For the purposes of this Chapter, the following definitions shall apply:
(a) “Clearing” means the removal of vegetation (grass, brush, trees, and similar plant types) by mechanical means (also known as brushing and/or grubbing).
(b) “Cluster development” is a concept where structures are grouped on certain portions of a site, frequently of different shapes and sizes, surrounded by large expanses of open space.
(c) “Contour” is a line drawn on a plan that connects points of equal elevation.
(d) “Contour grading” means a grading concept designed to result in earth forms that resemble natural terrain characteristics. Horizontal and vertical curve variations are often used for slope banks.
(e) “Conventional grading” is a grading concept that results in simple, straight forward cut and fill lines and even planed slopes. This is the most basic type of grading often resulting in an “engineered or man-made” appearance attributable to a lack of curvilinear or natural-appearing shapes.
(f) “Cut” means the mechanical removal of earth material.
(g) “Fill” means a deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
(h) “Finished grade” means the final elevation of the ground surface after development, that is in conformance with the approved plan.
(i) “Grading” means to bring an existing surface to a designed form by excavating, filling, or landforming operations in excess of 50 cubic yards.
(j) “Hillside” or “Hillside areas” refers to those portions of land displaying slopes, ridgelines, hills, knolls, canyons or similar topographic features with a slope (as defined herein) of 25% or greater and are identified on the Hillside Overlay and Significant Ridgeline Map.
(k) “Hillside Overlay and Significant Ridgeline Map” is an exhibit which is incorporated herein by reference and attached to Ordinance No. 112, passed March 4, 2009 and which shall be maintained on file in the Planning Department, showing the areas subject to this Chapter.
(l) “Landform grading” is a grading method that replicates the irregular shapes of natural slopes. Landform graded slopes are characterized by continuous series of concave and convex forms interspersed with mounds that blend into profiles, nonlinearity in plan view, varying slope gradients, and significant transition zones, between man-made and natural slopes.
(m) “Minimal grading” is a grading concept designed to minimize excavation and filling. Allows the movement of earth for projects (e.g., as individual building foundations, driveways, local roads, and utility excavation). The concept is associated with roads conforming closely to natural contours and with structures being built on natural terrain.
(n) “Pad” is a level area created by grading to accommodate development.
(o) “Plot plan” is an application filed with the Planning Division, including all information required by forms available at the Planning Division and Section 18.30 of Ordinance 348 of the City of Canyon Lake.
(p) “Project” means a project which is subject to this Chapter, includes subdivisions, permits, uses, structures, specific plans, master development plans, conditional use permits and associated plot plans for development review except as specifically exempted by Section 9.15.040.
(q) “Significant ridgeline(s)” means natural ridgeline(s) that are generally within or surrounding the City of Canyon Lake that are visible from Canyon Lake or Railroad Canyon Road that form part of the skyline or are seen as a distinct edge. All significant ridgelines are identified within the Hillside Overlay and Significant Ridgeline Map and are included with Ordinance No. 112, passed March 4, 2009.
(r) “Slope” is an inclined ground surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of the vertical distance (rise), or change in elevation, to the horizontal distance (run). The percent of a given slope is determined by dividing the rise by the run, multiplied by 100.
Change in Elevation (rise)
Horizontal Distance (run)
Horizontal Distance (run)
(s) “Slope ratio” is the relationship of a slope's horizontal length to vertical height, with the height specified as one (e.g. 2:1).
(Ord. 112, passed 3-4-2009)