Article 7
Definitions
Division 36.700 Definitions/Glossary
36.700.020 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases
DIVISION 36. 700. Definitions/Glossary
Sections:
36.700.010 Purpose of Article.
36.700.020 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases.
36.700.010 Purpose of Article.
This Article provides definitions of terms and phrases used in this Zoning Code that are technical or specialized, or that may not reflect common usage. If any of the definitions in this Article conflict with definitions in other provisions of the Municipal Code, these definitions shall control for the purposes of this Zoning Code. If a word is not defined in this Article, or in other provisions of the Zoning Code, the most common dictionary definition is presumed to be correct.
(Ord. No. 2108 § 1.)
36.700.020 Definitions of Specialized Terms and Phrases.
As used in this Zoning Code, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning ascribed to them in this Section, unless the context in which they are used clearly requires otherwise.
A. Definitions, “A.”
Accessory Dwelling Unit. An attached or detached residential dwelling unit which provides independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family dwelling is situated. An accessory dwelling unit includes an efficiency unit, as defined by Section 17958.1 of the Health and Safety Code, and a manufactured home, as defined by Section 18007 of the Health and Safety Code.
Accessory Residential Structure. A building or other structure on the same lot as one or more dwellings that does not alter the residential character of the dwellings or the site. Allowable accessory residential structures include enclosures such as arbors and gazebos; and structures such as workshops, studios, home offices; detached garages and other storage buildings.
Accessory Structure. A structure that is physically detached from, secondary and incidental to, and commonly associated with the primary structure.
Accessory Use. A use customarily incidental to, related and clearly subordinate to a principal use established on the same parcel (or, in the case of a commercial use, in the space occupied by a particular land use), which does not alter the principal use nor serve property other than the parcel where the principal use is located. “Secondary use” has the same meaning.
Administrative Use Permit. A discretionary zoning approval of the City, the procedures for which are established by Section 36.410.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits).
Adult Business. Definitions of terms related to adult businesses are in Section 36.350.030.
Adult Day Care Center. Commercial or non-profit facilities designed and approved to accommodate seven or more adults for care and supervision, not including overnight lodging. These may be operated in conjunction with a public facility, school or religious facility, or as an independent land use.
Affordable unit. An ownership or rental housing unit as required by this Zoning Code, which is affordable by households with very low or low income.
Affordable Unit within a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly. A unit within a residential care facility for the elderly that is affordable to households with very low or low income as defined for Los Angeles County by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development based on the Los Angeles County Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area median income levels.
Agent. A person authorized in writing by the property owner to represent and act for a property owner in contacts with City employees, committees, Commissions, and the Council, regarding matters regulated by this Zoning Code.
Alcoholic Beverage Sales. The retail sale of beer, wine, and/or other alcoholic beverages for on- or off-premise consumption.
Alley. A public or private roadway that provides vehicle access to the rear or side of parcels having other public street frontage, and is not intended for general traffic circulation.
Allowed Use. A use of land identified by Article 2 (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards) as a permitted or conditional use that may be established with land use permit and, where applicable, Design Review and/or Building Permit approval, subject to compliance with all applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
Alteration. Any construction or physical change in the internal arrangement of rooms or the supporting members of a structure, or a change in the external appearance of any structure, not including painting or the re-roofing of a single-family dwelling.
Ambulance Service. Base/dispatch facilities where ambulance vehicles and crews stand by for emergency calls.
Amenity. Interior features that are not essential to the health and safety of the resident, but provide visual or aesthetic appeal, or are provided as conveniences rather than as necessities. Interior Amenities may include, but are not limited to fireplaces, garbage disposals, dishwashers, cabinet and storage space and bathrooms in excess of one. Amenities shall in no way include items required by City building codes or other ordinances which are necessary to insure the safety of the building and its residents.
Ancillary Use. See “Accessory Use.”
Antenna. Definitions of terms related to antennas and telecommunications facilities are in Section 36.350.210 (Telecommunications Facilities).
Apartment. See “Multi-Family Dwellings.”
Applicant. Any person, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, or an entity or combination of entities which seeks City permits and approvals.
Approval. Includes both approval and approval with conditions.
Area, Lot. See “Lot Area.”
Assisted Living Facility. See “Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.”
At one location. All adjacent land owned or controlled by the applicant, the property lines of which are contiguous at any point, or the property lines of which are separated only by a public or private street, road or other public or private right-of-way, or separated only by other land of the applicant.
Attached Building or Structure. A building or structure that shares a common wall with another structure.
Attic. The area located between the uppermost plate and the roof or ridge of a structure.
Auto Parts Sales. Stores that sell new automobile parts, tires, and accessories. May also include minor parts installation (see “Auto Repair and Maintenance”). Does not include tire recapping establishments, which are found under “Auto Repair and Maintenance” or businesses dealing exclusively in used parts.
Auto Repair and Maintenance. The repair, alteration, restoration, towing, painting, cleaning (including self-service and attended car washes), or finishing of automobiles, trucks, recreational vehicles, boats and other vehicles as a primary use, including the incidental wholesale and retail sale of vehicle parts as an accessory use. This use includes the following categories.
1. Major Repair Work. Repair facilities dealing with entire vehicles. These establishments provide towing, collision repair, other body work, and painting services; and also include tire recapping establishments.
2. Service and Maintenance. Minor facilities specialize in limited aspects of repair and maintenance (e.g., car washes, muffler and radiator shops, quick-lube, etc.).
Does not include automobile parking (see “Parking Facilities/Vehicle Storage”), repair shops that are part of a vehicle dealership on the same site (see “Auto Sales and Rental,” and “Recreational Vehicle Sales and Rental”); automobile service stations, which are separately defined; or automobile dismantling yards, which are included under “Recycling—Scrap and Dismantling Yards.”
Auto Sales and Rental. Retail establishments selling and/or renting automobiles, trucks and vans. May also include repair shops and the sales of parts and accessories, incidental to vehicle dealerships. Does not include: the sale of auto parts/accessories separate from a vehicle dealership (see “Auto Parts Sales”); bicycle and moped sales (see “General Retail”); mobile home sales (see “Mobile Home, RV and Boat Sales”); tire recapping establishments (see “Auto Repair”); businesses dealing exclusively in used parts, (see “Recycling—Scrap and Dismantling Yards”); or “Service Stations,” which are separately defined.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM). Computerized, self-service machines used by banking customers for financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals and fund transfers, without contact with financial institution personnel. The machines may be located at or within banks, or in other locations.
Average Slope. The characteristic slope of the ground surface of an area of land, expressed as a percent, based on the most accurate available topographic information. Average slope shall be determined as provided by Section 36.340.020 (Hillside Protection—Applicability).
B. Definitions, “B.”
Banks and Financial Services. Financial institutions including: banks and trust companies; credit agencies; holding (but not primarily operating) companies; lending and thrift institutions; other investment companies; securities/commodity contract brokers and dealers; security and commodity exchanges; vehicle finance (equity) leasing agencies.
See also, “Automated Teller Machine,” above.
Bar. See “Night Clubs and Bars.”
Basement. Habitable space within a structure, where two-thirds or more of its height is below grade.
Bed and Breakfast Inn (B&B). A residential structure with up to nine bedrooms rented for overnight lodging, where meals may be provided subject to applicable Health Department regulations. A Bed and Breakfast Inn with more than nine guest rooms is considered a hotel or motel, and is included under the definition of “Hotels and Motels.” Does not include room rental, which is separately defined (see “Rooming and Boarding Houses).
Board and Care Home. See “Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly.”
Boarding House. See “Rooming and Boarding House.”
Broadcasting Studios. Commercial and public communications uses including radio and television broadcasting and receiving stations and studios, with facilities entirely within buildings. Does not include transmission and receiving apparatus such as antennas and towers, which are under the definition of “Telecommunications Facilities.”
Building. See “Structure.”
Building Official. The City of South Pasadena Building Official.
Building Permit. See the City of South Pasadena Building Code.
Building Material Stores. Retail establishments selling lumber and other large building materials, where most display and sales occur indoors. Includes paint, wallpaper, glass, fixtures. Includes all these stores selling to the general public, even if contractor sales account for a major proportion of total sales. Includes incidental retail ready mix concrete operations, except where excluded by a specific zoning district. Establishments primarily selling electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning equipment and supplies are classified in “Warehousing, Wholesaling and Distribution.” Hardware stores are listed in the definition of “General Retail,” even if they sell some building materials.
Business Support Services. Establishments primarily within buildings, providing other businesses with services including maintenance, repair and service, testing, rental, etc., also includes: blueprinting; business equipment repair services (except vehicle repair, see “Vehicle Services”); commercial art and design (production); computer-related services (rental, repair); copying and quick printing services; equipment rental businesses within buildings (rental yards are under “Outdoor Retail Sales and activities”); film processing laboratories; heavy equipment repair services where repair occurs on the client site; janitorial services; mail advertising services (reproduction and shipping); outdoor advertising services; photofinishing; protective services (other than office related); soils and materials testing laboratories; window cleaning.
C. Definitions, “C.”
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). State law (California Public Resources Code Sections 19000 et seq.) requiring public agencies to document and consider the environmental effects of a proposed action, prior to allowing the action to occur.
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The governmental agency which regulates the terms and conditions of public utilities in the State.
Car Washes. Permanent, self-service and/or attended car washing establishments, including fully mechanized facilities. May include detailing services. Temporary car washes are fund-raising activities, typically conducted at a service station or other automotive-related business, where volunteers wash vehicles by hand, and the duration of the event is limited to one day. See Section 36.410.050 (Temporary Use Permits).
Carport. See “Garage, or Carport.”
Catering. A business that prepares food for serving on the premises of a client.
CHC. See “Cultural Heritage Commission.”
Child Day Care Facilities. Facilities that provide non-medical care and supervision of minor children for periods of less than 24 hours. These facilities include the following, all of which are required to be licensed by the California State Department of Social Services.
1. Child Day Care Center. A commercial or non-profit child day care facility designed and approved to accommodate 15 or more children. Includes infant centers, preschools, sick-child centers, and school-age day care facilities. These may be operated in conjunction with a school or religious facility, or as an independent land use.
2. Family Day Care Home. As provided by Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78, a home that regularly provides care, protection, and supervision for 14 or fewer children, in the provider’s own home, for periods of less than 24 hours per day, while the parents or guardians are away, and is either a large family day care home or a small family day care home.
3. Large Family Day Care Home. As provided by Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78, a family day care home that provides family day care for seven to 14 children, inclusive, including children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home.
4. Small Family Day Care Home. As provided by Health and Safety Code Section 1596.78, a family day care home that provides family day care for eight or fewer children, including children under the age of 10 years who reside in the home.
City. The City of South Pasadena, State of California, referred to in this Zoning Code as the “City.”
City Council. The City of South Pasadena City Council, referred to in this Zoning Code as the “Council.”
City Engineer. The City of South Pasadena Director of Public Works, serving as the City Engineer.
Clubs, Lodges, and Fraternal Organizations. Permanent, headquarters type and meeting facilities for organizations operating on a membership basis for the promotion of the interests of the members, including facilities for: business associations; civic, social and fraternal organizations; labor unions and similar organizations; political organizations; professional membership organizations; other membership organizations.
Coffee Roasting and Packaging—Retail. Retail stores selling coffee in roasted bean and ground form, with the roasting of raw beans occurring on the premises.
Commercial Land Use. Land and/or a structure used for the purpose of commerce. These uses include retail trade, offices, services, and other similar uses.
Commission. See “Planning Commission.”
Common Interest Development. A development that is created whenever a separate interest coupled with an interest in the common area or membership in the association is, or has been, conveyed. It includes a condominium, community apartment project, planned development, or stock cooperative, in compliance with Civil Code 1351.
Community Centers. Multi-purpose meeting and recreational facilities typically consisting of one or more meeting or multi-purpose rooms, kitchen and/or outdoor barbecue facilities, that are available for use by various groups for activities including meetings, parties, receptions, dances, etc.
Community Garden. A site used for growing plants for food, fiber, herbs, flowers, which is shared and maintained by nearby residents.
Conditional Use Permit. A discretionary zoning approval of the City, the procedures for which are established by Section 36.410.060 (Conditional Use Permits and Administrative Use Permits).
Condominium. As defined by Civil Code Section 1315, a development where undivided interest in common in a portion of real property is coupled with a separate interest in space called a unit, the boundaries of which are described on a recorded final map or parcel map.
Construction/Heavy Equipment Sales and Rental. A retail establishment selling or renting heavy construction equipment, including earth moving equipment, heavy trucks, and/or similar equipment.
Contractor Storage Yards. Storage yards operated by, or on behalf of a contractor for storage of large equipment, vehicles, or other materials commonly used in the individual contractor’s type of business; storage of scrap materials used for repair and maintenance of contractor’s own equipment; and buildings or structures for uses such as offices and repair facilities.
Convalescent Hospital. See “Skilled Nursing Facilities.”
Convenience Services. Establishments that serve professionals and businesses. Examples of these include, but are not limited to, legal offices, accounting services, adjustment and collection agencies, advertising offices, commercial art studios, computer and data processing services, consumer credit reporting agencies, graphic arts services, mailing services, management consulting services, mercantile reporting agencies, news syndicate offices, secretarial and stenographic services, employment agent offices, insurance agent and broker offices (but not insurance claims centers).
Convenience Store. A retail store of 3,500 square feet or less in gross floor area, which carries a range of merchandise oriented to daily convenience and travelers’ shopping needs.
County. The County of Los Angeles, State of California.
Cultural Heritage Commission. The City of South Pasadena Cultural Heritage Commission.
D. Definitions, “D.”
Demolition. The removal of any structure, the outside wall or walls of any building; or the removal or stripping of the exterior lathing or siding; and/or the removal of the exterior siding of the existing structure in conjunction with any proposed addition or enlargement.
Density. The number of housing units per acre, unless otherwise stated, for residential uses.
Density Bonus. A density increase over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density provided in Division 36.370 (Affordable Housing Incentives).
Department. The South Pasadena Planning Department, referred to in this Zoning Code as the “Department.”
Design Review Board. The City of South Pasadena Design Review Board.
Detached. Any structure that does not have a wall or roof in common with another structure.
Department Store. A retail store carrying a wide range of merchandise, typically including clothing, household goods, appliances, etc. See also “Warehouse Retail.”
Developer. Any person, firm, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, or an entity or combination of entities that seeks City permits and approvals for development.
Development. Any activity, construction or alteration of the landscape, its terrain contour or vegetation, including the erection or alteration of structures, and/or the establishment of a new land use. New development is any construction, or alteration of an existing structure or land use, after the effective date of this Zoning Code.
Development Agreement. A contract between the City and an applicant for a project, in compliance with Division 36.430 (Development Agreements) of this Zoning Code and Government Code Sections 65864 et seq. A development agreement is intended to provide assurance to the applicant that an approved project may proceed subject to the policies, rules, regulations, and conditions of approval applicable to the project at the time of approval, regardless of any changes to City policies, rules, and regulations after project approval. In return, the City may be assured that the applicant will provide infrastructure and/or pay fees required by a new project.
Director. The City of South Pasadena Director of Planning and Building, or designee of the Director, referred to in this Zoning Code as the “Director.”
Disabled Person. A person who has a medical, physical or mental condition that limits a major life activity, as those terms are defined in California Government Code Section 12926, anyone who is regarded as having such a condition or anyone who has a record of having such a condition. It includes a person or persons, or an authorized representative of a disabled person. The term “disabled person” does not include a person who is currently illegally using any controlled substances, unless he or she has a separate disability.
District. See “Zoning District.”
DRB. See “Design Review Board.”
Drive-Through. A retail or service facility (for example, restaurant, pharmacy, bank, dry cleaning pick-up store, etc.) where products or services are provided to motorists who remain in their vehicles.
Driveway. An area of pavement or other surfacing that provides vehicle access from an alley, a public street, or a street (private) to a parking area or garage that serves two or fewer parcels.
Duplex. A residential structure under single ownership containing two dwellings.
Dwelling, Dwelling Unit, or Housing Unit. A room or group of internally connected rooms that have sleeping, cooking, eating, and sanitation facilities, but not more than one kitchen, which constitute an independent housekeeping unit, occupied by or intended for one household on a long-term basis.
E. Definitions, “E.”
Easement. A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and/or for the use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.
Electronics, Equipment, and Appliance Manufacturing. Establishments engaged in manufacturing machinery, apparatus, and supplies for the generation, storage, transmission, transformation and use of electrical energy, including: appliances such as stoves/ovens, refrigerators, freezers, laundry equipment, fans, vacuum cleaners, sewing machines; aviation instruments; computers, computer components, and peripherals; electrical transmission and distribution equipment; electronic components and accessories, and semiconductors, integrated circuits, related devices; electronic instruments, components and equipment such as calculators and computers; electrical welding apparatus; lighting and wiring equipment such as lamps and fixtures, wiring devices, vehicle lighting; industrial apparatus; industrial controls; instruments for measurement, testing, analysis and control, associated sensors and accessories; miscellaneous electrical machinery, equipment and supplies such as batteries, X-ray apparatus and tubes, electromedical and electrotherapeutic apparatus, electrical equipment for internal combustion engines; motors and generators; optical instruments and lenses; photographic equipment and supplies; pre recorded magnetic tape; radio and television receiving equipment such as television and radio sets, phonograph records and surgical, medical and dental instruments, equipment, and supplies; surveying and drafting instruments; telephone and telegraph apparatus; transformers, switch gear and switchboards; watches and clocks.
Does not include testing laboratories (soils, materials testing, etc.) (see “Business Support Services”), or research and development facilities separate from manufacturing (see “Research and Development”).
Emergency Shelter. A residential facility, other than a residential care facility, operated by a provider that provides temporary accommodations to persons or families for a time period not to exceed six months per calendar year and which offers accommodations on a first-come first-served basis where the resident(s) must vacate each morning and have no guaranteed bed for the next night. For purposes of this definition, a “provider” shall mean a government agency or private non-profit organization that provides or contracts with recognized community organizations to provide emergency or temporary shelter, and which may also provide meals, counseling and other services, as well as common areas for residents of the facility.
Employee Housing. Housing accommodation, or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, that meets the requirements as set forth in Health and Safety Code Section 17008. Employee housing providing accommodations for six or fewer employees shall be deemed a single-family structure with a residential land use designation.
Enlargement of Use. The expansion of a land use activity on a site or within a structure so that the use/activity occupies more floor or site area.
Environmental Impact Report (EIR). An informational document used to assess the physical characteristics of an area and to determine what effects will result if the area is altered by a proposed action, prepared in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Equipment Sales and Rental. Retail and service establishments which may offer a wide variety of materials and equipment for sale and/or rental. Construction equipment rental is separately defined.
Extended Hour Business. Any business that is open to the public between the hours of 11 p.m., and 6 a.m.
F. Definitions, “F.”
Fair Housing Laws. (1) The Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. Section 3601 et seq.); and (2) the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (Government Code Section 12955 et seq.) including amendments and successor provisions thereto.
Fast Food. A restaurant that serves prepared food to customers from an ordering counter for on- or off-premise consumption.
Final Map. A subdivision map prepared in compliance with Subdivision Map Act, Article 2, Chapter 2, and approved in compliance with Subdivision Map Act, Article 4, Chapter 3, that is used to complete a subdivision of five or more parcels. See Division 36.520 (Parcel Maps and Final Maps).
Financial Guarantee. Cash deposits, payments, surety bonds, or other irrevocable agreements that individually or collectively guarantee the construction of structural measures.
Flag Lot. See “Lot.”
Floor Area, Gross. The area in square feet of all floors within a building, measured from the outside surfaces of the exterior walls.
Floor Area, Net. Gross floor area less the area occupied by the following permanent construction: exterior walls, structural columns, stair shafts, elevator shafts, duct shafts, garages, covered parking, restrooms, and in the case of office buildings, mechanical equipment rooms as well as other similar areas or structures as determined appropriate by the Director. Hallways and other interior open spaces may be deducted from gross floor area upon the approval of the Director and recordation of a covenant between the property owner and the City limiting the use or occupancy of such space. Except as otherwise provided in this definition, no spaces within a building or structure shall be deducted from gross floor area.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the ratio of floor area to total lot area. FAR restrictions are used to limit the maximum floor area allowed on a site (including all structures on the site). The maximum floor area of all structures (measured from exterior wall to exterior wall) permitted on a site (excluding garages or other covered parking in a residential zone) shall be determined by multiplying the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) by the total net area of the site (FAR x Net Site Area = Maximum Allowable Floor Area). See Figure 7-1.
Figure 7-1. Floor Area Ratio
Food and Beverage Products Manufacturing. Manufacturing establishments producing or processing foods and beverages for human consumption, and certain related products. Includes: bakeries; bottling plants; breweries; candy, sugar and confectionery products manufacturing; catering services separate from stores or restaurants; coffee roasting; dairy products manufacturing; fats and oil product manufacturing; fruit and vegetable canning, preserving, related processing; grain mill products and by products; meat, poultry, and seafood canning, curing, byproduct processing; soft drink production; miscellaneous food item preparation from raw products.
May include tasting and accessory retail sales of food and beverages produced on site. A tasting facility separate from the manufacturing facility is included under the definition of “Night Clubs and Bars” if alcoholic beverages are tasted, and under “Restaurant” if beverages are non-alcoholic.
Does not include: bakeries which sell all products on-site, which are included in the definition of “General Retail;” or beer brewing as part of a brew pub, bar or restaurant (see “Night Clubs and Bars”).
Furniture, Furnishings and Appliance Stores. Stores engaged primarily in selling the following products and related services, including incidental repair services: computers and computer equipment; draperies; floor coverings; furniture; glass and chinaware; home appliances; home furnishings; home sound systems; interior decorating materials and services; large musical instruments; lawn furniture; movable spas and hot tubs; office furniture; other household electrical and gas appliances; outdoor furniture; refrigerators; stoves; televisions.
Furniture/Fixtures Manufacturing, Cabinet Shops. Manufacturers producing: wood and metal household furniture and appliances; bedsprings and mattresses; all types of office furniture and public building furniture and partitions, shelving, lockers and store furniture; and miscellaneous drapery hardware, window blinds and shades. Includes wood and cabinet shops, but not sawmills or planing mills, which are instead included under “Lumber and Wood Products.”
G. Definitions, “G.”
Garage, or Carport. Parking space and shelter for automobiles or other vehicles, where the size of the parking space complies with the provisions of Division 36.310 (Parking and Loading).
1. A garage is a roofed structure with a door, enclosed on at least three sides, that may be either attached to, or detached from a primary structure on the site.
2. A carport is a roofed structure enclosed on no more than two sides, that may be either attached to, or detached from a primary structure on the site.
Garage Sale. Any sale held for the purpose of selling, trading or otherwise disposing of household furnishings, personal goods or other tangible properties of a resident of the premises on which the sale is conducted in a residential zone.
Gas Station. A retail business selling gasoline or other motor vehicle fuels, which may also provide services which are incidental to fuel services. These secondary services may include vehicle engine maintenance and repair, towing and trailer rental services. Does not include the storage or repair of wrecked or abandoned vehicles, vehicle painting, body or fender work, or the rental of vehicle storage or parking spaces.
General Plan. The City of South Pasadena General Plan, including all its elements and all amendments to the General Plan, as adopted by the City Council under the provisions of Government Code Section 65300 et seq., and referred to in this Zoning Code as the “General Plan.”
General Retail. Stores and shops selling many lines of merchandise. Examples of these stores and lines of merchandise include: art galleries (retail); artists’ supplies; bakeries (all production in support of on-site sales); bicycles; books; cameras and photographic supplies; clothing and accessories; collectibles (cards, coins, comics, stamps, etc.); department stores; drug and discount stores (not including medical marijuana dispensaries); dry goods; fabrics and sewing supplies; florists and houseplant stores (indoor sales only—outdoor sales are “plant nurseries”); furniture, home furnishings and equipment; general stores; gift and souvenir shops; hardware; hobby materials; jewelry; luggage and leather goods; musical instruments, parts and accessories; newsstands; orthopedic supplies; pet stores; religious goods; small wares; specialty shops; sporting goods and equipment; stationery; toys and games; variety stores.
Grade. The ground surface immediately adjacent to the exterior base of a structure, typically used as the basis for measurement of the height of the structure.
Grade, Existing. The elevation of the ground surface of a site prior to any physical change to accommodate proposed development.
Grade, Finished. The elevation of the ground surface of a site after the completion prior to any physical change to accommodate proposed development.
Grocery Store. A retail business where the majority of the floor area open to the public is occupied by food products packaged for preparation and consumption away from the site of the store.
Group Home. This land use consists of a dwelling unit licensed or supervised by any Federal, State, or local health/welfare agency which provides 24-hour non-medical care of unrelated persons who are in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual in a family-like environment. Includes: children’s homes; orphanages; rehabilitation centers; self help group homes. Convalescent homes, nursing homes and similar facilities providing medical care are included under the definition of “Medical Services—Extended Care.”
H. Definitions, “H.”
Handcraft Industries, Small-Scale Manufacturing. Establishments manufacturing and/or assembling small products primarily by hand, including jewelry, pottery and other ceramics, as well as small glass and metal art and craft products.
Health and Fitness Facilities. Fitness centers, gymnasiums, health and athletic clubs including any of the following: sauna, spa or hot tub facilities; tennis, handball, racquetball, archery and shooting ranges and other sports activities. Does not include adult entertainment businesses.
Hedge. Shrubs and/or trees planted to create a physical and/or visual barrier.
Hillside Development Permit. A discretionary zoning approval of the City, the procedures for which are established by Section 36.410.065 (Hillside Development Permits).
Home Occupations. The conduct of a business within a dwelling unit or residential site, employing occupants of the dwelling, with the business activity being subordinate to the residential use of the property.
Hotel or Motel. Facilities with guest rooms or suites, provided with or without kitchen facilities, rented to the general public for transient lodging (less than 30 days). Hotels provide access to most guest rooms from an interior walkway, and typically include a variety of services in addition to lodging; for example, restaurants, meeting facilities, personal services, etc. Motels provide access to most guest rooms from an exterior walkway. Also includes accessory guest facilities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, indoor athletic/fitness facilities, and accessory retail uses.
Household Pets. The keeping/raising of birds, cats, dogs, or other common domesticated pets, as determined by the Director, accessory to a residential use.
Housing costs. The monthly mortgage principal and interest, property taxes, homeowners insurance, and condominium fees, where applicable, for ownership units; and the monthly rent for rental units.
HUD. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development or its successor.
I. Definitions, “I.”
Illegal Building or Use. A building or use that does not conform to one or more of the provisions of this Zoning Code, and did not lawfully exist on the effective date of applicable provisions of this Zoning Code.
Income eligibility. For the purposes of Division 36.370 (Affordable Housing Incentives), the gross annual household income considering household size and number of dependents, income of all wage earners, elderly or disabled household members and all other sources of household income.
Indoor Amusement and Entertainment Facilities. Establishments providing indoor amusement and entertainment services for a fee or admission charge, including: bowling alleys; coin-operated amusement arcades; dance halls, clubs and ballrooms; electronic game arcades; ice skating and roller skating; pool and billiard rooms as primary uses.
This use does not include adult entertainment businesses. Four or more electronic games or coin operated amusements in any establishment, or a premises where 50 percent or more of the floor area is occupied by amusement devices, are considered an electronic game arcade as described above, three or less machines are not considered a land use separate from the primary use of the site.
Intensification of Use. A change in the use of a structure or site, where the new use is required by Division 36.310 (Parking and Loading) to have more off-street parking spaces than the former use; or a change in the operating characteristics of a use (for example, hours of operation), which generate more activity on the site.
J. Definitions, “J.” No specialized terms beginning with the letter “J” are used at this time.
K. Definitions, “K.”
Kennel. A commercial facility providing boarding services for domestic animals.
Key Lot. See “Lot.”
Kitchen. A room or space within a building intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food.
L. Definitions, “L.”
Landscaping. The planting and maintaining of an area with predominantly native or exotic plant materials including lawn, groundcover, trees, shrubs, and other plant materials; and also including accessory decorative outdoor landscape elements (for example, pools, fountains, paved or decorated surfaces, but excluding driveways, parking, loading, or storage areas).
Large Family Day Care Home. See “Child Day Care Facilities.”
Laundries and Dry Cleaning Plants. Service establishments engaged primarily in high volume laundry and garment services, including: power laundries (family and commercial); garment pressing and dry cleaning; linen supply; diaper service; industrial laundries; carpet and upholstery cleaners. Does not include coin operated laundries or dry cleaning pick up stores without dry cleaning equipment; see “Personal Services.”
Libraries, Museums, Galleries. Public or quasi-public facilities including aquariums, arboretums, art galleries and exhibitions, botanical gardens, historic sites and exhibits, libraries, museums, and planetariums, with no retail sales activities other than an accessory gift/book shop. Does not include retail art galleries where artworks on display may be purchased by patrons, which are instead included under the definition of “General Retail.”
Liquor Store. A retail establishment primarily engaged in selling beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages, which may specialize in a particular type of alcoholic beverage (e.g., wine shops).
Live/Work Unit. An integrated housing unit and working space, occupied and utilized by a single household in a structure, either single-family or multi-family, that has been designed or structurally modified to accommodate joint residential occupancy and work activity, and which includes:
1. Complete kitchen space and sanitary facilities in compliance with the City building code; and
2. Working space reserved for and regularly used by one or more occupants of the unit.
Lot, or Parcel. A recorded lot or parcel of real property under single ownership, lawfully created as required by the Subdivision Map Act and City ordinances, including this Zoning Code. Types of lots include the following. See Figure 7-2 (Lot Types).
1. Corner lot. A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets, where they intersect at an interior angle of not more than 135 degrees. If the intersection angle is more than 135 degrees, the lot is considered an interior lot.
2. Cul-de-sac Lot. A lot located on the curving portion of a cul-de-sac street.
3. Flag lot. A lot having access from the building site to a public street by means of private right-of-way strip that is owned in fee.
4. Interior lot. A lot abutting only one street.
5. Key lot. An interior lot, the front of which adjoins the side property line of a corner lot.
6. Reverse corner lot. A corner lot, the rear of which abuts a key lot.
7. Through lot. A lot with frontage on two generally parallel streets.
Figure 7-2. Lot Types
Lot Area. The total area included within the property lines of a lot, exclusive of existing adjacent dedicated street rights of way.
Lot Area, Net. The portion of a parcel that is:
1. Not subject to any easement or included as a proposed public or private facility, such as an alley, highway, street, or other necessary public site within a proposed project; or
2. Subject to an easement where the owner of the underlying fee has the right to use the entire surface except the portion where the owner of the easement may place utility poles or minor utility structures.
Except as provided above, portions of a parcel dedicated to a highway easement or any other private or public easement shall not be counted as part of the net area.
Lot Coverage. The percentage of total site area occupied by structures. Structure/building coverage includes the primary structure, all accessory structures (e.g., carports, garages, patio covers, storage sheds, non-residential trash dumpster enclosures) and architectural features (e.g., chimneys, balconies, decks greater than 30 inches above grade, porches, and stairs). Structure/building coverage is measured from exterior wall to exterior wall.
Lot Depth and Width.
1. Lot Depth. The average linear distance between the front and the rear lot lines or the intersection of the two side lot lines if there is no rear line. See Figure 7-3 (Lot Features). The Director shall determine lot depth for parcels of irregular configuration.
2. 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. See Figure 7-3 (Lot Features). The Director shall determine lot width for parcels of irregular shape.
Figure 7-3. Lot Features
Lot Frontage. The boundary of a lot adjacent to a public street right-of-way.
Lot Line or Property Line. Any recorded boundary of a lot. Types of lot lines are as follows (see Figures 7-3 and 7-4).
1. Front lot line. On an interior lot, the property line separating the parcel from the street. The front lot line on a corner lot is the line adjacent to the street with the shortest frontage. (If the lot lines of a corner lot are equal in length, the front lot line shall be determined by the Director.) On a through lot, both lot lines are front lot lines and the lot is considered to have no rear lot line.
2. Interior lot line. Any lot line not abutting a street.
3. Rear lot line. A property line that does not intersect the front lot line, which is most distant from and most closely parallel to the front lot line.
4. Side lot line. Any lot line that is not a front or rear lot line.
5. Street side lot line. On a corner lot, the property line with the longest street frontage. If the lot lines of a corner lot are equal in length, the street side lot line shall be determined by the Director.
Figure 7-4. Lot Lines
Low Barrier Navigation Center. A service-enriched facility focused on moving people into permanent housing that may or may not provide on-site temporary living accommodations, and where case managers connect individuals experiencing homelessness to income, public benefits, health services, shelter, and housing. “Low barrier” means best practices to reduce barriers to entry.
M. Definitions, “M.”
Manufactured Home. A trailer, transportable in one or more sections, that is certified under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, which is over eight feet in width and 40 feet in length, with or without a permanent foundation and not including recreational vehicle, commercial coach or factory built housing. A manufactured home on a permanent foundation is included under the definition of “Single-Family Dwellings.”
Map Act. See “Subdivision Map Act.”
Marijuana. Definitions and terms related to marijuana and marijuana products are in SPMC 36.350.240.
Massage Establishment. A licensed, therapeutic and nonsexual establishment having a fixed place of business conducted within the City of South Pasadena, where any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation, or combination of individuals, engages in, conducts, carries on or permits to be conducted or carried on, for money or any other consideration, the administration to another person of a massage, consistent with the requirements and standards set forth in Article II of Chapter 17 SPMC.
Media Post Production Facilities. Support facilities engaged in completing work on film, video, and sound recording productions. These include facilities for film, video, and sound editing and recording studios, foley stages, etc., optical, computer graphics, and other special effects units, film processing laboratories, etc.
Medical Services—Clinics. A facility other than a hospital where medical, dental, mental health, surgical and other personal health care services are provided on an outpatient basis, and that accommodates multiple licensed primary medical practitioners (i.e., doctors) and specialties, or four or more primary practitioners in a single specialty. Counseling services by other than medical doctors or psychiatrists are instead included under “Offices.”
Medical Services—Extended Care. Residential facilities providing nursing and health-related care as a primary use with in patient beds, such as: board and care homes; convalescent and rest homes; extended care facilities; skilled nursing facilities. Long term personal care facilities that do not emphasize medical treatment are included under “Residential Care Homes.”
Medical Services—Hospitals. Hospitals and similar facilities engaged primarily in providing diagnostic services, and extensive medical treatment, including surgical and other hospital services. These establishments have an organized medical staff, inpatient beds, and equipment and facilities to provide complete health care. May include on-site accessory clinics and laboratories, and accessory retail uses (see the separate definition of “Accessory Retail Uses”).
Medical Services—Offices. A facility other than a hospital where medical, dental, mental health, surgical and other personal health care services are provided on an outpatient basis, and that accommodates no more than three licensed primary practitioners (for example, chiropractors, medical doctors, etc.).
Medical Services—Laboratories. Medical and dental laboratories.
Metal Products Fabrication, Machine and Welding Shops. Establishments engaged primarily in the assembly of metal parts, including the following uses that produce metal duct work, tanks, towers, cabinets and enclosures, metal doors and gates, and similar products: blacksmith and welding shops; sheet metal shops; machine shops and boiler shops.
Microbrewery. A facility where beer brewed on the premises is sold for on-site consumption.
Mixed-Use Project. A project that combines both commercial (retail and/or office) and residential uses, where the residential component is typically located above the commercial.
Mortuaries and Funeral Homes. Funeral homes and parlors, where deceased are prepared for burial or cremation, and funeral services may be conducted.
Multi-Family Dwellings. A building or a portion of a building used and/or designed as residences for three or more families living independently of each other. Includes: triplexes, fourplexes (buildings under one ownership with three or four dwelling units, respectively, in the same structure) and apartments (five or more units under one ownership in a single building); townhouse development (three or more attached single-family dwellings where no unit is located over another unit); and senior citizen multi-family housing; see also “Common Interest Developments.”
Multi-Tenant. A building or site that is occupied by two or more different land uses or businesses.
N. Definitions, “N.”
Negative Declaration. A statement describing the reasoning that a proposed action will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment, in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Night Clubs and Bars. Businesses where alcoholic beverages are sold for on-site consumption, that are not part of a larger restaurant. Includes bars, taverns, pubs, and similar establishments where any food service is subordinate to the sale of alcoholic beverages. May include entertainment (e.g., live music and/or dancing, comedy, etc.). May also include beer brewing as part of a microbrewery, and other beverage tasting facilities. Does not include adult entertainment businesses.
Non-commercial. Not involving the buying or selling of goods and services (commerce).
Nonconforming Parcel. A parcel that was legally created prior to the adoption of this Zoning Code and which does not conform to current Code provisions/standards (e.g., access, area or width requirements, etc.) prescribed for the zoning district in which the parcel is located.
Nonconforming Sign. A sign which lawfully existed prior to the effective date of this Zoning Code, or any amendment thereto, but which fails by reason of such adoption or amendment to conform to all of the standards and regulations of the adopted or amended provision.
Nonconforming Structure. A structure that was legally constructed prior to the adoption of this Zoning Code and which does not conform to current Code provisions/standards (e.g., open space, distance between structures, etc.) prescribed for the zoning district in which the structure is located.
Nonconforming Use. A use of a structure (either conforming or nonconforming) or land that was legally established and maintained prior to the adoption of this Zoning Code and which does not conform to current Code provisions governing allowable land uses for the zoning district in which the use is located.
Nursing Home. See “Skilled Nursing Facilities.”
O. Definitions, “O.”
Occupancy. All or a portion of a structure occupied by one tenant.
Offices. This Zoning Code distinguishes between the following types of office facilities. These do not include: medical offices (see “Medical Services—Offices”); or offices that are incidental and accessory to another business or sales activity that is the primary use. Incidental offices that are customarily accessory to another use are allowed as part of an approved primary use.
1. Administrative/Business. Establishments providing direct services to consumers, such as insurance agencies, real estate offices, utility company offices, etc.
2. Government. City, and other local, state, and federal government agency or service facilities. Includes post offices, but not bulk mailing distribution centers, which are under “Truck and Freight Terminals.”
3. Production, Research & Development. Office-type facilities occupied by businesses engaged in the production of intellectual property, including: advertising agencies; architectural, engineering, planning and surveying services; computer software production and programming services; educational, scientific and research organizations; media postproduction services; photography and commercial art studios; writers and artists offices.
4. Professional. Professional offices including: accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services; attorneys; counseling services; court reporting services; data processing services; detective agencies and similar services; employment, stenographic, secretarial and word processing services; literary and talent agencies; management and public relations services.
5. Temporary. A mobile home, recreational vehicle or modular unit used as a temporary office facility. Temporary Offices may include: construction supervision offices on a construction site or off-site construction yard; a temporary on site real estate office for a project; or a temporary business office in advance of permanent facility construction.
6. Temporary Real Estate. The temporary use of a dwelling unit within a residential project as a sales office for the units on the same site, which is converted to residential use at the conclusion of its office use.
Off-site. An activity or accessory use that is related to a specific primary use, but is not located on the same site as the primary use.
On-site. An activity or accessory use that is related to a specific primary use, that is located on the same site as the primary use.
Organizational Houses. Residential lodging houses operated by membership organizations for their members and not open to the general public. Includes fraternity and sorority houses, student dormitories, convents, monasteries, and religious residential retreats.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities. Facilities for various outdoor participant sports and types of recreation, including: amphitheaters; amusement and theme parks; batting cages; go-cart tracks; golf driving ranges; health and athletic club outdoor facilities; miniature golf courses; skateboard parks; stadiums and coliseums; swim and tennis clubs; tennis courts; water slides; zoos.
May also include commercial facilities customarily associated with the above outdoor commercial recreational uses, including bars and restaurants, video game arcades, etc. Does not include parks and playgrounds, which are separately defined.
Outdoor Display and Retail Activities. Permanent outdoor sales and rental establishments including lumber and other material sales yards, newsstands, merchandise display, dining and seating areas, outdoor facilities for the sale or rental of other vehicles/equipment, and other uses where the business is not conducted entirely within a structure.
Outdoor Retail Sales, Temporary. Temporary outdoor retail operations including: Christmas trees, pumpkins or the sale of other seasonal items; farmers’ markets; semi-annual sales of art/handcrafted items in conjunction with community festivals or art shows; sidewalk or parking lot sales longer than one weekend; retail sales from individual vehicles in temporary locations outside the public right-of-way.
Outdoor Sales Yards. See “Outdoor Display and Retail Activities.”
P. Definitions, “P.”
Parcel. See “Lot, or Parcel.”
Parcel Map. The subdivision map described by the Subdivision Map Act, Article 3, Chapter 2, which is required to complete a subdivision of four or fewer lots. See Division 36.520 (Parcel Maps and Final Maps).
Parking Facilities/Vehicle Storage. Includes both day use and long term public and commercial garages, parking lots and structures, except when accessory to a primary use. (All primary uses are considered to include any customer or public use off-street parking required by the Zoning Code.) Includes sites where vehicles are stored for rental or leasing. Does not include dismantling yards (classified in “Recycling Facilities—Scrap and Dismantling Yards”).
Parks and Playgrounds. Public parks, play lots, playgrounds, and athletic fields for non-commercial neighborhood or community use, including tennis courts. If privately-owned, the same facilities are included under the definition of “Private Residential Recreation Facilities.” See also “Outdoor Recreation Facilities.”
Patio Cover. A roofed structure located between a dwelling and a side or rear property line that shelters an outdoor area. These structures are either attached to or detached from a primary dwelling on the site.
Pawn Shop. Indoor retail establishments that accept personal property as collateral for loans, and offer the property for sale to the public.
Pedestrian Orientation. Any physical structure or place with design qualities and elements that contribute to an active, inviting and pleasant place for pedestrians including:
1. Street furniture;
2. Design amenities related to the street level such as awnings, paseos, arcades;
3. Display windows at the street level;
4. Highly articulated facades at the street level with interesting uses of material, color, and architectural detailing;
5. Continuity of the sidewalk with a minimum of intrusions into pedestrian right-of-way;
6. Continuity of building facades along the street with few interruptions in the progression of buildings and stores;
7. Signs oriented and scaled to the pedestrian rather than the motorist; and
8. Landscaping.
Pedestrian Oriented Use. A use which is intended to encourage walk-in customers and which generally does not limit the number of customers by requiring appointments or otherwise excluding the general public. A pedestrian oriented use provides spontaneous draw from sidewalk and street due to visual interest, high customer turnover and social interaction.
Permitted Use. Any use allowed in a zoning district and subject to the restrictions applicable to that zoning district.
Person. Any individual, firm, co partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association; city, county, state, or district; and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar representative thereof.
Personal Services. Establishments providing nonmedical services to individuals as a primary use. Examples of these uses include: barber and beauty shops; clothing rental; dry cleaning pick up stores with limited equipment; home electronics and small appliance repair; laundromats (self service laundries); pet grooming with no boarding; shoe repair shops; tailors; tanning salons.
These uses may also include accessory retail sales of products related to the services provided.
Personal Services—Restricted. Personal services that may tend to have a blighting and/or deteriorating effect upon surrounding areas and which may need to be dispersed to minimize their adverse impacts. Examples of these uses include: fortune tellers; palm and card readers; psychics; spas and hot tubs for hourly rental; tattoo and body piercing services.
Photographic Processing Plants. Facilities for the bulk processing of exposed photographic film sent to the plant primarily by retail camera and photo shops, and other photographic outlets, producing prints and transparencies. Does not include photo processing machines located in retail stores as accessory uses, or storefront “one-hour processing” services, which are considered “General Retail.”
Planning Clearance. A ministerial zoning approval issued by the Department prior to issuance of any building permit and/or business license to ensure that the proposed use and/or construction complies with all of the provisions of this Zoning Code.
Planning Commission. The City of South Pasadena Planning Commission, appointed by the South Pasadena City Council in compliance with Government Code Section 65101, referred to throughout this Zoning Code as the “Commission.”
Plant Nurseries and Garden Supply Stores. Commercial agricultural establishments engaged in the production of ornamental plants and other nursery products, grown under cover or outdoors. Includes stores selling these products, nursery stock, lawn and garden supplies, and commercial scale greenhouses. The sale of house plants or other nursery products entirely within a building is also included under “General Retail Stores.” Home greenhouses are included under “Accessory Residential Uses and Structures.”
Plumbing and Heating Shop. A business engaged in selling plumbing and/or heating equipment and supplies, primarily to contractors on a wholesale basis, but may also include retail sales to the general public.
Police Chief. The City of South Pasadena Police Chief or authorized representatives of the Police Chief.
Primary Structure. A structure that accommodates the primary use of the site.
Primary Use. The main purpose for which a site (or, in the case of a commercial use, in the space occupied by a particular land use) is developed and occupied, including the activities that are conducted on the site (or in a particular commercial space) during most of the hours when activities occur. “Principal use” has the same meaning.
Primary Zoning District. The zoning district applied to a site by the Zoning Map, to which an overlay zoning district may also be applied.
Printing and Publishing. Establishments engaged in printing by letterpress, lithography, gravure, screen, offset, or electrostatic (xerographic) copying; and other establishments serving the printing trade such as bookbinding, typesetting, engraving, photoengraving and electrotyping. This use also includes establishments that publish newspapers, books and periodicals; establishments manufacturing business forms and binding devices. “Quick printing” services are included in the definition of “Business Support Services.”
Private Residential Recreational Facility. A privately-owned, noncommercial outdoor recreation facility provided for residential project or neighborhood residents, including swimming pools, swim and tennis clubs, park and sport court facilities. Does not include golf courses and country clubs, or private sport courts accessory to single-family dwellings.
Private Sport Court. A generally rectangular space, with dimensions no greater than one hundred twenty feet by sixty feet that has a playing surface, paved or unpaved, designed to be used for playing or practicing tennis, badminton, volleyball, racquetball, squash, basketball, or similar outdoor games. Temporary playing surfaces on grass or dirt are not regulated by this Zoning Code.
Project. Proposed development or a new land use.
Property Line. The recorded boundary of a parcel of land.
Proposed Project. A proposed new structure, new addition or exterior alteration to an existing structure, or area of other new site development.
Public Safety Facilities. Facilities operated by public agencies including fire stations, other fire prevention and fire fighting facilities, police and sheriff substations and headquarters, including interim incarceration facilities.
Q. Definitions, “Q.” No definitions of terms beginning with the letter “Q” are used at this time.
R. Definitions, “R.”
Reasonable Accommodation. Providing disabled persons flexibility in the application of land use and zoning regulations and procedures, or even waiving certain requirements, when necessary to eliminate
barriers to housing opportunities. It may include such things as yard area modifications for ramps, handrails or other such accessibility improvements; hardscape additions, such as widened driveways, parking area or walkways; building additions for accessibility; tree removal; or reduced off-street parking where the disability clearly limits the number of people operating vehicles. Reasonable accommodation does not include an accommodation which would: (1) impose undue financial or administrative burden on the City; or (2) require a fundamental alteration in the nature of the City’s land use and zoning program.
Recreational Vehicle (RV). As defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 18010, A motor home, travel trailer, truck camper, or camping trailer, with or without motive power, originally designed for human habitation for recreational, emergency, or other occupancy, which meets all of the following criteria:
1. Contains less than 320 square feet of internal living room area, excluding built-in equipment, including wardrobe, closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms;
2. Contains 400 square feet or less of gross area measured at maximum horizontal projections;
3. Is built on a single chassis; and
4. Is either self-propelled, truck-mounted, or permanently towable on the highways without a towing permit.
Recycling Facilities. See Section 36.350.160.
Religious Facilities. Facilities operated by religious organizations for worship, or the promotion of religious activities, including churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, etc.; and accessory uses on the same site, including living quarters for ministers and staff, child day care facilities and religious schools where authorized by the same type of land use permit required for the religious facility itself. May also include emergency shelters, and fund-raising sales, bazaars, dinners, parties, or other outdoor events on the same site. Other establishments maintained by religious organizations, including as full time educational institutions, hospitals and other potentially related operations (for example, a recreational camp) are classified according to their respective activities.
Resale Controls. Legal provisions by which the sale of affordable units will be controlled to insure that the unit is affordable by very low or low income households over time.
Research and Development (R&D). Facilities for scientific research, and the design, development and testing of electrical, electronic, magnetic, optical and computer and telecommunications components in advance of product manufacturing, and the assembly of related products from parts produced off-site, where the manufacturing activity is secondary to the research and development activities. Includes pharmaceutical, chemical and biotechnology research and development. Does not include soils and other materials testing laboratories (see “Business Support Services”), or medical laboratories (see “Medical Services—Clinics and Labs”).
Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE). A housing arrangement chosen voluntarily by the residents, or the residents’ guardians, conservators or other responsible persons; where 75 percent of the residents are at least 62 years of age, or, if younger, have needs compatible with other residents; and where varying levels of care and supervision are provided, as agreed to at the time of admission or as determined necessary at subsequent times of reappraisal (definition from Government Code Title 22, Division 6, Chapter 6, Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly). RCFE projects may include basic services and community space.
RCFE projects include Assisted Living Facilities (Board and Care Homes), Congregate Housing, Independent Living Centers/Senior Apartments, and Life Care Facilities as defined below.
1. Assisted living facility. A residential building or buildings that also provide housing, personal and health care, as permitted by the Department of Social Services, designed to respond to the daily, individual needs of the residents. Assisted Living Facilities may include kitchenettes (small refrigerator, sink and/or microwave oven) within individual rooms. Assisted Living Facilities are required to be licensed by the California Department of Social Services, and do not include skilled nursing services.
2. Independent living center/senior apartment. Independent living centers and senior apartments and are multi-family residential projects reserved for senior citizens, where common facilities may be provided (for example, recreation areas), but where each dwelling unit has individual living, sleeping, bathing, and kitchen facilities.
3. Life care facility. Sometimes called Continuing Care Retirement Communities, or Senior Continuum of Care Complex, these facilities provide a wide range of care and supervision, and also provide health care (skilled nursing) so that residents can receive medical care without leaving the facility. Residents can expect to remain, even if they become physically incapacitated later in life. Life Care Facilities require multiple licensing from the State Department of Social Services, the State Department of Health Services, and the State Department of Insurance.
Residential Care Home. A dwelling unit licensed or supervised by any Federal, State, or local health/welfare agency which provides 24-hour non-medical care of unrelated persons who are handicapped and in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living or for the protection of the individual in a family-like environment.
Residential District or Zone. Any of the residential zoning districts established by Section 36.200.020 (Zoning Map and Zoning Districts).
Residential Project. A housing development at one location including all units for which permits have been applied for or approved, intended and designed for permanent occupancy, including but not limited to single-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, apartments, multiple-dwelling structures, or group of dwellings, condominium development, townhouse development, cooperative, or land division.
Restaurant. A retail business selling ready-to-eat food for on- or off-premise consumption. These include eating establishments where customers are served from a walk-up ordering counter for either on- or off-premise consumption, and establishments where most customers are served food at tables for on-premise consumption, but may include providing food for take-out. Also includes coffee houses.
Review Authority. The individual or official City body (the Director of Planning and Building, Design Review Board, Cultural Heritage Commission, Planning Commission, or City Council) identified by this Zoning Code as having the responsibility and authority to review, and approve or disapprove the permit applications described in Article 6 (Zoning Code Administration).
Rooming and Boarding House. A dwelling or part of a dwelling where lodging is furnished for compensation to more than three persons living independently from each other. Meals may also be included.
S. Definitions, “S.”
Schools. Public and private educational institutions, including: boarding schools; community colleges, colleges and universities; elementary, middle, and junior high schools; high schools; and military academies. Does not include pre-schools and child day care facilities (see “Child Day Care Facilities”).
Schools, Specialized Education and Training. Public and private educational institutions offering instruction in the following: art; ballet and other dance; computers and electronics; drama; driver education; language; music; and other similar activities. Includes business, secretarial, and vocational schools: establishments providing courses by mail; professional schools (law, medicine, etc.); seminaries/religious ministry training facilities. Also includes facilities, institutions and conference centers that offer specialized programs in personal growth and development, such as fitness, environmental awareness, arts, communications, and management. See also the definition of “Studios—Art, Dance, Music, Photography, etc.” for smaller-scale facilities offering specialized instruction; and “Special Needs Educational and Training Facilities” for facilities offering specialized education to students with disabilities.
Second Dwelling Unit. A second permanent dwelling that is accessory to a primary dwelling on the same site. An accessory dwelling unit provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation, and parking.
Second Hand Store. Retail establishments that buy and sell used products, including clothing, furniture and household goods, jewelry, appliances, musical instruments, business machines and office equipment, tools motors, machines, instruments, firearms, or any similar secondhand articles or objects; includes indoor flea markets. Does not include: pawnshops; bookstores that sell used books exclusively (“Retail Stores”); secondhand farm and construction equipment (“Construction and Heavy Equipment Sales”); junk dealers, or scrap/dismantling yards (Recycling Facilities—Scrap and Dismantling Yards”); the sale of antiques and collectibles (“Retail Stores”).
Senior Continuum of Care Complex. See “Life Care Facility” as defined in “Residential Care Facility for the Elderly.”
Setback. The distance by which the wall of a structure, parking area or other development feature must be separated from a lot line, other structure or development feature, or street centerline. See also “Yard.” See Section 36.300.030 (Setback Measurement and Exceptions).
Shopping Center. Primarily retail commercial sites with two or more separate businesses sharing common pedestrian and parking areas. See also “Multi-Tenant.”
Sign. See Division 36.320 (Signs).
Single Family Dwelling. A building designed for and/or occupied exclusively by one household. Also includes factory built housing units, constructed in compliance with the Uniform Building Code (UBC), and manufactured housing on permanent foundations.
Single Room Occupancy (SRO) Housing. A residential facility for homeless persons, other than a residential care facility, operated by a provider that offers housing consisting of single-room dwelling units that is the primary residence of its occupant or occupants for a period not to exceed six months per calendar year. For purposes of this definition, a “provider” shall mean a government agency or private non-profit organization that provides or contracts with recognized community organizations to provide SRO housing. SRO residential units must contain either food preparation or sanitary facilities or may contain both.
Site. A parcel or adjoining parcels under single ownership or single control, considered a unit for the purposes of development or other use.
Site Coverage. See “Lot Coverage.”
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF). Also known as convalescent hospitals or nursing homes, these are facilities licensed by the California State Department of Health Services. These facilities house one or more individuals in a single room with bathroom facilities and provide intensive medical and nursing care, including 24-hour availability of licensed nursing personnel. Residents are often convalescing from serious illness or surgery and require continuous observation and medical supervision, or will reside in the facility as a long-term resident. Does not include residential care facilities.
Slope. See “Average Slope.”
Small Family Day Care Homes. See “Child Day Care Facilities.”
Special Needs Educational and Training Facilities. Private educational institutions offering specialized education, rehabilitation, training and similar services exclusively for persons who have a physical and/or mental impairment(s) that, among other limitations, prevents them from obtaining driver’s licenses.
Speed Bump. A bump, hump, or any mound or raised portion of the roadway surface of any material, that is installed, constructed or placed across the roadway for the purpose of reducing the speed of vehicles using such roadway.
Sports Court. An outdoor facility for participant sports, including tennis and handball courts.
Storage—Personal Storage Facility. A commercial enterprise providing one or more structures containing generally small, individual, compartmentalized stalls or lockers rented as individual storage spaces for personal and/or other property.
Street. A public thoroughfare accepted by the City, which affords principal means of access to abutting property, including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road, and any other thoroughfare except an alley as defined in this Subsection.
Street (Private). A roadway that has not been accepted as a public street and that affords the principal means of access from a parking area or driveway to public streets for more than two abutting parcels, including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, road, cul-de-sac, or thoroughfare. An instrument creating the same that has been duly recorded or filed in the office of the Recorder of Los Angeles County may be considered when reviewing whether a roadway is a street (private). Street (private) shall not refer to portions of private easements that are not used for road purposes.
Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires attachment to the ground or attachment to something located on the ground. For the purposes of this Zoning Code, the term “structure” includes “buildings.”
Structure, Primary. See “Primary Structure.”
Studios for Art, Dance, Music, Photography, etc. Small scale facilities, typically accommodating one group of students at a time, in no more than one instructional space. Larger facilities are included under the definition of “Schools—Specialized education and training.” These include facilities for: individual and group instruction and training in the arts; production rehearsal; photography, and the processing of photographs produced only by users of the studio facilities; martial arts training studios; gymnastics instruction, and aerobics and gymnastics studios with no other fitness facilities or equipment.
Subdivision. The division, by any subdivider, of any unit or portion of land shown on the latest equalized Los Angeles County assessment roll as contiguous units, for the purpose of sale, lease or financing, whether immediate or future. Property shall be considered as contiguous units, even if it is separated by roads, streets, utility easement or railroad rights of way. Subdivision includes the following, as defined in Civil Code Section 1315: a condominium project; a community apartment project; or the conversion of five or more existing dwelling units to a stock cooperative. See Article 5 (Subdivisions).
Subdivision Map Act, or Map Act. Division 2, Title 7 of the California Government Code, commencing with Section 66410 as presently constituted, and any amendments to those provisions. See Article 5 (Subdivisions).
Supportive Housing. Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population (homeless), and that is linked to on-site or off-site services that assist 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 (Health and Safety Code Section 50675.14).
T. Definitions, “T.”
Telecommunications Facilities. See Section 36.350.210 (Telecommunications Facilities).
Temporary Structure. A structure that is removed when the designated time period, activity, or use for which the temporary structure was erected has ceased.
Temporary Use. A use of land that is designed, operated and occupies a site for a limited period of time, typically less than 12 months.
Tentative Map. A map filed with the City in compliance with Article 7 of this Zoning Code (Subdivision Regulations) as part of a request for the approval of a subdivision of real property, showing the design and improvement of a proposed subdivision and the existing conditions in and around it. See Division 36.510 (Tentative Map Filing and Processing).
Theaters and Auditoriums. Indoor facilities for public assembly and group entertainment, other than sporting events, including: civic theaters, and facilities for “live” theater and concerts; exhibition and convention halls; motion picture theaters; public and semi public auditoriums; similar public assembly uses.
Does not include outdoor theaters, concert and similar entertainment facilities, and indoor and outdoor facilities for sporting events.
Tobacco Retailer. As defined in SPMC 18.101(h) or its successor, and subject to SPMC Chapter 18, Part 6 (“Tobacco Retailer Permit”) or its successor. For the purposes of establishing the allowable zone(s) a tobacco retailer may be located in, and required parking levels, a tobacco retailer as a primary use is included in the land use designation “General retail” and a tobacco retailer as an accessory use is included in the land use designation for the primary use for which it is an accessory.
Transitional Housing. Housing configured as rental housing developments, but operated under program requirements that call for the termination of assistance and recirculation of the assisted unit to another eligible program recipient at some predetermined future point in time, which shall be no less than six months (Health and Safety Code Section 50675.2(h)).
U. Definitions, “U.”
Use. The purpose for which land or a structure is designed, arranged, intended, occupied, or maintained.
Use, Primary. See “Primary Use.”
Utility Facilities. Fixed-base structures and facilities serving as junction points for transferring utility services from one transmission voltage to another or to local distribution and service voltages. These uses include any of the following facilities that are not exempted from land use permit requirements by Government Code Section 53091: corporation and maintenance yards; electrical substations and switching stations; natural gas regulating and distribution facilities; public water system wells, treatment plants and storage; telephone switching facilities; wastewater treatment plants, settling ponds and disposal fields.
These uses do not include office or customer service centers (classified in “Offices”), or equipment and material storage yards.
Utility Infrastructure. Pipelines for water, natural gas, and sewage collection and disposal; and facilities for the transmission of electrical energy for sale, including transmission lines for a public utility company. Also includes telephone, telegraph, cable television and other communications transmission facilities utilizing direct physical conduits. Does not include offices or service centers (see “Offices”), or distribution substations (see “Utility Facilities”).
V. Definitions, “V.”
Variance. A discretionary entitlement that may waive or relax the development standards of this Zoning Code, in compliance with Section 36.410.080 (Variances).
Veterinary Clinics, Animal Hospitals, Kennels. Office and indoor medical treatment facilities used by veterinarians, including large and small animal veterinary clinics, and animal hospitals. Kennels and boarding operations are commercial facilities for the keeping, boarding or maintaining of four or more dogs four months of age or older, or four or more cats, except for dogs or cats in pet shops.
Vesting Tentative Map. A map that is filed and processed in the same manner as a Tentative Map except as otherwise provided by Section 36.510.120 (Vesting Tentative Maps) or the Map Act. A Vesting Tentative Map shall have the words “Vesting Tentative Map” printed conspicuously on its face at the time it is filed with the Department.
W. Definitions, “W.”
Warehouse Retail. A retail store emphasizing product lines other than groceries, with a one-level sales floor of 40,000 square feet or larger, that typically package and sell products in large quantities or volumes, where products are typically displayed in their original shipping containers. Sites and buildings are usually large and industrial in character. Patrons may be required to pay membership fees.
Warehouses, Wholesaling and Distribution. These facilities include:
1. Warehouses. Facilities for the storage of furniture, household goods, or other commercial goods of any nature. Includes cold storage. Does not include warehouse, storage or mini storage facilities offered for rent or lease to the general public (see “Storage, Personal Storage Facilities”); warehouse facilities in which the primary purpose of storage is for wholesaling and distribution (see “Wholesaling and Distribution”); or vehicle and freight terminals.
2. Wholesaling and Distribution. Establishments engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers in buying merchandise for or selling merchandise to such persons or companies. Includes such establishments as: agents, merchandise or commodity brokers, and commission merchants; assemblers, buyers and associations engaged in the cooperative marketing of
farm products; merchant wholesalers; stores primarily selling electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning supplies and equipment.
Wine Cellar. A facility for the storage of wine.
X. Definitions, “X.” No specialized terms beginning with the letter “X” are used at this time.
Y. Definitions, “Y.”
Yard. An area between a lot line and a setback, unobstructed and unoccupied from the ground upward, except for projections permitted by this Zoning Code. See Section 36.300.030 (Setback Measurement and Exceptions) and Figure 7-4 (Setbacks).
1. Front yard. An area extending across the full width of the lot between the front lot line and the required setback.
2. Rear yard. An area extending the full width of the lot between a rear lot line and the required setback.
3. Side yard. An area extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the nearest side lot line and the required setback.
Z. Definitions, “Z.”
Zero Lot Line. The location of a building on a lot in a manner that one or more building edges rest directly on a lot line.
Zoning Approval. Authority granted by the City to use a specific site for a particular purpose, including Conditional Use Permits, Administrative Use Permits, Hillside Development Permits, Temporary Use Permits, Parking Use Permits, Planned Development Permits, Variances, Zoning Clearances, as established by Article 4 (Zoning Approval Procedures) of this Zoning Code.
Zoning Code. The South Pasadena Zoning Code, Chapter 36 of the South Pasadena Municipal Code, referred to herein as “this Zoning Code.”
Zoning District. Any of the residential, commercial, public, or overlay districts established by Article 2 of this Zoning Code (Zoning Districts, Allowable Land Uses, and Zone-Specific Standards), within which certain land uses are allowed or prohibited, and certain site planning and development standards are established (e.g., setbacks, height limits, site coverage requirements, etc.).
(Ord. No. 2108 § 1; Ord. No. 2140 § 2; Ord. No. 2145 § 2; Ord. No. 2146 §§ 3, 4; Ord. No. 2190 § 2, 2009; Ord. No. 2200 § 3, 2010; Ord. No. 2202 § 2, 2010; Ord. No. 2207 § 6, 2010; Ord. No. 2208 § 5, 2010; Ord. No. 2244 § 6, 2013; Ord. No. 2248 § 4, 2013; Ord. No. 2251 § 3, 2013; Ord. No. 2292 §§ 3, 4, 2016; Ord. No. 2309 § 4, 2016; Ord. No. 2314 § 5, 2017; Ord. No. 2372 § 7, 2023; Ord. No. 2381 § 5, 2023.)