For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Words in the singular number include the singular. Present tense includes the future. The word “building” shall be deemed to include the word “structure”.
CUT. An excavation. The difference between a point on the original ground and a designated point of lower elevation on the final grade. Also the material removed in excavation.
EROSION. The removal of surface materials by the action of natural elements.
EXCAVATION. Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar material is dug, into, cut quarried, uncovered, removed, displaced, relocated or bulldozed, and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom.
FILL. Any act by which earth, sand, gravel, rock or any other similar material is placed, pushed, dumped, pulled, transported or moved to a new location above the natural surface of the ground or on top of the stripped surface and shall include the conditions resulting therefrom. The difference in elevation between a point on the original ground and a designated point of higher elevation on the final grade. The material used to make a FILL.
QUALIFYING TRACT. Any tract where 20 or more cubic yards of earth is removed.
RUNOFF. The surface water discharge or rate of discharge of a given watershed after a fall of rain or snow that does not enter the soil but runs off the surface of the land.
RUNOFF FROM A FULLY DEVELOPED AREA UPSTREAM. The surface water runoff that can be reasonably anticipated upon maximum development of that area of the watershed located upstream from the subject tract, as permitted by prevailing zoning or the Comprehensive Plan.
SEDIMENTATION. The process by which mineral or organic matter is accumulated or deposited by moving, wind, water or gravity. Once this matter is deposited (or remains suspended in water), it is usually referred to as “sediment”.
SLOPE. The face of an embankment or cut section; any ground whose surface makes an angle with the plane of a horizon. SLOPES are usually expressed in a percentage based upon vertical difference in feet per 100 feet or horizontal distance.
SOIL STABILIZATION. Chemical or structural treatment of a mass of soil to increase or maintain its stability or otherwise improve its engineering properties.
SWALE. A low-lying stretch of land, which gathers or carries surface water runoff.
TOPSOIL. Surface soils and subsurface soils, which presumably are fertile soils and soil material, ordinarily rich in organic matter of humus debris. TOPSOIL is usually found in the uppermost soil layer called the “A Horizon”.
WATERCOURSE. A permanent stream; intermittent stream, river; brook; creek; channel or ditch for water whether natural or human-made.
(Ord. passed - -2006, § 80.42(A))