Definitions — City of Woonsocket

Abutter § 18.1.1

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

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) § 18.1.3

A residential living unit on the same parcel where the primary use is a legally established single-unit or multi-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 a part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 18, 3-3-2025)

Accessory dwelling unit (ADU) § 18.1.22

A residential living unit on the same parcel where the primary us is a legally established single-unit or multi-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 a part of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage; or a unit that is part of an expanded or remodeled primary dwelling. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 20, 3-3-2025) 41.) Educational institution . Any establishment that provides a curriculum of academic, vocational or professional instruction, including a nursery school, pre-school, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, high school, vocational school, trade school, college or university, but excluding any establishment that is limited to non-degree instruction in music, dance, art, or similar disciplines which shall be considered business services. (Ch. No. 6260, Sec. 1(I), 6-3-96) 42.) Extractive industry . 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.

Accessory use § 18.1.2

A use of land or of a building, or portion thereof, customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building. Such accessory use shall be restricted to the same lot as the principal use, and shall not be permitted without the principal use to which it is related. 3.) Adaptive reuse . As defined in RIGL 42-64.22-2. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 18, 3-3-2025)

Adult bookstore § 18.1.4

An establishment that has a substantial portion of its stock-in-trade and offers for sale, for any form of consideration, any one (1) or more of the following: (a) Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other visual representations that are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or (b) Instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities.

Adult cabaret § 18.1.5

A night club, bar, restaurant, or similar establishment that regularly or occasionally features live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by specified sexual activities. Adult motion picture theater. An establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions are shown, and in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time is devoted to the showing of material characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.

Aggrieved party § 18.1.6

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 this zoning ordinance. 7.) Animal hospital . A commercial facility providing diagnosis medical and su'rgicattreatment care and· recovery for large and/or exotic pets and animals including facilities for the boarding ofanimals for two (2) or more days for care and recove,y which shall be incidental to the hospital use. An animal hospital may include incidental grooming services. 8.) Applicant . Any person, group, agency or corporation being the owner or authorized agent of the owner submitting an application or appealing an action of any official, board or agency.

Aquaculture § 18.1.7

The cultivation of of aquatic animals and plants, especially fish, such as trout and salmon, or shellfish, such as crustaceans, mollusks, oysters and shrimp and/or aquatic plants such as seaweed, under indoor controlled marine and freshwater environments in a closed, environmentally controlled structure; including harvesting, and processing on site, packaging and shipping. 10.) “ Artist studio/gallery : A commercial work or exhibit space within an enclosed structure for artists and artisans, including individuals practicing one of the fine arts or performing arts or individuals skilled in an applied art or craft. Applied arts and crafts include, but are not limited to ceramics, jewelry manufacturing, welding and woodworking, incidental retail sales of items produced on the premises is allowed. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-2015) 11.) Assisted care facility . Any facility licensed by the state as a residential care/assisted living facility.

Auction house § 18.1.8

An establishment engaged in the sale of merchandise or wares by way of an auctioneer.

Authorized agency § 18.1.9

Any agency authorized to carry out the enforcement of any provision of this ordinance, including the design review commission, the river corridor review commission, and all other agencies as may from time to time be created or authorized under this ordinance.

Awning § 18.1.10

A sheltering or covered frame, often of fabric, either stationary or on a retractable system attached to a structure. The awning does not receive stanchion support as in a canopy. 15.) Backyard Chicken Keeping . The proper care and keeping of chickens on an owner-occupied residential lot with no more than one (1) hen per eight hundred (800) square feet of total lot area with a maximum of five (5) hens on any one lot. Backyard chicken keeping shall not include the keeping of roosters. (a) Proper care and keeping includes providing a hen house (coop) with fenced outdoor enclosure. The hen house must be (1) covered, predator resistant, and well-ventilated, (2) provide a minimum of two (2) square feet per hen, (3) supply adequate protection from the elements and inclement weather, (4) provide hens with good health and prevent any unnecessary or unjustified suffering, and (5) be kept clean, dry, and sanitary at all times, (6) be located upon a permeable surface that prevents waste run-off, and (7) be situated at least twenty (20) feet from any dwelling. The hen house shall not be built onto any shared fence. The fenced outdoor enclosure must adequately contain the chicken hens and be kept clean and sanitary at all times. Chicken manure must be composted in enclosed bins. Chicken feed must be stored securely. Hens must be confined between the hours of 9:00 PM and 8:00 AM. (b) Chickens must be confined between the hours of 9:00 P.M. and 8”00 A.M.. When not confined, the chickens must be well supervised, kept within an enclosed fences yard at all times and not allowed onto abutting property. (c) Chickens and their eggs are for private consumption only. (d) Chicken may not be slaughtered within City limits. (e) The Animal Control Officer and the Zoning Officer or their designees may inspect chickens and coops at any time[1]

Awning or canopy sign § 18.1.56

A sign painted, stamped, perforated, stitched, or otherwise applied on an awning, canopy or marquee, including backlit signs.

Banner § 18.1.57

A sign made of non-rigid material hanging from or otherwise attached to a building or structure.

Bed and breakfast inn § 18.1.11

A residential or mixed use property that contains no less than three (3) and not more than ten (10) guest rooms for short-term lodging (not to exceed ninety (90) days). with meals, for compensation. 17.) Boarding, lodging or rooming house . Shall mean any dwelling, or part thereof, which contains one (1) or more rooming units, and in which space is occupied or intended to be occupied for compensation by no less than four (4) and no more than ten (10) persons, (other than the owner/operator) or (excluding owner/operator), who are not husband or wife, son or daughter, mother or father, or sister or brother of the owner or operator. Meals may or may not be provided, but only one common kitchen facility shall exist and no meals shall be provided by the establishment to members of the general public not lodged in the establishment. Boarding or rooming houses shall not include hotels, motels, inns, sorority, fraternity and cooperative residences, dormitories, or convalescent homes, nursing homes, rest homes, or group residences licensed or regulated by agencies of the State of Rhode Island. Boarding, lodging, or rooming houses shall abide by all applicable state and local laws and regulations governing lodging houses, boarding houses, or rooming houses

Billboard § 18.1.58

Any notice or advertisement, pictorial or otherwise, used as an outdoor display not related to the use of the lot upon which the billboard is located.

Brewery § 18.1.12

A building or establishment where beer or other malt liquors are produced. 19.) Brewpub/Manufacturing (BM) A manufacturer's license that authorizes the holder to establish and operate a brewery, distillery, or winery at the place described in the license for the manufacture of beverages within this state. The license does not authorize more than one of the activities of operator of a brewery or distiller or winery and a separate license shall be required for each plant. 20.) Buffer zone . 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 § 18.1.13

Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. (a) Building, principal. Any structure in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is situated. Such structure shall include any attached carports, attached garages, covered or uncovered decks or porches, and chimneys. In any residential district, any dwelling shall be deemed the principal building of the lot on which it is situated. (b) Building, accessory. Any unattached structure the use of which is incidental to that of the principal building and which is located on the same lot. Some examples of accessory buildings: garages, carports, sheds, tennis courts, decks, swimming pools, satellite dishes, chimneys and similar structures.

Building height § 18.1.14

The vertical distance from grade, as defined herein, to the top of the highest point of the roof or structure.

Building line § 18.1.15

The line established by law beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law. 24.) Building projection . The maximum horizontal projected area of the principal building at or above grade including all covered and/or enclosed extensions and all unenclosed extensions. 25.) Canopy . A sheltering or covered frame, often of fabric, which is attached to a structure at the inner end and receiving stanchion support at the outer end. 26.) Car wash . A machine-operated or hand-operated facility used principally for the cleaning, washing, polishing, or waxing of motor vehicles. 27.) Catering business . An establishment engaged in the cooking and/or preparation of food for delivery and off-site consumption. 28.) Compassion Center. an entity authorized by the State of Rhode Island to acquire, possess, and / or dispense marijuana or related supplies and educational materials to registered, qualifying patients and/or their registered, designated and qualifying primary caregivers. 29.) Community residence . 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, without limitation, the following: (a) Any type of residence in the community where six (6) or fewer retarded children or adults reside, as licensed by the state pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws section 40.1-24-1. A group home providing care or supervision or both, to not more than eight (8) mentally disabled or mentally handicapped or physically handicapped persons, and licensed by the state pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws section 40.1-24-1. (b) Reserved. (c) A residence for children providing care or supervision, or both, to not more than eight (8) children including those of the care giver and licensed by the state pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws section 42-72.1. (d) A community transitional residence providing care or assistance, or both, to no more than six (6) unrelated persons or no more than three (3) families not to exceed a total of eight (8) persons requiring temporary financial assistance and/or to persons who are victims of crimes, abuse or neglect, and who are expected to reside in such residence not less than sixty (60) days nor more than two (2) 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. (e) A community residence providing care or assistance, or both, to not more than twelve (12) service veterans deemed eligible for said housing by the United States Veterans Administration and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Residents will have access to and use of all common areas, including eating areas and living rooms, and appropriate supportive services for the purpose fostering accountability and responsibility again. For purposes of this type of community residence the term "veteran" shall be defined as (i) any person who has served in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Air Force of the United States for a period of ninety (90) days or more and that period began or ended during any foreign war in which the United States shall have been engaged or in any expedition or campaign for which the United States government issues a campaign medal, and who was honorably discharged there-from, and who shall be deemed to be in need of the care and/or assistance provided at said community residence, or (ii) any person who has served in the armed forces of the United States designated in (i) above and otherwise qualified, who has served less than said ninety (90) days period described above and who was honorably discharged from said service, and who, as a result of the service, acquired a service-connected disability.

Churches § 18.1.72

Comprehensive plan § 18.1.16

The City of Woonsocket Comprehensive Plan, and any amendments thereto, adopted and approved pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws section 45-22.2 and to which any zoning adopted pursuant to this act shall be in compliance. 31.) Congregate care facility . A structure or structures containing four (4) or more dwelling units and/or rooming units limited in occupancy to persons sixty (60) years old and older and their spouses, and/or handicapped persons and their spouses, providing shared food preparation service and common recreation, social and service facilities for the exclusive use of residents. 32.) Corporate Office . An establishment where services are performed involving predominantly administrative, professional, or clerical operations for a corporation or company. 33.) (Ch. No. 6012, Sec. 1, 4-7-97) 34.) Day care center . Any other day care center which is not a family day care home. (See definition of family day care home.) 35.) Density, residential . The number of dwelling units per unit of land.

Credit card sign § 18.1.59

A sign identifying by name or symbol, one (1) or more credit cards which are accepted by an establishment.

Development § 18.1.17

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. 37.) Development restrictions or development conditions . Any restrictions or conditions imposed on a parcel of land or portion thereof by the city council, affecting the design, layout, or operation of any development on said parcel of land or portion thereof. 38.) Distillery . A building or establishment in which alcohol can undergo a process of vaporization and subsequent condensation, as for purification or concentration, or to extract the volatile components of by distillation; transform by distillation, or to concentrate, purify, remove or obtain by or as by distillation. 39.) District. See zoning district.

Directional sign § 18.1.60

A sign identifying on-premises traffic, parking or other functional activity, which bears no language or symbols for business identification or advertising.

Directory sign § 18.1.61

A sign identifying two (2) or more persons or establishments occupying a structure.

Dwelling unit § 18.1.18

A structure or portion thereof providing complete, independent living facilities for one (1) or more persons, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation and containing a separate means of ingress and egress.

Family § 18.1.23

A person or persons related by blood, marriage or other legal means. See also "household."

Family day care home § 18.1.24

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 (6) or less individuals who are not relatives of the care giver, but may not contain more than a total of eight (8) individuals receiving such care. 45.) Farm animals . A cow, goat, pig (except for Vietnamese pot bellied pig), and such other animals as determined by the zoning officer. 46.) Farmers’ Market : A temporary market where producers and processors sell agricultural and horticultural products directly to the public. Such products shall include, but not be limited to fruits, vegetables, dairy products, plants and value-added agricultural products like as jam, and other food-related products. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-2015)

Fence § 18.1.25

Any artificially constructed barrier of any material or combination of materials used as a boundary, or erected to prevent intrusion, or to enclose or screen areas of land. 48.) Flea market . An enclosed building in which stalls or sales areas are set aside, and rented or otherwise provided, and which are intended for use by various unrelated individuals to offer goods, new and/or used, for sale to the public, not to include private garage or yard sales.

Floating zone § 18.1.26

An unmapped zoning district adopted within this chapter, which is established on the zoning map only when an application for development, meeting the zone requirements, is approved. (Ch. 8133, 10-7-2019) 50.) Floor area ratio . A ratio of the sum of the gross floor areas of all buildings to the total lot area of the lot on which said buildings are located, excluding basement areas as defined in RIGL 45-24.3-5. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 20, 3-3-2025)

Food Truck § 18.1.27

A readily movable motorized wheeled vehicle or a rowed wheeled vehicle that is designed and equipped to serve food. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-2015)

Free-standing sign § 18.1.62

A sign supported by one (1) or more poles, columns, or braces placed in or on the ground and not attached to any building.

Front lot line § 18.1.44

The lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way. In the case of corner and through lots, the front lot line shall be considered that lot line separating the portion of the lot on which the principal building fronts from the street right-of-way. Except that with regard to the placement of accessory structures, the front lot line shall be considered any lot line separating a lot from any street right-of-way.

Front yard § 18.1.81

The yard extending across the entire width of the lot between the front lot line and the nearest part of the front of the principal building.

Gross floor area § 18.1.28

The sum of the areas of all floor surfaces enclosed by the exterior faces of the exterior walls of a building.

Ground floor § 18.1.29

That floor which is substantially level with the exterior grade of the lot at the main entrance to a structure.

Half-way house § 18.1.30

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. 55.) Hazardous substance . Any substance or material that, by reason of its toxic, caustic, corrosive, abrasive, or otherwise injurious properties, may be detrimental or deleterious to the health of any person handling or otherwise coming into contact with such material or substance.

Health club facility § 18.1.31

An indoor facility housing uses such as game courts, exercise equipment, locker rooms, jacuzzi, and/or sauna for athletic, sport, fitness, health, or recreational purposes. Pro shops may also be included in this facility as a secondary use.

Hotel § 18.1.32

A building used as a place where sleeping accommodations are provided for compensation, with or without meals, for twenty one (21) eleven (11) or more guests, which may include such accessory uses as restaurants, meeting rooms and recreational facilities located within the same structure. Hotels shall comply with the parking requirements outlined in Section 5.1-3.7 of this Ordinance as well as the parking requirements of any accessory uses listed above. 58.) Hospital . An institution specializing in giving clinical, temporary, and emergency services of a medical or surgical nature to human patients and injured persons and licensed by state law to provide facilities and services in surgery, obstetrics, and general medical practice, including related facilities such as laboratories, out-patient departments, training facilities, central service facilities, and staff offices that are an integral part of the facilities. (Ch. No. 6130, Sec. 1, 9-18-95) 59.) Household . One (1) 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 (1) of the following: (a) A family, which may also include servants and employees living with the family. (b) A person or group of up to five (5) unrelated persons living together. The maximum number of unrelated persons living together shall not apply to NARR—certified recovery residences. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 18, 3-3-2025)

Indoor Farming § 18.1.33

The cultivation of vegetables, fruits and/or fungi in a closed environmentally controlled structure such as mushrooms, or other specialized products to be sold at wholesale or limited retail, excluding cannabis or other products governed by R.I.G.L. § 21-28.6-3; including harvesting, and processing on site, packaging and shipping. 61.) Incidental home occupation . Any activity, excluding medical or dental offices, barber or beauty shops, customarily carried out for gain by a resident and conducted as an accessory use in the resident's dwelling unit, which does not change the character of said dwelling unit, nor utilize more than twenty (20) percent of the gross floor area thereof and in connection with which there is no display, no stock-in-trade or commodities sold upon the premises, and not more than one (1) person who is not a resident on the premises is employed specifically in connection with said activity.

Interim use § 18.1.34

A temporary or transitional use, installation, or activity established on underutilized or vacant property for a predetermined period.

Junk § 18.1.35

Any waste materials including dismantled or wrecked motor vehicles, large auto parts, rubber tires, stoves, refrigerators and other large appliances or metal items. Additionally, the term will include scrap copper, brass, and other non-ferrous materials, old rope, batteries, rags (in bulk), paper (in bulk), and similar items having a reuse or resale market value in whole or in part.

Junkyard § 18.1.36

An establishment or place of business which is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, processing, handling, buying, selling or exchanging junk.

Live/work unit § 18.1.38

a building or space within a building used jointly for commercial and residential purposes where the residential use of the space is secondary or accessory to the primary use as a place of work.

Live/work unit in Downtown Overlay District § 18.1.37

A structure or area within a structure that combined a dwelling unit and permitted non-residential use that is principally used by at least one (1) occupant of the dwelling unit. Permitted non-residential uses include those uses permitted in the Downtown Overlay District. The residential use is secondary to the primary use as a place of work (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-2015).

Lodging house § 18.1.39

See definition: Boarding, lodging or rooming house.

Lot § 18.1.40

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

Lot area § 18.1.41

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

Lot coverage § 18.1.42

That portion of the lot that is or may be covered by buildings and accessory buildings.

Lot frontage § 18.1.43

That portion of a lot abutting a street. 72.) Lot line . A line of record, bounding a lot, which divides one (1) lot from another lot or from a public or private street or any other public or private space and shall include:

Mayoral academies § 18.1.76

Menu board § 18.1.63

A sign mounted on a structure erected for that purpose, not attached to any building, which is used for the listing of available menu items at an establishment with a drive-thru window.

Mobile home § 18.1.46

See manufactured home. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 20, 3-3-2025) 81.) Modification . Permission by the zoning officer to grant a dimensional variance other than lot area requirements from this zoning ordinance not to exceed twenty-five (25) percent of each of the applicable dimensional requirements. 82.) Motel . A building or group of buildings containing sleeping units for eleven (11) or more guests, each of which maintain a separate outside entrance. Such building or group of buildings is designed, intended or used primarily for the accommodation of motor vehicle travelers and provides motor vehicle parking conveniently located on the premises. 83.) Motor fuel station . A structure, building or premises or any portion thereof where a flammable fluid is stored and sold for supply to motor vehicles. This may include the servicing of motor vehicles, including minor repairs such as replacing of mufflers and tailpipes, tune-ups, changing of tires and lubrication, as well as sale of cigarettes, gum, candy and similar items, all of which are incidental to the primary use. Service stations shall not include premises where heavy motor vehicle maintenance activities such as engine overhauls, motor vehicle painting and body work are conducted. 84.) Motor vehicle body repair shop . Any building, premises or land which is used for the care, repair or refinishing of vehicles, including both minor and major mechanical overhauling, paint and bodywork.

Motor vehicle repair garage § 18.1.47

An establishment engaged in the repair of motor vehicles, including without limitation, motor vehicle body repair and spray painting. 86.) Motor vehicle specialty shop . An establishment engaged in the specialized motor vehicle services, including without limitation, brake, muffler, oil change and tire services.

Multifamily dwelling § 18.1.21

A building containing more than two (2) dwelling units.

Nursing home § 18.1.48

Any facility licensed by the state as a Nursing Home. 88.) Office Co- ops . A shared office work space where professionals and small businesses can rent rooms or areas of rooms with shared common areas such as kitchens or break rooms, conference rooms, etc.

Other similar uses § 18.1.77

120(a). Municipal Uses: Any use of land or structure / apparatus thereon that owned or leased and/or managed and controlled by the municipality of Woonsocket or any branch, department or agency of the municipality of Woonsocket, provided that in all cases such use shall be approved and authorized by the City of Woonsocket by Resolution. 120(b). State Uses: Any use of land or structure / apparatus thereon that owned or leased and/or managed and controlled by the State of Rhode Island or any branch, department or agency of the State of Rhode Island, provided that such branches, departments or agencies do not include the City of Woonsocket or any of its branches, departments or agencies, provided further that in all cases, such use shall be approved and authorized by the City Council of Woonsocket by Resolution. 120(c). Federal Uses: Any use of land or structure / apparatus thereon that owned or leased and/or managed and controlled by the federal government of the United States or any branch, department or agency of the United States, provided that such branches, departments or agencies do not include the either the State of Rhode Island or the City of Woonsocket or any of their respective branches, departments or agencies, provided further that in all cases, such use shall be approved and authorized by the City Council of Woonsocket by Resolution. (Ch. 8146, 11.4.2019) 124.) Variance . Permission to depart from the use requirements of this 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 this zoning ordinance. There shall be only two (2) categories of variance, a use variance or a dimensional variance. (a ) Variance , dimensional . Permission to depart from the use requirements of this Zoning Ordinance under the applicable standards set forth in RIGL 45-24-41. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 20, 3-3-2025) (b) Variance, use. Permission to depart from the use requirements of this 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.

Outdoor café seating § 18.1.49

Seating incidental to and provided outside of a restaurant, café, or other eating and/or drinking establishment, provided the outdoor seating is located on the same lot as the principal use on the adjoining sidewalk. (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-07-2015) 90.) Overlay district . A district established in this zoning ordinance that is superimposed on one (1) 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.

Pallet Exchange Facility § 18.1.50

A site that received, repairs, processes to client specifications, manufactures, re-manufactures, distributed, inventories, transports wood pallets, wood items, related products and items

Parish houses § 18.1.73

Parochial schools § 18.1.74

Passenger terminal § 18.1.51

A facility or location where the principal use is handling, receiving and transferring passenger traffic for aircraft, rail, busses and watercraft. 93.) Performance standards . A set of criteria or limits relating to elements which a particular use or process either must meet or may not exceed. 94.) Permitted use . A use by right that is specifically authorized in a particular zoning district. 95.) Place of worship . A place where religious worship is conducted and/or religious services are held.

Pop-up retail § 18.1.52

A retail store that is opened for a temporary period of time. Such a store may be established in or under temporary and/or modular structures.” (Ord. Ch. 7857 12-7-2015)

Portable sign § 18.1.64

Any sign not permanently affixed to the ground or to a building, including any sign attached to or displayed on a vehicle that is used for the expressed purpose of advertising a business establishment, product, service, or entertainment, when that vehicle is so parked as to attract the attention of the motoring or pedestrian traffic.

Prepared food sales § 18.1.53

An establishment engaged in the retail sale of food and/or beverages prepared on the premises, where consumption is not permitted on the premises, whether seated or standing, inside or outside. 98.) Recreational vehicle . A vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis and designed to be used for temporary occupancy for travel, recreation or vacation use.

Projecting sign § 18.1.65

A sign attached to a building wall which extends more than fifteen (15) inches from the face of the wall.

Public charter schools § 18.1.75

Rear lot line § 18.1.45

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 (10) feet in length entirely within the lot, parallel to and at a maximum distance from the front lot line. (c) Side lot line . Any lot line other than a front or rear lot line. On a corner lot, a side lot line may be a street lot line. 73.) Lot, through. A lot which fronts upon two (2) parallel streets, or which fronts upon two (2) streets which do not intersect at the boundaries of the lot. 74.) Lot width . 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. 75.) Lumber yard . An establishment engaged in the sale of raw lumber and/or wood products which includes outside storage and/or display of said materials. 76.) Mansard roof . A roof having a double slope on all four (4) sides, the lower slope being much steeper. A partial mansard facade consists of the lower slope on one (1) or more sides, with no direct relationship to the upper roof. 77.) Manufactured home . 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 travelling 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 designated to be used as a dwelling with permanent foundation connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-condition, and electrical systems contained therein; except that such term shall include any structure which meets all the requirement of this definition except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the Unite 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 recreation vehicle. (Ch. 8558, Sec. 20, 3-3-2025) 78.) Micro-Distillery . A building or establishment that is small, often boutique-style distillery established to produce beverage grade spirit alcohol in relatively small quantities, usually done in single batches. 79.) Micro-lofts, Micro-apartments or Studios . A small self-contained one-bedroom residential dwelling unit of not less than three hundred twenty-five (325) square feet and not more than five hundred and fifty (550) square feet all any level above a ground floor commercial use. Micro-lofts, Micro-apartments and/or Studios shall include space for sleeping and/or sitting, a kitchenette, limited storage space, and a bathroom. Micro-lots, Micro-apartments or Studios shall not exceed one bedroom or sleeping area. (Ch. 8046, Sec. 1, 6-7-2018; Ch. 8144, Sec. 1, 9-16-2019)

Rear yard § 18.1.82

The yard extending across the entire width of the lot between the rear lot line and the nearest part of the rear of the principal building. (Ch. No. 6042, Sec. 1, 3-6-95) [1] Chapter 7777, October 31, 2014.

Recycling center § 18.1.54

A facility in which recoverable resources, such as newspapers, glassware, and metal cans, are collected, stored, flattened, crushed or bundled, essentially by hand within a completely enclosed building. 100.) Rehabilitation facility, in-patient. An establishment used for the mental and/or physical rehabilitation of human patients, including drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation facilities, that includes overnight care facilities. (Ch. No. 6130, Sec. 1, 9-18-95) 101.) Rehabilitation facility, out-patient . An establishment used for the mental and/or physical rehabilitation of human patients, including drug and/or alcohol rehabilitation facilities, that does not include overnight care facilities. (Ch. No. 6130, Sec. 1, 9-18-95) 102.) Research & Development Facility . A facility for research, investigation, testing and/or experimentation of potential products and/or services, which may include manufacture of services. (Ch. No. 6012, Sec. 1, 4-7-97) 103.) Restaurant . An establishment engaged in the retail sale of food and/or beverages in a ready to consume state, in individual servings, and where consumption is permitted on the premises, whether seated or standing, inside or outside. 104.) Rooming house . A building where sleeping rooms and bathroom facilities are provided for compensation for less than twenty-one (21) guests and more than two (2) guests, and which makes no provision for cooking in any of the rooms. See definition: Boarding, lodging or rooming house. (Ch. 8048, Sec. 2, 6-14-2018) 105.) 93.)( a) Rooming Units . Are defined as Type A and Type B rooming units in the City of Woonsocket Code of Ordinances section 12-2 Definitions and further enumerated in sections 12-246 and 12-247 respectively, for which the owner/operator receives compensation for tenant occupancy. (Ch. 8048, Sec. 2, 6-14-2018) 106.) 94 Self-service storage facility . A building or group of buildings in a controlled access and fenced compound that contains individual, compartmentalized, and controlled access stalls or lockers for the storage of customer's goods or wares. 107.) 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.

Roof sign § 18.1.66

A sign which is constructed and maintained on the roof of a building or on the building wall in such a way that it extends beyond the roof line.

Sign § 18.1.55

A graphic arrangement or physical structure which is designed or intended to convey information in written or pictorial form.

Single-family dwelling § 18.1.19

A building containing one (1) dwelling unit.

Specified sexual activities § 18.1.69

This term means and includes any of the following: (1) The fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, public region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts; (2) Sex acts, normal or perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy; (3) Masturbation, actual or simulated; or (4) Excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth as noted above. 116.) Story . The space between the surface of two (2) successive floors in a building or between the top floor and the ceiling and underside of the roof framing. A basement shall be counted as a story if its ceiling is over six (6) feet above the average level of the finished ground surface adjoining the exterior walls of such story or if it is used for business or dwelling purposes. 117.) Street . A public right-of-way, which has been accepted by the city council and dedicated for use as a public highway. 118.) Street right-of-way line . A line separating a lot from an adjacent street. 119.) Structure . 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. 120.) Substandard lot of record . Any lot lawfully existing at the time of adoption or amendment of this ordinance and not in conformance with the dimensional and/or area provisions of such ordinance.

Substantial improvement § 18.1.70

Any repair, reconstruction, or alteration of property, the cost of which exceeds fifty (50) percent of the true value of the property as determined by the tax assessor, either before improvement is started or if the property has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred.

Supermarket § 18.1.71

An establishment engaged in the retail sale of food and/or groceries where the gross floor area of said establishment exceeds five thousand (5,000) square feet. 123.) Use . The purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, or intended, or for which land or buildings are occupied or maintained. (d) Use, semi-public. Any use which is public in nature but owned and used by a private interest group, including a non-profit entity. (e) Semi-public uses include:

Two-family dwelling § 18.1.20

A building containing two (2) dwelling units.

Under canopy sign § 18.1.67

A sign attached to or hung from a canopy or other covered structure projecting from and supported by the principal building.

Vehicle wrecking or salvage facility § 18.1.78

Any building, premises or land upon or within which vehicles, or parts thereof, are destroyed, junked, dismantled or stored for later dismantling or destruction.

Vertical farming/Rooftop Farming § 18.1.79

A component of urban agriculture producing food in vertically stacked layers, vertically inclined surfaces and/or integrated in other using controlled environmental agriculture (CEA) technology, where all environmental factors can be controlled, These facilities utilize artificial control of light, environmental control (humidity, temperature, gases): including harvesting, and processing on site, packaging and shipping.

Veterinary clinic § 18.1.80

A commercial offi.ce providing diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment, care and recove,y for domestic household pets, including facilities for the temporary boarding ofanimals which shall be limited to short-term care and recoverv incidental to the clinical use. A veterinan• clinic may include incidental grooming services. 128.) 114. Yard. Any open space on the same lot with a principal building, unoccupied, and unobstructed from the ground to the sky, except for accessory buildings or structures, or such projections as are expressly permitted in these regulations.

Wall sign § 18.1.68

A sign painted on or attached directly to the building wall which extends less than fifteen (15) inches from the face of the wall and which does not extend beyond the roof line. 109.) Sign area . The entire surface within a continuous perimeter, enclosing the extreme limits of sign display, including any frame or border. The copy of signs composed of individual letters, numerals, and/or symbols shall be the sum of the area of the smallest rectangle encompassing each of said letters, numerals, and/or symbols. 110.) Site plan . The development plan for one (1) or more lots on which is shown the existing and/or the proposed conditions of the lot. 111.) Solar or Wind Energy System– Ground Mount means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring,, converting, storing or using renewable resources for water heating, space heating, cooling, generating electricity and reducing on-site consumption of utility power, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity produced from a nonrenewable resource. The primary use of a renewable energy facility is to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a residential scale facility only if it supplies electrical or thermal power solely for on-site use, except that when property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, exceeds electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be off-loaded to the grid. A renewal energy-residential scale facility shall be considered an accessory use to the primary residential use of the property as set forth in this ordinance. 1.) The installation of this facility would be built on the ground. Any renewal energy facility not meeting this definition is considered a non-residential use and is subject to review by the zoning board of review. All ground-mount units must be screened in a responsible manner so as to provide as little disharmony with each neighborhood in which it is located. (Ch. 7859, 12-21-2015) 112.) Solar and Wind Energy System – Roof Mount means the equipment and requisite hardware that provide and are used for collecting, transferring,, converting, storing or using renewable resources for water heating, space heating, cooling, generating electricity and reducing on-site consumption of utility power, or other applications that would otherwise require the use of a conventional source of energy such as petroleum products, natural gas, manufactured gas, or electricity produced from a nonrenewable resource. The primary use of a renewable energy facility is to reduce on-site consumption of utility power. A system is considered a residential scale facility only if it supplies electrical or thermal power solely for on-site use, except that when property upon which the facility is installed also receives electrical power supplied by a utility company, exceeds electrical power generated and not presently needed for on-site use may be off-loaded to the grid. A renewal energy-residential scale facility shall be considered an accessory use to the primary residential use of the property as set forth in this ordinance. The installation of this facility would be built on the roof of the building . Any renewal energy facility not meeting this definition is considered a non-residential use and is subject to review by the zoning board of review. (Ch. 7859, 12.21.2015). 113.) Special use . A regulated use which is permitted pursuant to a special use permit issued by the zoning board of review, pursuant to Rhode Island General Laws section 45-24-42. Formerly referred to as a special exception. 114.) Specified anatomical areas . This term means and includes any of the following: (1) Less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a point immediately above the top of the areolae; or (2) Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered.