Town of West Hartford

ABUT OR ABUTTING

Having a common boundary.

ADJACENT

Near; close by. The term "adjacent" includes the meaning of the terms "abut" and "adjoin," as defined; however, it is not intended to imply any definite distance or boundary.

ADJOIN OR ADJOINING

Having a common boundary, with or without the intervention of a street. Thus the term "adjoin" includes the meaning of the term "abut," as defined.

ADULT AMUSEMENT MACHINE

Includes any amusement machine that is regularly used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined below, for observation by patrons therein.

ADULT BOOKSTORE

An establishment having a substantial or significant portion of its stock-in-trade in books, films, video cassettes or magazines and other periodicals which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined below, and in conjunction therewith has facilities for the presentation of adult entertainment, as defined below, and including adult-oriented films, movies or live entertainment, for observation by patrons therein.

ADULT DAY-CARE CENTER

A non-residential facility in which custodial care is provided for more than 12 adults, related or unrelated, who are in need of supervision and/or assistance with routine daily functions but who are not in need of regular medical attention, where the adults are receiving said care on a regular and recurring basis during a part of the twelve-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for not less than three and not more than 12 hours. Such a facility shall comply with all state and local codes and/or ordinances regarding zoning, building, fire, health and housing.

ADULT DAY-CARE HOME

A nonresidential facility consisting of a private family home in which custodial care is provided for not more than six adults, related or unrelated, who are in need of supervision and/or assistance with routine daily functions but who are not in need of regular medical attention, where the adults are receiving said care on a regular and recurring basis during a part of the twelve-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for not less than three and not more than 12 hours. Such a facility shall comply with all state and local codes and/or ordinances regarding zoning, building, fire, health and housing.

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT

Includes any exhibition of any adult-oriented motion pictures, videos, live performance, display or dance of any type, which has as a significant or substantial portion of such performance any actual or simulated performance of specified sexual activities or exhibition and viewing of specified anatomical areas, removal of articles of clothing or appearing unclothed, pantomime, modeling or any other personal services offered customers.

ADULT GROUP DAY-CARE FACILITY

A nonresidential facility in which custodial care is provided for not less than seven nor more than 12 adults, related or unrelated, who are in need of supervision and/or assistance with routine daily functions but who are not in need of regular medical attention, where the adults are receiving said care on a regular recurring basis during a part of the twelve-hour period between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for not less than three and not more than 12 hours. Such a facility shall comply with all state and local codes and/or ordinances regarding zoning, building, fire, health and housing.

ADULT MINI-MOTION-PICTURE THEATER

An enclosed building with a capacity of less than 50 persons regularly used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined below, for observation by patrons therein.

ADULT MOTION-PICTURE THEATER

An enclosed building with a capacity of 50 or more persons regularly used for presenting material distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas, as defined below, for observation by patrons therein.

ADULT-ORIENTED ESTABLISHMENT

Includes, without limitation, adult bookstores, adult motion-picture theaters, adult video galleries, adult mini-motion-picture theaters and further means any premises to which the public, patrons or members are invited or admitted and wherein an entertainer provides adult entertainment to a member of the public, a patron or a member, when such adult entertainment is held, conducted, operated or maintained for a profit, direct or indirect, or which premises are so physically arranged as to provide booths, cubicles, rooms, studios, compartments or stalls separate from the common areas of the premises for the purpose of viewing adult-oriented motion pictures. An adult-oriented establishment further includes, without limitation, any adult entertainment studio or any premises that are physically arranged and used as such, whether advertised or represented as an adult entertainment studio, rap studio, exotic dance studio, encounter studio, sensitivity studio, modeling studio or any other term of like import.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A development containing a residential component in which not fewer than 15% of the residential units are subject to covenants or restrictions which ensure that they will be sold or rented at, or below, rates which meet the requirements of Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies § 8-30g-8.

ALLEY

Private right-of-way dedicated for the use of pedestrians, vehicles or public utilities as a means of access to abutting property.

AMUSEMENT ARCADE

A building or room, the main use of which is the storage and operation of amusement devices.

AMUSEMENT DEVICE

Any mechanical, electric or electronic device used or designed to be operated for entertainment or as a game by the insertion of a piece of money, coin, token or other article or by paying money to have it activated. For purposes of this definition, each station of a device which provides multiple stations, each of which allows separate games to be played, shall be considered one amusement device. This definition does not include:

(1) A jukebox.
(2) Rides.
(3) Bowling alleys.
(4) A pool table.
(5) Any device maintained within a residence for the use of the occupants thereof and their guests.
(6) Any device, the possession or use of which is prohibited by law.

AMUSEMENT MACHINE

Includes any machine which, upon the payment of a charge or upon the insertion of a coin, slug, token, plate or disk, may be operated by the public for the use as a game, entertainment or amusement, whether or not registering a score and whether or not electronically operated, and shall include, but not be limited to, such devices as pinball machines, skillball, mechanical grab machines, electronic baseball, football, hockey or basketball machines, any and all air propelled machines or games, pool tables, shooting games, any and all video games and all other games, operations similar thereto under whatever name they may be indicated, including video monitoring machines. This definition shall not apply to those items generally described as jukeboxes or billiard tables or pool tables in billiard or pool parlors solely designated as such and permitted under this chapter.

ANCILLARY FACILITIES

Any equipment, cables, lines, cabinets, fences or other structures associated with the operation of an antenna and which are located on the same site as the antenna. Ancillary facilities shall not include supporting structures as defined elsewhere herein.

ANTENNA

A device, commonly in the form of a metal rod or plate, wire panel or dish, used to transmit or receive telecommunications signals. An antenna is typically mounted upon a supporting structure or upon a building, steeple, bell tower or other structure.

APARTMENT

A segregated portion of an apartment house, which apartment is provided with bathroom and toilet facilities and with kitchen facilities in a kitchen or kitchen alcove.

APARTMENT HOUSE

A building arranged, intended or designed to be occupied by three or more families living independently of each other and doing their cooking upon the premises or by three or more individuals or groups of individuals living independently but having a common heating system and a general dining room.

AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE, FREESTANDING

A freestanding automated teller machine (ATM) structure with a canopy or similar feature above the terminal for protection from the elements, which structure and use are accessory to commercial uses within the premises of an existing commercial development and is intended to provide walk-up banking services for patrons. This definition does not include an ATM that is accessory to a bank main use on the premises.

BASE FLOOD

The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also referred to as the one-hundred-year flood, as published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as part of a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and depicted on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM).

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)

The elevation of the crest of the base flood or one-hundred-year flood. The height in relation to mean sea level expected to be reached by the waters of the base flood at pertinent points in the floodplains of coastal and riverine areas.

BASEMENT

Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

BLANK WALL

A wall without fenestration.

BOARDINGHOUSE

A dwelling occupied by three or fewer persons who are lodged with or without meals, in which there are provided such services as are incidental to its use as a residence for the occupants and for which compensation is paid, either directly or indirectly.

BUILDING

Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattel.

BUILDING

See definition for "structure."

BUILDING COVERAGE

That percentage of total lot area covered by the combined area of all buildings on the lot. "Building coverage" is also known as "lot coverage."

BUILDING LINE

A line on a lot or parcel of land establishing the minimum setback for structures from a street line. Building line may or may not be coterminous with a street line. In the case of a rear lot, the building line shall be established parallel to the front lot line.

BUILDING PERMIT

A permit issued by the Building Inspector upon application, certifying that a proposed land use or structure, or any extension or structural alteration thereof, conforms with the requirements of this chapter and all other regulations or codes which are specified in the building permit.

BUILDING, ACCESSORY

A subordinate building, the use of which is customarily incidental to that of a main building on the same lot.

BUILDING, MAIN

A building in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on which said building is situated.

BUILDING-INTEGRATED SYSTEM

A type of solar energy system which is constructed as an integral part of a principal or accessory building, rather than a separate mechanical device. Building-integrated systems replace or substitute for an architectural or structural component of the building. Building-integrated systems include, but are not limited to, photovoltaic or hot-water solar systems contained within roofing materials, windows, skylights, and awnings.

BUILD-TO LINE

The front lot line.

CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENT

Shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act ("RERACA"), Public Act 21-1, and inclusive of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

CAR WASH FACILITY

A commercial establishment for the washing of vehicles, whether performed by automated or manual means.

CERTIFICATION

A signed, written approval by the Director of Community Development that a soil erosion and sediment control plan complies with the applicable requirements of these regulations.

CHILD DAY-CARE CENTER

A facility as defined pursuant to Subsection (a)(1) of C.G.S. § 19a-77, as amended, which offers or provides a program of supplementary care to more than 12 related or unrelated children outside of their own homes on a regular basis for a part of the 24 hours in one or more days in the week, which is licensed by the State of Connecticut pursuant C.G.S. § 19a-80, as may be amended, and which complies with all state and local zoning, building, fire and housing code requirements.

CLOSED LOOP GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM

A mechanism for using ground source heat pumps for heating and/or cooling a building which consists of a length of closed underground piping (which may be installed horizontally or vertically) containing heat transfer fluid; a heat exchange mechanism; and an air distribution system. This definition is expressly intended to exclude any form of open loop geothermal system.

CLUB

An organization catering exclusively to members and their guests, provided that the purpose of the club is not conducted primarily for gain and that there are not conducted any commercial activities, except as required generally for the membership and purposes of this club.

COLLOCATION

The placement of multiple antennas upon a single supporting structure by multiple telecommunications carriers.

COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE

A commercial motor vehicle shall include any vehicle registered for the transportation of merchandise or freight or of employees of the registrant, which is propelled or drawn by any power other than muscular, except such as run only on rails or tracks. Such registrations include but are not limited to commercial, combination, repair, transport, heavy-duty trailer or construction equipment, public service and/or commercial truck, tractor and/or semitrailer.

COMPLETE VISUAL SCREENING

A type of screening which affords a year-round effect and through which the screened object is obscured.

CONVALESCENT HOME

A home for the aged or any establishment, other than hospitals, where three or more persons suffering from or afflicted with or convalescing from any infirmity, disease or ailment are habitually kept, boarded or housed for remuneration.

COST

As related to substantial improvements, the cost of any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, alteration, repair or other improvement of a structure shall be established by a detailed written contractor's estimate. The estimate shall include, but not be limited to: the cost of materials (interior finishing elements, structural elements, utility and service equipment); sales tax on materials, building equipment and fixtures, including heating and air conditioning and utility meters; labor; built-in appliances; demolition and site preparation; repairs made to damaged parts of the building worked on at the same time; contractor's overhead; contractor's profit; and grand total. Items to be excluded include: cost of plans and specifications, survey costs, permit fees, outside improvements, such as septic systems, water supply wells, landscaping, sidewalks, fences, yard lights, irrigation systems, and detached structures, such as garages, sheds, and gazebos.

COTTAGE FOOD OPERATION

Any person who produces cottage food products only in the home kitchen of such person's private residential dwelling and only for sale directly to the consumer and who does not operate as a food service establishment pursuant to C.G.S. § 19a-36 or regulations adopted pursuant to C.G.S. § 21a-101, or a food retailer, distributor or manufacturer as defined in Subsection (b) of C.G.S. § 21a-92 and § 21a-151.

COUNCIL

The Town Council of the Town of West Hartford, Connecticut.

COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT

The Hartford County Soil and Water Conservation District established under Subsection (a) of C.G.S. § 22a-315.

COURT

A horizontal open space, other than a yard, on the same lot with a building, which is bounded on two or more sides by opposite walls of one or more buildings.

DEVELOPMENT

Any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials.

DEVELOPMENT

Any construction or grading activities to improved or unimproved real estate.

DISC JOCKEY

A person who plays different sources of pre-existing recorded music for a live audience or via broadcasting.

DISGUISED ANTENNA

An antenna and any associated supporting structure regulated by this section which has been modified in shape, size, configuration or visual appearance through the use of architectural, engineering or other techniques in an effort to minimize its visibility when installed in a specific location. The Town Planner shall have the authority to determine whether any specific antenna and supporting structure has been modified sufficiently to meet the requirements of this definition.

DISTURBED AREA

An area where the ground cover is destroyed or removed leaving the land subject to accelerated erosion.

DRIVEWAY

Any vehicular travelway serving not more than two contiguous lots.

DWELLING

A building designed and used exclusively as living quarters for one or more families. The terms "dwelling," "attached dwelling," "detached dwelling" and "dwelling unit" shall not be deemed to include hotel, motel, boarding- or rooming house, convalescent or nursing home, mobile home trailer, tourist home or tent. In the case of buildings having two or more portions divided by party walls forming a complete separation above the basement, each such portion shall be considered to be a separate dwelling.

DWELLING UNIT

A dwelling or portion thereof providing complete housekeeping facilities for one family only.

DWELLING, ATTACHED

A dwelling having any portion of a wall in common with another dwelling.

DWELLING, DETACHED

A dwelling with open spaces on all sides.

DWELLING, MULTIFAMILY

A dwelling containing more than one dwelling unit.

DWELLING, ONE-FAMILY

A dwelling containing one dwelling unit only.

EFFECT

The visual impression desired from screening and landscaping.

EMPLOYEE

Any and all persons, including independent contractors, who work in or at or render any services directly related to the operation of an adult-oriented establishment.

ENCLOSURE WALL

Wall, gate or door or any combination of these separating private property from public property or easement.

ENTERTAINER

Any person who provides entertainment within an adult-oriented establishment as defined in this section, whether or not a fee is charged or accepted for entertainment and whether or not entertainment is provided as an employee or independent contractor.

EROSION

The detachment and movement of soil or rock fragments by water, wind, ice or gravity.

EXPRESSION LINE

Horizontal line or lines, running the length of the facade represented by a materials change or continuous setback no more than 12 inches in depth or six inches in projection.

FALL ZONE

A circular area the center of which is located at the base of a supporting structure and the radius of which is equal to the lesser of 1.25 times the height of the supporting structure and any antenna mounted thereupon; or 1.25 times the height of the longest portion of supporting structure and any antenna mounted thereupon which is separated by a point in the supporting structure which has been designed to break or shear before the entire supporting structure fails due to stress.

FAMILY

Any number of individuals related by blood or legal adoption or by marriage, living and cooking together on the premises as a single housekeeping unit. Customary domestic servants or foster children are an adjunct to the term "family." However, when three or fewer individuals not so related do live and cook together on the premises as a single housekeeping unit, such individuals, exclusive of domestic servants, shall be considered a family. Four to six unrelated individuals functioning as a single housekeeping unit shall obtain a special use permit as set forth at Item 1A of § 177-6C.

FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME

A facility as defined pursuant to Subsection (a)(3) of C.G.S. § 19a-77, as may be amended, which consists of a private family home caring for not more than six children, including the provider's own children not in school full time, where the children are cared for not fewer than three nor more than 12 hours during a twenty-four-hour period and where care is given on a regularly recurring basis and which has been licensed by the State of Connecticut pursuant to C.G.S. § 19a-87b, as amended. Such a facility shall be maintained as the operator's main residence and shall comply with all state and local codes and/or ordinances regarding zoning, building, fire, health and housing.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

The federal agency that administers the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

FENESTRATION

Windows, doors, openings, openwork gates.

FLIGHT OPERATION

A combination of one landing and one takeoff by which a helicopter arrives at and departs from a heliport.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)

The official map of a community on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has delineated both the special flood hazard areas one-hundred-year floodplain) and the insurance risk premium zones applicable to a community.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)

The official study of a community in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has conducted a technical engineering evaluation and determination of local flood hazards, flood profiles and water surface elevations. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which accompany the FIS, provide both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations, and may provide the regulatory floodway limits.

FLOOD or FLOODING

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from either the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

FLOODPROOFING

Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes or adjustments to structures which reduce or eliminate flood damage to real estate or improved real property, water and sanitary facilities, structures and their contents.

FLOODWAY

The channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than 1.0 foot. For the purposes of these regulations, the term "regulatory floodway" is synonymous in meaning with the term "floodway."

FLOOR AREA RATIO

The ratio of the total gross area of all buildings on one lot to the total area of the lot. (The floor area ratio of a building of 4,000 square feet on a lot of 10,000 square feet will be expressed as "FAR equals 0.4.") Structured parking facilities located below the level from which the height of the building is measured shall be excluded from Floor Area Ratio calculations.

FLOWERING TREES

Trees such as dogwood, redbud or crabapple.

FOOD TRUCK

A motor vehicle that is designed to be readily movable and from which food is prepared, sold or served. The term includes, but is not limited to, a commercially manufactured vehicle. "Commercially manufactured vehicle" means a vehicle that was originally manufactured for use as a mobile food preparation vehicle.

FOOD TRUCK PARK, MAIN USE

A permanently established area designed to accommodate up to five food trucks and offering food and/or beverages for sale to the public as the main use of the property and functioning as a single business. If beer and/or wine is served at any food truck park, it shall be as an adjunct to the primary function of serving food and shall only occur while food trucks are present and serving food on site. The service of beer and wine shall operate under the applicable liquor permit as provided in C.G.S. Chapter 545, as that chapter may be amended, and comply with all Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto.

FRONTAGE

A one-dimensional line, measured at the front lot line.

FUEL CELL

A device in which a non-combustion reaction between a continuous fuel stream and a continuous oxidant stream is converted directly and continuously into electrical energy while producing minimal emissions and negligible pollutants.

FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE OR FACILITY

A use or facility that cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing facilities.

GOLF COURSE RESTAURANT

A restaurant, defined pursuant to this section of the Code, which is located on the same parcel of land as a golf course.

GRADE, FINISHED

The completed surfaces of lawns, walks and roads brought to grades as shown on official plans or designs relating thereto. Where changes to the grade of a site are proposed, "finished grade" shall reflect only those changes from preexisting grades which are reasonably necessary for the construction of the subject building or structure, and does not include filling or excavation for the purpose of altering the calculation of building height, achieving scenic views or vistas, or other purposes not reasonably necessary to construction.

GRADING

Any excavating, grubbing, filling (including hydraulic fill) or stockpiling of earth materials or any combination thereof, including the land in its excavated or filled condition.

GROSS FLOOR AREA

The sum of the horizontal area of all floors of a building, measured by exterior dimensions.

GROUND COVER

A medium used in a confined area to check or prohibit the growth of undesirable plant materials. Ground cover may consist of plants, such as pachysandra and myrtle, or of materials, such as white gravel, brick or stone pavings.

GROUND COVER

A medium used in a confined area to check or prohibit the growth of undesirable plant materials. Ground cover may consist of plants such as pachysandra and myrtle or of materials, such as white gravel, brick or stone paving, in combination with live planting materials.

GROUND-MOUNTED SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

A freestanding solar energy system which is directly attached to the ground rather than being installed on another structure such as the roof of a home, shed or garage. Pole-mounted solar energy systems are a subcategory of ground-mounted solar energy systems in which the solar panel array is mounted atop a monopole structure, typically in connection with mechanical equipment designed to allow the solar panel array to track the movements of the sun.

GROUP DAY-CARE HOME

A facility, as defined pursuant to Subsection (a)(2) of C.G.S. § 19a-77, as amended, which offers or provides a program of supplementary care to not fewer than seven nor more than 12 related or unrelated children on a regular basis for a part of the 24 hours in one or more days in the week, which is licensed by the State of Connecticut pursuant to C.G.S. § 19a-80, as may be amended, and which complies with all state and local zoning, building, fire and housing code requirements.

GROUP-CARE FACILITY

A supervised residence facility which houses not fewer than six persons who are handicapped, aged or disabled or in need of rehabilitation but are not acutely ill and are provided services to meet their needs. It does not include an institution as defined in C.G.S. § 19a-490 and required to be licensed pursuant to the provisions of C.G.S. § 19a-490 et seq.

HABITABLE SPACE

Building space, the use of which involves human presence within view of the public pedestrian space.

HANDICAPPED RAMP

An inclined structure installed for the primary purpose of allowing ingress to and egress from a building by a disabled person and constructed in accordance with applicable ANSI standards for handicapped ramps.

HEDGE

A hedge shall provide complete visual screening and consist of evergreens at least four feet in height at the time of planting, and it shall be maintained at a height of at least six feet.

HEIGHT OF BUILDING

The vertical distance to the level of the highest point of a flat roof or, if the roof is of any other shape, to the mean level between the eaves and the highest point of the roof, measured from the average level of the finished grade along the exterior walls of the building.

HELIPORT

A site at ground level for the landing and takeoff of manned helicopters (but excluding other forms of aircraft capable of vertical takeoffs or landings) which:

(1) Has been approved by the Connecticut Airport Authority as a heliport; and

(2) Meets the definition of a "prior permission required (PPR) heliport" as set forth in U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular No. 150/5390-2C, dated April 24, 2012, as amended or replaced from time to time. These facilities are commonly known as "restricted heliports" or "restricted landing areas."

HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE (HAG)

The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed walls of a structure.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION DEVELOPMENT

A development of a lot containing a building listed or eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places or the State Register of Historic Places either as an individual building or as a contributing building and which ensures the protection, restoration, stabilization and adaptive use of buildings, structures, objects, districts, areas and sites on the lot which are significant in the history, architecture, archaeology or culture of this state, its municipalities or the nation.

HISTORIC STRUCTURE

Any structure that is:

(1) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained by the Department of the Interior) or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as meeting the requirements for individual listing on the National Register;

(2) Certified or preliminarily determined by the Secretary of the Interior as contributing to the historic significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;

(3) Individually listed on a state inventory of historic places in states with historic preservation programs which have been approved by the Secretary of the Interior; or (4) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:

(a) By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior; or
(b) Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

HOME FOR THE AGED

An establishment, other than a hospital, which furnishes, for remuneration, food, shelter, laundry and other nonmedical services to three or more persons over the age of 60 years.

HOME OCCUPATION

An accessory use conducted within a dwelling unit by the person who occupies the dwelling unit as his or her principal residence, which use is clearly secondary to the use of the dwelling unit for living purposes. As used herein, the term "dwelling unit" shall be defined as the same building and unit of occupancy in which the person conducting the business resides. A home occupation may not be conducted in an accessory building or a unit of occupancy in a multifamily dwelling other than the unit in which the person conducting the home occupation resides. Home occupations shall comply with either the performance standards established in § 177-49C(1), as amended, or § 177-49C(4), as amended.

HOSPITAL

Any establishment for the diagnosis, treatment or other care of human ailments.

HOTEL

A building containing rooms intended or designed to be used or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which are occupied for sleeping purposes by guests and where general kitchen and dining facilities are provided within the building or in an accessory building. The term "hotel" shall be deemed to include the term "motel."

INDOOR RECREATION OR AMUSEMENT FACILITY, EXCLUDING NIGHTCLUBS, DANCE HALLS OR DANCE CLUBS

A space in a suitable and permanent building kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to and known by the public as primarily a place to pursue leisure activities or games of skill or scoring, including but not limited to, pinball, video games, pool or billiards, bowling, roller skating, miniature golf, go-kart racing, roller skating, trampoline or bounce parks, puzzle or adventure rooms, waterparks, or karaoke, but excluding the use of a disc jockey. If alcoholic drink is served in any indoor recreation or amusement facility, the facility must be at least 5,000 square feet in area and hot food shall also be offered for service. The service of alcoholic drink and hot food shall be adjunct to the primary function of recreation or amusement. The service of alcoholic drink shall operate under the applicable liquor permit, with the exception of cafe permits which shall not be permitted unless authorized under § 177-36F, as provided in C.G.S. Title 30, as amended, and Chapter 45: Alcoholic Beverages of the Code of the Town of West Hartford, and comply with all Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto. (1) Indoor recreation or amusement facilities shall be open during regularly posted hours which are clearly marked and shall have no age restrictions, provided that any indoor recreation or amusement facility 15,000 square feet or larger in the CBDH District that has an entertainment license may impose a minimum age of entry.

INFILL DEVELOPMENT

The expansion of an existing structure or the construction of a new structure provided that the newly constructed portion thereof must be directly adjacent to and accessible from a public right-of-way, must be located within 10 feet from the building line and in which the ground floor consists primarily of retail or other commercial space. Infill development does not include any portion of a plan in which an existing building meeting the requirements of this definition is demolished and replaced with a new structure.

INSPECTION

The periodic review of sediment and erosion control measures shown on the certified plan.

INSPECTOR

An employee of the Town of West Hartford authorized and designated by the Director of Health or the Zoning Enforcement Officer, or an employee of the West Hartford Building Division or a member of the West Hartford Police Department or the Fire Marshal of the Town of West Hartford, or an agent of any or all of such persons who is designated to inspect premises regulated under this article, and to take the required actions authorized by this article or any other ordinances, state or federal laws in case of violations being found on such premises, and to require corrections of unsatisfactory conditions found on said premises.

INTERMEDIATE-CARE FACILITY

A facility which provides, on a regular basis, health-related care and services to individuals who do not require the degree of care and treatment which a hospital or skilled nursing facility is designed to provide but who, because of mental or physical conditions, require care and services which can be made available to them only through institutional facilities.

JUNKYARD

Includes motor vehicle junk business and motor vehicle junkyard, as defined in the General Statutes of the State of Connecticut; any place of storage or deposit, whether in conjunction with a business or not, for two or more unregistered, inoperable, used motor vehicles; and any place of storage or deposit of used parts of motor vehicles and old metals, iron, glass, paper, cordage and other waste materials which, on any lot, have an aggregate bulk equal to one automobile.

KENNEL

The keeping of four or more dogs over the age of six months, for each dwelling unit.

LANDSCAPING OR LANDSCAPED

That an area shall be at least covered with grass or ground cover. Any additional planting is either specifically required by this chapter or left to the discretion of the property owner.

LARGE TREES

Deciduous shade trees, such as sugar maple, red oak or London plane, and conifers, such as white pine, Austrian pine or Canadian hemlock. Three-fourths of the required large trees shall be at least 21/2 to three inches in caliper at the time of planting, and 1/4 shall be at least four to 41/2 inches in caliper at the time of planting.

LINEAR FRONT FOOT

That linear portion of the exterior wall of a unit of occupancy which directly faces the public street to which the unit of occupancy is addressed.

LINEAR REAR FOOT

That linear portion of the exterior wall of a unit of occupancy which lies generally opposite the front exterior wall and does not directly face the public street to which the unit of occupancy is addressed.

LOT

A parcel of land, not divided by streets, devoted or to be devoted to a particular use or occupied or to be occupied by a building and its accessory buildings together, and having adequate access so that a permit for a building or land use could be issued in accordance with this chapter. A lot may or may not be the land shown as a single lot on a duly recorded map.

LOT AREA

The total horizontal area within the lot lines, except that no portion of the lot which is less than 25 feet wide shall be counted as lot area, and, in the case of a rear lot, the private right-of-way leading to the lot shall not be counted as lot area.

LOT DEPTH

The mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines, measured in the general direction of the side lot lines. In determining the required depth of a lot, any portion of said lot which is in excess of the minimum lot area need not be included.

LOT LINE

The property lines bounding a lot as defined herein. In the case of a rear lot, the lot lines shall not include, for any purpose, the lines bounding the right-of-way or the fee title area which is used to provide access to the lot from the street.

LOT LINE REVISION

An adjustment or reallocation of property between two or more lots or parcels of land which does not create a new lot or parcel of land and which is not subject to Chapter A184, Subdivision Regulations, of the Code of the Town of West Hartford.

LOT LINE, FRONT

In the case of a lot abutting upon only one street, the line separating the lot from the street. In the case of a rear lot, the front lot line shall be designated as the longest lot line abutting the private driveway which provides access to the lot, and in no case shall this line be less than 40 feet in length. In the case of any other lot, the owner shall, for the purpose of this chapter, have the privilege of electing any street lot line as the front lot line.

LOT LINE, REAR

The lot line which is generally opposite the front lot line; if the rear lot line is less than 10 feet in length or if the lot comes to a point at the rear, the rear lot line shall be deemed to be a line parallel to the front line, not less than 10 feet long, lying wholly within the lot and farthest from the front line.

LOT LINE, SIDE

Any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line, as defined herein.

LOT SPLIT

A division of an existing lot, whether developed or not, into two lots, unless such division is subject to Chapter A184: Subdivision Regulations, of the Code of the Town of West Hartford or requires a special use permit.

LOT WIDTH

The horizontal distance, measured at right angles and in the center of the depth of the lot. "Average lot width" is the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines, measured at right angles to the depth of the lot. In determining the required width of the lot, any portion of the lot which is in excess of the minimum lot area need not be included. The required lot width shall not include any area of the driveway which is used to provide access to a rear lot from the street.

LOT, REAR

A lot on which the buildable area is located generally to the rear of other lots having access to the same street or streets as said lot and having access to the street via a private driveway of at least 12 feet in width if serving one lot or 18 feet in width if serving two lots. Such driveway may be laid upon property owned in fee simple by the owner of the rear lot or upon an easement or right-of-way provided for access and utility purposes, which property, easement or right-of-way shall be at least 18 feet where a twelve-foot driveway is required and 24 feet where an eighteen-foot driveway is required. The standards for minimum lot area per dwelling unit shall be 1 1/2 times that established for other lots in the same zone, and the standards for side yards shall be two times that established for other lots in the same zone. In addition to the findings required by § 177-42: Application approval procedure of this chapter, the Town Plan and Zoning Commission shall, when reviewing an application for a special use permit for a rear lot, find that there is adequate drainage for the access driveway, as certified by the Director of the Department of Community Services.

LOWEST FLOOR

The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure usable solely for the parking of vehicles, building access or storage in an area other than a basement area is not considered a building's lowest floor.

MAIN BUILDING

See "building, main."

MAIN USE

See "use, main."Editor's Note: The definitions of "medical marijuana dispensary facility" and "medical marijuana production facility," which were both added 6-24-2014 and immediately followed this definition, were repealed 5-24-2022.

MANUFACTURED HOME

A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities.

MARKET VALUE

The market value of the structure shall be determined by using a computer assisted mass appraisal incorporating the three approaches to value prior to the start of the initial repair or improvement, or in the case of damage, the value of the structure prior to the damage occurring.

MEAN SEA LEVEL (MSL)

The North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 or other datum, to which base flood elevations shown on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) are referenced. The NAVD is approximately equal to the National Geodetic Datum of 1929 minus 0.8 feet. The NAVD is also approximately equal to the Hartford Metropolitan District Commission Datum minus 2.9 feet.

MINOR

Refers to a person under the age of 18 years.

MONUMENT OR STATUE

A permanent monument or statue commemorating a notable person, group or event deemed by the Council to be of significance to the community, excluding, however, any burial or sarcophagus.

MOTOR VEHICLE

Any vehicle which is propelled or drawn by any power other than muscular, suitable for the conveyance, drawing or other transportation of persons or property, whether operated on wheels, runners, cushion of air between it and the surface or by any other means, except those used exclusively upon tracks.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after October 28, 1969, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

NIGHTCLUBS, DANCE HALLS, or DANCE CLUBS

An establishment serving food and alcoholic drink where people regularly congregate primarily for participating in entertainment in the form of dancing or live or recorded music in one or more temporary or permanent areas set aside for the purpose of dancing by the patrons of the establishment. Such establishments may include, but are not limited to, discotheques, dance halls, or dance clubs.

NONCONFORMING USE

A use of land or a structure which does not conform to the regulations of the use district in which it is located and which was a lawful use at the time this chapter or any amendment thereto became effective.

NURSING HOME

See "convalescent home."

OPERATOR

Any person, partnership, corporation or other legal entity operating, conducting or maintaining an adult-oriented establishment.

OPPOSITE WALL

For the purpose of defining the term "court," walls shall be deemed "opposite" wherever the projection of one wall falls on another wall.

OUTDOOR WOOD-BURNING FURNACE

An accessory structure or appliance designed to be located outside living space ordinarily used for human habitation and designed to transfer or provide heat, via liquid or other means, through the burning of wood or solid waste, for heating spaces other than where such structure or appliance is located, any other structure or appliance on the premises, or for heating domestic, swimming pool, hot tub or jacuzzi water. "Outdoor wood-burning furnace" does not include a fire pit, wood-fired barbecue or chiminea.

OWNER OF RECORD

Wherever used in conjunction with a public hearing or public notice, the owner whose name is recorded in the street books of the Department of Assessment at the time when the mailing lists for said hearings and notices are prepared.

PARTIAL VISUAL SCREENING

A type of screening through which the screened object is partially visible.

PICKUP TRUCK

A four-wheeled motor vehicle with a chassis length comparable to a passenger motor vehicle, which has an open body with low sides. When the body of the pickup truck is enclosed by a removable cap, the height of which does not exceed the height of the cab, it is within this definition. (See illustrations below.)

PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT

The plan of development referred to in Chapter XIII, Sections 4 and 5, of the Town Charter, as adopted and amended.

PLANT SALE

The sale, by charitable and philanthropic organizations, of small plants, potted in a soil medium. "Plant sale" does not include the sale of Christmas trees, greens and decorations; and the sale of trees, shrubs and plants in containers over six inches in diameter; and the sale of sod.

PORCH

An open, unenclosed extension from a structure, usually serving as part of the entrance; may be large enough for relaxation on outdoor furniture and most often has its own roof rather than a part of the main structure roof.

PORTICO

An open colonnade space at the front of the building forming an entrance, with the roof supported on at least one side by columns.

PROPRIETOR

The owner of the supporting structure upon which one or more antennas are mounted, regardless of who may be the owner of the antenna or the underlying property.

PUBLIC ART

Any visual work of art such as but not limited to a fountain, sculpture, painting, or mural that is designed to be visible and accessible to persons in public places for the enjoyment of the general public. Public art does not include monuments or statues, as defined in this section, decorative features located on the facades of buildings or other structures, or works of art which incorporate any characteristics of advertising for commercial purposes.

PUBLIC SPACE

An area of a lot which is permanently dedicated and reserved for use by the general public for reasonable use, movement or relaxation, such as, but not limited to, commons, greens, squares, pocket parks or plazas that are located street-side or in areas of increased setbacks along the front of buildings. The area must be located at ground level and include appropriate amenities such as, but not limited to, paving, seating, landscaping, ornamental fountains, art, and lighting. Any area to be considered as public space shall have frontage of at least 15 feet along a public street or sidewalk, be at least 20 feet deep (as measured perpendicular to its frontage) and contain not less than 1,000 square feet in area. Any area which is otherwise required to remain open in order to meet setback or other requirements of this chapter shall not qualify as public space. All areas of public space shall be maintained by the owner(s) or occupant(s) of the lot upon which they are located. No area designated as public space shall display signage which states or implies that use of the area is limited to a particular group or class of persons.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

A vehicle which is:

(1) Built on a single chassis;

(2) Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection;

(3) Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light-duty truck; and

(4) Designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

RESTAURANTS WITH OR WITHOUT ALCOHOLIC DRINK AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS SERVING FOOD AND NONALCOHOLIC DRINK

"Restaurant" means a space in a suitable and permanent building kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to and known by the public as primarily a food-service establishment where hot meals are regularly served. If alcoholic drink is served in any restaurant, it shall be as an adjunct to the primary function of serving food and operate under a restaurant liquor permit as provided in C.G.S. § 30-22, as amended, and comply with all Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto. The sale of alcohol or spirits by the bottle to a patron or patrons shall be prohibited. Sales of wine or beer by the bottle to a patron or patrons shall be permitted pursuant to Town Ordinance or Chapter 545 of the Connecticut General Statutes. "Restaurant" also includes other establishments serving food and nonalcoholic drink in an enclosed structure, providing seats for its customers whether at a counter or at separate tables. Restaurants shall be open during regularly posted hours which are clearly marked and shall have no regular and recurring unusual barriers to entry such as cover charges or age restrictions. Except as provided in § 177-6C, Item 11 and Item 17, as amended by ordinance of June 25, 1991, outdoor service, drive-up, window-counter service and curb service is prohibited. Any type of service of food and drink intended for consumption on the premises outside of the enclosed structure is prohibited.

RETAIL FIREARM STORE

A space in a suitable building, with necessary licenses or permits pursuant to any requirements of state or federal law, used, maintained, advertised and/or held out to the public to be a place from which firearms, including but not limited to machine guns, rifles, shotguns, pistols, revolvers or other similar devices which are permitted to be sold at retail by state and federal law and which are capable of discharging by any force bullets, cartridges, balls or other projectiles or explosive devices, are sold.

SCREENING FENCE or SCREENING WALL

Devices for complete visual screening. They shall be at least six feet in height and 3/4 solid.

SEDIMENT

Solid material, either mineral or organic, that is in suspension, is transported or has been moved from its site of origin by erosion.

SEXUAL ACTIVITIES

Is not intended to include any medical publications or films or bona fide educational publication or films, nor does it include any art or photography publications which devote 25% of the lineage of each issue to articles and advertisements dealing with subjects of art or photography; nor does this definition apply to any news periodical which reports or describes current events and which, from time to time, publishes photographs of nude or seminude persons in connection with the dissemination of the news; nor does this definition apply to publications or films which describe and report different cultures and which, from time to time, publish or show photographs or depictions of nude or seminude persons when describing cultures in which nudity or semi-nudity is indigenous to the population.

SIGN

Any device for visual communication which is used for the purpose of bringing the subject thereof to the attention of the public, including the devices displayed within three feet behind windows and visible from outside of the building. Merchandise or facsimile merchandise shall not be considered a sign.

SIGN PERMIT

Same as a zoning permit.

SIGN, GROUND

Any sign affixed to the ground by its own support and/or foundation.

SIGN, MOVABLE

Any sign used or intended to be used in different locations.

SOIL

Any unconsolidated mineral or organic material of any origin.

SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN

A scheme that minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from development and includes but is not limited to a map and narrative.

SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM

A device or combination of devices or elements which rely upon direct sunlight as an energy source to produce heat and/or electricity. Off-grid photo-voltaic solar panels which serve only a single electrical fixture or appliance, such as low-voltage landscape lighting or similar, are exempt from the provisions of this section.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA)

The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one-percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. For purposes of this section, the term "special flood hazard area" is synonymous in meaning with the phrase "area of special flood hazard."

SPECIFIED ANATOMICAL AREAS

Less than completely and opaquely covered: human genitals; pubic regions; buttocks; female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areola; and human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely opaquely covered.

SPECIFIED SEXUAL ACTIVITIES

Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse or sodomy; fondling or erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock or female breasts.

START OF CONSTRUCTION

For other than new construction or substantial improvements under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (P.L. 97-348), includes substantial improvement and means the date the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair, reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, substantial improvement or other improvement was within 180 days of the permit date. The "actual start" means either the first placement of permanent construction of a structure on a site, such as the pouring of slab or footings, the installation of piles, the construction of columns, or any work beyond the stage of excavation, or the placement of a manufactured home on a foundation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erections of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not part of the main structure. For a substantial improvement, the "actual start of construction" means the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor, or other structural part of a building, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the building.

STORY

That portion of a building which is between the surface of a floor and the surface of the next floor above or, in its absence, the next ceiling above. A basement shall be counted as a story if the ceiling is more than five feet above the level from which the height of the building is measured. In a structure with attic space located beneath a pitched roof and serviced by a stairway, the attic space shall be considered to be a full story if the area of a plane established at a height of seven feet above the attic floor (or joists where the floor is unfinished) equals or exceeds more than 1/3 of the finished floor area of the story immediately below the attic. Attic spaces which do not meet the definition of a full story shall be deemed to be a half-story.

STREET

Any vehicular travelway, exclusive of driveways. An approved street is any street whose location has been approved by official action of the Plan and Zoning Commission. An accepted street is any street which has become public by virtue of official acceptance by the Town Council.

STREET LINE

A line separating a parcel of land from a street.

STREETSCAPE

The area within a street right-of-way that contains sidewalks, street furniture, landscaping or trees.

STRUCTURE

Anything constructed or erected, including a building, the use of which requires location on or under the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground.

STRUCTURE

A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above ground, as well as a manufactured home. A structure includes any attached additions, garages, decks, sunrooms, or any other structure attached to the main structure.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE

Damage of any origin sustained by a structure, whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its predamaged condition would equal or exceed 50% of the market value of the structure before the damage occurred.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT

Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either:

(1) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe living conditions; or

(2) Any alteration of an historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an historic structure.

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT

Any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions or any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a State Inventory of Historic Places.

SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

Any tower, pole, mast or similar structure which is used to support a telecommunications antenna and which, when measured in conjunction with the telecommunications antenna which it supports, is more than 15 feet in height or extends the height of any existing building or other structure by more than 15 feet. Any antenna shall be deemed to be attached directly to the building or other structure when its height, in conjunction with the tower, pole or mast supporting it, is 15 feet or less. The term "supporting structure" shall not be construed to include any building, cupola, bell tower, steeple, water tank, water tower or lattice-type utility transmission line support tower which serves the secondary purpose of supporting telecommunications antennas.

TAG SALE (COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "GARAGE SALE" OR "YARD SALE")

The sale of used household or personal items, by the resident of the dwelling unit. "Tag sale" does not include the sale of items purchased or obtained for the purpose of resale.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

The transmission between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT

The federal Telecommunications Act of 1996, Public Law 104-104, as codified, and as may be amended from time to time.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER

Any provider of telecommunications services, except that such term does not include aggregators of telecommunications services.

THEATER

A space in a suitable and permanent building kept, used, maintained, advertised and held out to and known by the public as primarily a place for the viewing of motion pictures or performing arts, including but not limited to dramatic, operatic, musical, dance, comedic or other live performances. If alcoholic drink is served in any theater, hot food shall also be offered for service. The service of alcoholic drink and food shall be adjunct to the primary function of viewing motion pictures or performing arts. The service of alcoholic drink shall operate under the applicable liquor permit as provided in C.G.S. Chapter 545, § 30, as amended, and comply with all Liquor Control Commission regulations appertaining thereto.

TOWN DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Same as "plan of development."

TRANSIT TERMINAL

A building designed predominantly as a point of collection for ticketing, information and access to an interlocal mass transit system, including but not limited to, bus, train or light rail terminals. The term "transit terminal" shall not be construed to include a bus stop or similar curbside point of access to a mass transit system.

TREES, FLOWERING

Trees, such as dogwood, redbud or crabapple.

TREES, LARGE

Deciduous shade trees, such as sugar maple, red oak or London plane, and conifers, such as white pine, Austrian pine or Canadian hemlock. Three-fourths of the required large trees shall be at least 2 1/2 to three inches in caliper at the time of planting and 1/4 shall be at least four to 4 1/2 inches in caliper at the time of planting.

UNIT OF OCCUPANCY

Any structure or part thereof that is intended to be or is used to house one family, business, industry or corporate entity for the purpose of carrying out the business appurtenant thereto.

USE, ACCESSORY

A use customarily incidental and subordinate to a main use and located on the same lot with such main use.

USE, MAIN

The specific purpose for which land, water or a structure is designed, arranged or intended or for which it is or may be occupied or maintained.

VAN

A box-shaped four-wheeled motor vehicle designed to carry up to 15 passengers or to carry light merchandise or freight. A motor vehicle designed to permit an average-sized adult to stand upright inside it is not a van. Thus, motor vehicles, such as those commonly called "walk-in vans" or "step-up vans," are not included within this definition. (See illustrations below.)

Step-Up or Walk-In Vans

VEHICLE-INTENSIVE BUSINESS

A business, the primary purpose of which is to provide services to the public involving vehicles or mechanical equipment off the business premises, such as transport, hauling, common freight carriers or construction, but which involves the parking of said vehicles on the business premises during nonbusiness hours. Examples of such businesses include but are not limited to bus or other private commercial business vehicle fleet yards, such as taxicab companies, parcel delivery services or freight hauling companies, construction companies, refuse haulers and furniture moving companies. "Vehicle-intensive business" shall not include agencies limited to the rental of passenger automobiles or passenger vans but shall include enterprises solely in the business of renting or leasing commercial vehicles, such as trucks or trailers and/or other mechanical equipment.

VERANDA

An open, unenclosed porch or portico along the front and side of a building; usually covered by a roof for protection from weather.

VERANDA LINE

A line on a lot or parcel of land establishing the minimum setback for porches or verandas from the street line.

VIOLATION

Failure of a structure or other development to be fully compliant with the community's floodplain management ordinance. A structure or other development without required permits, lowest floor elevation documentation, floodproofing certificates or required floodway encroachment calculations is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.

VISUAL SCREENING, COMPLETE

A type of screening which affords a year-round effect and through which the screened object is obscured.

VISUAL SCREENING, PARTIAL

A type of screening through which the screened object is partially visible.

WAITING POSITION

A space in a line of approach nine feet wide by 20 feet long.

WATER SURFACE ELEVATION

The height, in relation to the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 (or other datum, where specified), of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the floodplains of coastal or riverine areas. The NAVD is approximately equal to the National Geodetic Datum of 1929 minus 0.8 feet. The NAVD is also approximately equal to the Hartford Metropolitan District Commission Datum minus 2.9 feet.

WIND GENERATOR

A system of blades, slats or vanes and associated mechanical and electrical conversion components whose purpose is to convert kinetic energy of the wind into rotational energy used to generate electricity, whether mounted on a tower, post or any other structure.

YARD

An open space on the same lot with a structure, which lies between said structure and the nearest lot line and which is unoccupied except as may be specifically authorized in this chapter. In measuring a yard, as hereafter provided, the "line of structure" shall be deemed to mean a line parallel to the nearest lot line, drawn from a point of a structure nearest to such lot line. Such measurement shall be taken at a right angle from the line of the structure, as defined herein, to the nearest lot line.

YARD, FRONT

A yard extending across the full width and/or length of the lot and lying between the front lot line and the nearest line of a structure.

YARD, REAR

A yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the rear lot line and the nearest line of the building.

YARD, SIDE

A yard between the side line of a lot and the nearest line of the building and extending from the front yard to the rear yard or, in the absence of either such yards, to the front or rear lot line as the case may be.

ZONING PERMIT

A permit issued upon application, certifying that a proposed land use, or any extension or alteration thereof, conforms to the requirements of this chapter.

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MapLink™ | Definitions

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Town of West Hartford, CT

MapLink™ | Definitions