Chapter 17.10
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
17.10.010 Definitions.
As used in this title the following words and phrases shall have the following meanings:
“Building line” means a line on a plat or map indicating the limit beyond which buildings or structures may not be erected.
“Building site” means the ground area of a building or buildings, together with all open spaces required by MCMC Title 18.
“City” means the city of Myrtle Creek.
“Comprehensive plan” means a city plan for the guidance of growth and improvement of the city, including modifications or refinements which may be made from time to time.
“Easement” means a grant of the right to use a strip of land for specific purposes not a transfer of ownership of that land.
“Lot” means a unit of land that is created by a subdivision of land.
(1) “Corner lot” means a lot abutting on two or more streets, other than alleys, at their intersection. A lot abutting on a curved street or streets shall be considered a corner lot if straight lines drawn from the foremost points of the side lot lines to the foremost point of the lot meet at an interior angle of less than 135 degrees.
(2) “Flag lot” means a lot which has its main building area not fronting on a street and that is connected to a street by a strip of land 25 feet or more in width.
(3) “Reversed corner lot” means a corner lot, the side street line of which is substantially a continuation of the front line of the first lot to its rear.
(4) “Through lot” means a lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets other than alleys.
“Map” means a final diagram, drawing or other writing concerning a land partition.
“Parcel” means a unit of land that is created by a partitioning of land.
“Partition” means either an act of partitioning land or an area or tract of land partitioned as defined in this section.
“Partition land” means to divide an area or tract of land into two or three parcels within a calendar year when such area or tract of land exists as a unit or contiguous units of land under single ownership at the beginning of such year. “Partition land” does not include divisions of land resulting from lien foreclosures; divisions of land resulting from the creation of cemetery lots; and divisions of land made pursuant to a court order, including, but not limited to, court orders in proceedings involving testate or intestate succession; and “partition land” does not include any adjustment of a lot line by the relocation of a common boundary where an additional parcel is not created, and where the existing parcel reduced in size by the adjustment is not reduced below the minimum lot standards of MCMC Title 18.
“Pedestrian way” means a right-of-way for pedestrian traffic.
“Person” means a natural person, firm, partnership, association, social or fraternal organization, corporation, trust, estate, receiver, syndicate, branch of government, or any group or combination acting as a unit.
“Planned development” means one which stays within the density requirements of the area in which it is located for the overall project while allowing a degree of latitude in describing individual lot sizes and also has a percentage of its gross area devoted to recreational development or open space uses.
“Planning commission” means the planning commission of the city of Myrtle Creek.
“Plat” means the final map, diagram, drawing, replat or other writing containing all the descriptions, locations, specifications, dedications, provisions and information concerning a subdivision.
“Property line” means the division line between two units of land.
“Property line adjustment” means the relocation of a common property line between two abutting properties.
“Right-of-way” means the area between boundary lines of a street or other easement.
“Roadway” means the portion of a street right-of-way developed for vehicular traffic.
“Sidewalk” means a pedestrian walkway with permanent surfacing.
“Street” means an improved public or private right-of-way which provides access to adjacent properties for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, public utilities and other such uses. The term “street” shall include such designations as highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, avenue, boulevard, lane, court, place or other such terms. A right-of-way 20 feet or less in width shall not be recognized as a street (except for an alley).
(1) “Arterial” means a thoroughfare of considerable length primarily for providing through movement to traffic, distributing it to collector streets and principal highways, while providing limited access to adjacent properties. Arterials are designed to handle large volumes of traffic.
(2) Collector. The primary function of a “collector” is to move traffic between arterials, collectors, and local streets, and to provide access to adjacent uses. Major collectors help define neighborhoods and land use patterns. Minor collectors move local traffic between minor collectors, major collectors and/or arterial streets. Property access onto minor collectors is typically allowed, while access is often limited along major collectors. Collector roads form barriers between neighborhoods and are designed for higher speeds and traffic volumes than are minor streets.
(3) Major (Necessary) Local. A “necessary local” performs the function of a regular local street, except that it provides an essential connection between otherwise isolated areas. Transit and heavy truck traffic are generally discouraged from using local streets.
(4) Local. The primary function of “local” streets is to provide access to private dwellings and businesses. Local streets should focus on serving passenger cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. Generally, local streets have two lanes and can include parking on one or both sides. Short roads that are less than 2,400 feet in length and cannot be extended may have a narrower travel way with parking on one side.
(5) “Cul-de-sac” means a short, dead-end minor street with vehicular turnaround at or near the dead end.
(6) “Dead-end street” is similar to a cul-de-sac, usually longer, which may be extended, and with no turnaround at the present dead end. (New dead-end streets require temporary turnarounds.)
(7) “Alley” means a narrow street through a block primarily for vehicular service access to the back or side of properties abutting on another street.
“Subdivide land” means to divide an area or tract of land into four or more lots within a calendar year when such area or tract of land exists as a unit or contiguous units of land under a single ownership at the beginning of such year.
“Subdivision” means either an act of subdividing land or an area or tract of land subdivided as defined in this section.
“Utility easement” means an easement noted on a subdivision plat or partition plat for the purpose of installing or maintaining public or private utility infrastructure for the provision of water, sewer, storm drains, power, heat or telecommunications to the public. Unless specifically requested by a public or private utility provider, the decision-making authority may not require a utility easement except for a utility easement abutting a street. Utility infrastructure may not be placed within one foot of a survey monument location noted on a subdivision or partition plat. The decision-making authority may not place additional restrictions or conditions on a utility easement granted under these provisions. [Amended during 2012 recodification; Ord. 469 § 1.030, 1980].