For the purpose of this chapter the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
DEVELOPED LAND. A land parcel altered from its natural state.
DRAINAGE SYSTEM. Natural and structural channels, swales, ditches, swamps, rivers, streams, creeks, wetlands, branches, reservoirs, ponds, drainage ways, inlets, catch basins, gutters, pipes, culverts, bridges, head walls, storm sewers, lakes, and other physical works, properties, and improvements that transfer, control, convey or otherwise influence the movement of stormwater runoff.
EQUIVALENT RESIDENTIAL UNIT (ERU). A unit of measure of impervious surface (in square feet) that represents the impervious surface area on the average single family residential parcel in the underlying jurisdiction as a unit of comparison. ERU shall mean for the purposes of this chapter 2,600 square feet of impervious surface.
GROSS PARCEL AREA. The property area contained within the legally described boundaries of a property or the total lot size of a property, in acres.
IMPERVIOUS SURFACE. Developed areas of land that prevent or significantly impede the infiltration of stormwater into the soil. Typical impervious surfaces include, but are not limited to: roofs, sidewalks, walkways, patios, swimming pools, private driveways, parking lots, access extensions, alleys and other paved, engineered, compacted or gravel surfaces containing materials that prevent or significantly impede the natural infiltration of stormwater into the soil. IMPERVIOUS SURFACE AREA is synonymous with BUILT UPON AREA (BUA) as defined in the Falls Model Stormwater Ordinance for New Development as approved by the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission on March 10, 2011.
NATURAL STATE. Shall describe existing undeveloped land where the soil and vegetation characteristics have not been substantially modified or disturbed by human activities and the hydrologic function is in an unaltered or natural condition.
SERVICE AREA. All land within the corporate limits of the city.
SERVICE CHARGE. A stormwater management service charge, applicable to a land parcel, which generally reflects the impact on or demand for stormwater management services provided by the city to properly control and manage stormwater runoff quantity and/or quality associated with the land parcel. The service charge will vary from one land parcel to another based on the impervious surface and gross parcel areas. The service charge may vary for the same class of service in different areas of the service area and may vary according to classes of service.
SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARCEL. A parcel with a single family residential structure used as a single family dwelling and whose primary use is as a single family residence.
STORMWATER. The runoff from precipitation that travels over natural state or developed land surfaces and enters a drainage system.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM. An identified set of measures and activities designed to protect, restore and/or manage stormwater quality by controlling and/or reducing pollutants and to reduce and/or manage stormwater quantity by controlling velocity, volume, and rate.
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UTILITY. An organizational structure that is responsible for funding, administering, and operating the city's stormwater management program, and that is supported through a rate structure based on the impervious surface area and gross area found on land parcels located within the service area.
STORMWATER SERVICES UTILITY MANAGER. A person working for or on behalf of the city to administer the stormwater management program.
UNDEVELOPED LAND. All land that is not altered from its natural state.
(Ord. 2012-O-03, passed 6-26-12)