Chapter 11
DEFINITIONS

CHAPTER GUIDE: Definitions for terms used throughout this Title are primarily grouped in chapter 4-11 RMC. A few chapter-specific definitions can be found in individual chapters, but are cross-referenced here.

This Chapter last amended by Ord. 5407, September 15, 2008.

For the purpose of this Title, the following words, terms, phrases and their derivations shall have the meaning given herein, unless the context otherwise indicates.

4-11-010 DEFINITIONS A:

ABANDONMENT OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITIES: See RMC 4-5-120G.

ABUTTING: Lots sharing common property lines or easements.

ACCESS EASEMENT: See EASEMENT, ACCESS.

ACCESSORY BUILDING: A subordinate building located upon the same lot occupied by a principal use or building with which it is customarily associated, but clearly incidental to.

ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT: See DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY.

ACCESSORY USE, AGRICULTURE OR ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: Subordinate and incidental uses, typically located upon the same lot, which support the agricultural or animal husbandry use of a site including, but not limited to the storage of agricultural products and equipment, and the sheltering of animals.

ACCESSORY USE, COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL/PUBLIC/COMMUNITY FACILITY: A use typically subordinate in size to the principal commercial, industrial, public, community facility, or other similar principal use; that would not contribute significantly to traffic generation, noise, or nuisance; and that supports the primary use operation without displacing it. Uses are typically located upon the same lot occupied by a principal use.

ACCESSORY USE, RESIDENTIAL: A subordinate use, which supports the principal residential use without displacing it, typically located upon the same lot occupied by the principal residential use with which it is customarily associated, but clearly incidental to. The accessory use is typically subordinate in size and supports the principal residential use without displacing it.

ACT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) The Shoreline Management Act of 1971, chapter 90.58 RCW as amended.

ACTIVE RECREATION: See RECREATION, ACTIVE.

ACTIVITY: A happening associated with a use; the use of energy toward a specific action or pursuit. Examples of shoreline activities include but are not limited to fishing, swimming, boating, dredging, fish spawning, wildlife nesting, or discharging of materials. Not all activities necessarily require a shoreline location.

ADDITIONAL ANIMALS LICENSE: An annually renewed license issued by the Finance Department to individuals permitted to keep additional animals.

ADDITIONAL ANIMALS PERMIT: A conditionally granted permit for the keeping of household pets and/or domestic animals, when they are accessory, at greater numbers than allowed outright. For dogs, cats, and/or combinations of dogs and cats the maximum number allowable with this permit is six (6). Animals kept in small animal hospitals, clinics, pet shops, or grooming services are excluded from this definition.

ADJACENT: Lots located across a street, railroad, or right-of-way, except limited access roads.

ADMINISTRATIVE HEADQUARTERS OFFICE: A use containing one or more of the day-to-day functions (e.g., management, payroll, information systems, inventory control) related to the operation of a company or affiliated corporate group.

ADMINISTRATOR: The Administrator of the Department of Planning/Building/Public Works of the City, or any successor office with responsibility for management of the public properties within the City of Renton, or his/her designee.

ADULT DAY CARE/HEALTH: A program designed to meet the needs of adults with functional impairments through an individualized plan of care. It is a structured, comprehensive program that provides a variety of health, social, and related support services in a protective setting during any part of a day for a minimum of four (4) hours, but less than twenty four (24) hour care. While beds may be provided for rest periods, adult day care/health uses are not intended to function as residential facilities. A number, where specified, is the maximum number of clients present at any one period of time during the program operation. Adult day care/health programs are subclassified as follows:

A. Adult Day Care/Health Category I: A maximum of four (4) clients upon a property containing a residential use; and a maximum of twelve (12) clients upon a property in nonresidential use.

B. Adult Day Care/Health Category II: Five (5) or more clients upon a property containing a residential use; and thirteen (13) or more clients upon a property in nonresidential use.

ADULT ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS:

1. Any enterprise which, for money or any other form of consideration, features “adult live entertainment” as defined herein; or

2. Any “adult motion picture theater” as defined herein; or

3. Any adult arcade containing individual viewing areas or stations or booths, where for money or any other form of consideration one or more still or motion picture projectors, slide projectors, or similar machines, or other image-producing machines are used to show films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides or other photographic reproduction of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.

ADULT FAMILY HOME: A state-licensed facility providing personal care, room and board within a dwelling unit to more than one person, but not more than four (4) adults, not related by blood or marriage to the person(s) providing the service. A maximum of six (6) adults may be permitted if the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services determines the home is of adequate size and the home and provider are capable of meeting standards and qualifications as provided for in chapters 70.128 RCW and 388-76 WAC.

ADULT LIVE ENTERTAINMENT: A person appearing nude or a live performance which is characterized by specified sexual activities as defined in RMC 4-11-190. This definition includes, but is not limited to, peep shows.

ADULT MOTION PICTURE THEATER: An enclosed building used for presenting motion picture films, video cassettes, cable television, or any other such visual media for observation by patrons there, distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas.

ADULT RETAIL USE: A retail establishment which, for money or any other form of consideration, either: (a) has as one of its principal purposes to sell, exchange, rent, loan, trade, transfer, and/or provide for viewing or use, off the premises, any adult-oriented merchandise; or (b) provides, as its substantial stock in trade, for the sale, exchange, rental, loan, trade, transfer, and/or provide for viewing or use, off the premises, any adult-oriented merchandise.

ADULT-ORIENTED MERCHANDISE: Any goods, products, commodities, or other wares, including but not limited to, videos, CD roms, DVDs, magazines, books, pamphlets, posters, cards, periodicals or nonclothing novelties, which depict, describe or simulate specified anatomical areas or specified sexual activities. This definition is not intended to include movies rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America or its successor organization.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Housing used as a primary residence for any household whose income is less than eighty percent (80%) of the median annual income adjusted for household size, as determined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Seattle Metropolitan Statistical Area, and who pay no more than thirty percent (30%) of household income for housing expenses. Affordable housing used to satisfy zoning requirements, whether for inclusionary or bonus provisions, must be secured to remain affordable in perpetuity, as determined by the City Attorney.

AGGRIEVED PARTY: A person seeking to protect what must be “arguably within the zone of interests to be protected or regulated by the statute or constitutional guarantee in question” and must allege an “injury in fact,” i.e., that he or she will be specifically and perceptibly harmed by the proposed action.

AGRICULTURE: Use of land for growing crops for sale or consumption. This use includes the necessary accessory uses for packing, treating, or storing the produce provided that the operation of the accessory use is clearly incidental to the agricultural activity. This definition includes but is not limited to produce farms and Christmas tree farms. This definition excludes nurseries and animal husbandry.

AIR GAP: See RMC 4-6-100.

AIRPLANE SALES AND REPAIR: Facilities where airplanes are displayed for sale and/or brought for repair services.

AIRPORT COMPATIBLE LAND USE: Uses and structures within the Airport Influence Area that must be considered as to compatibility with aviation operations associated with the Renton Municipal Airport.

AIRPORT HAZARD: Any structure, tree or use of land which obstructs the air space required for the flight of aircraft in landing or taking off at the airport or is otherwise hazardous to landing or takeoff of aircraft.

AIRPORT INFLUENCE AREA: The area defined by the outer perimeter of “Safety Zone Six,” the Traffic Pattern Zone, on the Airport Influence Area Map (RMC 4-3-020F).

AIRPORT, MUNICIPAL: The Renton Municipal Airport, a general aviation facility located in Renton, Washington.

AIRPORT-RELATED USES: Uses that require proximity and access to an airport runway.

ALLEY: A vehicular right-of-way not over thirty feet (30') wide which is not designed for general travel and primarily used as means of vehicular and pedestrian access to the rear of abutting properties.

ANIMAL FOSTER CARE PROVIDER: A homeowner and/or tenant who cares for an animal or animals not considered their household pet/pets or domestic animal/animals on a temporary basis that is not longer than one hundred twenty (120) days per animal.

ANIMAL HUSBANDRY: The raising of domestic animals other than common household pets.

ANIMALS, DOMESTIC: Animals that have been bred to be tame, are dependent on human intervention for food and shelter, and are kept continually at the premises of the owner. These animals are to include: large lot domestic animals, medium lot domestic animals, small lot domestic animals, and other animals as approved by the Development Services Director. Bees, peafowl, and roosters are excluded from this definition.

ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – LARGE LOT: Animals that require at least one acre lot size; to include horses, ponies, donkeys, cows, llamas, goats, pigs, oxen, and other animals of similar size and characteristics as approved by the Development Services Director.

ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – MEDIUM LOT: Animals that require at least twelve thousand five hundred (12,500) gross square feet lot size; to include ducks, geese, sheep, miniature goats that are smaller than twenty-four inches (24'') at the shoulder and/or not more than one hundred fifty (150) pounds in weight, and other animals of similar size and characteristics as approved by the Development Services Director.

ANIMALS, DOMESTIC – SMALL LOT: Animals that require at least six thousand (6,000) gross square feet lot size; to include rabbits, chickens, pigeons, and other animals of similar size and characteristics as approved by the Development Services Director.

APPEAL: A request for a review of any action pursuant to this Title, or of the interpretation of any provision of the Title by any City official.

APPLICANT: A person who files an application of permit under this Title and who is either the owner of the land on which that proposed activity would be located, a contract vendee, a lessee of the land, the person who would actually control and direct the proposed activity, or the authorized agent of such a person.

APPROVED: See RMC 4-6-100.

AQUACULTURE: The culture of farming of aquatic animals and plants.

AQUIFER: A geological unit of porous and permeable rock, sand or gravel capable of yielding usable amounts of water.

AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA (APA): Shall be the portion of an aquifer within the zone of capture and recharge area for a well or well field owned or operated by the City, as defined in RMC 4-3-050B, Applicability – Critical Areas Designations/Mapping, and depicted in RMC 4-3-050Q1, Maps, Aquifer Protection.

AQUIFER PROTECTION AREA PERMIT: An authorization by the Department for a person to store, handle, treat, use or produce a hazardous material within an APA. The two (2) types of permits that will be issued pursuant to RMC 4-9-015, Aquifer Protection Areas Permits, and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Areas Regulations, are an operating permit and a closure permit.

ARTERIAL: A street classified as a principal arterial on the City’s Arterial Street Plan.

ARTERIAL PASS-THROUGH TRAFFIC: Traffic that has neither an origin nor destination in an affected area which is diverted from an arterial road.

ARTERIAL STREET: See STREET, ARTERIAL.

ARTICULATION: The giving of emphasis to architectural elements (like windows, balconies, entries, etc.) that create a complementary pattern or rhythm dividing large buildings into smaller identifiable pieces.

ARTIFICIAL CHANNEL: A stream channel that is entirely manmade but does not include relocated natural channels.

ARTS AND CRAFTS SCHOOLS/STUDIOS: See SCHOOLS/STUDIOS, ARTS AND CRAFTS.

ASSEMBLY AND PACKAGING OPERATIONS: A facility where pre-manufactured components are assembled to construct a product. Products may be packaged and moved off-site for wholesale or retail sale. This use includes but is not limited to assembly and packaging of computer, electronics, office equipment, chemicals and allied products, fabricated metal products, and other products.

ASSISTED LIVING: A facility where residents live in private units and receive assistance with limited aspects of personal care, such as: taking medication, bathing, or dressing. Meals are provided multiple times daily in a common dining area. Staff is on duty twenty-four (24) hours per day to ensure the welfare and safety of residents. This definition does not include: convalescent centers, congregate residences, boarding and lodging houses, adult family homes, and group homes I and II.

AUTOMOBILE: See VEHICLE.

AUXILIARY WATER SUPPLY: See RMC 4-6-100.

AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC (ADT): The average number of motor vehicles crossing in one direction per working day for any continuous thirty (30) day period.

AVERAGE HORIZONTAL ILLUMINATION: The quantity of light measured at the pavement surface and averaged over the traveled lanes expressed in foot-candles.

AVIATION-RELATED USES: Uses that offer aeronautical services to the public or provide support services to airport-related uses.

AWNING: A shelter, typically for a pedestrian walkway, that projects from and is supported by the exterior wall of a building. Awnings have noncombustible frames, but may have combustible coverings. Awnings may be fixed, retractable, folding or collapsible. Any structure which extends above any adjacent parapet or roof of a supporting building is not included within the definition of awning.

(Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 3891, 2-25-1985; Ord. 3981, 4-7-1986; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4367, 9-14-1992; Ord. 4521, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4636, 9-23-1996; Ord. 4651, 1-27-1997; Ord. 4680, 9-22-1997; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4720, 5-4-1998; Ord. 4821, 12-20-1999; Ord. 4827, 1-24-2000; Ord. 4828, 1-24-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5201, 4-17-2006; Ord. 5286, 5-14-2007; Ord. 5356, 2-25-2008; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008)

4-11-020 DEFINITIONS B:

BACKFLOW: See RMC 4-6-100.

BACKFLOW PREVENTER: See RMC 4-6-100.

BACKGROUND AREA: The entire face of a sign upon which text and/or graphics could be placed.

BACKSIPHONAGE: See RMC 4-6-100.

BASE FLOOD: A flood having a one percent (1%) chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Also referred to as the “one hundred

(100) year flood.” Designation on flood maps always includes the letters A or V.

BASEMENT: Any floor level below the first story in a building, except that a floor level in a building having only one floor level shall be classified as a basement unless such floor level qualifies as a first story as defined herein.

BASEMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-050, flood hazard regulations, use only.) Any area of the building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

BED AND BREAKFAST HOUSE, ACCESSORY: Overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit with less than four (4) guest rooms provided to transients for compensation. Accessory bed and breakfast houses are proprietor-occupied, or the proprietor lives on a contiguous property, and morning meals are provided to the house residents and the overnight guests only. This definition does not include congregate residences, professional bed and breakfast houses, hotels, or motels.

BED AND BREAKFAST HOUSE, PROFESSIONAL: Overnight accommodations and a morning meal in a dwelling unit with four (4) to ten (10) guest rooms provided to transients for compensation. Professional bed and breakfast houses are proprietor-occupied, or the proprietor lives on a contiguous property, and morning meals are provided to the house residents and the overnight guests only. This definition does not include congregate residences, accessory bed and breakfast houses, hotels, or motels.

BEDROCK: In-place subsurface material consisting of solid rock.

BEEKEEPING: Keeping of bees.

BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, WETLANDS: Conservation practices or systems of practices and management measures that:

1. Control soil loss and reduce water quality degradation caused by nutrients, animal waste, toxins and sediment;

2. Minimize adverse impacts to surface water and groundwater flow, circulation patterns, and to the chemical, physical and biological characteristics of wetlands; and

3. Includes allowing proper use and storage of fertilizers/pesticides.

BIG-BOX RETAIL: See RETAIL, BIG-BOX.

BINDING SITE PLAN: A drawing as authorized by chapter 58.17 RCW and provided for in RMC 4-7-230 which:

1. Identifies and shows the areas and locations of all streets, roads, improvements, utilities, open spaces, and any other matters specified by RMC 4-8-120C, Submittal Requirements; and

2. Contains inscriptions or attachments setting forth such appropriate limitations and conditions for the use of the land as are established by the City; and

3. Contains provisions requiring site development to be in conformity with the approved binding site plan.

BLOCK: A block consists of two (2) facing block fronts bounded on two (2) sides by alleys or rear property lines and on two (2) sides by the centerline of platted streets, with no other intersecting streets intervening.

BLOCK FRONT: A block front is the frontage of property along one side of a street bound on three (3) sides by the centerline of platted streets and on the fourth side by an alley or rear property lines.

BOARDING HOUSE: See CONGREGATE RESIDENCE.

BOAT LAUNCHING RAMP: A facility with an inclined surface extending into the water which allows launching of boats directly into the water from trailers.

BODY SHOP: An establishment which conducts any of the following operations:

1. Collision repair services, including body, frame or fender straightening, repair, or replacement; and/or

2. Overall painting of vehicles or painting of vehicles in a paint shop, but excluding minor painting with an airbrush or roller brush utilized in customizing or detailing operations; and/or

3. Welding, molding, and similar operations conducted on vehicles.

BUFFER, CRITICAL AREA: A naturally vegetated and undisturbed, enhanced, or revegetated area that surrounds and protects a critical area from adverse impacts to its functions and values, and/or which protects adjacent developed areas from potentially hazardous conditions.

BUFFER, LANDSCAPE: Landscaped area used to physically separate or screen one use or property from another so as to visually shield or block views, noise, lights, or other potential nuisances.

BUFFER, SHORELINES: A parcel or strip of land that is designed and designated to permanently remain vegetated in an undisturbed and natural condition to protect an adjacent aquatic or wetland site from upland impacts, to provide habitat for wildlife and to afford limited public access.

BUILDABLE AREA: 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: As defined by the Uniform Building Code.

BUILDING: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) Any structure having a roof intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, plants, animals or property.

BUILDING CODE: The Uniform Building Code, promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by this jurisdiction.

BUILDING COMPLEX, MULTIPLE: A group of structures housing more than one type of retail business, office or commercial venture and generally under one ownership and control.

BUILDING DRAIN: See RMC 4-6-100.

BUILDING FACADE: That portion of any exterior elevation of a building extending from the grade to the top of the parapet wall or eaves, and the entire width of the building elevation.

BUILDING FOOTPRINT: The area of a lot or site included within the surrounding exterior walls of a building or portion of a building, exclusive of courtyards. In the absence of surrounding exterior walls, the building footprint shall be the area under the horizontal projection of the roof.

BUILDING HEIGHT: The vertical distance above a referenced datum measured to the highest point of the coping of a flat roof or to the deck line of a mansard roof or to the average height of the highest gable of a pitched or hipped roof. The reference datum shall be selected by either of the following, whichever yields a greater height of building:

1. The elevation of the highest adjoining sidewalk or ground surface within a five foot (5') horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building when such sidewalk or ground surface is not more than ten feet (10') above lowest grade measured within a five foot (5') horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building.

2. An elevation ten feet (10') higher than the lowest grade when the sidewalk or ground surface described in subsection A above is more than ten feet (10') above lowest grade measured within a five foot (5') horizontal distance of the exterior wall of the building.

BUILDING, MULTI-OCCUPANCY: A single structure housing more than one type of retail business, office or commercial venture and generally under one ownership and control.

BUILDING OFFICIAL: The officer or other person charged with the administration and enforcement of the UBC and the building-related provisions of this Title, or his duly authorized deputy.

BUILDING, SINGLE OCCUPANCY: A building occupied by a single tenant. A building is considered to be “single occupancy” if:

1. It has only one occupant; and

2. It has no wall in common with another building; and

3. It has no part of its roof in common with another building.

BULK STORAGE: See STORAGE, BULK.

BULKHEAD: A vertical wall constructed of rock, concrete, timber, sheet steel, gabions, or patent system materials. Rock bulkheads are often termed “vertical rock walls.” Seawalls are similar to bulkheads, but more robustly constructed.

BUOY: A floating object anchored in a lake, river, etc., to warn of rocks, shoals, etc., or used for boat moorage.

BUSINESS FACADE: That portion of an exterior building wall owned or leased by a business.

(Ord. 3719, 4-11-1983; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4071, 6-1-1987; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4651, 1-27-1997; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4720, 5-4-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Ord. 4954, 2-11-2002; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008)

4-11-030 DEFINITIONS C:

CALIPER: The diameter of any tree trunk as measured at a height of four and one-half feet (4-1/2') above the ground on the upslope side of the tree.

CANOPY, BUILDING: A rigid multi-sided structure covered with fabric, metal or other material and supported by a building at one or more points or extremities and by columns or posts embedded in the ground at other points or extremities. Any structure which extends above any adjacent parapet or roof of supporting building is not included within the definition of building canopy.

CAR: See VEHICLE.

CAR WASH: A structure with machine-operated or hand-operated facilities used principally for the cleaning, washing, polishing, or waxing of motor vehicles.

CARD ROOM: A use governed pursuant to the provisions of chapter 9.46 RCW, 1973 Gaming Act, and licensed by the Washington State Gambling Commission that is ancillary to a permitted use where food and beverages are served on the premises and whose purpose is to serve as a commercial stimulant to the principal activities associated with the primary use.

CARETAKER’S RESIDENCE: A dwelling unit located on the site of a nonresidential use and occupied only by a caretaker or guard employed on the premises, and consisting of only one residence per permitted establishment.

CARPOOL: A group of people traveling to the same or relatively nearby locations in the same vehicle.

CARPORT: A roofed structure, enclosed on less than three sides, without interior parking aisles, for the purpose of storing motor vehicles.

CEMETERY: Property used for interring of the dead. This definition includes accessory buildings, crematories, and mausoleums.

CENTER, EMPLOYMENT: An area of higher intensity uses that typically employ thousands of people that is contained by a boundary to prevent it from encroaching on adjacent areas and/or neighborhoods.

CERTIFIED: A facility and staff qualified and able to provide certain tests and measurements relating to specific tasks and based upon established standards.

CIRCULATION: The movement of passengers or goods to, from, over, or along a transportation corridor.

CITY COUNCIL: The City Council of the City of Renton, Washington.

CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Offices for City administration and or provision of services to the public. This definition includes but is not limited to City Hall.

CIVIL ENGINEER: A professional engineer registered in the State to practice in the field of civil works.

CLEAR VISION AREA: The area bounded by the street property lines of corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines twenty feet (20') from their point of intersection.

CLOSED RECORD APPEAL: An administrative appeal on the record to a local government body or officer including the legislative body, 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 argument allowed.

CLOSURE OF UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITIES: See RMC 4-5-120G.

CLUSTER, RESIDENTIAL: The placement of more than one building envelope on a single lot or parcel of land for the purpose of constructing single family residential dwelling units in either attached or detached construction arrangement, and where the property ownership outside the building envelopes is commonly held by all single family dwellings on that lot or parcel of land.

COLLECTION POINT: In multiple family residences, commercial, industrial and other nonresidential developments, the exterior location designation for garbage and recyclables collection by the City’s contractor or other authorized haulers.

COLLECTOR STREET: See STREET, COLLECTOR.

COMBINED PUBLIC DETENTION: A stormwater detention system designed to accommodate runoff from both public streets and private property.

COMBINED SEWER: See RMC 4-6-100.

COMMERCIAL LAUNDRIES: A facility where clothing or other fabrics are washed, dried, or dry cleaned for other businesses or institutions. This definition does not include laundromats.

COMMERCIAL USE: A type of land use that includes commercial office activities, services and/or retail sales.

COMMON SPACE AREA (COMMON AREA, COMMON OPEN SPACE, COMMON SPACE): Land that is designed and intended for common use or enjoyment and may include such structures and improvements as are necessary and appropriate.

COMMUNICATION BROADCAST AND RELAY TOWERS: Establishments that provide point-to-point communication services, whether by wire or radio, including radio and television broadcasting stations and the exchange or recording of messages. This definition excludes all terms related to wireless communication facilities.

COMPACTION: The densification of an earthen fill by mechanical means.

COMPENSATION PROJECT: Actions necessary to replace project-induced wetland and wetland

buffer losses, including land acquisition, planning, construction plans, installation, monitoring and contingency actions.

COMPENSATORY MITIGATION: Replacing project-induced wetland losses or impacts, including, but not limited to wetlands restoration and creation, and wetland enhancement in conjunction with wetlands restoration or creation.

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The plans, maps and reports that comprise the official development plan and twenty (20) year “vision” for the future physical design and character of the City as adopted by the City Council in accordance with chapter 35.63 RCW.

CONCEPTUAL PLAN: A development tool designed to provide a comprehensive overview of proposed uses, site layout, infrastructure concepts, phasing and amenities. A conceptual plan approval establishes conditions with which all concurrent and subsequent land use approvals within its geographic area must comply, unless the conceptual plan itself is amended. It also provides long-term guidance for a larger area than either master plan or detailed site plan review was intended for, so that continuity of the overall development is maintained.

CONDOMINIUM: 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 interests in the common elements are vested in the unit owners, and unless a declaration and a survey map and plans have been recorded pursuant to chapter 64.32 RCW.

CONDOMINIUM CONVERSIONS: The filing of a declaration pursuant to the Horizontal Property Regimes Act, of the sale by a developer of condominium units that were previously rental units.

CONFERENCE CENTERS: Facilities where large gatherings of people converge to meet on a variety of subjects. These facilities are characterized by one large space where exhibits are set up and numerous adjoining meeting rooms. This definition excludes sports arenas, auditoriums, and exhibition halls.

CONGREGATE RESIDENCE: Any building or portion thereof that contains facilities for living, sleeping and sanitation and may include facilities for eating and cooking for occupancy for other than a family. A congregate residence may include a boarding house, but does not include a group home I or II, convalescent center, jail, hotel, motel or secure community transition facility. (Amd. Ord. 4982, 9-23-2002)

CONSERVANCY: A Shoreline Master Program land use designation identifying an area to be managed in essentially its natural state while providing for a moderate to low intensity of land uses surrounding the area.

CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES: Construction and all activities associated with construction, to include, but not be limited to, construction, remodeling, repair, and maintenance of structures, equipment, roads, and utilities; mining; grading; landfilling; and excavating. Construction activities may be regulated by permits issued by the City including, but not limited to, public works construction permits, building permits, and mining, excavation, and grading permits and licenses.

CONSTRUCTION/CONTRACTOR’S OFFICE: An area where a construction contractor maintains its office, as well as storage for equipment and materials, for the construction and landscaping trades.

CONTAINMENT DEVICE: A device that is designed to contain an unauthorized release, retain it for cleanup and prevent released materials from penetrating into the ground.

CONTAMINANT: See RMC 4-6-100.

CONTIGUOUS PROPERTIES: Properties sharing a property line.

CONTINUOUS MONITORING: See RMC 4-5-120G.

CONVALESCENT CENTER: A facility licensed by the State for patients who are recovering health and strength after illness or injury, or receiving long-term care for chronic conditions, disabilities, or terminal illnesses. Facilities provide twenty-four (24) hour supervised nursing care and feature extended treatment that is administered by a skilled nursing staff. Typically, residents do not live in individual units and the facilities provide personal care, room, board, laundry service, and organized activities. This definition does not include adult family homes, assisted living, group homes II, medical institutions, and/or secure community transition facilities.

CONVERTED BUILDING: Any condominium or cooperative which formerly contained rental dwelling units.

COOPERATIVE: Any existing structure, including surrounding land and improvements, which contains one or more dwelling units and which: (a) is owned by an association organized pursuant to the Cooperative Association Act (chapter 23.86 RCW); or (b) is owned by an association with resident shareholders who are granted renewable leasehold interests in housing units in the building.

COOPERATIVE UNIT: Any dwelling unit in a cooperative.

COPY: The graphic content of a sign surface in either permanent or removable letter, pictographic, symbolic, or alphabetic form.

CORNER LOT: See LOT TYPES; Lot, Corner.

CORRIDOR: A strip of land forming a passageway between two (2) otherwise separate parts.

COUNTY AUDITOR: As defined in chapter 36.22 RCW or the office of the person assigned such duties under the King County Charter.

CRITICAL AREAS: Wetlands, aquifer protection areas, fish and wildlife habitat, frequently flooded and geologically hazardous areas as defined by the Growth Management Act and RMC 4-3-050, Critical Area Regulations.

CRITICAL FACILITY: A facility for which even a slight chance of flooding, high geologic hazard, or inundation in the areas of flood hazard or volcanic hazard might be too great. Critical facilities include, but are not limited to, schools, nursing homes, hospitals, police, fire and emergency response installations, and facilities that produce, use or store hazardous materials or hazardous waste.

CRITICAL HABITAT or CRITICAL WILDLIFE HABITAT: Habitat areas associated with threatened, endangered, sensitive, monitored, or priority species of plants or wildlife and which, if altered, could reduce the likelihood that the species would maintain and reproduce over the long term. See also RMC 4-3-050K.

CROSS CONNECTION: See RMC 4-6-100.

CUL-DE-SAC: A vehicular turn-around at the end of a dead end street.

CULTURAL FACILITIES: Facilities which offer passive entertainment and enjoyment activities to the general public. This definition includes, but is not limited to, museums and libraries. This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, dance halls; dance clubs; religious institutions; and gaming/gambling facilities.

CURB: A vertical curb and gutter section constructed from concrete.

(Ord. 2820, 1-14-1974; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4056, 4-13-1987; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4426, 11-8-1993; Ord. 4521, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4587, 3-18-1996; Ord. 4649, 1-6-1997; Ord. 4691, 12-1-1997; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4720, 5-4-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Ord. 4854, 8-14-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 4982, 9-23-2002; Ord. 5028, 11-24-2003; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5125, 2-28-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008)

4-11-040 DEFINITIONS D:

DANCE CLUB: Any facility, restricted to adults over twenty one (21) years of age, at which dancing occurs, as a primary form of entertainment. This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, entertainment clubs, and gaming/gambling facilities, dance halls and other establishments conducting public dances as defined in RMC 5-13-1.

DANCE HALL: Any place where a public dance, as defined in RMC 5-13-1, is conducted without restriction on age, or restricted to minors only. Dance halls are further regulated under RMC Title 5 and require a license to operate. This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses, dance clubs, entertainment clubs, and gaming/gambling facilities.

DANGEROUS BUILDING: As defined by the “Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings.”

DAY CARE CENTER: A day care operation licensed by the State of Washington (WAC 388-73-014), for thirteen (13) or more children in any twenty four (24) hour period, or any number of children in a nonresidential structure. This definition does not include adult day care/health.

DAY CARE, FAMILY, HOME: A day care operation licensed by the State of Washington (WAC 388-73-014), caring for twelve (12) or fewer children in any twenty four (24) hour period within the caregiver’s place of residence.

DAYLIGHTING: Restoration of a culverted or buried watercourse to a surface watercourse.

DEDICATION: A deliberate appropriation of land by its owner for any general and public uses, reserving to himself/herself no other rights than such as are compatible with the full exercises and enjoyment of the public uses to which the property has been devoted.

DEED OF DEDICATION: A formal dedication of right-of-way or easement to the City, to be approved by City Council.

DENSITY, GROSS: A measure of population, housing units, or building area related to land area, and expressed as a ratio, i.e., one dwelling unit per acre, or one thousand (1,000) people per square mile.

DENSITY, NET: A calculation of the number of housing units and/or lots that would be allowed on a property after critical areas, i.e., very high landslide hazard areas, protected slopes, wetlands, Class 1 to 4 streams and lakes, or floodways, and public rights-of-way and legally recorded private access easements are subtracted from the gross area (gross acres minus streets and critical areas multiplied by allowable housing units per acre). Required critical area buffers, streams that have been daylighted including restored riparian and aquatic areas, and public and private alleys shall not be subtracted from gross acres for the purpose of net density calculations.

DEPARTMENT: The Planning/Building/Public Works Department of the City of Renton.

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATOR: See ADMINISTRATOR.

DESIGNATED ZONE FACILITY: Any hazardous waste treatment and storage facility that requires an interim or final status permit under rules adopted under chapter 70.105 RCW and that is not a “preempted facility” as defined in RCW 70.105.010.

DETENTION/RETENTION FACILITIES: Facilities designed either to hold runoff for a short period of time and then release it to the point of discharge at a controlled rate or to hold water for a considerable length of time during which the volume is reduced through evaporation, evapotranspiration by plants, or infiltration into the ground.

DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE (DNS): The written decision by the responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is not likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is not required (WAC 197-11-310 and 197-11-340). The DNS form is in WAC 197-11-970.

DETERMINATION OF NONSIGNIFICANCE, MITIGATED (MDNS): A DNS that includes mitigation measures and is issued as a result of the process specified in WAC 197-11-350.

DETERMINATION OF SIGNIFICANCE (DS): The written decision by the responsible official of the lead agency that a proposal is likely to have a significant adverse environmental impact, and therefore an EIS is required (WAC 197-11-310 and 197-11-360). The DS form is in WAC 197-11-980 and must be used substantially in that form.

DEVELOPABLE AREA: Land area outside of critical areas, critical area buffers, and public rights-of-way that is otherwise developable.

DEVELOPMENT: The division of a parcel of land into two (2) or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill or land disturbance and any use or extension of the use of land.

DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-050, flood hazard regulations, use only.) Any manmade change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials located within the area of special flood hazard.

DEVELOPMENT: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) A use consisting of the construction of exterior alteration of structures; dredging; drilling; dumping; filling; removal of any sand, gravel or minerals; bulkheading; driving of piling; placing of obstructions; or any other projects of a permanent or temporary nature which interferes with the normal public use of the surface of the waters overlying lands subject to the Act at any state of water level.

DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT: A recorded contract entered into by the city and an applicant setting forth development standards and other provisions governing and vesting a development or use for a duration of time specified in the contract. May be used to obligate an applicant to fund or provide services, infrastructure, or other facilities.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: Written permission after appropriate review for type of application from the appropriate decision-maker authorizing the division of a parcel of land, the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation or enlargement of any structure, utility, or any use or extension of the use of the land.

DIRECTOR: The Director of the Development Services Division of the Planning/Building/Public Works Department of the City of Renton or a designee.

DISPLAY SURFACE: The area made available by the sign structure for the purpose of displaying the advertising message.

DISPLAY WINDOW: A window in a building facade intended for nonpermanent display of goods and merchandise.

DOCK: A fixed or floating platform extending from the shore over the water.

DOUBLE CHECK VALVE ASSEMBLY: See RMC 4-6-100.

DOUBLE-WALLED: See RMC 4-5-120G.

DOWNTOWN CORE AREA: See Map Exhibit in RMC 4-2-080C.

DOWNTOWN PEDESTRIAN DISTRICT: See Map Exhibit in RMC 4-2-080D. Those uses, buildings and walkways along either side of South Third Street between Burnett Avenue South and Main Avenue South, and along either side of Wells Avenue South between South Second Street and Houser Way South.

DRAINAGE AREA: The total area whose drainage water flows to and across the subject property.

DREDGING: The removal of earth from the bottom or banks of a body of water.

DRIP LINE: A tree’s drip line shall be described by a line projected to the ground from the outer edge of the tree canopy delineating the outermost extent of foliage in all directions and coinciding with the area of the root mass.

DRIVE-IN/DRIVE-THROUGH RETAIL OR SERVICE: A business or a portion of a business where a customer is permitted or encouraged, either by the design of physical facilities or by service and/or packaging procedures, to carry on business in the off-street parking or paved area accessory to the business, while seated in a motor vehicle. In some instances, customers may need to get out of the vehicle to obtain the product or service. This definition shall include but not be limited to drive-in services at fast-food restaurants, espresso stands, and banks and pharmacies. This definition excludes vehicle service and repair, vehicle fueling stations, and car washes.

DROP-OFF ZONE: A sidewalk area abutting a street intended for passengers to enter or exit vehicles that are temporarily parked for that purpose.

DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY:

Dwelling, Attached: A one-family dwelling attached to one or more one-family dwellings by common roofs, walls, or floors. This definition may also include a dwelling unit or units attached to garages or other nonresidential uses. This definition does not include assisted living, boarding and lodging houses, accessory dwelling units, adult family homes, group home I or group home II as defined herein.

A. Flat: A residential building containing two (2) or more dwelling units which are attached at one or more common roofs, walls, or floors. Typically, the unit’s habitable area is provided on a single level. Unit entrances may or may not be provided from a common corridor.

B. Townhouse: A one-family, ground-related dwelling attached to one or more such units in which each unit has its own exterior, ground-level access to the outside, no unit is located over another unit, and each unit is separated from any other unit by one or more vertical common walls. Townhouse units are multi-story.

C. Carriage House: One or more accessory dwelling units attached to a garage. The garage attached to the carriage house typically contains vehicles and/or storage for people living in another building as well as occupants of the carriage house.

D. Penthouse: A single dwelling unit located at or near the top of a building containing other, nonresidential uses.

E. Garden Style Apartment: A dwelling unit that is one of several stacked vertically, with exterior stairways and/or exterior corridors and surface parking. Parking is not structured and may include detached carports or garages. Buildings and building entries are oriented toward internal drive aisles and/or parking lots and not street frontage. There is typically no formal building entry area connected to a public sidewalk and a public street. Site planning may incorporate structures developed at low landscaped setbacks.

F. Assisted Living: A residential building containing two (2) or more dwelling units where residents receive assistance with personal care. Dwelling units include a full kitchen (sink, oven or range, and refrigerator) or a kitchenette, a bathroom, a living area, and may include a call system. On the premises, facilities shall include: a professional kitchen, common dining room, recreation area(s), activity room, and a laundry area.

DWELLING, SINGLE FAMILY:

A. Dwelling, Detached: A building containing one dwelling unit which is not attached to any other dwelling by any means except fences, has a permanent foundation, and is surrounded by open space or yards.

B. Dwelling, Semi-Attached: A one-family dwelling attached to only one other one-family dwelling at secondary or ancillary building parts such as garages, carports, trellises, porches, covered decks, or other secondary connection approved by the City, and not connected at building parts containing living areas.

DWELLING UNIT: A structure or portion of a structure designed, occupied or intended for occupancy as separate living quarters with cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities provided for the exclusive use of a single household.

DWELLING UNIT, ACCESSORY: An independent subordinate dwelling unit contained within a single family detached dwelling or its accessory detached garage. An accessory dwelling unit houses family members related to the property owner or an employee of the property owner.

DWELLING UNIT, ATTACHED: See DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY.

(Ord. 2520, 11-17-1969; Ord. 2698, 3-6-1972; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 3891, 2-25-1985; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4367, 9-14-1992; Ord. 4466, 8-22-1994; Ord. 4521, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4637, 9-14-1992; Ord. 4671, 7-21-1997; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4773, 3-22-1999; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 4999, 1-13-2003; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5192, 1-23-2006; Ord. 5286, 5-14-2007; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5392, 6-23-2008)

4-11-050 DEFINITIONS E:

EARLY NOTICE: See RMC 4-9-070R.

EARTH MATERIAL: Any rock, natural soil or fill and/or any combination thereof.

EASEMENT: A grant by the property owner for the use or protection of a piece of land by the public, corporation, or persons for specific purposes.

A. Easement, Access: An easement created for the purpose of providing vehicular or pedestrian access to a property.

B. Easement, Conservation: An easement held by the City, a public or nonprofit entity approved by the City, or by the property owner for the express purpose of protecting and conserving critical areas and their buffers.

EATING AND DRINKING ESTABLISHMENT: A retail establishment selling food and/or drink for consumption on the premises or for take-out, including accessory on-site food preparation. This definition includes, but is not limited to, restaurants, cafes, microbrew establishments, and espresso stands. This definition excludes taverns; fast food; entertainment clubs; dance clubs; and/or dance halls.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: A development which provides a service, produces goods or a product, retails a commodity, or emerges in any other use or activity for the purpose of making financial gain.

EDUCATION INSTITUTION, HIGHER, OTHER: A public or private school, college or university that provides post-secondary professional education and/or continuing education programs. This definition does not include trade or vocational schools, K-12 educational institutions, or arts and crafts schools and studios.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (PUBLIC OR PRIVATE), EXISTING K-12: An existing public or private school encompassing grades K-12.

EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS (PUBLIC OR PRIVATE), NEW K-12: A new public or private school encompassing grades K-12.

ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATION AND COGENERATION: Electrical power generation is the production of electricity for consumption by facilities onsite or in a district. Electrical power cogeneration is the simultaneous production of electricity and useful heat from the same fuel or energy or the use of a production by-product to generate power. Facilities with cogeneration systems use them to produce their own electricity, and use the unused excess (waste) heat for process steam, hot water heating, space heating, and other thermal needs. They may also use excess process heat to produce steam for electricity production.

EMERGENCIES: Actions that must be undertaken immediately or within a time frame too short to allow full compliance with this Title to avoid an immediate threat to public health or safety, to prevent an imminent threat of serious environmental degradation.

ENGINE OR TRANSMISSION REBUILD, INDUSTRIAL: An operation which rebuilds, reconditions, or customizes engines or transmissions which are sold to vehicle service and repair operations or to individual customers for installation into vehicles off site.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGIST: See GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY: The application of geologic knowledge and principles in the investigation and evaluation of naturally occurring rock and soil for use in the design of civil works.

ENGINEERING GEOLOGY REPORT: See GEOTECHNICAL REPORT.

ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES: Removal of noxious or intrusive species, plantings of appropriate native species and/or removal of diseased or decaying trees which pose a clear and imminent threat to life or property. Enhancement activities shall not involve the use of mechanical equipment. Enhancement activities may include the removal of pests which pose a clear danger to public health provided that such danger is certified by the King County Department of Public Health.

ENTERTAINMENT CLUB: Any facility where live entertainment including but not limited to live theater; dance performances; musical performances; comedy routines; book/poetry readings; and other forms of live entertainment are conducted. This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses; movie theaters; dance clubs; dance halls; taverns; and eating and drinking establishments.

ENTERTAINMENT/MEDIA RENTALS: A business consisting of rental of entertainment media including but not limited to videos, DVDs, and video games. This definition includes accessory retail sales of entertainment media as well as foodstuff. This definition does not include adult retail uses.

ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE (ERC): The Environmental Review Committee as defined by RMC 4-9-070G, is the SEPA Responsible Official Authority. The ERC shall consist of three (3) officials designated by the Mayor with concurrence by the City Council. For all proposals for which the City is the lead agency, the ERC shall make the threshold determination and perform any other functions assigned to the “lead agency” or “responsible official” by the SEPA rules that were adopted by reference in WAC 173-806-020.

EROSION: The wearing away of the ground surface as a result of the movement of wind, water and/or ice.

ESSENTIAL HABITAT: Habitat necessary for the survival of federally listed threatened, endangered, and sensitive species and state listed priority species.

EVICTION: Any effort by a property owner and/or developer to remove a tenant from the premises or terminate a tenancy by lawful or unlawful means.

EXCAVATION: The mechanical removal of earth material.

EXISTING LEGAL USE: The use of a lot or structure at the time of enactment of a zoning or other land use regulation.

EXOTIC: Any species of plants or animals that are not indigenous to the planning area.

EXPRESS TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: Services which provide rapid delivery (i.e., overnight, within an hour, etc.) of air parcels, foodstuff, household and entertainment goods, as well as taxi services. Use is distinguished by space for multiple small delivery vehicles, and typically associated areas for sorting and handling packages and documents, and accessory administrative offices.

(Ord. 2820, 1-14-1974; Ord. 3366, 10-15-1979; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004)

4-11-060 DEFINITIONS F:

FACILITY: (For purposes of aquifer protection area regulations contained in RMC 4-3-050, Critical Area Regulations.) All contiguous land within an APA, structures, other appurtenances, and improvements on the land and operations therein including, but not limited to, business, government, and institutional activities where hazardous materials are stored, handled, treated, used or produced in quantities greater than the de minimus amounts specified in RMC 4-3-050C6a(ii)(1), Activities Exempt from Specified Aquifer Protection Area Requirements.

FAMILY: Any number of related individuals, or not more than four (4) unrelated individuals, living together as a single household.

FAST FOOD RESTAURANT: A restaurant occupying a detached structure, identified by a name brand that offers a standard menu, typical business operation logo, advertising franchise ownership or affiliation, and a corporate architectural prototype building. Franchise fast food typically caters to a market area larger than one neighborhood and is auto oriented. It may include drive-through service. This definition excludes espresso stands.

FILL: A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.

FINAL PLAT: See PLAT, FINAL.

FIRE DEPARTMENT: The Renton Fire Department.

FIRE FLOW: The measure of the sustained flow of available water for fire fighting at a specific building or within a specific area at twenty (20) pounds per square inch residual pressure.

FIRE MARSHAL: The City of Renton Fire Marshal or his/her designee.

FLAT: See DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY.

FLOOD or FLOODING: A general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from:

1. The overflow of inland or tidal waters, and/or

2. The unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.

FLOOD CONTROL: Any undertaking for the conveyance, control, and dispersal of flood waters.

FLOOD INSURANCE RATE MAP (FIRM): The official map on which the Federal Insurance Administration has delineated both the areas of special flood hazard and the risk premium zones applicable to the community.

FLOOD INSURANCE STUDY: The official report provided by the Federal Insurance Administration that includes flood profiles, the flood boundary-floodway map and the water surface elevation of the base flood.

FLOOD, ONE HUNDRED (100) YEAR: The maximum flood expected to occur during a one-hundred (100) year period.

FLOODPLAIN: The area subject to a one hundred (100) year flood.

FLOODWAY: The channel of river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot (1').

FLOODWAY: For purposes of determining the jurisdiction of the Shoreline Master Program in conjunction with the definition of “shoreland,” “floodway” means those portions of the area of a river valley lying streamward from the outer limits of a watercourse upon which flood waters are carried during periods of flooding that occur with reasonable regularity, although not necessarily annually, said floodway being identified, under normal condition, by changes in surface soil conditions or changes in types or quality of vegetative ground cover condition. The floodway shall not include those lands that can reasonably be expected to be protected flood waters by flood control devices maintained by or maintained under license from the Federal Government, the State, or a political subdivision of the State.

FLOOR AREA, GROSS: The sum of the gross horizontal areas of all floors of a building measured from the exterior face of each wall.

FLOOR AREA, NET: The total of all floor area of a building, excluding stairwells, elevator shafts, mechanical equipment rooms, interior vehicular parking or loading, and all floors below the ground floor, except when used for human habitation or service to the public.

FLOOR AREA RATIO: The gross floor area of all buildings on a lot divided by the lot area.

FLOWER/PLANTS AND FLORAL SUPPLY: A business involving the retail sale of flowers, house plants, and associated floral supplies.

FRANCHISE RETAIL ARCHITECTURE (OR GENERIC OR CORPORATE ARCHITECTURE): Consists of site layout, buildings, and signs for businesses (usually large format, chain, or franchise retail establishments) that are the same style, color, and material regardless of location. Typically, the employees wear uniforms and the products or food are the same in every facility.

FRONT YARD: See YARD REQUIREMENT.

FUEL DEALERS: Wholesale distribution of fuels with associated bulk fuel storage.

FUELING STATION, VEHICLE: See VEHICLE FUELING STATIONS.

THE FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ACT OF 1956 (FWPCA): See RMC 4-6-100.

(Ord. 2820, 1-14-1974; Ord. 3541, 5-4-1981; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4071, 6-1-1987; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5392, 6-23-2008)

4-11-070 DEFINITIONS G:

GAMING/GAMBLING FACILITIES, NOT-FOR-PROFIT: Facilities operated by a not-for-profit entity where any type of gaming or gambling is the primary attraction.

GARAGE, PRIVATE: A roofed structure enclosed on three (3) or more sides, without interior parking aisles, for the purpose of storing motor vehicles.

GARAGE SALE: All general sales open to the public conducted on a residential premises to dispose of personal property, including, but not limited to, all sales entitled “lawn,” “yard,” “attic,” “porch,” “room,” “backyard,” “patio,” “flea market” or “rummage sale.”

GARBAGE: See REFUSE.

GARDEN STYLE APARTMENTS: See DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY.

GAS STATION: See FUELING STATION, VEHICLE.

GEOLOGIC HAZARDS: Areas which may be prone to one or more of the following conditions: erosion, flooding, landslides, coal mine hazards, or seismic activity. Refer to RMC 4-3-050J.

GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER: A State of Washington licensed geologist experienced and knowledgeable in engineering geology.

GEOTECHNICAL REPORT: A report prepared by a Geotechnical Engineer including an adequate description of the geology of the site, conclusions and recommendations regarding the effect of geologic conditions on the proposed development.

GOLF COURSE: An area designed and used for playing golf, including all accessory uses incidental to the operation of the facility. This definition excludes other outdoor recreational facilities, neighborhood parks, and community/regional parks.

GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, CITY: Facilities of any unit of City government. Types of facilities include community centers, public works maintenance facilities, courts of law, fire halls, and other types of municipal facilities. This definition excludes city government offices, jails, parks, transit centers, park & rides, sewage treatment plants, municipally owned golf course or airports, and libraries.

GOVERNMENT FACILITIES, OTHER: Facilities of any unit of county, state, federal, or special district government. Types of facilities include community centers, vehicle and drivers licensing offices, public works maintenance facilities, courts of law, school support facilities, and other types of county, state, school district, special district, or federal facilities. This definition excludes offices, jails, parks, transit centers, park & rides, sewage treatment plants, schools, municipally owned golf courses or airports, and libraries.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES, CITY: See CITY GOVERNMENT OFFICES.

GRADE: The vertical location of the ground surface.

GRADE, FINISH: The surface level of the ground after completion of all grading.

GRADING: An excavating or filling or combination thereof.

A. Regular Grading: Any grading that involves five thousand (5,000) cubic yards or less of material.

B. Engineered Grading: Any grading that involves more than five thousand (5,000) cubic yards of material.

GROUND COVER: Low growing plants such as salal, ivy, ferns, mosses, grasses or other types of vegetation which normally cover the ground.

GROUND COVER MANAGEMENT: The mowing or cutting of ground cover in order to create an orderly appearing property so long as such activities do not disturb the root structures on the plants. Ground cover management shall include the removal of vegetative debris from the property.

GROUNDWATER: Water below the land surface in the zone of saturation.

GROUNDWATER MONITORING PROGRAM: A plan containing procedures to be followed to assess ground water quality for concentrations of those chemicals identified in the operating permit.

GROUNDWATER MONITORING WELL: A small-diameter well installed for purposes of sampling and monitoring ground water.

GROUP FAMILY HOUSEHOLD: A group of individuals not related by blood, marriage, adoption or guardianship living together in a dwelling unit as a single housekeeping unit under a common management plan based on an intentionally structured relationship to provide organization and stability.

GROUP HOME I (REHABILITATION): A facility or dwelling unit housing persons, unrelated by blood or marriage and operating as a group facility household. A rehabilitative group home may include halfway houses and substance abuse recovery homes. This definition does not include congregate residential or secure community transition facilities. (Amd. Ord. 4982, 9-23-2002)

GROUP HOME II (PROTECTIVE RESIDENCY): A facility or dwelling unit housing persons, including resident staff, unrelated by blood or marriage and operating as a group family household. Staff persons provide care, education, and participation in community activities for the residents with the primary goal of enabling the resident to live as independently as possible. A protective residency may include disabled (mentally and physically) persons, foster child care, abused women shelter, orphanages and other uses where residents are deemed vulnerable and/or disabled and are not a threat to self or to public health or safety. This definition does not include congregate residential or secure community transition facilities. (Amd. Ord. 4982, 9-23-2002)

GROWTH MANAGEMENT ACT (GMA): A law passed by the Washington State Legislature in 1990 that mandates comprehensive planning in designated counties and cities statewide (chapter 36.70A RCW).

(Ord. 2820, 1-14-1974; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4636, 9-23-1996; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Ord. 4854, 8-14-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5355, 2-25-2008)

4-11-080 DEFINITIONS H:

HAZARD TREE: Any tree or tree part that poses a high risk of damage to persons or property as certified by a qualified arborist and accepted by the City.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS: Those chemicals or substances which are physical or health hazards as defined and classified in Article 80 of the Uniform Fire Code as adopted or amended by the City whether the materials are in usable or waste condition; and any material that may degrade groundwater quality when improperly used, stored, disposed of, or otherwise mismanaged. RMC 4-3-050R, Generic Hazardous Materials List, provides a list of common substances that may be hazardous materials. Article VI-A of the Uniform Fire Code provides further information, explanations, and examples of hazardous materials.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INVENTORY STATEMENT: A form provided by the Department or the Fire Prevention Bureau and completed by a facility owner that provides specified information regarding hazardous materials at the facility.

HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE: Any liquid, solid, gas or sludge, including any material, substance, product commodity or waste that exhibits the characteristics of hazardous waste as described in chapter 70.105 RCW.

HAZARDOUS WASTE: All dangerous and extremely hazardous waste, except for moderate-risk waste, as defined in RCW 70.105.010.

HEALTH HAZARD: See RMC 4-6-100.

HEARING EXAMINER: The office of the Hearing Examiner as defined by RMC Title 1. The Hearing Examiner is appointed by the Mayor of the City to conduct public hearings on applications outlined in chapter 4-8 RMC, and prepares a record, findings of fact and conclusions on such applications. (Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995)

HEARINGS BOARD: The Shorelines Hearings Board established by the Act.

HEIGHT: See BUILDING HEIGHT or SIGN HEIGHT.

HIGH BLOWDOWN POTENTIAL: An area where field conditions indicate the potential for tree blowdown is high. Evidence may include the presence of toppled trees in the area, and thin or saturated soils.

HIGH OCCUPANCY VEHICLE (HOV): A vehicle carrying more than a specified minimum number of people (usually two (2) or three (3) persons).

HIGH QUALITY DESIGN: A development project that encourages pedestrian activity or adds pedestrian interest and exhibits a degree of craftsmanship, building detailing, architectural design, or quality of materials that are not typically found in standard construction. Responds to site conditions through its orientation, circulation, and/or incorporation of special site features. Buildings characterized by standard corporate identity elements (e.g., fast food establishments with signature roofline or facade features) or standard building plans (e.g., stock plans that are unable to adapt to site conditions) are not typically considered high quality design.

HIGH RISE: A structure exceeding seventy five feet (75') in height.

HILLSIDE: An inclined landform which may include one or more classes of slope: steep (sensitive and/or protected) and non-steep (i.e., less than twenty five percent (25%)).

HILLSIDE SUBDIVISION: A subdivision in which the average slope is twenty percent (20%) or in which any street in the subdivision has grades greater than fifteen percent (15%) at any point.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CARE CENTER: A combination of activities intended for improvement or maintenance of health including out-patient and/or in-patient care and supporting accessory activities including space for medical practitioners, retail sales, educational classrooms and meeting spaces.

HOME OCCUPATION: Any commercial use conducted entirely within a dwelling or accessory structure and carried on by persons residing in that dwelling unit, but is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling as a residence.

HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION: An incorporated nonprofit organization formed or qualified under the laws of the State of Washington, operating under recorded land agreements through which: (a) each land owner is automatically a member, (b) each land owner is automatically subject to a proportionate share of the expenses for the organization’s activities, such as maintaining common property and facilities, and (c) such charge, if unpaid, becomes a lien against the property of the land owner.

HOTEL: A building or portion thereof designed or used for transient rental for sleeping purposes. Hotel structures are at least two (2) stories in height, with lodging space above the first floor. Lodging space may also be located on the first floor. Individual rooms are typically accessed from a common hallway. A central kitchen and dining room and accessory shops and services catering to the general public may be provided. Not included in this definition are multi-family dwellings, bed and breakfasts, or motels.

HOUSEHOLD: A family living together in a single dwelling unit with common access to, and common use of, all living, sanitation facilities, and all areas and facilities for the preparation, consumption and storage of food within the dwelling unit.

HUMAN SCALE: The perceived size of a building relative to 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 a human body, so these elements in a building indicate a building’s overall size.

HUMAN SCALE ELEMENTS: Architectural elements such as railings, windows with multiple panes, doorways, or fences, that are scaled for human use and convey the idea of human activity or human occupancy.

HYPORHEIC ZONE: The saturated zone located beneath and adjacent to streams that contains some portion of surface waters, serves as a filter for nutrients, and maintains water quality.

(Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4517, 5-8-1995; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4665, 5-19-1997; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4821, 12-20-1999; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5125, 2-28-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005)

4-11-090 DEFINITIONS I:

ILLUMINATION, INTERNAL: A light source that is concealed or contained within a sign and becomes visible in darkness through a translucent surface.

ILLUMINATION, TUBE: A light source supplied by a tube that is bent to form letters, symbols, or other shapes. Tube illumination does not include exposed fluorescent lights.

IMPACTS: The effects or consequences of actions. Environmental impacts are effects upon the elements of the environment listed in WAC 197-11-444.

IMPERVIOUS SURFACE: Any material that substantially reduces or prevents the infiltration of stormwater into the surface of the ground, including graveled surfaces.

IMPORTED FILL: Earth material acquired from an off-site location for use in grading on a site.

INCOMBUSTIBLE AND NONCOMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL: Shall be as defined in the Uniform Fire Code.

INDUSTRIAL USE: A type of land use characterized by production, manufacturing, distribution or fabrication activities.

INDUSTRIAL USE, HEAVY: A type of land use including manufacturing processes using raw materials, extractive land uses or any industrial uses which typically are incompatible with other uses due to noise, odor, toxic chemicals, or other activities posing a hazard to public health and safety.

INDUSTRIAL USE, LIGHT: A type of land use including small scale or less intensive production manufacturing, distribution or fabricating activities. May also include office and supporting convenience retail activities.

INDUSTRIAL WASTES: See RMC 4-6-100.

INFILL: Development that occurs on vacant land within urbanized areas.

INFILTRATION: See RMC 4-6-100.

INTEGRATED WALKWAY CIRCULATION: Sidewalks and streets constructed and connected in such a way as to provide an efficient and safe system for people moving through an area on foot.

INTERMITTENT: A condition where water is not present in the channel year-round during years of normal or above normal rainfall.

INTERVAL: An interval is the measure of articulation – the distance before architectural elements repeat.

(Ord. 3719, 4-11-1983; Ord. 3891, 2-25-1985; Ord. 4577, 1-22-1996; Ord. 4740, 7-19-1999; Ord. 4720, 5-4-1998; Ord. 4821, 12-20-1999; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005)

4-11-100 DEFINITIONS J:

JAILS, EXISTING MUNICIPAL: City-operated and owned facilities that hold criminals serving sentences and/or suspected criminals while they are awaiting the outcome of their trials.

(Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002)

4-11-110 DEFINITIONS K:

KENNEL: A commercial facility for the care and/or breeding of dogs and/or cats.

(Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5356, 2-25-2008)

4-11-120 DEFINITIONS L:

LABORATORIES, LIGHT MANUFACTURING: A facility in which scientific research, investigation, testing, or experimentation occur. Manufacturing of and sale of products may also occur.

LABORATORIES, RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING: A facility in which scientific research, investigation, testing, or experimentation occur but not including manufacture and sale of products.

LAKES: Natural or artificial bodies of water of two (2) or more acres and/or where the deepest part of the basin at low water exceeds two (2) meters (6.6 feet). Artificial bodies of water with a recirculation system approved by the Planning/Building/Public Works Department are not included in this definition.

LAND CLEARING: The act of removing or destroying trees or ground cover including grubbing of stumps and root mat.

LAND-CLEARING WASTE: Stumps, brush, tree branches, and other vegetation associated with land clearing.

LAND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT: An approved preliminary or final plat for single family residential project, a building permit, site plan, or preliminary or final planned urban development plan.

LAND USE DECISION: A land use decision for purposes of a land use appeal under RMC 4-8-110, Appeals, means a final determination by a City body or officer with the highest level of authority to make the determination, including those with authority to hear appeals on:

1. An application for a project permit or other governmental approval required by law before real property may be improved, developed, modified, sold, transferred or used, but excluding applications for permits or approvals to use, vacate, or transfer streets, parks, and other similar types of public property; excluding applications for legislative approval such as area-wide rezones and annexations; and excluding applications for business licenses;

2. An interpretive or declaratory decision regarding the application to a specific property of zoning or other ordinances or rules regulating the improvement, development, modification, maintenance, or use of real property;

3. The enforcement by the City of codes regulating improvement, development, modification, maintenance or use of real property. However, when the City is required by law to enforce the code in a court of limited jurisdiction, a petition may not be brought under RMC 4-8-110.

LAND USE ELEMENT: A plan designating the location and extent of use for agriculture, timber production, housing, commerce, industry, recreation, open spaces, public utilities, public facilities, and other land uses as required by the Growth Management Act.

LANDFILL: Creation or maintenance of beach or creation of dry upland area by the deposit of sand, soil, gravel or other materials into shoreline areas.

LANDS COVERED BY WATER: Lands underlying the water areas of the state below the ordinary high water mark, including salt waters, tidal waters, estuarine waters, natural watercourses, lakes, ponds, artificially impounded waters, marshes, and swamps.

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: A professional landscape architect licensed to practice by the State of Washington.

LANDSCAPE BUFFER: An on-site strip abutting a property line which provides a physical, visual, and/or noise buffer and transition between land use of varying compatibilities and/or the street. Landscape buffers consist primarily of natural landscaping and selected hard surface elements, when deemed appropriate by the reviewing official.

LANDSCAPED VISUAL BARRIER: Evergreen trees, and/or evergreen shrubs providing equivalent buffering, planted to provide a year-round dense screen within three (3) years from the time of planting.

LANDSCAPING: The installation of lawns, trees, shrubs, flowers, ground cover and similar items to enhance a property’s attractiveness, prevent erosion, improve security or for similar purposes.

LICENSED ENGINEER: A professional engineer, licensed to practice in the State of Washington.

LIGHT DEFINITIONS: The following definitions are utilized in the Exterior Onsite Lighting Regulations, RMC 4-4-075:

A. Cutoff: The point at which all light rays emitted by a light source are completely eliminated (cut off) at a specific angle above the ground.

B. Cutoff Angle: The angle formed by a line drawn from the direction of light rays at the light source and a line perpendicular to the ground from the light source, above which no light is emitted.

C. Cutoff Type Luminaire: A unit of illumination with elements such as shields, reflectors, or refractor panels that direct and cut off the light at a cut off angle less than ninety degrees (90°).

D. Light Trespass: The shining of light produced by a light source beyond the boundaries of the property on which it is located.

E. Luminaire: The complete lighting unit, including the lamp, the fixture, and other parts.

LOADING AREA: A specially designed off-street place intended to be used by vehicles for depositing and/or receiving passengers and goods.

LOCAL SERVICE UTILITIES: Public or private utilities normally servicing a neighborhood, i.e., telephone exchanges; sewer, both storm and sanitary; distribution lines, electrical less than fifty five (55) kv, telephone, cable TV, etc.

LONG-RANGE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT PLAN: See RMC 4-6-100.

LOT: A specifically described parcel of land with boundary lines defining the extent of the lot in a given direction.

LOT: A fractional part of divided lands having fixed boundaries, being of sufficient area and dimension to meet minimum zoning requirements for width and area, excluding private access easements. The term shall include “tracts” or “parcels.” See LOT TYPES.

LOT COVERAGE: The horizontal area measured within the outside of the exterior walls of all principal and accessory buildings on a lot including all covered decks and porches.

LOT, DEVELOPED: (This definition for RMC 4-4-130, Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Regulations, only.) A lot or parcel of land upon which a structure(s) is located, which cannot be more intensely developed pursuant to the City Zoning Code, and which cannot be further subdivided pursuant to City subdivision regulations.

LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT: A lot line adjustment is the adjusting of common property line(s) or boundaries between adjacent lots, tracts, or parcels for the purpose of accommodating a transfer of land, rectifying a disputed property line location, or freeing such a boundary from any difference or discrepancies. The resulting adjustment shall not create any additional lots, tracts or parcels and all reconfigured lots, tracts or parcels shall contain sufficient area and dimension to meet minimum requirements for zoning and building purposes.

LOT LINES: The property lines bounding the lot.

LOT MEASUREMENTS:

A. Lot Depth: Depth of a lot shall be considered to be the average distance between the foremost points of the side lot lines in front (i.e., the points where the side lot lines intersect with the street right-of-way line) and the rearmost points of the side lot lines in the rear. In the case of pipestem lots, the pipestem portion of the lot shall be ignored for purposes of the calculation of average depth.

B. Lot Width: Width of a lot shall be considered to be the average distance between the side lines connecting front and rear lot lines, except for pipestem lots, where the pipestem portion of a lot shall be ignored for purposes of calculating the average width.

LOT, PARTIALLY DEVELOPED: (This definition for RMC 4-4-130, Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Regulations, only.) A lot or parcel of land upon which a structure is located and which is of sufficient area so as to be capable of accommodating increased development pursuant to the Renton Zoning Code; or which may be subdivided in accordance with the City subdivision regulations.

LOT TYPES:

A. Lot, Corner: A lot abutting upon two (2) or more streets at their intersection, or upon two (2) parts of the same street, such streets or parts of the same street forming an interior angle of less than one hundred thirty five degrees (135°) within the lot lines.

B. Lot, Flag: A lot with access to a public road only by a private accessway less than thirty feet (30') in width. See Lot, Pipestem.

C. Lot, Interior: A lot that generally abuts or has frontage on only one street, although on through lots that run from one block face to another, such lots could abut two (2) streets.

D. Lot, Pipestem: A lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements.

E. Lot, Through: A lot that has both ends fronting on a street.

F. Lot, Small Cluster: A cluster of small lots in new plats that are designed to provide a transition and buffer between uses in the R-4 Zones. Small cluster lots are allowed in the R-4 Zone when located within six hundred feet (600') of abutting and contiguous properties in the Residential Single Family land use designation of the Comprehensive Plan and are part of a development that includes a significant open space area equal to at least twenty percent (20%) of a site.

LOT, UNDEVELOPED: A platted lot or parcel of land upon which no structure exists.

LOW IMPACT LAND USE: Land uses which are not likely to have a significant adverse impact on critical areas because of the low intensity of the use, minimal levels of human activity, limited use of machinery or chemicals, site design or arrangement of buildings and structures, incorporation of mitigation measures, or other factors.

LOWEST FLOOR: The lowest floor of the lowest enclosed area (including basement). An unfinished or flood-resistant enclosure, usable solely for parking of vehicles, building access or storage, in an area other than a basement area, is not considered a building’s lowest floor; provided, that such enclosure is not built so as to render the structure in violation of the applicable non-elevation design requirements of RMC 4-3-050I3a(ii).

(Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 3891, 2-25-1985; Ord. 4056, 4-30-1987; Ord. 4071, 6-1-1987; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4740, 7-19-1999; Ord. 4351, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4517, 5-8-1995; Ord. 4522, 6-5-1995; Ord. 4660, 3-17-1997; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4751, 11-16-1998; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Ord. 4854, 8-14-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5100, 11-1-2004; Ord. 5137, 4-25-2005; Ord. 5153, 9-26-2005)

4-11-130 DEFINITIONS M:

MAIN STREET: A style of urban commercial development featuring concentrated retail and service uses along a street designed for use by both pedestrians and vehicles.

MAJOR SERVICE UTILITY: Public or private utilities which provide services beyond the City’s boundaries, i.e., pipelines, natural gas, water, sewer, petroleum; electrical transmission lines fifty five (55) kv or greater; and regional sewer or water treatment plants, etc.

MANUFACTURED HOME: A residential 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 the required utilities. The term “manufactured home” does not include a “recreational vehicle” or mobile home.

MANUFACTURED HOME, DESIGNATED: A residential manufactured home that meets the following requirements:

1. It is comprised of at least two (2) fully enclosed parallel sections each not less than twelve feet (12') wide by thirty six feet (36') long,

2. It has a composition, wood shingle, coated metal or similar roof of not less than three to twelve (3:12) pitch, and

3. It has exterior siding similar in appearance to siding materials commonly used for conventional site-built single family residences.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION: A parcel (or contiguous parcels) of land “divided” into two (2) or more manufactured home lots for rent or sale.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION, EXISTING: A manufactured home park subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed before the effective date of adopted floodplain management regulations.

MANUFACTURED HOME PARK OR SUBDIVISION, NEW: A manufactured home park or subdivision for which the construction of facilities for servicing the lots on which the manufactured homes are to be affixed (including at a minimum, the installation of utilities, the construction of streets, and either final site grading or the pouring of concrete pads) is completed on or after the effective date of adopted floodplain management regulations.

MANUFACTURING, AIRPLANE: Limited to manufacture of airplanes; sale of airplanes manufactured and/or assembled on-site; and research, development and testing of airplanes and related components.

MANUFACTURING, AIRPLANE ACCESSORY FUNCTIONS: Includes, as secondary functions when dependent upon the primary activity of airplane production and sales: office; storage; warehouse and distribution; aircraft painting and other associated aircraft painting/sealing activities; trucking terminal, including loading and unloading; auto repair and fuel dispensing; hazardous materials storage and distribution; aircraft engine testing; metal processing; food service; retail sales of products related to airplane production; on-site medical and emergency services, such as clinic, fire suppression, and security; barging; reclamation; and parking, when designated for employees and visitors.

MANUFACTURING AND FABRICATION, HEAVY: The transformation of materials or substances into new products including construction and assembling of component parts, and the blending of materials such as lubricating oils, plastics, resins or liquors. Heavy manufacturing and fabrication are often characterized by the need for large outdoor areas in which to conduct operations, and typically results in environmental impacts beyond their own sites. This definition includes, but is not limited to: manufacture and fabrication of automotive vehicles and their parts, cement, brick, lime, gypsum, asphalt, and other manufacturing and fabrication uses as determined by the reviewing official. This definition excludes slaughterhouses, manufacture of shellac, varnish or turpentine, paper, pulp, rubber from crude material, refining and/or manufacturing of petroleum by-products except as an accessory use of less than fifty thousand (50,000) gallons.

MANUFACTURING AND FABRICATION, LIGHT: The transformation of materials or substances into new products including construction and assembling of component parts, and the blending of materials such as lubricating oils, plastics, resins or liquors. Light manufacturing and fabrication is characterized by the use being contained within buildings, and materials or equipment used in production not being stored outside. Light manufacturing and fabrication activities do not generate external emissions such as smoke, odor, noise, vibrations or other nuisances outside the building. This definition includes but is not limited to manufacture and fabrication of electronic components, office products, furniture, glass products, and other manufacturing and fabrication uses as determined by the reviewing official. This definition excludes slaughterhouses, manufacture of shellac, varnish or turpentine, paper, pulp, rubber from crude material, refining and/or manufacturing of petroleum by-products except as an accessory use of less than fifty thousand (50,000) gallons.

MANUFACTURING AND FABRICATION, MEDIUM: The transformation of materials or substances into new products including construction and assembling of component parts, and the blending of materials such as lubricating oils, plastics, resins or liquors. Medium manufacturing and fabrication is characterized by need for only very limited areas of outdoor storage and may create minor external environmental impacts during the conduct of operations but most impacts are contained on-site. This definition includes but is not limited to manufacture and fabrication of, alcoholic products, paints, printing ink, leather goods, and other manufacturing and fabrication uses as determined by the reviewing official. This definition excludes slaughterhouses, manufacture of shellac, varnish or turpentine, paper, pulp, rubber from crude material, refining and/or manufacturing of petroleum by-products except as an accessory use of less than fifty thousand (50,000) gallons.

MARINA: A facility for storing, servicing, fueling, berthing, and securing and launching of private pleasure craft that may include the sale of fuel and incidental supplies for the boat owners, crews, and guests. This definition includes tie-up for float planes as well as pleasure boats, and other private pleasure craft.

MARINA: (This definition for RMC 4-3-090, Shoreline Master Program Regulations, use only.) A use providing moorage for pleasure craft, which also may include boat launching facilities, storage, sales, and other related services.

MARQUEE: A permanent roof structure, usually incorporating a sign, attached to and supported by the building and projecting over public property.

MASTER PLAN: A master plan is intended to show how proposed development will comply with the development standards in the applicable zoning. It also is intended to show compatibility of development within the master plan area, and compatibility of anticipated uses in areas adjacent to and abutting the master plan area. It provides long-term guidance for a smaller area than a conceptual redevelopment plan, but a larger area than a detailed site plan.

MASTER PROGRAM: The comprehensive shoreline use plan for the City of Renton and the use regulations, together with maps, diagrams, charts or other descriptive material and text, and a statement of desired goals and standards developed in accordance with the policies enunciated in Section 2 of the Act.

MATERIAL SAFETY DATA SHEET: Written or printed information concerning a hazardous material which is prepared in accordance with the provisions of 29 CFR 1910.1200.

MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT: Includes all motorized equipment used for earth moving, trenching, excavation, gardening, landscaping, and general property maintenance exceeding twenty seven (27) horsepower in size.

MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS: Facilities providing physical or mental health services, in-patient accommodations, and medical or surgical care of the sick or injured. This definition includes hospitals, clinics, hospices, holistic health centers, and nursing homes as defined in Group I-2 of the IFC. This definition excludes medical and dental offices, convalescent centers, assisted living, and group homes I and II.

MEMBRANE LINER: See RMC 4-5-120G.

MINI-MART: A small retail establishment, usually located within or associated with another use, that offers for sale convenience goods such as food items, tobacco, periodicals and household goods.

MITIGATION BANK: Sites that, when approved by the City, may be used for restoration, creation and/or mitigation of wetlands altered on a different piece of property, but located within the same drainage basin.

MIXED USE: A building or site with two (2) or more different uses such as residential, office, manufacturing, retail, public or entertainment.

MOBILE HOME: A factory-built structure, transportable in one or more sections, built on a chassis and designed to be a dwelling without a permanent foundation, that was constructed prior to the enactment of the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974. This definition does not include recreational vehicles, manufactured homes, or designated manufactured homes.

MOBILE VENDOR: Retail sale of goods from a vehicle or mobile cart.

MODULATION: A measured and proportioned inflection or setback in a building’s face that breaks up an otherwise larger flat vertical plane into multiple offset sub-elements so as to reduce the apparent bulk.

MOORAGE: Any device or structure used to secure a vessel for temporary anchorage, but which is not attached to the vessels. Examples of moorage are docks or buoys.

MOTEL: A building or group of detached or connected buildings designed or used primarily for providing sleeping accommodations for automobile travelers and typically having a parking space adjacent to a sleeping accommodation. This definition excludes multi-family dwellings, bed and breakfasts, and hotels.

MOVIE THEATER: An indoor facility for showing movies, including accessory retail sales of food and beverages. This definition excludes adult entertainment businesses; entertainment clubs; and cultural facilities.

MULTI-FAMILY: See DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY.

MULTIPLE-USE: The combining of compatible uses within one development, of which the major use or activity is water-oriented. All uses or activities other than the major one are directly related and necessary to the major use or activity.

(Ord. 3719, 4-11-1983; Ord. 3758, 12-5-1983; Ord. 4071, 6-1-1987; Ord. 4219, 5-4-1992; Ord. 4346, 3-9-1992; Ord. 4577, 1-22-1996; Ord. 4665, 5-19-1997; Ord. 4715, 4-6-1998; Ord. 4716, 4-13-1998; Ord. 4777, 4-19-1999; Ord. 4821, 12-20-1999; Ord. 4835, 3-27-2000; Ord. 4851, 8-7-2000; Amd. Ord. 4963, 5-13-2002; Ord. 5028, 11-24-2003; Ord. 5124, 2-7-2005; Ord. 5125, 2-28-2005; Ord. 5387, 6-9-2008; Ord. 5404, 7-21-2008)

4-11-140 DEFINITIONS N:

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED INDEPENDENT TESTING ORGANIZATION: See RMC 4-5-120G.

NATIVE GROWTH PROTECTION EASEMENT: A restrictive area where all native, predevelopment vegetation shall not be disturbed or removed except for removal pursuant to an approved enhancement program. The purpose of an easement is to protect steep slopes, slopes and/or riparian corridors.

NATIVE VEGETATION: Plant species that are indigenous to the area in question and could reasonably be expected to have occurred on site.

NATURAL: A Shoreline Master Program land use designation identifying an area as unique and fragile. It is intended to provide areas of wildlife sanctuary and habitat preservation.

NATURAL LIGHT: Interior or exterior light from the sun.

NATURAL OUTLET: See RMC 4-6-100.

NATURAL RESOURCE EXTRACTION/RECOVERY: Land used for timber harvesting consistent with the Forest Practices Act or silviculture, mineral extraction, or natural resource recovery such as mining reclamation or reforestation. This definition excludes Christmas tree farms, nurseries, and agriculture.

NATURAL WATER SYSTEM: Any and all parts of the hydrologic cycle independent of size and residence time. The meaning includes “waters of the state” as defined in RCW 90.48.020.

NEIGHBORHOOD: A sub-area of the City in which the residents share a common identity focused around a school, park, community business center or other feature.

NEW UNDERGROUND STORAGE FACILITY: See RMC 4-5-120G.

NEWS STAND: A use consisting of the retail sale of newspapers and magazines. This definition excludes adult retail uses.

NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE: A lawful structure that does not comply with the current development standards (yard setbacks, lot size, lo