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City of St. Francis, WI
Milwaukee County
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth herein:
ACCESSORY BUILDING
A building or portion of a building subordinate to the main building and used for a purpose customarily incidental to the permitted use of the main building or the use of the premises. When an accessory building is a part of the main building or is substantially attached thereto, the side yard and rear yard requirements of the main building shall apply to the accessory building.
ADULT FAMILY HOME
As defined under § 50.01(1), Wis. Stats., means one of the following:
A. 
A private residence to which all of the following apply:
(1) 
Care and maintenance above the level of room and board but not including nursing care are provided in the private residence by the care provider whose primary domicile is this residence for three or four adults, or more adults if all of the adults are siblings, each of whom has a developmental disability, as defined in § 51.01(5), Wis. Stats., or, if the residence is licensed as a foster home, care and maintenance are provided to children, the combined total of adults and children so served being no more than four, or more adults or children if all of the adults or all of the children are siblings, or, if the residence is licensed as a treatment foster home, care and maintenance are provided to children, the combined total of adults and children so served being no more than four.
(2) 
The private residence was licensed under § 48.62, Wis. Stats., as a foster home or treatment foster home for the care of the adults specified in Subsection A(1) at least 12 months before any of the adults attained 18 years of age.
B. 
A place where three or four adults who are not related to the operator reside and receive care, treatment or services that are above the level of room and board and that may include up to seven hours per week of nursing care per resident.
AIRPORT
Any airport which complies with the definition contained in § 114.002(7), Wis. Stats., or any airport which serves or offers to serve common carriers engaged in air transport.
ALLEY
A way which affords only secondary access to abutting property.
ALTERNATIVE TOWER STRUCTURE
Clock towers, water towers, buildings, signs, electric transmission and distribution structures, bell steeples, light poles and similar mounting structures that camouflage or conceal the presence of antennas.
AMBULANCE SERVICE
A privately owned facility for the dispatch, storage and maintenance of emergency medical care vehicles.
ANIMAL BOARDING FACILITY
An establishment in which more than three dogs or three cats, or any combination thereof, over the age of five months may be kept for boarding, breeding, safekeeping, convalescence, humane disposal, placement, sale or sporting purposes.
ANIMAL GROOMING OR TRAINING FACILITY
An establishment providing bathing, trimming or training services for domestic animals on a commercial basis. This term includes the boarding of domestic animals for a maximum period of 48 hours incidental to the grooming or training services provided.
ANIMAL HOSPITAL/CLINIC
An establishment providing medical and surgical treatment of domestic animals, including grooming and boarding for not more than 30 days if incidental to the medical care. This term also includes an animal crematorium.
ANTENNA
Any exterior transmitting or receiving device mounted on a tower, building or structure and used in communications that radiate or capture electromagnetic waves, digital signals, analog signals, radio frequencies (excluding radar signals), wireless telecommunications signals or other communication signals.
ANTENNA ARRAY
The grouping of antennas that encompasses both the transmitters and receivers of the telecommunications provider.
ANTENNA SUPPORT STRUCTURE
A structure which is attached to an alternative tower structure and which is designed to support an antenna at a height sufficient to permit effective receipt or transmission of wireless communications.
APARTMENT
A portion of a residential building used as a separate housekeeping unit.
ARTIST STUDIO
Indoor work space for one or more artists or artisans, including the indoor accessory sale of art produced on the premises.
ASSEMBLY HALL
A for-profit establishment providing meeting space for social gatherings, including but not limited to wedding receptions, graduation parties and business or retirement functions. This term includes, but is not limited to, a banquet hall, a rental hall, or a social club. This term does not include a convention center.
AUTOMOBILE WRECKING YARD
Any premises on which more than one automotive vehicle not in running order or operating condition is stored in the open.
BACKHAUL NETWORK
The lines that connect a provider's towers/cell sites to one or more cellular telephone switching offices and/or long-distance providers or the public switched telephone network.
BANK OR OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
An establishment providing retail banking, credit and mortgage services. This term does not include a currency exchange, a payday loan agency or a title loan agency.
BASEMENT
A story partly below the ground level which, if occupied for living purposes, shall be counted as a story for the purposes of height measurement.
BED-AND-BREAKFAST
An establishment which:
A. 
Provides four or fewer rooms for rent for short periods of time.
B. 
Provides meals only to renters of rooms in the establishment.
C. 
Is the operator's personal residence.
D. 
Is occupied by the operator at the time of rental.
BOATS
Boats capable of carrying passengers.
BOAT TRAILERS
Includes the normal type of equipment necessary to transport boats on the highway.
BROADCASTING OR RECORDING STUDIO
An establishment containing one or more broadcasting studios for over-the-air, cable or satellite delivery of radio or television programs, or studios for the audio or video recording or filming of musical performances, radio or television programs or motion pictures. This term does not include a transmission tower.
BUILDING
A structure having a roof and intended for the shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels.
BUILDING, ALTERATION OF
Any change or rearrangement of the supporting members (such as bearing walls, beams, columns or girders) of a building, an addition to a building, or movement of a building from one location to another.
BUILDING, FRONT LINE OF
A line parallel to the street intersecting the foremost point of the building, excluding uncovered steps.
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SERVICE
An establishment providing routine maintenance of buildings. This term includes, but is not limited to, a window washing, building cleaning, pest extermination or disinfecting service.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL
A building in which is conducted the main use of the lot on which the building is located.
BUSINESS
Includes the commercial, shopping and industrial uses and districts as defined herein.
BUSINESS SERVICE
An establishment providing services to business establishments on a fee or contract basis, including but not limited to advertising services, business equipment and furniture sales or rental or protective services. This term includes, but is not limited to, an employment agency, photocopy center, commercial photography studio or mailing service. This term does not include maintenance, repair and office uses, such as accounting, advertising, architectural design, city planning, environmental analysis, insurance, interior design, investment, landscape design, law, management consulting, title research and real estate.
CAMPING TRAILER
A portable structure, mounted on wheels, which is collapsible for folding compactly and designed as temporary living quarters for travel, recreation, camping and vacationing.
CARPORT
See "garage, private."
CAR WASH
An establishment providing washing, waxing or cleaning of light motor vehicles, including access and queuing lanes.
CATERING SERVICE
An establishment providing the processing, assembly and packaging of food into servings for consumption off premises without provision for on-site pickup or consumption. This term includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of meals by a catering business or by a nonprofit organization operating a meal program.
CELLAR
A story having more than 1/2 of its height below the mean level of the adjoining ground. A cellar shall not be occupied for living purposes and shall not be counted as a story for the purposes of height measurement.
CEMETERY OR OTHER PLACE OF INTERMENT
A place for the interment of the dead. This term includes a columbarium or mausoleum but does not include a crematorium or mortuary.
CLUBS AND LODGES
A nonprofit association of persons who are bona fide members paying annual dues which owns, hires or leases a building or portion thereof, the use of such premises being restricted to members and their guests. It shall be permissible to serve food and meals on such premises provided that adequate dining room space and kitchen facilities are available. Where properly licensed under existing City ordinance, the consumption of intoxicating beverages by members of such club or lodge or their guests may be permitted.
COLLEGE
An educational institution authorized by the state to award baccalaureate or higher degrees or any campus of the state vocational, technical and adult education system. This term includes any classroom, laboratory, sporting facility or office associated with such institution. This term does not include a dormitory.
COLLOCATION
The provision of multiple antennas of more than one commercial wireless communication service provider or government entity on a single tower or structure.
COMMUNITY CENTER
A building or group of buildings operated by a public or nonprofit group or agency and used for recreational, social, educational or cultural activities.
COMMUNITY LIVING ARRANGEMENT
As defined under § 46.03(22)(a), Wis. Stats., any of the following facilities licensed or operated or permitted under the authority of the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services: residential care centers for children and youth, as defined in § 48.02(15d), Wis. Stats., operated by child welfare agencies licensed under § 48.60, Wis. Stats., group homes for children, as defined in § 48.02(7), Wis. Stats., and community-based residential facilities, as defined in § 50.01(lg), Wis. Stats., but does not include adult family homes, as defined in § 50.01(1), Wis. Stats., day-care centers, nursing homes, general hospitals, special hospitals, prisons, and jails.
CONFORMING USE
Any lawful use of a building or lot which complies with the provisions of this chapter.
CONTRACTOR'S SHOP
An establishment used for the indoor repair, maintenance or storage of a contractor's vehicles, equipment or materials and may include the contractor's business office.
CONTRACTOR'S YARD
An establishment used for the outdoor repair, maintenance or storage of a contractor's vehicles, equipment or materials.
CONVENTION AND EXPOSITION CENTER
A commercial facility used for assemblies or meetings of the members or representatives of groups, including exhibition space. This term does not include banquet halls, clubs, lodges or other meeting facilities of private or nonprofit groups that are primarily used by group members.
CONVENT, RECTORY or MONASTERY
A building used to house the staff of a church or members of a religious order.
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
A correctional institution established under § 301.13, Wis. Stats., or a state prison established under Ch. 302, Wis. Stats.
COURT
An open unoccupied space other than a yard on the same lot with a building and which is bounded on two or more sides by the building.
CULTURAL INSTITUTION
A nonprofit institution that displays or preserves objects of interest to the arts or sciences. This term includes, but is not limited to, a museum, art gallery, aquarium or planetarium.
CURB CUT
An interruption or break in the line of a street curb in order to connect a driveway to a street or otherwise to provide vehicular access to abutting property.
CURB LEVEL
The level of the established curb in front of the building measured at the center of such front. Where no curb has been established, the City Engineer shall authorize and approve the establishment of such curb or its equivalent for the purposes of this chapter.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
In accordance with § 218.05, Wis. Stats., any person except banks incorporated under the laws of this state and national banks organized pursuant to the laws of the United States and any credit union operating under Ch. 186, Wis. Stats., which obtains a certificate of authority from the Wisconsin Commissioner of Credit Unions engaged in the business of and providing facilities for cashing checks, drafts, money orders and all other evidences of money acceptable to such community currency exchange for a fee, service charge or other consideration. This term does not include any person engaged in the business of transporting for hire bullion, currency, securities, negotiable or nonnegotiable documents, jewels or other property of great monetary value nor any person engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property at retail nor any person licensed to practice a profession or licensed to engage in any business in this state who, in the course of such business or profession and as an incident thereto, cashes checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of money.
DAY-CARE CENTER
An establishment in which the operator is provided with compensation in return for providing one or more individuals with care for less than 24 hours at a time. The term includes, but is not limited to, a day nursery, nursery school, adult day-care center or other supplemental care facility. This term does not include a family day-care home.
DERELICTS
Any recreational equipment no longer capable of the use intended or requiring repairs over and above ordinary maintenance.
DONATION BOX
An outdoor box or repository where clothing and other donated items intended for reuse may be left for collection at a later time.
DORMITORY
A building used as group living quarters for students associated with a college, university, boarding school, orphanage or similar institution.
DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITY
A facility which is used for dispensing services or products to customers in motor vehicles. Such facility may include access lanes, signing, lighting and audio systems. This term does not include a drive-in theater.
DRY CLEANING, PROCESSING
Any establishment which dry cleans articles on the premises.
DWELLING, MULTIPLE
A building or portion thereof used or designated as a residence for three or more families as separate housekeeping units, including apartments, apartment hotels, tenement houses, row houses or group houses.[1]
EMERGENCY RESIDENTIAL SHELTER
A facility, other than a community living arrangement, managed by a public or nonprofit agency that provides short-term housing and a protective sanctuary for victims of fire, natural disaster, economic hardship, crime, abuse or neglect, including emergency housing during crisis intervention for victims of rape, child abuse or physical beatings which contains individual sleeping rooms and may or may not have food preparation facilities and private shower or bath facilities.
ENTERTAINMENT ESTABLISHMENT, ADULT
An establishment providing nude dancing or other live or recorded performances that depict, describe or relate to specified sexual activities: human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral copulation or sodomy; or fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals (pubic region), buttocks or female breasts.
FAA
Federal Aviation Administration.
FAMILY
One or more persons occupying a premises and living as a single housekeeping unit, as distinguished from a group occupying a boardinghouse, lodging house or hotel. Not more than two persons, not necessarily related by blood or marriage to the head of the family, who are domiciled with the family as roomers may be considered as members of the family for the purposes of this chapter.
FAMILY DAY-CARE HOME
A dwelling licensed as a day-care center by the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services under § 48.65, Wis. Stats., where care is provided for not more than eight children [from § 66.1017(1)(a), Wis. Stats.].
FAMILY SHELTER CARE FACILITY
A nonsecure place of temporary care and physical custody for children, including a holdover room, licensed by the State of Wisconsin under § 48.66(1)(a), Wis. Stats., which houses not more than four children.
FCC
Federal Communications Commission.
FLOOR AREA
The sum of the gross horizontal area of the several floors of a dwelling unit, exclusive of porches, balconies, garages, basements and cellars, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center line of walls or partitions separating dwelling units. For uses other than residential, the floor area shall be measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls, or the center line of walls or partitions separating such uses, and shall include all floors, lofts, balconies, mezzanines, cellars, basements and similar areas devoted to such uses.
FOSTER HOME
Any facility that is operated by a person required to be licensed by § 48.62(1)(a), Wis. Stats., and that provides care and maintenance for no more than four children or, if necessary to enable a sibling group to remain together, for no more than six children or, if the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services promulgates rules permitting a different number of children, for the number of children permitted under those rules [from § 48.02(6), Wis. Stats.].
FRATERNITY
A building used as group living quarters for members of a general or local chapter of a regularly organized college fraternity.
FRONTAGE
All the property abutting on one side of a street between two intersecting streets or all of the property abutting on one side of a street between an intersecting street and the dead end of a street, measured along the street line.
FUNERAL HOME
An establishment providing services involving the care, preparation or disposition of human dead. This term includes, but is not limited to, a crematorium or a mortuary.
FURNITURE AND APPLIANCE RENTAL AND LEASING
An establishment providing the rental or leasing of furniture, electronics, small appliances, major appliances or other household items. This term includes incidental storage and maintenance of such items.
GAMING FACILITY
A commercial facility where patrons wager money on the outcome of a game, including but not limited to a card game or a slot machine.
GARAGE, PRIVATE
Any accessory building or portion of a main building designed or used for the storage of motor-driven vehicles belonging to the owner or occupant of the principal building.
GARAGE, PUBLIC
A building other than a private or storage garage used for the care, repair or storage of self-propelled vehicles or where such vehicles are left for remuneration, hire or sale.
GARAGE, STORAGE
Any building or premises used for the storage of only motor-driven vehicles, pursuant to previous arrangements and not to transients, and where no equipment, parts, fuel, grease or oil is sold and vehicles are not equipped, serviced, repaired, hired or sold. No commercial vehicles exceeding two-ton capacity shall be stored in any storage garage.
GARDEN SUPPLY OR LANDSCAPING CENTER
An establishment providing the retail sale of plants and the sale or rental of garden and landscape materials and equipment. This term includes outdoor storage of plants, materials or equipment.
GAS STATION/CONVENIENCE STORE
An establishment providing retail sale of fuel for motor vehicles, but not motor vehicle maintenance or repair work on the premises. This term includes accessory retail sales, commonly referred to as a "convenience store," but does not include a fast-food restaurant.
GAZEBO/SCREEN HOUSE
A freestanding open air accessory structure, which may be enclosed with screening, intended to be used for outdoor recreational use only and not for habitation.
GROUND TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
An establishment providing the storage, maintenance or dispatching of:
A. 
Public passenger vehicles.
B. 
Vehicles licensed or otherwise regulated as human service vehicles by the State of Wisconsin and used for the transportation of elderly or handicapped persons.
C. 
School buses, as described in § 341.26(2)(d) and (dm), Wis. Stats.
D. 
Tow trucks, as defined in § 340.01(67n), Wis. Stats.
HEALTH CLINIC
A group of associated offices for seven or more physical or mental health care professionals who provide specialized diagnostic, testing, physical therapy or treatment services, including clerical and administrative services, to persons for periods of less than 24 hours. This term does not include a medical office, medical service facility or hospital.
HEALTH CLUB
An establishment for the conduct of indoor sports and exercise activities, along with related locker and shower rooms, offices and classrooms, where use of such establishment is offered on a membership basis.
HEIGHT, BUILDING
The vertical distance from the mean elevation of the finished grade along the front of the building to the highest point of a flat roof, or the deckline of a mansard roof, or to the mean height between eaves and ridge for gable, hip or gambrel roofs.
HEIGHT, TOWER OR OTHER STRUCTURE
When referring to a tower or other structure, the distance measured from finished grade to the highest point on the tower or other structure or antenna support structure height, including the base pad and any building or structure upon which the tower or other structure is located.
HELICOPTER LANDING FACILITY
A facility used for the takeoff and landing of helicopters, including but not limited to any heliport, helipad or helistop. Accessory features such as hangars, parking pads, terminals and service areas are also part of such a facility.
HOME IMPROVEMENT CENTER
An establishment providing the sale or rental of building supplies, construction equipment or home decorating fixtures and accessories. This term includes a lumberyard or a contractor's building supply business and may include outdoor storage or tool and equipment sales or rental. This term does not include an establishment devoted exclusively to retail sales of paint, wallpaper or hardware or activities classified under vehicle/equipment sales and services, including vehicle towing services.
HOME OCCUPATION
A gainful occupation conducted by members of the family only within their place of residence, in accordance with the provisions of § 455-44C.
HOSPITAL
A state-licensed institution providing primary health services and medical, psychiatric, or surgical care to persons, primarily inpatients, suffering from illness, disease, injury, deformity and other physical or mental conditions, and, as an integral part of the institution, related accessory uses or facilities, including but not limited to laboratories, central service facilities for inpatient or outpatient treatment, as well as training, research and administrative services for patients and employees. Also included are health services and care, and services and functions which support health services and care, which are shared with other hospitals or other health care providers.
HOTEL
An establishment in which at least five rooms or units or at least 70% of the accommodations, whichever is greater, are regularly used or available for occupancy for periods of less than 30 days or are available for more than 30 days but are not the primary residences of the occupants. This classification includes, but is not limited to, a motor lodge, motel or extended stay hotel.
HOUSE TRAILER
A non-self-propelled vehicle containing living or sleeping accommodations which is designed and used for highway travel.
IMPROVED SURFACE
Adequately maintained and vegetation-free concrete, asphalt, block or decorative stone or gravel at least six inches in depth.
JET SKI
A motorized unit other than a boat capable of transporting persons or cargo on water.
JUNKYARD
An open space where waste, used or secondhand materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled or handled, including but not limited to scrap iron and other metals, paper, rags, rubber, tires and bottles. "Junkyard" also includes an auto wrecking yard but does not include uses established entirely within enclosed buildings.
LARGE GROUP SHELTER CARE FACILITY
A nonsecure place of temporary care and physical custody for children, including a holdover room, licensed by the State of Wisconsin under § 48.66(1)(a), Wis. Stats., which houses at least nine but not more than 20 children.
LAUNDROMAT AND/OR DRY CLEANING DROPOFF/PICKUP
An establishment providing washing and/or drying machines on the premises for rental use to the general public for laundering purposes.
LIBRARY
A public, nonprofit facility in which literary, musical, artistic or reference materials, such as, but not limited to, books, manuscripts, computers, recordings or films, are kept for use by or loaning to patrons of the facility but are not normally offered for sale except on an incidental basis.
LODGING HOUSE
A building other than a hotel where lodging is provided for compensation for five or more persons not members of the family.
LOT
A parcel of land occupied or to be occupied by one main building or use with its accessories and including the open spaces accessory to it. No area shall be counted as accessory to more than one main building or use and no area necessary for compliance with the open space requirements for one main building or use shall be included or counted in the calculation of the open space accessory to any other main building or use. Also, see § 455-15 for special provisions for adjoining lots in common ownership.
LOT, CORNER
A lot abutting on two or more streets at their intersection, provided that the interior angle of such intersection is less than 135°.
LOT, DEPTH OF
The mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.
LOT, INTERIOR
A lot other than a corner lot.
LOT LINES
The lines bounding a lot as defined herein.
LOT OF RECORD
A lot which is a part of a land subdivision plat or certified survey map conforming to the requirements of Ch. 236, Wis. Stats., or an assessor's plat conforming to the requirements of § 70.27, Wis. Stats., which plat or map has been recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds in Milwaukee County.
LOT, REVERSED CORNER
A corner lot which does not front on the same street with the interior lots in the same side, as distinguished from the same end, of the block.
LOT, THROUGH
An interior lot having frontage on two streets.
LOT WIDTH
The minimum horizontal distance between the lot lines at the minimum building setback line.
MANUFACTURING, HEAVY
An establishment engaged in manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, packaging or other industrial processing of products primarily from extracted or raw materials or the bulk storage and handling of such products and materials, where such activity involves the use or production of explosives, highly flammable liquids or gases, or toxic or hazardous materials or produces toxic, hazardous or noxious odors, fumes or dust.
MANUFACTURING, LIGHT
An establishment engaged in the indoor manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, packaging or other industrial processing of finished parts or products, primarily from previously prepared materials, or the indoor provision of industrial services, where there are few external effects across property lines. This term includes, but is not limited to, a business engaged in the processing, fabrication, assembly, treatment or packaging of food, textile, leather, wood, paper, chemical, plastic or metal products but does not include basic industrial processing from raw materials.
MANUFACTURING, MEDIUM
An establishment engaged in manufacturing, assembly, fabrication, packaging or other industrial processing of products primarily from extracted or raw materials, or the bulk storage and handling of such products and materials, or an industrial establishment having potential to produce noise, dust, glare, odors or vibration beyond its property line.
MARINA
A facility providing mooring of recreational boats in water, or piers, anchorage areas, launching facilities, boat storage areas or boat sales and service. This term does not include a ship terminal or docking facility or a passenger terminal.
MATERIAL RECLAMATION FACILITY
An establishment engaged in processing and wholesaling scrap from automobiles, concrete, asphalt or industrial or other nonconsumer recyclable materials. This term includes, but is not limited to, an auto wrecker primarily engaged in dismantling motor vehicles for the purpose of wholesaling scrap.
MECHANICAL AND HOUSEHOLD MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICE
An establishment providing mechanical or electronic repair or maintenance, such as, but not limited to, welding repair, small engine repair (including lawn mower, boat, and snowblower engines), tool sharpening, repair of small appliances, refrigeration and air-conditioning repair, clock and jewelry repair, furniture repair, radio and television repair, computer repair and copier repair, but excluding automotive services and repair.
MEDICAL OFFICE
An establishment providing diagnostic and outpatient medical care on a routine basis but which is unable to provide prolonged inpatient medical or surgical care. Such facility may be staffed by up to six doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists, optometrists, chiropractors, physical therapists or similar practitioners licensed for practice by the state. This term includes a medical or dental laboratory incidental to the medical office use. See also "health clinic."
MEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An establishment providing medical or dental laboratory services or photographic, analytical or testing services for medical or medical research purposes. This term does not include a research and development facility that primarily serves an educational or industrial establishment and does not permit the housing of or use of live animals.
MEDICAL SERVICE FACILITY
An establishment operated such that physicians are present during less than 50% of normal business hours and which provides medical services for the specialized diagnosis, testing and treatment of alcoholism, chemical substance abuse, mental illness or sexually transmitted diseases to persons for periods of less than 24 hours. This term includes, but is not limited to, a facility offering methadone treatment programs, a prison parole or probation drug treatment distribution center, or a facility where components of human blood are removed and purchased for use in research or the manufacture of consumer or industrial products.
MIXED-WASTE PROCESSING FACILITY
An establishment engaged in the processing, separating and sorting of recyclable materials from nonhazardous waste streams or from commingled consumer recyclable materials, such as paper, plastics, beverage cans or household metals.
MOTOR HOME
A portable dwelling designed and constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle.
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY SHOP, HEAVY
An establishment providing the repair or rebuilding of heavy motor vehicle bodies by the replacement, smoothing, sanding or painting of the exterior surfaces of such vehicles within an enclosed building.
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY SHOP, LIGHT
An establishment providing the repair or rebuilding of light motor vehicle bodies by the replacement, smoothing, sanding or painting of the exterior surfaces of such vehicles within an enclosed building.
MOTOR VEHICLE, HEAVY
Any construction or agricultural equipment, van used for commercial purposes, truck used for commercial purposes or having a cargo capacity of more than 1.5 tons, boat exceeding 20 feet in length or recreational vehicle exceeding three tons in weight, 20 feet in length or having more than six wheels.
MOTOR VEHICLE, LIGHT
Any motor vehicle used primarily for recreational or personal purposes, including but not limited to an automobile, van, sports-utility vehicle, truck with a cargo capacity of 1.5 tons or less, motorcycle, boat not exceeding 20 feet in length or recreational vehicle not exceeding three tons in weight, 20 feet in length or having more than six wheels.
MOTOR VEHICLE LIMITED WHOLESALE FACILITY, LIGHT
An office for wholesale trade in light motor vehicles where no more than three vehicles to be sold are stored on the premises.
MOTOR VEHICLE OUTDOOR STORAGE, HEAVY
The outdoor storage of operable heavy motor vehicles for more than 48 hours. This term does not include a surface parking lot, material reclamation facility, or outdoor salvage operation.
MOTOR VEHICLE OUTDOOR STORAGE, LIGHT
The outdoor storage of operable light motor vehicles for more than 48 hours. This term does not include a material reclamation facility or outdoor salvage operation.
MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING LOT, HEAVY (ACCESSORY USE)
Surface parking spaces for five or more heavy motor vehicles, along with adjacent access drives and aisles, where the parking spaces are not located in a structure and the parking of such vehicles is not the principal use of the premises. This term does not include commercial parking operations, which are a principal use, or parking lots that are used exclusively for the parking of light motor vehicles.
MOTOR VEHICLE PARKING LOT, HEAVY (PRINCIPAL USE)
Surface parking spaces for five or more heavy motor vehicles, along with adjacent access drives and aisles, where the parking spaces are not located in a structure and the parking of such vehicles is the principal use of the premises. This term includes both commercial parking operations and private surface parking lots but does not include parking lots that are used exclusively for the parking of light motor vehicles.
MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL FACILITY, HEAVY
An establishment where contracts are prepared or reservations accepted for the rental or leasing of heavy motor vehicles. This term includes incidental storage of vehicles but does not include on-premises maintenance of vehicles or a tool/equipment rental facility.
MOTOR VEHICLE RENTAL FACILITY, LIGHT
An establishment where contracts are prepared or reservations accepted for the rental or leasing of light motor vehicles. This term includes incidental storage of vehicles but does not include on-premises maintenance of vehicles or a tool/equipment rental facility.
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY, HEAVY
An establishment providing the repair or servicing of heavy motor vehicles, including the sale, installation and servicing of related equipment and parts, where all such work is performed within an enclosed building. This term includes, but is not limited to, the repair or servicing of batteries, tires, mufflers, brakes, shocks, transmissions, engines or upholstery. This term does not include vehicle dismantling or salvage, tire retreading or recapping, or body bumping and painting.
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR FACILITY, LIGHT
An establishment providing the repair or servicing of light motor vehicles, including the sale, installation and servicing of related equipment and parts, where all such work is performed within an enclosed building. This term includes, but is not limited to, the repair or servicing of batteries, tires, mufflers, brakes, shocks, transmissions, engines or upholstery. This term includes, but is not limited to, an auto repair shop, wheel and brake shop, tire sales and installation, or upholstery shop. This term does not include vehicle dismantling or salvage, tire retreading or recapping, or body bumping and painting.
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES FACILITY, HEAVY
An establishment providing retail sale of heavy motor vehicles, including incidental storage and maintenance.
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES FACILITY, LIGHT
An establishment providing wholesale and retail sale of light motor vehicles, including incidental storage and maintenance, excluding body work. This term does not include a light motor vehicle limited wholesale facility.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING, CONDOMINIUM
A building containing more than two dwelling units, all of which are owner-occupied condominium units.
MULTIFAMILY DWELLING, RENTAL APARTMENT
A building containing more than two dwelling units, any number of which are occupied by renters.
NONCONFORMING USE
A building or premises lawfully used or occupied at the time of the passage of this chapter or amendments thereto, which use or occupancy does not conform to the regulations of this chapter or any amendments thereto for the district in which it is located.
NUDITY
The showing of the human male or female genitals, pubic area, bare buttocks, anus or female breast with less than a fully opaque covering.
NURSING HOME
A place where five or more persons who are not related to the operator or administrator reside, receive care or treatment and, because of their mental or physical condition, require access to twenty-four-hour nursing services, including limited nursing care, intermediate level nursing care and skilled nursing services, as defined in § 50.01, Wis. Stats.
OFFICE, GENERAL
Use of a building for business, professional or administrative offices. A general office is characterized by a low proportion of vehicle trips attributable to visitors or clients in relationship to employees. Examples include, but are not limited to, offices of firms or organizations providing architectural, computer software consulting, data management, engineering, interior design, graphic design, real estate, insurance, investment or legal services. This term does not include a bank or other financial institution or the office of a physician, dentist, optometrist or chiropractor.
OFFICE, GOVERNMENT
An administrative, clerical or public contact office of a government agency, including a postal facility, together with incidental storage and maintenance of the agency's vehicles.
OFF-STREET PARKING SPACE
A garage or improved surface at least nine feet by 19 feet in size per vehicle for the temporary parking or storage of self-propelled vehicles, other than a driveway, on the same lot as the main building.
OUTDOOR MERCHANDISE SALES
Retail sale of produce, other foodstuffs or other products, primarily outside an enclosed structure, for more than 90 days in any calendar year.
OUTDOOR RACING FACILITY
An establishment engaged in operating a track for racing, including but not limited to the racing of motor vehicles, dogs or horses.
PARKING LOT, ACCESSORY USE
Surface parking spaces for five or more light motor vehicles, and adjacent access drives and aisles, where the parking spaces are not located in a structure and the parking of motor vehicles is not the principal use of the premises. This term does not include commercial parking operations, which shall be considered a principal use, or the parking of heavy motor vehicles.
PARKING LOT, PRINCIPAL USE
Surface parking spaces for five or more light motor vehicles, and adjacent access drives and aisles, where the parking spaces are not located in a structure and the parking of motor vehicles is the principal use of the premises. This term includes both commercial parking operations and private surface parking lots but does not include the parking of heavy motor vehicles.
PARKING STRUCTURE, ACCESSORY USE
Parking spaces and adjacent access drives, aisles and ramps that are located in a structure with two or more levels, where the parking structure is not the principal use of the premises. This term does not include commercial parking operations, which are a principal use. This term does not include private one-story garages for single-family, two-family or multifamily dwellings or parking spaces that are integrated into a larger structure that houses the principal use of the premises.
PARKING STRUCTURE, PRINCIPAL USE
Parking spaces and adjacent access drives, aisles and ramps that are located in a structure with two or more levels, where the parking structure is the principal use of the premises. This term includes commercial parking operations as well as private parking structures. This term does not include private one-story garages for single-family, two-family or multifamily dwellings.
PARK or PLAYGROUND
A public, noncommercial park, playground or open space. This term does not include a community center, festival grounds, indoor or outdoor recreation facility or sports facility.
PASSENGER TERMINAL
A facility for passenger transportation operations, including but not limited to a passenger rail station, bus terminal or passenger ship terminal. This term does not include an airport or heliport.
PAYDAY LOAN AGENCY
An establishment providing loans to individuals in exchange for personal checks as collateral.
PERSON
See § 455-3F(4).[2]
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT, GENERAL
An establishment providing services which are of a recurring and personal nature to individuals. This term includes, but is not limited to, a barbershop, beauty salon, shoe repair shop, seamstress, tailor, fortune teller, tanning salon, massage establishment, body piercing establishment or tattoo establishment. This term does not include a portrait studio, dry-cleaning establishment, laundromat, photocopy center, health club, repair shop for household items, or any uses listed under "personal service establishment, regulated."
PERSONAL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT, REGULATED
An establishment providing services of a recurring and personal nature to individuals which are regulated under the terms of this Code, including tattooing, body piercing, and fortune telling. Such uses may not be located within 500 feet of any place of religious assembly, school or licensed day-care facility.
PICKUP CAMPER
A structure designed primarily to be mounted on a pickup or truck chassis, either temporarily or permanently, and with sufficient equipment to render it suitable for use as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses.
PLANT NURSERY or GREENHOUSE
An establishment engaged in growing crops of any kind within or under a greenhouse, cold frame, cloth house or lath house or growing nursery stock, annual or perennial flowers, vegetables or other garden or landscaping plants. This term does not include a garden supply or landscaping center.
POWER GENERATION PLANT
A facility that converts one or more energy sources, including but not limited to water power, fossil fuels, nuclear power or solar power, into electrical energy or steam. A power generation plant may also perform either of the following:
A. 
Operation of a transmission system that conveys the energy or steam from the generation facility to a power distribution system.
B. 
Operation of a distribution system that conveys energy or steam from the generation facility or the transmission system to final consumers.
PREEXISTING TOWERS/ANTENNAS
Any tower or antenna for which a building permit, special use permit or other necessary approval has been properly issued prior to the effective date of this chapter.
PROCESSING OR RECYCLING OF MINED MATERIALS
A mine site or the mining or quarrying of stone. This term includes a facility engaged in crushing, grinding, washing, screening, pulverizing, sizing or recycling stone, concrete, asphalt or similar materials.
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY
A government facility for public safety and emergency services, including a facility that provides police or fire protection and related administrative facilities.
RAILROAD SWITCHING, CLASSIFICATION YARD OR FREIGHT TERMINAL
A facility for the operation of a line-haul or short-line freight railroad.
RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT
Travel trailer, pickup camper, camping trailer, utility trailer, boats and the like.
RECYCLING COLLECTION FACILITY
A facility for the deposit, sorting or batching, but not processing, of post-consumer recyclable materials. This term includes, but is not limited to, a residential self-help dropoff facility or a transfer station which receives residential solid waste collected by City forces or deposited by City residents.
RELIGIOUS ASSEMBLY
A facility where people regularly assemble for religious worship and any incidental religious education which is maintained and controlled by a religious body organized to sustain public worship. This term does not include an elementary or secondary school, a specialty or personal instruction school, or a college.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
An establishment which conducts research, development or controlled production of high-technology electronic, industrial, or scientific products or commodities for sale or laboratories conducting educational or medical research or testing, provided that no live animals are housed or used. This term includes, but is not limited to, a biotechnology firm or a manufacturer of nontoxic computer components.
RESTAURANT, FAST-FOOD/CARRY-OUT
A restaurant other than a sit-down restaurant where the manner of preparation, packaging and serving of food or beverages encourages their consumption outside the building. This term does not include a tavern.
RESTAURANT, SIT-DOWN
A restaurant where the food or beverages sold are consumed at tables located on the premises, where taking food or beverages from the premises is purely incidental, where food or beverages are normally served utilizing nondisposable containers and utensils and where the consumption of food or beverages in vehicles on the premises in which the building is located does not regularly occur, or where the restaurant is located within a building containing more than one principal use other than another restaurant. This term does not include a tavern.
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT, ADULT
An establishment in which 10% or more of the gross public floor area is devoted to, or 10% or more of the stock-in-trade consists of, the following: books, magazines and other periodicals, movies, videotapes, compact discs, digital versatile discs, novelty items, games, greeting cards and other materials which are distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matters depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities: human genitals in a state of sexual stimulation or arousal; acts of human masturbation, sexual intercourse, oral copulation or sodomy; or fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals (pubic region), buttocks or female breasts; or specified anatomical areas.
RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT, GENERAL
An establishment providing retail sale of new products to the public and rendering services incidental to the sale of such products, including but not limited to sales of art supplies and picture frames, art works, auto parts, baked goods, bicycles, books, newspapers and magazines, collectibles, dry goods, notions and novelties, flowers and plants, food and beverages, furniture and floor coverings, hardware, hobbies, toys and games, household goods, jewelry, luggage, major appliances, music, records, compact discs and tapes, paint and wallpaper, pets, pharmaceutical products, photo equipment and processing, sewing apparatus, sporting goods, stationery, tobacco products and wearing apparel. This term includes, but is not limited to, a grocery store, specialty food store, antique store, liquor store, butcher shop, delicatessen, portrait studio, furniture or appliance rental establishment or video rental or sales business. This term does not include an adult retail establishment as herein defined, lumberyard, building supply or home improvement center, garden center or secondhand store.
RETAIL SALES, ACCESSORY
The provision for limited retail sales as a secondary activity in association with an approved nonretail primary use of a premises, provided that the area reserved for retail sales comprises no more than 10% of the gross floor area of the primary use.
ROOMING HOUSE
Any building or part of any building or dwelling unit occupied by more than three persons who are not a family or by a family and more than two other persons and where a fee or other consideration is charged for periods of occupancy usually longer than one night and where a bathroom or toilet room is shared.
SALVAGE OPERATION, INDOOR
An establishment providing the storage of any equipment, goods, junk, material, merchandise or commercial vehicles within a building for more than 48 hours. Such establishment typically performs the dismantling of items for the salvage of usable parts. This term does not include a recycling collection facility, mixed-waste processing facility, material reclamation facility, wholesale and distribution facility or hazardous materials storage.
SALVAGE OPERATION, OUTDOOR
An establishment providing the storage of any equipment, goods, junk, material, merchandise or commercial vehicles in the open for more than 48 hours. Such establishment typically performs the dismantling of items for the salvage of usable parts. This term does not include a recycling collection facility, mixed-waste processing facility, material reclamation facility, wholesale and distribution facility or hazardous materials storage.
SCHOOL, ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY
A public, parochial or private school which provides an educational program for one or more grades between kindergarten and Grade 12, inclusive, and which is commonly known as an "elementary school," "grade school," "middle school," "junior high school" or "high school."
SCHOOL, SPECIALTY OR PERSONAL INSTRUCTION
A business, professional, trade or other specialty school. This term includes, but is not limited to, a school offering instruction in music, art, dance, martial arts, GED preparation, computer use or programming, or cosmetology. This term does not include a flight school.
SCREEN HOUSE
See "gazebo."
SECOND-FLOOR DWELLING UNIT IN MIXED USE BUILDING
A dwelling unit located above the first floor in a building that is used for both dwelling purposes and any nonresidential use that is permitted in the zoning district in which the unit is located.
SECONDHAND STORE
An establishment in which used merchandise is sold at retail. This term includes a pawnshop but does not include an antique or collectibles store or other general retail establishment.
SETBACK
The minimum horizontal distance between the established street right-of-way line as depicted on the Official Map and the nearest point of a building or any projection thereof, excluding uncovered steps.
SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT
A facility which operates a sewerage system and sewage treatment facilities that collect, treat and dispose of human waste.
SEXUAL CONDUCT
Bestiality, acts of masturbation, sexual intercourse, or physical contact with a person's unclothed genitals, pubic area, buttocks, anus, or, if such person be a female, her breast.
SHED
A freestanding accessory building not exceeding 120 square feet in area used primarily for the storage of household, lawn and garden items other than motorized vehicles.
SHIP TERMINAL OR DOCKING FACILITY
A facility for the docking, loading or unloading of ships, barges or boats that primarily transport freight.
SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLING
A building containing one dwelling unit.
SMALL GROUP SHELTER CARE FACILITY
A nonsecure place of temporary care and physical custody for children, including a holdover room, licensed by the State of Wisconsin under § 48.66(1)(a), Wis. Stats., which houses at least five but not more than eight children.
SNOWMOBILE
A motorized vehicle capable of transporting persons or cargo over snow.
SOCIAL SERVICE FACILITY
A facility operated by an organization which provides services such as training, counseling, health or the distribution of food or clothing. This term includes, but is not limited to, a facility offering life skills training, substance abuse counseling, housing services or a neighborhood recovery center. This term does not include an emergency residential shelter.
SORORITY
A building used as group living quarters for members of a general or local chapter of a regularly organized college sorority.
SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITY, INDOOR
A facility for the indoor conduct, viewing or participation in recreational activities. This term includes, but is not limited to, an indoor driving range, volleyball court, bowling alley, ice- or roller-skating rink, billiard hall, video game center, archery or shooting range, soccer field or basketball court. This term does not include a health club.
SPORTS AND RECREATION FACILITY, OUTDOOR
A facility for the outdoor conduct, viewing or participation in recreational activities. Such a facility may include one or more structures. This term includes, but is not limited to, a golf facility, tennis, basketball or volleyball court, soccer, baseball or football field, or amusement park or water park. This term does not include health club.
STORAGE FACILITY, HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
An establishment providing warehousing or bulk storage facilities for hazardous, toxic, flammable, explosive or other dangerous materials.
STORAGE FACILITY, INDOOR
An establishment providing indoor storage of materials, vehicles or goods. This term does not include a hazardous materials storage facility or an indoor wholesale and distribution facility. This term includes, but is not limited to, a mini warehouse or self-storage facility.
STORAGE FACILITY, OUTDOOR
An establishment providing outdoor storage of materials or goods. This term does not include a hazardous materials storage facility, an indoor wholesale and distribution facility or light or heavy motor vehicle outdoor storage.
STORY
That portion of a building included between the surface of a floor and the surface of a floor next above it. A basement or cellar having 1/2 or more of its height above grade shall be deemed a story for the purposes of height regulation.
STORY, HALF
The space under any roof, except a flat roof, which is occupied for residential purposes shall be counted as a full story.
STREET
A public or private thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property.
STREET LINE
A line dividing a lot, tract or parcel of land from the contiguous street.
STRUCTURAL ALTERATION
Any change in the supporting members of a building or any substantial change in the roof structure or in the exterior walls.
STRUCTURE
Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires a permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground.
SUBSTATION/DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT, INDOOR
A facility, other than a transmission tower and contained entirely within a building, which aids in the distribution of a utility, including but not limited to electric power or telephone service.
SUBSTATION/DISTRIBUTION EQUIPMENT, OUTDOOR
A facility, other than a transmission tower and not contained entirely within a building, which aids in the distribution of a utility, including but not limited to electric power or telephone service.
TAVERN
An establishment providing alcohol beverages by the drink to the public, where food or packaged alcohol beverages may be served or sold only as accessory to the primary use. This term does not include an assembly hall or a recreation facility.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE
A structure which is not permanently affixed to the ground and is limited as to time in existence.
THEATER
An establishment or facility for presenting motion pictures or live performances for observation by patrons. This term includes an outdoor stage, band shell or amphitheater but does not include an adult entertainment establishment.
TITLE LOAN AGENCY
An establishment providing loans to individuals in exchange for receiving titles to the borrowers' motor vehicles as collateral.
TOOL/EQUIPMENT RENTAL FACILITY
An establishment providing the rental of tools, lawn and garden equipment, party supplies and similar goods and equipment, including storage and incidental maintenance of tools and equipment available for rental. This term does not include a motor vehicle rental facility.
TRANSMISSION TOWER
Any structure that is designed and constructed for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telephone, radio and similar communication purposes, including self-supporting lattice towers, guyed towers, or monopole towers. The term includes radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, alternative tower structures, and the like. The term includes the structure and any support thereto.
TRAVEL TRAILER
A vehicular, portable structure, built on a chassis, designed to be used as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreational and vacation uses, permanently identified "travel trailer" by the manufacturer, and designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle. The body width is not to exceed eight feet and the length not to exceed 31 feet as measured from the hitch coupling to the bumper or overall length.
TREATMENT FOSTER HOME
Any facility that is operated by a person required to be licensed under § 48.62(1)(b), Wis. Stats., that is operated under the supervision of the State of Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, a county department or a licensed child welfare agency, and that provides to no more than four children care, maintenance and structured, professional treatment by trained individuals, including the treatment foster parents [from § 48.02(17q), Wis. Stats.].
TRUCK FREIGHT TERMINAL
A facility for truck-based freight service and operations, including but not limited to local pickup, local sorting and terminal operations, line-haul loading and unloading, destination sorting and terminal operations and local delivery.
TWO-FAMILY DWELLING
A building containing two dwelling units.
UTILITY TRAILER
Owned by the resident family and not to exceed six feet width, 12 feet length, may be stored on the residential property subject to the same restrictions as applied to recreational vehicles.
WATCHMAN/SERVICE QUARTERS
One dwelling unit designed for an employee who is employed on the premises in a nonresidential building.
WATER TREATMENT PLANT
An establishment engaged in operating a water treatment plant or operating a water supply system. The water supply system may include pumping stations, aqueducts or distribution mains. The water may be used for drinking, irrigation or other uses.
WHOLESALE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY, INDOOR
An establishment providing indoor storage and sale of factory-direct merchandise and bulk goods. This term includes, but is not limited to, mail-order and catalog sales, importing, wholesale or retail sale of goods received by the establishment, and wholesale distribution but does not include sale of goods for individual consumption.
WHOLESALE AND DISTRIBUTION FACILITY, OUTDOOR
An establishment providing outdoor storage and sale of factory-direct merchandise and bulk goods. This term includes, but is not limited to, mail-order and catalog sales, importing, wholesale or retail sale of goods received by the establishment, and wholesale distribution but does not include sale of goods for individual consumption.
YARD
An open space on the same lot with a building, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward, except as otherwise provided herein.
YARD, FRONT
A yard extending the full width of the lot, being the minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and nearest part of the building, excluding uncovered steps.
YARD, REAR
A yard extending the full width of the lot, being the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and nearest part of the building, excluding uncovered steps.
YARD, SIDE
A yard extending from the front yard to the rear yard, being the minimum horizontal distance between a building or any projection thereof and the side lot line, excluding uncovered steps. Roof extensions and cornice assemblies may extend a maximum of 1/3 of the distance into any required side yard.
[1]
Editor's Note: The definitions of "dwelling, one-family" and "dwelling, two-family" which immediately followed this definition were deleted at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II). See the definitions of "single-family dwelling" and "two-family dwelling."
[2]
Editor's Note: Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General Provisions, Art. II).