For the purpose of these regulations, the terms stated in this title shall have the meanings indicated, together with the following additional terms:
CITY: The city of Deming, New Mexico.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: The plan, or a part thereof, which may consist of several maps, data, etc., adopted by the city, indicating the general locations recommended for major motorways, parks and other open spaces, public building sites, routes for public utilities and zoned districts.
CUL-DE-SAC: A residential street with one end open for public vehicular and pedestrian access and the other end terminating in a vehicular turnaround.
DECIDUOUS SHADE TREE: A tree that sheds all its leaves every year at a certain season.
DROUGHT TOLERANT PLANTS: Low water use plants that, after they are established, can survive with little or no supplemental watering.
EASEMENT: A right granted to use certain land for a special purpose not inconsistent with the general property rights of the owner.
EROSION: The detachment and movement of soil particles or fragments by water, wind, ice, and/or gravity.
EVERGREEN TREE: A tree, either broadleaf or conifer, which maintains at least a portion of its leaves or needles throughout the year.
FINAL SUBDIVISION PLAT: An approved plan prepared for recording by a professional surveyor licensed in the state of New Mexico.
GROUND COVER: Plants grown for their low spreading capabilities for the protection of soils, to prevent growth of weeds, and for aesthetic purposes.
LANDSCAPING: The combination of elements such as trees, shrubs, ground covers, vines and other organic material for the express purpose of creating an attractive and pleasing environment. Plazas, patios, art, decorative courtyards, decorative walkways, decorative lighting and decorative furniture may also be considered landscape elements.
OFFICIAL MAP: An official map, adopted by the city council showing existing and proposed streets.
PRELIMINARY PLAT: A plan submitted for comment and approval by a professional surveyor licensed in the state of New Mexico showing existing features of the land and proposed street, utility and lot layout within and adjacent to a subdivision.
RESUBDIVISION: The replatting of any lot or parcels, or group of lots or parcels, by a clear and understandable description of the legal boundaries of such lot(s), which results in the division of land into two (2) or more tracts, by any means including changes in property lines for the purpose of: a) leasing of property; b) transferring of title; or c) conveying the use of property to another person.
RIGHT OF WAY: A general term denoting land, property, or interest therein usually in a strip, acquired for, devoted to or dedicated for transportation purposes and municipal utility purposes.
RUNOFF: Irrigation water that is not absorbed by the soil to which it is applied and which flows onto other areas. Runoff may result from water that is applied at too great a rate (application exceeds infiltration rates) or where a severe slope exists.
SETBACK OR BUILDING LINE: A line, generally parallel to the street line, beyond which the vertical wall of a building may not project and beyond which no part of the building or structure may overhang more than eighteen inches (18").
SOIL: All unconsolidated mineral and organic material of whatever origin that overlies bedrock and can be readily excavated.
STORM WATER DETENTION: A system, method or facility used for the on site temporary storage of storm water runoff for subsequent release, at controlled rates, into downstream conveyance systems.
STORM WATER RETENTION: A system, method, or facility for the on site storage of storm water runoff which is not subsequently discharged into a downstream conveyance system; but, rather may be consumed by evapotranspiration, domestic reuse, or drained into the subsurface through infiltration.
STREET: A public way, which has been dedicated or reserved by plat, other than an alley, which affords the principal means of access to abutting property. Streets are classified by function as follows:
A. Local Street: A street intended to serve and provide access exclusively to the properties abutting thereon and not connecting with other streets in such a manner as to encourage through traffic.
B. Secondary Street: A street connecting local residential streets to each other, to community facilities and to primary or major thoroughfares, serving primarily neighborhood traffic.
C. Primary Or Major Thoroughfares: A street with considerable continuity connecting district centers which serve or will eventually serve, large volumes of traffic.
SUBDIVIDER: A person who is the registered owner or authorized agent of the registered owner, of land proposed for subdivision.
SUBDIVISION: A. For the area of land within the corporate boundaries of Deming, the division of land into two (2) or more parts by platting or by metes and bounds description into tracts for the purposes set forth in subsection C of this definition.
B. For the area of land within the planning and platting jurisdiction of the city of Deming as defined by New Mexico Statutes Annotated section 3-19-5, the division of land into two (2) or more parts by platting or by metes and bounds description into tracts for the purposes set forth in subsection C of this definition.
C. The division of land for the purpose of:
1. Sale for building purpose;
2. Laying out a municipality or any part thereof;
3. Adding to a municipality;
4. Laying out of lots;
5. Resubdivision.
TURF: Any grassy area maintained by frequent mowing, fertilization and watering used for lawns and playing fields.
WATER HARVESTING: A system, and/or facilities for the collection of rain and storm water for reuse for domestic purposes.
XERISCAPE: A creative method of landscaping that emphasizes water conservation. This is accomplished by following sound landscaping practices such as planning and design, soil improvements, limited turf areas, use of mulches, use of low water demand plants, efficient irrigation, and appropriate and regular maintenance. When combined, these practices can produce an attractive, efficient, sustainable landscaping arrangement for all residential, commercial, industrial, public and institutional developments. (Ord. 989, 2-8-1999; amd. Ord. 1089, 6-14-2004)