Chapter 18.08
DEFINITIONS
Sections:
18.08.030 Additional definitions.
18.08.010 Purpose.
The purpose of this section is to define words that are used throughout these development regulations. Definitions may also be found within the other development regulation divisions. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.020 Words not defined.
Refer to Section 18.20.020(F), Administrative interpretations. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.030 Additional definitions.
The definitions contained in this division are generally those listed in Sections 18.08.040 through 18.08.290. Definitions specific to individual divisions appear and are listed in those development regulations. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.040 A definitions.
“Abandon or abandonment of wireless telecommunications facilities” means:
1. Ceasing operation for sixty (60) or more consecutive calendar days;
2. Reducing the effective radiated power of an antenna by seventy-five percent (75%) for sixty (60) or more consecutive calendar days unless new technology or additional cells in the same location allow reduction by more than seventy-five percent (75%), provided the operator still serves the same customer base;
3. Relocating an antenna to less than eighty percent (80%) of the height of an antenna support structure; or
4. Reducing the number of transmissions from an antenna by seventy-five percent (75%) for sixty (60) or more consecutive calendar days, unless nonoperation or reduced operation is due to maintenance, redesign, or other changes about which the city was notified in advance.
“Access” means the way pedestrians and vehicles enter and leave property.
Accessory Dwelling Unit. See Section 18.44.110(B).
“Accessory structure” means a separate structure secondary and subordinate to another structure on the same property.
Accessory Use. See Section 18.44.110.
“Action(s)” means new and continuing activities entirely or partly financed, assisted, conducted, regulated, licensed, or approved by agencies; new or revised agency rules, regulations, plans, policies, or procedures; and legislative proposals. Actions fall within two categories:
1. Project Actions. Decisions on specific projects, such as construction or management activities in a defined geographic area, including:
a. Licensing, funding, or undertaking activities modifying the environment, whether conducted by an agency, an applicant, or under contract;
b. Purchasing, selling, leasing, transferring, or exchanging natural resources, including publicly owned land.
2. Nonproject Actions. Decisions on policies, plans, or programs, including:
a. Adopting or amending legislation, ordinances, rules, or regulations with standards controlling use or modification of the environment;
b. Adopting or amending comprehensive land use plans or zoning ordinances;
c. Adopting any policy, plan, or program governing the development of a series of connected actions, excluding those requiring federal approval prior to implementation;
d. Creating districts or annexing to cities, towns, or districts;
e. Capital budgets;
f. Road, street, and highway plans.
Actions do not include activities listed above when an agency is not involved, nor judicial or administrative civil or criminal enforcement actions.
“Activity” means any use conducted on a site.
“Adequate public facilities” means facilities with the capacity to serve development without decreasing service levels below locally established minimums.
“Affordable housing” means, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, residential housing whose monthly costs, including utilities other than telephone, do not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the monthly income of a household whose income is:
1. For rental housing, sixty percent (60%) of the median household income adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; or
2. For owner-occupied housing, eighty percent (80%) of the median household income adjusted for household size, for the county where the household is located, as reported by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. (RCW 36.70A.030(5))
“Agency” means any state or local governmental body, board, commission, department, or officer authorized to make law, hear contested cases, or take the actions stated in WAC 197-11-704, except the judiciary and State Legislature, including state agencies (WAC 197-11-796) and local agencies (WAC 197-11-762).
Agricultural Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(D).
“Alley” means a public or private way not more than thirty (30) feet wide providing access to abutting property, not intended for general traffic circulation, and not considered streets for calculating setbacks.
“Alterations” means any repair, reconstruction, or improvement of a structure costing less than fifty percent (50%) of its market value over two years.
“Amendment” means any change in wording, context, or substance of this code or the comprehensive plan; changes to the zoning map or comprehensive plan map; changes to official controls of the city code; or any changes to conditions of approval or modification of permits or plans reviewed or approved by the planning commission, city council, or designee.
Amusement. See Section 18.44.080(B).
Amusement and Recreation (Use). See Section 18.44.080.
“Anchor” means a device securing or fastening tie-downs with a holding power of at least four thousand eight hundred (4,800) pounds, including screw auger and expanding or concrete “dead men” type anchors, accommodating “over-the-top” and “frame” type tie-downs.
“Antenna” means any system of electromagnetically tuned wires, poles, rods, reflecting discs, or similar devices transmitting or receiving electromagnetic waves between terrestrial and/or orbital base points.
“Antenna, ancillary” means an antenna less than twelve (12) inches in its largest dimension, not directly used for wireless communications services (e.g., GPS antennas).
“Antenna, panel” means a directional antenna transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in up to a one hundred twenty (120) degree pattern, typically thin and rectangular.
“Antenna, parabolic or dish antenna” means a bowl-shaped antenna transmitting and/or receiving in a narrow direction.
“Antenna, tubular” means a hollow tube typically twelve (12) inches in diameter containing either omnidirectional or directional antennas, often placed on light standards and power poles to mitigate visual impacts.
“Antenna, whip” means an omnidirectional antenna transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals in a three hundred sixty (360) degree radial pattern, typically four inches or less in diameter.
“Antenna height” or “height” means the vertical distance measured from the finished grade of the parcel at the base of the tower pad or antenna support structure to the highest point of the structure, even if the highest point is an antenna. If on a sloped grade, the average between the highest and lowest grades is used.
“Antenna support structure” means any pole, telescoping mast, tower, tripod, or structure supporting a device transmitting or receiving radio frequency signals.
Apartment. See Section 18.44.040(D).
“Appeal” means a proceeding by which an aggrieved party requests a higher authority review a disputed matter.
“Applicant” means any person or entity, including an agency, making an application to the city of Rainier or another agency for any required permit or license.
“Approval” means permission to proceed with a land use action for development.
“Aquifer” means a geological formation, group of formations, or part of a formation capable of yielding a significant amount of water to a well or spring.
“Arcade” means a linear pedestrian walkway abutting and running along a building facade, covered but open at all times to public use, typically with a line of columns along its open side and habitable space above.
“Art” or “artwork” means a device, element, or feature primarily intended to express, enhance, or illustrate an aesthetic quality, feeling, physical entity, idea, local condition, historical or mythical event, or cultural or social value. Examples include sculpture, bas-relief sculpture, murals, unique lighting, furniture, pavement, landscaping, or architectural treatment primarily for aesthetic purposes. Signs may be considered artwork if they exhibit high craftsmanship, special material or construction, and decorative elements beyond conveying business or product information. Names or logos are not considered art.
Assembly. See Section 18.44.060(B).
Attached Single-Family Unit. See Section 18.44.040(C). (Ord. 732 § 3, 2025; Ord. 665 § 1, 2017: Ord. 659 § 1, 2017: Ord. 575 § 1, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.050 B definitions.
“Base flood elevation” means that elevation, expressed in feet above mean sea level, determined by the Federal Insurance Administration, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, to which floodwater, on an average, can be expected to rise on a frequency of once in every one hundred (100) years.
Battery Charging Station. See Section 18.44.110(H).
Battery Exchange Station. See Section 18.44.070(J).
Bed and Breakfast. See Section 18.44.110(C).
“Berm” means a landscaped elevation formed of earth, sand, or stone.
Best Available Science. See Section 18.110.020.
“Block” means all land along one side of a street that is between two intersections or intercepting streets, or interrupting streets and a railroad right-of-way, or unsubdivided land or watercourse.
Boundary Line Adjustment. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions, Boundary line adjustment.
“Buffer” means an area of land or a structure used or created for the purpose of insulating or separating a structure or land use from other lands, uses or structures, in such a manner as to reduce or mitigate any adverse impacts of one or the other.
“Buffer, critical area” means the naturally existing area contiguous with a critical area that is required for the integrity, maintenance, function, enhancement, or structural stability of the critical area.
“Buildable area” means the portion of a lot or site, exclusive of required yard areas, setbacks, landscaping or open space within which a structure may be built.
“Building” means any structure having a roof supported by columns or walls used or intended to be used for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind.
“Building code” means the code promulgated by the International Conference of Building Officials, as adopted by the city council, and as amended hereafter.
“Building coverage” means the measurement of the gross footprint of all the structures, to include accessory and exempt structures, on a lot. The gross footprint includes all structural elements and projections of a building and includes, but is not limited to, eaves, projections, decks, balconies, elevated patios, breezeways, or canopies.
“Building, detached” means a building detached from one or more buildings by common roofs, walls, or floors.
“Building facade” or “facade” means the visible wall surface, excluding the roof, of a building when viewed from a public right-of-way or adjacent property. If more than one wall is predominantly visible, the walls may be considered one facade for the purposes of signage. A building facade is measured in gross square feet (gsf) and does not include roof area.
“Building height” means the vertical distance from the average natural, undisturbed grade of a site to the highest point of the structure.
Building Site. See “Buildable area.”
“Bulkhead” means a vertical wall of steel, timber or concrete used for erosion protection or as a retaining wall.
“Business” means the purchase, sale, or other transaction involving the handling or disposition of any article, service, substance, or commodity for livelihood or profit; or the management of office buildings, offices, recreational or amusement enterprises; or the maintenance and use of buildings, offices, structures, and premises by professions and trades rendering services. (Ord. 665 § 2, 2017: Ord. 659 § 2, 2017: Ord. 648 § 2, 2016: Ord. 599 § 1, 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.060 C definitions.
“Camouflage” means to disguise, hide, or integrate with an existing or proposed structure or with the natural environment to be significantly screened from view.
Campground. Refer to Section 18.44.050(C).
“Carport” means a covered automobile structure open on one or more sides, providing direct driveway access for parking stalls. A carport may be integrated with, attached to, or detached from the primary structure.
“Cell site” or “site” means a tract or parcel of land containing wireless telecommunications facilities, including any antenna, support structure, accessory buildings, and parking, as well as other uses associated with and ancillary to wireless telecommunications facilities.
“Change of use” is determined when the general character of the use has been modified. This determination includes reviewing:
1. Hours of operation;
2. Materials processed or sold;
3. Required parking;
4. Traffic generation;
5. Impact on public utilities;
6. Clientele;
7. General appearance and location;
8. Change in use type.
“Child day care center” and “child care center” mean an agency that regularly provides early childhood education and early learning services for a group of children for periods of less than 24 hours. See Section 18.44.060.
Christmas Tree Sales. Refer to Section 18.44.120(C).
“Circle diameter” means the minimum size of a circle required to fit within a lot.
“Circulation” means the movement or flow of traffic from one place to another through available routes, including pedestrian, motor vehicle, and nonmotorized methods such as bicycles.
“City” means the city of Rainier and/or city staff members.
“City designee” or “designee” means the community development department director, senior planner, or other appointed by the mayor.
“Clear-vision areas” means a triangular area at intersections or public drives where visual obstructions are kept clear. See standards adopted by Thurston County, Chapter 12.04.
“Clearing” means the removal of timber, brush, grass, groundcover, or other vegetative matter from a site, exposing the earth’s surface on the site.
“Clinic” means a place where medical or dental care is provided to persons on an outpatient basis by professionals in the health care field.
“Closed record appeals” means administrative appeals under RCW 36.70B.110, heard by the city council following an open record hearing on a project permit application, where the appeal is on the record with no or limited new evidence or information allowed, and only appeal arguments permitted.
“Co-living housing” means a residential development with sleeping units that are independently rented and lockable and provide living and sleeping space, and residents share kitchen facilities with other sleeping units in the building, including, but not limited to, congregate living facilities, single room occupancy, rooming house, boarding house, lodging house, and residential suites.
“Collocation of wireless telecommunications facilities” means the use of a wireless telecommunication facility by more than one service provider.
“Commercial truck” means any motorized vehicle licensed by the state used in business operations for storing, transferring, or delivering commodities, or in construction, road grading, or logging activities. This includes cars, trucks, truck trailers, tractors, grading machines, bulldozers, scrapers, boats, motorized cranes, etc.
Commercial Use. Refer to Section 18.44.070.
“Community development director” means the director of the community development department of the city of Rainier or designee of that department.
“Comprehensive plan” means the document, including maps, adopted by the city council outlining the city’s goals and policies relating to growth management, prepared in accordance with Chapter 36.70A RCW. This term also includes any adopted subarea plans prepared in accordance with Chapter 36.70A RCW.
“Concurrency” means ensuring adequate public improvements or strategies are in place at the time of development, with the ability and financial commitment of the service provider to expand capacity or maintain the level of service for new development through capital improvements within a six-year period as noted in the transportation capital improvement plan.
“Condominium” means an estate in real property consisting of an undivided interest in common in a portion of a lot of record together with a separate interest in space in a building on such real property.
“Contiguous” means bordering upon, touching upon, or in physical contact with.
Conventional Lodging. Refer to Section 18.44.050(B).
Correctional Group Home. Refer to Section 18.44.040(F).
Craft Food Production. Refer to Section 18.44.090(B).
Critical Aquifer Recharge Area. Refer to Section 18.110.070(A).
“Critical facility” means a facility for which even a slight chance of flooding, inundation, or impact from a hazard event might be too great. Examples of critical facilities include schools, nursing homes, hospitals, police, fire and emergency response installations, and installations that produce, use, or store hazardous materials or hazardous waste.
“Curb cut” means a depression in the curb for a driveway to provide vehicular access between private property and the street. (Ord. 735 § 1, 2025; Ord. 665 § 3, 2017: Ord. 659 § 3, 2017: Ord. 575 § 2, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.070 D definitions.
“Dangerous waste” means any discarded, useless, unwanted, or abandoned substances including, but not limited to, certain pesticides, or any residues or containers of such substances which are disposed of in such quantity or concentration as to pose a substantial, present or potential hazard to human health, wildlife, or the environment because such wastes or constituents or combinations of such wastes:
1. Have short-lived, toxic properties that may cause death, injury, or illness or have mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic properties; or
2. Are corrosive, explosive, flammable, or may generate pressure through decomposition or other means. Includes wastes designated in WAC 173-303-070 through 173-303-103 as dangerous wastes.
Day Care Center. See Section 18.44.060(C).
Day Care, Home. See Section 18.44.110(G).
“Decibel” means a unit of measurement of the intensity (loudness) of sound. Sound level meters which are employed to measure the intensity of sound are calibrated in decibels.
“Deciduous tree” means a tree that loses its foliage annually.
“Decision” means a determination arrived at after consideration.
“Deck” means a roofless, outdoor, aboveground platform projecting from the wall of a building and supported by piers or columns.
“Dedication” means the transfer of property by the owner to another party.
“Density” means the permissible number of dwelling units that may be developed on a specific amount of land area measured in number of dwelling units per acre.
“Department” means the city of Rainier community development department.
“Design details” or “architectural or building design details” refers to the minor building elements that contribute to the character or architectural style of the structure. Design details may include moldings, mullions, rooftop features, the style of the windows and doors, and other decorative features.
“Design, wireless telecommunications facilities” means the appearance of wireless telecommunications facilities, including such features as their materials, colors, and shape.
Detached Single-Family Unit. See Section 18.44.040(B).
Developed Recreation. See Section 18.44.080(D).
“Development” means any constructed changes to improved or unimproved land, including, but not limited to, buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavating, or drilling operations or the subdivision of property.
“Development activity” means any action taken either in conjunction with a use, or to make a use possible. Activities do not in and of themselves result in a specific use. Most activities may take place in conjunction with a variety of uses.
“Development permit” means any document granting, or granting with conditions, an application for a site plan, building permit, discretionary decision, or other official action of the city having the effect of authorizing the development of land, which includes all Process I through Process V applications.
“Development plan” means a plan drawn to scale, indicating, but not limited to, the proposed use, the actual dimensions and shape of the lot to be built upon, the exact sizes and locations of buildings already existing on the lot, if any, and the location on the lot of the proposed building or alteration, yards, setbacks, landscaping, off-street parking, ingress and egress, and signs.
“Development regulations” means the controls placed on development or land use activities, including, but not limited to, zoning ordinances, critical areas ordinances, shoreline master programs, official controls, planned unit development ordinances, subdivision ordinances, and binding site plan ordinances, together with any amendments thereto. A development regulation does not include a decision to approve a project permit application, as defined in RCW 36.70B.020, even though the decision may be expressed in a resolution or ordinance of the legislative body of the city.
“Discontinuance” means the abandonment of a use, or nonuse of a building, structure, sign or lot.
“Discretionary permit” means a decision which requires special analysis or review due to the nature of the application or because special consideration was requested by the applicant.
Disposal. See Section 18.44.090(E).
“District” means an area designated by this division, with specific boundaries, in which lie specific zones, or special purpose areas as described in this division.
“Domesticated animal” means those domestic beasts such as any dog, cat, rabbit, horse, mule, ass, bovine animal, lamb, goat, sheep or hog, or other animal made to be domestic.
“Double-frontage lot” means a lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street.
“Dripline” means a circle drawn at the soil line directly under the outermost branches of a tree.
Drive-Up Facility. See Section 18.44.110(F).
“Driveway” means a paved or graveled surface a minimum of fifteen (15) feet in width that provides access to a lot from a public or private right-of-way.
“Durable surface” means concrete, brick, asphalt or similar material.
“Dwelling unit” means a unit used residentially and is also known as a residential unit. See Section 18.44.040 for a definition of residential use. (Ord. 665 § 4, 2017: Ord. 610 § 1, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.080 E definitions.
“Easement” refers to a nonpossessory interest in the land of another that entitles the owner of the interest to a limited use or enjoyment of the other’s land for specific purposes, including but not limited to public or private streets, railroads, utilities, transmission lines, walkways, sidewalks, bikeways, equestrian trails, and other similar uses. An easement may be exclusive or shared among multiple users.
“Electric vehicle” denotes any vehicle that operates, either partially or entirely, on electrical energy sourced from the grid or an off-board source stored onboard for motive purposes.
“Electromagnetic field (EMF)” signifies the field generated by the operation of equipment used in transmitting and receiving radio frequency signals.
“Emergency housing” means temporary indoor accommodations for individuals or families who are homeless or at imminent risk of becoming homeless that is intended to address the basic health, food, clothing and personal hygiene needs of individuals or families. Emergency housing may or may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement. (RCW 36.70A.030(14))
Emergency Services. Refer to Section 18.44.060(E).
“Emergency shelter” means a facility that provides a temporary shelter for individuals or families who are currently homeless. Emergency shelter may not require occupants to enter into a lease or an occupancy agreement. Emergency shelter facilities may include day and warming centers that do not provide overnight accommodations. (RCW 36.70A.030(15))
“Erect” describes the act of placing or affixing a structural component onto the ground or atop another such component.
“Erosion” indicates the detachment and movement of soil, sediment, or rock fragments caused by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
Erosion Hazard Area. Refer to Section 18.110.090.
“Essential public facilities” embodies those state or regional facilities and services of statewide significance that are generally challenging to site, including but not limited to airports, state education facilities, state or regional transportation facilities, state and local correctional facilities, solid waste handling facilities, and inpatient facilities such as substance abuse facilities, mental health facilities, group homes, and secure community transition facilities.
“Evergreen tree” designates a tree, often coniferous, that retains its foliage and remains green throughout the year.
“Excavation” defines any activity by which organic matter, earth, sand, gravel, rock, or similar materials are cut into, dug, quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated, or bulldozed, including the conditions resulting from such activities.
“Extremely hazardous waste” characterizes any waste that remains hazardous for several years or more at a disposal site and, in its persistent form, presents a significant environmental hazard. It can be concentrated by living organisms through the food chain or affect the genetic constitution of humans or other living creatures. Such wastes are disposed of at a disposal site in quantities presenting an extreme hazard to humans or the environment and are designated under WAC 173-303-070 through 173-303-103 as extremely hazardous wastes. (Ord. 732 § 4, 2025; Ord. 665 § 5, 2017: Ord. 659 § 4, 2017: Ord. 599 § 2, 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.090 F definitions.
“Facade” means the exterior wall and related roof elements of a building.
“Family” means one or more individuals related by blood, marriage, adoption, or guardianship, or not more than six individuals not so related, occupying a dwelling unit and living as a single housekeeping unit.
Farm Stand. See Section 18.44.120(D).
“Fence” means a wall or barrier for the purpose of enclosing space or separating parcels of land.
“Fence, sight-obscuring” means a fence constructed of solid wood, masonry, metal or other appropriate material that totally conceals the subject use from adjoining uses.
“Fill” or “filling” means the placement by man of sand, sediment or other material to raise the elevation of the land.
“Final development plan” means a plan or set of plans that complies with the conditions set forth in a preliminary approval and, once approved, authorizes the granting of a discretionary permit.
Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Area. See Section 18.110.100.
“Flag” means any piece of cloth of individual size, color and design, used as a symbol, signal or emblem, or for decoration.
“Flagpole” means a staff or pole that is designed to display a flag. A flagpole may be freestanding or attached to a building or to a private light standard.
“Flood” or “flooding” means a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of normally dry land areas from the overflow of inland or tidal waters and/or the unusual and rapid accumulation of runoff of surface waters from any source.
“Floor area” means the sum of the gross horizontal areas of several floors of a building, measured from the exterior faces of the exterior walls or from the centerline of walls separating two buildings, but not including attic space providing headroom of less than seven feet or basement, if more than fifty percent (50%) of the basement is less than grade.
Floor Area Ratio (FAR). The floor area ratio of the building or buildings on any lot means the gross floor area of the building or buildings on that lot, divided by the gross area of such lot.
“Footcandle” is a unit used for measuring the amount of illumination on a surface. The amount of usable light from any given source is partially determined by the angle of incidence of the source and the distance to the illuminated surface.
“Footprint” means the perimeter of the foundation of a structure as it is measured at grade.
Forest Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(F).
Forestry. See Section 18.44.030(B).
“Frontage” refers to length of a property line along a public street or right-of-way. (Ord. 665 § 6, 2017: Ord. 659 § 5, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.100 G definitions.
“Garage” means a building or floor area within a building intended to be used for the parking or storage of motor vehicles.
Geologically Hazardous Area. See Section 18.110.090.
“Governing authority” means the city council of the city of Rainier.
“Grade, average” means the average elevation of the undisturbed ground prior to construction at all exterior corners of the proposed structure.
“Grade, finished” means the finished surface of the ground, street, paving or sidewalk.
“Grade, preconstruction” means prior to any grade, fill or disturbance of soil or vegetation.
“Greenhouse” means a glass or plastic structure specially designed for the growing of plants that provides a controlled growing environment that allows plants to grow when they would not otherwise do so.
“Gross area” means the total sum area of the lot.
“Gross density” means a calculation of the number of housing units that is allowed on a property based on the maximum density permitted.
“Gross square feet (gsf)” means the sum of the total square footage of any building, lot, property or area.
“Groundcover” means low-growing vegetative materials with a mound or spreading manner of growth that provides solid cover.
Group Home. See Section 18.44.040(E).
“Guyed tower” means a wireless communication support structure that is typically over one hundred (100) feet tall and is steadied by guy wires in a radial pattern around the tower. (Ord. 665 § 7, 2017: Ord. 659 § 6, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.110 H definitions.
“Habitat” means the place or type of site where an organism lives; the place occupied by an entire community, such as a freshwater tidal marsh community.
“Hazardous substance” means any liquid, solid, gas, or sludge, including any material, substance, product, commodity or waste, regardless of quantity, that exhibits any of the physical, chemical, or biological properties described in Chapter 70.105 RCW, or WAC 173-303-090 or 173-303-100.
“Hazardous waste” means any dangerous or extremely hazardous waste as designated pursuant to Chapter 70.105 RCW or Chapter 173-303 WAC, including substances composed of radioactive and hazardous components but not including moderate-risk wastes.
Heavy Industry. See Section 18.44.090(D).
Heavy Retail/Service. See Section 18.44.070(G).
“Height” means the vertical distance measured from the average grade to the highest point on the building or structure.
Home Business. See Section 18.44.110(E)
Home Day Care. See Section 18.44.110(G).
Home Occupation. See Section 18.44.110(D).
“Household pet” means animals or fowl customarily permitted in the house and kept for company or pleasure, including dogs, cats, canaries and similar pets. (Ord. 665 § 8, 2017: Ord. 659 § 7, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.120 I definitions.
“Impervious surface” means a hard surface area that either prevents/retards the entry of water into the soil mantle or causes water to run off the surface in greater quantities/at an increased rate of flow than occurred under natural conditions prior to development.
Example: Impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to: rooftops, walkways, patios, driveways, parking lots or storage areas, concrete or asphalt paving, gravel roads, gravel parking lots, packed earthen materials, and oiled macadam or other surfaces that similarly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater. Open, uncovered retention/detention facilities are not considered impervious surfaces.
Incidental Use. See Section 18.44.020(B)(2).
“Incompatible uses” means, for the purpose of community design, those uses, including, but not limited to, outdoor storage, utilities equipment and apparatus, and loading and service facilities, which are considered to be visually intrusive, unsightly and which require site design and screening to mitigate the negative impacts to retail, service and office commercial uses and residential development.
Industrial Use. See Section 18.44.090.
“Infill” means new development on vacant lots in established neighborhoods, to facilitate in keeping urban densities.
Institutional Use. See Section 18.44.060.
“Interior landscaping area” means any area of a lot that is not within a required perimeter landscaping or landscape buffer area. In the case of single-family residences in residential zones, the entire lot shall be considered the interior landscaping area.
Interior landscaping areas are required within large parking lot areas to provide aesthetic visual relief and provide for some shading of parking spaces. (Ord. 665 § 9, 2017: Ord. 659 § 8, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.130 J definitions.
“Judicial appeals” means appeals filed by a party of record in Thurston County superior court. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.140 K definitions.
“Kennel” means an enclosure or structure in which any combination of six or more dogs that individually exceed seven months of age are kept for breeding, sale, training, boarding, or sporting purposes.
“Kitchen” means any room or rooms, or portion of a room or rooms, used or intended or designed to be used for cooking or the preparation of food. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.150 L definitions.
“Landscaping” means vegetative cover including shrubs, trees, flowers, groundcover and other similar plant material. Required landscaping must conform to the planting standards contained in Rainier city ordinances. An area may be determined to be landscaped if it is planted with vegetation in the form of hardy trees, shrubs, or grass or evergreen groundcover maintained in good condition.
Landslide Hazard Area. See Section 18.110.090.
“Lattice tower” means a support structure which consists of a network of crossed metal braces forming a tower which is usually triangular or square in cross section.
“Level of service (LOS) standards” means indicators of the extent or degree of service provided by, or proposed to be provided by, a facility based on and related to the operational characteristics of the facility. LOS indicates the capacity per unit of demand for each public facility. LOS standards reflect existing or desired public facility conditions.
Light Industry. See Section 18.44.090(C).
“Livestock” means all cattle, sheep, goats, or animals of the bovine family; all horses, mules, or animals of the equine family; all pigs, swine, or animals of the guinea family; and ostriches, rheas, and emus.
“Loading area or space” means the portion of a site developed for loading or unloading motor vehicles or trailers, including loading berths, aisles, access drives, and related landscaped areas.
“Local road or street” means a road or street which is used or intended to be used primarily for providing access to abutting properties and to discourage through traffic.
Lodging Use. See Section 18.44.050(B).
Lot. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“Lot area” means the total area, in gross square feet (gsf), within the lot lines of a lot, excluding any public right-of-way. For the purposes of flood regulations, any portion of a lot lying below the ordinary high water mark or lawfully constructed bulkhead shall not be included in a lot area calculation.
“Lot, buildable” means a lot of record which is proposed for use in compliance with this division, and has received approval of the water supply, stormwater retention/detention system and sewage disposal method as appropriate to such use.
“Lot, corner” means a lot of which at least two adjacent sides abut streets other than alleys.
“Lot coverage” means the area of a lot covered by a building or buildings, expressed as a percentage of the total lot area.
“Lot, cul-de-sac” means a lot that has a front lot line contiguous with the outer radius of the turn-around portion of a cul-de-sac.
“Lot depth” means the perpendicular distance measured from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the opposite lot line.
Lot Determination. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Lot, Flag. A flag lot is surrounded by abutting lots with an extended access way to a street right-of-way.
“Lot, interior” means a lot other than a corner lot.
“Lot line” means the property line bounding a lot.
“Lot line, front” means, normally, the property line separating the lot from the street, other than an alley, from which access is provided to the lot. For the purpose of establishing setback requirements, orientation of the dwelling unit shall be independent of access to the parcel. In the case of a corner lot, the front lot line shall be the property line with the narrow dimension adjacent to the street.
“Lot line, rear” means the lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line and which is in the same plane and runs parallel to the front lot.
“Lot line, side” means any property line that is neither a front nor a rear lot line.
Lot of Record. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“Lot, through” means an interior lot having frontage on two streets, and which is not a corner lot.
“Lot width” means the average horizontal distance between the side lot lines, ordinarily measured parallel to the front lot lines, except that portion of a flag lot that usually forms an extended access way to a street right-of-way.
“Low income” means households whose incomes do not exceed eighty percent (80%) of the median income for the city of Rainier as determined by Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Ord. 665 § 10, 2017: Ord. 659 § 9, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.160 M definitions.
“Maintenance” means routine upkeep (the cleaning, painting, repair, or replacement of defective parts) of existing structures, facilities, or signs which are in current use or operation.
“Major exterior remodel” means a proposed improvement to any existing building, structure or property that changes the exterior appearance of the property and meets either of the criteria below:
1. Estimated value of construction exceeds fifty percent (50%) of the value of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Rainier’s building valuation procedure.
2. Construction includes an addition to or extension of an existing building.
“Manufactured home” means a structure, transportable in one or more sections, that is built on a permanent chassis and is designed for use with or without a permanent foundation when connected to required utilities. For floodplain management purposes only, the term “manufactured home” also includes park trailers, travel trailers, and other similar vehicles placed on a site for more than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days.
“Map” means a representation, usually on a flat surface, of the whole or part of an area.
“Maximum density” means the maximum number of dwelling units allowed per buildable acre.
“Maximum lot size” means the largest lot area size, expressed in gross square feet (gsf), permitted for short plat subdivisions, lot line adjustments, and subdivisions utilizing standard development regulations. The maximum lot size does not apply to open space parcels or residential parcels that are more than thirty-five percent (35%) encumbered by dedicated natural or critical areas or associated buffers.
“Mean high water (MHW)” means the average height of all high waters over a nineteen (19) year period.
“Microcell” means a wireless communication facility consisting of an antenna that is either:
1. Four feet in height and with an area of not more than five hundred eighty (580) square inches; or
2. If a tubular antenna, no more than twelve (12) inches in diameter and no more than six feet in length.
Mineral Resource Lands. See Section 18.48.114(E).
“Minor exterior remodel” means any improvement that changes the visual appearance or exterior configuration of a building, structure or property, and which has a value of less than fifty percent (50%) of the existing built facilities as determined by the city of Rainier’s building valuation procedure. Painting and restorative maintenance are not considered minor remodels.
“Minor facility” means a wireless communication facility consisting of up to three antennas, each of which is either:
1. Four feet in length with a maximum area of five hundred eighty (580) square inches; or
2. For tubular antennas, a maximum diameter of twelve (12) inches and maximum length of six feet. Associated equipment cabinets must be no more than six feet in height and no more than forty-eight (48) square feet in area; or
3. For whip antennas, a maximum diameter of four inches and a maximum length of fifteen (15) feet.
“Mitigate” means to alleviate the negative impacts of a particular action.
“Mitigation” means any action that, to some degree, softens the impact of development on critical or sensitive areas. This may include all or any one of the following actions:
1. Avoiding the impact altogether by not taking a certain action or parts of an action.
2. Minimizing impacts by limiting the degree or magnitude of an action and its implementation.
3. Rectifying the impact by repairing, rehabilitating, or restoring the affected environment.
4. Reducing or eliminating the impact over time by preservation and maintenance operations.
5. Compensating for the impact by creation, restoration, or enhancement of critical or sensitive areas to maintain their functional processes, such as natural biological productivity, habitat, and species diversity, unique features and water quality. Any mitigation action or combination of actions may involve monitoring and remedial follow-up measures.
Mobile Food Vendor. See Section 18.44.070(F).
“Mobile home” means a structure constructed for movement on the public highways that has sleeping, cooking and plumbing facilities, that is intended for human occupancy, that is being used for residential purposes, that was constructed prior to June 15, 1976, and/or does not conform to the (HUD) Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act. Mobile homes do not include recreational vehicles. The appropriate HUD or Department of Labor and Industries label is displayed.
“Mobile home park” means an area of land in single or corporate ownership on which space is made available for the location of mobile homes on a month-to-month basis. Such mobile homes would, generally, be owned by the occupants who pay a fee for the use of the ground space.
“Modulation” means a stepping back or projecting forward of portions of a building facade within specified intervals of building width and depth as a means of breaking up the apparent bulk of a structure’s continuous exterior walls.
“Monopole tower” means a support structure which consists of a single pole sunk into the ground and/or attached to a foundation.
“Mount of wireless telecommunications facility” means the structure or surface upon which wireless telecommunications facilities are mounted. There are three types of mounts:
1. Building Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility mount fixed to the roof or side of a building.
2. Ground Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility mount fixed to the ground, such as a tower.
3. Structure Mounted. A wireless telecommunications facility mount fixed to a structure other than a building, such as light standards, utility poles, water towers, and bridges.
“Multiple-building complex” means two or more structures on the same lot where those structures are physically separate and do not share a common wall. (Ord. 665 § 11, 2017: Ord. 659 § 10, 2017: Ord. 610 § 2, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.170 N definitions.
“Native vegetation” means a mix of plant species comprising herbs, grasses, grass-like plants, shrubs and trees indigenous to the Puget Sound region that reasonably could be expected to occur naturally on a site.
“Natural areas” means all or portions of a parcel of land undisturbed by development and maintained in a manner that preserves the indigenous plant materials.
“Neighborhood park or playground” means an area for recreational activities, such as, but not limited to, field games, court games, crafts, playground apparatus area, skating, walking, viewing, picnicking, wading pools and swimming pools.
“Net acreage” means the buildable area after the area of street rights-of-way has been subtracted.
“Net developable acreage” means the gross site acreage minus any environmentally constrained lands and roads.
“Nonconforming lot” means a lot which does not conform to the design or density requirements of the zoning district in which it is located. A nonconforming lot is a lot that was legal when it was created, but no longer meets the current area, width, or depth dimensional requirements for the zoning district in which the property is located. Nonconforming lots may be occupied by any permitted use in the district; provided, that all other development regulations in effect at the time of development are met.
“Nonconforming structure” is one which was lawfully erected in conformance with the regulations in effect at the time of its construction, but which no longer conforms to current development standards including, but not limited to, design, height, setback or coverage requirements of the zoning district in which it is located.
“Nonconforming use” means the use of land, a building or a structure lawfully existing prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this division or subsequent amendments thereto, which does not conform with the regulations of the district in which it is located.
“Nonconformity” means any land use, structure, lot or sign legally established prior to the effective date of the ordinance codified in this division or subsequent amendment, which is no longer permitted by or in full compliance with the regulations of this division.
Nursery. See Section 18.44.070(I). (Ord. 665 § 12, 2017: Ord. 659 § 11, 2017: Ord. 610 § 3, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.180 O definitions.
“Occupancy” means the purpose for which a building is used or intended to be used. The term shall also include the building or room housing such use. Change of occupancy is not intended to include change of tenants or proprietors.
“Odor control structure” means equipment or structures appurtenant to wastewater conveyance facilities used to lessen the odors of the liquids being transported.
Office. See Section 18.44.070(B).
“Official controls” means legislatively defined and enacted policies, standards, precise detailed maps and other criteria, all of which control the physical development of the city, and are the means of translating into regulations and ordinances all or any part of the general objectives of the comprehensive plan.
“Official map” means maps that show the designation, location and boundaries of the various districts, land, or manmade features which have been adopted and made a part of the city of Rainier Municipal Code, or other plan or policy documents.
“Open record hearing” means a hearing held by a decision-making body that is authorized by the city to conduct such hearings, that creates the city’s record through testimony and submission of evidence and information, under procedures prescribed by the city by ordinance or resolution.
Open Space, Required. Required open space is undeveloped area that is required in order to receive approval of a development or use.
Open Space Use. See Section 18.44.030.
“Ordinary high water mark” means that mark that will be found by examining the bed and banks and ascertaining where the presence and action of waters are so common and usual, and so long continued in all ordinary years, as to mark upon the soil a character distinct from that of the abutting upland, in respect to vegetation as that condition exists on the effective date of the ordinance codified in this title, or as it may naturally change thereafter; provided, that in any area where the ordinary high water mark cannot be found, the ordinary high water mark shall be the line of mean high water.
“Ornamental tree” means a tree that is either a coniferous or deciduous tree that is accessory, decorative, enhances and/or accents the general landscaping of the site. Ornamental trees are generally between eight and twenty (20) feet tall at maturity.
Outdoor Recreation. See Section 18.44.080(C).
“Overlay district/zone” means a defined geographic area where sets of development regulations are established to achieve a specific public purpose. These regulations are in addition to those of the underlying zoning district and are shown on the zoning map. Also can be a supplementary district that places special restrictions or preempts the use of land beyond those required in the underlying zones.
“Owner” means the owner of record of real property as shown on the tax rolls of the Thurston County assessor, or a person who is purchasing a piece of property under contract.
“Owner occupant” means a property owner, as reflected in title records, that makes his or her legal residence at the site, and actually resides at the site more than six months out of any given year.
“Ownership” means the existence of legal equitable title to land. (Ord. 665 § 13, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.190 P definitions.
“Parapet” means that portion of a building wall that extends above the roof of the building.
“Parcel” means a lot or plot of land proposed or created in accordance with this code, Division 6 of this title, or prior subdivision ordinance and state law and intended as a unit for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of transfer of ownership. The external boundaries existing as of the date of incorporation of the city of Rainier shall be used to establish what a parcel is for the purposes of this code. For parcels that have not been conveyed since that date, the legal description used in the conveyance closest to that date shall control.
“Park trailer” or “recreational park trailer” is a trailer-type unit that is built on a single chassis mounted on wheels; has a gross trailer area of no more than four hundred (400) square feet in the set-up mode; and is certified by the manufacturer as complying with ANSI A119.5.
“Parking lot” means five or more adjacent parking spaces.
Parking Use. See Section 18.44.100(B).
“Parties of record” means persons with legal standing with respect to an application including the applicant, property owner as identified by the records available from the Thurston County assessor’s office, or any person who testified at the open record public hearing on the application and/or any person who submitted written comments during administrative review or has submitted written comments concerning the application at the open record public hearing, excluding persons who have only signed petitions or mechanically produced form letters.
“Passive recreation” means an outdoor leisure time activity that usually occurs in a natural or designed urban setting. Passive recreation may occur in common open lawn areas and, where determined appropriate, critical area buffers and aquifer recharge and floodwater storage areas. Activities may include picnicking, sightseeing, walking, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and nature walks. Accessory structures associated with passive recreation include: playground equipment, picnic shelters and tables, barbecue pits, exercise stations, restroom facilities, benches, directory signs, garbage containers, and landscaped areas with walkways.
“Patio” means a recreation area adjoining a dwelling which is often paved or a wood platform of thirty (30) inches or less above finished grade.
“Permanent supportive housing” means subsidized, leased housing with no limit on length of stay that prioritizes people who need comprehensive support services to retain tenancy and utilizes admissions practices designed to use lower barriers to entry than would be typical for other subsidized or unsubsidized rental housing, especially related to rental history, criminal history and personal behaviors. Permanent supportive housing is paired with on-site or off-site voluntary services designed to support a person living with a complex and disabling behavioral health or physical health condition who was experiencing homelessness or was at imminent risk of homelessness prior to moving into housing to retain their housing and be a successful tenant in a housing arrangement, improve the resident’s health status, and connect the resident of the housing with community-based health care, treatment or employment services. Permanent supportive housing is subject to all of the rights and responsibilities defined in Chapter 59.18 RCW. (RCW 36.70A.030(31))
“Person” means any natural person, firm, partnership, association, social or fraternal organization, corporation, estate, trust, receiver, syndicate, branch of government, or any other person or combination acting as a unit, with legal rights and duties, whether acting by themselves or by a servant, agent, employee, or guardian.
“Planned unit development” means any development, whether residential, commercial or industrial, which is approved and developed in accordance with the terms of this division.
Plat. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Plat, Preliminary. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
Plat, Short. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“Plaza” means a pedestrian space that is available for public use and is situated near a main entrance to a building or is clearly visible and accessible from the adjacent right-of-way. Typical features include special paving, landscaping, lighting, seating areas, water features, and art.
“Preliminary approval” means an approval, based upon an application and conceptual plan for a discretionary land use permit, granted by the city that sets forth certain conditions.
“Premises” means a parcel of land with its appurtenances and buildings that, because of its unity of use, may be regarded as the smallest conveyable unit of real estate.
Principal Use. See Section 18.44.020(B)(1).
“Project action” involves a decision on a specific project, such as a construction or management activity located in a defined geographic area. Projects include and are limited to agency decisions to:
1. License, fund, or undertake any activity that will directly modify the environment, whether the activity will be conducted by the agency, an applicant, or under contract.
2. Purchase, sell, lease, transfer, or exchange natural resources, including publicly owned land, whether or not the environment is directly modified.
“Project permit” means any land use or environmental permit or license required from the city of Rainier, Thurston County, or a state or federal agency for a project action, including but not limited to building permits, site development permits, fill and grade permits, subdivisions, binding site plans, planned unit developments, conditional uses, shoreline substantial development permits, development plan review, and site-specific rezones authorized by the comprehensive plan; but excluding adoption or amendment of the comprehensive plan and development regulations, zoning of newly annexed land, area-wide rezones, and zoning map amendments except as otherwise specifically included in this definition.
Proponent. See “Person.”
“Public facilities” include streets, roads, highways, sidewalks, street and road lighting systems, traffic signals, domestic water systems, storm and sanitary sewer systems, storm waste facilities, parks and recreational facilities, governmental buildings, and schools.
“Public meeting” means an informal or formal meeting, workshop, or other public gathering of persons to obtain comments from the public or other agencies on a proposed project permit prior to the city’s decision but is not an open record hearing. (Ord. 732 § 5, 2025; Ord. 665 § 14, 2017: Ord. 594 § 1 (part), 2011: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.200 Q definitions.
“Qualified architect or engineer” means an architect or engineer registered in the state of Washington who, by reason of this training and experience, is considered qualified to pass judgment on design, materials, and methods of construction. The qualifications of the architect or engineer must be reviewed and found to be acceptable by the city. (Ord. 575 § 3, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.210 R definitions.
“Recorded” means, unless otherwise stated, filed for record with the auditor of Thurston County, Washington.
“Recreation” refers to the refreshment of body and mind through forms of play, amusement, or relaxation. The recreational experience may be active, such as boating, fishing, and swimming, or passive, such as enjoying the natural beauty of the shoreline or its wildlife. Facilities regarded as low-intensity recreation may include picnic tables, trail signs, unpaved trails, and portable restrooms.
“Recreation, active” refers to leisure activities usually performed with others, often requiring equipment and taking place at designated places, sites, or fields. The term “active recreation” includes, but is not limited to, swimming, tennis, other court games, baseball, other field sports, golf, and playground activities.
“Recreation facilities” are public or private facilities for use by the general public, such as boat or yacht clubs, docks, swimming pools, athletic clubs, and golf and country clubs.
“Recreation, passive” refers to low-intensity recreational uses or activities including, but not limited to, viewpoints, unpaved trails, limited picnic facilities, hiking, nature study, photography, and fishing.
“Recreational and utility vehicles” encompasses licensed travel trailers, folding tent trailers, motor homes, truck campers removed from a truck or pickup, horse trailers, boats, boat trailers with or without boats, utility trailers, and mobile homes not qualified as permanent family home structures, and operable over highways without a special highway movement permit.
“Regulated activities” refer to any activities undertaken directly in or originating from a regulated critical area or its buffer, including building permits (commercial or residential); binding site plans; franchise right-of-way construction permits; site development permits; right-of-way permits; shoreline permits; short subdivisions; use permits; subdivisions; utility permits; or any subsequently adopted permits or required approvals not expressly exempted by this division.
“Rehabilitation” refers to infrequent, extensive repair of more than a routine nature to existing structures or facilities that are in current use or operation.
Residential Use. See Section 18.44.040.
Restaurant/Bar. See Section 18.44.070(E).
Retail. See Section 18.44.070(C).
“Rezone” means a change in zoning classification of an area from one use district to another.
“Right-of-way” refers to land owned, dedicated, or conveyed to the public, used primarily for the movement of vehicle, wheelchair, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic. Right-of-way may also be intended for electric transmission lines, oil or gas pipelines, water lines, sanitary storm sewers, and similar uses. Additionally, right-of-way may include privately owned land, provided it has been developed and constructed in compliance with applicable laws and standards for a public right-of-way.
“Religious organization” means the federally protected practice of a recognized religious assembly, school or institution that owns or controls real property. (RCW 36.01.290(6)(c))
“Riprap” refers to a layer, facing, or protective mound of stones randomly placed to prevent erosion, scour, or sloughing of a structure or embankment; it also includes the stone used for this purpose. Locally, the use of other hard materials, such as concrete rubble, is frequently included under riprap.
“Roofline” refers to the top edge of a roof or building parapet, whichever is higher, excluding any mansards, cupolas, pylons, chimneys, or minor projections.
“Room” refers to any space in a building enclosed or set apart by partitions that is habitable and applies to rooms used as bedrooms, dining rooms, living rooms, sitting rooms, parlors, kitchens, sewing rooms, libraries, dens, music rooms, dressing rooms, sleeping porches, sun rooms, sun porches, party rooms, recreation rooms, breakfast rooms, studies, and similar uses. (Ord. 732 § 6, 2025; Ord. 665 § 15, 2017: Ord. 610 § 4, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.220 S definitions.
School. See Section 18.44.060(D).
“Security barrier” means a wall, fence, or berm that has the purpose of securing a wireless telecommunications facility’s wireless service facility from unauthorized entry or trespass.
Service (Use). See Section 18.44.070(D).
“Service areas” means areas, enclosed or open, that contain equipment and uses such as ground level mechanical equipment, utility vaults, loading zones, outdoor storage areas, and trash and recycling areas.
“Service provider” means the department, district or agency responsible for providing the specific public facility or service.
“Setback” means the minimum required distance between any structure and a specified line such as a property line or buffer line that is required to remain free of structures unless otherwise provided herein.
Sewer Facility. See Section 18.44.100(D).
Sexually Oriented Business. See Section 18.44.070(K).
“Shading vegetation” means vegetation planted on the south side of a major creek that generally provides shade from midmorning to midafternoon. Examples of shading vegetation are specified in Section 18.48.100, Landscaping.
“Shoreline” means a line determined by the ordinary high water mark, as defined in the Shoreline Management Act of 1971.
Sign. See Section 18.48.130, Signs.
“Significant tree” means an existing tree, which:
1. Is measured at average breast height above grade and is fifteen (15) inches in diameter;
2. Is in good health;
3. Is not detrimental to the community (e.g., is not diseased, dying, or likely of falling into public open space or right-of-way, etc.) or obscuring safe sight distance requirements;
4. Is not an identified species pursuant to Division 5 of this title, Development Regulations—Critical Areas and Natural Resource Lands; and
5. Is not one of the following species:
a. Cottonwood;
b. Alder;
c. Poplar; or
d. Big-leaf maple.
“Site planning” is the arrangement of buildings, driveways, sidewalks, public open spaces, landscaping, parking, utilities, and other facilities on a specific site.
“Soil” means the surface layer of earth supporting plant life.
“Solid waste” means all wastes, including, but not limited to, garbage, rubbish, ashes, industrial wastes, swill, demolition and construction wastes, abandoned vehicles or parts thereof, discarded commodities, sludge from wastewater treatment plants, seepage from septic tanks, wood wastes, dangerous wastes, and problem wastes.
“Sound level” means, in decibels, the quantity measured by an instrument that satisfies American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1971, or the most recent revision thereof. Sound level is understood to be measured with the A-weighted filter and slow response of the instrument.
“Stabilization” means the process of controlling or stilling the movement of sand and eroding soil by natural vegetative growth, planting of grasses and shrubs, or mechanical means such as wire net and fencing.
Storage. See Section 18.44.070(H).
Story. See the Uniform Housing Code or International Building Code.
“Street” means a public way located within a right-of-way that was created to provide ingress and/or egress to one or more lots, parcels, areas or tracts of land and includes the terms “road,” “highway,” “lane,” “avenue,” or similar designation.
“Street, cul-de-sac” means a street having only one outlet for vehicular traffic, with a turnaround at the closed end and which is not planned to be extended or continued to serve future subdivisions or development on adjacent lands.
“Street tree” means a species of tree approved by the city of Rainier to be planted in or along street frontages in accordance with the provisions of Section 18.48.100, Landscaping.
“Streetscape” is the visual character and quality of a street as determined by various elements located between the edge of the street and the building face, such as trees and other landscaping, street furniture, lighting, artwork, transit stops, signage, utility fixtures and equipment, and paving treatments. Where there are frequent and wide spaces between buildings, the streetscape will be defined by the pattern of building and open space and the character of that open space.
“Structural alteration” means any change to the supporting members of a building including foundations, bearing walls or partitions, columns, beams, girders, or any structural change in the roof or in the exterior walls.
“Structure” means a walled and roofed building, a manufactured home, and a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground. “Structure” can also be defined as anything that is constructed in or on the ground or over water, including any edifice, gas or liquid storage tank, and any piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts and joined together.
“Structure, landscaping” means a fence, wall, trellis, statue or other similar landscaping or ornamental object.
Subdivision. See Section 18.144.040, Definitions, and Chapter 58.17 RCW.
“Subdivision, clustered housing planned development” means a subdivision development in which building lots are smaller and placed closer together than conventional development in order to preserve the remaining undeveloped land as open space and/or recreational land. Density requirements for clustered subdivisions are described in the text for the applicable zoning district.
“Survey and monument” means the boundaries of a partition parcel, road right-of-way or road easement. (Ord. 665 § 16, 2017: Ord. 610 § 5, 2012: Ord. 575 § 4, 2009: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.230 T definitions.
“Telecommunications” refers to the transmission of information chosen by the user between or among specified points without changing the form or content of the information as sent and received.
“Telecommunications service” refers to the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to classes of users that make it effectively available to the public, regardless of the facilities used.
Temporary Gravel Processing. See Section 18.44.120(G).
Temporary Real Estate Sales Office. See Section 18.44.120(E).
Temporary Shelter. See Section 18.44.120(F).
Temporary Use. See Section 18.44.120.
“Tiny houses,” including tiny houses on wheels, are defined as dwellings to be used as permanent housing with permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation built in accordance with the state building code. (RCW 35.21.686)
“Tower” refers to any structure designed and constructed primarily to support one or more antennas for telecommunications, including, but not limited to, radio and television transmission towers, microwave towers, common-carrier towers, cellular telephone towers, personal communications services towers, alternative tower structures, and other similar communication purposes. This term includes the structure, all structural supports, and all related buildings and appurtenances.
“Townhouse” refers to a single-family dwelling unit, including the ground beneath the unit, with a single unit extending from ground to roof.
“Toxic materials” refers to substances (liquid, solid, or gaseous) which inherently possess deleterious properties that can destroy life or impair health.
Tract. See “Lot” in Section 18.144.040, Definitions.
“Trailer, commercial/private” refers to a vehicle without motor power designed to be drawn by a motor vehicle and used for carrying goods and property.
“Transitional housing” means a project that provides housing and supportive services to homeless persons or families and that has as its purpose facilitating the movement of homeless persons and families into independent living, generally in less than two years. (RCW 84.36.043(3)(c)).
“Transmission tower” refers to a structure constructed above ground or water, or attached to or on top of another structure, intended to support an antenna and accessory equipment, or functioning as an antenna itself.
Transportation and Infrastructure Uses. See Section 18.44.100.
“Travel trailer” refers to a vehicular, portable structure built on a chassis and designed for temporary occupancy for travel, recreational or vacation purposes, or intermittent road use, but not for permanent residential use. A travel trailer will have a visible manufacturer’s certification tag indicating it as such and does not meet the Uniform Building Code requirements. For the purpose of this division, a travel trailer is not considered a mobile home.
“Tree” refers to any living woody plant characterized by one main trunk and many branches, with a diameter of two inches or more measured at three feet above ground level.
“Tree removal permit” refers to an approval granted by the community development department to remove significant trees within the city. (Ord. 732 § 7, 2025; Ord. 665 § 17, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.240 U definitions.
“Uniform Building Code (UBC)” means the current version of the building code as adopted by the state, or equivalent, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, and adopted by the city.
“Unlicensed wireless services” means commercial mobile services that operate on public frequencies and are not required to have an FCC license to operate.
Use. See Section 18.44.020(A).
Use, Accessory. See Section 18.44.020(B)(3).
Use, Administrative. See Section 18.44.010(B).
Use, Conditional. See Section 18.44.010(C).
Use, Incidental. See Section 18.44.020(B)(2).
Use, Primary. See Section 18.44.020(B)(4).
Use, Principal. See Section 18.44.020(B)(1).
Use, Public Facility. See Section 18.44.010(D).
Use, Temporary. See Section 18.44.020(B)(5).
Utility Facility. See Section 18.44.100(C). (Ord. 665 § 18, 2017: Ord. 610 § 6, 2012: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.250 V definitions.
“Validity” means legally binding with the laws as established in the Rainier Municipal Code.
“Variance” means a modification of regulations of this division when authorized by the city after finding that the literal application of the provisions of this division would cause undue and unnecessary hardship in view of certain facts and conditions applying to a specific parcel of property because of the unusual nature, shape, exceptional topographic conditions, or extraordinary situation or conditions connected with a specific piece of property.
“Vegetative groundcover” means low-growing vegetation that does not usually exceed one foot in height and eventually grows together to form a continuous mass.
“Vesting” entitles the applicant to improve and use land in the manner permitted under the ordinances in effect on the date the application is deemed complete by the city or regulatory agency/jurisdiction. (Ord. 665 § 19, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.260 W definitions.
“Wastewater” means water that carries waste from domestic, commercial or industrial facilities together with other waters which may inadvertently enter the sewer system through infiltration and inflow.
“Water supply, potable” means a water source that complies with appropriate state agency regulations as to quality and quantity for use as a drinking source.
“Wellhead protection area” means the surface and subsurface areas surrounding a well or wellfield through which contaminants are likely to pass and eventually reach.
Wetland. See Section 18.110.060.
Wireless Telecommunications Facility. See Section 18.44.100(E). (Ord. 665 § 20, 2017: Ord. 659 § 12, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.270 X definitions.
(Reserved). (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.280 Y definitions.
“Yard” means an open area on a lot with a building and bounded on one or more sides by such building, such space being unoccupied land unobstructed from the ground upward.
“Yard, front” means an open space on the same lot with the building, between the front line of the building, exclusive of steps, and the front property line or right-of-way, including the full width of the lot to its side lines.
“Yard, rear” means an open space on the same lot with the building between the rear line of the building, exclusive of steps, porches and accessory buildings, and the rear line of the lot, including the full width of the lot to its side lines.
Yard Sale. See Section 18.44.120(B).
“Yard, side” means an open, unoccupied space on a lot, between the side wall line of the main building and the side property line of the lot. (Ord. 665 § 21, 2017: Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)
18.08.290 Z definitions.
“Zone” means a land use area or district established by the city council and depicted on the official zoning map.
“Zoning” means the regulation of the use of lands or the manner of construction related thereto in the interest of implementing the goals and policies of the comprehensive plan. Zoning includes both the division of land into separate and distinct zoning districts, and the specific use and development standards that regulate development. Such regulation shall also govern those public and quasi-public land use and buildings that provide for government activities and proprietary-type services for the community’s benefit, except as prohibited by law. State and federal governmental activities are strongly encouraged to cooperate under these regulations to secure harmonious city development.
“Zoning district” means an area accurately defined as to boundaries and location, and classified by the zoning code as available for certain types of uses and within which other types of uses are excluded. (Ord. 548 § 2 (Exh. A) (part), 2007)