Glossary of Govt. Terms
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Glossary of Govt. Terms |
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Want to Know What a Government Term Means? The following is a general reference guide to common terms used in City business and meetings. In some cases, State law or City code define actual legal definitions. The definitions below do not replace the actual legal definitiions. Also note that some words contain multiple definitions, some of which might not be provided below. You will find definitions of commonly used terms, arranged in alphabetical order.
Accessory
use or structure. A structure subordinate to and serving the principal
use or structure on the same lot and customarily incidental thereto. Section
155.003. ADT (Average Daily Traffic). The total number of vehicle trips on a selected segment of roadway during a 24-hour period. AFSCME. American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees. Algae. One-celled or multi-celled plants often found in water bodies. Alley.
A minor public right-of-way or private drive which affords a secondary
means of vehicular access to abutting property. Aquatic invertebrates. Aquatic animals without backbones or internal skeletal structures. Aquifer. An undergound bed or stratum of earth, gravel or porous stone that contains water. Arbitrage bond. A bond issued at a low interest rate invested at a higher interest rate. Assessed
value. A valuation set upon real estate or other property by the
assesor as a basis for levying taxes. Berm. A long narrow dirt mound typically used for lessening the visual impact of property beyond the berm, or for the purpose of directing water run-off. Biomass. A measure of the living matter in a particular habitat, such as a body of water.
Bituminous. Asphalt or blacktop material often used to surface a street or driveway. Block. An
area of land within a subdivision that is entirely bounded by streets
or a combination of streets, exterior boundary lines of the subdivision
and/or bodies of water. Section 153.06. Blue-green algae. Algae that can cause problems in lakes because some produce chemicals that are toxic to animals, including humans. They often form thick floating mats of blue-green scum as they die. Boulevard. Term often used to describe the area of a street right-of-way between the curb or curb line and the property line. The area is often grass, but can include sidewalks, trails, hydrants, street lights, etc.
Bounce. The elevation difference in a pond, lake, or wetland between the pond outlet elevation and the calculated high water elevation. Building.
Any structure having a roof which may shelter or enclose persons, animals,
or chattel. Section 153.06. Any structure used or intended for supporting
or sheltering any use or occupancy. Section 155.003. Building coverage. The area of a lot covered by building(s). Section 155.003. Building height.
The vertical distance above “grade” as herein defined to the
highest point of a flat roof or a mansard roof, or to the highest gable
of a pitched or hipped roof, except that when used to compute setbacks
between multiple residential buildings, this distance shall be measured
to the eave line of the adjacent building faces. Section 155.003. Building Setback. The minimum horizontal distance from a lot boundary to the nearest part of the foundation wall, except that no roof, eave or overhang shall project more than 30 inches into the setback zone. Section 153.06. Catch Basin. A concrete and cast iron inlet structure with a slotted iron lid that allows water to enter a drainage system. Usually located in the gutter line of streets or in small drainage depressions. CDA. Community Development Agency. CDBG. Community Development Block Grant. Chlorophyll a. Green pigment formed in plant cells and necessary for photosynthesis. Often used as an indicator of water quality.
CIP (Capital Improvement
Program/Plan). A proposed city schedule of future projects or capital
purchases listed in order of priority together with cost estimates and
the anticipated means of financing each project. Section 153.06.
CMP (Corregated Metal Pipe). A type of material commonly used in the manufacture of storm sewer culverts under driveways.
Comprehensive guide
plan. The duly adopted plan guiding the land use development of
the city. Section 153.06. Concrete. A strong, hard construction material made by mixing crushed stone or gravel and sand with cement and water. Condemnation. The process of taking private property for public use through the power of eminent domain. Conductivity. The ability of a substance such as water to conduct heat or electricity.
Conditional use permit. A permit specially and individually granted by the City Council after review thereof by the Planning Commission for any conditional use so permitted in any use district. Section 155.003. Learn more about conditional use permits >>> Consent agenda.
A policy of the governing body to approve, in one motion, routine and/or
noncontroversial items, which can be determined prior to the meeting. Corner lot.
A lot situated at the junction of and abutting on two or more intersecting
streets, or a lot at the point of deflection in alignment of a continuous
street, the interior angle of which does not exceed 135 degrees. Section
155.003. Cul-de-sac.
A local street with only one vehicular outlet and having an appropriate
terminal for the safe and convenient reversal of traffic. Section 153.06. Curb and gutter. A term commonly used to describe the concrete border along the edge of a street that provides for drainage.
Curb stop. A shut off valve on a property’s water service line which controls the flow of water to and from an individual property. Typically located at the right of way line. Density. The number of families, individuals, dwelling units, or housing structures per unit of land. Development plan. A plan guiding the development of the property to the ultimate land use. The plan shall include but is not limited to: site analysis information, staging plan, grading plan, drainage plan and end use plan. Section 155.003. DIP (Ductile Iron Pipe). A type of material commonly used in the manufacture of water pipes. Dissolved oxygen. Oxygen contained in water used by fish and other aquatic life to survive. Dissolved oxygen is produced by aquatic plants and by wave action mixing surface water with the atmosphere. Drainage basin. Total land area that drains to a lake, pond, or river. Duplex.
A two dwelling unit building, with the dwellings either adjacent to one
another with common wall construction, or on top of one another as stacked
flats. Easement.
Authorization by a property owner for the use by another, and for
a specified purpose, of any designated part of his or her property. Section
153.06. Eutrophication. The increased plant growth, especially algae, in water bodies due to an increase in available nutrients. This is a common problem in urban area lakes and ponds where storm water is discharged. Fence. Any partition, structure, wall or gate erected as a dividing marker, barrier or enclosure and located along the boundary or within the required yard. A FENCE in excess of six feet in height shall be subject to a building permit as required by the Minnesota State Building Code. Section 155.003. Filamentous algae. Algae that forms in threads and mats which float or attach to sediment, weeds, piers, etc. Final plat. A drawing, in final form, showing a proposed subdivision containing all information and detail required by state statutes and by this chapter to be presented to the City Council for approval, and which, if approved, may be duly filed with the County Register of Deeds. Section 153.06. Flared end. The end section of a drainage pipe that is angled to fit the sloping bank of a pond, lake, or wetland. Usually at the inlet or outlet. Flood plain. The area along a natural watercouse subject to periodic overflow by water. Franchise. A privilege conferred by government approval to an individual or firm to market goods or services in a particular area, generally for an extended period. Frontage.
The side of a lot abutting on a public street right-of-way. Section
153.06. Gate Valve. A shutoff valve on a water main which controls the flow of water through a section of pipe. General obligation bond (GO Bond). A financial instrument giving borrowing power to a municipality, based upon pleding of taxing power to retire the debt and pay interest. Grade. a) The slope specified in percentage terms. Section 153.06. b) The lowest point of elevation of the finished surface of the ground, paving or sidewalk within the area between the building and the property line, or when the property line is more than five feet from the building, between the building and the line five feet from the building. Section 155.003. Hardship.
A term often used to describe a physical condition of a parcel of land,
such as the presence of steep slopes or mature and significant trees,
which make it different from surrounding or similarly zoned parcels of
land such that it may be granted a variance from the strict interpretation
of zoning performance standards. Home occupation. (1) Any gainful occupation meeting all of the following requirements when engaged in only by persons residing in their dwelling, when that occupation is conducted within the principal structure, when evidence of the occupation is not visible from the street, when no signs are present other than those permitted in the district in which it is located, over-the-counter retail sales are not involved, and entrance to the home occupation is gained from within the structure. A professional person may use his or her residence for consultation, emergency treatment or performance of religious rites, but not for the general practice of his or her profession when the general practice will involve the need for more than three parking spaces for the occupant and visitors. No accessory buildings or attached garage shall be used for HOME OCCUPATIONS. (2) HOME OCCUPATIONS include professional offices, minor repair services, photo or art studio, dressmaking, nurseries, child day-care centers or teaching limited to six students at any one time and similar uses. A HOME OCCUPATION shall not be interpreted to include tourist homes, restaurants or similar uses; however, these may be allowed as otherwise permitted under this chapter. Section 155.003. Impervious Surface. That portion of a lot covered by a roof, paved surface, or other material which is impervious to rain or other surface water. Inlet pipe. A pipe, usually concrete, where storm water enters a water body. Interim
use. A temporary use of property until a particular date, until
the occurrence of a particular event or until zoning regulations no longer
permit it. Section 155.003.
Lot.
A parcel of land legally described and of record in chain of title whether
subdivided or otherwise legally described. Section 155.003. Lot area. The area of a lot in a horizontal plane bounded by the lot lines but not including any area occupied by the waters of a duly recorded lake or river or area which has been dedicated as public thoroughfare or road. Section 155.003. Lot
area per unit.
The number of square feet of lot area required per dwelling unit.
Section 155.003. Lot
frontage. The boundary of a lot or parcel of land that abuts or
fronts a public street. Lot line. A lot line is the property line bounding a lot. Section 155.003. Macrophytes. Multi-celled plants that grow in or near water. Manhole. A concrete structure with an iron lid that allows access to underground pipes or storage vaults.
Mitigation. An effort to alleviate or make less severe. Nutrient removal rates. Estimates of the proportion of the nutrients entering a stormwater treatment basin that are retained and not exported to a receiving water body. Outfall. See Outlet pipe. Outlet pipe. A pipe (usually concrete) that provides drainage for storm water runoff from a pond, lake, wetland or low area.
Outlet skimmer. A concrete structure that prevents trash and debris from entering the outlet pipe. Outlot. A
platted lot to be developed for a use which will not involve a building
or be reserved for future replatting before development. Section 153.06. Performance
bond. A bond granted by the person(s) platting property to the
city to guarantee the installation of improvements required herein. Section
153.06. pH. A measure of acidity from one to fourteen, where low numbers are more acidic than high numbers. The number seven is neutral. Phosphorus. This is the key nutrient influencing plant growth in most lakes and ponds. Because phosphorus is abundant in plant and animal matter and attaches to fine soil particles, stormwater discharge increases levels in water bodies and can cause harmful algae blooms and excessive plant growth, resulting in poor water clarity, depleted oxygen levels, and offensive odors. Photosynthesis. Process by which green plants convert carbon dioxide to sugar and oxygen using sunlight for energy. P.I.D. #. Property Identification Number; a county-assigned number for each parcel of land for taxing purposes. Planned development. An urban development often having two or more principal uses and having specialized performance standards relating to an overall approved development plan to provide for an optimal land use relationship. Section 155.003. Plat Map.
A document which describes a parcel of land via numbered lots and blocks
and includes supplemental information such as lot dimensions, descriptions
of easements, location of wetlands, etc. Preliminary plat.
A drawing clearly marked “PRELIMINARY PLAT” showing salient
features of a proposed subdivision as specified in this chapter. Section
153.06. Property irons. ¾” diameter iron tubes embedded in the ground at the corners of an individual property. Public hearing. A term used to describe a hearing that provides citizens the opportunity to express their position on a specific issue, both pro and con, as mandated by either statute or by order of proper authority after due notice. This term is futher defined in the Ordinance Section 155.003. Public improvement. Any drainage ditch, street, sidewalk, public utility, pedestrian way, tree or other facility for which the local government may ultimately assume the responsibility for maintenance and operation, or which may affect an improvement for which local government responsibility is established. Section 153.06. Public Right-of-Way. The surface, air space above the surface, and the area below the surface of any public street, highway, lane, path, alley, sidewalk, trail, avenue, boulevard, drive, court, concourse, bridge, tunnel, park, parkway, skyway, waterway, dock, bulkhead, wharf, pier, easement, or similar property or waters within the city owned by, under control of, or maintained by the city, or dedicated or otherwise conveyed to the city for general public use, including, but not limited to, any riparian right, which, consistent with the purposes for which it was created, obtained, or dedicated, may be used for the purpose of installing, operating, and maintaining utility service facilities. No reference herein to a PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY shall be deemed to be a representation or guarantee by the city that its interest or other right to control or use such property is sufficient to permit its use for the purpose of installing, operating, and maintaining utility service facilities. Section 97.02.
PVC (Poly Vinyl Chloride). A type of material commonly used in the manufacture of sanitary sewer pipes.
RCP (Reinforced Concrete Pipe). A type of material commonly used in the manufacture of storm sewer pipes. Respiration. Process by which living organisms convert organic material into energy by consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. Restaurant, class I. (a) CAFETERIA. A traditional restaurant, as defined below, except that food is selected by a customer while going through a serving line and taken to a table for consumption. (b) CASUAL RESTAURANT. An eating facility where some table service may be provided by waitstaff, food is prepared after an order is placed by a customer, reusable dinnerware such as utensils, plates and cups are used. Bussing of the tables is done by restaurant staff. No drive-thru service is provided. (c) TRADITIONAL RESTAURANT. An eating facility where full table service is provided at the table whereupon a customer orders food from printed menus and the main food course is served and consumed while seated at a single location. The restaurants also have dining areas with formal or semi- formal decor and appointments utilizing traditional or reusable food utensils, plates, cups and glasses. This may provide additional incidental services such as food delivery and retail over-the-counter prepared food sales. In addition, the CLASS I RESTAURANT shall not be prohibited by law, private restrictive covenant, or otherwise from obtaining a full liquor license. Section 155.003. Restaurant, class II. (a) CARRY-OUT AND DELIVERY RESTAURANT. Food is prepared for consumption off the premises only. (b) FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT. An eating facility where a majority of the customers order food and are served at a counter and then take their food to a table, counter, outdoor seating area or off the premises for consumption. The food is either pre- prepared or quickly prepared and served with non- reusable food packaging and non-reusable utensils, plates and cups. Customers typically bus their own tables and 45% more of the floor area is devoted to food preparation. Any eating facility with drive-thru service shall be deemed a fast food restaurant. Section 155.003. Right-of-way. A strip of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a public street, crosswalk, railroad, electric transmission line, oil or gas pipeline, water main, sanitary sewer or storm sewer main, shade trees or for another special use. Section 153.06. It is not uncommon for the right-of-way to extend approximately 10 to 20 feet beyond the curb into the yard area.
Rip rap. A rubble type material, usually rock or stone, used to stabilize soil and reduce or prevent erosion. Rock material placed in areas of water flow to reduce velocity and minimize erosion of underlying soil. Commonly 3 to 4 inches in diameter and larger depending on anticipated water flow.
ROW (Right of Way). see Right-of-way Runoff. See Stormwater. Screening.
A strip of densely planted or natural growth with shrubs or trees at least
four feet high at the time of planting, of a type that will form a year-round
dense screen at least six feet high or an opaque wall or barrier or uniformly
painted fence at least six feet high. Either planting or barrier shall
be maintained in good condition at all times and may have no signs affixed
to or hung in relation to the outside thereof. Section 153.06. Secchi disk. A circular plate (usually all-white or with alternating black and white wedges) used to measure water clarity. A Secchi disk measures the depth of water at which the lowered disk is no longer visible to the human eye. Sediment. Accumulated matter on the bottom of a water body including decaying algae, plants, animal matter, and soil particles. Setback.
The minimum required distance that a building or use must be located from
a property line, use, or other building. Learn
more about setbacks >>> Shoreland. Land located within the following distances from public waters: (1) One thousand feet from the ordinary high water mark of a lake, pond or flowage; and (2) Three hundred feet from a river or stream, or the landward extent of a floodplain designated by ordinance on a river or stream, whichever is greater. The practical limits of shorelands may be less than the statutory limits where the limits are designated by natural drainage divides at lesser distances, as shown on the official zoning map of the Municipality of Apple Valley. Section 155.003. Shoreland Overlay District. A supplementary zoning district that establishes special building and setback standards for Shoreland property. Site survey. A survey of property boundaries prepared by a Registered Land Surveyor. Stormwater. Rainwater, snowmelt, and irrigation water that runs off impervious surfaces and into storm drains rather than being absorbed into the soil. Subdivision.
The division of any parcel of land into two or more lots, blocks
or parcels. It also includes resubdivision of land and when appropriate
to the context, relates to the process of subdividing. Section 153.06.
Suspended solids. Algae, dirt particles, grass clippings, and other material that float in water or are carried in sanitary and storm water without dissolving. Swale. A small drainage ditch with gentle side slopes that carries storm water runoff. Tax increment financing (TIF). Funding from net increases in real property tax revenues within a community redevelopment area established pursuant to state statute. Transparency. The extent to which lake water is clear, indicating the amount of light penetration into a lake. Trash guard. Iron bars placed over the inlet or outlets to the drainage system to prevent trash and debris from entering the pipes.
Use.
The purpose or activity for which the land or building thereon
is designated, arranged or intended, or for which it is occupied. Section
155.003. Variance.
An exception granted by the City Council from the literal provisions of
these subdivision regulations where unique conditions exist which do not
apply to the area in general. Section 155.003. Learn
more about variances >>> Watershed. See Drainage basin.Total land area that drains to a lake, pond, or river. Wetland. This term is legally defined under Minnesota law. In general, a wetland is determined by the presence of: 1) soils with characteristics developed under wet conditions, 2) surface or subsurface water, and 3) vegetation that is growing where at least periodically deficient oxygen exists as a result of excessive water content. Common usage: Land or areas containing much soil moisture often home to native plants or animals. Yard. A required open space on a lot which is unoccupied and unobstructed by a building from its lowest ground level to the sky except as expressly permitted by this chapter. A YARD shall extend along a lot line and at right angles to a lot line to a depth or width specified in the yard regulations for the district in which the lot is located. Section 155.003. Zoning
district. An area or areas within the limits of the city for which
the regulations and requirements governing use, lot and size of building
and premises are uniform. Section 155.003.
Content updated on: 13-Apr-2004
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