Chapter 18.20 DEFINITIONS

The purpose of this chapter is to define words that are used throughout this title. Definitions may also be found in specific sections of this title. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.020 Words not defined, administrative interpretation.

Refer to EMC 18.50.020(F), Administrative Interpretations. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.030 Additional definitions.

The definitions contained in this title are generally those listed in this chapter, except for those definitions specified in EMC 18.90.160, Signs, and EMC 18.100.100, Sexually oriented businesses, which are specific to those respective sections.

A. Signs (refer to EMC 18.90.160, Signs).

B. Sexually oriented businesses (refer to EMC 18.100.100, Sexually oriented businesses).

C. Land Use Types and Levels. The definitions contained in this chapter shall apply. For uses in Single-Family, Mixed Residential, Industrial and Public zones, refer also to Chapter 18.70 EMC, Land Use Types and Levels. For uses within the Mixed Use Residential, Commercial, Town Center and Business Park zones, refer also to EMC 18.80.080. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.040 A definitions.

“Abandon” or “abandonment of wireless telecommunications facilities” means:

1. To cease operation for a period of 60 or more consecutive calendar days;

2. To reduce the effective radiated power of an antenna by 75 percent for 60 or more consecutive calendar days unless new technology or the construction of additional cells in the same locality allows reduction of effective radiated power by more than 75 percent, so long as the operator still serves essentially the same customer base;

3. To relocate an antenna at a point less than 80 percent of the height of an antenna support structure; or

4. To reduce the number of transmissions from an antenna by 75 percent for 60 or more consecutive calendar days; provided, that nonoperation or reduced operation for a period of 60 or more consecutive calendar days to facilitate maintenance, redesign or other changes about which the city was notified in advance, shall not constitute abandonment.

“Abutting” means a lot bordering, touching or in physical contact with another lot. Sites are considered abutting even though the area of contact may be only a point.

“Access” means the way or means by which pedestrians and vehicles enter and leave property.

“Accessory building” means a detached subordinate building, the use of which is customarily incidental of the principal building or to the principal use of the land and is located on the same tract as the principal building or use.

“Accessory structure” means a structure either attached or detached from a principal building and located on the same lot and is customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal building or use.

“Accessory use” means a use of land or of a building customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land or building and located on the same lot with the principal use.

“Activity” means any use conducted on a site.

“Adequate public facilities” means facilities which have the capacity to serve development without decreasing levels of service below locally established minimums.

“Adjacent” means lots located across a right-of-way, railroad or street, except limited access roads.

“Administrative government facilities” means facilities and services related to the executive, legislative, judicial, administrative and regulatory activities of local, state and federal governments or special districts that provide direct services to people. Examples include government offices, courthouses, and human and social service offices. This definition excludes jails, parks, transit centers, park and rides, utility yards, sewage treatment plants, schools, golf courses and airports.

“Agency” means any state or local governmental body, board, commission, department, or officer authorized to make law, hear contested cases, or otherwise take the actions stated in WAC 197-11-704, except the judiciary and state legislature. An agency is any state agency (WAC 197-11-796) or local agency (WAC 197-11-762).

“Alley” means a public or private way not more than 30 feet wide at the rear or side of property affording only secondary means of vehicular or pedestrian access to abutting property.

“Amateur radio station operators or receive-only antennas” means any tower or antenna that is under 70 feet in height and is owned and operated by a federally licensed amateur radio station operator or is used exclusively for receive-only antennas.

“Amendment” means a change in the wording, context, or substance of this code or the comprehensive plan; a change in the zoning map or comprehensive plan map; a change to the official controls of city code; or any change to a condition of approval or modification of a permit or plans reviewed or approved by the city manager or designee or hearing examiner.

“Amenity area” means the portion of the street right-of-way between the curb and the clear walk zone of the sidewalk where trees, lighting, and street furnishings are often located.

“Anchor” means the device to which tie-downs are secured or fastened having a holding power of not less than 4,800 pounds. They include, but are not necessarily limited to, screw auger, expanding or concrete “dead men” type anchors, and are to be constructed as to accommodate “over the top” and “frame” type tie-downs, used singly or in conjunction.

“Animal processing” means the slaughter and processing of animals raised at another location. This definition does not include those uses that constitute the definition of a family farm.

“Antenna” means any exterior apparatus designed for telephonic, radio, data, internet, or television communications through the sending and/or receiving of electromagnetic waves, and includes equipment attached to a tower or building for the purpose of providing telecommunications services.

“Antenna height” or “height,” when referring to a tower or other wireless telecommunications facilities, the vertical distance measured from the finished grade of the parcel at the base of the tower pad or antenna support structure to the highest point of the structure, even if said highest point is an antenna. If the support structure is on a sloped grade, then the average between the highest and lowest grades shall be used in calculating the antenna height.

“Antenna support structure” means any pole, telescoping mast, tower, tripod, or other structure which supports a device used in the transmitting or receiving of radio frequency signals.

“Antique dealer” means any person engaged, in whole or in part, in the business of selling antiques.

“Antiques” means works of art, pieces of furniture, decorative and household objects, and other such collectibles possessing value or commercial appeal owing to their being made during an earlier period.

“Apartment” means a dwelling unit in a multifamily building.

“Appeal” means a request for review of the city manager or designee’s decision concerning matters addressed by the ordinance to the planning commission or a review of the hearing examiner’s decision to the city council.

“Applicant” means any person who makes an application to the city of Edgewood for a development permit.

“Approval” means permission to proceed with a land use action for development with required mitigation.

“Aquifer” means a saturated geologic formation that will yield a sufficient quantity of water to serve as a private or public water supply.

“Arcade” means a linear pedestrian walkway that abuts and runs along the facade of a building. It is covered, but not enclosed, and open at all times to public use. Typically, it has a line of columns along its open side. There may be habitable space above the arcade.

“Architectural barriers” means constructed structures such as walls, signs, rockeries, drainage swales or similar constructed features that impact the required landscape areas.

“Art,” “artwork” means a device, element, or feature with a primary purpose to express, enhance or illustrate aesthetic quality, feeling, physical entity, idea, local condition, historical or mythical happening, or cultural or social value. Examples of artwork include sculpture, bas-relief sculpture, mural, or unique, specially crafted lighting, furniture, pavement, landscaping, or architectural treatment that is intended primarily, but not necessarily exclusively, for aesthetic purposes. Signs, upon approval by the city, may be considered artwork, provided they exhibit an exceptionally high level of craftsmanship, special material or construction and include decorative devices or design elements that are not necessary to convey information about the business or product. Signs that are primarily names or logos are not considered art.

“Articulate” means to give emphasis to or distinctly identify a particular building element. An articulated facade would be the emphasis of elements on the face of a wall including a change in setback, materials, texture, color, roof pitch, or height.

“Automobile service station” or “gas station” means a building or lot having pumps and storage tanks where fuels, oils or accessories for motor vehicles are dispensed, sold or offered for sale at retail prices only, repair service is incidental and no storage or parking space is offered for rent. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.050 B definitions.

“Backhaul network” means the lines that connect a provider’s wireless telecommunications facilities to one or more cellular telephone switching offices, and/or long distance providers, or the public switched telephone network.

“Balcony” means an outdoor space built as an above ground platform projecting from the wall of a building and enclosed by a parapet or railing.

“Barn” means a structure used for the storage of farm products, feed, and for housing farm animals and light farm equipment.

“Basement” means that portion of a building between floor and ceiling, which is partly below and partly above grade, but so located that the vertical distance from grade to the floor below is less than the vertical distance from grade to ceiling.

“Bay window” means a window that protrudes from the main exterior wall. Typically, the bay contains a surface that lies parallel to the exterior wall and two surfaces that extend perpendicular or diagonally from the exterior wall. To qualify as a bay, the bay must contain a windowpane, which extends at least 60 percent of the length and 35 percent of the height of the surface of the bay, which lies parallel to the exterior wall. There need not be windows in the surface that extends out from the exterior wall.

“Bed and breakfast” means a single structure that offers temporary lodging and breakfast. The proprietors of the service reside within the structure and there are fewer than 10 bedrooms available for commercial use.

“Below market rate” means 80 to 100 percent of the median income.

“Berm” means a landscaped elevation formed of earth, sand, or stone.

Blank Walls. Walls subject to “blank wall” requirements meet the following criteria:

1. Any wall or portion of a wall that has a surface area of 400 square feet of vertical surface without a window, door, or building modulation as defined below or other architectural feature.

2. Any ground level wall surface or section of a wall over four feet in height at ground level that is longer than 15 feet as measured horizontally without having a ground level window or door lying wholly or in part within that 15-foot section.

“Blighted area” means an area characterized by deteriorating and/or abandoned buildings; inadequate or missing public or community services; and vacant land with debris, litter, lack of sanitation facilities, trash and junk accumulation, and impacted by adverse environmental nuisances, such as noise, heavy traffic, and odors.

“Block” means all land along one side of a street that is between two intersections or intercepting streets, or interrupting streets and a railroad right-of-way, or unsubdivided land or water course.

“Building” means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind.

“Building coverage” means the measurement of the gross footprint of all the structures, to include accessory and exempt structures, on a lot. The gross footprint includes all structural elements and projections of a building and includes, but is not limited to: eaves, projections, decks, balconies, elevated patios, breezeways, or canopies.

“Building, detached” means a building detached from one or more buildings by common roofs, walls, or floors.

“Building facade” or “facade” means the visible wall surface, excluding the roof, of a building when viewed from a public right-of-way or adjacent property. If more than one wall is predominately visible, the walls may be considered one facade for the purposes of signage. A building facade is measured in gross square feet (gsf) and does not include roof area.

“Building height” means the vertical distance from the average natural, undisturbed grade of a site to the highest point of the structure.

“Building, principal” means a building devoted to the principal use of the lot on which it is situated.

“Bulkhead” means a vertical wall of steel, timber or concrete used for erosion protection or as a retaining wall.

“Business” means the purchase, sale, or other transaction involving the handling or disposition of any article, service, substance, or commodity for livelihood or profit; or the management of office buildings, offices, recreational or amusement enterprises; or the maintenance and use of buildings, offices, structures, and premises by professions and trades rendering services. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.060 C definitions.

“Camouflage” means to disguise, hide, or integrate with an existing or proposed structure or with the natural environment so as to be significantly screened from view.

“Canopy” means an architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is supported by the building to which it is attached. A canopy is comprised of a rigid structure over which a rigid covering is attached.

“Car wash” means mechanical facilities for the washing, waxing and vacuuming of automobiles, light trucks, and vans.

“Carport” means a covered automobile structure open on one or more sides, with direct driveway access for the parking stall(s). A carport may be integrated with, attached to, or detached from the primary structure.

“Cell site” or “site” means a tract or parcel of land that contains wireless telecommunications facilities including any antenna, support structure, accessory buildings, and parking, and may include other uses associated with and ancillary to wireless telecommunications facilities.

“Cemeteries” means land used or intended to be used for the burial of the dead and dedicated to cemetery purposes, including columbariums, mausoleums and mortuaries, when operated in conjunction with and within the boundary of such cemetery.

Change of Use. A “change of use” shall be determined to have occurred when it is found that the general character of the use in question has been modified. This determination shall include review of, but not be limited to:

1. Hours of operation;

2. Materials processed or sold;

3. Required parking;

4. Traffic generation;

5. Impact on public utilities;

6. Clientele;

7. General appearance and location; and

8. Change in use type.

“Circulation” means the movement or flow of traffic from one place to another through available routes. Traffic includes a variety of modes of travel including pedestrian, motor vehicle and nonmotorized methods, such as bicycles.

“Clearing” means the removal of timber, brush, grass, groundcover, or other vegetative matter from a site which exposes the earth’s surface on the site.

“Clear-vision area” means a triangular area at intersections or public drives where visual obstructions are to be kept clear, as directed by the city manager or designee (see “Sight distance zone,” EMC 18.90.160(D)).

“Closed record appeals” means administrative appeals under RCW 36.70B.110, which are heard by the city council or hearing examiner, following an open record hearing on a project permit application when the appeal is on the record with no or limited new evidence or information allowed to be submitted, and only appeal arguments allowed.

“Co-location of wireless telecommunications facilities” means the use of wireless telecommunications facilities by more than one service provider.

“Combined use building” means residential use types in combination with other use types.

“Commercial activity” means any activity carried out for the purpose of financial gain for an individual or organization, whether profit or nonprofit.

“Commercial truck” means any motorized vehicle licensed by the state including, but not limited to, a car, truck, truck trailer, tractor, grading machine, bulldozer, scraper, boat, motorized crane, etc., that is used in the operation of a business to store, transfer, or deliver commodities or in construction, road grading, or logging activities.

“Communications facilities” means power and communications lines and towers, antennas and microwave receivers.

“Community development director” means the director of the community development department of the city of Edgewood or his/her designee.

“Comprehensive plan” means the document, including maps, adopted by the city council which outlines the city’s goals and policies relating to management of growth, and prepared in accordance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. The term also includes any adopted subarea plans prepared in accordance with Chapter 36.70A RCW.

“Concurrency” means ensuring that adequate public improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, and the ability and financial commitment of the service provider to expand capacity or maintain the level of service for new development through capital improvements within a six-year period as noted in the transportation capital improvement plan.

“Condominium” means real property, portions of which are designated for separate ownership and the remainder of which is designated for common ownership solely by the owners of those portions. Real property is not a condominium unless the undivided interest in the common elements are vested in the unit owners, and unless a declaration and a survey map and plans have been recorded. Condominiums must meet all provisions of Chapter 64.34 RCW.

“Contiguous” means bordering upon, to touch upon, or in physical contact with.

“Cornice” means the molded and projecting horizontal member that crowns an architectural composition.

“Correctional facilities” means facilities for holding persons in custody or in detention, including county jails, state prisons, juvenile detention facilities, prerelease facilities, work release facilities, and other facilities to which a person may be incarcerated upon arrest or pursuant to sentencing by court.

“Cottage housing” means a development of detached dwellings, which has the following characteristics:

1. Each unit is of a size and function suitable for a single person or small family;

2. Each unit has the construction characteristics of a single-family house;

3. The density is typically eight to 17 units per acre (but is subject to minimum and maximum densities established under applicable zoning regulations);

4. All units are located either on a commonly owned piece of property or individual small lots;

5. The development is designed with a coherent concept and includes:

a. Shared usable open space;

b. Off-street parking;

c. Access within the site and from the site;

d. Amenities such as a multipurpose room, workshop, or garden;

e. Coordinated landscaping.

“Courtyard” is an open space, usually landscaped, which is enclosed on at least three sides by a structure or structures.

“Crop processing” includes the primary processing, packaging and storage of agricultural products partially or wholly produced off-site. This definition does not include those uses that constitute the definition of a family farm.

“Curb cut” is a depression in the curb for a driveway to provide vehicular access between private property and the street. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.070 D definitions.

“Dangerous waste” means any discarded, useless, unwanted, or abandoned substances including, but not limited to, certain pesticides, or any residues or containers of such substances which are disposed of in such quantity or concentration as to pose a substantial, present or potential hazard to human health, wildlife, or the environment because such wastes or constituents or combinations of such wastes:

1. Have short-lived, toxic properties that may cause death, injury, or illness or have mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic properties; or

2. Are corrosive, explosive, flammable, or may generate pressure through decomposition or other means. Includes wastes designated in WAC 173-303-070 through 173-303-103 as dangerous wastes.

“Daycare center” means a daycare facility which operates in a place other than a residence, with no limitation as to the number of clients.

“Daycare facility” means a building or structure in which care is regularly provided for a group of children or adults for periods of less than 24 hours. Daycare facilities include family daycare homes and daycare centers regulated by the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services or successor agency, as presently defined and as may be hereafter amended (Chapter 74.15 RCW, WAC 388-150-010).

“Daycare, home” means a daycare facility which operates in the provider’s residence and is subject to a limitation on the number of clients.

“Daycare, home-based” means a daycare facility with no more than 12 persons in attendance at any one time in the provider’s home in the family living quarters, including immediate family members who reside in the home.

“Decibel” means a unit of measurement of the intensity (loudness) of sound. Sound level meters which are employed to measure the intensity of sound are calibrated in decibels.

“Deciduous tree” means a tree which loses its foliage annually.

“Decision” means an interpretation of compliance with the city’s municipal code.

“Deck” is a roofless, outdoor, above ground platform projecting from the wall of a building and supported by piers or columns.

“Dedication” means the transfer of property by the owner to another party.

“Department” means the city of Edgewood community development department.

Design Details. Architectural or building “design details” refer to the minor building elements that contribute to the character or architectural style of the structure. “Design details” may include moldings, mullions, rooftop features, the style of the windows and doors, and other decorative features.

“Design, wireless telecommunications facilities” means the appearance of wireless telecommunications facilities, including such features as their materials, colors, and shape.

“Designated zone facility” means any hazardous waste facility that requires an interim or final status permit under rules adopted under Chapter 70.105 RCW and Chapter 173-303 WAC, and that is not a preempted facility as defined in RCW 70.105.010 or in Chapter 173-303 WAC. A hazardous waste treatment or storage facility is a designated zone facility.

“Development” means any constructed changes to improved or unimproved real estate, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating, or drilling operations or the subdivision of property.

“Development activity” means any action taken either in conjunction with a use, or to make a use possible. Activities do not in and of themselves result in a specific use. Most activities may take place in conjunction with a variety of uses.

“Development permit” means any document granting, or granting with conditions, an application for a site plan, building permit, discretionary decision, or other official action of the city having the effect of authorizing the development of land.

“Development plan” means a plan drawn to scale, indicating, but not limited to, the proposed use, the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon, the exact sizes and locations of buildings already existing on the lot, if any, and the location on the lot of the proposed building or alteration, yards, setbacks, landscaping, off-street parking, ingress and egress, and signs.

“Development regulation” means regulation of the location and size of development, including, but not limited to, setbacks, landscaping, screening, height, site coverage, signs, building layout, parking and site design and related features of land use.

“Discontinuance” means the abandonment or nonuse of a building, structure, sign or lot.

“Discretionary permit” means a decision which requires special analysis or review due to the nature of the application or because special consideration was requested by the applicant.

“District” means an area designated by this title, with specific boundaries, in which lie specific zones, or special purpose area as described in this title.

“Double-frontage lot” means a lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street.

“Dripline” means a circle drawn at the soil line directly under the outermost branches of a tree.

“Drive-through” means a business establishment so developed that all or a portion of its retail or service character is dependent on providing a driveway approach or parking space for motor vehicles so as to serve patrons while in a motor vehicle, or within a building on the same premises and devoted to the same purpose as the drive-through service.

“Drive-through use” means any use that provides goods and services using a window or microphone, while customers remain in their vehicle.

“Driveway” means a paved or graveled surface a minimum of 15 feet in width that provides access to a lot from a public or private right-of-way.

“Duplex” means one detached residential building, vertically or horizontally attached, containing two dwelling units totally separated from each other by a one-hour firewall or floor, designed for occupancy by not more than two families.

“Dwelling” means a building or portion thereof designed exclusively for human habitation, but not including hotel or motel units.

“Dwelling unit” means one room, or rooms connected together, constituting a separate, independent housekeeping establishment for owner occupancy, or rental or lease on a weekly, monthly or longer basis, and physically separated from any other rooms or dwelling units which may be in the same structure or on the same property, and containing independent cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities. All rooms comprising a dwelling unit shall have access through an interior door to other parts of the dwelling unit.

“Dwelling unit, accessory” means a separate, complete dwelling unit attached to or contained within the structure of the primary dwelling, or contained within a separate structure that is accessory to the primary dwelling unit on the premises.

“Dwelling unit, multifamily” means a dwelling unit contained in a building consisting of two or more dwelling units which may be stacked, or one or more dwellings included in a structure with nonresidential uses.

“Dwelling unit, single-family attached” means a building containing one dwelling unit that occupies space from the ground to the roof, and is attached to one or more other dwellings by common walls.

“Dwelling unit, single-family detached” means a detached building containing one dwelling unit. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.080 E definitions.

“Easement” means a nonpossessory interest in the land of another which entitles the owner of the interest to a limited use or enjoyment of the other’s land for the purpose of and protection from interference with this use by a public or private street, railroad, utility, transmission line, walkway, sidewalk, bikeway, equestrian trail, and other similar uses. An easement may be exclusive or include more than one user.

“Emergency care facility” means any facility providing 24-hour emergency medical care.

“Erect” means the act of placing or affixing a component of a structure upon the ground or upon another such component.

“Essential public facility” means those facilities covered under Washington State law (RCW 36.70A.200). Essential public facilities include those facilities that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities and state or regional transportation facilities as defined in RCW 47.06.140, regional transit authority facilities as defined in RCW 81.112.020, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and in-patient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities as defined in RCW 71.09.020. The office of financial management shall maintain a list of those essential state public facilities that are required or likely to be built within the next six years. The office of financial management may at any time add facilities to the list.

“Evergreen tree” means a tree, often a coniferous tree, which retains its foliage and remains green year round.

“Excavate” means the removal by man of sand, sediment, or other material from an area of land or water for other use than commercial or industrial.

“Extremely hazardous waste” means any waste which will persist in a hazardous form for several years or more at a disposal site and which in its persistent form presents a significant environmental hazard and may be concentrated by living organisms through a food chain or may affect the genetic constitution of humans or other living creatures and is disposed of at a disposal site in such quantities as would present an extreme hazard to man or the environment. Those wastes designated in WAC 173-303-070 through 173-303-103 as extremely hazardous wastes. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.090 F definitions.

“Facade” means any portion of an exterior elevation of a building extending from the ground level to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, for the entire width of the building elevation. A front facade is typically the facade facing the major public street(s). An entry facade is typically the facade with the primary public entry.

“Family” means one or more individuals related by blood or legal familial relationship, or a group of not more than six persons who need not be related by blood or a legal familial relationship under a common housekeeping management plan, living together in a dwelling unit as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit, excluding Type I, II and III group homes as defined in EMC 18.70.050, Residential use category.

“Family farm” means a farm of 10 acres in size or less, with associated raising and harvesting of row crops, field crops or tree crops, as well as the commercial raising, training and boarding of animals and the production of animal products. This definition excludes the processing of agricultural products produced off-site or the slaughter of animals raised off-site, or the commercial boarding of more than six animals.

“Fence, sight-obscuring” means a fence constructed of solid wood, masonry, metal or other appropriate material that totally conceals the subject use from adjoining uses.

“Fill” means the placement by man of sand, sediment or other material to create new uplands or raise the elevation of the land.

“Final development plan” means a plan or set of plans that comply with the conditions set forth in a preliminary approval and, once approved, authorizes the granting of a discretionary permit.

“Flag” means any piece of cloth of individual size, color and design, used as a symbol, signal, emblem, or for decoration.

“Flagpole” means a staff or pole which is designed to display a flag. A flagpole may be freestanding or attached to a building or to a private light standard.

“Flea market” means arrangements whereby a person or persons sell, lease, rent, offer or donate to one or more persons a place or area where such persons may offer or display secondhand or junk items.

“Floor area” means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of several floors of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the center line of walls separating two buildings, but not including attic space providing headroom of less than seven feet, or basement, if more than 50 percent of the basement is less than grade.

“Floor area ratio (FAR)” of the building or buildings on any lot means the gross floor area of the building or buildings on that lot, divided by the gross area of such lot.

“Footcandle” is a unit used for measuring the amount of illumination on a surface. The amount of usable light from any given source is partially determined by the angle of incidence of the source and the distance to the illuminated surface.

“Footprint” means the perimeter of the foundation of a structure as it is measured at grade.

“Freeway” means any section of a highway which has been declared to be a freeway by act or resolution of the competent establishing authority.

“Frontage” refers to length of a property line along a public street or right-of-way. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.100 G definitions.

“Gambling” means staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence, upon an agreement or understanding that the person or someone else will receive something of value in the event of a certain outcome. Gambling does not include fishing derbies as defined by state law, pari-mutuel betting as authorized by Chapter 67.16 RCW, bona fide business transactions valid under the law of contracts including, but not limited to, contracts for the purchase or sale at a future date of securities or commodities, and agreements to compensate for loss caused by the happening of chance including, but not limited to, contracts of indemnity or guarantee and life, health, or accident insurance. In addition, a contest of chance which is specifically excluded from the definition of lottery under this chapter shall not constitute gambling.

“Garage” means an enclosed automobile structure with direct driveway access principally for vehicular equipment such as automobiles, boats, etc., used by the tenants of the building(s). A garage may be integrated with, attached to, or detached from the primary structure. Also see “parking structure.”

“Geologic” means relating to the occurrence and properties of earth. Geologic hazards include faults, land and mudslides, and earthquakes.

“Governing authority” means the city council of the city of Edgewood.

“Grade, average” means the average elevation of the undisturbed ground prior to construction at all exterior corners of the proposed structure.

“Grade, finished” means the finished surface of the ground, street, paving or sidewalk.

“Grade, preconstruction” means, prior to any grade, fill or disturbance of soil or vegetation.

“Greenhouse” means a glass or plastic structure specially designed for the growing of plants that provides a controlled growing environment that allows plants to grow when they would not otherwise do so.

“Gross area” means the total sum area of the lot.

“Gross density” means a calculation of the number of dwelling units that is allowed on a property based on the maximum density permitted.

“Gross square feet (gsf)” means the sum of the total square footage of any building, lot, property or area.

“Groundcover” means low-growing vegetative materials with a mound or spreading manner of growth that provides solid cover.

“Group assembly” means any facility that provides for the regular assembly of individuals for entertainment or social purposes.

“Guyed tower” means a wireless communications support structure that is typically over 100 feet tall and is steadied by wire guys in a radial pattern around the tower. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 10-346 § 8; Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.110 H definitions.

“Habitat” means the place or type of site where an organism lives; the place occupied by an entire community, such as a freshwater tidal marsh community.

“Hazardous substance” means any liquid, solid, gas or sludge, including any material, substance, product, commodity or waste, regardless of quantity, that exhibits any of the characteristics or criteria of hazardous waste as described in rules adopted under Chapter 70.105 RCW or in WAC 173-303-090, 173-303-100, 173-303-101, 173-303-102 or 173-303-103.

“Hazardous substance land use” means any use which is permitted under this title and which includes a designated zone facility or the processing or handling of a hazardous substance.

“Hazardous substance land use facility” means the projected line enclosing the area of all structures and lands on which hazardous substance land use activities occur, have occurred in the past or will occur in the future. This does not include the application of products for agricultural purposes or the use, storage, or handling of hazardous substances used in public water treatment facilities.

“Hazardous substance, processing or handling” means the use, storage, manufacturing, or other land use activity involving hazardous substances, but does not include individually packaged household consumer products or quantities of hazardous substances of less than five gallons in volume per container. Hazardous substances shall not be disposed of on-site, unless in compliance with Dangerous Waste Regulations, Chapter 173-303 WAC, and any pertinent local ordinances, such as sewer discharge standards.

“Hazardous waste” means any dangerous and extremely hazardous waste as designated pursuant to Chapter 70.105 RCW or Chapter 173-303 WAC, including substances composed of radioactive and hazardous components. A moderate risk waste is not a hazardous waste.

“Hazardous waste facility” means the contiguous land and structures, other appurtenances and improvements on the land used for recycling, storing, treating, incinerating or disposing of hazardous waste.

“Hazardous waste storage facility” means any designated zone facility which holds hazardous waste for a temporary period not to exceed five years; this does not include accumulation of hazardous waste by the generator on the site of generation, as long as the generator complies with the applicable requirements of WAC 173-303-200 and 173-303-201.

“Hazardous waste treatment facility” means any designated zone facility which processes hazardous waste by physical, chemical or biological means to make such waste nonhazardous or less hazardous, safer for transport, amenable for energy or material resource recovery, amenable for storage, or reduced in volume.

“Hearing examiner” means a person appointed by the city to carry out the functions authorized under Chapter 2.40 EMC, and RCW 35A.63.103.

“Hearing examiner review” means a process involving the judgment and discretion of the hearing examiner, EMC 18.40.100, Process III – Hearing examiner action, in applying specific decision criteria and other requirements unique to a particular use in the approval of an activity permitted, or permitted conditionally, within a zoning district.

“Height” means the vertical distance measured from the average grade to the highest point on the building or structure.

“Hip roof” means a roof that slopes down to the eaves on all four sides without gables.

“Home business” means any occupation, profession or lawful commercial activity carried out for financial gain by a resident living on the premises, and in which said activity is secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes; provided, that the occupation or profession meets the requirements of EMC 18.100.070, Home business. A home business has an effect (e.g., customers, employees, traffic, noise, etc.,) upon the surrounding neighborhood and requires an administrative use permit.

“Home business, limited” means any occupation, profession or lawful commercial activity carried out for financial gain entirely within the dwelling, solely by a resident living on the premises, and which said activity is secondary to the use of the dwelling for living purposes; provided, that the limited home business meets the requirements of EMC 18.100.080, Limited home businesses. A limited home business has no impact (e.g., no clients or employees, traffic, noise, etc.) on the peace, quiet, comfort, and enjoyment by and of the abutting properties and the surrounding community.

“Hospital” means a building designed and used for medical or surgical diagnosis, treatment and housing of persons under the care of doctors and nurses and including ancillary uses such as cafeterias, florists and patient- and visitor-related services. Rest homes, nursing homes, convalescent homes and clinics are not included.

“Hotel” means a single building or a group of detached or semi-detached buildings containing six or more guest rooms or self-contained suites, with parking provided on the site for the use of those staying in the rooms or suites, which is or are designed and used for the accommodation of transient travelers for a period not to exceed 30 days.

“Human scale” means the size of a building element or space relative to the dimensions and proportions of a human being. A building is considered to have “good human scale” if there is an expression of human activity or use that indicates the building’s size. For example, traditionally sized doors, windows, and balconies are elements that respond to the size of the human body, so these elements in a building indicate a building’s overall size. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.120 I definitions.

“Impervious surface” means a hard surface area which either prevents or retards the entry of water into the soil mantle as it entered under natural conditions preexistent to development, or that hard surface area which causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities or at an increased rate of flow under natural conditions preexistent to development. Common impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to, rooftops, concrete or asphalt paving, paved walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, grasscrete, and oiled, macadam or other surfaces which similarly impede the natural infiltration of surface water. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities shall not be considered impervious surfaces. When applied as a development standard, it is expressed as a percentage of the lot area.

“Incidental use” means a use that is in conjunction with, and smaller than the main part of a facility or use.

“Incompatible uses,” for the purpose of community design, are those uses, including, but not limited to, outdoor storage, utilities equipment and apparatus, and loading and service facilities, which are considered to be visually intrusive, unsightly and which require site design and screening to mitigate the negative impacts to retail, service and office commercial uses and residential development.

“Industrial, heavy” means land uses characterized by larger size facilities engaged in the processing of raw materials or parts into finished products. Such facilities may have a higher degree of negative environmental impacts due to the processes employed and operations.

“Industrial, light” means any use engaged in small-scale production manufacturing, fabrication or distribution, and considered less intensive because such uses do not result in noise, odor, toxic chemicals or other activities posing a hazard to public health and safety. May also include supporting office and retail activities.

“Interior landscaping area” means any area of a lot that is not within a required perimeter landscaping or landscape buffer area. In the case of single-family residences in residential zones, the entire lot shall be considered the interior landscaping area. Interior landscaping areas are required within large parking lot areas to provide aesthetic visual relief and provide for some shading of parking spaces.

“International Building Code (IBC)” means the current version of the International Building Code, or equivalent, published by the International Code Council, and adopted by the city. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 06-268 § 1; Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.130 J definitions.

“Judicial appeals” means appeals filed by a party of record in Pierce County superior court. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.140 K definitions.

“Kennel” means an enclosure or structure in which any combination of six or more dogs that individually exceed seven months of age are kept for breeding, sale, training, boarding, or sporting purposes.

“Kick plate” means a plate applied to the face of the lower rail of a door or sidelight to protect against abrasion or impact loads.

“Kitchen” means any room or rooms, or portion of a room or rooms, used or intended or designed to be used for cooking or the preparation of food. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.150 L definitions.

“Landfill” means a solid waste facility for the permanent disposal of solid wastes in or on the land which requires a solid waste permit under Chapter 70.95 RCW.

“Landscaping” means vegetative cover including shrubs, trees, flowers, groundcover and other similar plant material. All landscaping must conform to the planting standards contained in Edgewood city ordinances. An area may be determined to be landscaped if it is planted with vegetation in the form of hardy trees, shrubs, or grass or evergreen groundcover maintained in good condition.

“Lattice tower” means a support structure which consists of a network of crossed metal braces, forming a tower which is usually triangular or square in cross-section.

“Loading space, off-street” means a space logically and conveniently located for bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery vehicles expected to be used, and accessible to such deliveries when required off-street parking spaces are filled. Required off-street loading space is not to be included as off-street parking space in computation of required off-street parking space.

“Local road or street” means a road or street which is used or intended to be used primarily for providing access to abutting properties and to discourage through traffic.

“Lot” means a fractional part of divided lands having fixed boundaries, being of sufficient area and dimension to meet minimum zoning requirements for width and area, and developed or built upon as a unit. The term shall include “tracts” or “parcels.”

“Lot area” means the total area within the lot lines of a lot, excluding rights-of-way and easements for roads and environmentally constrained lands that cannot be built upon.

“Lot, buildable” means a legal lot which is proposed for use in compliance with this title, and has received approval of the water supply, stormwater retention/detention system and sewage disposal method as appropriate to such use.

“Lot, corner” means a lot of which at least two adjacent sides abut streets other than alleys.

“Lot coverage” means the area of a lot covered by a building or buildings, expressed as a percentage of the lot area.

“Lot, cul-de-sac” means a lot which has a front lot line contiguous with the outer radius of the turnaround portion of a cul-de-sac.

“Lot depth” means the perpendicular distance measured from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the opposite lot line.

“Lot, flag” is a lot surrounded by abutting lots with an extended access way to a street right-of-way.

“Lot frontage” means the shortest distance between the sides of the lot along the boundary abutting the street or private road.

“Lot, interior” means a lot other than a corner lot.

“Lot line” means the property line bounding a lot.

“Lot line, front” means, normally, the property line separating the lot from the street, other than an alley, from which access is provided to the lot. For the purpose of establishing setback requirements, orientation of the dwelling unit shall be independent of access to the parcel. In the case of a corner lot, the front lot line shall be the property line with the narrow dimension adjacent to the street.

“Lot line, rear” means the lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line and which is in the same plane and runs parallel to the front lot.

“Lot line, side” means any property line which is neither a front nor a rear lot line.

“Lot of record” means a lot that is part of a subdivision recorded, pursuant to statute, with the Pierce County auditor, or a legally created lot under state and local subdivision on regulations in effect at the time of creation or a lot described by metes (distance) and bounds (direction), the description of which has been so recorded.

“Lot, through” means an interior lot having frontage on two streets, and which is not a corner lot.

“Lot width” means the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines, ordinarily measured parallel to the front lot lines, except that portion of a flag lot that usually forms an extended access way to a street right-of-way.

“Low impact development (LID)” is a stormwater management, site design and engineering approach with a basic principle that is modeled after nature: manage rainfall at the source using uniformly distributed decentralized small-scale controls. LID’s goal is to mimic a site’s predevelopment hydrology by using design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. Specific LID tools and standards are identified in the Low Impact Development: Technical Guidance Manual for Puget Sound.

“Low income” means households whose incomes do not exceed 80 percent of the median income for the city of Edgewood as determined by Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 06-268 § 1; Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.160 M definitions.

“Maintenance” means routine upkeep (the cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts) of existing structure, facilities, or signs which are in current use or operation.

“Major exterior remodel” means a proposed improvement to any existing building structure or property that changes the exterior appearance of the property and meets either of the criteria below:

1. Estimated value of construction exceeds 50 percent of the value of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Edgewood’s building valuation procedure.

2. Construction includes an addition to or extension of an existing building.

“Manufactured home” means a factory-assembled structure that was constructed in accordance with the 1976 or later [HUD] federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act in effect at the time of construction;

1. Displays the appropriate HUD or Department of Labor and Industries label;

2. Is suitable for movement along public highways;

3. Is intended solely for human habitation; and

4. Has sleeping, eating and plumbing facilities.

Manufactured homes do not include modular homes or recreational vehicles as herein defined. For the purpose of flood hazard regulations only, a manufactured home is a structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. It includes recreational vehicles or travel trailers that are placed on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.

“Manufacturing, heavy” means land uses characterized by larger size facilities engaged in the processing of raw materials or parts into finished products. Such facilities may have a higher degree of negative environmental impacts due to the processes employed and operations.

“Manufacturing, light” means land uses characterized by small-size facilities where no heavy manufacturing or specialized industrial processes takes place. Typical light manufacturing activities include printing, material testing, and assembly components. Such facilities usually employ less than 500 persons.

“Map” means a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the whole or part of an area.

“Mass” means the physical volume or bulk of a solid body. The mass of a building is its three-dimensional form, bulkiness and relationship to exterior spaces. During the design process, massing is one of many aspects of form considered by an architect or designer and can be the result of both exterior and interior design considerations. Architectural massing can be used to identify a building entry, denote a stairway or simply create visual depth to soften the visual mass of the overall structure.

“Maximum density” means the maximum number of dwelling units allowed per developable area (dua).

“Maximum lot size” means the largest lot area size, expressed in gross square feet (gsf), permitted for short plat subdivisions, lot line adjustments, and subdivisions utilizing standard development regulations. The maximum lot size does not apply to open space parcels or residential parcels that are more than 35 percent encumbered by dedicated natural or critical areas or associated buffers.

“Mean high water (MHW)” means the average height of all high waters over a 19-year period.

“Medical office” means a facility that provides diagnoses and outpatient care on a routine basis but is unable to provide prolonged in-house medical or major surgical care. Medical clinics are included in this definition.

“Mini-warehouse” means a facility consisting of separate storage units that are rented to customers having exclusive access to their respective units for storage of residential or commercial oriented goods. No business is conducted out of storage units and habitation is prohibited.

“Minor exterior remodel” means any improvement that changes the visual appearance or exterior configuration of a building structure or property, and which has a value of less than 50 percent of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Edgewood’s building valuation procedure. Painting and restorative maintenance are not considered minor remodels.

“Mitigate” means to alleviate the negative impacts of a particular action.

“Mitigation” means any action that, to some degree, softens the impact of development on critical or sensitive areas. This may include all or any one of the following actions:

1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.

2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of an action and its implementation.

3. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.

4. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations.

5. Compensating for the impact by creation, restoration, or enhancement of critical or sensitive areas to maintain their functional processes, such as natural biological productivity, habitat, and species diversity, unique features and water quality. Any mitigation action or combination of actions may involve monitoring and remedial follow-up measures.

“Mixed use” means development that contains a mix of residential and commercial uses, either in the same building or in separate buildings. Where a density or floor area bonus is provided for mixed use development, please see applicable development standards for specific requirements.

“Mobile home” means a structure constructed for movement on the public highways that has sleeping, cooking and plumbing facilities, that is intended for human occupancy, that is being used for residential purposes, that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, and/or does not conform to [HUD] Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act. Mobile homes do not include recreational vehicles. The appropriate HUD or Department of Labor and Industries label is displayed.

“Mobile transmission facility” means a movable, nonstationary transmission facility that contains wireless telecommunications equipment including any antenna, support structure, accessory structures, and may include other uses associated with and ancillary to wireless telecommunications facilities.

“Modification of wireless telecommunications facilities” means the changing of any portion of a wireless telecommunications facility from its description in a previously approved permit, excluding routine maintenance and repair. Examples include, but are not limited to, changes in design or structure, changes in the heights of towers or monopoles, changes in any accessory structures or appurtenances that are affiliated with or support a wireless telecommunications facility.

“Modular home” means a detached dwelling that is designed for human habitation, is either entirely or substantially prefabricated at a place other than a building site, and is constructed or installed on the site in accordance with the UBC and bearing the appropriate insignia indicating such compliance. Modular homes are also commonly referred to as “prefabricated,” “panelized,” or “factory-built” units.

“Modulation” means a stepping back or projecting forward of portions of a building facade within specified intervals of building width and depth as a means of breaking up the apparent bulk of a structure’s continuous exterior walls.

“Monopole tower” means a support structure which consists of a single pole sunk into the ground and/or attached to a foundation.

“Motel” means a building or group of buildings on the same lot, containing units with separate entrances and consisting of individual sleeping quarters detached or in connected rows, with or without cooking facilities, used for the accommodation of transient travelers and guests for a period not to exceed 30 days.

“Motor vehicle service or repair” means those establishments engaged in fixing, engine tune-up, adjusting lights or brakes, or supplying and installing replacement parts of or for passenger vehicles and trucks.

“Motor vehicle service station” means any premises used for supplying gasoline, oil, minor accessories and services, excluding body and fender repair, for automobiles at retail direct to the customer.

“Mount of wireless telecommunications facility” means the structure or surface upon which wireless telecommunications facilities are mounted. There are three types of mounts:

1. Building-Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility mount fixed to the roof or side of a building.

2. Ground-Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility mount fixed to the ground, such as a tower.

3. Structure-Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility fixed to a structure other than a building, such as light standards, utility poles, water towers, and bridges.

“Multifamily design review” means an administrative process for the purpose of reviewing multifamily development applications for compliance with specific site design, landscape design and building design criteria.

“Multifamily dwelling” means three or more household units with common walls or ceilings common to another unit in single ownership.

“Multiple building complex” means two or more structures on the same lot where those structures are physically separate and do not share a common wall.

“Multiple tenant building” means a single structure housing two or more of the following establishments: office, residence, industry, or commercial business.

“Museum” means any establishment open to the public where works of art, scientific specimens, or other objects of permanent value are kept and displayed. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 10-346 § 9; Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.170 N definitions.

“Natural areas” means all or portions of a parcel of land undisturbed by development and maintained in a manner which preserves the indigenous plant materials.

“Neighborhood park or playground” means an area for recreational activities, such as, but not limited to, field games, court games, crafts, playground apparatus area, skating, walking, viewing, picnicking, wading pools, swimming pools.

“Net area” means the developable area after the area of street rights-of-way has been subtracted.

“Net developable area” means the gross site area minus any environmentally constrained lands and roads.

“Nonconforming lot” means a lot which does not conform to the design or density requirements of the zoning district in which it is located. A nonconforming lot is a lot that was legal when it was created, but no longer meets the current area, width, or depth dimensional requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located. Nonconforming lots may be occupied by any permitted use in the district; provided, that all other development regulations in effect at the time of development are met.

“Nonconforming structure” is one which was lawfully erected in conformance with the regulations in effect at the time of its construction, but which no longer conforms to current development standards including, but not limited to, design, height, setback or coverage requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.

“Nonconforming use” means the use of land, a building or a structure lawfully existing prior to the effective date of this title or subsequent amendments thereto, which does not conform with the regulations of the district in which it is located.

“Nonconformity” means any land use, structure, lot or sign legally established prior to the effective date of this title or subsequent amendment, which is no longer permitted by or in full compliance with the regulations of this title.

“Nursery, horticultural” mean a place where trees, shrubs, vines, etc., are propagated for transplanting or for use as stocks for grafting and where such flora can be sold.

“Nursing and personal care facility” means any facility which provides convalescent or chronic care for 24 consecutive hours for three or more patients not related by blood or marriage to the operator, who by reason of illness or infirmity are unable to properly care for themselves.

“Nursing home” means a multi-unit or multi-bed facility that is licensed or approved to provide living accommodations and round-the-clock health care and medical supervision. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 10-346 § 10; Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.180 O definitions.

“Occupancy” means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors.

“Odor control structure” means equipment or structures appurtenant to wastewater conveyance facilities used to lessen the odors of the liquids being transported.

“Official controls” means legislatively defined and enacted policies, standards, precise detailed maps and other criteria, all of which control the physical development of the city, and are the means of translating into regulations and ordinances all or any part of the general objectives of the comprehensive plan.

“Official maps” means maps that show the designation, location and boundaries of the various districts which have been adopted and made a part of this title.

“Off-site hazardous waste treatment or storage facility” means any hazardous waste treatment or storage facility which treats or stores wastes that are generated off the site.

“On-site hazardous waste treatment or storage facility” means any hazardous waste treatment or storage facility that treats or stores only that waste which is generated on the site.

“Open record hearing” means a hearing held by a decision-making body that is authorized by the city to conduct such hearings, that creates the city’s record through testimony and submission of evidence and information, under procedures prescribed by the city by ordinance or resolution.

“Open space” means land used for farm or forest uses, and any land area that would, if preserved and continued in its present use:

1. Conserve and enhance natural or scenic resources;

2. Protect air, streams or water supply;

3. Promote conservation; or

4. Enhance the value to the public of abutting or neighboring parks, forests, wildlife preserves, nature preservations or sanctuaries or other open space.

“Ordinary high water mark” means that mark that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to vegetation as that condition exists on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, or as it may naturally change thereafter; provided, that in any area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the ordinary high water mark shall be the line of mean high water.

“Ornamental tree” means a tree that is either a conifer or deciduous tree that is accessory, decorative, enhances and/or accents the general landscaping of the site. Ornamental trees are generally between eight and 20 feet tall at maturity.

“Outpatient clinic” means a building designed and used for medical or surgical diagnosis, and treatment of persons under the care of doctors and nurses. No housing of patients is provided at such a facility.

“Outside storage” means all or part of a lot which is used for the keeping of materials, vehicles or products in an open, uncovered yard or in an unwalled building. Such materials may include tractors, backhoes, heavy equipment, construction materials and other similar items.

“Overlay district” means a defined geographic area where sets of development regulations are established to achieve a specific public purpose. These regulations are in addition to those of the underlying zoning district. Also can be a supplementary district that places special restrictions or preempts the use of land beyond those required in the underlying zones.

“Owner” means the owner of record of real property as shown on the tax rolls of the Pierce County assessor, or a person who is purchasing a piece of property under contract.

“Owner occupant” means a property owner, as reflected in title records, that makes his or her legal residence at the site, and actually resides at the site more than six months out of any given year.

“Ownership” means the existence of legal equitable title to land. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.190 P definitions.

“Parapet” means a low wall projecting from the edge of a platform, terrace, or roof. Parapets may rise above the cornice of a building.

“Parcel” means a lot or plot of land proposed or created in accordance with this code or prior subdivision ordinance and state law and intended as a unit for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership. The external boundaries existing as of the date of incorporation of the city of Edgewood shall be used to establish what is a parcel for the purposes of this code. For parcels which have not been conveyed since that date, the legal description used in the conveyance closest to that date shall control.

“Parking area” means an area accessible to vehicles, which area is provided, improved, maintained, and used for the sole purpose of accommodating a motor vehicle.

“Parking space” means any off-street surface area of not less than 15 feet by eight feet in size, exclusive of maneuvering and access area, permanently reserved for the storage or parking of one vehicle, and connected with an access which affords ingress and egress for vehicles.

“Parking structure” means a building or structure consisting of more than one level, above and/or below ground with one or more common entrances, and used for the parking and/or temporary storage of motor vehicles.

“Parking, surface” means an off-street, ground level open area, usually improved, for the parking and/or temporary storage of motor vehicles.

“Parties of record” means persons with legal standing with respect to an application including the applicant, property owner as identified by the records available from the Pierce County assessor’s office, or any person who testified at the open record public hearing on the application; and/or any person who submitted written comments during administrative review or has submitted written comments concerning the application at the open record public hearing, excluding persons who have only signed petitions or mechanically produced form letters.

“Passive recreation” means an outdoor leisure time activity which usually occurs in a natural or designed urban setting. Passive recreation may occur in common open lawn areas and, where determined appropriate, critical area buffers, aquifer recharge and floodwater storage areas. Activities may include picnicking, sightseeing, walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature walks. Accessory structures associated with passive recreation include: playground equipment, picnic shelters and tables, barbecue pits, exercise stations, restroom facilities, benches, directory signs, garbage containers, and landscaped areas with walkways.

“Patio” means a recreation area adjoining a dwelling which is often paved or a wood platform of 30 inches or less above finished grade.

“Pedestrian orientation” means designing the built environment with the needs of humans who are walking in mind. Key elements include building height, bulk and placement; streetscape, sidewalk design and connections; and mix and type of land uses. The result should be a walkable community that reinforces urban design goals for the neighborhood.

Pedestrian-Oriented Facades. The ground floor facades facing pedestrian-oriented streets and public parks shall feature “pedestrian-friendly” street front facades which consist of one or more of the following characteristics:

1. Transparent window area or window displays along the majority of the ground floor facade.

2. Sculptural, mosaic or bas-relief artwork over the majority of the ground floor facade.

3. Pedestrian-Oriented Space. As defined below, at least 500 square feet must be located along the sidewalk for every 100 linear feet of facade as measured along the property line adjacent to the street right-of-way. The pedestrian-oriented space shall also include at least 200 square feet of landscaping for every 100 linear feet of building facade as measured along the property line adjacent to the street right-of-way. The landscaping must conform to the planting standards contained in Edgewood city ordinances.

“Pedestrian-oriented space” means an area between a building and a public street or another building that promotes visual and pedestrian access onto the site and that provides pedestrian-oriented amenities and landscaping to enhance the public’s use of the space. Pedestrian-oriented spaces include, but are not limited to, outdoor plazas, arcades, courtyards, seating areas, and amphitheaters. Pedestrian-oriented spaces have:

1. Visual and pedestrian access, including handicapped access, into the site from the public right-of-way.

2. Special textured paved walking surfaces of either concrete or approved unit paving.

3. On-site or building-mounted lighting providing at least four footcandles (average) on the ground.

4. Seating; at least two feet of seating area (bench, ledge, etc.) or one individual seat per 60 square feet of plaza area or open space.

5. Landscaping, including trees and seasonal plantings, that defines the space, but does not act as a visual barrier to views from the street or adjacent buildings.

6. Site furniture, artwork or amenities such as fountains, kiosks, etc.

7. Pedestrian weather protection or other enclosure, such as an arcade or gazebo.

Generally, pedestrian-oriented spaces shall not have:

1. Asphalt or gravel pavement.

2. Adjacent unscreened parking lots.

3. Adjacent chain-link fences.

4. Adjacent “blank walls” without “blank wall treatment.”

“Pedestrian-oriented use” means a commercial use in which customers commonly arrive on foot, or where signage, advertising, window display and entryways are oriented toward pedestrian traffic on a public sidewalk. Pedestrian-oriented businesses may include restaurants, retail shops, personal service businesses, travel services, banks (except drive-through windows), and similar establishments.

“Pedestrian walkway” means a surfaced walkway, separate from the traveled portion of a right-of-way or parking lot/driving aisle.

“Pennant” means a tapered flag having a distinctive triangular form. (See “flag” and “string pennants.”)

“Performance standards” means criteria to control noise, odor, smoke, toxic or noxious matter, vibration, fire and explosive hazards, or glare or heat generated by or inherent in uses of land or buildings.

“Performing arts center” means any facility consisting of stages and seating for the live performance of theatrical or musical works. Ancillary uses such as concessions and gift shops may be included in this use.

“Person” means any natural person, firm, partnership, association, social or fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, branch of government, or any other person or combination acting as a unit, with legal rights and duties, whether acting by themselves or by a servant, agent, employee, or guardian.

“Personal and beauty services” means any use that provides services involving the care of a person or of a person’s apparel. Examples include barbers, beauty salons and dry cleaners.

Personal Wireless Service, Personal Wireless Service Facilities. (See definition for “wireless telecommunications facility.”)

“Plat” means a map or representation of a subdivision, showing thereon the division of a tract or parcel of land into lots, blocks, streets, and alleys or other divisions and dedications.

“Plat, preliminary” means a neat and approximate drawing of a proposed subdivision showing the general layout of streets and alleys, lots, blocks, and other elements of a subdivision consistent with the requirements of the city subdivision regulations and Chapter 58.17 RCW. The preliminary plat shall be the basis for the approval or disapproval of the general layout of a subdivision.

“Plat, short” means a legally recorded map or drawing which subdivides a parcel of ground into four or fewer lots, tracts, parcels, sites, or divisions for the purpose of sale, lease or transfer of ownership.

“Plaza” means a pedestrian space that is available for public use and is situated near a main entrance to a building or is clearly visible and accessible from the adjacent right-of-way. Typical features include special paving, landscaping, lighting, seating areas, water features, and art.

“Post office, branch” means a government operated subdivision of a main post office serving as a base for one or more carrier routes and providing customer postal service.

“Post office, contract station” means a privately operated, limited-service postal facility carried on as adjunct to a principal business or use.

“Preempted facility” means any hazardous waste facility defined as a preempted facility in RCW 70.105.010 or in Chapter 173-303 WAC. This may include any facility that includes as a significant part of its activities any of the following hazardous waste operations:

1. Landfill;

2. Incineration;

3. Land treatment;

4. Surface impoundment to be closed as a landfill; or

5. Waste pile to be closed as a landfill.

“Preexisting wireless telecommunications facility (WTF)” means any wireless telecommunications facility for which a building permit and/or development permit has been properly issued prior to the date of adoption of the ordinance codified in this title, including permitted wireless telecommunications facilities that have not yet been constructed, so long as that permit or approval has not expired.

“Preliminary approval” means an approval, based upon an application and conceptual plan for a discretionary land use permit, granted by the city manager or designee or examiner, which sets forth certain conditions.

“Premises” means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings which, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.

“Preschool” means an establishment exclusively providing educational programs for prekindergarten or preschool children, but excluding daycare uses as specified in EMC 18.70.060, Civic use category.

“Principal use” means the main use to which the premises are devoted and the principal purpose for which the premises exist.

“Private organization” means a nonprofit corporation organized pursuant to Chapter 24.03 RCW as a nonprofit corporation.

“Private recreation, indoor” means indoor recreation facilities owned and operated by a private party, including indoor skating rinks, bowling alleys, gymnasiums not accessory to an education institution, racket clubs, sports arenas, pools and similar uses.

“Private recreation, outdoor” means primarily outdoor recreation facilities owned and operated by a private party, including golf courses, tennis courts, athletic fields, pools, skate parks, and similar uses.

“Processing or handling of a hazardous substance” means the compounding, treatment, manufacturing, synthesis, use or storage of hazardous substances in excess of the following amounts in bulk quantities: 5,000 pounds of solid hazardous substances, 500 gallons of liquid hazardous substances, and 650 cubic feet of gaseous hazardous substances.

“Professional office” means an office used as a place of business by licensed professionals, or persons in other generally recognized professions, which use training or knowledge of a technical, scientific or other academic discipline as opposed to manual skills, and which does not involve outside storage or fabrication, or on-site sale or transfer of commodities.

“Project action” involves a decision on a specific project, such as a construction or management activity located in a defined geographic area. Projects include and are limited to agency decisions to:

1. License, fund, or undertake any activity that will directly modify the environment, whether the activity will be conducted by the agency, an applicant, or under contract;

2. Purchase, sell, lease, transfer, or exchange natural resources, including publicly owned land whether or not the environment is directly modified.

“Project permit” means any land use or environmental permit or license required from the city of Edgewood for a project action, including but not limited to building permits, site development permits, fill and grade permits, subdivisions, binding site plans, planned unit developments, conditional uses, shoreline substantial development permits, development plan review, site specific rezones authorized by the comprehensive plan; but excluding adoption or amendment of the comprehensive plan and development regulations, zoning of newly annexed land, area-wide rezones, and zoning map amendments except as otherwise specifically included in this subsection.

“Property line adjustment” means the relocation of a common property line between two abutting properties.

“Provider, telecommunications facilities” means a corporation, company, association, joint stock company, firm, partnership, sole-proprietorship, limited liability company, other entity or individual which provides telecommunications services through the use of wireless telecommunications facilities.

“Public facilities” include streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, storm waste facilities, parks and recreational facilities, governmental buildings, and schools.

“Public meeting” means an informal or formal meeting, workshop, or other public gathering of persons to obtain comments from the public or other agencies on a proposed project permit prior to the city’s decision, but is not an open record hearing.

“Public or semi-public use” means a structure or use, owned or operated by a state, county, city, school district or other public or private agency or concern for the benefit of the public generally including schools, fire stations, libraries, community buildings, museums, child care centers, fairgrounds, and churches, but does not include specific uses or structures which are defined separately in this section.

“Public park” means a park or recreation facility, whether indoor or outdoor, that is owned or operated by a public entity and is open to the general public.

“Public street” means any public or private road or access easement intended to provide public access to any lot/development, but excluding any service road or internal driving aisles (e.g., within parking lots).

“Public utility” means a private business or organization such as a public service corporation, performing some public service and subject to special governmental regulations, or a governmental agency performing similar public services, the service by either of which are paid for directly by the recipients thereof. Such services shall include, but are not limited to, water supply, electric power, gas and transportation of persons or freight. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.200 Q definitions.

“Qualified architect or engineer” means an architect or engineer registered in the state of Washington who, by reason of his training and experience, is considered qualified to pass judgement on design, materials, and methods of construction. The qualifications of the architect or engineer design must be reviewed and found to be acceptable by the city manager or designee. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.210 R definitions.

“Recorded” means, unless otherwise stated, filed for record with the auditor of the county of Pierce, state of Washington.

“Recreation” means the refreshment of body and mind through forms of play, amusement or relaxation. The recreational experience may be active, such as boating, fishing, and swimming, or may be passive such as enjoying the natural beauty of the shoreline or its wildlife. Facilities included as low-intensity recreation may include picnic tables, trail signs, unpaved trails and portable restrooms.

“Recreational vehicle” means a camping trailer, travel trailer, motor home, truck camper, and any similar vehicular-type unit without permanent foundation that can be towed, hauled, or driven and primarily designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping or travel use, with or without motor power, being of such size and weight as to be operable over highways without requirement of a special highway movement permit.

“Recycling center” means a center for the receiving and storage of recyclable materials such as paper, glass and aluminum. The center would receive materials from the general public. This use may involve some outside storage.

“Recycling collection site” means a site with collection boxes or other containerized storage where citizens can leave materials for recycling.

“Rehabilitation” means infrequent, extensive repair of more than a routine nature to existing structures or facilities which are in current use or operation.

“Religious assembly” means an establishment in which the principal purpose is religious worship and for which the principal building or other structure contains the sanctuary or principal place of worship, which may include accessory uses in the main building or in separate buildings or structures such as religious educational classrooms, assembly rooms, library or reading room, recreation hall, and a single dwelling unit for caretaker or clergy and his/her immediate family.

“Remote switching unit” means a device or group of devices in a telephone system having the necessary equipment for terminating and interconnecting subscribers’ lines, farmer lines, toll lines and inter-facilities trunks, normally dependent on one or more central office switching units for full operability.

“Retail trade” means the sale or rental of goods and merchandise for final use or consumption.

“Retail trade and services” means any use that provides for the sale of goods and services for either local or regional markets.

“Right-of-way” means land owned, dedicated or conveyed to the public, used primarily for the movement of vehicles, wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Right-of-way may be intended to be occupied by electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipelines, water line sanitary storm sewer, and other similar uses. Right-of-way may also include land privately owned; provided, that such land has been developed and constructed in compliance with all applicable laws and standards for a public right-of-way.

“Riprap” means a layer, facing, or protective mound of stones randomly placed to prevent erosion, scour or sloughing of a structure or embankment; also, the stone so used. In local usage, the similar use of other hard material, such as concrete rubble, is also frequently included as riprap.

“Roadside stand” means a temporary structure designed or used for the display or sale of agricultural products primarily produced on the premises upon which such a stand is located.

“Roofline” means the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.

“Room” means any space in a building enclosed or set apart by a partition or partitions which is habitable and shall be deemed to apply to any room used as a bedroom, dining room, living room, sitting room, parlor, kitchen, sewing room, library, den, music room, dressing room, sleeping porch, sun room, sun porch, party room, recreation room, breakfast room, study, and similar uses. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.220 S definitions.

“Salvage yard” or “junkyard” means a place where waste, discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, cleaned, packed, disassembled or handled, including, but not limited to, auto and motor vehicle wrecking yards, house wrecking yards, used lumber yards and yards for use of salvaged house wrecking and structural steel materials and equipment.

“Schools, compulsory” means institutions of learning offering instruction in the several branches of learning and study required by the Education Code of the State of Washington, including associated meeting rooms, auditoriums and athletic facilities.

“Screening” means placement of a wireless telecommunications facility such as a tower or mount among trees or other appropriate vegetation to provide a natural, aesthetic appearance to the location of such wireless telecommunications facility.

“Secondary use” means a use subordinate to the principal or primary use of the property, such as commercial, residential, or industrial uses allowed in each zoning district, etc.

“Secondhand dealer” means any person engaged, in whole or in part, in the business of buying, selling, trading, or otherwise transferring for value, secondhand or used personal property, metal junk, melted metals, or precious metals and consigned or auctioned goods.

“Secondhand property/goods” means any and all used or secondhand goods or items of personal property which can be used again for the purpose for which they were originally intended, including, but not limited to, valuable items such as coins with a value greater than their face value, precious metals, precious stones and jewelry.

“Security barrier” means a wall, fence, or berm that has the purpose of securing a wireless telecommunications facility’s wireless service facility from unauthorized entry or trespass.

“Self storage” means an establishment that rents units for the storing of personal possessions.

“Senior citizen assisted housing” means housing in a building consisting of two or more dwelling units or sleeping units restricted to occupancy by at least one senior citizen per unit, and may include the following support services, as deemed necessary:

1. Food preparation and dining areas;

2. Group activity areas;

3. Medical supervision; and

4. Similar activities.

“Service areas” means areas, enclosed or open, that contain equipment and uses such as ground level mechanical equipment, utility vaults, loading zones, outdoor storage areas, and trash and recycling areas.

“Service provider” means the department, district or agency responsible for providing the specific public facility or service.

“Service uses or activities” means businesses which sell the knowledge or work of its people rather than a tangible product.

“Setback” means the minimum required distance between any structure and a specified line such as a property line or buffer line that is required to remain free of structures unless otherwise provided herein.

“Sewage system, on-site” means any system of piping, treatment devices, or other facilities that convey, store, treat, or dispose of sewage on the property where it originates or on adjacent or nearby property under control of the user where the system is not connected to a public or approved private sewer system.

“Sexually oriented business” use type refers to business that includes as a primary part of its business any one or more of the following: an adult entertainment facility; adult oriented merchandise; adult retail use; panorama; or similar facility, merchandise, or entertainment as defined in EMC 18.100.100, Sexually oriented businesses. Limited to a maximum of 1,000 square feet.

“Shading vegetation” means vegetation planted on the south side of a major creek that generally provides shade from midmorning to mid-afternoon. Examples of shading vegetation are specified in EMC 18.90.090, Landscaping.

“Shed, storage” means a structure in which possessions are kept for future use and which is constructed on the owner’s property. The owner may not lease the structure or any portion of the storage area to a second party. The structure shall not be used for any form of commercial production or retail sales activities.

“Shopping center” means a retail shopping area designed as a unit, which utilizes a common parking area.

“Significant tree” means an existing tree which, when measured four feet above grade, has a minimum diameter of either:

1. Fifteen inches for evergreen and deciduous trees;

2. Trees determined to be significant by the city manager or designee, regardless of the tree diameter, due to the uniqueness of the species.

“Single-family dwelling, detached” means a single household unit other than a mobile or manufactured home in which construction is characterized by no common wall or ceiling with another unit.

“Site planning” is the arrangement of buildings, driveways, sidewalks, public open spaces, landscaping, parking, utilities, and other facilities on a specific site.

“Skating rink” means a commercial facility wherein the rental of skating equipment occurs and an enclosed skating surface for private or public use is provided.

“Soil” means the surface layer of earth supporting plant life.

“Solid waste” means all wastes, including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, discarded commodities, sludge from wastewater treatment plants, seepage from septic tanks, wood wastes, dangerous wastes, and problem wastes.

“Solid waste incinerator” means the processing of solid waste by means of pyrolysis, refuse-derived fuel or mass incineration within an enclosed structure. These processes may include the recovery of energy resources from such waste or the conversion of the energy in such wastes to more useful forms or combinations thereof. This definition refers to citywide or regional-scale operations and does not include solid waste incineration which is accessory to an individual principal use.

“Solid waste transfer/recycling station” means the transfer of solid waste materials from route collection trucks to larger capacity semi-trailers for transport to a solid waste disposal site. The transfer activities would be conducted entirely within an enclosed structure. The use may involve a service area for the repair and maintenance of trucks and an outside parking area for trucks.

“Sound level” means, in decibels, the quantity measured by an instrument that satisfies American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971, or the most recent revision thereof. Sound level is understood to be measured with the A-weighted filter and slow response of the instrument.

“Sporting vehicle” means a motor or wind powered device used in or on the water or off normal public roads for recreational or sporting purposes.

Square Foot. See “Gross square feet (gsf).”

“Stabilization” means the process of controlling or stilling the movement of sand and eroding soil by natural vegetative growth, planting of grasses and shrubs, or mechanical means such as wire net fencing.

“Stacking space” means the space specifically designated as a waiting area for vehicles whose occupants will be patronizing a drive-in business. Such space is considered to be located directly alongside a drive-in window, facility or entrance used by patrons and in lanes leading up to and away from the business establishment.

“Stormwater conveyance facilities” means features such as gutters, pipelines, culverts, manholes, weirs, manmade and natural channels, water quality filtration systems and drywells that convey stormwater.

“Stormwater multiple use facilities” means stormwater pond facilities that are also developed to allow uses such as parks, recreational, educational and research structures and activities.

“Story” means that portion of a building included between the upper surface of any floor and the upper surface of the floor next above, except that the topmost story shall be that portion of a building included between the upper surface of the topmost floor and the ceiling or roof above. (Building space located between the floor and the ceiling.)

“Street” means a public way located within a right-of-way that was created to provide ingress and/or egress to one or more lots, parcels, areas or tracts of land and includes the terms road, highways, lanes, avenue, or similar designation.

“Street, cul-de-sac” means a street having only one outlet for vehicular traffic, with a turnaround at the closed end and which is not planned to be extended or continued to serve future subdivisions or development on adjacent lands.

“Street furniture” means the objects placed on or near a sidewalk for use, convenience or enjoyment primarily by pedestrians such as benches or other seating arrangements, trash receptacles, mail and newspaper boxes, kiosks, light poles, and art objects.

“Street tree” means a species of tree approved by the city of Edgewood to be planted in along street frontages in accordance with the provisions of EMC 18.90.090, Landscaping.

“Street wall” means the construction of buildings adjacent to the edge of the sidewalk and which abut each other or are in very close proximity to one another, to create the effect of a continuous wall of building facades along the sidewalk at the property lines.

“Streetscape” is the visual character and quality of a street as determined by various elements located between the edge of the street and the building face, such as trees and other landscaping, street furniture, lighting, artwork, transit stops, signage, utility fixtures and equipment, and paving treatments. Where there are frequent and wide spaces between buildings, the streetscape will be defined by the pattern of building and open space and the character of that open space.

“String pennant” means a series of shapes, signs, streamers, or other similar devices made of fabric, plastic or other material which are connected together or attached to a cord to create a rope-like device that is typically displayed between poles or buildings. String pennants may contain advertising or be decorative. String pennants can vary in size, color, or design.

“Structural alteration” means any change to the supporting members of a building including foundations, bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams, girders, or any structural change in the roof or in the exterior walls.

“Structure” means a walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, and a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground. Structure can also be defined as anything that is constructed in or on the ground or over water, including any edifice, gas or liquid storage tank, and any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts and joined together.

“Subdivider” means any person who undertakes the subdivision of land for the purpose of ownership or development at any time, whether immediate or future.

“Subdivision” means the act of dividing a parcel or tract of land into smaller lots and tracts.

“Subdivision, final” means the final drawing of the subdivision and dedication prepared for filing for record with the county auditor and containing all elements and requirements set forth in this title and Chapter 58.17 RCW.

“Survey and monument” means the boundaries of a partition parcel, road right-of-way or road easement. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.230 T definitions.

“Telecommunications” means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.

“Telecommunications service” means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available directly to the public, regardless of the facilities used.

“Temporary lodging” means an establishment that provides temporary sleeping accommodations, and may also include ancillary uses such as restaurant, lounge, banquet rooms and convention facilities.

“Temporary use” means a nonpermanent structure, use or activity involving minimal capital investment that does not result in the permanent alteration of the site and which is intended to exist or operate for a limited period of time.

“Tower” (for the purposes of wireless telecommunications facilities) means any structure that is designed and constructed primarily for the purpose of supporting one or more antennas for telecommunications, including, but not limited to, radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers or personal communications services towers, alternative tower structures and other similar communications purposes. The term includes the structure, all structural supports, and all related buildings and appurtenances.

“Townhouse” means a residential structure in which individual dwelling units are attached along at least one common wall to at least two other dwelling units. Each dwelling unit occupies space from the ground to the roof and no portion of a unit may occupy space above or below another unit, except that townhouse units may be constructed over a common shared parking garage, provided the garage is underground.

“Toxic materials” means a substance (liquid, solid, or gaseous) which by reason of an inherent deleterious property tends to destroy life or impair health.

“Tract” means any parcel of land, lot, building site, or contiguous combination thereof devoted to or intended to be devoted to a principal use and any other uses customarily accessory thereto.

“Trailer, commercial/private” means a vehicle without motor power designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and which trailer is used or is to be used for carrying goods and property.

“Transfer/recycling station” means a solid waste facility requiring a state solid waste permit which is a permanent, fixed supplemental collection and transportation facility, used by persons and route collection vehicles to deposit collected solid waste from off-site into a larger transfer vehicle for transport to a disposal facility. It may include baling or compaction activities or recycling facilities.

“Transfer station, drop-box” means a solid waste facility requiring a state solid waste permit which is used for placement of a detachable container including the area adjacent for necessary entrance and exit roads, unloading and turnaround areas. The facility normally serves the general public with loose loads and receives waste from off-site.

“Transitional housing” means a facility operated publicly or privately to provide housing for individuals or families who might otherwise be homeless and generally have no other immediate living options available to them. Transitional housing shall not exceed a two-year period per individual or family.

“Tree” means any living woody plant characterized by one main trunk and many branches, and having a diameter of two inches or more measured at three feet above ground level.

“Tree removal permit” means an approval granted by the community development department to remove a significant tree(s) within the city. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.240 U definitions.

“Unlicensed wireless services” means commercial mobile services that operate on public frequencies and are not required to have an FCC license to operate.

“Use” means the purpose or activity for which land or buildings are designed, arranged, intended, divided, or occupied, maintained, rented, or leased, and includes any manner of performance of such activity with respect to the performance standards of these development standards. A use often involves the placement of structures or facilities for industry, commerce, habitation, or recreation.

“Use category” means a group of similar use types that are associated with each other to such an extent that they represent a general land use function.

“Use, permitted” means any use allowed in a zoning district and subject to the restrictions applicable to the specific use.

“Use, principal” means the primary or predominant use of any lot or parcel.

“Use type” means a group of similar uses that are fundamentally related to each other, contain equivalent characteristics, and which fall within the same use category.

“Utilities” means public facilities including electrical substation, electrical generation facilities, electrical transmission, telephone or communications lines, pipelines, sewer lines, water lines, natural gas lines, or similar transmission facilities, natural gas gate valve and storage facilities, sewage collection and treatment facilities, waste disposal facilities, waste/recycling transfer facilities, and water supply facilities.

“Utility facility, major” means large-scale facilities that serve a regional need, have major above-ground visual impacts and/or result in noise, odors, or other activities that are incompatible with residential and other less intensive uses. Such facilities may include sewage treatment plants, transfer stations, electrical substations, high voltage transmission lines, regional water storage tanks and reservoirs, storage yards and regional sewer collectors and interceptors. This definition does not include wireless communication facilities.

“Utility facility, minor” means a small-scale facility serving primarily local distribution needs within the city, including underground power lines, water distribution lines, sewer lift stations, and stormwater conveyance pipes, fiber optic cable, pump stations and hydrants, switching boxes, and other structures normally found in a street right-of-way to serve adjacent properties. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.250 V definitions.

“Validity” means legally binding with the laws as established in the Edgewood Municipal Code.

“Variance” means a modification of regulations of this title when authorized by the city manager or designee or hearing examiner after finding that the literal application of the provisions of this title would cause undue and unnecessary hardship in view of certain facts and conditions applying to a specific parcel of property.

“Vegetative groundcover” means low growing vegetation that does not usually exceed one foot in height and eventually grows together to form a continuous mass.

“Vesting” entitles the applicant to improve and use land in the manner permitted under the ordinances in effect on the date the application is deemed complete by a jurisdiction.

“Veterinary clinic” means any premises to which animals are brought, or where they are temporarily kept, solely for the purpose of diagnosis or treatment, care, observation or treatment of any illness or injury to domestic or exotic animals.

“Vocational school” means establishments offering training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career. (Ord. 11-359 § 7 (Exh. D); Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.260 W definitions.

“Warehouse” means a structure or part of a structure, used for storing goods, wares, and merchandise, whether for the owner of the structure or for others.

“Wastewater transfer facility” means equipment, structures, driving and parking surfaces, and appurtenances used for loading wastewater for transport to wastewater treatment facilities.

“Wastewater” means water that carries waste from domestic, commercial or industrial facilities together with other waters which may inadvertently enter the sewer system through infiltration and inflow.

“Water purification facility” means treatment plants or facilities for disinfecting water.

“Water supply, potable” means a water source that complies with appropriate state agency regulations as to quality and quantity for use as a drinking source.

“Whip antenna” means an omnidirectional dipole antenna of cylindrical shape that is no more than six inches in average diameter.

“Wholesale” means establishments primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users; or other wholesalers; or acting as agents or brokers and buying for or selling merchandise to such individuals or companies; and professional and commercial equipment suppliers.

“Wireless telecommunications facilities, including personal wireless service” means personal wireless service facilities, and facilities as defined in Title 47, United States Code, Section 332(c)(7)(C), including all future amendments, and also includes facilities for the transmission and reception of radio or microwave signals used for communication, telecommunication, cellular phone personal communications services, enhanced specialized mobile radio, any other services licensed by the FCC, and any other unlicensed wireless services. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.270 X definitions.

Reserved. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.280 Y definitions.

“Yard” means an open area on a lot with a building and bounded on one or more sides by such building, such space being unoccupied land unobstructed from the ground upward.

“Yard sale” means all temporary and intermittent sales which may be variously referred to as “garage sale,” “lawn sale,” “attic sale,” “rummage sale,” “estate sale,” or any similar casual sale of tangible personal property from a residence or community use which is advertised by any means whereby the public at large is or can be made aware of the sale, and which is clearly secondary to the primary use of the site.

“Yard, front” means an open space on the same lot with the building, between the front line of the building, exclusive of steps, and the front property line or right-of-way, including the full width of the lot to its side line.

“Yard, rear” means an open space on the same lot with the building between the rear line of the building, exclusive of steps, porches and accessory buildings, and the rear line of the lot, including the full width of the lot to its side lines.

“Yard, side” means an open, unoccupied space on a lot, between the side wall line of the main building and the side property line of the lot. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).

18.20.290 Z definitions.

“Zoning” means the regulation of the use of private lands or the manner of construction related thereto in the interest of implementing the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. Zoning includes both the division of land into separate and distinct zoning districts, and the specific use and development standards that regulate development. Such regulation shall also govern those public and quasi-public land use and buildings that provide for government activities and proprietary type services for the community’s benefit, except as prohibited by law. State and federal governmental activities are strongly encouraged to cooperate under these regulations to secure harmonious city development.

“Zoning district” means an area accurately defined as to boundaries and location, and classified by the zoning code as available for certain types of uses and within which other types of uses are excluded. (Ord. 03-203 § 1).