Town of Canton - Definitions

ACCESSORY

See "principal- and accessory-related terms."

ACCESSORY BUILDING

A building or structure subordinate and clearly incidental to the principal building or structure on the same parcel.

ACCESSORY DWELLING

A separate dwelling unit that:

(1) Is located on the same lot as a principal dwelling unit of greater square footage;
(2) Has cooking facilities; and
(3) Complies with or is otherwise exempt from any applicable building code, fire code and health and safety regulations.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT

A secondary dwelling unit, accessory to the principal dwelling unit on the same parcel. See "housing."

ACCESSORY USE

A use customarily incidental and clearly subordinate to a principal use on the same parcel.

ACRE

An area containing 43,560 square feet.

ACT

The Telecommunications Act of 1996, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 151, et seq.

ADULT BOOKSTORE

An establishment in which more than 10% of the inventory, whether for sale or rental, is adult material as defined in these regulations.

ADULT CABARET

An establishment that features live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specific anatomical areas or the depiction or description of specified sexual activities, specified anatomical areas, or obscene activity.

ADULT MATERIAL

(a) Books, magazines, periodicals, films and any other form of media that visually depict specified sexual activities and/or specified anatomical areas; and

(b) Live entertainment featuring exposure of specified anatomical areas.

ADULT MINI-MOTION-PICTURE-THEATER

An enclosed building or part thereof with a capacity of fewer than 50 persons, used for presentation of films, slide shows or other visual projections, 80% or more of which constitute adult material, or any of which depict obscene activities.

ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER

An enclosed building or part thereof with a capacity of 50 or more persons, used for presentation of films, slide shows or other visual projections, 80% or more of which constitute adult material, or any of which depict obscene activities.

ADULT-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

ADULT BOOKSTORE
ADULT CABARET
ADULT MATERIAL
ADULT MINI-MOTION-PICTURE-THEATER
ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER
LINGERIE MODELING STUDIO
OBSCENE ACTIVITY
SEXUALLY ORIENTED RETAIL STORE

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

See "housing-related terms - affordable."

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

As defined in C.G.S. § 8-39a, housing for which persons and families pay 30% or less of their annual income, where such income is less than or equal to the area median family income for the Hartford Primary Metropolitan Statistical Area (PMSA), as determined by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING APPLICATION

Any application made to the Commission in connection with an affordable housing development by a person who proposes to develop such affordable housing.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

A proposed housing development, as defined by C.G.S. § 8-30g, as may be amended, that provides housing which is a) assisted housing, or b) a set-aside development.

A-FRAME SIGN

An upright, rigid supporting frame in the form of a triangle or an inverted V.

AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES

Buildings or structures used in connection with agriculture, including greenhouses, shelter for livestock and storage for farm machinery, equipment and supplies.

AGRICULTURAL SIGN

A temporary or permanent sign identifying or promoting agricultural products produced and/or sold on the premises.

AGRICULTURE

The growing of crops; raising of livestock; and, the storing processing and sale of agricultural and horticultural products and commodities, including those defined in C.G.S. § 1-1q as incidental to agricultural operations.

AGRICULTURE-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

AGRICULTURE
AGRICULTURAL BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
FARM
LIMITED FARM
LIVESTOCK
FARM STAND, LIMITED
FARM STAND, GENERAL
FARMERS MARKET

ALLEY

See "common access easement."

ANTENNA

A device which is used for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic waves, telecommunications, or radio signals, including monopoles to which such devices are attached. Examples include, but are not limited to, whip, panel, and dish antennas.

AQUIFER

A geologic unit capable of yielding significant amounts of water.

ARBOR

A shelter formed or covered with vines.

ARCADE

See "covered sidewalk."

ARCADE SIGN

A sign suspended above and perpendicular to a covered sidewalk in a multitenant building, identifying an establishment to pedestrians on the sidewalk.

AS OF RIGHT

Able to be approved in accordance with the terms of a zoning regulation or regulations and without requiring that a public hearing be held, a variance, special permit or special exception be granted or some other discretionary zoning action be taken, other than a determination that a site plan is in conformance with applicable zoning regulations.

ASSISTED HOUSING

Housing which is receiving, or will receive, financial assistance under any governmental program for the construction or substantial rehabilitation of low- and moderate-income housing, and any housing occupied by persons receiving rental assistance under C.G.S. Chapter 138a or Section 1437f of Title 42 of The United States Code.

ASSISTED LIVING

A facility that provides living units together with areas for communal dining, kitchen, meeting room, laundry and similar support areas for persons desiring assistance with basic "daily living" functions (e.g., dressing, dining, bathing).

ATTIC

The part of a building that is immediately below and wholly or partly within the roof framing and is not a story or a half-story. See "story-related terms."

AUTOMOBILE

A usually four-wheeled automotive vehicle typically with passenger registration or any vehicle with motorcycle registration. For the purpose of these regulations the term "automobile" shall not be construed to include commercial vehicles, construction equipment or equipment designed to carry freight and goods.

AWNING

Fixed or movable roof-like coverings, usually of canvas or metal, attached to the building wall providing a cantilevered, projected, or suspended cover over the sidewalk portion of the street-space to provide protection from sun and rain.

AWNING SIGN

Fixed or movable devices attached to the building wall, constructed of fabric or metal and which are located above the storefront and designed to shade the sidewalk and storefront, and may include sign graphics or text printed on the exposed surfaces.

BALCONIES

A platform projecting from the side of a building and enclosed by a railing.

BALCONY

An exterior platform attached to and projecting from the upper floors of the building facade (forward of the BTL) and enclosed by a railing.

BANNER SIGN

A sign made of a bon-rigid material, including but not limited to cloth, canvas, or plastic.

BARBER POLE SIGN

A striped, oftentimes rotating, cylindrical sign used to identify a hair cutting establishment.

BASE FLOOD

The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, also referred to as the 100-year flood, as published by the FEMA as part of a Flood Insurance Study (FIS) and depicted on a FIRM.

BASE FLOOD

See "flood-related terms."

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE)

The elevation of the crest of the base flood at a particular location. The BFE in relation to actual ground elevations sets the limits of the base floodplain (i.e., the SFHA).

BASE STATION

A structure or equipment, not including a tower or pole, that functions as the primary sending and receiving site in a wireless telecommunications facility.

BASEMENT

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

BASEMENT

A floor of a building that is either completely or partially below the ground level. A basement shall be counted as a story if the ceiling is more than five feet above average grade. See "story-related terms" and "grade, average."

BAY WINDOW

Generally, an enclosure extending the interior space of the building outward of the exterior building wall/BTL.

BED-AND-BREAKFAST

Overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit (B&B) provided to transients for compensation.

BERM

An earthen bank used to provide a visual or noise buffer, or to provide other separation between uses, structures, or parcels.

BLOCK

An increment of land comprised of lots, alleys and tracts circumscribed and not traversed by streets (pedestrian pathways accepted).

BLOCK FACE

A block face is the frontage lot lines (in most cases this is the BTL).

BOARDING HOUSE

See "housing-related terms."

BOARDING HOUSE

An owner-occupied dwelling that provides for the renting of rooms or board to not more than three paying guests, other than members of the owner's family.

BUFFER STRIP

A landscaped area used to separate elements, such as a parking lot from a building; and to provide relief from large expanses of pavement within a parking lot, along driveways, along property lines and other areas.

BUILDABLE AREA

The area of the lot that building(s) and parking may occupy, which includes the area of the lot at and behind the BTL as designated by the BFS plan diagrams. The buildable area sets the limits of the building footprint now and in the future. Any additions shall be within the specified buildable area.

BUILDING

See definition for "structure."

BUILDING

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

BUILDING AREA

The area encompassed by a building's outer wall multiplied by the individual number of story areas.

BUILDING CODE, STATE

The International Residential Code adopted by the State of Connecticut Legislature.

BUILDING COVERAGE

See "coverage-related terms."

BUILDING FACE

See "facade."

BUILDING HEIGHT

The vertical distance from the finished grade for a building or other structure to the highest of the following elevations on the building or other structure:

(1) The elevation of the highest point of the highest dome, flat, mansard, A-frame, or shed roof, including the top of any parapet;

(2) For gable, gambrel, or hip roofs, the mean elevation of the roof (other than a dormer) with the highest mean elevation between its ridge and its corresponding eave; and

(3) For roofs which are salt box roofs, the mean elevation of the side of the salt box roof (other than a dormer) with the highest mean elevation between its ridge and its corresponding eave.

Diagram 2.1 - Building Height Measurement Diagrams

BUILDING LINE

A line on a parcel of land establishing the minimum setback for a building from a street line. A building line may or may not be coincidental with a street line.

BUILDING PERMIT

A permit for construction issued by a Building Official upon application, authorizing the construction or alteration of a building or structure in accordance with the provisions of the State Building Code.

BUILD-TO LINE (BTL)

A line or plane indicated on the Regulating Plan, defining the street frontage which extends vertically and generally parallel to the street, at which the building shall be placed. The facade shall occur on the BTL. The minimum length and height of frontage that is required at the BTL is shown on the appropriate BFS. See "primary street facade." Additional buildings may be placed to the rear once the minimum primary street facade is established.

BUILD-TO LINE, EFFECTIVE

If the placement of the primary street facade is constrained by existing site conditions such as ledge, wetlands, steep slopes, easements, or other constraints, the applicant may request, as part of a Type II design plan, for the BTL to be removed from these areas. If the Commission approves a reduction of the BTL, the area removed from the BTL shall no longer require placement of the primary street facade. Such area removed from the BTL shall be deemed nonbuildable and may not be used for any other site improvement. As part of any such reduction of the BTL the Commission may, once the primary building facade requirement has been met, require vegetative screening over the area deemed nonbuildable prior to the construction of any interior building on the site. (For the use of these regulations use of the term BTL shall be synonymous with effective BTL.)

BUILD-TO ZONE

A continuous area parallel to the street in which the facade must be located. The front of the building may not be situated further back on the lot than the BTL or further forward than the PSL as indicated on the Regulating Plan. Parking may occur in front of the building only in this zone designated on the EGDVD Regulating Plan and the HCDVD Regulating Plan.

C.G.S.

The Connecticut General Statutes, as may be amended.

CALIPER

The diameter of a tree trunk measured five feet from the top of the root ball.

CANNABIS

Marijuana as defined in § 21a-240, C.G.S.

CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENT

A producer, dispensary facility, cultivator, micro-cultivator, retailer, hybrid retailer, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer, product packager and/or delivery service, of cannabis, fully contained within a building.

CANNABIS FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER

A person that is licensed to own and operate a place of business that acquires cannabis for the purpose of creating food and beverages.

CANNABIS PRODUCT MANUFACTURER

A person, excluding a producer, that is licensed to obtain cannabis, extract and manufacture products exclusive to such license type and who may sell or transfer cannabis and cannabis products to laboratories, research programs and cannabis establishments.

CANNABIS PRODUCT PACKAGER

A person that is licensed to package and label cannabis and cannabis products.

CANNABIS RETAILER

A person, excluding a dispensary facility that is licensed to purchase cannabis and cannabis products from producers, cultivators, product manufacturers and food and beverage manufacturers and to sell cannabis and cannabis products to consumers and research programs.

CANNABIS-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

CANNABIS
CANNABIS ESTABLISHMENT
CULTIVATOR
DISPENSARY FACILITY
CANNABIS FOOD AND BEVERAGE MANUFACTURER
HYBRID RETAILER
MICRO-CULTIVATOR
PERSON
CANNABIS PRODUCT MANUFACTURER
CANNABIS PRODUCT PACKAGER
CANNABIS RETAILER
LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY
LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRODUCER

CEMETERY

Land used or dedicated to the burial of the dead, including mausoleums, and any accessory maintenance facilities, but excluding crematoriums and mortuaries.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY (CO)

A document issued by the Building Official which allows the occupancy or use of a building and certifies that the structure has been constructed in compliance with applicable codes and ordinances.

CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE

A certificate issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer certifying that a proposed (or existing) use of land or buildings constructed thereon conform to the requirements of these regulations and that the same may be occupied and used as permitted herein.

CHANNEL LIT SIGN

A sign with "channel" letters using a light source fully contained within the "channel" constructed letters having a translucent face and opaque sides. Alternatively the letters may have an opaque face and translucent sides. No part of the letter may be open or transparent. "Channel" letters may be surface-mounted or pin-mounted or bracketed off the wall surface or the face of the sign box.

CIVIC SPACE

A public open space, green or square or plaza, designated on the Regulating Plan. See the urban space standards for the specific controls.

CIVIC USE BUILDINGS

Those buildings that house strictly civic uses located on sites designated on the Regulating Plan. Civic use buildings and publicly owned public art. See also "use, civic."

CLEAR WALKWAY

An area within the sidewalk that must allow public passage and remain clear of obstructions. The clear walkway width is designated in the street type recommendations.

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 no commercial activities except as required generally for the membership and purpose of the club.

CO-LOCATION

Locating wireless communication equipment of more than one provider on a single wireless telecommunications facility.

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COMMERCIAL TRAILER

Is of a larger and heavier type trailer and shall include mobile office trailers, and trailers used as part of a business operation.

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

A vehicle that requires a commercial registration, or a combination registration where the vehicle is used for commercial purposes, regardless of the gross vehicle weight of such vehicle, or a vehicle which requires a commercial licenses to operate.

COMMISSION

The Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Canton.

COMMON ACCESS EASEMENT

The public right-of-way or easement for vehicles and pedestrians within a block that provides access to the rear or side of properties, vehicle parking (e.g., garages), utility meters, recycling containers, and garbage bins.

COMMON LOT LINES

Lot lines shared by adjacent private lots.

CONCRETE

Portland cement concrete.

CONGREGATE HOUSING

As defined in C.G.S. § 8-119e, as may be amended. (Independent living (units) assisted by congregate meals, housekeeping and personal services who have temporary or periodic difficulties with one or more essential activities of daily living such as feeding, bathing, grooming, dressing or transferring.)

CONSERVATION RESTRICTION

A limitation, whether or not stated in the form of a restriction, easement, covenant or condition, in any deed, will or other instrument executed by or on behalf of the owner of the land described therein, including, but not limited to, the state or any political subdivision of the state, or in any order of taking such land whose purpose is to retain land or water areas predominantly in their natural, scenic or open condition or in agricultural, farming, forest or open space use.

CONSTRUCTION SIGN

A temporary sign erected on a site which designates individuals or firms relating to a construction project on the premises.

CONTINUING LIFE CARE COMMUNITY

A facility licensed by the State of Connecticut to provide services which meet a need beyond the basic provisions for food, shelter, laundry, including, but not limited to, recreation, physical therapy, health services, and licensed nursing services.

CONVALESCENT HOME

See "housing-related terms."

CORNER ISLAND

See "landscaped-island-related terms."

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.

COVERAGE, BUILDING

The total area of a parcel covered by buildings or roofed areas as measured along the outside wall at ground level. See Table 2.1 (at the end of the definitions list in § 470-202: Defined terms) and Diagram 2.2 for additional information.)

Diagram 2.2 - Coverage Diagrams

COVERAGE, IMPERVIOUS

The total area of a parcel covered by impervious surface. See Table 2.1 (at the end of the definitions list in § 470-202: Defined terms) and Diagram 2.2 for additional information.)

Diagram 2.2 - Coverage Diagrams

COVERAGE-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

COVERAGE, BUILDING
COVERAGE, IMPERVIOUS
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

COVERED SIDEWALK (ARCADE)

Roofed or built structures attached to the facade and extending beyond the BTL and over the sidewalk or square, open to the street-space except for supporting columns, piers, or arches. See BFS for complete specifications.

CSC

The Connecticut Siting Council.

CULTIVATOR

A person that is licensed to engage in the cultivation, growing and propagation of the cannabis plant at an establishment with not less than fifteen thousand square feet of grow space.

DAY CAMP

A building or structure, together with its parcel and its accessory uses, buildings and structures, used as an organized recreational facility for five or more enrolled children other than the children of the resident family, but not furnishing sleeping quarters except for the resident family. See "residential summer camp."

DAY CARE

The care of people on a regularly recurring but part-time basis (non-twenty-four-hour basis) in a place other than the person's own residence and which may require a license from the State Department of Health in accordance with C.G.S. § 19a-77, as amended.

DAY-CARE CENTER

A facility, other than a public or private school, which offers or provides a program of day care to more than 12 related or unrelated people.

DAY-CARE-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

DAY CARE
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
GROUP DAY CARE
DAY-CARE CENTER

DECK

An unroofed platform either freestanding or attached to a building that is supported by pillars or posts.

DEVELOPED AREA

An area of a lot that has been designed, modified, and/or intended to support vehicles.

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 materials.

DEVELOPMENT

Any alteration or man-made change to an improved or unimproved parcel, including but not limited to changes to buildings or structures of any nature, storage of materials, fences or barriers of any nature, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating, drilling, or clearing of vegetation.

DEVELOPMENT-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

DEVELOPMENT
IMPROVED PARCEL
UNIMPROVED PARCEL

DIRECT LIGHT

Light emitted directly from the lamp, off of the reflector or reflector diffuser, or through the refractor or diffuser lens, of a luminaire.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN

A sign which improves the flow and safety of vehicular and pedestrian circulation on a site through the use of messages such as parking in rear, drive through or shipping and receiving.

DISPENSARY FACILITY

A place of business where cannabis may be dispensed, sold or distributed in accordance with Chapter 420f, C.G.S. and any regulations adopted thereunder, to qualifying patients and caregivers, and to which the department has issued a dispensary facility license under Chapter 420f, C.G.S. and any regulations adopted thereunder.

DISTRICT

An area of land identified on the official Town of Canton Zoning Map having separate requirements as established by these regulations.

DISTURBED AREA

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

DONATION DROP BOX

A weather-protected container designed to receive and temporarily hold items that may include but are not limited to clothing, toys, books, and household goods intended to be donated to charity.

DOORYARD

The area within the street-space between the facade of the building (generally the BTL) and the clear walkway area of the sidewalk. Stoops, balconies, bay windows and, for appropriate commercial uses, outdoor displays or cafe seating, and other encroachments as specified by the ZEO may be placed within the dooryard area. The dooryard dimension is designated in the street type recommendations.

DORMERS

Roofed ancillary structures with windows providing light and air to habitable space within the roof attic story.

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DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY

An establishment that by design, physical facilities, service, or packaging procedures encourages or permits customers to receive services, or obtain goods while remaining in their automobile.

DWELLING

See "housing-related terms."

DWELLING

A building or portion thereof used for residential occupancy.

DWELLING UNIT

A building or portion thereof which provides complete housekeeping facilities for one family. In general, a dwelling unit shall be inferred when there is a sleeping area, a separate kitchen or kitchen area and a separate bathroom or bathroom area with a toilet and a bathtub/shower.

DWELLING UNIT

See "housing-related terms."

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED

A dwelling unit for one family and having no party wall in common with an adjacent dwelling. Where a private garage or other accessory structure is attached to such building, it shall be considered as a part thereof.

DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED

A portion of a building designed for and occupied exclusively as a dwelling unit for one family and having a party wall in common with one adjacent dwelling.

EARTH MATERIAL

Topsoil, sand, loam, gravel, peat, stone or any other earth product.

EASEMENT

A grant of one or more property rights by the property owner to and/or for use by the public, a corporation, or another person or entity.

EAVE HEIGHT

Eave height shall be measured at the bottom of the top layer of roofing material at its outermost point from the building wall.

ELEVATION CERTIFICATE

An administrative tool of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances.

ENCLOSURES

A nonbasement building built to have the top of the lowest floor elevated above the ground level by means of pilings, columns, posts, or piers. It also includes a building elevated by means of fill or solid foundation perimeter walls with opening sufficient to facilitate the unimpeded movement of floodwaters.

END ISLAND

See "landscaped-island-related terms."

ENLARGE, ENLARGEMENT

Any addition to the floor area of an existing building, an increase in the size of any other structure, or an increase in that portion of a tract of land occupied by an existing use. "To enlarge" is to make an enlargement.

EQUIPMENT SHELTER

A structure located at a base station designed or functioning principally to enclose equipment used in connection with wireless telecommunications services.

EQUIVALENT OR BETTER

A building material or construction technique that has been determined, by the ZEO, to be at least equal to, in appearance, durability, etc., or surpassing those expressly permitted herein.

EROSION

The wearing away of land surface by the action of wind, water, gravity, ice, natural action or man-made activities or any combination thereof.

EXCAVATION

Fill or removal in accordance with § 470-705 of these regulations.c

EXISTING BUILDINGS TO BE PROTECTED

Structures of local historical or cultural significance which provide contributing influence to the architectural character of the Design Village District or the Town of Canton.

EXISTING GRADE

See "grade, existing."

EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION

A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured home are to be affixed (including, as a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final lot grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date that floodplain management regulations were adopted by Canton.

EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION

The preparation of additional sites by the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufacturing homes are to be affixed (including the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final lot grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

EXTEND, TO MAKE AN EXTENSION

An increase or amplification, as distinguished from establishment or inception. "Extension" shall be deemed to include the expansion in the seasons or periods of use of a nonconforming seasonal use, or of a seasonal dwelling on a nonconforming lot; and any increase in the normal days or hours of operation, or any increase in the scope of services offered, of any nonconforming, nonresidential use of land, buildings, or structures.

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration.

FACADE (BUILDING FACE)

The building elevation facing the street-space or BTL. Building walls facing private open space, common lot lines, and alleys are not facades.

FAMILY

Any number of individuals living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit and doing their cooking on the premises. (See "dwelling unit.")

FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME

See "day-care-related terms."

FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME

Day care provided in a single-family home for not more than six people and where the principal provider of the services resides on the premises.

FARM

A parcel, or parcels, of land containing not less than three acres under single ownership and/or leasehold and used for agriculture.

FARM

See "agriculture-related terms."

FARM STAND, GENERAL

See "agriculture-related terms."

FARM STAND, GENERAL

A structure located on a farm, for the seasonal display and sales of agricultural products. Products sold shall have been grown on such farm or purchased from other farms or farmers markets.

FARM STAND, LIMITED

A structure, not more than 200 square feet, located on a residential or agricultural farm for the display and sale of agricultural products raised only on such farm. Sales of such products shall be limited to not more than six months in any calendar year.

FARM STAND, LIMITED

See "agriculture-related terms."

FARMERS MARKET

See "agriculture-related terms."

FARMERS MARKET

A seasonal public market use, the primary purpose of which is for farmers to offer for sale produce, vegetables, flowers, orchard products, breads and similar agricultural products directly to consumers. Additional vendors, demonstrations and presentations are permitted as being accessory to such market, however such vendors, or booths, in aggregate shall not account for more than 50% of the market.

FCC

The Federal Communications Commission.

FCC 96-326

An FCC report and order concerning national standards for radio-frequency emissions from FCC-regulated transmitters.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA)

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

FENCE OR WALL

Any structure of wood, metal, stone, brick or other materials delineating or separating an area within a parcel of land or along property lines. A hedge or other trees, shrubs, or other plants serving a similar function shall not be deemed to constitute a fence or a wall. A wire or other material carrying an electrical current or barbs for the purposes of enclosing or creating a barrier between separate areas shall be considered a fence.

FENESTRATION

Openings in the building wall, including windows and doors, allowing light and views between interior (private realm) and exterior (public realm). Fenestration is measured as glass area (excluding mullions and similar window frame elements with a dimension greater than one inch) and/or as open space.

FILL

Earthen material brought to a site from a non-contiguous location so as to create a higher finished elevation anywhere on the site.

FINISHED GRADE

See "grade, finished."

FLASHING SIGN

Any sign in which or upon which artificial light is not maintained stationary and constant in intensity and color at all times and specifically projecting signs that scroll, alternate, or otherwise move or change a message using lighting, screens, projections, or moving parts of any kind.

FLOOD FRINGE

The flood fringe is that area between the floodway and the outer limits of the 100-year floodplain (special flood hazard area) within zones A and AE. It thus encompasses the portion of the Floodplain District which can be encroached upon without raising the water surface elevation of the base flood more than one foot.

Diagram 470-602D - Floodplain/Floodway Diagram

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM)

An official map of a community, on which the FEMA has delineated special hazard areas, regulatory floodway, and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. The FIRM shall include any revisions, amendments, or other modifications that have been duly issued by FEM
A.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS)

The official study of a community in which FEMA has conducted a technical engineering evaluation and determination of local flood hazards, flood profiles and water surface elevations. The FIRM, which accompanies the FIS, provides both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations, and may provide the regulatory floodway limits. The FIS shall include any revisions, amendments, or other modifications that have been duly issued by FEMA subsequently to the issuance of the current official study.

FLOOD OR FLOODING

A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:

(1) The overflow of inland waters.

(2) The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff or surface waters from any source.

(3) Mud slides which are proximately caused or precipitated by accumulations of water on or under the ground.

(4) The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of any body of water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water exceeding anticipated cyclical levels or suddenly caused by an unusually high water level in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force of nature, such as flash flood, or by some similarly unusual and enforceable event which results in flooding.

FLOOD RELATED TERMS

See § 470-602D.

FLOODPLAIN ADMINISTRATOR

The Floodplain Administrator shall be the Town Planner.

FLOODPROOFING

Any combination of structural and nonstructural additions, changes, or adjustments to structures which reduces or eliminates 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 one foot; more practically as delineated on, and thereby defined by, the FIRM. For the purposes of these regulations, the term "regulatory floodway" is synonymous in meaning with the term "floodway."

FLOOR

The top surface of an enclosed area in a building (including basement) i.e., top of slab in concrete slab construction or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction. The term does not include the floor of a garage used solely for parking vehicles provided the structure complies with the design standards contained in § 470-602H(4), Elevated buildings.

FLOOR

The top surface of an enclosed area in a building, including basements and cellars (i.e., top of slab in concrete slab construction or top of wood flooring in wood frame construction).

FLOOR AREA

The amount of area (measured as square feet) taken up between the exterior walls of a building or part of a building.

FOOD TRUCK PARK

A use in which a property permanently establishes an area designed to accommodate (through lease and or rent) three or more mobile vendors at one time that specialize in the preparation and service of food and/or beverages for sale and consumption on site as the principal use of the property. Additional nonfood mobile vendors are allowed as a part of a food truck park as an accessory use.

FOOTPRINT

The surface space occupied by a building or structure, including porches, decks, outdoor kitchens, garages, or any other impervious area, not including patios.

FULL CUT-OFF/FULLY SHIELDED TYPE FIXTURE

A luminaire emitting no light above the horizontal plane.

FULL-CUTOFF LUMINAIRE

See "lighting/illumination-related terms."

FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT FACILITY

A facility which cannot be used for its intended purpose unless it is located 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. The term does not include seafood processing facilities, long-term storage, manufacturing, sales or service facilities.

GARAGE

A detached accessory building or portion of a principal building for the parking and storage of automobiles.

GARDEN APARTMENT

Not less than four dwelling units in a building of not more than three stories, or a group of such buildings and uses accessory to such apartments. Dwelling units in garden apartments may be owned by a single owner or individually by tenants or both, but the land shall be held in a unified ownership. The term "garden apartment" shall include a condominium.

GAZEBO

A freestanding roofed structure usually open on all sides.

GLARE

Light emitting from a luminaire with intensity great enough to reduce a viewer's ability to see, may cause visual discomfort, to the viewer and in extreme cases causing momentary blindness.

GOVERNMENTAL SIGN

A sign erected and maintained pursuant to and in discharge of any governmental functions or required by law, ordinance, or other governmental regulations.

GRADE, EXISTING

The elevation of the ground level prior to development, construction, filling or excavation.

GRADE, FINISHED

The actual or proposed elevation of the land surface after development. "Finished grade" shall be construed as that excavation or filling which is incidental to construction of the building on the site, and not excavation or filling for the purposes of obtaining greater building height. When the topography around a building or structure varies, the finished grade shall be determined by averaging the ground elevations within 10 feet of the building or structure.

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.

GRASS/PAVEMENT BLOCK SYSTEM

Porous concrete or plastic paving blocks that allow the establishment of turf on their surface and the infiltration of stormwater while supporting motor vehicles.

GROSS FLOOR AREA

The total floor area contained within a building, outdoor storage area or outdoor display area, whether covered or not, as measured to the outside surface of the exterior walls or outside perimeter of the display or storage area.

GROUND SIGN

A freestanding sign placed on the ground or supported by a structure other than a building, such as an ornamental wall or fence.

GROUND STORY (FIRST FLOOR)

The first habitable level of a building at or above grade.

GROUP DAY CARE

Day care provided in a single-family home for more than six people but not more than 12 people and where the principal provider of the services resides on the premises.

GROUP DAY-CARE HOME

See "day-care-related terms."

GROUP HOME

See "housing-related terms."

GROUP HOME

A community residence as defined in C.G.S. § 17a-220 which is licensed under the provisions of C.G.S. § 17a-227, or a child-care residential facility and which is licensed under C.G.S. §§ 17a-145 to 17a-151, inclusive.

HALO ILLUMINATED SIGN

See HALO-LIT SIGN

HALO-LIT SIGN

A sign with individual and dimensional letters that is back lit and designed so no light projects through the sign and the light source is fully obscured within the letters of the sign.

HAZARDOUS MATERIAL

Any material or waste which may pose a present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of or otherwise managed and any material which is defined as hazardous within the meaning of any federal, state, or local law, regulations or ordinance including, but not limited to chemicals which are subject to reporting requirements under Title III of the Super Fund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (SARA), as amended.

HEIGHT OF LUMINAIRES

The height of luminaires shall be the vertical distance from the ground directly below the centerline of the luminaire to the lowest direct-light-emitting part of the luminaire.

H-FRAME SIGN

An upright sign supported by a base in the form of an "H."

HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE (HAG)

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

HISTORIC STRUCTURE

Any structure that is:

a) 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;

b) 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;

c) 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 d) Individually listed on a local inventory of historic places in communities with historic preservation programs that have been certified either:

1) By an approved state program as determined by the Secretary of the Interior or
2) Directly by the Secretary of the Interior in states without approved programs.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS

Any activity carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as an accessory use in such resident's dwelling unit or on the premises.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS SIGN

A sign no larger than four square feet identifying a home based business approved under Ch. 470 Article III.

HOME-BASED BUSINESS, MAJOR

A home-based business that exceeds a minor home-based business in that such business shall not have more than three nonresident (of the premises) full or part time employees working on the premises. Major home-based businesses are permitted in residential districts by special permit subject to the standards of § 470-303D(3).

HOME-BASED BUSINESS, MINOR

A home-based business located within the principal building and operated by the resident of the premises, shall not have more than one nonresident full or part-time employee working on the premises. Minor home-based businesses are permitted in residential districts by right, subject to the standards of § 470-303B(2)(a).

HOTEL AND/OR MOTEL

A facility offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public which may include additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, entertainment, and recreational facilities.

HOUSING-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

ASSISTED LIVING
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AFFORDABLE HOUSING APPLICATION
ASSISTED HOUSING
BOARDING HOUSE
CONGREGATE HOUSING
CONTINUING LIFE CARE COMMUNITY
DWELLING
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY SEMI-DETACHED
DWELLING UNIT
GROUP HOME
MULTIPLE DWELLING UNIT
NONPROFIT HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY
NURSING HOME
SINGLE HOUSEKEEPING UNIT
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING

HYBRID RETAILER

A person that is licensed to purchase cannabis and sell cannabis and medical marijuana products.

IMPERVIOUS COVERAGE

See "coverage-related terms."

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

See "coverage-related terms."

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE

A surface that has been compacted or is covered with a layer of material so that it is highly resistant to infiltration by water (has a percolation rate slower than 120 minutes per inch). Based on the submission of appropriate information by a professional engineer, the Commission may consider the following areas to be less than 100% impervious:

(a) Graveled areas which are driven on; and
(b) Porous pavement, porous pavers and other permeable hard surfaces.

IMPROVED PARCEL

A parcel which upon which a permanent structure is placed upon, a part of, or is affixed to.

INDIRECT LIGHTING

Direct light that has been reflected or has scattered off of other surfaces.

INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign illuminated either by an external, artificial light source projected upon the sign surface (floodlighting) or an artificial light source projected at the rear of an opaque surface (halo lighting).

INDIVIDUAL STORY AREA

See "floor area."

INTERIOR ISLAND

See "landscaped-island-related terms."

INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED SIGN

A sign illuminated by an internal, artificial light source (typically fluorescent or incandescent light bulbs) which passes through a translucent surface, illuminating the copy and/or background.

ISLAND

See "landscaped-island-related terms."

ISODIAGRAM

A graphical representation of points of equal illuminance used to show the level and evenness of a lighting design and to show how light fixtures will perform on a given site.

JUNK

Any scrap, waste, reclaimable material, or debris, whether or not stored, for sale or in the process of being dismantled, destroyed, processed, salvaged, stored, baled, disposed of, or for other use of disposition.

KENNEL

See "pet/animal-facilities-related terms."

KENNEL

A place at which:

(a) One or more dogs are kept for renumeration or compensation of any kind except for a veterinary hospital which may keep dogs incidental to their medical treatment; or

(b) Two or more dogs not registered to a resident of the property are kept.

LAMP

The light source component of luminaires that produces the actual light.

LANDSCAPE LIGHTING

Luminaires mounted in or at grade (but not more than three feet above grade) and used solely for landscape or walkway rather than any area lighting.

LEDGE WALL

A more or less flat rock protruding from the earth resembling a vertical cliff or slope.

LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY

A pharmacist licensed pursuant to Chapter 400j of the C.G.S., who the Department of Consumer Protection has licensed to acquire, possess, distribute, and dispense marijuana pursuant to sections 1 to 15, inclusive, of "An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana."

LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRODUCER

A person or organization that is licensed as a producer by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection under section 10 of an "An Act Concerning the Palliative Use of Marijuana" and whose purpose is to cultivate marijuana for palliative use and selling, delivering, transporting or distributing such marijuana only to licensed dispensaries under sections 1 to 15, inclusive of the above Act.

LIGHT POLLUTION

Stray or reflected light that is emitted into the atmosphere, beyond the 90° horizontal plane. Dust, water, vapor and other pollutants reflect this light causing unwanted sky-glow.

LIGHT STANDARD

A pole for mounting luminaires.

LIGHT TRESPASS

Light from an artificial light source that is intruding into an area not owned by the owner of the property upon which the light source is located, or where such light otherwise does not belong.

LIGHTING PLAN

A plan showing the location, height above grade, type of illumination, type of fixture, the source lumens, and the luminous area for each source of light propose.

LIGHTING/ILLUMINATION-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

DIRECT LIGHT
FULL CUT-OFF/FULLY SHIELDED TYPE FIXTURE
GLARE
HEIGHT OF LUMINAIRES
INDIRECT LIGHTING
ISODIAGRAM
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
LAMP
LIGHTING PLAN
LIGHT POLLUTION
LIGHT STANDARD
LIGHT TRESPASS
LUMINAIRE
OUTDOOR LIGHTING
UPLIGHTING

See Diagram 470-704C(1)

LIMITED FARM

A parcel of land of less than three acres under single ownership or leasehold and used for agriculture.

LINGERIE MODELING STUDIO

An establishment that provides the services of live models modeling lingerie to one or more individuals.

LIVESTOCK

See "agriculture-related terms."

LIVESTOCK

Grazing animals kept either in open fields or structures including cattle, horses, sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas and poultry.

LOADING SPACE

An off-street space or berth used for the loading or unloading of cargo, products, or materials from vehicles.

LODGING

The use of a dwelling or hotel/motel for sleep, rest, shelter, and access to one or more common household functions such as eating, bathrooms, food preparation, and serving areas.

LOT

A tract of land owned and recorded, and described within the recorded document, as a separate piece of land.

Diagram 2.3 - Lot Types Diagram

LOT AREA

The horizontal area within the lot lines, provided that:

(1) Land used for streets, highways, easement for vehicular access, public or private right-of-way for vehicles, including street rights of way, shall be excluded;

(2) Land or easements used for public utilities, and drainage may be included;

(3) Seventy-five percent of the area used for compliance with the minimum lot area requirement shall be unencumbered by wetlands, watercourses, special flood hazard areas, or slopes greater than 20%; and

(4) Land in two or more zoning districts may be used to satisfy a minimum lot area requirement, provided that the requirement of the district requiring the largest lot area is met, but no land in a residence district shall be used to satisfy a lot area requirement in any other district.

LOT FRONTAGE

The length measured along the side of the lot abutting the street (the front lot line). In the case of a corner lot, frontage may be measured along both front lot lines. The minimum frontage for a front lot may be measured along the front yard setback line when:

(1) The side lot lines converge toward the street; and

(2) The average width of the lot exceeds the frontage requirement for the district in which it is located.

LOT LINE

The property lines bounding a lot as defined herein.

Diagram 2.4 - Lot Line Diagram

LOT LINE, FRONT

A lot line separating a lot from a street. See Diagram 2.4 above.

LOT LINE, REAR

A lot line which is most generally opposite the longest front lot line except that, on a pie-shaped lot or a corner lot, any lot line adjacent to the front lot line shall not be considered to be a rear lot line. See Diagram 2.4 above.

LOT LINE, SIDE

Any lot line which is not a front lot line or a rear lot line, as defined herein. See Diagram 2.4 above.

LOT, CORNER

A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets. See Diagram 2.3 above.

LOT, FRONT

A lot which has the required frontage on a street.

Diagram 2.3 - Lot Types Diagram

LOT, REAR

A lot which has less than the required frontage on a street and of which the buildable area is located generally to the rear of other lots having frontage on the same street as said lot and having access to the street via an access way or a private right-of-way.

Diagram 2.3 - Lot Types Diagram

LOT-LINE-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

LOT LINE
LOT LINE, FRONT
LOT LINE, REAR
LOT LINE, SIDE

LOT-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

LOT
LOT, CORNER
LOT, FRONT
LOT, REAR
PARCEL

LOWEST FLOOR

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

LUMINAIRE

A complete lighting system, and includes a lamp or lamps, standards and fixtures.

MANUFACTURED HOME

A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when attached to the required utilities. The term also includes park trailers, travel trailers, recreational vehicles and other similar vehicles or transportable structures placed on a lot for 180 consecutive days or longer and intended to be improved property.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION

A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

MANUFACTURED HOUSING

Factory-built, single-family structures that meet the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act (42 U.S.C. § 5401), commonly known as the HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) code.

MARIJUANA

See "licensed medical marijuana dispensary." See "licensed medical marijuana producer."

MARKET VALUE

The market value of a structure as of a particular date shall be determined by the Town Assessor as follows: the basis shall be the market value of the subject tax parcel at the most recent revaluation date and as determined by such revaluation; which value shall be adjusted or trended forward to said particular date through the use of a sales/assessment ratio study provided by the State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management, thereby resulting in a market value of the subject parcel as of the particular date in question; the market value of the subject structure shall then be determined by calculating the proportion of subject parcel's market value at said revaluation date that is attributable to the subject structure, and applying this proportion to the said market value of the parcel as of the particular date in question. (e.g., Say the market value of a subject parcel at the last revaluation was $200,000, and applying the provided sales/assessment ratio resulted in a market value of the parcel as of the particular date in question equal to $250,000; further, say the portion of the parcel value at revaluation attributable to the main structure was $140,000, then the proportion of the structure's value to the parcel value would be 140,000/200,000 = 70%; finally, the market value of the structure as of the particular date in question would be equal to $250,000 x 70% = $175,000.)

MASSAGE THERAPY

The manipulation of body muscle or tissue by range of motion, nonspecific stretching, rubbing, stroking, kneading, or tapping, by hand or mechanical device. Massage therapy may include the use of oil, ice, hot and cold packs, tub shower, steam, dry heat, or cabinet baths for the purpose of maintaining good mental and/or physical health and condition.

MASSAGE THERAPY ESTABLISHMENT

Any building, room, place, or establishment other than a regularly licensed hospital or dispensary where nonmedical and nonsurgical manipulative exercises are practiced on the human body for other than cosmetic or beautifying purposes with or without the use of mechanical or bathing devices by anyone not a physician or surgeon or similarly registered status.

MEAN SEA LEVEL

As defined for the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 1988), to which all elevations associated herewith, including BFEs, are, or are to be, referenced.

MENU BOARD SIGN

A sign that identifies specific products or services that may be ordered and obtained at a business, including sales at a drive-through facility.

MESSAGE BOARD/BULLETIN BOARD SIGN

A fixed wall or ground sign used to identify a business key products, services, or events, often seasonal or sale-related, but the message is allowed to be changed in conformance with these regulations, without requiring a sign permit each time the message is changed.

MEZZANINE

A low ceiling height partial story between two others in a building, typically between the ground and first floors.

MICRO-CULTIVATOR

A person licensed to engage in the cultivation, growing and propagation of the cannabis plant at an establishment containing not less than 2,000 square feet and not more than 10,000 square feet of grow space, prior to any expansion authorized by the commissioner.

MINIMUM SQUARE

A square area that will fit within the lot without utilizing lands designated as wetlands, watercourses, or slopes greater than 20%.

Diagram 2.5 - Minimum Square

MOBILE VENDOR/MOBILE VENDING OPERATION

Any vehicle or conveyance-mounted unit, cart, trailer, kiosk or other similar apparatus, used to store, prepare, display or serve food and/or beverages, and or other merchandise or service intended primarily for immediate use, consumption, or service, on site or in close proximity, sited on public or private property for a limited duration lasting longer than 10 minutes. A mobile vendor shall be mounted on wheels or other method of moveable design, and must be readily moveable. If the operation is not immediately mobile, it shall be considered a "building" or "structure" and shall be required to comply with applicable regulations for such.

MODEL GROUND SIGN

A ground sign which is pre-approved by the Zoning Commission for immediate use as permitted in Table 470-703D (1)(e).

MONOPOLE

A single self-supporting vertical pole, usually consisting of a galvanized or other metal, or a wooden pole with or without below grade foundations.

MOTEL

See "hotel."

MOTOR VEHICLE

A motor vehicle as defined per C.G.S. 14-1, as amended.

MOTORIZED CAMPER/RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

A portable dwelling designed and constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, camping, recreational and vacation uses, and which shall be eligible to be licensed/registered and insured for highway use.

MOVING SIGN

Any sign, or any portion of any sign, which is not fixed or stationary, or which is capable of any movement whatsoever; excluding barber poles and clocks.

MULTIFAMILY BUILDING

See "housing-related terms."

MULTIPLE DWELLING UNIT

A building designed and occupied exclusively as a residence for three or more families. This definition includes condominiums, cooperatives, townhouses and garden apartments.

MULTITENANT SIGN

A freestanding sign that identifies two or more establishments within a place of business.

NEON SIGN

A sign made of shaped glass tubing, illuminated by electrically charged neon or similar inert gases.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Structures or development for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date that floodplain management regulations were originally adopted by Canton, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures or development.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

See "flood-related terms."

NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION

A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final lot grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date that floodplain management regulations were originally adopted by Canton.

NONCONFORMING

Any structure, parcel or use legally existing at the time of the adoption of these regulations, as may be amended, which does not conform to the provisions of these regulations.

NONPROFIT HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

See "housing-related terms."

NONPROFIT HOUSING FOR THE ELDERLY

A dwelling unit or set of dwelling units exclusively designed for the needs of single people age 60 or over or couples with at least one member at least 60 or over. This housing shall be either nonprofit or controlled profit under rent subsidy programs and shall conform to the applicable requirements of the sponsoring agencies of the federal, state or Town government.

NONRESIDENTIAL LOT

A lot located in a district other than Article III, and does not contain an existing residence.

NURSING HOME

In housing-related terms, see "convalescent home."

NURSING HOME/CONVALESCENT HOME

A facility that provides primarily in-patient care, treatment and/or rehabilitation services for persons recovering from illness or injury and/or persons who require regular assistance in personal care, including dressing, eating and health related matters but do not require the degree of care that is provided by a hospital.

OBSCENE ACTIVITY

Patently offensive representations or descriptions of specified anatomical areas, or specified activities, normal or perverted, actual or simulated and/or patently offensive representations or descriptions of masturbation, excretory functions, and lewd exhibitions of the genitals.

OFF-PREMISES SIGNS (BILLBOARDS)

A sign owned or operated by any person, firm or corporation engaged in the business of outdoor advertising for compensation for the use of such signs, or any sign advertising a commodity or activity not sold, produced or conducted on the lot.

OFF-SITE PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND SIGN

A promotional model ground sign limited to advertising either a bed-and-breakfast establishment or the sale of agricultural goods on a Residence District lot that is remotely located from the lot on which the sign is to be placed, as permitted in Table 470-703D(1)(f).

OPEN SIGN

A flag or window sign indicating that an establishment is open for business.

OPEN SPACE

Land protected from development by legislation, dedication, conservation or other legal means, which shall be used only for recreational, conservation, educational, agricultural, or other similar purposes.

OPEN SPACE (CLUSTERED) SUBDIVISION

A subdivision or resubdivision concentrating lots on a particular portion of a parcel so that at least 1/3 of the parcel remains as open space to be used exclusively for recreational, conservation, educational, agricultural or other similar purposes except that nothing herein shall prevent the commission from requiring more than 1/3 open space in any particular open space subdivision.

OUTDOOR DINING

Outdoor food and beverage services as authorized under C.G.S. § 8-1cc.

OUTDOOR DISPLAY

The display of merchandise or products outside of a building or structure, including sidewalk sales and sidewalk displays, and outdoor dining.

OUTDOOR LIGHTING

The night-time illumination of an outside area or object by any man-made device located outdoors that produces light by any means.

OUTDOOR STORAGE

The keeping, in an unenclosed area, of any goods, junk, material, equipment, merchandise, or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours.

OUTDOOR WOOD-BURNING FURNACES

An accessory structure or appliance, as defined by C.G.S. § 22a-174k as amended, 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.

PARAPET

A low protective wall or railing along the edge of a roof.

PARCEL

See "lot."

PARKING BAY

A unit of parking consisting of a driveway together with the adjacent parking rows accessed directly from the driveway.

PARKING LOT AREA

The aggregate area of all parking spaces, parking rows, parking bays, driveways servicing parking spaces, access drives, landscaped islands (including end islands, interior islands, and corner islands), and buffer strips between bays of parking. Paved areas that primarily access service areas are excluded.

PARKING ROW

A unit of parking consisting of a single row of contiguous parking stalls and planting islands.

PARKING SETBACK LINE (PSL)

A line indicated on the Regulating Plan and BFS which extends vertically as a plane (unless otherwise noted) and is generally parallel to the BTL. All parking shall be set-back behind this line and may be placed anywhere within the lot behind this line, excepting where it is below grade or otherwise specified in this Code.

PARKING STALL

A unit of parking accommodating one parked vehicle.

PATIO

An area near a building, often paved (landscape pavers/stone/etc.), used for outdoor sitting.

PATIO, CLOSED

A patio with a roof or covering designed to protect individuals from the elements. When attached to a permanent building it might be considered a porch.

PATIO, OPEN

A patio that is open to the sky.

PEDESTRIAN PATHWAY

An interconnecting paved way that provides pedestrian and bicycle passage through blocks running from a street-space to another street-space, an alley or an interior block parking area.

PERGOLA

A structure consisting of posts supporting an open roof in the form of a trellis.

PERMIT

Written governmental permission issued by an authorized official, empowering the holder thereof to do some act not allowed without such authorization.

PERSON

An individual, partnership, limited liability company, society, association, joint stock company, corporation, estate, receiver, trustee, assignee, referee or any other legal entity and any other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, whether appointed by a court or otherwise, and any combination thereof.

PERSONAL SERVICE BUSINESS

A service business whose principal use is the provision of services of a personal nature relating to the repair, adjustment, alteration, cleaning or servicing of items owned by or being provided to an individual customer including: barbershops; beauty salons; nail salons; day spas not including massage therapy; dry-cleaning establishments; clothing rental; photographic studios; garment repair; tailoring; shoe repair; or other businesses primarily engaged in the provision of services of a personal and/or domestic nature rather than the sale of products. (Day care, tattooing, and massage therapy, and any other uses specifically referenced elsewhere by the name of such use, shall not be included as a personal services business.)

PERSONAL SERVICE BUSINESS

See "service business, personal."

PET TRAINING AND DAY-CARE FACILITY

A commercial establishment at which common household pets are kept, maintained, or trained for monetary remuneration, and shall not include overnight boarding. A pet training or day-care facility shall not include a kennel, pet store or veterinary hospital.

PET/ANIMAL-FACILITIES-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

KENNEL
PET TRAINING AND DAY-CARE FACILITY
VETERINARY HOSPITAL

PICK-UP COACH OR PICK-UP CAMPER

A structure designed primarily to be mounted on a pick-up or truck chassis and with sufficient equipment to render it suitable for use as a temporary dwelling for travel, camping, recreational and vacation uses only, and which shall be eligible to be licensed/registered and insured for highway use.

PLACE OF WORSHIP

A building or group of buildings primarily used for the conduct of religious services and accessory uses and that is controlled by a religious body organized to sustain public worship and recognized as such for nonprofit status by the Internal Revenue Service.

PLAN OF CONSERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT

The Plan of Conservation and Development adopted by the Town of Canton, as amended, and all adopted detail portions of the Plan of Conservation and Development referred to in C.G.S. § 8-23 as amended.

POLITICAL SIGN

A temporary sign announcing or supporting political candidate or issues in connection with any national state, or local election.

PORCH

A portion of a building which has a roof and a floor and is not enclosed by full walls.

PORCH, CLOSED

A porch with screened-in or glassed-in openings.

PORCH, OPEN

A porch that is open to the air without screened-in or glassed-in openings.

PRESERVATION RESTRICTION

A limitation, whether or not stated in the form of a restriction, easement, covenant or condition, contained in any deed, will or other instrument executed by or on behalf of the owner of land, including, but not limited to, the state or any political subdivision of the state, or contained in any order of taking of such land whose purpose is to preserve historically significant structures or sites.

PRIMARY STREET FACADE

The minimum portion of a proposed building, measured along its widest line, which must be placed at the BTL or effective BTL. The primary street facade required by each BFS must be met in full prior to the construction of any interior building on the site.

PRINCIPAL- AND ACCESSORY-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

PRINCIPAL BUILDING
PRINCIPAL USE
ACCESSORY BUILDING
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT
ACCESSORY USE

PRINCIPAL BUILDING

The primary or predominant building on a parcel.

PRINCIPAL USE

The primary or predominant use of a parcel.

PRIVACY FENCE

An opaque fence made of wood or masonry (not chain link, barbed, or electrified, or any other type of rolled fence) along alleys and common lot lines. See the BFS for height specifications.

PRIVATE OPEN SPACE

An area on grade within the buildable area and behind the PSL, accessible only to occupants of the particular building or site, and open to the sky. Additional specifications for the private open space may be included in each BFS. Private open space shall not be built-upon, used to satisfy minimum stormwater BMP area, parked or driven upon (except for emergency access).

PROFESSIONAL ARCHITECT, ENGINEER, SURVEYOR

An architect, engineer, or surveyor licensed by the State of Connecticut.

PROFESSIONAL OFFICE

The office of recognized professions, such as doctors, lawyers, dentists, architects, engineers, artists, musicians, designers, teachers, and others who through training or experience are qualified to perform services of a professional nature.

PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND SIGN

A ground sign used to identify a business' key products, often seasonal or sale-related. Posts are anchored for public safety, but signage is changeable, as permitted in Table 470-703D(1)(f).

PROPERTY

See "lot." See "parcel."

PUBLIC INTEREST SIGN

A temporary ground sign that advertises household sales, civic and philanthropic events.

(public hearing sign)

PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY

Land and/or buildings used by a municipal agency for the storage of materials and supplies used in the maintenance of public facilities, equipment, vehicles, streets or buildings, the storage, care, and maintenance of equipment and vehicles for the maintenance of public facilities, infrastructure, and buildings, and/or the support of employees. Examples of uses include, without limitation, offices; employee welfare facilities (locker, showers, toilet, lunch/break rooms, and training facilities); automobile, vehicle, equipment, and heavy equipment service facilities; workshop facilities; automobile, vehicle, equipment, and heavy equipment storage facilities; material storage facilities; yard storage facilities; fueling stations for municipal vehicles and equipment, and all other ancillary support structures required to meet the needs of the municipal or state agency.

PURA

The Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority.

PUSH THROUGH SIGN

A sign with "push-through" letters which are translucent acrylic plastic letters inserted through the opaque face of a light cabinet; the face of the letters may be opaque or translucent. The fully contained light source within the light cabinet causes the translucent letter to glow and illuminates the face of the light box.

REAL ESTATE SIGN

A temporary ground sign offering for sale or lease the property on which it is located or advertising a real estate development on the premises.

REAL ESTATE, OFFSITE SIGN

A sign that directs traffic to property that is for sale or lease but not located on the property upon which the sign is placed.

RECREATIONAL FACILITY

A place designed and equipped for the conduct of sports and leisure-time activities.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE

A vehicle which is: a) built on a single chassis; b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towed by a light duty truck; and d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as a temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.

RECYCLING FACILITY

Land and structures where recycling of glass, metals, paper products, batteries, household hazardous waste, fertilizers and other items are removed from the waste stream for recycling or reuse.

RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT

A residence district as described within Article III.

RESIDENTIAL LOT

A lot containing an existing residence or a lot located in a residential district.

RESIDENTIAL SUMMER CAMP

A recreational camp operation including overnight and daytime camping in which the participants:

(1) Live in "cabins" or other structures temporarily; and

(2) Engage in customary youth camping activities such as, sports, water-based recreational activities, "arts and crafts," team-building activities, outdoor pursuits, adventure type activities, group activities, communal eating, and other activities associated with recreational camping. See "day camp."

RESTAURANT

An establishment used principally for the preparation and service of food and beverages for consumption either on or off the premises.

RESTAURANT, CLASS I

A restaurant that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) Gross floor area is 1,500 square feet or less;
(2) Seating capacity is 20 or less; and
(3) Food and beverages served on the premises are actually or expected to be consumed primarily off the premises.

RESTAURANT, CLASS II

A restaurant that meets all of the following criteria:

(1) Gross floor area is 2,000 square feet or less;
(2) Seating capacity is 50 or less; and
(3) Food and beverages served on the premises are actually or expected to be consumed primarily on the premises.

RESTAURANT, CLASS III

A restaurant that does not meet all of the criteria of either a Class I restaurant or a Class II restaurant.

RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT

Any establishment with 60% or more of the gross floor area devoted to the sale or rental of goods or merchandise to the public.

RETAIL STORE, SEXUALLY ORIENTED

See "adult-related terms."

RETAINING WALL

A structure constructed and erected between lands of different elevations to stabilize the surfaces, prevent erosion, and/or to protect structures.

RIP-RAP

Large stones used to stabilize earthen slopes to prevent erosion.

ROOF SIGN

A sign that is mounted on the roof of a building or that is wholly dependent upon a building for support and that project above the eave line of a building with a gambrel, gable, or hip roof.

SCHOOL

An institution whose primary function is the instruction of academic subjects to adults or children. The word "school" shall not be deemed to include an institution which is primarily a summer or winter camp, whose main function is enjoyment of physical activities with or without instruction, nor any other institution which has a primary function of providing recreational facilities.

SEDIMENT

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

SELF STANDING SIGN

A sign that is a self supported structure, erected on the ground and not accessory to any building or structure on the lot.

SERVICE AREA

The area of a site or building customarily used for the loading and/or unloading of product, and for the collection and temporary storage of refuse commonly enclosed in dumpster units or compacting units.

SERVICE BUSINESSES

Establishments primarily engaged in providing services rather than the sale of products to individuals, business, industry, government, and other enterprises. Examples include but are not limited to personal, business, repair, and amusement services; educational services; and membership organizations.

SETBACK

See "yard setback."

SEXUALLY ORIENTED RETAIL STORE

See "adult-related terms."

SEXUALLY ORIENTED RETAIL STORE

An establishment in which more than 10% of the inventory, whether for sale or rental, is from:

a) adult material;

b) media or novelty items, gag gifts, toys, and paraphernalia that depict sexual activity, semi-nude bodies or specified anatomical areas; or

c) novelty items, gag gifts, toys, and paraphernalia that are designed or marketed for stimulating human genital organs, sexual arousal or sadomasochistic use; except for medical films or publications or art or photographic publications that devote at least 25% of the lineage of each issue to articles and advertisements dealing with subjects of art or photography.

SF

Square foot or square feet.

SHOPPING CART CORRAL

An enclosure for containing shopping carts within a parking lot.

SHORT-TERM DWELLING RENTAL

The temporary rental of part or all of a dwelling unit for fewer than 30 consecutive nights at a time.

SIDEWALK DISPLAY

The outdoor display of merchandise for sale by a business use. See "outdoor displays."

SIDEWALK SALES

Retails sales of a short-term and temporary nature conducted on the sidewalk property. See "outdoor displays."

SIGN

Any banner, billboard, display, flag, illumination, illustration, insignia, lettering, logo, pennant, picture, structure or other device, however made, displayed, painted, supported or attached, intended for use for the purpose of advertisement, identification, publicity or notice when visible from any street or from any lot other than the lot on which the sign is located and either:

1) located out-of-doors or

2) located indoors and intended to be viewed from outside the building, or any building feature, including with limitation, roof, awning, or other special illumination, special colors or effects, or building or roof lines which serve to identify the use or occupancy of any building or site through a recognized motif or symbol. The term "sign" includes vehicle signs. However, it shall not include any flag, pennant or insignia of any governmental unit, any traffic or directional signs located within the right-of-way of a street when authorized by the Town of Canton or State of Connecticut.

SIGN AREA

The area of a sign shall be the entire area encompassed by the perimeter of the sign consisting of the best fit of not more than five rectangles, triangles or circles. Any sign may be double facing and only one face shall be counted in determining conformity to sign area limitations. The area of a three-dimensional sign shall be the sum of all sides or sign faces divided by two.
See Diagrams § 470-703E(1) and § 470-703E(2).

SIGN-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page under their specific sign name.

SIGN
SIGN, A-FRAME
SIGN AREA
SIGN, ARCADE
SIGN, AWNING
SIGN, BARBER POLE
SIGN, CHANNEL-LIT
SIGN, CONSTRUCTION
SIGN, DIRECTIONAL
SIGN, FLASHING
SIGN, GOVERNMENTAL
SIGN, GROUND
SIGN, HALO ILLUMINATED
SIGN, INDIRECTLY ILLUMINATED
SIGN, INTERNALLY ILLUMINATED
SIGN, MESSAGE BOARD/BULLETIN BOARD
SIGN, MENU BOARD
SIGN, MODEL GROUND
SIGN, MOVING
SIGN, MULTITENANT
SIGN, NEON
SIGN, OFF-SITE PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND
SIGN, OFF-PREMISES (BILLBOARDS)
SIGN, OPEN
SIGN, POLITICAL
SIGN, PROMOTIONAL MODEL GROUND
SIGN, PUBLIC INTEREST
SIGN, PUSH THROUGH
SIGN, REAL ESTATE
SIGN, ROOF
SIGN, SELF-STANDING
SIGN, SKY
SIGN, THREE DIMENSIONAL
SIGN, VEHICLE
SIGN, WALL OR ATTACHED
SIGN, WELCOME NEW BUSINESS MODEL GROUND
SIGN, WINDOW

See Article 4: Signs for photographic descriptions.

SINGLE HOUSEKEEPING UNIT

Common use and access to all living and eating areas, bathrooms and food preparation and serving areas.

SKY SIGN

Any sign suspended in the air by means of a balloon or other lighter-than-air device.

SMALL CELL

Wireless facilities that meet the conditions set forth in 47 C.F.R. § 1.6002(l).

SOIL

Any unconsolidated mineral or organic material of any origin.

SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN

An overall approach that minimizes soil erosion and sedimentation resulting from development and includes, but is not limited to, a map and narrative.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA

See § 470-603: Farmington River Protection Overlay District.

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA)

The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in any given year. SFHAs are determined utilizing the BFEs provided on the flood profiles in the FIS for a community. BFEs provided on FIRM are only approximate (rounded up or down) and should be verified with the BFEs published in the FIS for a specific location. SFHAs include, but are not necessarily limited to, the land shown as zones A, AE, AO, AH on a FIRM.

SPECIAL PERMIT

A permit that, upon approval by the Commission, allows a property owner to put his property to a use under conditions specified in these regulations.

START OF CONSTRUCTION

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 lot, 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 include excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations or the erections of temporary forms; not 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.

STOOP

An entry platform and steps on the facade of a building. Roofed exterior landings shall not be enclosed. (See BFS for specifications.)

STOREFRONT

A room or area at the ground story of a building, usually with display windows, designed for use as a retail store.

STORY

The 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 ceiling or roof above. A basement shall be counted as a story if the ceiling is more than five feet above the finished grade. An area under a roof shall not be considered a story or a half-story if the area under the roof (including dormers) has headroom of seven feet or more for 25% or less of the total floor area.

STORY, HALF

A space under a sloping roof where the area with headroom of seven feet or more occupies more than 25% but less than 50% of the total floor area.

Diagram 2.6 - Story Diagram

STORY-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

STORY
STORY, HALF

STREAMER SIGN

A ribbon like flag usually suspended from a rope or cord attached to a structure, pole or vehicle and intended to capture attention by flapping in the wind.

STREET

Any way which is an existing Town or state highway or any way shown as a proposed public or private highway on a recorded subdivision map duly approved by the Planning Commission or Planning and Zoning Commission, which subdivision or portion thereof has not expired or otherwise been determined to be void.

STREET FRONTAGE

That portion of the lot or building that is coincident with the BTL as required by this Code. In the case of a corner lot, frontage shall be measured along both front lot lines.

STREET LINE

The dividing line between the street right-of-way and the parcel of land. Where such line has not been established, it is deemed for the purposes of these regulations to be a line parallel to and 25 feet distant from the center line of the traveled way or paved surface except at cul-de-sacs, turnarounds, and intersections where this distance may be increased by the Commission.

STREET WALL

A wall, fence, or hedge along a BTL, property line, or delineating a private area, constructed of the materials listed in § 470-1505B(1), where there is no building. (For height and gate specifications, see the BFS.)

STREETLIGHT

A pedestrian-scaled luminaire installed on both sides of the street-space as designated in the street type recommendations or on the Regulating Plan. A fixture, such as cobra-head types, expressly for the purpose of illuminating highways does not constitute a streetlight.

STREET-SPACE

All space between fronting BTL and edge of roadway improvements.

STRUCTURE

A walled and roofed building which is principally aboveground, including a manufactured home, a gas or liquid storage tank, or other man-made facilities or infrastructures.

STRUCTURE

Anything constructed or erected which requires location on the ground or attachment to something having location on the ground. For the Floodplain District, see the definition in § 470-603 of these regulations.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE

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

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT

Any combination of repairs, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, taking place during a ten-year period, in which the cumulative cost equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure as determined at the beginning of such ten-year period, before the "start of construction" of the improvement. This term includes structures that have incurred "substantial damage" regardless of the actual repair work performed. 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. This term does not 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 a "historic structure," provided that the alternation will not preclude the structure's continued designation as a "historic structure."

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT

See "flood-related terms."

TAG-LINE to a WALL SIGN

See WALL or ATTACHED SIGN

TATTOOING/TATTOO PARLOR

An establishment whose principal business activity is the practice of one or more of the following: placing of designs, letters, figures, symbols, or other marks upon or under the skin of any person, using ink or other substances that result in the permanent coloration of the skin by means of the use of needles or other instruments designed to contact or puncture the skin.

TENT TRAILER

A folding structure, mounted on wheels to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, camping, recreational and vacation uses, and which is eligible to be licensed/registered and insured for highway use.

TERRACE

An embankment with a level or nearly level top.

©

TERRACE, LANDSCAPED

An embankment with grass, flowers, or shrubbery planted on the level or nearly level top.

THREE-DIMENSIONAL SIGN

Signs that consist of, or have attached to them, one or more three-dimensional objects (i.e. balls, cubes, clusters of objects, sculpture, or statue-like trademarks).

TOWER

A lattice structure, framework, or monopole, whether freestanding or attached to a building or another structure, that is used and designed to support wireless telecommunications services, including any attached receiving and/or relaying antennas and/or equipment.

TOWN

The Town of Canton, Connecticut.

TRAILER-RELATED TERMS

The following terms are listed separately on this definitions page.

TRAVEL TRAILER
PICK-UP COACH OR PICK-UP CAMPER
MOTORIZED CAMPER/RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
TENT TRAILER
UTILITY TRAILER
COMMERCIAL TRAILER

TRAVEL TRAILER

A vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis, designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, camping, recreational and vacation uses, and when equipped for the road shall have a body width not exceeding eight feet and which shall be eligible to be licensed/registered and insured for highway use.

TREE LAWN

A continuous strip of soil area typically covered with grass, other vegetation, bridging pavement, or sometimes porous pavers located between the back of curb and the sidewalk, and used for planting street trees and configured to foster healthy street tree root systems. Tree lawn dimensions are shown in the street type recommendations.

TRELLIS

A frame of latticework used especially for climbing plants.

TWO-FAMILY DWELLING

A building designed for and occupied exclusively as a residence for two families living independently of each other.

UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Two or more contiguous parcels developed, operated and maintained as a single development.

UNIMPROVED PARCEL

A parcel without building and structures.

UPLIGHTING

Any light source that distributes illumination above a 90° horizontal plane.

USE

The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, intended, occupied and/or maintained.

USE, CIVIC

Community uses including: meeting halls; libraries; schools; police and fire stations; post offices (retail operations only, no primary distribution facilities); places of worship; museums; cultural, visual and performing art centers; transit centers; government functions open to the public; and, other similar uses.

USE, COMMERCIAL

Commercial uses shall be considered to encompass all of the by-right and special uses included in the B Zoning Districts and retail service/sales as defined in the Town of Canton Zoning Ordinance.

USE, RESIDENTIAL

Residential uses shall be considered to encompass all of the uses allowed by-right and with a special use permit in the residential zoning districts as defined in the Town of Canton Zoning Ordinance.

UTILITY POLE

A pole that has horizontal telecommunication wire attachments and supports lateral distribution.

UTILITY TRAILER

A box, boat, horse or flat trailer designed to be towed by a noncommercial vehicle.

VARIANCE

A grant of relief by a community from the terms of the floodplain management regulation that allows construction in a manner otherwise prohibited and where specific enforcement would result in unnecessary hardship.

VEHICLE SIGN

Any permanent or temporary sign affixed to, painted on, or placed in or upon any parked vehicle, parked trailer, or other parked device capable of being towed, which is obviously and conspicuously parked so as to advertise the business to the passing motorist or pedestrian; and the primary purpose of which is to provide additional on-lot signage, or is to serve the function of an outdoor advertising sign.

The primary purpose of such vehicle or equipment shall be presumed to be for the display of such signage if the vehicle/equipment meets one or more of the following:

(a) Not in operating condition;
(b) Not currently registered or licensed to operate on public streets;
(c) Not actively used in the daily function of the business to which the signs relate;
(d) Not properly parked in a designated parking space; or,
(e) Used primarily as a static display for the display of such signage, except as otherwise authorized in subparagraph (d) in this section.

Vehicles and equipment engaged in active construction projects and the on-premise storage of equipment and vehicles offered to the general public for rent or lease shall not be considered to be vehicle signs.

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

See "pet/animal facilities."

VETERINARY HOSPITAL

A place where animals are given medical care and the boarding of animals is limited to short-term care accessory to the hospital use.

VIOLATION

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

WALL or ATTACHED SIGN

A sign mounted on the wall of a building.

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 and riverine areas.

WATERCOURSE

As defined in C.G.S. § 22a-38, as amended.

WELCOME NEW BUSINESS MODEL GROUND SIGN

A temporary ground sign pre-approved by the Zoning Commission for a new business to use before permanent signage is erected.

WETLAND

As defined in C.G.S. § 22a-38, as amended.

WINDOW SIGN

A sign painted on, affixed to, or placed within three feet of the interior face of a window or door and visible from the exterior.

WIRELESS PROVIDER

An entity authorized by the FCC to be a signal carrier for cellular telephones, personal communications services (PCS), specialized mobile radio (SMR), enhanced specialized mobile radio (ESMR), and paging services or other modes of communication subject to the Act.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES

All ground- and building-mounted equipment, ancillary equipment, devices, towers, antennas, and other structures associated with the provision of wireless telecommunications services, including base stations.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES

Commercial wireless and telecommunications services, including but not limited to cellular, PCS, SMR, ESMR, paging, and related systems.

WPCA

Town of Canton Water Pollution Control Authority.

YARD

An area on the same property with a building which lies between said building and the nearest lot line (i.e., the area defined from the structure outward). Also see "yard setback."

Diagram 2.7 - "Yard" Location Diagram

YARD SETBACK, CORNER LOTS

A "corner lot" shall have two front yard setbacks and two side yard setbacks.

YARD SETBACK, PIE-SHAPED LOTS

A "pie-shaped lot" shall have one front yard setback and two side yard setbacks.

YARD, FRONT

The area extending across the full width of a lot from the principal building or any covered porch, garage or addition which extends from the principal building to the front lot line.

Diagram 2.7 - "Yard" Location Diagram

YARD, MINIMUM SETBACK

The minimum distance required to be provided between a lot line and a building as measured from the appropriate lot line. (i.e., an area defined from the property line inward). Also see "yard." (See Table 2.1 immediately following this definitions list for exceptions to the minimum yard setback.)

Diagram 2.8 - "Yard Setback" Location Diagram

Diagram 2.9 – Multi-lot Yard Setback Configuration, Illustrated

YARD, REAR

The area extending across the full width of a parcel from the principal building or any covered porch, garage or addition which extends from the principal building to the lot line most opposite the front lot line.

Diagram 2.7 - "Yard" Location Diagram

YARD, SIDE

The area from the principal building or any covered porch, garage or addition which extends from the principal building to a side lot line and located between the front yard and the rear yard.

Diagram 2.7 - "Yard" Location Diagram

YIELD POINT

A load at which a solid material that is being stretched changes shape permanently. The amount of stress in a solid at the onset of permanent deformation.

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS (ZBA)

The Zoning Board of Appeals of the Town of Canton established under C.G.S. 8-25.

ZONING ENFORCEMENT OFFICER (ZEO)

The administrative officer designated to administer the zoning ordinance and issue zoning permits and certificates of zoning compliance, or his/her designee.

ZONING MAP

The Zoning Map of the Town of Canton adopted under Connecticut General Statutes § 8-2, Effective May 12, 2014, and the Canton Village Districts Regulating Plans, Effective April 10, 2018, inclusive of subsequent amendments.

ZONING PERMIT

Various permits issued by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and shall include preconstruction certificates, certificates of compliance, sign permits, and home-based business permits, certifying that a use or any extension or alteration thereof, conforms to the requirements of the Zoning Regulations.

ZONING REGULATIONS

The Zoning Regulations of the Town of Canton adopted under Connecticut General Statutes § 8-2, inclusive of the Canton Zoning Regulations, Effective May 12, 2014, and the Canton Village Districts Form-Based Design Code, Effective April 10, 2018, inclusive of subsequent amendments, also referred to as "these regulations."

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MapLink™ | Definitions

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Town of Canton, CT

MapLink™ | Definitions