Accessory Drive-Through. A service window or kiosk with dedicated drive-through lane(s) that allows customers to remain in their vehicle while conducting transactions. An accessory drive-through does not include pedestrian-only service windows or kiosks.

Accessory Shelter. A housing shelter in an accessory building located on the same site as a principal building, or located on a site owned, and operated by religious, civic, fraternal, social, institutional, or governmental agency providing free accessory lodging for indigent individuals and/or families with no regular home or residential address.

Addiction Treatment Facility, Residential. A licensed care facility that provides 24 hour medical and/or non­-medical/therapeutic care of persons seeking rehabilitation and treatment of addiction. Such facilities may include medical detoxification.

Adult Care Center. A facility where an individual, agency, or organization provides supervision or care for more than six adults in a place other than their usual place of abode.  

Adult Care Home. A facility run by an individual residing in a single-family dwelling where housing management provides 24 hour scheduled and unscheduled personal care services care for no more than six adults.

Adult Electronic Gaming Establishment. An establishment where patrons utilize electronic machines, including, but not limited to, computers, gaming tables, and gaming terminals to play games dependent on skill or dexterity in exchange, through redemption and/or other distribution, for cash, merchandise, or other items of value. This definition includes, but is not limited to, arcade, fish arcade, fish game(s), fish table(s), skill arcade, and skilled arcade. This definition does not include any lottery endorsed, approved, or sponsored by the State of North Carolina, or any electronic machines that test a patron’s skill or dexterity but do not provide the patron an award of cash, merchandise, or other items of value based on their skill or dexterity.

Adult Use. Any businesses or enterprises that have as one of their principal business purposes or as a significant portion of their business an emphasis on matter and conduct depicting, describing, or related to anatomical areas and sexual activities as specified below and as may be further specified in North Carolina General Statute 14-202.10. An adult use may also be called an “adult establishment.”

1. Adult Bookstore. A bookstore:
   1. Which receives a majority of its gross income during any calendar month from the sale or rental of publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section; or
   2. Having as a preponderance (either in terms of the weight and importance of the material or in terms of greater volume of materials) of its publications (including books, magazines, other periodicals, videotapes, compact discs, other photographic, electronic, magnetic, digital, or other imaging medium) which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.
2. Adult Live Entertainment. Any performance of or involving the actual presence of real people which exhibits specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section.
3. Adult Live Entertainment Business. Any establishment or business wherein adult live entertainment is shown for observation by patrons.
4. Adult Motion Picture Theatre. An enclosed building or premises used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein. Adult motion picture theatre does not include any adult mini motion picture theatre, as defined in this section.
5. Adult Mini Motion Picture Theatre. An enclosed building with viewing booths designed to hold patrons which is used for presenting motion pictures, a preponderance of which are distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as defined in this section, for observation by patrons therein.
6. Sex Club. An establishment that allows members to engage in specified sexual activities with other patrons, or the exposure of specified anatomical areas. Sex clubs may include, but are not limited to, rooms for the use of members, provision of sexually oriented devices, and organization of sex-related activities.
7. Sexually-Oriented Devices. Without limitation, any artificial or simulated specified anatomical area or other device or paraphernalia that is designed principally for specified sexual activities but shall not mean any contraceptive device.
8. Specified Anatomical Areas.
   1. Less than completely and opaquely covered: 1) human genitals, pubic region; 2) buttock; or 3) female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola; or
   2. Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.
9. Specified Sexual Activities.
   1. Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal.
   2. Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy.
   3. Fondling or other erotic touchings of human genitals, pubic regions, buttocks, or female breasts.

Agriculture – Industrial Processes. A use that involves a variety of operations on crops and/or livestock which typically generate significant dust, noise, odors, pollutants, and/or visual impacts that can adversely affect adjacent properties. This includes, but is not limited to, concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO), slaughterhouses, mills, dairy farms, and commercial composting.

Airport. Facilities for the takeoff and landing of aircraft, including but not limited to runways, aircraft storage buildings, cargo storage buildings, helicopter pads, air traffic control facilities, informational facilities and devices, terminal buildings, on airport parking products, and airport auxiliary facilities, including fueling, fences, lighting, and antennae systems, on-premise signs, driveways, and access roads. Airport includes aircraft maintenance facilities, aviation instruction facilities, and heliports when part of a larger airport facility. Airport also includes facilities for the aid and comfort of the traveling public.

Airstrip. A runway or landing area designed, used, or intended to be used for the landing and taking off of aircraft.

Alternative Correctional Facility. A residential facility for adults or minors that is court ordered as an alternative to incarceration.

Amusement Facility – Indoor. A facility for spectator and participatory uses conducted within an enclosed building including, but not limited to, movie theaters, arcades, bowling alleys, skating centers, escape room/physical adventure game facilities, and pool halls. An indoor amusement facility may include additional uses as part of the principal use such as, but not limited to, concession stands, restaurants, and retail sales. Indoor amusement facility does not include stadiums.

Amusement Facility – Outdoor. A facility for spectator and participatory uses conducted outdoors or within partially enclosed structures, such as amusement parks, fairgrounds, batting cages, and miniature golf courses. An outdoor amusement facility may include additional uses as part of the principal use such as, but not limited to, concession stands, restaurants, and retail sales. Outdoor amusement facility does not include stadiums.

Animal Care Facility. An establishment which provides care for domestic animals, including veterinary offices for the treatment of animals, where animals may be boarded during their convalescence, pet grooming facilities, animal training centers and clubs, and pet boarding facilities, where animals are boarded during the day and/or for short-term stays by their owners.

Animal Shelter. A facility used to house or contain stray, homeless, abandoned, or unwanted animals and that is owned, operated, or maintained by a public body, an established humane society, animal welfare society, society for the prevention of cruelty to animals, or other nonprofit organization devoted to the welfare, protection, and humane treatment of animals. Animal shelters do not include public facilities that shelter and train canine and/or equine units of public safety agencies.

Art Gallery. An establishment that sells, loans, and/or displays paintings, sculpture, photographs, video art, or other works of art.

Arts or Fitness Studio. An establishment where an art or activity is taught, studied, or practiced such as dance, martial arts, photography, pottery, jewelry-making, music, painting, gymnastics, pilates, or yoga. An art or fitness studio also includes private exercise studios for private sessions with trainers and/or private classes.

Auction Sales. The selling, by a broker or auctioneer, of the real or personal property of others during scheduled sales or events to persons registered to bid on the sale offerings. Auction sales may include, but are not limited to, the offering of equipment (heavy or light), food, household goods, land, livestock, machinery and tools, materials (for example, construction materials), and vehicles (commercial or passenger). Auction sales may take place both indoors and outdoors.

Bed and Breakfast. A single-family detached dwelling where a permanent resident/property owner provides lodging for a daily fee in guest rooms with no in-room cooking facilities (excluding microwaves and mini-refrigerators) and prepares meals for guests.

Beneficial Fill Site. A site operated to recontour land for the purpose of improving land use potential or for other beneficial reuse as defined by the North Carolina Solid Waste Management Rules, 15A NCAC 13B and by N.C.G.S. Chapter 130A. It involves no excavation and accepts only fill material consisting of inert debris or used asphalt or a combination of inert debris and used asphalt. Excavation, grading, and fill activity shall not be considered a beneficial fill site if such activity is confined within the boundaries of a parcel of property or development project and involves uncontaminated soil, gravel, or rock originating on such property or development project.

Boarding Stables, Commercial. A building, or multiple buildings, designed for the keeping and maintenance of horses for a fee or other compensation.

Broadcasting Facility – No Antennae. Communications facilities for radio, internet, television broadcasting and receiving stations, and studios. Broadcasting facility -no antennae does not include facilities with freestanding radio and television towers, but may include dish antennas.

Broadcasting Facility – With Antennae. Communications facilities, including radio, internet, television broadcasting and receiving stations, and studios, and including freestanding antenna towers located outdoors.

Campground. Land used for transient occupancy by camping in tents and recreational vehicles, such as camp trailers, travel trailers, motor homes, or similar movable temporary sleeping quarters.

Car Wash. An establishment for the washing, cleaning, and detailing of motor vehicles or other light duty equipment, whether automatic, by hand, or self-service. The car wash facility may be within an enclosed structure, an open bay structure, or other configurations.

Cemetery. Land and structures, such as columbaria, reserved for the interring of human remains or the interring of animal remains. Cemeteries may include structures for performing religious ceremonies related to the entombment of the deceased, mortuaries, including the sales of items related to the internment of remains, and related accessory structures, such as sheds for the storage of maintenance equipment. Cemeteries may also include crematoriums and embalming facilities.

Childcare Center. An individual, agency, or organization, licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, providing supervision or care on a regular basis to between 13 and 79 children who are not related by blood or marriage to, and who are not the legal wards or foster children of, the supervising adult.

Childcare Center, Accessory to Employment. An individual, agency, or organization, licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, providing supervision or care on a regular basis to children who are not related by blood or marriage to, and who are not the legal wards or foster children of, the supervising adult. A childcare center, accessory to employment is a facility operated solely for the use of employees of a business or businesses, such as offices, industrial uses, or other employment uses, within the development.

Childcare Center in Residence. A facility run by an individual residing in a single family dwelling, that provides supervision or care on a regular basis in the individual’s home for six to 12 pre-school children who are not related by blood or marriage to, and who are not the legal wards or foster children of, the supervising adult. A childcare center in residence shall be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Childcare Center, Large. An individual, agency, or organization, licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, providing supervision or care on a regular basis to 80 or more children who are not related by blood or marriage to, and who are not the legal wards or foster children of, the supervising adult.

Childcare Home, Family. A facility run by an individual that resides in a single-family dwelling that provides supervision or care on a regular basis in the individual’s home for ten or fewer children who are not related by blood or marriage to, and are not the legal wards or foster children of, the supervising adult. Family childcare homes shall be licensed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Children’s Home. A residential facility that provides housing for and care to minors who are wards of the state, whose parents or guardians are deceased or otherwise unable or unwilling to care for them.

Commercial Fitness Center. A for-profit facility, 3,000 square feet or greater in gross floor area, that offers a wide range of fitness services, exercise equipment, and related amenities to the public. Such a facility generates revenue via membership fees or pay-per-use charges.

Commercial Kitchen. A shared commercial grade kitchen in which individuals or businesses prepare value-added food products and meals, usually paying an hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly rate to lease a space shared by others.

Community Center. A facility used as a place of meeting, recreation, or social activity, that is open to the public and is not operated for profit, and offers a variety of educational and community service activities.

Community Garden. Land used to grow and harvest food and non-food crops for personal or group use, consumption, or donation, that is managed and maintained by a group of individuals or a nonprofit.

Conservation Area. Designated open space that preserves and protects natural features, wildlife, and critical environmental features, as well as undeveloped sites of historical or cultural significance. A conservation area may include opportunities for passive recreation, such as hiking trails and lookout structures, and environmental education facilities.

Continuum Care Retirement Community (CCRC). A large-scale residential development that provides continuum of care as residents age. Continuum care retirement community (CCRC) developments include a range of housing and care levels based on senior residents’ needs and how those needs progress, from independent living to nursing care. A CCRC development may consist of a range of dwelling types and independent living facilities including single-family, duplex, triplex, quadraplex, and multi-family dwellings, and may include both indoor and outdoor recreational facilities for the use of residents and their guests. A CCRC may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Contractor Office with Outdoor Storage. Offices for businesses in the conduct of any landscape or building trade or craft, pest control, or disinfecting services, together with land and/or structures used for the storage of equipment, vehicles, machinery, and/or materials related to and used by the trade or craft. A contractor office with no outdoor storage is considered an Office.

Convention Center. A facility designed and used for conventions, conferences, seminars, product displays, recreation activities, and entertainment functions, along with other operations such as, but not limited to, temporary outdoor displays and food and beverage preparation and service for on-premise consumption.

Correctional Facility. A facility established for the detention of persons by law enforcement.

Crematorium. A facility for the cremation of the deceased.

Cultural Facility. A facility open to the public that provides access to cultural exhibits and activities including, but not limited to, museums, cultural or historical centers, noncommercial galleries, historical societies, and libraries. A cultural facility may include additional uses as part of the principal use such as, but not limited to, retail sales of related items and restaurants.

Domestic Violence Shelter. A facility that provides temporary shelter, protection, and support for those escaping domestic violence and intimate partner violence, including victims of human trafficking. A domestic violence shelter also accommodates the minor children of such individuals. The facility may also offer a variety services to help individuals and their children including counseling and legal guidance. Domestic violence shelters may distinguish populations served by age and/or gender.

Dormitory. A building intended or used principally for sleeping accommodations that is part of an educational or public institution, including religious institutions. A common kitchen and common gathering rooms for social purposes may also be provided.

Drive-Through Establishment. A business where transactions only occur directly with customers via a service window, kiosk, or other configuration where customers remain in their vehicle.

Driving Range. A tract of land equipped with distance markers, clubs, balls, and tees for practicing the hitting of golf balls.

Drug Treatment Clinic. A licensed facility authorized by the state to administer drugs including, but not limited to, methadone and suboxone, in the treatment, maintenance, or detoxification of persons. Drug treatment clinic also includes needle exchange facilities where injecting drug users (IDUs) may obtain hypodermic needles and associated paraphernalia at little or no cost.

Dwelling – Accessory Unit (ADU). An additional dwelling unit associated with and incidental to a principal dwelling. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) shall include separate cooking and sanitary facilities and is a complete, separate dwelling unit. The ADU may be within or attached to the principal dwelling unit or within a detached accessory structure, such as a garage. ADUs are not permitted in recreational vehicles, travel trailers, campers, or any other type of motor vehicle.

Dwelling – Duplex. A structure containing two dwelling units. Units may or may not be on sublots. Duplex dwelling units may be either in a side-by-side or stacked configuration.

Dwelling – Live/Work. A principal structure that combines a dwelling unit with a commercial use permitted in the zoning district that is used by one or more of the residents. A live/work dwelling may also include the combination of a dwelling unit with arts-related activities, such as painting, photography, sculpture, music, and film, used by one or more of the residents. Live/work dwellings are subject to the standards for the individual uses contained within this Ordinance.

Dwelling – Manufactured Home. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet; and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, including the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein. Manufactured home includes any structure that meets all of the requirements of this subsection except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the Secretary of HUD and complies with the standards established under the Act.

1. For manufactured homes built before June 15, 1976, manufactured home means a portable manufactured housing unit designed for transportation on its own chassis and placement on a temporary or semi-permanent foundation having a measurement of over 32 feet in length and over eight feet in width. Manufactured home also means a double-wide manufactured home, which is two or more portable manufactured housing units designed for transportation on their own chassis that connect on site for placement on a temporary or semi-permanent foundation having a measurement of over 32 feet in length and over eight feet in width.
2. Modular buildings and modular homes are not considered manufactured homes, and refer to a method of construction.

Dwelling – Multi-Family. A structure containing five or more dwelling units, with dwelling units either stacked or attached horizontally. A multi-family dwelling may be designated senior living when there are age restrictions in place to limit occupancy.

1. Multi-Family Dwelling Attached Unit. Attached unit design refers to multi-family residential structure designed with primarily side-by-side dwelling units, each with an individual entry. Units may or may not be on sublots.

2. Multi-Family Dwelling Stacked Unit. Stacked unit design refers to multi-family residential structure designed with multiple dwelling units accessed by one or more common entryways. Units may have individual entrances for ground floor units.

Dwelling – Quadraplex. A structure containing four dwelling units. Units may or may not be on sublots. Quadraplex dwelling units may be either in a side-by-side or stacked configuration.

Dwelling – Single-Family. A structure containing only one dwelling unit.

Dwelling – Triplex. A structure containing three dwelling units. Units may or may not be on sublots. Triplex dwelling units may be either in a side-by-side or stacked configuration.

Educational Campus. The grounds and buildings of an educational facility, which may be a primary or secondary school, a university or college, a vocational school, or a combination of such. An Educational Campus may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Educational Facility – Pre-School. An educational establishment, licensed by the state, that offers early childhood education prior to the start of required education at the primary school level.

Educational Facility – Primary or Secondary. An educational establishment, licensed by the state, that offers instruction at the elementary, middle, junior, and/or high school levels, including associated indoor or outdoor recreational facilities.

Educational Facility – University or College. An educational establishment, licensed by the state, for post-secondary higher learning that grants associate, bachelor, master, and/or doctoral degrees. Such facilities may include additional uses as part of the principal use such as such as research facilities, dormitories, cafeterias, restaurants, retail sales, childcare facilities, indoor or outdoor recreational facilities, stadiums, and similar uses.

Educational Facility – Vocational. An establishment that offers instruction in industrial, clerical, computer, managerial, automotive, repair (electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc.), or commercial skills, or a business conducted as a commercial enterprise, such as a school for general educational development or driving school. Educational facility – vocational also applies to privately operated schools that do not offer a full educational curriculum.

Employment/Labor Service Agency. A business that provides employment services for temporary or transient employment of semi-skilled and unskilled workers, and operates as a labor pool where workers gather on-site for job placement.

Farm. Land used primarily for the growing of crops, produce, and/or flowers. Horses and/or other livestock may also be raised for personal use.

Farm, Bona Fide – Charlotte ETJ Only. A bona fide farm is a farm as defined within N.C.G.S. § 160D-903, or as may be amended, and is located within the Charlotte extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ).

Financial Institution. A bank, savings and loan, credit union, or mortgage office. Financial Institutions also include alternative financial service (AFS) that are provided outside a traditional banking institution, including check cashing establishments and currency exchanges.

Food Bank. A non-profit organization that collects and distributes food to hunger relief organizations. Food is not distributed to individuals from a food bank.

Food Pantry. A non-profit organization that provides food directly to individuals. Food pantries receive, buy, store, and distribute food. Food pantries may also prepare meals to be served at no cost to those who receive them.

Funeral Home. An establishment where the dead are prepared for burial display and for rituals before burial or cremation, including chapels for the display of the deceased and the conducting of rituals before burial or cremation, and crematoriums.

Golf Course. A tract of land design with at least nine holes for playing a game of golf and improved with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards. A golf course may include a clubhouse, restrooms, snack-bar, and pro-shop as additional uses as part of the golf course. A driving range may be included as part of a golf course. A private recreation club may include a golf course as part of the principal use.

Government Campus. A development designed to accommodate government offices and facilities in one or more buildings. A Government Campus may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Government Office/Facility. Offices owned, operated, or occupied by a governmental agency to provide a governmental service to the public, such as city offices and post offices. Government offices/facilities do not include public safety or public works facilities.

Greenhouse/Nursery – Retail. An establishment where flowers, shrubbery, vegetables, trees, and other horticultural and floricultural products are propagated and sold, and may include gardening and landscape supplies and products, such as hardware, garden tools and utensils, paving stones and bricks, and other related items for sale. If all such activities are indoors with no outdoor component (growing, displays, storage, sales), then such use is considered a retail goods establishment.

Greenhouse/Nursery – Wholesale. An establishment where flowers, shrubbery, vegetables, trees, and other horticultural and floricultural products are propagated and sold in bulk to retailers, other professional business users, and/or other wholesalers.

Group Home. Group home means a “Family Care Home” as defined in N.C.G.S § 160D-907. A group home is a home with support and supervisory personnel that provides room and board, personal care, and habilitation services in a family environment for not more than six resident persons with disabilities. Person with disabilities are defined as a person with a temporary or permanent physical, emotional, or mental disability, including, but not limited to, an intellectual or other developmental disability, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing and sight impairments, emotional disturbances, and orthopedic impairments but not including persons with a mental illness who are dangerous to others as defined in G.S. 122C-3(11)b. In addition, a group home also means a residential use, even if it does not conform to the language above, that provides a residential environment which may require various services, living assistance, or supervision but does not include any facility that provides medical services requiring or comparable to on-site, nursing, physician, or medical care for the occupants which is only permitted in a dependent living facility or healthcare institution.

Halfway House. A residential facility for persons who have been institutionalized for criminal conduct and require a group setting to facilitate the transition to society.

Healthcare Institution. Facilities for primary health services and medical or surgical care to people, primarily inpatient overnight care, and including related facilities such as laboratories, outpatient facilities, dormitories, educational facilities, cafeterias, retail sales, and similar uses.

Heavy Rental and Service Establishment. Rental and/or service establishments of a heavier and larger-scale commercial character typically requiring permanent outdoor service and storage areas and/or partially enclosed structures. Examples of heavy rental and service establishments include truck rental establishments, amusement equipment rental, and rental and repair of heavy equipment.

Heavy Retail Establishment. Retail centers of a heavier and/or larger-scale commercial character typically requiring permanent outdoor storage areas and/or partially enclosed structures. Examples of heavy retail establishments include lumberyards, recreational vehicle, semi truck, and semi trailer dealerships, manufactured homes, and sales of heavy equipment. Wholesale establishments that sell to the general public, including those establishments where membership is required, are considered heavy retail establishments.

Helistop. Land or part of a structure used for the landing of helicopters.

Home Occupation. An activity carried out for economic gain by a resident, conducted as an accessory use in the resident’s dwelling.

Homeless Shelter. A facility that provides overnight, temporary, or transitional shelter and services to the homeless in general.

Hotel/Motel. A commercial facility that provides sleeping accommodations for a fee and customary lodging services. Related accessory uses may include, but are not be limited to, meeting facilities, restaurants, bars, and recreational facilities for the use of guests. A hotel/motel has common facilities for reservations, cleaning services, combined utilities, and on-site management and reception.

Industrial Design. An establishment where the design, marketing, and/or brand development of various products are researched and developed typically integrating the fields of art, business, science, and/or engineering. An industrial design establishment may create prototypes and products, but cannot mass manufacture products on the premises.

Industrial, Craft. Artisan-related crafts and industrial processes that are more intensive uses, such as metalworking, glassblowing, woodworking, furniture making, and food production that includes preparation, processing, canning, or packaging of food products. Micro-production of alcohol is regulated separately from craft industrial.

Industrial, General. Within a wholly enclosed building or out-of-doors, the manufacture, fabrication, processing, reduction, and/or destruction of any article, substance, or commodity, or any other treatment thereof, in such a manner as to change the form, character, and/or appearance. A general industrial use may produce noise, vibrations, illumination, odor, or particulate that is perceptible to adjacent land users.

Industrial, Light. Within a wholly enclosed building, the manufacture, fabrication, processing, reduction, and/or destruction of any article, substance, or commodity, or any other treatment thereof in such a manner as to change the form, character, and/or appearance. A light industrial use may also include a showroom, sales of products related to the items manufactured or stored on-site, and/or outdoor storage.

Kennel. A facility for the breeding and raising of domestic animals for sale.

Landfill, Land Clearing, and Inert Debris (LCID). A facility for the land disposal of inert debris, land clearing debris, yard waste, and untreated and unpainted wood.

Light Assembly. The assembly of previously manufactured parts within a fully enclosed structure that does not create noise, smoke, fumes, odors, glare, or health or safety hazards outside the building.

Live Performance Venue -Indoor. An indoor facility for the presentation of live entertainment, including musical acts and disc jockeys, theatrical plays, stand-up comedy, and similar performances. Performances are scheduled in advance and tickets are required for admission and available for purchase in advance, though tickets may be purchased at the venue’s box office on the day of the performance. A live performance venue may include classroom and/or rehearsal space utilized during hours it is not open to the public for a performance. A live performance venue may include concession stands, including sale of alcohol, but only when it is open to the public for a performance. This does not include any adult use or stadium.

Lodge/Meeting Hall. A facility operated by an organization or association for a common purpose, such as, but not limited to, a meeting hall for a fraternal or social organization or a union hall, but not including clubs organized primarily for-profit or to render a service which is customarily carried on as a business.

Manufactured Home Park. A parcel of land with single control or unified ownership that has been planned and improved for the placement of manufactured homes for residential use.

Marina. A facility with navigable water access for docking or storage of boats or providing services to boats and the occupants thereof. Services may include minor servicing and repair to boats while in the water, sale of fuel and supplies, food, beverages, and entertainment as accessory uses. A yacht club is considered a marina.

Medical Campus. The grounds and buildings of a healthcare institution, providing primary health services and medical or surgical care to people, including in-patient overnight care, as well as research and development facilities, medical/dental educational facilities, and medical/dental offices. A Medical Campus may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Medical/Dental Office. A facility operated by one or more physicians, dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, physical therapists, acupuncturists, or other licensed practitioners of the healing arts for the examination and treatment of persons solely on an outpatient basis.

Micro-Production of Alcohol. A facility for the production and packaging of alcoholic beverages, such as beer, wine, spirits, cider, and mead, for distribution and consumption on-premises. A tasting room is an area within the premises of the production facilities where guests may sample the products. When the production facilities exceed the maximum square footage allowed by any prescribed conditions, the facility is not considered micro-production of alcohol, but rather an industrial use.

Mobile Car Wash. A temporary service, and its associated equipment, for the washing, cleaning, and detailing of motor vehicles by hand. A mobile car wash operates from a fixed location to offer services to multiple cars on that site for a limited period of time.

Mobile Food Vendor. A motor vehicle or food trailer towed by another vehicle, designed and equipped to sell food and/or beverages directly to consumers. It does not include wholesale food distributors. The vendor physically reports to and operates from an off-site kitchen for servicing, restocking, and maintenance each operating day.

Mobile Retail Vendor. A motor vehicle, or trailer towed by another vehicle, designed and equipped to sell goods directly to consumers. It does not include wholesale distributors. The vendor physically reports to and operates from an off-site facility for servicing, restocking, and maintenance.

Movie Studio. Facilities for the production of motion pictures and film, including stages, exterior sets, film laboratories, sound recording facilities, construction, repair and storage facilities, caretaker and temporary housing, related commercial vehicles, and accessory fabrication activities.

Multi-Dwelling Development. A development consisting of two or more single-family, duplex, triplex, quadraplex, and/or multi-family principal buildings located on a lot or parcel of land under single ownership, and planned and developed with a unified design of buildings and coordinated open space and service areas. Only those dwelling types allowed within the zoning district are allowed within the multi-dwelling development.

Neighborhood Commercial Establishment. Select commercial uses located within a residential neighborhood to serve the surrounding residents.

Nightclub. An establishment that provides entertainment of a participatory nature, including disc jockeys, by providing a place for dancing designed with an area designated as a dance floor, including any stage area; however, portions of the floor area may be set up for alcohol service, including a bar counter, with or without stools, and other seating areas.

Office. An establishment that engages in the processing, manipulation, or application of business information or professional expertise. An office may or may not offer services to the public. An office is not materially involved in fabricating, assembling, or warehousing of physical products for the retail or wholesale market, nor engaged in the repair or sale of products for immediate purchase and removal from the premise by the purchaser.

Outdoor Entertainment. Outdoor entertainment as an accessory use means presentation of live entertainment, including musical acts and disc jockeys, theatrical plays, stand-up comedy, and similar live performances, or the presentation of a live or pre-recorded major sporting event, media event, movie, or similar. Outdoor entertainment occurs on the premises of, but outside of, a restaurant, bar, amusement facility, or similar uses. Entertainment occurs outdoors when it is outside a permanently enclosed area.

Outdoor Market. A market consisting of booths, tables, platforms, mobile units, or similar displays where producers and/or growers sell fresh food, flowers and plants, value-added products, and artisan wares at stalls or mobile units in a permanent outdoor location. Individual vendors may operate one or more booths, under the supervision of a market proprietor, who rent or otherwise arrange for assigned space(s) for each vendor.

Outdoor Produce Sales. Temporary uses, which may include temporary structures, where fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) and limited produce-derived products are sold.

Outdoor Sales and Display. Part of a lot used for outdoor sales and/or display of goods accessory to the principal use.

Outdoor Seasonal Sales. Temporary uses, which may include temporary structures, where seasonal goods are sold, such as Christmas tree sales, holiday sales, plant sales, and pumpkin sales.

Outdoor Seating/Activity Area. An outdoor seating/activity area accessory to a nonresidential use is located outside the permanent enclosed area, and is used for seating, for food and/or beverage consumption, and/or participatory activities such as trivia or skill games like darts. This includes, but is not limited to, areas such as patios, decks, rooftops, and open areas.

Outdoor Storage Yard. The storage of materials, supplies, equipment, vehicles, and similar items outdoors as the principal use of land. Salvage and/or junk yard is a separate use from outdoor storage yard.

Parking Lot (Principal Use). A lot, which excludes any public or network-required private street, used for the parking of operable vehicles, whether for compensation or at no charge. A parking lot (principal use) is not accessory to or associated with any other use on the same or any other lot.

Parking Structure (Principal Use). A structure or portion of a structure used for the parking of operable vehicles, whether for compensation or at no charge. A parking structure (principal use) is not accessory to or associated with any other use on the same or any other lot.

Passenger Terminal. A facility for the assembly and dispersal of travelling passengers by means of intercity rail, bus, or other mode of transit, including offices for such services, and additional uses such as passenger waiting areas, restaurants, and retail establishments. Passenger terminal does not include airport or CATS public transit facilities.

Personal Service Establishment. An establishment that provides services of a personal nature. Typical uses include, but are not limited to, beauty shops, barbershops, body modification establishments (e.g., tattoos, piercing, etc.), tanning salons, electronics repair shops, bicycle repair shops, nail salons, laundromats, dry cleaners, and tailors.

Place of Worship. A facility where persons regularly assemble for religious purposes and related social events, and may include group housing for persons under religious vows or orders. Places of worship may include additional uses as part of the principal use such as childcare facilities, meeting rooms, food preparation and dining areas, auditoriums, and/or classrooms for religious instruction.

Private Outdoor Recreation Facilities. A facility for outdoor recreation, constructed by a private entity, which may include pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball fields, soccer fields, football fields, picnic shelters, fitness courts, disc golf, skateboard parks, and similar recreation facilities which are not enclosed in buildings. Private outdoor recreation facilities are primarily for the use of persons who do not reside on the same lot as that on which the private outdoor recreational facility is located. Private outdoor recreational facilities may include recreational facilities affiliated with or serving, but not located on the same property as, an educational institution, place of worship, or similar use. Private outdoor recreation facilities may include ancillary facilities, such as dugouts, concession stands, bleachers, bathrooms and changing rooms, and structures used for the maintenance and servicing of such facilities. Open space as required by this Ordinance as part of a development standard is not considered to be a private outdoor recreation facility.

Private Recreation Club. An establishment open to members, their families, and invited guests organized and operated for social and recreation purposes and which may include recreation facilities, both indoor and outdoor. Ancillary elements such as restaurants and bars, meeting rooms, and/or similar uses may be included. Examples of a private recreation club include a country club, swim club, tennis club, or YMCA. Commercial fitness centers, and athletic facilties and fields affiliated with educational institutions (public and private), are not considered private recreation clubs.

Private Stables. The keeping of equines for private use and not for remuneration, hire, or sale.

Public Park. A publicly-owned facility that serves the recreational needs of residents and visitors. Public park includes, but is not limited to, playgrounds, ballfields, football fields, soccer fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, dog parks, skateboard parks, passive recreation areas, and gymnasiums. Public parks may also include noncommercial indoor or outdoor facilities, including zoos, recreational centers, and amphitheaters, additional uses such as, but not limited to, restaurant and retail establishments, and temporary outdoor uses such as festivals and performances. Greenways are not considered a public park (see Article 2 for greenway definition).

Public Safety Facility. A facility operated by and for the use of public safety agencies, such as the fire department and the police department, including the dispatch, storage, and maintenance of police and fire vehicles, and training exercises. Public safety facilities include shelter and training facilities for canine and equine units of public safety agencies.

Public Transit Facility. Facilities operated as part of the public transit system, which shall include park-and-ride lots, park-and-ride garages, station platforms, bus transfer stations, rideshare mobility hubs, and other transit appurtenances required for the operations and use of public transit service. For the purposes of this Ordinance, bus shelters and rapid transit shelters that are not fully enclosed are not considered buildings.

Public Works Facility. A facility operated by and for the use of the municipal public works departments or other governmental agency to provide municipal services, such as but not limited to, the treatment of waste water and potable water; the dispatch, storage, and maintenance of municipal vehicles; and training exercises.

Quarry. A type of open pit mine in which dimension stone, rock, construction aggregate, riprap, sand, gravel, or slate is excavated from the ground.

Raceway/Dragstrip. A facility built for racing of vehicles that may include grandstands and/or concourses for viewing. A raceway/dragstrip may also include additional uses as part of the principal use such as, but not limited to, concession stands, restaurants, and retail sales.

Rail Freight Terminal. A heavy rail facility for freight pick-up or distribution that may include intermodal distribution facilities for truck or shipping transport.

Rail Yard. An area of land, a portion of which is covered by a system of tracks, that provides for the making up of trains by one or more railroads or private industry. Functions of a rail yard include, but are not limited to, the classifying, switching, storing, assembling, distributing, consolidating, moving, maintaining, repairing, weighing, and/or transferring of rail cars, trains, engines, locomotives, and rolling stock.

Real Estate Project Sales Office. A real estate project sales office is a residential unit, commercial space, or standalone structure within a development that is temporarily used as a sales or leasing office.

Reception Facility. A facility that provides hosting and rental services of a banquet hall or similar facilities for private events including, but not limited to, wedding receptions, holiday parties, corporate events, and fundraisers, with food and beverages that are prepared and served on-site or by a caterer to invited guests during intermittent dates and hours of operation. Live entertainment may occur as part of an event. A reception facility is not operated as a restaurant with regular hours of operation.

Recycling Collection Center. An area containing one or more recycling containers operated by a unit of local government, or its designee, which is set aside and used by members of the public, including business entities, to collect recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, glass, and cardboard. A recycling collection center may also collect household chemicals and computer equipment, including, but not limited to, household cleaners, oil-based paints, solvents, cell phones, compact fluorescent light bulbs, and computers.

Religious Campus. The grounds and buildings of a place of worship where regular assembly of persons for religious purposes and related social events occurs and which is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to sustain religious ceremonies and purposes. A Religious Campus may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Research and Development (R&D). A facility where research and development are conducted in industries that include, but are not limited to, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical instrumentation or supplies, communication, information technology, electronics and instrumentation, and computer hardware and software.

Residential Care Facility. A licensed care facility that provides 24-hour medical and/or non-medical care of persons in need of personal services, supervision, or assistance essential for sustaining the activities of daily living, or for the protection of the individual. A residential care facility includes nursing care, assisted living, hospice care, and continuum of care facilities. Continuum of care facilities may also include independent living facilities as part of the continuum.

Restaurant/Bar. An establishment where food and/or alcoholic beverages are provided to the public for on-premises consumption and/or food may be sold for off-premise consumption through carry-out service.

Retail Goods Establishment. An establishment that provides physical goods, products, or merchandise directly to the consumer, where such goods are typically available for immediate purchase and removal from the premises by the purchaser. A retail goods establishment does not include specialty food service.

Retail Goods Showroom. An establishment where products are displayed for sale, such as furniture, appliances, carpet, tile, or furnishings. Products are available for purchase but are typically not available for immediate removal from the premises.

Rooming House. A single-family detached dwelling where the property owner makes rooms available to tenants for compensation for a minimum of seven consecutive days, and a common kitchen and common areas are shared between the permanent resident/property owner and tenants.

Salvage and/or Junk Yard. A facility used for the abandonment, sale, storage, collection, or baling of scrap metal, other scrap or discarded materials, waste tire processing or collection area, and/or abandoned vehicles or machinery, or parts thereof.

Self-Storage Facility: Climate-Controlled. A facility for the storage of personal property where individual renters control and access individual storage spaces located within a fully enclosed building that is climate controlled. Sales of related items, such as moving supplies, and facility management offices may also be included.

Self-Storage Facility: Outdoor. A facility for the storage of personal property where individual renters control and access individual storage spaces and where each storage unit has individual access from the outdoors, and which may have areas available for accessory outdoor storage. Sales of related items, such as moving supplies, and facility management offices may also be included.

Shooting Range, Indoor. A facility designed or used for shooting at targets with firearms, and which is completely enclosed within a building or structure. Police facilities for the training and practice of officers is not considered an indoor shooting range but rather a public safety facility.

Single Room Occupancy (SRO). A residential development where single rooms are rented individually as a permanent and/or primary residence, without kitchen or bathroom amenities in the rooms, for a weekly or monthly period of time for compensation. On-site management is provided on a 24 hour basis. A single room occupancy (SRO) has shared bathroom facilities and may have kitchen facilities, where both types of facilities are freely accessed by all building tenants.

Social Service Campus. The grounds and buildings of social service facilities that provide assistance for those recovering from chemical or alcohol dependency; survivors of abuse seeking support; those transitioning from homelessness or prior incarceration; and those with health and disability concerns. A Social Service Campus may also include other uses as identified in the Use Matrix or supportive uses as otherwise identified by the Zoning Administrator.

Social Service Facility. A service establishment that provides assistance for those recovering from chemical or alcohol dependency; survivors of abuse seeking support; those transitioning from homelessness or prior incarceration; and those with health and disability concerns. It does not include in-patient, overnight, or living quarters for recipients of the service or for the staff. Such service does not include medical examinations or procedures, medical detoxification, dispensing of drugs or medications, or other treatments normally conducted in a medical office.

Solar Farm. A ground-mounted solar array operated by a public, private, or cooperative company for the generation, transmission, distribution, storage, or processing of solar energy for the purposes of heating and cooling, electricity generation, and/or water heating. Solar panels as an accessory use, such as those serving a home or business on the same site, are not considered to be a solar farm.

Specialty Food Service. A facility that includes preparation, processing, canning, and/or packaging of food products where all processing is completely enclosed and there are no outside impacts or outdoor storage. Such business specializes in the sale of specific food products, such as a coffee roaster or candy maker, and offers areas for retail sales or restaurants that serve the products processed on-site.

Stadium. A commercial structure with tiers of seats and/or viewing areas around and/or adjacent to a field, court, or stage, intended to be used for the viewing of athletic events, entertainment, concerts, and other public gathering purposes. Stadiums may be indoor or outdoor, and may include ancillary facilities associated with the stadium such as, but not limited to, parking lots, parking structures, and practice facilities.

Telecommunications and Data Storage Facility. A facility, accessed only by employees, that houses computer systems and associated components, related to the transmittal and receiving of information, including but not
limited to, telecommunications systems, telecommunication and telephone switching systems, cloud storage systems, and server farms.

Temporary Contractor’s Office and Contractor’s Yard. A temporary, portable, or modular structure utilized as a watchman’s quarters, construction office, or equipment shed during the construction of a new development. This may include a temporary contractor’s yard where materials and equipment are stored in conjunction with a construction project.

Temporary Outdoor Entertainment. A temporary entertainment event within an outdoor space, such as but not limited to the performance of live music, festivals, competitions, fireworks shows, carnivals/ circuses, worship services, and others.

Temporary Outdoor Sales. Temporary uses, which may include temporary structures, where goods are sold, such as consignment auctions, arts and crafts fairs, flea markets, and rummage sales. This temporary use category does not include outdoor sales related to a retail goods establishment where such goods are part of the establishment’s regular items offered for purchase, outdoor produce sales, or outdoor seasonal sales.

Temporary Outdoor Storage Container. Temporary self-storage containers that are delivered to a residence or business owner for the purpose of storing belongings, and then may be picked up and returned to a warehouse until called for again.

Truck Stop. A facility that provides services to the trucking industry including, but not limited to, dispensing of fuel, repair, truck washes, restaurants, shower facilities, and/or overnight parking, all as part of the facility.

Truck Terminal. A facility for the receipt, transfer, short-term storage, and dispatching of goods transported by truck.

Utility (Includes Transmission and Distribution). Any facility, infrastructure, and/or equipment used for the generation, transmission, storage, or distribution of electric energy, natural or manufactured gas, water, stormwater, cable television, internet, telephone services, or wastewater, between the point of generation and the end user. A utility does not include wireless telecommunications towers, antennas and/or facilities, satellite dish antennas, waste management facilities, recycling collection facilities, or radio, television, or microwave transmission or relay towers. Utility also includes utility operation facilities where all activity occurs indoors.

Vehicle Auction Facility. A facility where vehicles are offered for sale to persons who bid on the vehicles in competition with each other. A vehicle auction facility includes outdoor storage of the vehicles to be sold.

Vehicle Dealership: Enclosed. An establishment that sells or leases new or used automobiles, vans, pick-up trucks, motorcycles, and/or all-terrain vehicles (ATV), watercraft, or other similar motorized transportation vehicles with no outdoor storage or display of such vehicles on-site, including within a parking structure. An enclosed motor vehicle dealership may maintain an inventory of the vehicles for sale or lease off-site. Vehicle dealerships do not include semi truck, semi trailer, trailer, boat, or heavy equipment sales, which are considered heavy retail establishments.

Vehicle Dealership: Outdoor. An establishment that sells or leases new or used automobiles, vans, pick- up trucks, motorcycles, and/or all-terrain vehicles (ATV), watercraft, or other similar motorized transportation vehicles with outdoor storage or display of such vehicles on-site. An outdoor motor vehicle dealership may maintain an additional inventory of the vehicles for sale or lease off-site. Vehicle dealerships do not include semi truck, semi trailer, trailer, boat, or heavy equipment sales, which are considered heavy retail establishments.

Vehicle Fueling Facility. An establishment where fuel for vehicles or electric vehicle supply equipment is stored and dispersed from fixed equipment into motor vehicles. A vehicle fueling facility may also include retail uses and an accessory car wash bay.

Vehicle Operations Facility. A facility for the dispatch, storage, and maintenance of vehicle fleets including, but not limited to, emergency medical care vehicles, taxicabs and similar vehicles for hire, school buses, utility vehicles, delivery vehicles, and public transit vehicle operations and maintenance facilities. Vehicle operations facility does not include a public works or public safety facility.

Vehicle Rental: Enclosed. An establishment that rents motor vehicles, motorcycles, and watercraft, including incidental parking and servicing of vehicles with no outdoor storage and display of such vehicles on-site, including within a parking structure. An enclosed vehicle rental establishment may maintain an inventory of the vehicles for rent off-site.

Vehicle Rental: Outdoor. An establishment that rents motor vehicles, motorcycles, and watercraft, including incidental parking and servicing of vehicles with outdoor storage and display of such vehicles on-site. An outdoor vehicle rental establishment may maintain an additional inventory of the vehicles for rent.

Vehicle Repair Facility: Major. A business that provides services in major reconditioning of worn or damaged motor vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), watercraft, recreational vehicles and trailers, towing and collision service, including body, frame, or fender straightening or repair, painting of motor vehicles, interior (e.g., upholstery, dashboard, etc.) reconstruction and/or repairs, and restoration services. A major vehicle repair business may also include services considered minor vehicle repair.

Vehicle Repair Facility: Minor. A business that provides services in minor repairs to motor vehicles and motorcycles, and watercraft, including repair or replacement of cooling, electrical, fuel and exhaust systems, brake adjustments, tire replacement, wheel servicing, alignment, and balancing, realignment, repair and replacement of shock absorbers, and replacement or adjustment of mufflers and tail pipes, hoses, belts, light bulbs, fuses, windshield wipers/wiper blades, grease retainers, and wheel bearings, and similar minor repairs.

Warehouse and Distribution Center. An enclosed facility for the storage and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and/or equipment.

Waste Management Facility. Facilities for the recovery, disposal, depositing, processing, or storage of solid waste, including waste that requires special handling, such as hazardous waste and medical waste. Waste management facilities include sanitary landfills, construction and demolition landfills, solid waste collection sites, and solid waste transfer stations.

Wholesale Goods Establishment. A business where goods are sold to either retailers, or to industrial, commercial, institutional, or other professional business users, or to other wholesalers and related subordinated services.

Wind Farm. An energy system operated by a public, private, or cooperative company for the generation, transmission, distribution, or processing of wind energy.

Wireless Telecommunications. Towers, antennas, and facilities used to transmit and receive signals that facilitate wireless telecommunications. The following definitions describe the wireless telecommunications infrastructure within the general definition for wireless telecommunications:

1. Wireless Antenna.
   A specific device, the surface of which is used to transmit and/or receive signals transmitted to or from other antennas. This does not include satellite dish antennae.
2. Wireless Facility.
   A structure used to house and protect the equipment necessary for processing telecommunications signals, which may include air conditioning equipment and emergency generators. Facility also includes any necessary equipment that facilitates wireless transmission.
3. Wireless Tower.
   A structure designed and constructed to support one or more wireless telecommunications antennae and including all appurtenant devices attached to it.