For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. When not inconsistent with the context, words used in the present tense shall include the future; the singular shall include the plural and the plural the singular; the word SHALL is always mandatory and the word MAY indicates the use of discretion in making a decision.
ALLEY. A permanent service way providing a secondary means of access to abutting properties.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE. That line extending across a lot nearest to its front which establishes a front line beyond which buildings may not be erected. Refer to the zoning code for specifics.
CROSSWALK. A public right-of-way located across a block to provide pedestrian access to adjacent streets or areas.
CUL-DE-SAC. A short, dead-end street having one end open to traffic and being permanently terminated at the opposite end by a vehicle turnaround.
EASEMENT. A grant by the owner of land of the use thereof, or part thereof, by the public or by one or more persons or corporations for a specific purpose or purposes.
GROSS LAND AREA or GROSS ACREAGE. The entire area of a subdivision or other piece of land, including lots, streets and alleys, measured to the centerline of any bounding streets.
LOT. A portion of a subdivision or other parcel of land intended as a unit for transfer of ownership or for development and having its principal frontage on a public street or a private street of record.
MASTER PLAN. The Comprehensive Plan, or any portion thereof, prepared by the Plan Commission and adopted in accordance with state law.
PLAN COMMISSION or COMMISSION. The Town Plan Commission.
PLAT. A plan, map, drawing or chart on which the subdivider’s plan for the subdivision or resubdivision of land is presented and which he or she submits for approval and intends to record in final form.
STREET. An area which primarily serves or is intended to serve as vehicular and pedestrian access to abutting properties or to other streets. STREET refers to the right-of-way or easement, whether public or private, and not to the pavement (roadway) or other improvements within the street right-of-way.
STREET, COLLECTOR. A street which carries traffic from local streets to major arterial streets and vice versa, such as the principal circulating streets within residential developments.
STREET, LOCAL. A street intended primarily to provide access to abutting properties.
STREET, MAJOR ARTERIAL. A street or highway used primarily for heavy traffic as shown on the Master Plan Map.
STREET, MARGINAL ACCESS. A minor street situated between a major arterial and properties parallel to it which provides access to the abutting properties and that is separated from fast, through- moving traffic on the arterial.
SUBDIVISION. A division of a lot, tract or parcel of land into two or more lots or other divisions of land for the purpose, immediate or future, of transfer of ownership or development, including any plat or plan which includes the creation of any part of one or more streets, public easements or other rights- of-way, whether public or private, for access to or from such lots, and/or including the creation of new or enlarged parks, playgrounds, plazas or open spaces. SUBDIVISION includes the resubdivision of one or more lots in a subdivision previously made and recorded. The division of land for agricultural purposes into parcels of ten or more acres not involving any new street or access shall not be deemed a SUBDIVISION.
TERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. The incorporated area of the Yorktown, Indiana and such contiguous unincorporated area, if any, as shown on the map on file with the Delaware County Recorder which now has or hereafter may have legal effect.
THOROUGHFARE PLAN. The part of the Master Plan which sets forth the location, alignment and dimensions of existing and proposed public streets.
(1984 Code, Chapter 16.12)