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MapLink™ | Definitions

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Accessory building
A subordinate building, the use of which is incidental to that of the main building on the same lot.
Accessory dwelling
A separate living unit, detached from the primary structure, complete with kitchen, bathroom and sleeping facilities.
Accessory structure
A structure located on the same premise that is customarily incidental, detached and subordinate to the primary structure or use.
Accessory use
A use that is customarily incidental, appropriate and subordinate to the principal use of land or building(s).
Agriculture
The use of any tract of land for the production of animal or vegetable life; uses include, but are not limited to, the pasturing, grazing, and watering of livestock and the cropping, cultivation, and harvesting of plants.
Airport or landing field
A place where aircraft can land and take off generally equipped with hangars, facilities for aircraft refueling and repair, and various accommodations for passengers.
Alley
A minor right-of-way that is dedicated to public use and which affords a secondary means of vehicular access to the back or side of properties otherwise abutting a street, and which may be used for public utility purposes.
Alteration
Any change to the exterior of a building, structure, object, site, or area. Alteration shall include, but is not limited to, changing to a different kind, type, or size of roofing or siding materials; changing, eliminating, or adding exterior doors, door frames, windows, window frames, shutters, fences, railing, columns, beams, walls, porches, steps, porte-cocheres, balconies, or ornamentation; or the dismantling, moving, or removing of any exterior features. Alteration does not include ordinary maintenance or repair.
Alteration
Replacing, adding, modifying, removing, or exchanging manufactured homes or other structures, moving in a new or additional manufactured home or other structure, changing or adding manufactured home community plot or lot lines, and changing manufactured home community property lines.
Amusement, commercial
A commercial facility that includes, but is not limited to, bowling alleys, movie theatres, music halls, indoor skating rinks, video arcades, pool and billiard halls, shuffleboard courts, baseball hitting ranges, miniature golf, golf driving ranges and shooting arcades.
Antenna
A device used in communications which transmits or receives electromagnetic waves.
Antenna facility
A building or independent support structure and the antennas mounted thereon, including any associated and necessary equipment building.
Antenna, building attached
Antenna attached to existing structures in two general forms: (1) roof-mounted, in which antennas are placed on the roofs of buildings, or (2) building-mounted, in which antennas are mounted to the sides of buildings. These antennas can also be mounted on structures such as water tanks, billboards, church steeples, electrical transmission towers, etc.
Antenna, microwave
Also known as "dish" antenna. A dish-shaped antenna used to link communications sites together by wireless transmission of voice or data, utilizing electromagnetic radiation frequencies from 3 GHz to 300 GHz; and using relatively low transmitter power levels when compared to other forms of transmission.
Antenna, panel
Also known as "directional" antenna. An antenna or array of antennas designed to concentrate a radio signal in a particular area. Panel antennas are typically flat, rectangular devices approximately six square feet in size.
Antenna, whip
Also known as "omni-directional antenna". Shaped cylindrically, whip antennas have diameters between two and six inches, and measure between one and eighteen feet in height. They are used to emit signals in a 360-degree horizontal plane and a compressed vertical plane.
Appliance repair
The servicing of a piece of equipment, usually operated electrically, especially for use in the home or for performance of domestic chores, such as a refrigerator, washing machine, or toaster.
Applicant
The owner of record of a property, the agent or lessee thereof with the approval of the owner of record in a notarized form, or a person holding a bona fide contract to purchase the property with approval of the property owner (or their authorized representatives).
Art gallery or museum
An institution for the collection, display and/or distribution of objects of art or science, and which is typically sponsored by a public or quasi-public agency and generally open to the public.
Assembly Hall (Private) and Event Centers
Meeting or event space, utilized for dances, conventions, weddings or similar gatherings of individuals for lease by a private company.
Assisted living facility
An establishment that furnishes, in one or more facilities, food and shelter to four or more persons who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment and provides personal care services pursuant to Chapter 247, Texas Health and Safety Code.
Auto dealer sales
A business primarily engaged in the sale of new and used autos, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, aircraft, snowmobiles, and the like.
Auto repair
Any person or business which, for compensation, engages in the activity of repairing, replacing, reconditioning, adjusting, analyzing, diagnosing or altering the operational condition of motor vehicles that are owned by other persons.
Auto salvage and wrecking yard
A business which purchases, salvages and sells used parts from inoperable vehicles.
Auto service
Businesses primarily engaged in both selling and installing such automotive parts as mufflers and brakes
Auto/Motor vehicle
Any vehicle designed to carry one or more persons which is propelled or drawn by mechanical power, such as automobiles, vans, trucks, motorcycles and buses.
Auto/Motor vehicle rental
A business primarily engaged in the rental of new and used autos, trucks, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, utility trailers, aircraft, snowmobiles, and the like.
Automobile wash
A place or business equipped for washing cars and other motor vehicles
Back end
The opposite end from the front end of the unit.
Back side
The opposite side from the front side of the unit.
Bed and breakfast/boarding house
A dwelling arranged or used for lodging for compensation, with or without meals.
Beer/wine sales (off premise consumption)
Retail establishment holding appropriate licensing through the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to sell beer and wine products for off-premise consumption. May be a stand alone retail store or incorporated into a grocery store or convenience store.
Buffer yard
A buffer yard is a unit of land, together with a specified amount of planting thereon, and any structures which may be required between, land uses to eliminate or minimize conflicts between them.
Buildable area
That portion of a building site exclusive of the required yard areas on which a structure or building improvements may be erected and including the actual structure, driveway, parking lot, pool, and other construction as shown on a site plan.
Building
Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
Building board of appeals
The City Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Building code
The most recently adopted edition of the electrical code, building code, fire code, mechanical code, and plumbing code adopted by ordinance and currently in effect in the city, and the Manufactured Housing Standards Act, Chapter 1201 et seq. of the Texas Occupations Code.
Building footprint
The area of the building in contact with the ground.
Building height
The vertical distance from grade plane to the average height of the highest roof surface.
Building line
The line established by law, beyond which a building shall not extend, except as specifically provided by law.
Building official
The officer or other designated authority (or his/her designee) charged with the administration and enforcement of the Building Code.
Building official
The person employed by the city to perform building permit review and inspections.
Building pad
The actual foundation area of a building and a reasonable area around the foundation necessary for construction and grade transitions.
Building permit
Written authorization as required by the current Building Code, issued by the building official, for the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, demolition, moving or maintenance of any building, structure or improvement to a given lot or tract of land or portion thereof, and which allows construction to proceed in accordance with construction documents approved by the building official.
Building, main or primary
A building in which the principal use of the lot on which it is situated is conducted. In a residential district any dwelling shall be deemed to be a main building on the lot on which it is situated.
Caliper
Diameter of the trunk measured one foot (1') above ground level.
Camp grounds (Recreational Vehicle Park)
An area of non-residentially zoned land on which accommodations for temporary occupation are located or may be placed. This includes, but is not limited to tents and recreational vehicles.
Canopy trees
A perennial woody plant single or multiple trunks, contributing to the uppermost spreading branch layer of a forest and may be commonly referred to as shade trees.
Carport
A structure that is open on a minimum of two sides and designed or used to shelter not more than three vehicles and not to exceed 24 feet on its longest dimension. Also called "covered parking area."
Cemetery or mausoleum
A place that is used or intended to be used for interment, and includes a graveyard, burial park, or mausoleum pursuant to Chapter 711, Texas Health and Safety Code.
Cemetery, pet
Same as cemetery except intended for interment of dead animals.
Certificate of occupancy
An official certificate issued by the city through the building official which indicates conformance with the zoning regulations and building codes and which authorizes legal use of the premises for which it is issued.
Child care facility/Day care facility
A facility licensed, certified, or registered by the department to provide assessment, care, training, education, custody, treatment, or supervision for a child who is not related by blood, marriage, or adoption to the owner or operator of the facility, for all or part of the 24-hour day, whether or not the facility is operated for profit or charges for the services it offers.
Church/place of worship/ Religious Institution
An institution that people regularly attend to participate in or hold religious services, meetings, or other activities. This term does not carry a secular connotation and includes the buildings or other locations in which the religious services of any denomination are held.
City
The City of Joshua, Texas.
City council
The governing body of the city.
City manager
The city manager of the city or his/her designee.
City official
The city manager, police chief, fire marshal, fire chief, building official/inspector, code compliance officer, and city engineer.
Civic center
A building or group of buildings containing administrative offices for the operations of local government that is 1) owned and operated by the City of Joshua and 2) used predominantly for office and meeting space for local government and/or community activities.
Clubhouse
A building or rooms accessible to all residents, which is used for meetings or recreational use.
Co-location
The act of locating wireless communications equipment from more than one provider on a single antenna facility.
Community home
Community-based residential home pursuant to Chapter 123, Texas Human Resource Code.
Community service
A facility that is designed for the benefit of the public or its institutions including but not limited to community centers, libraries, post offices, governmental agencies, etc.
Comprehensive plan
Document adopted by the city that consists of graphic and textual policies which govern the future development of the city and which consists of various components governing specific geographic areas and functions and services of the city.
Construction drawings
Engineering or architectural drawings, which have been prepared by an authorized individual and approved by the Administrative Official, that describe in detail by measurements and specifications the method and manner in which a structure, building, utility, street, or physical alteration to land a structure or building is to be accomplished.
Continuing care facility
A place in which a person provides continuing care to an individual pursuant to Chapter 246, Texas Health and Safety Code.
Convalescent and nursing homes and related institutions
An establishment that furnishes, in one or more facilities, food and shelter to four or more persons who are unrelated to the proprietor of the establishment and provides minor treatment under the direction and supervision of a physician licensed by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, or other services that meet some need beyond the basic provision of food, shelter, and laundry pursuant to Chapter 242, Texas Health and Safety Code.
Convenience Store with or without Gasoline Sales
Retail business, typically under five thousand (5000) square feet which sells food, beverages and limited grocery items and may be coupled with the retail sale of gasoline fuel.
Country club (private)
A land area and buildings which may include a golf course, clubhouse, dining room, swimming pool, tennis courts and similar recreational or service uses available only to members and their guests.
Court
An open, unobstructed space, bounded on more than two sides by the walls of a building. An inner court is entirely surrounded by the exterior walls of a building. An outer court has one side open to a street, alley, yard, or other permanent open space.
Critical root zone
The area of undisturbed natural soil around a tree defined by a concentric circle with a radius equal to the distance from the trunk to the outermost portion of the drip line.
Dangerous manufactured home
A manufactured home or any other structure in or around which conditions exist as outlined in §  6.12.17 of this Section, which could possibly threaten the health, safety or general welfare of any person.
Density
The total number of residential buildings allowed upon a given tract of land usually expressed in total number of units per gross acres or net acre.
Department
The City.
Department store
Retail establishment which sells different merchandise from several retail categories.
Detached
Having no physical connection above the top of the floor line of the first floor with any other building or structure.
Development
The changing of the existing topography to promote construction of structures or infrastructure to accommodate any improvements necessary to erect facilities for dwelling, commercial or industrial uses resulting in developed property.
Director
The city manager or his/her designee.
Director of utilities
The city official appointed by the city manager to assist in the management and direction of the city's water, sewer, and electric utility systems, or his/her designee.
Distribution centers
Warehousing facility which contains goods to be distributed to multiple retail outlets through vehicle transportation.
Drip line
A vertical line run through the outermost portion of the crown of a tree and extending down to the ground.
Driveway
A private access leading from a street or other thoroughfare to a building, garage, recreational vehicle or HUD-code manufactured home.
Dwelling
A structure, including a HUD-code manufactured home or recreational vehicle, occupied for a residential purpose.
Dwelling
Any building or portion thereof, which is designed or used exclusively for residential purposes.
Dwelling unit
Any room or group of rooms occupied, or which is intended or designed to be occupied, as the home or residence of one (1) individual, group of individuals, family, or household for housekeeping purposes.
Dwelling, live/work
A single unit consisting of both a commercial/office and a residential component that is occupied by the same resident. The live/work unit shall be the primary dwelling of the occupant.
Dwelling, multifamily or apartment loft
A large, open space, usually without any internal walls (except for the bathroom!), and, up until recently, usually in one-time commercial or industrial buildings that have been converted into residential apartments.
Dwelling, multifamily or apartment, including garden apartments
A building or portion of a building having suitable accommodations for three or more families, living independently of each other, who may or may not have joint uses of utilities, halls, yards, etc. This term includes premises occupied more or less permanently for residential purposes in which rooms are occupied in apartments, suites or groups, such as apartments, dormitories, lodging houses, rooming houses, and all the dwellings similarly occupied.
Dwelling, multiple single-family
See "townhouse."
Dwelling, one-family detached
A detached building used exclusively for residential purposes having suitable accommodations for only one family.
Dwelling, two-family, duplex or duplex townhome
A detached building used exclusively for residential purposes and designed for or occupied by two families living independently of each other.
Dwelling, zero lot line
A detached building for residential purposes where the home is built on one side property line with separation from the adjacent lot on the other side yard.
Easement
A grant of one or more of the property rights by the property owner to and/or for the use by the public, a corporation or another person or entity.
Eating Establishment/Restaurant or cafeteria
An eating establishment where customers are primarily served at tables or are self-served, where food is consumed on the premises, which may include a drive-through window(s) or where facilities are provided on the premises which encourage the serving and consumption of food in automobiles on or near the restaurant premises.
Educational facilities
Public and private primary, secondary and post-secondary educational facilities offering instruction in the branches of learning and study required to be taught by the Texas Education Agency; and such federally funded educational programs for preschool children as the Head Start Program.
Enhanced pavement
Any permeable or non-permeable decorative pavement material intended for pedestrian or vehicular use. Enhanced pavement includes brick or stone pavers, grass pavers and stamped and stained concrete.
Entertainment
Includes shows, plays, skits, musical revues, children's theater, dance productions, public dance, musical concerts, opera and the production or provision of sights or sounds or visual or auditory sensations which are designed to or may divert, entertain or otherwise appeal to members of the public who are admitted to a place of entertainment, which is produced by any means, including radio, television, video reproduction, piano, orchestra or band or any other musical instrument, slide or movie projector, spotlights, or interruptible or flashing light devices and decoration.
Equipment storage
A small unmanned, single story equipment building less than 500 square feet in size used to house radio transmitters and related equipment.
Essential utility
Electricity, water, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, and heating fuel.
Exhibition hall
A large civic building or group of buildings designed for conventions, industrial shows, and the like, having large unobstructed exhibit areas and often including conference rooms, hotel accommodations, restaurants, and other facilities.
Exterior feature
An element of the architectural character and general arrangement of the external portion of a building, structure, or object, including, without limitation, building material that is visible from public right-of-way.
Fair grounds/rodeo grounds or exhibition area
An area or space either outside or within a building for the display of topic-specific goods or information.
Family
One or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption; or a group not to exceed four persons not all related by blood or marriage, adoption or guardianship, occupying a dwelling unit.
Family
One (1) or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage and who are living together as a single housekeeping unit.
Family home
A home that provides regular care in the caretaker's own residence for not more than six children under 14 years of age, excluding children who are related to the caretaker, and that provides care after school hours for not more than six additional elementary school children, but the total number of children, including children who are related to the caretaker, does not exceed 12 at any given time. The term does not include a home that provides care exclusively for any number of children who are related to the caretaker pursuant to Chapter 42, Texas Human Resources Code.
Fire chief
The fire chief of the city or his or her designated representative.
Fraternal organization, lodge, civic club, or union
An organized group having a restricted membership and specific purpose related to the welfare of the members such as Elks, Masons, Knights of Columbus, or a labor union.
Front end
The end of the unit where the tongue would be attached or where the headlights are located.
Front side
The side of the unit where the front door is located or left side when facing the tongue or headlights.
Funeral home
A place for the storage of human bodies prior to their burial or cremation, or a building used for the preparation of the deceased for burial and the display of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial or cremation.
Garbage
Putrescible animal and vegetable wastes resulting from the handling, preparation, cooking and consumption of food.
Golf course
An area improved with trees, greens, fairways, hazards, and which may include clubhouses, for the purpose of recreation and sport.
Grocery or Food Store
Retail store oriented to the sale of food and household items.
Ground cover
Low growing, dense spreading plants typically planted from containers.
Habitable room
A room or enclosed floor space used or designed to be used for living, sleeping, cooking or eating purposes, but not including bathrooms, water closet compartments, laundries, pantries, foyers, or communicating corridors, closets or storage spaces.
Health club
A public or private business or organization which provides space for exercise, through the use of machines, classes, weight training, swimming pools or other activities oriented to physical health and fitness.
Heavy load vehicle
A self-propelled vehicle having a manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle weight (GVW) of greater than 16,000 pounds (including trailers). The term "truck" shall be construed to mean "heavy load vehicle" unless specifically stated otherwise.
Heavy manufacturing
A use engaged in the basic processing and manufacturing of materials, or products predominantly from extracted raw materials or a use engaged in the storage of or manufacturing processes using flammable or explosive materials or storage of processes that potentially involve hazardous or commonly recognized offensive conditions.
Heliport
An area of land or water or a structural surface which is used, or intended for use, for the landing and taking off of helicopters, and any appurtenant areas which are used, or intended for use for heliport buildings and other heliport facilities.
Helistop
The same as a heliport, except that no refueling, maintenance, repairs or storage of helicopters is permitted.
Heritage landmark
Any site, individual building, structure, or object designated by ordinance of the City Council that is worthy of rehabilitation, restoration, and/or preservation for its heritage, cultural, and/or architectural significance to the City.
Heritage preservation overlay district
An area of the city designated by ordinance of the City Council which possesses within definable geographic boundaries, a significant concentration, linkage, or continuity of sites, buildings, or structures united historically or aesthetically by plan or physical development.
Home health service
The provision of one or more of the following health services required by an individual in a residence or independent living environment: A. Nursing, including blood pressure monitoring and diabetes treatment; B. Physical, occupational, speech, or respiratory therapy; C. Medical social service; D. Intravenous therapy; E. Dialysis; F. Service provided by unlicensed personnel under the delegation or supervision of a licensed health professional; G. The furnishing of medical equipment and supplies, excluding drugs and medicines; or H. Nutritional counseling.
Home occupation
An occupation carried on in a dwelling unit, or in an accessory building to a dwelling unit, by a resident of the premises, which occupation is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the premises for residential purposes.
Hospice
A person licensed under Chapter 142, Texas Health and Safety Code, to provide hospice services, including a person who owns or operates a residential unit or an inpatient unit.
Hospice services
Services, including services provided by unlicensed personnel under the delegation of a registered nurse or physical therapist, provided to a client or a client's family as part of a coordinated program consistent with the standards and rules adopted under this ordinance. These services include palliative care for terminally ill clients and support services for clients and their families that: A. Are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, during the last stages of illness, during death, and during bereavement; B. Are provided by a medically directed interdisciplinary team; and C. May be provided in a home, nursing home, residential unit, or inpatient unit according to need. These services do not include inpatient care normally provided in a licensed hospital to a terminally ill person who has not elected to be a hospice client.
Hospital
An establishment that offers services, facilities, and beds for use for more than 24 hours for two or more unrelated individuals requiring diagnosis, treatment, or care for illness, injury, deformity, abnormality, or pregnancy and that regularly maintains, at a minimum, clinical laboratory services, diagnostic X-ray services, treatment facilities including surgery or obstetrical care or both, and other definitive medical or surgical treatment of similar extent pursuant to Chapter 241, Texas Health and Safety Code.
Hotel
A building containing guest rooms, rented for less than 30 days and designed to be used for sleeping purposes, which provides a common entrance, lobby, halls and stairways.
HUD
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
HUD-code manufactured home
A structure constructed on or after June 15, 1976, according to the rules of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on-site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems of the home.
HUD-code manufactured home
A structure 1) constructed on or after June 15, 1976, according to the rules of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development 2) built on a permanent chassis 3) designed for use as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when the structure is connected to the required utilities 4) transportable in one or more sections 5) in the traveling mode, is at least eight body feet in width or at least 40 body feet in length or, when erected on site, at least 320 square feet 6) includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems of the home, and 7) does not include a recreational vehicle as defined by 24 C.F.R. §  3282.8(g) pursuant to Chapter 1201, Texas Occupations Code.
Industrial, manufacturing
Establishments engaged in the manufacturing or transformation of materials into new products. These establishments are usually described as plants and factories, and characteristically use power driven machines and materials handling equipment. Manufacturing production is usually carried on for the wholesale market, rather than for direct sale to the domestic consumer.
Industrialized housing
A structure or building module constructed, under the jurisdiction and control of the Texas Department of Labor and Standards and that is installed and used as a residence by a consumer, transportable in one or more sections on a temporary chassis or other conveyance device, and designed to be used on a permanent foundation system. The term includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems contained in the structure. The term does not include a mobile home as defined in the Texas Manufactured Housing Standards Act (Chapter 1201, Texas Occupations Code); nor does it include building modules incorporating concrete or masonry as the primary structural component.
Installation
The construction of the foundation systems, whether temporary or permanent, HUD-code manufactured home, HUD-code manufactured home component, or HUD-code manufactured home accessory, including fuel tanks, on or near the foundation system, and includes supporting, blocking, leveling, securing, anchoring, and properly connecting multiple or expandable sections or components, and minor adjustments.
Interior lot area
The area of the lot remaining after subtracting the area of the buffer yards.
Kiosk
A small stand-alone structure, with one or more open sides, that is used to vend merchandise or services, or for providing information, either by posting, or on a computer screen.
Landscape architect
A person registered as a Landscape Architect in the State of Texas pursuant to state law.
Landscape area
An area covered by natural grass, ground cover, or other natural plant materials.
Landscaping
Grass, trees, shrubs, vines, ground cover or flowers planted and maintained to enhance appearance of a development. Landscaping may include non-botanical features, such as walks, fountains, reflecting pools, art works, rain gardens and stormwater management features.
Lattice tower
A tower having three or four support steel legs and holding a variety of antennas. These towers range from 60 to 200 feet in height and can accommodate a variety of users.
Law
Federal, state, or local statute, ordinance, court decision, rule, or regulation.
Lawn grasses
Thin bladed surface growing plants typically planted from seed, sprigs, or plugs.
Licensed irrigator
A person duly licensed by the State of Texas to design and install irrigation systems.
Light load vehicle
A self-propelled vehicle having a manufacturer's recommended gross vehicle weight (GVW) not greater than 16,000 pounds and having no more than two axles.
Light manufacturing (Light Assembly)
Manufacturing of finished products or parts, predominantly from previously prepared materials, including fabrication, assembly, and packaging of such products, and incidental storage, sales and distribution of such products, but excluding basic industrial processing.
Limits of construction
A delineation on a graphic exhibit which shows the boundary of the area within which all construction activity will occur.
Litter
Garbage, refuse, rubbish, and all other waste material deposited on the ground or in any place other than in an approved garbage receptacle.
Lot
A platted (as specified in Chapter 212 of the Texas Local Government Code) parcel of land that is occupied or intended to be occupied by one main building (or a group of main buildings) and any accessory building(s), which includes such parking, landscaping and open space as are required by this ordinance or other laws and/or ordinances, and also which has its principal frontage upon a public street.
Lot area
The total area, measured on a horizontal plane, included within lot lines.
Lot depth
The mean horizontal distance between the front and rear lot lines.
Lot frontage
That dimension of a lot or portion of a lot abutting onto a street, excluding the side dimension of a corner lot.
Lot lines or property lines
The lines bounding a lot as defined herein.
Lot of record
A lot which is part of a subdivision, the plat of which has been recorded in the office of the County Clerk of Johnson County.
Lot width
The horizontal distance measured between side lot lines parallel to the front lot line, and measured from the point on the building line that is closest to the front lot line.
Lot, corner
A lot which has at least two adjacent sides abutting for their full lengths upon a street, provided that the interior angle at the intersection of such two sides is less than 135 degrees.
Lot, coverage
The amount of impervious surface area such as building footprint, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and patios. This is usually expressed as a percentage of the total lot area.
Lot, flag
A lot having access to a street by means of a parcel of land generally having a depth greater than its frontage, but not less than 35 feet. Flag, or panhandle, lots are typically discouraged.
Lot, interior
A lot other than a corner lot.
Lot, through
A lot that connects two generally parallel streets and is not a corner lot.
LPG
Liquefied petroleum gas.
Manager
A person who is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a manufactured home community.
Manufactured home community
Any lot, tract, or parcel of land used in whole or in part for parking two (2) or more HUD-code manufactured homes.
Manufactured home or manufactured housing
A HUD-code manufactured home or a mobile home (reference definition for HUD-code manufactured home).
Manufactured home unit plot
A section of the manufactured home community designated for the placement of a single HUD-code manufactured home.
Manufactured housing
Means a HUD-code manufactured home.
Market (public)
Markets located on public property, where independent merchants can sell their products to the public. Typical products sold at public markets include fresh produce, various other food items and crafted goods.
Medical service
Including but not limited to hospice, hospice services and home health service.
Micro brewery
A combination retail, wholesale and manufacturing business that brews and serves beer and/or food.
Mini-warehouse/self-storage
Small individual storage units for rent or lease, restricted solely to the storage of items. The conduct of sales, business or any other activity within the individual storage units, other than storage, shall be prohibited.
Mobile home
A structure 1) constructed before June 15, 1976 2) built on a permanent chassis 3) designed for use as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation when the structure is connected to the required utilities 4) transportable in one or more sections 5) in the traveling mode, is at least eight body feet in width or at least 40 body feet in length or, when erected on site, at least 320 square feet, and 6) includes the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and electrical systems of the home pursuant to Chapter 1201, Texas Occupations Code.
Mobile home
A structure that was constructed before June 15, 1976, transportable in one or more sections, which, in the traveling mode, is eight body feet or more in width or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on-site, is 320 or more square feet, and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling unit with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical systems of the home.
Mobile home park (also trailer park or RV park)
A parcel of land not less than three acres nor greater than 35 acres which is designed, improved, or intended to be used for short- or long-term occupancy by mobile homes/trailers and/or recreational vehicles (including travel trailers) in designated spaces. A mobile home park may include a residence for the owner/manager of the premises, utility hook-ups, accessory structures, playgrounds and open space areas, fenced yard areas for pets, and other similar amenities.
Model home
A dwelling in a developing subdivision, located on a legal lot of record, that is limited to temporary use as a sales office for the subdivision and to provide an example of the dwellings which have been built or which are proposed to be built within the same subdivision.
Monopole
An antenna facility composed of a single spire used to support communications equipment. No guy wires are used or permitted.
Motel
A facility offering temporary lodging accommodations or guest rooms on a daily rate to the general public and providing additional services, such as restaurants, meeting rooms, housekeeping service and recreational facilities. A guest room shall be defined as a room designed for the overnight lodging of hotel guests for an established rate or fee.
Natural gas compressor station
A facility utilizing compression equipment and facilities, including a gathering station and/or a compressor station, which compress natural gas and/or other hydrocarbons and associated byproducts for purposes of transporting such products through a pipeline.
Occupancy
The use or intended use of the land or buildings by proprietors or tenants.
Occupant
Any person over one (1) year of age living, sleeping, cooking, eating in or having actual possession of a dwelling unit.
Office
The location on the property where business is conducted for the property.
Offices
A room or group of rooms used for the provision of executive, management and/or administrative services. Typical uses include administrative offices and services including real estate, insurance, property management, investment, personnel, travel, secretarial services, telephone answering, and business offices of public utilities, organizations and associations, but excluding medical offices.
Off-street parking
Off-street parking spaces provided in accordance with the requirements of this ordinance, located on the lot or tract occupied by the main use or within 150 feet of such lot or tract, and located within the same zoning district as the main use or in an adjacent parking district.
Ordinary maintenance
Activities relating to a property that would be considered ordinary or common for maintaining the property.
Outdoor recreation
An area designed for active outdoor recreation, whether publicly or privately owned, including, but not limited to, baseball diamonds, soccer and football fields, campgrounds, golf courses, tennis courts and swimming pools.
Owner
A person claiming, or in whom is vested, the ownership, dominion, or title to real or personal property, including but not limited to the owner of a fee simple title; the holder of a life estate; the holder of a leasehold estate for an initial term of five (5) years or more; the buyer in a contract for deed; a mortgagee, receiver, executor, or trustee in control of real property; the agent of an owner in fee simple, the holder of a leasehold, lessor, sublessor, mortgagee, receiver, executor, or trustee; lessor, or sublessor of a dwelling.
Parcel
Any unplatted tract of land, or any portion of an unplatted tract of land (also see "Tract").
Park/playground, Open Space
An area of land set aside for public or private use, as a piece of land with few or no buildings within or adjoining a town, maintained for recreational and ornamental purposes.
Parking facility
Property specifically used for the parking of vehicles. May either be surface parked or within structured parking on several vertical levels.
Pawn shop
An establishment where money is loaned on the security of personal property pledged in the keeping of the owners (pawnbroker). Retail sales of primarily used (i.e., pre-owned) items is also allowed, provided that the sale of such items complies with local, state and federal regulations.
Permeable pavement
A paving material that permits water penetration.
Permit
An official document or certificate issued by the city authorizing performance of a specified activity.
Person
An individual, company, corporation, business trust, estate trust, partnership, association, any other group, two or more persons having a joint or common interest, or any legal or commercial entity.
Plat
A plan showing the subdivision of land, creating building lots or tracts, showing all essential dimensions and other information in compliance with the subdivision standards of the city, and which is approved by the city and recorded in the plat records of Johnson County.
Police chief
The police chief of the city or his or her designated representative.
Porch or deck
A structure adjacent to an entry door of a HUD-code manufactured home.
Premises
A lot, plot or parcel of land, including any structure on it.
Premises
Land together with any buildings or structures situated thereon.
Preservation
The act or process of applying measures to sustain the existing form, integrity, and material of a building or structure, and the existing form and vegetative cover of a site.
Private club
An establishment providing social and/or dining facilities which may provide alcoholic beverage service, to an association of persons, and otherwise falling within the definition of, and permitted under the provisions of, that portion of Chapter 32, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, that pertains to the operation of private clubs.
Professional service
Work performed which is commonly identified as a profession, and which may be licensed by the State of Texas.
Protection fencing
Snow fencing, chain-link fence, barbed wire fence, orange vinyl construction fencing and other similar fencing with a four-foot (4') approximate height. Typical tree protection fencing details are provided in § 8.1511A Tree Protection.
Public garage/parking structure
A surface lot, parking structure or other facility owned, operated or maintained by the city, to provide parking to the general public.
R.O.W. parkway
That area within the public right-of-way (R.O.W.) between the back of curb or edge of pavement and the right-of-way line.
Recreational vehicle
A vehicle which is built on a single chassis, four hundred (400) square feet or less when measured at the largest horizontal projections, self-propelled or towable and designed primarily not for use as a permanent dwelling unit, but as temporary living quarters for recreational, camping, travel, or seasonal use.
Recycling kiosk
A small uninhabited structure (120 square feet maximum) or temporary container (e.g., "igloo" or dumpster-type container) which provides a self-service location for the depositing of recyclable materials such as aluminum cans (e.g., "can banks"), glass bottles, magazines/newspapers, metal or plastic containers, etc. Recyclables are picked up periodically from the site. This definition does not include large trailers or manned collection centers.
Retail
An establishment engaged in the selling of goods and merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.
Salon and Day Spa
Service business dedicated to personal wellness and/or beauty services.
Sand, gravel or stone extraction and/or storage
The process of extracting and/or storing sand, gravel, stone, topsoil, compost or other products from the earth.
Satellite receive-only antenna
An antenna that enables the receipt of television signals transmitted directly from satellites to be viewed on a television monitor. Such antennas are commonly known as a satellite dish, television receive-only antenna, dish antenna, parabolic antenna, or satellite earth station antenna.
School (K through 12)
An institution for the instruction of children or people under college age.
School, other
Any institution for the instruction of people not considered a "school (K through 12)."
Seasonal color
Landscape areas used for annual and perennial flowers intended to maintain year-round color accents.
Seasonal uses
Seasonal uses include the sales of items such as Christmas trees, pumpkins, snow cones, fresh produce, and other items which are typically only available at certain times of the year.
Service commercial
A commercial enterprise that provides work performed in an expert manner by an individual or team for the benefit of its customers. Typical service businesses provide intangible products such as accounting, banking, consulting, cleaning, education, insurance, treatment services.
Setback
The minimum distance between by which any building or structure must be separated from a street right of way or lot line.
Setback, front
An open space extending the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the front lot line and the front building line.
Setback, rear
An open space extending the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and the rear building.
Setback, side
An open space extending from the required front setback to the required rear setback, the width of which is the minimum horizontal distance between the side lot line and the side building line.
Shrubs
Plants that grow vertically in a multi-branched growth pattern.
Smoke shop/tobacco store/vape/e-cigarettes
A retail establishment that is dedicated, in whole or in part, to the smoking of tobacco or other substances and includes any establishment that allows either the payment of consideration by a customer to the establishment for on-site delivery of tobacco, tobacco accessories, electronic cigarettes, vaporization, vapes and/or similar substances and products to the customer; and, the onsite smoking of tobacco or other substances. This definition shall be construed to include establishments known variously as retail tobacco stores, tobacco products shops, hookah cafes, tobacco clubs, tobacco bars, vape stores, vape shops and similar establishments, but shall not include an establishment which derives more than fifty (50) percent of its gross revenue from food, beverage, or gasoline fuel sales.
Stable (commercial)
A stable used for the rental of stall space or for the sale or rental of livestock.
Stealth facility
An antenna facility that is virtually transparent or invisible to the surrounding neighborhood. Stealth facilities may include totally enclosed antennas, wireless facilities that replicate or duplicate the construction of common structures such as flagpoles, and camouflaged wireless facilities that are constructed to blend into the surrounding environment
Story
That portion of a building included between the upper surface of a floor and the upper surface of the floor or roof next above.
Street
Any dedicated public thoroughfare that affords the principal means of access to abutting property. A street is termed a major thoroughfare or arterial when the right-of-way is greater than sixty (60) feet.
Street
Any roadway, fire lane, access or alley.
Street intersection
Any street that joins another street at an angle, whether or not it crosses the other.
Structure
That which is built or constructed; an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts joined together in some definite manner.
Substantial modification
A substantial modification means any reconstruction, rehabilitation, addition, or other improvement to the structure's facade of a nonresidential building, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market or tax appraisal value of the building, structure, object, site or area, whichever is greater, as determined by an independent appraiser or the last official City tax roll, either before the improvement or repair is started, or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred.
Surface exploration and extraction
Searching and removal of minerals accessible through surface extraction or surface mining by geological, geophysical, geochemical or other techniques including sampling, assaying, drilling, or any other works needed to determine the type, extent or quantity of the minerals present. This term does not include drilling and production of natural gas and/or oil and activities related thereto.
Swimming pool
Any structure, basin, chamber, spa, or tank containing an artificial body of water for swimming, diving, physical fitness, or recreational bathing and having a depth of two (2) feet or more at any point. This phrase does not include lakes or creeks.
Taxidermist
An establishment that provides the services of preparing, stuffing, and mounting the skins of dead animals for exhibition in a lifelike state.
Telemarketing agency
An establishment that solicits business or the purchase of goods and/or services by telephone only. No sales of goods or services to the public occurs at or on the premises. No products are stored at or on the premises.
Temporary field office or construction yard or office
A structure or shelter used in connection with a development or building project for housing on the site of temporary administrative and supervisory functions and for sheltering employees and equipment. Temporary permits for one year, or for a specific time and location as determined, may be issued by the building official and shall be subject to review and renewal for reasonable cause.
Tenant
Any person who occupies a dwelling unit for living or dwelling purposes with the property owner's or landlord's consent.
Townhouse
A one-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units separated by property lines in which each unit extends from foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides.
Tract
A single parcel or lot.
Transfer station
A facility where solid waste materials, including yard waste, demolition materials, and household refuse, are transferred from small vehicles to large trucks for efficient transport to landfills, recycling centers, and other disposal sites.
Transit depot
Facility designed to accommodate bus and or rail transit services through providing shelter and connectivity between modes of transportation.
Travel trailer
A structure, having no foundation other than a permanent chassis with wheels, which is 12 body feet or less in width, and is less than 40 body feet in length, and is designed to be used as a dwelling with or without a permanent foundation. The term "travel trailer" includes folding hardtop campers transported behind a motor vehicle, truck-mounted campers attached to and transported behind a motor vehicle or pickup, recreational vehicles, campers, or similar types of temporary dwellings intended for short-term occupancy, travel, and/or recreation.
Tree
Any self-supporting woody perennial plant which will attain a trunk diameter of three (3") inches or more when measured at a point twelve (12") inches above ground level and normally attains an overall height of at least twenty feet (20') at maturity, usually with one (1) main trunk and many branches. It may appear to have several stems or trunks as in several varieties of oaks.
Tree, protected
Tree species that are listed on the City's Preferred Tree List (contained in Section 8.7 of this Article, as amended) with a trunk diameter of 12 inches (12") or greater measured twelve inches (12") above ground. The diameter of a multi-trunk tree shall be determined by adding the total diameter of the largest trunk to 1/2 the diameter of each additional trunk. Trees that are not listed on the City's Preferred Tree List are not protected.
Understory/accent trees
Small evergreen or deciduous perennial woody plants, which would grow below the top layer of the forest and typically would have unique branching, textural or seasonal color characteristics.
Unfit for human habitation
Uninhabitable or dangerously deteriorated.
Unit
Any HUD-code manufactured home, washeteria, office, clubhouse and athletic facility.
Unit plot
A piece of ground set aside and designated for occupancy by one (1) HUD-code manufactured home.
Unit plot line
The imaginary line around any HUD-code manufactured home unit plot.
Use
The purpose for which land or buildings are or may be occupied in a zoning district.
Utilities (public)
Any facility or structure which provides services to the general public including but not limited to electric, gas, telephone, water, and television cable systems either publicly or privately owned.
Variance
An adjustment in the application of the specific regulations of the Zoning Ordinance to a particular parcel of property which, because of special conditions or circumstances of hardship peculiar to the particular parcel, is necessary to prevent the property from being deprived of rights and privileges enjoyed by other parcels in the same vicinity and zoning district. Only the board of adjustment of the city can grant a variance.
Veterinarian clinic
An establishment where animals are admitted for examination and medical treatment.
Warehouse/office
A facility which has the combined uses of office and showroom or warehouse for the primary purpose of wholesale trade, display and distribution of products.
Washeteria
A self-service laundry room accessible to all residents, which contains two (2) or more pairs of washers and dryers.
Yard
An open space at grade between a building and the adjoining lot lines, unoccupied and unobstructed by any portion of a structure from the ground upward, except where otherwise specifically provided in this ordinance that the building or structure may be located in a portion of a yard required for a main building. In measuring a yard for the purpose of determining the width of the side yard, the depth of a front yard or the depth of a rear yard, the shortest horizontal distance between the lot line and the main building shall be used.
Yard, front
A yard located in front of the front elevation of a building and extending across a lot between the side yard lines and being the minimum horizontal distance between the front property line and the outside wall of the main building.
Yard, rear
The area extending across the rear of a lot measured between the lot lines and being the minimum horizontal distance between the rear lot line and the rear of the outside wall of the main building. On both corner lots and interior lots, the rear yard shall in all cases be at the opposite end of the lot from the front yard.
Yard, side
The area between the building and side line of the lot and extending from the front lot line to the rear lot line and being the minimum horizontal distance between a side lot line and the outside wall of the side of the main building.
Zoning district
A classification applied to any certain land area within the city stipulating the limitations and requirements of land use and development.
Note: The provided images are illustrative only and not intended to be regulatory.

Definition Reference.
Article 11 contains certain definitions used throughout this Ordinance. These definitions are grouped under "General".
Other definitions are contained in the specific provisions to which the terms relate. These definitions are grouped under the section to which they correspond. The group name will be followed by a section number. 
Undefined words are given their commonly understood meaning in the context used.

Rules of Language and Statutory Construction.
The following general rules of statutory construction apply when interpreting this Ordinance unless otherwise indicated.
A. Words in the present tense include the future. The reverse is also true.
B. Words in the singular number include the plural number. The reverse is also true.
C. The word “building” includes the word “structure.”
D. The word “lot” includes the words “plot” or “tract.”
E. The words “must” and “may not” are mandatory and the word “may” is permissive.
F. The word “district” means zoning district.
G. The word “City” means the City of Joshua, Texas.
H. The text material of this Ordinance controls over illustrative material.
I. Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the use of terms such as “including,” “such as,” or similar language are intended to provide examples, and not intended to be exhaustive lists of all possibilities.
J. All references to other city, county, state or federal regulations in this Ordinance refer to the most current version, or as may be amended, and citation for those regulations, unless expressly indicated otherwise. If the referenced regulations have been repealed and not replaced by other regulations, requirements for compliance are no longer in effect.
K. All references to “days” are to be deemed working days unless otherwise expressly stated. The time in which an act must be completed is computed by excluding the first day and including the last day. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday or holiday observed by the City, that day is excluded. A day concludes at the close of business (5:00 p.m.), and any materials received after that time will be deemed to have been received the following day.
L. Wherever a provision appears requiring the head of a department or another official or employee of the City to perform an act or duty, that provision is construed as authorizing the department head or official to delegate that responsibility to a designee.
 
In construing this Ordinance, all provisions are given equal weight, unless the context clearly demands otherwise.