Whenever the following words and terms are used in this title they shall have the meanings herein ascribed to them unless the content makes such meaning repugnant thereto:
ACCESSORY BUILDING: A building or structure, which is subordinate to and the use of which is customarily incidental to that of the main building structure or use on the same lot. If an accessory building is attached to the main building by a common wall, or a connecting roof, such accessory building shall be deemed to be a part of the main building.
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT: A residential dwelling unit - either attached to the primary unit or a detached structure - that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as a legal detached single unit. An accessory dwelling unit shall include permanent provisions that include, but are not limited to, living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. An accessory dwelling unit includes an efficiency unit as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 17958.1 and a manufactured home as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 18007.
ACCESSORY LIVING QUARTERS: Living or sleeping quarters within an accessory building for the sole use of occupants of the premises, guests of such occupants, or persons employed on the premises. Such quarters shall have no kitchen facilities, and shall not be rented.
ACCESSORY USE: A use customarily and normally incidental to, subordinate to, and devoted exclusively to the main use of the premises.
ALLEY: A public or private way permanently dedicated or reserved as a secondary means of access to abutting property.
ANIMATED SIGNS: Any sign which through motion, flashing lights or changes in color or intensity moves or gives the impression of movement. Animated signs also include wind activated spinners, propellers, vanes and similar devices.
APARTMENT: See definition of dwelling unit.
APARTMENT HOTEL: A building containing both individual guestrooms and suites, such as in hotels, and dwelling units.
APARTMENT HOUSE: See definition of dwelling, multiple.
AUTO OR AUTOMOBILE: Includes passenger cars, SUVs, vans, trucks (all sizes), and commercial buses, new or used, retail or wholesale, with or without motive power, unless otherwise specifically provided herein.
AUTOMOBILE WRECKING: The dismantling or wrecking of motor vehicles or trailers, and/or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
BALLOONS: Any inflated device displayed for advertising purposes whether airborne or displayed on the ground.
BARBED WIRE: Any wire having sharp points, barbs at intervals, or twisted wires armed with barbs.
BARBER POLES: A revolving or nonrevolving sign which is mounted on a building vertically and shall not exceed three feet (3') in height and does not display any colors other than red, white, and blue and which advertises a barbershop.
BLOCK: All property fronting on one side of a street between points where such street is intersected or intercepted by streets, railroad rights of way, or city boundary or terminated by a dead end. An intercepting street shall determine only the boundary of the block on the side of the street from which it so intercepts.
BOARD: The board of zoning adjustment.
BOARDING HOUSE: A building where lodging and meals are provided for compensation for five (5) but not more than fifteen (15) persons, not including rest homes.
BUILDING: A permanently located structure having a roof. House trailers, and other vehicles, even though permanently immobilized, shall not be deemed to be buildings.
BUILDING HEIGHT: The vertical distance from the average level of the highest and lowest point of that portion of the lot covered by the building to the highest point of the roof.
BUILDING SITE: The ground area of one or more lots, as defined herein, when used in combination for a building or permitted group of buildings, together with all open spaces as required by this title, and when so combined as a single building site, the common line dividing any two (2) or more contiguous lots so combined may be exempt from the provisions requiring side yards with respect thereto.
CARPORT: See definition of Garage, Private.
CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN: A sign in which the copy can easily be changed by the changing of placards, tiles or similar means. Electronic reader boards are not considered changeable copy signs for this title.
CHURCH: Includes, but shall not necessarily be confined to, any building, structure or open space where a group of two (2) or more persons, not immediate members of one family only, regularly gather for purposes of divine worship.
CLUB: An association of persons for some common nonprofit purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
COLLOCATION: A condition where two (2) similar uses, processes or devices share a common site and/or are placed on or within a common structure or construct. The city may, in the city's sole determination, consider an adjoining site as a collocation.
COMMERCIAL COACH: A vehicle with or without motive power designed and equipped for human occupation for industrial, professional or commercial purposes and shall include travel coach.
COMMISSION: The planning commission.
COMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT BUILDING: A building housing electrical and mechanical equipment necessary for the conduct of a public utility communications business with or without personnel.
CONCERTINA WIRE: An entanglement of coiled, usually of barbed or razor wire, that can be compressed into a compact roll for transporting and extended for use as an obstacle and deterrent to intrusion.
CONVALESCENT HOME: See definition of Rest Home.
CORPORATE FLAG: A flag displaying the emblem or logo commonly associated with a given business entity.
DIRECTORY SIGN: A sign which lists tenants and their location in a multi-tenant complex. A directory sign may include a map.
DRIVE-IN: See definition of Restaurant, Drive-In.
DWELLING: A building or portion thereof designed exclusively for residential purposes, including one-family, two-family, and multiple dwellings; but not including hotels, apartment hotels, boarding and lodging houses, fraternity and sorority houses, rest homes and nursing homes, childcare nurseries, or house trailers, even though permanently immobilized.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE: A building, or portion thereof, designed for occupancy by, or occupied by, four (4) or more families living independently of each other.
DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY: A detached building designed exclusively for occupancy by, or occupied by, one family for residential purposes.
DWELLING, THREE-FAMILY: A building designed exclusively for occupancy by, or occupied by, three (3) families living independently of each other (triplex).
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY: A detached building designed exclusively for occupancy by, or occupied by, two (2) families for residential purposes.
DWELLING UNIT: Two (2) or more rooms in a dwelling, apartment house, or apartment hotel, designed for occupancy by one family, for living or sleeping purposes, and having only one kitchen.
ELECTRIFIED FENCE: Any fence which is charged by electricity from any source.
ELECTRONIC DISPLAY SIGN: A sign display which has a changeable message which may be changed by electronic processes or by remote control.
ELECTRONIC READER BOARD: An illuminated sign capable of changing its display by changing the intensity or color of individual lights through electronic means.
EMERGENCY INFORMATION SIGNS: Signs for the strict purpose of identifying a contact person during an emergency.
EMERGENCY SHELTER: Housing with minimal supportive services for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six (6) months or less by a homeless person. No individual or household may be denied emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.
FAMILY: An individual, or two (2) or more persons who are related by blood or marriage, or a group of not more than five (5) persons not necessarily related by blood or marriage, living together in a dwelling unit. Full time domestic servants of any such persons may reside on the same premises, and shall not be counted with respect to this definition.
FENCE: A structure or barrier intended to prevent intrusion or escape or mark a boundary of property or to enclose a designated area. Such structures or barriers are commonly constructed of, but not limited to, posts and boards, wire, pickets, rails, ornamental or wrought iron or concrete blocks, bricks or other combinations of materials.
FENCE, OPEN OR LATTICE TYPE: A fence, fifty percent (50%) or more of the surface of which is open to the passage of air.
FENCE, SCREEN: A fence, ninety percent (90%) or more of the surface of which is closed to the passage of light on a horizontal plane.
FLASHING SIGNS: Any sign which appears to have any form of intermittent illumination including, revolving lighting devices, blinking lights, sequins or similar devices.
FREESTANDING SIGN: A sign structure which is not attached to a building or similar structure.
FREEWAY ORIENTED SIGN: A sign which is in close proximity to the freeway with the intent of drawing customers from the freeway and which is associated with a business which can be expected to earn a large portion of its earnings from transit traffic.
GARAGE, PRIVATE: An accessory building or portion of a main building, designed or used only for the shelter or storage of vehicles owned or operated by occupants of the premises and includes "carport".
GARAGE, PUBLIC: A building other than a private garage used for the care, repair or equipping of automobiles, or where such vehicles are kept or stored for compensation, or for hire or sale.
GRANNY FLAT: A dwelling designed for occupancy by one or two (2) persons, for living or sleeping purposes, and having kitchen facilities. Such units shall be allowed within Single- Family Zoned Districts for occupancy by relatives of the primary dwelling owner. One relative must be sixty (60) years of age or older. Such units shall not exceed six hundred forty (640) square feet and must be developed under the conditional use permit procedure.
GROUP HOUSES: Two (2) or more separate buildings, each containing one or more dwelling units.
GUESTHOUSE: See definition of accessory living quarters.
GYMNASIUM: A noncommercial public building or room containing equipment for physical education, exercise or sports.
HEALTH CLUB: A commercial establishment requiring payment for use of space or equipment for physical education, exercise or sports.
HOLIDAY DECORATIONS: Ornamental devices placed for the recognition of a particular nationally, culturally or religiously recognized day of celebration or remembrance and do not contain advertising.
HOTEL: A building in which there are six (6) or more guestrooms where lodging with or without meals is provided for compensation. "Hotel" shall not be construed to include motel, trailer court, sanatorium, hospital or other institutional building, or jail or other building where persons are housed under restraint.
INSTITUTION: A use that is public or private and provides some service to the community not normally associated with retail or wholesale trade. Examples of institutions include, but are not limited to, universities, seminaries, service clubs, rest homes, boy scout camps, zoos and similar uses.
JUNKYARD: An area, yard or building used for storage, sorting or processing scrap metal, scrapped automobiles and machinery and parts, rags, paper, boxes and scrap lumber, or other salvage materials.
KITCHEN: Any room used or intended or designed to be used for cooking or the preparation of food.
LIVING AREA: Living area means the interior habitable area of a dwelling unit as defined by the Building Code, including basements and attics but does not include a garage or any accessory structure.
LODGE: An order or society of persons organized for some common nonprofit purpose, but not including groups organized primarily to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.
LOT: A single parcel of land under a single or undivided ownership, legal or equitable, for which a legal description is filed of record, or the boundaries of which are shown on a subdivision map or record of survey map filed in the Office of the County Recorder. The term "lot" shall include a part of a lot, when such part is used as though a separate lot for all of the purposes and under all of the requirements of this title. The term "lot" shall include two (2) or more abutting lots when combined and used as though a single lot.
LOT AREA: The total horizontal area within the lot lines of a lot.
LOT, CORNER: A lot situated at the intersection of two (2) or more streets, having an angle of intersection of not more than one hundred thirty five degrees (135°).
LOT DEPTH: The horizontal length of a straight line connecting the bisecting points of the front and the rear lot lines.
LOT, INTERIOR: A lot other than a corner lot, or a reversed corner lot.
LOT, KEY: The first lot to the rear of a reversed corner lot, whether or not separated by an alley.
LOT LINE, FRONT: In the case of an interior lot, a line separating the lot from the street and in the case of a corner lot, the line separating the narrowest street frontage of the lot from the street.
LOT LINE, REAR: A lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line; or in the case of an irregular, triangular or gore shaped lot, a line ten feet (10') in length within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE: Any lot boundary line not a front line or a rear lot line.
LOT, REVERSED CORNER: A corner lot, the street side line of which is substantially a continuation of the front lot line of the lot upon which it rears.
LOT, THROUGH: A lot having frontage on two (2) parallel or approximately parallel streets.
LOT WIDTH: The horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the lot depth at a point midway between the front and rear lot lines.
LOUNGE: A bar, nightclub, tavern, billiard hall, tearoom, cafe or other similar type business or use which is not a liquor store nor restaurant in which alcoholic beverages are sold or may be consumed.
MAJOR ARTERIAL: Any street designated by the Selma general plan as an arterial, super arterial, or expressway.
MASSAGE: Any method of treating a patron for medical, hygienic, exercise or relaxation purposes by rubbing, stroking, kneading, manipulating, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating the epidermis and/or muscles and/or internal organs. The term massage shall include, but not be limited to, services provided by masseurs, therapists or practitioners of Swedish, shiatsu, sports, reiki, hydrotherapy, Japanese, reflexology, therapeutic, deep tissue massages or therapies and any similar treatments.
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS: Any establishment, having a fixed place of business, engaging in, conducting, carrying on or permitting the engaging in, conducting or carrying on of massages, baths, or health treatments involving massages or baths as the principal use, however, it shall not include services provided by persons licensed by the State to provide medical services, or those facilities which meet the criteria of an accessory massage establishment as defined in this section.
MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENTS, ACCESSORY: Any establishment, having a fixed place of business, engaging in, conducting, carrying on or permitting the engaging in, conducting or carrying on of massages, baths, or health treatments involving massages or baths where areas dedicated for performing massages do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the gross floor area of a business; and where the providing of massages is a use which is commonly and customarily found associated with the primary use of the property. For the purposes of this title, a commonly and customarily associated use shall be massage establishments which are part of a gymnasium, spa, health club, licensed chiropractor or physical therapist's office, barber or beauty shop, and any other use determined by the Planning Commission to be in compliance with this definition. Accessory massage establishments shall not be subject to review by the Community Development Department or the Planning Commission, except as necessary to establish conformity with this definition. Accessory massage establishments shall not include services provided by persons licensed by the State of California to provide medical services.
MOBILE HOME: A vehicle other than a motor vehicle designed or used for human habitation, equipped with bathroom and kitchen facilities, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle, but excluding a "dependent mobilehome", a "recreation vehicle", a "trailer coach" or a "travel trailer", as defined by the State of California Health and Safety Code.
MOBILE HOME ACCESSORY BUILDING OR STRUCTURE: Any awning, portable, demountable or permanent cabana, ramada, storage cabinet, carport, fence, windbreak or porch established for the use of the occupant of the mobile home.
MOBILE HOME LOT: Any area or tract of land or portion of a mobile home park, travel trailer park, recreational trailer park, temporary trailer park or tent camp designed or used for the occupancy of one mobile home, travel trailer, camp car or camp party.
MOBILE HOME PARK: Any area or tract of land where one or more mobile home lots are rented or leased to accommodate mobile homes.
MOTEL: A building or group of buildings containing individual sleeping or living units, designed primarily for use by automobile tourists or transients, where a majority of such units are open individually and directly to the outside. An establishment shall be considered a motel, in any case, when required by the Health and Safety Code of the State, to obtain the name and address of guests and a description of their vehicles and its license. The term "motel" shall include "tourist court", "auto court", and "motor lodge".
MOVABLE SIGNS: Any sign which is not permanently attached to a structure or the ground.
NONCONFORMING BUILDING: A building or portion thereof lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of this title, and which does not conform to the applicable regulations of this title or amendment thereto. A building or portion thereof lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of any amendment of this title, and which does not conform to the applicable regulations of such amendment or subsequent amendment.
NONCONFORMING USE: A use which lawfully occupies any building or land at the time of the adoption of this title, and which does not conform to the applicable regulations of this title or amendment thereto. A use which lawfully occupies any building or land at the time of the adoption of any amendment of this title, and which does not conform to the applicable regulations of such amendment or a subsequent amendment.
NURSING HOME: See definition of rest home.
ON SITE DIRECTIONAL SIGN: A sign which assists motorists in determining the proper direction or flow of traffic.
OPEN AIR RESTAURANT: See definition of restaurant, open air.
OPEN SPACE, PRIVATE: An outdoor area within a development project designed and maintained for the exclusive use of residents/tenants, their invited guests, or club members, including, but not necessarily limited to, golf courses, lakes and water features, parks (active and passive), tennis courts, and other recreational facilities allowable within a new planned residential development.
OPEN SPACE, PUBLIC: An outdoor area proposed on public land designated and intended for the use or enjoyment of the general public.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES (PUBLIC AND PRIVATE): Facilities operated by public or private entities for various outdoor participant sports and/or types of recreational activities where a fee may be charged for use.
OUTSIDE RETAIL SALES: A business where the display and sale of items to the public customarily takes place outside. "Outside retail sales" includes, but is not limited to, nurseries, used car sales, and year round firewood sales.
PASSAGEWAY: A pathway that is unobstructed clear to the sky and extends from a street to one entrance of the accessory dwelling unit.
PERMANENT WINDOW SIGNS: Permanently painted or attached window signs for the purpose of imparting information on the operations of a particular business, including hours of operation, credit cards honored, and status of the business.
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT: A commercial or professional establishment specializing in rendering services, and in which the sale of commodities is only incidental thereto.
PLAYBILL CABINETS: A wall cabinet for the purpose of displaying a sign which advertises a current or future attraction at a theater.
POLITICAL SIGNS: Any sign that is displayed with the purpose of promoting or denouncing a candidate or ballot measure.
PRESCRIPTION PHARMACY: A place for the sale of pharmaceutical and related items that is restricted to drugs, chemicals, and household medical supplies intended for the use, medication, treatment or prevention of disease in man. Such pharmacy shall only be allowed in the R-O (residential office) zone or R-3 (multiple-family) zone when on the same property or adjacent to, a medical, dental, or healing arts building or similar complex.
PROJECTING SIGNS: Any sign which extends more than twelve inches (12") from the building to which it is attached.
RAZOR WIRE: Any wire incorporating sharp blades or razors as barbs, whether or not coiled as concertina.
RECREATION AREA, PRIVATE NONPROFIT: Any area, including accessory building and structures, used or designed for recreation, not conducted for a profit, the use of which is restricted to an established membership (and their guests) residing within the immediate geographical area.
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE: Travel trailers, camper shells, camping trailers, motor coach homes, converted buses for personal use, boats and houseboats, trailers of all types, motorcycles or any off road recreational vehicle, new or used, retail or wholesale, with or without motive power.
REST HOME: An establishment or home for the care and nursing of convalescents, invalids and aged persons; excluding cases of communicable diseases, mental sickness or disorders, and surgical or obstetrical operations. The term shall include "nursing home".
RESTAURANT: The term "restaurant" shall have its ordinary meaning and usage, except that no business or use shall be classified as a restaurant in which alcoholic beverages are served, or in which alcoholic beverages may be served.
RESTAURANT, DRIVE-IN: An establishment which serves food or beverages to persons while seated in or on a motor vehicle.
RESTAURANT, OPEN AIR: An establishment which serves food or beverages to persons for consumption on the premises, but outside of a building.
REVOLVING SIGNS: Any sign which rotates by mechanical, electrical or natural means.
ROOF SIGNS: Any sign which is attached to a building and extends either above the roofline or parapet of the building or a sign on a mansard roof which extends above the bottom two-thirds (2/3) of the mansard.
SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY OR HIGH: An institution of learning which offers instruction in the several branches of study required to be taught in the public schools by the Education Code of the state. The term shall include "junior high school".
SERVICE STATION, AUTO: A service station for retail sale of gasoline, oil and new automobile accessories, auto lubrication and servicing, as follows:
(A) Gasoline sales shall be limited to not more than two (2) pump islands, and not more than three (3) pumps each;
(B) Lubrication shall be limited to one grease rack;
(C) Washing, waxing and polishing (not including mechanical car washing or steam cleaning);
(D) Tire sales, changing, repairing and balancing (not including recapping);
(E) Battery sale, installation and charging;
(F) Minor repairs, adjustments and installation, including fan belts, spark plugs, water hoses, oil filters, windshield wipers, lights and other accessories;
(G) All operations, excepting sale of gasoline and oil, shall be conducted in a building enclosed on at least three (3) sides.
SERVICE STATION, SUPER: A service station for retail sale of gasoline, oil and new automobile accessories, and automobile lubrication and servicing as follows:
(A) Washing, waxing and polishing (not including mechanical car washing or steam cleaning);
(B) Tire service (not including recapping);
(C) Battery sales, installation and charging;
(D) Repairs, adjustments and replacements (not including disassembly of engines, transmissions, differentials, generators, starters);
(E) Brake repairing (not including relining).
SHOPPING AND OFFICE CENTER: A group of retail or office businesses which share parking, access, covenants or a common theme with adjacent businesses. Such centers are generally, but not always, on the same parcel of land.
SIGN: Any visual device or representation designed and used for the purpose of identifying or attracting attention to a premises, product, service, person or event. The term "sign" includes, but is not limited to, flags, banners, pennants, streamers, unusual paint, color, nonstructural displays, architectural projections, displays of goods or services when located outside a building and other similar devices or ploys.
SPA: A resort hotel which provides facilities for recreational or health purposes.
STREET: A public or private way permanently dedicated, reserved, or regularly used as a primary means of access to abutting property.
STREET LINE: The boundary line between the right of way or easement for a street, and the abutting property.
STREET, SIDE: A street bounding a corner lot, adjacent to a side line of the lot.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION: Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as foundations, bearing walls, columns, beams, floor or roof joists, girders or rafters, or any change in the exterior dimensions of a building.
STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected with a fixed location and includes "buildings" and "signs".
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING: Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to an on site or off site service that assists the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the community.
TARGET POPULATION: Persons with low incomes who have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health conditions, or individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Service Act (division 4.5 [commencing with section 4500] of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may include, among other populations, adults, emancipated minors, families with children, elderly persons, young adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people.
TEMPORARY NONCOMMERCIAL SIGNS: Signs that are not intended to be displayed for longer than forty (40) days and are not strictly for the purpose of generating retail or wholesale business.
THEATER MARQUEE: A wall sign with changeable copy for the advertising of current or future attractions for a movie or live theater or similar performance oriented facilities which change the featured entertainment often.
TIME AND TEMPERATURE SIGNS: Signs which display only the current time, date and temperature.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING: 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 (6) months from the beginning of assistance.
TRAVEL TRAILER: A vehicle other than a mobile home, designed or used for human habitation and which may be moved upon a public highway without a special permit without violating any provision of the Vehicle Code.
TRAVEL TRAILER PARK: Any area or tract of land where one or more travel trailer lots are rented or leased to accommodate travel trailers.
VEHICLE, HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND BOAT DEALERSHIPS: A place where one or more franchises to sell new cars, trucks, tractors, motorcycles, aircraft, boats or similar vehicles exists.
WALL SIGN: A sign attached to the wall of a building and projecting more than twelve inches (12").
WIRELESS AND NONWIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES: Shall be considered to be any and all communications equipment including, but not limited to, antennas, satellite dishes, microwave relay stations, and all similar devices designed for the transmission and/or reception of communications signals including all accessory structures or constructs, that are not exclusively intended for private personal use.
YARD: Open and unoccupied space on a lot.
YARD, FRONT: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the front lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot, which yard extends across the full width of the lot. Same as "required front yard".
YARD, REAR: A yard, the depth of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the rear lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot, which yard extends across the full width of the lot. Same as "required rear yard".
YARD, SIDE: A yard, the width of which is the minimum required horizontal distance between the side lot line and a line parallel thereto on the lot, not including any portion of the required front yard or required rear yard. Same as "required side yard". (Ord. 2015-10, 12-7-2015; amd. Ord. 2019-1, 3-4-2019; Ord. 2022-4, 5-2-2022; Ord. 2023-3, 5-15-2023)