City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Division 2
Definitions
Section II-201.
Definitions
For the purposes of these regulations, the following words and terms have the
meanings specified herein:
A Street: See Primary / Secondary Street Grid (Synonym: A/B Grid):
Abandonment: The cessation of the use of property without the intention of transferring rights
to the property or of resuming the use of the property.
Abutting: Having property boundaries or zoning lot lines in common, with no separation by a
street, alley or other right of way.
Accessory: A use, building or structure, or part of a building or structure which:

Is subordinate to and serves the primary building or structure or primary use; and

Is subordinate in area, extent, or purpose to the primary building or structure or
primary use served; and

Contributes to the comfort, convenience, or necessity of occupants of the primary
building or primary use; and
Is located on the same zoning lot as the primary building or structure or primary use
served, with the exception of such accessory off-street parking facilities as are
permitted to locate elsewhere than on the same zoning lot as the building or use
served and such accessory water-related uses to lease-hold uses in “G” zone districts.
See also Primary Use.

Accessory Dwelling Unit: See Residential Structure Types.
Acre: A measure of land equating to 43,560 square feet.
Acres, gross: A measure of land equating to the entire
area of a property.
Adjacent/adjoining: Abutting or being directly across a
street, alley, other rights of way or waterways.
II D2 -1
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Adjustment (for Downtown Zone Districts): Relief by the Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services, Planning Board or City Commission from the requirements of the
Downtown Zone Districts, subject to the standards in Section IV-1903.
Adult bookstore/video store: An Establishment having as a substantial or significant portion of its
stock in trade, books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter or photographs, films,
motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other visual representations or recordings, or
other audio matter which are Adult Material, as defined below, if the Adult Material is
accessible by individuals other than employees, agents or independent contractors.
Adult day care center: Any building or buildings, or part of a building, whether operated for
profit or not, in which is provided through its ownership or management for a part of a
day, basic services to 3 or more persons who are 18 years of age or older, who are not
related to the owner or operator by blood or marriage, and who require such services. See
also Assisted living facility, Community residential home, Group home facility &
Nursing home.
Adult use establishment: A site or premises, or portion thereof, upon which Adult Use activities
or operations are conducted.
Adult material: Any one (1) or more of the following, regardless of whether it is new or used:

Books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, paintings, drawings, or other
publications or graphic media, photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes or
disks, slides, or other visual representations, or recordings, or other audio matter,
which have as their primary or dominant theme matter depicting, illustrating,
describing, or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas as
defined hereafter; or

Instruments, novelties, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for use in
connection with specified sexual activities.
Adult modeling studio: Any Establishment which offers, advertises, or conducts as a substantial
or significant portion of its business, service or trade the use of its premises for the purpose
of modeling of apparel that exhibits Specified Anatomical Areas, or modeling,
demonstrating, or presenting any product or service for sale, in a private performance
setting, in which the model or sales representative exhibits Specified Anatomical Areas.
Adult photographic studio: Any Establishment which offers, advertises, or conducts as a
substantial or significant portion of its business, service or trade, the use of its premises for
the purpose of photographing or exhibiting Specified Sexual Activities or Specified
Anatomical Areas.
Adult theater: An enclosed building or an enclosed space within a building, where, for any form
of consideration or compensation, live performances, films, motion pictures, video cassettes,
slides, or similar photographic reproductions, distinguished or characterized by an emphasis
II D2 -2
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
on material depicting, describing, or relating to Specified Sexual Activities or Specified
Anatomical Areas, are regularly shown for observation by patrons therein. However, a
theater, performing arts hall, opera, or other like activity presenting or staging a performance
which constitutes a part of a bona fide live communication by a person wherein a Specified
Sexual Activity takes place or Specified Anatomical Area is displayed in the sense of
expressive conduct incidental to and necessary for the conveyance or communication of a
genuine message or public expression shall not be deemed an Adult Theater under the
provisions of this Division.
Adult use, commencement of business of (includes any of the following):

The opening or starting of any Adult Use as a new business;

The conversion of an existing business, whether or not an Adult Use, to any Adult
Use;

The addition of any Adult Use to an existing Adult Use;

The relocation of any Adult Use.
Adult use or adult business: An adult bookstore/video store, adult modeling studio, special
cabaret, adult theater, adult photographic studio, or physical culture establishment as
defined in this Section.
Adult use permittee: A person in whose name a permit to operate an Adult Use has been issued,
as well as any other person listed as an applicant on the application for a permit.
Aggrieved person: 1) The City, 2) the Applicant for a development permit, and 3) any person or
entity which will suffer to a greater degree than the general public an adverse effect to a
legally recognized interest protected or furthered by the land development regulations or
the comprehensive plan.
Alcoholic beverage store: A facility devoted primarily to the sale of alcoholic beverages in
containers for off-premises consumption
Alcohol receiving center: A facility primarily engaged in the inpatient and outpatient treatment
of alcoholic non-surgical patients.
Alley: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Alter or alteration: See Development-Related Definitions.
Antenna, commercial wireless telecommunication: Any structure or device used for the
purpose of collecting or transmitting, for commercial purposes, electromagnetic waves,
including but not limited to directional antennas, such as panels, microwave dishes, and
satellite dishes, and omni-directional antennas, such as whip antennas.
II D2 -3
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Antenna, directional: An antenna or array of antennas designed to concentrate a radio signal in
a particular area.
Antenna, dish: A dish-like antenna used to link communications sites together by wireless
transmission of voice or data. Also called microwave antenna or microwave dish antenna.
Antenna, microwave: A dish-like antenna manufactured in many sizes and shapes used to link
communication sites together by wireless transmission of voice or data.
Antenna, omni-directional: An antenna that is equally effective in all directions and whose size
varies with the frequency and gain for which it was designed.
Antenna support structure: Any pole, telescoping mast, tower tripod, or any other structure
which supports a device used in the transmitting and/or receiving of electromagnetic
waves.
Antenna, whip: An antenna that transmits signals in 360 degrees. Whip antennas are typically
cylindrical in shape, are less than 6 inches in diameter, and measure up to 18 inches in
height. Also called omni-directional, stick or pipe antennas.
Antique shop: A place offering antiques for sale. An antique, for purposes of this Chapter, shall
be a work of art, piece of furniture, decorative object, or the like, of or belonging to the
past.
Appeal: A request for review of a decision of an administrative official, the City Commission,
or a board relating to a request for development approval.
Applicant: A person seeking any determination or approval under, or permits required by, this
Code.
Application for development approval: The application form and all accompanying
documents, exhibits, and fees required for development review purposes.
Approving authority: Refers to the City Commission, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment
and Historic Preservation Board as the context of these regulations so require in regard to
the review of development approvals. This term shall also include the City Manager,
Director of Neighborhood and Development Services, City Engineer, or their designees
in regard to the review of administratively issued permits as the context of these
regulations so require.
Arcade: See Frontage Terminology.
Arterial Street: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Art experts: Professionals in the field of art such as, but not limited, to museum directors and
II D2 -4
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
curators, artists, professors of art and art history, critics or art administrators.
Art gallery: A place for display or retail facility for finished art materials, including paintings,
statues, tapestries, ceramics, or other art objects.
Artificial illumination: Any light that is produced by a mechanical means.
Artist, sculptor, potter, etc. studio (commercial): A building or portion of a building, used as a
place of work by an artist primarily engaged in painting, sculpting, graphic art and other
similar art forms. This shall not include live performance space, unless otherwise
permitted.
Assembly: The piecing together of various components to construct a finished product.
Assisted living facility: Any building or buildings, section of a building, or distinct part of a
building, residence, private home, boarding home, home for the aged, whether operated
for profit or not, which undertakes through its ownership or management to provide,
housing, and one (1) or more personal services for a period exceeding 24 hours to one (1)
or more adults, not related to the owner or administrator by blood or marriage, who
require such services; or to provide extended congregate care, limited nursing services, or
limited mental health services, when specifically licensed to do so pursuant to Fla. Stat.
400.407.
(See also Adult day care center, Community residential home, Group
home facility & Nursing home)
Attached Duplex: See Residential Structure Types.
Attached Single Family: See Residential Structure Types.
Attached Structure: Any structure that is attached to another structure by a common wall, by a
roof, or by structural connections that allow pedestrian access to both structures. For
example, decks or stairways are attached structures when they are connected to another
structure. A garage may be attached to another structure by sharing a wall or by a
breezeway. Structures connected only by an “I” beam or similar connections are not
considered attached.
Attainable Housing: housing units are affordable to households earning from sixty (60) to onehundred-twenty (120 100) percent of the Median Family Income (MFI) for a family of
four Area Median Income (AMI) in the Sarasota-Bradenton MSA. The size (sq. ft.) and
appearance (fixtures and finishes) of attainable housing units shall be functionally
equivalent to market rate units. The attainable housing income range shall be updated
annually by the City based on U.S. Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD)
data and existing mortgage financing conditions.
(Ord. No.08-4799, 4-28-08)
Amendment adopted 4-28-08 with effective date to
coincide with adoption of 2008 EAR amendment to
the Sarasota City Plan (estimated Nov-Dec 2008).
II D2 -5
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Attic: A room or a space within the slope of a roof.
Auditorium: A large enclosed and roofed structure used for spectator sports, exhibitions, or
cultural events.
Automatic fueling station: An unattended establishment automatically dispensing motor
vehicle fuels, water, air and oil, limited to commercial, governmental and other fleet
vehicles, with no facilities for additional service, repairs or maintenance.
Automobile: See Vehicle Types.
Awning: A temporary hood or cover that projects from the wall of a building and that may
include a type which can be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting
building. With the addition of support columns an awning becomes a canopy. See also
Canopy and Frontage Terminology. (Ord. No. 10-4927, 2-22-11)
B Street: See Primary / Secondary Street Grid Synonym: A/B Grid)
Bank: See Financial institution.
Banner: See Sign-Related Definitions.
Banner, internal: See Sign-Related Definitions.
Banner, perimeter: See Sign-Related Definitions.
Bar (cocktail lounge, saloon): Any establishment which is devoted primarily to the retailing and
on-premises drinking of malt, vinous, or other alcoholic beverages and which is licensed
by the State of Florida to dispense or sell alcoholic beverages.
Bar, outdoor: Any building, structure or facility whether temporary or permanent, which is
built, erected or provided as a location for the purpose of making retail sales of alcoholic
or intoxicating beverages, or malt or vinous beverages, as an accessory use to a hotel or
motel.
II D2 -6
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Base flood (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): The flood having a
one percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year.
Base flood level (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): The flood level
that has a one (1) percent or greater chance of occurrence in any given year.
Basement (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Any area of the
building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.
Bed and breakfast inn: An owner or operator-occupied single-family detached dwelling unit
which contains no more than one kitchen and five or less guest rooms intended or
designed to be used, or which are used, rented or hired out to be occupied or which are
occupied for sleeping purposes by guests, other than temporary personal guests of the
family in the dwelling unit, for compensation with or without meals.
Bingo, non-profit: A game, operated by a non-profit, charitable, or veterans’ organization as
defined in Florida Statute Section 849.0931(1)(c), in which each player pays a sum of
money for the use of one or more bingo cards printed with different numbered squares on
which to place markers when the respective numbers are drawn and announced. The
winner being the first player to mark a compete row of numbers in a given order that has
been preannounced for that particular game. More than one game may be played on a
bingo card, and the numbers announced for one game may be used for a succeeding game
or games.
Block: All of the property bounded by streets, rights-of-way (except alleys), and water features,
but not divided or separated in any way by streets, rights-of-way (except alleys) or water
features.
Block Frontage: All of the property fronting on one side of a street that is between intersecting
or intercepting streets, or that is between a street and a water feature, or end of a dead end
street. An intercepting street determines only the boundary of the block frontage on the
side of the street that it intercepts. See also Frontage Terminology.
Boat, gambling: Any vessel which provides gaming or gambling activities for its passengers,
contains gaming or gambling paraphernalia, or transports passengers to another vessel
which either provides gaming or gambling activities for its passengers or contains gaming
or gambling paraphernalia.
Boat sales area: An area used for the display, sale or rental of boats, where no repair work is
performed, except minor incidental repair of boats displayed, sold or rented on the
premises.
Botanical gardens: A place or facility, owned and operated by either a governmental entity or a
nonprofit organization, open to the public where a wide variety of plants are cultivated
for scientific, educational, display and/or ornamental purposes.
II D2 -7
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Boundary adjustment: The process of reconfiguring one or more existing zoning lots into two
or more new legally conforming zoning lots in the same ownership. See also
Consolidation.
Boundary adjustment plat: A legal document, prepared by a qualified professional licensed to
prepare such in the State of Florida, for the purpose of the legal reconfiguring of
contiguous zoning lots in the same ownership. See also Consolidation plat.
Breakaway wall (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): A wall that is
not part of the structural support of the building and is intended through its design and
construction to collapse under specific lateral loading forces, without causing damage to
the elevated portion of the building or supporting foundation system.
II D2 -8
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Buffer: Any combination of vegetation, walls, fencing, berms and open spaces, which are used
to physically separate and screen, land uses.
Building: See Development-Related Definitions.
Building, completely enclosed: See Development-Related Definitions.
Building Coverage: See Development Related Definitions.
Building Elevation Terminology:
Parapet Line: a continuous vertical projection or wall running horizontally for the
majority of a façade. See Illustration.
Eave Line: a horizontal line at the edge of a pitched
roof. See Illustration.
Recess Line: a horizontal line, the full width of a
facade, above which the façade is set back a
specified distance from the facade below. See
Illustration.
Transition / Expression Line: a horizontal line, for a
major part of the width of a façade, expressed
by a variation of material or by a limited
projection, such as a molding, awning or a
balcony. See Illustration.
Entry Level: the maximum or minimum vertical dimension from the sidewalk level
measured from the midpoints of the lot frontage to the entry floor of a building.
See Illustration.
II D2 -9
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Building frontage: See Frontage Terminology.
Building Line: A line running parallel to a
zoning lot line, that is the same distance
from the zoning lot line as the closest
portion of a building on the site.
Building, principal: See Primary Structure.
Bus station (commercial): Facility for the pick up and discharge of passengers and freight for
buses; includes ticket sales and may include administrative offices.
Business school: See Vocational, business and trade school.
Camouflaging architectural treatment: Alternative tower structures such as man-made trees,
clock towers, bell steeples, light poles, and similar alternative-design mounting structures
that conceal the presence of antennas or towers. See also Stealth facility.
Candlepower: The total luminous intensity of a light source expressed in foot-candles.
Maximum (peak) candlepower is the largest amount of foot-candles emitted by any lamp,
light source, or luminaire.
II D2 -10
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Canopy: A permanently roofed shelter cantilevered or otherwise extending from the exterior
wall of a building, used to shade or screen windows or doors or the entire length of a
facade, which may be wholly supported by a building or may be wholly or partially
supported by columns, poles, or braces extending from the ground. Canopy structures
typically differ from regular window and door awnings in that they are more permanent
and often require structural steel, trusses and posts for added support. Canopies that
extend along all or a significant length of a building façade may also be described as a
gallery or light colonnade. See also Awning and Gallery under Frontage
Terminology. (Ord. No. 10-4927, 2-22-11)
Caretaker’s, watchman’s dwelling: An accessory dwelling unit, generally associated with a
nonresidential use, for the person/employee who takes care of a building and its zoning
lot.
Carpet or flooring retail sales: Retail sales of carpet and other floor covering, in which less
than 50% of the facility is storage area or installation work area that is not open to the
general public.
Carport: An accessory structure or portion of a primary structure, not more than 75 percent
enclosed by walls, consisting of a roof and supporting members such as columns or
beams, and designed for the storage of vehicles owned and used by the occupants of the
building to which it is accessory.
Car wash, self-service: A cleaning facility for motor vehicles where the cleaning is physically
performed by someone other than an employee of the facility, using supplies and water
from the facility, and including coin-operated facilities.
Car wash, not self-service: Any staffed cleaning facility for motor vehicles, in which
employees of the facility perform the cleaning.
Catering, commercial (off-site): Preparation of food and related materials for a special event,
occasion, or other related contracts, which are to be delivered to a location other than
II D2 -11
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
where prepared.
Cell site: A zoning lot or portion of a zoning lot that contains a commercial wireless
telecommunication antenna, its support structure, accessory building(s), and parking, and
may include other uses associated with an ancillary to cellular communications
transmission.
Cemeteries, mausoleum, and columbaria: Property used for the interring of the dead.
Certificate of appropriateness: A written authorization issued by the Historic Preservation
Board to a property owner for a proposed alteration, relocation, or demolition of a
historically designated building.
Certificate of concurrency: The certificate issued by the City of Sarasota upon finding that an
application for a development permit will not result in the reduction in the level of
service standards set forth in the Sarasota City Plan for public facilities and services.
Certificate of Occupancy: A document issued by the building department certifying that a
newly constructed structure, addition to an existing structure, or existing structure
undergoing a change in use is in full compliance with all applicable City codes and
regulations.
Chamfered Corner: a building corner
which is cut back to a diagonal or
oblique angle in order to permit a
clear view triangle for vehicles in an
urban condition where setbacks from
the front property line are not
required. A chamfered corner is an
excellent location for the door of a
commercial establishment, as it taps
into the pedestrian flow from both
thoroughfares. See Illustration at
right.
Change of occupancy: A discontinuance of an existing use, and the substitution therefor of a
use of a different kind or class.
Change of Use: Change of the primary type of activity on a zoning lot.
Child care center: A facility which provides care, protection and supervision of children for a
period of less than 24 hours a day for more than five children unrelated to the operator,
which is licensed under the provisions of Section 402.302 Fla. Stat. See also Day care,
Family.
Church/synagogue: Tax-exempt buildings used for nonprofit purposes by a recognized and
legally established religious organization for the purpose of worship, including such legal
II D2 -12
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
accessory uses as may be operated by such church/synagogue.
City: The City of Sarasota, Florida.
City Manager: The City Manager of the City of Sarasota or his designee.
Clinic, medical: See Office or clinic, medical or dental.
Club, private: A facility used by a group of people organized for a common purpose to pursue
common goals, interests or activities and usually characterized by certain membership
qualifications, payment of fees and dues, regular meetings, and a constitution and bylaws.
See also Club, private recreation; Country Club; and Health Club.
Club, private recreation: A land area and one or more buildings and structures containing
recreational facilities, club house and usual accessory uses, operated for the pleasure and
recreation only of its members and their guests for a membership fee, which may include,
but are not limited to, indoor restaurant, bar, lounge, meeting rooms, exercise and sauna,
outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, shuffle board courts, cabanas, outdoor furniture
and other similar facilities. See also Club, private; Country Club; and Health Club.
Cluster development: A development design technique that concentrates buildings in specific
areas on a site to allow the remaining land to be used for recreation, common open space,
and preservation of environmentally sensitive areas.
Examples of Cluster Development Projects
Cluster housing development: See Residential Structure
Types.
Coastal high-hazard area (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):An
area of special flood hazard extending from offshore to the inland limit of a primary
frontal dune along an open coast and any other area subject to high velocity wave action
from storms or seismic sources.
II D2 -13
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Co-location: Locating wireless communications equipment from more than one provider on a
single tower, building or structure.
Cold storage facility: A facility primarily engaged in the warehousing and storage of goods
under refrigeration; may include incidental processing, preparing, or packaging of items
for storage.
Collapse zone: The area surrounding a Commercial Wireless Telecommunication Tower within
which the tower would fall or collapse in the event of a structural failure of all, or part, of
the tower.
Collector Street: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
College, university or seminary: An institution of higher education, including teaching and
research, and offering a course of general studies leading to advanced academic degrees;
which may include related facilities such as, but not limited to, classroom buildings;
libraries; laboratories; dormitories (except when specifically prohibited); administration;
physical plant; dining hall; campus center; theater; student gymnasium, stadium, field
house. See also School and Vocational, business, and trade school.
Commercial parking lots: Premises designed and used exclusively for the parking of motor
vehicles for a fee.
Commercial use: An occupation, employment, enterprise or activity that is carried on for profit,
or not for profit, by the owner, lessee or licensee.
Commercial wireless telecommunication facility: A cellular telecommunications facility
consisting of the equipment and structures involved in receiving telecommunication or
radio signals from mobile radio communications sources and transmitting those signals to
a central switching computer which connects the mobile unit with the land-based
telephone lines.
Commercial wireless telecommunication services: Licensed commercial wireless
telecommunication services including cellular, personal communication services,
specialized mobilized radio, enhanced specialized mobilized radio, paging, and similar
services that are marketed to the general public.
Common Yard: See Frontage Terminology.
Community residential home: A dwelling unit licensed to serve clients of the Department of
Children and Family Services which provides a living environment for 7 to 14 unrelated
residents who operate as the functional equivalent of a family, including such supervision
and care by supportive staff as may be necessary to meet the physical, emotional and
social needs of the residents. See also Adult Day Care Center, Assisted living facility,
Group home facility & Nursing home.
II D2 -14
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Community residential home resident: A frail elder person as defined in Fla. Stat. 400.618; a
physically disabled or handicapped person as defined in Fla. Stat. 760.22; a
developmentally disabled person as defined in Fla. Stat. 393.063; a non-dangerous
mentally ill person as defined in Fla. Stat. 394.455; or a child as defined in Fla. Stat.
39.01.
Complete application: An application for development approval that contains the supporting
documentation required by these regulations.
Concurrency: The existence of sufficient infrastructure to maintain adopted levels of service
impacted by development.
Concurrency management system: The procedures and processes utilized by the City of
Sarasota to determine that development permits, when issued, will not result in the
reduction of the level of service standards set forth in the Sarasota City Plan.
Conditional use: A use that has operational, physical and other characteristics that may be
different from those of the predominant permitted uses in a zoning district, but which is a
use that complements or may otherwise be compatible with the intended over-all
development within a district, provided that specified standards are met.
Consistent with the Sarasota City Plan: The land uses, densities or intensities, and other
aspects of development permitted by a development permit are compatible with and
further the goals, objectives, and action strategies of the Sarasota City Plan, as may be
amended.
Consolidation: The removal of common property lines between abutting zoning lots in the same
ownership. See also Boundary adjustment.
Consolidation plat: A legal document, prepared by a qualified professional licensed to prepare
such in the State of Florida, for the purpose of the legal removal of common property
lines between abutting zoning lots in the same ownership. See also Boundary
adjustment plat.
Construction, actual commencement of: The lawful placing of substantial construction
materials in permanent position, fastened in a permanent manner; except that, where
demolition, excavation or removal of an existing structure has been substantially begun
preparatory to new construction, such excavation, demolition or removal shall be deemed
to be actual construction.
Construction, continual: Construction performed by a full complement of workers and
equipment mobilized at the project site, actively engaged in incorporating materials and
equipment into the building or structure each normal working day.
Construction costs: The total value of the construction of, or reconstruction work on structures,
as determined by the Director of Neighborhood and Development Services in issuing a
II D2 -15
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
building permit for construction or reconstruction.
Construction equipment: The construction machinery, vehicles, tools, derricks, hoists,
scaffolds, platforms, runways, ladders and all material, handling equipment, safeguards,
and protective devices used in construction operations.
Construction operation: The erection, repair, renovation, demolition or removal of any building
or structure; and the excavation, filling, grading and alteration of property in connection
therewith.
Contractor or tradesman: Building or service industry contractors, including but not limited to
plumbing, heating, air conditioning, carpentry, electrical, masonry, and metal working.
Contractor or tradesman’s shop (limited): A shop that does not involve millwork, operation of
heavy equipment, furnaces, or heating pots, or the dipping of furniture. Cabinet-making,
floor work, duct work, framing and other similar light work on or off-site is permitted.
Contractor or tradesman's shop (unlimited): Contracting or trade operations involving
millwork with industrial lathe, heavy equipment, furnaces or heating pots, automated
tools, or the dipping or refinishing of furniture, or similar processes.
Convenience store: See Retail Structure Types.
Convention, conference center: A facility used for business or professional conferences and
seminars, often with accommodations for sleeping, eating and recreation.
Copy, duplicating shop: A retail establishment that provides duplicating services using
photocopying, blueprint, and computer printing equipment, and may include the collating
and binding of booklets and reports.
Country club: A land area and buildings containing recreational facilities, club house and usual
accessory uses, primarily open to members and their guests for a membership fee; may
include but are not limited to swimming pools, tennis courts, squash courts, golf courses,
stables and riding facilities, polo and equestrian events but not racetracks, and may
include dining facilities, which may also include a lounge, a conference room, and a bar
all of which may be for use by members, guests, and the general public. See also Club,
private; Club, private recreation; and Health Club.
II D2 -16
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Cutoff: The point at which all light rays emitted by a lamp, light source, or luminaire are
completely eliminated (cutoff) at a specific angle above the ground.
Cutoff angle: The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of light rays at the light
source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source, above which no light
is emitted.
Crematory: A facility that provides for the incineration of corpses.
Day care, family: A residence in which child care is regularly provided for compensation for no
more than four (4) children up to twelve (12) months age, or up to six (6) preschool
children older than twelve (12) months of age, which children are from more than one
unrelated family and a maximum of four (4) elementary school siblings of the preschool
children in care after school hours. (See also Child care center)
Demolition: The complete or constructive removal of a structure or any substantial part thereof.
Density: A measurement (ratio), generally used for residential purposes, of the number of people
or dwelling units in relationship to a specified amount of land. See also Intensity and
Floor area ratio.
Department of Building, Zoning and Code Compliance: The Director of Building Zoning and
Code Compliance and the staff of the Building, Zoning and Code Compliance
Department. All references to the “Department of Building, Zoning and Code
Enforcement” or the “Department of Building Zoning and Code Compliance” as utilized
in these regulations shall mean the “Department of Neighborhood and Development
Services”.
Department of Engineering: The City Engineer/Director of Engineering and the staff of the
Engineering Department. All references to the “Department of Engineering” or
“Engineering Department”; as utilized in these regulations shall mean the “Department of
Public Works”.
Department of Neighborhood and Development Services: The Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services and the staff of the Neighborhood and Development Services
Department.
Department of Planning: The Director of Planning and the staff of the Planning Department.
All references to the “Department of Planning” or “Department of Planning and
Development” or the “Department of Planning and Redevelopment” as utilized in these
regulations shall mean the “Department of Neighborhood and Development Services”.
Department of Public Works: The Director of Public Works and the staff of the Public Works
Department.
Department store: See Retail Structure Types.
II D2 -17
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Detention pond: Depressions in the earth for the temporary storage of surface runoff with the
controlled release of the stored water over a period of time. See also “Drainageway” and
“Retention Pond”.
Develop: See Development-Related Definitions.
Development: See Development-Related Definitions.
Development Project: See Development-Related Definitions.
Development-Related Definitions

Accessory Building: See Accessory and Residential Structure Types, Accessory
Dwelling Unit.

Alter or alteration: Any change, rearrangement, enlargement, extension, or
reduction of any structure or zoning lot, or any change in a category of occupancy of
a structure. Alteration includes any of the following:

Changes to the façade of a building;

Changes to the interior of a building;

Increases or decreases in floor area of a building;

Changes to other structures on the zoning lot, or the construction of a new
structure;

Changes to exterior improvements;

Changes in the topography of a zoning lot.

Building: Any structure that encloses a space used for sheltering any occupancy.
Each portion of a building separated from other portions by a firewall shall be
considered as a separate building.

Building Coverage: The percent of a zoning lot that is covered by buildings or other
roofed structures, excluding eaves, and that provides an impervious cover over what
is below.

Develop: To construct or alter a structure or to make a physical change to the land
including excavations and fills.

Development: Includes any of the following activities:
II D2 -18
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

The subdivision of a zoning lot;

The construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation,
enlargement, or demolition of a structure;

The mining, excavation, landfill, drilling, grading, deposition of refuse, solid or
liquid waste, or fill on a zoning lot;

The alteration of the shore or bank of a pond, lake, river, or other waterway;

Any use or change in the use or intensity of use of any structure or any change in
the intensity of use of land.

Development agreement: An agreement between the City of Sarasota and one (1) or
more persons entered into pursuant to Sections 163.3220 through 163.3243, Florida
Statutes.

Development approval: Development approvals include any of the following:














Adjustments;
Building permit;
Site plans;
Rezoning;
Preliminary and final plats;
Conditional use;
Variances;
Development permits for developments of regional impact;
Historic designation;
Certificate of Appropriateness;
Adult use permits;
Development agreements;
“G” zone waiver;
Off-Site parking agreement.

Development permit: Any action granting, denying or granting with conditions an
application for a development approval.

Development Project: All improvements on a zoning lot, including buildings, other
structures, parking and loading areas, landscaping, paved or graveled areas, and areas
devoted to exterior display, storage, or activities. Development includes improved
open areas such as plazas and walkways, but does not include natural geologic forms
or unimproved land. See also Exterior Improvements.

Development Types

Auto-Accommodating Development. Development that is designed with an
II D2 -19
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
emphasis on patrons who use automobiles to travel to the site, rather than
orienting to pedestrians. This type of development usually has large areas of the
site devoted to surface parking and the main building entrance is oriented to the
parking area. In many cases, the site will have parking between the street and the
building. Other typical characteristics are blank walls along much of the façade,
more than one driveway, and a low percentage of the site covered by buildings.
See also Pedestrian-Oriented Development.



Pedestrian-Oriented Development. Development, which is oriented primarily
towards the street sidewalk and on pedestrian access to the site and building,
rather than on auto access and surface parking areas. Buildings are generally
placed close to the street and main entrances are oriented to the street sidewalk.
There are generally storefront windows or display cases along building facades
that face the street. Typically, buildings cover a large portion of the site.
Although on-site parking areas may be provided, they are generally limited in size
and they are not emphasized by the design of the site (i.e. no parking in front
yards). See also Auto-Accommodating Development.
Exterior Alteration: A physical change to a zoning lot that is outside of any
buildings. Exterior alteration does not include normal maintenance and repair or total
demolition. Exterior alteration includes any of the following:

Changes to the facades of a building;

Increases or decreases in the floor area that result in changes to the exterior of a
building;

Changes to other structures on the zoning lot or the construction of a new
structure;

Changes to exterior improvements;

Changes to landscaping;

Changes in the topography of a zoning lot.
Exterior Improvements: All improvements except buildings or other roofed
structures. Exterior improvements include surface parking and loading areas, paved
and graveled areas, and areas devoted to exterior display, storage, or activities. It
includes improved areas such as plazas and walkways, but does not include
vegetative landscaping, natural geologic
forms or unimproved land. See also
Development Project.
II D2 -20
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

Liner Building: a building, shallow in depth, conceived specifically to mask a
parking lot, parking structure or blank wall from the frontage. See illustration at
right.

Structure: Any assembly of materials constructed or erected on, in or over (or any
combination thereof) land or water, which requires location on the ground, or is
attached to something having a location on the ground. The word “structure” shall be
construed as though followed by the words “or parts thereof” unless the context
clearly requires a different meaning. The word “structure” shall include buildings,
decks, fences, towers, flagpoles, signs, and other similar objects. Structure does not
include paved areas or vegetative landscaping materials.

Structure (for flood insurance purposes in areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article
VII, Division 4.): A walled and roofed building, including a gas or liquid storage
tank, that is principally above ground as well as a manufactured home. “Structure,”
for special areas of flood hazard or coastal high hazard, 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 (“a manufactured home,” also known as a mobile home, is
a structure: built on a 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 flood plain management and
building ordinances or laws.
For the latter purpose, “structure” does not mean a recreational vehicle or a park
trailer or other similar vehicle, except as described in sub-paragraph (3) or a gas or
liquid storage tank.

Structures, non-water dependent: Gazebos, awnings, canopies, sundecks,
boathouses, screen houses, or other enclosed or semi-enclosed structures, or any other
structures not dependent upon the water. This definition shall not include fish
cleaning tables, benches, boat lockers, boatlifts or davits.

Structure, nonresidential: A structure where no sleeping accommodations are
provided, except that hotels and motels shall be deemed nonresidential structures.

Structure, residential: A structure where sleeping accommodations are provided,
excluding hotels and motels. See also Residential Structure Types.
II D2 -21
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Diameter at breast height (DBH): Diameter of a tree measured in inches at four and one-half
(4.5) feet above the natural grade.
Direct broadcast satellite service antenna: An antenna that is designed to receive direct
broadcast satellite service, including direct-to-home satellite services.
Director of Building, Zoning and Code Compliance: The Director of Building, Zoning and
Code Compliance of the City or his/her designee. All references to the “Manager of
Building and Zoning and Code Enforcement” or “Director of Building” or “Director of
Building, Zoning and Code Enforcement” or “Director of Building, Zoning and Code
Compliance” or “Building Director” or Building, Zoning and Code Enforcement
Director” or “Building, Zoning and Code Compliance Director”; as utilized in these
regulations shall mean the “Director of “Neighborhood and Development Services”.
Director of Neighborhood and Development Services: The Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services of the City or his/her designee.
Director of Planning: The Director of Planning or his/her designee. All references to the
“Director of Planning” or “Director of Planning and Development” or “Director of
Planning and Redevelopment” or “Planning Director” or “Planning and Development
Director” or “Planning and Redevelopment Director” as utilized in these regulations shall
mean the “Director of “Neighborhood and Development Services”.
Director of Public Works: The Director of Public Works or his/her designee.
District: A part or geographic area within the City within which certain land development
regulations apply.
Dock: Any structure, whether fixed or floating, secured on or by a piling, seaward of mean high
water which is designed for or capable of being used to moor a water vessel, whether or
not motorized.
Dock, access: That part of a dock that is connected to uplands, and leads to terminal platform
and finger piers.
Dock, commercial: A dock intended for the mooring of vessels for commercial purposes
Dock, community: A facility with a waterfront location for secure mooring of boats provided in
conjunction with a residential single family subdivision for use by residents of the
development as opposed to the public at large.
Dock, marginal: A dock not exceeding eight feet in width or two hundred fifty square feet,
placed immediately contiguous and parallel to a functional vertical bulkhead.
Dock, private: A dock that is intended for the mooring of boats not for commercial purposes.
II D2 -22
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Dooryard or Light Court: See Frontage Terminology.
Dormitory, educational: A dwelling owned or operated by a school or college and intended to
be occupied by students of the educational institution, which does not provide separate
kitchen facilities in the rooms
Drainageway: An open linear depression, whether manmade or natural, for the collection and
conveyance of surface water. It may be permanently or temporarily inundated. See also
“Detention Pond” and “Retention Pond”.
Drip line: An imaginary, perpendicular line that extends downward from the outermost tips of a
tree’s branches to the ground.
Drive-Through Facility: An establishment that by design, physical features, or service,
encourages or permits customers to receive services, or obtain goods, while remaining in
their motor vehicles.
Driveway: The area that provides vehicular access to a zoning lot. A driveway begins at the
property line and extends into the zoning lot. Driveway does not include parking,
maneuvering, or circulation areas in parking areas. See also Garage (Private and
Public), Parking Area, Parking lot or garage (commercial), Parking Space,
Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and Vehicle Areas.
Dry cleaning establishment (non-self-service): A staffed business enterprise offering dry
cleaning of clothing and related services at retail to the general public.
Dry marine slip: A space designed for the storage of single watercraft in an upland location
with access to a waterway from the upland location.
Duplex: See Residential Structure Types.
Dwelling, accessory: See Residential Structure Types.
Dwelling, single-family: See Residential Structure Types.
Dwelling, multiple family: See Residential Structure Types.
Dwelling, two-family (duplex): See Residential Structure Types.
Dwelling unit: See Residential Structure Types.
Eave Line: See Building Elevation Terminology.
Emergency: Any occurrence or set of circumstances involving actual or imminent physical trauma
or property damage that necessitates immediate action.
II D2 -23
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Emergency work: Work necessary to restore property to a safe condition following an emergency,
or work required to protect persons or property from exposure to imminent danger or
damage.
Entry Level: See Building Elevation Terminology
Environmentally sensitive area: All lands and waters, publicly and privately owned, which are
landward of the mean high water line and which exhibits one or both of the following
characteristics:
 The area is identified as a marine or estuarine habitat or upland area (on barrier
islands) in the most current Wetlands Inventory Maps (U.S. Department of the
Interior); or

The area exhibits a landward extent of waters of the state by the presence of one or a
combination of dominant plant species identified in VI-907 E.
Erected: Includes "built," "constructed," “developed”, "reconstructed," "moved upon" or any
physical operation required for building. Excavation, fill, drainage, demolition of an
existing structure and similar activities shall be considered part of erection. See
"construction, actual."
Essential governmental services: Distribution or service connection facilities, structures, and
appurtenances thereto, for gas, electricity, land line telephone, water, sanitary sewer,
storm water, fuel, law enforcement and fire and rescue services, and other similar
consumable public commodities or services owned and operated by a governmental
entity or public utility; not including jails, fire stations, electric or gas generating plants,
sewage treatment facilities, water treatment or aeration facilities.
Excavation: Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, concrete, asphalt and similar
nondecomposable materials, whether permanent or temporary in nature, are dug into, cut,
quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated, or bulldozed, including the
conditions resulting therefrom. Excavation, for purposes of these Land Development
Regulations, does not include the movement of earth or gravel, asphalt or other paving
materials that is done in conjunction with road improvements within public rights-ofway. See also Fill and Grade.
Existing construction (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Existing
construction means structures for which the “start of construction” commenced before
July 30, 1971. “Existing construction” may also be referred to as “existing structures.”
Existing manufactured home park or subdivision (for areas of Special Flood Hazard,
Article VII, Division 4.): A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the
construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be
affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets,
II D2 -24
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
and either final sire grading or pouring of concrete pads) is completed before July 30,
1971.
Expansion to an existing manufactured home park or subdivision (for areas of Special
Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): The preparation of additional sites by the
construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured 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).
Expert witness: A person who has special professional training and experience or special
knowledge or skill about the subject upon which (s)he is called to testify.
Extended property line: An imaginary line that extends the line connecting the front and rear
zoning lot lines at each side of the zoning lot. See also Zoning Lot.
Exterior: All outside surfaces of a building or structure.
Exterior Alteration: See Development-Related Definitions.
Exterior Display: Exterior display is an outdoor showroom for customers to examine and
compare products and includes the outdoor display of products, vehicles, equipment and
machinery for sale or lease. The display area does not have to be visible to the street.
Examples of uses that often have exterior display are motor vehicle and boat sales, and
plant nurseries. Exterior display does not include goods that are being stored or parked
outside. It does not include damaged motor vehicles, vehicles or equipment being
serviced, and other similar products. See also Exterior Storage.
Exterior Improvements: See Development-Related Definitions.
Exterior Storage: Exterior storage includes the outdoor storage of goods that generally have
little or no differentiation by type. The goods may be for sale or lease, but if so, they are
the types that customers generally do not inspect and compare. Exterior storage includes
the storage of raw or finished goods (packaged or bulk), including gases, oil, chemicals,
gravel; building materials, packing materials; salvage goods; machinery, tools, and
equipment; and other similar items. Examples are lumberyards, tool and equipment
rental, bark chip and gravel sales, and storage of goods used in manufacturing. Damaged
or inoperable motor vehicles or motor vehicles that have missing parts that are kept
outside are included as exterior storage. The storage of motor vehicles that do not have
any missing parts or damage that is visible from the outside of the vehicle is considered
parking rather than exterior storage. The storage of motor vehicles that have minor dents
or other minor defects in the body is also considered parking rather than storage if the
motor vehicle is in working order. See also Exterior Display.
Exterior Work Activities: Exterior work activities include the outdoor processing, assembly, or
fabrication of goods; the maintenance, repair, and salvage of vehicles and equipment; and
other similar activities that generally have an industrial orientation. Exterior work
II D2 -25
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
activities do no include normal pick-up and deliveries to a site, parking, excavation and
fills, accessory outdoor restaurants and sidewalk cafes, outdoor recreation, or outdoor
markets. See Exterior Display and Exterior Storage.
Façade: See Frontage Terminology.
Family: An individual, or two (2) or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption,
living together as a single housekeeping unit; or a group of not more than four (4) persons
not related by blood, marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit.
Family day care: See Day care, family.
Fill: Any act by which earth, sand, shell, gravel, rock or similar material is pushed, placed,
dumped, stacked, or in any way moved to a new location above the existing natural
surface of the ground or on the top of a stripped surface, including the condition resulting
therefrom. Fill, for purposes of these Land Development Regulations, does not include
the placement of earth or gravel, asphalt or other paving materials that is done in
conjunction with road improvements within public rights-of-way. See also: Excavation
and Grade.
Financial institution: Any establishment, the primary business of which is concerned with such
state or federally regulated activities as banking, savings and loans, and consumer loan
companies.
Finger piers: That part of a dock that is connected to the access dock and is used for securing or
lading a vessel on a multi-slip dock.
Flag Zoning Lot: See Zoning Lot.
Flood or flooding (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): A general
and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas
from the overflow of inland or tidal waters or the unusual and rapid accumulation of
runoff or surface waters from any source.
Flood or flooding (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):
(a)
A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally
dry land areas from:
(1)
The overflow of inland or tidal waters.
(2)
The unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any
source.
II D2 -26
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
(3)
Mudslides (i.e., mudflows) which are proximately caused by flooding as
defined in paragraph (a)(2) and are akin to a river of liquid and flowing
mud on the surfaces of normally dry land areas, as when earth is carried
by a current of water and deposited along the path of the current.
(b)
The collapse or subsidence of land along the shore of a lake or other body of
water as a result of erosion or undermining caused by waves or currents of water
exceeding anticipated cyclical levels of suddenly caused by an unusually high water level
in a natural body of water, accompanied by a severe storm, or by an unanticipated force
of nature, such as flash flood or an abnormal tidal surge, or by some similarly unusual
and unforeseeable event which results in flooding as defined in paragraph (a)(1) of this
definition.
Flood hazard, area of special (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):
The land in the flood plain within the City which is subject to a one (1) percent or greater
chance of flooding in any given year, designated as zones A, AE, AO, AH, A1 through
A30, A99, V, VE, VO, or V1 through V30, or on the flood insurance rate maps adopted
by Article IX, Division 4.
Flood hazard boundary map (FHBM) (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII,
Division 4.): An official map of the City of Sarasota, issued by the Federal Insurance
Administrator, where the boundaries of the flood, mudslide (i.e. mud flow) related
erosion areas having special hazards have been designated as Zones A, M and/or E.
Flood insurance rate map (FIRM) (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division
4.): An official map of the City of Sarasota on which the Federal Emergency
Management Agency has delineated both the special hazard areas and the risk premium
zones applicable to the City.
Flood insurance study (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): An
examination, evaluation and determination of flood hazards and, if appropriate,
corresponding water surface elevations, or an examination, evaluation and determination
of mudslide (i.e. mudflow) and/or flood-related erosion hazards.
Flood plain (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Any normally dry
land area that is susceptible to being inundated by water from any source.
Floodproofing (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Any
combination of structural and non-structural 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 (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): 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.
II D2 -27
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Floor Area: The total floor area of the portion of a building that is above ground. Floor area is
measured from the exterior faces of a building or structure. Floor area does not include
any of the following:

Vent shafts and courts,

Basement areas with more than one-half of its height above ground level,

Roof area,

Roof top mechanical equipment, and associated enclosures,

Roofed porches, exterior balconies, or other similar areas, unless they are enclosed by
walls that are more than 42 inches in height, for 50 percent or more of their perimeter,

Structured parking garages.
Floor Area, Gross: The total floor area of a building that is both above and below ground. Gross
building area is measured from the exterior faces of a building or structure. Gross floor
area does not include any of the following:
 Roof area,

Roof top mechanical equipment, and associated enclosures,

Roofed porches, exterior balconies, or other similar areas, unless they are enclosed by
walls that are more than 42 inches in height, for 50 percent or more of their perimeter.
Floor Area, Gross Leasable: The total floor area of a building that is both above and below
ground. Gross building area is measured from the interior faces of a building or structure.
Gross floor area does not include any of the following:
 Roof area,

Roof top mechanical equipment, and associated enclosures,

Roofed porches, exterior balconies, or other similar areas, unless they are enclosed by
walls that are more than 42 inches in height, for 50 percent or more of their perimeter.
Floor area ratio (FAR): The total amount of gross floor area of all buildings, excluding
structured parking, on a zoning lot in relation to the total square footage of zoning lot
area, expressed as a ratio. For example, a floor area ratio of 2:1 means two square feet of
floor area for every square foot of zoning lot area.
II D2 -28
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
0.5 FAR
1 story on 50% of zoning lot or
2 stories on 25% of zoning lot
2.0 FAR
2 stories on 100 % of zoning lot or
4 stories on 50% of zoning lot
Florida-friendly plant species. Includes plants or landscapes that conserve water, protect the
environment, are adaptable to local conditions, and are drought tolerant. Specific plant species
include those listed for the Central Region on the most recent version of the Florida-Friendly
Plant List published by the University of Florida IFAS Extension or Florida Yards &
Neighborhoods.
Florida Master Site File: The list or catalogue of all recorded historical and archaeological sites
and properties in Florida maintained by the State of Florida Department of State, Division
of Historical Resources.
Food store: A retail facility primarily engaged in the sale of foodstuffs and related materials.
Foot-candle: A unit for measuring illumination, which is equal to the amount of light, from a
uniform point source of light on a square foot of surface which is one foot away.
Forecourt: See Frontage Terminology.
Frontage Line: See Frontage Terminology.
II D2 -29
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Frontage Terminology (for Downtown Zone Districts):

Building Frontage: The layer in
front of the building façade. The
variables of building frontage are
the depth of the setback and the
combination of architectural
elements such as fences, stoops,
porches, and galleries. The
frontage layer may overlap the
public streetscape in case of
awnings, galleries and arcades.

Façade: an exterior wall of a
building that is set along a
frontage line. This refers to all
surfaces parallel to the frontage
line, though not necessarily flush with it. See Illustration.

Frontage Line: those lot lines that coincide with a street. Streets, defined by this
code, do not include alleys. See Illustration.

Layer: the depth of the lot measured
from the frontage line within which
certain elements are permitted. The first
layer is the area between the frontage line
and the façade line. The second layer is
the area between the façade line and 20
feet from the same façade. The third
layer is the area that begins 20 feet
behind the same façade line and
continues to the rear property line. See
Illustration.

Streetwall: a freestanding masonry wall built along the front lot line, or coplanar
with the façade, often for the purpose of masking a parking lot from the street.
II D2 -30
City of Sarasota

Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Building Frontage Types
Common Yard: a frontage wherein the façade is setback substantially from
the frontage line. The front yard thus created remains unfenced and is visually
continuous in landscaping with adjacent yards simulating a common rural
landscape. Common yards are suitable along higher speed thoroughfares, as
the setback provides a buffer.
Porch & Fence: a frontage wherein the façade is setback from the frontage
line with an attached porch encroaching. The porch should be within a
conversational distance of the sidewalk. A fence at the frontage line maintains
the demarcation of the yard.
Dooryard or Light Court: a frontage wherein the façade is set back from
the frontage line by an elevated garden or terrace, or a fenced, sunken light
court. This type buffers residential uses from urban sidewalks, while
protecting the private yard from public intrusion. The terrace is suitable for
transformation for outdoor dining and the light court can give light and access
to a habitable basement.
Forecourt: a frontage wherein a portion of the
façade is close to the frontage line while a
substantial portion of it is set back. The forecourt
created is suitable for gardens and drop-offs. This
type should be allocated sparingly in conjunction to
other frontage types. Trees within the forecourts
may overhang the sidewalks.
Stoop: a frontage wherein a portion of the facade is aligned close to the
frontage line with the lower story elevated from the side walk sufficient to
secure privacy for the windows. The access is usually an exterior stair. This
type is recommended for ground-floor residential uses
Awning: a frontage wherein the façade is aligned close to the frontage line
with an attached awning overlapping the sidewalk. The building entrance is at
sidewalk grade. This type is conventional for retail use.
Gallery: a frontage wherein the façade is aligned close to the frontage line
with an attached canopy or a light colonnade overlapping the sidewalk. The
building entrance is at the sidewalk grade. This type is appropriate for retail
use.
Arcade: a frontage wherein the façade is above a colonnade that overlaps the
sidewalk. The building entrance is at the sidewalk grade.
appropriate for retail use.
This type is
II D2 -31
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Functional classification: The assignment of streets and roads into systems according to the
character of service they provide in relation to the total highway network. Basic
functional classifications include arterial, collector, and local streets. These basic
classifications may be divided into major or minor sub-classifications.
Functionally dependent use (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): A
use, which cannot perform its intended purpose, unless it is located or carried out in close
proximity to water. The term includes only docking facilities, port facilities that are
necessary for the loading and unloading of cargo or passengers, and ship building and
ship repair facilities, but does not include long-term storage or related manufacturing
facilities.
Funeral home: A facility used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of
the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation, and may
include storage of caskets, funeral urns, and other related funeral supplies and the storage
of funeral vehicles.
Gallery: See Frontage Terminology.
Gaming/gambling: Any activity declared, whether legislatively or judicially, to be a violation of
Chapter 849, Florida Statutes, as amended from time to time.
Garage, private: A structure designed or used for inside parking of motor vehicles under the
control of the owner or tenant of the premises which it serves and which is not operated
or leased for commercial gain. See also Driveway, Garage Public, Parking Area,
Parking Lot or Garage (commercial), Parking Space, Structured Parking, Surface
Parking, and Vehicle Areas.
Garage, public: A building or portion thereof designed or used for parking of motor vehicles
that is available to the public. See also Driveway, Garage Private, Parking Area,
Parking Lot or Garage (commercial), Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and
Vehicle Areas.
Garage, storage: A building or portion thereof designed and used exclusively for the storage of
motor vehicles, within which temporary parking may also be permitted.
Garden center: A facility engaged in the retail sale of plants, supplies and equipment employed
in connection with the raising and cultivation of house plants, herbs, flowers, vegetables,
trees, shrubs or other indoor or outdoor plants.
Glare: The effect produced by the intensity and direction of any artificial illumination sufficient
to cause annoyance, discomfort, or temporary loss or impairment of vision.
Golf course: A tract of land with at least nine holes for playing the game of golf and improved
with tees, greens, fairways, and hazards and that may include a clubhouse, shelter, and
other similar accessory buildings.
II D2 -32
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Government Use: Any use for exclusively public purposes, without reference to the ownership
of the building or structures or the realty upon which it is situated, by any department or
branch of the United States, State of Florida, Sarasota County, City of Sarasota
government or any other entity created by United States, State of Florida, Sarasota
County or City of Sarasota legislation. Government use may also include attainable
housing projects authorized and approved by any department or branch of the United
States, the state, the county or the city government or any other entity created by the
United States, state, county or city.
Grade, average: The average natural elevation of
the ground level, measured in feet above
mean sea level. See also Excavation and
Fill.
Grade, finished: The final elevation of the ground
level after development, measured in feet
above mean sea level. See also Excavation
and Fill.
Grade, natural: The elevation of the ground level in
its natural state, before construction, filling,
or excavation, measured in feet above mean
sea level. See also Excavation and Fill.
Grocery store: see Food store.
Group home facility: A residential facility licensed under Chapter 393 Fla. Stat. which provides
a family living environment for at least four (4) but not more than fifteen (15) residents,
including supervision and care necessary to meet the physical, emotional, and social
needs of its residents. See also Assisted living facility, Community residential home,
Adult day care center, and Nursing home.
Group Living Structure: See Residential Structure Types.
Grubbing: The removal of vegetation by methods such as digging, raking, dragging or
otherwise disturbing the roots of under-story vegetation.
Guest unit: A room, or rooms connected together, in a hotel or motel, in which sleeping
accommodations are offered to the public and intended primarily for rental to transients
with a daily charge.
Habitable floor: The area of a building that contains space for living, sleeping, eating or
cooking. Bathrooms, toilet compartments, closets, halls, storage or utility space, and
similar areas are not considered habitable space.
II D2 -33
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Habitable space (for Downtown Zone Districts): Building space whose use involves human
presence with direct view of the streets or open space, excluding parking garages and
display windows separated from retail activity.
Hardware store: See Retail Structure Types.
Hazardous material or process (HAZMAT): For the purposes of this Chapter, a hazardous
material or process shall be any substance or activity involving any substance listed in 40
CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) Part 355, Appendix A, as an Extremely Hazardous
Substance (EHS), Section 442 FS, or Chapter 38F-41, FAC when that substance is stored,
generated, used or released in quantities equal to or greater than the lowest quantity listed
for either the Threshold Planning Quantity (TPQ) or Reporting Quantity (RQ) for the
substance.
Health club or spa: A facility in which memberships in a program of physical exercise or the
rights and privileges to use one or more of the following are sold: sauna, whirlpool,
weightlifting room, massage, steam room, or exercising machine or device. The term
"health spa" shall not include any of the following:

Bona fide nonprofit organizations, including, but not limited to, the Young Men's
Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA),
or similar organizations whose functions as health spas are only incidental to their
overall functions and purposes;

Any private club owned and operated by its members;

Any organization primarily operated for the purpose of teaching a particular form of
self-defense such as judo or karate;

Any facility owned or operated by the United States government;

Any facility owned or operated by the State of Florida or any of its political
subdivisions;

Any nonprofit public or private school, college or university.
See also Club, private; Club, private recreation; and Country Club.
II D2 -34
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Height Related Definitions:
(Ord. No. 02-4358; Sec. 2, 1-22-02)
 Height; Buildings other than single-family dwellings: The vertical distance above finished
grade to the highest point of a flat roof, to the deck of a mansard roof or to the average height
between the plate and the ridge of gable or hip roofs, not including chimneys, antennas,
elevator shafts, mechanical rooms or other non-habitable areas. Unless otherwise specified in
this Code, where minimum floor elevations in flood prone areas have been established by
law, which exceed the minimum point of measurement established by this Code, the building
height shall be measured from such required minimum floor elevation (see also: VI-102.P).

Reference Level (Height; single-family dwellings): The elevation on a property to begin
measurements for determining the overall allowable height of a single family structure shall
be the average elevation of all abutting properties at finished grade of existing structures or
buildable areas of a vacant lot. The Director of Neighborhood and Development Services
may accept an alternative method for calculating the elevation of abutting properties upon
submission by a surveyor of an affidavit stating that access upon abutting property was
denied and the alternative methodology used to determine the elevation is a standard
accepted in his/her profession.

Minimum Flood Elevation (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):
The elevation required by law for new structures or substantial improvements (for flood plain
management purposes) for existing structures located on lots in areas of special flood hazard.

Recovery Elevation (for single family dwellings) (for areas of Special Flood Hazard,
Article VII, Division 4.): The baseline for the measurement of the maximum height
limitation of residential single-family dwellings in areas of special flood hazard. The
Recovery Elevation shall be equal to fifty percent (50%) of the height between the Reference
II D2 -35
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Level and the Minimum Flood Elevation for such properties.

Highest adjacent grade (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):
The highest natural elevation of the ground surface prior to construction next to the proposed
walls of a structure.
Historic building or site: A property, site, zoning lot, building, or structure, designated as being
“historic” by the City Commission that is worthy of protection, enhancement and
perpetuation because of its cultural, historic, architectural, or archaeological significance
and integrity.
Historic designation report: A written document indicating the basis for the recommendation
of the Historic Preservation Board to the City Commission on a proposed historic or
archaeological designation.
Historic district: A geographically definable area possessing a significant concentration, linkage
or continuity of sites, buildings, structures or objects united by past events or
aesthetically by plan or physical development. A district may also be comprised of
individual elements separated geographically but linked by association or history.
Historic preservation certificate of appropriateness: A written authorization issued by the
Historic Preservation Board to a property owner for a proposed alteration, relocation or
demolition of a building.
Historic structure or site (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Any
building or site that is:
(a) Listed individually in the National Register of Historic Places (a listing maintained
by the Department of 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 Interior as contributing to
the historical significance of a registered historic district or a district preliminarily
determined by the Secretary to qualify as a registered historic district;
(c)
Designated as being historic by the City Commission, the Sarasota County
Commission or the State of Florida.
Holiday: Those days designated pursuant to the City of Sarasota's Personnel Rules and Regulations,
Rule 10.1, Authorized Holidays.
Home improvement center: See Retail Structure Types.
Home occupation: An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit by the resident thereof; provided
that the use is limited in extent and secondary or accessory to the use of the dwelling unit
for residential purposes and does not change the character thereof. See also Live/work
II D2 -36
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
unit.
Hospital: An establishment primarily engaged in providing diagnostic services, extensive
medical treatment including surgical services, and other services, as well as continuous
nursing services. The establishment has an organized medical staff on duty 24 hours a
day, inpatient beds, and equipment and facilities to provide complete health care; may
also provide emergency room care and include less intensive medical uses such as
convalescent and ambulatory care facilities.
Hotel, motel: A building or group of detached or connected buildings, containing six or more
guest rooms, designed or used primarily for providing sleeping accommodations for
automobile travelers and/or tourists on a daily or weekly rate basis. Such establishments
shall provide customary hotel/motel services such as linen, maid service, telephone, etc.
Said use may also contain such ancillary facilities as conference facilities, restaurant, bar,
recreational facilities, ballroom, banquet room, and meeting rooms.
House of worship: see Church/synagogue.
Impact vibrations: Earthborne oscillations occurring in discrete pulses at or less than one
hundred (100) per minute.
Impervious Surfaces – Those surfaces and development features on a zoning lot which are nonporous and which substantially prevent rain or storm water from absorbing or percolating
into the ground beneath them. Impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to: roof
areas, patios, sidewalks, paved driveways, swimming pools, and other development
features surfaced with asphaltic pavement, concrete, or other non-porous materials.
Development features, pavement materials, and landscape improvements which have a
runoff coefficient (“C” factor) of 0.60 or higher shall be considered impervious. See also
Run-off coefficient.
Industrial, heavy: A use engaged in the basic processing and manufacturing of materials or
products predominately from extracted or raw materials, or a use engaged in storage of,
or manufacturing processes using flammable or explosive materials, or storage or
manufacturing processes that potentially involve hazardous or commonly recognized
offensive conditions.
Industrial, light: A use engaged in the manufacture, predominantly from previously prepared
materials of finished products or parts, including processing, fabrication, assembly,
treatment, packaging, incidental storage, sales, and distribution of such products, but
excluding basic industrial processing.
Infirmary: A facility providing on-site medical care and pharmacy service to patients who are
residents of an assisted living facility.
Intensity: The amount or magnitude of a use on a site or allowed in a zone district. Generally, it
is measured by floor area. Intensity may be measured by such things as number of
II D2 -37
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
employees, amount of production, trip generation, or hours of operation. See also Density
and Floor area ratio.
Interstate Connector Street: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Junk: Any old, dilapidated, abandoned, or scrap machinery, dismantled, inoperable, or
dilapidated motor vehicles, including parts, building material, iron, steel, other ferrous
and nonferrous metals, tanks and drums, tires, pipes, tools, implements or portions
thereof, glass, plastic, cordage, and other kind of salvage or waste material that has been
abandoned from its original use and may be used again in its present or in a new form.
Junkyard: Any land or structure used for the storage, keeping, collection, salvage, sale,
disassembling, wrecking, baling, maintenance, or abandonment of junk or other discarded
material.
Kennel: A structure, zoning lot or other facility where dogs, cats, and other small animals
normally kept as pets (excluding farm animals) which are six months of age or older are
kept for commercial purposes. This may include commercial breeding, boarding, training
and selling of animals, and facilities for the breeding, training and sale (or contract
service) for guard and security dogs.
Kitchen or Kitchen Facilities: Any room or portion of a room within a building designed
and/or used or intended to be used for the cooking or preparation of food, which may also
include, but is not limited to, stoves, microwave ovens, sinks, refrigerators, storage or
other food preparation equipment, or any combination thereof; this may not include
outside grilling facilities, or other items determined by the Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services as not constituting a kitchen.
Knee wall: A partial interior wall built beneath the roof rafters.
These short walls define the living space by creating a
vertical surface between the sloping rafters and the
finished floor.
Laboratory: A place providing the opportunity for experimentation, observation, or practice in a
field of study.
Land Clearing: The process by which trees and vegetation are removed prior to the construction
of manmade improvements.
Lawn mower, sales, and service: Maintenance, repair, sales or lease of lawn mowers and
related yard equipment; no equipment that may be defined as a motor vehicle is to be sold
or repaired at the location unless otherwise permitted.
Layer: See Frontage Terminology.
II D2 -38
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Leasehold use: A principal use conducted, on a zoning lot owned by a government agency, by a
non-governmental entity that is leasing the land, facility and/or building from a
government agency.
Library: A place in which literary and artistic materials, such as books, periodicals,
newspapers, computers, pamphlets, prints, records, and tapes, are kept for reading,
reference, or lending.
Liner Building: see Development-Related Definitions.
Live aboard: The occupancy or use of a watercraft, by one (1) or more persons, as a place of
habitation, residence, as living quarters or for dwelling purposes, temporarily or
permanently, continuously or transiently.
Live/work unit: See Residential Structure Types.
Loading Area: The area available for the maneuvering and standing of vehicles engaged in
delivering and loading of freight or other articles or the boarding or discharging of
passengers.
Loading space: A space with access to a street or alley for the standing, loading, or unloading of
motor vehicles delivering or picking up goods and materials.
Local Street: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Lodging house: See Bed and breakfast inn.
Lot, corner zoning: See Zoning Lot.
Lot coverage, zoning: See Development Related Definitions, Building Coverage.
Lot, interior zoning: See Zoning Lot.
Lot Line, Rear Zoning: See Zoning Lot Line.
Lot Line, Side Zoning: See Zoning Lot Line.
Lot line, zoning front: See Zoning Lot Line.
Lot width, zoning: See Zoning Lot Width.
Lot, zoning: See Zoning Lot.
Lot Line, Zoning: See Zoning Lot Line.
II D2 -39
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Lot line, front zoning: See Zoning Lot Line.
Lot of Record:

A lot which is part of a subdivision lawfully recorded in the public records of
Sarasota County, Florida; which subdivision was approved by the City in accordance
with this Code and the City Subdivision Code, or

A parcel created by plat or written deed, in which metes and bounds describe the
platted property, which was recorded on or before January 10, 1974.
Lowest floor (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): 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 as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation
design requirements of this zoning code, as amended.
Luminaire: A complete lighting unit consisting of a light source and all necessary mechanical,
electrical and decorative parts. A luminaire does not include a pole or other support.
Luminaire, cutoff-type: A luminaire with elements such as shields, reflectors, or refractor
panels that direct and cut off the light at a cutoff angle that is less than ninety (90)
degrees.
Main Entrance: The entrance to a building that most pedestrians are expected to use. Generally,
each building has one main entrance. In multi-tenant buildings, main entrances open
directly into the building’s lobby or principal interior ground level circulation space.
When a multi-tenant building does not have a lobby or common interior circulation
space, each tenant’s outside entrance is a main entrance. In single-tenant buildings, main
entrances open directly into lobby, receptions, or sales areas.
Mangrove stand: An assemblage of mangrove trees which are mostly low trees noted for a
copious development of interlacing adventitious roots above the ground and which
contains one (1) or more of the following species: black mangrove, red mangrove, white
mangrove or button woods.
Manufacture, manufacturing: The processing and converting of raw, unfinished materials or
products, into articles or substances of different character, or for a different purpose.
Manufactured home: See Residential Structure Types.
Manufactured home park: See Residential Structure Types.
Manufacturing, heavy: See Industrial, heavy.
II D2 -40
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Manufacturing, light: See Industrial, light.
Marina, commercial: A facility for the servicing, fueling, berthing and storage of boats that
may include accessory retail and eating facilities including haul-out facilities, covered or
uncovered wet storage slips, dry storage of watercraft, yacht brokerage, boat sales, and
retail sales of boating supplies.
Marine sanitation device: Any equipment required to be installed on board a watercraft for the
purpose of receiving and treating, prior to discharge, human body wastes and the wastes
from toilets and other receptacles intended to receive body wastes, or equipment required
to hold or retain said wastes, and any process to treat such wastes.
Marquee: A permanent roof-like shelter extending from part or all of a building face and
constructed of some durable material, which may or may not project over a portion of a
public right-of-way.
Mass Shelter. A structure that contains one or more open sleeping areas, or is divided only by
non-permanent partitions, furnished with cots, floor mats, or bunks. Individual sleeping
rooms are not provided. The shelter may or may not have food preparation or shower
facilities. The shelter is managed by a public or non-profit agency to provide shelter, with
or without a fee, on a daily basis.
Mass Shelter Beds. Accommodation provided in a mass shelter. The number of beds is
determined by the maximum number of people who can be given overnight
accommodations at one time on the site.
Mean high-water: The average height of the high waters over a nineteen-year period. For
shorter periods of observation, it is the average height of the high waters after corrections
are applied to eliminate known variations and to reduce the results to the equivalent of a
mean nineteen-year value.
Mean low water: The average height of the low waters over a nineteen-year period. For shorter
periods of observation, it is the average height of the low waters after corrections are
applied to eliminate known variations and to reduce the results to the equivalent of a
mean nineteen-year value.
Mean sea level: For purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program, mean sea level is the
National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929 or other datum, to which base flood
elevations shown on the flood insurance rate maps are referenced.
Measurement of depth: Depth of a required front yard shall be measured at right angles to a
straight line joining the foremost points of the side zoning lot lines. The foremost point of
the side zoning lot line, in the case of rounded property corners at street intersections,
shall be assumed to be the point at which the side and front zoning lot lines would have
met without such rounding.
II D2 -41
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Medical or dental laboratory: Establishment engaged in providing professional analytic or
diagnostic services to the medical, dental, or other health service professions; includes
denture laboratories and prosthetic facilities. Eyeglass and contact lens and denture
manufacturing is permitted; all other manufacturing prohibited.
Medical or dental office or clinic: See Office or clinic, medical or dental.
Minimum Flood Elevation (for single family dwellings): See Height Related Definitions.
Mini-warehouse: See Self storage center.
Mitigate: To rectify, repair or compensate for impacts, which result from other actions.
Mixed use development: A development on one
zoning lot that combines residential uses
with commercial and/or office uses,
consisting of one or more buildings. See
also Section II-303 (B) and Residential
Structure Types, Live/Work Unit.
Mobile home: See Residential Structure Types.
Moor: To tie-up to and dock, piling or other stationary object or device or to anchor a watercraft
in open water.
Motor home: See Vehicle Types.
Motor vehicle: See Vehicle Types.
Motor vehicle fuel pump: A device for dispensing gasoline into motor vehicles.
Motor vehicle fuel station (retail): A structure, building or premise or any portion thereof
II D2 -42
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
where a flammable fluid is stored, housed and sold for supply to motor vehicles; and does
not include any accessory motor vehicle servicing. See also Motor vehicle service
station.
Motor vehicle parts, retail: A facility engaged in retail sales of motor vehicle parts.
Motor Vehicle Related Uses: Uses in the Quick Vehicle Servicing, Vehicle Repair, and
Commercial Parking Facilities categories described in Article II Division 3 of this Code.
Motor vehicle repair: Any modification, reconditioning, restructuring, and rebuilding of a
motor vehicle or a motor vehicle component.
Motor vehicle repair shop: A building, structure, enclosure or premise in or on which the
general business of repairing motor vehicles is conducted, including body shop, engine
rebuilding or reconditioning, upholstering, radiator reconditioning and repairing, and
similar industrial processes. Incidental servicing of motor vehicles is permitted.
Motor vehicle sales agency: Any building and premises which displays, demonstrates, sells or
leases new automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles,
recreational boats or similar motorized vehicles which includes a showroom enclosed
within a sizable building and open display areas. A motor vehicle sales agency may
maintain an inventory of the vehicles for sale or lease on-site or at a nearby location and
may include accessory on-site facilities for repair services and the sale of used motor
vehicles.
Motor vehicle sales lots (used): An open area upon which used automobiles, trucks, vans,
trailers, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, recreational boats or similar motorized
vehicles are, or may be, parked or displayed for the purpose of sales or demonstration,
which may include a small accessory building necessary for the conduct of the use, and
where no repair work, except for minor incidental repairs on the vehicles for display or
sale, is done.
Motor vehicle service station: A structure, building or premise or any portion thereof where a
flammable fluid is stored, housed and sold for supply to motor vehicles; and which
includes routine motor vehicle servicing within the principal building, not including body
shop, engine rebuilding, upholstering, radiator reconditioning and repair and similar
industrial type processes. See also Motor vehicle fuel station (retail).
Motor vehicle showroom: A building where new or used automobiles, trucks, vans, trailers,
recreational vehicles, motorcycles, or similar motorized vehicles are displayed and
offered for sale in a completely enclosed building, where no repair work or storage is
done on-site.
Motor vehicle storage lot: Any property for the short- or long-term parking of motor vehicles
for sale or lease at an off-site motor vehicle sales agency, which agency is located within
the City. No display, demonstrations, sales, repairs or service may take place on a motor
II D2 -43
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
vehicle storage lot, and there shall be no buildings permitted on the lot.
Motor vehicle towing: A principal use or accessory to another use with more than one salvaging
vehicle such as, tow trucks, cranes, and flatbed trucks used to tow or haul motor vehicles.
Motor vehicle wrecking yard: A facility for the dismantling, disassembling or storage of
inoperable motor vehicles or trailers or the storage, sale or dumping of dismantled,
partially dismantled, obsolete or wrecked vehicles or their parts.
Multi-channel multi-point distribution service antennas: An antenna that is designed to
receive video programming services via a multi-point distribution services, including
institutional fixed services, and local multi-point distribution services.
Multi-Dwelling Development: See Residential Structure Types.
Multi-Dwelling Structure: See Residential Structure Types.
Museums, public: A building, place, or institution, owned and operated by either a
governmental entity or a nonprofit organization, open to the public and devoted to the
acquisition, conservation, study, exhibition, and educational interpretation of objects
having scientific, historical, or artistic value.
Music store: An establishment primarily engaged in the retail sale of instruments, recordings,
sheet music and literature; lessons are permitted accessory uses.
New construction (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4: For flood
plain management purposes, “new construction” means structures for which the “start of
construction” commenced on or after July 30, 1971, and includes any subsequent
improvements to such structures.
New Development Project: See Development-Related Definitions.
Nightclub: Any restaurant, dining room, bar or similar establishment providing food or
refreshments, which holds a 4-COP liquor license from the State of Florida Department
of Business Regulation, Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco. Provided,
however, any restaurant, dining room or similar establishment which holds a 4-COP
liquor license with the "S," "SR" or "SRX" designation, shall be deemed an accessory use
to the principal use and not a nightclub.
No tree verification statement: A signed, notarized statement by the property owner, his agent,
landscape architect, architect, civil engineer or land surveyor, stating that no trees
protected by these regulations exist on the site.
Nonconforming Characteristics of Use: Characteristics of the use of a zoning lot or structure
which do not conform to the zone district provisions applicable to the structure or use.
Examples include: minimum off-street parking requirements, minimum landscape
II D2 -44
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
requirements, residential density requirements, or other matters pertaining to the use of
land or structures.
Nonconforming Residential Density: A residential use that is an allowed use in the zone
district and that was constructed at a lawful density, but that subsequently, due to a
change in the zone or zoning regulations, now has a greater density than is allowed in the
zone district.
Nonconforming Structure: A structure that, although lawfully constructed, does not now
conform to one or more specific development standards for the zone district in which the
structure is located. Examples include: structures which exceed allowable building
height limits, floor area ratio, building coverage, or which encroach into required setback
areas.
Nonconforming Use: A use that was lawful when commenced, but that subsequently, due to a
change of the zone district of the zoning lot or zoning regulations, the use is now
prohibited in the zone district.
Nonprofit organization: An entity that exists solely for religious, charitable, educational,
political or civic purposes and is not in business to make a profit.
Nursing home: A private home, institution, building, residence or other place, whether operated
for profit or not, including those places operated by units of government, which
undertakes through its ownership or management to provide, for a period exceeding
twenty-four (24) hours, maintenance, personal care or nursing for three (3) or more
persons not related by blood or marriage to the operator, who by reason of illness,
physical infirmity or advanced age require such services, but does not include any place
providing care and treatment primarily for the acutely ill; provided that this definition
shall include homes offering services for less than three (3) persons where the homes are
held out to the public to be establishments which regularly provide nursing, extended care
and custodial services. See also Adult day care center, Assisted living facility,
Community residential home & Group home facility.
Nursery, plant (commercial): A licensed plant or tree nursery offering plants or trees to the
general public for sale in the ordinary course of business.
Office: A building, or portion of a building, wherein activities are performed involving
predominately administrative, record keeping, professional, and/or clerical operations
and, where in the case of professions such as dentists, physicians, lawyers or engineers,
the facility where such professional services are rendered.
Office or clinic, medical or dental: A facility engaged in the examination, diagnosis and
treatment of medical chiropractic, ophthalmologic, dental, and pediatric or other health
care patients; includes administrative and clerical operations of the practice; does not
include overnight facilities for patients.
II D2 -45
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Office or industrial park: A group of several office and/or industrial sites with or without
ancillary uses, developed as an integrated project, and either connected contiguously, or
directly across a public or private street; and also having at least one of the following
characteristics: (a) some or all of the uses share common parking, travelways, or
entrances; or (b) the land, uses, or facilities are organized under one management or
ownership form for the purpose of enforcing reciprocal covenants.
Open space: Any portion of a zoning lot or area of land or water that is open and unobstructed
from the ground to the sky, including areas maintained in a natural and undisturbed
character.
Open space, interior: Space which is either (1) within a completely enclosed building or (2)
accessible only by passing through a completely enclosed building and which is
developed and maintained for use by the general public through the provision of facilities
and design features such as seating, tables, plants, fountains, sculpture and areas for
public exhibits, entertainment or performances. A combination of any of the following
requirements shall apply to an interior open space area:

Walls of an interior space which abut sidewalks or an exterior urban open space shall
provide a clear view between interior and exterior space.

There shall be a sufficiently high level of natural illumination either through walls or
glazed roof or ceiling areas to permit the maintenance of plants without additional
light sources.

An interior open space shall provide public toilet facilities and drinking fountains.

The interior open space shall be open without restriction to the general public during
normal business hours.

An interior open space which functions as a building lobby shall not be counted as
interior space unless it also functions as a passage through the building accessible to
the general public and contains seating available for use by the general public.
Examples of interior open space which are accessible only by passing through a
completely enclosed building but which may be open to the sky and which may be at or
above ground level include courtyards, atriums, patios, terraces and sun decks. Outdoor
restaurants may be counted as interior open space if all of the above definitional criteria
are satisfied. Interior restaurants shall not be counted as interior open space.
Open space, urban: That portion of a zoning lot that is not occupied by buildings, parking
areas, streets, driveways or loading areas and is:

Developed and maintained for use by the general public; and,

Accessible to pedestrians from public streets and sidewalks; and,
II D2 -46
City of Sarasota

Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Equipped with amenities or development features designed to encourage the use and
enjoyment of the space by the general public such as but not limited to vegetation,
pools and fountains, sculptures, public seating, arbors, trellises, drinking fountains
and public telephones. Urban open space may also include areas that are covered by
awnings or canopies. Outdoor restaurants are permitted in urban open space areas.
Optical and eye care facility: A facility for the fitting and retail sale of eyeglasses and contact
lenses to individuals by opticians; oculists, ophthalmologists, and optometrists, are
considered within the range of medical offices or medical clinics.
Ordinary maintenance: Work not requiring a building permit done to prevent deterioration of a
building or structure, or decay of or damage to a building or structure or any part thereof,
by restoring the building or structure as nearly as practicable to its condition prior to such
deterioration, decay or damage.
Outdoor restaurant: A portion of a restaurant, of any type, located outside the public right-ofway which functions as an extension of the principal use of the private property of the
restaurant. An outdoor restaurant is not located in a completely enclosed building and is
open to the sky except that it may have awnings, umbrellas, or building overhang and
shall be used exclusively for dining, drinking and circulation therein. An outdoor
restaurant may provide either waiter or waitress service or self-service. See also
Sidewalk café.
Outdoor sales and display: The display and sale of products and services outside of a building
as an accessory use to a principal retail use.
Outside storage: The keeping of goods or materials, excluding junk, outside of a building for
more than twenty-four hours, and which shall be considered as an accessory use, unless
specifically enumerated as a principal use (such as a contractor's storage yard or building
material sales yard).
Overlay district: A zoning designation specifically delineated on the City of Sarasota official
Zoning Atlas establishing land use requirements in addition to the standards set forth in
the underlying residential, commercial or industrial district.
Owner, property: Any person who holds fee simple title to a given area of land.
Parapet Line: See Building Elevation Terminology
Parcel: A continuous area of land in the possession of, owned by, or recorded as the property of
the same person or persons, which was created prior to January 10, 1974.
Package, express delivery and courier service: Operations office for the dispatching,
coordination, preparation and routing of package pick-up and delivery.
II D2 -47
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Pari-mutuel facility: Facility devoted to racing of dogs or horses that uses a system of betting
on races whereby winnings are divided in proportion to the sums individually wagered
and with regard to the odds assigned to particular outcomes.
Park: A tract of land, designated and used for active and/or passive recreation.
II D2 -48
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Park and Open Space Types: (for Downtown Zone Districts):
Park: a large open space available as a natural preserve and for
unstructured recreation. A park, usually located at a neighborhood edge,
may be independent of surrounding building frontages. Its landscape is
comprised of paths and trails, meadows, woodland and open shelters, all
naturalistically disposed. Parks may be lineal, following the trajectories
of natural corridors.
Green: an open space, generally 2 to 15 acres, available for unstructured
recreation. Building frontages shall circumscribe a green. Its landscape
shall consist of lawn and trees, naturalistically disposed.
Square: an open space, generally 1 to 5 acres, available for unstructured
recreation and civic purposes. Frontages circumscribe a square. Its
landscape shall consist of paved walks, lawns and trees formally
disposed. It shall be placed at the intersection of important streets.
Plaza: an open space, generally 1 to 2 acres, available for civic purposes
and commercial activities. Frontages circumscribe a plaza. Its landscape
consists primarily of pavement and some trees formally disposed. It shall
be placed at the intersection of important streets.
Playground: an open space, generally less than 1 acre, designed and
equipped for the play of children. A playground is usually fenced and
may include an open shelter. Playgrounds should be interspersed within
residential areas and may be placed within the block. Playgrounds may
be included within Parks and Greens.
II D2 -49
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Parking Area: The area devoted to the standing, maneuvering and circulation of motor vehicles.
Parking areas do not include driveways or areas devoted exclusively to non-passenger
loading. See also Driveway, Garage (private and public), Parking Lot or Garage
(commercial, Parking space, Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and Vehicle
Areas.
Parking lot or garage (commercial): An off-street parking area or structure, available to the
public for compensation, but may also be used to accommodate employees, customers
and clients. See also Driveway, Garage (private and public), Parking Area, Parking
space, Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and Vehicle Areas.
Parking space: A space for parking a motor vehicle that meets the requirements of Section VII209. See also Driveway, Garage (Private and Public), Parking Area, Parking Lot or
garage (commercial), Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and Vehicle Areas.
Particulate matter: Material, including smoke, discharged into or suspended in the atmosphere
in finely divided form.
Permittee: A person in whose name a permit to operate an Adult Use has been issued, as well as
any Person listed as an applicant on the application for an Adult Use permit.
Person: Any individual, partnership, firm, association, public or private corporation, trust, joint
venture, estate, cooperative, political subdivision or other instrumentality of this state, or
other legal entity.
Personal services: Individual assistance with or supervision of essential activities of daily
living, such as eating, bathing, grooming, dressing, toileting and ambulating; supervision
of self-administered medication; and other similar services, not including the provision of
medical, nursing, dental or mental health services by the staff of a facility (Fla. Stat.
400.492).
Personal service use: An establishment which provides work done or duties performed for
humans, such as, but not limited to, barbershop, beauty parlor, tailor shop, dressmaker
shop, shoe repair shop, etc.
Pet: Animals that are customarily kept for personal use or enjoyment within the home.
Household pets shall include, but not be limited to, domestic dogs, domestic cats,
domestic tropical birds, domestic rodents, and fish.
Pet grooming service: A facility engaged in the manicuring, bathing, clipping and styling of
pets.
Photographic studio (commercial): Facility primarily engaged in photographic or video
services. Film development facilities shall occupy 25% or less of the gross floor area of
the principal use.
II D2 -50
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Photography store, retail: A facility primarily engaged in the retail sale, lease, and service of
photography equipment and supplies, including limited on-site processing or
development.
Physical culture establishment: Any business which offers or advertises massage, body rubs, or
physical contact with Specified Anatomical Areas. Businesses that routinely provide
medical services by state licensed medical practitioners, electrolysis treatment by
permitted operators of electrolysis equipment, and massage by licensed massage therapist
shall be excluded from the definition of physical culture establishments.
Playground: An active recreation area with a variety of facilities, including equipment for
younger children as well as court and field games.
Plaza: An area generally open to the public on a controlled basis and used for passive
recreational activities and relaxation. Plazas are paved areas typically provided with
amenities, such as seating, drinking and ornamental fountains, art, trees and landscaping,
for use by pedestrians.
Porch: A roofed-over space, with the roof impervious to weather, attached to the outside of an
exterior wall of a building, which has no enclosure other than the exterior walls of such
building. Open-mesh screening shall not be considered an enclosure.
Porch & Fence: See Frontage Terminology.
Premises: A zoning lot, or a zoning lot and the structures and improvements thereon, as the
context may require.
Primary frontal dune (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): A
continuous or nearly continuous mound or ridge of sand with relatively steep seaward
and landward slopes immediately landward and adjacent to the beach and subject to
erosion and overtopping from high tides and waves during major coastal storms. The
inland limit of the primary frontal dune occurs at the point where there is a distinct
change from a relatively steep slope to a relatively mild slope.
Primary / Secondary Street Grid (Synonym: A/B Grid): A system of assigning street
frontages to superior (primary) and lesser (secondary) pedestrian quality. Wide
sidewalks, narrow roadways, buildings up close to the street, low "pedestrian-scaled"
lighting, on street parking and building entrances on the street are all examples of
features that enhance the quality of the pedestrian experience and would be found on
primary streets. By contrast, secondary streets allow uses (e.g. drive through and service
stations) and building design (e.g. blank walls and open parking), which reflect less
emphasis on the quality of the pedestrian experience.
Primary Structure: A structure or combination of structures of chief importance or function on
a zoning lot. In general, the primary use of the zoning lot is carried out in a primary
structure. The difference between a primary and accessory structure is determined by
II D2 -51
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
comparing the size, placement, and similarity of design, use of common building
materials and the orientation of the structures on a zoning lot. See also Accessory.
Primary Use: An activity or combination of activities of chief importance on the zoning lot. One
of the main purposes for which the land or structures are intended, designed or ordinarily
used. A zoning lot may have more than one primary use. See also Accessory
Principally above ground (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):That
at least 51 percent of the actual cash value of the structure is above ground.
Private performance: The modeling, posing, display or exposure of any Specified Anatomical
Area by an employee, agent or independent contractor of an Adult Use to a person while the
person is in an area during such display which is not accessible or observable to all other
persons in the Adult Use Establishment, or while during the display the person is in an area
in which the person is totally or partially screened or partitioned from the view of all persons
outside the area.
Project: An existing or proposed development.
Property: One (1) or more lots or combinations of lots of record in single ownership or which is in
separate ownership but is used as a unified entity, such as a shopping center.
Protected residential property: Any property within the City that meets either of the following
requirements:


The property is zoned residential single family or residential multiple family or
The property is designated on the Sarasota City Plan as a Residential Classification.
Protective barrier: A physical structure limiting access to a protected area.
Public art or public works of art: Public art or public works of art is defined as the creative
application of skill and taste by artists to production of permanent tangible objects
according to the aesthetic principles, including but not limited to: paintings, sculptures,
site specific installations, engravings, carvings, frescos, mobiles, murals, collages,
mosaics, statues, and bas-reliefs. Public art or public works of art shall also include the
creative application of skill and taste by artists according to aesthetic principals to the
architectural embellishment of a building or structure.
However, the following shall not be considered “public art or public works of art”:
a. Reproductions, or unlimited copies of original art work;
b. Art objects which are mass produced;
c. Works that are decorative, ornamental or functional elements of the architecture or
landscape design, except when commissioned from an artist as an integral aspect of a
structure or site;
d. Architectural rehabilitation or historical preservation.
II D2 -52
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Public facilities and services: The following public facilities and services for which levels of
service standards have been established in the Sarasota City Plan:






Potable water.
Wastewater.
Solid waste.
Recreation/open space.
Stormwater management.
Transportation.
Public place: Government or privately owned land or buildings that are open to the general
public on a consistent basis.
Public property: Any real property owned by a government agency, which is not classified as
public right-of-way, (as defined in right-of-way) whether or not the same has been
improved, and shall include driveways and parking lots.
Public utility: Persons, corporations, or governments supplying gas, electric, transportation,
water, sewer, or land line telephone service to the general public. For the purpose of this
ordinance, commercial wireless telecommunication service facilities shall not be
considered public utility uses, and are defined separately.
Railroad right-of-way: Land in which a railroad owns the fee or has an easement devoted to or
required for use as a transportation facility.
Railroad switching facilities: An area where railroad cars are switched and trains assembled.
Readily visible: Visually conspicuous from public view. A commercial wireless
telecommunication facility which is camouflaged, screened or obstructed from view from
a public street, public place (where the general public has a right to be and to go), or a
residential use on a Protected Residential Property such that its presence is not
conspicuous, as determined by the approving authority, shall not be deemed readily
visible.
Real property line: Either (a) the imaginary line including its vertical extension that separates one
zoning lot of real property from another, or (b) the vertical and horizontal boundaries of a
dwelling unit that is one unit in a multi-dwelling-unit building.
Real property used for residential purposes: Any real property in use as a residence with
single-family, two-family, or multiple-family dwellings located thereon, regardless of the
zone district.
Recess Line: See Building Elevation Terminology
II D2 -53
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Recovery Elevation (for single family dwellings): See Height Related Definitions.
Recreation facility: A zoning lot, with or without improvements designed and equipped for the
conduct of sports and leisure time activities.
Recreational facility (commercial): A sports or activity facility open to the general public for a
fee. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Indoor: Roller or ice skating rink, bowling alley, billiard hall, dart pavilion,
amusement arcade (video, pinball or other), swimming pools, slot cars, hard and soft
courts, miniature golf. (See also Bingo, non-profit)

Outdoor: Driving range, golf course, miniature golf; batting and pitching cages; hard
and soft courts; facilities for radio controlled vehicle or airplanes, go-carts, pony
rides; kiddie parks; swimming pools, water slides; ice skating rink; but not including
amusement or theme parks.
Recycling center: A site or facility that accepts only non-hazardous, non-special, homogenous,
nonputrescible materials such as dry paper, glass, cans, or plastics, for subsequent use in
the secondary materials market. This shall not include a facility that handles, collects, or
otherwise stores or processes automobile bodies or parts, toxic or hazardous materials, or
recyclable materials mixed with other refuse.
Redevelopment: The conversion, relocation, reconstruction, structural alteration, enlargement of
any building and/or use existing prior to the effective date of this Code.
Reference Level (Height; single-family dwellings): See Height Related Definitions.
Refuse: Waste materials including ashes, garbage, rubbish, junk, industrial waste, dead animals,
and other solid waste materials.
Research and development: A facility primarily used for the administration and conduct of
investigation, examination, prototype production, experimentation, testing, and/or
training aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts, theories, and/or the practical
application of the above to products or processes. Prototype manufacturing shall be
permitted as an accessory use.
Residential Structure Types
(1)
Accessory Dwelling Unit: A dwelling unit, for use as a complete independent living
facility, located on the same zoning lot as a detached single-family or attached singlefamily dwelling. The second unit is created auxiliary to, and is always smaller than the
detached single-family or attached single-family dwelling.
(2)
Attached Duplex: A duplex, located on its own zoning lot, that shares one or more
common or abutting walls with one other duplex (for a total of four (4) dwelling units).
II D2 -54
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
The common or abutting wall must be shared for at least fifty (50%) percent of the
length of the side of the dwelling. See also Attached Structure.
(3)
Attached Single-Family Dwelling: A dwelling unit, located on its own zoning lot, that
shares one or more common or abutting walls with one or more dwelling units. The
common or abutting wall must be shared for at least fifty (50%) percent of the length of
the side of the dwelling. An attached single-family dwelling does not share common
floor/ceilings with other dwelling units. An attached single-family dwelling is also
called a townhouse, rowhouse or common-wall house. See also Attached Structure.
(4)
Cluster housing development: A development of individual building zoning lots or
sites which utilizes the cluster development design technique. The housing types used
can be any form of detached, semi-detached, or attached housing.
(5) Detached Single-Family Dwelling: A detached dwelling unit located on its own zoning
lot, designed for, or intended to be occupied by one family.
(6)
Duplex/Two Family Dwelling: A building that contains two primary dwelling units on
one zoning lot. Each dwelling unit must share common walls or common floor/ceilings,
or portion thereof.
(7) Dwelling unit: Any building or portion thereof designed, occupied or intended for
occupancy as a complete, independent living facility for the exclusive use of one
family, including permanent full provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
A dwelling unit shall have no more than one kitchen and shall provide complete
internal access to all rooms in the unit. Buildings with more than one set of cooking
facilities are considered to contain multiple dwelling units unless the additional cooking
facilities are clearly incidental and accessory, such as an outdoor grill.
(8) Group Living Structure: A structure that contains sleeping areas and at least one set
of cooking and sanitary facilities that are used as a residence for Group Living uses.
(9)
Live/work unit: A structure or portion of a structure combining a residential living
space with an integrated workspace principally used by one of the residents. See also
Mixed Use Development
(10) Manufactured home: A factory-built, single family structure that is manufactured
under the authority of 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5401, the National Manufactured Home
Construction and Safety Standards Act, that is transportable in one or more sections, is
built on a permanent chassis, is designed to be used as a year-round permanent single
family dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the
required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical
systems contained in the structure; but which is not constructed with a permanent hitch
or other device allowing transport of the unit other than for the purpose of initial
delivery to a permanent site, and which does not have wheels or axles permanently
II D2 -55
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
attached to its body or frame. This definition does not include recreational vehicle,
mobile home, or modular home.
(11) Manufactured home (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):
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.”
(12) Manufactured home park: Premises where manufactured and/or mobile homes are
parked for non-transient living or sleeping purposes and where lots are offered only for
rent or lease for use by mobile homes, including any land, building, structure or facility
used by occupants of, mobile homes on such premises.
(13) Mobile home: A factory-built, single family structure that was manufactured prior to
the enactment of the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards
Act of 1974, which became effective June 15, 1976, that is transportable in one or more
sections, is built on a permanent chassis, is designed to be used as a year-round
permanent single family dwelling, with or without a permanent foundation when
connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning,
and electrical systems contained in the structure; but which is not constructed with a
permanent hitch or other device allowing transport of the unit other than for the purpose
of initial delivery to a permanent site, and which does not have wheels or axles
permanently attached to its body or frame. This definition does not include recreational
vehicle, mobile home, or modular home.
(14) Modular Homes: A structure designed to be used as a dwelling unit when connected to
the required utilities that is in whole or in part manufactured at an offsite facility, built
in accordance with Chapter 553, Florida Statutes and regulated by Florida’s
Department of Community Affairs or its successor state agency, and assembled onsite.
Also known as a “DCA Home”. This definition does not include recreational vehicle,
manufactured home or mobile home.
(15) Multi-Dwelling Development: A grouping of individual structures where each
structure contains one (1) or more dwelling units. The land underneath the structures is
not divided into separate zoning lots. A multi-dwelling development project may
include an existing detached single-family dwelling with one or more new detached
structures located to the rear or the side of the existing house. It might also include a
duplex in front with either one or more single-family dwellings behind, or one or more
duplex units or multi-family dwellings behind. The key characteristic of this housing
type is there is no requirement for the structures on the zoning lot to be attached.
(16) Multi-Dwelling Structure: A structure that contains four or more dwelling units that
share common walls or floor/ceilings with one or more units. The land underneath the
structure is not divided into separate zoning lots. Multi-dwellings include structures
commonly called garden apartments, apartments and condominiums.
II D2 -56
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
(17) Triplex/Three Family Dwelling: A building that contains three primary dwelling
units on one zoning lot. Each dwelling unit must share common walls or common
floor/ceilings, or portions thereof.
Residential treatment facility: A facility providing residential care and treatment to individuals
exhibiting symptoms of mental illness who are in need of a 24-hour 7 day-a-week
structured living environment, respite care, or short-term or long-term community
placement.
Restaurant: A structure in which the principal use is the preparation, cooking, consumption, and
sale of food and beverages.
Restaurant, fast food: A retail food service establishment without table service (order
placement and delivery) provided to patrons; walk-up counter, and carryout trade is a
primary portion of the facility; includes fast food, food delivery, carryout, public snack
bar/automats, and delicatessens.
Retail Structure Types

Convenience Shopping Center: A shopping and service center located on seven (7) or
fewer acres with four (4) or more business establishments located in a complex which is
planned, developed and managed as a single unit, and located within and intended to
primarily serve the consumer demands of adjacent neighborhoods.

Convenience store: Any retail food store that is under 4,000 gross floor area and is open
at least fifteen (15) hours a day.

Department store: A store of 15,000 or more square feet of gross floor area selling a
wide variety of retail goods arranged in general departments.

Hardware store: A facility of 30,000 or fewer square feet gross floor area, primarily
engaged in the retail sale of various basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders'
hardware, plumbing and electrical supplies, paint and glass, housewares and household
appliances, garden supplies and cutlery; if greater than 30,000 square feet, such a facility
is a "Home Improvement Center."

Home improvement center: A facility of more than 30,000 square feet gross floor area,
engaged in the retail sale of various basic hardware lines, such as tools, builders'
hardware, paint and glass, housewares and household appliances, garden supplies, and
cutlery.

Large Store: A retail establishment, or any combination of retail establishments in a
single building, occupying more than twenty-five thousand (25,000) gross square feet of
floor area.
II D2 -57
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

Retail store or retail shop: Any building used, or designed and constructed for display
and sale of merchandise at retail or for the rendering of personal services, such as the
following, which will serve as illustrations: drugstore, newsstand, grocery store, candy
shop, milk dispensary, drygoods and notion store, antique store and gift shop, hardware
store, household appliance store, furniture store, florist, optician, music and radio store,
tailor shop, barber shop and beauty parlor.

Shopping center: A group of five or more retail/commercial uses, located in a zoning
district where retailing is permitted as a principal use and having any or all of the
following characteristics:

The uses are connected by party walls, partitions, canopies, and, similar features, or

Some or all of the uses are located in separate buildings which are designed as a
single commercial group sharing common parking areas and vehicular travelways and
are connected by walkways and accessways designed to encourage customer
interchange between uses, and otherwise present the appearance of a continuous
commercial area without regard to ownership, or

The uses are under the same management or association for the purpose of enforcing
reciprocal agreements controlling management, parking, site coverage, advertising
and similar, agreements.

Shopping mall: A facility with five or more stores for retail goods and services, which
are structurally designed in an integrated fashion around or along both sides of a
promenade, walkway, concourse, or courtyard; primary individual store entrances front
onto this promenade; may include offices; includes satellite or unattached structures that
are served by mall site road network. For purposes of this Chapter, this definition shall
only apply to a facility in which 85% or more of the gross floor area is accessed from
enclosed promenades, walkways, concourses or courtyard.

Variety retail store: A store of less than 15,000 square feet of gross floor area selling a
wide variety of retail goods generally arranged in departments.
Retention pond: Depressions in the earth for the storage of surface runoff that remain partially
filled with water from a constant baseflow, which are constructed by excavation and/or
embankment procedures. See also “Detention Pond” and “Drainageway”.
Right-of-way: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Ringelmann chart: As described in United States Bureau of Mines Information Circular 6888,
containing standards for estimating the light-obscuring capacity, and thus the density, of
smoke. Ringelmann numbers are used for identifying the standardized elements of the
Ringelmann Chart.
Riparian rights: Those rights incident to land bordering upon navigable waters, as defined in
II D2 -58
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Section 253.141, Florida Statutes, as amended.
Riparian rights line: A line that establishes an adjacent upland property owner’s riparian rights.
Riverine: Relating to, formed by or resembling a river (including tributaries), stream, brook, etc.
Roadside stand: Any land or structure, not in the public right-of-way, used for the sale of
seasonal goods, meaning Christmas trees, pumpkins, and fireworks in accordance with
the provisions of Article VII, Division 15 of this Chapter.
Run-off coefficient - (“C” factor) A value expressed in numerical form, for various surfaces
based on the surface roughness, capabilities of absorption, and slope. The higher the
coefficient number (the highest being 1) such as 0.95 for concrete, asphalt or roofs, the
more volume of each rain drop is runoff from that surface.
Sand dunes (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Naturally occurring
accumulations of sand in ridges or mounds landward of the beach.
Sarasota City Plan: The comprehensive plan adopted by the City Commission pursuant to
Chapter 163, Part II, Fla. Stat., as said plan may be amended from time to time.
School: Premises or site upon which there is a nursery school, kindergarten, elementary school,
middle school, senior high school, exceptional learning center, or an institution devoted
solely to vocational or professional education or training. See also College and
Vocational, business and trade school.
Search radius: The geographic area established by the City as the area in which an applicant for
a commercial wireless telecommunication tower must evaluate the siting preferences and
co-location possibilities.
Secondary Street: See Primary / Secondary Street Grid (Synonym: A/B Grid)
Self-Storage Center: A building or group of buildings divided into separate compartments used
to meet the storage needs of small businesses, apartment dwellers and other residential
uses.
II D2 -59
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Setback: The required minimum horizontal distance between a specified object, such as a
building and a zoning lot line. A setback area shall remain, unoccupied and unobstructed
from the ground upward, except for permitted encroachments. Unless otherwise
indicated, an unspecified setback refers to a building setback. In addition, the following
setbacks indicate where each setback is measured.

Front Setback: A setback that is measured from a front zoning lot line.

Rear Setback: A setback that is measured from a rear zoning lot line.

Side Setback: A setback that is measured from a side zoning lot line

Street Setback: A setback that is measured from a street zoning lot line.
Shopping center: See Retail Structure Types.
Shopping mall: See Retail Structure Types.
II D2 -60
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Short Term Housing. A structure that contains one or more individual sleeping rooms, and
where tenancy of all rooms may be arranged for periods of less than one month. The
short term housing facility may or may not have food preparation facilities, and shower
or bath facilities may or may not be shared. The facility is managed by a public or nonprofit agency to provide short term housing, with or without a fee. Examples include
transitional housing, and emergency shelter where individual rooms are provided. Where
individual rooms are not provided, the facility may be a mass shelter. See also Mass
Shelter.
Sidewalk café: A street level portion of a restaurant, of any type, located within the sidewalk
area of the public right-of-way, which is normally adjacent to a street, which functions as
an extension of the principal use of the private property of the restaurant. A sidewalk café
is open to the sky except that it may have awnings or umbrellas, and shall be used
temporarily for dining, drinking and circulation therein pursuant to a Provisional use
permit. A sidewalk café may provide either waiter or waitress service or self-service. See
also Outdoor restaurant.
Sight triangle: The area of the corner zoning lot closest to the intersection that is kept free of
visual impairment to allow full view of both pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
Sign-Related Definitions.
(1) Animated: A sign having externally moving parts or messages or operating so as to
give the viewer the illusion of moving parts or messages. This does not include signs
whose informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display. See also
Electronic Message Board.
II D2 -61
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
(2) Banner: A sign intended to be hung either with or without a frame, possessing
characters, letters, illustrations or ornamentation applied to paper, plastic, fabric or
other non-rigid material, excluding flags and insignias of any government entity. See
also Internal Banner and Perimeter Banner.
(3) Canopy Sign: Any sign that is affixed to, painted on, or suspended from a canopy or
awning.
(4) Directory Sign: A sign that lists the names of two or more establishments, persons or
agencies which exist on a premises and is located in a place or location common to
all.
(5) Electronic Message Board: A type of sign whose alphabetic, pictographic, or
symbolic informational content can be changed or altered on a fixed display screen
composed of electrically illuminated segments. See also Animated.
(6) Free-Standing Sign: Any sign which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground,
supported by one or more structural members (poles, columns, braces, etc.), with air
space between the ground and the sign face.
(7) Ground Sign: Any sign which is neither attached to, nor part of, a building and
which is permanently affixed in or upon the ground. Ground signs shall include
freestanding, monument, pole or post, and pylon signs.
(8) Identification Sign: A sign that states the name of the business or establishment,
including the national company or local proprietor, and/or the address of a building.
(9) Indirectly Illuminated Sign,: A sign illuminated with a light directed primarily
toward such sign, including back-lighted signs, and so shielded that no direct rays
from the lights are visible elsewhere than on the zoning lot where such illumination
occurs.
(10) Internal Banner: A banner that is located more than fifty (50) feet from the
boundaries of the zoning lot upon which it is located.
(11) Marquee Sign: Any sign painted on, attached to, or supported by a marquee.
(12) Monument Sign: A ground sign having a horizontal dimension greater than its
vertical dimension, whose base is on the ground, or a maximum of twelve (12)
inches above the adjacent grade.
(13) Off-Site Sign: A sign that identifies or communicates a commercial or
noncommercial message related to an activity conducted, a service rendered, or a
commodity sold at a location other than where the sign is located.
II D2 -62
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
(14)
On-Site Sign: A sign relating in its subject matter to the premises on which it is
located or to products, accommodations, services or activities on the premises.
(15)
Perimeter Banner: A banner that is located within fifty (50) feet of the
boundaries of the zoning lot upon which it is located.
(16)
Pole/Post Sign: A freestanding sign.
(17)
Portable Sign: Any sign that is not permanently attached to the ground, a
structure or a building.
(18)
Projecting Sign: Any sign that is attached to a wall in a perpendicular manner.
(19)
Pylon Sign: A ground sign having a vertical dimension greater than its horizontal
dimension.
(20)
Real Estate Sign: A sign that advertises the sale, rental or development of
property.
(21)
Roof Sign: A sign erected, constructed, maintained or located wholly upon, over
or through the roof of any building, with the principal support on the roof
structure.
(22)
Sign: Any object, device, display or structure which is used to advertise, identify,
display or direct or attract attention to an object, person, establishment, product,
service, event or location.
(23)
Talking Signs: Any sign that provides information with sound.
(23)
Wall Sign: Any sign attached to or erected against a wall of a building or
structure with the exposed face of the sign in plane approximately parallel to the
plane of the wall. Shall include projecting signs.
(25)
Window Sign. A temporary, non-structural sign affixed to the interior or exterior
of a window or door or any other sign containing a message legible from the
public right-of-way or adjacent property clearly intended for public recognition
outside the building.
(26)
Wind Sign: Any sign or display, including but not limited to, banners, balloons,
streamers and rotating devices, fastened in such a manner as to move when
subjected to pressure by wind or breeze.
(27)
Yard Sign: A sign erected on private property that contains information that is
not of a permanent character.
Site plan: A graphic portrayal of a proposed development describing both existing and proposed
II D2 -63
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
conditions of the zoning lot(s), including, but not limited to, use, location and bulk of
buildings and structures, density of development, public facilities, means of ingress and
egress, landscaping, signs, drainage and lighting.
Slope – Any ground whose surface makes an angle from the horizontal plane of the ground. The
extent of slope may be expressed as ratio (e.g. 4:1) or a percentage (e.g. 25%).
Smoke: Particulate matter resulting from the process of combustion.
Social service facility: A facility owned and operated by a private nonprofit organization or by a
public agency which offers counseling services, meals and temporary shelter to transient
or indigent persons. Such facilities may also provide counseling and temporary custodial
care to nonviolent prerelease inmates from federal and state correctional facilities.
Special cabarets: Any bar, dance hall, restaurant, or other place of business which features:
persons who display or expose Specified Anatomical Areas to others; topless or bottomless
dancers; or topless waiters or waitresses. Additionally, Special Cabarets shall include any
bar, dance hall, restaurant, or other place of business for which the advertising for, or a sign
or signs identifying it, use the words, `adult,' `topless,' `nude,' `bottomless,' or other words of
similar import. For purposes of these regulations, any Establishment in which employees,
agents, or independent contractors engage in Straddle Dance or Lap Dance activities shall be
considered a `Special Cabaret.'
Special Magistrate or Magistrate: The special magistrate or any alternate magistrates
appointed by the city commission (per sec 2-306 of the city code).
Special Master or Code Enforcement Special Master: All references to Special Master or
Code Enforcement Special Master as utilized in these regulations shall mean “Special
Magistrate” or “Magistrate”.
Specified anatomical areas: Those areas of the human body set forth hereinafter which are not
completely and opaquely covered:

The male or female genitals or any portion thereof; or

The male or female pubic area or any portion thereof; or

The areola of the female breast; or

Human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state even if completely and opaquely
covered; or

The male or female anal cleft.
Specified criminal act (may consist of any of the following):
II D2 -64
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

A criminal violation of Division 4 of Article IV;

An offense under Chapter 794, Fla. Stat. (sexual battery);

An offense under Chapter 796, Fla. Stat. (prostitution);

An offense under Chapter 800, Fla. Stat. (lewdness, indecent exposure);

An offense under Chapter 826, Fla. Stat. (bigamy, incest);

An offense under Chapter 847, Fla. Stat. (obscene literature, profanity);

An offense under an analogous statute of a state other than Florida, or under an
analogous ordinance of another county or city.
Specified sexual activities:

Human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal;

Acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, or sodomy, whether actual or
simulated; or,

Fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttock, or female
breasts.
Stadium: A structure or facility designed primarily for athletic events and containing seating for
spectators of those events.
Start of construction (for other than new construction or substantial improvements under
the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (Pub. L. 97-348) (for areas of Special Flood
Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Includes substantial improvement, and means the date
the building permit was issued, provided the actual start of construction, repair,
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition placement, 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 a 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 erection 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.
II D2 -65
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Stealth facility: Any communications facility that is designed to blend into the surrounding
environment. Examples of stealth facilities may include architecturally screened roofmounted antennas, building-mounted antennas painted to match the existing structure,
antennas integrated into architectural elements, and antenna structures designed to look
like light poles. See also Camouflaging Architectural Treatment.
Stoop: See Frontage Terminology.
Story: a floor level within a building of no more
than 14 feet in height from finished floor to
finished ceiling. The first story shall be the
ground or entry-level floor, which includes
open areas and parking garages under a
building. However, basements that emerge
less than 4 feet from grade or attics, with or
without dormer windows, not exceeding 4
feet at the knee-wall shall not constitute a
story. See Illustration.
Straddle dance or lap dance: The use by an employee, agent or independent contractor of an
Adult Business of any part of his or her body to touch the genital, buttocks or pubic area of a
person, or to touch the breast(s) of a female person, whether clothed or unclothed, while at
the Adult Business; or the touching of the genital, buttocks or pubic area of any such
employee, agent or independent contractor by a person while at the Adult Business; or the
touching of the breast(s) of a female employee, agent or independent contractor, whether
clothed or unclothed, by a person while at the Adult Business. It shall be a `Straddle Dance'
or `Lap Dance' regardless of whether the `touch' or `touching' occurs while the employee,
agent or independent contractor is nude, semi-nude or displaying or exposing any Specified
Anatomical Area. It shall also be a `Straddle Dance' or `Lap Dance' regardless of whether
the `touch' or `touching' is direct or through a medium.
Street: See Transportation-Related Definitions.
Streetwall: See Frontage Terminology.
Structure: See Development-Related Definitions.
Structure (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): See DevelopmentRelated Definitions.
II D2 -66
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Structures, non-water dependent: See Development-Related Definitions.
Structure, nonresidential: See Development-Related Definitions.
Structure, residential: See Development-Related Definitions.
Structured Parking: A covered structure or portion of a covered structure that provides parking
areas for motor vehicles. Parking on top of a structure where there is gross building area
below the parking, but not above it, is structured parking. The structure can be a primary
structure for a Commercial Parking facility or be accessory to multi-dwelling residential,
commercial, employment, industrial, institutional or other structures. A structure that is
accessory to detached single-family, attached single-family, duplex, triplex or
manufactured home is considered a garage and not structured parking. See also
Driveway, Garage (Private and Public), Parking Area, Parking Lot or Garage
(commercial), Parking Space, Structured Parking, Surface Parking, and Vehicle
Areas.
Subdivider: Any person who commences proceedings under these regulations to affect a
subdivision of land.
Subdivision: The division of real property into three or more zoning lots; and includes the
establishment of new streets and alleys.
Substantial damage (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Damage of
any origin sustained by a structure whereby the cost of restoring the structure to its before
damaged condition would equal or exceed 50 percent of the market value of the structure
before the damage occurred.
Substantial improvements (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): Any
reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement of a structure, the cost of
which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure before the “start
of construction” of the improvement. This term includes structures, which have incurred
“substantial damage”, regardless of the actual repair work performed. The term does not,
however, include either:
(1) Any project for improvement of a structure to correct existing violations of state or
local health, sanitary, or safety code specifications which have been identified by the
local code enforcement official and which are the minimum necessary to assure safe
living conditions or
(2) Any alteration of a “historic structure”, (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article
VII, Division 4.) provided that the alteration will not preclude the structure’s continued
designation as a “historic structure.”
Substantial improvement: Repair, renovation or improvements to an existing structure, the cost
of which equals or exceeds seventy-five (75) percent of the market value of the structure
II D2 -67
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
either before the repair, renovation or improvement is started or if the structure has been
damaged and is being restored before the damage occurred.
Substantial remodel: The removal, in whole or in part, of a structure. A structure shall be
deemed to have been substantially remodeled or demolished if at least fifty (50) percent
of exterior walls have been relocated or removed for any duration of time. In determining
whether a project is a substantial remodel, a wall shall be deemed to be demolished if the
structural supporting members (columns, two-by-fours, or other such elements) of the
wall have been removed or are no longer attached to the foundation. The roof structure
must also be retained unless the roofline is being modified or additional floors are being
added, in which case the roof structure may be removed.
Sufficient application: An application for development approval that has been reviewed by the
Development Review Committee under applicable codes.
Surface Parking: A parking area for motor vehicles where there is no gross building area below
the parking area and no gross building area or roof above. Area occupied by small,
permanent buildings, such as booths used by parking attendants, is not parking area. See
also Driveway, Garage (Private and Public), Parking Area, Parking Lot or Garage
(commercial), Parking Space, Structured Parking and Vehicle Areas.
Taxi or limousine dispatching service: A facility engaged in the dispatching of passenger
vehicle transportation for hire, including business offices and the temporary parking of
vehicles; no servicing or overnight storage of vehicles permitted.
Taxi or limousine operations and service: The provision of passenger vehicle transportation
for hire; including business offices and dispatching; service of fleet permitted in
accordance with limitations in the definition of Motor vehicle service station.
Temporary use: A use which is established for a fixed period of time with the intent to
discontinue such use upon the expiration of such time, and which does not involve the
construction or alteration of any permanent structure.
Terminal platform: That part of a dock that is connected to the access dock and is used for
securing and loading a vessel or for fishing. The terminal platform is considered the
activity area of the dock.
Testing and experimental laboratories (HAZMAT): Testing and production facilities,
including storage, (not specifically mentioned elsewhere) involving significant amounts
of hazardous materials or operations.
Theater: A building devoted to showing motion pictures or for dramatic, dance, musical or
other live performances.
Three-component measuring device: A device for recording the intensity of any vibration in
three (3) mutually perpendicular directions.
II D2 -68
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Through lot or double-frontage zoning lots: See Zoning Lot.
Tool and equipment rental: A facility engaged in rental of tools or minor or heavy equipment,
to the general public or to contractors; maintenance, and repair of equipment on-site;
outside storage is not limited.
Tourist attraction: A commercial establishment designed for amusement, entertainment, and
recreational purposes. A tourist attraction shall be open to the general public for a fee and
contain a combination of three (3) or more activities from each of the following
categories: amusement rides, displays, live entertainment, concession stands, and passive
recreational facilities (such as picnic areas, botanical displays, and trails).
Tower: A guyed, monopole, or self-supporting tower, taller than 10 (ten) feet constructed as a
free standing structure or in association with a building, other permanent structure or
equipment, containing one or more antennas intended for transmitting and/or receiving
television, radio, digital, microwave, cellular, telephone, or similar forms of electronic
communication.
Monopole
Multi-user
Lattice
Tower, guyed: A communication tower that is supported, in whole or in part, by guy wires and
ground anchors.
Tower, lattice: A guyed or self-supporting three or four sided, open, steel frame structure used
to support telecommunications equipment.
Tower, monopole: A communication tower consisting of a single pole, constructed without guy
wires and ground anchors.
Tower, multi-user: A tower to which is attached the antennas of more than one commercial
wireless telecommunication service provider or governmental entity.
Tower, self-supporting: A communication tower that is constructed without guy wires and
ground anchors.
II D2 -69
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Tower, single-user: A tower to which is attached only the antennas of a single user, although the
tower may be designed to accommodate the antennas of multiple users as required by this Code.
Townhouse: A group of three or more closely placed, interrelated single family dwelling units
which are joined to one another side-to-side by a common party wall or garage, and/or
with connecting permanent and architecturally unified structures such as breezeways,
carports, or walls, which structures continue the design, pattern and/or materials of the
façade from one dwelling unit to another. Connecting structures and outdoor living space
may be so designed as to provide access between front and rear yards. Each unit shall
have its own outside entrance and not be occupied by more than one family. Townhouses
may be classified as one of several residential structure types, depending on their
configuration. See also Residential Structure Types.
Toxic or noxious matter: Any solid, liquid or gaseous matter, including, but not limited to,
gases, vapors, dusts, fumes and mists, containing properties which by chemical means are
inherently harmful and likely to destroy life or impair health or capable of causing injury
to the well-being of persons or damage to property.
Tradesman's shop: Facility for building or service industry contractors. See Contractor or
tradesman's shop.
Trade and service establishments: Establishments primarily engaged in providing assistance,
services or entertainment, as opposed to products, to the general public.
Trailer: See Vehicle Types.
Transfer of ownership or control of an Adult Use business: Includes any of the following:

The sale, lease, or sublease of the Adult Business;

The transfer of securities which constitute a controlling interest in the Adult Business,
whether by sale, exchange, or similar means; or,

The establishment of a trust, gift, or other similar legal device which transfers the
ownership or control of the Adult Business, except for transfer by bequest or other
operation of law upon the death of the person possessing the ownership or control.
Transition Line: See Building Elevation Terminology.
Transplant: The removal by a property owner of a tree from one location on his real property to
another location.
II D2 -70
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Transportation-Related Definitions:

Alley: A public or private way within a block, generally giving access to the rear of
zoning lots or buildings and not used for general traffic circulation.

Arterial Street: An arterial street is designed to convey major movements of traffic
within or through the city and county. It interconnects the principal traffic
generators within the City, and in rare instances provides direct access to
individual abutting zoning lots. The arterial classifications are of two (2) types:

Minor Arterial Street: A street designed for intra-city circulation and
designation of neighborhood boundaries. It generally does not penetrate
identifiable neighborhoods. Access to neighboring development is
achieved by good design and the appropriate intersection spacing. The
facility may carry local bus routes.

Major Arterial Street: A street designed primarily for through traffic and
intra and inter municipal movement. On the principal arterial system,
service to the abutting land is subordinate to the provision of travel service
to major traffic movements. Access to the abutting land is minimized and
is consolidated into service roads, shared entrances and appropriate
designated intersections. The facility may carry local bus routes.

Interstate Connector Street: A street that connects an Interstate Highway
interchange directly to the city limits. Limited or controlled access is common,
but not necessary in all instances.

Local Street: A local street represents the least intensive category of the functional
classification system. Its sole function is to provide direct access to individual
abutting zoning lots. Its traffic is local in nature and extent, rather than intracounty, inter-county, or regional.
II D2 -71
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

Major Collector Street: A major collector street has a primary function of providing
intra-neighborhood linkages and aggregating traffic, and then carrying it to the
arterial system. It may also penetrate a neighborhood, distributing trips to ultimate
destinations, and in some instances providing direct access to individual abutting
zoning lots. The facility may carry local bus routes.

Minor Collector Street: A minor collector street is designed primarily to serve the
collection function for a group of local streets. Additionally, its purpose is to
provide direct access to individual abutting zoning lots. It is designed to serve
internal traffic movements within a neighborhood, and connect with the arterial
system. It is not meant to handle long through trips.

Right-of-way: A public or private area or strip of land on which an irrevocable right
of passage for people or goods or utilities has been recorded for the use of
vehicles, pedestrians, or both. A public right-of-way is one that is dedicated or
deeded, in fee or by easement, to the public for public use and under the control of
a public agency.


Roadway: The portion of a street that is improved for motor vehicle travel. Roadway
includes vehicle travel lanes and on-street parking areas. Roadway does not include
area devoted to curbs, parking strips or sidewalks.

Street: A public or private right-of-way that is intended for motor vehicle travel or
for motor vehicle access to abutting property. Street includes all the area within the
right-of-way, such as roadways, parking strips and sidewalks. For the purposes of this
Code street does not include alleys.
Transportation facility: Any premises used for: 1) the storage or parking of buses, trains or
watercraft or 2) the loading and unloading of passengers.
II D2 -72
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Trash and refuse removal service (local only): Establishment engaged in the collection of
refuse for disposal at an approved processing, recycling, or destruction plant, such as
incinerators, waste treatment plant, landfills, or other locations approved by the City; onsite storage of refuse is prohibited.
Tree Protection - Related Definitions (SEE Article VII, Division 3.1, Tree Protection)

Buildable Area: Shall mean that portion of a lot remaining after required setback
yards have been provided in accordance with this Code.

Commercial Nursery: A licensed plant or tree nursery offering plants or trees to the
general public for sale in the ordinary course of business.

Diameter Breast Height (D.B.H): The diameter of a tree measured in inches at four
and one-half (4 ½) feet above the original soil line (grade) at the base of the tree
trunk. For a tree trunk not perpendicular to the ground the D.B.H. shall be measured
from the soil level along and following the angle of the trunk for four and one-half (4
½) feet.

Caliper: Trunk diameter of trees up to 4 inches are to be measured 6 inches above
the soil line. Caliper for all trees over 4 inches in diameter shall be measured 12
inches above the soil line.

Diseased Tree: A tree determined by the Director of Neighborhood and
Development Services to be a hazard to people, buildings or other existing
improvements on the subject real property or to other trees or which has a fifty
percent (50%) greater crown loss.

Drip Line: An imaginary, perpendicular line that extends downward from the
outermost tips of the tree branches to the ground.

Grand Tree: A Live Oak (Quercus virginiana) or similar nomenclature for species,
consisting of a tree and its root system whose single trunk or combined trunk DBH
size is 24" (addition of all trunk DBH for a multi trunk tree) or greater.

Grubbing: The removal of vegetation by methods such as digging, raking, dragging
or otherwise disturbing the roots of the under story vegetation.

Infrastructure: Utilities, drainage, graded areas, and any underground facilities that
support a development.

Land Clearing: The process by which trees and vegetation are removed.
II D2 -73
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

Native Tree: An indigenous, naturally occurring tree, adapted to the City of Sarasota
climate and soil conditions. Reference guides: Native Plants for Home Landscapes,
University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Plant Guide, Southwest Florida
Water Management District.

No Tree Verification Statement: A signed, notarized statement by the property
owner, his agent, landscape architect, architect, civil engineer or land surveyor,
stating that no trees protected by this code exist on the site. The no tree verification
statement may be substantiated by an inspection on site by the Director of
Neighborhood and Development Services.

Person: Individuals, associations, firms, partnerships and bodies politic and
corporate, and as the same relates to real property shall include both the record title
owner of such real property, a tenant thereon or any person in possession of such real
property. As the same relates to construction upon real property, the term “person”
shall include contractors, subcontractors, tree service contractors, their agents and
employees at a tree site.

Prohibited Trees: Shall include the following trees which have been declared to
constitute public nuisances: Malalueca quinquenervia (Punk Tree), Schinus
terebinthifolius (Brazilian Pepper), and Casuarina spp. (Australian Pine), Capaniopsis
anacardioides (Carrotwood), Melia azedarach (Chinaberry), Sapium Sebiferum
(Chinese Tallow).

Protective Barrier: A physical structure limiting access to a protected area.

Protected Tree: Any self-supporting live woody plant of at least four and one half
(4½) inches in diameter measured at DBH (which is approximately equivalent to a
circumference of at least 14 1/4 inches), either a dicotyledon or monocotyledon of a
species which has a main stem or cluster of main stems and commonly exceeding ten
(10') feet in height and having an average mature spread or crown of greater than
fifteen (15') feet. Any tree planted to satisfy a requirement of any portion of this
Code. All species of Red Mangrove, White Mangrove and Black Mangrove and
Buttonwood Mangrove are classified as trees. Typical palms are included in this
definition such as: Saw Cabbage Palm, Queen Palm, Pindo Palm, Reclinata Palm,
Date Palm, Coconut Palm, Washingtonia Palm and Royal Palm. Sabal Palmetto
(Cabbage Palm) with greater than eight (8') feet clear trunk and Serenoa reopens (Saw
Palmetto) with at least four (4') feet of clear trunk above the ground are classified as
trees.

Removal: The relocation, removal, cutting down, poisoning, topping, lolly popping,
damaging or any other action that causes irreparable injury to a protected tree.
II D2 -74
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction

Replacement Tree Fund: A fund serving as the repository for the minimum fees
paid by applicants for tree removal permits who are required by Sec. VII-323 of this
Code to pay a minimum fee to the City when a replacement tree cannot be planted.

Topping Or Lolly Popping: Indiscriminate pruning of a tree regardless of branch
structure. Often circular to head back natural growth of a tree. Results in poor,
potentially hazardous branch structure and abnormal growth.

Transplant: The relocation by a person of a tree from one location on real property
to another location on real property.”
Truck stop: An establishment where the principal use is the refueling and servicing of trucks
and tractor-trailer rigs. Such establishments may have restaurants or snack bars and
sleeping accommodations for the drivers of such over-the-road equipment and may
provide facilities for the repair and maintenance of such equipment.
Truck terminal: An area and building where trucks load and unload cargo and freight and
where the cargo and freight may be broken down or aggregated into smaller or larger
loads for transfer to other vehicles or modes of transportation.
Upland walkway: A structure landward of mean high water that connects a dock to uplands.
Use: The purpose for which land or water or a structure thereon is designed, arranged or
intended to be occupied or utilized or for which it is occupied or maintained.
Use, principal: See Primary Use.
Utilities: Distribution or service connection facilities and appurtenances thereto, for gas,
electricity, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, communications, heating, fuel, cable
television and other similar consumable public commodities or services.
Vacant structure: A structure not currently occupied, or a structure to which water service has
been disconnected for a period of time exceeding sixty (60) days.
Variance: A grant of relief by the Board of Adjustment or City Commission from the
requirements of the Zoning Code (except the Downtown Zone Districts found in Article
VI, Division 10) which permits development in a manner otherwise prohibited, subject to
the standards set forth in Section IV-605.
Variety retail: See Retail Structure Types.
II D2 -75
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Vehicle Related Definitions.
Primary purpose means foremost intention.

Vehicle: A device or structure, self-propelled or towed, by which persons or property
may be transported, propelled, moved or drawn, except by human power.

Vehicle Areas: All areas on a zoning lot where vehicles may circulate or park
including parking areas, driveways, drive-through lanes and loading areas. See
also Driveway, Garage (Private and Public), Parking Area, Parking Lot or
Garage (commercial), Parking Space, Structured Parking and Surface
Parking.

Vehicle Weight: The actual scale weight in pounds of a commercial vehicle or a
commercial trailer with complete catalog equipment.
The Director of
Neighborhood and Development Services may utilize the vehicle’s registration,
the National Automobile Dealers Association Official Used Car Guide
("N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide") or a similar source commonly accepted in
the automobile industry to determine vehicle weight. In the event of a conflict
between any of these sources, the greater vehicle weight shall be utilized.
Vehicle Types:

Advertising vehicle: A vehicle that displays a sign identifying or communicating a
commercial or noncommercial message related to an activity conducted, a service
rendered or a commodity sold at a location other than where the vehicle is parked.

Bus: Any public conveyance, running on fixed routes and stopping at designated bus
stops in the city to take on or discharge passengers desiring transportation.

For-hire vehicle: Any vehicle rented with a driver which is provided with seating
accommodations for not less than four (4) passengers, in addition to the driver,
which is not equipped with a taxi meter, and the charge for the use of which is
determined by the length of time for which the motor vehicle is engaged.

Motor vehicle: A vehicle which is self-propelled or designed to be self-propelled, in
or upon which one or more persons or goods may be transported, except on rails,
such as automobiles, trucks, vans, motorcycles, buses, all-terrain vehicles, etc.
See also Passenger Vehicle, Recreational Vehicle, and Truck.

Recreational Vehicle: A vehicle with or without motor power, which is designed for
sport or recreational use, or which is designed for human occupancy on an
intermittent basis. Recreational vehicles are divided into three categories: motor
homes, boats, and accessory recreational vehicles.

Accessory Recreational Vehicle: Non-motorized recreational vehicles
II D2 -76
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
designed for human occupancy on an intermittent basis, such as vacation
trailers and fifth-wheel trailers. A camper is considered an accessory
recreational vehicle when it is standing alone. Accessory recreational
vehicle also includes vehicles designed for off-road use, such as all-terrain
vehicles, dune buggies and recreational boats.


Motor home: Motorized recreational vehicles designed for human occupancy
on an intermittent basis.
Recreational Vehicle (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division
4.):
Means a vehicle which is:
(a) built on a single chassis;
(b) 400 square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal
projection;
(c) designed to be self-propelled or permanently towable by a light duty
truck; and
(d) designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling but as
temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel or seasonal use.

Sightseeing vehicle: Any motor vehicle with seating accommodations for seven (7)
or more persons in addition to the driver which is used on regularly conducted
sightseeing trips to destinations and over routes not controlled by the passenger or
passengers transported therein.

Trailer, commercial: Any vehicle without motor power, designed to be drawn by a
motor vehicle and used for carrying equipment, tools, products, materials, or other
cargo used in connection with a commercial business or enterprise. This
definition does not include recreational or recreational accessory vehicles.

Vehicle, commercial: Any vehicle that has one or more of the following
characteristics:
a)
Signage of a commercial, charitable, religious, or governmental
nature. Such signs shall not include bumper stickers, decorative
license plates or dealer stickers.
b)
Attached or visible equipment or tools, whether or not the vehicle,
equipment or tools are covered with a tarpaulin or any opaque or
translucent covering.
II D2 -77
Unofficial Zoning Code
City of Sarasota
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
c)

Special purpose configurations, such as flat beds, refrigeration
equipment, hydraulic lifts, loading ramps or other specially
designed commercial systems.
Wrecker: Includes all of the following types of wreckers: Class "A" wrecker as
defined in 15B-9.005(7)(b), or (c), Florida Administrative Code, as amended;
Class "B" wrecker, as defined in 15B-9.005(7)(d), Florida Administrative Code,
as amended; or Class "C" wrecker, as defined in 15B-9.005(7)(e), Florida
Administrative Code, as amended."
Vessel: Synonymous with the definition of vessel found in Section 327.02(39), Florida Statutes,
includes every description of watercraft, barge and air boat, other than a seaplane on the water,
used or capable of being used as means of transportation on water.
Veterinary clinic: A facility where animals are given medical care and the boarding of animals
is limited to short-term care incidental to the hospital use.
Video, movie retail store (non-adult): Establishment primarily engaged in the retail rental or
lease of videotapes, films, CD-ROMS, laser discs, electronic games, cassettes or other
electronic media. Sales of film, videotapes, laser discs, CD-ROMS and electronic
merchandise associated with VCRs, video cameras and electronic games are permitted
accessory uses.
View corridor: A three-dimensional area extending out from a viewpoint. The width of the view
corridor depends on the focus of the view. The focus of the view may be a single object,
such as an historic building or object d’art, which would result in a narrow corridor, or a
group of objects, such as a downtown skyline, which would result in a wide corridor.
Panoramic views have very wide corridors and may include a 360-degree perspective.
Although the view corridor extends from the viewpoint to the focus of the view, the
mapped portion of the corridor extends from the viewpoint and is based on the area
where base zone heights must be limited in order to protect the view.
Violation (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.):The failure of a
structure or other development to be fully compliant with the City of Sarasota’s flood
plain management regulations. A structure or other development without the elevation
certificate, other certifications, or other evidence of compliance required in Section VII407, is presumed to be in violation until such time as that documentation is provided.
Vocational, business, and trade school: A non-college degree-granting school providing
specialized vocational education courses; offices and classroom facilities are permitted by
right; however, laboratory or other specialized training facilities are required to be
located, and permitted in accordance with restrictions, in zoning districts in which the
underlying activities may be conducted. See also College and School.
Warehousing: An operation from a structure, or part of a structure, for storing goods, wares,
commodities and merchandise, whether for the owner thereof or for others, and whether
II D2 -78
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
it is a public or private warehousing operation, but excluding mini-warehouse self-storage
centers.
Watercraft: Any boat, motorboat, sailboat, vessel, houseboat, barge, floating structure, floating
home or any contrivance of any nature whatsoever which is waterborne and is capable of
moving under its own mechanical power or by sail.
Waterfront zoning lot: See Zoning Lot.
Water surface elevation (for areas of Special Flood Hazard, Article VII, Division 4.): The
height, in relation to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum (NGVD) of 1929, (or other
datum, where specified) of floods of various magnitudes and frequencies in the flood
plains of coastal or riverine areas.
Wet marine slip: A space designed for the mooring of a single watercraft in water. Such
spaces may extend from a dock or pier, however, any piers authorized for fishing or observation
are not considered wet slips.
Wholesaling: The business of selling merchandise to retailers, to industrial, commercial,
institutional, or professional business users, or to other wholesalers.
Yard, special: A yard behind any required yard adjacent to a public street, required to perform
the same functions as a side or rear yard, but adjacent to a zoning lot line and so placed or
oriented that neither the term “side yard” nor the term “rear yard” clearly applies.
Zoning Lot: An area of land under one ownership of at least sufficient size to meet minimum
zoning requirements for use, coverage and
area and to provide such yards and other
open spaces as are required by this Zoning
Code, as well as certain nonconforming
lots of record exempted by Article V of
this Zoning Code. Such zoning lots shall
have frontage on a public street or on an
approved private street as set out in
Section VI-102(L) of this Zoning Code,
and may consist of any of the following:

A single lot of record,

A portion of a lot of record,

A combination of complete lots of record or complete lots of record and portions of
lots of record or of portions of lots of record,

A parcel of land described by metes and bounds;
II D2 -79
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Provided that in no case of division, boundary adjustment, or consolidation shall any
residual area of land be created which does not meet the requirements of this Zoning
Code. The grant of an interest, for security or other purposes, in real property for less
than an entire zoning lot, or the foreclosure or sale of such interest, shall not be
deemed to create a legal zoning lot unless properly approved in accordance with this
Code and the City Subdivision Code.

Corner Zoning Lot: A zoning lot
that has frontage on more than one
intersecting street. A street that curves
with angles that are 135 degrees or
less is considered two intersecting
streets for the purpose of evaluating
whether a zoning lot is a corner
zoning lot.

Flag Zoning Lot: A zoning lot located behind another zoning lot that has normal
street frontage. A flag zoning lot includes
a strip of land that goes out to the street
and is generally used for an access drive.
There are two distinct parts to a flag
zoning lot; the flag that comprises the
actual building site located behind
another zoning lot, and the pole that
provides access from the street to the
flag. A flag zoning lot usually results
from the subdivision of a large zoning lot
with the required area and depth for two
zoning lots, but that has insufficient
width to locate both zoning lots on the
street frontage. See Illustration.

Interior Zoning Lot: A zoning lot other than a corner zoning lot with only one (1)
frontage on a street.

Through Zoning Lot: A zoning lot that has frontage on two parallel or
approximately parallel streets.

Waterfront Zoning Lot: A zoning lot that borders upon a navigable body of water.
II D2 -80
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Zoning Lot Lines: A line defining the ownership boundary of a zoning lot.

Front Zoning Lot Line: A zoning lot line that
abuts a street. However, flag lots are defined
differently. See Flag Zoning Lot.

Rear Zoning Lot Line: A zoning lot line that
is opposite a front zoning lot line. A triangular
zoning lot has two side zoning lot lines but no
rear zoning lot line. For other irregularly
shaped zoning lots, the rear zoning lot line is
all zoning lot lines that are most nearly
opposite the front zoning lot line.

Side Zoning Lot Line: A zoning lot line that
is neither a front zoning lot line or a rear
zoning lot line.
II D2 -81
City of Sarasota
Unofficial Zoning Code
2002 Edition
ARTICLE II: Definitions and Rules of Construction
Zoning Lot Width. The average distance between straight lines connecting the front and rear
zoning lot lines at each side of the zoning lot, measured as straight lines between the
foremost points of the side zoning lot lines in front, where they intersect with the street
line, and the rearmost points of the side zoning lot lines in the rear; provided that the
width between the side zoning lot lines at their foremost points in the front shall not be
less than eighty (80) percent of the required zoning lot width except in the case of zoning
lots on the turning circle of a cul-de-sac, where the width shall not be less than sixty (60)
percent of the required zoning lot width.
(Ord. No. 03-4429, Sec. 2, 1-21-03; Ord. No. 03-4422, Sec. 1, 3-03-03; Ord. No. 03-4471, Sec. 2, 6-1603; Ord. No. 02-4379; Sec. 2, 4-21-03; Ord. No. 02-4401, Sec. 2, 8-4-03; Ord. No. 04-4513; Sec. 2, 1-2004; Ord. No. 04-4358, Sec. 2, 6-7-04; Ord. No. 04-4547, Sec. 9, 6-7-04; Ord. No. 04-4531, Sec 3, 6-7-04;
Ord. No. 04-4573, Sec. 15, 6-20-05; Ord. No. 06-4663, 3-20-06; Ord. No. 06-4862, 7-26-06; Ord. No. 074720, Sec. 2, 5-21-07; Ord. No. 07-4770, 12-17-07; Ord. No. 09-4838, 2-17-09; Ord. No. 09-4888, 11-209; Ord. No. 10-4927, 2-22-11)
II D2 -82