For the purposes of this chapter the following definitions shall apply:
Clearing. The removal of vegetation (grass, brush, trees, and similar plant types) by mechanical means (also known as brushing and/or grubbing).
Cluster Development. A concept where structures are grouped on certain portions of a site, frequently of different shapes and sizes, surrounded by large expanses of open space.
Contour. A line drawn on a plan that connects points of equal elevation.
Cut. The mechanical removal of earth material.
Daylight Line. The line between the finished grade and natural terrain drawn by connecting points where pro-posed contours meet existing contours.
Elevation. Height or distance above mean sea level.
Erosion. The process by which the soil and rock components of the earth's crust are worn away and removed from one place to another by natural forces (e.g., as wind and water).
Fill. A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
Finished Grade. The final elevation of the ground surface after development, that is in conformance with the approved plan.
Grading. To bring an existing surface to a designed form by excavating, filling, or landforming operations in excess of fifty (50) cubic yards.
Contour Grading. A grading concept designed to result in earth forms that resemble natural terrain characteristics. Horizontal and vertical curve variations are often used for slope banks.
Conventional Grading. A grading concept that results in simple, straight forward, cut and fill lines and even planed slopes. This is the most basic type of grading often resulting in an "engineered or man-made" appearance attributable to a lack of curvilinear or natural-appearing shapes.
Landform Grading. A grading method that replicates the irregular shapes of natural slopes. Landform graded slopes are characterized by continuous series of concave and convex forms interspersed with mounds that blend into profiles, nonlinearity in plan view, varying slope gradients, and significant transition zones, between man-made and natural slopes.
Hillside. Land with an average rise or fall of twenty-five (25) percent or greater or a vertical rise of thirty (30) feet or more.
Mass Grading. The movement of large quantities of earth over large areas. Disruption of the majority of the on-site surface terrain resulting in a successive pad/terrace configuration. Modification or elimination of natural landforms may result.
Minimal Grading. A grading concept designed to minimize excavation and filling. Allows the movement of earth for projects (e.g., as individual building foundations, driveways, local roads, and utility excavation). The concept is associated with roads conforming closely to natural contours and with structures being built on natural terrain.
Pad. A level area created by grading to accommodate development.
Prominent Ridge. A ridge or hill location that is visible from Interstate 15, Interstate 215, or from an arterial or secondary street, that forms part of the skyline or is seen as a distinct edge against a backdrop of land. Ridge. An extended, narrow, conspicuous elevation of land generally between valleys.
Slope. An inclined ground surface, the inclination of which is expressed as a ratio of the vertical distance (rise), or change in elevation, to the horizontal distance (run). The percent of a given slope is determined by dividing the rise by the run, multiplied by one hundred (100).
Slope, Average. The method of determining average natural slope of land using the following equation:
I x L x .0023 where
A
A
I = Contour interval in feet.
L = Combined length in feet of contour lines measured on the project site.
.0023 = A constant that converts square feet into acres and expresses slope in percent.
A = Project site area in acres.
Slope, Man-made. A manufactured slope consisting wholly or partially of either cut or filled material. Slope, Natural. A slope that is not man-made.
Slope, Significant Natural. A slope that is not man-made that exceeds twenty-five (25) percent and a vertical rise of thirty (30) feet or more.
Slope Ratio. The relationship of a slope's horizontal length to vertical height, with the height specified as one (e.g. 2:1).
Slope Transition. The area where a slope plane changes to meet the natural terrain or a level graded area either vertically or horizontally.
(Ord. 182 § 2 (part), 1997)