16.040 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this chapter. Where there is a conflict between other definitions in this Ordinance and the definitions in this section, the definitions in this section shall apply to this Chapter.
A. Contour. A line drawn on a plan which connects points of equal elevation.
B. Cut. The mechanical removal of earth material.
C. Cut and fill. The excavating of earth material in one place and the depositing of it as fill in an adjacent place.
D. Demolition. The removal of 50% or more of the exterior walls of a building or structure. Demolition includes the relocation of a building from one parcel of land to another, and also includes the raising of an existing structure beyond what is required for a new foundation.
E. Density. The number of dwelling units per net acre.
F. Fill. A deposit of earth material placed by artificial means.
G. Grading. To bring an existing surface to a designed form by excavating, filling, or smoothing operations.
H. Major Subdivision. The subdivision of a parcel into more than four (4) parcels.
I. Minor Subdivision. The subdivision of a parcel of land into 4 or fewer parcels or 4 parcels and a remainder parcel.
J. Natural Grade. The contour of the ground surface before grading.
K. New Development. Includes the development of a vacant parcel, new construction of a primary building on a developed parcel, and the construction of a primary building when the primary building on a parcel has been demolished.
L. Opportunities and Constraints Map. A graphic characterization of the parcel and the immediately adjacent properties that includes the physical and natural amenities and limitations of the site including, but not limited to, unique natural site features, landforms, woodlands, landslides, drainage patterns, creeks, mature trees and their surrounding habitat, ridgelines, areas with a slope of more than 30 %, roads or trails, structures, and property lines and a topographic description of the site using contours at 1’, 2’ or 5’ intervals as appropriate.
M. Ridgeline. A line connecting the highest points along a ridge separating drainage basins or small scale drainage systems from one another.
N. 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 any given slope is determined by dividing the rise by the run, multiplied by one hundred.
O. Slope density formula. The size of lots allowed in a new subdivision based on a formula that increases the minimum lot size allowed as the slope of the site increases.
P. South Hills. The South Hills is the area identified as the South Hills subarea on the General Plan Subareas Map (General Plan Figure 2-1, Planning Subareas).
Q. View Platform. The following specific locations selected as vantage points from which field observations are made to assess the visual impact of development within the City:
B Street easternmost (nearest the Petaluma River) terminus
C Street easternmost (nearest Petaluma River) terminus
D Street at the Petaluma River Drawbridge
Lakeville Street at the Rail Depot
Caulfield Lane Overpass
Corona Road Overpass
Bodega Avenue from the City limit to the urban growth boundary
D Street in the vicinity of the City limit/urban growth boundary
I Street from the City limit to the urban growth boundary
Penry Park
Schollenberger Park
Steamer Landing Park
Terminated Vistas as identified in the Central Petaluma Specific Plan (shown on SMART Code Thoroughfare Map)
R. Visual Analysis. A visual representation of the proposed project that includes the modifications and improvements to the site that would result from the project. The visual analysis is prepared from the vantage point of an identified view platform. A visual analysis may be prepared using the following methods:
Photographic exhibit
Computer simulation
Story poles
Street elevations or other means of graphic representation that takes into account enough of the neighboring structures or site characteristics to provide a sense of massing and scale.
Other methods may be approved by the decision making authority.
S. West Hills. The West Hills is the area identified as the West Hills subarea on the General Plan Subareas Map (General Plan Figure 2-1, Planning Subareas).