Definitions — City of Pawtucket

ABUTTER § 410-132.1

One whose property abuts, that is, adjoins at a border, boundary or point with no intervening land.

ACCESSORY FAMILY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) § 410-132.2

A residential living unit on the same parcel where the primary use is a legally established single-unit or multiunit dwelling. An ADU provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It may take various forms, including, but not limited to,: a detached unit; a unit that is part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling.

ACCESSORY STRUCTURE § 410-20.1

A structure which is on the same parcel of property as the principal structure to be insured and the use of which is incidental to the use of the principal structure.

ACCESSORY USE § 410-132.3

A use of land or of a building, or portion thereof, customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building. An "accessory use" may be restricted to the same lot as the principal use. An "accessory use" shall not be permitted without the principal use to which it is related.

ADAPTIVE REUSE § 410-132.4

The conversion of an existing structure from the use for which it was constructed to a new use by maintaining the elements of the structure and adapting such elements to a new use.

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER § 410-132.5

The municipal official designated by the local regulations to administer the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations to review and approve qualified applications and/or coordinate with local boards and commissions, municipal staff and state agencies as set forth herein. The Director of Planning and Redevelopment or their designee, as established in § 50-23.

ADULT USE § 410-43.7.1

An establishment that sells or disseminates explicit sexual material, and at which access to the public display of explicit sexual material is restricted to persons 18 years of age or older. These may include, but shall not be limited to, adult bookstores, adult cabaret, or adult motion picture theaters.

AGGRIEVED PARTY § 410-132.6

An "aggrieved party," for purposes of this chapter, shall be: A. Any person or persons or entity or entities who can demonstrate that their property will be injured by a decision of the Director; or B. Anyone requiring notice pursuant to this chapter.

ALTERATION § 410-32.1

An act that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure or its appurtenances, including but not limited to the erection, construction, reconstruction or removal of any structure or appurtenance.

ALTERATION § 410-132.7

An act that changes one or more of the exterior architectural features of a structure or its appurtenances, including but not limited to the erection, construction, reconstruction or removal of any structure or appurtenance.

AMUSEMENT PARK § 410-43.7.2

An area that may include both outdoor and indoor areas designed for assembling crowds of people for the purposes of enjoying multiple attractions, which could include fairground rides, shows, refreshments, games of chance or skill, and other entertainments.

ANIMAL § 410-132.8

A living organism other than a plant or bacterium and excluding human beings. Included are fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

APPLICANT § 410-92.14.1

Any person, corporation, or public or private organization, proposing a development which would involve disturbance to the natural terrain as herein defined.

APPLICANT § 410-132.9

An owner or authorized agent of the owner submitting an application or appealing an action of any official, board, or agency.

APPLICATION § 410-132.10

The completed form, or forms, and all accompanying documents, exhibits and fees required of an applicant by an approving authority for development review, approval or permitting purposes.

APPURTENANCES § 410-32.2

Features other than primary or secondary structures which contribute to the exterior historic appearance of a property, including but not limited to paving, doors, windows, signs, materials, decorative accessories, fences and historic landscape features.

APPURTENANCES § 410-132.11

Features other than primary or secondary structures which contribute to the exterior historic appearance of a property, including but not limited to paving, doors, windows, signs, materials, decorative accessories, fences and historic landscape features.

AREA OF SHALLOW FLOODING § 410-20.2

(For a community with AO or AH Zones only.) A designated AO, AH, AR/AO, AR/AH, or VO zone on a community's Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one-percent-or-greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow.

AREA OF SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD § 410-20.3

See definition for "Special Flood Hazard Area."

AUCTION HOUSE § 410-132.12

A building, area, or areas within a building used for the public sale of goods, wares, merchandise, or equipment, excluding livestock, live animals or motor vehicles, to the highest bidder.

AUTO BODY SHOP OR REPAIR SERVICE § 410-43.7.3

An establishment primarily engaged in the repair, painting, detailing or refinishing of automobiles, noncommercial vehicles, motorcycles, recreational vehicles or boats, including the sale, installation, and servicing of equipment and parts. Such activities as well as any overnight storage will take place indoors. Typical uses include muffler shops, auto repair garages, tire sales and installation, wheel and brake shops, lubrication shops, and similar repair and service activities. These uses shall not include vehicle dismantling or salvage of parts, or the sale/dispensing of motor fuels.

AWNING § 410-85.1

Any nonrigid material, such as fabric or flexible plastic, that is supported by or stretched over a frame that is attached to an exterior wall.

AWNING SIGN § 410-43.7.4

A sign placed directly on the surface of an awning.

AWNING SIGN § 410-85.2

A sign placed directly on the surface of an awning.

BASE FLOOD § 410-20.4

The flood having a one-percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.

BASE FLOOD ELEVATION (BFE) § 410-20.5

The elevation of the crest of the base flood or one-hundred-year flood. The height, as established in relation to the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD) of 1988 (or other datum where specified), in relation to mean sea level expected to be reached by the waters of the base flood at pertinent points in the floodplains of coastal and riverine areas.

BASEMENT § 410-20.6

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

BED-AND-BREAKFAST § 410-132.13

A single-family dwelling offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public within a portion of said dwelling, and which may include limited food preparation and the serving of such food within a common area. Such use shall accommodate no more than four transient guests at any one time, and the owner must reside on the premises. BLACK BOX THEATER (or EXPERIMENTAL THEATER) — A simple, typically unadorned performance space, usually a large square room with black walls and a flat floor, usually home to plays or other performances with very basic technical arrangements.

BILLBOARD § 410-85.3

All off-site signs or off-site advertising, and any sign that is used to attract attention to an object, person, product, institution, organization, business, service, event or location that is not located on the premises upon which the sign is located. This definition does not include governmental traffic, directional or regulatory signs or notices of the federal, state, county or City government or their public agencies.

BOARD § 410-132.14

The Zoning Board of Review of the City of Pawtucket.

BUFFER § 410-132.15

Land which is maintained in either a natural or landscaped state and is used to screen and/or mitigate the impacts of development on surrounding areas, properties or rights-of-way.

BUILDING § 410-20.7

See definition for "structure."

BUILDING § 410-132.16

Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

BUILDING CONTRACTOR OPERATION § 410-43.7.5

An establishment designed to store and periodically deploy heavy equipment and bulk materials associated with construction.

BUILDING ENVELOPE § 410-132.17

The three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot and which is defined by regulations governing building setbacks, maximum height and bulk; by other regulations; and/or any combination thereof.

BUILDING HEIGHT § 410-132.18

For a vacant parcel of land, building height shall be measured from the average, existing-grade elevation where the foundation of the structure is proposed. For an existing structure, building height shall be measured from average grade taken from the outermost four corners of the existing foundation. In all cases, building height shall be measured to the top of the highest point of the existing or proposed roof or structure. This distance shall exclude spires, chimneys, flag poles, and the like. For any property or structure located in a special flood hazard area, as shown on the official FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), or depicted on the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) suggested design elevation three-foot sea level rise (CRMC SDE 3 SLR) map as being inundated during a 100-year storm, the greater of the following amounts, expressed in feet, shall be excluded from the building height calculation: A. The base flood elevation on the FEMA FIRM plus up to five feet of any utilized or proposed freeboard, less the average existing grade elevation; or B. The suggested design elevation as depicted on the CRMC SDE 3 SLR map during a 100-year storm, less the average existing grade elevation. CRMC shall reevaluate the appropriate suggested design elevation map for the exclusion every 10 years, or as otherwise necessary.

CAFE § 410-132.19

A restaurant serving coffee and other beverages along with baked goods or light meals.

CANOPY § 410-85.4

An extension of the roof of a building or a freestanding structure that has a roof with support, but no walls.

CANOPY SIGN § 410-85.5

A sign painted on or attached to a hood, awning or roof-like canopy. Individual letters, words or symbols may be affixed or applied to any surface, provided that the area of the sign does not exceed the maximum area allowed in § 410-88. A canopy sign is not considered a projecting sign. In no event shall such sign or part thereof be erected closer than two feet to the curbline.

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS § 410-32.3

A certificate issued by the Historic District Commission established under this Article indicating approval of plans for alteration, construction, repair, removal or demolition of a structure or appurtenances of a structure within an historic district. "Appropriate for the purposes of passing upon an application for a certificate of appropriateness" means not incongruous with those aspects of the structure, appurtenances or the district which the Commission has determined to be historically or architecturally significant.

CERTIFICATE OF APPROPRIATENESS § 410-132.20

A certificate issued by an Historic District Commission established under this chapter indicating approval of plans for alteration, construction, repair, removal or demolition of a structure or appurtenances of a structure within an Historic District. Appropriate for the purposes of passing upon an application for a "certificate of appropriateness" means not incongruous with those aspects of the structure, appurtenances or the district which the Commission has determined to be historically or architecturally significant.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY — § 410-132.21

A. A "certificate of occupancy" is a mandatory certificate issued by the Director following the requirements of the Rhode Island Building Code for the following actions: (1) Occupancy and use of a building hereafter erected and enlarged; (2) Change in use of an existing building to a difference in use; (3) Intensification of an existing use of either a building or land; (4) Occupancy and use of vacant land except for raising of crops; (5) Change in the use of land to different use except for the raising of crops; or (6) Any change in use of a nonconforming use. B. The occupancy use or change of use shall not take place until a "certificate of occupancy" has been issued by the Director.

CHANGEABLE COPY SIGN § 410-85.6

A sign that is designed so that characters, letters or illustrations can be manually changed or rearranged without altering the face or surface of the sign. [Amended 8-25-2004 by Ch. No. 2739]

CHANNEL LETTER OR DIMENSIONAL LETTER SIGN § 410-85.7

A sign comprised of individual letters and graphics without a frame or separate background. [Added 2-25-2010 by Ch. No. 2934]

CITY § 410-32.4

The City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

CITY § 410-132.22

The City of Pawtucket, Rhode Island.

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION § 410-132.23

The official planning agency of the City of Pawtucket.

CLUSTER § 410-132.24

A site planning technique that concentrates buildings in specific areas on the site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space, and/or preservation of environmentally, historically, culturally, or other sensitive features and/or structures. The techniques used to concentrate buildings shall be specified in the ordinance and may include, but are not limited to, reduction in lot areas, setback requirements, and/or bulk requirements, with the resultant open land being devoted by deed restrictions for one or more uses. Under cluster development, there is no increase in the number of lots that would be permitted under conventional development except where ordinance provisions include incentive bonuses for certain types or conditions of development.

COASTAL A ZONE § 410-20.8

Area within a special flood hazard area, landward of a V Zone or landward of an open coast without mapped V Zones. The principal source of flooding must be astronomical tides, storm surges, seiches, or tsunamis, not riverine flooding. During the base flood conditions, the potential for breaking wave heights shall be greater than or equal to 1.5 feet.

COASTAL FEATURES § 410-132.25

Any coastal beach, barrier island or spit, coastal wetland, coastal headland, bluff or cliff, rocky shore, manmade shoreline or dune as outlined and defined by the coastal resources management program, and as may be amended.

COMMERCIAL SURFACE PARKING § 410-43.7.6

A surface parking area that leases spaces on a temporary basis as a primary use.

COMMISSION § 410-32.5

The Historic District Commission of the City.

COMMON OWNERSHIP § 410-132.26

Either: A. Ownership by one or more individuals or entities in any form of ownership of two or more contiguous lots; or B. Ownership by any association (such ownership may also include a municipality) of one or more lots under specific development techniques.

COMMUNITY RESIDENCE § 410-132.27

A home or residential facility where children and/or adults reside in a family setting and may or may not receive supervised care. This shall not include halfway houses or substance-use-disorder treatment facilities. This shall include, but not be limited to, the following: A. Whenever six or fewer children or adults with intellectual or developmental disability reside in any type of residence in the community, as licensed by the state pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 24 of Title 40.1. All requirements pertaining to this chapter are waived for these "community residences." B. A group home providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight persons with disabilities and licensed by the state pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 24 of Title 40.1. C. A residence for children providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight children, including those of the caregiver, and licensed by the state pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 72.1 of Title 42. D. A community transitional residence providing care or assistance, or both, to no more than six unrelated persons or no more than three families, not to exceed a total of eight persons, requiring temporary financial assistance, and/or to persons who are victims of crimes, abuse or neglect and who are expected to reside in that residence not less than 60 days nor more than two years. Residents will have access to and use of all common areas, including eating areas and living rooms, and will receive appropriate social services for the purpose of fostering independence, self-sufficiency and eventual transition to a permanent living situation.

COMPASSION CENTER § 410-132.28

As defined in R.I.G.L. § 21-28.6-3, a not-for-profit corporation, subject to the provisions of Chapter 6 of Title 7, and registered under § 21-28.6-12, that acquires, possesses, cultivates, manufactures, delivers, transfers, transports, supplies or dispenses marijuana, and/or related supplies and educational materials, to registered patient cardholders and/or their designated registered primary caregivers.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN § 410-132.29

The Comprehensive Plan of the City of Pawtucket adopted and approved pursuant to R.I.G.L. Chapter 22.2 and to which this chapter shall be in compliance.

CONSISTENCY WITH THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN § 410-132.30

A requirement of all local land use regulations which means that all these regulations and subsequent actions are in accordance with the public policies arrived at through detailed study and analysis and adopted by the municipality as the Comprehensive Plan as specified in R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2-3.

CONSTRUCTION § 410-32.6

The act of adding to an existing structure or erecting a new principal or accessory structure or appurtenances to a structure, including but not limited to buildings, extensions, outbuildings, fire escapes and retaining walls.

CONSTRUCTION § 410-132.31

The act of adding to an existing structure or erecting a new principal or accessory structure or appurtenances to a structure, including but not limited to buildings, extensions, outbuildings, fire escapes and retaining walls.

CONSTRUCTION WASTES § 410-92.14.2

Solid and/or liquid wastes generated from the construction/site development process. This includes, but not limited to, discarded building materials, concrete truck washout, chemicals, litter, and sanitary wastes.

COORDINATED DEVELOPMENT § 410-43.7.7

Proposed or existing site conditions where buildings, structures, infrastructure, site features, and/or lot configuration are designed in a manner where these elements are organized into an integrated concept.

COPY AREA OF A SIGN § 410-85.8

The actual area of the characters and letters displayed on a sign face.

COST § 410-20.9

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, costs to correct code violations subsequent to a violation notice, 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.

COWORKER SPACE § 410-132.32

A shared working environment, often an office, but that houses independent activities, and those coworking are usually not employed by the same organization.

CULTURAL ACTIVITY § 410-132.33

Any nonprofit or for-profit museum, library, art gallery, legitimate theater or other similar use, and may include outdoor.

CUT § 410-92.14.3

An excavation; the difference between a point on the original ground and a designated point of lower elevation on the final grade. Also, the material removed in excavation.

D.U § 410-132.34

Abbreviation for dwelling unit.

DATA PROCESSING FACILITY § 410-132.35

Facilities where electronic data is processed by employees, including, without limitation, data entry, storage, conversion or analysis, subscription and credit card transaction processing, telephone sales and order collection, mail order and catalog sales, and mailing list preparation.

DAY CARE - DAY-CARE CENTER § 410-132.36

Any other day-care center which is not a family day-care home.

DAY CARE - FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME § 410-132.37

Any home other than the individual's home in which day care in lieu of parental care or supervision is offered at the same time to six or less individuals who are not relatives of the caregiver, but may not contain more than a total of eight individuals receiving day care.

DAYS § 410-132.38

Calendar days.

DEMOLITION § 410-32.7

An act or process that destroys a structure or its appurtenances in part or in whole.

DEMOLITION § 410-132.39

An act or process that destroys a structure or its appurtenances in part or in whole.

DENSITY, RESIDENTIAL § 410-132.40

The number of dwelling units per unit of land.

DEVELOPMENT § 410-20.10

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

DEVELOPMENT § 410-132.41

The construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbance; any change in use or alteration or extension of the use of land.

DEVELOPMENT PLAN REVIEW § 410-132.42

Design or site plan review of a development of a permitted use. A municipality may utilize development plan review under limited circumstances to encourage development to comply with design and/or performance standards of the community under specific and objective guidelines, for developments including, but not limited to: A. A change in use at the property where no extensive construction of improvements is sought. B. An adaptive reuse project located in a commercial zone where no extensive exterior construction of improvements is sought. C. An adaptive reuse project located in a residential zone which results in less than nine residential units. D. Development in a designated urban or growth center. E. Institutional development design review for educational or hospital facilities. F. Development in a historic district.

DEVELOPMENT PROJECT § 410-92.14.4

Any construction, reconstruction, demolition, or removal of structures, roadways, parking, or other paved areas, utilities, or other similar facilities, including any action requiring a building permit by the City.

DEVELOPMENT REGULATION § 410-132.43

Zoning, subdivision, land development plan, development plan review, historic district, official map, floodplain regulation, soil erosion control or any other governmental regulation of the use and development of land.

DIRECTIONAL SIGN § 410-85.9

A sign identifying on-premises traffic, parking or other functional activity bearing no commercial advertising. Such signs are permitted in all zones except in residential zones and shall be limited to four square feet in area per sign.

DIRECTOR § 410-132.44

Director of the Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement of the City of Pawtucket.

DIRECTORY SIGN § 410-85.10

A sign which displays the names and/or addresses of the establishments or uses of a building or group of buildings.

DISTRICT § 410-132.45

See "zoning use district."

DRAINAGE SYSTEM § 410-132.46

A system for the removal of water from land by drains, grading or other appropriate means. These techniques may include runoff controls to minimize erosion and sedimentation during and after construction or development, the means for preserving surface and groundwaters and the prevention and/or alleviation of flooding.

DWELLING UNIT § 410-132.47

A structure or portion thereof providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation and containing a separate means of ingress and egress.

EDGE OF PAVEMENT § 410-43.7.8

The linear edge where curbing, sidewalks, and driveways meet the street surface.

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATION § 410-132.48

A public or private parking space(s) that is (are) served by battery charging equipment with the purpose of transferring electric energy to a battery or other energy storage device in an electric vehicle.

ELECTRONIC MESSAGING CENTER/ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD § 410-85.11

An exterior computer-programmable sign capable of displaying words, symbols, figures or picture images that can be altered or rearranged by remote means without altering the face or surface of the sign. [Added 2-25-2010 by Ch. No. 2934]

ELEVATED FREESTANDING SIGN § 410-43.7.9

A sign that is not attached to any building and is elevated clear of the ground by means of poles, posts, or similar structures.

ERECT § 410-85.12

To assemble, construct, build, raise, place, install, affix, attach, create, paint, draw or in any other way bring into being or establish.

EROSION § 410-92.14.5

The removal of mineral and/or organic matter by the action of wind, water and/or gravity.

EXCAVATE § 410-92.14.6

Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar material is dug into, cut, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed, and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.

EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION § 410-20.11

A manufactured home park or manufactured home 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 site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of the floodplain management regulations adopted by a community. EXPANSION TO AN EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR EXISTING MANUFACTURED HOME 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 site grading or the pouring of concrete pads).

EXTRACTIVE INDUSTRY § 410-132.49

The extraction of minerals, including: solids, such as coal and ores; liquids, such as crude petroleum; and gases, such as natural gases. The term also includes quarrying; well operation; milling, such as crushing, screening, washing and flotation; and other preparation customarily done at the extraction site or as a part of the extractive activity.

FACADE § 410-85.13

The exterior front surface of a building.

FAMILY MEMBER § 410-132.50

A person, or persons, related by blood, marriage or other legal means, including but not limited to, a child, parent, spouse, mother-in-law, father-in-law, grandparents, grandchildren, domestic partner, sibling, care recipient, or member of the household. See also "household."

FARMER'S MARKET § 410-132.51

Seasonal outdoor retail sales of farm produce from vehicles or temporary stands, located within a parking lot or public right-of-way.

FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY (FEMA) § 410-20.12

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

FEDERALLY INSURED OR ASSISTED HOUSING § 410-132.52

"Federally insured or assisted housing" means: A. Low-income housing units insured or assisted under Sections 221(d)(3) and 236 of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. § 1701 et seq.). B. Low-income housing units produced with assistance under Section 8 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 (42 U.S.C. § 1401 et seq.). C. Rural low-income housing financed under Section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 (12 U.S.C. § 1715Z).

FENCE § 410-132.53

A barrier constructed of posts and wire or boards erected for the purposes of protection, confinement, enclosure or privacy. Also included are solid hedges exceeding 30 inches in height adjacent to or on the front yard property line where a clear vision field is necessary for personal safety.

FENCE, NATURAL § 410-132.54

A barrier of ornamental shrubbery that exceeds 30 inches in height.

FENCE, OPEN § 410-132.55

A fence in which 75% or more of the side area is open. An example is a chain link fence.

FENCE, SOLID § 410-132.56

A fence in which more than 50% of the side area is closed or opaque. An example is a wooden stockade fence.

FENCE, WALL § 410-132.57

A barrier constructed of masonry materials erected at or near property lines for the purpose of enclosure.

FILL § 410-92.14.7

Any act by which earth, sand or other material is placed or moved to a new location above ground. The fill is also the difference in elevation between the point of existing undisturbed ground and a designated point of higher elevation of the final grade and material added to an excavation.

FLEA MARKET § 410-132.58

Any indoor or outdoor place, location, or activity where new or used goods or secondhand personal property is offered for sale or exchange to the general public by a multitude of individual licensed vendors, usually in compartmentalized spaces, and where a fee may be charged to prospective buyers for admission, or a fee may be charged for the privilege of offering or displaying such merchandise.

FLOATING ZONE § 410-132.59

An unmapped zoning district adopted within the ordinance which is established on the Zoning Map only when an application for development, meeting the zone requirements, is approved.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM) § 410-20.13

The official map of a community on which the Federal Insurance Administrator has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium zones applicable to the community. A FIRM that has been made available digitally is called a Digital Flood Insurance Rate Map (DFIRM).

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY (FIS) § 410-20.14

The official study of a community in which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has conducted a technical engineering evaluation and determination of local flood hazards, flood profiles and water surface elevations. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM), which accompany the FIS, provide both flood insurance rate zones and base flood elevations, and may provide the regulatory floodway limits. FLOOD or FLOODING — A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from either the overflow of inland or tidal waters, or the unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source.

FLOODPLAINS OR FLOOD HAZARD AREA § 410-132.60

An area that is subject to a flood from a storm having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year, as delineated on a community's flood hazard map as approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (Pub. L. No. 90-448), 42 U.S.C. § 4011 et seq.

FLOODPROOFING § 410-20.15

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

FLOODWAY § 410-20.16

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 a designated height. For the purposes of these regulations, the term "regulatory floodway" is synonymous in meaning with the term "floodway."

FLOOR AREA, GROSS § 410-132.61

See Rhode Island State Building Code.

FREEBOARD § 410-20.17

A factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. "Freeboard" tends to compensate for the many unknown factors that could contribute to flood heights greater than the height calculated for a selected size flood and floodway conditions, such as wave action, bridge openings, and the hydrological effect of urbanization of the watershed.

FREESTANDING SIGN § 410-85.14

A sign that is attached to, erected on or supported by some structure (such as a pole, mast, frame or other structure, but not any kind of antenna) that is not itself an integral part of or attached to a building. A sign that stands without supporting elements, such as sandwich sign, is also a freestanding sign. All permanently installed freestanding signs shall be protected from vehicular circulation and parking areas.

FRONTAGE AREA § 410-43.7.10

The area between the facade of a frontage building and the edge of pavement. Contains the Frontage Zone, the Pedestrian Zone, and the Furnishing Zone.

FRONTAGE BUILDING § 410-43.7.11

Any building that is located along a public right-of-way or private way designed to move automobiles, with its facade oriented to that public or private way.

FRONTAGE ZONE § 410-43.7.12

The part of the frontage area immediately adjacent to the building facade.

FRONTAGE, BUILDING § 410-85.15

The length of a building that faces a street, parking area or private drive.

FRONTAGE, LOT § 410-85.16

The length of that part of a zoning lot that fronts a public street.

FUEL STATION § 410-43.7.13

Any lot or portion thereof used partly or entirely for dispensing flammable liquids, combustible liquids, liquefied flammable gas, or flammable gas into the fuel tanks of vehicles. This does not include bulk storage and wholesale of liquid fuels.

FUNCTIONALLY DEPENDENT USE OR FACILITY § 410-20.18

A use that cannot perform its intended purpose unless it is located or carried out in close proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and shipbuilding and ship repair facilities.

FURNISHING ZONE § 410-43.7.14

The part of the frontage area immediately adjacent to the edge of pavement.

GALLERY § 410-132.62

A building or space for the exhibition of art, usually visual art. Paintings are the most commonly displayed art objects. However, sculpture, decorative arts, furniture, textiles, costumes, drawings, pastels, watercolors, collages, prints, artists' books, photographs, and installation.

GOLF COURSE § 410-43.7.15

The grounds where the game of golf is played. The area dedicated to play comprises a series of holes, each usually consisting of a teeing ground, a fairway, the rough and other hazards, and a green with a flagstick ("pin") and hole ("cup").

GOVERNING BODY § 410-132.63

The body of the local government, generally the city or town council, having the power to adopt ordinances, accept public dedications, release public improvement guarantees, and collect fees.

GROUNDWATER § 410-132.64

Water found underground which completely fills the open spaces between particles of sand, gravel, clay, silt, and consolidated rock fractures. The zone of materials filled with groundwater is called the "zone of saturation."

HALFWAY HOUSES § 410-132.65

A residential facility for adults or children who have been institutionalized for criminal conduct and who require a group setting to facilitate the transition to a functional member of society. HISTORIC DISTRICT or HISTORIC SITE — As defined in R.I.G.L. § 45-22.2-4. "Historic district" means one or more historic sites and intervening or surrounding property significantly affecting or affected by the quality and character of the historic site or sites, and has been registered or is deemed eligible to be included on the state register of historical places pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-45-5. "Historic site" means any real property, man-made structure, natural object or configuration or any portion or group of the foregoing which has been registered or is deemed eligible to be included on the state register of historic places pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 42-45-5.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATIONS § 410-43.7.16

Establishments that provide service, storage, or sales of heavy-duty construction machinery, vehicles, or related accessories.

HIGHEST ADJACENT GRADE (HAG) § 410-20.19

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

HISTORIC DISTRICT § 410-32.8

A specific geographic area of a City or town as designated by ordinance of the City or town pursuant to Chapter 45-24.1. of the Rhode Island General Laws. An "historic district" may include one or more structures.

HISTORIC STRUCTURE § 410-20.20

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. LIMIT OF MODERATE WAVE ACTION (LiMWA) — An advisory line indicating the limit of the 1.5 foot wave height during the base flood.

HOME OCCUPATION § 410-132.66

Any activity customarily carried out for gain by a resident, conducted as an accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit.

HOTEL AND MOTEL § 410-132.67

Dwelling unit(s) or a rooming house offering transient lodging accommodations to the general public that does not meet the definition of a "bed-and-breakfast."

HOUSEHOLD § 410-132.68

One or more persons living together in a single dwelling unit with common access to, and common use of, all living and eating areas and all areas and facilities for the preparation and storage of food within the dwelling unit. The term "household unit" shall be synonymous with the term "dwelling unit" for determining the number of such units allowed within any structure on any lot in a zoning district. An individual household shall consist of any one of the following: A. A family, which may also include servants and employees living with the family; or B. A person or not more than five unrelated persons occupying a single household or dwelling unit.

ILLEGAL SIGN § 410-85.17

Any sign erected or maintained in violation of a preceding ordinance or erected, altered, removed or replaced in violation of this chapter.

ILLUMINATED SIGN § 410-85.18

A sign illuminated in any manner by an artificial light source, whether internally or externally illuminated.

INCENTIVE ZONING § 410-132.69

The process whereby the Zoning Board of Review may grant additional development capacity in exchange for the developer's provision of a public benefit or amenity as specified in this chapter.

INCUBATOR § 410-132.70

A business company that helps new and startup companies to develop by providing services such as management training or office space, including coworking space. Business incubators differ from research and technology parks in their commitment to startup and early-stage companies.

INDEPENDENT LIVING FACILITY § 410-132.71

A residential facility where adults reside in a family setting and receive limited supervised care.

INFILL DEVELOPMENT § 410-43.7.17

New buildings or structures developed where such development is contiguous with the preexisting pattern of buildings either on that lot or on adjacent lots.

INFRASTRUCTURE § 410-132.72

Facilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial, industrial, institutional and other activities.

JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION (JPC) § 410-132.73

The City Planning Commission meeting concurrently with the Central Falls Planning Board. See §§ 11-59 and 410-43.9.

KIOSK, FREESTANDING EXTERIOR § 410-132.74

A freestanding exterior structure of less than 500 square feet for drive-up or walk-up window services or retail sales.

LAND § 410-132.75

Real property including improvements and fixtures on, above, or below the surface.

LAND DEVELOPMENT AND SUBDIVISION REGULATIONS § 410-132.76

Regulations adopted under the provisions of the Subdivision Enabling Act of 1992, R.I.G.L. 45-24 and Chapter 11 Article VII.

LAND DEVELOPMENT PROJECT § 410-132.77

A project in which one or more lots, tracts or parcels of land are to be developed or redeveloped as a coordinated site for a complex of uses, units or structures, including but not limited to planned development and/or cluster development for residential, commercial, institutional, recreational, open space and/or mixed uses as may be provided for in this chapter. The local regulations shall include all requirements, procedures and standards necessary for proper review and approval of land development projects to ensure consistency with this chapter and the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act. A. Minor land development project. A land development project involving any one the following: (1) Ten thousand gross square feet of floor area of new commercial, manufacturing or industrial development; or less, or (2) An expansion of up to 50% of existing floor area or up to 10,000 square feet for commercial, manufacturing or industrial structures; or (3) Mixed-use development consisting of up to six dwelling units and 2,500 gross square feet of commercial space or less; (4) Multifamily residential or residential condominium development of nine units or less; or (5) Change in use at the property where no extensive construction of improvements are sought; (6) An adaptive reuse project of up to 25,000 square feet of gross floor area located in a commercial zone where no extensive exterior construction of improvements is sought; (7) An adaptive reuse project located in a residential zone which results in less than nine residential units. B. Major land development project. A land development project which exceeds the thresholds for a minor land development project as set forth in this section. The process by which major land development projects are reviewed by City Planning Commission or Joint Planning Commission as appropriate is set forth in R.I.G.L. § 45-23-39 and the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITY § 410-92.14.8

Any physical land-altering activity that includes such actions as clearance of vegetation, moving or filling of land, removal or excavation of soil or mineral resources, or similar activities.

LANDMARK SIGN § 410-85.19

An older sign of artistic or historic merit, uniqueness or significance.

LICENSED CULTIVATOR § 410-132.78

A person, as identified in R.I.G.L. § 43-3-6, who has been licensed by the Department of Business Regulation (Class A-D) to acquire, possess, cultivate, deliver, or transfer marijuana to licensed compassion centers pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 21-28.6-16. A licensed cultivator shall not be a primary caregiver cardholder and shall not hold a cooperative cultivation license.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY § 410-132.79

An accessory freestanding structure located on private property that is installed for the sole purpose of enclosing books that are loaned to Pawtucket residents for free.

LIVE/WORK SPACE § 410-132.80

A building or spaces within a building used for commercial activities and areas for residential/living purposes where 2/3 or 67% of the unit is dedicated for residential purposes. Examples of acceptable live/work space are live-work units of insurance and financial offices, artists, boutiques, small antique shops, dance studios, personal trainers, and consultants of various type. Said business shall be of no or low impact to neighbors, and the unit shall be required to be occupied by the business owner.

LOT § 410-132.81

Either: A. The basic development unit for determination of lot area, depth and other dimensional regulations; or B. A parcel of land whose boundaries have been established by some legal instrument such as a recorded deed or recorded map and which is recognized as a separate legal entity for purposes of transfer of title.

LOT AREA § 410-132.82

The total area within the boundaries of a lot, excluding any street right-of-way, usually reported in acres or square feet.

LOT BUILDING COVERAGE § 410-132.83

That portion of the lot that is or may be covered by buildings and accessory buildings. Aboveground pools shall not be included in the calculation of maximum lot building coverage.

LOT DEPTH § 410-132.84

The distance measured from the front lot line to the rear lot line. For lots where the front and rear lot lines are not parallel, the lot depth is an average of the depth.

LOT FRONTAGE § 410-132.85

That portion of a lot abutting a street.

LOT LINE § 410-132.86

A line of record, bounding a lot, which divides one lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public or private space and shall include: A. FRONTOn an interior lot, a through lot or a flag lot, any lot line abutting a street shall be considered a front lot line. Corner lots shall be considered to have two front lot lines abutting the streets. The determination of which is the front lot line and side lot line shall be made by the permitting authority. B. REARThe lot line(s) opposite and most distant from the front lot line, or in the case of triangular or otherwise irregularly shaped lots an assumed line at least 10 feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line. C. SIDEAny lot line other than a front or rear lot line.

LOT OF RECORD § 410-132.87

A parcel of land record in the office of the Recorder of Deeds of the City of Pawtucket.

LOT SIZE, MINIMUM § 410-132.88

Shall have the same meaning as "minimum lot area" defined herein.

LOT WIDTH § 410-132.89

The horizontal distance between the side lines of a lot measured at right angles to its depth along a straight line parallel to the front lot line at the minimum front setback line.

LOT, THROUGH § 410-132.90

A lot which fronts upon two parallel streets or which fronts upon two streets which do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.

LOWEST FLOOR § 410-20.21

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, provided that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable nonelevation design requirements of § 60.3.

MANUFACTURED HOME § 410-20.22

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 "manufactured home" does not include a recreational vehicle. MANUFACTURED HOME PARK or MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION — A parcel or contiguous parcels of land divided into two or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK § 410-132.91

Two or more manufactured homes located on the same lot.

MANUFACTURED ON-SITE HOME SALES § 410-43.7.18

Establishments that provide for the assembly, display, storage, and sale of manufactured homes on the premises.

MARIJUANA TESTING FACILITY § 410-132.92

A third-party testing provider who performs independent testing of medical marijuana and/or marijuana products of a licensed cultivator in accordance with Department of Health Testing Regulations.

MARKET VALUE § 410-20.23

Market value is the price of a structure that a willing buyer and seller agree upon. This can be determined by an independent appraisal by a professional appraiser; the property's tax assessment, minus land value; the replacement cost minus depreciation of the structure; the structure's actual cash value.

MARQUEE § 410-85.20

A permanent structure other than a roof, attached to, supported by and projecting from a building and providing protection from natural elements.

MARQUEE SIGN § 410-85.21

A sign attached to and made part of a marquee or any other similar projection from a building.

MINI-STORAGE AND SELF-STORAGE FACILITIES § 410-43.7.19

A building or group of buildings comprised of individual units which may be rented or leased by the public for the storage of personal belongings.

MIXED USE § 410-132.93

A mixture of land uses within a single development, building or tract.

MODIFICATION § 410-132.94

Permission granted and administered by the zoning enforcement officer of the city or town, and pursuant to the provisions of the Zoning Enabling Act, R.I.G.L. 45-24, as amended, to grant a dimensional variance other than lot area requirements from the zoning ordinance to a limited degree as determined by this chapter, but not to exceed 25% of each of the applicable dimensional requirements.

MONUMENT SIGN § 410-43.7.20

A freestanding sign attached to a base that is at least as wide as the sign. The base shall stand no taller than two feet measured from grade.

MONUMENT SIGN § 410-85.22

A freestanding sign with a base affixed to the ground which measures at least 2/3 the horizontal length of the sign.

MOTOR VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT LEASE AND SALES § 410-43.7.21

Premises for the sale and/or lease of new and/or used motor vehicles (including boats) and heavy equipment. This use may include the servicing and auto body repair of said vehicles.

MOTOR VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT TOWING AND STORAGE § 410-43.7.22

Any lot or land area used for the storage or layover of passenger buses, motor coaches, taxis, limousines, and other such fleets.

MULTITENANT COMMERCIAL STRUCTURE § 410-132.95

A structure containing more than one tenant space in a commercial zone.

MULTITENANT INDUSTRIAL STRUCTURE § 410-132.96

A structure containing more than one tenant space in an industrial zone.

NEW CONSTRUCTION § 410-20.24

Structures for which the "start of construction" commenced on or after the effective date of an initial FIRM or after December 31, 1974, whichever is later, and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures. For floodplain management purposes, new construction means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after the effective date of a floodplain management regulation adopted by a community and includes any subsequent improvements to such structures.

NEW DEVELOPMENT § 410-43.7.23

Newly constructed buildings or structures. Includes infill development.

NEW MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR MANUFACTURED HOME SUBDIVISION § 410-20.25

A manufactured home park or manufactured home 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 site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of floodplain regulations adopted by the community.

NIGHTCLUB § 410-132.97

An establishment serving food and liquor in which music, dancing and entertainment are conducted.

NONCONFORMANCE § 410-132.98

A building, structure or parcel of land, or use thereof, lawfully existing at the time of the adoption (or amendment) of this chapter, October 21, 1966, and not in conformity thereof. Nonconformance shall be of only two types: A. NONCONFORMING BY USEA lawfully established use of land, building or structure which is not a permitted use in that zoning district. A building or structure containing more dwelling units than are permitted by the use regulations of a zoning ordinance shall be nonconforming by use; or B. NONCONFORMING BY DIMENSIONA building, structure or parcel of land not in compliance with the dimensional regulations of this chapter. Dimensional regulations include all regulations of this chapter, other than those pertaining to the permitted uses. A building or structure containing more dwelling units than are permitted by the use regulations of a zoning ordinance shall be nonconforming by use; a building or structure containing a permitted number of dwelling units by the use regulations of this chapter, but not meeting the lot area per dwelling unit regulations, shall be nonconforming by dimension.

NONCONFORMING SIGN § 410-85.23

A sign that met all legal requirements when constructed, but is not in compliance with the present sign regulations. An illegal sign is not a nonconforming sign. OFF-SITE SIGN or OFF-SITE ADVERTISING (see "billboard") — Any sign that is used to attract attention to an object, person, product, institution, organization, business, service, event or location that is not located on the premises upon which the sign is located. This definition does not include governmental traffic, directional or regulatory signs or notices of the federal, state, county or City government or their public agencies.

NONRESIDENTIAL COOPERATIVE CULTIVATION § 410-132.99

A use of land located in a nonresidential zone, or of a structural building, or portion thereof, located in a nonresidential zone, for the cultivation of marijuana by two or more registered cardholders, as defined in R.I.G.L. § 21-28.6-3.

ON-PREMISES SIGN § 410-85.24

Any sign that is used to attract attention to an object, person, product, institution, organization, business, service, event or location that is located on the premises upon which the sign is located.

ON-SITE DRY CLEANING § 410-43.7.24

An establishment that provides dry cleaning services where the cleaning operation is performed on site.

OPEN SPACE § 410-132.100

Any parcel or area of land or water set aside, dedicated, designated, or reserved for public or private use or enjoyment or for the use and enjoyment of owners and occupants of land adjoining or neighboring the open space; provided that the area may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets, and off-street parking, and other improvements that are designed to be incidental to the natural openness of the land.

OUTDOOR RETAIL - ACCESSORY § 410-132.101

Retail activity that takes place in an open lot, tent, trailer, motor vehicle, enclosure or structure that is not permanently affixed to the land.

OVERLAY DISTRICT § 410-132.102

A district established in this chapter that is superimposed on one or more districts or parts of districts and that imposes specified requirements in addition to but not less than those otherwise applicable for the underlying zone.

PARCEL § 410-132.103

A lot, or contiguous group of lots in single ownership or under single control, and usually considered a unit for purposes of development. Also referred to as a tract.

PARKING AREA OR LOT § 410-132.104

All that portion of a development that is used by vehicles, the total area used for vehicular access, circulation, parking, loading and unloading.

PARKING SPACE (OFF-STREET) § 410-132.105

An off-street parking space shall consist of a hard-surfaced space with a minimum area of 162 square feet and access using a curb cut to a public street or private right-of-way. For residences with three dwelling units or less, the paved driveway area, excluding front yard area, may be used to calculate required parking spaces. Vehicles parked tandem, one behind another, outside of a garage will not be considered as separate off-street parking spaces. Required off-street parking areas for five or more vehicles shall be designed in accordance with § 410-78.

PAWN SHOP § 410-132.106

An establishment that engages, in whole or part, in the business of loaning money on the security of pledges of personal property, or deposits or conditional sales of personal property, or the purchase or sale of personal property.

PEDESTRIAN ZONE § 410-43.7.25

The part of the frontage area dedicated primarily to pedestrian travel across the front of a property. Generally located between the frontage zone and the furnishing zone.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS § 410-132.107

A set of criteria or limits relating to elements which a particular use or process either must meet or may not exceed.

PERMEABLE PAVERS § 410-132.108

Permeable paving is a broadly defined group of pervious types of pavements used for roads, parking, sidewalks and plaza surfaces. Most of these consist of a permeable surface layer with enough structural integrity to support at least light vehicular use, and a subgrade layer or lavers of materials such as aggregate that provide a structural base and allow for storage and infiltration of stormwater. Permeable paving reduces impacts of impervious cover by allowing runoff to infiltrate, augmenting the recharge of groundwater, and enhancing pollutant uptake removal in the underlying soils. Permeable pavement can even result in reduced maintenance requirements by improving the drainage characteristics of an impervious area. There are many different types of permeable paving, including concrete-style grid pavers; lattice-style paving that includes grass in spaces between lattice work; porous pavement that looks like regular pavement (asphalt or concrete) but is manufactured without fine (small particle size) materials; cobblestone; brick; plastic modular blocks; crushed aggregate or gravel.

PERMITTED USE § 410-132.109

A use by right which is specifically authorized in a particular zoning district.

PERMITTING AUTHORITY § 410-132.110

The local agency of government, meaning any board, commission or administrative officer specifically empowered by state enabling law and local regulation or ordinance to hear and decide on specific matters pertaining to local land use.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM ANTENNA § 410-132.111

A site where antenna(s) are located on an existing structure and which transmit and receive signals in the frequency of 1,850 and 2,200 MHz (Megahertz) at a power of less than 200 watts.

PLANNED DEVELOPMENT § 410-132.112

A "land development project," as defined herein, and developed according to plan as a single entity and containing one or more structures and/or uses with appurtenant common areas.

POLE SIGN § 410-85.25

A freestanding sign with a base at least eight feet above the ground which is supported from the ground by a pole or a similar support structure of narrow width.

PORTABLE STORAGE CONTAINER § 410-132.113

A portable, weather-resistant receptacle designed and used for the storage or shipment of household goods, wares, building materials or merchandise. The term shall not include yard waste containers provided by the City pursuant to City Code § 31-35, roll-off containers, or containers having a storage capacity of less than 150 cubic feet.

PREAPPLICATION CONFERENCE § 410-132.114

A review meeting of a proposed development held between applicants and the Planning Department before formal submission of an application for a permit or for development approval.

PROJECTING SIGN § 410-85.26

A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building and which is displayed perpendicular to the face of the building. In no event shall such sign or part thereof be erected closer than two feet to the curbline.

PROJECTING SIGN, HORIZONTAL § 410-43.7.26

A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building and which is displayed perpendicular to the face of the building.

PROJECTING SIGN, VERTICAL § 410-43.7.27

A sign which is supported by an exterior wall of a building and which is displayed parallel in vertical alignment with the face of the building.

RECESS LINE § 410-43.7.28

Architectural feature on multistory buildings created when one building story is set back from the vertical plane of the building story beneath it.

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE § 410-20.26

A vehicle which is: A. Built on a single chassis; B. Four hundred square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projection; C. Designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable 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.

REGULATORY FLOODWAY § 410-20.27

See definition for "floodway."

REHABILITATION § 410-32.9

The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural and cultural values.

REHABILITATION § 410-43.7.29

Repair, renovation, and/or restoration activities designed to place unused or under-utilized buildings back into active use. See "Adaptive reuse."

REHABILITATION § 410-132.115

The process of returning a property to a state of utility, through repair or alteration, which makes possible an efficient contemporary use while preserving those portions and features of the property which are significant to its historic, architectural and cultural values.

REMOVAL § 410-32.10

A relocation of a structure on its present site or to another site.

REMOVAL § 410-132.116

A relocation of a structure on its present site or to another site.

REPAIR § 410-32.11

A change meant to remedy damage or deterioration of a structure or its appurtenances.

REPAIR § 410-132.117

A change meant to remedy damage or deterioration of a structure or its appurtenances.

ROOF SIGN § 410-43.7.30

A sign that projects above the roof, parapet or ridgeline of the building; or mounted upon any roof, parapet or ridgeline of a building.

ROOF SIGN § 410-85.27

A sign that projects more than two feet above the roof, parapet or ridge line of the building; or mounted upon any roof, parapet or ridge line of a building.

ROOMING UNIT § 410-132.118

Either one or two rooms without cooking facilities in a rooming house.

RUNOFF § 410-92.14.9

The surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a fall of rain or snow and including seepage flows that do not enter the soil but run off the surface of the land. Also, that portion of water that is not absorbed by the soil, but runs off the land surface.

SALVAGE YARD § 410-43.7.31

Establishment that collects, stores, and sells materials or items recovered from site demolition or other salvage operations. These establishments may or may not include outdoor storage.

SANDWICH BOARD (SIDEWALK) SIGN § 410-85.28

Any freestanding, movable or immobile sign placed within the City right-of-way (sidewalk). See § 351.14 of Chapter 351, Streets and Sidewalks, of the Code of the City. [Added 6-23-1999 by Ch. No. 2531]

SEDIMENT § 410-92.14.10

Solid material, both mineral and/or organic, that is in suspension, is being transported or has been moved from its site of origin by wind, water, and/or gravity as a product of erosion.

SETBACK LINE OR LINES § 410-132.119

A line or lines parallel to a lot line at the minimum distance of the required setback for the zoning district in which the lot is located that establishes the area within which the principal structure must be erected or placed.

SHEET FLOW AREA § 410-20.28

(For community with AO, AH, or VO Zones only.) See definition for "area of shallow flooding."

SIGN § 410-85.29

Any object, device or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, designs, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination or projected images. Signs include, but are not limited to, flags, banners, pennants and bunting. [Amended 2-25-2010 by Ch. No. 2934]

SIGNIFICANT RENOVATION § 410-43.7.32

Any improvements to an existing building that would include: A. Demolition of up to 20% of an existing structure designated as architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory. The area of demolition shall be measured by the building footprint. B. Replacing or changing the appearance of more than 50% of any exterior wall on any existing principal building (not accessory structures). C. Replacement of windows cumulatively covering more than 300 square feet on any building designated as architecturally/historically significant by the Conant Thread Historic Inventory. D. Replacing or changing any wall sign, monument sign, roof sign, or elevated projecting sign. E. Changing the location of the primary entrance to the building.

SINGLE BUILDING LARGE RETAIL § 410-43.7.33

Buildings with retail or service use where the footprint of the building is 10,000 square feet or more and the building does not include multifamily residential use in stories above the ground floor. This definition may apply regardless of the number of retail or service operations within the building.

SITE PLAN § 410-132.120

The development plan for one or more lots on which is shown the existing and/or the proposed conditions of the lot.

SLOPE OF LAND § 410-132.121

The grade, pitch, rise or incline of the topographic landform or surface of the ground.

SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL PLAN § 410-92.14.11

The (approved) document required before any person(s) may cause disturbance to the natural terrain within the City as herein regulated. Also, herein referred to as "erosion and sediment control plan" or "approved plan."

SPECIAL FLOOD HAZARD AREA (SFHA) § 410-20.29

The land in the floodplain within a community subject to a one-percent-or-greater chance of flooding in any given year. After detailed ratemaking has been completed in preparation for publication of the Flood Insurance Rate Map, Zone A usually is refined into Zones A, AO, AH, A1-30, AE, A99, AR, AR/A1-30, AR/AE, AR/AO, AR/AH, AR/A, VO, or V1-30, VE or V. For purposes of these regulations, the term "special flood hazard area" is synonymous in meaning with the phrase "area of special flood hazard."

SPECIAL USE § 410-132.122

A regulated use which is permitted pursuant to the special use permit issued by the authorized governmental entity, pursuant to R.I.G.L. § 45-24-42. Formerly referred to as a "special exception."

START OF CONSTRUCTION § 410-20.30

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

STORMWATER DETENTION § 410-132.123

A provision for storage of stormwater runoff and the controlled release of the runoff during and after a flood or storm.

STORMWATER RETENTION § 410-132.124

A provision for storage of stormwater runoff.

STREET § 410-132.125

A public or private thoroughfare used, or intended to be used, for passage or travel by motor vehicles. Streets are further classified by the functions they perform. See "street classification."

STREET CLASSIFICATION § 410-132.126

A method of roadway organization which identifies a street hierarchy according to function within a road system, that is, types of vehicles served and anticipated volumes, for the purposes of promoting safety, efficient land use and the design character of neighborhoods and districts. Local classifications use the following as major categories: A. ARTERIALA major street that serves as an avenue for the circulation of traffic into, out of, or around the municipality and carries high volumes of traffic. B. COLLECTORA street whose principal function is to carry traffic between local streets and arterial streets but that may also provide direct access to abutting properties. C. LOCALStreets whose primary function is to provide access to abutting properties.

STREET, ACCESS TO § 410-132.127

An adequate and permanent way of entering a lot. All lots of record shall have access to a public street for all vehicles normally associated with the uses permitted for that lot.

STREET, ALLEY § 410-132.128

A public or private thoroughfare primarily designed to serve as secondary access to the side or rear of those properties whose principal frontage is on some other street.

STREET, CUL-DE-SAC § 410-132.129

A local street with only one outlet and having an appropriate vehicular turnaround, either temporary or permanent, at the closed end.

STREET, LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY § 410-132.130

A freeway or expressway providing for through traffic. Owners or occupants of abutting property on lands and other persons have no legal right to access, except at the points and in the manner as may be determined by the public authority having jurisdiction over the highway.

STREET, PRIVATE § 410-132.131

A thoroughfare established as a separate tract for the benefit of multiple, adjacent properties and meeting specific, municipal improvement standards. This definition does not apply to driveways.

STREET, PUBLIC § 410-132.132

All public property reserved or dedicated for street traffic.

STREET, STUB § 410-132.133

A portion of a street reserved to provide access to future development, which may provide for utility connections.

STRIP COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT § 410-43.7.34

A style of site development that generally includes a series of connected or closely gathered single-story commercial establishments, often situated along the side and rear yards of a lot, with parking areas between the street edge and building entrances.

STRUCTURE § 410-32.12

Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent or temporary location on or in the ground, including but not limited to buildings, gazebos, billboards, outbuildings, decorative and retaining walls and swimming pools.

STRUCTURE § 410-132.134

A combination of materials to form a construction for use, occupancy, or ornamentation, whether installed on, above, or below the surface of land or water.

STRUCTURE — § 410-20.31

A. For floodplain management purposes, a walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage tank, that is principally above the ground, as well as a manufactured home. B. For insurance purposes, means: (1) A building with two or more outside rigid walls and a fully secured roof, that is affixed to a permanent site; (2) A manufactured home, also known as a "mobile home," is a structure; built on permanent chassis, transported to its site in one or more sections, and affixed to a permanent foundation); or (3) A travel trailer without wheels, built on a chassis and affixed to a permanent foundation, that is regulated under the community's floodplain management and building ordinances or laws. C. For the latter purpose, "structure" does not mean recreational vehicle or a park trailer or other similar vehicle, except as described in Subsection B(3) of this definition, or a gas or liquid storage tank.

STRUCTURED PARKING FACILITY § 410-43.7.35

A multistory structure used to park vehicles as its primary use.

SUBDIVISION § 410-132.135

The division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, tracts, or parcels or any adjustment to existing lot lines of a recorded lot by any means is considered a subdivision. A. Administrative subdivision. Subdivision of existing lots which yields no additional lots for development, and involves no creation or extension of streets. This subdivision only involves division, mergers, mergers and division, or adjustments of boundaries of existing lots. The process by which the Administrative Officer reviews any subdivision qualifying for this review is set forth in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations. B. Minor subdivision. A subdivision creating nine or fewer buildable lots. The process by which the City Planning Commission or Joint Planning Commission as appropriate, a technical review committee, and/or Administrative Officer reviews a minor subdivision is set forth in the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations. C. Major subdivision. A subdivision creating 10 or more buildable lots. The process by which the City Planning Commission or Joint Planning Commission as appropriate reviews any subdivision qualifying for this review under the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

SUBSTANDARD LOT OF RECORD § 410-132.136

Any lot lawfully existing on October 21, 1966, and not in conformance with the dimensional and/or area provisions of this chapter.

SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE § 410-20.32

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

SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT § 410-20.33

Any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition or other improvements to a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50% of the market value of the structure before the start of construction of the improvement. This term includes structures which have incurred substantial damage, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not, however, include: A. Any project 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 B. Any alteration of the historic structure, provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure's continued designation as an "historic structure."

SUBSTANTIAL OWNERSHIP INTEREST § 410-85.30

Any ownership interest in excess of 5% of the total ownership interest.

TECHNICAL REVIEW COMMITTEE § 410-132.137

A committee or committees appointed by the municipality for the purpose of reviewing, commenting, and approving and/or making recommendations to the City Planning Commission or Joint Planning Commission as appropriate with respect to approval of land development and subdivision applications or Administrative Officer, as set forth in this chapter and the Land Development and Subdivision Regulations.

TEMPORARY SIGN § 410-85.31

A sign that is displayed only for a specified period of time with a permit from the Division of Zoning and Code Enforcement.

TRANSIT SHELTER § 410-132.138

An independent structure, having a roof supported by columns, resting on a foundation and designed for the shelter of public transportation patrons.

TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) § 410-43.7.36

A style of land use development designed to concentrate residential use and complementary nonresidential uses in close proximity to high-volume transit infrastructure.

TURF § 410-43.7.37

Landscaped grass areas designed to be regularly mowed.

USE § 410-132.139

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

VARIANCE § 410-20.34

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

VARIANCE § 410-132.140

Permission to depart from the literal requirements of this chapter. An authorization for the construction or maintenance of a building or structure or for the establishment or maintenance of a use of land which is prohibited by this chapter. There shall be only two categories of variance, a use variance or a dimensional variance. A. USE VARIANCEPermission to depart from the use requirements of this chapter where the applicant for the requested variance has shown by evidence upon the record that the subject land or structure cannot yield any beneficial use if it is to conform to the provisions of this chapter. B. DIMENSIONAL VARIANCEPermission to depart from the dimensional requirements of this chapter under the applicable standards set forth in § 410-133A.

VESTED RIGHTS § 410-132.141

The right to initiate or continue the development of an approved project for a specified period of time, under the regulations that were in effect at the time of approval, even if, after the approval, the regulations change prior to the completion of the project. See § 410-127.

VIOLATION § 410-20.35

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

VISIBILITY TRIANGLE § 410-85.32

Signs shall be located so that at every street intersection there is a clear view between three feet and 10 feet above the plane of a triangle formed by the two street lines and a third line joining points on the street lines 20 feet from their intersection.

WALL SIGN § 410-43.7.38

A sign made of any material, including vinyl and cloth, attached directly to a wall of a building or as to extend not more than 15 inches from the face of the wall.

WALL SIGN § 410-85.33

A sign attached to a wall of a building or is made of any material, including vinyl and cloth signs, and which extends not more than 15 inches from the face of the wall. [Amended 6-23-1999 by Ch. No. 2531; 9-21-2006 by Ch. No. 2825]

WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITIES § 410-43.7.39

Establishments where goods are stored in bulk temporarily before being shipped to other businesses or directly to consumers. Editor's Note: The former definition of "adaptive reuse," which immediately preceded this definition, was repealed 12-20-2023 by Ch. No. 3287.

WATERCOURSE § 410-92.14.12

Any tidewater or coastal wetland at its mean high water level, and any freshwater wetland at its seasonal high water level, including, but not limited to, any river, stream, brook, pond, lake, swamp, marsh, bog, fen, wet meadow, or any other standing or flowing body of water. The edge of the watercourse as herein defined shall be used for delineation purposes.

WATERS § 410-132.142

Includes all surface waters including all waters of the territorial sea, tidewaters, all inland waters of any river, stream, brook, pond, or lake, and wetlands, as well as all groundwaters.

WETLAND, COASTAL § 410-132.143

Any salt marsh bordering on the tidal waters of this state, whether or not the tidal waters reach the littoral areas through natural or artificial watercourses, and those uplands directly associated and contiguous thereto which are necessary to preserve the integrity of that marsh, and as further defined by the RI Coastal Resources Management Program, as may be amended.

WETLAND, FRESHWATER § 410-132.144

Includes, but is not limited to, those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a frequency and duration to support, and that under normal circumstances do support a prevalence of vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Freshwater wetlands includes, but is not limited to: marshes, swamps, bogs, emergent, and submergent plant communities, and for the purposes of this chapter, rivers, streams, ponds, and vernal pools,

WINDOW SIGN § 410-85.34

A sign that is attached to the inside of any window or situated within a building, so that the sign is visible from the public right-of-way. Editor's Note: The former definition of "banner," which immediately followed this definition, was repealed 6-23-1999 by Ch. No. 2531.

WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS ANTENNA § 410-132.145

A tower structure exceeding 50 feet in height used for transmitting and receiving signals in the 800 MHz (Megahertz) band, which may optionally have a microwave antenna(s) attached. A. YARDA required open space other than a court, unoccupied and unobstructed by any structure or portion of a structure; provided, however, that fences, walls, posts and customary yard accessories may be permitted subject to the limitation of this chapter. B. FRONT YARDThe area between a street line and a line parallel thereto, drawn through the nearest point of a structure, other than an exempted structure. C. REAR YARDThe area between a rear lot line and a line parallel thereto, drawn through the nearest point of a main structure, other than an exempted structure. D. SIDE YARDThe area between a side lot line and a line parallel thereto, drawn through the nearest point of a structure, other than an exempted structure.

ZONING § 410-132.146

The reservation of certain specified areas within a community or city for building and structures, or use of land, for certain purposes with other limitations as height, lot coverage, and other stipulated requirements.

ZONING CERTIFICATE § 410-132.147

A document signed by the Director, as required in this chapter, which acknowledges that a use, structure, building or lot either complies with or is legally nonconforming to the provisions of this chapter or is an authorized variance or modification therefrom.

ZONING MAP § 410-132.148

The map or maps which are a part of this chapter and which delineate the boundaries of all mapped zoning districts within the City.

ZONING ORDINANCE § 410-132.149

Chapter 410 of the Pawtucket Code of Ordinances: that includes the Zoning Map.

ZONING USE DISTRICT § 410-132.150

The basic unit in zoning, either mapped or unmapped, to which a uniform set of regulations applies, or a uniform set of regulations for a specified use. Zoning use districts include, but are not limited to: agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional, open space, and residential. Each district may include subdistricts. Districts may be combined.