ORD-2025-01 Development Code Effective January 25, 2025

8 CHAPTER

Definitions

aluminum, or other materials traditionally used in private fence construction; excluding without limitation chain link, woven wire mesh, metal panel and similar materials. Design Context: A Design Context is a geographically defined area with existing, shared physical characteristics, constraints and opportunities. It also includes a vision for the future character of the area. Compatibility with a Design Context is a consideration for improvements in the area. Design Speed: the velocity at which a thoroughfare tends to be driven without the constraints of signage or enforcement. There are four ranges of speed: Very Low: (below 20 MPH); Low: (20-25 MPH); Moderate: (25-35 MPH); High: (above 35 MPH). Lane width is determined by desired Design Speed. Developed Area: that portion of a plot or parcel upon which a Building, Structure, pavement or other Improvements have been placed. Developer: an individual, partnership, corporation or governmental entity undertaking the division or Improvement of land and other activities covered by this Development Code, including the preparation of a Subdivision Plat or Development Plat showing the layout of the land and the public Improvements involved therein. The term “Developer” is intended to include the term “Subdivider,” even though personnel in successive stages of a Development project may vary. Development: initiation of any activities related to the subdivision or platting of land or construction of buildings or structures, construction of impervious surfaces, the installation of utilities, roadways, drainage facilities or other infrastructure; the making of improvements or any disturbance of the surface or subsurface of the land in preparation for such activities, including without limitation removal of vegetation, grading, clearing, filling, or removal of soil. Development Agreement: a contract between the City and a developer which establishes with respect to property in the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction a plan of development prescribing, among other standards and requirements, land uses, environmental standards, development standards, and public facilities standards, providing for delivery of public

facilities to the property, and providing for the annexation of the property to the City. Development Application: either an application for a legislative decision or an application for a development permit. Development Permit: a decision by the commission, board or City staff designated by this Development Code, that authorizes the holder of the permit to undertake one or more development activities or to file further applications needed to initiate or continue development activities authorized under this Development Code. The filing of a complete application for a development permit may or may not stay the City from adopting new standards applicable to the permit or any subordinate permit, depending on the nature of the standards. Development Standards: all regulations, standards, requirements and restrictions that apply to Development. Discharge: to deposit, conduct, drain, emit, throw, run, allow to seep or otherwise release or dispose of or to allow, permit or suffer any of these acts or omissions. Drainage: bridges, catch basins, channels, conduits, creeks, culverts, detention ponds, ditches, draws, flumes, pipes, pumps, sloughs, treatment works, and appurtenances to those items, whether natural or artificial, or using force or gravity, that are used to draw off surface water from land, carry the water away, collect, store, or treat the water, or divert the water into natural or artificial waterways. Driveway: a vehicular lane within a lot or parcel of land, often leading to a garage.

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Amended: January 21, 2025 San Marcos Development Code