§ 153.003 DEFINITIONS.

   For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.

   ACCESSORY. A building or use which is subordinate to the main building or use and used for purposes customarily incidental to those of the main building or use on the same lot. ('65 Code, § 9-3.202) (Ord. 556, passed - -)

   ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU). A constructed (detached or attached) or converted permanent living unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation on the same parcel upon which the primary single-family residence is situated. ADU shall include an efficiency unit, as defined in Cal. Health and Safety Code § 17958.1, and a manufactured home, as defined in Cal. Health and Safety Code § 18007.

   ADULT ORIENTED MERCHANDISE. Merchandise such as books, videos, toys, contraception, lotions and sprays characterized by an emphasis on matter used for, depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or male/female anatomical parts as detailed in §121.01. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. Alcohol, spirits, liquor, wine, beer, and every liquid or solid containing alcohol, spirits, wine, or beer, and which contains one-half of one percent or more of alcohol by volume, and which is fit for beverage purposes, either alone or when diluted, mixed, or combined with other substances. ('65 Code, § 9-3.203) (Ord. 955, passed - - )

   AUTOMOBILE LUBE AND TUNE FACILITY. An establishment that provides minor maintenance services for automobile engines and brake systems. Such businesses are characterized by short service visits. Overnight outdoor parking or storage of automobiles being serviced is prohibited.('65 Code, § 9-3.203.2) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   BLOCK. One side of a street between two intersecting streets or between an intersecting street and the end of a street. ('65 Code, § 9-3.204) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   BOARDING HOUSE. A building, or portion thereof, which is used to accommodate, for compensation, not more than five boarders and/or roomers in addition to the members of the occupant's immediate family occupying such building. ('65 Code, § 9-3.205) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   BUILDING or STRUCTURE. A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls and shall include all forms of vehicles permanently located. The word BUILDING shall include the word STRUCTURE. ('65 Code, § 9-3.207) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   BUILDING HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from the average (mean) natural grade of the lot, including semi-subterranean garages, to the highest point of the structure, exclusive of chimneys and ventilators. BUILDING HEIGHT for subterranean garages is the vertical distance measured from top of curb at the right-of-way line to the highest point of the structure as shown in the illustration. In cases of ambiguity and for unique architectural elements, the determination of building height will be determined by the Community Development Director. ('65 Code, § 9-3.208) (Ord. 556, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   BUILDING SITE. The floor area of a building, together with all open spaces, as required by the provisions of this chapter. ('65 Code, § 9-3.209) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   CISTERN. A reservoir, tank, or container for storing or holding water. A CISTERN may be used to retain stormwater for on-site landscaping or other purposes.

   CLUB. An association of persons, whether incorporated or unincorporated, for some social or cultural purpose, and usually characterized by certain membership qualifications, payment of dues and/or fees, regular meetings and a constitution, charter and/or bylaws, but shall not include groups organized primarily to render a service carried on as a commercial enterprise. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.210) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   COLD FRAME. An unheated outdoor structure consisting of a wooden or concrete frame and a top of glass or clear plastic, used for protecting seedlings and plants from the cold.

   COMMISSION. The Planning Commission of the city. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.211) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   COMMON AREAS. Recreational and leisure areas, other than private areas, which are conveniently located and accessible to all residents of a multi-family project. (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   COMMUNITY GARDEN. A piece of land used for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, or herbs by multiple users. COMMUNITY GARDENS may be divided into separate plots for cultivation by one or more individuals or may be farmed collectively by members of the group and may include common areas maintained or used by group members. Sites are typically managed by public or civic entities, nonprofit organizations or other community-based organizations that are responsible for maintenance and operations.

   COMPOSTING BINS. A bin into which is placed grass clippings, leaves, vegetable and fruit peelings, and/or other organic waste, in order to create compost. Enclosed bins provide an alternative to heaping or piling yard debris. Worm bins allow for organic kitchen scraps to be converted to organic soil conditioner.

   CONSTRUCTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU). The development of the second residential unit, detached or attached to the primary unit, by adding new square footage to the lot.

   CONVERTED ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU). The development of the second residential unit by converting existing space into living space without adding new square footage to the lot.

   DIRECTOR or COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR. The Community Development Director or his or her designee. (Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02)

   DISABILITY. A person with a disability is a person who has a physical or mental impairment that limits or substantially limits one or more major life activities, anyone who is regarded as having such impairment or anyone who has record of such impairment.

   DWELLING, GROUP. Two or more separate buildings not more than two stories in height, each containing one or more dwelling units, located upon a single lot or parcel of land in one ownership. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.212) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   DWELLING, MULTIPLE-FAMILY. A building or portion thereof, designed for or occupied by three or more families living independently of each other. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.213) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY. A building containing but one kitchen and designed and/or used to house not more than one family, including all domestic employees of such family. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.214) (Ord. 556, passed - -)

   DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. A building containing not more than two kitchens and designed and/or used to house not more than two families living independently of each other, including all domestic employees of each such family. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.215) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   FAMILY. A single residential unit or a person or group of persons living together as a domestic unit in an single residential unit. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.216) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   FLOOR AREA RATIO (FAR).

      (1)   The numerical value obtained by dividing the gross floor area of a building or buildings located on a lot or parcel of land by the total area of such lot or parcel of land. The following shall be included in the floor area ratio calculation, including, but not limited to:

         (a)   Residential habitable space for any residential building on the lot;

         (b)   Gross horizontal commercial area measured from exterior wall to exterior wall, including basement area;

         (c)   Interior space greater than 12 feet in height shall be counted twice in the R-1 zone;

         (d)   Space in an attached residential garage in excess of the required parking spaces;

         (e)   Integral garage (at least two sides connected to the residence);

         (f)   Permanently covered patios;

         (g)   Permanently covered balconies;

         (h)   Permanently covered decks;

         (i)   Permanently covered porches;

         (j)   Permanently covered courtyards;

         (k)   Portions of basements that meet Building Code requirements for habitable space;

         (l)   Lofts;

         (m)   Mezzanines;

         (n)   Communal areas designated for residential use such as indoor gyms, lobbies, and the like;

         (o)   Permanently covered outdoor dining areas;

         (p)   Interior hallways and corridors;

         (q)   Work area for an automotive repair business; and

         (r)   Podium parking areas at or above grade (including the parking spaces, driveways, and drive aisles) for commercial or mixed-use projects.

      (2)   A determination if a portion of a project is included in the floor area ratio shall rest with the Community Development Director.

   GARAGE. An enclosed structure large enough to accommodate from one to four automobiles. (Ord. 526-C.S., passed 7-16-02)

   GARDEN AREA. An area of land used for the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, plants, flowers, or herbs by multiple users.

   GREENHOUSE. A temporary or permanent structure typically made of, but not limited to, glass, plastic, or fiberglass in which plants are cultivated.

   GROCERIES. Staple foodstuffs, meats, seafood, produce and dairy products. (Ord. 479-C.S., passed 4-15-97)

   GROSS FLOOR AREA (GFA). The total floor area square footage contained within a building that is measured from the external walls.

   GUESTS. Persons who, during the hours when meals are regularly served therein, come to a bona fide public eating place for the purpose of obtaining, and actually order and obtain at such time, in good faith, a meal therein. Nothing in this section, however, shall be construed to require that any food be sold or purchased with any beverage. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.218) (Ord. 955, passed - - )

   HIGH-QUALITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR. A corridor with fixed route bus service with service internals no longer than 15 minutes during peak commute hours.

   HOOPHOUSE. A temporary or permanent structure typically made of, but not limited to, piping of other material covered with translucent plastic, constructed in a “half-round” or “hoop” shape, for the purpose of growing plants.

   HOTEL. See definition contained in § 153.162(G)(7) of this code. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.219) (Ord. 556, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 297-C.S., passed - - )

   JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. A unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing single-family residence. A JUNIOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT may include separate sanitation facilities, or may share sanitation facilities with the existing residence.

   LIVE ENTERTAINMENT. Singing, dancing, acting, or similar performances provided by a performer who is hired or otherwise secured by the operator of the business where the entertainment is presented. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.219.2) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   LOT. A parcel of real property as shown with a separate and distinct number or letter on a plot recorded or filed with the County Recorder, or a parcel of real property abutting upon at least one public street or a recorded private or public street or road easement and held under separate ownership prior to May 23, 1939. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.220) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   LOT, CORNER. A lot located at the junction of two or more intersecting streets, with a boundary line thereof bordering continuously on each of the two streets. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.221) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   LOT, INTERIOR. A lot which is not a corner lot. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.222) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   LOT, KEY. The first interior lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.223) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   LOT, REVERSED CORNER. A corner lot, the side street line of which is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the lot to its rear. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.224) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   LOT, THROUGH. An interior lot having frontage on two streets. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.225) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   MAJOR TRANSIT STOP.

      (1)   An existing rail or bus rapid transit station;

      (2)   A ferry terminal served by either bus or rail transit service; or

      (3)   The intersection of two or more major bus routes with a frequency or service interval of 15 minutes or less during the morning and afternoon peak commute periods.

   MAP. The Official Zoning Map of the city. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.226) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   MASSAGE. Any method of treating the external parts of the body for remedial, health, hygienic, or relaxation purpose as further defined by § 122.02 of the San Gabriel Municipal Code.

   MEAL. The usual assortment of foods commonly ordered at various hours of the day. The service of such food and victuals only as sandwiches or salads shall not be deemed a compliance with this requirement. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.227) (Ord. 955, passed - - )

   MOTEL. See definition contained in § 153.162(G)(7) of this code. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.227.5) (Ord. 297-C.S., passed - - )

   NATIONAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGE ELIMINATION SYSTEM (NPDES). National program to control water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States.

   NATURAL/PRE-EXISTING GRADE. Average (mean) of the highest and lowest point of the lot prior to construction. (See illustration of building height). (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARD. Standards that involve no personal or subjective judgment by a public official and are uniformly verifiable by reference to an external and uniform benchmark or criterion available and knowable by both the development applicant or proponent and the public official before submittal.

   OPEN AIR MARKETS. A public marketplace where multiple vendors set up booths, tables, or stands to sell food and merchandise. OPEN AIR MARKETS include farmers’ markets, craft markets, flea markets, produce markets, and other similar uses.

   PASSIVE AMENITIES. Passive recreational and leisure areas composed of natural features or improvements designed for visual and/or auditory enjoyment, such as ornamental landscaping, waterfalls, fountains, plazas, streams, landscaped slopes in excess of a 10% gradient, etc. (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   PERSONAL CARE FACILITY. A place where personal care services are performed by a personal care technician, including but not limited to beauty, hair, facial, and nail salons. Hair salons and barbershops that perform hair services exclusively are excluded. PERSONAL CARE FACILITY does not include a massage establishment as defined by § 122.02 of the San Gabriel Municipal Code. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   PERSONAL CARE SERVICE. Services that treat the skin, hands, feet, face, neck or hair. Also included is the treatment of any person with various lotions, sprays, creams, tonics, herbs, or other similar substances for the purpose of reconditioning or improving the skin. PERSONAL CARE SERVICES do not include massage services. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   PERSONAL CARE TECHNICIAN. A person who receives compensation for performing any personal care service. These would not include doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists, and licensed medical professionals. PERSONAL CARE TECHNICIAN does not include a massage technician as defined by § 122.02 of the San Gabriel Municipal Code. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   POOL AND BILLIARD HALL. An establishment providing access to pool tables and other billiard games. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   PREMISES. Property, land, or buildings or land and buildings. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.229) (Ord. 995, passed - - )

   PRIVATE AREAS. Outdoor recreational and leisure areas which are partially or fully open to the sky, directly connected to and solely accessible through an individual dwelling unit. (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   RAIN BARREL. A system that collects and stores rainwater from your roof that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. A RAIN BARREL typically includes a 55-gallon drum, a vinyl hose, PVC couplings, and a screen gate to filter debris.

   REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUEST. A request for reasonable accommodation may include a modification or exception to the rules, standards, and practices for the site, development, and use of housing-related facilities that would eliminate regulatory barriers and provide a person with a disability equal opportunity to housing of their choice.

   RECREATION AND LEISURE AREAS. An unobstructed outdoor space or an enclosed facility which is usable in either a natural or developed form for active or passive recreational or leisure time activities common to residential lifestyles. (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   RESTAURANT, FAST FOOD. A food-service establishment which supplies food and beverages primarily in disposable containers, and which is characterized by high automobile accessibility, self-service, and short stays by customers. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.229.4) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   RESTAURANT. FULL-SERVICE. An establishment which prepares and provides full sit-down table service of meals to guests, for compensation, at tables located at that establishment. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.229.2) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   SECONDHAND STORE. A retail establishment which sells or rents used merchandise or equipment, including antiques. Pawnshops are not considered secondhand stores. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.229.6) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   SELF-SERVICE LAUNDERETTE. Any establishment for laundering where there is no pickup or delivery service and no steam or hand laundry of any type; provided, however, all washing machines, accessory extractors, and dryers shall be installed on a single floor without double-decking; there shall be no intermingling of customers’ laundries. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.230) (Ord. 556, passed - - ; Am. Ord. 599, passed - - )

   SINGLE ROOM OCCUPANCY (SRO) DEVELOPMENT. A structure with six or more guest rooms in which 30% or more of the units do not have a private bath and toilet within the unit.

   STORY. That portion of a building included between a floor and the finished ceiling next above or the finished undersurface of the roof directly over that particular floor. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.231) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   SUBTERRANEAN GARAGE. A garage in which the structure is completely below the natural grade. (See illustration) (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   SEMI-SUBTERRANEAN GARAGE. A garage in which a portion of the structure is below and above or within the natural grade. (See illustration) (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   TEMPORARY STRUCTURE. A structure constructed using metal, plastic or wood frames or posts to support covers made of cloth, canvas, thermoplastic composite and/or other similar non-rigid materials that provide a weather barrier. Alternative terms to describe such structures include, but are not limited to, temporary canopies and tarps. (Ord. 541-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   URBAN DWELLING UNIT. Dwelling units established in accordance with Cal. Gov’t Code § 65852.21 and § 153.048 of this code.

   URBAN LOT SPLIT. Subdivision of a parcel within single-family residential zones in conformance with Cal. Gov’t Code § 66411.7 and § 153.048 of this code.

   USABLE RECREATION/LEISURE AREAS. Unconstrained by topographic, structural, environmental or spatial conditions which would limit the accessibility, safety or function of the recreational/leisure area. (Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04)

   VENDING CART. A wheeled device capable of being pushed by a person, from which food or beverages are sold. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.233.5) (Ord. 455-C.S., passed 11-21-95)

   VENDING MACHINE. Any unattended self-service device that, upon insertion of a coin, coins, token or by similar means, dispenses anything of value including food, water, beverages, goods, wares, merchandise or services including reverse vending machines. This does not include newspaper racks, automatic teller machines (ATMs) or public telephones. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   VIP ROOM. A private portion of a restaurant set aside for the hosting of private parties/events. These rooms are meant to accommodate various size parties. The room size is typically less than 400 square feet. (Ord. 520-C.S., passed 11-4-03)

   YARD. An unoccupied space on a lot on which a building is situated and, except where otherwise provided in this chapter, open and unobstructed from the ground to the sky. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.233) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   YARD, FRONT. A yard enclosed between the side yard lines and extending from the front lot line to the line of the main building or the closest portion of any enclosed or covered porch. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.234) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   YARD, REAR. A yard extending across the full width of the lot and measured between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the main building nearest the rear line of the lot. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.235) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   YARD, SIDE. A yard on either side of a building between the building and the side line of the lot and extending from the front line of the lot to the rear yard. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.236) (Ord. 556, passed - - )

   YARD, SERVICE. A portion of the side or rear yard used for the storage of containers for trash, debris, and rubbish. (‘65 Code, § 9-3.237) (Ord. 245-C.S., passed - - )

(Am. Ord. 535-C.S., passed 1-20-04; Am. Ord. 552-C.S., passed 11-21-06; Am. Ord. 590-C.S., passed 3-1-11; Am. Ord. 608-C.S., passed 5-10-14; Am. Ord. 618-C.S., passed 1-20-15; Am. Ord. 619-C.S., passed 4-21-15; Am. Ord. 631-C.S., passed 4-18-17; Am. Ord. 632-C.S., passed 5-2-17; Am. Ord. 644-C.S., passed 6-19-18; Am. Ord. 652, passed 5-21-19; Am. Ord. 661, passed 1-7-20; Am. Ord. 662, passed 1-21-20; Am. Ord. 683, passed 2-1-22; Am. Ord. 693, passed 12-5-23; Am. Ord. 706, passed 5-7-24)