Abutting. Contiguous or adjoining with a common boundary line, except that where two or more lots adjoin only at a corner or corners, they shall not be considered as “abutting” unless the common property line between the two parcels measures eight feet or more in a single direction. It shall include the terms “adjoining” and “contiguous.”

Accept. To receive as complete and in compliance with all submittal requirements.

Access or Access Way. The place, means or the way by which pedestrians and vehicles shall have safe, adequate and usable ingress and egress to a property or use as required by this title.

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). One or more rooms with private bath and kitchen facilities comprising an independent, self-contained dwelling unit within or attached to a single-family dwelling or in a detached building on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit. An ADU is distinguishable from a duplex in that, unlike a duplex, it is clearly subordinate to the primary dwelling unit, both in use and appearance.

Accessory Equipment Structure. An unstaffed structure that is subordinate and clearly incidental to the principal use or structure on the lot and may be used to house and protect the equipment necessary for processing wireless communications signals. Associated equipment may include air conditioning and emergency generators.

Accessory Structure. A building or structure which is clearly incidental to the primary structure on the same lot.

Accessory Use. A use of land or portion there of which is clearly incidental and subordinate to the principle use of the land located on the same lot or premises.

Acre. A measure of land area containing 43,560 square feet.

Actual Construction. The actual placing of building materials in their permanent position, fastened in a permanent manner, including any excavation.

Addition. Means the same as enlargement.

Adjacent. Abutting or located directly across a street right-of-way.

Adjoin. Means the same as abutting.

Adult Bookstore. Any premises from which minors are excluded and in which the retail sale of books, magazines, newspapers, movie films, devices, slides or other photographic or written reproductions distinguished or characterized by their emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas is conducted as a principal use of the premise; or as an adjunct to some other business activity, but which constitutes the primary or a major attraction to the premises.

Adult Entertainment Shows. Any premises from which minors are excluded and in which live entertainment is provided, or any device is provided in which the subject matter is distinguished or characterized by the emphasis on matter depicting, describing or relating to specified sexual activities or displaying specified anatomical areas as the principal use of the premises or is shown as an adjunct to some other business activity which is conducted on the premises and constitutes a major attraction; and wherein fees of any kind are charged.

Adult Motion Picture Theater. Any establishment from which minors are excluded in which motion pictures, slides or similar photographic reproductions are shown depicting adult entertainment as the principal use of the premises, or are shown as an adjunct to some other business activity which is conducted on the premises and constitutes a major attraction; and wherein fees of any kind are charged; and wherein such movies are shown on a regular basis, and not to include a theater showing adult movies less than 5% of the total showing time of the theater.

Agent. Any person authorized in writing to act on behalf of the legal owner.

Agriculture, Existing and Ongoing. Those activities conducted on lands defined in RCW 84.34.020(2), and those activities involved in the production of crops or livestock, for example, the operation and maintenance of farm and stock ponds or drainage ditches; the operation and maintenance of ditches, irrigation systems (including irrigation laterals, canals, or irrigation drainage ditches); changes between agricultural activities; and normal maintenance, repair, or operation of existing serviceable structures, facilities, or improved areas. Activities that bring an area into agricultural use are not part of an ongoing operation. An operation ceases to be ongoing when the area on which it is conducted is converted to a nonagricultural use or has lain idle for more than five years, unless the idle land is registered in a federal or state soils conservation program, or unless the activity is maintenance of irrigation ditches, laterals, canals, or drainage ditches related to an existing and ongoing agricultural activity. Forest practices are not included in this definition.

Airport Approach Surface. The surface which is longitudinally centered on an airport’s extended runway centerline, extending outward and upward from the end of the primary surface. An approach surface is applied to each end of the runway based upon the type of approach procedure permitted. Because landings under instrument flight rules, using the Portland International Airport Localizer Directional Aid, are an approved procedure at Pearson Field, the following approach surface dimensions have been applied:

Airport Conical Surface. The conical surface is an inclined plane beginning at the edge of the horizontal surface and extending outward at a 20:1 slope for a distance of 4,000 feet.

Airport Horizontal Surface. The horizontal plane 150 feet above the established airport elevation. The shape of the plane is determined by striking arcs from the end of each primary surface. The radius of each arch is connected by lines tangent to the arcs. For Pearson Field, the radius of these arcs is 5,000 feet for runways 08 and 26.

Airport Transitional Surface. The transitional surface is an inclined plane extending outward from the primary and approach surfaces at a 7:1 slope. From the primary surface and approach surface, the transitional surface slopes upward to the horizontal surface. The transitional surface extends outward from the approach surface a distance of 5,000 feet.

Aisle. The corridor by which vehicles enter into and depart from parking spaces.

Alley. A public right-of-way or private easement not over 30 feet wide which provides a secondary means of access to abutting lots, not intended by the city for general traffic circulation.

Alteration of Watercourse. Any action that will change the location of the channel occupied by water within the banks of any portion of a riverine waterbody.

Alteration, Structural. Any change in a supporting member of a building, such as a bearing wall, column, beam or girder, floor or ceiling joist, roof rafts, roof diaphragms, foundations, piles, or retaining wall or similar components.

Altered. Structurally changed.

Alternative Mode. Refers to any means of commute transportation other than that in which the single-occupant vehicle is the dominant mode.

Alternative Work Schedules. Programs such as compressed work weeks that eliminate commuting trips for affected employees. For the purposes of this chapter, changing the time of when an affected employee begins his work shift shall not be considered an alternative work schedule if it only moves trips out of the peak period and does not eliminate trips.

Amateur or Ham Radio. Radio facilities operated for noncommercial purposes by individuals licensed by the FCC with an interest in construction and operation of radio equipment, usually as a hobby or avocation.

Amendment. A change in the wording, context or substance of this title or the comprehensive plan, or a change in the boundaries of a district upon the zoning district map or the boundaries of a designation on the comprehensive plan map.

Amenity. A natural or created feature that enhances the aesthetic and functional quality or makes more attractive or satisfying a particular property, place or area.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). A 1990 federal law designed to bring disabled Americans into the economic mainstream by providing them equal access to jobs, transportation, public facilities and services. The ADA contains requirements for most developments including accessible parking stalls, entrances and exits, pathways, and public facilities such as restrooms.

Anadromous. Fish that migrate up rivers and streams from the ocean to breed in fresh water.

Annexation. The incorporation of a land area into the City of Vancouver with a resulting change in the boundaries of the city.

Annual Average Day/Night Sound Level (Ldn). Calculated in decibels, the Ldn is the 24-hour logarithmic average sound level from midnight to midnight, obtained after adding 10 decibels to sound levels in the night from midnight to 7 a.m., and from 10 p.m. to midnight (0000 to 0700, and 2200 to 2400 hours), and then logarithmically average day-to-day over a 12-month period.

Antenna. A device used to transmit and/or receive radio or electromagnetic waves between land- and/or satellite-based structures; any device commonly consisting of poles, panels, rods, reflecting discs or similar device use for the transmission or reception of radio frequency signals, typically mounted on a supporting tower, pole, mast or building.

Apartment. A dwelling unit in a multiple-family building.

Apartment House. Means the same as Dwelling, Multiple-Family.

Appeal. A request for an impartial review of a land use decision or interpretation of land use-related codes rendered by community development department, its employees or any review body of the city of Vancouver.

Applicable Pretreatment Standards. For any specified pollutant, city prohibitive standards, city specific pretreatment standards (local limits), State of Washington pretreatment standards, or EPA’s Categorical Pretreatment Standards, whichever standard is most appropriate or most stringent.

Applicant. A person submitting an application for development.

Approach Surface. The surface which is longitudinally centered on an airport’s extended runway centerline, extending outward and upward from the end of the primary surface at a slope of 20 feet horizontally for each foot vertically. In plan, the perimeter of the approach surface coincides with the perimeter of the approach zone.

Approach Zone. An area at the end of an airport’s runway which is 250 feet wide and expands outward uniformly to a width of 1,250 feet at a horizontal distance of 5,000 feet. The centerline of the zone is a continuation of the centerline of the runway.

Approved Plan. A plan that has been granted final approval by the appropriate approval authority.

Archaeological Interest. Capable of providing scientific or humanistic understandings of past human behavior, cultural adaptation, and related topics through the application of scientific or scholarly techniques such as controlled observation, contextual measurement, controlled collection, analysis, interpretation, and explanation [WAC 25-48-020(12)].

Archaeological Object. An object that comprises the physical evidence of an indigenous and subsequent culture including material remains of past human life including monuments, symbols, tools, facilities, and technological by-products [WAC 25-48-020(8)].

Archaeological Resources. Any material remains of human life or activities that are of archaeological interest. This shall include all sites, objects, structures, artifacts, implements, and locations of prehistoric or archaeological interest, whether previously recorded or still unrecognized, including, but not limited to, those pertaining to prehistoric and historic American Indian or aboriginal burials, campsites, dwellings, and their habitation sites, including rock shelters and caves, their artifacts and implements of culture such as projectile points, arrowheads, skeletal remains, grave goods, basketry, pestles, mauls, and grinding stones, knives, scrapers, rock carvings and paintings, and other implements and artifacts of any material [WAC 25-48-020(10)]. This shall also include any material remains of human life or activities from historic periods which are located at least partially below the ground surface necessitating the use of archaeological methods for study or recovery.

Archaeological Resource Survey. A procedure by which an archaeologist makes a determination of the actual existence (presence or absence) of an archaeological site in a disturbance area, a preliminary assessment of the site’s potential significance, and a recommendation for further evaluation, avoidance, mitigation, or recovery of resources in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.

Archaeological Site. Land or water areas that show evidence of artifacts of human, plant or animal activity, usually dating from periods of which only vestiges remain.

Archaeological Site, Known, Recorded. An archaeological site that has been recorded with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) or its successor.

Archaeological Site, Potentially Significant. An archaeological site which:

Archaeologist, Professional. "Professional archaeologist" means a person with qualifications meeting the federal secretary of the interior’s standards for a professional archaeologist. Archaeologists not meeting this standard may be conditionally employed by working under the supervision of a professional archaeologist for a period of four years provided the employee is pursuing qualifications necessary to meet the federal secretary of the interior’s standards for a professional archaeologist. During this four-year period, the professional archaeologist is responsible for all findings. The four-year period is not subject to renewal. RCW 27.53.030(8).

Area of Shallow Flooding. A designated zone AO, AH, AR/AO or AR/AH (or VO) on a community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) with a one percent or greater annual chance of flooding to an average depth of one to three feet where a clearly defined channel does not exist, where the path of flooding is unpredictable, and where velocity flow may be evident. Such flooding is characterized by ponding or sheet flow. Also referred to as the “sheet flow area.”

Areas of Special Flood Hazards. Lands in the flood plain subject to a one percent or greater chance of flooding in any given year. Designations on Flood Insurance Rate Maps always include the letter A. Also referred to as “frequently flooded areas.” “Special flood hazard area” is synonymous in meaning with the phrase “area of special flood hazard.”

Arterial. Any principal arterial, minor arterial, or collector arterial streets.

ASCE 24. The most recently published version of ASCE 24, Flood Resistant Design and Construction, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Assessed Value. The value at which property is appraised for tax purposes.

Attached Antenna. An antenna is that affixed to an existing structure other than a wireless communication support structure.

Attached Sidewalks. Those sidewalks abutting the back of a curb.

Automobile Wrecking. The dismantling or disassembling of motor vehicles, or the storage, sale, or dumping of dismantled, partially dismantled, obsolete, or wrecked vehicles or their parts. Three or more dismantled, obsolete or inoperable motor vehicles on one lot shall constitute a wrecking yard.

Average. The arithmetic mean.

Average Daily Attendance (ADA). Regarding School Impact Fees, the average number of students attending an elementary or secondary school and used for the design of the facility.

Awning. A hood or cover which projects from the wall of a building, of a type which may be retracted, folded or collapsed against the face of a supporting building.

Banner. An on-site sign such as those used to announce an open house or a grand opening, or to make a special announcement. Normally, it is constructed of fabric and is without a rigid frame.

Base Flood. The flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. Also referred to as the "100-year flood." Designated on Flood Insurance Rate Maps by the letter A.

Base Flood Elevation. The elevation that the base flood is expected to reach. Also referred to as the "100-year flood elevation."

Basement. A portion of a building included between a floor, with its level 2 feet or more below the level from which the height of the building is measured, and the ceiling next above said floor. For the purposes of VMC 20.740.120, Frequently Flooded Areas, basement means any area of a building having its floor subgrade (below ground level) on all sides.

Base zone. The zoning designation applicable to a parcel of property irrespective of an Overlay District as reflected on the Vancouver Zoning Map.

Beach Nourishment. With respect to bank erosion hazard areas, beach nourishment is the placement of sand or soil to fill an eroding bank.

Berm. A mound of earth, typically linear in form and generally used as a buffer between uses or properties.

Best Management Practices. Systems of practices and management measures that:

Bike Lane. Lanes on an improved street which are designated for use by cyclists and separated from vehicular traffic either by striping or small concrete barrier.

Bikeway. A pathway, paved and separated from streets and sidewalks, designed to be used by cyclists.

Binding Site Plan. A type of land division that segregates a portion of a legal lot created for the sale or lease of commercially- or industrially-zoned property; placement of manufactured homes or travel trailers on leased sites; and creation of condominiums pursuant to 58.17.040 RCW.

Bioengineering Techniques. Techniques that apply the principles of the biological, ecological, and soils sciences and structural engineering to build structures which, using live plant materials as a main structural component, stabilize the soil against erosion, sedimentation, and flooding. Also referred to as "soft armoring techniques."

Biomass Generation. A major utility facility that provides for the production or collection of organic materials such as wood and agricultural residues and municipal solid waste that are primarily organic materials and the conversion or use of that material for the production of heat, electricity, or substitute fuels through several processes including, but not limited to, burning, pyrolysis, or anaerobic digestion.

Block. A group of lots, tracts or parcels within well defined and fixed boundaries.

Bog. A type of wetland where (1) organic (peat or muck) soil layers comprise at least 16 of the first 32 inches of the soil profile; or (2) there is more than 70% cover of mosses at ground level and more than 30% of the total shrub and herbaceous cover consists of species listed in Table 3 – Characteristic Bog Species in Washington State found in Hruby, 2004, Washington State Wetlands Rating System for Western Washington, Ecology publication #04-06-025, or as revised by Ecology. Many bogs have soils classified as peat or muck, are nutrient poor, have a low pH (acidic), and are fed largely by rainfall rather than streams or groundwater.

Boundary Adjustment. The minor alteration of the boundary between two lots or tracts which does not result in the creation of any additional lot(s); also known as boundary line adjustment.

Breezeway. A structure for the principal purpose of connecting the main building or buildings on a property with other main buildings or accessory buildings.

Buffer. An area that is contiguous to and protects a critical area and which is required for the continued maintenance, functioning, and/or structural stability of a critical area.

Building. Any structure having a roof and walls, used or built for the shelter or enclosure of persons, animals or property of any kind.

Building Envelope. That portion of a legal lot exclusive of the areas required for front, side, and rear yards and other required open spaces and which is available for siting and constructing a building or buildings.

Building Height. The vertical distance from the average grade to the average height of the roof peak of the building, except in a shoreline jurisdictional area, in which case the height shall be measured from average existing grade (prior to development) to the highest point of a structure (see also WAC 173-27-030). For exceptions subject to airport height limits located within the approach, transitional and horizontal surfaces refer to Airport definitions and Sections 20.570 and 20.630.050 VMC.

Building, Main. A building within which is conducted the principal use permitted on the lot, as provided in this title.

Building Permit. The permit required for new construction and additions pursuant to Title 17 of the Vancouver Municipal Code (VMC).

Business Complex. Any building containing more than one business, or any group of buildings in close proximity to one another sharing parking, ownership, and ingress or egress.

Caliper. The diameter of a tree trunk measured at 6 feet above the ground for up to and including 4 inches caliper size, and one foot above the ground for larger trees.

Canopy. A permanent roofed structure attached to and supported by the building.

Canopy, Auto Dealership Plan District. A structure, enclosure, or shelter constructed of fabric or pliable materials supported by any manner, except by air or the contents it protects, and open without sidewalls or drops on 75% or more of the perimeter, consistent with Vancouver Fire Code Title 16, Section 16.04.060 and the International Fire Code (IFC).

Capital Facilities Plan. The City of Vancouver Capital Facilities Plan element of the Comprehensive Plan adopted pursuant to Chapter 36.70A RCW and RCW 82.02.050, and as such plan is amended.

Caretaker Residence. A single unit providing a complete independent living space for one or more persons, including permanent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation (same as Dwelling).

Central Business District. This area is the section of Vancouver defined as the commercial business district bounded by 4th Plain Boulevard to the north, Columbia River to the south, I-5 to the east, and Lincoln Avenue to the west. This can apply to other areas as developed in the city, with similar zoning.

Certificate of Concurrency. A document issued by the transportation manager pursuant to Section 20.980.120 VMC indicating: the location or other description of the property on which a development is proposed; the type of development application for which the certificate of concurrency is issued; an identification of any affected transportation corridor and TMZ; the specific uses, densities, intensities, and any transportation system improvements, strategies, or other mitigation measures that were considered in the determination to issue the certificate, and which are authorized or required for development of the property; the amount of capacity within the affected transportation corridor or TMZ that is reserved for the development described in the certificate, and a statement that the reservation of capacity is nontransferable to other development(s); any conditions required pursuant to Section 20.980.120 VMC; and an effective date.

Change of Use. Any use that differs from the previous use as defined in Chapter 20.160, Use Classifications.

Citizens Band Radio. Two-way radio facilities operated for a short-range personal and business communications, without necessity of a federal license, pursuant to 47 CFR Part 95.

City. The City of Vancouver, Washington.

City Council or Council. The City Council of the City of Vancouver, Washington.

City Standards. Shall mean standard specifications, technical drawings, detail drawings and other information the city has adopted as minimum standards.

Clark County Cultural Resources Inventory. The comprehensive inventory of historic resources within the boundaries of Clark County including resources identified in the Clark County cultural resources inventory and other inventories by local jurisdictions within Clark County.

Cleaner Fuels. Liquid or gaseous fuels produced from renewable sources or that have low or no emissions, including the following:

Clearing. The destruction or removal of vegetation from a site by physical, mechanical, chemical or other means. This does not include landscape maintenance or pruning consistent with accepted horticultural practices, such as those recommended by the Washington State University Extension Service, which does not impair the health or survival of the trees or native vegetation.

Closed Record Approval Hearing. An administrative hearing to approve or deny a project permit that is on the record to the City Council following an open record predecision hearing as defined by WAC 197-11-775 before the planning commission or hearings examiner.

Co-location. The use of a single wireless communications support structure or the use of a site by more than one wireless communications provider.

Commercial Nursery, or Tree Farm. A licensed plant or tree nursery or farm in relation to those trees planted and growing on the premises of the licensee, which are planted and grown for sale through retail or wholesale channels in the ordinary course of the licensee’s business.

Commission or Planning Commission. Means the Planning Commission of the City of Vancouver, Washington.

Compatible. The capability of being able to function in a consistent and harmonious manner with others and surroundings.

Compatible Design. A building and/or site design which blends with the surrounding area. This might include a pitched roof of a similar pitch to surrounding roofs, trim, shutters or other architectural window detail; horizontal siding and/or brick exterior; and similar unit size or scale.

Comprehensive Plan. A long-range plan intended to guide the growth and development of a community or region that typically includes inventory and analytic sections leading to recommendations for the community’s future economic development, housing, recreation and open space, transportation, community facilities and land use, all related to the community’s goals and objectives for these elements.

Concurrent. Means that the existing capacity of an affected transportation corridor or transportation management zone is sufficient to accommodate the projected transportation impacts of a proposed development; or that transportation system improvements, strategies, or other mitigation measures which will achieve or maintain an operating level at or above the applicable level of service for the affected transportation corridor or management zone: and are planned, reasonably funded, and scheduled for completion no later than six years after development approval as reflected in the most recent version of the Six-Year Street Plan; and will be available and complete no later than six years after development approval, as provided by a voluntary financial commitment (where appropriate) by the applicant that is in place at the time development is approved by the Development Review Authority.

Conditional Use. An activity specified by this title as a principal or an accessory use, permitted when authorized by the appropriate approval authority and subject to certain conditions.

Contiguous. Means the same as abutting.

Contributing. A property which dates to the historic period and retains sufficient physical integrity so as to convey its historic character.

Contributing Area. When referring to wetlands, the land and/or water area adjacent to a wetland that drains into that wetland.

Conversion Option Harvest. A timber harvest as established in Washington State Department of Natural Resources Forest Practices Regulations and Chapter 20.770 VMC, Tree Conservation, whereby a property owner is allowed to harvest a limited amount of timber from their property within the City of Vancouver, while still maintaining the rights to convert their property to a use inconsistent with growing timber.

Conveyance. A mechanism for transporting water or other liquids from one point to another, including pipes, ditches, and channels.

Co-tenant. A person who resides with the applicant for the deferral and who has an ownership interest in the residence.

Court. An open, uncovered, and unoccupied space within an allotted property line.

Court Height. A measurement from the floor level of the lowest story in the building in which there are windows from rooms served by the court, to the highest point of the enclosing walls of the court.

Critical Aquifer Recharge Areas. Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water as defined by the Washington State Growth Management Act. Critical aquifer recharge areas are regulated under VMC 14.26.

Critical Areas. Critical areas include fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, wetlands, frequently flooded areas, critical aquifer recharge areas, and geologic hazard areas as defined by the Washington State Growth Management Act. Critical aquifer recharge areas are regulated under VMC 14.26. The others are regulated under VMC 20.740.

Critical Facility. Facilities that serve vulnerable populations, house emergency services, meet the definition of a Class I or Class II Operation under VMC 14.26, or perform other functions that would pose significant safety issues in even a slight landslide, flooding, erosion, seismic, or other natural hazard event. Critical facilities include, but are not limited to: schools, nursing homes, hospitals, police, fire, and emergency response installations, installations which produce, use, or store hazardous materials.

Critical Root Zone. The area where the tree’s roots are located. This root zone is generally the area surrounding a tree trunk at a distance equal to one foot for every inch of tree diameter at breast height (dbh). This area is described as the radius of a circle around the tree.

Crown. The area of a tree containing leaf- or needle-bearing branches.

Crown Cover. The area within the drip line or perimeter of the foliage of a tree.

Cul-de-Sac. The circular turnaround at the end of a dead-end street.

Cultural Resources. The historic or prehistoric or archeological sites and standing structures, cemeteries, burial grounds and funerary objects and distributions of cultural remains and artifacts.

DAHP. Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.

Decibels (dB). The measure of noise loudness on a scale weighted to approximate human ability to perceive sound (A). Each decibel is a measure of the difference in energy of a sound compared to another sound which is used as a reference. The reference sound is barely audible to the human ear, and each interval of 10 decibels indicates sound energy ten times greater than before. The A-weighted scale generally places zero dB at the threshold of hearing and 135 dB at the threshold of pain.

Dedication. The limited grant by a property owner allowing the use of property by the public for specified purposes by means of a deed or transfer to the city.

Dedication, Fee In Lieu Of. Payments in cash as an alternative to dedication of land or construction of improvements.

Deed. A legal document conveying ownership of real property.

Demolish. To raze, destroy, dismantle, deface or in any other manner cause partial or total ruin of a structure or other improvement.

Density. A measurement of ratio comparing the number of dwelling units with land area in relationship to a specified amount of land, expressed as the number of residential dwelling units per acre of land or the amount of land area expressed in the square feet of land assignable to each dwelling unit in a residential development.

Density, Net. The development density derived by dividing the net buildable area of the subject property (gross area less the total aggregate area required by the city for public or private streets, schools or other public facilities, not including parks and public or private recreation facilities dedicated or created as an integral part of the development) by the applicable lot size or area per unit.

Density, Gross. The development density derived by dividing the gross area of the subject property by the applicable minimum lot size. Gross density is used to determine the maximum number of lots that may be achieved on a parcel being developed.

Department. The Development Review Services Department, Long Range Planning Department, Public Works Department, or any division, subdivision, or organizational unit of the city established by ordinance, rule or order.

Destroy any tree. To damage, disfigure or cause injury or death which may include, but not be limited to, topping, excessive pruning not consistent with nationally-accepted standards, poisoning, and trenching or excavating in such a manner as to make the tree root system no viable.

Detached Sidewalks. A sidewalk separated from the back of curb by a uniform width planting strip.

Developer. Any person, firm or corporation undertaking the development of any parcel of land.

Development. Any humanmade change to improved or unimproved real estate including but not limited to: mining, dredging, filling, drilling, grading, paving, or excavation, storage of equipment or materials; any subdivision or short platting of land; the construction or re-construction of residential, commercial, industrial, public or any other building or building space, and the placement of all types of manufactured homes defined herein. Development also includes the change in use of a building or land if approval is required pursuant to the Vancouver Municipal Code, Title 17 (Building Code). As related to the Tree Conservation Ordinance, development shall mean the division of a parcel of land into two or more parcels; the construction, reconstruction, conversion, structural alteration, relocation, or enlargement of any structure; any mining, excavation, landfill, clearing or land disturbance.

Development Application. Any application (including supporting materials) for approval of a development to which the provisions of Title 20 VMC apply.

Development Review Authority. The planning official, the City Hearings Examiner, the Planning Commission, or City Council, each having authority to approve a development application pursuant to Title 20 VMC.

Diameter at Breast Height (DBH). A tree’s diameter in inches at 4 1/2 feet above the ground. On multi-stemmed or -trunk trees, the diameter shall be the diameter equivalent to the sum of trunk areas measured at 4 1/2 foot above the ground.

Direct-to-Home Satellite Service. The distribution or broadcasting of programming or services by satellite directly to the subscriber’s premises without use of ground-receiving or distribution equipment, except at the subscriber’s premises or in the uplink process to the satellite.

Disturbance Area. Regarding archaeological resource protection, the geographical area in which archaeological resources could potentially be adversely impacted by a proposed ground-disturbing action or activity. It includes equipment or material staging areas; utility installation areas; temporary roads or haul routes; or other areas outside of the proposed building footprint(s) that could be disturbed during construction. The disturbance area shall not be smaller, and will generally be larger than the area of the property proposed for development. In no case shall the disturbance area be smaller than one acre or the area of the parcel(s) upon which the property proposed for development is located, whichever is less.

Dog Day Care. A facility where dogs may be groomed, trained, exercised, and socialized, but not kept or bred, sold, or let for hire.

Domestic Animal. Any animal other than livestock that lives and breeds in a tame condition including, but not limited to: dogs, cats, small birds and other animals kept as pets.

Doorway Identification Nameplates. A nonelectric sign that is limited to the name, address, and number of the building, institution or person and is limited to the activity carried on in the building or institution or to the occupancy of the person.

Downed Woody Vegetation. Shrubs, trees, or their branches that have fallen and are on the ground or in, across, or dangling above streams, rivers, lakes, or ponds; also known as large woody debris.

Drive-Through Facility. A facility or structure that is designed and intended to allow drivers to remain in their vehicles before and during participation in an activity on the site.

Driveway. A private way providing ingress and egress from one or two lot parcels or tracts to a public or private street.

Dwelling. A single unit providing a complete independent living space for one or more persons, including permanent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.

Dwelling, Efficiency Living Unit. Any room having cooking facilities, and used for combination living, dining, and sleeping purposes for not more than two persons, and designed as a separate apartment, not merely rooming accommodations. Each efficiency living unit shall be provided with a separate bathroom meeting the requirements of the Building Code.

Dwelling, Houseboat Moorage. A facility that provides moorings for houseboats.

Dwelling, Multiple-Family. A building or portion thereof designed or used as a residence by three or more households and containing three or more dwelling units.

Dwelling, Single-Family. A building designed or used for residence purposes by not more than one household and containing one dwelling unit only. Such dwelling units may be either detached (i.e., free-standing) or attached (i.e., sharing) common walls with other such units.

Dwelling, Single-Room Occupancy Housing (SRO). A building wherein furnished rooms without cooking facilities are rented for compensation to three or more nontransient persons not included in the family unit of the owner or tenant of the premises.

Dwelling, Two-Family, or Duplex. A building designed or used for residence purposes by not more than two households and containing two dwelling units. (Ord. M-4402 § 3(C), 2023; Ord. M-4380 § 2, 2022; Ord. M-4325 § 3, 2020; Ord. M-4289 § 4, 2019; Ord. M-4179 § 61, 2016; Ord. M-4170 § 5, 2016; Ord. M-4034 § 2, 2012; Ord. M-4024 § 4, 2012; Ord. M-4024 § 3, 2012; Ord. M-4017 § 11, 2012; Ord. M-4002 § 2, 2011; Ord. M-3959 § 3, 2010; Ord. M-3922 § 2, 2009; Ord. M-3868 § 2, 2008; Ord. M-3844 § 3, 2007; Ord. M-3840 § 3, 2007; Ord. M-3832 § 1, 2007; Ord. M-3733 § 2, 2006; Ord. M-3709 § 2, 2005; Ord. M-3701 § 2, 2005; Ord. M-3692 § 8, 2005; Ord. M-3667 § 2, 2004; Ord. M-3663 § 2, 2004; Ord. M-3643, 2004)