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17.80.010 - Purpose of Chapter
This Chapter 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 Chapter 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 Chapter, or in other provisions of the Municipal Code, the Zoning Administrator shall determine the correct definition.
17.80.020 - Definitions
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. Definitions of land uses are followed by the term (land use).
Definitions, "A."
Abutting or Adjoining. Having zoning district boundaries or lot lines in common.
Access Corridor. See "Lot - Flag or Corridor Lot".
Accessory Structure. See "Structure, Accessory".
Accessory or Incidental Uses (land use). A land use that is incidental and subordinate to the main use of the site and located on the same site as the main use. An accessory use may be located either in the principal structure or an accessory structure.
Adult Day Care, General (land use). Provision of non-medical care for seven or more persons on a less than 24-hour basis. Includes day care centers for adults.
Adult Day Care, Limited (land use). Non-medical care and supervision for six or fewer persons on less than a 24-hour basis.
Affordable Housing Definitions. The following terms and phrases are defined for the purposes of Chapter 17.42 (Affordable Housing Requirements and Incentives).
Very low-Income Households. Households whose gross income is equal to 50 percent or less of the median income for Los Angeles County as determined annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Agent. A person authorized in writing by a property owner to represent and act for the property owner in contacts with City employees, committees, Commissions, and the Council, regarding matters regulated by this Zoning Code.
Alcohol Sales — Beer and Wine (land use). A use that provides accessory sales of beer and wine for off- or on-site consumption.
Alcohol Sales — Full Alcohol Sales (land use). A use that provides accessory sales of alcoholic beverages including beer, wine, and distilled spirits for off- or on-site consumption.
Alley. Any public roadway without curbs or sidewalk having a roadway not exceeding 25 feet in width that is primarily used for access to the rear or side entrances of abutting properties.
Alternative Fuels and Recharging Facilities (land use). A commercial facility offering motor vehicle fuels not customarily offered by commercial refueling stations (e.g., LPG) as well as equipment to recharge electric-powered vehicles.
Alter or Alteration. To make a change in the supporting members of a structure (e.g., bearing walls, columns, beams or girders) that will prolong the life of the structure.
Animal, Large. An animal larger than the largest breed of dogs. This term includes horses, cows, and other mammals customarily kept in corrals or stables.
Animal Sales and Services (land use).
Animals, Retail Sales. The retail sales and boarding of small animals within an entirely enclosed building. These uses include grooming, if incidental to the retail use, and boarding of animals not offered for sale for a maximum of 48 hours.
Animal Shelters (land use). A facility operated by for the purposes of impounding, harboring, selling, placing and retrieving seized, strayed, distressed, homeless, abandoned or unwanted animals. May include incidental activities including vaccination, training classes, spay/neuter services, and boarding services.
Animal, Small. An animal no larger than the largest breed of dogs. This term includes fish, birds, and mammals customarily kept as domestic pets within a dwelling unit.
Antenna. See "Telecommunications Facility Definitions".
Appeal. A request by an interested party for a de novo review of a decision.
Applicant. A person filing an application in compliance with this Zoning Code who is:
Approval. Includes both approval and approval with conditions.
Appurtenance. A tower, spire, cupola, chimney, penthouse, water tank, flagpole, theater scenery loft, radio or television antenna, transmission tower, fire equipment, or other similar structure that is attached to a structure and not intended for human occupancy.
Architectural Attributes. The design and/or construction technique and elements or combination of elements that are the character-defining features of a structure.
Architectural Feature. Any portion of the outer surface of a structure, including the kind, color and texture of the building material, the type and style of all windows, doors, lights, signs, walls, fences, awnings, canopies, screens, sculptures, decoration, roof shape and materials, and other fixtures appurtenant to a structure.
Architectural Projection. A marquee, porch, canopy or similar projection of a building.
Area, Bar. An area accessible to the public used for preparing and serving alcoholic beverages, which may also be used for preparing and serving nonalcoholic beverages. Bar area shall include any seating area where tables and chairs are devoted to serving or consuming these beverages.
Area, Building. The sum in square feet of the area of the horizontal projections of all buildings on a lot excluding buttresses, chimneys, cornices, eaves, open pergolas, patios, steps, unenclosed and unroofed terraces, unenclosed private balconies not used for access, and minor ornamental features projecting from the walls of a building which are not directly supported by the ground.
Area, Dining. The seating area including aisles within a restaurant, fast-food, or formula fast- food restaurant where food and beverages are served. This includes any outdoor area not located on the sidewalk.
Area, Lot or Site. The horizontal area within the property lines of a lot. If a street dedication is required, the lot or site area shall be calculated using the size of the lot prior to the street dedication.
Area, Seating. An area that is part of a restaurant that includes tables and chairs that are movable or where seats are bolted or otherwise fixed and immovable or an area of a religious facility that does not have permanent seats that is used for religious worship. (This definition also applies to religious facilities.)
Attendant Parking. A parking facility where a lot attendant parks vehicles for drivers. This term is used interchangeably with "valet parking."
Attic. The area located between the top plate and the roof or ridge of a building. Does not include any area in which the top plate is more than three feet from the floor joists.
Automated Teller Machines (ATM) (land use). A pedestrian-oriented machine used by bank and financial service patrons for conducting transactions including deposits, fund transfers, and withdrawals without contact with financial institution personnel. The machines may be located at or within a bank, or in other locations.
Awning. A permanent or temporary structure attached to and wholly supported by a building and installed over or in front of openings or windows, and consisting of a fixed or movable frame, and covered in canvas or other similar material.
Definitions, "B."
Banks, Financial Institutions (land use). A bank, savings and loan, credit union, or other financial institution that provides retail banking services to individuals and businesses. These uses include only those institutions engaged in the on-site circulation of cash money.
Banks with Walk-up Service (land use). Institutions providing services to persons at a walk-up window or automated teller machine. See "Automated Teller Machine" (ATM).
Bars or Taverns (land use). An establishment serving alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption as the primary use, including bars, cocktail lounges, pubs, saloons, and taverns. This use includes establishments that have a California Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) on-sale beer premises license (Type 40), on-sale beer and wine public premises license (Type 42), on-sale general public premises license (Type 48), and on-sale beer public premises license (Type 61) as defined by State law (California Business and Professions Code Section 23000 et seq.).
Bars, with Live Entertainment (land use). A bar or tavern that provides incidental musical performances, where the performance area does not exceed 75 square feet and customer dancing does not occur. The use shall instead be classified as a nightclub if the performance area exceeds 75 square feet or customer dancing occurs.
Basement. That portion of a building that is fully below existing grade or partly below and up to three feet above existing grade.
Bathroom. A room containing all of the following: a sink, toilet, and shower or bathtub. A partial bathroom is missing at least one of those components.
Bed and Breakfast Inns. See "Lodging - Bed and Breakfast Inns".
Blockface. The lots abutting on one side of a street, between the two nearest intersecting streets or a City boundary.
Boarding Houses (land use). A residence or dwelling, other than a hotel, wherein three or more rooms, with or without individual or group cooking facilities, are rented to individuals under separate rental agreements or lease, either written or oral, whether or not an owner, agent, or rental manager is in residence.
Building. A structure having a roof supported by columns or walls, for the housing or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels, or property of any kind. See "structure."
Building Area. See "Area, Building".
Building Elements. Architectural elements intended to enhance a building's appearance including upper floor loggias or pergolas recessed within a building, roofed balconies, exterior wooden or masonry stairs with closed risers, and tile or masonry fountains.
Building Frontage. See "Frontage, Building".
Building Materials and Supplies Sales (land use). Retailing, wholesaling or rental of building supplies or equipment. These uses include lumber yards, tool and equipment sales or rental establishments, and building contractors' yards, but excludes the exclusive retail sales of paint and hardware, and activities classified under Vehicle Services - Sales and Leasing. Accessory sales of paint and hardware is permitted.
Building Separation. Separation between buildings at all stories.
Business Support Services (land use). An establishment within a building, providing other businesses with various services including maintenance, repair and service, testing, rental, etc.; also includes:
Definitions, "C."
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is the State law implemented by the City's Environmental Policy Guidelines and contained in the California Public Resources Code, Section 2100 et seq. Definitions of other CEQA-related terms are located in the City's Environmental Policy Guidelines.
California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The governmental agency that regulates the terms and conditions of public utilities in the State.
Call for Review. A request by the Commission, Design Commission or Council for a de novo review of a decision.
Carpool. A vehicle carrying two or more persons commuting together to and from work on a regular basis.
Carport. A permanently covered building open on one or more sides used for automobile shelter and storage. Canvas, fiberglass, lath, vegetation, or other similar material are not ordinary roof coverings and cannot be used in providing covered spaces for a carport.
Caretaker Quarters (land use). A dwelling unit on the site of a commercial, industrial, public or semi-public use, occupied by a guard or caretaker, and may include a single housekeeping unit. Only one caretaker unit is allowed on a single site.
Car Wash. See "Vehicle Services - Washing/Detailing."
Catering Services (land use). Preparation and delivery of food and beverages for off-site consumption without provision for on-site pickup or consumption.
Charitable Institutions (land use). A not-for-profit use that distributes or facilitates the giving of goods and services for the relief of the needy. This use classification includes soup kitchens and food banks.
Child. A person who is under 18 years of age for whom care and supervision are being provided in a child day-care facility.
City. The City of Pasadena, State of California.
City Manager or the Assistant City Manager. The City Manager or the Assistant City Manager for City of Pasadena.
Clubs, Lodges, Private Meeting Halls (land use). A meeting, recreational, or social facility of a private or nonprofit organization primarily for use by members or guests.
Collection Building. A building with a gross floor area of 225 square feet or less used for the deposit and storage of household articles or recyclables donated to a nonprofit organization.
Colleges - Nontraditional campus setting (land use). Includes public or private colleges and universities granting associate arts degrees, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and requiring for admission at least a high school diploma or equivalent general academic training. These facilities typically offer classrooms, laboratories, and staff offices within a shared office building, often containing typical business and professional office suites. This use does not include any form of student housing (e.g., dormitories, fraternities, multi-family housing, or sororities).
Colleges - Traditional campus setting (land use). Includes community colleges, public or private colleges, universities, and professional schools granting associate arts degrees, certificates, undergraduate and graduate degrees, and requiring for admission at least a high school diploma or equivalent general academic training. These facilities maintain a traditional campus setting, typically covering many acres of land with extensive landscaped court yards adjoining multi-story buildings that house lecture halls, classrooms, laboratories, and offices for professors and department administrative staff. Other on-campus structures may contain administrative centers, student unions, libraries, and cafeteria facilities.
Commercial Entertainment (land use). Provision of spectator entertainment for commercial purposes. This use includes theaters, concert halls, cinemas, nightclubs, or comedy clubs.
Commercial Growing Area (land use). The raising of flowers, orchard crops, ornamental trees, shrubs, or vegetables as a commercial enterprise without permanent structures, and without the on-site storage of nursery equipment or materials.
Commercial Nurseries (land use). A horticulture establishment that sells plants, seeds, shrubs, and various gardening equipment. This includes garden centers. All merchandise other than the plants are kept within an enclosed structure or fully screened. Fertilizers of any type are stored and sold in package form only.
Commercial Off-Street Parking (land use). The commercial parking of vehicles for nonresidential uses. The parking is not required parking for a specific use.
Commercial Recreation - Indoor (land use). Provision of indoor participant or spectator recreation that is operated as a business and open to the public for a fee. This classification includes billiard parlors, bowling alleys, and ice- or roller-skating rinks and Karaoke uses.
Commercial Recreation - Outdoor (land use). Provision of outdoor participant or spectator recreation that is operated as a business and open to the public for a fee. This classification includes amusement parks, golf courses, miniature golf courses, and outdoor swimming pools.
Commercial Use. See "Land Use Classifications".
Commission. The City of Pasadena Planning Commission, referred to in this Zoning Code as the "Commission."
Communications Facilities (land use). Broadcasting, recording, and other communication services accomplished through electronic or telephonic mechanisms, but excluding major utilities and wireless telecommunications antenna facilities. This use includes radio, television, or recording studios, and telephone switching centers.
Conditionally Allowed. Allowed subject to approval of a Conditional Use Permit or Temporary Conditional Use Permit.
Conference Centers (land use). A building or complex of buildings that is used as a conference center and includes auditorium, meeting rooms, exhibition space, and banquet facilities.
Convenience Stores (land use). 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.
Council. The City of Pasadena City Council, referred to in this Zoning Code as the "Council."
County Assessor. The Los Angeles County Assessor.
Coverage, Lot or Site. The percentage of a site covered by roofs, soffits or overhangs extending more than three feet from a wall, and by decks more than four feet in height. Roofs with openings or perforations 50 percent or greater of their surface area, pools, or hot tubs shall not be included in lot coverage calculations.
Cultural Institution (land use). A nonprofit institution displaying or preserving objects of interest in one or more of the arts or sciences. This use includes libraries, museums, and art galleries.
Definitions, "D."
Day/Health Spa. Any premises, place of business or membership club providing facilities devoted especially to health, beauty, and relaxation that deals with the cosmetic, therapeutic, and/or holistic treatments, where people visit for professionally administered personal care treatments. A medical spa shall be classified as a Medical Office land use.
dBA. A number in decibels read from a sound level meter with the meter switched to the weighting scale "A."
Decision. An action in compliance with this Zoning Code, including Tentative Tract or Parcel Maps, Certificates of Appropriateness, Conditional Use Permits, Hillside Development Permits, Lot Line Adjustments, Home Occupation Permits, Zoning Administrator Interpretations, Design Review, Variances, and Personal Property Sales Permits. Any combined application shall be treated as a single decision.
Density. The number of dwelling units on a lot in relation to the lot size, expressed in units per acre. If a street dedication is required, density shall be calculated using the size of the lot prior to the street dedication.
Density Bonus. A density increase of at least 25 percent over the otherwise maximum allowable residential density established by this Zoning Code and in the Land Use Element of the Comprehensive General Plan as of the date of application by the developer.
Department. The City of Pasadena's Planning and Development Department, referred to in this Zoning Code as the "Department."
Detention Facility (land use). A facility providing housing, care, and supervision for persons confined by law under the direction and control of any law enforcement agency including the California State Department of Corrections and the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.
Developer. Any association, corporation, firm, joint venture, partnership, person, or any entity or combination of entities, which seeks City approvals for all or part of a development project.
Development. Any construction activity or alteration of the landscape, its terrain contour or vegetation, including the erection or alteration of structures. New development is any construction, or alteration of an existing structure or land use, or establishment of a land use, after the effective date of this Zoning Code.
Development Agreement. An agreement between the City and a developer in compliance with Government Code Section 65864 and Chapter 17.66 (Development Agreements) of this Zoning Code.
Dining Area. See "Area, Dining".
Director. The City of Pasadena Director of Planning and Development, referred to in this Zoning Code as the "Director."
Disability. With respect to a person:
Dispatch Facility. See "Transportation Dispatch Facility".
Discretionary Approval. Any approval or entitlement granted in compliance with this Zoning Code, that requires the exercise of discretion, including the ability of the review authority to impose conditions of approval. The types of discretionary approvals required by the City can include an Adjustment Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Certificate of Appropriateness, Design Review, Expressive Use Permit, Filming Permit, Hillside Development Permit, Landmark Designation, Subdivision Map, Sign Exception, Temporary Use Permit, and Variance.
Distribution Line. An electric power line bringing power from a distribution substation to consumers.
District, or Subdistrict. See "Zoning District".
Dormitory (land use). A building used as group living quarters for a student body or religious order as an accessory use for a college, university, boarding school, convent, monastery or other similar public, semi-public use.
Drive-Through Businesses (land use). An establishment that sells products or provides services to occupants in vehicles, including drive-in or drive-up windows and drive-through services.
Dwelling Unit. One or more rooms with no more than one kitchen, designed for occupancy by one family or single housekeeping unit for living and sleeping purposes, with all rooms (except an attached garage or carport) accessible from the interior of the dwelling unit.
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.
Electronic Game Centers (land use). An establishment that provides more than four amusement devices, whether or not the devices constitute the primary use or an accessory or incidental use of the premises. Amusement devices mean an electronic or mechanical equipment, game, or machine that is played or used for amusement, which, when so played or used involves skill and which is activated by coin, key, or token, or for which the player or user pays money for the privilege of playing or using.
Emergency Shelters (land use). A nonprofit facility that provides short-term lodging on a first-come first-serve basis where people must vacate the facility each morning and have no guaranteed bed for the next night.
Encroachment Plane. An inclined plane sloping inward measured either from the vertical or the horizontal and extending along a property line. See Section 17.40.150 (Setback and Encroachment Plane Requirements and Exceptions).
Environmental. The following terms are used in conjunction with environmental evaluation in compliance with the City of Pasadena Environmental Policy Guidelines. Definitions of other CEQA-related terms are located in the Environmental Policy Guidelines.
Existing Grade. See "Grade, Existing".
Expressive Use. A use that is permitted subject to a public hearing process in which the use is evaluated against approval criteria.
Definitions, "F."
Family. Two or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit. This term does not include a boarding house. Also see "Single Housekeeping Unit".
Farmers' Markets (land use). An outdoor market certified for direct retail sales by farms to the public by the State or County Agricultural Commission under California Code of Regulations Title 3, Chapter 3, Article 6.5.
Feasible. Capable of being accomplished in a successful manner within a reasonable period of time taking into account economic, environmental, social and technological factors.
Filming, Long-Term (land use). Commercial motion picture filming, videotaping and professional photography at the same location more than six days per quarter of a calendar year in residential and public, semipublic districts or more than 15 days per quarter of a calendar year in all other zoning districts.
Filming, Short-Term (land use). Commercial motion picture filming, videotaping or professional photographing at the same location six or fewer days per quarter of a calendar year and up to 24 days of a calendar year in residential and public, semipublic districts or 15 days or fewer per quarter of a calendar year and up to 60 days of a calendar year in all other zoning districts.
Film Liaison. The person designated to perform the duties prescribed by this Zoning Code relating to the regulation of commercial filming.
Firearm Sales (land use). The retail sale of firearms or ammunition by a firearms dealer, whether it is the principal sales item or incidental to the overall sales. This use includes firearms dealers that transfer and lease any firearms.
Floor Area, Gross.
Floor Area, Net. The total floor area of a structure, but excluding garages, hallways, lobbies, elevators and other common spaces.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The numerical value obtained by dividing the aboveground gross floor area of a building or buildings located on a lot by the total area of the lot. If a street dedication is required, the calculation shall be based on the total area of the lot before the street dedication. See Figure 8-1.
Food Sales (land use). The retail sale of food and beverages for off-site preparation or consumption. This use may also include bakeries and the provision of other services (e.g., banks, copy services, dry cleaners, film processing, food take-outs, pharmacies, video rentals, etc.) under one roof.
Fraternity, Sorority (land use). A building containing sleeping rooms, bathrooms, common rooms, and a central kitchen and dining room maintained exclusively for members and their guests or visitors and affiliated with a college or university.
Front Footage of Building Occupancy. The single linear dimension measured at the ground floor along a building frontage that defines the limits of the particular occupancy at that location. The linear dimension does not include overhangs, porches, etc.
Frontage, Building. The side or face of the building which is parallel to or is at an angle of 45 degrees or less to a public street or a public parking area.
Frontage, Street or Highway. The portion of a lot that borders and has access to a public street, highway or parkway. The frontage shall be measured along the common lot line separating the lot from the public street, highway or parkway.
Fueling Position. A space where vehicles can be fueled from an operable fuel dispenser.
Definitions, "G."
Garage. A permanently roofed structure with three enclosed sides and a garage door, that is used for automobile shelter and storage.
Garden, Ancillary. A predominately landscaped are that is separate and distinct from the main garden and meets the minimum dimensions and area as described in 17.22.080.
Garden Enclosure. The surrounding of the perimeter of a main garden with building walls, architectural elements (e.g., low walls, or trellises, or linear landscape elements [e.g., hedges or rows of trees]).
Garden, Main.
A primarily landscaped, well-defined, rectangular open space that provides a
central focus, and is an essential component in the design of a multi-family
residential project subject to the City of Gardens provisions (17.22.070). It
may take the form of a garden or a landscaped court with a minimum dimension of
20 feet in either direction.
Garden, Private. A
predominately landscaped area adjacent to and accessible from a residential unit
for the sole use of the occupants of the residential unit and that meets the
required area under the City of Gardens requirements (17.22.080).
Garden, Total. The total garden requirement in a multi-family residential project subject to the City of Gardens provisions (17.22.080) including: the main garden, the front yard (minus the driveway), side yards that are within 40 feet of the front setback line, and common open space that has a minimum dimension of 10 feet and meets the main garden requirements. Swimming pools, spas, tennis courts and other amenities are included as part of the total garden.
General Plan. The City of Pasadena Comprehensive General Plan, as amended.
Government Code. The State of California Government Code.
Grade, Existing. The surface of the ground or pavement at a stated location as it exists before disturbance in preparation for a project regulated by this Zoning Code.
Grade, Finished. The elevation of the surface of the ground adjoining the building at the completion of a project regulated by this Zoning Code. Where the finished grade is below the level of the existing grade, the existing grade shall be used for this purpose, except within the HD (Hillside Overlay) district.
Grade, Street. The top of the curb, or the top of the edge of the pavement or traveled way where no curb exists.
Gross Floor Area. See "Floor Area, Gross".
Definitions, "H."
Habitable Room or Space. A room or space in a structure for living, sleeping, eating or cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, and similar areas are not considered a habitable room or space.
Hearing Officer. The person appointed to perform the duties prescribed by this Zoning Code related to conducting public hearings and making decisions on applications including Conditional Use Permits, Expressive Use Permits, Hillside Development Permits, Sign Exceptions, Sexually Oriented Business Application for Hardship Extension and Variances.
Height. See Section 17.40.060 (Height Requirements and Exceptions).
Heliports (land use). A pad and/or other facility accommodating helicopter takeoffs and landings.
Hillside Development Project. Any development, subdivision, construction, grading or other activity in the HD district that requires the issuance of a building, grading, development or construction-related permit or approval of a subdivision by the City.
Historic Preservation. The following terms and phrases are defined for the purposes of Chapter 17.62 (Historic Preservation).
New construction in a designated landmark and or historic district except for accessory structures.
Demolition of a non-contributing building in a designated landmark or historic district.
Substantial alterations to non-contributing buildings (excluding one-story rear additions, replacement windows and doors, replacement garage doors, new siding or wall cladding and new dormers, unless the property could upon rehabilitation become a contributing building and the alteration would significantly hinder future opportunities to restore the historic character of the building).
Side yard fences and walls and driveway gates in a historic or landmark district (excluding retaining walls).
Hollywood Driveway. Two paved wheel tracks each between 2.5 and 3.5 feet wide, separated by a planted strip at least three feet wide. See Figure 8-2.
Home Occupations (land use). A business conducted in a dwelling unit or accessory structure and is accessory to a residential use.
Hospitality Homes (land use). A facility owned or operated by a nonprofit organization intended to be used solely for the temporary occupancy of patients being treated at a local hospital or outpatient clinic or family members of patients being treated at a local hospital or outpatient clinic. This may include the provision of food service to the occupants only.
Hotels, Motels. See "Lodging - Hotels, Motels".
Housing, Affordable. See "Affordable Housing".
Definitions, "I."
Illumination, Direct. Illumination by means of light that travels directly from its source to the viewer's eye.
Illumination, Indirect. Illumination only by means of light cast upon an opaque surface from a concealed source.
Impound Yard. A site used for the temporary storage of vehicles that have been removed or impounded from public or private property at the direction of a peace officer or by judicial order as prescribed by law.
Industry, Standard (land use). The manufacturing of products, primarily from extracted or raw materials, or bulk storage and handling of the products and materials. Uses in this classification involve an incidence of truck or rail traffic, and/or outdoor storage of products, materials, equipment, or bulk fuel. These uses include food processing and packaging, laundry and dry- cleaning plants greater than 5,000 square feet in size, auto dismantling within an enclosed building, stonework and concrete products manufacture (excluding concrete ready-mix plants), small animal production and processing within an enclosed building, and power generation.
Industry, Restricted (land use). The manufacturing of finished parts or products primarily from previously prepared materials; and provision of industrial services within an enclosed building. These uses include processing, fabrication, assembly and treatment, but exclude basic industrial processing from raw materials, food processing, and vehicle/equipment services. Commercial bakeries that provide seating for on-site consumption shall be classified as take-out restaurants.
Industry, Restricted, Small-Scale (land use). Limited to a maximum gross floor area of 5,000 square feet.
Industrial Use. See "Land Use Classifications".
Internet Access Studios (land use). An establishment that provides more than six computers or other electronic devices or has 50 percent or more of the public floor area devoted to computer use whether or not the devices constitute the primary use or an accessory or incidental use. The computers provide access to the system commonly referred to as the "Internet" and may include e-mail, playing video games over the Internet, or access to other computer software programs, and are available to the public for compensation.
Internet Vehicle Sales (land use). The sale of motor vehicles over a system commonly referred to as the "Internet." The use consists of an office, but no vehicle displays, parts, or service. Vehicles may be dropped off at the site for pick up but shall not be stored longer than 24 hours.
Definitions, "J."
Definitions, "K."
Kitchen. A room used for preparation of food. A complete kitchen contains a sink, refrigerator, stove or range top, and oven or microwave. A partial kitchen is missing one of the above components.
Definitions, "L."
Land Use. See "Use".
Laboratories (land use). An establishment providing dental or medical laboratory services; or an establishment providing analytical, photographic, or testing services.
Landscaping. The planting and maintenance of some combination of trees, shrubs, vines, ground covers, flowers or lawns. In addition, the combination of design may include natural features (e.g., rock and stone) and structural features, including fountains, reflecting pools, art work, screens, walls, fences, and benches.
Land Use Classifications (land use).
License Coordinator. The person designated by the Director of Finance to perform the duties prescribed by this Zoning Code relating to business licenses.
Life/Care Facilities (land use). An integrated facility that provides accommodations for, and varying level of care to, residents depending on need. The use shall contain the following components: independent living units, residential care facilities, and continuing care, Alzheimer and related facilities.
Liquor Stores (land use). 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 Entertainment. Music, comedy, readings, dancing, acting, or other entertainment performed on a site three or more days during a calendar year. This includes dancing by patrons to live or recorded music.
Lodging - Bed and Breakfast Inns (land use). An establishment offering lodging on less than a weekly basis in a converted single-family or multi-family dwelling, with incidental eating and drinking service for lodgers only provided from a single kitchen on the premises.
Lodging - Hotels, Motels (land use). A commercial establishment offering overnight visitor accommodations, but not providing room rentals on an hourly basis. These uses include facilities available to the general public, including without limitation meeting and dining facilities, provided these are an integral part of the hotel or motel operations.
Lot. A legally established lot of land under one ownership with frontage upon a street. Types of lots include the following. See Figure 8-3.
Lot Coverage. See "Coverage, Lot or Site".
Lot Depth. The horizontal distance between the front and rear property lines of a site measured along a line midway between the side property lines.
Lot Line or Property Line. A recorded boundary of a lot. Types of lot lines are as follows. See Figure 8-4 (Lot Features).
Lot or Site Area. See "Area, Lot, or Site".
Lot Width. The horizontal distance between the side property line of a lot, measured at right angles to the lot depth at the rear of the required front yard setback.
Definitions, "M."
Maintenance and Service Facilities (land use). A facility providing maintenance and repair services for vehicles and equipment and materials storage areas. This use includes corporation yards, equipment service centers, and similar facilities.
Maintenance or Repair Services (land use). An establishment providing appliance repair, office machine repair, or building maintenance services. This use does not include the maintenance and repair of vehicles (see Vehicle/Equipment Repair).
Massage Establishments (land use). Any premises, place of business or membership club where the primary use is providing or giving for a fee or other form of consideration a massage, fomentation, bath, manipulation of the body, electric or magnetic treatment, alcohol rub or other similar massage service or procedure. A use where accessory massage occurs shall not be classified as a massage establishment. The following professions and services shall not be classified as a massage establishment:
Massage Technician. Any person, who in connection with the activities of a massage establishment or accessory massage, administers to another person a massage, alcoholic rub, fomentation, bath, electric or magnetic massage procedure, manipulation of the body or other similar procedure. All massage technicians operating in the City shall be licensed by the State of California and shall practice and engage in this licensed profession. A massage technician license shall comply with the permit requirements of Chapter 5.48 (Massage Establishments).
Massage - Accessory. A use where massages occurs either permanently or temporarily and the area where the massage occurs covers less than 20 percent of the gross floor of the principal use.
Medical Marijuana Dispensary (land use). A facility or location which provides, make available or distributes medical marijuana to a primary caregiver, a qualified patient, or a person with an identification card, in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq. This use is prohibited in the City of Pasadena.
Medical Services - Extended Care (land use). An establishment providing care on a 24-hour basis for persons requiring regular medical attention, but excluding facilities providing surgical or emergency medical services.
Medical Services - Hospital (land use). A facility providing medical, surgical, psychiatric, or emergency medical services to sick or injured persons, primarily on an inpatient basis. This use includes incidental facilities for outpatient treatment, as well as training, research, and administrative services for patients and employees.
Mini-Malls (land use). A site with an area of less than 45,000 square feet, that includes surface parking, developed for multiple uses of retail, personal services, food sales, restaurants, take-out restaurants, bars or taverns, or a combination of such uses. A site in which all the parking is located between the building(s) and the rear property line is not a mini-mall. For all multi-frontage lots, including corner lots, the zoning administrator shall determine which is the rear property line for purposes of this subsection.
Minor Alteration. Any physical modification to a structure that is limited in scope or has a minor visual impact in relation to the total design of the project. Minor alterations normally include awnings, landscaping, lighting, roofing, paint colors, seismic work, signs, new storefronts, and alterations to existing storefronts.
Mixed-Use Projects (land use). The combination of commercial and residential uses in the same structure, where the residential component is located either above (vertical mixed-use) or behind (horizontal mixed-use) the nonresidential component. Nonresidential uses are typically commercial uses.
Mobile Recycling Units. Bins, boxes, or containers used for the collection of recyclable materials (e.g., aluminum, glass, plastic and paper), which are transported by trucks, trailers, or vans licensed by the California Department of Motor Vehicles. A mobile recycling center larger than 500 square feet is a large collection facility.
Mortuaries, Funeral Homes (land use). The provision of services including preparing human remains for burial, and arranging and managing funerals. This use does not include cemeteries, crematoriums, and columbariums.
Multi-family Residential (land use). Two or more dwelling units on a lot. This use includes mobile homes and factory-built housing.
Municipal Code, or Code. The City of Pasadena Municipal Code, as it may be amended from time to time.
Definitions, "N."
Neighborhood or Community Gardens (land use). A site used by the community or a neighborhood for the growing of ornamental plants or vegetables that are not sold commercially but are used exclusively for personal use. The use is without permanent structures and without the on-site storage of nursery equipment or materials.
Neighborhood Revitalization Manager. The person designated to perform the duties prescribed by this Zoning Code relating to code enforcement.
Net Floor Area. See "Floor Area, Net".
Nightclubs (land use). A bar, tavern, or similar establishment that provides live entertainment (music, comedy, etc.) that may serve alcoholic beverage for sale, where the performance area exceeds 75 square feet, or customer dancing occurs. See "Commercial Entertainment".
Nonconforming Lot. A lot that was legally created before 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 lot is located.
Nonconforming Structure. A structure, or a portion of the structure, that was legally altered or constructed before the adoption of this Zoning Code and which does not conform to current Code provisions/standards (e.g., area, distance between structures, height, open space, setbacks, 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 before 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. This includes uses that do not conform to the land use regulations for the district in which they are located and were established prior to July 1, 1985, under a use of property variance.
Definitions, "O."
Occupancy. Each separate use of property conducted on a lot or within a building or any portion thereof.
Occupancy of Record. Recorded in the office of the Los Angeles County Recorder.
Offices (land use).
This use does not include "Banks and Financial Services," which are separately defined.
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.
Off-Street Loading Facility. A site or portion of a site reserved for the loading or unloading of motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives and landscaped areas.
Off-Street Parking Facility. A site or portion of a site outside of a public right-of-way reserved for the parking of motor vehicles, including parking spaces, aisles, access drives and landscaped areas.
On-Site. An activity or accessory use that is related to a specific primary use, and is located on the same site as the primary use.
Open Space, Private. A usable open space adjoining and directly accessible to a dwelling unit, reserved for the exclusive use of residents of the dwelling unit and their guests.
Open Space, Usable. Outdoor space that serves a recreational function or provides visual relief from the building mass, the minimum dimension of which shall be six feet excluding required front yards not used for balconies or patios.
Opposite. A wall, window, sign, zoning district, or property line that has a line perpendicular to a vertical plane through one element which would intersect a similar vertical plane through a like element.
Definitions, "P."
Park and Recreation Facilities (land use). A noncommercial park, playground, or other recreation facility, and/or open space officially designated as a public park or recreation facility. This use includes community centers.
Parking Facility. A parking lot and/or structure. Types of parking facilities include the following.
Figure 8 -5 - Podium Parking
Figure 8-6 – Tuck-under Parking
Parking Space. A readily accessible area, within a structure or surface parking area, exclusive of aisles, driveways, ramps and columns, maintained exclusively for the parking of one vehicle.
Pawnshops (land use). An establishment engaged in the retail sale of new or secondhand merchandise and offering loans secured by personal property.
Pedestrian Orientation. Any physical structure or place with design qualities and elements that contribute to an active, inviting and pleasant place for pedestrians including:
Pedestrian-Oriented Uses (land use). A land use that is intended to encourage walk-in customers and that 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 the sidewalk and street due to visual interest, high customer turnover, and social interaction. Examples of these uses include:
Permitted. Permitted by right, without the approval of a Conditional Use Permit, Expressive Use Permit, Minor Use Permit or Temporary Conditional Use Permit.
Person. Any individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company, association, joint stock association; city, county, state, or district; and includes any trustee, receiver, assignee, or other similar representative thereof.
Personal Improvement Services (land use). The provision of instructional services or facilities, including health or physical fitness clubs, modeling agencies, rehearsal halls, and weight control clinics.
Personal Property Sales (land use). The sale of personal property, as regulated by Section 17.50.190.
Personal Services (land use). An establishment providing non-medical services to individuals as a primary use. Examples of these uses include:
Personal Services, Restricted (land use). A personal service establishment that may tend to have a blighting and/or deteriorating effect upon surrounding areas and that may need to be dispersed from other similar uses to minimize its adverse impacts, including:
Planning Commission. See "Commission".
Porte cochere. An open covered area attached to a dwelling that motor vehicles drive through.
Preexisting. In existence before the effective date of the ordinance enacting this Zoning Code.
Primary Structure. See "Structure, Main, Primary, or Principal".
Primary Use. See "Use, Primary".
Primary Zoning District. See "Zoning District, Primary".
Printing and Publishing (land use). An establishment providing printing, blueprinting, photocopying, engraving, binding, or related services.
Printing and Publishing, Limited (land use). A printing establishment providing convenience photocopying and accessory retail-oriented services, not exceeding 5,000 square feet of floor area.
Project. Any proposal for new or changed use, or for new construction, alteration or enlargement of any structure, that is subject to the provisions of this Zoning Code.
Property Line. See "Lot Line, or Property Line".
Public Project. Public project shall include development projects initiated by the City, including the Rose Bowl Operating Company and the Pasadena Center Operating Company. Public project may also include, at the sole discretion of the planning director, substantial alterations to significant interiors of the Central Library, City Hall, and the Civic Auditorium.
Public Safety Facility (land use). A facility for public safety and emergency services, including police and fire protection. This use includes facilities used by the National Guard or the Military Reserve.
Public, Semi-Public Use. See "Land Use Classifications".
Definitions, "Q."
Definitions, "R."
Religious Facilities (land use). A facility in which the primary use is religious worship. A religious facility may include related accessory activities including religious education, ministry, clothing and food distribution, counseling, employment assistance, referral services, and support groups. Other uses (e.g., private schools and child day-care centers) that are located on the site of a religious assembly use shall not be accessory uses.
Research and Development — Non-Office (land use). A laboratory facility that is primarily used for non-office scientific research. This use can include the design, development, and testing of biological, chemical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and/or optical components in advance of product manufacturing. This use does not involve the fabrication, mass manufacture, or processing of the products.
Research and Development — Office (land use). Facilities that are primarily office uses for scientific research. This use can include the design, development, and testing of biological, chemical, electrical, magnetic, mechanical, and/or optical components in advance of product manufacturing. This use does not involve the fabrication, mass manufacture, or processing of the products.
Residential Care Facilities.
Residential Use. See "Land Use Classifications".
Restaurants (land use). An establishment that sells prepared food or beverages either indoors or outdoors in nondisposable containers. A restaurant may provide for the accessory sale of food and nonalcoholic beverages for off-site consumption provided that all food and beverages sold for on-site consumption are served in nondisposable containers. A restaurant with a bar area exceeding 500 square feet or 30 percent of the dining area shall be classified as a bar.
Restaurants, Fast Food (land use). A restaurant that sells prepared food either indoors or outdoors in disposable containers (e.g., paper or plastic). These uses include retail bakeries that provide on-site seating. A restaurant with a bar area exceeding 500 square feet or 30 percent of the dining area shall be classified as a bar.
Restaurants, Formula Fast Food (land use). A fast-food restaurant which is required by contractual or other arrangements to offer standardized employee uniforms, exterior design, food preparation, ingredients, interior decor, menus, or signs; or adopts an appearance, food presentation format, or name which causes it to be substantially identical to another restaurant regardless of ownership or location.
Restaurants with Limited Live Entertainment (land use). A restaurant, including a fast food or formula restaurant, that provides accessory live entertainment, where the performance area does not exceed 75 square feet, and customer dancing does not occur. The use shall be classified as a nightclub (commercial entertainment) if the performance area exceeds 75 square feet or customer dancing is provided. Live entertainment does not include adult businesses.
Restaurants with Walk up Window (land use). A restaurant, including a fast food or formula fast food restaurant that provides an exterior walk-window in which orders for food are taken and/or customers are served food.
Retail Sales (land use). The retail sales of merchandise not specifically listed under another use. These uses include:
Reverse Vending Machine. A mechanical device that accepts one or more types of empty beverage containers, including aluminum cans, glass and plastic bottles and cartons, and issues a cash refund or a redeemable credit slip with a value not less than the container's redemption value. One or more reverse vending machines occupying an area larger than 500 square feet are considered a large collection facility.
Review Authority. The individual or official City body (the Director, Commission, or Council) identified by this Zoning Code as having the responsibility and authority to review, and approve or disapprove the permit applications described in Article 7 (Land Use and Development Permit Procedures).
Room, Habitable. A room meeting the requirements of Municipal Code Chapter 14.12 for sleeping, living, cooking or dining purposes, excluding enclosed places (e.g., closets, pantries, bath or toilet rooms, service rooms, connecting corridors, laundries, unfinished attics, foyers, storage spaces, cellars, utility rooms and similar spaces).
Definitions, "S."
Schools (land use).
Seasonal Merchandise Sales (land use). The retail sale of holiday seasonal products including pumpkins, Christmas trees and crafts.
Seating Area. See "Area, Seating".
Second Dwelling Units (land use). A detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons on the same parcel as a legal single family residence. A second dwelling unit shall include permanent provisions that include, but are not limited to, living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
Self-Storage (land use). A structure containing separate storage space that is designed to be leased or rented individually in an enclosed building. This use does not include outdoor storage or recreational vehicles, boats, personal watercraft, motorcycles, or trailers.
Senior Affordable Housing (land use). Facilities providing one or more dwelling units for senior citizens of low and moderate income as that term is defined in Government Code Section 65915 and by Health and Safety Code Section 33334.2. This use does not include residential care facilities, transition housing, medical services - extended care, and life/care facilities.
Service Station. See "Vehicle Services - Service Stations".
Setback. The distance by which a structure, parking area or other development feature must be separated from a lot line easement, other structure or development feature. If a street dedication is required, then the setback requirement shall be measured from the revised property line after the dedication. For purposes of this Zoning Code, the term "yard" may be used interchangeably with the term "setback." See Section 17.40.160 (Setback and Encroachment Plane Requirements and Exceptions). See also "Yard."
Sexually Oriented Uses. The following terms and phrases are defined for the purpose of Section 17.50.295 (Sexually Oriented Businesses).
Adult Bookstore or Adult Video Store. A commercial establishment which, as one of its principal business activities, offers for sale or rental for any form of consideration any one or more of the following: books, magazines, periodicals or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, compact discs, digital video discs, slides, or other visual representations which are characterized by their emphasis upon the display of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas.” A “principal business activity” exists where the commercial establishment:
Has a substantial portion of its displayed merchandise which consists of said items, or
Has a substantial portion of the wholesale value or its displayed merchandise which consists of said items, or
Has a substantial portion of the retail value of its displayed merchandise which consists of said items, or
Derives a substantial portion of its revenues from the sale or rental, for any form of consideration of said items, or
Maintains a substantial section of its net floor area for the sale or rental or said items; or
Regularly features said items, prohibits access by minors, by reason of age, to its premises, and regularly advertises, on signage visible from a public right-of-way, as providing items that the advertising describes using the term “adult,” “xxx,” “triple-x,” “x-rated,” “erotic,” “sexual,” or a term or terms with similar import; or
Maintains an “adult arcade,” which means any place to which the public is permitted or invited wherein coin-operated or slug-operated or electronically, electrically, or mechanically controlled still or motion picture machines, projectors, or other image-producing devices are regularly maintained to show images to five or fewer persons per machine at any one time, and where the images so displayed are characterized by their emphasis upon matter exhibiting “specified sexual activities” or specified “anatomical areas.”
Adult Cabaret. A nightclub, bar, juice bar, restaurant, bottle club, or other commercial establishment, whether or not alcoholic beverages are served, which regularly features persons who appear semi-nude.
Adult Motion Picture Theater. A commercial establishment where films, motion pictures, videocassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions which are characterized by their emphasis upon the display of “specified sexual activities” or “specified anatomical areas” are regularly shown to more than five persons for any form of consideration.
The essential character or quality of an item. As applied in this chapter, no business shall be classified as a sexually oriented business by virtue of showing, selling, or renting materials rated NC-17 or R by the Motion Picture Association of America.
Establish or Establishment. Any of the followi
