14.07.030 Definitions.

For the purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:

“Bench” means a relatively level step excavated into earth material on which fill is to be placed.

“Compaction” means the densification of a fill by mechanical means.

Cut. See “Excavation.”

“Downdrain” means a device for collecting water from a swale or ditch located on or above a slope, and safely delivering it to an approved drainage facility.

“Earth materials” means naturally occurring material consisting of minerals, rocks, and soil. Earth materials can be a mixture or combination of such materials. For the purposes of this chapter, earth materials do not include organic soil amendment materials, such as compost or bark, unless such materials are used or accumulated in such a quantity or manner that they act as fill in changing grade or drainage.

“Erosion” means the wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water or ice.

“Excavation” means the removal of earth material by artificial means, also referred to as a “cut.”

“Fill” means placing of earth materials by artificial means.

“Grade” means the vertical location of the ground surface contour.

“Grade, existing” means the surface contour of a site that exists immediately prior to any land-disturbing activity.

“Grade, finished” means the surface contour of the site at the conclusion of all land-disturbing activities.

“Grading” means an excavation, fill, stockpile, or combination thereof.

“Key” means a compacted fill placed in a trench excavated in earth material beneath the toe of a slope.

“Land-disturbing activity” means any activity that results in a change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and nonvegetative) and/or the existing soil topography. Land-disturbing activities include, but are not limited to, clearing, grading, filling, and excavation. Compaction that is associated with stabilization of structures and road construction is also considered a land-disturbing activity. Vegetation maintenance practices, including landscape maintenance and gardening, are not considered land-disturbing activity. Stormwater facility maintenance is not considered land-disturbing activity if conducted according to established standards and procedures.

“Site” means the area within the legal boundaries of a parcel or parcels of land that is (are) subject to new development or redevelopment. For road projects, the length of the project site and the right-of-way boundaries define the site.

“Slope” means an inclined surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of horizontal distance to vertical distance.

“Stockpile” means the temporary storage of earth materials on a site, usually with the intent to use the material on the same property in a later stage of construction.

“Terrace” means a relatively level step constructed in the face of a graded slope for drainage and maintenance purposes. (Sec. 1 of Ord. 2007-06-05; amended by Sec. 2 (Exh. 1) of Ord. 2011-01-01; amended by Sec. 10 of Ord. 2012-05-14; amended by Sec. 14 of Ord. 2015-11-24. Formerly 14.07.040)