§ 13-6. Definitions

Abutting. Sharing a common boundary, of at least one (1) point.

Accessory building. A building or part of a building which is subordinate to, and the use of which is incidental to that of the main building or use on the same lot.

Accessory use. A use incidental and subordinate to, and devoted exclusively to the main use of the land or building thereon.

Adjacent. Same as abutting, but also includes properties which are separated by a public right-of-way, not exceeding one hundred twenty (120) feet in width.

Administrative adjustment. A discretionary entitlement, usually granted by the zoning administrator, which permits limited deviation from the strict application of the development standards contained in this Zoning Code, based on specified findings.

Adult business. See Chapter IX, Special Land Use Regulations, Article 1, Adult Businesses, for specific definitions and terms.

Alteration (structure). Any construction, addition or physical change in the internal arrangement of rooms or the supporting members of a structure, or change in the appearance of any structure, except paint.

Ambient noise level. The all-encompassing noise level associated with a given environment, being a composite of sounds from all sources, excluding the alleged offensive noise, at the location and approximate time at which a comparison with the alleged offensive noise is to be made.

Antenna. Any structure, including but not limited to a monopole, tower, parabolic and/or disk shaped device in single or multiple combinations of either solid or mesh construction, intended for the purpose of receiving or transmitting communication to or from another antenna, device or orbiting satellite, as well as supporting equipment necessary to install or mount the antenna.

Antenna, amateur radio. An antenna array and its associated support structure, such as a mast or tower, that is used for the purpose of transmitting and receiving radio signals in conjunction with an amateur radio station licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.

Antenna, communication. All types of receiving and transmitting antennas, except satellite dish antennas and amateur radio antennas. Communication antenna includes, but is not limited to, cable television antennas, cellular radiotelephone cell antennas, FM digital communication antennas, microwave telephone communication antennas, and shortwave communication and other similar antennas.

Antenna height. The distance from the property's grade to the highest point of the antenna and its associated support structure when fully extended.

Antenna, satellite dish. An antenna intended for the purpose of receiving or transmitting communication to or from an orbiting satellite.

Antenna, whip. An antenna and its support structure consisting of a single, slender, rod-like element which is supported only at or near its base.

Apartment. A rental or lease dwelling having kitchen facilities in a structure designed or used to house at least one (1) family, as the term "family" is defined in this Zoning Code.

Assembly use. A use conducted in a structure or portion of a structure for the purpose of a civic, education, political, religious, or social function or for the consumption or receipt of food and/or beverages. Assembly use includes, but is not limited to, churches and other places of religious assembly, mortuaries, primary and secondary schools, trade and vocational schools, colleges, amusement centers, billiards parlors, bowling centers, establishments where food or beverages are served, motion picture theaters, physical fitness facilities, skating rinks, and dance, martial arts, and music studios. Assembly use does not include sexually oriented businesses.

Association (homeowners'). The organization of persons who own a lot, parcel, area, airspace, or right of exclusive occupancy in a common interest development and who have interests in the control of common areas of such project.

Attached (structure). Any structure that has a wall or roof in common with another structure.

Attic. Any non-habitable area immediately below the roof and wholly or partly within the roof framing.

Awning. A roof-like cover that projects from the wall of a building for the purpose of shielding the sun or providing an architectural accent.

Basement. A space wholly or partially underground and having more than one-half (½) of its height, measuring from floor to ceiling, below the average grade. If the finished floor level directly above the basement is more than four (4) feet above grade at any point, the basement shall be considered a story.

Building. Any structure having roof and walls and requiring permanent location on the ground, built and maintained for the support, shelter or enclosure of persons, animals, chattels or property of any kind.

Building height. The distance from the grade to the highest point on the roof, including roof-top mechanical equipment and screening.

Building, main. The building or buildings within which the principal use permitted on the lot is conducted.

Boardinghouse, large.A dwelling which has all of the characteristics of a small boardinghouse and which accommodates four (4) or more guests. Large boardinghouse includes, but is not limited to, a residence for a sorority or fraternity.

Boardinghouse, small. A dwelling which is designed or used to accommodate a maximum of three (3) guests, where guestrooms are provided in exchange for an agreed payment of a fixed amount of money or other compensation based on the period of occupancy.

Carport. A permanent, roofed structure, not completely enclosed which is used for vehicle parking.

Central administrative office. An establishment primarily engaged in management and general administrative functions performed centrally for other establishments of the same company.

Churches and other places of religious assembly. A type of assembly use which has the principal purpose of religious worship and for which the primary space is a sanctuary. Religious activities and services held in the sanctuary are conducted at scheduled times. The use may also include accessory facilities in the same or separate building that includes classrooms, assembly rooms, restrooms, kitchen, and a library. Other uses such as, but not limited to, day care facilities, nursery schools, schools, retail sales, and services to businesses, are not considered a primary function of churches and other places of religious assembly.

City. City of Costa Mesa.

Common area. Those portions of a project area which are designed, intended or used in common and not under the exclusive control or possession of owners or occupants of individual units in planned development projects or common interest developments.

Common interest development. A development as defined in State Civil Code Section 1350, containing two (2) or more common interest units, as defined in Civil Code Section 783; a community apartment project, as defined in State Business and Professional Code Section 11004, containing two (2) or more rights of exclusive occupancy; and a stock cooperative, as defined in Business and Professional Code Section 11003.2, containing two (2) or more rights of exclusive occupancy.

Conditional use permit. A discretionary approval usually granted by the planning commission which allows a use or activity not allowed as a matter of right, based on specified findings.

Convenience stores, mini-markets. A retail store, generally less than ten thousand (10,000) square feet in area, that sells a variety of convenience foods, beverages and non-food items. Fresh dairy products, produce and/or meat may be offered on a limited basis.

County. County of Orange.

Covered parking space. A garage, carport or parking space which is completely covered by a roof.

Density bonus. A minimum increase of twenty-five (25) per cent over the allowable residential dwelling unit density as specified by the zoning classification.

Development. The division of land into two (2) or more lots; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill, or land disturbance; and any use or extension of the use of land.

Development review. The processing of a development plan when authority for approval is vested in the planning division.

Development services director. The director of development services of the City of Costa Mesa, or his/her designee.

Dormer. A vertical window in a projection built out from a sloping roof.

Driveway, common. A paved area for vehicle circulation and parking purposes which features joint use between two or more parties.

Driveway, individual. The paved area strictly leading to the garage/carport of a residence. This paved area serves vehicle parking purposes and does not extend beyond the garage/carport unless a curvilinear design is necessary for the turning radius.

Dwelling, single-family. "Dwelling, single-family" or "single-family dwelling" is a building of permanent character placed in a permanent location which is designed or used for residential occupancy by one (1) family. A single mobilehome on a foundation system on a single lot is a single-family dwelling. (See Manufactured housing).

Dwelling, multi-family."Dwelling, multi-family" or "multi-family dwelling" is a building or buildings of permanent character placed on one (1) lot which is designed or used for residential occupancy by two (2) or more families.

Dwelling unit. One (1) or more rooms in any building designed for occupancy by one (1) family, and containing one (1) kitchen unit, including manufactured housing. (See Manufactured housing).

Easement. A grant of one (1) or more property rights by the owner for use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.

Electronic game machine. Any electronic or mechanical device which upon insertion of a coin, slug, or token in any slot or receptacle attached to the device or connected therewith, operates, or which may be operated for use as a game, contest, or amusement through the exercise of skill or chance.

Emergency shelters. A facility that provides immediate and short-term housing for homeless persons that is limited to occupancy of six months or less. Supplemental services may include counseling and access to social programs. No individual or household may be denied to emergency shelter because of an inability to pay.

Entertainment (live). Any act, play, revue, pantomime scene, dance act, musical performance, or any combination thereof, performed by one (1) or more persons whether or not they are compensated for the performance.

Establishment where food or beverages are served. Any commercial use that sells prepared food and/or beverages for consumption on-site or off-site, either solely or in conjunction with an ancillary or complementary use. Excluded from this definition are grocery stores, convenience stores, movie theaters, and other such uses, as determined by the development services director, where the sale of food or beverages is clearly incidental to the primary use. All establishments selling alcoholic beverages for consumption on-site are included within this definition.

Family. One (1) or more persons occupying one (1) dwelling unit and living together as a single housekeeping unit.

Family day care home - large. A home which provides family day care to seven (7) to fourteen (14) children as defined in Section 1596.78 of the State Health and Safety Code.

Family day care home - small. A home which provides family day care to eight (8) or fewer children as defined in Section 1596.78 of the State Health and Safety Code.

Floor area ratio. The gross floor area of a building or project divided by the project lot area upon which it is located.

Garage. An accessory or attached enclosed building with doors, designed and/or used for vehicle parking.

Garage sale. An event for the purpose of selling or trading personal property. Garage sale includes yard sale.

General plan. The City of Costa Mesa General Plan as adopted or amended from time to time by the city council.

Grade. The lowest point of the finished surface elevation of either the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line, or when the property line is more than five (5) feet from the building, between the building and a line five (5) feet from the building.

Gross acreage. The total area within the lot lines of a lot of land before public streets, easements or other areas to be dedicated or reserved for public use are deducted from such lot, and not including adjacent lands already dedicated for such purposes.

Gross floor area. The area of all floors within the walls of a structure except elevator and other vertical shafts (including stairwells) and elevator equipment areas.

Gross leasable area. The total floor area designed for tenant occupancy and exclusive use, including both owned and leased areas.

Group home. A residential facility designed or used for occupancy by persons that do not constitute a family.

Guestroom. A room occupied or intended, arranged, or designed for occupancy by one (1) or more guests.

Hazardous materials. Any material of quantity, concentration, physical or chemical characteristics, that poses a significant present or potential hazard to human health and safety or to the environment if released into the work place or environment; or any material requiring a Material Safety Data Sheet according to Title 8, Section 339 of the State Code of Regulation.

Height. See Building height and Antenna height.

Home occupation. Any business or commercial use conducted within a dwelling unit.

Hotel. Any building or combination of buildings generally three (3) or more stories in height containing six (6) or more guest rooms offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public and providing incidental guest services such as food and beverage service, recreation facilities, retail services and banquet, reception and meeting rooms. Typically, room access is provided through a main or central lobby.

Intersection. The general area where two (2) or more roadways join or cross.

Kitchen. Any room, all or part of which is designed and/or used for storage, refrigeration, cooking and preparation of food.

Landscaping. Plant materials such as lawn, groundcover, trees and shrubs.

Loft. An intermediate floor placed within a room, where the clear height above and below the loft is not less than seven (7) feet, and where the aggregate area of the loft does not exceed one third (1/3) of the area of the room in which it is located.

Lot.

(a) A parcel of real property when shown as a delineated parcel of land with a number or designation on a subdivision map or parcel map recorded in the office of the county recorder, and created in conformance with the Subdivision Map Act and applicable local ordinances.

(b) A parcel of real property when shown on a record of survey map or deed filed in the office of the county recorder, when such map or deed was filed as the result of and was made a condition of a lot division approved under the authority of prior ordinances.

Lot area. The total land area of a project after all required dedications or reservations for public improvements including but not limited to streets, parks, schools, and flood control channels. This phrase does not apply in the planned development zones where the phrase "site area", as defined in Chapter V, Development Standards, is used.

Lot, corner. A lot abutting on and at the intersection of two (2) or more streets which intersect at an angle that is equal to or less than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees.

Lot, depth. The average of the horizontal distance between the front and the rear lot lines.

Lot, development. The master lot or project site upon which a development will be constructed.

Lot, individual dwelling unit. An individual building site or lot within a development intended for construction of a single attached or detached dwelling unit.

Lot, interior. A lot abutting only one (1) street, or a lot abutting two (2) streets which intersect at an angle greater than one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees.

Lot, width. The horizontal distance between the side lot lines measured at right angles to the lot depth at the front building setback line.

Manufactured housing. Detached housing that is built to the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, including structures known as manufactured homes and mobile homes. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, a factory-built single-family structure that is manufactured under the authority of 42 U.S.C. Section 5401, the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act, transportable in one (1) or more sections, built on a permanent chassis and used as a place of human habitation, shall be considered a single-family home and shall be reviewed under the same standards as a site-built structure.

Master plan. The overall development plan for a parcel or parcels which is depicted in both a written and graphic format.

Master plan of highways. The graphic representation of the city's ultimate circulation system contained in the general plan. It illustrates the alignment of the major, primary, secondary and collector highways.

Median. A paved or planted area separating a parking area, street, or highway, into two (2) or more lanes or directions of travel.

Medical marijuana dispensary. A facility or location where medical marijuana is cultivated or by any other means made available to and/or distributed by or to three (3) or more of the following: a primary caregiver, a qualified patient, or a person with an identification card in strict accordance with State Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 et seq. and 11362.7 et seq., which shall include, but not be limited to, any facility or location engaging in the retail sale, dispensation, or distribution of marijuana for medical purposes that does not have an active role in the cultivation of the marijuana product that it sells, dispenses, or distributes, or when its cultivation of the marijuana product is off-site from the facility or location for retail sale, dispensation, or distribution.

Minor conditional use permit. A discretionary approval granted by the zoning administrator which allows a use or activity not allowed as a matter of right, based on specified findings.

Minor modification. A discretionary entitlement granted by the planning division, which permits limited deviation from the strict application of the development standards contained in this Zoning Code, based on specified findings.

Mixed use development. The development of lot(s) or structure(s) with two (2) or more different land uses such as, but not limited to a combination of residential, office, manufacturing, retail, public, or entertainment in a single or physically integrated group of structures.

Mobile home. See Manufactured housing.

Mobile home park. Any area or tract of land where two (2) or more mobile home lots are rented or leased, held out for lease or rent, or were formerly held out for rent or lease and later converted to a subdivision, cooperative, condominium, or other form of resident ownership, to accommodate manufactured homes or mobile homes. A mobile home park also means a mobile home development constructed according to the requirements of Part 2.1 (commencing with Section 18200) of Division 13 of the State Health and Safety Code, and intended for use and sale as a mobile home condominium or cooperative park, or as a mobile home planned unit development.

Motel. Any building or combination of buildings of one (1) to three (3) stories in height having six (6) or more guest rooms with parking located convenient to the guest rooms and providing temporary lodging for automobile tourists and transient visitors. Typically, guest rooms have direct access to available parking without passing through a common lobby area. Motels also include auto courts, tourist courts, motor lodges, motor inns and motor hotels.

Municipal Code. City of Costa Mesa Municipal Code.

Open space. An area that is intended to provide light and air, and is designed for either environmental, scenic or recreational purposes. Open space may include, but is not limited to, lawns, decorative planting, walkways, active and passive recreational areas, playgrounds, fountains, swimming pools, wooded areas; first floor decks; unenclosed patios with solid or lattice roofs; water courses; and surfaces covered by not more than five (5) feet in depth by projections which are at least eight (8) feet above grade.

Open space shall not include the following: driveways; parking lots; other surfaces designed or intended for vehicular travel; and upper floor decks, balconies or areas under projections which are less than eight (8) feet above grade.

Open space, common. An area of land reserved primarily for the leisure and recreational use of all residents of a planned development or common interest development and owned in common by them, generally through a homeowners' association.

Open space, private. An area of land located adjacent to an individual dwelling unit, owned or leased and maintained by its residents, and reserved exclusively for their use.

Organizational documents. The declaration of restrictions, articles of incorporation, bylaws, and any contracts for the maintenance, management or operation of all or any part of a project.

Parcel. Same as Lot.

Parkway. The area of a public street that lies between the curb and the adjacent property line or physical boundary definition, which is used for landscaping and/or passive recreational purposes.

Paved area. Ground surface covered with cobblestone, clay-fired bricks, concrete precast paver units, poured concrete with or without decorative surface materials, or asphaltic or rubber mixture which may include sand, stone, or gravel as an ingredient to create a hard surface. A graded natural surface or one covered with rolled stone or overlaid with loose gravel is not considered paved area.

Peak hour. The hour during the AM peak period (typically 7:00 a.m.—9:00 a.m.) or the PM peak period (typically 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.) in which the greatest number of vehicle trips are generated by a given land use or are traveling on a given roadway.

Permitted use. Any use allowed in a land use zoning district without requiring a discretionary approval, and subject to the provisions applicable to that district.

Planned development. A land area which is developed as an integrated unit under single ownership or control and having planned development zoning designation.

Planning application. A broad term for any development project or land use which requires the discretionary review and approval of either the planning division, zoning administrator, planning commission, redevelopment agency or city council. Planning applications include administrative adjustments, conditional use permits, development reviews, variances, redevelopment actions, etc.

Project. See Development.

Property line. A line of record bounding a lot which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public space.

Property line, front. The narrowest property line of a lot abutting a public or private street. If two (2) or more equal property lines are narrowest, the front shall be that property line across which the development takes its primary access (if the primary access is determined to be equal, there shall be two (2) front property lines). However, for nonresidentially zoned property, any property line abutting a public street designated as a secondary, primary or major street on the master plan of highways shall be deemed a front property line. A nonresidentially zoned property shall have more than one (1) front property line when it abuts more than one street designated as secondary, primary, or major on the master plan of highways.

For R-1 zoned property located on corner lots, the front property line may be the property line towards which the front of the dwelling unit is oriented.

Property line, rear. The property line opposite the front property line. A corner lot with more than one (1) front property line shall have more than one (1) rear property line. Irregularly shaped lots may also have more than one (1) rear property line.

Property line, side. Any property line which is not a front or rear property line.

Property line, ultimate. The boundary of a lot after the dedication of land for use as public right(s)-of-way.

Public area - establishments where food or beverages are served. That portion of an establishment reserved for the exclusive use of the public for the receipt or consumption of food and/or beverages. For the purpose of this Zoning Code, public area shall not include restrooms, kitchens, hallways or other areas restricted to employees only.

Public hearing. A public proceeding conducted for the purpose of acquiring information or evidence which may be considered in evaluating a proposed action, and which affords to any affected person or persons the opportunity to present their views, opinions, and information on such proposed applications. "Mandatory hearings" are those required to be held by law, and "discretionary hearings" are those which may be held within the sole discretion of the hearing body.

Public right-of-way. A strip of land acquired by reservation, dedication, prescription or condemnation and intended to be occupied by a road, trail, water line, sanitary sewer and/or other public uses.

Recycling. The process by which waste products are reduced to raw materials and transformed into new products.

Recycling and collection facility. A building or enclosed space used for the collection and processing of recyclable materials for preparation for shipment, or to an end user's specifications, by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing, mechanical sorting, shredding, cleaning or remanufacturing.

Recyclable materials. Reusable materials including but not limited to metals, glass, plastic and paper which are intended for reuse, remanufacture or reconstruction. Recyclable materials do not include refuse, hazardous materials or hazardous waste.

Redevelopment action. A discretionary review conducted by the redevelopment agency for applications for development in the redevelopment project area, based on the adopted redevelopment plan and specified findings.

Referral facility. A residential care facility or a residential service facility where one (1) or more person's residency in the facility is pursuant to a court order or a directive from an agency in the criminal justice system. Referral facility does not include any residential care facility containing six (6) or fewer residents that is required to be treated as a single-family residential use by state law.

Residential, single-family. Detached single-family home where there is no more than one (1) primary dwelling unit on a lot.

Residential, multi-family. Apartments, common interest developments, townhouses and similar multiple-family residential developments, including detached single-family homes where there is more than one (1) primary dwelling unit on a lot.

Residential care facility. A residential facility licensed by the state where care, services, or treatment is provided to persons living in a community residential setting.

Residential service facility. A residential facility, other than a residential care facility, boardinghouse, or single housekeeping unit, where the operator provides to the residents personal services, in addition to housing, including, but not limited to, protection, supervision, assistance, guidance, training, therapy, or other nonmedical care.

Room, bedroom. A fully-enclosed room designed or intended to be used for sleeping purposes within a residence. Within a single-family detached residence, a room meeting the definition of a home office shall not be included in the bedroom count.

Room, home office. A room designed and intended to be used for a household office or small business related activity within a residence. Within a single-family detached residence, this room is strictly not intended for sleeping purposes, and lacks direct access to a bathroom. The home office may also be referred to as a studio, den, study or library.

Second unit. A second dwelling unit established in conjunction with and subordinate to a primary dwelling unit. The second unit may be attached to the primary dwelling unit or located in a detached accessory building on the same lot. It may also be referred to as an accessory apartment, granny unit, granny flat, or in-law apartment.

Senior congregate care facility. A structure(s) providing residence for thirteen (13) or more senior citizens with kitchen, dining, recreational, etc. facilities with separate bedrooms and/or living quarters.

Setback. The required distance that a building, structure, parking or other designated item must be located from a property line or lot line.

Single housekeeping unit means that the occupants of a dwelling unit have established ties and familiarity with each other, jointly use common areas, interact with each other, share meals, household activities, lease agreement or ownership of the property, expenses and responsibilities; membership in the single housekeeping unit is fairly stable as opposed to transient, and members have some control over who becomes a member of the single housekeeping unit.

Single room occupancy residential hotel. A residential hotel, allowed in certain commercial zones, that contains units designed for long-term occupancy by a single person, although double occupancy may be permitted.

Slope. The degree of deviation of a surface from the horizontal plane, usually expressed in per cent or degrees.

Specific plan. A plan consisting of text, maps, and other documents and exhibits regulating development within a defined area of the city, consistent with the general plan and the provisions of State Government Code Section 65450 et seq.

State. State of California.

Story. For purposes related to zoning regulations, a story is that portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor next above it. If there is no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it shall constitute a story. An attic shall not be considered a story. A basement or cellar shall not be considered a story, if the finished floor level directly above the basement or cellar is less than four (4) feet above finish grade at all locations. Any uncovered deck or activity area above the first story shall be considered a story.

Street. A public or private thoroughfare that provides primary access to adjacent land and local traffic movements. Streets do not include driveways which only provide access to parking areas.

Structure. Anything, including a building, located on the ground in a permanent location or attached to something having a permanent location on the ground.

Supportive housing. Housing with no limit on length of stay, that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to onsite or offsite 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. Supportive housing that is provided in single family dwelling, multi-family dwelling units, residential care facilities, or boarding house uses, shall be permitted, conditionally permitted or prohibited in the same manner as the other single family dwelling, multi-family dwelling units, residential care facilities, or boarding house uses under this Code.

Tandem parking. An arrangement of parking spaces one behind the other, such that a parking space must be driven across in order to access another space. Tandem garage parking signified the placement of standard parking spaces one behind the other within the enclosed area of a garage.

Townhouse. A single-family attached dwelling unit located on an individual dwelling unit lot, and is part of a row of units that contains three (3) or more dwelling units.

Transitional housing. A development with buildings 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 (6) months. Transitional housing that is provided in single family dwelling, multi-family dwelling units, residential care facilities, or boarding house uses, shall be permitted, conditionally permitted or prohibited in the same manner as the other single family dwelling, multi-family dwelling units, residential care facilities, or boarding house uses under this Code.

Trip (vehicle). A one-way vehicular journey either to or from a site, or totally within the site i.e. internal trip. Each trip has two (2) trip ends, one at the beginning and the other at the destination.

Trip rate (vehicular). The anticipated number of vehicle trips to be generated by a specific land use type or land use classification. The trip rate is expressed as a given number of vehicle trips for a given unit of development intensity (i.e., trip per unit, trip per one thousand (1,000) square feet, etc.).

Uncontrolled environment. A location where there is the exposure (to radiofrequency radiation) of individuals who have no knowledge or control of their exposure. The exposures may occur in living quarters or work places where there are no expectations that the exposure levels may exceed the exposure and induced current levels permitted for the general public.

Underroof. All of the area within the walls of the building that a roof covers. Areas under porches, roof overhangs, garage protrusions, breezeways and other similar architectural design features are not considered as underroof.

Unit. A particular building or structure, or portion thereof, that is designed, intended or used for exclusive occupancy, possession or control of individual owners or occupiers, whether or not they have interests in common areas of the project.

Use. The purpose (type and extent) for which land or a building is arranged, designed, or intended, or for which either land or a structure is occupied or maintained.

Warehouse, mini. A structure or group of structures for the dead storage of customer's goods and wares where individual stalls or lockers are rented out to different tenants for storage and where at least one of the stalls or lockers has less than five hundred (500) square feet of floor area.

Warehouse, public. A structure or group of structures for the dead storage of customer's goods and wares where individual stalls or lockers are rented out to different tenants for storage and where all the stalls or lockers have more than five hundred (500) square feet of floor area.

Vacancy rate (common lot development conversion). The ratio of vacant apartments being offered for rent or lease in the City of Costa Mesa, shown as a percentage of the total number of apartments in the city.

Variance. A discretionary entitlement, usually granted by the planning commission, which permits departure from the strict application of the development standards contained in this Zoning Code, based on specified findings.

Yard. Any open space on a lot unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except an inside court.

Yard, front. The yard between the front line of a building and the front line of the lot upon which the building is located.

Yard, rear. The yard extending from the extreme rear line of the main building to the rear lot line on which the building is situated.

Yard, side. The yard extending from the front yard, or from the front lot line where no front yard is required, to the rear yard or rear lot line, between the side lot line and the nearest wall of the main building or any accessory structure attached thereto.

Zero lot line. The location of a structure on a lot in such a manner that one (1) or more of the structure's sides rest directly on a lot line.

(Ord. No. 97-11, § 2, 5-5-97; Ord. No. 98-5, § 4, 3-2-98; Ord. No. 00-5, § 1(a), 3-20-00; Ord. No. 01-16, § 1a., 6-18-01; Ord. No. 05-11, § 2a., 7-19-05 ; Ord. No. 06-18, § 1, 9-5-06 ; Ord. No. 09-3, §§ 1a., b., 5-19-09 ; Ord. No. 09-4, § 1a., 5-5-09 ; Ord. No. 10-13, § 1, 10-19-10 ; Ord. No. 10-14, § 1, 11-16-10 ; Ord. No. 11-10, § 1, 9-20-11 ; Ord. No. 13-1, § 2A., 3-19-13 ; Ord. No. 13-05, § 1, 12-3-13 )