Definitions — Town of West Warwick

Abutter § 3.1

One whose property abuts, that is, adjoins at a border, boundary, or point with no intervening land. Accessory dwelling unit (ADU). A residential living unit on the same lot where the primary principal use is a legally established single-family dwelling unit or multi-family dwelling unit 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 use § 3.2

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 § 3.3

The conversion of an existing structure from the use for which it was constructed to a new use by maintaining elements of the structure and adapting such elements to a new use. Adjustment(s) means a request or requests by the applicant to seek relief from the literal use and dimensional requirements of the municipal zoning ordinance and/or the design standards or requirements of the municipal land development and subdivision regulations. The standard for the local review board's consideration of adjustments is set forth in §45-53-4(d)(2)(iii)(E)(II).

Adult use § 3.4

An establishment where goods and services relate to sexual activities or specified anatomical areas including, but not limited to motion pictures or other images provided for viewing on premises; videos and movies for sale or rent; sale of books, magazines, periodicals or other printed materials, sale of devices, objects, tools or toys; establishments providing display of live nudity of anatomical areas of the body.

Aggrieved party § 3.5

An aggrieved party, for purposes of this chapter [ordinance], shall be: Any person or persons or entity or entities who can demonstrate that their property will be injured by a decision of any officer or agency responsible for administering the zoning ordinance; or Anyone requiring notice pursuant to this chapter [ordinance].

Agricultural land § 3.6

"Agricultural land," as defined in section 45-22.2-4. Land suitable for agriculture by reason of suitability of soil or other natural characteristics or past use for agricultural purposes. Agricultural land includes that defined as prime farmland or additional farmland of statewide importance for Rhode Island by the Soil Conservation Service of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Agriculture § 3.7

The cultivation of the soil for food products, whether or not on agricultural land or in agricultural greenhouses. The normal preparation of such products for market and the incidental raising of small numbers of livestock or poultry for on-premises household consumption shall be considered an accessory use, provided no sale of animals or animal products are conducted.

Applicant § 3.8

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

Application § 3.9

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. Attached single-family dwelling. A dwelling unit constructed side by side or horizontally and separated by a party wall and lot line.

Bed and breakfast § 3.10

A residence, usually owner occupied, in which individual furnished rooms are rented on a nightly basis and in which breakfast is included.

Billboard § 3.82

An off-premises outdoor advertising structure displaying a sign or signs not pertinent to a use on the premises. Bulletin board; change board. A sign of permanent character, but with movable letters, words or numerals, or changeable copy, not by any mechanical or electronic means, indicating the names of persons associated with the events conducted upon or products or services offered upon the premises upon which such sign is maintained.

Boarding house § 3.11

A boarding house is a house (frequently a family home) in which lodgers rent one or more rooms on a nightly basis, and sometimes for extended periods of weeks, months, and years. The common parts of the house are maintained, and some services, such as laundry and cleaning, may be supplied. They normally provide "room and board," that is, at least some meals as well as accommodation.

Buffer § 3.12

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 § 3.13

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

Building envelope § 3.14

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 § 3.15

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 state coastal resources management council (CRMC) suggested design elevation three foot sea level rise (CRMC SOE 3 SLR) map as being inundated during a one-hundred-year storm, the greater of the following amounts, expressed in feet, shall be excluded from the building height calculation: 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 The suggested design elevation as depicted on the CRMC SOE 3 SLR map during a one-hundred-year storm, less the average existing grade elevation. CRMC shall reevaluate the appropriate suggested design elevation map for the exclusion every ten (10) years, or as otherwise necessary.

Business § 3.83

A sign directing attention to a business, commodity, service or entertainment conducted, sold, or offered upon the same premises as those upon which the sign is maintained.

Business Regulation § 3.23

Day care, day care center. Any other day care center which is not a family day care home. Day care, family day care home. 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 fewer individuals who are not relatives of the care giver but may not contain more than a total of eight individuals receiving day care, as regulated by the state. Density, residential. The number of dwelling units per unit of land, expressed as the ratio of the total number of dwelling units divided by the total number of acres of usable lot area.

Camper § 3.16

A mobile recreational seasonal living unit designed to be mounted upon and conveyed by another vehicle. A camper unit shall not be occupied as a dwelling unit.

Canopy or awning § 3.73

A sign other than a projecting sign designated on a canopy or awning and identifying the name or address of a building or an establishment contained therein.

Cardholder § 3.17

When used in relation to medical marijuana means a person who has been registered or licensed with the Department of Health or the Department of Business Regulation pursuant to G.L. Title 21, Chapter 28.6 and possesses a valid registry identification card or license.

Clinic § 3.18

A place where medical or dental care is furnished to persons on an out-patient basis by one or more doctors, clinical psychologists, dentists, physician's assistants, nurses, and such other medical professionals licensed or regulated by the State of

Community residence § 3.20

In accordance with the provisions of G.L. 1956, tit. 45, ch. 24, 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 abuse treatment facilities. This shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Whenever six or fewer children or adults with intellectual and/or developmental disability reside in any type of residence in the community, as licensed by the state pursuant to G.L. 1956, tit. 40.1, ch. 24. All requirements pertaining to local zoning are waived for these community residences; A group home providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight persons with disabilities, and licensed by the state pursuant to G.L. 1956, tit. 40.1, ch. 24; A residence for children providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight children including those of the care giver and licensed by the state pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 42-72.1-1 et seq.; 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.

Comprehensive plan § 3.21

The comprehensive plan when adopted and approved pursuant to G.L. 1956, tit. 45, ch. 22.2 and to which any zoning adopted pursuant to the act shall be in compliance. Congregate living facility. An establishment or portion thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.

Cooperative cultivations § 3.22

When used in relation to medical marijuana means two or more qualifying patient or primary caregiver cardholders who cooperatively cultivate marijuana in residential or nonresidential locations and possess a license to operate from the Department of

Development § 3.24

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. See R.I.G.L. § 45-23-32 and 45-23-50.

Dimensional variance § 3.101

Permission to depart from the dimensional requirements of this zoning ordinance under the applicable standards set forth in R.I.G.L. § 45-24-41.

Disabilities § 3.25

When used in the zoning code the term "disabilities" when referring to a person or persons means a person or persons who has/have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, as defined in G.L., as amended, [G.L. 1956,] § 42-87-1(7). Donation collection recycling bins shall mean those containers in which members of the public generally deposit used clothing, shoes, books and other items of personal property.

Drainage system § 3.26

A system for the removal of water from land by drains, grading, or other appropriate means.

Dwelling unit § 3.27

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. Dwelling, multiple-family. A building containing three or more dwelling units with the number of households in occupancy not exceeding the number of dwelling units provided. Apartments, row houses, townhouses, condominium developments, and similar housing types, whether or not dwelling units therein which are sold, rented or leased are included, but not including rooming houses, boardinghouses, dormitories, fraternities and sororities, hotels, motels, hospitals or nursing homes. Dwelling, single-family. A detached building not including a mobile home, containing no more than one dwelling unit. Dwelling, two-family. A detached building containing two dwelling units.

Extractive industry § 3.28

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.

Face signs § 3.74

Sign painted on the wall of a building.

Family member § 3.29

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. Federally insured or assisted housing. Federally insured or assisted housing means: Low-income housing units insured or assisted under sections 221 (d)(3) and 236 of the National Housing Act [12 use section 1701 et seq.]; Low-income housing units produced with assistance under section 8 of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937 [42 use section 1401 et seq.]; and Rural low-income housing financed under section 515 of the Housing Act of 1949 [12 USC section 1715Z].

Firearms § 3.30

Weapons from which a shot or shots are fired by any explosive force. Floating zone . An unmapped zoning district adopted within the ordinance that is established on the zoning map is effective only when an application for development, meeting the zone requirements, is approved and the approved plan is recorded. Floodplains or flood hazard area. As defined in G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2-4. An area that has a one percent or greater chance of inundation in any given year, as delineated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as amended (P.L. 90-448) [42 USC 4011 et seq.]. Garage, private. A fully enclosed attached or separate accessory building for the storage of motor vehicles, owned or regularly used by the owner or tenant of the lot. Buildings in which fuel is sold or repair or other services performed shall not be construed as private garages.

Front § 3.46

The lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way where the front lot line fronts on more than one street, the front lot line shall be determined by the building inspector;

Gas station § 3.31

A place where motor vehicle fuels and lubricants are sold at retail and dispensed by the patron or by an attendant. Nonautomotive retail convenience goods may be sold on the premises as an accessory use. Automotive repair or services are prohibited.

Ground § 3.75

A detached sign erected upon or supported by the ground.

Groundwater § 3.32

"Groundwater" and associated terms, as defined in G.L. 1956, § 46-13.1-3.

Halfway houses § 3.33

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.

Hardship § 3.34

See G.L. 1956, § 45-24-41. Historic district or historic site. As defined in G.L. 1956, § 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 section 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 G.L. 1956, § 42-45-5.

Home occupation § 3.35

Home occupation shall include: An accessory use of a dwelling unit or accessory structure, involving the manufacture, provision or sale of good and/or services, which is carried out by members of the family residing on the premises plus no more than one nonresident assistant or employee. Home occupations do not include occasional garage sales and yard sales nor home parties which are held for the purpose of sale of goods or services, provided however, that if the collective total of all such sales and/or parties exceed three in any calendar year such sales and/or parties shall be considered a home occupation and regulated hereby.

Hotel § 3.36

A commercial establishment offering lodging to travelers and permanent residents, in which each room or suite includes a private bathroom, and frequently includes restaurants, entertainment, meeting rooms, stores and various personal services.

Household § 3.37

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 family, which may also include servants and employees living with the family; or A person or group of persons living together, the maximum number shall not be less than one person per bedroom and shall not be more than five unrelated persons per dwelling.

Infrastructure § 3.39

Facilities and services needed to sustain residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and other activities. Land development project. As defined in R.I.G.L. § 45-23-32.

Instructional or directional § 3.84

A sign conveying instructions with respect to the premises on which it is maintained, such as a sign designating the entrance to or exit from a parking area, a trespassing sign, danger sign, and similar signs. Job site or improvement. Temporary signs announcing the erection of buildings or other construction work, either freestanding or attached to the premises.

Kennel § 3.38

The temporary keeping of others' animals for remuneration.

Laundromat § 3.40

A building or portion thereof where patrons wash, dry or dry-clean clothing and other fabrics in machines operated by the patron.

Lot area § 3.42

The total area within the boundaries of a lot, excluding any street right-of-way, usually reported in acres or square feet. Lot area, usable. For the purpose of calculating the lot building coverage on a lot and for the purpose of determining minimum lot area requirements, the calculation of the usable lot area for all uses shall exclude the following: Lands under water. Wetlands as defined by G.L. 1956, § 2-1-1 et seq., or amendments thereto. All streets or rights-of-way, public or private, which serve or are intended to service more than one principal building or use. Public access or scenic areas, exclusive of those located in wetlands, conveyed by easement to the town, state or other governmental entity solely, or waterfront access may be included in lot area for calculations. (4) Lands possessing areas with slopes in excess of 20 percent and ledge outcrops. (5) Lands located within special flood hazard areas, as defined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's "Flood Insurance Rate Map" and "Flood Boundary and Flood Way Map," as may be amended. Lot building coverage. That portion of the lot that is or may be covered by buildings and accessory buildings. This shall be expressed as a percent and shall express the portion of the usable lot area that is or may be covered by the total maximum horizontal cross-section of any building or buildings.

Lot depth § 3.43

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 but shall not be less than minimum required depth, wherever measured. Refer to subsection 5.7.2 for additional measurement procedures.

Lot frontage § 3.44

That portion of a lot abutting a street. Refer to subsection 5.7.1 for additional measurement procedures.

Lot line § 3.45

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:

Lot width § 3.49

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. Refer to subsection 5.7.3 for additional measurement procedures. Manufactured home . As used in this section, a manufactured home shall have the same definition as in 42 U.S.C. §5402, meaning a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight (8) body feet or more in width or forty (40) body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is three hundred twenty (320) or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with a permanent foundation connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any structure that meets all the requirements of this definition except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards established under chapter 70 of Title 42 of the United States Code; and except that such term shall not include any self-propelled recreational vehicle.

Lot. Either: § 3.41

The basic development unit for determination of lot area, depth, and other dimensional regulations; or 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.

Marquee § 3.76

A sign other than a projecting sign mounted on the marquee of any building.

Mere inconvenience § 3.50

See G.L. 1956, § 45-24-41.

Mixed use § 3.51

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

Mobile home § 3.52

A dwelling unit, factory-built and factory-assembled, designed for conveyance, after fabrication, on streets and highways on its own wheels or on a flatbed or other trailers and arriving at the site where it is to be occupied as a dwelling unit, complete and ready for occupancy, except for minor and incidental unpacking and assembly operations, such as locating on jacks or other foundation or connection to utilities. A prefabricated home, modular home or structure shall not be included in this definition.

Mobile signs § 3.77

A sign mounted on its own wheels or mounted on a vehicle.

Modification § 3.53

Permission granted and administered by the building inspector pursuant to the provisions of this ordinance to grant relief other than lot area requirements, not to exceed 25 percent of each of the applicable dimensional requirements, except as set forth in § 45-24-46(c).

Motel § 3.54

A hotel providing lodging and free parking, typically having rooms adjacent to an outside parking area or parking garage.

Nameplate § 3.85

A sign indicating only the name and address of an occupant. Off-site directional signs. Official signs erected by the town of West Warwick, the State of Rhode Island or federal government, indicating the route to major public facilities, shopping areas and the like and such signs erected by service clubs and churches.

Nonconformance § 3.55

A building, structure, or parcel of land, or use thereof, lawfully existing at the time of the original adoption or amendment of the zoning ordinance and not in conformity with the provisions of such ordinance or amendment. Nonconformance shall be of only two types:

Nonconforming by dimension § 3.57

A building, structure, or parcel of land not in compliance with the dimensional regulations of the zoning ordinance. Dimensional regulations include all regulations of the zoning ordinance, 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 the zoning ordinance, but not meeting the lot area per dwelling unit regulations, shall be nonconforming by dimension.

Nonconforming by use § 3.56

A 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

Nursing home § 3.58

A structure designed or used for residential occupancy and providing medical or nursing care on the premises for occupants on rehabilitative or long-term care but not including a hospital or clinic, nor separate living quarters for each occupant containing some or all provisions of a dwelling unit.

Open space § 3.59

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 such open space; provided that the area may be improved with only those buildings, structures, streets, and off-street parks and other improvements that are designated to be incidental to the natural openness of the land.

Overlay district § 3.60

A district established in a zoning ordinance that is superimposed on one or more districts or parts of districts. The standards and requirements associated with an overlay district may be more or less restrictive than those in the underlying districts consistent with other applicable state and federal laws.

Performance standards § 3.61

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

Permitted use § 3.62

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

Planned development § 3.63

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.

Planning board § 3.64

The body established by the town of West Warwick which has the responsibility to prepare a comprehensive plan and make recommendations concerning that plan to the town council.

Political sign § 3.86

Temporary sign designating a candidate for elective office, or other matter on the ballot.

Preapplication conference § 3.65

A review meeting of a proposed development held between applicants and reviewing agencies as permitted by law and municipal ordinance before formal submission of an application for a permit or for development approval.

Primary caregiver § 3.66

When used in relation to medical marijuana means a natural person, who is at least 21 years old.

Professional § 3.87

A sign indicating the name and occupation of a professional person or group or associated professional persons.

Projecting § 3.78

A sign erected approximately perpendicular to the wall of a building, including a sign erected at the corner of a building, projecting into an open space or yard but not projecting into the right-of-way of any street, sidewalk, alley, or other public thoroughfare.

Real estate § 3.88

A sign advertising the sale, rental or lease of the premises on which it is maintained, including a subdivision sign.

Rear § 3.47

The lot line 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 ten feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line; and

Remote work § 3.67

A work flexibility arrangement under which a W-2 employee or full-time contractor routinely performs the duties and responsibilities of such employee's position from an approved worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work. Remote work shall not include any activities that: Relate to the sale of unlawful goods and services; Generate on-street parking or a substantial increase in traffic through the residential area; Occur outside of the residential dwelling; (4) Occur in the yard; or (5) Are visible from the street. Residential mobile home park. A subdivision designed and intended for residential use where all residences are therein mobile homes. Restaurant, fast food. That type of retail restaurant, refreshment stand, and/or commercial establishment, self-service or otherwise, designed or used, in whole or in part, to cater to and/or accommodate, in whole or in part, the consumption of food, dessert, or beverages anywhere upon the premises, both inside and outside the building from which it is sold and/or dispensed, whether or not the owner of such restaurant or commercial establishment grants active permission for customers to do so, including, but not limited to, that type of retail establishment which includes substantially stand-up, counter and/or drive-in service and primarily serves or dispenses food, dessert, or beverages in or with disposable or nonreusable containers and/or utensils. Restaurant, standard. A retail establishment where food or beverages are cooked or prepared and offered for sale and where individual customer service is provided at fixed or movable seating at which it is consumed, whether or not entertainment is offered, and includes establishments commonly known as bars, grilles, cafes, taverns, and nightclubs permitting consumption on the premises, but excludes fast food restaurants.

Rhode Island § 3.19

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

Right-of-way § 3.68

Any easement in or property acquired by the town or state for the purpose of establishing streets or highways, including pedestrian sidewalks, bicycle paths, safety rest areas, landscaping, or any other purpose incidental to highway travel.

Roof § 3.79

A sign erected upon the roof of any building.

Rooming house § 3.69

A dwelling unit where multiple, individual rooms, are rented out individually, with furniture, nightly or for an extended period of time, in which the tenants share bathroom and kitchen facilities.

Self-storage facility § 3.70

A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized, and controlled access stalls, rooms, or lockers, designed to be used for the storage of personal property of an individual, family or business. No occupant shall use a self-storage facility for habitation or any residential purpose.

Service station § 3.71

A business establishment that performs automotive repairs or service, and which may supply fuel, oil, and automobile accessories to motor vehicles, including grease racks, elevators, provide minor tire and battery services, but not including the storage of unregistered cars, nor more than six cars awaiting parts or customer pickup. Nonautomotive or retail convenience sales are not permitted. Setback line or lines. 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.

Side § 3.48

Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line. On a corner lot, one side lot line may also be a street lot line. Lot, through. A lot which fronts upon two parallel streets, or which fronts upon two streets which do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot.

Sign § 3.72

Any permanent or temporary device or structure which contains one or more of the following characteristics in each of the paragraphs 3.73.1, 3.73.2, and 3.73.3 below: Freestanding, attached to a building or structure or erected, painted, represented, or reproduced outside any building or structure or any natural object such as a tree, rock, bush, including the ground itself. Which displays, reproduces or includes any letter, word, name, number, model, symbol, insignia, design, device, representation or trademark, or flag (including banner or pennant). Which is used to identify the premises or occupant or owner of the premises; to advertise any trade, business, profession, industry, service, or other activity; to advertise any product or item; to advertise the sale or rental or use of all or part of any premises, including that upon which it is displayed; to direct vehicular or pedestrian traffic other than state, county or municipal highway and roadway markers; and shall include any announcement, declaration, demonstration, display, illustration, insignia, or any representation used to advertise or promote the interests of any person. In no event shall the word "sign" be construed to mean any sign in the interior of any structure unless it is specifically set forth in this ordinance or displayed within the view of persons passing on a street or public sidewalk. Sign. Defined by location.

Signs § 3.81

Defined by message conveyed.

Site plan § 3.90

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 § 3.91

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

Special use § 3.92

A regulated use which is permitted pursuant to the special use permit issued by the authorized governmental entity, pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-24-42. Formerly referred to as a "special exception."

Storage unit § 3.93

Any temporary structure or container used for the storage of personal property of every nature and kind.

Street § 3.94

A public right-of-way or highway established, accepted and maintained under public authority.

Street line § 3.95

The dividing line between a public way and an adjacent lot.

Structure § 3.96

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, temporary. A structure having the same requirements as a permanent structure, except that it does not require a foundation. Substandard lot of record. Any lot lawfully existing at the time of adoption or amendment of the zoning ordinance and not in conformance with the dimensional and/or area provisions of the ordinance.

Telecommunications facility § 3.97

The plant, equipment and property, including but not limited to cables, wires, conduits, ducts, pedestals, antennae, electronics and other appurtenances used or to be used to transmit, receive, distribute, provide or offer telecommunications services. Tourist or transient use is an occupancy period of less than 30 days or has been offered for rental on a hosting platform.

Temporary promotional § 3.89

A display sign, banner or advertising device constructed of cloth, canvas, fabric, plywood, or other light temporary material, with or without a structural frame, intended to promote special sales, free gifts, openings, or campaigns.

Travel trailer § 3.98

A mobile home not exceeding eight feet in width nor more than 33 feet in length. Travel trailers shall not be occupied as a dwelling unit.

Use § 3.99

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

Use variance § 3.102

Permission to depart from the use requirements of the zoning ordinance 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 the zoning ordinance.

Variance § 3.100

Permission to depart from the literal requirements of the zoning ordinance. 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 the zoning ordinance. There shall be only two categories of variance, a use variance or a dimensional variance. However, the fact that a use may be more profitable or that a structure may be more valuable after the relief is granted shall not be grounds for relief.

Wall § 3.80

A sign erected against the wall of any building with the exposed face thereof in a plane parallel to the plane of said wall, and which sign is mounted, at a distance, measured perpendicular to said wall, no greater than 12 inches. A wall sign shall include a sign suspended from the ceiling of a marquee, canopy, or vestibule and a sign attached to any fence, screen, or freestanding wall.

Waters § 3.103

As defined in G.L. 1956, § 46-12-l(b). Wetland, freshwater. As defined in G.L. 1956, § 2-1-20. A marsh, swamp, bog, pond, river, river or stream flood plain or bank, area subject to flooding or storm flowage; emergent or submergent plant community in any body of fresh water; or area within 50 feet of the edge of a bog, marsh, swamp, or pond, as defined in G.L. 1956, § 2-1-20.

Yard § 3.104

The required space on a lot to be open, unoccupied and unobstructed by structures, whether such structures be affixed permanently or temporarily to the ground or whether such structures be an overhang from a principal structure, except as otherwise provided for in this zoning ordinance, or by storage of vehicles, campers, travel trailers, mobile homes, boats, boat trailers or similar equipment, located between any lot line and the setback required therefrom, except as otherwise specified in this ordinance. Yard, corner side. A required side yard adjacent to a public way. Yard, front. A required yard extending across the full width of the lot adjacent to the front lot line. Yard, interior side. A required side yard not adjacent to a public way. Yard, rear. A required yard extending from the rear of the principal structure to the rear lot line and extending across the full width of the lot. Yard, side. A required yard extending from the rear of the required front yard, or from the side lot line where no front yard is required, to the rear lot line.

Zoning certificate § 3.105

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

Zoning map § 3.106

The map or maps which are a part of this zoning ordinance and which delineate the boundaries of all mapped zoning districts within the physical boundary of the town.

Zoning ordinance § 3.107

An ordinance enacted by the West Warwick town council pursuant to the Rhode Island General Laws and in the manner providing for the adoption of ordinances in the town Charter, which sets forth regulations and standards relating to the nature and extent of uses of land and structures, which is consistent with the comprehensive plan of the town as defined in G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2-1 et seq., of the act, which includes the zoning map, and which complies with the provisions of Rhode Island General Laws. Zoning use districts. 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. The districts may include, but are not limited to, agricultural, commercial, industrial, institutional, open space, and residential. Each district may include subdistricts. Districts may be combined. (Ord. No. 2024-5, 6-18-2024; Ord. No. 2024-18, 10-15-2024; Ord. No. 2025-9, 9-16-2025)