For the purpose of this title, the following words, terms, phrases and their derivations shall have the meanings given in this section. The word "shall" is always mandatory and the word "may" is permissive.
ALLEY: A public way along the side of, or in the rear of properties intended to provide secondary access to these properties.
ALTER: To change the size, shape, or use of a structure.
BLOCK: The distance as measured along a street between intersecting streets from centerline to centerline; and, where the context requires, it also means the enclosed area within the perimeter of the streets or property lines enclosing it.
BUILDING: Any covered structure permanently affixed to land designed or used to shelter persons or chattels.
COMMERCIAL USE/ESTABLISHMENT: Any use or establishment wherein goods are purchased or sold, whether to the consuming public (retail) or to other businesses (wholesale).
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The plan or any portion thereof, adopted by this municipality to guide and coordinate the physical and economic development of the community. The "comprehensive plan" includes, but is not limited to, plans and programs regarding the location, character, and extension of highways; bridges, public buildings or uses; utilities, schools, residential, commercial or industrial land uses; parks, drainage facilities, etc.
CONFORMING: In compliance with the applicable provisions of this title.
DEVELOP: To erect any structure or to install any improvements on a tract of land, or to undertake any activity (such as grading) in preparation therefor.
DRAINAGE COURSE: A natural or manmade watercourse for the drainage of surface waters.
DRIVEWAY: A minor way commonly providing vehicular access to a garage or off street parking.
EASEMENT: A grant by a property owner for the use of a strip of land by the general public, a corporation, or a certain person or persons, for a specific purpose or purposes.
FLOOD ELEVATION, REGULATORY: The elevation of the most severe flood that, on the basis of corps of engineers' data, may be expected to occur once every one hundred (100) years.
FLOODPLAIN AREA: The area adjacent to a watercourse and its tributaries having an elevation equal to or lower than the regulatory flood elevation. Tracts of land less than ten (10) acres in area that, naturally or by landfill, have an elevation higher than the regulatory flood elevation shall be included in the floodplain area if they are surrounded by land in the floodplain area.
IMPROVEMENTS: Those public improvements including site grading, streets, drainage, sanitary sewers, water facilities and sidewalks, and other required utilities to fully serve the proposed development.
INTERSECTION: The point at which two (2) or more public rights of way (generally streets) meet.
LOT: A tract of land intended as a unit for the purpose of transfer of ownership or development. A "lot" may or may not coincide with a "lot of record".
MULTI-FAMILY: Two (2) or more families having separate living accommodations, but enclosed within one building.
OWNER: Any individual, firm, association, partnership, trust, corporation, or any other legal entity having sufficient proprietary interest in land sought to be developed, to commence and maintain proceedings to improve the same under this title.
PARCEL: Refers broadly to a lot, trust, or any other piece of land.
PUBLIC STREET: A street dedicated for public use.
ROADWAY OR ROAD: The paved area existing in the street right of way and not the street right of way width.
SCREENING: Trees, shrubs, walls, solid fences, etc., used as a means of visual and noise control.
SIGN: Any words, letters, figures, numerals, phrases, sentences, emblems, devices, designs, trade names, or trademarks by which information is made known and which are used to advertise or promote an individual, firm, association, corporation, profession, business, commodity, or product, and which is visible from any public street, highway or pedestrianway.
STREET: A public or private way for motor vehicle travel. The term "street" includes a highway, thoroughfare, parkway, throughway, road, pike, avenue, boulevard, lane, place, drive, court, and similar designations; but excludes an alley or a way for pedestrian use only.
STRUCTURE: Anything constructed or erected on the ground, or attached to something having a fixed location on the ground. All buildings are structures, but not all structures are buildings.
SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC WORKS: As defined in section 1-11-8 of this code. In the absence of the superintendent of public works, the superintendent's duties shall be performed by the administrative assistant in charge of infrastructure.
USE: The purpose or activity for which land or a structure thereon is designed, arranged, intended, occupied, or maintained.
VARIANCE: A relaxation of the strict application of the lot size, setbacks, or other bulk requirements applicable to a particular lot or structure. (Ord. 868, 11-19-2001)