Chapter 18.08
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
18.08.030 Additional definitions.
18.08.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to define words that are used throughout these development regulations. Definitions may also be found within the other development regulation divisions. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.020 Words not defined.
Refer to Section 18.20.020(F), Administrative interpretations. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.030 Additional definitions.
The definitions contained in this division are generally those listed in Sections 18.08.040 through 18.08.290. Definitions specific to individual divisions appear and are listed in those development regulations. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.040 A definitions.
“Abandon or abandonment of wireless telecommunications facilities” means:
1. To cease operation for a period of sixty (60) or more consecutive calendar days;
2. To reduce the effective radiated power of an antenna by seventy-five percent (75%) for sixty (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 seventy-five percent (75%), so long as the operator still serves essentially the same customer base;
3. To relocate an antenna at a point less than eighty percent (80%) of the height of an antenna support structure; or
4. To reduce the number of transmissions from an antenna by seventy-five percent (75%) for sixty (60) or more consecutive calendar days; provided, that nonoperation or reduced operation for a period of sixty (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.
“Access” means the way or means by which pedestrians and vehicles enter and leave property.
Accessory Dwelling Unit. See Section 18.44.110(B).
“Accessory structure” means a separate structure that is secondary and subordinate to another structure on the same property.
Accessory Use. See Section 18.44.110.
“Action(s)” means new and continuing activities (including projects and programs) entirely or partly financed, assisted, conducted, regulated, licensed, or approved by agencies; new or revised agency rules, regulations, plans, policies, or procedures; and legislative proposals. Actions fall within one of two categories:
1. Project Actions. A 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:
a. 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;
b. Purchase, sell, lease, transfer, or exchange natural resources, including publicly owned land, whether or not the environment is directly modified.
2. Nonproject Actions. Nonproject actions involve decisions on policies, plans, or programs.
a. The adoption or amendment of legislation, ordinances, rules, or regulations that contain standards controlling use or modification of the environment;
b. The adoption or amendment of comprehensive land use plans or zoning ordinances;
c. The adoption of any policy, plan, or program that will govern the development of a series of connected actions (WAC 197-11-060, SEPA), but not including any policy, plan, or program for which approval must be obtained from any federal agency prior to implementation;
d. Creation of a district or annexations to any city, town or district;
e. Capital budgets; and
f. Road, street, and highway plans.
3. Actions do not include activities listed above when an agency is not involved. Actions do not include bringing judicial or administrative civil or criminal enforcement actions.
“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.
“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).
Agricultural Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(D).
“Alley” means a public or private way not more than thirty (30) feet wide which provides a means of access to abutting property that is not intended for general traffic circulation. Alleys are not considered streets for the purpose of calculating setbacks.
“Alterations” means any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which does not equal or exceed fifty percent (50%) of the market value of the structure in a two-year period.
“Amendment” means any 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 the city code; or any change to a condition of approval or modification of a permit or plans reviewed or approved by the planning commission, city council or designee.
Amusement. See Section 18.44.080(B).
Amusement and Recreation (Use). See Section 18.44.080.
“Anchor” means the device to which tie-downs are secured or fastened having a holding power of not less than four thousand eight hundred (4,800) pounds. They include, but are not necessarily limited to, screw auger and 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.
“Antenna” means any system of electromagnetically tuned wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves between terrestrial and/or orbital base points.
“Antenna, ancillary” means an antenna that is less than twelve (12) inches in its largest dimension and is not directly used to provide wireless communications services.
Example: antennas used for global positioning satellites (GPS).
“Antenna, panel” means a directional antenna which transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a specific directional pattern of up to one hundred twenty (120) degrees, typically thin and rectangular in shape.
“Antenna, parabolic or dish antenna” means a bowl-shaped antenna that receives and/or transmits in a narrow and specific direction.
“Antenna, tubular” means a hollow tube typically twelve (12) inches in diameter containing either omnidirectional or directional antennas, depending on the specific site requirement.
Typically placed on top of light standards and power poles, tubular antennas are often used to mitigate the visual impacts of wireless telecommunications facilities.
“Antenna, whip” means an omnidirectional antenna that transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a three hundred sixty (360) degree radial pattern, typically four inches or less in diameter.
“Antenna height” or “height” means, 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.
Apartment. See Section 18.44.040(D).
“Appeal” means a proceeding by which an aggrieved party requests that a disputed matter is brought before a higher authority for review of a decision made by the city.
“Applicant” means any person or entity, including an agency, that makes an application to the city of Rainier or another agency for any required permit or license.
“Approval” means permission to proceed with a land use action for development.
“Aquifer” means a geological formation, group of formations or part of a formation that is capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring.
“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.
“Art” or “artwork” means a device, element, or feature with a primary purpose to express, enhance or illustrate an 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.
Assembly. See Section 18.44.060(B).
Attached Single-Family Unit. See Section 18.44.040(C). (Ord. 665 § 1, 2017: Ord. 659 § 1, 2017: Ord. 575 § 1, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.050 B definitions.
“Base flood elevation” means that elevation, expressed in feet above mean sea level, determined by the Federal Insurance Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to which floodwater, on an average, can be expected to rise on a frequency of once in every one hundred (100) years.
Battery Charging Station. See Section 18.44.110(H).
Battery Exchange Station. See Section 18.44.070(J).
Bed and Breakfast. See Section 18.44.110(C).
“Berm” means a landscaped elevation formed of earth, sand, or stone.
Best Available Science. See Section 18.110.020.
“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 watercourse.
Boundary Line Adjustment. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions, Boundary line adjustment.
“Buffer” means an area of land or a structure used or created for the purpose of insulating or separating a structure or land use from other lands, uses or structures, in such a manner as to reduce or mitigate any adverse impacts of one or the other.
“Buffer, critical area” means the naturally existing area contiguous with a critical area that is required for the integrity, maintenance, function, enhancement, or structural stability of the critical area.
“Buildable area” means the portion of a lot or site, exclusive of required yard areas, setbacks, landscaping or open space within which a structure may be built.
“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 code” means the code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the city council, and as amended hereafter.
“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 predominantly 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 Site. See “Buildable area.”
“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. 665 § 2, 2017: Ord. 659 § 2, 2017: Ord. 648 § 2, 2016: Ord. 599 § 1, 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.060 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.
Campground. See Section 18.44.050(C).
“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.
“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.
Christmas Tree Sales. See Section 18.44.120(C).
“Circle diameter” means the minimum size of a circle required to fit within a lot.
“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.
“City” means the city of Rainier and/or city staff members.
“City designee” or “designee” means the community development department director, senior planner, or other as appointed by the mayor.
“Clear-vision areas” means a triangular area at intersections or public drives where visual obstructions are to be kept clear. See standards adopted by Thurston County, Chapter 12.04.
“Clearing” means the removal of timber, brush, grass, groundcover, or other vegetative matter from a site that exposes the earth’s surface on the site.
“Clinic” means a place where medical or dental care is furnished to persons on an outpatient basis by professionals in the health care field.
“Closed record appeals” means administrative appeals under RCW 36.70B.110, which are heard by the city council 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.
“Collocation of wireless telecommunications facilities” means the use of a wireless telecommunication facility by more than one service provider.
“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.
Commercial Use. See Section 18.44.070.
“Community development director” means the director of the community development department of the city of Rainier or designee of that department.
“Comprehensive plan” means the document, including maps, adopted by the city council that 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 an estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a lot of record together with a separate interest in space in a building on such real property.
“Contiguous” means bordering upon, to touch upon, or in physical contact with.
Conventional Lodging. See Section 18.44.050(B).
Correctional Group Home. See Section 18.44.040(F).
Craft Food Production. See Section 18.44.090(B).
Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. See Section 18.110.070(A).
“Critical facility” means a facility for which even a slight chance of flooding, inundation, or impact from a hazard event might be too great.
Example: Critical facilities include, but are not limited to: schools; nursing homes; hospitals; police, fire and emergency response installations; and installations that produce, use, or store hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
“Curb cut” is a depression in the curb for a driveway to provide vehicular access between private property and the street. (Ord. 665 § 3, 2017: Ord. 659 § 3, 2017: Ord. 575 § 2, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.070 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.
Day Care Center. See Section 18.44.060(C).
Day Care, Home. See Section 18.44.110(G).
“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 that loses its foliage annually.
“Decision” means a determination arrived at after consideration.
“Deck” means a roofless, outdoor, aboveground 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.
“Density” means the permissible number of dwelling units that may be developed on a specific amount of land area measured in number of dwelling units per acre.
“Department” means the city of Rainier community development department.
“Design details” or “architectural or building design details” refers 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.
Detached Single-Family Unit. See Section 18.44.040(B).
Developed Recreation. See Section 18.44.080(D).
“Development” means any constructed changes to improved or unimproved land, 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, which includes all Process I through Process V applications.
“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 regulations” means the controls placed on development or land use activities, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical areas ordinances, shoreline master programs, official controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances, together with any amendments thereto. A development regulation does not include a decision to approve a project permit application, as defined in RCW 36.70B.020, even though the decision may be expressed in a resolution or ordinance of the legislative body of the city.
“Discontinuance” means the abandonment of a use, 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.
Disposal. See Section 18.44.090(E).
“District” means an area designated by this division, with specific boundaries, in which lie specific zones, or special purpose areas as described in this division.
“Domesticated animal” means those domestic beasts such as any dog, cat, rabbit, horse, mule, ass, bovine animal, lamb, goat, sheep or hog, or other animal made to be domestic.
“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-Up Facility. See Section 18.44.110(F).
“Driveway” means a paved or graveled surface a minimum of fifteen (15) feet in width that provides access to a lot from a public or private right-of-way.
“Durable surface” means concrete, brick, asphalt or similar material.
“Dwelling unit” means a unit used residentially and is also known as a residential unit. See Section 18.44.040 for a definition of residential use. (Ord. 665 § 4, 2017: Ord. 610 § 1, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.080 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.
“Electric vehicle” means any vehicle that operates, either partially or exclusively, on electrical energy from the grid, or an off-board source that is stored on board for a motive purpose.
“Electromagnetic field (EMF)” means the field produced by the operation of equipment used in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.
Emergency Services. See Section 18.44.060(E).
“Erect” means the act of placing or affixing a component of a structure upon the ground or upon another such component.
“Erosion” means the detachment and movement of soil, sediment, or rock fragments by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
Erosion Hazard Area. See Section 18.110.090.
“Essential public facilities” means those state or regional facilities and services of statewide significance that are typically difficult to site, such as airports, state education facilities, state or regional transportation facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient facilities including substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes and secure community transition facilities.
“Evergreen tree” means a tree, often a coniferous tree, which retains its foliage and remains green year round.
“Excavation” means any act by which organic matter, earth, sand, gravel, rock, or any other similar material is cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed, including the resulting conditions.
“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. 665 § 5, 2017: Ord. 659 § 4, 2017: Ord. 599 § 2, 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.090 F definitions.
“Facade” means the exterior wall and related roof elements of a building.
“Family” means one or more individuals related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship, or not more than six individuals not so related, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit.
Farm Stand. See Section 18.44.120(D).
“Fence” means a wall or barrier for the purpose of enclosing space or separating parcels of land.
“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” or “filling” means the placement by man of sand, sediment or other material to raise the elevation of the land.
“Final development plan” means a plan or set of plans that complies with the conditions set forth in a preliminary approval and, once approved, authorizes the granting of a discretionary permit.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area. See Section 18.110.100.
“Flag” means any piece of cloth of individual size, color and design, used as a symbol, signal or emblem, or for decoration.
“Flagpole” means a staff or pole that is designed to display a flag. A flagpole may be freestanding or attached to a building or to a private light standard.
“Flood” or “flooding” means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.
“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 centerline of walls separating two buildings, but not including attic space providing headroom of less than seven feet or basement, if more than fifty percent (50%) of the basement is less than grade.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The floor area ratio 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.
Forest Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(F).
Forestry. See Section 18.44.030(B).
“Frontage” refers to length of a property line along a public street or right-of-way. (Ord. 665 § 6, 2017: Ord. 659 § 5, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.100 G definitions.
“Garage” means a building or floor area within a building intended to be used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles.
Geologically Hazardous Area. See Section 18.110.090.
“Governing authority” means the city council of the city of Rainier.
“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 housing 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 Home. See Section 18.44.040(E).
“Guyed tower” means a wireless communication support structure that is typically over one hundred (100) feet tall and is steadied by guy wires in a radial pattern around the tower. (Ord. 665 § 7, 2017: Ord. 659 § 6, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.110 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 physical, chemical, or biological properties described in Chapter 70.105 RCW, or WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
“Hazardous waste” means any dangerous or extremely hazardous waste as designated pursuant to Chapter 70.105 RCW or Chapter 173-303 WAC, including substances composed of radioactive and hazardous components but not including moderate-risk wastes.
Heavy Industry. See Section 18.44.090(D).
Heavy Retail/Service. See Section 18.44.070(G).
“Height” means the vertical distance measured from the average grade to the highest point on the building or structure.
Home Business. See Section 18.44.110(E)
Home Day Care. See Section 18.44.110(G).
Home Occupation. See Section 18.44.110(D).
“Household pet” means animals or fowl customarily permitted in the house and kept for company or pleasure, including dogs, cats, canaries and similar pets. (Ord. 665 § 8, 2017: Ord. 659 § 7, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.120 I definitions.
“Impervious surface” means a hard surface area that either prevents/retards the entry of water into the soil mantle or causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities/at an increased rate of flow than occurred under natural conditions prior to development.
Example: Impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to: rooftops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, gravel parking lots, packed earthen materials, and oiled macadam or other surfaces that similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities are not considered impervious surfaces.
Incidental Use. See Section 18.44.020(B)(2).
“Incompatible uses” means, for the purpose of community design, 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 Use. See Section 18.44.090.
“Infill” means new development on vacant lots in established neighborhoods, to facilitate in keeping urban densities.
Institutional Use. See Section 18.44.060.
“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. (Ord. 665 § 9, 2017: Ord. 659 § 8, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.130 J definitions.
“Judicial appeals” means appeals filed by a party of record in Thurston County superior court. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.140 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.
“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. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.150 L definitions.
“Landscaping” means vegetative cover including shrubs, trees, flowers, groundcover and other similar plant material. Required landscaping must conform to the planting standards contained in Rainier 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.
Landslide Hazard Area. See Section 18.110.090.
“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.
“Level of service (LOS) standards” means indicators of the extent or degree of service provided by, or proposed to be provided by, a facility based on and related to the operational characteristics of the facility. LOS indicates the capacity per unit of demand for each public facility. LOS standards reflect existing or desired public facility conditions.
Light Industry. See Section 18.44.090(C).
“Livestock” means all cattle, sheep, goats, or animals of the bovine family; all horses, mules, or animals of the equine family; all pigs, swine, or animals of the guinea family; and ostriches, rheas, and emus.
“Loading area or space” means the portion of a site developed for loading or unloading motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives, and related landscaped areas.
“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.
Lodging Use. See Section 18.44.050(B).
Lot. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“Lot area” means the total area, in gross square feet (gsf), within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any public right-of-way. For the purposes of flood regulations, any portion of a lot lying below the ordinary high water mark or lawfully constructed bulkhead shall not be included in a lot area calculation.
“Lot, buildable” means a lot of record which is proposed for use in compliance with this division, 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 total lot area.
“Lot, cul-de-sac” means a lot that has a front lot line contiguous with the outer radius of the turn-around 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 Determination. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Lot, Flag. A flag lot is surrounded by abutting lots with an extended access way to a street right-of-way.
“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 that is neither a front nor a rear lot line.
Lot of Record. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“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 income” means households whose incomes do not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the city of Rainier as determined by Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Ord. 665 § 10, 2017: Ord. 659 § 9, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.160 M definitions.
“Maintenance” means routine upkeep (the cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts) of existing structures, 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 fifty percent (50%) of the value of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Rainier’s building valuation procedure.
2. Construction includes an addition to or extension of an existing building.
“Manufactured home” means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities. For floodplain management purposes only, the term “manufactured home” also includes park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles placed on a site for more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
“Map” means a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the whole or part of an area.
“Maximum density” means the maximum number of dwelling units allowed per buildable acre.
“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 thirty-five percent (35%) encumbered by dedicated natural or critical areas or associated buffers.
“Mean high water (MHW)” means the average height of all high waters over a nineteen (19) year period.
“Microcell” means a wireless communication facility consisting of an antenna that is either:
1. Four feet in height and with an area of not more than five hundred eighty (580) square inches; or
2. If a tubular antenna, no more than twelve (12) inches in diameter and no more than six feet in length.
Mineral Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(E).
“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 fifty percent (50%) of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Rainier’s building valuation procedure. Painting and restorative maintenance are not considered minor remodels.
“Minor facility” means a wireless communication facility consisting of up to three antennas, each of which is either:
1. Four feet in length with a maximum area of five hundred eighty (580) square inches; or
2. For tubular antennas, a maximum diameter of twelve (12) inches and maximum length of six feet. Associated equipment cabinets must be no more than six feet in height and no more than forty-eight (48) square feet in area; or
3. For whip antennas, a maximum diameter of four inches and a maximum length of fifteen (15) feet.
“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.
Mobile Food Vendor. See Section 18.44.070(F).
“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 the (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 home park” means an area of land in single or corporate ownership on which space is made available for the location of mobile homes on a month-to-month basis. Such mobile homes would, generally, be owned by the occupants who pay a fee for the use of the ground space.
“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.
“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 mount fixed to a structure other than a building, such as light standards, utility poles, water towers, and bridges.
“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. (Ord. 665 § 11, 2017: Ord. 659 § 10, 2017: Ord. 610 § 2, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.170 N definitions.
“Native vegetation” means a mix of plant species comprising herbs, grasses, grass-like plants, shrubs and trees indigenous to the Puget Sound region that reasonably could be expected to occur naturally on a site.
“Natural areas” means all or portions of a parcel of land undisturbed by development and maintained in a manner that 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 and swimming pools.
“Net acreage” means the buildable area after the area of street rights-of-way has been subtracted.
“Net developable acreage” means the gross site acreage 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 the ordinance codified in this division 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 the ordinance codified in this division or subsequent amendment, which is no longer permitted by or in full compliance with the regulations of this division.
Nursery. See Section 18.44.070(I). (Ord. 665 § 12, 2017: Ord. 659 § 11, 2017: Ord. 610 § 3, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.180 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.
Office. See Section 18.44.070(B).
“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 map” means maps that show the designation, location and boundaries of the various districts, land, or manmade features which have been adopted and made a part of the city of Rainier Municipal Code, or other plan or policy documents.
“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, Required. Required open space is undeveloped area that is required in order to receive approval of a development or use.
Open Space Use. See Section 18.44.030.
“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 coniferous or deciduous tree that is accessory, decorative, enhances and/or accents the general landscaping of the site. Ornamental trees are generally between eight and twenty (20) feet tall at maturity.
Outdoor Recreation. See Section 18.44.080(C).
“Overlay district/zone” 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 and are shown on the zoning map. 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 Thurston 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. 665 § 13, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.190 P definitions.
“Parapet” means that portion of a building wall that extends above the roof of the building.
“Parcel” means a lot or plot of land proposed or created in accordance with this code, Division 6 of this title, 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 Rainier shall be used to establish what a parcel is for the purposes of this code. For parcels that have not been conveyed since that date, the legal description used in the conveyance closest to that date shall control.
“Park trailer” or “recreational park trailer” is a trailer-type unit that is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; has a gross trailer area of no more than four hundred (400) square feet in the set-up mode; and is certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.
“Parking lot” means five or more adjacent parking spaces.
Parking Use. See Section 18.44.100(B).
“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 Thurston 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 that 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 and 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 thirty (30) inches or less above finished grade.
“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.
“Planned unit development” means any development, whether residential, commercial or industrial, which is approved and developed in accordance with the terms of this division.
Plat. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Plat, Preliminary. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Plat, Short. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“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.
“Preliminary approval” means an approval, based upon an application and conceptual plan for a discretionary land use permit, granted by the city that sets forth certain conditions.
“Premises” means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings that, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.
Principal Use. See Section 18.44.020(B)(1).
“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 Rainier, Thurston County, or a state or federal agency 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, and 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 definition.
Proponent. See “Person.”
“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. (Ord. 665 § 14, 2017: Ord. 594 § 1 (part), 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.200 Q definitions.
“Qualified architect or engineer” means an architect or engineer registered in the state of Washington who, by reason of this training and experience, is considered qualified to pass judgment on design, materials, and methods of construction. The qualifications of the architect or engineer must be reviewed and found to be acceptable by the city. (Ord. 575 § 3, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.210 R definitions.
“Recorded” means, unless otherwise stated, filed for record with the auditor of the county of Thurston, 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.
“Recreation, active” means leisure activities usually performed with others, often requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites or fields. The term “active recreation” includes, but is not limited to, swimming, tennis and other court games, baseball and other field sports, golf and playground activities.
“Recreation facilities” means public or private facilities for use by the general public such as boat or yacht clubs, docks, swimming pools, athletic clubs, and golf and country clubs.
“Recreation, passive” means low-intensity recreational uses or activities including, but not limited to, viewpoints, unpaved trails, limited picnic facilities, hiking, nature study, photography and fishing.
“Recreational and utility vehicles” means licensed travel trailers, folding tent trailers, motor homes, truck campers removed from a truck or pickup, horse trailers, boats, boat trailers with or without boats, utility trailers and mobile homes not qualified as a permanent family home structure, being of such size and weight as to be operable over highways without requirement of a special highway movement permit.
“Regulated activities” means, but is not limited to, any of the following activities that are undertaken directly or originate in a regulated critical area or its buffer: building permit, commercial or residential; binding site plan; franchise right-of-way construction permit; site development permit; right-of-way permit; shoreline permit; short subdivision; use permit; subdivision; utility permit; or any subsequently adopted permit or required approval not expressly exempted by this division.
“Rehabilitation” means infrequent, extensive repair of more than a routine nature to existing structures or facilities which are in current use or operation.
Residential Use. See Section 18.44.040.
Restaurant/Bar. See Section 18.44.070(E).
Retail. See Section 18.44.070(C).
“Rezone” means a change in zoning classification of an area from one use district to another.
“Right-of-way” means land owned, dedicated or conveyed to the public, used primarily for the movement of vehicle, wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Right-of-way may be intended to be occupied by electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipelines, water lines, sanitary storm sewers, 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.
“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. 665 § 15, 2017: Ord. 610 § 4, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.220 S definitions.
School. See Section 18.44.060(D).
“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.
Service (Use). See Section 18.44.070(D).
“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.
“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.
Sewer Facility. See Section 18.44.100(D).
Sexually Oriented Business. See Section 18.44.070(K).
“Shading vegetation” means vegetation planted on the south side of a major creek that generally provides shade from midmorning to midafternoon. Examples of shading vegetation are specified in Section 18.48.100, Landscaping.
“Shoreline” means a line determined by the ordinary high water mark, as defined in the Shoreline Management Act of 1971.
Sign. See Section 18.48.130, Signs.
“Significant tree” means an existing tree, which:
1. Is measured at average breast height above grade and is fifteen (15) inches in diameter;
2. Is in good health;
3. Is not detrimental to the community (e.g., is not diseased, dying, or likely of falling into public open space or right-of-way, etc.) or obscuring safe sight distance requirements;
4. Is not an identified species pursuant to Division 5 of this title, Development Regulations—Critical Areas and Natural Resource Lands; and
5. Is not one of the following species:
a. Cottonwood;
b. Alder;
c. Poplar; or
d. Big-leaf maple.
“Site planning” is the arrangement of buildings, driveways, sidewalks, public open spaces, landscaping, parking, utilities, and other facilities on a specific site.
“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.
“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.
“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 and fencing.
Storage. See Section 18.44.070(H).
Story. See the Uniform Housing Code or International Building Code.
“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,” “highway,” “lane,” “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 tree” means a species of tree approved by the city of Rainier to be planted in or along street frontages in accordance with the provisions of Section 18.48.100, Landscaping.
“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.
“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.
“Structure, landscaping” means a fence, wall, trellis, statue or other similar landscaping or ornamental object.
Subdivision. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions, and Chapter 58.17 RCW.
“Subdivision, clustered housing planned development” means a subdivision development in which building lots are smaller and placed closer together than conventional development in order to preserve the remaining undeveloped land as open space and/or recreational land. Density requirements for clustered subdivisions are described in the text for the applicable zoning district.
“Survey and monument” means the boundaries of a partition parcel, road right-of-way or road easement. (Ord. 665 § 16, 2017: Ord. 610 § 5, 2012: Ord. 575 § 4, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.230 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 Gravel Processing. See Section 18.44.120(G).
Temporary Real Estate Sales Office. See Section 18.44.120(E).
Temporary Shelter. See Section 18.44.120(F).
Temporary Use. See Section 18.44.120.
“Tower” means, for the purposes of wireless telecommunications facilities, 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 communication purposes. The term includes the structure, all structural supports, and all related buildings and appurtenances.
“Townhouse” means a single-family dwelling unit, including the ground beneath the unit, with a single unit going from ground to roof.
“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. See “Lot” in Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“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.
“Transmission tower” means a structure that is constructed above ground or water, or is attached to or on top of another structure, and is intended to support an antenna and accessory equipment, or which is itself an antenna.
Transportation and Infrastructure Uses. See Section 18.44.100.
“Travel trailer” means a vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis and designed to be used for temporary occupancy for travel, recreational or vacation purposes, or for intermittent road use, but not for permanent residential use. It shall have a visible manufacturer’s certification tag showing it to be a travel trailer. A travel trailer is a structure that will not meet the requirements of the Uniform Building Code, and for the purpose of this division a travel trailer shall not be deemed a mobile home.
“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. 665 § 17, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.240 U definitions.
“Uniform Building Code (UBC)” means the current version of the building code as adopted by the state, or equivalent, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, and adopted by the city.
“Unlicensed wireless services” means commercial mobile services that operate on public frequencies and are not required to have an FCC license to operate.
Use. See Section 18.44.020(A).
Use, Accessory. See Section 18.44.020(B)(3).
Use, Administrative. See Section 18.44.010(B).
Use, Conditional. See Section 18.44.010(C).
Use, Incidental. See Section 18.44.020(B)(2).
Use, Primary. See Section 18.44.020(B)(4).
Use, Principal. See Section 18.44.020(B)(1).
Use, Public Facility. See Section 18.44.010(D).
Use, Temporary. See Section 18.44.020(B)(5).
Utility Facility. See Section 18.44.100(C). (Ord. 665 § 18, 2017: Ord. 610 § 6, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.250 V definitions.
“Validity” means legally binding with the laws as established in the Rainier Municipal Code.
“Variance” means a modification of regulations of this division when authorized by the city after finding that the literal application of the provisions of this division would cause undue and unnecessary hardship in view of certain facts and conditions applying to a specific parcel of property because of the unusual nature, shape, exceptional topographic conditions, or extraordinary situation or conditions connected with a specific piece 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 the city or regulatory agency/jurisdiction. (Ord. 665 § 19, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.260 W definitions.
“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 supply, potable” means a water source that complies with appropriate state agency regulations as to quality and quantity for use as a drinking source.
“Wellhead protection area” means the surface and subsurface areas surrounding a well or wellfield through which contaminants are likely to pass and eventually reach.
Wetland. See Section 18.110.060.
Wireless Telecommunications Facility. See Section 18.44.100(E). (Ord. 665 § 20, 2017: Ord. 659 § 12, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.270 X definitions.
(Reserved). (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.280 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, 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 lines.
“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 Sale. See Section 18.44.120(B).
“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. 665 § 21, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.290 Z definitions.
“Zone” means a land use area or district established by the city council and depicted on the official zoning map.
“Zoning” means the regulation of the use of 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. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)