As used in this chapter, except where the context otherwise requires, the words and phrases have the following meanings:
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT(S): Public facilities or assets used for the following: water supply, storage, treatment or distribution, or any combination thereof; or sanitary sewers, including collection, transmission, treatment or disposal, or any combination thereof.
DEVELOPMENT: All improvements on a site, including, but not limited to: buildings, other structures, parking and loading areas, landscaping, paved or graveled areas, and areas devoted to exterior display, storage or activities. "Development" includes redevelopment of property and improvement of open areas such as plazas and walkways, but does not include natural geologic forms or unimproved lands.
IMPROVEMENT FEE: A fee for costs associated with capital improvements to be constructed after the effective date hereof.
LAND AREA: The area of a parcel of land where applicable shall be as measured by projection of the parcel boundaries upon a horizontal plane with the exception of a portion of the parcel within a recorded right of way or easement subject to a servitude for a public street or for a public scenic or preservation purpose.
OWNER: The legal owner of record as shown on the assessment and taxation records of Columbia County, or where there is a recorded land sales contract in force, the purchaser thereunder.
PARCEL OF LAND: A lot, parcel, block or other tract of land that, in accordance with city regulations, is occupied or may be occupied by a structure or structures or another use, which may include the yard and/or other open spaces required under applicable zoning regulations or other pertinent redevelopment ordinances.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS: A capital improvement that is:
A. Required as a condition of development approval;
B. Identified in a capital improvement plan or otherwise approved by the city council; and either:
1. Not located on or contiguous to a parcel of land that is the subject of the development approval; or
2. Located in whole or in part on or contiguous to property that is the subject of development approval and required to be built larger or with greater capacity than is necessary for the particular development project to which the improvement fee is related. As used in this definition, "contiguous" means in a public way which abuts.
REIMBURSEMENT FEE: A fee for costs associated with capital improvements constructed or under construction on the effective date hereof.
SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGE: A reimbursement fee, an improvement fee or a combination thereof assessed or collected by the city. It shall also include that portion of a water or sanitary sewer connection charge that is greater than the amount necessary to reimburse the city for its average costs of inspecting and installing connections with the water system or the sanitary sewer system. "System development charge" does not include:
A. Any fees assessed or collected as part of a local improvement district;
B. A charge in lieu of a local improvement district assessment; or
C. The cost of complying with requirements or conditions imposed upon a land use decision, expedited land division, or limited land use decision. (Ord. 629, 2-4-2004)