Title 17 — ZoningDivision V — Terms and Definitions

Chapter 17.51 — LIST OF TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

West Sacramento Zoning Code · 2026-06 edition · ingested 2026-07-07 · West Sacramento

§ 17.51.010. List of Terms.

Abutting Change of Use
Access City
Accessory Building City Council
Accessory Structure Collector Roadway
Accessory Use Commercial Vehicle
Adjacent Commission
Adjoining Community Development Director
A-Framed Sign Compatible
Agent or Authorized Agent Conditionally Permitted
Aggrieved Person Conditional Use
Alley Condition of Approval
Alteration County
Applicant Deck
Architectural Feature Demolition
Arterial Roadway Density
Attached Building or Structure Detached Building
Awning Detached Structure
Balcony Development
Bedroom Development Agreement
Block Development Permit
Buffer Director
Building District
Building, Accessory Driveway
Building, Attached Dwelling Unit
Building, Detached Easement
Building, Main Effective Date
Building Code Electrical Code
Building Face Emergency
Building Footprint Emergency Vehicle
Building Frontage Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
Building Height Environmental Review
Building Site Equipment
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Erect
Camper Façade
Canopy Family
Carport Farmworker
Farmworker Dwelling Unit Flag Lot
Farmworker Housing Interior Lot
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Feasible Key Lot
Fence Reversed Corner Lot
Firearms Through Lot
Floor Area Lot Area
Floor Area Ratio (FAR) Lot Coverage
Foot-Candle Lot Depth
Footprint Lot Frontage
Freeway Lot Line
Frontage, Building Front Lot Line
Frontage, Street Interior Lot Line
Garage Rear Lot Line
General Plan Side Lot Line
Glare Street Side Lot Line
Government Code Lot, Nonconforming
Grade Lot Width
Grade, Existing or Natural Maintenance and Repair
Grade, Finished Municipal Code
Ground Floor Noise
Hazardous Materials Nonconforming Building
Heat Nonconforming Lot
Height Nonconforming Structure
Home Occupation Nonconforming Use
Household On-Site
Household Pets Outdoor Storage
Illegal Use Owner
Impervious Surface Parapet
Improvement Parking Area
Incidental Use Passenger Vehicle
Income Levels Permitted Use
Extremely Low Income Household Person
Very Low Income Household Planning Commission
Low Income Household Planning Division
Moderate Income Household Pre-Existing
Intensity of Use Primary Use
Intersection, Street Project
Kitchen Property Line
Landscaping Public Resources Code
Land Use Public Works Director
Light Fixture Qualifed Applicant
Liquor Sales Reasonable Accommodation
Lot Review Authority
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Abutting Lot Right-of-Way
Corner Lot Roofine
Senior Citizen Traffc Sign
Setback Wall Sign
Sidewalk Window Sign
Sign Terms. See Chapter17.29, Signs Site
Agricultural Directional Sign Soil
Animated Sign Solar Refectance Index
Awning Sign Specifc Plan
Balloon State
Banner Sign Story
Billboard Street
Canopy Sign Street Line
Commercial Message Structure
Copy Structure, Accessory
Damaged Sign Structure, Attached
Directional Sign Structure, Detached
Electronic Copy Structure, Main
Flag Structure, Nonconforming
Freestanding Sign Structure, Temporary
Freeway Information Sign Swimming Pool
General Advertising for Hire Tandem Parking
Government Sign Telecommunication Terms
Graffti Antenna
High-Rise Building Identifcation Sign Co-Location
Illuminated Sign Satellite Dish
Infatable Sign Support Equipment
Internally Illuminated Sign Telecommunication Facility
Master Sign Program Tenant
Memorial Sign Trailer
Mobile Billboard Use
Moving Sign Use, Accessory
Non-Commercial Message Use, Incidental
Nonconforming Sign Use, Nonconforming
Outdoor Advertising Structure Use, Permitted
Pennant Use, Primary
Permanent Sign Use Classifcation
Portable Sign Use Permit
Projecting Sign Use Type
Real Property Event Sign Utilities
Real Property Kiosk Variance
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Real Property Sign Vehicle
Roof Sign Vibration
Sign Visible
Sign Area Wall
Sign Face Yard
Temporary Sign Front Yard
Street Side Yard
Interior Side Yard
Rear Yard
Required Yard
Side Yard
Zone
Zoning Administrator

(Ord. 22-21 § 2; Ord. 19-1 § 3)

§ 17.51.020. Definitions.

A. "A" Terms.

Abutting. Having a common boundary.

Access. The place or way through which pedestrians and/or vehicles must have safe, adequate, and usable ingress and egress to a property.

Accessory building. See "Building, Accessory."

Accessory structure. See "Structure, Accessory."

Accessory use. See "Use, Accessory."

Adjacent. Directly abutting, having a common boundary or property line, or contiguous to.

Adjoining. See "Abutting."

Agent or authorized agent. Any person who can show certified written proof that he or she is representing and acting in the place of another person or individual.

Aggrieved person. Any person who, in person or through a representative, appeared at a City public hearing in conjunction with a decision or action appealed or who, by other appropriate means prior to a hearing, informed the local government of the nature of his or her concerns or who, for good cause, was unable to do either.

Alley. A public or private way, not more than 30 feet wide, reserved primarily for secondary vehicular access to the rear or side of properties abutting on a street.

Alteration. Any change, addition, or modification that changes the exterior architectural appearance or materials of a structure or object. Alteration includes changes in exterior surfaces, changes in materials, additions, remodels, demolitions, and relocation of buildings or structures, but excludes ordinary maintenance and repairs.

Applicant. The person, partnership, corporation, or State or local government agency applying for a permit, certificate, zoning approval, or other entitlement.

Architectural feature. An exterior building feature, including a roof, walls, windows, doors, porches, posts, pillars, recesses or projections, and exterior articulation or walls, and other building surfaces.

Arterial roadway. A street classified as an arterial in the Transportation Element of the General Plan.

Attached building or structure. See "Building, Attached" and "Structure, Attached."

Awning. An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity, or decoration, and is wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is typically constructed of non-rigid materials on a supporting framework which projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building.

B. "B" Terms.

Balcony. A platform that projects from the wall of a building 30 inches or more above grade that is accessible from the building's interior, is not accessible from the ground, and is not enclosed by walls on more than three sides.

Bedroom. Any room having the potential of being a bedroom and meeting the standards of the Building Code as a sleeping room.

Block. All property fronting on one side of a street between an intersection and intercepting streets or between a street and a waterway, dead-end street, major easement or right-of-way, or unsubdivided land. An intercepting street shall only determine the boundary of a block on the side of the street which it intercepts.

Buffer. An open area or barrier used to separate potentially incompatible activities and/or development features; for example, a required setback to separate an area of development from environmentally sensitive habitat, to reduce or eliminate the effects of the development on the habitat.

Building. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and intended for the shelter, housing, or enclosure of any individual, animal, process, equipment, goods, or materials.

  1. Building, Accessory. A detached, subordinate building used only as incidental to the main building on the same lot.

  2. Building, Attached. A building which has a common wall with another building or structure.

  3. Building, Detached. A building which does not have a common wall with another building or structure.

  4. Building, Main. A building in which the primary use of the parcel on which it is located is conducted.

Building code. Any ordinance or regulations of the City governing the type and method of construction of buildings and structures, including sign structures and any amendments thereto and any substitute therefor including, but not limited to, the California Building Code and other State-adopted uniform codes.

Building face. The general outer surface of the structure or walls of a building. Where bay windows or pillars project beyond the walls, the outer surface of the windows or pillars is considered to be the face of the building.

Building footprint. See "Footprint."

Building frontage. See "Frontage, Building."

Building height. See "Height."

Building site. A lot or parcel of land occupied or to be occupied by a main building and accessory buildings together with such open spaces as are required by the terms of this Code and having its principal frontage on a street, road, highway, or waterway.

C. "C" Terms.

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Public Resources Code Section 21000 , et seq., or any successor statute and regulations promulgated thereto (14 California Code of Regulations Section 15000 , et seq.) that require public agencies to document and consider the environmental effects of a proposed action before a decision.

Camper. As defined in the California Vehicle Code .

Canopy. A roofed shelter projecting over a sidewalk, driveway, entry, window, or similar area that may be wholly supported by a building or may be wholly or partially supported by columns, poles, or braces extending from the ground.

Carport. An accessible and usable covered space enclosed on not more than two sides, designed, constructed, and maintained for the parking or storage of one or more motor vehicles.

Change of use. The replacement of an existing use on a site, or any portion of a site, by a new use, or a change in the type of an existing use; does not include a change of ownership, tenancy, or management associated with a use for which the previous type of use will remain substantially unchanged.

City. The City of West Sacramento.

City Council. The City Council of the City of West Sacramento.

Collector roadway. A roadway classified as a collector in the Transportation Element of the General Plan.

Commercial vehicle. Defined in the California Vehicle Code . Pickup trucks and vans not exceeding one-ton rated capacity and which are used primarily for private noncommercial purposes are not considered commercial vehicles.

Commission. See "Planning Commission."

Community Development Director. The Community Development Director of the City of West Sacramento or designee.

Compatible. That which is harmonious with and will not adversely affect surrounding buildings and/or uses.

Conditionally permitted. Permitted subject to approval of a Use Permit.

Conditional use. A use that is generally compatible with other uses permitted in a zone, but that requires individual review of its location, design, configuration, and intensity and density of use and structures, and may require the imposition of conditions pertinent thereto to ensure the appropriateness of the use at that location.

Condition of approval. A performance standard, required change in a project, environmental mitigation measure, or other requirement imposed by the decision-making body to alter or modify a project in any manner from the description in the application originally submitted for City approval.

County. The County of Yolo.

D. "D" Terms.

Deck. A platform, either freestanding or attached to a building that is supported by pillars or posts.

Demolition. The intentional destruction and removal of 50% or more of the enclosing exterior walls and 50% of the roof of any structure.

Density. The number of dwelling units per acre of land. Detached Building. "See Building, Detached." Detached Structure. "See Structure, Detached."

Development. Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbance; and any use or extension of the use of land.

Development agreement. An agreement between the City and any person having a legal or equitable interest in real property for the development of such property, and which complies with the applicable provisions of the Government Code for such development agreements.

Development permit. Any permit issued by the City for the construction of real property improvements. Development permits include grading permits, encroachment permits, use permits, tentative maps, planned development permits and Building Permits. Sign permits are excluded from this definition.

Director. See "Community Development Director."

District. See "Zone."

Driveway. An accessway that provides direct vehicular access for vehicles between a street and the parking or loading facilities located on an adjacent property.

Dwelling unit. One or more rooms designed, occupied, or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters, with full cooking, sleeping, and bathroom facilities for the exclusive use of a single household. Excludes tents, cabins, boats, trailers, dormitories, labor camps, hotels, and motels.

E. "E" Terms.

Easement. A portion of land created by grant or agreement for specific purpose; an easement is the right, privilege or interest which one party has in the land of another.

Effective date. The date on which a permit or other approval becomes enforceable or otherwise takes effect, rather than the date it was signed or circulated.

Electrical code. Any ordinance of the City regulating the alteration, repair, and the installation and use of electricity or electrical fixtures.

Emergency. A sudden unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property, or essential public services.

Emergency standby generator. An emergency standby generator means a stationary generator used for the generation of electricity that is used in the event of a failure of the regular power supply.

Emergency vehicle. A self-propelled vehicle or trailer used in the discharge of duties of public districts, agencies or departments, or privately-owned public utilities responsible for fire prevention and control, policing, sanitation, sewerage, drainage, levee maintenance, flood control, public utility lines and all essential services.

Environmental Impact Report (EIR). An Environmental Impact Report as required under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

Environmental review. An evaluation process pursuant to CEQA to determine whether a proposed project may have a significant impact on the environment.

Equipment. Non-vehicular items such as, but not limited to, boats, campers, camper shells, tents and related camping supplies, tools, machinery, aircraft, barrels, drums, large cans or containers and parts related to these items.

Erect. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix to or upon any surface. Such term also includes the painting of wall signs.

F. "F" Terms.

Façade. The exterior wall of a building exposed to public view or that wall viewed by persons not within the building. The portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending vertically from the grade to the top of a parapet wall or eave, and horizontally across the entire width of the building elevation.

Family. One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit, with common use of all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage of food.

Farmworker. The same as "agricultural employee" as defined in Section 1140.4(b) of the California Labor Code.

Farmworker dwelling unit. A single-family residential unit occupied by a maximum of six farmworkers at any one time.

Farmworker housing. A housing accommodation developed for and/or provided to farmworkers and shall consist of any living quarters, dwelling, mobile home, manufactured home, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, or other housing accommodation maintained in one or more buildings and on one or more sites.

Feasible. Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time, taking into account economic, environmental, social, and technological factors.

Fence. Any horizontal or vertical structural device forming a physical barrier intended to separate properties, retain soil materials, and provide security; or as defined by the Building Official. Fences may also be walls, hedges, and screen plantings, or constructed from wood, mesh, metal, chain, brick, stakes of plastic or similar materials.

Firearms. Any device designed to be used as a weapon or modified to be used as a weapon, from which a projectile is expelled through a barrel by the force of an explosion or other form of combustion.

Floor area. The total horizontal area of all floors below the roof and within the outer surface of the walls of a building or other enclosed structure unless otherwise stipulated. See also Section 17.02.030.F, Determining Floor Area.

Floor area ratio (FAR). The ratio of the total floor area of all buildings on a lot to the lot area or building site area. See also Section 17.02.030.G, Determining Floor Area Ratio.

Foot-candle. A quantitative unit of measure for luminance. One foot-candle is equal to the amount of light generated by one candle shining on one square foot surface located one foot away. It is equal to one lumen uniformly distributed over an area of one square foot.

Footprint. The horizontal area, as seen in plan view, of a building or structure, measured from the outside of exterior walls and supporting columns, and excluding eaves. See also Section 17.02.030.H, Determining Lot Coverage.

Freeway. A multilane State or Interstate highway for through traffic with full control of access and with grade separations at all intersections and railroad crossings, and to which highway the owners of abutting lands have no right of easement or access to or from their abutting lands.

Frontage, building. The lineal dimension, parallel to the ground, of a building abutting on a public street, or a parking lot accessory to that business, even though another business may also have entitlement to that parking lot.

Frontage, street. That portion of a lot or parcel of land that borders a public street. Street frontage shall be measured along the common lot line separating said lot or parcel of land from the public street, highway, or parkway.

G. "G" Terms.

Garage. An accessory structure or portion of a main structure, enclosed on three or more sides and containing accessible and usable enclosed space designed, constructed, and maintained for the parking and storage of one or more motor vehicles.

General plan. The General Plan of the City of West Sacramento.

Glare. The effect produced by a light source within the visual field that is sufficiently brighter than the level to which the eyes are adapted, such as to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss of visual performance and ability.

Government code. The Government Code of the State of California.

Grade. The location of the ground surface.

  1. Grade, existing or natural. Ground elevation prior to any grading or other site preparation related to, or to be incorporated into, a proposed development or alteration of an existing development.

  2. Grade, Finished. Final ground elevation after the completion of any grading or other site preparation related to, or to be incorporated into, a proposed development or alteration of an existing development.

Ground floor. The first floor of a building other than a basement that is closest to finished grade.

H. "H" Terms.

Hazardous materials. Any material, including any substance, waste, or combination thereof, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may cause, or significantly contribute to, a substantial present or potential hazard to human health, safety, property, or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.

Heat. Thermal energy of a radioactive, conductive, or convective nature.

Height. The vertical distance from a point on the ground below a structure to a point directly above. See also Section 17.02.030.C, Measuring Height.

Home occupation. A commercial use conducted on residential property by the inhabitants of the subject residence, which is incidental and secondary to the residential use of the dwelling.

Household. See "Family."

Household pets. Animals that are customarily kept within a dwelling or a yard for the personal use or enjoyment of the residents. Household pets include domestic birds, cats, dogs, fish, rabbits, rodents, or snakes, but do not include horses, mules, goats, cows, hogs or other similar size animals, or roosters or peacocks.

  • I. "I" Terms.

Illegal use. Any use of land or building that does not have the currently required permits, and was originally constructed and/or established without permits or approvals required for the use at the time it was brought into existence.

Impervious surface. Impervious surfaces are mainly artificial structures—such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots, as well as industrial areas such as airports, ports and logistics and distribution centers) that are covered by impenetrable materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, stone, etc.

Improvement. An object affixed to the ground other than a structure.

Incidental use. See "Use, Incidental."

Income levels. Income levels for households whose gross incomes do not exceed the qualifying extremely low, very low, low, and moderate-income limits established in Section 6932 of the California Code of Regulations , and amended periodically based on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) estimate based on the Yolo County median income levels by family size. These income limits are equivalent to the following:

  1. Extremely low income household. Under 30% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.

  2. Very low income household. 30 to 50% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.

  3. Low income household. 50 to 80% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.

  4. Moderate income household. 80 to 120% of area median income, adjusted for household size appropriate for the unit.

Intensity of use. The extent to which a use or the use in combination with other uses affects the natural and built environment in which it is located; the demand for services; and persons

who live, work, and visit the area. Measures of intensity include, without limitation: requirements for water, gas, electricity, or public services; number of automobile trips generated by a use; parking demand; number of employees on a site; hours of operation; the amount of noise, light, or glare generated; the number of persons attracted to the site, or in eating establishments, the number of seats.

Intersection, street. The area common to two or more intersecting streets.

  • J. "J" Terms.

(Reserved)

  • K. "K" Terms.

Kitchen. Any room or space within a building intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.

  • L. "L" Terms.

Landscaping. The planting, configuration and maintenance of trees, ground cover, shrubbery, and other plant material, decorative natural and structural features (walls, fences, hedges, trellises, fountains, sculptures), earth-patterning and bedding materials, and other similar site improvements that serve an aesthetic or functional purpose.

Land use. The purpose for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied, or maintained, including residential, commercial, industrial, etc.

Light fixture. The assembly that holds a lamp and may include an assembly housing, a mounting bracket or pole socket, a lamp holder, a ballast, a reflector or mirrors, and a refractor or lens.

Liquor sales. The sale of liquor for offsite consumption.

Lot. A parcel, tract, or area of land whose boundaries have been established by a legal instrument, such as a deed or map recorded with the County of Yolo, and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title, except public easements or rights-ofway. Lot types include the following:

  1. Abutting lot. A lot having a common property line or separated by a public path or lane, private street, or easement to the subject lot.

  2. Corner lot. A lot or parcel bounded by two or more adjacent street lines that have an angle of intersection of not more than 135 degrees.

  3. Flag lot. A lot so shaped that the main portion of the lot area does not have access to a street other than by means of a corridor having less than 20 feet of width.

  4. Interior lot. A lot bounded on one side by a street line and on all other sides by lot lines between adjacent lots or that is bounded by more than one street with an intersection greater than 135 degrees; a lot other than a corner lot.

  5. Key lot. An interior lot adjoining the rear lot line of a reversed corner lot.

  6. Reversed corner lot. A corner lot, the rear of which abuts the side of another lot, whether across a lane or not.

  7. Through lot. A lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.

==> picture [379 x 236] intentionally omitted <==

FIGURE 17.51.020.L.1: LOT TYPES

Lot area. The gross area of a lot measured horizontally between bounding lot lines.

Lot coverage. The portion of a lot that is covered by structures, including main and accessory buildings, garages, carports, and roofed porches, but not including unenclosed and unroofed decks, landings, or balconies. See also Section 17.02.030.H, Determining Lot Coverage.

Lot depth. The horizontal distance between the front and rear property lines of a site measured midway between the side property lines. See also Section 17.02.030.D, Measuring Lot Width and Depth.

Lot frontage. See "Frontage, Street."

Lot line. The boundary between a lot and other property or the public right-of-way.

  1. Front lot line. On an interior lot, the line separating the lot from the street or lane. On a corner lot, the shorter lot line abutting a street or lane. On a through lot, the lot line abutting the street or lane providing the primary access to the lot. On a flag lot, the interior lot line most parallel to and nearest the street or lane from which access is obtained.

  2. Interior lot line. Any lot line that is not adjacent to a street.

  3. Rear lot line. The lot line that is opposite and most distant from the front lot line. Where no lot line is within 45 degrees of being parallel to the front lot line, a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, will be deemed the rear lot line for establishing the minimum rear yard.

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

  5. Street side lot line. A side lot line of a corner lot that is adjacent to a street.

==> picture [379 x 216] intentionally omitted <==

FIGURE 17.51.020.L.2: LOT LINE TYPES

==> picture [379 x 252] intentionally omitted <==

FIGURE 17.51.020.L.3: REAR LOT LINES, IRREGULAR LOTS

Lot, nonconforming. A legal parcel of land having less area, frontage, or dimensions than required in the zone in which it is located.

Lot width. The average distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth. See also Section 17.02.030.D, Measuring Lot Width and Depth. When not applicable due to irregularity of lot shape, lot width shall be determined by the Director, subject to appeal and review by the Planning Commission.

M. "M" Terms.

Maintenance and repair. The repair or replacement of nonbearing walls, fixtures, wiring, roof, or plumbing that restores the character, scope, size, or design of a structure to its previously existing, authorized, and undamaged condition.

Municipal code. The City of West Sacramento Municipal Code.

N. "N" Terms.

Noise. Any sound that annoys or disturbs humans or which causes or tends to cause an adverse psychological or physiological effect on humans.

Nonconforming building. See "Building, Nonconforming."

Nonconforming lot. See "Lot, Nonconforming."

Nonconforming structure. See "Structure, Nonconforming."

Nonconforming use. See "Use, Nonconforming."

O. "O" Terms.

On-site. Located on the lot that is the subject of discussion.

Outdoor storage. Storage of commercial goods in open lots. The parking of tractor trailers/semi-trucks is not permitted.

Owner. A person or persons holding single or unified beneficial title to the property, including without limitation, the settlor of a grantor trust, a general partner, firm, or corporation.

P. "P" Terms.

Parapet. That part of a wall that extends above the roof line.

Parking area. An area of a lot, structure, or any other area, including driveways, which is designed for and the primary purpose of which is to provide for the temporary storage of operable motor vehicles.

Parking lots and structures. Surface lots and structures offering parking for a fee when such use is not incidental to another on-site activity. The parking of tractor trailers/semi-trucks is not permitted.

Passenger vehicle. As defined in the California Vehicle Code .

Permitted use. See "Use, Permitted."

Person. Any individual, firm, association, organization, partnership, business trust, company, or corporation.

Planning Commission. The Planning Commission of the City of West Sacramento.

Planning Division. The Planning Division of the Community Development Department of the City of West Sacramento.

Pre-existing. In existence prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this Code.

Primary use. See "Use, Primary."

Project. Any proposal for a new or changed use or for new construction, alteration, or enlargement of any structure that is subject to the provisions of this title. This term includes, but is not limited to, any action that qualifies as a "project" as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.

Property line. The recorded boundary of a lot or parcel of land.

Public resources code. The Public Resources Code of the State of California.

Public Works Director. The Public Works Director of the City of West Sacramento.

Q. "Q" Terms.

Qualified applicant. The property owner, the owner's agent, or any person, corporation, partnership, or other legal entity that has a legal or equitable title to land that is the subject of a development proposal or is the holder of an option or contract to purchase such land, or otherwise has an enforceable proprietary interest in such land.

R. "R" Terms.

Reasonable accommodation. Any deviation requested and/or granted from the strict application of the City's zoning and land use laws, rules, policies, practices and/or procedures under provisions of Federal or California law to make housing or other facilities readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities and thus enjoy equal employment or housing opportunities or other benefits guaranteed by law.

Review authority. Body or entity responsible for making decisions on applications.

Right-of-way. A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, forced dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied or occupied by a road, railroad, electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipeline, water line, sanitary storm sewer, or other similar use.

Roofline. The top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.

S. "S" Terms.

Senior citizen. An individual 62 years of age or older.

Setback. The distance between a property line and a building or structure that must be kept clear or open.

Sidewalk. A paved, surfaced, or leveled area, paralleling and usually separated from the street, used as a pedestrian walkway.

Sign terms. See Chapter 17.29 , Signs.

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

Soil. Naturally occurring superficial deposits overlying bedrock.

Solar reflectance index. Measure of a surface's ability to reflect solar heat, combining reflectance and emittance into one number. It is defined so that a standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is zero and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100.

Specific plan. A plan for all or part of the area covered by the General Plan that is prepared to be consistent with and to implement the General Plan, pursuant to the provisions of Government Code Section 65450 et seq.

State. The State of California.

Story. That portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story is that portion of a building

included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the upper surface of the roof above.

Street. A public or private thoroughfare, which affords the principal means of access to a block and to abutting property. "Street" includes avenue, court, circle, crescent, place, way, drive, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare, except an alley or walkway.

Street line. The boundary between a street and a lot or parcel of land.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected which requires a location on the ground.

  1. Structure, accessory. A detached subordinate structure used only as incidental to the main structure on the same site or lot.

  2. Structure, attached. A structure which is affixed to another building or structure on the site.

  3. Structure, detached. A structure which is not affixed to another building or structure on the site.

  4. Structure, main. A structure housing the primary use of a site or functioning as the primary use.

  5. Structure, nonconforming. A building or structure, or portion thereof, which was lawfully erected or altered or maintained, but which, because of the application of this Code to it, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located.

  6. Structure, temporary. A structure without any foundation or footings, and which is intended to be removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.

Swimming pool. A pool, pond, lake, or open tank capable of containing water to a depth greater than one and one-half feet at any point.

  • T. "T" Terms.

Tandem parking. An arrangement of parking spaces such that one or more spaces must be driven across to access another space or spaces.

Telecommunication terms.

  1. Antenna. Any system of wires, poles, rods, horizontal or vertical elements, panels, reflecting discs, or similar devices used for the transmission and/or reception of electromagnetic waves.

  2. Co-location. The location of two or more wireless communications facilities owned or used by more than one public or private entity on a single support structure, or otherwise sharing a common location. Co-location also includes the location of wireless communications facilities with other facilities, such as buildings, water tanks, light standards, and other utility facilities and structures.

  3. Satellite dish. A device (also known as a parabolic antenna) incorporating a reflective surface that is solid, open, or mesh or bar-configured, and is in the shape of a shallow dish, cone, horn cornucopia, or flat plate that is used to receive or transmit radio or electromagnetic waves between terrestrially and/or orbitally based units. This term includes satellite earth stations, satellite receivers, satellite discs, direct broadcast systems, television-reception-only systems, and satellite microwave antennas.

  4. Support equipment. The physical, electrical, and/or electronic equipment included within a telecom facility used to house, power, transport, and/or process signals from or to the facility's antenna or antennas.

  5. Telecommunication facility. A mobile cell site that consists of a cell antenna tower and electronic radio transceiver equipment on a truck or trailer, designed to be part of a cellular network.

Tenant. A person renting or leasing a housing unit or non-residential space.

Tiny Home on Wheels. A vehicle intended for human habitation as a dwelling unit that is built on a chassis and complies with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration regulations (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards - Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations). They must also comply with the National Fire Protection Association 1192 RV Standard as may be amended. Tiny Homes on Wheels are typically less than 400 square feet of floor area.

Trailer. A vehicle with or without motor power, which is designed or used for hauling materials or vehicles, or for human habitation, office, or storage including camper, recreational vehicle, travel trailer, and mobile home, but excluding mobile homes on a permanent foundation and Tiny Homes on Wheels when used as a primary dwelling unit and/or accessory dwelling unit.

U. "U" Terms.

Use. The purpose for which land or the premises of a building, structure or facility is arranged, designed, or intended, or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.

  1. Use, accessory. A use that is customarily associated with, and is incidental and subordinate to, a primary use and located on the same lot as a primary use.

  2. Use, incidental. A secondary use of a lot and/or building that is located on the same lot, but is not customarily associated with the primary use.

  3. Use, nonconforming. The use of a building, structure, site, or portion thereof, which was lawfully established and maintained, but which, because of the adoption and application of this title, no longer conforms to the specific regulations applicable to the zone in which it is located.

  4. Use, permitted. Any use or structure that is allowed in a zone without a requirement for approval of a Use Permit, but subject to any restrictions applicable to that zone.

  5. Use, primary. A primary, principal, or dominant use established, or proposed to be established, on a lot.

Use classification. A system of classifying uses into a limited number of use types on the basis of common functional, product, or compatibility characteristics. All use types are grouped into the following categories: residential, public and semi-public, commercial, industrial, and transportation, communication, and utilities. See Chapter 17.50 , Use Classifications.

Use permit. A discretionary permit which may be granted by the appropriate City of West Sacramento authority to provide for the accommodation of land uses with special site or design requirements, operating characteristics, or potential adverse effects on surroundings, which are not permitted as of right, but which may be approved upon completion of a review process and, where necessary, the imposition of special conditions of approval. See Chapter 17.38 , Use Permits.

Use type. A category that classifies similar uses based on common functional, product, or compatibility characteristics.

Utilities. Equipment and associated features related to the mechanical functions of a building(s) and services such as water, electrical, telecommunications, and waste.

V. "V" Terms.

Variance. A discretionary grant of permission to depart from the specific requirements of this title that is warranted when, due to special circumstances regarding the physical characteristics of the property, the strict application of standards would deprive the property of privileges available to other property in the same zone.

Vehicle. Any vehicle, as defined by the California Vehicle Code , including any automobile, camper, camp trailer, trailer, trailer coach, motorcycle, house car, boat, or similar conveyance.

Vibration. A periodic motion of the particles of an elastic body or medium in alternately opposite directions from the position of equilibrium.

Visible. Capable of being seen (whether legible) by a person of normal height and visual acuity walking or driving on a public road or in a public place.

W. "W" Terms.

Wall. Any vertical exterior surface of building or any part thereof, including windows.

X. "X" Terms.

(Reserved)

Y. "Y" Terms.

Yard. An open space on the same site as a structure, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided by this Code.

  1. Front yard. A yard extending across the front of a lot for the full width of the lot between the side lot lines. The depth of a front yard shall be a distance from the nearest line or point of the main building foundation and measured inward from the front lot line.

  2. Interior side yard. A yard which does not abut a street.

  3. Rear yard. A yard extending across the rear of a lot for its full width between side lot lines, and to a depth specified by this Code for the zone in which it is located. If a lot has no rear lot line, a line 10 feet in length within the lot, parallel to and at the maximum possible distance from the front lot line, will be deemed the rear lot line for establishing the minimum rear yard.

  4. Required yard. A yard which complies with the minimum setback requirements for the zone in which the lot is located.

  5. Side yard. A yard extending from the rear line of the required front yard, or the front property line of the site where no front yard is required, to the front line of the required rear yard, or the rear property line of the site where no rear yard is required, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the side property line and a line parallel thereto on the site.

  6. Street side yard. A yard on a corner lot or reversed corner lot extending from the front yard to the rear lot line between the building setback line and the nearest side street lot line.

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FIGURE 17.51.020.Y: YARD TYPES

Z. "Z" Terms.

Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Administrator of the City of West Sacramento.

Zone. A specifically delineated area in the City within which regulations and requirements uniformly govern the use, placement, spacing, and size of land and buildings. (Ord. 22-21 § 2; Ord. 19-1 § 3; Ord. 24-1, 1/17/2024; Ord. 24-9, 4/30/2025; Ord. 25-7, 7/16/2025)