be included in this definition. Examples include but are not limited to professional law schools, trade schools, vocational medical training schools, professional photography/film schools, etc.

Emergency—A sudden, unexpected occurrence involving a clear and imminent danger, demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss of or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services. This may include such occurrences as fire, flood, earthquake, or other soil or geologic movements, as well as such occurrences as riot, accident, or sabotage.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Emergency Shelter—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Government Code section 65582(g) and Health and Safety Code section 50801, as may be amended: "'Emergency shelter' means housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less within any 12month period by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay."

Employed Full-Time—"Employed full-time" means that the person is working a minimum of thirty-two (32) hours per week at a job for which they are employed.

(Add Ord. 4281—5/6/03)

Employee Housing—Shall have the same meaning as "employee housing" as defined in Section 17008 of the Health and Safety Code, as may be amended, and that is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. (See Section 8107-26.)

Employee Housing, Agricultural—Housing occupied by agricultural employees, which may include permanent employee housing, seasonal employee housing or temporary employee housing, and that is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. (See Section 8107-26.)

Employee Housing, Permanent—Employee housing which is not temporary or seasonal as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17010(c), as may be amended, and that is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. (See Section 8107-26.)

Employee Housing, Seasonal—Employee housing which is operated annually on the same site and which is occupied for not more than one hundred eighty (180) days in any calendar year, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17010(b), as may be amended, and that is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. (See Section 8107-26.)

Employee Housing, Temporary—Employee housing which is not operated on the same site annually and which is established for one (1) operation and then removed, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section 17010(a),

as may be amended, and that is regulated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development. (See Section 8107-26.)

Energy Production from Renewable Sources and Energy Storage—Any facility, structure, or installation as a principal use that produces energy from naturally replenished sources such as, but not limited to, wind, water, sunlight, geothermal heat, or biomass, and/or facilities that store energy primarily for off-site uses. (See Section 8107-49.)

(Add Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Energy Storage—A specific type of land use under the definition "energy production from renewable sources and energy storage" that is limited to the storage of energy primarily for off-site use. (See Section 8107-49.)

Entitlement—A ministerial or discretionary Zoning Clearance, permit, variance or other County approval, including but not limited to those set forth in Sections 8111-1.1 and 8111-1.2 of this Chapter, authorizing a right to some type of use, development or project under this Chapter.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Equine—Any member of the taxonomic family Equidae, including horses, asses, mules, ponies, and zebras.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Equestrian Center—A site, facility or commercial venture where horses and/or other animals are kept and made available to people other than the animals' owner(s) for such activities as riding lessons, exercise, and recreation; and where organized events such as competitions, judgings, and the like may be held.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Expansion—Increasing the area or volume occupied by or devoted to a use, increasing the living space or occupant capacity of a structure, or adding uses or structures accessory to a nonresidential use or structure. The following are not considered to be expansion: the addition of unenclosed porches, patio covers and the like; one enclosed addition of not more than 30 square feet to a dwelling; and the addition of detached accessory structures not for human habitation as accessory to a dwelling.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Family—An individual, or two (2) or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, unless otherwise specified by state law.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Family Day Care Home—A home licensed by the State of California to provide care, protection, and supervision for periods of less than 24 hours per day for fourteen (14) or fewer children, including children under the age of ten (10) years who reside at the provider's home.

(Add Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Family Day Care Home, Large—(Delete Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Family Day Care Home, Small—(Delete Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Family Room—A room with an unobstructed opening into a living room, dining room, or kitchen, or a room where at least one-half (½) of the area of the common wall is open and unobstructed.

Farmworker—A person principally employed in agriculture.

Farmworker Housing Complex—A residential development, distinct from a farmworker dwelling unit, where the units are rented to persons who are principally employed within Ventura County for activities associated with agriculture. Farmworker housing complexes may include studios, one-, two- or three-bedroom units within the complex. Members of the farmworker's household may also occupy said unit within the complex. (See Section 8107-41.3.3.)

Farmworker, Principally Employed—A farmworker whose income from activities associated with agriculture is at least fifty (50) percent of their gross personal income, as reflected in documents cited in Section 810741.2.2(f). For temporary or seasonal farmworkers, gross personal income may be calculated on a quarterly basis to meet the employment criteria. (See Section 8107-41.)

Fence—An unroofed vertical structure which is intended primarily to serve as a visual screen or as a physical enclosure around a building or yard area for security, containment or privacy, or to indicate a boundary. This definition includes hedges, thick growths of shrubs, and walls used as screens, but does not include windbreaks for the protection of orchards or crops, or County-approved enclosures for the containment of wild animals.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Fence, See-through—A chain link fence or any other type of fence that permits at least 50 percent open visibility throughout the fence.

(Am. Ord. 4216—10/24/00)

Festivals, Animal Shows, Receptions, and Similar Events, Temporary Outdoor—See Outdoor Events.

Filming Activities—All uses, structures and activities related to the production of motion pictures, television programming music and corporate videos, advertisements, and commercial still photography. Said activities include, but are not limited to, preparation, filming, and strike time, and the ancillary functions accessory thereto. (See Section 8107-11.)

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Filming Activities, Occasional—Filming activities which do not cumulatively exceed ninety (90) days in any 180day period, on a given lot. Such activities may involve facilities and structures that are to be removed upon the completion of a given scene, movie, video, or television series. (See Section 8107-11.)

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Filming Activities, Permanent—On-going filming activities that occur at a fixed location intended primarily for such purposes and usually using facilities and structures that are permanent or intended to remain in place for an indefinite period of time. These facilities and structures may include, but are not limited to, components of film production such as studios, sound stages, production laboratories, equipment storage areas, fabrication shops, offices, accompanying food services, or permanent working sets. (See Section 8107-11.)

ing facilities and structures that are permanent or intended to remain in place for an indefinite period of time. These facilities and structures may include, but are not limited to, components of film production such as studios, sound stages, production laboratories, equipment storage areas, fabrication shops, offices, accompanying food services, or permanent working sets. (See Section 8107-11.)

Filming Activities, Temporary—Filming activities on an individual lot which exceed ninety (90) days in any onehundred-eighty-day period on that lot and which may involve the use of nonpermanent facilities and structures such as exterior sets or flats (pieces of scenery on portable wooden frames) that are not intended for human habitation and which do not require permanent foundations. (See Section 8107-11.)

Financial Assurance—A monetary assurance that reclamation will be completed on mined lands pursuant to the approved reclamation plan. In the event that a mining site is abandoned or the owner and/or operator is financially incapable of reclaiming the site, the funds will be used by the County or the State Department of Conservation toward reclamation of the mined site.

Financial Assurance Mechanism—An instrument acceptable to the State Department of Conservation and the County, that serves as the financial assurance, such as a surety bond, trust fund, certificate of deposit or an irrevocable letter of credit.

Firewood Operation—Any commercial operation involving the cutting, sawing or chopping of wood in any form for use as firewood on property other than that on which the operation is located, irrespective of where such wood is grown.

Foot-Candle—The unit of measure expressing the quantity of light received on a surface. One (1) foot-candle is the illuminance cast on a surface by a candle source one-foot in height, from a distance of one (1) foot.

Fuel Modification—A method of modifying fuel load by reducing the amount of non-fire resistive vegetation or altering the type of vegetation to reduce the fuel load. Fire resistive vegetation is that which does not readily ignite from a flame or other ignition source.

Functional Connectivity—The degree to which a physical setting (i.e., natural landscape and built environment) facilitates or impedes the movement of organisms. Functional connectivity is a product of both the features of the physical setting (e.g., vegetation, physical development) and the behavioral response of plants and animals to these physical features.

Garage and Yard Sales—Occasional sales of miscellaneous household goods or personal articles, open to the public, and conducted from or on a property with an approved residential use.

General Plan—Refers collectively to the Ventura County General Plan including all County Area Plans, and any County Specific Plans.

General Plan Consistency—Compatibility and agreement with the General Plan of the County of Ventura. Consistency exists when the standards and criteria of the Ventura County General Plan are met or exceeded.

Geographic Information System (GIS)—The digital data system which is the basis for zoning and other land use information.

Geothermal Spa—A recreational or health facility without sleeping accommodations, open to the public, where pools or tubs designed for the immersion of the human body make use of locally available geothermally heated water, and which may include accessory massage services and accessory commercial eating facilities designed primarily for the users of the pools or tubs.

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.

Government Building—A building, structure or other facility operated by a legally constituted federal, state or local government authority, unless covered by a more specific land use category in Sections 8105-4 and 81055 of this Chapter.

Grade—Adjacent ground level. For purposes of building height measurement, grade is the average of the finished ground level at the center of all walls of a building, or other datum point established by the Public Works Agency. In the case where the walls are parallel to and within five (5) feet of a sidewalk, the finished ground level is measured at the sidewalk.

Grading—The contouring of land through mechanical means. The movement, removal or deposit of earth materials (i.e., any rock, natural soil or unconsolidated material above bedrock or mixture thereof) by artificial means.

Green Roof—A green space created by adding plants and other growing media on the roof of a structure or building.

Gross Floor Area (GFA)—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the California Residential Building Code, as may be amended, which states: "The area within the inside perimeter of the exterior walls of the building, exclusive of vent shafts and courts, without deduction for corridors, stairways, ramps, closets, the thickness of interior walls, columns or other features. The area of a building, a portion thereof, not provided with surrounding exterior walls shall be the usable area under the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above. The gross floor area shall not include shafts with no openings or interior courts."

Gun Club—Any building or premises where there are facilities of any sort for the firing of handguns, rifles or other firearms.

Gymnasium—An indoor recreational or athletic facility for such uses as aerobics, gymnastics, racquetball, swimming, skating rinks, tennis and table tennis, trampoline operations and weight training; but not including amusement and recreational facilities as defined in this Article.

Hardscape—The inorganic elements of landscaping, including, but not limited to, masonry, woodwork, stone walls, concrete, and brick design features.

Hazardous Fire Area—See definition in the Ventura County Fire Code which is incorporated herein by this reference.

Hazardous Material—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Division 20, Chapter 6.95, Section 25501(n) of the California Health and Safety Code, as may be amended, which states in part that a "hazardous material" is a material, because of its quantity, concentration, physical or chemical characteristics, poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to, hazardous substances, hazardous waste, and any material that the administering agency (CUPA) determines to be potentially injurious to the health and safety of persons or harmful to the environment if released into the workplace or the environment.

Hazardous Waste—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Division 20, Chapter 6.5, Section 25141 of the California Health and Safety Code, as may be amended, which states in part that a "hazardous waste" is a waste, or combination of wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics, may cause, or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible, or incapacitating reversible illness; or may pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human

health or environment due to factors including, but not limited to, carcinogenicity, acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, bioaccumulative properties, or persistence in the environment, when improperly treated, stored, transported, or disposed of, or otherwise managed.

Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Household/CESQG—A facility where household hazardous wastes or hazardous wastes generated by conditionally exempt small-quantity generators (CESQGs) are received, identified, sorted, packaged, labeled, and temporarily (up to 1 year) stored prior to transport for recycling, treatment, storage, or disposal.

Hazardous Waste Collection Facility, Recyclable Household/CESQG—A facility where latex paints, used motor oil, automotive batteries, antifreeze, household batteries, other recyclable household hazardous wastes, or recyclable hazardous wastes generated by conditionally exempt small-quantity generators (CESQGs) are received, identified, sorted, packaged, labeled, and temporarily (up to 1 year) stored prior to transport for recycling.

Hazardous Waste Collection, Treatment and Storage Facility—A facility used for the treatment, transfer, storage, resource recovery, or recycling of hazardous wastes of all types, excluding biological, radioactive and explosive waste. A hazardous waste collection, treatment and storage facility may consist of one or more treatment, transfer, storage, resource recovery, or recycling hazardous waste management units, or combinations of those units.

Heat Island Effect—Developed areas where surfaces absorb light and radiation that heat the air to a higher temperature than the surrounding areas.

Height—The vertical distance from the adjacent grade to the highest point of a structure or other object, other than a building with a pitched roof. The height of a building with a pitched roof is the distance from grade or averaged grade to the averaged midpoint, as measured pursuant to Article 6.

High Fire Hazard Areas—An area in the unincorporated territory of the County designated by the County Fire Protection District as an area of uncultivated brush, grass, or forest-covered land, and land within five hundred (500) feet of such area, wherein authorized representatives of said District deem a potential fire hazard to exist due to the presence of such flammable material.

Historic Repository—A location where structures, facilities, equipment and the like, which are associated with the historic or cultural development of Ventura County, may be collected and displayed. (See Section 8107-39.)

Home Exchange—A practice in which the owner of a dwelling allows the use of that dwelling in exchange for the use of another person's dwelling for a limited time period with no rent exchanged.

Home Occupation—Any commercial activity conducted on or from a residential lot where such activity is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the residential lot for dwelling purposes and the activity does not change the character of the residential use.

Homeshare—A dwelling which is the primary residence of an owner who possesses at least a twenty (20) percent ownership interest in the subject parcel, with any portion of the dwelling rented for a period less than thirty (30) consecutive days when said owner is physically present in the same dwelling, with no meals or food provided to the renter or renters. A homeshare is not considered a home occupation under this Chapter. Use of a dwelling for occasional home exchange is not considered a homeshare. (See Section 8109-4.6.)

Hospital—A licensed institution providing in-patient care or overnight accommodations for persons with illnesses, injuries, or other conditions, physical or mental, calling for medical treatment or observation, including one or more of the following basic services: anesthesia, laboratory, nursing, pharmacy, radiology, rehabilitation or surgery.

Hospital for Large Animals—A facility providing acute veterinary care to horses or to cattle or other farm animals.

Hotel—A building with one main entrance, or a group of buildings, containing guest rooms where lodging with or without meals is provided for compensation.

Household Hazardous Waste—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Section 66260.10, as may be amended, which states: "Any hazardous waste generated incidental to owning and/or maintaining a place of residence. Household hazardous waste does not include any waste generated in the course of operating a business at a residence."

Human Habitation—The use of a structure or portion thereof for any one or portions of the following purposes: living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and bathing.

Hydrozone—A portion of the landscaped area that contains plants with similar water needs and rooting depth.

Idle Mine—Surface mining operations curtailed for a period of one year or more, by more than ninety (90) percent of the operation's previous maximum annual mineral production, with the intent to resume those surface mining operations at a future date.

Inauguration—The lawful commencement of uses, activities, or construction of structures and facilities permitted by this Chapter or by a specific entitlement issued pursuant to this Chapter. Use inauguration occurs after the Planning Director or designee issues a Zoning Clearance, and other required local, state, and federal permits, such as finalized building permits and Certificates of Occupancy, have been obtained.

Individual Sewage Disposal Systems (ISDS)—Liquid waste systems which dispose of sewage generated by an individual residence or business in unsewered areas, typically including a septic tank and a soil absorption system such as a leach field, seepage pit, mound, or sand filtration bed, or other approved system.

Inoperative Vehicle—(Delete Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

Intermediate Care Facility—A health facility which provides inpatient care to ambulatory or nonambulatory patients who have a recurring need for skilled nursing supervision and need supportive care, but who do not require continuous skilled nursing care. The term "intermediate care facility" shall include intermediate care facilities/developmentally disabled-habilitative for seven or more persons, nursing homes for seven or more persons, rest homes and convalescent homes.

Internal Access—Unobstructed, enclosed passageways with conditioned air systems connecting habitable rooms, which are not blocked by doors, fixed closed, or capable of being fixed closed with a one-way deadbolt lock or similar devices. Access through garages or sleeping rooms is not considered internal access.

Interpretive Center—A site, with or without structures, for the display of architecture, art or other artifacts associated with the site and which may also depict the cultural and social history and prehistory of Ventura County. (See Section 8107-38.)

Invasive Plant—Any species of plant included on the California Invasive Plant Council Invasive Plant Checklist for California Landscaping, as may be amended.

Invasive Species Management Plan—A maintenance plan designed to effectively control the spread of invasive or watch list species within native vegetation preservation areas that were retained for landscaping purposes.

Kelvin—A unit of measure used to describe the hue (or correlated color temperature) of a light source.

Kennel/Cattery—Any lot or premises, with or without structures, where pet animals such as dogs or cats are kept for limited periods of time, whether for compensation or not, for purposes of boarding, training, animal rescue and the like, and may include accessory veterinary services that are not available to the public.

Kitchen—Any room, in an approved dwelling, all or part of which is designed, built, equipped, maintained, used, or intended to be used as a place for the preparation and cooking of food, and contains more than one of the following: (a) a counter sink with interior dimensions larger than twelve (12) inches wide by twelve (12) inches long and nine inches deep; (b) a stove, hotplate, or conventional or microwave oven; (c) a refrigerator of more than four cubic feet capacity.

Kitchen, Outdoor—A kitchen located outside a dwelling unit, but within a structure fully open on at least fifty (50) percent of its perimeter.

Landmark—A designation applied to sites and structures pursuant to the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance.

Landscape Area—Includes all planting areas, turf areas, and man-made water features. The landscape area does not include the footprint of buildings or structures, sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, decks, patios, gravel or stone walks, other pervious or non-pervious hardscapes, or undeveloped non-irrigated areas that are not used for landscaping credit within Section 8106-8.2.4.

Landscape Documentation Package—The set of documents that must be submitted to the County Building and Safety Division prior to issuance of a building permit when a project is subject to the Model Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance (MWELO), as defined below. The elements of the Landscape Documentation Package are defined in Sections 492.3 through 492.8 of the MWELO, as may be amended, and include the following: project information, a water efficient landscape worksheet, a soil management report, a landscape design plan, an irrigation design plan and a grading design plan.

Landscape Plan—A visual representation of the types and size of plants, water features, paths, walkways, walls, stormwater retention areas, etc., proposed for installation on a site. These plans may also include details associated with irrigation, fencing, and lighting, when required. A landscape plan is distinct from the landscape design plan required to be included with a MWELO Landscape Documentation Package.

Landscape, Water Feature—A design element where open water performs an aesthetic or recreational function. Water features include ponds, lakes, waterfalls, fountains, artificial streams, spas, and swimming pools where water is artificially supplied.

Landscaping, Insect Nesting Habitat—Habitat that is suitable for ground and tunnel nesting insects. Ground nesting habitat consists of sunny areas of bare earth (mulch-free) with loose, well drained soils. Tunnel nesting insect habitat consists of shrubs with pithy or hollow stems (e.g., elderberry, sumac, raspberry blackberry, wild roses) or artificial tunnel nests.

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.

Legitimate Poultry Hobbyist—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Ventura County Ordinance Code, Division 4, Chapter 4, Article 9, Section 4494.2(b), as may be amended, which states: "A person who owns and breeds poultry for exhibition or for sale of offspring in accordance with accepted poultry raising practices."

Light Fixture—See definition of luminaire.

Light Pollution—Adverse effects of artificial light including, but not limited to, glare, light trespass, sky glow, and impacts on the nocturnal environment, including light sources that are left on when they no longer serve a useful function.

Light Trespass or Light Spillover—Light emitted by a luminaire that shines beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is sited.

Lighting, Directional—Adjustments made to a luminaire to focus light where it is needed.

Lighting, Outdoor—Any 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 luminaire that is primarily intended to deter or detect intrusions or other unwanted activity. It can also be used to allow safe passage. Security lighting is a form of essential luminaires.

Lot—An area of real property with fixed boundaries depicted on or described by a final map, parcel map, or instrument of conveyance for the purpose of defining land to be held, actually or potentially, in fee title as a discrete unit; provided that streets, alleys, and similar rights-of-way, whether held in fee or otherwise, are not lots. Easements and licenses are not lots either. Alternatively, the Planning Director may determine that a permit area is a "lot" for purposes of this definition. Except as otherwise specified in this Chapter, references to lots are intended to include remainder parcels and parcels offered for dedication. "Lot" has the same meaning as "parcel" and the terms are synonymous.

Lot Area, Gross—The total area, measured in a horizontal plane, within the lot lines of a lot. For purposes of this Chapter, the terms "gross lot area" and "gross area" have the same meaning and are synonymous.

Lot Area, Minimum—The minimum required gross or net area of a lot for subdivisions, uses of land and/or structures, and for other activities specified in this Chapter.

Lot Area, Net—The lot area less the area within any existing or proposed public or private street, road, or easement for ingress or egress, and less the area within any existing or proposed easement wherein the owner of the lot is prohibited from using the surface of the land. Included in the "net area" is the area lying within public utility easements (except as otherwise provided in the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance), sanitary sewer easements, landscaping easements, public service and tree maintenance easements, and open space easements, flowage easements, subsurface drainage easements, subsurface flood control easements, and

other such easements wherein the owner of the lot is not prohibited from using the surface of the land. For purposes of this Chapter, the terms "net lot area" and "net area" have the same meaning and are synonymous.

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

Lot, Flag—A lot generally configured in the shape of an "L" or "T," and that takes access from the street by means of a strip of land which is part of the lot.

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

Lot, Legal—A lot that complies with the Subdivision Map Act and the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance, and is either entitled to, or has been issued, a Certificate of Compliance. A lot that has been issued a recorded Conditional Certificate of Compliance is a legal lot for purposes of sale, lease, and financing only, but is an illegal lot for all other purposes and is not eligible for the granting or issuance of land use permits or entitlements approving development thereon under the Zoning Ordinances or other County ordinances.

Lot Line:

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

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

Rear:

a.

Rectangular lots: A lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line.

b.

Triangular and irregularly-shaped lots: A line ten (10) feet long within the lot, opposite and most distant from the front lot line that is parallel to the front lot line or parallel to the chord of a curved front lot line, where such chord is drawn perpendicular to the mean direction of lot depth.

Types of Lot Lines

==> picture [233 x 166] intentionally omitted <==

(1) For corner lots, the narrower street frontage is the front yard.

• (2) For through lots, see Section 8106-4.4.

• (3) For flag lots, see Section 8106-4.3.

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 Barrier Navigation Center (LBNC)—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Government Code section 65660(a), as may be amended, which states: "'Low Barrier Navigation Center' means a Housing First, lowbarrier, service-enriched shelter focused on moving people into permanent housing that provides temporary living facilities while case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. A Low Barrier Navigation Center may be non-congregate and relocatable. 'Low Barrier' means best practices to reduce barriers to entry, and may include, but is not limited to, the following:

(1)

The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.

(2)

Pets.

(3)

The storage of possessions.

(4)

Privacy, such as partitions around beds in a dormitory setting or in larger rooms containing more than two beds, or private rooms."

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—A complete lighting unit—i.e., the lamp and all components directly associated with the distribution, positioning and protection of the lighting unit. This is also referred to as a light fixture.

Luminaires, Essential—A luminaire that is used for safety purposes, for security lighting, to illuminate a circulation area such as a walkway or driveway, or to illuminate a building entrance.

Luminaire, Fully-Shielded—A luminaire 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. Examples of fullyshielded luminaires are included in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Examples of Fully-Shielded Luminaires

==> picture [326 x 380] intentionally omitted <==

Luminaire, Outdoor—See definition of Lighting, Outdoor.

Luminaire, 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. Examples of partially-shielded luminaires are included in Figure 2.

Figure 2. Examples of Partially-Shielded Luminaires

==> picture [245 x 171] intentionally omitted <==

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

Mineral Resource Development—The exploration for or extraction of surface or subterranean compounds and materials; this includes oil and gas exploration and production, and the mining of metallic and nonmetallic minerals, sand, gravel and rock.

Mining—A form of mineral resource development involving the extraction and removal of more than one thousand (1,000) cubic yards of material from the same site, or from separate lots within one (1) mile of each other that are owned or mined by the same person, through such activities and uses as borrow areas, sand, gravel and rock quarries, etc. Mining does not include extraction and removal of material from construction sites or following floods, landslides or natural disasters where the land is being restored to its prior condition. (See Section 8107-9.)

Mining, Accessory Uses—Uses customarily incidental, appropriate and subordinate to mining located on the same site, such as stockpiling; sorting; screening; washing; crushing; and maintenance facilities. Other accessory uses include the following: ready mix concrete batching; asphalt concrete batching; recycling of concrete, asphalt and related construction materials; trucking operations associated with products from the site; and contractors' service and storage yards and concrete and asphalt concrete products manufacturing which make use of the products produced from the subject mining site. These uses may require separate permits as principal uses if not addressed under the primary mining permit. (See Section 8107-9.)

Mining, Agricultural Site—An area, or areas within a site where the Planning Director has determined that the excavation and/or removal of more than one thousand (1,000) cubic yards of earthen material is integral and beneficial to the development or enhancement of a bona fide farming operation on that site. (See Section 81079.)

Mining, Public Works Maintenance—Mining, and its accessory uses, for periods of less than one year, on a site where such mining is necessary for the preservation of public facilities or structures, or to alleviate imminent threats to public health and safety, and where such mining has been declared in writing by the Public Works Agency to be under its administrative control through an approved permit. Said uses include such operations as the maintenance of flood control facilities [pursuant to Title 14 CCR Section 3502(a)(2)], removing material to avert potential landslides, and accessory processes such as stockpiling, sorting, and screening of on-site material.

Mixed Solid Waste—Shall have the same definition as "Mixed Material" as set forth in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 17852(a)(26), as may be amended, which states: "Any compostable material that is part of the municipal solid waste stream, and is mixed with or contains non-organics, processed industrial materials, mixed demolition or mixed construction debris, or plastics. A feedstock that is not source separated or contains 1.0 percent or more of physical contaminants by dry weight is mixed material." Mixed solid waste is "non-hazardous" solid waste discarded from homes, businesses, institutions, and manufacturing plants that has not been separated or sorted by type and usually contains unrecyclable residuals that shall be disposed of in a waste disposal facility.

A feedstock that is not source separated or contains 1.0 percent or more of physical contaminants by dry weight is mixed material." Mixed solid waste is "non-hazardous" solid waste discarded from homes, businesses, institutions, and manufacturing plants that has not been separated or sorted by type and usually contains unrecyclable residuals that shall be disposed of in a waste disposal facility.

Mixed-Use Development—A development project with planned integration of residential and nonresidential development within a building with the upper floors used for residential and the ground floor used for nonresidential land uses.

Mobile Food Facility—A wheeled vehicle or a stand, allowed by the California Health and Safety Code, from which food or beverages are sold.

Mobilehome—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Health and Safety Code, section 18008, as may be amended. For the purposes of Article 17 of this Chapter, a recreational vehicle located in a mobilehome park or trailer park shall be treated as a mobilehome, provided it has been used as a principal dwelling unit for nine (9) consecutive months.

Mobilehome park—An area of land where two (2) or more spaces are rented or leased for mobilehomes or manufactured homes to be used as dwellings. For the purposes of this definition, mobilehome parks do not include County park campgrounds, County overnight parking zones, or residences provided by employers for the use of farmworkers or other employees and their families.

Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance (MWELO)—New development and retrofitted landscape water efficiency standards governed by California Code of Regulations, Title 23, Division 2, Chapter 2.7, as may be amended.

Module—A drive aisle with vehicles parked on one or two sides of the aisle.

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

Motel—Building(s) that provide lodging in guest rooms primarily for those traveling through the area or that otherwise require short term accommodations. Motel buildings typically have direct access from the rooms to the outdoors. Motels include auto courts, motor lodges, and tourist courts.

Motocross/OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) Park—An activity involving two-wheeled motorized vehicles (limited to two-engine cylinders or less), conducted on a closed course, laid out over natural terrain, that may include left and right turns, hills, jumps and irregular terrain, and which does not include high-speed sections. (See Section 8107-29.)

Mulch—Any organic material such as leaves, bark, straw, compost, or inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, or decomposed granite left loose and applied to the soil surface for environmental beneficial purposes such as reducing evaporation, suppressing weeds, moderating soil temperature, and preventing soil erosion.

Museum—A place or structure where objects of interest are displayed and viewed by the public.

Native Vegetation—Naturally occurring vegetation in Ventura County. Native vegetation includes, but is not limited to, oak woodland, coastal sage scrub, chaparral, perennial grassland, California annual grassland, riparian woodland and riparian scrub. Native vegetation does not include ruderal vegetation and plant species listed by the California Invasive Plant Council. In addition, native vegetation does not included ornamental, landscape or crop vegetation, including sod and lawn grasses and actively managed fallow farmland.

Native Vegetation Community—Natural occurring vegetation community in Ventura County as classified and recognized by the California Native Plant Society (CNPS) in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW). Also referred to as a "Natural Community" or listed in "A Manual of California Vegetation" (CNPS, Online Edition), as may be amended.

[Non-Commercial Antenna—See Antenna, Non-Commercial.]

Nonconforming Structure—A structure, or portion thereof, that was lawfully erected or altered and maintained, but that no longer conforms with development standards of this Chapter, including standards for building lot coverage, parking, lot area per structure, height, and setbacks, solely because of amendments to this Chapter or changes to other applicable law.

Nonconforming Use—A use that was lawfully established and maintained but that, because of amendments to this Chapter or other applicable law, 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.

Nonmotorized Wheeled Conveyances—Those conveyances of a wheeled nature that do not require motorized propulsion, such as, but not limited to, skateboards, bicycles, unicycles, and rollerskates.

Nonprofit Humane Organization Animal Facility—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Ventura County Ordinance Code, Division 4, Chapter 4, Article 9, Section 4494.2(c), as may be amended, which states: "An animal facility operated by a bona fide charity in good standing under the provisions of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, where roosters are kept for adoption, recovery or sanctuary."

Official Zoning Data—The approved zoning classifications for all parcels in unincorporated Ventura County, maintained technologically in GIS format.

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 of subterranean fossil gas and petroleum, and necessary attendant uses and structures, but excluding refining, processing or manufacturing thereof. (See Section 8107-5.)

On-Site Composting Operation—Composting activities at residences, parks, community gardens, homeowners associations, residential planned developments, universities, schools, hospitals, golf courses, industrial parks, or other similar land uses where the purpose is to compost material generated on-site, in conjunction with any necessary bulking agents, additives, and amendments. Those operations which have less than ten (10) cubic yards of any combination of separated feedstock, actively decomposing compost, and stabilized compost or ground uncomposted material on site at any one time are small-scale, those with between ten (10) and two hundred (200) cubic yards are medium-scale, and those with more than two hundred (200) cubic yards are large-scale. This category does not include activities related to normal farming activities.

On-site Wastewater Treatment Facility—A wastewater treatment plant that treats liquid waste which is generated on the same project site where the plant is located, with both the plant and the project site under common ownership. The plants are sized, and explicitly restricted to serve only the project site and cannot serve uses off-site or under different ownership (see Community Wastewater Treatment Facility).

Open storage—The placement or keeping, in an area not fully enclosed by the walls of a building, of miscellaneous objects and materials accessory to the principal use of the property, including inoperative motor vehicles, boats and trailers; building materials; reusable parts and equipment, and the like; but excluding trash, garbage and debris.

Organics Processing Operations—A category of operations that actively processes organic materials (materials originally derived from living organisms) for the purpose of producing compost, mulch, wood chips, or other similar products. This category includes but is not limited to on-site composting operations, small, medium and

large; commercial organics processing operations, small, medium and large (includes vermicomposting and chipping/grinding operations); and biosolids composting operations. This category does not include activities related to normal farming activities.

Outdoor Events—An outdoor event held in a stationary location on a privately owned parcel in the Open Space, Agricultural Exclusive, Rural Agricultural, or Commercial Planned Development zone at which the primary event activities occur outside of structures, such as harvest festivals; carnivals; historic re-enactments; animal events; art shows; athletic events; concerts; craft fairs; farmer's markets; receptions; ceremonies; fundraisers; social, political, spiritual or organizational gatherings; and similar events except for those that are either separately regulated under this Chapter, addressed by a permit or entitlement issued under this Chapter or that occur at a permitted school or college. (See Section 8107-46.)

Outdoor Recreational Facility—An outdoor area designed for active recreation, whether publicly or privatelyowned, including, but not limited to, baseball and softball diamonds, soccer and football fields, golf courses, equestrian arenas, and sport courts.

Outdoor Sales and Services, Temporary—Such temporary outdoor uses as sidewalk sales (except swap meets), seasonal sales and auctions, but excluding mobile food facilities. (See Section 8107-12.)

Overlay Zone—Any zone listed in Section 8104-7, Article 4 of this Chapter. An overlay zone creates a special zoning district, placed over an existing base zone(s), which identifies special provisions in addition to those in the underlying base zone. The overlay zone can share common boundaries with the base zone or cut across base zone boundaries.

Parcel—For the purposes of this Chapter, the word "parcel" shall have the same meaning as the word "lot" and the two (2) terms are synonymous.

Park, Natural—An area of land available for public use, at least seventy-five (75) percent of which is landscaped or otherwise left in a natural state, and which does not involve off-road motor vehicle uses of any kind.

Park, Urban—An area of land available for public use predominantly located within the built environment. Typical amenities and uses may include, but are not limited to, landscaped areas, athletic fields and courts, areas for skateboarding and other nonmotorized conveyances, plazas, squares, picnic and/or sitting areas, natural areas, trails and walkways, and concessions. (See Section 8107-48.)

Parking Area—An area outside the public right-of-way containing five (5) or more parking spaces and designed and used primarily for the parking of operable motor vehicles and bicycles. Parking areas may be located at grade, above ground, or below ground. Parking areas include parking facilities, lots, structures and underground parking. Elements of parking areas include parking spaces, drive aisles, loading areas and required landscaping and screening. Parking areas do not include: individual residential garages, parking spaces/areas for single-family (including caretaker and farmworker dwelling units), or two-family dwelling units, or motor vehicle storage or inventory display areas.

Parking Facility—A type of parking area and/or structure that is a principal use.

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

Permittee—A person or entity that holds a permit or operates a use allowed by a permit. The owner of the property for which an entitlement has been approved is the permittee, unless an alternative person or entity is designated as the permittee in the subject use permit, in which case that other person or entity is the permittee.

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

Personal Goods—Items such as bristle goods, umbrellas, grooming items and tobacco paraphernalia.

Personal Services—Enterprises serving individual necessities, such as barber shops, beauty salons and spas, clothing rental, coin-operated laundromats, funeral homes, marriage bureaus, massage services by masseurs/masseuses, personal laundry and dry cleaning establishments, photographic studios, tattoo parlors, upholstery shops, and travel agencies.

Petroleum Refining—Oil-related industrial activities involving the processing and/or manufacture of substances such as: asphalt and tar paving mixtures; asphalt and other saturated felts (including shingles); fuels; lubricating oils and greases; paving blocks made of asphalt, creosoted wood and other compositions of asphalt and tar with other materials; and roofing cements and coatings.

Pigeons/Squab—Any pigeon not designated as a Homing, Racing, or Roller pigeon, including but not limited to, show pigeons, pigeons raised for food, or pigeons matching the basic description of a homing, racing or roller pigeon, but lacking the required seamless band.

Pigeons, Homing/Racing—Member of the family Columbae, identified as such by presence of a seamless metal or metal/plastic band permanently affixed to the leg, indicating year of birth and unique identification number, issued by the "American Racing Pigeon Union," A.U.; "International Federation of Pigeon Fanciers," I.F.; or other internationally recognized federation.

Pigeons, Rollers—Member of the family of pigeons known as "Birmingham Rollers," identified as such by the presence of a seamless metal or metal/plastic band permanently affixed to the leg, issued by the "National Birmingham Roller Club," N.B.R.C.; "Ventura County Roller Club," V.C.R.C or other nationally recognized federation or club.

Planning Commission—The Ventura County Planning Commission.

Planning Director—The Director of the Resource Management Agency, Planning Division, of the County, or designee.

Point of Interest—A designation applied to the site of a former improvement or event location pursuant to the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance.

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

Principal Use—The primary or main use on a lot to which other uses and structures are accessory. More than one principal use may legally exist on a lot (e.g., agriculture, oil production and a residence).

Principally Employed—The source of personal income that exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the gross personal income as reflected in a person's previous annual income tax return.

Processed Commodities—Agricultural products which have been bottled, canned, supplemented with preservatives or coloring agents, or chemically altered. Processed commodities do not include those agricultural products which have been only washed, sorted, mixed, packaged, squeezed, juiced or pressed.

Protected Tree—A tree which is any one of a variety of tree species or types as identified in Article 7.

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 Works Maintenance—Public Works maintenance means work performed to restore public facilities or structures to their original design capacity and any activities necessary for the preservation of public facilities or structures or to alleviate imminent threats to public health and safety. Said work and activities include, but are not limited to, removing material to avert potential landslides, the repair and/or maintenance of flood control facilities as defined by title 14, section 3505(a)(2) of the California Code of Regulations, and accessory processes such as stockpiling, sorting, and screening of material.

R-Zone—A zone classification under this Chapter that contains the letter "R" in its abbreviation, excluding overlay zones.

Radio Studios—A staffed commercial facility used for the creation and production of AM/FM radio and other electronic media programming, which includes studios, stages, editing facilities, post-production facilities, associated antennas and accessory antenna equipment used for the transmission of radio and microwave signals. (See Section 8107-45.2.3.)

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

Recreational Vehicle—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Division 13, Part 2, section 18010 of the California Health and Safety Code, as may be amended, which states: "'Recreational Vehicle' means both of the following: (a) A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, that meets all of the following criteria: (1) It contains less than three hundred twenty square feet of internal living room area, excluding built-in equipment, including, but not limited to, wardrobe, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. (2) It contains 400 square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections. (3) It is built on a single chassis. (4) It is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a permit. (b) A park trailer, as defined in Section 18009.3." Recreational vehicles do not fall within the definition of mobilehomes.

fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. (2) It contains 400 square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections. (3) It is built on a single chassis. (4) It is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a permit. (b) A park trailer, as defined in Section 18009.3." Recreational vehicles do not fall within the definition of mobilehomes.

Recreational Vehicle Park—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Division 13, Part 2.3, Chapter 2, section 8862.39, as may be amended, which states: "(a) Any area or tract of land, or a separate designated section within a mobilehome park where two or more lots are rented, leased, or held out for rent or lease, or were formerly held out for rent or lease and later converted to a subdivision, cooperative, condominium, or other form of resident ownership, to accommodate owners or users of recreational vehicles, camping cabins, or tents. (b) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), employee housing that has obtained a permit to operate pursuant

to the Employee Housing Act (Part 1 (commencing with Section 17000)) and that both meets the criteria of Section 17021.6 and is comprised of two or more lots or units held out for lease or rent or provided as a term or condition of employment shall not be deemed a recreational vehicle park for the purposes of the requirement to obtain an initial or annual permit to operate or pay any fees related thereto required by this part." A "recreational vehicle park" is primarily for temporary use by recreational vehicles for which utility connections (sewer, water, electricity) are provided at the park.

Recyclable Materials—Materials which have been retrieved or diverted from disposal, that can be collected, sorted, cleaned, reconstituted and returned to the economic mainstream in the form of raw material for new, reused, or reconstituted products which meet the quality standards necessary to be used in the marketplace.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Recyclables Collection Center—An indoor or outdoor facility such as a buy-back center, a drop-off center, or a mobile unit, that occupies less than five hundred (500) square feet, and has a capacity of no more than eighty (80) cubic yards, and that receives separated, nonhazardous, nonputrescible, recyclable or reusable materials —containing less than ten (10) percent unrecyclable residuals that must be disposed in a waste disposal facility —generated off-site and which may aggregate or sort these materials for the purpose of shipment off-site. This definition does not apply to reverse vending machines that occupy less than fifty (50) square feet per principal use.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Recyclables Collection and Processing Facility—A facility that receives separated, nonhazardous, nonputrescible, recyclable or reusable materials, or receives unseparated loads, for the purpose of preparation for shipment off-site. Loads received contain less than ten (10) percent unrecyclable residuals that must be disposed in a waste disposal facility. Processing may include separation, baling, crushing, cleaning, sorting, shredding, or chopping. This definition includes facilities for recycling construction and demolition debris. This definition does not include automobile wrecking yards.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

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 24hour basis or on a less than 24-hour basis to people who are mentally ill, mentally handicapped, physically disabled, or elderly, or are 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.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Resource Recovery—Shall have the same definition as set forth in the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, section 17225.58, as may be amended, which states: "The reclamation or salvage of wastes for reuse, conversion to energy or recycling."

Rest Home—A licensed facility where lodging, meals, 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 Project—A project that involves the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site to re-establish the site's natural or historic habitat, species, or ecological functions. It may include the re-establishment of habitat at sites where ecological function was wholly or partially lost or degraded.

Retail Trade—Businesses engaged in the sale of merchandise, generally without transformation, and rendering services that include the incidental sale of merchandise. Examples of retail trade businesses are auto supply stores, book and stationery stores, camera shops, clothing and fabric stores, department and variety stores, drug stores, florists, food stores, furniture stores, gift and novelty shops, hardware and paint stores, home furnishings stores, household appliance stores, jewelry stores, liquor stores, music stores, newsstands, pet stores, shoe stores, sporting goods stores, toy and hobby shops and used merchandise stores.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Retreat—A facility which (a) provides opportunities for small groups of people to congregate temporarily on a site for such purposes as education, enlightenment, contemplation, renewal or solitude; and (b) by its nature, needs to be located in a quiet, sparsely-populated, natural environment. (See Section 8107-18.)

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4317—3/15/05)

Reuse Salvage Facility—A facility or yard that accepts, salvages, and sells or distributes a variety of separated, nonhazardous discards including building materials, household fixtures, and furniture, and which requires some outdoor storage and which may conduct minor repair or upgrading of the materials. This definition does not apply to automobile salvage operations. (See Section 8107-36.3.5.)

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Riparian/Riparian Area/Riparian Habitat Area—The bank of a stream, creek or river. Riparian habitat is the aquatic and terrestrial habitats that occur along streams, creeks and rivers.

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 and similar structures. (See Section 8106-7.2.)

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85)

Rooster—Shall have the same definition as set forth in Ventura County Ordinance Code, Division 4, Chapter 4, Article 9, Section 4494.2(g), as may be amended, which states: "Any male chicken that: (1) Is six months old or older; or (2) Has full adult plumage; or (3) is capable of crowing." (See Section 8107-2.3.7.)

Sales and Display Areas—Indoor or outdoor areas that are accessible to customers and used for the sale, rental, lease, or display of inventory, but does not include indoor or outdoor storage areas that customers cannot access.

Schools, Boarding or Nonboarding—Educational facilities for pre-college levels of instruction; specifically limited to elementary, middle school and high schools offering full curricula as required by State law. Boarding schools are those which provide lodging and meals for the pupils.

Senior mobilehome park—A mobilehome park with a minimum of ten (10) spaces in which at least eighty (80) percent of the occupied mobilehomes or manufactured homes are inhabited by, or intended for habitation by, at least one (1) person who is fifty-five (55) years of age or older.

Setback—The minimum distance by which structures are to be separated from the boundary lines of the lot on which they are located, in order to provide an open yard area which is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward. In the case of "flag lots," the setbacks shall be measured from the applicable front (F), rear (R) and sides (S) of the lot as set forth in Section 8106-4.3 of this Chapter.

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

Setback, Side—An open yard area that extends from the front yard, or the front lot line where no front yard is required, to the rear yard; the width of the required side yard 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 tool through 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.

Short-Term Rental—A dwelling, any portion of which is rented for a period less than thirty (30) consecutive days when the owner is not physically present, with no meals or food provided to the renter or renters. A short-term rental is not considered a home occupation under this Chapter. Use of a dwelling for occasional home exchange is not considered a short-term rental. (See Section 8109-4.6.)

Sight Triangle—A triangular area on a corner lot, two of the sides of such triangle being formed by extending two imaginary lines from the corner of the lot adjacent to the street intersection at least 40 feet back to two points along the sides of the lot parallel to the two intersecting streets, the third side then being formed by the connection of such points.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

==> picture [221 x 156] intentionally omitted <==

Signs—For sign definitions, see Article 10.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO)—Housing units that are restricted to occupancy by no more than two (2) persons and may include a kitchen and/or a bathroom, in addition to a bed. These units are typically comprised of one or two (2) rooms.

Site—One or more lots planned and developed as a unit under one permit.

Site of Merit—A designation applied to sites and structures pursuant to the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Ordinance.

(Add Ord. 4220—12/12/00)

Sky glow—brightening of the nighttime sky resulting from the scattering and reflection of artificial light in the atmosphere that reduce one's ability to view the night sky.

Small Utility Structures—Electrical boxes, traffic signal controllers, ventilation columns, transformers, valve apparatus, and telephone and cable TV vaults and boxes that have no covered floor area for human occupancy. Small utility structures do not include towers, antennas, satellite dishes and other communication equipment that fall under the definition of Communications Facilities.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96)

SMARA—The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (Public Resources Code § 2710 et seq.). (See Section 8107-9.)

(Add Ord. 4187—5/25/99)

Soil Amendment Operation—An operation engaged in the resale and/or blending of various soil amendment and mulch products. Soil amendments are soil additives (such as gypsum, sand, rice hulls, peat moss, or compost) that stabilize the soil, improve resistance to erosion, increase permeability to air and water, ease cultivation, improve texture and resistance of the surface to crusting, or otherwise improve soil quality. This definition does not include organics processing operations.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Stabilized Compost—The finished product of the composting process. Stabilized compost is no longer undergoing significant biological decomposition.

(Add Ord. 4214—10/24/00)

Stockpiling of Construction Related Debris and/or Fill Material for Non-Agricultural Operations—The depositing of inert materials from offsite onto land for temporary storage in non-agricultural operations until such time as it can be removed to another site. Such materials include soil, sand, rock, and broken concrete removed from construction sites, debris basins, landslides and the like. (See Section 8107-22.)

Store—An enclosed building housing an establishment offering a specified line of goods or services for retail sale direct to walk-in customers.

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 strips, tree box filters, infiltration trenches, and dry swales.

Structural Alteration—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. "Structure" does not include fences, or walls used as fences, seven (7) feet or less in height, or plant materials.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

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."

de 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."

Surface Water Feature—An area containing a stream (including intermittent and ephemeral), creek, river, wetland, seep, or pond, the riparian habitat area associated with the feature, as well as a development buffer area that is two hundred (200) feet as measured from the farthest extent of the surface water feature and its associated riparian area. The data used to designate the areas are obtained from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Dataset. Areas designated as surface water features are shown on the "Surface Water Feature Buffer" map within the Planning GIS Wildlife Corridor layer of the County of Ventura - County View Geographic Information System (GIS), as may be amended by the Planning Director. The term surface water feature does not include ponds, lakes, marshes, wetlands or agricultural water impoundments or associated riparian habitat areas that are legally established and human-made.

Swap Meet—A market operating on weekends and holidays for the sale or exchange of merchandise at retail by a number of sellers.

(Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

Tandem Parking—The placement of parking spaces one behind the other, such that one parking space must be driven across in order to access the other space.

Temporary—A period of thirty (30) calendar days or less, unless otherwise specifically defined in this Chapter or in the conditions of a permit issued pursuant to this Chapter.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

Temporary Collection Activity—An activity of short duration (not exceeding seven (7) consecutive days and not occurring more frequently than twice in any thirty-day period, and seven (7) times per year at the same location) where mixed solid wastes, hazardous wastes, or recyclable materials are collected from the public at a central point and transported for recycling, processing, transformation, or disposal. This definition does not include individual refuse bins sited for the temporary collection of seasonal recyclables, such as Christmas trees and telephone books. (See Section 8107-36.3.4.)

Temporary Rental Unit—A dwelling which is used as a short-term rental or homeshare. (See Section 8109-4.6.) Through Lot—See Lot, Through.

Timber—Trees of any species maintained for eventual harvest for forest product purposes, whether planted or of a natural growth, standing or down, on privately or publicly owned land, including Christmas trees but excluding nursery stock.

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 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.

Traffic Safety Sight Area—The area that provides an unobstructed view for motorists to avoid or anticipate potential collisions along a roadway, intersection, parking lot, etc.

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."

Transportation Services—Establishments primarily engaged in undertaking the transportation of goods and people for compensation, and which may in turn make use of other transportation establishments in effecting delivery. This definition includes parking areas for overnight truck storage, and such establishments as commercial distribution services, freight forwarding services and freight agencies.

Use—The purpose for which land or a building or structure is arranged, designed or intended to be used, or for which it is or may be used, occupied or maintained.

Vector—Any insect, rodent, or other animal capable of transmitting pathogens (disease-causing agents, especially microorganisms) from one host to another.

Vegetation—Native and nonnative trees and plant communities such as grassland, coastal scrub, riparian vegetation, and chaparral, including invasive plants. The term vegetation does not include human-planted

landscaping associated with legally established development or commercial agricultural products.

Vegetation Modification—Human-caused alteration of vegetation through direct actions including, but not limited to, complete removal, mowing, thinning, or chaining.

Vehicle, Commercial—A vehicle, and any equipment accessory thereto, used to transport products or raw materials, or to provide services of a commercial nature. The vehicle may or may not have markings indicating its association with commercial activities.

Vehicle, Inoperative—A vehicle which is not licensed, not currently registered, or is not capable of meeting vehicle codes for operating legally on a public right-of-way or navigable waterway; or nonfunctional motorized equipment such as tractors and similar farm vehicles not intended for use on a public right-of-way. Vehicles with Certificates of Nonoperation issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are not considered registered pursuant to this Chapter and are therefore inoperative vehicles.

meeting vehicle codes for operating legally on a public right-of-way or navigable waterway; or nonfunctional motorized equipment such as tractors and similar farm vehicles not intended for use on a public right-of-way. Vehicles with Certificates of Nonoperation issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles are not considered registered pursuant to this Chapter and are therefore inoperative vehicles.

Vending Machine—A commercial mechanical or electric machine for the dispensing of objects usually in exchange for the deposit of money or tokens, or which dispenses money or tokens in exchange for objects.

Vermicomposting Operation—An organics processing operation that uses live worms, with or without thermophilic composting, to transform organic materials into a biologically degraded and stabilized material.

Vermiculture—A form of animal husbandry involving the raising of worms of the taxonomic phylum Annelida (segmented worms). Vermiculture is not included in organic processing operations. (See Section 8107-2.7.)

Waste Collection and Processing Activities to Mitigate an Emergency—Any waste collection, sorting, storage, handling, or processing activity that must be established promptly in response to an emergency—as determined by the Planning Director—to prevent or mitigate loss of, or damage to, life, health, property, or essential public services, and to maximize recovery of recyclable and reusable materials. Such activities are often established in zones where they are not typically allowed.

Waste Handling, Waste Disposal and Recycling Facilities—A category of facilities that receives, processes, salvages, transforms (e.g., burns), landfills, or transfers mixed solid wastes, recyclables, reusables, hazardous wastes, or household hazardous wastes. This category includes but is not limited to recyclables collection centers; recyclables collection and processing facilities; temporary collection activities; recyclable household/CESQG hazardous waste collection facilities; household/CESQG hazardous waste collection facilities; hazardous waste collection, treatment and storage facilities; reuse salvage facilities; waste processing facilities; waste transfer stations; solid waste disposal facilities; oilfield waste disposal facilities; hazardous waste disposal facilities; and waste collection and processing activities to mitigate an emergency.

Waste Hauling Yard—A transportation services operation that specializes in transporting mixed solid waste, and may also transport recyclables, reusables, and other discards.

Waste Processing Facility—A facility that receives, stores, transfers, and processes mixed solid waste, or recyclable, reusable or discarded materials, other than hazardous waste, for the purpose of preparation for shipment off site, and which generates more than ten (10) percent unrecyclable residuals that shall be disposed in a waste disposal facility. Processing may include separation, baling, crushing, cleaning, sorting, shredding, or chopping. Included in this category are mixed solid waste composting operations, which are facilities that specialize in the composting of mixed solid waste. This category does not include organics processing operations. (See Section 8107-36.)

Waste Transfer Station—A facility used to transfer mixed solid wastes directly from one (1) vehicle to another, often smaller to larger vehicles, such as transfer vehicles, truck trailers, railroad cars, or barges, for transport elsewhere. (See Section 8107-36.)

Watch List Invasive Species—Any species of plant that has been classified by the California Invasive Plant Council to be at a high risk to become invasive in California in the future.

Wet Bar—An area within a dwelling or habitable accessory structure thereto, distinct from a kitchen and not within a bedroom, which is not used for the preparation and cooking of food, and has no: (a) cooking appliance or other food heating appliance, (b) garbage disposal, (c) dishwasher, (d) electrical outlets in excess of one hundred ten (110) volts, (e) gas stub-outs, (f) bar sink with interior dimensions greater than twelve (12) inches wide by twelve (12) inches long and nine inches deep, and (g) plumbing greater than one and one-fourth inches in diameter connected to the bar sink drain.

Wholesale Nurseries for Propagation—Wholesale operations where plants, seeds, seedlings, trees and other horticultural materials, including mulch, bark, soil amendments, and inorganic mineral materials such as rocks, gravel, and decomposed granite, are sold to a wholesale distributor or to a retail outlet for resale to the public. This definition does not include landscape contracting operations, which are classified as contractor service and storage yards.

Wildlife Crossing Structure—A structure (such as a culvert, bridge or underpass) containing features that enhance its suitability for use by wildlife (terrestrial or aquatic) to safely cross human-made barriers (such as flood plain facilities, roadways and highways). Examples of such features include the presence of vegetation providing cover or habitat near the entrances and/or natural light visible at the opposite entrance. The locations of the wildlife crossing structures are shown on the "Wildlife Crossing Structures" map layer within the County of Ventura, Resource Management Agency, County View Geographic Information System (GIS), as may be amended by the Planning Director. The definition of wildlife crossing structure does not include cattle guards.

trances and/or natural light visible at the opposite entrance. The locations of the wildlife crossing structures are shown on the "Wildlife Crossing Structures" map layer within the County of Ventura, Resource Management Agency, County View Geographic Information System (GIS), as may be amended by the Planning Director. The definition of wildlife crossing structure does not include cattle guards.

Wildlife Impermeable Fencing—A fence or wall, other than a retaining wall, that prevents various species of wildlife including amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and birds, from freely passing through with little or no interference. Except for gates and associated gate support components, a fence that includes one (1) or more of the following design features is considered wildlife impermeable fencing:

(1)

Any fence that is higher than sixty (60) inches above grade, inclusive of any wire strands placed above a top rail of a fence.

(2)

Any electric fence comprised of any material or number of electrified strands.

(3)

Any fence that is constructed of wrought iron, plastic mesh, woven wire, razor wire, or chain link or that consists entirely of a solid surface, such as cinderblock.

Wireless Communication Facility (or Facilities)—A facility that transmits or receives signals for AM/FM radio, television, satellites, wireless phones and data, personal communication services, pagers, wireless internet, specialized mobile radio services, or other similar services. The facility may include, but is not limited to,

antennas, radio transmitters, equipment shelters or cabinets, air vents, towers, masts, air conditioning units, fire suppression systems, emergency back-up generators with fuel storage, and structures primarily designed to support antennas. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Building-Concealed—A wireless communication facility designed and constructed as an architectural feature of an existing building in a manner where the wireless communication facility is not discernible from the remainder of the building. Standard building architectural features used to conceal a wireless communication facility include, but are not limited to, parapet walls, windows, cupolas, clock towers, and steeples. (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [326 x 100] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Building-Concealed Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facility, Collocation—The placement or installation of one (1) or more wireless communication facilities on a single tower, mast/pole, structure, or building with one (1) or more existing wireless communication facilities. Collocated wireless communication facilities may be separately owned and used by more than one (1) public or private entity. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Faux Trees—A stealth, ground-mounted wireless communication facility camouflaged to resemble a tree, including mono-broadleaf, mono-pine, mono-palm, mono-elm, and monoeucalyptus. (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [338 x 113] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Faux Tree-Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facility, Flush-Mounted—A wireless communication facility with an antenna attached directly to the exterior of a structure or building and that remains close and is generally parallel to the exterior surface of the structure or building. Associated equipment for the antenna is not flush-mounted and is located inside an existing building, on a rooftop, at the ground level, or underground. (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [384 x 75] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Flush-Mounted Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facility, Ground-Mounted—A wireless communication facility that is placed on the ground, which consists of a monopole, lattice tower, or any other freestanding structure that supports an antenna. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Modification—Any physical change to a wireless communication facility or a change to operational characteristics for that facility that are subject to existing permit conditions. Modifications do not include routine maintenance. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Non-Stealth—A wireless communication facility that is not disguised or concealed and does not meet the definition of a stealth facility or building-concealed facility. (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [280 x 98] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Non-Stealth Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facility, Prominently Visible—A wireless communication facility is considered to be prominently visible without the aid of any magnifying equipment such as cameras, binoculars, etc. if it stands out as an obvious or noticeable feature within its setting when seen from a public viewpoint. A wireless communication facility may be prominently visible when its size, shape, color or material contrasts with other objects in the surrounding setting. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Public Viewpoint—Public roads and public recreational areas such as parks, beaches, state designated trails, and Ventura County regional and local trails/corridors that are accessible to the general public. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Roof-Mounted—A wireless communication facility that is mounted directly on the roof of a building. (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [280 x 77] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Roof-Mounted Wireless Communication Facilities

Wireless Communication Facility, Routine Maintenance—Work performed by the operator to restore a facility to its permitted condition, including the restoration or replacement of existing faux design elements, antennas, and equipment in equipment cabinets. In all cases, the replacement of antennas or faux design elements shall be limited to reproductions of the originally permitted equipment. Routine maintenance also includes testing and repair of operational features which do not alter the physical dimensions of the permitted wireless

communication facility - such as backup generators, fire suppression systems, air ventilation systems, and cable modifications in cable conduits. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Section 6409(a) Modification—A modification of an existing wireless tower or base station that involves the collocation, removal or replacement of transmission equipment that does not substantially change the physical dimensions of such wireless tower or base station and that otherwise qualifies for approval pursuant to Section 6409(a) of the Federal 2012 Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act (codified at 47 U.S.C. §1455(a)), as may be amended. (See Section 8107-45.)

Wireless Communication Facility, Stealth—A wireless communication facility that blends into the surrounding visual setting. A stealth facility utilizes concealment elements such as design (size, height, color material, and antenna type) or siting techniques to camouflage, partially conceal, or integrate the wireless communication facility into the design of an existing facility, structure or its surrounding visual setting. Examples of stealth facilities include but are not limited to the following:

1.

Facilities disguised as other objects typically found within a setting, such as faux trees, monorocks, and water tanks (photos 1 and 2);

2.

Panel antennas flush-mounted on existing utility facilities, water tanks, and integrated with building facades (photos under flush-mounted);

3.

Facilities that are camouflaged or partially concealed by objects within an existing setting, such as a cluster of trees or utility poles (photo 3); or,

4.

Whip antennas and slim line poles that use simple camouflage techniques, such as size and color, and are located sufficient distance from public viewpoints to render them virtually unnoticeable (photo 4). (See Section 8107-45.)

==> picture [361 x 112] intentionally omitted <==

Examples of Stealth Wireless Communication Facilities

(Ord. 3720—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 3723—3/12/85; Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 3759—1/14/86; Am. Ord. 3810 —5/5/87; Am. Ord. 3881—12/20/88; Am. Ord. 3895—4/25/89; Am. Ord. 3945—7/10/90; Am. Ord. 3993— 2/25/92; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4118—7/2/96; Am. Ord. 4123—9/17/96; Am. Ord. 4187—5/25/99; Am. Ord. 4214—10/24/00; Am. Ord. 4216—10/24/00; Am. Ord. 4220—12/12/00; Am. Ord. 4227—1/9/01; Am.

Ord. 4281—5/6/03; Am. Ord. 4282—5/20/03; Am. Ord. 4317—3/15/05; Am. Ord. 4377—1/29/08; Am. Ord. 4389—9/9/08; Am. Ord. 4393—12/16/08; Ord. No. 4407, § 2, 10-20-2009; Ord. No. 4411, § 1, 3-2-2010; Ord. No. 4413, § 1, 4-6-2010; Ord. No. 4417, § 1, 10-5-2010; Ord. No. 4436, § 1, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 4455, § 1, 1022-2013; Ord. No. 4470, § 1, 3-24-2015; Ord. No. 4507, § 2, 3-14-2017; Ord. No. 4509, § 2, 4-18-2017; Ord. No. 4518, § 1, 2-6-2018; Ord. No. 4519, § 1, 2-27-2018; Ord. No. 4520, § 1, 2-27-2018; Ord. No. 4523, § 1, 6- 19-2018; Ord. No. 4526, § 1, 7-17-2018; Ord. No. 4528, § 1, 9-25-2018; Ord. No. 4537, § 1, 3-12-2019; Ord. No. 4554, § 2, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4555, § 2, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4577 § 1, 3-9-2021; Ord. No. 4580 § 1, 4- 13-2021; Ord. No. 4596, § 1, 3-1-2022; Ord. No. 4606, § 1, 11-1-2022; Ord. No. 4615, § 1, 2-7-2023; Ord. No. 4618, § 2, 7-25-2023; Ord. No. 4619, § 1, 9-12-2023; Ord. No. 4624, § 1, 1-9-2024; Ord. No. 4630, § 1, 5-212024; Ord. No. 4639, § 2, 12-17-24; Ord. No. 4641, § 2, 12-17-2024)

Article 3. - Establishment of Zones, Boundaries and Maps

8103-0 - Purpose and establishment of zones and minimum lot areas.

In order to classify, regulate, restrict, and segregate uses of land and buildings; to regulate the height and size of buildings; to regulate the area of yards and other open spaces around buildings; and to regulate the density of population, the following classes of use base zones are established along with their abbreviations and minimum lot areas. Alternative minimum lot areas may be established pursuant to Section 8103-1 et seq. of this Chapter. Minimum lot area requirements are expressed in "gross" area for land uses and structures. The minimum lot area for subdivision purposes is expressed in "net" area for parcels of less than ten (10) acres, and "gross" area for parcels of 10 acres or more.

1. See Sections 8103-1.1, 8103-1.2, and 8103-2 of this Chapter for exceptions to minimum lot area.

2. (Add. Ord. 4436—6/28/11)

3. As specified in Article 19, Old Town Saticoy Development Code (OTSDC). (Add. Ord. 4479—9/22/15)

4. Refer to Article 9 (Standards for Specific Zones and Zone Types) for development standards applicable in overlay zones.

(Am. Ord. 4390—9/9/08; Ord. No. 4479, § 2, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4523, § 2, 6-19-2018; Ord. No. 4528, § 2, 9- 25-2018; Ord. No. 4537, § 2, 3-12-2019; Ord. No. 4554, § 3, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4555, § 3, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4625, § 1, 1-9-2024; Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

8103-1 - Establishment of alternative minimum lot area by suffix. 8103-1.1 - Lot area suffix.

The minimum area of lots created in each of the OS-REC, OS, AE, RA, RE, RO, R1, and R2 base zones may be determined by a suffix number following the base zone on a given zoning map. The application of said suffixes shall be consistent with the General Plan and Article 6 of this Chapter. All other requirements of the base zone contained in this Chapter shall apply to the respective zone designated by a suffix. The suffix numbers shall only be assigned in 1,000-square foot increments for lots of less than one (1) acre in area (i.e., RE-20 means: Rural Exclusive, 20,000-square foot minimum lot area), and in increments of one (1) acre for lots of one (1) acre or larger area (i.e., OS-160 means: Open Space, 160-acre minimum lot area). Unless designated as acres, suffix numbers from one through 43 are assumed to be in thousands of square feet. The application of suffix numbers shall not create lot areas less than the minimum area specified for the various base zones established

by Section 8103-0. Where no suffix number appears, it is understood that the minimum lot area specified in Section 8103-0 for that zoning designation shall apply.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

The suffix "Av" may be added to any of the base zone designations. (example: R-A-10Ac Av). When added to a given zone designated by a specified suffix, the additional "Av" suffix converts the minimum lot area zone suffix indicator to an average area designation. When land is subdivided which has the "Av" suffix, lots may be created which are no smaller in area than eighty (80) percent of the applicable minimum area zone designated by the suffix number, provided the collective average area of the lots created is not smaller than that required by the applicable lot area zone suffix designator (example: R-A-10Ac Av × 80 percent = 8Ac as the smallest lot that can be created). In computing the collective average area of newly created lots, only those lots which are no larger than 1.9 times the minimum area zone designated by the suffix number may be counted (example: R- A-10Ac Av × 1.9 = 19Ac as the area of the largest lots that can be counted). Legal lots in an "Av" suffix designated zone, not smaller than eighty (80) percent of the applicable designated zone suffix number, are deemed to be conforming as to lot area.

(Am. Ord. 3749—10/29/85; Am. Ord. 3797—12/09/86; Am. Ord. 4018—12/15/92; Am. Ord. 4054—2/1/94; Am. Ord. 4144—7/22/97; Am. Ord. 4390—9/9/08; Ord. No. 4436, § 2, 6-28-2011)

8103-1.3 - Suffix designators and maximum density for the RPD zone.

Minimum lot areas for the RPD Zone shall be established by a suffix designation. The requirements for the RPD Zone shall apply to the respective suffix designated RPD Zones except that the suffix for the RPD designation shall be the maximum number of dwelling units per acre followed by the letter "U" (example: RPD-25U). The suffix designated zones for the RPD Zone may be any number between RPD-1U and RPD-30U provided the maximum allowable density specified in the RPD Zone is not exceeded. RPD without a suffix designator shall allow a maximum of thirty (30) dwelling units per acre.

(Am. Ord. 4054—2/1/94; Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

8103-2 - Exceptions to minimum lot area.

The following are exceptions to the minimum lot area regulations stated in Sections 8103-0, 8103-1, and 81061 of this Chapter:

(Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

Exceptions listed in Chapter 2, (Subdivision Ordinance) Section 8204-2.4.

(Add Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Renum. Ord. 4333—12/6/05)

8103-2.2 - Agricultural water well sites.

A water well site or sites, each no more than 1,200 square feet, may be created on a lot for the sole purpose of transferring, by lease or sale, possession of the well and so much of the land around the well as may be necessary for use of water from the well for agricultural purposes only.

(Renum. Ord. 4333—12/6/05)

Parcels of less than the prescribed minimum lot area may be allowed for urban parks as a principal use. This exception to minimum lot area regulations shall only apply in conjunction with the concurrent processing of applications for a subdivision and/or discretionary permit for an urban park. This exception shall not apply if there is any other principal use, as identified in Sections 8105-4 and 8105-5, on the parcel.

(Ord. No. 4624, § 2, 1-9-2024)

Parcels designated a cultural heritage site may be granted a reduction from the minimum lot area requirements in accordance with Section 8107-37 of this Chapter.

Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 4639, § 3, adopted Dec. 17, 2024, repealed the former § 8103-2.4, and enacted a new § 8103-2.4 as set out herein. The former section pertained to fire stations and minor public facilities and derived from Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Renum. Ord. 4333—12/6/05.

Parcels created through the environmental or conservation subdivision process set forth in the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance (Division 8, Chapter 2 of the Ventura County Ordinance Code), as may be amended, may be granted a reduction from the minimum lot area requirements.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

Any lot dedicated for park and recreational purposes pursuant to Government Code section 66477 of the Subdivision Map Act and as adopted by the Ventura County Subdivision Ordinance, as both may be amended, may be granted a reduction from the minimum lot area requirements.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

Lots of less than the prescribed minimum lot area may be allowed for farmworker housing complexes on land in the AE Zone within or adjacent to a city sphere of influence, provided the remaining non-farmworker housing complex parcel is a minimum of ten (10) acres.

(Ord. No. 4436, § 2, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

A zoning designation has been established on all land in the unincorporated area of Ventura County. Said comprehensive zoning has been progressively effectuated by ordinance adopting and amending the Official Zoning Data pursuant to Article 18 of this Chapter. The zoning designations, locations, and boundaries therein are set forth and indicated in the Official Zoning Data. Said data, and all information shown therein for all land in

the unincorporated areas of Ventura County, is hereby made a part of this Chapter as set forth in Article 18, section 8118, or may be made a part of this Chapter by the progressive amendment thereto. Official Zoning Data displays can be generated only by County GIS staff of the Resource Management Agency, or designated successor County agency.

(Am. Ord. 4377—1/29/08; Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

8103-4 - Uncertainty of zone boundaries.

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any zone indicated in the official zoning data the following rules of construction shall apply:

(a)

Boundaries Following Lot Lines—Where such boundaries are indicated as approximately following street and alley lines or lot lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

(b)

Boundary by GIS Technology—In the case of unsubdivided property and where a zone boundary divides a lot, the locations of such boundaries, unless the same are indicated by dimensions, shall be determined by the use of GIS tools and/or datasets.

(c)

Boundary Upon Street Abandonment—Where a public street or alley is officially vacated or abandoned the zoning regulations applicable to abutting property on each side of the center line shall apply up to the center line of such vacated or abandoned street or alley on each respective side thereof.

(d)

Determination of Uncertainties—In cases where the precise location on the ground of lines or boundaries depicted in the official zoning data is still uncertain after application of the above rules, the Planning Director is hereby authorized to resolve the uncertainty.

(Am. Ord. 4377—1/29/08)

8103-5 - Establishment and changes of zoning designations.

The establishment and changes of the zoning designation on land in the unincorporated area of Ventura County, excluding the Coastal Zone, shall be effectuated by ordinance adopting zoning data in the manner set forth in Article 15 of this Chapter. (Am. Ord. 4333—12/06/05)

(Ord. No. 4639, § 3, 12-17-2024)

In the event a parcel of land has no zoning designation assigned to it, or the assigned zoning is from a jurisdiction other than the County of Ventura, regulation of land uses on the parcel shall be governed by the General Plan land use designation and related policies until an action is taken by the County to assign a new zoning designation.

(Add Ord. 4054—2/1/94)

8103-7 - Limitations on zoning of parcels as Open Space—Parks and Recreation.

The following limitations shall apply to the establishment of parcels as Open Space—Parks and Recreation:

a.

This zone shall not apply within the Mineral Resource Protection Overlay Zone.

b.

This zone shall not apply within areas subject to an active permit authorizing oil and gas exploration and production as of January 9, 2024 [adoption date of Ord. No. 4625].

c.

This zone shall not apply to parcels identified in the Housing Element Sites Inventory of the General Plan Background Report Appendix 5.A, as may be amended.

d.

This zone shall not apply to parcels within an "affected county", as defined in Government Code section 66300, as may be amended, which states "'Affected County' means a census-designated place, (as may be amended) based on the 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-year Estimates, that is wholly located within the boundaries of an urbanized area, as designated by the United States Census Bureau."

(Ord. No. 4625, § 1, 1-9-2024)

Article 4. - Purposes of Zones

8104-0 - Purpose.

The categories and purposes of land use zones in Ventura County are established as follows:

8104-1 - Open space/agricultural zones. 8104-1.1 - Open Space (O-S) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for any of the following on parcels or areas of land or water that are essentially unimproved:

a.

The preservation of natural resources including, but not limited to: areas required for the preservation of plant and animal life, including habitat for fish and wildlife species; areas required for ecologic and other scientific study purposes; rivers, streams, bays and estuaries; and, coastal beaches, lakeshores, banks of rivers and streams, and watershed lands.

b.

The managed production of resources, including but not limited to: forest lands, rangeland, agricultural lands and areas of economic importance for the production of food or fiber; areas required for recharge of

groundwater basins; bays, estuaries, marshes, rivers and streams which are important for the management of commercial fisheries; and, areas containing major mineral deposits, including those in short supply.

c.

Outdoor recreation, including but not limited to: areas of outstanding scenic, historic and cultural value; areas particularly suited for park and recreation purposes, including access to lakeshores, beaches, and rivers and streams; and, areas which serve as links between major recreation and open-space reservations, including utility easements, banks of rivers and streams, trails, and scenic highway corridors.

d.

The public health and safety, including, but not limited to areas which require special management or regulation because of hazardous or special conditions such as earthquake fault zones, unstable soil areas, flood plains, watersheds, areas presenting high fire risks, areas required for the protection of water quality and water reservoirs and areas required for the protection and enhancement of air quality.

e.

The formation and continuation of cohesive communities by defining the boundaries and by helping to prevent urban sprawl.

f.

The promotion of efficient municipal services and facilities by confining urban development to defined development areas.

g.

Support of the mission of military installations that comprises areas adjacent to military installations, military training routes, and underlying restricted airspace that can provide additional buffer zones to military activities and complement the resource values of the military lands.

h.

The protection of places, features, and objects described in Sections 5097.9 and 5097.993 of the Public Resources Code.

(Ord. No. 4411, § 2, 3-2-2010)

The purpose of this zone is to preserve and protect commercial agricultural lands as a limited and irreplaceable resource, to preserve and maintain agriculture as a major industry in Ventura County and to protect these areas from the encroachment of nonrelated uses which, by their nature, would have detrimental effects upon the agriculture industry.

a.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for, maintain and enhance the protection of lands for parks and recreation-related uses. This zone shall further the same purposes of the OS zone, as set forth in Section 81041.1, except for the purpose set forth in subdivision (b) of that section.

(Ord. No. 4625, § 2, 1-9-2024)

8104-2.1 - Rural Agricultural (R-A) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for and maintain a rural setting where a wide range of agricultural uses are permitted while surrounding residential land uses are protected.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for and maintain rural residential areas in conjunction with horticultural activities, and to provide for a limited range of service and institutional uses which are compatible with and complementary to rural residential communities.

8104-2.3 - Single-Family Estate (R-O) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide areas exclusively for single-family residential estates where a rural atmosphere is maintained by the allowing of a range of horticultural activities as well as animals for recreational purposes.

8104-3.1 - Single-Family Residential (R-1) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for and maintain areas which are appropriate for single-family dwellings on individual lots.

8104-3.2 - Two-Family Residential (R-2) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide for and maintain residential areas allowing two single-family dwelling units or a two-family dwelling unit on lots which meet the minimum area requirements of this zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide areas for communities which will be developed utilizing modern land planning and unified design techniques; this zone provides a flexible regulatory procedure in order to encourage:

a.

Coordinated neighborhood design and compatibility with existing or potential development of surrounding areas;

b.

An efficient use of land particularly through the clustering of dwelling units and the preservation of the natural features of sites;

c.

Variety and innovation in site design, density and housing unit options, including garden apartments, townhouses and single-family dwellings;

d.

Lower housing costs through the reduction of street and utility networks; and

e.

A more varied, attractive and energy-efficient living environment as well as greater opportunities for recreation than would be possible under other zone classifications.

The purpose of this zone is to make available parcels that are appropriate for multifamily dwelling projects at densities considered by state law to be affordable by design to lower-income households.

(Ord. No. 4436, § 3, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purpose of this zone is primarily for construction of single-family and duplex residential development, with triplex and quadplex residential development allowed on larger lots within the zone. The regulatory provisions, including development standards that are applicable to the RES Zone are set forth in the Old Town Saticoy Development Code, Article 19, Section 8119-1.3.3.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 3, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purpose of this zone is primarily for construction of multifamily dwellings with a maximum density of twenty (20) dwellings per acre. Compatible commercial uses are also allowed in the R/MU Zone and such uses are required in specific locations. The regulatory provisions, including development standards that are applicable to the R/MU Zone are set forth in the Old Town Saticoy Development Code, Article 19, section 8119-1.3.2.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 3, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-4.1 - Commercial Office (C-O) zone.

The purpose of this zone is to provide suitable locations for offices and services of a professional, clerical or administrative nature.

The purpose of this zone is to provide areas for retail convenience shopping and personal services to meet the daily needs of neighborhood residents.

The purpose of this zone is to encourage the development of coordinated, innovative and efficient commercial sites and to provide areas for a wide range of commercial retail and business uses, including stores, shops and

offices supplying commodities or performing services for the surrounding community.

The purpose of this zone is primarily for commercial uses with compatible light industrial uses and residential uses as allowed by the Saticoy Area Plan. The regulatory provisions, including development standards that are applicable to the TC Zone are set forth in the Old Town Saticoy Development Code, Article 19, section 81191.3.1.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 3, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purpose of this zone is to provide suitable areas for the exclusive development of light industrial, service, technical research and related business office uses in an industrial park context, in conjunction with stringent standards of building design, noise, landscaping and performance.

The purpose of this zone is to provide suitable areas for the development of a broad range of industrial and quasi-industrial activities of a light manufacturing, processing or fabrication nature, while providing appropriate safeguards for adjoining industrial sites, nearby nonindustrial properties and the surrounding community.

The purpose of this zone is to provide suitable areas for the development of a broad range of general manufacturing, processing and fabrication activities. The M-3 Zone is intended for uses which do not require highly restrictive performance standards on the part of adjoining uses. The M-3 Zone, as the heaviest manufacturing zone, is intended to provide for uses involving the kinds of processes, activities and elements which are specifically excluded from the M-1 Zone.

The purpose of this zone is to accommodate light industrial, manufacturing, and commercial uses that are compatible with adjacent residential and commercial uses. The regulatory provisions, including development standards that are applicable to the IND Zone are set forth in the Old Town Saticoy Development Code, Article 19, section 8119-1.3.4.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 3, 9-22-2015; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-6 - Special purpose zones. 8104-6.1 - Specific Plan (SP) zone.

The purposes of this zone are to:

a.

Provide for the unified planning and diversified urban communities which reflect modern site design standards and concepts and incorporate a variety of uses, while providing for the separation of incompatible uses;

b.

Encourage the provision of a broad range of community facilities, including recreational and commercial; and

c.

Provide for flexibility in the design and development of such communities.

(Am. Ord. 4018—12/15/92; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-6.2 - Timberland Preserve (TP) zone.

The purposes of this zone are to:

a.

Maintain the optimum amount of the limited supply of timberland so as to ensure its current and continued availability for the growing and harvesting of timber, and compatible uses;

b.

Discourage premature or unnecessary conversion of timberland to urban and other uses;

c.

Discourage the expansion of urban services into timberland; and

d.

Encourage investment in timberlands based on reasonable expectation of harvest.

(Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purpose of overlay zones is to superimpose particular zones on existing base zones, thus establishing additional regulations and either reducing or extending permitted uses.

The purposes of this overlay zone are to:

a.

Preserve and protect the visual quality within the viewshed of selected County lakes, along the County's adopted scenic highways, and at other scenic resource locations as determined by an area plan.

b.

Minimize development that conflicts with the value of scenic resources.

c.

Provide notice to landowners and the general public of the location and value of scenic resources which are of significance in the County.

(Am. Ord. 4390—9/9/08; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-7.2 - Mineral Resources Protection (MRP) overlay zone.

The purposes of this overlay zone are to:

a.

Safeguard future access to important mineral resources.

b.

Facilitate a long-term supply of mineral resources within the County.

c.

Minimize land use conflicts.

d.

Provide notice to landowners and the general public of the presence of significant mineral resource deposits.

e.

Not obligate the County to approve use permits for the development of the resources subject to the MRP Overlay Zone.

(Add Ord. 3723—3/12/85; Am. Ord. 3900—6/20/89; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-7.3 - Reserved for future use.

(Del. Ord. 4390—9/09/08)

8104-7.4 - Community Business District (CBD) overlay zone.

The purposes of this overlay zone are to:

a.

Identity community business districts with unique historic character which justify special permit requirements and standards so as to preserve or re-create the historic character of the district;

b.

Preserve the historic character of buildings and structures within the district; and

c.

Allow deviations of certain development standards, parking standards, landscape standards, and sign standards as required by this Chapter to permit the alteration or construction of buildings and structures,

consistent with the design guidelines adopted under the applicable area plan or specific plan, so as to preserve or re-create the historic character of the district.

d.

Encourage mixed-use development projects as a means to revitalize a community business district, encourage pedestrian circulation, maximize site development potential, create an active environment while promoting a traditional village-style mix of retail, restaurants, offices, civic uses, multifamily dwellings and other compatible land uses.

(Add. Ord. 4144—7/22/97; Am. Ord. 4393—12/16/08; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purposes of this overlay zone are to establish standards and requirements for the temporary rental of dwellings as accessory uses thereof within the overlay zone boundaries in order to:

a.

Ensure that the use of dwellings as temporary rental units does not adversely impact long-term housing opportunities in the Ojai Valley.

b.

Safeguard affordable housing opportunities for individuals working in service and other relatively low-wage sectors in the Ojai Valley so that such individuals can live in close proximity to their places of work.

c.

Preserve the residential, small-town community character of the Ojai Valley, and ensure that temporary rental units are compatible with surrounding land uses.

d.

Protect the health, safety and welfare of the temporary rental units renters, occupants, neighboring residents, as well as the general public and environment.

(Ord. No. 4523, § 3, 6-19-2018; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

The purpose of this overlay zone is to protect and promote the public health, safety, welfare, the quality of life and the ability to view the night sky and reduce sky glow, by establishing regulations and a process for review of outdoor lighting. This overlay zone is intended to accomplish the following:

a.

Protect and reclaim the ability to view the night sky and stars, and thereby help preserve the generally rural quality of life;

b.

Protect against direct glare and excessive lighting, thereby minimizing light pollution caused by inappropriate or misaligned luminaires;

c.

Minimize light pollution while ensuring that sufficient lighting can be provided where needed to promote safety and security;

d.

Provide standards for efficient and moderate use of outdoor lighting; and

e.

Promote energy efficient and cost-effective lighting, while allowing for flexibility in the style of luminaires.

(Ord. No. 4528, § 3, 6-19-2018)

The general purposes of the Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors overlay zone are to preserve functional connectivity for wildlife and vegetation throughout the overlay zone by minimizing direct and indirect barriers, minimizing loss of vegetation and habitat fragmentation and minimizing impacts to those areas that are narrow, impacted or otherwise tenuous with respect to wildlife movement. More specifically, the purposes of the Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors overlay zone include the following:

a.

Minimize the indirect impacts to wildlife created by outdoor lighting, such as disorientation of nocturnal species and the disruption of mating, feeding, migrating, and the predator-prey balance.

b.

Preserve the functional connectivity and habitat quality of surface water features, due to the vital role they play in providing refuge and resources for wildlife.

c.

Protect and enhance wildlife crossing structures to help facilitate safe wildlife passage.

d.

Minimize the introduction of invasive plants, which can increase fire risk, reduce water availability, accelerate erosion and flooding, and diminish biodiversity within an ecosystem.

e.

Minimize wildlife impermeable fencing, which can create barriers to food and water, shelter, and breeding access to unrelated members of the same species needed to maintain genetic diversity.

(Ord. No. 4537, § 3, 3-12-2019)

There are three (3) critical wildlife passage areas that are located entirely within the boundaries of the larger Habitat Connectivity and Wildlife Corridors overlay zone. These areas are particularly critical for facilitating wildlife movement due to any of the following: 1) the existence of intact native habitat or other habitat with important beneficial values for wildlife; 2) proximity to water bodies or ridgelines; 3) proximity to critical roadway crossings; 4) likelihood of encroachment by future development which could easily disturb wildlife movement and plant dispersal; or 5) presence of non-urbanized or undeveloped lands within a geographic location that connects core habitats at a regional scale.

(Ord. No. 4537, § 3, 3-12-2019)

The purposes of this overlay zone are to:

a.

Promote the continued use of mobilehomes and manufactured homes in the unincorporated County as an accessible housing option for households of all income levels.

b.

Respect the interests of tenants and owners of mobilehome parks in maintaining parks of desirable character, stable operation, and economic viability.

c.

Recognize mobilehome parks as communities in which residents are substantially invested, and to provide for security of tenancy comparable to that of other residential communities less vulnerable to redevelopment.

d.

Establish that for all land in the unincorporated County occupied by mobilehome parks, and as long as this ordinance is in effect, mobilehome parks shall be the primary land use allowed.

e.

Ensure a sufficient supply of land for this type of use in the future.

f.

Promote and preserve residential development that is high density and single family in character.

(Ord. No. 4554, § 4, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

8104-7.10 - Senior Mobilehome Park (SMHP) overlay zone.

The purposes of this overlay zone are to:

a.

Recognize senior mobilehome parks as walkable communities where seniors may live actively and independently among peers, the preservation of those qualities being central to residents' continued health,

welfare and financial stability.

b.

Recognize that senior mobilehome parks provide one (1) of the few housing options within Ventura County available to seniors that are affordable and allow for independent living in a detached dwelling.

c.

Preserve a significant source of affordable, senior housing by ensuring that senior mobilehome parks within the unincorporated area remain predominantly available to seniors and are not converted to allow occupancy by persons of all ages.

d.

Meet the purpose of the federal Housing for Older Persons Act of 1995 (42 U.S.C. § 3607).

e.

Ensure a sufficient supply of land for this type of use in the future.

(Ord. No. 4555, § 4, 12-10-2019; Ord. No. 4639, § 4, 12-17-2024)

Article 5. - Uses and Structures by Zone

Sections 8105-4 and 8105-5 list in matrix form the land uses and structures that are allowed in each zone, under this Chapter, and indicate the type of land use entitlement required to establish a particular use in that zone. Land uses permitted herein may also require additional licensing/permitting from other Ventura County, State of California, or United States government agencies.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4387—7/1/08; Am. Ord. 4389—9/9/08)

All land uses and structures on parcels located within the Old Town Saticoy boundary, as specified in the Saticoy Area Plan and Old Town Saticoy Development Code (Figure 1.1.2), shall be governed by the Old Town Saticoy Development Code.

(Ord. No. 4479, § 4, 9-22-2015)

The matrices of Section 8105-4 and 8105-5 contain the following acronyms that indicate the type of permit required for uses allowed in each zone. The matrices also contain the following distinct colors indicating uses that are not allowed in zones, uses that are exempt from permitting requirements, and the decision-making authority for required permits:

unless specifically PD = Planned Development Director Commission exempted Permit or Designee CUP = Conditional Use Permit

Supervisors

(Add. Ord. 3749—10/29/85; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4387—7/1/08; Am. Ord. 4389—9/9/08; Ord. No. 4532, § 1, 10-30-2018)

8105-1.2 - Italicized notes appearing in this Zoning Ordinance are editorial in nature and are not a part of the Ordinance or its regulatory scheme.

(Am. Ord. 4187—5/25/99—grammar)

8105-1.3 - No use is allowed unless expressly identified in Section 8105-4 and 8105-5 (Matrices) or determined to be equivalent in accordance with Section 8105-2 or Section 8101-4.10. Furthermore, prior to the commencement of any use listed in the matrices, the entitlement identified as required for the use shall be obtained. Each use is subject to all of the provisions of this chapter even if it is exempt from a Zoning Clearance.

8105-1.4 - For the purposes of this Article, changing type style indicates where language is indented. Any use listed in matrix form which is indented shall be construed as a subheading of the heading under which it is indented.

8105-1.5 - Any use requested as an accessory use which is listed in the matrix at Sections 8105-4 and 8105-5 as a principal use shall be processed in accordance with the indicated requirements of the principal use.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 3749—10/29/85; Am. Ord.—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

8105-1.6 - The abbreviations used in Sections 8105-4 and 8105-5 are to be interpreted as follows:

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4187—5/25/99)

8105-1.7 - The following list of specifically prohibited uses is provided for informational purposes, and is not intended to be comprehensive:

a.

Nuclear power plants;

b.

Public polo events;

c.

Racetracks for horses or motorized vehicles, except motocross/OHV parks otherwise permitted;

d.

Stadiums;

e.

The parking of motor vehicles on vacant land containing no principal use;

f.

Retail sales from wheeled vehicles, except as permitted pursuant to Sections 8105-4 and 8105-5;

g.

Retail sales in the O-S, A-E, R-A, R-E, R-O, R-1, R-2, R-P-D, and T-P zones, except as expressly permitted by this Ordinance or as an accessory use as expressly allowed in the discretionary permit conditions.

(Add Ord. 3810—5/5/87 Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95; Am. Ord. 4118—7/2/96; Am. Ord. 4216—10/24/00; Ord. No. 4484, 1-26-2016; Ord. No. 4513, 11-14-2017; Ord. No. 4592 (Voter Initiative Measure "O"), § 4, 11-3-2020)

8105-2 - Equivalent uses not listed.

Where a proposed land use is not identified in this Article, the Planning Director shall review the proposed use when requested to do so by letter and, based upon the characteristics of the use, determine which of the uses listed in this Article, if any, is equivalent to that proposed.

(Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

8105-2.1 - Upon a written determination by the Planning Director that a proposed unlisted use is equivalent in its nature and intensity to a listed use, the proposed use shall be treated in the same manner as the listed use in determining where it is allowed, what permits are required and what standards affect its establishment. 8105-2.2 - Determinations that specific unlisted uses are equivalent to listed uses shall be recorded by the Planning Department, and shall be considered for incorporation into the Zoning Ordinance in the next scheduled ordinance amendment.

(Add Ord. 3749—10/29/85; Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87)

8105-3 - Allowed uses exempt from planning entitlements.

Exempted uses do not require a Planning Division issued entitlement if the uses meet and are maintained in accordance with the requirements of Section 8111-1.1.1b and all other provisions of this Chapter.

(Am. Ord. 3730—5/7/85; Am. Ord. 3749—10/29/85; Am. Ord. 3810—5/5/87; Am. Ord. 4092—6/27/95)

8105-4 - Permitted uses in open spaces, agricultural, residential and special purpose zones.

• There are specific regulations for this use or structure; see Article 7 and Article 9.

Italicized numbers refer to amendment history at end of use matrices.

(Am. Ord. 4387—7/1/08; Am. Ord. 4389—9/9/08; Ord. No. 4407, § 3, 10-20-2009; Ord. No. 4411, § 3, 3-22010; Ord. No. 4436, § 4, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 4455, § 3, 10-22-2013; Ord. No. 4470, § 2, 3-24-2015; Ord. No. 4519, § 2, 2-27-2018; Ord. No. 4523, § 4, 6-19-2018; Ord. No. 4526, § 2, 7-17-2018; Ord. No. 4528, § 4, 9-252018; Ord. No. 4532, § 2, 10-30-2018; Ord. No. 4537, § 4, 3-12-2019; Ord. No. 4592 (Voter Initiative Measure "O"), § 4, 11-3-2020; Ord. No. 4574, § I, 12-15-2020; Ord. No. 4580 § 2, 4-13-2021; Ord. No. 4596, § 2, 3-12022; Ord. No. 4606, § 2, 11-1-2022; Ord. No. 4615, § 2, 2-7-2023; Ord. No. 4624, § 3, 1-9-2024; Ord. No. 4625, §§ 3, 6, 7, 1-9-2024; Ord. No. 4630, § 2, 5-21-2024; Ord. No. 4632, § 1, 6-4-2024; Ord. No. 4641, § 3, 12-17-2024)

8105-5 - Permitted uses in commercial and industrial zones.

• There are specific regulations for this use or structure; see Article 7 and Article 9. Italicized numbers refer to amendment history at end of use matrices.

(Add. Ord. 3723—3-12-85; Am. Ord. 3730—5-7-85; Add. Ord. 3730—5-7-85; Am. Ord. 3749—10-29-85; Add. Ord. 3749—10-29-85; Am. Ord. 3810—5-5-87; Add. Ord. 3810—5-5-87; Am. Ord. 3881—12-20-88; Add. Ord. 3881—12-20-88; Add. Ord. 3895—4-25-89; Am. Ord. 3920—12-19-89; Am. Ord. 3993—2-25-92; Am. Ord. 3995—3-24-92; Add. Ord. 3995—3-24-92; Am. Ord. 4092—6-27-95; Add. Ord. 4092—6-27-95; Add. Ord. 4118 —7-2-96; Add. Ord. 4123—9-17-96; Am. Ord. 4123—9-17-96; Am. Ord. 4166—4-14-98; Am. Ord. 4175—10-698; Am. Ord. 4187—5-25-99; Am. Ord. 4214—10-24-00; Add. Ord. 4214—10-24-00; Am. Ord. 4215—10-2400; Add. Ord. 4215—10-24-00; Am. Ord. 4216—10-24-00; Add. Ord. 4216—10-24-00; Add. Ord. 4220—12-500; Add. Ord. 4227—1-9-01; Add. Ord. 4281—5-6-03; Am. Ord. 4281—5-6-03; Am. Ord. 4282—5-20-03; Am. Ord. 4291—7-29-03; Am. Ord. 4317—3-15-05; Am. Ord. 4387—7-1-08; Am. Ord. 4389—9-9-08; Am. Ord. 4393—12-16-08; Ord. No. 4407, § 3, 10-20-2009; Ord. No. 4411, § 3, 3-2-2010; Ord. No. 4417, § 2, 10-5-2010; Ord. No. 4436, § 4, 6-28-2011; Ord. No. 4470, § 2, 3-24-2015; Ord. No. 4526, § 2, 7-17-2018; Ord. No. 4532, § 2, 10-30-2018; Ord. No. 4537, § 4, 3-12-2019; Ord. No. 4592 (Voter Initiative Measure "O"), § 4, 11-3-2020; Ord. No. 4574, § II, 12-15-2020; Ord. No. 4596, § 2, 3-1-2022; Ord. No. 4606, § 2, 11-1-2022; Ord. No. 4615, § 2, 2-7-2023; Ord. No. 4624, § 3, 1-9-2024; Ord. No. 4630, § 2, 5-21-2024; Ord. No. 4641, § 3, 12-17-2024)

Article 6. - Lot Area and Coverage, Setbacks, Height and Related Provisions