San Marcos Development Code 9.1.2020

8 C H A P T E R

De nitions

grading and filling; nor does it include the installation of Streets and/or walkways; nor does it include Excavation for basement, footings, piers or foundations or the Erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of Accessory Buildings including Garages or sheds not occupied as Dwelling Units or not a part of the main Structure. For a substantial Improvement, the actual Start of Construction means the first Alteration of any wall, ceiling, floor or other structural part of a Building, whether or not that Alteration affects the external dimensions of the Building. 226. Steep Slope: areas that contain slopes 15 percent or greater grade and that are characterized by increased runoff, erosion and sediment hazards. 227. Storm Sewer: any sewer or open Drainage channel designed to carry stormwater and surface water, Thoroughfare wash and Drainage water. 228. Story: a habitable level of a Building above grade, other than an Attic or a basement, that is included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it or, if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling above it. The definition of a Story does not include parapets, gables and other normal roof Structures. In cases where the Site has a significant slope, the number of Stories of a Building shall be measured from the point representing the average slope from front to back, or side to side, of the Building. Figure 8.2 Diagram of a two-story structure

yard, and/or strengthen the spatial definition of the public realm. (Syn: Streetwall.)

230. Structural Alteration: for purposes of Sign regulation, any relocation, Replacement or enlargement of the structure of a Sign or change in the overall height, width, size or orientation of a Sign. Routine maintenance of nonstructural parts includ- ing removable faces, Copy and electrical fixtures shall not be considered Structural Alterations. rehabilitation, Addition or other Improvement of a Structure, the cost of which equals or exceeds 50 percent of the market value of the Structure before the Start of Construction of the Improvement. This term includes Structures that have incurred Substantial Damage, regardless of the actual Repair work performed. The term does not, however, include either: a. Any project for Improvement of a Structure to correct existing Violations of state or local health, sanitary or safety code specifications which have been identified by the chief Building Official and which are the minimum necessary to ensure safe living conditions; or b. Any Alteration of a Historical Landmark, Historic Building, or other Historic Structure, provided that the Alteration shall not preclude the Structure’s continued designation as a Historic Landmark, Historic Building, or Historic Structure, as applicable. 232. Structure: any vertical Improvement Constructed, Erect- ed or artificially built up or composed of parts and joined together in a permanent manner. A Structure may or may not be intended for habitation and includes without limitation, a Building, park shed, bicycle storage facility, transit stop, tick- et booth, utility facilities, and boathouses. Not synonymous with Building. 233. Submittal Date: the date upon which the Responsible Official makes a determination that a Development Application is complete. 234. Substantial Modification: modification, change, or alteration to a building that is valued at more than 50% of the replacement cost of all structures on a lot, if new. The Responsible Official shall publish a methodology 231. Structural Improvement: any Repair, Reconstruction,

229. Streetscreen: a freestanding wall or a hedge along the Frontage Line, or coplanar with the Facade. It may mask parking from the Thoroughfare, provide privacy to a side

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San Marcos Development Code Amended: September 1, 2020