“Active grading site” means a permitted site, in regular use, which has been inspected by the PCDD within one year of issuance of a grading permit and is in conformance with this chapter.

“Clay soil” means a plastic, smooth, sticky soil with mineral particles typically less than 0.002 millimeters in diameter.

“Developed residential land” means a lot or parcel which may not be further subdivided, is at maximum allowable density and which is presently occupied by one or more residential buildings.

“Director” means the director of the planning and community development department.

“Erosion controls” means a combination of methods and materials which prevent the transport of dirt, mud or silt off site or in undesirable directions.

“Grading” means the movement of soil in the form of excavation and/or placement of fill.

“Granular soil” means mineral soil consisting of particles over 0.05 millimeters in diameter, remains loose when crumbled and does not exhibit cohesive properties.

“Land-disturbing activity” means any activity that results in movement of earth, or a change in the existing soil cover (both vegetative and nonvegetative) and/or the existing soil topography. Land-disturbing activities include, but are not limited to, clearing, grading, filling, and excavation. Compaction that is associated with stabilization of structures and road construction shall also be considered a land-disturbing activity. Vegetation maintenance practices or gardening are not generally considered land-disturbing activity with the noted exception of the placement of phosphorus-containing materials within the Lake Whatcom watershed.

“Major grading” means a nonexempt grading action over 500 cubic yards.

“Minor grading” means a nonexempt grading action of 500 cubic yards or less permitted once every five years.

“Nonstructural fill” means fills for disposal of spoils, general topographic reshaping, berming or other applications where load bearing, settlement and stability are not of concern for future building purposes.

“PCDD” means the planning and community development department.

“Performance standard” means a generalized standard established for all grading activities. Specific methods to meet the standard may be determined by a qualified professional consultant subject to approval by appropriate city departments.

“Self-contained site” means a lot, parcel or land assemblage free of environmental constraints, which is distinctly separated from adjacent parcels by virtue of topography, physical barriers, vegetative screening, drainage networks and the like which would prevent any significant disruption or impact on adjacent properties as a result of a particular grading activity. The director shall determine whether a site is self-contained.

“SEPA” means State Environmental Policy Act.

“Site closure” means a completed grading action which has been stabilized and inspected by the city.

“Site plan” means a clear, concise drawing of a lot or parcel showing the location of existing and proposed buildings, driveways, parking, utilities, drainage, easements, landscaping, topography, environmentally sensitive areas, and other site features as may be relevant.

“Structural fill” means fill which must be properly placed and compacted for the purposes of building pads, parking or other structures which may be placed on top thereof.

“Violation” means noncompliance with the provisions of this chapter. [Ord. 2017-03-009 § 8; Ord. 10677 § 3, 1995].