The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
New construction means structures for which the start of construction commenced on or after September 8, 1982.
Start of construction means the first placement of permanent construction of a structure (other than a mobile home) on a site, such as the pouring of slabs or footings or any work beyond the stage of excavation. Permanent construction does not include land preparation, such as clearing, grading, and filling, nor does it include the installation of streets and/or walkways; nor does it include excavation for a basement, footings, piers or foundations or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of accessory buildings, such as garages or sheds not occupied as dwelling units or not as part of the main structure. For the structure (other than a mobile home) without a basement or poured footing, the start of construction includes the first framing or assembly of the structure or any part of the structure on its piling or foundation. For mobile homes not within a mobile home park or mobile home subdivision, start of construction means the affixing of the mobile home to its permanent site. Mobile homes not within a mobile home park or mobile home subdivision must be constructed in accordance with accepted building standards for conventional homes. For mobile homes within mobile home parks or mobile home subdivisions, start of construction is the date on which the construction of facilities for servicing the site on which the mobile home is to be affixed (including, at a minimum, the constructions of streets, either final grading or the pouring of concrete pads, and installation of utilities) is completed.
Structure means a walled and roofed building, a mobile home, or a gas or liquid storage tank that is principally above ground.
Substantial improvement means any repair, reconstruction or improvement of a structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the structure either before the improvement or repair is started or, if the structure has been damaged and is being restored, before the damage occurred. For the purposes of this definition, substantial improvement is considered to occur when the first alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of the building commences, whether or not that alteration affects the external dimensions of the structure. The term does not, however, include either:
(1) Any project for improvement of a structure to comply with existing state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which are solely necessary to assure safe living conditions; or
(2) Any alteration of a structure listed on the National Register of Historic Places or a state inventory of historic places.
(Ord. No. 112, § 3, 8-16-1982)
Cross References: Definitions generally, § 1-2.