4-11-230 DEFINITIONS W:
WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION: A use engaged in storage and distribution of manufactured products, supplies, and equipment. This use excludes hazardous material storage, indoor storage, outdoor storage, self-service storage, vehicle storage, and warehousing, storage, or distribution for commercial laundry operations within the City of Renton Urban Center.
WASTE RECYCLING AND TRANSFER FACILITIES: Facilities for the collection of solid waste for either recycling or transfer to a landfill or disposal facility. This definition includes but is not limited to concrete and construction material recycling operations.
WATER AUTHORITY: The City of Renton Water Utility, or any other municipal or quasi-municipal entity distributing water to fire hydrants within the City of Renton.
WATERCOURSE: See RMC 4-6-100.
WATER-DEPENDENT USE: Referring to uses or portions of a use which cannot exist in any other location and is dependent on the water by reason of the intrinsic nature of its operations. Examples of water-dependent uses may include ship cargo terminal loading areas, ferry and passenger terminals, barge loading facilities, ship building and dry docking, marinas, aquaculture, float plane facilities and sewer outfalls.
WATER-ENJOYMENT USE: Referring to a recreational use, or other use facilitating public access to the shoreline as a primary characteristic of the use; or a use that provides for recreational use or aesthetic enjoyment of the shoreline for a substantial number of people as a general characteristic of the use and which through the location, design and operation assures the public’s ability to enjoy the physical and aesthetic qualities of the shoreline. In order to qualify as a water-enjoyment use, the use must be open to the general public and the shoreline-oriented space within the project must be devoted to the specific aspects of the use that fosters shoreline enjoyment. Primary water-enjoyment uses may include, but are not limited to, parks, piers and other improvements facilitating public access to the shorelines of the State; and general water-enjoyment uses may include, but are not limited to, restaurants, museums, aquariums, scientific/ecological reserves, resorts/hotels, riverwalk developments, and multiple use commercial/office/residential developments; provided, that such uses conform to the above water-enjoyment specifications and the provisions of the Shoreline Master Program.
WATER-ORIENTED USE: “Water-oriented” refers to a use that is water-dependent, water-related, water-enjoyment, or a combination of such uses.
WATER-RELATED USE: Referring to a use or portion of a use which is not intrinsically dependent on a waterfront location, but whose economic viability is dependent upon a waterfront location because:
1. Of a functional requirement for a waterfront location such as the arrival or shipment of materials by water or the need for large quantities of water; or
2. The use provides a necessary service supportive of the water-dependent commercial activities and the proximity of the use to its customers makes its services less expensive and/or more convenient. Examples include manufacturers of ship parts large enough that transportation becomes a significant factor in the products cost, professional services serving primarily water-dependent activities and storage of water-transported foods.
Examples of water-related uses may include warehousing of goods transported by water, seafood processing plants, hydroelectric generating plants, gravel storage when transported by barge, oil refineries where transport is by tanker, and log storage.
WELL: A pit or hole dug into the earth to reach an aquifer.
WELL FIELD: An area which contains one or more wells for obtaining a potable water supply.
WETLAND: For the purposes of inventory, incentives, and nonregulatory programs, those lands transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. For the purposes of regulation, wetlands are defined by Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual pursuant to RMC 4-3-050M4a. Wetlands created or restored as part of a mitigation project are regulated wetlands. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created for purposes other than wetland mitigation, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, or landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Drainage ditches are not considered regulated wetlands. Also refer to RMC 4-3-050M.
WETLAND BUFFERS or WETLAND BUFFER ZONES: Areas that surround and protect a wetland from adverse impacts to its functions and values. Buffers are designated areas abutting a regulated wetland which protect the wetland from changes in the location of the wetland edge. Wetland buffers minimize the short and long term impacts of development on properties abutting wetlands, preserve important wildlife habitat, allow for infiltration and water quality improvement, protect buildings, roads and other infrastructure as well as property owners from flood damage in years of high precipitation.
WETLAND CATEGORY: A classification system used for the purpose of regulating wetlands in the City. The criteria for determining a wetland’s category are listed in RMC 4-3-050M.
WETLAND CREATION (OR ESTABLISHMENT): The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics present to develop a wetland that did not previously exist on an upland or deepwater site. Establishment results in a gain in wetland acres.
WETLAND, DISTURBED: Wetlands meeting the following criteria:
1. Are characterized by hydrologic isolation, hydrologic alterations such as diking, channelization, and/or outlet modification; and
2. Have severe soils alterations such as the presence of large amounts of fill, soil removal and/or compaction of soils.
WETLAND EDGE: The boundary of a wetland as delineated using the Washington State Wetlands Identification and Delineation Manual pursuant to RMC 4-3-050M4a.
WETLAND, EMERGENT: A regulated wetland with at least thirty percent (30%) of the surface area covered by erect, rooted herbaceous vegetation as the uppermost vegetative strata.
WETLAND ENHANCEMENT: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a wetland (undisturbed or degraded) site to heighten, intensify, or improve specific function(s) or for a purpose such as water quality improvement, flood water retention or wildlife habitat. Enhancement results in a change in wetland function(s) and can lead to a decline in other wetland function, but does not result in a gain in wetland acres. This term includes activities commonly associated with the terms “enhancement,” “management,” “manipulation,” and “directed alteration.”
WETLAND, FORESTED: A vegetation community with at least twenty percent (20%) of the surface area covered by woody vegetarian (trees) greater than twenty feet (20') in height.
WETLAND, IN-KIND COMPENSATION: To replace wetlands with substitute wetlands whose characteristics closely approximate those destroyed or degraded by a regulated activity.
WETLAND, ISOLATED: Those regulated wetlands which:
1. Are outside of and not contiguous to any one hundred (100) year floodplain of a lake, river, or stream; and
2. Have no contiguous hydric soil or hydrophytic vegetation between the wetland and any surface water.
WETLAND, OFF-SITE COMPENSATION: To replace wetlands away from the site on which a wetland has been impacted by a regulated activity.
WETLAND, ON-SITE COMPENSATION: To replace wetlands at or adjacent to the site on which a wetland has been impacted by a regulated activity.
WETLAND PROTECTION/MAINTENANCE: The removal of a threat to, or preventing decline of, wetland conditions by an action in or near a wetland. Includes purchase of land or easements, repairing water control structures or fences, or structural protection such as repairing a barrier island. This term also includes activities commonly associated with the term “preservation.” Protection/maintenance does not result in a gain of wetland acres or function.
WETLAND, REGULATED: See RMC 4-3-050M1e.
WETLAND RESTORATION: The manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to former or degraded wetland. For the purpose of tracking net gains in wetland acres, restoration is divided into:
Re-establishment: the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of returning natural/historic functions to a former wetland. Re-establishment results in rebuilding a former wetland and results in a gain in wetland acres.
Rehabilitation: the manipulation of the physical, chemical, or biological characteristics of a site with the goal of repairing natural/historic functions of degraded wetland. Rehabilitation results in a gain in wetland function, but does not result in a gain in wetland acres.
WETLAND, SCRUB-SHRUB: A regulated wetland with at least thirty percent (30%) of its surface area covered by woody vegetation less than twenty feet (20') in height at the uppermost strata.
WETLANDS: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) Areas that are inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. Wetlands do not include those artificial wetlands intentionally created from nonwetland sites, including, but not limited to, irrigation and drainage ditches, grass-lined swales, canals, detention facilities, wastewater treatment facilities, farm ponds, and landscape amenities, or those wetlands created after July 1, 1990, that were unintentionally created as a result of the construction of a road, street, or highway. Wetlands include artificial wetlands created from nonwetland areas to mitigate the conversion of wetlands.
WETLANDS, NEWLY EMERGING:
1. Wetlands occurring on top of fill materials; and
2. Characterized by emergent vegetation, low plant species richness, and used minimally by wildlife. These wetlands are generally found in the Black River Drainage Basin.
WILDLIFE HABITAT: An area characterized by wildlife that forage, nest, spawn, or migrate through in search of food or shelter.
WIRELESS COMMUNICATION FACILITIES – TERMS RELATED TO:
A. Accessory Antenna Device: An antenna which is less then twelve inches (12") in height or width, excluding the support structure (examples: test mobile antennas and Global Positioning System (GPS) antennas).
B. Antenna: Any system of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar devices used for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals. Antennas include the following types:
1. Dish Antenna: See Parabolic Antenna.
2. Omni-Directional Antenna (also known as a “Whip” Antenna): Transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a three hundred sixty degree (360°) radial pattern, and which is up to sixteen feet (16') in height and up to four inches (4") in diameter.
3. Directional Antenna (also known as a “Panel” Antenna): Transmits and receives radio frequency signals in a specific directional pattern of less than three hundred sixty degrees (360°).
4. Panel Antenna: See Directional Antenna.
5. Parabolic Antenna (also known as a “Dish” Antenna): A bowl-shaped device for the reception and/or transmission of radio frequency communications signals in a specific directional pattern.
6. Parabolic Antenna, Large: A parabolic antenna greater than 39.37 inches in diameter but not to exceed two hundred inches (200") in diameter.
7. Whip Antenna: See Omni-Directional Antenna.
8. Amateur Radio (also called ham radio) Antenna: A device that picks up or sends out radio frequency energy used for purposes of private recreation, non-commercial exchange of messages, wireless experimentation, self-training, and emergency communication. The term “amateur” is used to specify persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest, and to differentiate it from commercial broadcasting, public safety (such as police and fire), or professional two (2) way radio services (such as maritime, aviation, taxis, etc.).
9. Vertical Monopole Amateur Radio Antenna: A type of amateur radio device consisting of a single vertical element constructed of wire, aluminum, or fiberglass without any attached horizontal antennas. This definition does include associated guy wires attached not more than halfway up the monopole for anchoring purposes. This definition does not include amateur radio antennas with any more than a single vertical element (e.g., tower or lattice-type amateur radio antennas).
C. Attached Wireless Communication Facility: A wireless communication facility that is affixed to an existing structure, for example, an existing building, tower, water tank, utility pole, etc., which does not include an additional wireless communication support structure.
D. Collocation: The use of a single support structure and/or site by more than one wireless communications provider.
E. Equipment Shelter or Cabinet: A room, cabinet or building used to house equipment for utility or service providers.
F. FAA: The Federal Aviation Administration, which maintains stringent regulations for the siting, building, marketing and lighting of cellular transmission antennas near airports or flight paths.
G. FCC: The Federal Communication Commission, which regulates the licensing and practice of wireless, wireline, television, radio and other telecommunications entities.
H. Guyed Tower: A freestanding or supported wireless communication support structure which is usually over one hundred feet (100') tall, which consists of metal crossed strips or bars and is steadied by wire guys in a radial pattern around the tower.
I. Lattice Tower: A self-supporting wireless communication support structure which consists of metal crossed strips or bars to support antennas and related equipment.
J. Macro Facility: An attached wireless communication facility which consists of antennas equal to or less than sixteen feet (16') in height or a parabolic antenna up to one meter (39.37") in diameter and with an area not more than one hundred (100) square feet in the aggregate as viewed from any one point.
K. Micro Facility: An attached wireless communication facility which consists of antennas equal to or less than six feet (6') in height or a parabolic antenna with an area of not more than five hundred eighty (580) square inches in the aggregate (e.g., one foot (1') diameter parabola or two feet (2') x one and one-half feet (1-1/2') panel) as viewed from any one point. Also known as a Microcell.
L. Mini Facility: An attached wireless communication facility which consists of antennas equal to or less than ten feet (10') in height or a parabolic antenna up to one meter (39.37") in diameter and with an area not more than fifty (50) square feet in the aggregate as viewed from any one point.
M. Monopole I: A wireless communication support structure which consists of a freestanding support structure, less than sixty feet (60') in height, erected to support wireless communication antennas and connecting appurtenances.
N. Monopole II: A wireless communication support structure which consists of a freestanding support structure, sixty feet (60') or greater in height, erected to support wireless communication antennas and connecting appurtenances.
O. Provider: A company providing telephone or other communications service.
P. Related Equipment: All equipment ancillary to the transmission and reception of voice and data via radio frequencies. Such equipment may include, but is not limited to, cable, conduit and connectors.
Q. Support Structure: see Wireless Communication Support Structure.
R. Tower: see Wireless Communication Support Structure.
S. WCF: see Wireless Communication Facility (WCF).
T. Wireless Communication Facility (WCF): An unstaffed facility for the transmission and reception of low-power radio signals usually consisting of an equipment shelter or cabinet, a support structure, antennas (e.g., omni-directional, panel/directional or parabolic) and related equipment, generally contained within a compound. For purposes of this Title, a WCF includes antennas, support structures and equipment shelters, whether separately or in combination.
U. Wireless Communication Support Structure: The structure erected to support wireless communication antennas and connecting appurtenances. Support structure types include, but are not limited to, stanchions, monopoles, lattice towers, wood poles or guyed towers.
WRECKING YARD, AUTO: A facility for the dismantling or wrecking of used motor vehicles or trailers, or the storage, sale, or dumping of dismantled or wrecked vehicles or their parts, including the repair of wrecked vehicles, consistent with chapter 46.80 RCW.
(Ord. 4007, 7-14-1986; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4689, 11-24-1997; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5241, 11-27-2006; Ord. 5633, 10-24-2011; Ord. 5639, 12-12-2011; Ord. 5675, 12-3-2012; Ord. 5676, 12-3-2012)