“Cut” means land surface which is re-shaped by man through the removal of soil, rock, or other materials.

“Development” means the carrying out of any building activity or clearing of land as an adjunct of construction.

“Development parcel” means any quantity of land capable of being described with such definiteness that its location and boundaries may be established, which is designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit or which has been used or developed as a unit.

“Excavation” means any disturbance to the ground including but not limited to clearing, grubbing, rock removal, cutting, tunneling, drilling, or any other activity which alters the natural ground.

“Fill” means the deposit of soil, rock, or other materials placed by man.

“Geotechnical engineer” means a person with a four-year degree in civil engineering or engineering geology from an accredited university who is licensed as an engineer and who, through training and experience, is able to assure that geological factors affecting engineering works are recognized, adequately interpreted, and presented for use in engineering practice and for the protection of the public.

“Ledge” means the first substantial abrupt change in slope along the top edge of a plateau or ridge line.

“Major development” means and includes any building activity or clearing of land adjunct to construction involving subdivision of land into three or more lots; the construction of multihousehold housing such as condominiums or townhouses containing three or more residential units; any residential or commercial construction which involves excavation of a surface area larger than one acre; or any excavation creating a vertical cut into a slope greater than four feet in height.

“Minor development” means and includes any building activity or clearing of land adjunct to construction involving less than three lots; construction of multihousehold housing such as condominiums or townhouses containing less than three residential units; residential or commercial construction which involves excavation of a surface area of one acre or less; or any excavation creating a vertical cut into a slope four feet or less in height.

“Plateau” means a flat or predominantly flat area of land which is raised sharply above adjacent land on at least one side as illustrated in Exhibit D and designated on ridge line map attached to the ordinance codified in this chapter and on file in the City Recorder’s office.

“Ridge line” means the junction of a rising steep slope on one side and a descending slope that may either be gentle or steep on the other side.

“Setback” means an area, measured as a distance from a property line or geologic boundary, in which no structure or building is allowed to be constructed.

“Slope” means a vertical rise measured over a horizontal distance, expressed as a percentage, measured generally at right angles to contour lines. (Ord. 19-13 § 21 (part), 2019; Ord. 97-12 (part), 1997: Ord. 96-18 § 2 (part), 1996)